A View from the Bunker

THE SO-CALLED silent centuries between the Book of Malachi and the Gospel of Matthew weren't as quiet as we've been taught.This month, the Iron and Myth crew discusses a fictionalized account of Judea's struggle for independence in the second century BC from the rule (and gods) of their Greek overlords by Iron and Myth regular and best-selling author Brian Godawa (Godawa.com), Judah Maccabee Part 1: Abomination of Desolation and Judah Maccabee Part 2: Against the Gods of Greece.  Doug Van Dorn (DouglasVanDorn.com) and Dr. Judd Burton (BurtonBeyond.net) join Brian to discuss the historical and theological significance of the centuries between the Old and New Testaments, focusing on the story of Hanukkah and the Maccabees. We analyze the role of Antiochus Epiphanes, the Maccabean revolt, and the implications of these events on Jewish history and theology.  Our conversation also explores the nature of historical fiction and how it can be approached from a truth perspective, emphasizing the importance of understanding divine authorities and principalities in the context of these narratives. Brian shares how he balances myth and history in biblical narratives, emphasizing the concept of 'mytho-history' as a blend of mythological and historical storytelling. He explores the role of fiction in understanding scripture, the importance of cultural context, and how integrating non-biblical stories can enhance biblical narratives.

IT'S BECOMING more acceptable for pagans to proclaim their faith openly in America. Carl Teichrib (GameOfGods.ca), author of Game of Gods: The Temple of Man in the Age of Re-enchantment, shares his experiences at the 2025 Paganicon in Minneapolis. Carl tells us that many of the Neo-pagans there, who now follow gods of the Greek, Roman, Mesopotamian, and Norse pantheons, came out of Christian churches. We discuss the reasons these modern-day pagans abandoned Jesus and the responsibility we Christians share for failing to serve as effective ambassadors for our King. Follow Carl on X (@CarlTeichrib) and take advantage of his research at ForcingChange.org. 

RED HEIFERS are back in Israel! But what does that mean, exactly? Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz, writer for Israel365News.com and author of the new book Return of the Red Heifers (israel365store.com/products/red-heifers), joins us to explain the significance of the heifers, why they're important, and why a Third Temple isn't necessary to begin the sacrifices on the Temple Mount. We also discuss the historical context of the relationship between Jews and Christians, the role of the Messiah, modern misunderstandings surrounding these topics and the potential for future collaboration between the two faiths. Follow Adam's Substack here: AdamEliyahuBerkowitz.substack.com. 

IT'S CALLED the world's oldest temple. While only a small portion of the site has been excavated, the clues point to one solid conclusion: It was meant as a point of contact with the gods. Our usual Iron and Myth crew is joined by special guest Dr. Aaron Judkins (aaronjudkins.com, aaronjudkins.substack.com), co-author with Dr. Judd Burton (burtonbeyond.net) of the best-selling book Decoding Göbekli Tepe: Biblical Anatolia and the Watchers (https://amzn.to/4hcbvyX). Rounding out the discussion are Doug Van Dorn (douglasvandorn.com), author, pastor of the Reformed Baptist Church of Northern Colorado in Boulder and host of the Giant Steps podcast, and Brian Godawa (godawa.com), best-selling author and award-winning screenwriter, whose new novels Judah Maccabee, Part 1: Abomination of Desolation and Judah Maccabee, Part 2: Against the Gods of Greece will be the topic of next month's Iron and Myth.  Our conversation digs into the significance of Göbekli Tepe, exploring its classification as the world's oldest temple and the cultural implications of its construction. The discussion highlights the mysterious influences that may have contributed to the site's creation, including supernatural elements and connections to biblical narratives. Recent discoveries at Göbekli Tepe, including evidence of habitation and the symbolism of the vulture stone, are examined, alongside the ongoing research and future excavations that may further illuminate this ancient site. Judd and Aaron explore the historical and spiritual significance of Göbekli Tepe, discussing its connections to biblical narratives, the influence of supernatural entities known as the Watchers, and the site's implications for understanding ancient burial practices and archaeoastronomy.  Finally, they share the links between Göbekli Tepe and the first humans, Adam and Eve, emphasizing the site's role in the broader context of ancient history and its relevance to modern biblical studies.

IT'S DIFFICULT enough explaining why we Christians believe in Jesus, but doing so with our Jewish brothers and sisters requires tact and patience made necessary by almost 1,900 years of mutual animosity. We're joined this week by Dr. Igal German, founding director of the Institute of Biblical Apologetics (BibleApologist.org) and Yesod Bible Center (YesodBibleCenter.com). We discuss Dr. German's journey from rabbinic Judaism to faith in Jesus as the Messiah, his work in apologetics, and the current state of Christian responses to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.  Dr. German emphasizes the importance of understanding apologetics as a defense of faith, the need for a strong Christian voice in support of Israel, and the mission to reach the Jewish community with the gospel. There is a complex historical and theological relationship between Judaism and Christianity, and we explore the implications of supersessionism, the interpretation of Messianic prophecies, and the role of education in bridging the divide between Christians and Jews—especially the importance of understanding the Jewish roots of the Christian faith and the need for compassion and sensitivity in evangelism. NOTE: Apologies for the audio issues with my mic this week! 

IN THE ANCIENT Near East, the dead never really went away. And if you didn't care for them properly, they could make your life hell. With us to discuss the cult of the dead in the lands around ancient Israel is our Iron and Myth crew: Dr. Judd Burton(www.BurtonBeyond.net), author of Interview with the Giant; Doug Van Dorn (www.douglasvandorn.com), author of Giants: Sons of the Gods; and Brian Godawa (www.Godawa.com), best-selling author of the theological thriller Cruel Logic, and a new novel based on the period of the Maccabees in Judea. We explore the cult of the dead in ancient Israel, examining its practices, rituals, and the influence of ancestor worship. The discussion delves into archaeological findings, biblical references, and comparative analysis with other cultures, particularly focusing on the Rephaim and the significance of rituals like the Marzeah feast.  The pervasive nature of these beliefs and practices in ancient societies is evident in biblical references to the Rephaim and the cult of the dead, and we discuss how these concepts have influenced modern spiritual practices. We also discuss how Jesus' ministry and the Last Supper serve were spiritual warfare against the cult of the dead, drawing parallels to contemporary practices that echo these ancient beliefs. 

PRESIDENT TRUMP made more heads explode this week with his announcements about Gaza and the creation of a White House Faith Office. Leftists and Muslims are incensed by Trump's proposal to rebuild Gaza, which they're calling “ethnic cleansing,” conveniently forgetting that negotiations for a two-state solution to the Arab-Israeli problem have yet to yield results after about 90 years of trying. Meanwhile, liberals, atheists, and many conservative Christians object, for various reasons, to the appointment of Paula White-Cain to head up the new White House Faith Office. Let's take a breath and wait to see how this plays out. Remember, what happens in your house is more important than who's in the White House. And regardless of your view on eschatology, we can say with confidence that President Trump is not the Antichrist. 

THE TRAGIC midair collision of an American Eagle passenger jet with a U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopter in Washington, D. C. this week was politicized and conspiracy theorized within hours. Neither response is appropriate. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJtdD7Hy-_EOur government and the media has created such a sense of distrust that many of us don't believe anything we see, hear, or read anymore. That's by design. Believing nothing will steer you wrong just as surely as believing everything. In the case of AA Flight 5342, it appears the answer is simply a tragic case of human error.

THE AI genie is out of the bottle. The big question now is whether Skynet will be Chinese or American. We discuss the announcement this week of a half-trillion dollar joint venture between OpenAI, Oracle, and SoftBank called Stargate to build an artificial intelligence infrastructure to make the United States the world's leader in AI technology. The venture's name evokes images of “ancient aliens,” thanks to the movie Stargate and its long-running TV spinoff, and the remote viewing experiments run by the Defense Intelligence Agency in the late '70s. We don't know whether President Trump is aware of these connections, but someone on his team surely is. However, China preempted the White House announcement by releasing DeepSeek R1, an AI platform that performs as well as, if not better than, OpenAI's latest release and is offered to users at 3% of OpenAI's price. In addition. DeepSeek is open source, meaning users can download it and run it themselves for the cost of the electricity. In short, the AI demon has been summoned, to quote Elon Musk. Just remember, this is being allowed by the Lord for His reasons, and we Christians need to understand time is growing short. 

GÖBEKLI TEPE has been called the oldest temple in the world. Who—or what—was worshipped there? Dr. Aaron Judkins and Dr. Judd Burton, authors of the new book Decoding Gobekli Tepe: Biblical Anatolia and the Watchers (https://amzn.to/3WpE3xu), join us to explore the significance of the ancient site. They discuss the archaeological evidence that supports biblical narratives, the spiritual connections to ancient Anatolia (modern Türkiye), and the cultural implications of the site's findings.  We delve into the role of the Watchers, the worship of the moon-god, and the anthropomorphic representations found at Göbekli Tepe, ultimately connecting these themes to the veneration of ancestors and the Rephaim. Aaron and Judd also discuss cultural engineering by the Watchers and their astonishing discovery of a connection between iconography at Göbekli Tepe and the Luwians, a Bronze Age people who lived in what is now southern Türkiye—thousands of years after Gobekli Tepe was built. 

THE SO-CALLED silent centuries between the books of Malachi and Matthew in the Bible were not as quiet as we've been told.Award-winning screenwriter and best-selling novelist Brian Godawa (Godawa.com) joins us to discuss the latest entries in his Chronicles of the Watchers series, Judah Maccabee Part 1: The Abomination of Desolation and Judah Maccabee Part 2: Against the Gods of Greece. Brian tells us why he chose this period of relatively unfamiliar Jewish history (unfamiliar to Christians, anyway) to dramatize spiritual warfare, explains why the Septuagint translation of the Old Testament is relevant to Christians, and reveals where in the Apocrypha we find accounts of angels fighting against the Greeks for the Jews.

WE LIVE in interesting times. And 2025 promises no end of excitement. What's ahead for the coming year? The two biggest economic blocs on Earth, the G7 and BRICS, will launch pilot programs for Central Bank Digital Currencies, the closest thing we've seen to what the mark of the Beast will look like. In the Middle East, Turkey has overthrown the Assad regime in Syria, but what that means for regional security is still unknown, as is Russia's response to Ukraine's use of long-range British and American missiles. Meanwhile, China is looking more ready than ever to try to reintegrate Taiwan into the mainland. Politically, Donald Trump will become the second American president to serve two non-consecutive terms (the other was Grover Cleveland in 1885–89 and 1893–97). Will he be able to outmaneuver the deep state the second time around?

IF YOU'RE looking for evidence of a global catastrophe followed by a mysterious civilization that somehow survived, you might not start with the Americas.However, contrarian investigator and author Graham Hancock has done just that with season 2 of his Netflix series Ancient Apocalypse.Our Iron and Myth crew gather to discuss Hancock's work in this second season. Joining us at the virtual round table is Dr. Judd Burton (www.BurtonBeyond.net), author of Interview with the Giant, Doug Van Dorn (www.douglasvandorn.com), author of Giants: Sons of the Gods, and Brian Godawa (www.Godawa.com), best-selling author of the theological thriller Cruel Logic, and a new novel based on the period of the Maccabees in Judea.Ancient Apocalypse is very well done. We discuss the questions it raises about lost civilizations, and the implications of new archaeological discoveries. We critique the documentary's potential biases and the role of propaganda in shaping narratives. The discussion also touches on the connections between ancient myths, geometric patterns, and the use of hallucinogenic substances in historical contexts, ultimately emphasizing the importance of understanding different worldviews in interpreting archaeological findings. We appreciate Hancock for asking the right questions. However, he's got a great big blind spot right in front of the answers.

SKEPTICS OFTEN claim that the Hebrew Bible must have been copied from older Mesopotamian texts. Frankly, this is lazy thinking by people looking for excuses not to deal with God. Our Iron and Myth crew joins us to discuss the relationship between the Bible and Mesopotamian religion: Doug Van Dorn (www.douglasvandorn.com), author of Giants: Sons of the Gods and Brian Godawa (www.Godawa.com), best-selling author of Chronicles of the Nephilim, Chronicles of the Watchers, the theological thriller Cruel Logic, and a forthcoming novel based on the period of the Maccabees in Judea. Sadly, Dr. Judd Burton (www.BurtonBeyond.net) was unable to join us this month. We discuss the parallels between creation stories from different cultures, including Mesopotamian and Mesoamerican myths, and the implications of these similarities for understanding the Bible. We dig into the nature of myth and history, the importance of context in biblical interpretation, and the need for a nuanced approach to understanding ancient texts. There is an intricate relationship between myth and history, particularly in the context of biblical narratives. It's important to understand ancient texts through the lens of genre and cultural context, and at the end of the day the Bible's authority does not negate the value of other literature. 

AND THEN a whole new one begins. This has been the most bizarre presidential campaign since the Civil War. Thankfully, the campaign ends this week with Election Day Tuesday, and—we hope—a winner declared shortly thereafter. Then comes a different kind of crazy as we prepare for whoever is inaugurated January 21, 2025. Whatever happens, however, remember that God is still on His throne, none of this takes Him by surprise, and our mission as Christians has not changed.

IT WAS a common practice in the ancient world. Sadly, it's still practiced today—and closer to us than we'd think. Joining us for our annual Halloween episode, a tradition since 2010, is Dr. Judd Burton (BurtonBeyond.net). We delve into the disturbing reality of human sacrifice in the modern world, exploring its historical roots, spiritual significance, and the ongoing practices that continue to occur around the world. Judd explains the connections between bloodlust, vampirism, and ritual magic, as well as the dark underbelly of human trafficking and modern slavery. We also discuss the implications of human sacrifice in ancient cultures, the legacy of figures like Vlad Dracula, and the ongoing relevance of these themes in modern society. The dialogue delves into the linguistic roots of vampirism, the significance of archaeological sites like Gobekli Tepe, and the dark legacy of biblical narratives such as Cain and Abel. This is an issue that is only properly understood through a biblical lens. These ancient practices and beliefs still influence the modern world. If you've missed our previous Halloween episodes with Dr. Judd Burton, here they are: Vampires, Werewolves, and the Nephilim (2010)Flesh and Blood (2014)Halloween and the Van Helsing Way (2015)Halloween, Vampires, and Blood (2016)Paneas, the Watchers, and the Ghosts of Giants (2017)Terrors and Tropes (2018)From Watchers to Witches (2019)Gobekli Tepe and the Watchers (2020)Supernatural Contraband (2021)Fairy Tales and Halloween (2022)Creepy Dolls (2023)

OLYMPIANS, Titans, and demigod heroes in the Bible? Yes, and the Jews of Jesus' day knew it.Joining us to discuss what most of us call “mythology” is our Iron and Myth crew: Doug Van Dorn (www.douglasvandorn.com), author of Giants: Sons of the Gods, Dr. Judd Burton (www.BurtonBeyond.net), director of The Institute of Biblical Anthropology and author of Interview with the Giant and The Nephilim Chronicles, and Brian Godawa (www.Godawa.com), best-selling author of Chronicles of the Nephilim, Chronicles of the Watchers, the theological thriller Cruel Logic, and a forthcoming novel relevant to this month's discussion based on the period of the Maccabees in Judea.We discuss the intricate relationship between Greek mythology and biblical narratives, particularly focusing on the influence of Greco-Roman religion on Jewish thought, and the significance of the Abomination of Desolation (Dan. 9:27, 11:31, 12:11; Matt. 24:15).We also explore the role of demigods and the Rephaim in ancient beliefs, the reality of ancient deities, and how the New Testament engages with Greek mythology. Doug highlights subversive storytelling in the Book of Acts, undermining Greek stories about the gods Zeus and Hermes. And we discuss the influence of ancient oracles on early Christianity; specifically, how the spread of the gospel silenced the oracles of Apollo, which provoked the most intense persecution of Christians in the history of the Roman Empire.Finally, we discuss the significance of the Septuagint and how it provides insights into biblical texts that may have been lost in translation, emphasizing the supernatural elements present in the Bible.

JESUS is not the lord of the Abyss. That would seem obvious, but there is a teaching out there on YouTube claiming to show that Jesus is the Mesopotamian god Enki, whose temple was the E-abzu—“House of the Abyss.” Not only is there no textual evidence connecting Enki to Jesus, the evidence plainly suggests otherwise. Mesopotamian texts describe Enki sending forth the apkallu, which scholars have identified as the rebellious Watchers of the Book of 1 Enoch, to bring the gifts of civilization to humanity. The apkallu, like the Watchers, the sons of God from Genesis 6, the Titans of Greece and Rome, and the “former gods” of the Hittites and Hurrians, were banished to the abyss. In short, Jesus, who explicitly identified himself as the Father, Yahweh (John 8:58, 10:30, 14:9), put a stop to a building project that archaeological evidence suggests was an attempt to to build an “abode of the gods” directly above the abzu—the abyss. We also touch again on why Yahweh is not Enlil, who some identify as Satan: Enlil was also as Dagon (Amorites, Philistines), El (Canaanites), and Milcom/Molech (Ammonites), was condemned by Yahweh under all of those names. For a deep dive, see my book The Second Coming of Saturn (which you can read at my website).  

IF YOU'RE watching or listening to this program, you probably already know that. But a dangerous teaching is spreading through social media that claims Yahweh is not the Father, but the evil one. We address the claims of this teaching, which derives from the apparent contradiction between the behavior of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the Old Testament and Jesus in the New Testament. It's understandable; without a divine council worldview, God can appear violent, capricious, even bloodthirsty. Building on that false characterization, this new doctrine—which is actually one the early church had to contend with for about 300 years beginning in the middle of the 2nd century AD—separates Jesus from Yahweh, making Him a secondary deity, an evil entity who deceived the patriarchs and prophets from Abraham to Malachi. However, Jesus identified Yahweh as his Father by calling the Temple, the temple of Yahweh, “my Father's house” (John 2:16); and then identified himself as the Father. Yahweh (John 8:58, 10:30, 14:9). The Jews who heard Jesus make these claims understood his meaning; they twice picked up rocks to stone him for blasphemy. The notion that Yahweh is not the Father, but Jesus' evil brother Satan, is a deception that only draws in those who haven't read the Bible in depth or reject the parts of it they don't like. The danger is that it presents a false justification to vilify Jews, who, in this false belief system, have been worshiping Satan since the time of the patriarchs. 

WE AMERICANS have no idea of what it's like to live under constant threat of missile attack, but that's a fact of life for Israelis.Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz, senior reporter for Israel365News.com, joins us via video from his home in Katzrin on the Golan Heights to discuss the current situation in Israel, the impact of recent conflicts, and the political dynamics at play. Adam shares his insights on the future of Israel and its allies, emphasizing the prophetic significance of the events unfolding in the region, and describes the impact of being forced to live within 30 seconds of a bomb shelter.We also discuss the ritual of the red heifer described in Numbers chapter 19 and how it's been misunderstood by Christians. Yes, the red heifers are at Shiloh and they are of age, but there are other critical requirements that must be met before the ritual purification of the Temple Mount can be accomplished.Our new book The Gates of Hell is now available in paperback, Kindle, and as an audiobook at Audible!

WE LIVE in prophetic times. The restoration of Israel in 1948 is evidence of that—but there are some who refuse to accept modern Israel as the fulfillment of God's promises to the Hebrew prophets. Ali Siadatan (ThinkAgainProductions.com) explores the prophetic significance of current events, particularly in relation to Israel and its role in biblical prophecy. We discuss the pushback from some evangelical Christians regarding Israel's legitimacy, the spiritual warfare surrounding Israel, and the historical context of its restoration. Our conversation also delves into the Jewish perspective on Jesus, the nature of spiritual blindness, and the implications of the New Covenant for Israel's future.  Ultimately, we discuss the importance of Jerusalem in prophecy and the role of Gentiles in God's plan, concluding with a call to protect Israel as a central part of God's narrative.

WHAT'S THE DEAL with Mount Hermon? Why has it been sacred to pagan religions for more than 4,000 years? Joining us to discuss the “mountain of gods” (Ps. 68:15) is our Iron and Myth crew: Doug Van Dorn (www.douglasvandorn.com), author of Giants: Sons of the Gods, and Dr. Judd Burton (www.BurtonBeyond.net), director of The Institute of Biblical Anthropology and author of Interview with the Giant and The Nephilim Chronicles. Sadly, Brian Godawa (www.Godawa.com), best-selling author of Chronicles of the Nephilim, Chronicles of the Watchers, and the theological thriller Cruel Logic, was unable to join us this month. We discuss the significance of Mount Hermon and its connections to ancient myths and symbolism. We also explore the esoteric ideas of David Flynn and the concept of the Great Year, a 25,920-year cycle that relates to the movement of the Earth's axis, and its possible connection to the Serpent Mound of Bashan and Gilgal Refaim, megalithic sites in the heart of ancient Bashan. Our discussion also touches on the astronomical procession, the significance of the number 33, and the geographical legacy associated with Mount Hermon. The conversation highlights the biblical prophecies related to Mount Hermon and the ultimate destruction of chaos—Leviathan. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the sacred geography and symbolism surrounding Mount Hermon in interpreting biblical texts. 

WHO BUILT the mysterious megalithic sites that defy what we think we know about our prehistoric ancestors—and why should we care? Derek Olson (StargateVoyager.com) has made a life's work of investigating megalithic sites around the world like Stonehenge and the Great Pyramid of Egypt, questioning how these massive stones were moved and shaped with primitive tools. Olson highlights the recent discovery at Stonehenge, where a giant stone was found to have been transported from northern Scotland, not Wales as previously believed. He also delves into the presence of elongated skulls found at many of these sites, suggesting a hidden history and advanced ancient civilizations. The bottom line is this: As followers of the One who spoke all things into existence, we shouldn't be afraid to investigate the purpose of these structures and speculate on the possibility of ancient technology and lost knowledge.Follow Derek Olson at:• YouTube: @Stargate_Voyager• X: @Derek_Olson

ISRAEL IS on the front lines of a religious and civilizational struggle that goes back 1,400 years. We visited Israel in May to see with our own eyes how Israelis are dealing with the shock of October 7 and the stresses of the ongoing war. In July, Pastor Niel Peterson invited Sharon and me to gave a talk at Harvest Revival Center in Brookville, Ohio about our takeaways from that visit in May. This one-hour talk features images and video so you can see what we saw in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and several communities attacked by Hamas last October. The bottom line is that while Israel faces an existential threat from Iran's proxies in the region, the people of Israel are determined to survive. Most important, we see in scripture that God has not washed His hands of Israel.

WE ARE LIVING in prophetic times. The fact that Iran—ancient Persia—launched an attack on Israel for the first time in history this year is proof.Ali Siadatan (ThinkAgainProductions.com) joins us to discuss Bible prophecy and the unique relationship between Persia and the Jewish people throughout history. Our discussion also touches on the Sunni-Shia divide and the alliances formed based on a common goal of opposing Israel.We discuss the question of how to interpret and understand biblical prophecy in the midst of complex geopolitical dynamics. The conversation explores the patterns and multiple fulfillments of biblical prophecies, focusing on Psalm 83 and Ezekiel 38–39. Ali emphasizes that prophecy is not a linear fulfillment but a pattern that repeats throughout history—which is why Iran's turn against Israel is so significant.

ONE OF THE MYSTERIES of the Bible is why there are no accounts of priests or prophets casting out demons. Why is that?This is odd because the pagan neighbors of the Israelites knew about demons and had an entire library of rituals and spells for casting them out.  And in the early 1st century, Jesus and the apostles had their hands full casting demons out of people all over Judea and the Mediterranean world.Joining us to explore the presence of demonic entities in the Old Testament and their connection to ancient pagan deities is our monthly Iron and Myth crew: Doug Van Dorn(www.douglasvandorn.com), author of Giants: Sons of the Gods, Dr. Judd Burton(www.BurtonBeyond.net), director of The Institute of Biblical Anthropology, and Brian Godawa (www.Godawa.com), best-selling author of Chronicles of the Nephilim, Chronicles of the Watchers, and the theological thriller Cruel Logic.We discuss various passages and linguistic connections that suggest the existence of demons in the Hebrew Bible. We also delve into the significance of the desert as a place associated with chaos and demonic activity. The conversation touches on the rituals and practices related to demons, including the naming and mocking of these entities. We conclude with an examination of Azazel and the connection between the demonic realm and the wilderness. The conversation explores the presence of supernatural entities in ancient texts and their connection to demonic activity. The term Abarim is discussed as a name for Mount Nebo, associated with spirits on the other side of the veil—namely, the Rephaim. And we look at Lilith, a vampiric creature mentioned in Isaiah 34:14 (usually translated into English as “night bird”) in relation to ancient Near Eastern and Mediterranean traditions. We also take a look at the significance of Psalm 91 and its references to pestilence, terror, and destruction as names of entities.Ultimately, however, we can only speculate on why we don't see exorcisms in the Old Testament. Is it possible that the practice only became necessary with the appearance of the Messiah in the Holy Land?

DONALD TRUMP, Nikola Tesla, and time travel?The 2024 presidential election is already one of the weirdest in American history. Troy Anderson (troyanderson.us) joins us to discuss his forthcoming book The Trump Code that explores the strange relationships between the Trump family, Nikola Tesla, and a series of 19th century novels that seem to predict Donald Trump's return to the White House—followed by chaos.We also discuss the potential impact of a second Trump term, the existence of a deep state, and the role of secret societies in shaping world events. Finally, Troy touches on whether the United States has reached its “Nineveh moment,” an opportunity to repent and turn back to God to avoid what appears to be imminent judgment.

A CEASEFIRE in Gaza will not bring peace to the Middle East. Those who think otherwise need a lesson in history. Islam is bent on world domination. Not all Muslims aspire to victorious global jihad, but those who follow the teachings of Muhammad the way his immediate successors do. With 1.6 billion Muslims on Earth, that still leaves a sizable remnant willing to pursue his vision of conquest. In May, lecturer/author/theologian/politician Avi Lipkin (biblicalalliance.com) spoke to the group we took to Israel on our Solidarity Mission. Avi gave us a condensed history lesson, including evidence of the anti-Jewish bias of the U. S. State Department, and what he sees coming for Israel and its neighbors—especially Lebanon, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia.  The bottom line, according to Avi: Sleep well despite the headlines because God is going to do what God is going to do.

PEOPLE SEEK meaning outside of themselves, something bigger that transcends the natural realm and offers answers to the big questions of life. Surprisingly, in our modern age that often means turning to the pagan gods of antiquity.Carl Teichrib (ForcingChange.org), author of Game of Gods, joins us to explore the concept of re-enchantment in the modern world, where people are seeking spirituality and meaning outside of traditional religious frameworks.We discuss the shift from modernity to postmodernity, the rejection of Christianity and traditional norms, and the use of psychedelics as a means to connect with the divine. We also talk about the rise of paganism and the reasons people are turning to ancient pagan beliefs.The bottom line is this: It's important to ground one's faith in the Word of God rather than relying solely on experiential spirituality, regardless of whether one considers him or herself a Christian or a pagan.

“THERE WERE GIANTS in the earth in those days.” Those nine words are among the most controversial in the entire Bible.Who or what were the Nephilim? Doug Van Dorn (www.douglasvandorn.com), author of Giants: Sons of the Gods, Dr. Judd Burton (www.BurtonBeyond.net), and Brian Godawa (www.Godawa.com), best-selling author of Chronicles of the Nephilim and the theological thriller Cruel Logic, join us for our monthly Iron and Myth roundtable to discuss the giants of the pre-Flood world.We address the arguments against understanding these beings as literal hybrid creatures and explore the reasons why this interpretation is not taught in seminaries. We highlight the importance of addressing contrary views and the need to consider multiple interpretations of theological concepts.Our conversation touches on the role of the Septuagint in understanding the giants and the connection between the giants and the divine council, the interpretation of the Hebrew word 'Nephilim' and its connection to the 'sons of God' and 'daughters of men' in Genesis 6, and the significance of cosmic geography and the cult of the dead in relation to the giants.

WHAT IS a Baptist preacher doing with the website UFOpastor.com?Pastor Mike Hoggard of Bethel Church in Festus, Missouri (pastormikehoggard.com) sat down with us at the Mysteries of the Bibleverse Conference in Cincinnati to explain why the UFO phenomenon is just a modern spin on a very old lie—one with serious implications for the end times.Mike explains that Nordics, Reptilians, and Grays have a biblical explanation, and that, even though they're not extraterrestrisl, they are rightly called “aliens” because they're not from here—and they're not supposed to be here.

REALITY IS A LOT CLOSER to The X-Files than we'd like to believe. It's also a lot closer to the future laid out in the Book of Revelation. David Heavener is putting his vision of what that might look like on the screen with his award-winning series, The Last Evangelist. David, who's written, produced, and directed the series, discusses his inspiration for what some might find a disturbing vision of the very near future, and how his background as a director of low-budget action movies in Hollywood has prepared him for a project that's being produced without the strings that come with a big budget. The Last Evangelist recently won a Diamond Globe Award at the International New York Film Festival for Best Inspirational Series, and David received a Diamond Globe for Best Director—competing against some projects with many times the budget behind them. Episode 2 of The Last Evangelist debuts at 6:00 PM EDT Saturday, July 20, 2024 at Harvest Revival Church in Brookville, Ohio (suburban Dayton). If you'd like to attend, reserve your place at David's website, DavidHeavener.tv.

SINCE OCTOBER 7, 2023, the number of Christians speaking out against Israel has been growing. Some of these voices are openly anti-Semitic.Dr. Mike Spaulding (DrMikeSpaulding.com), pastor of Calvary Chapel in Lima, Ohio, has written a couple of articles at Harbinger's Daily rebuking this disturbing spirit. Mike discusses the history of Israel and misconceptions surrounding its existence. We also discuss the importance of supporting Israel and understanding its biblical significance.Mike also brings details of his annual Go Therefore Conference (GoThereforeConference.com) July 26–27, 2024 at Harvest Revival Center in Brookville (Dayton), Ohio. Derek and Sharon Gilbert are featured speakers along with L. A. Marzulli, Pastor Carl Gallups, Dr. Judd Burton, Pastor Paul Begley, Dr. Sherri Tenpenny, Joe Ardis Horn, Tom Dunn, and Dr. Greg Reid.

THE BOOK OF 1 ENOCH has had a powerful influence on Christian theology. But it's more than just an explanation of how the Nephilim came to be in Genesis 6. The second section of the Book of 1 Enoch, chapters 37–71, is called the Book of Parables by scholars. It was the last section of 1 Enoch to be written, probably completed toward the very end of the 1st century BC. It contains teachings that are not found in any prior Jewish writing—for example, the forgiveness of sin through repentance rather than the Law, the imminent judgment of God on an evil world, and the coming of a messianic figure called the Son of Man who would execute God's justice on rebellious angels, evil kings, and wicked landowners. What's more, scholars now believe the Book of Parables was written by Essenes—but not at Qumran, where the idea that anyone could be forgiven outside of their community and their rules was inconceivable. The group that wrote the Book of Parables lived in the north, at Mount Arbel near the town of Magdala on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee. This is near the south end of the valley through which the Jordan River flows between the Mount Hermon and the Sea of Galilee. This valley is the physical Valley of the Shadow of Death—and Jesus declared it so when he moved from Nazareth to make his home at Capernaum on the north shore of the Sea of Galilee—plainly visible from Mount Arbel less than six miles away. The Essenes of Mount Arbel, who could see Mount Hermon on the northeastern horizon, prepared the ground in the upper Galilee for the arrival of Jesus, the Messiah. And they did it with teachings preserved for us in the Book of 1 Enoch.

A DEBATE over the nature and identity of a shadowy group mentioned in the Book of Genesis has divided Christian theologians for the last 1,600 years. This month, our Iron and Myth roundtable discusses the “sons of God” in Genesis 6:1–4. Were they divine beings or humans? And if they were just flesh and blood, how did their unions with “daughters of men” result in the Nephilim (which we'll discuss next month)? Joining us to hash this out are Doug Van Dorn (www.douglasvandorn.com), author of Giants: Sons of the Gods, Dr. Judd Burton (www.BurtonBeyond.net), author of Interview With the Giant, and Brian Godawa (www.Godawa.com), best-selling author of the theological thriller Cruel Logic. Our discussion explores the interpretation of the phrase 'sons of God' in Genesis 6 and its implications in the Old and New Testaments. We delve into the Sethite view, the dynastic king view, and the supernatural view, examining the historical and linguistic context of the phrase. The Septuagint's role in clarifying the supernatural elements is also highlighted.  We also address the fear of mythology and selective theology based on personal bias. The conversation also explores the divine right of kings, the nature of the angel of the Lord, the concept of the Nephilim, the cultural context of ancient beliefs, and the danger of interpreting ancient scriptures while projecting modern values onto the past. 

IF EVER there was a time for men of valor to rise up and defend the Christian faith, it's now. Corby Shuey, pastor of Mt. Zion Road Christian Church in Lebanon County, PA, author of For Valor: Defending the Faith for Those of Worth (https://amzn.to/3VmKIs8), joins us to talk about the concept of valor in defending the faith, the importance of defending traditional Christian values, and the critical role of men in leading their families in the spiritual battle.We also address the impact of fear, the preservation of biblical truth, and the desperate need for strong shepherds in the church. 

WHEN ARE GODS not gods? When they're rebranded as human judges or rulers to avoid uncomfortable theological implications. Brian Godawa (www.Godawa.com), best-selling author of the theological thriller Cruel Logic, Doug Van Dorn(www.douglasvandorn.com), author of Giants: Sons of the Gods, and Dr. Judd Burton (www.BurtonBeyond.net), author of Interview With the Giant, discuss a Hebrew phrase in Genesis 6:2 that has led to a lot of theological discussion over the last 1,700 years. Are the bene ha-elohim (“sons of God”) angelic beings or is that simply a term that refers to human rulers who allowed themselves to be corrupted. Psalm 82 reads like a courtroom scene in heaven if one accepts the supernatural interpretation of “sons of God” or “sons of the Most High.” However, because Jesus quotes Psalm 82:6 (“I said, ‘You are gods'”) in John 10:34, responding to a group of Jews who wanted to stone him for claiming to be divine, there are those who argue that Psalm 82 does not refer to supernatural beings. We discuss Jesus's use of Psalm 82 in John 10; in a nutshell, he would not have claimed to be divine (“I and the Father are one” – John 10:30) and then immediately said, in effect, “But it's OK because you're all gods, too.” Follow us!• X: @pidradio | @sharonkgilbert | @derekgilbert• Telegram: t.me/gilberthouse• YouTube: @GilbertHouse | @UnravelingRevelation• Facebook.com/viewfromthebunker

IT'S BIZARRE that world opinion has swung against Israel in its ongoing war in Gaza. Less than eight months ago, a murderous death cult swarmed out of Gaza, murdering more than 1,200 and abducting another 200. Yet the tone of media coverage could lead one to conclude that Israel was the aggressor in this conflict. The longer Hamas delays the release of the remaining 130 or so hostages, its only leverage over Israel, the greater the pressure applied to Israel by the rest of the world including its primary military supporter, the United States.Last week, we traveled to Israel with a small group from the US, UK, and New Zealand to see things for ourselves, without the corporate media filter. We visited communities in the Negev that border Gaza: Sderot, where the police station was besieged and overrun; Ofakim, where a quick-thinking Jewish grandmother stalled terrorists with her cooking until her police officer son could round up counterterror forces; and Re'im, site of the Nova Music Festival, where 364 Israelis died that morning—the single deadliest terror event in Israel's modern history.Thanks to Mike Kerr and Jeannie Moore of Hear the Watchmen (hearthewatchmen.com), we present a one-hour summary of our trip to Israel, including never-before-seen video from ground zero of the Israel-Hamas War.

AS THE WORLD hurtles toward the Second Coming, you have a unique mission for our King. That's not to say God needs us to wield His sword. He will handle that on His own when the time comes. Meanwhile, discerning your divine mission can help you live with a sense of clarity and purpose while sharing the hope you have in Christ with your family, friends, and colleagues.  Retired U.S. Army Colonel David Giammona and Pulitzer Prize-nominated journalist Troy Anderson join us to discuss their new book Your Mission in God's Army (https://amzn.to/3JHh7Tt). They explain what it means to walk in supernatural power, protection, and provision; how to glean wisdom from U.S. military intelligence tactics and strategies; and powerful techniques and disciplines used by biblical heroes.

YOU CANNOT understand the supernatural conflict described in the Bible if you don't understand what happened in Genesis 6:1–4. Gary Wayne joins us to discuss The Genesis 6 Conspiracy Part 2, a well-researched and detailed sequel to his best-selling book. We explore the Genesis 6 event, the importance of understanding prehistory and giants in relation to end time prophecy, and the distinction between Nephilim, Rephaim, and Gibborim. Gary explains that the first book focuses on the connection between Genesis 6 and secret societies, while the second book delves deeper into the biblical basis for understanding giants and their role in the post-Flood world. We also touch on the Jesuits, the battles of Israel against giants, and the significance of the terms Nephilim, Rephaim, and Gibborim in biblical context. 

THERE IS A RISING TIDE of anti-Semitism in the body of Christ. It's time for believers to address this issue. Mark Sutherland (MarkSutherland.org) joins us to discuss the geopolitical struggles involving Israel and the rise of anti-Semitic conspiracy theories. We examine the importance of understanding biblical prophecies and the significance of Jerusalem in these events. We also address irresponsible reporting by the corporate media and misinformation surrounding Israel and the Jewish people. The conversation delves into the history of Zionism, the establishment of Israel, and the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The decline of Christianity in the Middle East is increasing, down from 20% of the population a century ago to 5% today, but it isn't due to Jewish persecution. Understanding history is critical to informed discussions about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

THE PSALMS are often polemics directed at the gods of the pagan nations around Israel. Case in point is the subject of this month's Iron and Myth roundtable, Psalm 29. Dr. Judd Burton (www.BurtonBeyond.net), author of Interview With the Giant, Brian Godawa (www.Godawa.com), best-selling author of the new novel Cruel Logic, and Doug Van Dorn (www.douglasvandorn.com), author of Giants: Sons of the Gods, discuss Psalm 29 and its interpretation from a divine counsel perspective. We explore the translation of the Hebrew phrase bene elim as “sons of God” and its connection to the divine council (Psalm 82:1). We also discuss the similarities between Psalm 29 and Canaanite poetry about Baal, suggesting that the psalm may be a subversive polemic against Baal worship.  We also highlight the geographical references in the psalm and their significance in relation to the storm-god language. It's important to recognize these similarities and understand the cultural context of the biblical world. Not only did the Hebrew prophets and psalmists take direct aim at the gods of their pagan neighbors, their writings reveal Christ in the Old Testament. 

MYSTERY BABYLON of the end times is the return of Babel. This shouldn't surprise us—the Hebrew words bab el (from Akkadian bab ilu, meaning “gate of gods”), translated Babylon, are the same words rendered “Babel” in Genesis 11. Tyler Gilreath, author of the new book Gate of the Gods, explains why the connections between Babel and Babylon are much deeper than just linguistics.Here's the link to 'Gate of the Gods' at Amazon: https://amzn.to/4aBnN1mBear in mind that there will be a special discounted offer on 'Gate of the Gods' at the SkyWatchTV store in a month or so accompanying broadcast programs featuring Tyler Gilreath and Lt. Col. Robert Maginnis, author of the forthcoming book 'Out of this World: Are UFOs Aliens, Spirits, or Pure Hokum?'

YOU'VE HEARD OF the universe and the multiverse—but what about the unexplained mysteries of the Bibleverse? Micah Van Huss, host of Marginal Mysteries for Southwest Radio Ministries, is one of the featured speakers (along with Derek) at the upcoming Mysteries of the Bibleverse Live Event June 7–8, 2024 in Cincinnati. We discuss Micah's books Ancient Cities and the Gods Who Built Them, Secret Societies: Blood Never Sleeps, and The Earth as it Was, and why Christians should even care about weird topics like giants, demons, and UFOs. Information on the Mysteries of the Bibleverse Conference: https://www.swrc.com/events/mysteries-of-the-bible-verse-conferenceMicah's website: www.marginalmysteries.com.

THE NUMBERS 9-1-1 have a specific meaning for Americans—the numbers one dials to call for help in an emergency. They're also significant as the chapter and verse in the Book of Revelation that identifies the fallen angel called the Destroyer. Joining us this week are pastor, author, and acclaimed biblical prophecy expert Paul Begley, host of a popular YouTube show with over 250 million views, and Pulitzer Prize-nominated investigative journalist and five-time #1 bestselling author Troy Anderson, authors of the new book Revelation 911: How the Book of Revelation Intersects with Today's Headlines.We discuss the relevance of a 2,000-year old prophecy in a world struggling with war, famine, disease, and mass migration—and even how recent renewed interest in the UFO/UAP phenomenon points to the soon return of the Messiah.

SOME OF THE MOST epic stories from the ancient world deal with the wars of the gods. It's not a coincidence that one of the most commonly used titles for God in the Bible is “Lord of hosts,” which literally means “Yahweh of armies.”Doug Van Dorn (www.douglasvandorn.com), author of Giants: Sons of the Gods, Dr. Judd Burton (www.BurtonBeyond.net), author of Interview With the Giant, and Brian Godawa (www.Godawa.com), best-selling author of the new novel Cruel Logic, join us to discuss warrior gods of the ancient world like Ares/Mars, Inanna/Ishtar, Baal/Zeus/Jupiter, and the violent old gods the Titans, and how their motives differ from those of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.We also talk about how we Christians, believing in a loving God who's willing to forgive those who repent and accept Him as Lord, can reconcile the image of Jesus as the suffering servant with the depiction of Yahweh the warrior.

KING NEBUCHADNEZZAR saw a vision that disturbed him so much that he ordered his sorcerers, enchanters, and magicians to tell him what he'd dreamed and its interpretation—on pain of death. Obviously, the Chaldeans of Nebuchadnezzar's court couldn't comply with the king's demand. They were on the verge of being killed when one remembered the Judean named Daniel. Through a revelation of God, Daniel was able to reveal the dream and its interpretation, but that's led to 2,500 years of debate over just what the interpretation actually means. Ali Siadatan (ThinkAgainProductions.com) joins us to discuss the ages of humanity—gold, silver, bronze, and iron—and the mixing of iron and clay as described in the dream. We also touch on the succession of empires and the concept of the fourth exile and the Messianic age.  We also explore the idea of birth pangs and the signs of the end times, including the days of Noah and the phenomenon of hybrids and the existence of demigod kings in history. We explore evidence of Gilgamesh's tomb and the possibility of hybridization between fallen angels and humans.Ali also shares his interpretation of the parable of wheat and tares, the birth of civilizations, and the supernatural nature of the Bible—including Ezekiel's startling prophecy of an evil dead army in the final battle at Armageddon.

FROM A BROKEN HOME in Guatemala to life as a gangster in Los Angeles, Mondo De La Vega is one of the last people you'd expect to find preaching the gospel. Mondo, Executive Producer of The Jim Bakker Show and host of The Mondo Show, joins us to discuss his new book My Crazy Life, and how his sister Laura, who, through the power of the Holy Spirit, resisted the lure of the false family structure offered by the gangs of L.A., was able to turn Mondo's life around with three questions, and how meeting Jim Bakker not only gave Mondo a direction but brought Jim back to active ministry doing what he does best—finding ways to deliver the gospel through broadcast television.

SOMETHING STRANGE has been happening on this planet for literally thousands of years, and it connects an intrusion into our world by fallen angels to modern paranormal phenomena like those reportedly observed at Skinwalker Ranch.Chad Riley of Truthseekers Research, writer/director and host of the documentary film Skinwalkers and Stranger Things of the Unseen Realm, joins us to explain how his research uncovered links between an ancient sin by rebellious elohim and unexplained events in the present day like remote viewing, cryptozoology, UFOs, and—of course—the Kennedy assassination.

TECHNOLOGY TO help you get possessed. It's out there—apps to guide you in journeys to the spirit realm. And what about the use of mind-altering drugs to open gateways to the unseen realm? Joining us to discuss the intersection of cutting-edge science and technology in the pursuit of contacting the spirit realm are Doug Van Dorn (www.douglasvandorn.com) and Dr. Judd Burton (www.burtonbeyond.net). (Sadly, our friend Brian Godawa (www.godawa.com) was unable to join us this month.) Throughout history, many techniques labeled sorcery or witchcraft were seen by its practitioners as efforts to develop scientific methods for reaching into the spirit world. We also talk about the increasingly fuzzy line between technology and magic. If entities in the spirit realm are essentially beings of light, can the devices we use to connect to the web allow entities to enter our reality? Can CERN really open a hole into another dimension—and if so, will something come through? (Maybe, and no.) We conclude that intentionality is the key ingredient. Not to be flippant, but if you really want to contact a demon, you can probably do it while reading names from a telephone book.

ONE OF the most enigmatic characters in the Bible is a man who literally sold his birthright for a bowl of beans. We refer, of course, to Jacob's brother Esau, about whom the Bible doesn't say much else except that he was the progenitor of Edom, southwest of the Dead Sea, a nation that would be a thorn in the side of Israel and Judah for about a thousand years.Justin Brown, host of Prometheus Lens and co-host of The Dig Bible Podcast, joins us to discuss his forthcoming book, The Epic of Esau. Is there more to learn about the brother Jacob tricked out of his inheritance? For example, a Jewish legend about Esau names him as the one who killed the Sumerian king Nimrod, and by so doing, inheriting a magical garment—the one created by God for Adam when he and Eve were expelled from the Garden of Eden.There is no way to confirm the ancient stories, so at the end of the day we're left with some valuable lessons from the life of Esau like the importance of humility, repentance, and forgiveness in the face of missed opportunities and bad decisions. Find Justin's podcasts at prometheuslenspodcast.com and thedigbiblepodcast.com.