Tim Moore: What currently presents the greatest threat to the nation of Israel? And, more importantly, is this threat prophetically significant to our anticipating the Lord Jesus Christ’s soon return? Bill Koenig of World Watch Daily has joined me to help answer these questions.
Iran in Future Prophecy
Bill Koenig: Iran is currently the main threat. Their growing nuclear capability is getting very serious. Iran is very patient for they have a strategic plan.
Also, Iran is attempting to deploy many more missiles and rockets in Syria. The big concern revolves around Iran deploying missiles that have the capacity to be able to hit Israel from Iraq. In response, Israel continues to take out Iran’s missile stations and nuclear facilities.
Israel has set a red line for how far they will allow Iran to build a nuclear weapon in which to annihilate Israel, and they are getting very close to that line. Also, Iran a couple of years ago drew quite close to the northern border of Israel from their position in Syria. The situation has been pretty tense lately. Israel is going to have to make a decision at some point as to when they will finally decide that they cannot afford to allow Iran to become a nuclear power. We are getting so close to that red line that we could wake up one day soon and see on the news that Israel has hit Iran’s nuclear facilities.
Again, Israel has got a plan. They almost attacked Iran’s nuclear plants during Obama’s term in office, but Obama talked Israel out of it. Instead, Obama offered to put pressure on Iran if he got re-elected. Former Prime Minister Netanyahu backed off, and so nothing happened at that time.
Israel’s counter-plan is decisive. Don’t forget how smart and sharp the Iranians are, as well. What’s interesting is that 80% of Iranians have respect for Israel. They had a great relationship with the Israelis in the past and the Jews and Persians got along well.
Tim Moore: People forget that prior to 1973 Israel received most of its oil from Iran. They were in a closer relationship with the former Shah. Iran was Israel’s ally, if you will, within that part of the world then, but boy things sure have changed since the Ayatollahs took over.
Bill Koenig: There existed mutual respect between Israel and Iran then. I have Iranian friends in D.C. who admire the Jewish people, and with the Jewish people who admire the Persians. But, unfortunately, the 10-15% that run the country of Iran have that country under total control, so that some 85% just have to kind of go along with their leaders’ hatred of Israel.
Jeremiah 49:35-39 prophesies that God is not finished with Iran.
Fortunately, a lot of Iranians are coming to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
Tim Moore: Amen! Yes, currently there’s been a great outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Iran. Iran contains one of the fastest growing churches in the world. We can pray that the Lord continues to raise up prophetic voices in Iran and that His Spirit draws more of them to Jesus.
The Active Church
Tim Moore: While we wait for the Lord’s return, as Jesus tarries, what can Christians be doing as we anticipate Christ’s return?
Bill Koenig: Number one, get your life in order the best you can. Spend more time in the Word, more time in prayer, more time in worship, and more time in fellowship. Right now it is difficult for born-again evangelical Christians as there are a lot of people in this world who don’t like us, but we have to just stick together and be ready to endure persecution for Christ’s name’s sake.
Number two, at the same time, we should be very open and aware of the people God puts next to us. They need to hear about Jesus. A chance encounter could become one of the greatest evangelistic opportunities of your life. So, just share the truth and the hope you have in Jesus Christ.
Tim Moore: So, you are almost reciting the admonition found in Hebrews 10:23-25 that “…as we see the day drawing near we should not forsake assembling together for fellowship, but for encouragement, and all the more as we see that day drawing near.”
Bill Koenig: Exactly! Churches need to keep meeting and get ready for that “Blessed Hope” we have in Christ’s return.
