The Parable of the Weeds,
The End Times,
And What To Expect Before Jesus’ Returns
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.
Amazon Review: Be prepared to stand firm and faithful to the end! (MZ), August,2026 (Link)
Growing up as a pastor’s daughter, I completely believed in the Rapture and Christians being taken from this earthly world before terrible tribulation at the end of times. I was shaken to the core when exposed to Dick’s thoughts and presentation of a logical alternate perspective, where believers will be left here on Earth, side by side with nonbelievers, experiencing tribulation together. He uses Scripture to make a powerful and compelling case for Christians to be prepared to experience troubles and trials, and how to live in light of this possibility. It made me seriously consider how I want to be living my life, having hope and the assurance of eternity in Heaven with Jesus, but with a distinct possibility of undergoing tremendous persecution and trials before then. I want to honor and glorify God in all I say and do, to not compromise my beliefs when my faith is questioned or attacked, to be a faithful follower of Jesus, sharing and shining His light and love to those around me so that others will also spend eternity in Heaven. It is much more comfortable to fall back on how I was raised, but the reality that my early beliefs may be wrong, and the logic that “Christians, Unpack Your Bags” states so well based on Scripture, causes me to want to be prepared in the best way possible for the difficulties and trials that may confront me as I go forward day by day, to stand firm and unwavering to the end, however that unfolds.
Amazon Review: The issue is not performance but belief through faith and faith alone, (JS), July, 2026 (Link)
“The author, a long-term believer, Bible teacher, and writer, takes on the dualism of Calvinism and Arminianism into his extensive and well-written book. In the end the book speaks to a single return of Christ in a post-great tribulation cosmic chaotic event where the angels spread the gospel to the world and Christ returns taking vengeance on those who “do not know him” (the unbelievers). These unbelievers are cast into the fire, not because of the “nature or extent” of their sin, but because the have lost their (or never had) faith. They are the unbelievers. The Armenian view expressed by the author cautions the Christian to “know and believe no matter how tough things get that it will end well, if they remain faithful to Jesus.”
The Calvinist view, conclusively expressed by Spurgeon is that the gospel is based “upon the special and particular redemption of his elect, and chosen people which Christ wrought out upon the cross….(and I cannot)….comprehend a gospel which lets Saints fall away after they are called, and suffers the children of God to be burned in the fires of damnation.”
The book may stretch your sense of assurance, but the author cautions, “If reaching the lost is so important to God that he sends an angel to preach the gospel to the entire world before the end comes, maybe I should be more involved in doing that as well.”
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”.
Here are what two of my endorsers said about Christians, Unpack Your Bags:
“Dick wrote excellent Bible studies for our adult Sunday school curriculum at Cook. He knows how to relate the Bible’s messages to everyday life. In this careful exposition of multiple Bible passages, Dick shows why Jesus will not return before the Great Tribulation, so we must be faithful to him through the coming trials and tribulations.” –Edward Stucky, Retired Adult Curriculum Editor, David C. Cook Publishing
“Christians living where intense persecution is common do not typically believe in a pre-tribulation rapture. Could it be that the ‘pre-trib’ tilt of Western Christianity is more cultural than exegetical? Persecuted Christians often experience New Testament truth as preparation for endurance, no matter what happens, rather than as a promise of escape. With a heart passionate to prepare God’s people to endure and a keen exegetical eye, my friend Dick Lentz offers a much-needed perspective on this vital topic.” –Jeff Giles, Regional Care Pastor, Rocky Mountain Church Network
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“ The author, a long-term believer, Bible teacher, and writer, takes on the dualism of Calvinism and Arminianism into his extensive and well-written book. In the end the book speaks to a single return of Christ in a post-great tribulation cosmic chaotic event where the angels spread the gospel to the world and Christ returns taking vengeance on those who “do not know him” (the unbelievers). These unbelievers are cast into the fire, not because of the “nature or extent” of their sin, but because the have lost their (or never had) faith. They are the unbelievers. The Armenian view expressed by the author cautions the Christian to “know and believe no matter how tough things get that it will end well, if they remain faithful to Jesus.”
The Calvinist view, conclusively expressed by Spurgeon is that the gospel is based “upon the special and particular redemption of his elect, and chosen people which Christ wrought out upon the cross….(and I cannot)….comprehend a gospel which lets Saints fall away after they are called, and suffers the children of God to be burned in the fires of damnation.”
The book may stretch your sense of assurance, but the author cautions, “If reaching the lost is so important to God that he sends an angel to preach the gospel to the entire world before the end comes, maybe I should be more involved in doing that as well.”
Thanks for your thoughtful and well-written review, John. I appreciate it.