Podcast Summary

Podcast: Jack Hibbs Podcast
Episode: Try To Keep Up: Bible Prophecy, Islam, And World Events
Date: March 5, 2026
Host: Jack Hibbs (JackHibbs.com)
Guest: Pastor James Cadiz (Calvary Chapel Signal Hill)

Brief Overview:

In this riveting episode, Jack Hibbs and his guest, Pastor James Cadiz, engage in a passionate, unfiltered discussion about Bible prophecy, Islam's global influence, and modern world events—particularly in the Middle East. Drawing from personal heritage, biblical scholarship, and current geopolitical analysis, they explore the intersection of eschatology, history, and today's headlines. Their candid conversation challenges listeners to look beyond media narratives, deeply know Scripture, and recognize the spiritual battle underlying world affairs—all while emphasizing the unique importance of Israel and biblical prophecy for the modern Christian.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Pastor James Cadiz’s Heritage and Perspective

• James’s Egyptian Background:
  James shares his personal roots—descended from two lines of Christian pastors in Egypt and raised with mission stories from Yemen, Gaza, and across the Middle East. (02:29–04:24)
• Connection to Israel:
  His grandfather, a pastor in Egypt, instructed the family during the Six-Day and Yom Kippur wars to listen to Israeli, not Egyptian, radio:

  “Listen to Israeli radio if you want to know the truth about what's happening.” – James Cadiz (03:54)

2. Current Geopolitical Situation in the Middle East (Military Movements & Choke Points)

• US Military Positioning:
  Jack voices concern that over a third of US military might is amassed in Middle East hotspots—Mediterranean, Strait of Hormuz, and Red Sea—creating strategic vulnerabilities. (05:05–06:30)
• Strategic Analysis:
  James explains the significance of trade routes (Suez Canal, Strait of Hormuz), emerging strategic alliances (e.g., Israel’s new ties in Somaliland), the rise of modern Babylon, and Saudi Arabia’s economic initiatives to reshape the region. (06:47–08:49)

3. Islam: Religion, Political Force, and Eschatology

• Islam as Geopolitical Theocracy:

  "Islam is a geopolitical, theocratic umbrella that covers not just religion. It's all of these other things that go down to the very nth of your existence." – Jack Hibbs (00:18, 56:00)

• Nature of Deception:
  The concept of taqiyya (deception for advancement of Islam) and hudna (temporary truce for later advantage) are explored.

  “It's predicated upon deception.” – James Cadiz (11:06)
  “How in the world would you like to believe a cult that... tells you... Allah is the chief of deceivers.” – James Cadiz (10:39)

• Islam as a Christian Heresy:
  They contend that Islam originated as a distortion of Christianity, noting even textual peculiarities in early Qur'an manuscripts and how Islamic eschatology co-opts biblical figures. (09:08–10:49; 54:36)
• Misunderstandings on Western Campuses:
  Many Westerners supporting Islamic slogans don’t understand their meaning:

  "Most of the time they don't [know] what river and what sea is. They don't know the difference between the Euphrates... to the Red Sea." – James Cadiz (13:42)
  “You say it like you've never spoke Arabic a day in your life. Because you haven't, number one. But then, number two, you don't even understand the full implication of what you're communicating.”– James Cadiz (13:23)

4. Prophecy, Israel, and Bible Literacy

• Modern-Day Babylon and The Return of Persia:
  Discussion on how biblical prophecies about Elam/Persia (modern Iran) might unfold, including the movement of populations and political shifts needed for Ezekiel 38-39 scenarios. (08:49–10:14, 47:31)
• On Israel’s Role:
  • Israel as God’s "timepiece"—its centrality in global events is predicted by scripture.
  • Many self-proclaimed Christians and younger generations ignore, misunderstand, or even oppose Israel’s biblical significance, falling prey to both revisionist history and anti-Semitic trends. (62:52–68:41)
• Pastors as Geopolitical Analysts:

  “It's my belief that pastors should be the best geopolitical analysts alive.” – James Cadiz (25:36)

  • They argue that understanding Bible prophecy is not optional but critical to interpreting world events accurately.
• Problem of Biblical Illiteracy:
  Many Christians are vulnerable to deception (including replacement theology and “Jesus is King” misunderstandings) due to ignorance of both Old and New Testament prophecy—emphasized with references to Daniel 9 and Hebrews’ teaching on Christ’s priesthood. (31:07–34:08)
• Revival of Bible Prophecy:
  The decline in preaching prophecy is lamented; teaching prophecy is necessary for equipping the next generation in current events.

  "If you want to save this generation, you need to get them to focus on Bible prophecy." – James Cadiz (75:17)

5. The Rise of Anti-Semitism, Western Naiveté, and Historical Blind Spots

• False Narratives:
  They critique Western progressives and campus activists for their ignorance and hypocrisy in siding with Islamic causes:

  “If you were to be in your country right now, in Islamic countries, they would kill you for what she [Ilhan Omar] did…” – Jack Hibbs (12:14)

• Slave Trade Revisionism:
  They emphasize that Islamic societies historically dominated the slave trade, while the U.S. (and specifically the Republican Party) abolished it, challenging popular misconceptions. (59:54–61:47)
• Jewish Contributions:
  The conversation highlights the foundational Jewish influence on the Bible, business, science, and technology (even referencing iPhones and aviation), juxtaposed with modern anti-Israel rhetoric. (80:13–81:01)

6. The Church’s Political and Spiritual Engagement

• Historic and Current Role of Calvary Chapel:
  Discussion referencing Chuck Smith, John MacArthur, and the movement’s shifting stance on political involvement. Jack contends biblical activism is not incompatible with the gospel. (40:00–43:02)
• Modern Tests for the Church:
  The church has been (and continues to be) refined through global crises (COVID, BLM, LBGTQ+, and now Israel), culminating in a streamlined, purified remnant ready for Christ’s return. (72:15–74:57)

7. Technology, AI, and End Times

• AI as Prophetic Fulfillment:
  Parallels drawn between Babel (Genesis 11), AI’s emerging ‘universal language,’ and the prophesied “image of the beast.”

  "Man has created a God in his own image [with AI]." – Jack Hibbs (86:07)

• Possibility of AI in End Times:

  “The image of the beast... appears to be mechanical but has some sign of life. But AI absolutely can be at the core of it.” – James Cadiz (85:02–85:44)

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On Western naiveté:

  “You have no idea what you're talking about.” – James Cadiz (11:55)

• On prophetic times:

  “I can't think of a greater topic for the church to end her existence on earth... while Israel is the big topic of debate.” – Jack Hibbs (73:31)

• On pastors and courage:

  “Covid did that for me. It broke me of that desire (to be liked)...most joyful, liberating...I am enjoying life now more than I ever have before because God gave me the opportunity to be put in such fire...” – James Cadiz (39:10)

• On generational potential:

  “I think [Gen Zers] are the probably the smartest generation this world has ever seen in many ways. It’s not a coincidence that God put that generation in the last days.” – James Cadiz (67:51)

• On loving and honoring Israel:

  “We have been given this heritage. We've been grafted in. The branch doesn't go to the tree and say, I hate you.” – James Cadiz (67:16)

• On why prophecy matters:

  “The more you are equipped with the Bible, the better you are equipped to deal with Islam. The Holy Spirit uses that way. Because Islam, all Islam is, is a Christian heresy.” – James Cadiz (63:40)

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |-------------------------------------------------|-----------------| | Introduction, show purpose, guest background | 00:00–04:24 | | US military strategy in Middle East | 05:05–06:30 | | Trade routes, alliances, and modern Babylon | 06:47–08:49 | | Islam’s roots, deception, eschatology | 09:08–13:38 | | Critique of activists and media ignorance | 13:23–17:39 | | Trump’s Middle East policy, Arab Spring, Israel | 17:40–23:29 | | Parallels: Israel & US politics, deep state | 21:57–25:36 | | Pastors as prophetic analysts | 25:36–26:55 | | Biblical literacy, “Jesus is King” debate | 31:07–34:08 | | Predicting political/military moves (Purim) | 35:18–37:05 | | Role of pastors, courage, and call to engage | 39:02–43:02 | | History of slave trade and Islamic influence | 59:54–61:47 | | How to equip the younger generation | 75:17–77:04 | | AI, modern Babel, and prophecy | 82:55–87:12 | | The urgency for Bible prophecy teaching | 93:15–94:23 |

Conclusion & Call to Action

Jack and James urge listeners to immerse themselves in Scripture, especially prophecy, to understand and navigate this unprecedented age. They encourage pastors to engage boldly in both spiritual and civic spheres, and urge the younger generation to recognize its unique prophetic role. Jack plugs James’s new book, "The Last Book," as a valuable resource for understanding Revelation in its Old Testament context (90:34–94:23).

Further Resources

• Find Pastor James Cadiz’s book:
  [Amazon link, search “The Last Book” James Cadiz]
• More from Jack Hibbs:
  jackhibbs.com

This summary covers all critical discussions, timestamped memorable moments, and notable quotes, maintaining the engaging and candid tone of the hosts. It is designed to be accessible and insightful for both new and returning listeners.