Dick Morris has a very timely review of the recent G20 meeting, the global economy and its implications on the U.S.
In this commentary "Surrendering Sovereignty", Mr. Morris gives interesting insight:
"We are to subject our most basic national economic policies to the review of a group of nations that includes autocratic Russia, China, and Saudi Arabia...we are to sit politely with our one vote and submit to the global consensus."
"And the process will be administered by the IMF, whose counsel to less developed nations over the past two decades has consistently called for social pain and economic austerity...They are our new overseers."
"Thus, the world's most successful economy - ours - which is the only one that has produced reliable economic growth for three decades and has lifted real personal incomes almost every year, is going to subject itself to the burden of justifying its own economic policies in front of a global community of 20 nations, some of which do not even embrace free-market economies in the first place."
Dick Morris isn't writing from a prophetic perspective, but he sees the global governance of he economy taking shaping up in today's world, just as biblical prophecy would predict - another road which is being paved for the arrival of the antichrist and his world government.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Birthpain signs from the earth
There are several different categories of birthpains which are intended to warn us of the end of the age. We have the category of government, as we watch the current genesis of a world-based government characterized by a single currency and a global financial system, all stemming from the ultimate growth of the revived Roman Empire, which is alive and well in the form of the EU and Med Union. We have a category of warfare, as we constantly watch the "war and rumors of war" and "nation against nation and kingdom against kingdom" signs. We have the category of persecution, and we watch that aspect daily. This list continues, but the point is made. In addition to these various categories, we also have the signs which involve the earth itself.
In Matthew 24 we see that earthquakes and famine would come as part of these "earth signs". We also have Luke 21 which details additional signs from our planet: "On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. Men will faint from terror, apprehension of what is coming on the world..." (Luke 21:25).
This is an ongoing story, but this month we have seen a definite "birth pain" with the news involving "war and rumor of war" in the Middle-East, we have seen many reports of world-wide famine, we have seen reports of Christian persecution increasing, we have seen the alliance between Russia and Iran strengthened, we have seen the G20's increase in power as they push for a world financial system, and this week we also see the earth's birth pains progressing.
Just this week:
"Residents flee tsunami after 8.3-magnitude quake hits Samoa"
"Scores dead, villages flattened in devestating Samoa tsunami"
"Indonesia quake death toll at 100-200- disaster agency"
"Typhoon Ketsana kills 331 across Southeast Asia"
"6.3 quake reported in Peru, near Bolivia"
The earth is groaning as we approach the end of this age. Its just another sign; another part of a larger birthpain. Just this week alone we see the number of deaths increasing from these earthquakes, the tsunami's, and the typhoon. The death reports from the first big quake (Samoa) is growing and is already several hundred. The second quake, just today in Indonesia, has reached a death rate of 100-200 people, and many more bodies are said to be trapped in collapsed buildings, so we expect to see that number grow. The typhoon in SE Asia has already seen the death toll in the hundreds and that number is expected to grow as well.
God is clearly sending us multiple warnings as we reach the last stages of this generation. We see the warning signs which are clear and obvious for the entire world to see, as recorded in the prophetic writings of the Bible. God has given us this prophecy for many reasons, but one reason is to reach as many people as possible before we enter the end of the age.
If, by some chance you haven't received Christ Jesus into your life before the tribulation period begins, you cannot say that you weren't warned. The warnings are getting louder and more dramatic by the day. God is begging those people to come to Him, and He doesn't want anyone to perish:
"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief." (2 Peter 3:8-10).
God is warning us all. The birthpains are increasing in frequency and intensity, just as predicted.
As the apostle Peter stated, as instructions in these last days:
"And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place." (2 Peter 1:19).
A light shining in a dark place. But one has to open their eyes in order to see this light.
In Matthew 24 we see that earthquakes and famine would come as part of these "earth signs". We also have Luke 21 which details additional signs from our planet: "On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. Men will faint from terror, apprehension of what is coming on the world..." (Luke 21:25).
This is an ongoing story, but this month we have seen a definite "birth pain" with the news involving "war and rumor of war" in the Middle-East, we have seen many reports of world-wide famine, we have seen reports of Christian persecution increasing, we have seen the alliance between Russia and Iran strengthened, we have seen the G20's increase in power as they push for a world financial system, and this week we also see the earth's birth pains progressing.
Just this week:
"Residents flee tsunami after 8.3-magnitude quake hits Samoa"
"Scores dead, villages flattened in devestating Samoa tsunami"
"Indonesia quake death toll at 100-200- disaster agency"
"Typhoon Ketsana kills 331 across Southeast Asia"
"6.3 quake reported in Peru, near Bolivia"
The earth is groaning as we approach the end of this age. Its just another sign; another part of a larger birthpain. Just this week alone we see the number of deaths increasing from these earthquakes, the tsunami's, and the typhoon. The death reports from the first big quake (Samoa) is growing and is already several hundred. The second quake, just today in Indonesia, has reached a death rate of 100-200 people, and many more bodies are said to be trapped in collapsed buildings, so we expect to see that number grow. The typhoon in SE Asia has already seen the death toll in the hundreds and that number is expected to grow as well.
God is clearly sending us multiple warnings as we reach the last stages of this generation. We see the warning signs which are clear and obvious for the entire world to see, as recorded in the prophetic writings of the Bible. God has given us this prophecy for many reasons, but one reason is to reach as many people as possible before we enter the end of the age.
If, by some chance you haven't received Christ Jesus into your life before the tribulation period begins, you cannot say that you weren't warned. The warnings are getting louder and more dramatic by the day. God is begging those people to come to Him, and He doesn't want anyone to perish:
"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief." (2 Peter 3:8-10).
God is warning us all. The birthpains are increasing in frequency and intensity, just as predicted.
As the apostle Peter stated, as instructions in these last days:
"And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place." (2 Peter 1:19).
A light shining in a dark place. But one has to open their eyes in order to see this light.
Two timely reviews
These commentaries are too long to post, but the links are provided:
- Joel Rosenberg does a very succinct but complete review of the situation today in the Middle-East:
"Apocalyptic Storm"
- David Reagan does a nice review of the various "signs" that we see around us daily:
"Jesus is Coming Soon!"
- Joel Rosenberg does a very succinct but complete review of the situation today in the Middle-East:
"Apocalyptic Storm"
- David Reagan does a nice review of the various "signs" that we see around us daily:
"Jesus is Coming Soon!"
Monday, September 28, 2009
Signs of His return
Occasionally we run across a day's worth of headlines which seem lifted straight out of prophetic scriptures.
Today on Drudge, the top six headlines are quoted below (with links):
"Iran tests most advanced missiles"
"Iran test-fires long-tange missiles"
"Russian FM: Iranian missile tests cause concern"
"Venezuela exploring uranium deposits with Russia"
"India raises nuclear stakes"
"China to display upgraded missiles in Oct 1 parade"
All of these headlines in one day of news. Of course there are more, but these made the top six at Drudge. By scrolling newswires, you can also find interesting stories on the G20's quest for a single world currency and a global financial system. Or perhaps with just a tiny bit of digging you can find stories on Christian persecution in record numbers, stories on imminent warfare, famine (this weekend alone, there were several stories regarding severe famine in various parts of the world), the growth of the EU and "behind the scenes" maneuvering for the "President" position when the Lisbon treaty becomes final, stories on missiles being fired into Israel from Gaza, stories on the orbiting space-station (yes, Daniel 12), stories on the Verichip, and on and on it goes.
Just in one weekend, we see multiple headline news which are completely consistent with a literal view of prophecy - prophecy which would be fulfilled during the age of the return of Christ Jesus. Even the secular world (perhaps moreso than the Church) has taken notice, and in secular films and documentaries, we see a vast array of "end of the world" scenarios portrayed.
God told His people in advance, exactly how things would be at this time in history. The accuracy of these scriptures, as recorded by God's prophets, is stunningly accurate - just as it has always been.
Just as we inform our children about what they will be facing, when they approach something new and potentially scary (first day of school, a doctors visit, a trip to the hospital, a funeral, etc.) - in order to comfort them and give them assurances, God does the same with prophecy. I can't help but think about what a loving and merciful God we have. A God that loves us enough to give us the future in advance - so that we would know that although the world appears scary and tenuous - He is right there, in control of every detail.
He also informed us that we should have no fear as we approach these last days. He informed us that Jesus will return - to take His beloved bride, His Church - to a place in Heaven called New Jerusalem. Just as the ancient Jewish wedding ceremony dictated that the bridegroom would prepare a place for his bride, and once finished, he would return unexpectedly and "catch up" his bride to take her to the place he had prepared.
Jesus said He would do the same for His bride, the Church:
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.
In my Father's house are many rooms;
If it were not so, I would have told you.
I am going there to prepare a place for you.
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me
that you also may be where I am." (John 14:1-3)
"When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." (Luke 21:28)
These things have most definitely started taking place. We're well into the last generation, but not quite yet into the Tribulation.
Therefore, one can only come to a single conclusion: We should be lifting our heads, because OUR REDEMPTION IS DRAWING NEAR.
Maranatha!
Today on Drudge, the top six headlines are quoted below (with links):
"Iran tests most advanced missiles"
"Iran test-fires long-tange missiles"
"Russian FM: Iranian missile tests cause concern"
"Venezuela exploring uranium deposits with Russia"
"India raises nuclear stakes"
"China to display upgraded missiles in Oct 1 parade"
All of these headlines in one day of news. Of course there are more, but these made the top six at Drudge. By scrolling newswires, you can also find interesting stories on the G20's quest for a single world currency and a global financial system. Or perhaps with just a tiny bit of digging you can find stories on Christian persecution in record numbers, stories on imminent warfare, famine (this weekend alone, there were several stories regarding severe famine in various parts of the world), the growth of the EU and "behind the scenes" maneuvering for the "President" position when the Lisbon treaty becomes final, stories on missiles being fired into Israel from Gaza, stories on the orbiting space-station (yes, Daniel 12), stories on the Verichip, and on and on it goes.
Just in one weekend, we see multiple headline news which are completely consistent with a literal view of prophecy - prophecy which would be fulfilled during the age of the return of Christ Jesus. Even the secular world (perhaps moreso than the Church) has taken notice, and in secular films and documentaries, we see a vast array of "end of the world" scenarios portrayed.
God told His people in advance, exactly how things would be at this time in history. The accuracy of these scriptures, as recorded by God's prophets, is stunningly accurate - just as it has always been.
Just as we inform our children about what they will be facing, when they approach something new and potentially scary (first day of school, a doctors visit, a trip to the hospital, a funeral, etc.) - in order to comfort them and give them assurances, God does the same with prophecy. I can't help but think about what a loving and merciful God we have. A God that loves us enough to give us the future in advance - so that we would know that although the world appears scary and tenuous - He is right there, in control of every detail.
He also informed us that we should have no fear as we approach these last days. He informed us that Jesus will return - to take His beloved bride, His Church - to a place in Heaven called New Jerusalem. Just as the ancient Jewish wedding ceremony dictated that the bridegroom would prepare a place for his bride, and once finished, he would return unexpectedly and "catch up" his bride to take her to the place he had prepared.
Jesus said He would do the same for His bride, the Church:
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.
In my Father's house are many rooms;
If it were not so, I would have told you.
I am going there to prepare a place for you.
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me
that you also may be where I am." (John 14:1-3)
"When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." (Luke 21:28)
These things have most definitely started taking place. We're well into the last generation, but not quite yet into the Tribulation.
Therefore, one can only come to a single conclusion: We should be lifting our heads, because OUR REDEMPTION IS DRAWING NEAR.
Maranatha!
New world economic order takes shape
Reuters has a nice review article on the G20 meeting, and the focus of this article was the so-called "New world economic order",
article here.
It has seemed for months now, that the G8 was fading in power as the G-20 gained more and more control. From this article we can see the following, revealing quotes:
"The Group of 20 is set to become the premier coordinating body on global economic issues, reflecting a new world economic order..."
"Adopting the G20 as the new economic steering committee raises questions over whether or not the Group of Eight, which makes up the world's industrial countries, will probably be faded out. Diplomats said the G8 would continue to function but would focus on non-economic issues."
"The agreements are big wins for U.S. President Barack Obama, hosting his first international summit. Since his election last year, he has pushed for changes in the global financial architecture to recognize the increasing economic clout of China and other emerging markets."
"The G20 decision on IMF voting reform will give momentum to a 2011 deadline for overhauling IMF governance which will then be voted on by the IMF's 186 member countries."
This last point is most interesting. "Overhauling IMF governance" could mean several different things. There are many commentators who believe that a world-currency will ultimately come from the IMF (International Monetary Fund), so any "overhauling" of the current system is of great interest.
The very fact that we sit here in 2009 and casually discuss a "new world economic order", is incredible for a prophecy watcher. And it barely makes the news and certainly not on the radar of most folks. Yet, in a very insidious way, we have a world representative body who has self-determined that they will make decisions and determinations on world finance which affect everyone.
The world continues to march towards the Tribulation just as Bible prophecy predicted. When the antichrist finally emerges he will find the road to global economic control well-paved. The pieces are being put in place even before he arrives on the scene.
article here.
It has seemed for months now, that the G8 was fading in power as the G-20 gained more and more control. From this article we can see the following, revealing quotes:
"The Group of 20 is set to become the premier coordinating body on global economic issues, reflecting a new world economic order..."
"Adopting the G20 as the new economic steering committee raises questions over whether or not the Group of Eight, which makes up the world's industrial countries, will probably be faded out. Diplomats said the G8 would continue to function but would focus on non-economic issues."
"The agreements are big wins for U.S. President Barack Obama, hosting his first international summit. Since his election last year, he has pushed for changes in the global financial architecture to recognize the increasing economic clout of China and other emerging markets."
"The G20 decision on IMF voting reform will give momentum to a 2011 deadline for overhauling IMF governance which will then be voted on by the IMF's 186 member countries."
This last point is most interesting. "Overhauling IMF governance" could mean several different things. There are many commentators who believe that a world-currency will ultimately come from the IMF (International Monetary Fund), so any "overhauling" of the current system is of great interest.
The very fact that we sit here in 2009 and casually discuss a "new world economic order", is incredible for a prophecy watcher. And it barely makes the news and certainly not on the radar of most folks. Yet, in a very insidious way, we have a world representative body who has self-determined that they will make decisions and determinations on world finance which affect everyone.
The world continues to march towards the Tribulation just as Bible prophecy predicted. When the antichrist finally emerges he will find the road to global economic control well-paved. The pieces are being put in place even before he arrives on the scene.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
More news from Iran
The situation in Iran is heating up considerably, and it is receiving the world's attention.
Three articles summarize the situation:
"Israel: Iranian Nuclear Disclosure Proof It Seeks Atom Bomb". In this article we see the following:
"Israel Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman says Itan's new disclosure of an additional nuclear facility is proof that the Islamic Republic is seeking the atom bomb."
"World reached last opportunity for engagement with Iran". Quotes:
"Nobody is worried about the Palestinian problems; everybody in the muslim and arab world - and first and foremost in the Gulf states - is worried about the Iranian problem", Lieberman stated.
"Lieberman said that in his meetings with Arab foreign ministers at the UN General Assembly last week, they expressed alarm over Iran's nuclear program."
Then if this weren't enough, Iran has the audacity to stage war games - at this moment in history:
'"Yom Kippur in Iran: War Games and Missile Drill". Quotes:
"Iran will conduct war games and fire missiles that can hit Israel while Jews around the world are praying on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. The Revolutionary Guards website said that military exercises, including the simultaneous firing of missiles at targets, will begin Sunday and last for several days "to raise the deterrence capability of the Iranian armed forces."
"Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu called Congressional leaders Saturday night and told them it is urgent that the United States respond to the growing threat that Iran will produce a nuclear warhead for a missile aimed at Israel. He asked...'If not now, then when?'"
"If not now, then when?" A question worth repeating.
This situation is moving at breakneck speed. I can only imagine what will have happened by the end of this year.
Three articles summarize the situation:
"Israel: Iranian Nuclear Disclosure Proof It Seeks Atom Bomb". In this article we see the following:
"Israel Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman says Itan's new disclosure of an additional nuclear facility is proof that the Islamic Republic is seeking the atom bomb."
"World reached last opportunity for engagement with Iran". Quotes:
"Nobody is worried about the Palestinian problems; everybody in the muslim and arab world - and first and foremost in the Gulf states - is worried about the Iranian problem", Lieberman stated.
"Lieberman said that in his meetings with Arab foreign ministers at the UN General Assembly last week, they expressed alarm over Iran's nuclear program."
Then if this weren't enough, Iran has the audacity to stage war games - at this moment in history:
'"Yom Kippur in Iran: War Games and Missile Drill". Quotes:
"Iran will conduct war games and fire missiles that can hit Israel while Jews around the world are praying on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. The Revolutionary Guards website said that military exercises, including the simultaneous firing of missiles at targets, will begin Sunday and last for several days "to raise the deterrence capability of the Iranian armed forces."
"Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu called Congressional leaders Saturday night and told them it is urgent that the United States respond to the growing threat that Iran will produce a nuclear warhead for a missile aimed at Israel. He asked...'If not now, then when?'"
"If not now, then when?" A question worth repeating.
This situation is moving at breakneck speed. I can only imagine what will have happened by the end of this year.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Update on Iran
More information is coming out regarding Iran's disclosure of a previously unknown nuclear facility.
In this article ,"Ahmadinejad has enough uranium to go the whole way", we see some interesting quotes:
"The crisis in relations with Iran escalated ominously yesterday after the leaders of the US, Britain and France accused the regime in Tehran of operating a secret uranium enrichment facility buried deep in a mountain bunker near the ancient religious city of Qom. Barack Obama called Iran's activity "a direct challenge" to the international community."
"The accusations were made public in an extraordinary joint statement by the US President, flanked by Gordon Brown and the French President, Nicolas Sarkozy before the start of the G20 summit in Pittsburgh."
"The new revelation sharply raises the stakes at a time when Israel has been signaling that military strikes against Iran are on the table."
There is much more information in this lengthy article. There are several bits of information that this situation reveals:
1. This should put to rest any possibility that Iran's intentions are peaceful; there is absolutely no reason to have hidden such enrichment facilities if the purposes were "peaceful". It seems silly at this point, to even have to make this case.
2. Iran may be much further along than predicted by anyone, including Israel intelligence (which is estimating ~ 6 months for a operational nuclear weapon). We have witnessed this before, notably Pakistan, when our intelligence was significantly inaccurate and Pakistan had nuclear weapons far sooner than projections estimated.
3. What else does Iran have hidden?
4. Is Iran baiting Israel into the much anticipated "attack" on their nuclear facilities?
This situation is moving towards a climax. We know that the ultimate fate of this crisis will be the epic battle of Gog-MaGog, but exactly how it gets to that point is unknown. Given that, its not a stretch to see how current events are moving in that direction, and moving rapidly. As mentioned many times before, once this powder-keg gets ignited, I believe remaining events occur in rapid succession. We shall see.
In this article ,"Ahmadinejad has enough uranium to go the whole way", we see some interesting quotes:
"The crisis in relations with Iran escalated ominously yesterday after the leaders of the US, Britain and France accused the regime in Tehran of operating a secret uranium enrichment facility buried deep in a mountain bunker near the ancient religious city of Qom. Barack Obama called Iran's activity "a direct challenge" to the international community."
"The accusations were made public in an extraordinary joint statement by the US President, flanked by Gordon Brown and the French President, Nicolas Sarkozy before the start of the G20 summit in Pittsburgh."
"The new revelation sharply raises the stakes at a time when Israel has been signaling that military strikes against Iran are on the table."
There is much more information in this lengthy article. There are several bits of information that this situation reveals:
1. This should put to rest any possibility that Iran's intentions are peaceful; there is absolutely no reason to have hidden such enrichment facilities if the purposes were "peaceful". It seems silly at this point, to even have to make this case.
2. Iran may be much further along than predicted by anyone, including Israel intelligence (which is estimating ~ 6 months for a operational nuclear weapon). We have witnessed this before, notably Pakistan, when our intelligence was significantly inaccurate and Pakistan had nuclear weapons far sooner than projections estimated.
3. What else does Iran have hidden?
4. Is Iran baiting Israel into the much anticipated "attack" on their nuclear facilities?
This situation is moving towards a climax. We know that the ultimate fate of this crisis will be the epic battle of Gog-MaGog, but exactly how it gets to that point is unknown. Given that, its not a stretch to see how current events are moving in that direction, and moving rapidly. As mentioned many times before, once this powder-keg gets ignited, I believe remaining events occur in rapid succession. We shall see.
In the news...
There are two interesting stories this morning in the news:
"Iran has revealed existence of second enrichment plant". In this article we see that a second uranium-enrichment plant has been discovered in Iran. Iran is currently under three sets of UN Security Council sanctions for refusing to freeze enrichment at what had been its single known enrichment plant. Officials said that Iran's letter contained no details about the location of the second facility, or if it had started operations. UN officials familiar with IAEA monitoring of Iran's nuclear activities have previously told the AP they suspected Iran may have undeclared enrichment plants with the state-of-the-art centrifuges that enrich more quickly and efficiently than Iran's mainstay P-1, a older model based on Chinese technology.
At the same time, in a surprising move, French president Sarcozy calls for "Immediate action on Iran". The French president stated "Talk of a nuclear-free future is nice, but we are facing two immediate nuclear crises."
As far as Iran now disclosing this new nuclear-uranium enrichment facility - the general feeling is that Iran came forward with this information now, because they feared that they would have been caught anyway, thus, they came forward. I don't believe this theory. Many of us, who have been watching Iran for years, believe that the possibility exists that Iran is "baiting" Israel.
Consider this. If Iran were to be "attacked" by Israel (by "attacked", meaning the destruction of Iran's nuclear facilities), then they would immediately become the darlings of the radical Islamic movement and they would immediately begin a call to invade Israel. Such action by Israel would ignite the terrorists groups and most of Israel's enemies in the region. Iran could benefit tremendously from an Israeli "attack". Is Iran "baiting" Israel? The possibility is certainly worth considering,
Things are happening at a breathtaking rate right now. In other news, the G-20 is meeting again with the usual calls for a global currency. There is no telling what else they will agree to this week. It is hard to even keep up with prophecy-related news right now. So much is happening, so much is moving forward.
We are clearly in the last hours. Biblical "history" is being played out right in front of us. Exactly as foretold throughout the prophetic writings, the world is coming together as predicted. And it is happening faster by the day.
Its time to pray and time to get our "spiritual house" in order. As the apostle John warned:
"And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming." (1 John 2:28).
Maranatha! He is coming soon!
"Iran has revealed existence of second enrichment plant". In this article we see that a second uranium-enrichment plant has been discovered in Iran. Iran is currently under three sets of UN Security Council sanctions for refusing to freeze enrichment at what had been its single known enrichment plant. Officials said that Iran's letter contained no details about the location of the second facility, or if it had started operations. UN officials familiar with IAEA monitoring of Iran's nuclear activities have previously told the AP they suspected Iran may have undeclared enrichment plants with the state-of-the-art centrifuges that enrich more quickly and efficiently than Iran's mainstay P-1, a older model based on Chinese technology.
At the same time, in a surprising move, French president Sarcozy calls for "Immediate action on Iran". The French president stated "Talk of a nuclear-free future is nice, but we are facing two immediate nuclear crises."
As far as Iran now disclosing this new nuclear-uranium enrichment facility - the general feeling is that Iran came forward with this information now, because they feared that they would have been caught anyway, thus, they came forward. I don't believe this theory. Many of us, who have been watching Iran for years, believe that the possibility exists that Iran is "baiting" Israel.
Consider this. If Iran were to be "attacked" by Israel (by "attacked", meaning the destruction of Iran's nuclear facilities), then they would immediately become the darlings of the radical Islamic movement and they would immediately begin a call to invade Israel. Such action by Israel would ignite the terrorists groups and most of Israel's enemies in the region. Iran could benefit tremendously from an Israeli "attack". Is Iran "baiting" Israel? The possibility is certainly worth considering,
Things are happening at a breathtaking rate right now. In other news, the G-20 is meeting again with the usual calls for a global currency. There is no telling what else they will agree to this week. It is hard to even keep up with prophecy-related news right now. So much is happening, so much is moving forward.
We are clearly in the last hours. Biblical "history" is being played out right in front of us. Exactly as foretold throughout the prophetic writings, the world is coming together as predicted. And it is happening faster by the day.
Its time to pray and time to get our "spiritual house" in order. As the apostle John warned:
"And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming." (1 John 2:28).
Maranatha! He is coming soon!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Netanyahu speaks the truth
The truth.
Something that is very elusive these days.
I have just started reviewing the news today, and the speeches at the UN, and immediately saw the article below. Before even finishing the article, I can see that it should be posted in its entirety. I couldn't possibly review Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's speech to the UN today as well as this article. Additionally, I'll try and link Netanyahu's entire speech.
"Netanyahu slams UN, challenges it to confront Iran"
By Haaretz Service
Tags: Benjamin Netanyahu
In a dramatic address to the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Iran poses a threat to the peace of the world and that it is incumbent on the world body to prevent the Islamic Republic from obtaining nuclear weapons.
In response to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's claims about the Holocaust, Netanyahu began his speech by lambasting those who did not walk out on the controversial leader during his speech on Wednesday.
For the full text of Netanyahu's speech, click here.
The premier also took aim at Ahmadinejad's litany of statements casting doubt on the Holocaust.
"Is this protocol a lie?" Netanyahu asked as he brandished the minutes of the Wansee Conference, the 1942 meeting during which Nazi officials planned the Final Solution.
The prime minister also held up the architectural blueprints of the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camps that bear the signature of Hitler's deputy, Heinrich Himmler.
"Are the successive German governments that have kept these documents for posterity all liars?" the premier asked. "And what of the survivors whose arms still bear the tattooed numbers branded on them by the Nazis? Are those tattoos a lie, too?"
Netanyahu praised world diplomats who walked out of Ahmadinejad's fiery speech to the UN on Wednesday and assailed those who remained seated.
"Yesterday the president of Iran stood at this very podium and spewed his anti-Semitic rants," the premier said. "Just a few days earlier he claimed that the Holocaust was a lie."
"Do those who listened to Ahmadinejad's speech have no shame, no decency?" the premier asked. "Nearly one-third of all Jews at the time perished in the Holocaust," he said. "Nearly every family was affected, including my own."
"Perhaps some of you think [Ahmadinejad] and his odious regime only threaten the Jews," Netanyahu continued. "Well, if you think that you are wrong, dead wrong."
Netanyahu warned against the dangers posed by Iran, imploring the West to confront the Islamic Republic's "religious fanaticism."
"The struggle against Iran pits civilization against barbarism," Netanyahu told the UN. "This Iranian regime is fueled by extreme fundamentalism."
"What starts as attacks on Jews always ends up engulfing others," Netanyahu said. "This regime embodies the extremes of Islamic fundamentalism."
The premier challenged the world body to prevent Iran from acquiring weapons of mass destruction. Israel and the Western powers believe Iran's nuclear program is of a military nature, a charge the Iranians deny.
Netanyahu said the progress made in the postwar 20th century could be undone if Iran is permitted to build atomic weapons.
"History could be reversed if primitive fanaticism acquires deadly weapons," the premier told the UN. "The jury is still out on the United Nations, and the signs aren`t encouraging."
The prime minister also assailed the Goldstone Commission Report which accused Israel of committing war crimes during Operation Cast Lead, the three-week offensive against the Hamas-led Gaza Strip.
"Israel has justly defended against terrorism," Netanyahu said. "This report provides a clear-cut bias against Israel."
"Rather than condemn terrorism, some at the UN are condemning its victims," Netanyahu said. "It is not easy to fight terrorists firing from schools and mosques."
The premier said Israel has gone to "extraordinary" lengths to advance peace in the region, including the unilateral withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.
"The Gaza disengagement was very painful for Israel," the prime minister said. "Israel withdrew from Gaza because we believed it would achieve peace."
Netanyahu took the UN to task for "remaining silent" while Gaza gunmen launched Qassam rockets at Israeli towns and communities in the western Negev.
The prime minister said his country wants "genuine peace" and he praised the late Arab leaders Anwar Sadat and King Hussein of Jordan for their "courage" in forging diplomatic ties with Israel.
"Every time an Arab leader truly wanted peace, they got it," Netanyahu said. "If the Palestinians truly want peace, we will make peace."
Netanyahu also reiterated an Israeli demand that the Palestinians explicitly recognize Israel as "the state of the Jewish people."
"Say yes to a Jewish state," Netanyahu urged the Palestinians. "The Jewish people are not foreign conquerors in the land of Israel."
Netanyahu said he recognized that the Palestinians are also desirous of a homeland, and that Israel was committed to living side by side with its Arab neighbors.
As a condition for peace, the prime minister said any future Palestinian state must be "effectively demilitarized" so that it would not have the means to threaten Israel.
"I said effective because we do not want another Gaza, another south Lebanon, another Iranian-backed terror base threatening Jerusalem," Netanyahu said. "We want peace, and I believe that with goodwill and hard work, such a peace can be achieved."
Netanyahu also invoked Winston Churchill in imploring the international community to oppose Iran and the rejectionist groups it supports, including Hamas and Hezbollah.
"The question facing the international community is whether it is prepared to confront these forces or just accommodate them," the premier said.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Speech to the UN General Assembly
Another great article from the Jerusalem Post: "PM rips UN for Ahmadinejad 'disgrace'"
Something that is very elusive these days.
I have just started reviewing the news today, and the speeches at the UN, and immediately saw the article below. Before even finishing the article, I can see that it should be posted in its entirety. I couldn't possibly review Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's speech to the UN today as well as this article. Additionally, I'll try and link Netanyahu's entire speech.
"Netanyahu slams UN, challenges it to confront Iran"
By Haaretz Service
Tags: Benjamin Netanyahu
In a dramatic address to the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Iran poses a threat to the peace of the world and that it is incumbent on the world body to prevent the Islamic Republic from obtaining nuclear weapons.
In response to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's claims about the Holocaust, Netanyahu began his speech by lambasting those who did not walk out on the controversial leader during his speech on Wednesday.
For the full text of Netanyahu's speech, click here.
The premier also took aim at Ahmadinejad's litany of statements casting doubt on the Holocaust.
"Is this protocol a lie?" Netanyahu asked as he brandished the minutes of the Wansee Conference, the 1942 meeting during which Nazi officials planned the Final Solution.
The prime minister also held up the architectural blueprints of the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camps that bear the signature of Hitler's deputy, Heinrich Himmler.
"Are the successive German governments that have kept these documents for posterity all liars?" the premier asked. "And what of the survivors whose arms still bear the tattooed numbers branded on them by the Nazis? Are those tattoos a lie, too?"
Netanyahu praised world diplomats who walked out of Ahmadinejad's fiery speech to the UN on Wednesday and assailed those who remained seated.
"Yesterday the president of Iran stood at this very podium and spewed his anti-Semitic rants," the premier said. "Just a few days earlier he claimed that the Holocaust was a lie."
"Do those who listened to Ahmadinejad's speech have no shame, no decency?" the premier asked. "Nearly one-third of all Jews at the time perished in the Holocaust," he said. "Nearly every family was affected, including my own."
"Perhaps some of you think [Ahmadinejad] and his odious regime only threaten the Jews," Netanyahu continued. "Well, if you think that you are wrong, dead wrong."
Netanyahu warned against the dangers posed by Iran, imploring the West to confront the Islamic Republic's "religious fanaticism."
"The struggle against Iran pits civilization against barbarism," Netanyahu told the UN. "This Iranian regime is fueled by extreme fundamentalism."
"What starts as attacks on Jews always ends up engulfing others," Netanyahu said. "This regime embodies the extremes of Islamic fundamentalism."
The premier challenged the world body to prevent Iran from acquiring weapons of mass destruction. Israel and the Western powers believe Iran's nuclear program is of a military nature, a charge the Iranians deny.
Netanyahu said the progress made in the postwar 20th century could be undone if Iran is permitted to build atomic weapons.
"History could be reversed if primitive fanaticism acquires deadly weapons," the premier told the UN. "The jury is still out on the United Nations, and the signs aren`t encouraging."
The prime minister also assailed the Goldstone Commission Report which accused Israel of committing war crimes during Operation Cast Lead, the three-week offensive against the Hamas-led Gaza Strip.
"Israel has justly defended against terrorism," Netanyahu said. "This report provides a clear-cut bias against Israel."
"Rather than condemn terrorism, some at the UN are condemning its victims," Netanyahu said. "It is not easy to fight terrorists firing from schools and mosques."
The premier said Israel has gone to "extraordinary" lengths to advance peace in the region, including the unilateral withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.
"The Gaza disengagement was very painful for Israel," the prime minister said. "Israel withdrew from Gaza because we believed it would achieve peace."
Netanyahu took the UN to task for "remaining silent" while Gaza gunmen launched Qassam rockets at Israeli towns and communities in the western Negev.
The prime minister said his country wants "genuine peace" and he praised the late Arab leaders Anwar Sadat and King Hussein of Jordan for their "courage" in forging diplomatic ties with Israel.
"Every time an Arab leader truly wanted peace, they got it," Netanyahu said. "If the Palestinians truly want peace, we will make peace."
Netanyahu also reiterated an Israeli demand that the Palestinians explicitly recognize Israel as "the state of the Jewish people."
"Say yes to a Jewish state," Netanyahu urged the Palestinians. "The Jewish people are not foreign conquerors in the land of Israel."
Netanyahu said he recognized that the Palestinians are also desirous of a homeland, and that Israel was committed to living side by side with its Arab neighbors.
As a condition for peace, the prime minister said any future Palestinian state must be "effectively demilitarized" so that it would not have the means to threaten Israel.
"I said effective because we do not want another Gaza, another south Lebanon, another Iranian-backed terror base threatening Jerusalem," Netanyahu said. "We want peace, and I believe that with goodwill and hard work, such a peace can be achieved."
Netanyahu also invoked Winston Churchill in imploring the international community to oppose Iran and the rejectionist groups it supports, including Hamas and Hezbollah.
"The question facing the international community is whether it is prepared to confront these forces or just accommodate them," the premier said.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Speech to the UN General Assembly
Another great article from the Jerusalem Post: "PM rips UN for Ahmadinejad 'disgrace'"
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
More of the same
The reviews and editorials have already started relating to today's UN speeches. In my opinion, nothing new was learned. There were, however, a few points of interest.
President Obama, predictably took the usual liberal position of demanding that Israel end the mythical "occupation" (if someone could be kind enough to show me previous borders of the country of "Palestine", and exactly where, on these mythical borders the Nation of Israel have "occupied" I would be most grateful).
Lets not forget, in 1967 Israel was invaded in a surprise attack and in a miraculous series of battles regained land that was once theirs. This invasion was led by Egypt, Jordan, Syria, and aided by Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Sudan, among others. At the war's end, Israel had gained control of the Sinai Peninsula, the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Golan Heights - this land that Israel regained was previously part of Jordan, Egypt and Syria; not a mythical country of "Palestine" as folklore would have you believe.
From the reviews, President Obama is generally seen as using unusually harsh language directed towards Israel:
"Obama calls to 'End the Occupation'".
Using unusually harsh terminology, Obama called to "end the occupation that began in 1967" - referring to Israel's control of Judea and Samaria. There we go again...If ONLY we had pre-1967 borders (the borders that were in effect before Israel was invaded). The only nagging problem is - the pre-1967 borders were present when Israel was invaded...In 1967.... So if thats all the surrounding arab groups want (the surrounding countries and the surrounding terrorist groups - Hamas, Hezbollah, Fatah, etc.), then why did they need to invade Israel in 1967 when they HAD the coveted borders?
Then we had a relatively large group walk out before and during Ahmadinejad's speech.
read here, here, and here.
Most of his speech focused on the usual themes, including scathing attacks on Israel and the US. He assailed Israel for "barbaric attacks" on the Gaza Strip last winter and claimed that the "brutalities in Gaza have not all been published". "The international community is impatiently waiting for the murderers of the defenseless people of Gaza" he stated.
He also accused Israel of "inhuman policies" in the territories and of dominating world political and economic affairs.
He also stated that "The awakening of nations and the expansion of freedom worldwide will no longer allow them to continue their hypocrisy and vicious attitudes."
Ahmadinejad also stated, in reference to Israel, "It is no longer acceptable that a small minority would dominate the politics, economy and culture of major parts of the world by its complicated networks, and establish a new form of slavery, and harm the reputation of other nations, even European nations and the U.S., to attain its racist ambitions."
And all of this, from someone who has declared that Israel should be wiped off the map.
All in all - nothing new. More of the same.
Unfortunately, it is becoming more and more clear that the U.S. administration is closer to Iran's position than Israel's position.
Thats ok. God is in complete control of this situation. If there is any doubt regarding God's position on this situation....Well, I'll just let him close with this message:
"This is what the Sovereign Lord says: When I gather the people of Israel from the nations where they have been scattered, I will show myself holy among them in the sight of many nations. Then they will live in their own land, which I gave to my servant Jacob. They will live there in safety and will build houses and plant vineyards; they will live in safety when I inflict punishment on all their neighbors who maligned them. Then they will know that I am the Lord their God."
President Obama, predictably took the usual liberal position of demanding that Israel end the mythical "occupation" (if someone could be kind enough to show me previous borders of the country of "Palestine", and exactly where, on these mythical borders the Nation of Israel have "occupied" I would be most grateful).
Lets not forget, in 1967 Israel was invaded in a surprise attack and in a miraculous series of battles regained land that was once theirs. This invasion was led by Egypt, Jordan, Syria, and aided by Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Sudan, among others. At the war's end, Israel had gained control of the Sinai Peninsula, the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Golan Heights - this land that Israel regained was previously part of Jordan, Egypt and Syria; not a mythical country of "Palestine" as folklore would have you believe.
From the reviews, President Obama is generally seen as using unusually harsh language directed towards Israel:
"Obama calls to 'End the Occupation'".
Using unusually harsh terminology, Obama called to "end the occupation that began in 1967" - referring to Israel's control of Judea and Samaria. There we go again...If ONLY we had pre-1967 borders (the borders that were in effect before Israel was invaded). The only nagging problem is - the pre-1967 borders were present when Israel was invaded...In 1967.... So if thats all the surrounding arab groups want (the surrounding countries and the surrounding terrorist groups - Hamas, Hezbollah, Fatah, etc.), then why did they need to invade Israel in 1967 when they HAD the coveted borders?
Then we had a relatively large group walk out before and during Ahmadinejad's speech.
read here, here, and here.
Most of his speech focused on the usual themes, including scathing attacks on Israel and the US. He assailed Israel for "barbaric attacks" on the Gaza Strip last winter and claimed that the "brutalities in Gaza have not all been published". "The international community is impatiently waiting for the murderers of the defenseless people of Gaza" he stated.
He also accused Israel of "inhuman policies" in the territories and of dominating world political and economic affairs.
He also stated that "The awakening of nations and the expansion of freedom worldwide will no longer allow them to continue their hypocrisy and vicious attitudes."
Ahmadinejad also stated, in reference to Israel, "It is no longer acceptable that a small minority would dominate the politics, economy and culture of major parts of the world by its complicated networks, and establish a new form of slavery, and harm the reputation of other nations, even European nations and the U.S., to attain its racist ambitions."
And all of this, from someone who has declared that Israel should be wiped off the map.
All in all - nothing new. More of the same.
Unfortunately, it is becoming more and more clear that the U.S. administration is closer to Iran's position than Israel's position.
Thats ok. God is in complete control of this situation. If there is any doubt regarding God's position on this situation....Well, I'll just let him close with this message:
"This is what the Sovereign Lord says: When I gather the people of Israel from the nations where they have been scattered, I will show myself holy among them in the sight of many nations. Then they will live in their own land, which I gave to my servant Jacob. They will live there in safety and will build houses and plant vineyards; they will live in safety when I inflict punishment on all their neighbors who maligned them. Then they will know that I am the Lord their God."
Today at the UN
Today we have several interesting speakers at the UN. Libya's Moammar Khadafy will take the podium immediately after Obama gives his speech to the general assembly. As an interesting footnote to Moammar Khadafy is his quote from last year. When the Mediterranean Union formation was announced, Khadafy refused to join, because he stated that the Med Union was a "revival of the Roman Empire" (has he been reading prophecy related web-sites?). I found that fascinating at the time, and still do. Its interesting to see a "non-prophecy" person see the same thing that we do.
After these speeches, Iran's Mahmoud Ahmadinejad gives his speech in the afternoon. The delegations from Israel and Germany, where denying the Holocaust is a crime, have been organizing a walkout of Ahmadinejad goes off on one of his infamous rants. Recently, he has also been threatening any country (aka Israel) that threatens Iran's nuclear facilities and earlier this week he was once again denying that the Holocaust occurred - calling it a "myth".
So, today may be interesting indeed. There is no telling what may be said today. Ahmadinejad is usually good for some inflammatory remarks, not to mention his last speech in which he later stated that he was illuminated in a special light, and he also closed with a prayer for the coming Mahdi.
Interesting times indeed.
After these speeches, Iran's Mahmoud Ahmadinejad gives his speech in the afternoon. The delegations from Israel and Germany, where denying the Holocaust is a crime, have been organizing a walkout of Ahmadinejad goes off on one of his infamous rants. Recently, he has also been threatening any country (aka Israel) that threatens Iran's nuclear facilities and earlier this week he was once again denying that the Holocaust occurred - calling it a "myth".
So, today may be interesting indeed. There is no telling what may be said today. Ahmadinejad is usually good for some inflammatory remarks, not to mention his last speech in which he later stated that he was illuminated in a special light, and he also closed with a prayer for the coming Mahdi.
Interesting times indeed.
Monday, September 21, 2009
A "Core Europe"?
Once again, Mike Mickey summarizes the current situation in Europe better than I would, so I'll just post his entire commentary below.
I would only add this to his commentary: I believe the Lisbon treaty will be passed and a "core Europe" may also be formed once Lisbon is passed, as the main referenced article states article here: "Berlusconi advocates creation of 'core Europe' if Ireland says No again".
We'll be watching very closely to see what Ireland does in October when their vote for the Lisbon Treaty is taken. Don't forget, once Lisbon is passed, we will see the EU have a "permanent President" and a very powerful foreign policy head. If it is not passed, we should also be watching for the development of a "core Europe" as stated.
A Core Europe and Bible Prophecy
by Michael G. Mickey
(9-21-09)
Daniel 7:7-8:
After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it [was] diverse from all the beasts that [were] before it; and it had ten horns.
I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn [were] eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things.
Before I go any further, let me explain what I believe this passage of Scripture is telling us to watch for.
The future kingdom of Antichrist, which I believe to be the ever-growing European Union, the revived Roman empire if you will, is, at some point, going to have ten "horns" or primary seats of authority.
Many people believe these ten horns already exist in the form of the Western European Union (WEU), which has ten permanent member nations.
Encyclopedia Britannica describes the WEU as an "association of 10 countries (Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and the United Kingdom) that operates as a forum for the coordination of matters of European security and defense. It contributed to the creation of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and works in cooperation with that organization. The WEU became the primary defense institution of the European Union in the 1990s, though it gave up that role in 2001."
Presently, although anything could happen and turn things around on a dime, it seems that the WEU's role as the teeth of the rising Beast government of Antichrist has been greatly diminished since 2001. Because of this, it seems unlikely that the WEU is going to be the ten horns referred to by the prophet Daniel.
Assuming the WEU isn't going to be the ten horns among which the Antichrist will ascend to prominence, are there any other possibilities in view? Absolutely and it's a topic that has been brought up on a number of occasions in recent years - the creation of a "core Europe" being formed within the boundaries of the larger European Union.
A "Core Europe"
The EU Observer is reporting the following concerning a "core Europe" being formed, in part:
"Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has suggested that if the Irish people vote against the Lisbon Treaty a second time, a group of European Union member states should move to create a "core Europe" in order to implement the treaty."
And...
"Various politicians and academics have advocated the idea that an inner core of EU member states drive forward with deeper integration via the development of a new organisation, often described as a European Federation, alongside the existing European Union."
For those of you unfamiliar with the Lisbon Treaty, it is essentially a repackaged version of the European Union's Constitution. In 2004, leaders from all the member nations of the European Union signed the European Union's Constitution amid great pomp and circumstance, but it ran into stumbling blocks afterward, all of the European Union's member nations having had to ratify it through referendum for it to be official. Ireland, as the linked news story above implies, didn't do so. Thus, the process was derailed.
After it seemed clear the EU Constitution couldn't be passed by all EU member nations ratifying it, the Constitution was repackaged as the Lisbon Treaty and talk of a "core Europe" being formed began to make rounds on the internet, many in the European Union seeing the failure of a few nations to ratify the Constitution being a stumbling block to the EU achieving its global ambitions which brings us to where we are today.
Considering the news story linked above, could the creation of a "core Europe" or European Federation within the larger European Union be on its way to becoming a reality? Theoretically speaking, it seems a distinct possibility.
If a "core Europe" comes into existence, my suspicion is it will end up being a federation comprised of 10 members, allowing for the fulfillment of bible prophecy to occur at the appointed time. I'm not being dogmatic that this is what's going to happen, but it is something for us to bear in mind as we await the return of Jesus Christ for His Church. Why? Because a "core Europe" being formed that would operate as the Lisbon Treaty provides for would replace the EU's current system of rotating six-month presidencies with the creation of an actual position for an EU President to be seated, as well as an EU foreign minister with a wide swath of diplomatic powers. The foreign minister's position, as set forth in the Lisbon Treaty, would hold such tremendous power that he could not only set EU foreign policy but implement it as well, an issue of such concern to a large number of leaders in the Union that they have vocally stated that no one person should hold such tremendous power, one prominent reason why both the EU Constitution and Lisbon Treaty have met some opposition.
Sooner or later, ten horns
Concerning the advent of the prophesied Antichrist to come, we're told, in Daniel 7:7-8, that a group of ten "horns" (horns being symbolic of seats of authority or positions of power) will arise in the last days.
Whether these ten horns come to exist as a result of a "core Europe" being formed, the WEU being reasserted as the primary defense institution of the EU, or another ten-member association of powerful leaders yet to be revealed coming into view, we have a clear picture of what is going to transpire in the aftermath.
A "little horn" - symbolic of the prophesied Antichrist - will come up among the "ten horns". Daniel 7:8 tells us that, before this "little horn", three of the first horns will be "plucked up by the roots."
The original Hebrew text for being "plucked up by the roots" is `aqar and it means just what it seems to as we read it English.
The Antichrist, most likely because these three nations (or leaders) aren't going to go along with whatever he has in mind as he makes his ascent among them, is going to uproot them, rendering them silent.
The little horn (Antichrist) will be speaking "great things" at this time in his political ascent, his tongue being like a razor I dare say, both in its sharpness of tone and its ability to create injury to any adversaries standing in his path.
Conclusion
The idea of a "core Europe" being formed within the revived Roman empire of bible prophecy could open a doorway to the advent of the Antichrist occurring. While it is nothing more than an occasionally brought up possibility, what it demonstrates to me is how dedicated many influential leaders inside the European Union are to ensuring that the Union's ever-growing economic power and diplomatic influence isn't slowed by a few detracting voices. In that sense, the EU Beast is itself already much like the leader who will someday come to be its supreme leader, the Antichrist. Doesn't this fit perfectly with how bible prophecy uses the term "Beast" interchangeably, at times describing the Antichrist himself while at other times describing his empire?
What fascinating and intellectually stimulating times we're living in! Stay tuned, Church! There's no telling what we're going to see next!
I would only add this to his commentary: I believe the Lisbon treaty will be passed and a "core Europe" may also be formed once Lisbon is passed, as the main referenced article states article here: "Berlusconi advocates creation of 'core Europe' if Ireland says No again".
We'll be watching very closely to see what Ireland does in October when their vote for the Lisbon Treaty is taken. Don't forget, once Lisbon is passed, we will see the EU have a "permanent President" and a very powerful foreign policy head. If it is not passed, we should also be watching for the development of a "core Europe" as stated.
A Core Europe and Bible Prophecy
by Michael G. Mickey
(9-21-09)
Daniel 7:7-8:
After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it [was] diverse from all the beasts that [were] before it; and it had ten horns.
I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn [were] eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things.
Before I go any further, let me explain what I believe this passage of Scripture is telling us to watch for.
The future kingdom of Antichrist, which I believe to be the ever-growing European Union, the revived Roman empire if you will, is, at some point, going to have ten "horns" or primary seats of authority.
Many people believe these ten horns already exist in the form of the Western European Union (WEU), which has ten permanent member nations.
Encyclopedia Britannica describes the WEU as an "association of 10 countries (Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and the United Kingdom) that operates as a forum for the coordination of matters of European security and defense. It contributed to the creation of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and works in cooperation with that organization. The WEU became the primary defense institution of the European Union in the 1990s, though it gave up that role in 2001."
Presently, although anything could happen and turn things around on a dime, it seems that the WEU's role as the teeth of the rising Beast government of Antichrist has been greatly diminished since 2001. Because of this, it seems unlikely that the WEU is going to be the ten horns referred to by the prophet Daniel.
Assuming the WEU isn't going to be the ten horns among which the Antichrist will ascend to prominence, are there any other possibilities in view? Absolutely and it's a topic that has been brought up on a number of occasions in recent years - the creation of a "core Europe" being formed within the boundaries of the larger European Union.
A "Core Europe"
The EU Observer is reporting the following concerning a "core Europe" being formed, in part:
"Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has suggested that if the Irish people vote against the Lisbon Treaty a second time, a group of European Union member states should move to create a "core Europe" in order to implement the treaty."
And...
"Various politicians and academics have advocated the idea that an inner core of EU member states drive forward with deeper integration via the development of a new organisation, often described as a European Federation, alongside the existing European Union."
For those of you unfamiliar with the Lisbon Treaty, it is essentially a repackaged version of the European Union's Constitution. In 2004, leaders from all the member nations of the European Union signed the European Union's Constitution amid great pomp and circumstance, but it ran into stumbling blocks afterward, all of the European Union's member nations having had to ratify it through referendum for it to be official. Ireland, as the linked news story above implies, didn't do so. Thus, the process was derailed.
After it seemed clear the EU Constitution couldn't be passed by all EU member nations ratifying it, the Constitution was repackaged as the Lisbon Treaty and talk of a "core Europe" being formed began to make rounds on the internet, many in the European Union seeing the failure of a few nations to ratify the Constitution being a stumbling block to the EU achieving its global ambitions which brings us to where we are today.
Considering the news story linked above, could the creation of a "core Europe" or European Federation within the larger European Union be on its way to becoming a reality? Theoretically speaking, it seems a distinct possibility.
If a "core Europe" comes into existence, my suspicion is it will end up being a federation comprised of 10 members, allowing for the fulfillment of bible prophecy to occur at the appointed time. I'm not being dogmatic that this is what's going to happen, but it is something for us to bear in mind as we await the return of Jesus Christ for His Church. Why? Because a "core Europe" being formed that would operate as the Lisbon Treaty provides for would replace the EU's current system of rotating six-month presidencies with the creation of an actual position for an EU President to be seated, as well as an EU foreign minister with a wide swath of diplomatic powers. The foreign minister's position, as set forth in the Lisbon Treaty, would hold such tremendous power that he could not only set EU foreign policy but implement it as well, an issue of such concern to a large number of leaders in the Union that they have vocally stated that no one person should hold such tremendous power, one prominent reason why both the EU Constitution and Lisbon Treaty have met some opposition.
Sooner or later, ten horns
Concerning the advent of the prophesied Antichrist to come, we're told, in Daniel 7:7-8, that a group of ten "horns" (horns being symbolic of seats of authority or positions of power) will arise in the last days.
Whether these ten horns come to exist as a result of a "core Europe" being formed, the WEU being reasserted as the primary defense institution of the EU, or another ten-member association of powerful leaders yet to be revealed coming into view, we have a clear picture of what is going to transpire in the aftermath.
A "little horn" - symbolic of the prophesied Antichrist - will come up among the "ten horns". Daniel 7:8 tells us that, before this "little horn", three of the first horns will be "plucked up by the roots."
The original Hebrew text for being "plucked up by the roots" is `aqar and it means just what it seems to as we read it English.
The Antichrist, most likely because these three nations (or leaders) aren't going to go along with whatever he has in mind as he makes his ascent among them, is going to uproot them, rendering them silent.
The little horn (Antichrist) will be speaking "great things" at this time in his political ascent, his tongue being like a razor I dare say, both in its sharpness of tone and its ability to create injury to any adversaries standing in his path.
Conclusion
The idea of a "core Europe" being formed within the revived Roman empire of bible prophecy could open a doorway to the advent of the Antichrist occurring. While it is nothing more than an occasionally brought up possibility, what it demonstrates to me is how dedicated many influential leaders inside the European Union are to ensuring that the Union's ever-growing economic power and diplomatic influence isn't slowed by a few detracting voices. In that sense, the EU Beast is itself already much like the leader who will someday come to be its supreme leader, the Antichrist. Doesn't this fit perfectly with how bible prophecy uses the term "Beast" interchangeably, at times describing the Antichrist himself while at other times describing his empire?
What fascinating and intellectually stimulating times we're living in! Stay tuned, Church! There's no telling what we're going to see next!
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Swine Flu Update
Another alarmist article has come out today, this one from the Guardian (UK), which details a new UN report on the swine flu.
This is undoubtedly the most perplexing medically related story that I have ever come across.
Lets keep in mind that relatively speaking, this swine flu has been very mild. The vast majority of people recover in 2-3 days and it has been described by most patients and physicians as quite mild. The number of deaths so far has been remarkably low for any seasonal flu.
So whats the big deal?
Good question. Lets look at this article, which mirrors much of what we have been reading in the U.S.
"Swine flu 'could kill millions unless rich nations give 900m'"
Interesting. According to the UN, the pandemic "may result in anarchy unless western world pays for antiviral drugs and vaccines." This report was drawn up by UN officials over the last two months. It was commissioned in July after Ban ki-moon, the UN's secretary general, expressed concern that the H1N1 virus could have a severe impact on the world's poorest countries.
Quotes:
"The swine flu pandemic could kill millions and cause anarchy in the world's poorest nations unless 900m can be raided from rich countries to pay for vaccines and antiviral medications."
"If the virus takes hold in the poorest nations, millions could die and the economies of fragile countries could be destroyed."
"Gregory Hartl of WHO said the report required an urgent response from rich nations."
Lets summarize. This mild flu will "kill millions", cause "anarchy", and result in the economy of entire countries to be completely "destroyed", unless rich nations immediately give the UN a massive infusion of money. Hmmmmm.....That is interesting isn't it?
This is only one of many similar articles, screaming hysterically at what has proven to be a very mild flu.
Why?
I can only guess at this point. Either it is simply about money - in this case, money infused directly into the UN, or perhaps something more ominous. Does the UN and CDC have information that we, the public, haven't been exposed to yet? Was this flu "manufactured" in order to implement FEMA's long dreaded "martial law"? Are mandatory vaccines going to be implemented? There are too many rumors to even cite here, and some of them seem too bizarre to even recognize. Either way, the "alarm" thats being generated around this mild flu and the fear being generated by the UN, WHO and subsequently, many government's around the world - does not match the actual data on the swine flu AT ALL.
As mentioned a couple of weeks ago, this fall is shaping up to be very interesting.
This is undoubtedly the most perplexing medically related story that I have ever come across.
Lets keep in mind that relatively speaking, this swine flu has been very mild. The vast majority of people recover in 2-3 days and it has been described by most patients and physicians as quite mild. The number of deaths so far has been remarkably low for any seasonal flu.
So whats the big deal?
Good question. Lets look at this article, which mirrors much of what we have been reading in the U.S.
"Swine flu 'could kill millions unless rich nations give 900m'"
Interesting. According to the UN, the pandemic "may result in anarchy unless western world pays for antiviral drugs and vaccines." This report was drawn up by UN officials over the last two months. It was commissioned in July after Ban ki-moon, the UN's secretary general, expressed concern that the H1N1 virus could have a severe impact on the world's poorest countries.
Quotes:
"The swine flu pandemic could kill millions and cause anarchy in the world's poorest nations unless 900m can be raided from rich countries to pay for vaccines and antiviral medications."
"If the virus takes hold in the poorest nations, millions could die and the economies of fragile countries could be destroyed."
"Gregory Hartl of WHO said the report required an urgent response from rich nations."
Lets summarize. This mild flu will "kill millions", cause "anarchy", and result in the economy of entire countries to be completely "destroyed", unless rich nations immediately give the UN a massive infusion of money. Hmmmmm.....That is interesting isn't it?
This is only one of many similar articles, screaming hysterically at what has proven to be a very mild flu.
Why?
I can only guess at this point. Either it is simply about money - in this case, money infused directly into the UN, or perhaps something more ominous. Does the UN and CDC have information that we, the public, haven't been exposed to yet? Was this flu "manufactured" in order to implement FEMA's long dreaded "martial law"? Are mandatory vaccines going to be implemented? There are too many rumors to even cite here, and some of them seem too bizarre to even recognize. Either way, the "alarm" thats being generated around this mild flu and the fear being generated by the UN, WHO and subsequently, many government's around the world - does not match the actual data on the swine flu AT ALL.
As mentioned a couple of weeks ago, this fall is shaping up to be very interesting.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Iran in the news (again)
Just this morning we see more news relating to Iran and their leader Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
According to a report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iran is currently able to build a nuclear bomb.
In an article reported by Israel National News, "IAEA:All Iran Needs Now is a Delivery System", we can see where Glyn Davies, the U.S. envoy to the IAEA confirmed long-time Israeli intelligence reports that Iran is close to the ability to produce a nuclear bomb.
After making the case that Iran is progressing towards a delivery system for their nuclear weapons, the article closes with these words:
"Israel, meanwhile, remains committed to its position on Iran regardless of any international political machinations. In an interview with Israel's Channel 2 TV, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu repeated his familiar formula that Iran must not be allowed to get its hands on nuclear weapons. He provided no further details regarding Israel's plans to prevent that eventuality. "
Meanwhile, we see an article in the Jerusalem Post also confirming this IAEA finding, article here
plus some additional information. This article includes the new information regarding President Obama's decision not to install an Eastern European missile defense shield. Caving to pressure from Russia, the U.S. is hoping that Russia will now vote to impose sanctions on Iran until they abandon their nuclear plans.
Lets be honest and politically incorrect for a second.
Russia is building the nuclear facilities for Iran. They have a massive amount of money and resources engaged in this project. Without Russia, Iran would have made no progress at all, as they are completely dependent upon Russia for this technology. They have military and economic ties to Iran. It seems clear, even to the casual observer that the U.S. is being "played" here, as Iran will never abandon their nuclear plans, and Russia will never seriously attempt to derail their plans. In fact, more "negotiations" or "talks" will play directly into Russian-Iranian plans, as any such discussions will simply buy more time for Iran to achieve their goals of nuclear weapons with a missile delivery system.
Its hard for a secular U.S. to understand the deep, radically religious Islamic view that Ahmadinejad holds towards Israel and the U.S. - he is not thinking in secular, "worldly" terms. He is thinking only of hastening the coming of the Islamic messiah, the Mahdi. This requires ongoing war between Iran and Israel. Normal negotiations are irrelevant in this scenario.
The reason many prophecy watchers follow this story SO closely is simple. We are watching the events which ultimately lead to the Gog-MaGog invasion described in Ezekiel 38-39. The reason this is so significant, is because God will reveal Himself to the world, as he supernaturally thwarts the invasion, and His intervention will be obvious to the entire world.
As mentioned before, I personally do not believe the Church will be here to witness this. My basis for this is strictly opinion and is not scripture based. However, by looking at bible history, we can see that such actions by God have never occurred during the church age - but such actions did occur in Old Testament times, as God dealt directly with Israel. In other words, the way that the world will be following the Rapture of the Church.
Either way, this event will be enormously large. Imagine seeing the hand of God directly intervening on earth, in a way that is clearly God, and not confused with "natural events" or other mechanisms. If we ARE here to witness these events, then we will also see a world which has seen God's hand directly. Thats also pretty epic in nature.
The clock is ticking on this situation. God is watching and waiting for His perfect moment to intervene. How obvious will this intervention be?
"This is what will happen in that day: When Gog attacks the land of Israel, my hot anger will be aroused, declares the Sovereign Lord. In my zeal and fiery wrath I declare that at that time there shall be a great earthquake in the land of Israel. The fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the beasts of the field, every creature that moves along the ground, and all the people on the face of the earth will tremble at my presence." (Ezekiel 38:18-20).
"And so I will show my greatness and my holiness in the sight of many nations. They will know that I am the Lord." (Ezekiel 38:23)
"I will display my glory among the nations, and all the nations will see the punishment I inflict and the hand I lay upon them."
(Ezekiel 39:21).
Perhaps more importantly, we see this scripture:
"I will make known my holy name among my people Israel. I will no longer let my holy name be profaned, and the nations will know that I the Lord am the Holy One in Israel. IT IS COMING! IT WILL SURELY TAKE PLACE, declares the Sovereign Lord. This is the day I have spoken of." (emphasis mine, Ezekiel 39:7-8).
There should be no doubt that these events are coming. God said so. Just see the scriptures above. We are seeing the stage being set for these events. Every day we move closer and closer to the invasion of Gog-MaGog, and the subsequent dramatic revealing of God's hand.
It doesn't get any bigger than that. Well, perhaps it does. The Rapture of the Church will be a pretty big event too.
Keep watching, as Bible prophecy states, our redemption is drawing near!
According to a report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iran is currently able to build a nuclear bomb.
In an article reported by Israel National News, "IAEA:All Iran Needs Now is a Delivery System", we can see where Glyn Davies, the U.S. envoy to the IAEA confirmed long-time Israeli intelligence reports that Iran is close to the ability to produce a nuclear bomb.
After making the case that Iran is progressing towards a delivery system for their nuclear weapons, the article closes with these words:
"Israel, meanwhile, remains committed to its position on Iran regardless of any international political machinations. In an interview with Israel's Channel 2 TV, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu repeated his familiar formula that Iran must not be allowed to get its hands on nuclear weapons. He provided no further details regarding Israel's plans to prevent that eventuality. "
Meanwhile, we see an article in the Jerusalem Post also confirming this IAEA finding, article here
plus some additional information. This article includes the new information regarding President Obama's decision not to install an Eastern European missile defense shield. Caving to pressure from Russia, the U.S. is hoping that Russia will now vote to impose sanctions on Iran until they abandon their nuclear plans.
Lets be honest and politically incorrect for a second.
Russia is building the nuclear facilities for Iran. They have a massive amount of money and resources engaged in this project. Without Russia, Iran would have made no progress at all, as they are completely dependent upon Russia for this technology. They have military and economic ties to Iran. It seems clear, even to the casual observer that the U.S. is being "played" here, as Iran will never abandon their nuclear plans, and Russia will never seriously attempt to derail their plans. In fact, more "negotiations" or "talks" will play directly into Russian-Iranian plans, as any such discussions will simply buy more time for Iran to achieve their goals of nuclear weapons with a missile delivery system.
Its hard for a secular U.S. to understand the deep, radically religious Islamic view that Ahmadinejad holds towards Israel and the U.S. - he is not thinking in secular, "worldly" terms. He is thinking only of hastening the coming of the Islamic messiah, the Mahdi. This requires ongoing war between Iran and Israel. Normal negotiations are irrelevant in this scenario.
The reason many prophecy watchers follow this story SO closely is simple. We are watching the events which ultimately lead to the Gog-MaGog invasion described in Ezekiel 38-39. The reason this is so significant, is because God will reveal Himself to the world, as he supernaturally thwarts the invasion, and His intervention will be obvious to the entire world.
As mentioned before, I personally do not believe the Church will be here to witness this. My basis for this is strictly opinion and is not scripture based. However, by looking at bible history, we can see that such actions by God have never occurred during the church age - but such actions did occur in Old Testament times, as God dealt directly with Israel. In other words, the way that the world will be following the Rapture of the Church.
Either way, this event will be enormously large. Imagine seeing the hand of God directly intervening on earth, in a way that is clearly God, and not confused with "natural events" or other mechanisms. If we ARE here to witness these events, then we will also see a world which has seen God's hand directly. Thats also pretty epic in nature.
The clock is ticking on this situation. God is watching and waiting for His perfect moment to intervene. How obvious will this intervention be?
"This is what will happen in that day: When Gog attacks the land of Israel, my hot anger will be aroused, declares the Sovereign Lord. In my zeal and fiery wrath I declare that at that time there shall be a great earthquake in the land of Israel. The fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the beasts of the field, every creature that moves along the ground, and all the people on the face of the earth will tremble at my presence." (Ezekiel 38:18-20).
"And so I will show my greatness and my holiness in the sight of many nations. They will know that I am the Lord." (Ezekiel 38:23)
"I will display my glory among the nations, and all the nations will see the punishment I inflict and the hand I lay upon them."
(Ezekiel 39:21).
Perhaps more importantly, we see this scripture:
"I will make known my holy name among my people Israel. I will no longer let my holy name be profaned, and the nations will know that I the Lord am the Holy One in Israel. IT IS COMING! IT WILL SURELY TAKE PLACE, declares the Sovereign Lord. This is the day I have spoken of." (emphasis mine, Ezekiel 39:7-8).
There should be no doubt that these events are coming. God said so. Just see the scriptures above. We are seeing the stage being set for these events. Every day we move closer and closer to the invasion of Gog-MaGog, and the subsequent dramatic revealing of God's hand.
It doesn't get any bigger than that. Well, perhaps it does. The Rapture of the Church will be a pretty big event too.
Keep watching, as Bible prophecy states, our redemption is drawing near!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
In the news...
There are two interesting articles this morning. The first deals with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's scheduled speech at the U.N. in two weeks. Recall, the last time he spoke at the UN, he closed with a prayer for the Mahdi to return. In addition, he was quoted many times as saying that he was covered in light as he spoke these "divine" words. If he speaks again at the UN, it should be interesting as usual. However, as seen HERE, a protest is forming, calling for a worldwide boycott of this scheduled speech. A rally will be held next Thursday, across the street from the U.N. headquarters. He will probably still make this speech, based upon past actions of the U.N., and odds are he will make some interesting statements. We'll be watching this.
Also in the news we see an article with the title "Iran attack: Israel ex-min sees end-year deadline", and once again we see the end-year deadline discussed article here. In this article we see Ephraim Sneh, who is a former Israeli deputy defense minister, stating that Israel will be compelled to attack Iran's nuclear sites if Western powers cannot agree to crippling sanctions against Iran by the end of the year. Once again, we see this time frame which targets the end of this year.
Quotes:
"We cannot live under the shadow of an Iran with nuclear weapons, by the end of the year, if there is no agreement on crippling sanctions aimed at this regime, we will have no choice."
"This is the very, very last resort. But ironically it is our best friends and allies who are pushing us into a corner where we would have no option but to do it."
"Israel has said a nuclear-armed Iran would be a threat to its existence and points to Iranian President Mamoud Ahmadinejad's calls for Israel to be wiped off the map."
Iran keeps telling the world that they have no plans to discontinue their nuclear development. "The world" doesn't seem to be listening as the EU and US continue to attempt to level sanctions against Iran, but Russia and China continue to effectively block such actions. Meanwhile, Israel watches the situation all while their very existence hangs in the balance.
The end of this calendar year is a consistent time frame given in terms of the "break-point" on dealing with Iran. There have been a number of similar comments which reference the end of 2009 as significance, not only in terms of Israeli action, but when Iran is expected to have capable nuclear weapons.
The clock is ticking. We may be on the verge of seeing some huge events in the Middle-East.
Also in the news we see an article with the title "Iran attack: Israel ex-min sees end-year deadline", and once again we see the end-year deadline discussed article here. In this article we see Ephraim Sneh, who is a former Israeli deputy defense minister, stating that Israel will be compelled to attack Iran's nuclear sites if Western powers cannot agree to crippling sanctions against Iran by the end of the year. Once again, we see this time frame which targets the end of this year.
Quotes:
"We cannot live under the shadow of an Iran with nuclear weapons, by the end of the year, if there is no agreement on crippling sanctions aimed at this regime, we will have no choice."
"This is the very, very last resort. But ironically it is our best friends and allies who are pushing us into a corner where we would have no option but to do it."
"Israel has said a nuclear-armed Iran would be a threat to its existence and points to Iranian President Mamoud Ahmadinejad's calls for Israel to be wiped off the map."
Iran keeps telling the world that they have no plans to discontinue their nuclear development. "The world" doesn't seem to be listening as the EU and US continue to attempt to level sanctions against Iran, but Russia and China continue to effectively block such actions. Meanwhile, Israel watches the situation all while their very existence hangs in the balance.
The end of this calendar year is a consistent time frame given in terms of the "break-point" on dealing with Iran. There have been a number of similar comments which reference the end of 2009 as significance, not only in terms of Israeli action, but when Iran is expected to have capable nuclear weapons.
The clock is ticking. We may be on the verge of seeing some huge events in the Middle-East.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Another piece of Ezekiel 38 in focus
We've watched the ongoing alliance between Russia and Iran, just as predicted in Ezekiel 38:4-5, as the bible defines the invading troops involved in the epic battle of "Gog-MaGog". Interestingly, the two most easily defined countries are Russia and Iran. Russia, for a variety of reasons discussed many times (Gog, Meshech and Tubal, all descendants of Noah who migrated into the region of modern-day Russia, and the scriptures which defined these invaders as coming from "the far north", as seen in Ezekiel 38:6 and 38:15) and "Persia" which clearly defines Iran (Iran was formally "Persia" until the 1930's.
In addition, Turkey is consistently considered as the reference given in Ezekiel 38 from the listing of "Beth Togarmah". This is considered by most prophecy scholars to pinpoint the region of modern-day Turkey, as that particular reference. We have seen numerous agreements between Turkey and Russia for the last ~2 years. Now, in today's news, we see the following: "Turkey stands at Iran's side" ; another headline which says it all.
Interesting quotes:
"Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu...noted that the two countries shared deep-rooted historical ties and their neighborly relations are based on the principle of refraining from interfering in each other's affairs. He outlined many areas where they explored boosting bilateral relations, ranging from economic cooperation to security"
"In addition to discussing cooperation in various areas, the two main items on Davutoglu's agenda were the nuclear issue and energy cooperation."
Last but not least:
"Ahmadinejad claimed that the improvement of Turkish-Iranian relations is an obligation 'in a process whereby great and oppressor powers are in decline.'"
In other words, as the Western powers decline (according to Ahmadinejad), Islamic relations must improve, specifically those between Iran and Turkey.
Why would he make such a statement?
Perhaps the answers may be found in the book of Ezekiel, specifically chapters 38-39.
We shall see.
In addition, Turkey is consistently considered as the reference given in Ezekiel 38 from the listing of "Beth Togarmah". This is considered by most prophecy scholars to pinpoint the region of modern-day Turkey, as that particular reference. We have seen numerous agreements between Turkey and Russia for the last ~2 years. Now, in today's news, we see the following: "Turkey stands at Iran's side" ; another headline which says it all.
Interesting quotes:
"Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu...noted that the two countries shared deep-rooted historical ties and their neighborly relations are based on the principle of refraining from interfering in each other's affairs. He outlined many areas where they explored boosting bilateral relations, ranging from economic cooperation to security"
"In addition to discussing cooperation in various areas, the two main items on Davutoglu's agenda were the nuclear issue and energy cooperation."
Last but not least:
"Ahmadinejad claimed that the improvement of Turkish-Iranian relations is an obligation 'in a process whereby great and oppressor powers are in decline.'"
In other words, as the Western powers decline (according to Ahmadinejad), Islamic relations must improve, specifically those between Iran and Turkey.
Why would he make such a statement?
Perhaps the answers may be found in the book of Ezekiel, specifically chapters 38-39.
We shall see.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
In the news....
Its pretty easy to connect these dots, without much commentary. The headlines speak for themselves:
"Shiite cleric in Lebanon: Normalization with Israel forbidden"
"Iran should help arm Lebanon"
"Netanyahu warns Lebanon that Israel won't hold back when attacked"
Things are heating up in the Middle East. More missiles have been launched from Lebanon into northern Israel. Israel is currently exercising restraint, but its starting to look like the northern border of Israel is becoming active again. This region is dominated by Hezbollah, and Hezbollah takes their orders from Iran.
We'll be following this developing story VERY closely. Stay tuned.
"Shiite cleric in Lebanon: Normalization with Israel forbidden"
"Iran should help arm Lebanon"
"Netanyahu warns Lebanon that Israel won't hold back when attacked"
Things are heating up in the Middle East. More missiles have been launched from Lebanon into northern Israel. Israel is currently exercising restraint, but its starting to look like the northern border of Israel is becoming active again. This region is dominated by Hezbollah, and Hezbollah takes their orders from Iran.
We'll be following this developing story VERY closely. Stay tuned.
Putin warns against attack on Iran
ABC news is reporting that Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has warned (again) against military action targeting Iran or imposing new sanctions to curb its nuclear program ARTICLE HERE. In this article we see that Iran, in an obvious effort to stall and delay any actions against their nuclear facilities has offered to hold "comprehensive, all-encompassing and constructive" negotiations on a range of security issues, including global nuclear disarmament.
Every time more significant sanctions against Iran are openly discussed, suddenly Iran becomes interested in "negotiations". The last round of such a diversion included Iran demands that Israel competely disarm. Thats the nature of these "serious" negotiations on the part of Iran. Its quite obvious that Iran is desperate to buy the necessary amount of time in order to fully develop their nuclear weapons. Pretending to engage in "negotiations" when their backs are against the wall is typical.
More importantly, we see the alliance of Russia and Iran consolidating, just as Ezekiel 38 informed us. This prophecy was written approximately 2,500 years ago, and during that period, there was never a Russian-Iranian alliance....Until now. Something that Ezekiel said would happen in the "latter days", also known as the "last days"; the period of time just before Christ returns.
Russia and Iran aligned together. Check. Another biblical prophecy comes into focus, here in the last days.
The story of Russian and Iran aligning against Israel is just beginning. There will be MUCH more to this story, according to bible prophecy. Just read Ezekiel 38-39 to see what happens. The only question I have is - will we, the Church, be here to witness it. If so, it will offer a witnessing opportunity like never before. If we are not here, that means we'll be in heaven - celebrating a wedding. A wedding between us and our savior.
Just as predicted, we are in a very very interesting season.
Every time more significant sanctions against Iran are openly discussed, suddenly Iran becomes interested in "negotiations". The last round of such a diversion included Iran demands that Israel competely disarm. Thats the nature of these "serious" negotiations on the part of Iran. Its quite obvious that Iran is desperate to buy the necessary amount of time in order to fully develop their nuclear weapons. Pretending to engage in "negotiations" when their backs are against the wall is typical.
More importantly, we see the alliance of Russia and Iran consolidating, just as Ezekiel 38 informed us. This prophecy was written approximately 2,500 years ago, and during that period, there was never a Russian-Iranian alliance....Until now. Something that Ezekiel said would happen in the "latter days", also known as the "last days"; the period of time just before Christ returns.
Russia and Iran aligned together. Check. Another biblical prophecy comes into focus, here in the last days.
The story of Russian and Iran aligning against Israel is just beginning. There will be MUCH more to this story, according to bible prophecy. Just read Ezekiel 38-39 to see what happens. The only question I have is - will we, the Church, be here to witness it. If so, it will offer a witnessing opportunity like never before. If we are not here, that means we'll be in heaven - celebrating a wedding. A wedding between us and our savior.
Just as predicted, we are in a very very interesting season.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
More on Russia-Israel Meeting
Mike Mickey has done an excellent and thorough review of the current situation between Russia and Israel, and the meeting which took place last week. There is a lot more to this story and it also involves the mysterous disappearance of the Russian "cargo ship" recently Link Here. I'll let brother Mike do the rest:
Russia and Israel Talk In Secret
by Michael G. Mickey
(9-11-09)
It was reported earlier this week, on September 7th, that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had mysteriously gone missing for some ten hours in what Israeli sources originally indicated was a visit to "a security installation inside Israel." Three days later, however? A source inside the Kremlin said that wasn't the case at all. Where had Netanyahu been in reality? If the Kremlin source is trustworthy, he was on a clandestine trip to Russia to meet with Russian officials, the definitive topic of discussion being an unknown.
Why So Secretive?
Why would the Israeli Prime Minister travel in secret to Russia? Could it be that Israel has made a decision to attack Iran's nuclear facilities? It's certainly a possibility but I suspect the tight-lipped meeting may have been related to something else that made a slight bit of news lately before quietly fading into obscurity. Let's consider the latter for a moment.
ABC News reported the following yesterday:
There are reports that Israel may have been involved in the mysterious disappearance of a Russian cargo ship last month.
Israeli media says Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu went on a secret trip to Moscow earlier this week.
There is speculation that his visit may be linked to the peculiar story of the cargo ship, the Arctic Sea, which disappeared during its trip from Finland to Algeria.
The Russian government then announced that the ship, with its cargo of timber, had been hijacked and that the Russian navy had rescued the crew.
Now, one senior Israeli figure close to the intelligence services has told the BBC that the Arctic Sea was in fact carrying an advanced Russian air defence system bound for Iran.
Israel involved in state-sanctioned piracy of ships loaded with timber? That doesn't make sense, but if Russia was smuggling advanced weapons systems into Syria, Iran or both that could hamper or prevent Israel from defending its national interests? That's an animal of a whole different variety! Think about it.
If Israeli Mossad agents played an active role in the reported hijacking of the Arctic Sea, particularly if Russia was caught red-handed aiding Israel's enemies, tensions between Israel and Russia are undoubtedly very high right now. Could this be why the two sides elected to sit down for a quiet heart-to-heart talk they're apparently more than content to keep between themselves? Quite possibly. A Haaretz story seems to corroborate the ABC story linked above on several key points.
According to Haaretz, rumors persist that the Arctic Sea was carrying advanced S-300 anti-aircraft missile systems that were en route to either Syria or Iran.
According to Haaretz, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, in keeping with the story as told to us by ABC, has indicated there was nothing on board the ship but a load of timber, an odd cargo for a group of pirates to seize a ship for weeks and relocate it "thousands of kilometers" from what was to be its original destination, not to mention the fact that Russia dispatched an enormous force to recover the ship, its crew and its alleged cargo of wood.
TIME magazine is reporting the following concerning Russia's rescue mission, raising questions I can't help but suspect, based on everything I've read on the topic and shared in this commentary, could only be answered by high-ranking Israeli and Russian government officials (which I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for):
"On orders from the Kremlin, Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov sent a completely disproportionate force, including destroyers and submarines, to look for the vessel. It took five days for them to find it, the Defense Ministry said, even though the Foreign Ministry later announced that it was fully aware of the Arctic Sea's coordinates the entire time. To fly the alleged pirates and the crew back to Moscow — a group of only 19 men — Russia dispatched two enormous military-cargo planes. And then on their arrival, the ship's crew was detained along with the alleged hijackers for days of questioning, with no access to their families or the media.
"Even from the basic facts, without assumptions, it is clear that this was not just piracy," says Mikhail Voitenko, editor of the Russian maritime journal Sovfrakht, which has been tracking unusual incidents on the high seas for decades. "I've never seen anything like this. These are some of the most heavily policed waters in the world. You cannot just hide a ship there for weeks without government involvement."
If I'm reading Voitenko's opinion correctly, he doesn't believe any group of pirates, short of being the nationally-sponsored variety if you catch my drift, could pull off an operation like the one pulled off against the Arctic Sea for a host of reasons.
All of the above reads like something out of a Tom Clancy novel, doesn't it? It certainly stirs the imagination if nothing else.
Unanswered Questions
Did the Mossad grab a payload of advanced Russian anti-aircraft systems headed for Iran, Syria or both and make off with them for a few weeks? If so, what was the mission's goal other than to keep the weapons out of Iranian and Syrian hands? Did the Mossad think it was merely intercepting some black market Russian military equipment on its way to the Middle East when it boarded the ship but subsequently realized it had intercepted a legitimate covert Russian military operation instead? Could it be, God forbid, there was something aboard the Arctic Sea far more deadly than S-300 anti-aircraft systems? We will likely never know the answers to these questions with any clarity but TIME raises some questions I think one would be hard-pressed to believe have been answered in Russia's official version of the events in question, the three following being prime examples:
Why, with so many other ships carrying much more valuable cargo, would the hijackers target the Arctic Sea and its small load of timber?
Why didn't the ship send out a distress signal?
Why did Israeli President Shimon Peres pay a surprise visit to Russia a day after the ship was rescued?
That's right, folks! We now know that both Israeli president Shimon Peres and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have met with high-ranking Russian officials in peculiar manners since the Arctic Sea incident took place.
Of Prophetic Interest
It's common knowledge here that bible prophecy indicates Russia is going to be up to its armpits in involvement with Iran in the last days, particularly where the Gog-Magog attack described in the 38th and 39th chapters of the book of Ezekiel is concerned. As such, the possibility that there was far more to the hijacking of the Arctic Sea than we're being told should come as no surprise to those of us waiting and watching for the fulfillment of bible prophecy to occur on this front.
Assuming for a moment there absolutely was Israeli involvement in the incident in question, blatant falsehoods being told to the public by Russia and Israel to cover the entire incident up may have been an agreed upon ending to a potentially deadly confrontation as this outcome would permit both Moscow and Jerusalem to save face publicly, neither side having won or lost anything but credibility with the other. Such an end game scenario would be especially beneficial to the Russians at a time when the Russian government is standing in the way of the entire world punishing Iran for pursuing what I believe we can all safely assume is nuclear weaponry at this point. Just today, for example, the BBC is reporting that Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin is warning everyone against attacking Iran militarily or even imposing any additional sanctions on Iran that might slow its nuclear program.
Conclusion
The Middle East is, in typical form, a powder keg ready to explode at any moment. As in times past, in keeping with the ways of the former Soviet Union and bible prophecy's predictions for the future, Mother Russia is up to her eyeballs in aiding Israel's enemies and their plots to destroy the Jewish nation from the face of the earth. Essentially, all I'm trying to convey here is God's prophetic plan remains perfectly on course to fulfillment, particularly if what we've been told by the Russians in their official story concerning the hijacking of the Arctic Sea is what experts seem to believe it is, namely one whopper of a lie!
Keep looking up, not for S-300 anti-aircraft missiles but for Jesus Christ, our Lord! Surely His return draws near!
Russia and Israel Talk In Secret
by Michael G. Mickey
(9-11-09)
It was reported earlier this week, on September 7th, that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had mysteriously gone missing for some ten hours in what Israeli sources originally indicated was a visit to "a security installation inside Israel." Three days later, however? A source inside the Kremlin said that wasn't the case at all. Where had Netanyahu been in reality? If the Kremlin source is trustworthy, he was on a clandestine trip to Russia to meet with Russian officials, the definitive topic of discussion being an unknown.
Why So Secretive?
Why would the Israeli Prime Minister travel in secret to Russia? Could it be that Israel has made a decision to attack Iran's nuclear facilities? It's certainly a possibility but I suspect the tight-lipped meeting may have been related to something else that made a slight bit of news lately before quietly fading into obscurity. Let's consider the latter for a moment.
ABC News reported the following yesterday:
There are reports that Israel may have been involved in the mysterious disappearance of a Russian cargo ship last month.
Israeli media says Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu went on a secret trip to Moscow earlier this week.
There is speculation that his visit may be linked to the peculiar story of the cargo ship, the Arctic Sea, which disappeared during its trip from Finland to Algeria.
The Russian government then announced that the ship, with its cargo of timber, had been hijacked and that the Russian navy had rescued the crew.
Now, one senior Israeli figure close to the intelligence services has told the BBC that the Arctic Sea was in fact carrying an advanced Russian air defence system bound for Iran.
Israel involved in state-sanctioned piracy of ships loaded with timber? That doesn't make sense, but if Russia was smuggling advanced weapons systems into Syria, Iran or both that could hamper or prevent Israel from defending its national interests? That's an animal of a whole different variety! Think about it.
If Israeli Mossad agents played an active role in the reported hijacking of the Arctic Sea, particularly if Russia was caught red-handed aiding Israel's enemies, tensions between Israel and Russia are undoubtedly very high right now. Could this be why the two sides elected to sit down for a quiet heart-to-heart talk they're apparently more than content to keep between themselves? Quite possibly. A Haaretz story seems to corroborate the ABC story linked above on several key points.
According to Haaretz, rumors persist that the Arctic Sea was carrying advanced S-300 anti-aircraft missile systems that were en route to either Syria or Iran.
According to Haaretz, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, in keeping with the story as told to us by ABC, has indicated there was nothing on board the ship but a load of timber, an odd cargo for a group of pirates to seize a ship for weeks and relocate it "thousands of kilometers" from what was to be its original destination, not to mention the fact that Russia dispatched an enormous force to recover the ship, its crew and its alleged cargo of wood.
TIME magazine is reporting the following concerning Russia's rescue mission, raising questions I can't help but suspect, based on everything I've read on the topic and shared in this commentary, could only be answered by high-ranking Israeli and Russian government officials (which I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for):
"On orders from the Kremlin, Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov sent a completely disproportionate force, including destroyers and submarines, to look for the vessel. It took five days for them to find it, the Defense Ministry said, even though the Foreign Ministry later announced that it was fully aware of the Arctic Sea's coordinates the entire time. To fly the alleged pirates and the crew back to Moscow — a group of only 19 men — Russia dispatched two enormous military-cargo planes. And then on their arrival, the ship's crew was detained along with the alleged hijackers for days of questioning, with no access to their families or the media.
"Even from the basic facts, without assumptions, it is clear that this was not just piracy," says Mikhail Voitenko, editor of the Russian maritime journal Sovfrakht, which has been tracking unusual incidents on the high seas for decades. "I've never seen anything like this. These are some of the most heavily policed waters in the world. You cannot just hide a ship there for weeks without government involvement."
If I'm reading Voitenko's opinion correctly, he doesn't believe any group of pirates, short of being the nationally-sponsored variety if you catch my drift, could pull off an operation like the one pulled off against the Arctic Sea for a host of reasons.
All of the above reads like something out of a Tom Clancy novel, doesn't it? It certainly stirs the imagination if nothing else.
Unanswered Questions
Did the Mossad grab a payload of advanced Russian anti-aircraft systems headed for Iran, Syria or both and make off with them for a few weeks? If so, what was the mission's goal other than to keep the weapons out of Iranian and Syrian hands? Did the Mossad think it was merely intercepting some black market Russian military equipment on its way to the Middle East when it boarded the ship but subsequently realized it had intercepted a legitimate covert Russian military operation instead? Could it be, God forbid, there was something aboard the Arctic Sea far more deadly than S-300 anti-aircraft systems? We will likely never know the answers to these questions with any clarity but TIME raises some questions I think one would be hard-pressed to believe have been answered in Russia's official version of the events in question, the three following being prime examples:
Why, with so many other ships carrying much more valuable cargo, would the hijackers target the Arctic Sea and its small load of timber?
Why didn't the ship send out a distress signal?
Why did Israeli President Shimon Peres pay a surprise visit to Russia a day after the ship was rescued?
That's right, folks! We now know that both Israeli president Shimon Peres and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have met with high-ranking Russian officials in peculiar manners since the Arctic Sea incident took place.
Of Prophetic Interest
It's common knowledge here that bible prophecy indicates Russia is going to be up to its armpits in involvement with Iran in the last days, particularly where the Gog-Magog attack described in the 38th and 39th chapters of the book of Ezekiel is concerned. As such, the possibility that there was far more to the hijacking of the Arctic Sea than we're being told should come as no surprise to those of us waiting and watching for the fulfillment of bible prophecy to occur on this front.
Assuming for a moment there absolutely was Israeli involvement in the incident in question, blatant falsehoods being told to the public by Russia and Israel to cover the entire incident up may have been an agreed upon ending to a potentially deadly confrontation as this outcome would permit both Moscow and Jerusalem to save face publicly, neither side having won or lost anything but credibility with the other. Such an end game scenario would be especially beneficial to the Russians at a time when the Russian government is standing in the way of the entire world punishing Iran for pursuing what I believe we can all safely assume is nuclear weaponry at this point. Just today, for example, the BBC is reporting that Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin is warning everyone against attacking Iran militarily or even imposing any additional sanctions on Iran that might slow its nuclear program.
Conclusion
The Middle East is, in typical form, a powder keg ready to explode at any moment. As in times past, in keeping with the ways of the former Soviet Union and bible prophecy's predictions for the future, Mother Russia is up to her eyeballs in aiding Israel's enemies and their plots to destroy the Jewish nation from the face of the earth. Essentially, all I'm trying to convey here is God's prophetic plan remains perfectly on course to fulfillment, particularly if what we've been told by the Russians in their official story concerning the hijacking of the Arctic Sea is what experts seem to believe it is, namely one whopper of a lie!
Keep looking up, not for S-300 anti-aircraft missiles but for Jesus Christ, our Lord! Surely His return draws near!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Interesting Rumors of War
Earlier this week, there were several news stories regarding the "missing hours" from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's schedule. As the rumors progressed, the story became that he "secretly" traveled to Russia for a covert meeting; a story that is now leaking. It has now been confirmed that he indeed did travel to Moscow, according to THIS ARTICLE, the office of the Prime Minister admitted the following:
"The prime minister was busy with secret, classifed activity. The military secretary took took his own initiative to defend this activity." This quote was in response to earlier denials that Netanyahu had been to Moscow. Once it became apparent that he had been to Moscow, as the news leaked out, the admission verbiage from the prime minister's office has taken an ominous tone.
More quotes:
"Kommersant paper quotes 'informed Israeli' source as saying 'It can't be ruled out that Israel may be ready to move on to decisive actions with regards to Iran, and Netanyahu decided to inform Kremlin of this'"
"Kommersant newspaper quoted 'experts' as saying they believe a visit of this kind could have stemmed from urgent circumstances, 'for example, in the event that Israel plans to attack Iran.'"
There could be several reasons that Netanyahu would inform Russia before atttacking Iran's nuclear facilities. There are thousands of Russian workers at these nuclear facilities, perhaps Israel will give Russia the opportunity to evacuate the employees, in efforts to keep Russian involvement to a minimum. Perhaps (as one rumor speculates), Israel is threatening Russia with their new technology to disable Russian surface-air missile technology - technology that has been sold to Iran (Russia wouldn't want it exposed that Israel possesses this capability) - requesting that Russia keep out of this situation.
At the same time, we see another article detailing the damage that could be done if Iran attempts to block the strategic Strait of Hormuz, which would create a world-wide gas/oil crisis.
Article Here
More rumors of war. Jesus warned us that the end of this generation would witness such rumors and of course He was exactly right. It is highly unusual that Prime Minister Netanyahu would take a highly covert trip to Moscow, particularly with the tensions in the region. No one knows for sure what the purpose was, but speculation from highly informed sources seems reasonable. Are we on the verge of seeing Israel destroy Iran's nuclear facilities? Only time will tell.
As mentioned earlier, this fall promises to be very interesting from a prophecy perspective.
While we're on the topic, there is a very timely review commentary on the battle of Gog-MaGog described in Ezekiel 38-39, by Joseph Chambers. He brings out some interesting elements of this battle, including the destruction of radical Islam in the region, and the aftermath of the epic battle.
Article Here
Maranatha - keep looking up - we're in the last days of this generation. The Lord's return will be soon. God Bless.
"The prime minister was busy with secret, classifed activity. The military secretary took took his own initiative to defend this activity." This quote was in response to earlier denials that Netanyahu had been to Moscow. Once it became apparent that he had been to Moscow, as the news leaked out, the admission verbiage from the prime minister's office has taken an ominous tone.
More quotes:
"Kommersant paper quotes 'informed Israeli' source as saying 'It can't be ruled out that Israel may be ready to move on to decisive actions with regards to Iran, and Netanyahu decided to inform Kremlin of this'"
"Kommersant newspaper quoted 'experts' as saying they believe a visit of this kind could have stemmed from urgent circumstances, 'for example, in the event that Israel plans to attack Iran.'"
There could be several reasons that Netanyahu would inform Russia before atttacking Iran's nuclear facilities. There are thousands of Russian workers at these nuclear facilities, perhaps Israel will give Russia the opportunity to evacuate the employees, in efforts to keep Russian involvement to a minimum. Perhaps (as one rumor speculates), Israel is threatening Russia with their new technology to disable Russian surface-air missile technology - technology that has been sold to Iran (Russia wouldn't want it exposed that Israel possesses this capability) - requesting that Russia keep out of this situation.
At the same time, we see another article detailing the damage that could be done if Iran attempts to block the strategic Strait of Hormuz, which would create a world-wide gas/oil crisis.
Article Here
More rumors of war. Jesus warned us that the end of this generation would witness such rumors and of course He was exactly right. It is highly unusual that Prime Minister Netanyahu would take a highly covert trip to Moscow, particularly with the tensions in the region. No one knows for sure what the purpose was, but speculation from highly informed sources seems reasonable. Are we on the verge of seeing Israel destroy Iran's nuclear facilities? Only time will tell.
As mentioned earlier, this fall promises to be very interesting from a prophecy perspective.
While we're on the topic, there is a very timely review commentary on the battle of Gog-MaGog described in Ezekiel 38-39, by Joseph Chambers. He brings out some interesting elements of this battle, including the destruction of radical Islam in the region, and the aftermath of the epic battle.
Article Here
Maranatha - keep looking up - we're in the last days of this generation. The Lord's return will be soon. God Bless.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
9/11 Event at Sunrise Church NC
On Friday, September 11 there will be a "National Town Hall Meeting" on the threat of radical Islam and the Church's response. This webcast will include a film which will be shown to the national audience, followed by a Q and A as directed to Joel Rosenberg.
This webcast will be shown at Sunrise Church, NC, located at the NE corner of I-40 and New Hope Church Rd. between Hillsborough and Chapel Hill. Following the conclusion of the webcast there will be a general discussion at the church Link Here, where I will attempt to answer any related questions and assist in any discussions. It should be an interesting and enlightening evening.
Joel Rosenberg's website, which has more information on this event is linked here.
The webcast begins at 7:00 pm.
This webcast will be shown at Sunrise Church, NC, located at the NE corner of I-40 and New Hope Church Rd. between Hillsborough and Chapel Hill. Following the conclusion of the webcast there will be a general discussion at the church Link Here, where I will attempt to answer any related questions and assist in any discussions. It should be an interesting and enlightening evening.
Joel Rosenberg's website, which has more information on this event is linked here.
The webcast begins at 7:00 pm.
Monday, September 7, 2009
UN Says New Currency and Global Bank Is Needed
In a Bloomberg article today "UN Says New Currency Is Needed to Fix Broken 'Confidence Game'" we see more movement towards a central currency and a global bank.
I can recall prophecy scholars who were scoffed at, only a few brief years ago, when they suggested that the world was moving towards a central currency as led by a central bank. The basis for this prophetic view are the scriptures which detail the anti-christ and the false prophet controlling finance and using this control to require all people to receive the "Mark of the Beast" in order to buy and sell anything. Such control would obviously involve a "centralized" mechanism and a central currency, on a world-wide basis. The European Union established a model of how this would be done when they converted the various member state currencies into the Euro.
Quotes from the article:
"UN countries should agree on the creation of a global reserve bank to issue the currency."
"The 45-year-old UN group, run by former World Trade Organization chief Supachai Panitchpakdi, "promotes integration of developing countries in the world economy," according to its Web site. Emerging-market nations should consider restricting capital mobility until a new system is in place, the groups said."
None of these ideas, on their own are "bad". In fact, these proposals make a lot of sense in today's economy. But that doesn't negate the fact that the road continues to be paved for the anti-christ to appear and quickly consolidate his power. Much of the work that could have taken place during the early part of the Tribulation is already occuring.
The stage is being set for the appearance of the anti-christ and the beginning of the Tribulation. But before these two events occur, we know from bible prophecy that the Church will have exited the world - fulfilling the prophecies of 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 and 1 Corinthians 15:51-52.
As they say, when you begin to see Christmas decorations in the stores, you know that Thanksgiving is near!
Similarly, when we see the signs that the Tribulation is close, then we know that the Rapture of the Church is even closer.
Maranatha!
I can recall prophecy scholars who were scoffed at, only a few brief years ago, when they suggested that the world was moving towards a central currency as led by a central bank. The basis for this prophetic view are the scriptures which detail the anti-christ and the false prophet controlling finance and using this control to require all people to receive the "Mark of the Beast" in order to buy and sell anything. Such control would obviously involve a "centralized" mechanism and a central currency, on a world-wide basis. The European Union established a model of how this would be done when they converted the various member state currencies into the Euro.
Quotes from the article:
"UN countries should agree on the creation of a global reserve bank to issue the currency."
"The 45-year-old UN group, run by former World Trade Organization chief Supachai Panitchpakdi, "promotes integration of developing countries in the world economy," according to its Web site. Emerging-market nations should consider restricting capital mobility until a new system is in place, the groups said."
None of these ideas, on their own are "bad". In fact, these proposals make a lot of sense in today's economy. But that doesn't negate the fact that the road continues to be paved for the anti-christ to appear and quickly consolidate his power. Much of the work that could have taken place during the early part of the Tribulation is already occuring.
The stage is being set for the appearance of the anti-christ and the beginning of the Tribulation. But before these two events occur, we know from bible prophecy that the Church will have exited the world - fulfilling the prophecies of 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 and 1 Corinthians 15:51-52.
As they say, when you begin to see Christmas decorations in the stores, you know that Thanksgiving is near!
Similarly, when we see the signs that the Tribulation is close, then we know that the Rapture of the Church is even closer.
Maranatha!
"...you will be hated by all nations because of me"
Christian persecution was one of the end times signs that Jesus warned us about. In the Olivet Discourse, given in Matthew 24, Jesus gave the following statement:
"Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other...Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold." (Matthew 24:9-12).
Persecution is a story that could be told on a daily basis, with extensive references. I am guilty, as most of us are, of not covering this story more frequently. Insulated from most forms of persecution in the U.S., its hard to imagine a world in which even the mention of Christianity can have you imprisioned and tortured. When I was a medical intern at the University of Florida, I met a physician who had escaped from Cuba and his stories of Christian persecution in Cuba were horrifying.
As mentioned before on this blog, the various Christian organizations who track persecution all estimate that approximately 150,000 Christians are killed annually, simply for practicing their faith. A stunning number - but what is more stunning is the silence from the media on this topic. Perhaps even more disturbing is the ongoing silence from the Church on this topic.
Just taking one glimpse of daily headlines from "persecution.com" also known as "Voice of the Martyrs" reveals the following disturbing headlines:
"Uzbekistan: Believers Arrested"
"Belarus: Church Evicted"
"Nigeria: Pastors Beheaded"
"Bangladesh: Pastor Tortured by Police"
"Pakistan: Eight Believers Killed"
"China: Youth Camp Raided"
"Pakistan: Muslims Attack Christians"
"Eritrea: Christian Dies in Prison"
"China: Pastor Sent to Labor Camp"
"China: Persecution Increases"
"Iraq: Seven Churches Bombed"
And on and on it goes. This is just a small sample of the persecution occuring world-wide. We see it creeping into America as well, in more subtle ways, but forever increasing. Christians in the U.S. are marginalized, scoffed at, and ridiculed on a daily basis - so much that we have become accustomed to it and often accept it.
We must also remember what the words of prophecy have told us. As we approach the Tribulation, and as we watch the stage being set for the coming anti-christ, we know that evil will increase. Lets look at the scriptures.
"The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan..." (1 Thessalonians 9)
"But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God - having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them." (2 Timothy 3:1-5).
The stage is being set for the arrival of the antichrist and the beginning of the Tribulation. The world is becoming darker and darker; but we were warned about this in the prophetic scriptures. We shouldn't expect otherwise, as the world needs to be prepared for the antichrist and his temporary rule. This "preparation" is ongoing and it will continue and become worse as we approach the Tribulation. In fact, Jesus further warned about the Tribulation in His Olivet Discourse:
"For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world..." (Matthew 24:21).
Fortunately, a literal view of the scriptures confirm that the Church will have been removed before this Tribulation begins (1 Thess. 1:10, 1 Thess. 5:9, 2 Peter 2:9, Revelation 3:10, etc.) in clear, unambiguous terms.
In the meanwhile, we must pray and pray for our brothers and sisters who are being persecuted at this very moment. Imprisioned, tortured, terrorized, starved, beheaded, churches burned, families separated - yet these courageous brothers and sisters continue to preach the gospel in these parts of the world.
Lets pray that God will give them strength and comfort as they endure this persecution. It should be part of our daily prayers.
But the story doesn't end there. Two closing thoughts:
1. God is watching and has promised eternal rewards for these brave Christians. According to Jesus:
"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven..." (Matthew 5:11-12).
and this:
"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you...If they persecuted me they will persecute you also...They will do such things because they have not known the Father or me. I have told you this, so that when the time comes you will remember that I warned you." (John 15: 18-23 and John 16:3)
2. Even though we must currently witness the rise of world-wide evil, including the persecution of the Saints - in anticipation of the coming antichrist - we know how the story ends for the antichrist and his temporary reign:
"But the court will sit, and his power will be taken away and completely destroyed forever. Then the sovereignty, power and greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven will be handed over to the saints, the people of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom..." (Daniel 7:26-27).
To close, the apostle Paul gave us encouraging words, found in 1 Corinthians 15:57-58:
"But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor is not in vain."
Maranatha!
"Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other...Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold." (Matthew 24:9-12).
Persecution is a story that could be told on a daily basis, with extensive references. I am guilty, as most of us are, of not covering this story more frequently. Insulated from most forms of persecution in the U.S., its hard to imagine a world in which even the mention of Christianity can have you imprisioned and tortured. When I was a medical intern at the University of Florida, I met a physician who had escaped from Cuba and his stories of Christian persecution in Cuba were horrifying.
As mentioned before on this blog, the various Christian organizations who track persecution all estimate that approximately 150,000 Christians are killed annually, simply for practicing their faith. A stunning number - but what is more stunning is the silence from the media on this topic. Perhaps even more disturbing is the ongoing silence from the Church on this topic.
Just taking one glimpse of daily headlines from "persecution.com" also known as "Voice of the Martyrs" reveals the following disturbing headlines:
"Uzbekistan: Believers Arrested"
"Belarus: Church Evicted"
"Nigeria: Pastors Beheaded"
"Bangladesh: Pastor Tortured by Police"
"Pakistan: Eight Believers Killed"
"China: Youth Camp Raided"
"Pakistan: Muslims Attack Christians"
"Eritrea: Christian Dies in Prison"
"China: Pastor Sent to Labor Camp"
"China: Persecution Increases"
"Iraq: Seven Churches Bombed"
And on and on it goes. This is just a small sample of the persecution occuring world-wide. We see it creeping into America as well, in more subtle ways, but forever increasing. Christians in the U.S. are marginalized, scoffed at, and ridiculed on a daily basis - so much that we have become accustomed to it and often accept it.
We must also remember what the words of prophecy have told us. As we approach the Tribulation, and as we watch the stage being set for the coming anti-christ, we know that evil will increase. Lets look at the scriptures.
"The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan..." (1 Thessalonians 9)
"But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God - having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them." (2 Timothy 3:1-5).
The stage is being set for the arrival of the antichrist and the beginning of the Tribulation. The world is becoming darker and darker; but we were warned about this in the prophetic scriptures. We shouldn't expect otherwise, as the world needs to be prepared for the antichrist and his temporary rule. This "preparation" is ongoing and it will continue and become worse as we approach the Tribulation. In fact, Jesus further warned about the Tribulation in His Olivet Discourse:
"For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world..." (Matthew 24:21).
Fortunately, a literal view of the scriptures confirm that the Church will have been removed before this Tribulation begins (1 Thess. 1:10, 1 Thess. 5:9, 2 Peter 2:9, Revelation 3:10, etc.) in clear, unambiguous terms.
In the meanwhile, we must pray and pray for our brothers and sisters who are being persecuted at this very moment. Imprisioned, tortured, terrorized, starved, beheaded, churches burned, families separated - yet these courageous brothers and sisters continue to preach the gospel in these parts of the world.
Lets pray that God will give them strength and comfort as they endure this persecution. It should be part of our daily prayers.
But the story doesn't end there. Two closing thoughts:
1. God is watching and has promised eternal rewards for these brave Christians. According to Jesus:
"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven..." (Matthew 5:11-12).
and this:
"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you...If they persecuted me they will persecute you also...They will do such things because they have not known the Father or me. I have told you this, so that when the time comes you will remember that I warned you." (John 15: 18-23 and John 16:3)
2. Even though we must currently witness the rise of world-wide evil, including the persecution of the Saints - in anticipation of the coming antichrist - we know how the story ends for the antichrist and his temporary reign:
"But the court will sit, and his power will be taken away and completely destroyed forever. Then the sovereignty, power and greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven will be handed over to the saints, the people of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom..." (Daniel 7:26-27).
To close, the apostle Paul gave us encouraging words, found in 1 Corinthians 15:57-58:
"But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor is not in vain."
Maranatha!
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Russian Roulette
Yet another interesting and germane commentary by Jan Markell.
As mentioned so many times on this blog, we are closely watching the developments of Russia, as the Russian army continues to grab more and more land in the country of Georgia, as their troops move further south. Georgia has the only pipeline in the immediate region that Russia does not control, and it seems clear that the intent is to secure this last pipeline, giving Russia complete dominance in the region over oil and gas.
However, a new problem has arisen for Russia, and that problem is the huge reserves of gas which have been discovered in Israel [One of many articles found here]. Not only does this discovery create energy independence for Israel, but Israel now represents a major threat to Russian plans for energy dominance in the region. Joel Rosenberg's book "Epicenter" does an excellent job in describing Russia's plans in the Middle-East, including full control of gas and oil.
This new discovery could very well be the "plunder" that Ezekiel described as the motivation for the Russian led invasion of Israel described in Ezekiel 38.
Jan Markell's commentary addresses this situation, link provided "Russian Roulette":
Russian Roulette
By Jan Markell
Russia has an evil intent, and she is going to be seriously wounded when she perpetrates it. Russia is regaining her old aggressiveness and brutality. White House correspondent Bill Koenig and I discussed it on air Saturday, March 21, on my live broadcast. We know this for sure: The Russian invasion of Israel has not yet happened. It is a future event but we don't know how future. It is often called the Gog-Magog War. According to Josephus, the ancient Scythians inhabited the land of Magog that is now Russia.
Here's what else we know from Ezekiel 38. Many Islamic nations will participate (verse 5). It is in the "latter days" (verses 8 and 16). Israel is "living securely" (verse 8). A major motive will be to seize Israel's wealth (verse 12). Many nations will object but will not get involved (verse 13). God is angry because forces are invading His land (verse 16). God raises severe judgment on the invaders (verse 22). Many nations are awed at this and recognize that He is Lord (verse 23).
The scenario in chapter 39 states that the devastation of the enemy will be great (verse 4). God will send fire upon the lands of some of those involved in this invasion of Israel (verse 6). God's holy name is made known in Israel, and they will know He is the Holy One of Israel (verse 7). Israel will burn weapons for seven years, which may indicate this is a Tribulation war (verse 9). Russia and her allies will be buried in Israel for seven months (verse 12). Israel will know that the Lord God of Israel orchestrated this. His glory is set among the nations and in Israel (verse 21). Israel will have some kind of spiritual awakening (verse 22). God will not hide His face from them any longer for He will pour out His Spirit on the house of Israel (verse 29). This should not be confused with "all Israel saved" at the Second Coming.
Since Bible prophecy is in a fast-forward mode, we need to be paying attention to major events taking place. One of the issues that those with their eye on the sky have wondered about is what is the wealth Israel possesses that is so vital that Gog (Russia) and her allies are willing to invade Israel to seize it. A story many seem to think significant is the fact that Israel has just discovered five trillion feet of natural gas off the shore of Haifa. And that is just for starters. It is believed there is much more soon to be tapped into, as well as oil not yet discovered in various parts of the country. Oil may be a speculation but the natural gas is a reality.
Russia needs natural gas! That was, in part, her reason for invading the former Soviet state of Georgia. Additionally, Russia is building seaports in Syria and Libya. Libya is one of the participants in this forthcoming war. Another participant -- Turkey -- is now more aligned with Russia than ever before. A primary participant in the Gog-Magog war is Iran who is always strengthening her ties with Russia.
As for other items of wealth or a "spoil" in Israel, we should include her Dead Sea assets and technological wealth. But it is the natural gas find that everyone should keep an eye on. This was the missing piece of the puzzle! And hardly anyone is paying attention to it. The media just says this will be a great asset for Israel as they are clueless about the Ezekiel 38-39 passage and how this find might apply to biblical prophecy.
Returning to the theme of the rapid escalation of events today, Dr. Thomas Ice says, "Things are moving so fast in the last six months that stage-setting events are happening at a speed no one person can keep up with. Prophecy is on fast-forward!"
Dr. Ice also says, "God's plan for history always moves forward in relation to what He is doing with Israel. Thus, the fact that Israel has been and continues to be reconstituted as a nation is prophetically significant, so significant that it makes Israel God's 'super-sign' of the end-times. Were Israel not a nation again it would be impossible for events of the end-time to occur since so many of them take place in that tiny country or in reference to her. But she has returned and so it is that all other aspects of Bible prophecy are also being prepared for the grand finale of history."
Yes, it is a tragedy that the church today does not care about this topic, but the Bible predicted scoffers near the end (II Peter 3:4). Too bad much of the scoffing is coming from church pulpits. And it grieves many of us that once-solid denominations and churches now embrace Replacement Theology that says the church is the new Israel. Nonetheless, in this dark day, keep looking up -- even if you get a stiff neck. Keep listening for the sound of a glorious trumpet! Stage-setting signs have never been so prolific! Not everyone has this blessed hope!
As mentioned so many times on this blog, we are closely watching the developments of Russia, as the Russian army continues to grab more and more land in the country of Georgia, as their troops move further south. Georgia has the only pipeline in the immediate region that Russia does not control, and it seems clear that the intent is to secure this last pipeline, giving Russia complete dominance in the region over oil and gas.
However, a new problem has arisen for Russia, and that problem is the huge reserves of gas which have been discovered in Israel [One of many articles found here]. Not only does this discovery create energy independence for Israel, but Israel now represents a major threat to Russian plans for energy dominance in the region. Joel Rosenberg's book "Epicenter" does an excellent job in describing Russia's plans in the Middle-East, including full control of gas and oil.
This new discovery could very well be the "plunder" that Ezekiel described as the motivation for the Russian led invasion of Israel described in Ezekiel 38.
Jan Markell's commentary addresses this situation, link provided "Russian Roulette":
Russian Roulette
By Jan Markell
Russia has an evil intent, and she is going to be seriously wounded when she perpetrates it. Russia is regaining her old aggressiveness and brutality. White House correspondent Bill Koenig and I discussed it on air Saturday, March 21, on my live broadcast. We know this for sure: The Russian invasion of Israel has not yet happened. It is a future event but we don't know how future. It is often called the Gog-Magog War. According to Josephus, the ancient Scythians inhabited the land of Magog that is now Russia.
Here's what else we know from Ezekiel 38. Many Islamic nations will participate (verse 5). It is in the "latter days" (verses 8 and 16). Israel is "living securely" (verse 8). A major motive will be to seize Israel's wealth (verse 12). Many nations will object but will not get involved (verse 13). God is angry because forces are invading His land (verse 16). God raises severe judgment on the invaders (verse 22). Many nations are awed at this and recognize that He is Lord (verse 23).
The scenario in chapter 39 states that the devastation of the enemy will be great (verse 4). God will send fire upon the lands of some of those involved in this invasion of Israel (verse 6). God's holy name is made known in Israel, and they will know He is the Holy One of Israel (verse 7). Israel will burn weapons for seven years, which may indicate this is a Tribulation war (verse 9). Russia and her allies will be buried in Israel for seven months (verse 12). Israel will know that the Lord God of Israel orchestrated this. His glory is set among the nations and in Israel (verse 21). Israel will have some kind of spiritual awakening (verse 22). God will not hide His face from them any longer for He will pour out His Spirit on the house of Israel (verse 29). This should not be confused with "all Israel saved" at the Second Coming.
Since Bible prophecy is in a fast-forward mode, we need to be paying attention to major events taking place. One of the issues that those with their eye on the sky have wondered about is what is the wealth Israel possesses that is so vital that Gog (Russia) and her allies are willing to invade Israel to seize it. A story many seem to think significant is the fact that Israel has just discovered five trillion feet of natural gas off the shore of Haifa. And that is just for starters. It is believed there is much more soon to be tapped into, as well as oil not yet discovered in various parts of the country. Oil may be a speculation but the natural gas is a reality.
Russia needs natural gas! That was, in part, her reason for invading the former Soviet state of Georgia. Additionally, Russia is building seaports in Syria and Libya. Libya is one of the participants in this forthcoming war. Another participant -- Turkey -- is now more aligned with Russia than ever before. A primary participant in the Gog-Magog war is Iran who is always strengthening her ties with Russia.
As for other items of wealth or a "spoil" in Israel, we should include her Dead Sea assets and technological wealth. But it is the natural gas find that everyone should keep an eye on. This was the missing piece of the puzzle! And hardly anyone is paying attention to it. The media just says this will be a great asset for Israel as they are clueless about the Ezekiel 38-39 passage and how this find might apply to biblical prophecy.
Returning to the theme of the rapid escalation of events today, Dr. Thomas Ice says, "Things are moving so fast in the last six months that stage-setting events are happening at a speed no one person can keep up with. Prophecy is on fast-forward!"
Dr. Ice also says, "God's plan for history always moves forward in relation to what He is doing with Israel. Thus, the fact that Israel has been and continues to be reconstituted as a nation is prophetically significant, so significant that it makes Israel God's 'super-sign' of the end-times. Were Israel not a nation again it would be impossible for events of the end-time to occur since so many of them take place in that tiny country or in reference to her. But she has returned and so it is that all other aspects of Bible prophecy are also being prepared for the grand finale of history."
Yes, it is a tragedy that the church today does not care about this topic, but the Bible predicted scoffers near the end (II Peter 3:4). Too bad much of the scoffing is coming from church pulpits. And it grieves many of us that once-solid denominations and churches now embrace Replacement Theology that says the church is the new Israel. Nonetheless, in this dark day, keep looking up -- even if you get a stiff neck. Keep listening for the sound of a glorious trumpet! Stage-setting signs have never been so prolific! Not everyone has this blessed hope!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Iran reaches nuclear milestone
Joel Rosenberg is reporting that Iran now has enough uranium to produce two nuclear bombs Story Here.
In this story, according to Dr. Dore Gold, a senior advisor to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and author of several best-selling books about the Middle-East, including "The Rise of Nuclear Iran: How Tehran Defies The West", Iran now appears to have enough uranium to produce these nuclear weapons.
Quotes from the article:
"On page 2 of the report, the IAEA indicates that 669 kgs of low-grade uranium have been produced by Iran since November 18th, 2008. A footnote on that page further indicates that 839 kgs of similar LEU (low enriched uranium) had been produced by Iran prior to November 2008. That means Iran now has at least 1,508 kgs of low-grade uranium."
"Gold noted that to produce 20 kgs of HEU (highly-enriched uranium, military-grade uranium) to build a nuclear bomb, one needs roughly 700 kgs of LEU that can then be reinserted into high-tech centrifuges and re-processed to roughly 95% purity. Thus, Iran now appears to have the essential materials to move steadily towards building two atomic bombs..."
"Based simply on what we currently know, the situation is 'very serious', said Gold, who served as Israel's ambassador to the U.N. from 1997 to 1999 and today is president of the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs, Israel's foremost national security think tank...Gold noted that Radical Shia Islamic eschatology of the current regime has to be taken into account. "[Iranian President Mahmoud] Ahmadinejad believes the end of the world can be accelerated by men."
Thats the whole problem in a nutshell. President Ahmadinejad makes constant overtures towards the destruction of Israel, and also believes that it is his job to precipitate the Islamic Mahdi's coming to earth to set up Islamic rule throughout the world. And he now has enough uranium to actually produce nuclear weapons.
The clock is ticking for Israel. Will they launch a military strike in order to eliminate those nuclear facilities? If so, things will get very ulgy in the region very rapidly. If not, then Iran will have nuclear weapons, controlled by President Ahmadinejad.
Either scenario has enormous consequences for the Middle-East. Additionally, and perhaps more importantly, both of these scenarios will most likely have big prophetic implications as well.
We can take comfort that its all part of God's divine plan. He told us to have no fear as we witness these events.
He also told us that when these things begin to take place, we can "stand up and lift your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." (Luke 21:28).
Thats a promise that allows us to stand firm and confident as we see the world rapidly moving towards the Tribulation.
In this story, according to Dr. Dore Gold, a senior advisor to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and author of several best-selling books about the Middle-East, including "The Rise of Nuclear Iran: How Tehran Defies The West", Iran now appears to have enough uranium to produce these nuclear weapons.
Quotes from the article:
"On page 2 of the report, the IAEA indicates that 669 kgs of low-grade uranium have been produced by Iran since November 18th, 2008. A footnote on that page further indicates that 839 kgs of similar LEU (low enriched uranium) had been produced by Iran prior to November 2008. That means Iran now has at least 1,508 kgs of low-grade uranium."
"Gold noted that to produce 20 kgs of HEU (highly-enriched uranium, military-grade uranium) to build a nuclear bomb, one needs roughly 700 kgs of LEU that can then be reinserted into high-tech centrifuges and re-processed to roughly 95% purity. Thus, Iran now appears to have the essential materials to move steadily towards building two atomic bombs..."
"Based simply on what we currently know, the situation is 'very serious', said Gold, who served as Israel's ambassador to the U.N. from 1997 to 1999 and today is president of the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs, Israel's foremost national security think tank...Gold noted that Radical Shia Islamic eschatology of the current regime has to be taken into account. "[Iranian President Mahmoud] Ahmadinejad believes the end of the world can be accelerated by men."
Thats the whole problem in a nutshell. President Ahmadinejad makes constant overtures towards the destruction of Israel, and also believes that it is his job to precipitate the Islamic Mahdi's coming to earth to set up Islamic rule throughout the world. And he now has enough uranium to actually produce nuclear weapons.
The clock is ticking for Israel. Will they launch a military strike in order to eliminate those nuclear facilities? If so, things will get very ulgy in the region very rapidly. If not, then Iran will have nuclear weapons, controlled by President Ahmadinejad.
Either scenario has enormous consequences for the Middle-East. Additionally, and perhaps more importantly, both of these scenarios will most likely have big prophetic implications as well.
We can take comfort that its all part of God's divine plan. He told us to have no fear as we witness these events.
He also told us that when these things begin to take place, we can "stand up and lift your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." (Luke 21:28).
Thats a promise that allows us to stand firm and confident as we see the world rapidly moving towards the Tribulation.
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