Country singer and Christian commentator John Rich recently shared his perspective on the Shawn Ryan Show why some modern pastors, including Joel Osteen, avoid preaching about the end times.
Rich began by explaining the origins of the modern concept of the rapture, referencing preacher John Darby. Rich highlighted how dispensationalist teachings have shaped modern Christian expectations. According to this doctrine, true Christians will be taken from the earth before God’s wrath descends in full—a concept reinforced later by theologians such as Scofield.
Breaking News. Spirit-Filled Stories. Subscribe to Charisma on YouTube now!
However, Rich argues that these teachings may leave many Christians unprepared for the harsh realities described in Scripture. “Read Matthew 24,” he urges. “Jesus outlines the events that will occur before His return, including the rise of the Antichrist, persecution of believers and global turmoil.” He points out that the Bible instructs Christians to “run to the mountains” when the Antichrist rises and that only after these trials will the sign of Christ’s return be visible.
Rich contrasts these biblical truths with modern American preaching. “Joel Osteen is never going to say anything that’s going to make anybody uncomfortable ever on any level,” he explains. He criticizes this approach as avoiding the hard truths that the Bible teaches, noting the difference from ministries like Billy Graham’s, which confronted audiences with both the reality of hell and the hope of heaven.
Persecution around the world points directly to the reality of Rich’s argument. “Why don’t you go tell that to the underground Christians in communist China right now who are being killed by the thousands? Why don’t you go tell that to the Christians in Syria right now who are being chopped up into pieces in the streets?” he asks. Rich emphasizes that American Christians often lack the perspective of those who risk their lives daily for their faith.
Join Charisma Magazine Online to follow everything the Holy Spirit is doing around the world!
Technological advancements, including global surveillance and AI, are another focus. Rich points out, “Of course you can monitor every single human being on the face of the earth. They just haven’t weaponized it to that point yet.” He warns that these technologies could facilitate the fulfillment of end times prophecies, making it crucial for believers to recognize the signs.
Ultimately, Rich encourages Christians to engage directly with Scripture and cultivate spiritual discernment. “You need to know that’s what that is,” he says, referencing the mark of the beast and other prophetic events. He also advises his sons, “There is only one true answer and it does not come from yourself and it does not come from any other human being. It comes from the One that created you and what words have been written in that book in the Bible.”
Abby Trivett is content development editor for Charisma Media.
