The Parable of the Weeds,
The End Times,
And What To Expect Before Jesus’ Returns
Christians, Unpack Your Bags. You’re Here for the Duration!
Comments from those who have read or reviewed the book
From the Author
I wrote this book for those who are uncomfortable with the notion of a pre-tribulation rapture and want to explore an alternative that doesn’t require a manual or handbook to understand. It is loaded with Scripture references and challenges the reader to look at what the Bible actually says about the end times instead of what others say the Bible says. It’s conclusion is quite simple: all of us, followers of Jesus and those who are not, will be living together in the same field until the harvest—until the end of the age—experiencing the good and bad that is common to all.
Facebook Review: “Planting Hope” digital creator, (SW), May, 2026 (Link)
Wow! I just finished reading “Christians, Unpack Your Bags! The Parable of the Weeds, the End Times, and What to Expect Before Jesus Returns”, by Dick Lentz. A few people on Amazon have given thoughtful, positive reviews, excellently worded, with which I agree. His approach is so different than other authors I have tried and ultimately failed to read. He is gracious and disarming, inviting his readers to consider conclusions he’s come to after much questioning and examination of scripture, and the result feels extremely practical and wise. I urge you to consider reading it. Even if you think you’ll disagree with him, he has a way of presenting his evidence and conclusions that leaves room for his readers to make up their own minds. Often he says, “if this is true, then….” and lays out an argument that feels compelling and logical. I was surprised many times, and the further I read the more compelled I felt to continue. Have you ever examined the scriptures that teach about Jesus’ return? It seems to me that there is so much to be prepared for. If you follow the advice in this book, you will be prepared for anything that comes, however long the Lord should “tarry”.
Amazon Review: “Practical View of the End Times” (VC), May 2026 (Link)
There are scores of interpretations of the end times and it is quite a task to study all of them. I must admit that I had loosely adopted the pre-tribulation rapture version because it is widely held.
After reading “Christians, Unpack Your Bags!” I am freed from the complexity of trying to piece together and remember the events of the pre-trib view. Dick Lentz has presented a practical view backed by exhaustive scripture references and analysis.
The book concludes with practical ways we can live today in light of what the Bible tells us about the end times. Thank you for encouraging us to be found doing what is commendable in God’s eyes when Jesus returns.
Amazon Review: “Thoughtful approach to interpreting end-times scriptures” (JM), April, 2026 (Link)
The author does an excellent job of taking you through his interpretive process of a variety of passages. If you’ve been in church circles that assume one particular view of the end times (especially a pre-tribulation rapture view), this book will help you understand an alternative perspective.
The author comes across as wanting his readers to see what scriptures says, not just listen to his opinions. His tone is gracious, recognizing there is a variety of views on these things. The book does not focus on being dismissive of other Christians’ viewpoints but rather concentrates on expressing a particular understanding of the scripture.
A highlight of the book is the section of big-picture takeaways at the end, urging Christians to look forward to what Christ has in store for them, and to endure suffering well and be bold witnesses in the meantime.
Amazon Review: “For Your Consideration: Give This Book a Read!“ (N.W), April, 2026 (Link)
This book is a very in-depth look, examining what might precede the return of Jesus Christ and what Christians can expect to live through until Jesus does return. Lots of scripture references, and cross-references are included and compared in this book. Very thought provoking. Especially if you are inclined to believe in a pre-tribulation rapture, I would recommend that you take a look at this book.
Amazon Review: “Be Faithful To The End, March, 2026” (Link)
Great read!!! The book explores and challenges the theology of pre-tribulation rapture of the believers in Christ. The crucial text is from the Parable of the Wheat and Weeds, where Jesus explains explicitly that the believers and non-believers will be together till the end of the age when the harvest occurs. Many references within the biblical scriptures also support the same message, contrary to the popular belief that Christians will not be present during the great tribulation. This book lays out methodically and with many Scriptures supporting what Jesus explained in the Parable of the Wheat and Weeds. The encouragement for Christians is to be “faithful to the end”.
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