David Jeremiah: Political Division, Persecution, And War: How Bible Prophecy Changes Our Perspective On World Affairs

Political Division, Persecution, And War: How Bible Prophecy Changes Our Perspective On World Affairs

David Jeremiah

As history hurtles toward the Last Days, we find ourselves trying to navigate through an increasingly hostile world. Politics are dividing our country and even our churches. People are becoming more cold-hearted, selfish, and angry. We are experiencing a breakdown that feels irreversible. Our problems do not have simple solutions, but we can find guidance in Scripture.

America was originally founded on Christian principles, but this foundational premise began to erode after World War II.  Today, momentum for the downward trend is building. The government, the educational system, the entertainment industry, and the media no longer share our values, which means faithful Christians are becoming alienated from the dominant forces in society.

Persecution is not too strong a word to describe what is happening to Christians in America today. To be persecuted for righteousness’ sake means that we are hated or opposed or suffer solely for following Christ and living for God. In our nation, we are experiencing five stages of religious suppression: stereotyping, marginalizing, threatening, intimidating, and litigating. I think America is a long way from the kind of persecution that involves torture and death, as Christians endured in the New Testament and now endure in other countries. But one never knows what may lurk around the corner. In my younger days, I never in my wildest nightmares dreamed that Christianity would be under fire as it now is in the United States.

How should Christians in the United States react to persecution? The first response might naturally be anger. But the New Testament gives us a more constructive response. The early Christians suffered much more severe persecution than anything we presently face, and we never find them responding in anger. In fact, they found positive benefits in suffering. They discovered suffering promotes character (Romans 5:3-5), provokes courage (Acts 4:19-20; Philippians 1:20-21), proves godliness (2 Timothy 3:12; Hebrews 12:6; 1 Peter 5:10), produces joy (Acts 16:25; 5:41), and provides rewards (Hebrews 11:24-26).

There are three decisions we can make: determine to stand for truth, draw support from one another, and derive your security from the Lord.

When we view the current political climate in light of God’s eternal plan, there are decisions we can make and steps we can take in advance to steel ourselves for that moment when persecution comes. Let’s look at three things we can do to prepare for that moment.

Determine to stand for truth. It is imperative that fear of rejection, criticism, or loss does not cower us into hiding our light. To live worthy of the Gospel is to stand for God’s truth without bending. As Paul urged the Corinthians, we are to “watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love” (1 Corinthians 16:13–14).

Draw support from one another. We cannot be Christians alone. We need the company of others like ourselves with whom we can share encouragement, struggles, and victories. It is easy for us to feel alone and discouraged, but in the company of fellow believers, we draw strength, discipline, knowledge, encouragement, support, and love from one another. A courageous example can spur any one of us to say, “If he or she can do it, by God’s grace so can I.”

Derive your security from the Lord. The key to standing firm in the face of persecution is to remember whom we belong to and where we are going. We belong to Christ, and He secures us in His hand. Thus, we need not fear danger to our reputations, our jobs, our finances, or even our physical lives. As He said, “For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it” (Matthew 16:25).

The Rapture is the next event on God’s prophetic calendar, and it will occur without warning. It could happen at any time We can almost hear the countdown. We’re living in prophetic times and seeing prophecy fulfilled right before our eyes. When we consider world events, we can see that the signs of Matthew 24 are intensifying. It’s time to look up, for our redemption draws near! During these troubled times, we can find personal peace by considering God’s message to two Old Testament figures. When King Ahaz and the nation of Judah were facing invasion by two enemies, the Lord gave this message through the prophet Isaiah: “Be careful, keep calm and don’t be afraid. Do not lose heart because of these two smoldering stubs of firewood” (Isaiah 7:4). Even earlier, Moses had told the Israelites by the Red Sea: “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still…. The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm” (Exodus 14:13-14).

This is a message for us: “Be careful… keep calm… don’t lose heart… stand still… the Lord will fight for you.” Do those words reverberate in your heart right now? The devil may try to invade your orbit and disrupt your day. The truth is we may have battles on multiple fronts because of the turbulent times we live in, but as we fix our thoughts on Jesus, we will be able to claim His perfect peace and persevere. Practice putting these three steps into action to find peace in your heart: trust the Lord and do your duty, keep calm and don’t be afraid, and carry on and rely on God to fight for you.

As world conditions worsen, Jesus said we shouldn’t hang our heads in hopelessness or shake our heads in confusion. Instead, we should lift our heads in expectation, for our redemption draws near (Luke 21:28). After Paul told the Thessalonians about the sudden return of Christ in the air for His people, he said, “Comfort one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:18).

Our world is in a state of depression. Proverbs 12:25 states: “Anxiety in the heart of a man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad.” Obviously, there are times when medication is absolutely called for, but meditation is often better. When we visualize our Lord’s return, we’re treating our souls to a “good word.”

Jesus told His worried disciples on His last night with them, “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions.… I will come again and receive you to Myself” (John 14:1-3).

Try this experiment. One evening, sit down and watch television for an hour, focusing on a roundup of the world news. It’ll be an hour filled with riots, war, politics, problems, budget deficits, serial killers, and natural disasters. Reflect on how you feel afterward.

The next night, turn off the television and study First and Second Thessalonians, two little books in the New Testament with much to say about the Lord’s return. Read Paul’s promise that God will give His anxious children rest “when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels” (2 Thessalonians 1:7). After an hour of pondering the eight short chapters of the Thessalonian epistles, my guess is you’ll have joy in your heart as you anticipate His return.

The study of the signs of the times isn’t just for “Second Coming scholars.” It’s for every single Christian who loves His appearing. It’s comprehensible, and it’s compelling, and it will change your life. It is a practical subject with tangible benefits, and those who study it are happier, holier, healthier people. We can rightly consider it the greatest self-improvement course we can take, and the benefits are eternal.

During these challenging days, find out what the Bible has to say about the prophetic times, and learn to pray: Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

Over 20,000 flee intense wildfire in Canada as emergency declared

Over 20,000 flee intense wildfire in Canada as emergency declared

REUTERS

British Columbia declares a state of emergency after thousands of people in the western Canadian province are ordered to flee a fast-moving wildfire that nearly doubled in size overnight.

The Bald Range wildfire is burning out of control and has grown rapidly to about 9,500 hectares (23,500 acres), prompting evacuation orders in Summerland, Peachland and other districts west of Okanagan Lake in the province’s southern interior. The region produces most of BC’s wine and is Canada’s second-largest wine-producing area.

Premier David Eby tells a news conference that one fire official had likened the fire to “a bomb going off.”

“He described flames on 100-foot tree, flames going 200 feet above that, and the fire creating its own weather system, which creates lightning, which then feeds on itself,” Eby says.

“Homes have been lost, and properties have been destroyed. Some people became trapped as conditions changed very quickly, and needed to be rescued,” the premier says, adding it remained a very dynamic and threatening situation.

Summerland has a population of about 12,000 people, according to the 2021 census, and Peachland is home to about 6,500 residents.

A state of emergency grants the provincial government immediate access to special powers, including travel restrictions and supply protections to prevent price gouging, and specific tools to coordinate rescue work.

Officials say the Bald Range wildfire triggered the largest evacuation event so far this summer, and more than 20,000 people across BC have been forced to evacuate their homes.

“A lot of farms have been affected. We don’t know how many structures have been lost. They’re still busy fighting the fire,” Summerland Mayor Doug Holmes says in a phone interview from Penticton. “We have to brace ourselves for the worst.”

Iran's Economy Is In Shambles As War Takes Its Toll

Iran's Economy Is In Shambles As War Takes Its Toll

 TYLER DURDEN

Despite the bluster from Iranian officials on social media, it should come as no surprise that the country is not doing well economically. From the beginning of the conflict to current day, Iran has been dealt an estimated $270 billion to $300 billion in total damage due to a steady barrage of strikes, including numerous infrastructure targets from bridges, highways, railways, airports, etc. 

The three-month-long US blockade on Iran's oil exports have also taken a toll, with national oil output dropping from 2.2 million bpd to less than 300,000 bpd.  It is likely that there has been some long term damage to the regime's oil wells and they have lost approximately $6 billion in oil revenues so far.   

With a general information blackout in place, getting a proper estimation of the damages can be difficult.  However, in recent months many Iranian leaders and media sources have indicated a dangerous shift in the stability of the country.  The situation has become so volatile that citizens are reportedly turning to theft in order to get their hands on basic necessities including food.  

Iranian newspaper Jahan-e Sanat has reported increased theft of basic groceries over recent months, with store workers linking the trend to rising poverty. Related reports say meat is in short supply, there is reduced consumption of staples, subsidy shortfalls, and broader poverty pressures.

Analysts note that while full state collapse or famine has not yet occurred, the combination of high food inflation, currency weakness and job losses is placing severe strain on households.  Iran's President, Masoud Pezeshkian, seemed to confirm the decline last week when he noted that the country was facing economic “difficulties and problems,” while claiming the enemy was trying to provoke protests.

At Iran’s 33rd Conference on Monetary and Banking Policies (around June 2026), he questioned why people wake up to find their purchasing power has fallen and stated there are “hundreds of ways to overcome the economic impasse.” He noted that policymakers take people’s money and "return it with reduced value."

Central Bank Governor Abdolnaser Hemmati presented a recovery roadmap and acknowledged an ongoing GDP contraction. He stated that “the combination of war and cruel sanctions has posed serious challenges to the country’s economy. Most importantly, people’s livelihoods have been severely affected because various sectors of the economy have been impacted by sanctions.”

He also cited inflation at around 53%, which appears to be a underestimation of the real currency destruction taking place.

Government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani has discussed infrastructure damage (e.g., bridges, tunnels, gas and electricity capacity losses), adjustments to gasoline rations, and challenges with subsidy payments disrupted by banking issues or cyberattacks.  

These admissions are often wrapped in claims of resiliency despite the crisis, but the biggest danger (inflation) has yet to fully play out.  SCI data for the Persian month of Khordad (ending ~June 21, 2026) showed overall year-on-year inflation of 88.6% (up from pre-escalation levels around 50%). Food inflation reached 134%, with oils/fats  at 278%, red meat/poultry at 178%, and bread/cereals at nearly 139%.

The rial hit record lows of around 1.5–1.9 million per USD at various points during the war. This has amplified import costs and eroded purchasing power.   

Crippling infrastructure damage and currency devaluation might help to explain Iran's desperate insistence on charging tolls in the Strait of Hormuz.  If their oil industry is facing a multi-year setback and damage to infrastructure is extensive, tolls on shipping through the strait may be their only source of economic recovery. 

Iranian citizens turning to theft to make ends meet is a far more profound issue than a similar trend would be in the US or Europe.  In Iran, punishment for a first offense for theft of food is three months to one year of incarceration and up to 74 lashes.  Multiple thefts can result in the amputation of fingers, life in prison or execution.  The point is, stealing is no small matter in Iran and for people to turn to theft suggests extreme economic derailment. 

Even if the war ends this week as negotiations reportedly carry forward, Iran faces a long and arduous road to recovery.  It is likely that a collapse of the existing system is inevitable.  Whether or not this actually leads to civil unrest as the regime fears is anyone's guess.  

Pentagon said to ask US arms firms to speed up output as Iran war exhausts supply

Pentagon said to ask US arms firms to speed up output as Iran war exhausts supply

Times of Israel is liveblogging Sunday

The US Defense Department has requested that American defense companies quickly boost their production and delivery of weapons amid an acute shortage of arms due to the Iran war, according to a memo cited by The Washington Post.

Industry chiefs were told Wednesday by Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg that they had a maximum of 21 days to present plans to “drive significantly faster, more aggressive delivery schedules and/or increased production for critical capabilities,” the memo cited by the Post reads.

Feinberg said that “Years-long development cycles are not acceptable,” and demanded that firms “dramatically accelerate” their schedules and production capacity.

On Thursday, Trump denied reports that he is unhappy with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over the depleted stockpile of American missile interceptors.

The shortage of interceptors was reportedly one of the main concerns discussed between Trump and his top advisers before the administration decided to hold off on escalating its campaign against Iran towards the end of last month.

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Tehran issues drastic new demands for deal to reopen Hormuz, says US must ‘correct its behavior’

Tehran issues drastic new demands for deal to reopen Hormuz, says US must ‘correct its behavior’

TOI STAFF

Iran’s politburo-like body known as the Supreme National Security Council on Saturday declared the Strait of Hormuz will not open until the United States “corrects its behavior,” issuing new demands that could shake up talks on a deal to manage the waterway and traffic on it.

Iran’s state broadcaster published the statement by the council’s secretary, Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, who is also a commander in the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The United States must never threaten Iran again, the statement said, and must permanently end the war with Iran and its armed allies in the region. The US must lift the naval blockade of Iranian ports and withdraw its military from the area. It also must “completely compensate” Iran for war damage, lift sanctions and “unconditionally” release frozen assets.

The new list of demands reflected the demands Iran was previously making as a condition for a permanent accord with the US. That envisaged accord was intended by the US as also resolving the threat posed by Iran’s rogue nuclear program and its stockpile of 60%-enriched uranium. Instead, the demands were being issued as conditions for an accord under which Iran would merely consent to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Barak Ravid, Washington correspondent of Israel’s Channel 12 news, told the network that “clearly the US cannot accept” those demands and that they could potentially push US President Donald Trump back toward the military option that he shelved only days ago.

There was no immediate comment from the US, which has wanted an acceptable deal first on the strait before ending the blockade. According to the interim deal signed in June, a schedule to end sanctions and plan for compensation would be part of the final deal, and negotiations would address frozen assets.

Iran has said it was close to reaching a separate deal with Oman to manage the strait, which runs between the two countries.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi earlier Saturday said they were close to reaching an agreement on navigation, “specifically the determination of a transit route.” But the waterway’s reopening was contingent on other conditions, he said in remarks shared on social media, and blamed the situation on what he called the US violation of the interim deal.

The IRGC also said earlier Saturday that reopening Hormuz was unrelated to the negotiations with Oman and would depend on Washington accepting Tehran’s conditions.

“The enemy is forced to accept Iran’s conditions for the opening of the strait and to refrain from the interference that it is currently making in the negotiations — which have almost reached their end — between Iran, Oman and other countries,” the IRGC said.

Oman, a mediator Gulf Arab country which has said relatively little on the talks, said in a statement that the discussions were ongoing “in a positive and constructive atmosphere,” and condemned attacks on ships on the strait, where the United Arab Emirates reported that one of its vessels was targeted Saturday by an Iranian missile.

The strait, crucial to global supplies of oil and natural gas, had been considered an international waterway before the war. Ship transits remain low.

As the Islamic Republic issued its new demands, US Vice President JD Vance said to Fox News that Tehran told Washington it had “no plans” to impose tolls on the Strait of Hormuz.

“Some people within the Iranian system” have talked about tolling the waterway, he said, adding that “the Iranians have told us they have no plans to toll the Strait of Hormuz.”

“But again, we’re going to see what actions actually happen,” Vance said.

According to Vance, the expectation of the Trump administration was that “we see the same amount of oil and gas come out of the Gulf that you saw before the conflict.”

“The one problem of course is that the Iranians laid a large number of mines at the beginning of the war and so what we’re really working through is how you can actually set up a traffic scheme so ships that pass can pass through safely,” Vance continued. “That of course includes de-mining, it also includes a commitment from the Iranians that they are not going to fire at commercial vessels.”

A diplomat from one of the mediating countries told The Times of Israel that Vance was correct in stating that the temporary deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz will bar either side from charging tolls.

Iran, however, has not ruled out the imposition of tolls once that deal expires, with state-owned news outlet Press TV reporting Friday that a parliamentary committee was reviewing a preliminary bill that would introduce fees for transiting the waterway, while barring US, Israeli and other “hostile” vessels from passing through.