
War for Greater Israel or “God lied“
Many Christians back Israel based on Genesis 12:3 or geopolitics. But Candlelight's theology - an 1830s invention, not ancient faith - demands 'Greater Israel' at any cost, even world war, clashing with Jesus’ call to love and peace (Matthew 5:44). This vision of literal wars and a rebuilt temple ignores the spiritual kingdom open to all believers. We honor the sincere seekers at Candlelight, while questioning these ideas that divide us from broader Christianity's call to peace.

Watch Pastor Paul Van Noy’s call for war and expansion
“From the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates. So from the Nile to the Euphrates... This is a massive area... They will obtain it all or God lied.”
— Pastor Paul, Sermon on Greater Israel (2021)

“They keep saying you’re attacking our babies… I’d probably blow the whole damn thing off the map.”
Pastor Van Noy’s words shock believers who prioritize Gospel peace over apocalyptic wars
Pastor Paul with IDF Soldiers in Israel Dispensationalism's Holy Alliance. Advocating Greater Israel and End-Times Wars, One Sermon at a Time.
What 'Greater Israel' Means in Dispensationalism
Candlelight pastors interpret Genesis 15:18 literally, envisioning Israel expanding from the Nile to the Euphrates, encompassing parts of Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq. This isn't just historical restoration, it's a prophetic mandate for ethnic Jews to reclaim land through divine favor and human action. For Candlelight, this obsession elevates Israel's territorial claims above global stability, turning biblical promises into a blueprint for conflict that feels far removed from the New Testament's focus on spiritual inheritance for all believers.
Ethno-Nationalism: Dispensationalism's Hidden Double Standard
Candlelight promotes ethno-nationalism by reserving God's promises for ethnic Jews, treating non-Jews as “End Times” outsiders. Candlelight leadership advisors dismiss conservative concerns over anti-White policies and Israeli government actions as "woke right” and “white supremacist”. Yet they champion Israel's ethnic exclusivity as divine will, exposing hypocrisy: ethno-nationalism is vile for "us," but holy for "them." This selective outrage alienates Christians who see the Gospel uniting all nations, not dividing by bloodline.
Accelerationism: Hastening the End Times Through War
Accelerationism in dispensationalism urges active support for Middle East conflicts to speed up prophecy, viewing wars as signs of the apocalypse rather than tragedies to prevent. Candlelight's theology sees Israel's expansion as essential for the rapture and Christ's return, justifying aggressive policies that could ignite regional chaos. This mindset, far from Jesus' peacemaking, treats violence as a divine tool, alienating Christians who believe God's kingdom advances through love, not bloodshed.
The Risk of World War 3: Geopolitical Recklessness
Dispensationalism's push for Greater Israel risks escalating tensions with nuclear powers like Iran and Russia, potentially sparking World War 3 as prophesied in Ezekiel 38-39. By tying U.S. foreign policy to this vision - through groups like Christians United for Israel - figures like Pastor Paul contribute to a narrative where global catastrophe is not just possible but welcomed as fulfillment. This accelerationist gamble disregards the human cost, prioritizing End Times speculation over the moral imperative to pursue peace.
Clash with Jesus' Teachings: Division Over Unity
Jesus prayed for unity among believers (John 17:21) and commanded love for enemies (Matthew 5:44), yet dispensationalism's ethnic focus on Israel creates an "us vs. them" divide, sidelining the universal Church. Candlelight's theological endorsement of Greater Israel through war contradicts this, fostering a theology where geopolitical loyalty trumps spiritual kinship. For normal Christians, this feels like a distortion of the Gospel, reducing faith to a partisan script rather than a call to reconciliation for all.
Implications for Candlelight Attendees: A Wake-Up Call
If you're at Candlelight, ask: Does supporting endless conflict align with the Prince of Peace? Dispensationalism's Greater Israel vision, with its war acceleration, has led to countless failed predictions, fractured communities, and more spilled American blood in endless Middle East quagmires. This isn't the hopeful faith of the early church, it's a 19th-century invention that risks leading believers astray from Jesus' example of compassion and justice.
Dispensationalism's Vision of 'Greater Israel'
A Literal Land Grab from the Nile to the Euphrates, Fueling Wars for Prophecy. At What Cost to Peace?