Question: Some people have the bent that all Arabs (Ishmael's offspring) are mapped out only for disaster prophetically. Can you point me to a Scripture that addresses this issue?

Answer: Ishmael's descendants were to inherit the land "east of his brothers" (Gen. 16:12). This would include the countries of Jordan, Syria, Iraq, etc. Ishmael's violent tendencies are also prophesied there in Genesis 16:12.

However, according to Isaiah 19:23-25, peace will finally one day be achieved between Ishmael and his brother, Isaac. Together, when this Scripture is fulfilled, they will enjoy great blessings from the Lord. "In that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrians will come into Egypt and the Egyptians into Assyria, and the Egyptians will worship with the Assyrians. In that day Israel will be the third party with Egypt and Assyria, a blessing in the midst of the earth, whom the LORD of hosts has blessed, saying, 'Blessed is Egypt My people, and Assyria the work of My hands, and Israel My inheritance". Isaiah 19:23-25 (NAS). How we should all long to see this prophecy fulfilled!

Question: Is there any one Scripture that causes you to conclude that the Rapture of the Church will take place before the Tribulation?

Answer: Yes. Revelation 3:10 says, "Because you have kept the word of My perseverance, I also will keep you from the hour of testing, that hour which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell upon the earth". (NAS)