Amir Tsarfati speaks to us about his new book, The Day Approaching.
Why did you write the book?
The best way to answer this question is found on the fourth page of my book when I state that, “As believers, we must know the truth of God’s plan for mankind and how we fit into it. It is out of this knowledge that we find our mission and our hope.”
I don’t have something new to tell you that the Bible isn’t already saying, but I hope to deliver a fresh perspective as someone who lives in the heart of where so much has happened and where so much is yet to take place.
How does it differ from your previous book, The Last Hour?
After sharing my personal journey as to how the Lord led me to where I am today, the chief focus of The Last Hour is the “what” of Bible prophecy. While I certainly cover several aspects of the Tribulation in The Day Approaching, my main focus in this book deals with the “when.”
The Day Approaching contains a lot of evangelistic material. Is it aimed at the believer or the unbeliever?
My answer is ‘yes’. The future events that God has ordained for this world are going to come to fruition regardless of which category you fall into. That being said, there are two perspectives to view these events from. You’ll either be found at the side of the Almighty or you will be the recipient of His wrath.
Using biblical truths, I want to encourage and guide the believer, and at the same time, reveal to the unbeliever the precious gift that is theirs for the taking. The world needs to know that time is running out.
How hard is it to write about world events when things are changing so rapidly?
Quite honestly, it’s not. The fact that things are changing so rapidly makes them worth writing about. We’re responsible to use the Bible as the lens we look through to understand what’s going on in the world. As world events change, they’re progressing in the direction of the fulfillment of His Word, which is exciting to write about!
If the bad state of the world indicates ‘the day approaching’, should Christians bother to work for peace and justice around the world?
Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus’ presence perfectly displayed peace and justice and calls us to do the same. Believers are ‘the salt of the earth’ in how we live out our faith in this world. Examples of that responsibility include voting for people that are most compatible to biblical values, caring for those in need, affirming injustices, and impacting society with the Gospel message.
However, our mission isn’t to prepare the world to usher in His Second Coming. In fact, Jesus emphasized the opposition we’re going to face as we stand lovingly for the truth, as we engage culture. Only the Prince of Peace will be able to deliver lasting peace and justice to the world.
How will your book help Christians around the world who are facing persecution and even death?
Whether one is dealing with a family tragedy, facing rejection, or being threatened with death because of their allegiance to Jesus, my hope is that it will be a source of encouragement and truth that points believers back to the promises of God’s Word.
If the church is raptured, how will those left become believers during the seven-year tribulation?
In the final revelation from Jesus, it was conveyed to the apostle John that there will be many who come to Christ during earth’s darkest hour. In fact, it’s a great multitude; many of whom will eventually die for their faith. The Lord Himself will raise up two witnesses who will proclaim Jesus throughout Jerusalem. He has sealed off 144,000 Jewish descendants who will evangelize the world during that time: all having divine protection. There will also be an angel proclaiming the gospel to the world! Even in His wrath He will provide the opportunity for salvation.
Let’s not forget that the world will have access to countless Bibles, recorded teachings, and an overwhelming amount of resources that the raptured church left behind.
How should Christians live in the expectation of Jesus’ return?
Are you busy about your Father’s business by sharing your faith and growing in the Fruit of the Spirit? While we’re living in a time when God is literally fulfilling His Word, we must be busy with our Father’s business and continue to relay the hope of our salvation to others. And as the author of Hebrews says, may we encourage one another all the more as we see 'the day approaching'.
Amir Tsarfati is a native Israeli and former Major in the Israeli Defense Forces. He is the founder and President of Behold Israel – a nonprofit ministry providing access to news and information about Israel from a biblical and prophetic standpoint.
Together Magazine
Together is the Christian resources magazine for the UK, with stories of what God is doing across the church today, book reviews and publishing industry news. Subscribe now at www.togethermagazine.org.