Book Review: “Operation Joktan” and “Has the Tribulation Begun?” by Amir Tsarfati

Tsarfati is an Israeli citizen and previously served as a major in the Israeli Defense Forces.  Though his writing pays attention to the nation of Israel, it covers matters of global concern.

Amir Tsarfati is the co-author of “Bible Prophecy: The Essentials,” which I recommended in the Additional Resources chapter of “Lifeline, A Guide to Surviving the End Times.”  He has written many best-selling nonfiction books and has started a series of novels (book three, “Out of the Far North” is now available for pre-order).  I decided to try one of those novels.

His first novel, “Operation Joktan” (2021) was written with Steve Yohn, an American pastor.  The book includes an “Author’s Note” that spells out the key goals for the novel.  Tsarfati explains that he wanted to deliver an exciting story, but he also wanted it to incorporate Biblical and geopolitical truth to give the book a higher purpose.

The book follows a group of Mossad agents working to prevent terrorist attacks upon Israel and other nations in the Middle East.  Their opponents are backed by Iran and the story illuminates the destructive efforts and goals of that regime.  There is plenty of action and the plot draws from historical and current political developments in the region.  Fans of political thriller novels by authors Tom Clancy and Joel Rosenberg will enjoy “Operation Joktan” (I did).

The story has a romantic thread involving two members of the Mossad team, but it’s kept at the PG level.  People are killed, but the book does not glorify violence or gore and it avoids the crutch of profanity used by too many writers.  The book introduces the Gospel message; it’s done deftly and appropriately in just a few passages.

That same “Author’s Note” also explains how Tsarfati’s nonfiction books present Biblical and geopolitical truth, but make it a more enjoyable read by including anecdotes and humor.  I tested this by reading “Has the Tribulation Begun?” (2023). Imagine that the joke-cracking Elvis Cole (the hero in the excellent series of novels by Robert Crais) was a solid Bible scholar instead of a detective, and you have a big-picture view of “Has the Tribulation Begun?”

This book accurately presents Biblical truths about the end times events and connects them to current political and social developments.  Tsarfati explains why this should be important to the reader.  He uses the Bible and logic to knock down several false doctrines.  Though the book provides plenty of Bible quotations and other footnote references, there are just as many humorous passages and anecdotes, so the book is both enjoyable and educational.  For example, the first page in the book answers the book’s title with “No.”  It then explains why that’s the case and why the book is more than one page long. 

Of course, time has passed since the book was published and if you are reading this review after being left behind by the rapture (that event is explained well in the book), the answer might actually be “Yes.”  Even so, the book would still be worth your time.

I recommend both of these Tsarfati books.

New YouTube Video: Vanity Fair- Section 9

This new YouTube video uses humorous parody to expose the self-anointed “elite” class that has gained significant power in the United States in this 21st century.  They are working toward complete control by subverting the U.S. Constitution and traditions.  It’s not a “done deal” yet; they are facing resistance from political populists and their plans will ultimately come to naught, when Jesus Christ returns and establishes his kingdom on earth.  The video is drawn from the audiobook of the novel “Twilight of the Church Age,” with illustrations added for the video.

Convenient link to the YouTube video, which is just under 10 minutes: [Vanity Fair Video]

The colonial founders of the United States were aware of mankind’s inherent sin nature.  They saw the perils of greed and the pursuit of power.  They came to America from lands ruled by royalty and nobility (nobility in bloodline, but seldom in spirit).  In forming this new nation, the colonials created a government with checks and balances, seeking to avoid the problems of the Old World.  For example, they intended to replace the old tradition of an upper class ruling over the masses with a republic whose leaders would be democratically chosen by the citizens.  They also wanted leaders who would not be obligated to other nations.

The United States Constitution provides the following in Article I, Section 9, Clause 8.  “No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States: And no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State.”

Notwithstanding the Constitution, a de facto ruling class has developed in Washington DC, comprised of unelected bureaucrats and career politicians who remain in office for decades, sometimes into their 80’s and even their 90’s.  Many of them are enriched and owe fealty to their wealthy benefactors and nations (including some hostile to the United States).  These subjects are discussed further in the first chapters of “Lifeline, A Guide to Surviving the End Times,” by Mark C. Tredecim (available at Amazon in Kindle and paperback formats).

I hope you will smile at this peek into the world of the rich and powerful, even as you consider the perils posed by their schemes.

New Video at YouTube: Maria’s Story- The Rescue

This new YouTube video presents an excerpt from the audiobook of the novel “Twilight of the Church Age,” with illustrations added for the video.  The video is 18:25 in length and can be accessed using this link to YouTube: [Link to Maria’s Story]

Here is the background and a preview of the story:

In early 2021, a new President radically changed American policies and practices related to illegal immigration, particularly at the Southern border with Mexico.  The numbers of people illegally entering the United States skyrocketed and remains at record high levels.  American towns and cities struggle to deal with this wave of needy people.  Criminals, potential terrorists, and dangerous illegal drugs are pouring across the border.

The cartels profit from the drugs and the human trafficking.  Many people become virtual slaves in the world of prostitution, abuse and pornography.  These include young children, both girls and boys.  Child sex trafficking is the theme of the excellent 2023 fact-based movie “The Sound of Freedom,” starring Jim Caviezel, directed and co-written by Alejandro Monteverde.  This movie tells the story of Tim Ballard, a former U.S. Department for Homeland Security agent.

The collapse of American border controls facilitates this criminal enterprise.  This evil is huge, and the current American response is underwhelming.  But God is still in charge and has a plan to deal with all evil in the coming Day of the Lord.  As we await that Day, the battle is waged by courageous people like the aforementioned Tim Ballard and the unheralded hero of this video, Abigail Lyon.

New Video At YouTube: Code Blue

“Code Blue: The Freedom of Pre-Approved Speech” is a new YouTube video, almost 13 minutes in length. It presents an excerpt from the audiobook of the novel “The Great New Deal,” with illustrations added for the video.  This video uses humorous parody to address the real threat from the suppression of free speech and from the dominant progressive narratives (propaganda).

Convenient link to the YouTube video: Code Blue

The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution is part of the Bill of Rights, ratified and adopted on December 15, 1791.  It says:

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

There has been an intensifying effort by activists and political opportunists to subvert the First Amendment.  Many government agencies, news media and online platforms have joined in this assault.

This video is set during the short interlude that comes after the rapture of all believers to heaven and before the terrible seven-year Tribulation.  Both of these coming events are described in Bible prophecy (see the author’s book “Lifeline- A Guide to Surviving the End Times” for a concise explanation of these events- Lifeline Link).

Lies and deception have been tools of Satan since the days of Adam and Eve.  They will be among his primary weapons in the final stages of his war against humanity and God.  Spoiler alert- God will win this war.  The details of future history are recorded in the Bible book of Revelation.

New Video at YouTube- “Washed in the Blood: The Hand of Providence”

This new YouTube video presents an excerpt from the audiobook of the novel “Twilight of the Church Age,” with illustrations added for the video.  I hope you have already listened to the whole audiobook (available for purchase throught Amazon and Audible). If you haven’t heard it, I hope you will enjoy this 18+ minute video and will consider purchasing the audiobook or the printed version. The audiobook provides over six hours of enjoyment. For more information about the audiobook, follow this link: Twilight of the Church Age Audiobook.

To view this new video at YouTube, follow this link: Washed in the Blood

Here is a preview of this video: It was late on Friday morning.  Thirty-year old Beau Reilly was on day three of the drive from his family’s home in Arkansas to his new home in Paterson, New Jersey.  His red Ford F-150 pick-up truck was full of his household and personal goods.  This next Sunday he would be commissioned as the new pastor for Amazing Grace Baptist Church in Paterson.

Beau had worked as a paramedic while studying online (he earned a Masters of Divinity degree, with honors).  After graduating, he continued to work as a paramedic while interning at one church and then serving for three years as the interim pastor of a small church with a limited budget.  Amazing Grace Baptist was a bigger church and Beau would be its sole pastor, so he expected that his paramedic days were probably behind him.

His phone told him of a big traffic jam and two-hour delays on I-80 eastbound.  The traffic app recommended he detour to an alternate route east through Sparta and then south on NJ-23.  Beau saw this as just a minor inconvenience. It might be more scenic and would get him to Paterson on time, so he went with it.

But it was actually the hand of Providence, putting Beau on a path that would affect several people that day and beyond.

Lifeline gets updated

I’m pleased to announce that the second edition of “Lifeline, A Guide to Surviving the End Times” was published this week in Kindle and paperback editions. It’s a refinement, not a makeover. There are some slight changes in formatting and chapter sequences that should improve the reading experience. I also fixed a couple typos and referencing errors (if you didn’t see them in the first edition, it wasn’t a big deal- except to me).

No chapters were added or removed in the second edition, but some chapters received additional content (the pages and word count increased by over 15% but it’s still the compact book that I want it to be). For example, the second edition includes a few more listings in the “Additional Resources” chapter, and there are a couple new illustrations.

These are nice refinements, but the focus did not change. Lifeline is a concise, reader-friendly and Biblically-sound overview of the Bible end times prophecies that seem likely to be fulfilled quite soon. It focuses on what everyone should know to survive the end times. As before, I’ve kept the price affordable so that people will be able to read it and share it with loved ones.

Book Review- Solid Tsarfati/Stagner Collaboration

I just finished “Bible Prophecy: The Essentials (Answers to Your Most Common Questions),” and gave it a five star review. First, because it’s a good book on the subject. And second, because the teaching provided is consistent with what I’ve learned (and written) on the subject, so I don’t need to reconsider anything that I’ve published.

The recently-published book is a collection of answers from Amir Tsarfati and Pastor Barry Stagner to questions about the Bible’s end times prophecies. The authors are frequent speakers on the subject and have multiple books to their credit. The answers are solid and the book is well-organized so that it’s not a random assortment of Q&A’s. The topics are in a logical order, with introductory remarks for each chapter and the questions were carefully chosen.

A few questions may seem obscure, but if you read the answers, you’ll quickly figure out what is being asked. The answers are Biblically sound. I like it when authors says things like “The Bible is silent on that specific, so we can’t give a definitive answer on that. But I think/suppose/hope that…..” And I like it when authors say “The Bible is clear that….” (and then provide the Bible verses to back up what they write).

Sometimes, the answers are to address misunderstandings regarding Bible prophecy and to negate false teaching on some subjects. (EG, the teaching that the church has replaced the nation of Israel and that end times verses about Israel are really about the church).

The authors bring to mind the fictional duo of Levi Katz and Beau Reilly from my “Tribulation Pilgrims’ Progress” novels. The Katz-Reilly duo was writing a (pre-rapture) book to help people who would be left behnd in the tribulation period (as well as pre-rapture folks).

My most recent book “Lifeline, A Guide to Surviving the End Times” is a relatively brief and Biblically-sound nonfiction book with that same objective. It includes a recommended reading list in the “Additional Resources” chapter. I will add this book by Tsarfati and Stagner to the reading list in future “Lifeline” editions. The Tsarfati-Stagner book goes deeper into the topics covered by “Lifeline” and is good reading for Christians who want to know more about Bible prophecy and for non-Christian readers who see the disturbing events and trends of our era and want to know more about what the future holds.

New video: Progressives in Crisis

Mark Tredecim has produced a new video.  This one is over 15 minutes in length and is titled “Progressives in Crisis.”

The video can be viewed at YouTube:   Link to new video

This video explores a future period when all three branches of the US government have fallen under the control of progressives.  The Senate and House of Representatives have been combined into the United Congress.  This follows the rapture of all Christians around the world, in which many millions of people have vanished in the “twinkling of an eye.”

The loss of key people and the resulting chaos have disrupted all key aspects of modern life.  Crime rates are skyrocketing, but there are fewer police to deal with it.  Foreign adversaries are growing more aggressive toward the United States.  Public health is deteriorating and there are acute shortages of food and energy.

Government tax revenues are plummeting even as the calls for more spending grow in number and urgency.  Economists worry about the risk of another great depression and the risk of hyperinflation.  The United Congress cannot balance the federal budget.  Lenders fear a federal debt default and won’t loan more money to the federal government.

How can the United Congress solve this Existential Crisis?

This video dramatizes a segment from the audiobook edition of the novel “The Great New Deal,” by Mark Tredecim.  It is a companion to another video available at YouTube, “Kick the Can- The Coming US Debt Crisis:”  Link to Kick the Can (the two videos can be viewed in any order).

This short excerpt blends a dramatic story, humorous parody and sound teaching about the end times prophecies found in the Bible.  The story is fictional, but the risks to America from progressive policies are real.

Lifeline, A Guide to Surviving the End Times

I am pleased to announce the publication this week of a new book. Like my novels, it is meant to provide Biblically-sound teaching and commentary about the end times prophecies in the Bible, but this book doesn’t employ a fictional story to dramatize the events.

The new book, Lifeline, A Guide to Surviving the End Times,  was inspired by a reviewer’s comment about my novel, Twilight of the Church Age.  That book tells of a team of pastors who work to create a resource for the people who will be left behind after the Rapture.  The reviewer said, “I hope this aspect [creation of the resource] is something that is happening in the real world, as it is very needed given where we seem to be on the timeline.”  I took her words to heart and wrote Lifeline.

Lifeline is a nonfiction complement to my end times novels. It provides a concise, reader-friendly and Biblically-sound overview of the Bible end times prophecies that seem likely to be fulfilled quite soon.  Lifeline focuses on what everyone should know to survive the end times.  Lifeline is available for purchase in two formats (links to Amazon): Kindle- ASIN B0C57BKZ6T and Paperback- ASIN BOC5G64C7D

 [More about Lifeline, A Guide to Surviving the End Times]

Kick the Can- The Coming US Debt Crisis

Mark Tredecim has published a new video at YouTube in connection with the federal government’s growing national debt and deficit spending. The new video is almost 17 minutes long and can be accessed through this handy link to YouTube: Kick the Can

For many years, the U.S. federal government has spent more money than it received in taxes and other revenues.  It has borrowed to fund these deficits and has amassed over $31 trillion in Treasury debt.  The debt balance is bumping up against the limitation set by law, but the current administration wants to spend even more and to borrow even more money.  To do this, the national debt ceiling would have to be increased by Congress.

But the growing debt levels are concerning to the debt holders and financial markets.  There is growing worry about the government’s ability to meet its obligations and about the other consequences of deficit spending and burgeoning debt (such as hyperinflation and recession, maybe even another depression).  

There is great concern about the nation’s future ability to keep the promises that it has made for Social Security, Medicare, and government pensions. The video’s title comes from the ongoing practice of the U.S. Congress to “kick the can down the road.” This refers to spending money today with debt that will need to be paid in the future, and establishing entitlements (like Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid) without the funding needed to continue them.

This video provides a summary of the current situation and defines key terms used in this political debate.

It then presents a coming day of reckoning, when the government is forced to deal with the debt, or else.  This is presented via an excerpt from the audiobook edition of the novel “The Great New Deal,” by Mark Tredecim.  This short excerpt blends a dramatic story, humorous parody and sound teaching about the end times prophecies found in the Bible.  The story is fictional, but the deficit spending and national debt problems are real.