Book Review: The Rapture: 23 Biblical Answers To The Question: When Is It? by Joshua J. Watson

I like to study End Times and appreciated reading these arguments in support of Pre-Tribulational Rapture.

The Rapture: 23 Biblical Answers To The Question: When Is It?
by Joshua J. Watson

Publication date‏ : ‎ October 30, 2022
Genre: Eschatology, Christian Prophesy
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0.

Long debated is the timing of the Rapture. Will it occur before the Tribulation? After it's started? Or will the Church only be Raptured at its end? Most Christians believe the Bible is largely silent on the issue. However, as this book seeks to unveil, many overlooked passages let us know something very different - ie, that we can know when to expect it, and with confidence.

Review:
This treatise reads easily and quickly. There are 23 specific chapters all of which present strong, persuasive arguments that speak against a Post-Tribulational Rapture, and particularly favor a Pre-Tribulational Rapture. There are several sections I particularly liked. I don’t recall having seen the description of The 7 Feasts in other works and the chapter on The Departure presents another good argument. Also, I liked the discussion on the source of the word “Rapture”.

I do agree that the catching away or Rapture of the Church occurs as a separate event before the Return of Christ to set up His kingdom on earth, which occurs after the Tribulation events. I am still undecided as to whether the Rapture occurs Pre-Tribulation but I do believe it is, at the latest, Pre-Wrath. I totally like the reassurance of the arguments wrapped up in Mr. Watson’s Conclusion which give hope to all believers.

The book is not flashy in format and I felt there was a little bit of repetition. But these issues really didn't distract considering the shortness of the book and the very clear explanation of the arguments in each chapter. I recommend this book to anyone interested in discussions of the Church (believers) Rapture.

Source: March 2023 Author supplied PDF. This qualifies for 2023Author Review goal.

Audible Review First Book 2021: The Harbinger II, The Return by Jonathan Cahn

I find this to be timely in our social and political environment.
First Book 2021!

The Harbinger II
The Return
By: Jonathan Cahn
Narrated by: Lawrence Richardson

Series: The Harbinger, Book 2
Length: 10 hrs and 14 mins
Release date: 09-01-20
Publisher: Charisma House
Genre: Christian Prophesy, Inspirational
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 5.0; Narration 5.0.

Publisher's Summary
Are the unprecedented crises of our times the signs and warnings of coming judgment? Does an ancient mystery hold the secret to the events of our times and the future of America and the world? Is this mystery even behind the shakings that have now overtaken the world and America? How much time do we have left?
In 2012, Jonathan Cahn caused a worldwide sensation with the release of his first book, and massive best seller, The Harbinger. It was hailed as "stunning", "prophetic", "mind-blowing", and "astonishing". Cahn followed it with best seller after best seller, but he has always held off on writing a sequel. But now, for the first time, Cahn opens up what could not be unlocked before - the mysteries that couldn’t be revealed until the present time, the manifestations that have taken place since The Harbinger came out and up to the present hour, and the mysteries of what is yet to come.
Ever since The Harbinger was released, people have been asking:
Is an ancient mystery determining America’s future?
Have the harbingers of judgment continued to manifest on American soil?
Is America closer now than ever before to judgment, and what lies ahead for America and the world?
©2020 Jonathan Cahn (P)2020 Charisma House

Review:
Nouriel was called to be a watchman and give warning in the first book, The Harbinger. He shared his experiences meeting “the prophet” and receiving nine seals that revealed nine harbingers or warnings that appeared on American soil. The warnings involved the events of September 11, 2001 and actions of America that were leading to God’s shaking and potential judgment.

Like the first book, The Harbinger II, presents parallels between God’s covenant with, blessings given and then punishment on His beloved nation of Israel and God’s apparent covenant, blessings and potential punishment on America. This book continues to show similarities between the ancient and modern nations. Nouriel explains, in a fictional story-telling fashion, how he is shown examples of the people of America, like the people of ancient Israel, turning their backs on Godly values and pulling away from God. Moving forward from the shaking warning of 9/11, Nouriel is shown further events reflecting the accelerating disobedience and flouting of Biblical foundations by the people of America, including disintegration and devaluing of the family unit, growing rejection of moral values, and, most damaging, the increasing numbers of abortions in America and support for abortions in other countries.

This zipped by and is fascinating! The author presents one after another connection of dates and events that go far beyond coincidence. He shows a pattern in the founding of Israel that was echoed in the founding of America. And now, the decline (arrogant growing sins) of and resulting punishments on Israel are seen playing out in America. Cahn argues that the rebuilt towers, now the One World Trade Center, is a warning ‘harbinger’ and shows alarming events including the face of the goddess Kali lighting up the side of the Empire State building in 2015. Cahn refers to Biblical passages that speak to God’s grace and multiple warnings including plagues (COVID-19).

The bottom-line themes of Jonathan Cahn’s books are personal salvation (relationship with Christ) and encouraging Americans to follow the call of 2 Chronicles 7:24 which states: “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

I am always impressed by the extent of Biblical historical connection and ‘Godincidences’ (not coincidences) that Cahn shares in his books. This is another fascinating book that my husband and I enjoyed. I was glad to have this as my First Book of 2021.

Audio Notes: Lawrence Richardson does a wonderful job narrating the book. He captures the tentativeness of Nouriel and his amazement at the facts that are revealed. I was struck how on occasion Mr. Richardson sounded like the author and I liked that. My husband and I are glad to have both the audio and print book to follow, research and make notations in.

Source: Audible August 2020 credit and print purchase. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021Audiobook and 2021Alphabet goals.

Audible Book Review: The Paradigm by Jonathan Cahn

Wow - This is more striking than even I expected!
All of us in the Ladies Book Club were rather stunned by this book.

The Paradigm
The Ancient Blueprint That Holds the Mystery of Our Times
By: Jonathan Cahn
Narrated by: Paul Michael

Length: 9 hrs and 20 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 11-06-17
Language: English
Publisher: christianaudio.com
Genre: Christian Prophesy
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 5.0; Narration 4.75.

Publisher's Summary
This may be the most explosive and amazing thing you've ever read
Is it possible that an ancient blueprint holds the secret behind the events of our times?
Could this blueprint lie behind the rise and fall of leaders and governments?
Could events that took place nearly 3,000 years ago now be determining the course of our world and with it the course of our lives?
Could ancient figures from the Middle East hold the key to the leaders of our own day, what they do, when they rise, and when they fall?
Is it possible that this ancient paradigm has determined not only the events of modern times but also their timing - even down to the exact days and dates?
Could a mystery from the ancient Middle East have foretold the outcomes of current events more accurately than any poll or expert - even the outcomes of presidential elections?
Has this mystery even touched the events of your life?
Does the paradigm reveal what will take place in the future?
And does it contain a warning critical for every person in this generation?
Prepare to be stunned, shocked, illuminated, and amazed. The Paradigm will reveal secrets and mysteries taking place all around you and show you what you never could have imagined. Jonathan Cahn, who caused an international stir with his New York Times best-selling book The Harbinger, will take you from the ancient Middle East to the news of the modern world on a journey you will never forget. As you open up The Paradigm, his most explosive book yet, you may never see your world the same way again.
©2017 eChristian (P)

Review:
Paradigm means: “a typical example or pattern of something; a model.” Jonathan Cahn starts with a Biblical Old Testament time (1 Kings 16 through 2 Kings 10) when Israel was slipping into decadence, turning its back on Godly principles. The king of Israel at the time, Ahab, was raised knowing God but he married Jezebel, a Phoenician princess who was raised in a culture worshipping Goddesses and Baal. She was a strong influence bringing the religion of Baal, including child sacrifice, to Israel. Queen Jezebel is seen to epitomize an evil, wicked queen. Even after Ahab was killed, Jezebel continued in the palace, first during the short reign of Ahaziah and then with “the heir”, Joram. Joram continued the slide of the nation away from God. Joram's reign would have brought God’s judgment to the nation sooner but for a “warrior”, Jeru. Jeru was not necessarily a Godly man, and was sometimes viewed as ‘crazy’, but God used him to exterminate the house of Ahab for the sins they brought to the nation. This brought a reprieve to Israel although ultimately the nation refused to return to God and punishment eventually came when the people were taken into captivity.

Cahn presents a parallel that aligns the events of Ahab, Jezebel, Joram and Jeru with certain modern-day political leaders (a 'king', a 'queen', an heir and a warrior) in America. It is remarkable in matching the number of years, similar events and personal characteristics, even like-meaning names. Since the 1960s, our country, like Israel at the time of Ahab, has been turning away and removing God from our personal and national lives. Sexual wantonness, sacrificing of children (taking of innocent lives), and challenging of Biblical morals was increasing in our country, even to the point of declaring fundamental Christians to be terrorists.

I think some people would refuse to read this if they knew the characters involved but that is very sad. The bottom line, last chapters of the book, contains a warning to the nation, but more importantly a warning to each individual. If God is real (and it is hard to deny when you see all the God-incidences -not coincidences- revealed by this and other works by Cahn) then we need to be about upholding God’s righteousness and sharing His message.

Before listening to this book, I had heard a little about it from some friends at church but I had no idea of the extent of the parallels until listening for myself. I have found all five books by Cahn to be remarkable and wonderful reading. This is the third of the books shared with Ladies Book Club. Although I am sure Cahn is a skilled scholar, my friends in Ladies Book Club and I believe that Cahn has received Godly inspiration for his books. One friend noted that Cahn is an Elijah today. I highly recommend this book and all of Cahn’s books to Christ-followers and I wish all people would read them.

Audio Notes: For the most part Paul Michael does a good job with the narration. He did mispronounce several of the Jewish/Hebrew terms and names which was a little distracting. Beyond those errors, I liked the awe and excitement that comes through Michael’s narrating. I enjoyed the audio version but want to get a print copy for future reference.

2/1/2020 Audible Credit Purchased for Ladies Book Club. This qualifies for 2020Audiobook and 2020Alphabet goals.

Book Review and Giveaway: The Mystery of the Shemitah by Jonathan Cahn

This is a thought provoking study that is also a call to action.

The Mystery of the Shemitah: The 3,000-Year-Old Mystery That Holds the Secret of America's Future, the World's Future, and Your Future!
by Jonathan Cahn

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Frontline; First Paperback Edition edition (September 2, 2014)
• ISBN-13: 978-1629981932

Genre: Non-Fiction, Christian Prophesy
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: September 2, 2014
The book you can't afford NOT to read.
It is already affecting your life…
And it WILL affect your future!
Is it possible that there exists a three-thousand-year-old mystery that…
· Has been determining the course of your life without your knowing it?
· Foretells current events before they happen?
· Revealed the dates and the hours of the greatest crashes in Wall Street history before they happened?
· Determined the timing of 9/11?
· Lies behind the rise of America to global superpower… and its fall?
· Has forecast the rising and falling of the world’s stock market throughout modern times?
· Lies behind world wars and the collapse of nations, world powers, and empires?
· Holds key to what lies ahead for the world and for your life?
· And much more….

Review:
The Mystery of the Shemitah is full of detailed information explaining certain Jewish words and traditions as they related to God’s people and His beloved nation, Israel. Mr. Cahn then shows how those words and the impact, or consequences, of the conditions also fit America as a country that was founded on faith in God and profoundly blessed by God.

Mr. Cahn discusses the harbinger warnings (see The Harbinger) that have been issued to an American society that has drastically turned away from God especially during the past 50 years. Then the author explains the history and purpose of the Shemitah which was to be a ‘Sabbath’ every seven years. This was a time when the people would trust God for provision and allow the land to rest. But when the people failed to honor and celebrate the cycle of the Shemitah voluntarily, it became a judgment forced upon the people and the land by God. (Leviticus 26:31-35 and 2 Chronicles 36:15-19.)

The book tracks the greatest economic and financial crisis of the past 100 years showing charts for stock market crashes. These reflect that 85 percent of the crashes occurred during the Shemitah years. The details regarding the financial turnarounds is even more astounding as 100 percent of the crucial financial events occur during the Shemitah periods.

Mr. Cahn also makes a connection to the falling of the “towers” that might not be as clear without the Jewish understanding of the meanings and importance of the tower walls. Even Christians know the story of the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11, but many are not as familiar, or do not realize the full significance of the destruction of the towers and walls of Jerusalem.

I was struck by the detailed analysis and comparisons that this book presents. The message in the pattern is clear: if America does not cease to worship idols and does not turn back to God then America will suffer consequences of economic and financial destruction. This will also have a global impact around the world and is likely to result in shift of power.

Mr. Cahn is careful to note that he is not stating any specific date for calamity but he is pointing out the signs and pattern of the Shemitah and Tishri connections that are greater than “mere coincidence”. He is saying that the warnings have been given and the people need to take heed and act.

We read this for ladies book club and we were all excited to discuss it. One woman said she had to pause often to contemplate the hardships that her parents and grandparents experienced which most of our generation has not. Another one of our more mature members noted that in her day they did not have insurance and did not rush to the doctor for coughs and cuts. They experienced God’s provision on many occasions such as receiving gifts from others that met the needs of maternity dresses and money just in time for birthing expenses.

We all agreed that this is an important book to read, recommend and share with others. We also agreed that, although the message of the book speaks calamity that we will face, we are all secure in the hope we have in salvation and in God's control of events. We all felt called to pray and spread the message of God's saving grace through Christ Jesus.

A section of the book that particularly struck me states at page 234:

    Without God, there is no true security or safety for America. Without His hand of protection, no matter how many systems of defense the nation employs, they will fail just as they did on 9/11. America cannot defy the God of its keeping and expect that protection to continue. “Unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain” (Ps 127:1). America, without God, is not safe. America, in defiance of God, is even less safe.

This was our Ladies Book Club reading for discussion in November.

Giveaway:

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for a print copy

ENTRY FORM HERE

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* This contest is open US Only for Print Book.
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WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after December 1, 2014.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.