The war has illuminated the reality that Israel stands as our greatest ally in the world—and it's not even close. Working together side by side, our two militaries are obliterating a truly wicked regime, the world's number one state sponsor of terrorism, eliminating an imminent threat to the entire free world. Many European countries are another story entirely.

In his quest to discredit Israel as God’s chosen nation, Tucker Carlson recently joked that the Old Testament should be updated and rewritten. Because of podcasters like Tucker, Israel—ethnically, theologically, and politically—has become part of a larger debate in the media on U.S. foreign policy. Therefore, the Old Testament is frequently targeted because of Israel’s central role in it. But what does God’s Word plainly say about the Old Testament?

The epidemic of sexual misconduct targeting children in government schools is back in the headlines, and it is even worse than previously known. According to the latest estimates, a shocking 17 percent of students in government schools will be victims of some sort of sexual abuse at the hands of teachers and faculty. That represents about 8 million children. 

The real question is how our society reached the point where states believe they have the authority to cut parents out of decisions that can permanently shape or, in some cases, end a child’s life. On almost no other issue — except abortion — would such deliberate disregard for parental authority be tolerated. That tells us a lot. At its core, this conflict reflects a deeper cultural departure from a biblical understanding of family and responsibility.

The whole idea that we need further purification is wrong on so many levels, as it is a sister belief in a partial Rapture of only faithful saints. If the words of Ephesians chapters 1 and 2 along with those of Romans 8 are true, then we must thoroughly reject the idea of our need as regenerated saints to experience any further cleansing. Yes, the Lord tests and strengthens our faith in this life, but that’s an entirely different ball game than saying living believers will need a purgatory-type experience during the Tribulation.

We all watched as believers, churches and denominations dealt with the COVID pandemic, the Black Lives Matter movement, the movement to redefine gender and sexuality, and then the DEI movement. And yet, we’re seeing an even bigger test today—what I would call The Israel Test—to reveal what we really believe about what I regard as clear Biblical teaching. I am, of course, talking about the replacement theology movement that has surfaced yet again.

Those who hold to a postmillennial view argue that Jesus is exercising His authority as King from heaven right now. The proof text for many postmillennialists is Psalm 110 and they conclude that Psalm 110:1 supports a present Davidic reign of Christ where He is gradually subduing all His enemies during this interadvent period. However, a consistent, literal interpretation of Scripture leads us to reject such a view, particularly when we undertake an examination of the three-fold work of Christ.

The USCIRF 2026 Annual Report lays bare a world where violations are intensifying — from state-engineered repression in authoritarian regimes to unchecked extremism in transitional or fragile states. And yet, it also offers a clear roadmap for U.S. leadership. By heeding the commission’s recommendations, including timely CPC and SWL designations, integrating religious freedom into all facets of diplomacy, and prioritizing accountability for perpetrators, the United States can help secure the release of the imprisoned, protect the vulnerable, and foster societies where this foundational freedom thrives.

We’re seeing pastors today who refuse to support Israel because they’ve been influenced by replacement theology’s faulty interpretation of Scripture, and there are terrible repercussions for giving place to this damaging theology. When the church entertains the idea that God has somehow replaced His covenant with the Jewish people—it provides fuel for the fire of those who would do Israel harm.