America can field armies and influence nations. It cannot rewrite what God has declared.
During a live Bible prophecy Q&A, Pastor Jack Hibbs and prophecy teachers Jeff Kinley and Todd Hampson confronted a striking contrast: Persia is named in Ezekiel’s account of a future invasion of Israel, while America’s place in the prophetic picture remains uncertain.
The discussion pressed beyond military power into a question that reaches every Christian: Are we placing our confidence in a nation’s strength or in the promises of God?
Could America lose its power overnight?
Kinley, author of “The End of America?,” said he does not find the United States clearly identified in last-days prophecy. He acknowledged that many other modern nations also go unnamed. America’s superpower status, he argued, does not guarantee a commanding role in the final events before Jesus returns.
His proposed explanation centers on the Rapture.
“America itself, I believe, will suffer a great implosion at the rapture,” Kinley said.
Consider the consequences of Christians suddenly disappearing from workplaces, military installations and communities across the country. Kinley argued that the disruption would leave America vulnerable and diminish its ability to act as a superpower.
That is his explanation for America’s absence, rather than an explicit biblical prediction naming the United States. But it challenges the assumption that America will always possess the strength or willingness to defend Israel.
Hampson carried that thought further, suggesting that the loss of Christian influence could accelerate America’s turn against the Jewish people.
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Persia has a place in the prophecy
Hibbs pointed to a nation whose participation is explicitly recorded.
“Persia must be in existence for the Ezekiel 38 battle,” he said.
Ezekiel 38:5 names Persia among the forces coming against Israel. Hibbs identified Persia with Iran and emphasized that its prophetic role must remain in view when considering the country’s future.
He also left room for a change in leadership.
“Could there be a regime change? Let’s see. Let’s hope so because I know many of you are excited about maybe getting into the country with us to preach the gospel,” Hibbs said.
The distinction matters. Persia’s presence in the prophecy does not guarantee the survival of the current Iranian regime.
Nor does its participation guarantee victory. The panel emphasized that the invading coalition meets God’s supernatural intervention. Israel’s enemies assemble, but God determines the outcome.
Our confidence in Israel’s future rests on the God who keeps His covenant promises. Even the strongest ally cannot take His place.
We do not have to wait for another headline
The conversation then brought the prophetic discussion directly to the church.
Kinley said no additional prophecy must be fulfilled before the Rapture.
“We’re not waiting for the temple to be rebuilt,” he said.
Hampson distinguished developments preparing the world for future events from prophetic requirements that must occur before Jesus gathers His church.
“Those are stage-setting events for future prophecy,” Hampson said.
All three affirmed a pre-Tribulation Rapture. Hibbs pointed to Jesus’ promise in John 14:1-3 to receive His followers to Himself and emphasized the blessed hope described in Titus 2:13.
We can study the nations while neglecting the condition of our own hearts. Prophecy calls us to stay faithful to Jesus, keep sharing the gospel and live ready for His return.
Hibbs made that charge personal: “If the whole world and your family bails out on Jesus, you stay true to Jesus.”
America’s future carries unanswered questions. God’s faithfulness does not.
James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a journalism background from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and at the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
