As I was watching troubling world events unfold these past few days, I could not help but think about the interactions between Jesus and His disciples when they were discussing the end of the age and His return. The disciples hung onto every word He said. In Matthew 24:42, He said: “Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour […]
MIDEAST UPDATE …. 7/21/2026 …. “The Battle Intensifies”
The House of Blessing has experienced some especially difficult times as of late. If you are a regular reader, you will have read many stories testifying of great blessings by the Lord through the ministry of the HOB missionaries, but also a great many heartwrenching accounts of tragedy — results of violent attacks by the enemies of the Gospel. Since […]
MIDEAST UPDATE …. 7/13/2026 …. “Failure” Is Not In God’s Vocabulary
I ran across a thought-provoking comment that I would like to pass on. There is not a genuine Christian alive that has not had struggles with doubts — especially the “big” questions having to do with the existence of God, life after death, the origin of life, etc. As we grow established in the faith, we become settled on these […]
MIDEAST UPDATE …. 7/3/2026 …. “Little Is Much When God Is In It”
A quick thought before today’s Mideast Update. We tend to think that accomplishing something worthwhile for the Kingdom of God means founding a large ministry that has an extended outreach. We all know of successful ministries like this, and they impress us, but all ministries start small. God has His people placed all over the world and in all kinds […]
MIDEAST UPDATE …. Part Two …. “The Whole Earth Will Be Filled With His Glory” 6/17/2026
This Mideast Update is a continuation of Part One from yesterday, 6/16/2026. Dr. Bandis sent the report below on June 13, 2026. It is the story of Sheikh Zaqouqa. Peace be upon you, brother Jack. The story of Saul, the Pharisee who fiercely persecuted Christians and who became the beloved Apostle Paul, is one of the greatest stories of forgiveness […]
MIDEAST UPDATE …. 6/16/2026 …. “The Whole Earth Will Be Filled With His Glory” Part One
I was thinking over all the stories of great victories that the House of Blessing has experienced in past years, but also stories of great tragedy and suffering. Our entire world is in great trouble today but it is what Jesus told us would be the case, especially at the end of the age. Psalm 72 starts with King Solomon […]
MIDEAST UPDATE …. 6/10/2026 …. “The Mystery of God’s Grace”
One of the things that makes Christianity so unique is the mystery of God’s grace. We know from Scripture that God designated the Jewish nation as His chosen people. Why? Because He chose them, as Abraham’s seed, to be the vehicle to usher the Messiah into the world. And, we know that the covenant God made with Abraham and his […]
MIDEAST UPDATE …. 6/7/2026 …. “The Lord Is My Light And Salvation, Whom Shall I Fear?”
John 11:25: I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.” In one of author Chris Tiegreen’s devotionals, he writes as from Christ to us: “I am the unquenchable life. I cannot die. When I come to live within you, you can’t die either. You can feel lifeless, and you may fear […]
THE LAST HOUR …. June 1, 2026
Is this the terminal generation? That is the purpose of this writing. Fair warning: this article is lengthy — although considerably abbreviated from the original study. Included are excellent commentary from scholars of the past as well as from the present. You may or not agree with summations this writer has presented, but it is for you the reader to […]
MIDEAST UPDATE …. 5/29/2026 …. “God Has All Things Under His Control”
As most readers are aware, a large gathering of the House of Blessing community of believers, including many leaders, elders, and teachers as well as students and new believers suffered a major mustard gas attack. Many civilians were also in the proximity. Dr. Bandis was one of the ones nearly killed, along with Pastor Abdelrahem, Hayel, and Arshid. Dr. Bandis […]