Last weekend I had the pleasure in attending a prophecy conference which happened to be held at my church. Dr. David Hocking, whose Christian radio ministry Hope For Today is heard on radio stations across the US, was the speaker.

Over the years since I first came to the Lord in 1977, I have heard many different teachers and preachers expound on Biblical prophecy with some leaving me confused, bored, or otherwise in disagreement. I’ve heard preaching from post-tribulation, mid-tribulation, and even non-tribulation perspectives, but only came to know and accept pre-tribulation theology within the past year or so.

To say I wasn’t convinced of this particular time-line was an understatement — I was downright hostile to it! Thankfully, God revealed to me His plan for the last days through reading about Enoch and I understood that the bride will be caught up before the final seven year tribulation period kicks in.

Dr. Hocking explained prophecy from a pre-tribulation perspective with an emphasis on the nation and land of Israel. Despite the various and often polarizing teachings I have heard down through the years, I’ve always believed that God wasn’t through with Israel and that the Jews returning from exile to the land that He gave them were still his chosen people. The “replacement theology” permeating many churches today saying that God gave up on Israel in 70 A.D. is just wrong.

Dr. Hocking’s address for the Sunday services was in line with what he shared on Friday evening and Saturday morning, giving us ten reasons why Christians should support Israel in the last days:

1. The most mentioned subject in the Bible next to His own name is the name of Israel, mentioned 2576 times!
2. God has chosen Israel out of all nations — see Deuteronomy 7:6, His chose people.
3. God has identified Himself with her — “The God of Israel.”
4. God has a special love for her — see Jeremiah 31:3.
5. Because God has given her land that He calls His own.
6. God will never forsake her.
7. God will destroy all who come up against her.
8. Because God will restore her to the promised land.
9. God will come and dwell in her midst.
10. God has brought salvation to the whole world through her Messiah — Isaiah 53.

True, Israel is currently blinded to who the Messiah is but that blindness will be removed at the unveiling of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. For Christians, we should continue to pray for Israel, especially as pressure mounts for Israel to surrender some of her land, especially Jerusalem. Unfortunately, the political climate around the world is openly hostile to Israel, but that can also be a good thing — Jesus is near and all of Israel must cry out to Him.

But you, O Israel, my servant,
Jacob, whom I have chosen,
you descendants of Abraham my friend,

I took you from the ends of the earth,
from its farthest corners I called you.
I said, ‘You are my servant’;
I have chosen you and have not rejected you.

So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:8-10, NIV)

For people who live in the Raleigh, North Carolina area, a traveling exhibit featuring the Dead Sea Scrolls of Israel will be coming to the Museum of Natural Sciences later this month. Beginning on June 28, 2008 and running through December 28, 2008, the general public will have an opportunity to see first hand what is considered to be one of the greatest archaeological finds ever.

Discovered in 1947, the Dead Sea Scrolls represent nearly every book in the Hebrew Bible which is also known as the Old Testament to Christians. The scrolls were written circa between 250 BC and 68 AD and are about 1000 years older than previously discovered manuscripts.

The scrolls are on loan from the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) and the museum will be displaying 12 authentic Dead Sea Scrolls during the six month exhibition (six different scrolls each three-month period). These scrolls represent portions of the books of Genesis, Isaiah, Deuteronomy, Exodus and others.

All Scrolls will be fully interpreted with translation of text and background information. In addition, the exhibition will feature more than 100 authentic artifacts from Qumran, the ancient settlement located on the northwestern shores of the Dead Sea in Israel nearest to the caves where the scrolls were discovered (pictured).

Museum members will be able to see the scrolls at a special preview being held on June 26. The museum doesn’t charge for admittance to view permanent exhibits but being that this will be a special exhibit, the following rates will apply:

Adults: $22; ($15 for Friends)
Students/Seniors (60+) /Military w. ID: $16; ($12 for Friends)
Children 5 to 11: $12; ($10 for Friends)
Children under 5: $3

For Group Admissions call 919.807.7950

All ticket prices include a 45-minute audio tour. No strollers or cameras are permitted.

I plan on seeing the exhibit myself, getting a glimpse of Biblical history and a taste of Israel thanks to the Dead Sea Scrolls.

Photo Credit to Henrik Bernhard.