Independence Day, July 4th, 2026, Freedom & Labor

Posted in #PaulthePoke, Culture, Trend Update with tags , , , , , , , , , on July 3, 2026 by paulthepoke

Liberty: 2 Corinthians 3:17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

So let’s take the other side of this verse.

Where there is no Lord and no Spirit, there is no freedom.

Introducing the Democratic Socialists of America… This movement is gaining traction in the Democrat Party. Their stated goal is Communism.

Communism, theoretically, ideologically, and historically, opposes God and all forms of religion. From the time of Karl Marx to today, communism is based on the abolition of religion. In 1844, Marx wrote, “Religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature, the heart of a heartless world, and the soul of soulless conditions. It is the opium of the people.” https://victimsofcommunism.org/curriculum-chapter-3/

There are politicians and citizens who want to take money from one group of people (the rich as defined by others) and give money and material goods to another group of people (the poor or in need of more as defined by others). There is nothing voluntary or free will about this. It is “legally” mandated.

So much for God loves a cheerful giver.

2 Corinthians 9:7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.

What happens if the rich (as defined by politicians) or the tax base moves away because of these government mandated policies? Remember, the rich are free to live their lives and make their choices too. They don’t have to stay and take it.

“The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people’s money.” -Margaret Thatcher, British Prime Minister

These demands fly in the face of Biblical precepts. Let’s take the free will social contract of labor.

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Deuteronomy 24:14-15 Do not oppress a hired hand who is poor and needy, whether he is a brother or a foreigner residing in one of your towns. You are to pay his wages each day before sunset, because he is poor and depends on them. Otherwise he may cry out to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty of sin.

Notice, labor is involved and required. There is no free check, no free lunch, no free health care, no free house, or no free education.

This is a free will agreement. In exchange for labor, goods or a wage are earned and traded. The Bible has a higher standard than 21st century, modern day companies. The worker is paid daily. Western society has a pay check every two weeks or monthly.

It is considered oppression and theft, if the laborer is not paid after working. Biblically, the wage is to be paid by sunset of the day of labor.

This concept with labor and immediate wage is even extended to animals.

1 Timothy 5:18 For the Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and, “The worker is worthy of his wages.”

Again, this is a free will agreement between two parties. What if a company or a boss does not value its work force. What if the company does not pay a fair wage or benefits? Is the boss a jerk? God has a term for these folks, sinners.

The employee has a choice. There are other places to work. One can even start their own business and provide services directly to the population.

Labor is valued by God. The Creator has expectations for the employer and the employee relationship.

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Exodus 20:15 You shall not steal.

Theft implies personal property owned by the individual. People own stuff.

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Exodus 20:17 You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor’s.

The mental attitude of coveting is at the core of Communisms and Socialism. These people see other’s belongings and they want it!

The atheist wants to define morality instead of God. They want to determine who gets what and how much. They do not trust their fellow man to be charitable.

Communists and socialists call others “greedy” when others oppose their will.

“It’s not fair you have all these things!” They want to legislate how much is a fair share.

Their battle is against God. The battle is real and it is spiritual.

Don’t kid yourself, the godless have a plan and they are intentional.

Psalm 14:1 The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds; there is none who does good.

~

https://www.amazon.com/Paul-Lehr/e/B09W8FB77N

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This Week In Prophecy: Quakes In Venezuela & Japan; MOU & Southern Lebanon; Euphrates

Posted in #PaulthePoke, Earthquakes/Volcanoes, Euphrates River, Prophecy, Trend Update with tags , , , , , , , , , on June 25, 2026 by paulthepoke

Quakes in various places… -Jesus

This is different. For those of you who are new to the website, we only cover quakes 7.0 or greater because the frequency of 5.0 – 6.0 is too numerous to covers.

Yesterday, we had three 7.0 or greater earthquakes on planet Earth.

On June 24, 2026, two powerful back-to-back earthquakes struck northwestern and central Venezuela, causing significant damage, casualties, and widespread disruption.

First quake (foreshock): Magnitude 7.2 (initially reported as 7.1), occurring at approximately 6:04 p.m. local time (22:04 UTC). Epicenter near San Felipe in Yaracuy state (about 15–23 km northeast of San Felipe or related areas like Morón in Carabobo), at a shallow depth of around 20 km. en.wikipedia.org

Second quake (mainshock): Magnitude 7.5, striking just 39–40 seconds later. Epicenter also in the Yaracuy region (e.g., near Yumare or Morón). This was Venezuela’s strongest earthquake since 1900. nytimes.com

Casualties: At least 188 confirmed dead, over 1,500 injured, with hundreds more trapped under rubble and thousands feared missing or unaccounted for. The death toll is expected to rise significantly as rescue operations continue. aljazeera.com

Estimates range from 10,000 to 41,000 people missing.

Damage: Widespread building collapses in Caracas and surrounding areas (e.g., Chacao, Altamira, Los Palos Grandes), damage to infrastructure like Simón Bolívar International Airport (cracked walls, debris), power outages, and telecommunications failures. Many people were left homeless. Oil infrastructure reportedly sustained minimal damage. cnn.com

Response: Venezuela declared a state of emergency. International aid and search-and-rescue teams (including from the US) have been deployed. Tsunami alerts were briefly issued for Caribbean coastlines but lifted. reuters.com

Summary provided by Grok

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On June 25, 2026 (morning local time), a strong earthquake struck off the northern coast of Japan, primarily affecting the Tōhoku region. apnews.com

Magnitude: Initially reported as 6.9, later upgraded to 7.2 by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). USGS reported ~6.9. apnews.com

Time and Location: Around 7:30 a.m. JST (22:30 UTC on June 24), epicenter off the eastern coast of Iwate Prefecture (near Kuji or similar areas), at a depth of ~30–50 km. reuters.com

Casualties: 8–10 minor injuries reported (mainly in Aomori and Iwate prefectures from falling objects or panic). No fatalities or serious/life-threatening injuries. apnews.com

Damage: Limited and non-major. Some building walls partially collapsed (e.g., Hachinohe), scattered objects/furniture, fallen items from cupboards, and minor infrastructure issues (e.g., retaining walls). No widespread collapses or major structural failures reported. Power outages were minimal or localized; nuclear facilities (including Fukushima) showed no irregularities. apnews.com

Summary provided by Grok.

~

Obadiah 1:20a And the exiles of this army of the sons of Israel, Who are among the Canaanites as far as Zarephath…

I suspect the immediate outcome in Lebanon with Israeli security of land could provide us clarity where we are on God’s prophetic timeline.

If Israel steps back and gives Lebanon responsibility of security south of the Litani River, the prophetic can has been kicked down the road.

Prophecy tells Israel will eventually have control of southern Lebanon up to ancient Zarephath, essentially the Litani River. When that occurs, we are one step closer to His coming…

~

Revelation 16:12 The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river, the Euphrates; and its water was dried up, so that the way would be prepared for the kings from the east.

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – The Green Iraq Observatory warned on Monday that aquatic life in the Euphrates River is “not suitable” for human consumption and that the river remains heavily polluted, citing record-low water levels and declining environmental conditions.

https://thenewregion.com/posts/5704

~

https://www.amazon.com/Paul-Lehr/e/B09W8FB77N

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You Might Be a Supersessionist -Mark Wilson

Posted in #PaulthePoke, Mark Wilson, Replacement Theology with tags , , , , , , on June 23, 2026 by paulthepoke

Mark provides outstanding Biblical content on X @ https://x.com/Mark_Wilson_25/

Scripture is clear: “I say then, have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid!” (Romans 11:11). God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew. Yet some theologies openly teach that the Church has fully replaced Israel in God’s plan and promises. If that sounds familiar, these might hit close to home.

  1. If you read “apple of His eye” in Zechariah 2:8 and immediately apply it to the Church instead of Israel, you might be a Supersessionist.
  2. If you call God’s treasured possession in Exodus 19:5 a “temporary title” that’s now been transferred to your denomination, you might be a Supersessionist.
  3. If you prefer the rotten fruit of Augustinian allegory over the plain promises God made to the descendants of Jacob, you might be a Supersessionist.
  4. If you believe the specific land promises in Ezekiel 36 are really just poetic language about heaven, you might be a Supersessionist.
  5. If Justin Martyr is your hero for declaring the Church the “true Israel,” you might be a Supersessionist.
  6. If you think the word “Israel” in the New Testament always secretly means “the Church” except when it’s a rebuke, you might be a Supersessionist.
  7. If you claim the Church is now God’s treasured possession while smirking and calling modern Jews “Christ-rejectors,” you might be a Supersessionist.
  8. If Augustine’s City of God convinced you that the millennial kingdom is simply this present Church age, you might be a Supersessionist.
  9. If “one new man” in Ephesians 2 means ethnic Jews disappear into the Church like salt dissolving in soup, you might be a Supersessionist.
  10. If you celebrate Replacement Theology but rebrand it as “fulfillment theology” so it sounds less heretical, you might be a Supersessionist.
  11. Bonus Time: If you read “all Israel will be saved” in Romans 11:26 and immediately start explaining why it doesn’t actually mean what it says, you might be a Supersessionist.

We are not to boast against the natural branches. As Paul warns in Romans 11, the root supports us — we do not support the root. Our calling is not to replace or dismiss Israel, but to walk in such joyful obedience and genuine love that we provoke the Jewish people to jealousy, stirring them to recognize their Messiah through the beauty of a grafted-in people who honor God’s irrevocable gifts and calling.

Charles Spurgeon declared it powerfully: “I think we do not attach sufficient importance to the restoration of the Jews. We do not think enough about it. But certainly, if there is anything promised in the Bible it is this.”

May we heed the Word, reject boasting, and live as a blessing that draws God’s ancient people back to their Messiah.

Drop your own “You Might Be a Supersessionist” lines in the comments, let’s keep the sharpening going!

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MOU Iran & United States Analysis: Czekmate

Posted in #PaulthePoke, Czekmate, Persia/Elam/Iran, Prophecy, Trend Update with tags , , , , , , on June 19, 2026 by paulthepoke
Logo featuring the word 'Czekmate' with a stylized cross incorporated into the lettering.

I understand the reservations of the Israelis here.

The wheels of this bus have to come off very publicly if the conservative movement can have a “Don’t ever ask us to negotiate with these mutants again” moment. Nothing in the MOU is irrevocable. I worked on MOUs at the State Department often. They have weight around the discussion table and before cameras. That’s it.

I am going out on a limb with my three readers here that we are struggling with William F. Buckley’s “In Search of Antisemitism”. I wish that they’d take a look at who in (and out of) the USG is pushing this abomination. Make no mistake the strategic imperative deserve a serious answer. But we have fundamental questions to answer definitively, and this conflict is a good proxy for doing so.

Are we children of (thus brothers under) the same Lord? As peoples, do we not honor the name El Shaddai?

Answer, yes, we honor the one God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob.

So why would we entertain these notions that Israeli and American interests as divergent? In some small picayune matters, almost certainly that will happen. These are ripe for diplomatic working-level chats. But the larger questions require us to examine greater questions of common destinies, and thus common causes, and that must be answered and fixed upon our hearts. They must be mutually agreed upon as historically and biblically fully answered questions.

In the course of that, we must dismiss arguments that President Trump faces from members of his own political house. It is painful as it is to watch this “deal” unfold, but there is an element of theater. My prayer is that it is designed to be an exhibition of diplomatic folly. My fervent hope is that the gambit works in order to show the level of compromise within the conservative movement. One will likely find a river of mainly (though not exclusively) Qatari money there.

In so doing, we might be able to clean our own house within the conservative community and finally answer the Israel question for good so as to guard against future accretions. Only then can we clean up with overall American outlook. My hope is that it will offer the Israeli national outlook a similar opportunity because a larger issue looms.

In watching Levin last night, he discussed cold war issues with a level of gravity implying the existential questions involved. The conservative movement has roundly declared victory over the defeat of the Soviet monolith, largely at Reagan’s doing. As men/women of the right we see communism’s discredit as final.

What was deeply troubling of communism is that it was a political philosophy of “man without God”, to quote Whittaker Chambers. It is what gave us all a pit of foreboding in our collective gut during the cold war. That shared tacit understanding by many, gave gravity to the task of confronting it, and thus the purity of our intent was clear. Some of our countrymen opted to sniff the airplane glue of accommodationism.

The red monolith was defeated by ideas of freedom born in Judeo-Christian Biblical principles.

In our sedentary post-cold war world, ‘Man without God’ was quietly and stealthily usurped by a far more insidious threat embodied by the Iranian threat: Man against God.

That is what we are against in this fight against Iran. Yes, Iran is nothing compared to the Soviet Army. But that cold calculus of national power falls away to those on the receiving end of Iranian satanic fury. When brought back to human proportion, the distinction of the scope of the threat is irrelevant when its intentionality is made clear. Imagine the heart stopping urgency of a pair of newly-weds rushing a precious newborn to a shelter in Haifa amid the seemingly endless whales of the klaxon.

My friends, Trump knows what he is doing. he has to clear the division within his own house. Prime Minister Netanyahu must also do like. I argue that by his action Ehud Barak has shown himself to be as hostile to God as anyone. My long years in the wilderness have taught me that Man against God is real. Let’s fortify our President by prayer, that the foregoing is understood.

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This Week in Prophecy: 14 Point MOU Iran & United States; Trump Chirping; Israel & Lebanon; Spielberg

Posted in #PaulthePoke, Ezekiel 38-39, Persia/Elam/Iran, Prophecy, Trend Update with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 18, 2026 by paulthepoke

Daniel 10:13-14 The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days, but Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I was left there with the kings of Persia, and came to make you understand what is to happen to your people in the latter days. For the vision is for days yet to come.”

Ezekiel 38: Persia or modern day Iran.

https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2026/06/17/read-the-14-point-memorandum-of-understanding-between-the-united-states-and-iran

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu held a press conference. His comments below have been translated to English. You know it is serious when he is speaking in Hebrew.

Ezekiel 38: Meshech, Tubal, Beth Togarmah, Gomer or modern day Turkey.

Turkish President Recep Erdogan has weighed in…

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Jeremiah 31:35-36 Thus says the LORD, who gives the sun for light by day, who sets in order the moon and stars for light by night, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar—the LORD of Hosts is His name: Only if this fixed order departed from My presence, declares the LORD, would Israel’s descendants ever cease to be a nation before Me.”

A friendly reminder to President Trump, you are playing with an Eternal Power.

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1 Thessalonians 5:3 While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

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Obadiah 1:20a The exiles of this host of the people of Israel shall possess the land of the Canaanites as far as Zarephath…

Tragedy in Majdal Shams, Lebanon & Prophecy

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Colossians 1:16: “For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible… all things have been created through Him and for Him”.

John 1:3: “Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made”.

Hebrews 1:2: States that God “appointed [His] Son heir of all things, and through whom also He made the universe”.

No, not true Mr. Spielberg.

~

https://www.amazon.com/Paul-Lehr/e/B09W8FB77N

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Debunking Replacement Theology: Israel’s Restoration

Posted in #PaulthePoke, Replacement Theology with tags , , , , , on June 15, 2026 by paulthepoke

Welcome to part 8 of the series, Debunking Replacement Theology.

The body of Jesus Christ (the church) and Israel are two distinct, separate entities with two different destinations.

Every Old Testament prophet except Jonah discusses the restoration of the nation of Israel. This promise is not made to the church. The Abrahamic Covenant is for Israel. Keep in mind, the church was not on the scene when the prophets spoke to their people, Israel and their city Jerusalem.

Isaiah 65:9 “I will bring forth offspring from Jacob, and an heir of My mountains from Judah; even My chosen ones shall inherit it, and My servants will dwell there.”

Jeremiah 30:3 For behold, days are coming, declares the Lord, “when I will restore the fortunes of My people Israel and Judah.” The Lord says, “I will also bring them back to the land that I gave to their forefathers and they shall possess it.”

Ezekiel Chapter 34

Daniel 7:14 And to Him was given dominion, glory and a kingdom, that all the peoples, nations and men of every language might serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion which will not pass away; and His kingdom is one which will not be destroyed.

Hosea Chapter 2

Joel 2:19 The Lord will answer and say to His people, “Behold, I am going to send you grain, new wine and oil, and you will be satisfied in full with them; and I will never again make you a reproach among the nations.”

Amos 9:14 “Also I will restore the captivity of My people Israel, and they will rebuild the ruined cities and live in them; they will also plant vineyards and drink their wine, and make gardens and eat their fruit.”

Obadiah 1:17 “But on Mount Zion there will be those who escape, and it will be holy. And the house of Jacob will possess their possessions.

Micah 2:12 “I will surely assemble all of you, Jacob, I will surely gather the remnant of Israel. I will put them together like sheep in the fold; like a flock in the midst of its pasture they will be noisy with men.”

Nahum 2:2 For the Lord will restore the splendor of Jacob like the splendor of Israel, even though devastators have devastated them and destroyed their vine branches.

Habakkuk Chapter 3

Zephaniah 3:20 “At that time I will bring you in, even at the time when I gather you together; Indeed, I will give you renown and praise among all the peoples of the earth, when I restore your fortunes before your eyes,” says the Lord.

Haggai 2:9 “The latter glory of this house will be greater than the former,” says the Lord of hosts, “and in this place I will give peace,” declares the Lord of hosts.

Zechariah Chapter 8

Malachi 3:12 “All the nations will call you blessed, for you shall be a delightful land,” says the Lord of hosts.”

I would challenge any one to show one place where God states He replaced Israel with the church. Examine the Scriptures. Where is it?

~

This series is an excerpt from the book, Rapture the Bride Redeemed. 

https://www.amazon.com/Paul-Lehr/e/B09W8FB77N

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This Week in Prophecy: Israel & Lebanon & Iran Cease Fire??? Philippine Quakes

Posted in #PaulthePoke, Earthquakes/Volcanoes, Persia/Elam/Iran, Prophecy, Trend Update with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 9, 2026 by paulthepoke

Obadiah 1:20a The exiles of this host of the people of Israel shall possess the land of the Canaanites as far as Zarephath…

June 3, 2026: The United States has supported a cease fire between the governments of Israel and Lebanon. The cease fire does not recognize Hezbollah as related to the government of Lebanon.

Israel and Lebanon agreed to the implementation of a ceasefire. The ceasefire is contingent on a complete cessation of Hizbollah fire and the evacuation of all Hizbollah operatives from the South Litani Sector.

Israel and Lebanon reaffirmed that they have no hostile intent toward one another and committed to continuing direct negotiations to build confidence, resolve all outstanding issues, and work toward a comprehensive agreement between the two countries. 

Map showing the borders and positions in the region around Israel and the Syrian Arab Republic, including boundaries for UN military operations and key locations.

https://www.state.gov/releases/office-of-the-spokesperson/2026/06/joint-statement-of-the-united-states-of-america-republic-of-lebanon-and-state-of-israel-on-the-latest-high-level-trilateral-meeting

Tragedy in Majdal Shams, Lebanon & Prophecy

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Zechariah 12:3 On that day I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples. All who lift it will surely hurt themselves. And all the nations of the earth will gather against it.

June 7, 2026: In a joint effort (symbolic), Iran and the Houthis (one missile) in Yemen fired missiles towards Jerusalem.

Damage: A direct Iranian missile hit damaged four houses in a West Bank town (no injuries reported in that incident). Earlier in the broader conflict, debris from Iranian strikes had fallen in Jerusalem’s Old City (e.g., near Temple Mount/Al-Aqsa, Church of the Holy Sepulchre). No major casualties from the June 8 strikes on Jerusalem itself. -Grok

On June 8, 2026, after a brief exchange of missile and airstrikes, Iran and Israel both announced they were halting attacks and returning to a pause in direct hostilities — effectively reinforcing the fragile U.S.-brokered ceasefire from early April. aljazeera.com

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Quakes in various places… -Jesus

A powerful magnitude 7.8 to 8.2 earthquake struck off the southern Philippines (Mindanao region) on June 8, 2026, at approximately 7:37 a.m. local time (PST).

Map of Southeast Asia and the surrounding regions, highlighting seismic activity with yellow dots representing earthquake locations.

Key Details

  • Epicenter: Offshore, about 20–32 km (12–20 miles) west-southwest of Maasim in Sarangani province (near the Cotabato Trench), at a shallow depth of around 10–33 km.
  • Duration: Roughly 30 seconds of strong shaking.
  • Impact area: Strongest in southern Mindanao, especially General Santos City. Tremors were felt across Mindanao, parts of the Visayas, and as far as Indonesia (e.g., Manado on Sulawesi).
  • Aftershocks: Hundreds reported, including some up to M6.5–6.7, continuing into the evening.
  • Casualties and Damage (as of late June 8)
  • Deaths: At least 32–37 confirmed (reports vary slightly by source; figures are still rising as rescue efforts continue). Many fatalities resulted from collapsing buildings, falling debris, and landslides.
  • Injuries: Over 200 reported, with dozens more possibly unaccounted for.
  • Major damage: Collapsed or severely damaged buildings in General Santos (including a Jollibee restaurant, a radio station, and other structures), cracked roads, toppled homes, power outages, and a damaged bridge. A school partially collapsed during the event. States of calamity have been declared in affected areas.

Summary provided by Grok.

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Gulf of America: A magnitude 6.1 to 6.4 earthquake struck on June 8, 2026, at approximately 2:00 p.m. EDT.

Theme park activities were temporarily disrupted… -Grok

~

https://www.amazon.com/Paul-Lehr/e/B09W8FB77N

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Is the Kingdom Here, or Is It Still Coming? Mark Wilson

Posted in #PaulthePoke, Mark Wilson with tags , , , , , , , , , , , on June 7, 2026 by paulthepoke

Mark provides outstanding Biblical content on X @ https://x.com/Mark_Wilson_25/

An infographic titled 'Is the Kingdom Here... or Is It Still Coming?' illustrating the Bible's four phases of God's Kingdom. It features sections on 'The Kingdom Within,' 'The Kingdom Growing,' 'The Kingdom Coming,' 'The Final Test,' and 'The Eternal Kingdom,' accompanied by relevant scripture citations and descriptions.

Many believers assume the Kingdom of God is either entirely present or entirely future. Scripture presents a richer picture.

Jesus reigns today. Yet Satan is still called “the god of this age” (2 Corinthians 4:4). Christ sits at the Father’s right hand (Psalm 110:1; Hebrews 1:3), yet wars continue, nations rage, and creation groans under the curse (Romans 8:22).

How can both be true?

The answer is that the Kingdom unfolds in stages. What Cotton Mather observed centuries ago is still worth considering today: the Kingdom is not a single moment in history but a divine program moving toward its climax in the reign of Messiah.

❖ The Kingdom Within

The Kingdom first appears in the hearts of those who trust Christ. Jesus declared, “The kingdom of God is in your midst” (Luke 17:21). Paul wrote that believers have been transferred “into the kingdom of the Son” (Colossians 1:13).

Every conversion is a kingdom victory. Every transformed life demonstrates the authority of the King. Yet no one could honestly look at today’s world and conclude that God’s will is being done on earth as perfectly as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10).

Something more remains ahead.

❖ The Kingdom Growing

Jesus compared the Kingdom to a mustard seed that grows from small beginnings into something far larger (Matthew 13:31-32). Through the spread of the gospel, Christ is gathering people from every tribe, language, and nation (Revelation 5:9).

Yet this present phase exists alongside rebellion. Peter warns that the devil prowls like a roaring lion (1 Peter 5:8). John says “the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one” (1 John 5:19). The King reigns, but His enemies have not yet been publicly subdued.

As Paul explains, Christ “must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet” (1 Corinthians 15:25). The word until points forward to a future manifestation of His rule.

❖ The Kingdom Coming

The prophets consistently describe a future earthly reign of Messiah.

Isaiah foresaw a day when the nations would stream to Jerusalem and learn God’s ways, while weapons of war would be transformed into tools of peace (Isaiah 2:2-4). Zechariah declared, “The LORD will be king over all the earth” (Zechariah 14:9). Gabriel told Mary that Jesus would receive “the throne of his father David” and reign over the house of Jacob forever (Luke 1:32-33).

David’s throne was never located in heaven.

It was in Jerusalem.

Daniel saw the same future. After the succession of Gentile empires represented by the great statue, a stone cut without human hands strikes the kingdoms of this world and becomes a mountain filling the entire earth (Daniel 2:34-35, 44-45). The stone does not gradually improve the kingdoms of men.

It crushes them.

John describes the fulfillment after Christ’s return: “They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years” (Revelation 20:4).

The Millennium is necessary because God’s covenant promises require it. Abraham was promised a land forever (Genesis 17:8). David was promised an everlasting throne (2 Samuel 7:16). Israel was promised a future national restoration (Ezekiel 36:24-28; Amos 9:14-15). The Millennial Kingdom is where these promises become visible history.

As John Walvoord observed: “The premillennial interpretation is the only one that provides a literal fulfillment of the Old Testament promises concerning the kingdom.”

❖ The Common Objection

Amillennialists often ask: “Why would there need to be a future earthly kingdom if Christ already won the victory at the cross?”

Because victory and implementation are not the same thing.

Christ defeated Satan at the cross (Colossians 2:15), yet Satan still deceives the nations (Revelation 12:9). Christ conquered death through His resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:54-57), yet people still die. Christ is King today, yet the kingdoms of this world have not yet become His visible kingdom (Revelation 11:15).

Others argue that Revelation 20 is symbolic. Yet the sequence remains remarkably straightforward: Christ returns in Revelation 19, Satan is bound, the saints reign, Satan is released, final judgment occurs, and then the New Heaven and New Earth appear. The burden of proof falls on those who would collapse these events into a purely symbolic present age.

❖ Why Is Satan Released?

Perhaps the most fascinating question in prophecy concerns Satan’s release after a thousand years (Revelation 20:7-10).

Why allow one final rebellion?

Because God demonstrates forever that humanity’s deepest problem is not environment, politics, education, wealth, or government. During the Millennium, the world experiences perfect justice under the direct rule of Christ (Isaiah 11:1-9). Yet when Satan is released, countless people still choose rebellion.

As Jeremiah wrote: “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” Jeremiah 17:9

The final revolt proves that the problem has always been the human heart. Even paradise cannot save a person. Only regeneration can (John 3:3).

❖ The Kingdom Consummated

After the final rebellion comes the Great White Throne Judgment (Revelation 20:11-15). Death itself is abolished (1 Corinthians 15:26), Satan is cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10), and God creates a new heaven and a new earth (Revelation 21:1).

The Kingdom reaches its eternal form. No curse. No death. No rebellion. No tears. God dwells with His people forever:

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.” Revelation 21:4

The Kingdom began in hearts. It grows through the gospel. It comes in glory when Christ returns. It endures forever in the new creation.

The prayer Jesus taught His disciples has not yet been fully realized: “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:10

But the day is coming when it will be.

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Debunking Replacement Theology: Israel’s Destiny

Posted in #PaulthePoke, Replacement Theology with tags , , , , , on June 3, 2026 by paulthepoke

Welcome to part 7 of the series, Debunking Replacement Theology.

The body of Jesus Christ (the church) and Israel are two distinct, separate entities with two different destinations. God spends more time in the Bible talking about the destination of Israel as compared to the church.

First, we will look at the destiny of Israel. Ultimately Israel will be restored to the greatness God promised to Abram in Genesis 12. Israel will be a blessing to all nations. Jesus will rule His kingdom from Jerusalem, Israel for a thousand years and into eternity. But before Israel gets there, difficult times will come upon the nation and the world as have never been before. Jesus makes the comment this will be the worst time in the history of the earth. However, He will preserve a remnant.

Matthew 24:21-22 For then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will. Unless those days had been cut short, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short.

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Unfortunately for the nation of Israel a set of seven or seven years remains on God’s time table. Daniel’s people are fellow Israeli’s. Daniel’s holy city is Jerusalem. The verse from the prophet is very clear. Israel’s future is deal with sin and end it. Judgment comes first then restoration and peace.

Daniel 9:24 Seventy weeks have been decreed for your people and your holy city, to finish the transgression, to make an end of sin, to make atonement for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the most holy place.

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This period is known as the “Time of Jacob’s Trouble.” The concept of Jacob’s trouble comes from the prophet Jeremiah 30. God makes it very clear to Israel. Judgment is coming, but I will not forget you. There are many examples in the chapter. Here is one of the verses.

Jeremiah 30:11 “For I am with you,” declares the Lord, “to save you; for I will destroy completely all the nations where I have scattered you, only I will not destroy you completely. But I will chasten you justly and will by no means leave you unpunished.”

Ancient temple complex with people gathered around and a winding river in the background

The Apostle Paul in the New Testament book of Romans makes it very clear. God is not finished with nation Israel. He makes this statement writing to members of the church in Rome. His writings included the idea of Israel’s election, Israel’s rejection, and Israel’s future restoration. Paul is in serious angst and agony regarding his fellow countrymen. He would go to Hell for Israel. God has not kicked Israel to the curb let alone replaced them with the church or any other group of people or nation.

Romans 9:3-4 For I could wish that I myself were accursed, separated from Christ for the sake of my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh, who are Israelites, to whom belongs the adoption as sons, and the glory and the covenants and the giving of the Law and the temple service and the promises…

The Apostle Paul is emphatic. There is NO way God has broken His promise to His people and nation, Israel. The idea is consistent in the Old Testament and New Testament. God has not changed His mind.

Romans 11:1-11:2 I say then, God has not rejected His people, has He? May it never be! For I too am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not rejected His people whom He foreknew. Or do you not know what the Scripture says in the passage about Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel?

Malachi 3:6 “For I, the Lord, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed.”

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Today in the early 21st century, Israel is back in the land and a nation as prophesied. Israel has resurrected as a nation. This time, they will not reject their Messiah. The statement below is becoming more of a reality as time passes. There are Jews who believe in Jesus and the number is growing. The world will ultimately receive blessing.

11:15 For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?

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Romans 11:26 and so all Israel will be saved; just as it is written, “The Deliverer will come from Zion, He will remove ungodliness from Jacob.”

Focus on the word “saved”. It is the Greek word σοζο/sozo. The word is defined as to save, keep safe and sound, to rescue from danger or destruction; one (from injury or peril); to save a suffering one (from perishing), i.e. one suffering from disease, to make well, heal, restore to health (Strong’s Concordance).

The tense of the verb is future. The verse is prophetic. Israel will be spared and preserved in the future. At the time of the writing, Israel had yet to be dispersed to the world let alone regathered back to the land. The nation will not be destroyed.

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This series is an excerpt from the book, Rapture the Bride Redeemed. https://www.amazon.com/Paul-Lehr/e/B09W8FB77N

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“Where is the promise of His coming?” Why Scoffers Rise in the Last Days… Mark Wilson

Posted in #PaulthePoke, Mark Wilson, Prophecy with tags , , , , , , , , , , on May 30, 2026 by paulthepoke

Mark provides outstanding Biblical content on X @ https://x.com/Mark_Wilson_25/

An infographic discussing biblical themes of prophecy and skepticism, featuring illustrations of text highlights from scripture and quotes by C.S. Lewis.

You don’t have to look far to see it.

Mockery of Scripture. Dismissal of Christ’s return. Confidence that everything will continue as it always has.

The Bible said this would happen. Not as a minor detail, but as a defining mark of the last days.

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The Atmosphere of the End Times

2 Timothy 3:1–5 “But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self… proud, arrogant… lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God…”

This is the soil where scoffing grows. When self becomes ultimate, truth becomes optional. When pleasure is elevated, accountability becomes offensive.

Scoffing is not merely intellectual doubt, it is moral resistance to a holy God.

Truth Rejected, Myths Embraced

2 Timothy 4:3–4 “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching… and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.”

It is not just rejection, it is replacement. People exchange truth for what feels better, what affirms them, what removes conviction.

And when truth confronts them again, the response is not humility—it is ridicule.

An Ancient Voice Still Speaking

Isaiah 5:18–19 “Let him be quick, let him speed his work that we may see it… let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw near…”

Different generation. Same defiance.

“Let Him act now.”

“Prove it.”

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The Root: Willful Blindness

2 Peter 3:5 “They deliberately overlook this fact…”

This is not honest doubt. It is chosen blindness.

Scoffers are not lacking evidence—they are resisting its implications.

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The Pattern They Ignore

God has judged the world before. From Genesis 6–7, the flood stands as a historical warning: judgment delayed is not judgment denied.

Scoffers dismiss the past because it threatens their present.

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The Days of Noah Return

Luke 17:26–30 “Just as it was in the days of Noah… they were eating and drinking, marrying and being given in marriage… until the day when Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all…”

This is the deception of the last days: Not chaos, but normalcy. Not panic, but indifference. Life continues… until suddenly, it doesn’t.

Two Witnesses: The Scoffers Foretold

2 Peter 3:3–4 “Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires…”

Jude 18 “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.”

This is not one voice, it is a confirmed pattern.

Scoffing is prophecy being fulfilled in real time. This is not honest doubt. It is chosen blindness.

As C. S. Lewis observed: “A man cannot be made to see a thing which he does not wish to see.”

Scoffers are not lacking evidence, they are resisting its implications.

The same Word that predicted scoffers also predicted the King’s return.

Prophetic Certainty Scoffers increase. Truth stands. The timeline moves.

Revelation 22:12 “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me…”

The question is not whether He will come. He has already spoken.

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The Final Word

And Scripture leaves us with this—not speculation, but certainty:

2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”

His delay is not absence. It is mercy.

Every day that passes is not proof that He won’t come— it is proof that He is still calling.

But mercy has a horizon.

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