Loved this, thank you. I'm interested in learning if there's biblical references confirming that conquest to the Nile and Euphrates is their goal. Most Christians I know see Jews/Israel as defensive. Obviously I can show them the land that has already been taken, but how can I convince them that it wont stop any time soon? That the Muslims actually are resisting colonization?
Reading the Bible cover to cover actually does the opposite. When you see how well every single book connects, though it took over a thousand years to write, you begin to become absolutely convinced in the divinity of the Bible.
My church is going through Ezekiel now, and I believe both apply. God used Ezekiel to warn the Israelites about destruction at the hands of the Babylonians in his own day, as well as prophesize about the end days of Israel (now, or some time in the future still).
Here's a good explanation I found if you'd like to read.
Dalton. Barnes & Noble is where I ordered it. $40 for both volumes. This amazing 2018 translation is perfect for the modern English speaking reader. You also will not find any other translation that doesn't demonize Hitler. It has amazing footnotes, and I get the sense Dalton is 'one of us', if you will. Dalton is the way to go.
(I swear I am not related to him or his business, I just finished the first volume that he translated and it was amazing)
If I could say one things to those people you mentioned at the start it would be that you don't need to have a denomination. Read your Bible yourself, and have at least three different teachers to provide more viewpoints that may enlighten you. That's what I'm doing, at least.
NASB, ESV, NIV for reading a lot. I'm reading a NIV Bible given to me as a kid rn, halfway through 2 Chronicles and the dialect is easy. Many dislike the NIV as it's a bit watered down at points, if you're trying to make sense of something, compare >2 translations.
For beauty, read KJV. If you really can't read that writing style, read NKJV.
Sort of unrelated, but is anyone else worried about potential future mates being jabbed right about now? I personally don't want my children to be GMO's, so it just adds to the scarcity of available women.