Anne Reed
AFA Journal staff writer
October 2020 – Concerning the timing and details related to the return of Christ, Christians have widely varying beliefs and opinions. Contention resulting from differences in interpretation and dogmatic views on the subject turn many away from the study of prophetic messages altogether.
Though 27% of verses contained in the Bible are prophecy related, those same passages of Scripture are cited in contemporary sermons only 2% of the time.
“The unintended result of prophecy being systematically removed from churches and educational institutes is that the world is forgetting why prophecy exists in the first place,” said Kevin Sorbo, narrator of the feature-length documentary Before the Wrath.
Why prophecy is essential
“It’s so that God can prove to the world that He is God,” Sorbo continued. “…If you remove prophecy from the Bible, you remove the proof that the Bible is from a divine source.”
“You know what’s interesting,” said J.D. Farag, theologian and pastor featured in the documentary, “Jesus said, ‘I have told you what’s going to happen before it happens so that when it happens, you will believe that I am.’ There is so much evidence! And the problem is that many today do not believe because they do not see the evidence that is there.”
Farag and others featured in the film attribute the issue to biblical illiteracy and blame the pulpit for purposely avoiding the prophetic passages.
“I think when you take [nearly] 30% of the Bible and you ignore it, then your understanding of the other 70% is going to be flawed,” agreed Amir Tsarfati, founder of Behold Israel.
Jan Markell, founder of Olive Tree Ministries and host of Understanding the Times heard on American Family Radio, is also featured in the film.
Though viewers will likely discern a particular end times perspective, it is not overly stressed.
The film does seem to infer that if pastors would diligently study and teach prophetic passages, the variance in eschatological views would be reduced. In any case, it is the responsibility of every believer to study the entire counsel of God, “to do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15, ESV).
How a wedding is instructional
The contextual highlight of the film is a series of reenactments that reveal why the disciples and other first-century believers easily understood the prophetic messages concerning the return of Christ. It was foretold in the Galilean wedding, the most significant cultural event in the northern part of Israel where Jesus and the disciples were from and where the majority of Jesus’ ministry took place.
Through stunning videography, deeply moving portrayals, and skilled narration, the beauty of the Galilean wedding covenant is presented in every striking and symbolic detail. From the betrothal, to the wedding celebration, and everything between, all draw a dynamic and hopeful illustration of the “marriage of the Lamb” (Revelation 19:7).
The film employed award-winning writer/director Brent Miller Jr., a cast of more than 60, and a Hollywood set to reveal what leading scholars of ancient anthropology discovered during more than a decade of research in Israel.
Even for those already aware of Jewish wedding customs, the Galilean wedding, with all of its unique distinctions, is breathtaking with its insights into scriptural prophecy. Many will likely watch it multiple times and take notes. And, it may inspire others to dig into those prophetic passages that make up nearly a third of God’s Word – and to seek understanding concerning the Bridegroom’s return for His beloved bride. 
See for yourself
This documentary is available on DVD and Blu-ray along with an accompanying book at beforethewrath.com. Streaming is available at christiancinema.com.
