I just realized that two hours have passed and I still haven't found a commentary that I like regarding the inevitable "year in review". As we all know, at this time of year, almost every news show and op-ed author must have an extensive coverage of the year in review - just this morning I have seen countless reviews of 2009 and what is in store for 2010. I guess I'll weigh in since I can't find a review commentary that seems fitting.
My opinion is just that - my opinion - so take it for what it is worth. I can't honestly say that my opinion holds any more value than the thousands of other opinions, but here it goes.
I believe it all starts with the Iran-Israel situation. I know this gets a lot of coverage on this blog, and as explained so many times, I personally believe this situation is the "triggering mechanism" for the remaining prophetic events to occur, leading into the Tribulation. The initial remaining events would, under this scenario, include Isaiah 17 (the destruction of Damascus) and Ezekiel 38-39 (aka "Gog-MaGog") and followed by the "confirmation" of the covenant described in Daniel 9:27, which is also the main indicator that the Tribulation has just begun.
I firmly believe that it will be impossible to see 12 more months pass without this situation coming to a head and all-out war breaking out. Iran is just too close to finalization of this program and Israel is too aware of this - as their leadership keeps reminding us. Additionally, we now see Ahmadinejad's clock ticking as his administration faces a serious threat internally.
There are many other scenarios that may play out, but to me, they won't have the same impact as the above. I believe we'll continue to see the "stage-setting", with the movement towards a global governance coming more and more into focus, and stemming from whatever perceived crisis is ginned up - whether its financial, health (pandemics etc), or security (fighting terrorism - whether real or perceived), just to name a few. But as big as such events may be, I still believe Iran-Israel overshadows all of these by a large margin.
So lets assume the world witnesses the Middle East explode - based on the situation between Iran and Israel.
As mentioned so many times in the past, Russia and Syria become involved immediately. The remaining Islamic world will also be inflamed to unprecedented levels. Bringing in the countries listed in Ezekiel 38 seems obvious, with surrounding regions such as Turkey, Egypt, Lebanon, and of course the surrounding terrorists groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas will gleefully become involved.
I also believe Syria will implement the use of their chemical tipped missiles - at some point in the process - which could serve as the trigger for the Damascus destruction.
So what about the Rapture of the Church?
We know from prophetic scriptures that we cannot set dates for this historically "imminent" event, and I would never attempt such. But as mentioned before, I firmly believe that the Church will not be present to witness God's direct intervention during the Gog-MaGog battle, as this would be inconsistent with everything we know about the Church Age (recognizing that God can do whatever He wants, including His breaking of previous trends). This theory would necessitate that the Rapture would occur prior to Gog-MaGog. The implications of this idea are obvious.
Either way, I see two strong possibilities for 2010:
- The Middle East erupts, leading to the epic battle of Gog-MaGog and we are Raptured before its occurrence.
- The Middle East erupts, leading to the epic battle of Gog-MaGog and we are still here to witness this.
Either scenario has enormous implications for the believer and the rest of the world. It is very very hard to imagine things not coming to a head over the next 12 months, but of course God is ultimately in control and he can always put a halt in these scenarios as He so chooses.
But on the other hand, Jesus stated clearly that the end times prophetic "events" will occur like birth pains, and we know that birth pains progressively increase in frequency and intensity. There is no turning back once it gets started.
Once again, these are just my personal thoughts and opinions - so take them with a grain of salt. But I honestly believe that 2010 could be the year that we see our Lord and Saviour. If not - then 2010 will most likely be the year that, because of world events - we will have opportunities to witness like never before.
Either way - as directed by Jesus, we must be prepared. Prepared to either meet Jesus, or prepared to do His work in an environment filled with intense fear and uncertainty. In that scenario, could serve the Lord by being the light of truth.
Big things are coming. Lets be prepared.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Connecting the dots
There are several stories coming in from the Middle East and it is hard to know if they are related or not. I believe almost every significant story coming from the region is connected, but it can be hard to determine specifically how or how much.
The first story isn't interesting in terms of the idea that Iran is closer and closer to nuclear weapons - thats an old story:
Israel Says Iran Close to Nuclear Capability".
The significance is found when one realizes that more and more "official" Israeli government officials are making these statements publicly. Here, we see that Israel's Defense Minister Ehud Barak is making the statements. I believe they are warning the world that their backs are against the wall and time is growing short.
----------
Next we see a story about how Israel is attempting to outfit ALL residents with gas masks:
"Israel to outfit all residents with gas masks". One interesting quote from the article:
"The move has heightened expectations that Israel may launch an attack on Iran's nuclear facilities which could spark an unconventional response. It is not known however whether Iran has any chemical or biological weapons capability."
I strongly disagree with one point in the article - the article stated that only Israel (in the region) has development efforts for chemical/biological weapons. This has been proven false as Syria has major programs developing chemical tipped missiles - they have threatened Israel with such weapons many times in the past.
----------
In a third story, one that has been receiving a lot of attention, appropriately, is the uprising in Iran:
Analysis see Iran at breaking point amid protests". Revealing quotes below:
"CNN's Reza Sayah, an Iran native who covers the region, called it an unprecedented uprising, presenting "the most significant challenge" the Islamic republic has faced since its government came to power through a revolution 30 years ago."
"Trita Parsi, president of the National Iranian American Council in Washington, D.C. -- a public critic of Iran's hardline government -- told CNN's "American Morning, "I think this may actually turn out to be a breaking point. What we've seen here is how the opposition, six months after the fraud in elections, still have a lot of fight in them. I think they've taken the Iranian authorities by surprise. They're still coming out in huge numbers, and morale seems to be stronger amongst the opposition than among the security forces at this point."
This uprising has been growing in strength and numbers ever since the obvious false "elections" which re-elected President Ahmadinejad. The protests favor movement towards a true democracy and "westernization" of their leadership and culture - and away from the stranglehold that the Islamic religious leaders have had since 1979.
Do these "dots" connect in any way?
Israel leadership are more and more vocal about Iran's nuclear ambitions and the nearness of Iran's nuclear program.
Israel issuing gas masks to the entire country.
And the situation in Iran - potentially toppling their Islamic government.
Lets not forget what ultimately drives Iranian President Ahmadinejad is his devout belief that the Islamic "messiah", the Mahdi is due to resurface on earth and lead the world into Islamic law and rule. He also believes that the Mahdi will only return to resolve an epic war in the Middle East. He sees himself as the Islamic "John the Baptist" - and it is his role to precipitate events which will lead to the Mahdi's presence.
But now, it appears that the clock is ticking on Ahmadinejad. He may see his time in power growing short.
By connecting those dots - one may see that Ahmadinejad would have to act while still in power. If his reign is growing short, then he may take some action against Israel sooner rather than later. Additionally, any action involving Israel could serve as a diversion from his domestic troubles.
It is hard to know where all of this will lead. Regardless, there is a lot of "activity" (for lack of a better word) going on in the Middle East right now.
All we can do, is what Jesus dictated so many times in the Olivet Discourse - particularly Mark's version (Mark 13). We are told over and over to watch for the signs of His return - and to be prepared.
That is exactly what we are doing - watching and preparing for His coming.
The first story isn't interesting in terms of the idea that Iran is closer and closer to nuclear weapons - thats an old story:
Israel Says Iran Close to Nuclear Capability".
The significance is found when one realizes that more and more "official" Israeli government officials are making these statements publicly. Here, we see that Israel's Defense Minister Ehud Barak is making the statements. I believe they are warning the world that their backs are against the wall and time is growing short.
----------
Next we see a story about how Israel is attempting to outfit ALL residents with gas masks:
"Israel to outfit all residents with gas masks". One interesting quote from the article:
"The move has heightened expectations that Israel may launch an attack on Iran's nuclear facilities which could spark an unconventional response. It is not known however whether Iran has any chemical or biological weapons capability."
I strongly disagree with one point in the article - the article stated that only Israel (in the region) has development efforts for chemical/biological weapons. This has been proven false as Syria has major programs developing chemical tipped missiles - they have threatened Israel with such weapons many times in the past.
----------
In a third story, one that has been receiving a lot of attention, appropriately, is the uprising in Iran:
Analysis see Iran at breaking point amid protests". Revealing quotes below:
"CNN's Reza Sayah, an Iran native who covers the region, called it an unprecedented uprising, presenting "the most significant challenge" the Islamic republic has faced since its government came to power through a revolution 30 years ago."
"Trita Parsi, president of the National Iranian American Council in Washington, D.C. -- a public critic of Iran's hardline government -- told CNN's "American Morning, "I think this may actually turn out to be a breaking point. What we've seen here is how the opposition, six months after the fraud in elections, still have a lot of fight in them. I think they've taken the Iranian authorities by surprise. They're still coming out in huge numbers, and morale seems to be stronger amongst the opposition than among the security forces at this point."
This uprising has been growing in strength and numbers ever since the obvious false "elections" which re-elected President Ahmadinejad. The protests favor movement towards a true democracy and "westernization" of their leadership and culture - and away from the stranglehold that the Islamic religious leaders have had since 1979.
Do these "dots" connect in any way?
Israel leadership are more and more vocal about Iran's nuclear ambitions and the nearness of Iran's nuclear program.
Israel issuing gas masks to the entire country.
And the situation in Iran - potentially toppling their Islamic government.
Lets not forget what ultimately drives Iranian President Ahmadinejad is his devout belief that the Islamic "messiah", the Mahdi is due to resurface on earth and lead the world into Islamic law and rule. He also believes that the Mahdi will only return to resolve an epic war in the Middle East. He sees himself as the Islamic "John the Baptist" - and it is his role to precipitate events which will lead to the Mahdi's presence.
But now, it appears that the clock is ticking on Ahmadinejad. He may see his time in power growing short.
By connecting those dots - one may see that Ahmadinejad would have to act while still in power. If his reign is growing short, then he may take some action against Israel sooner rather than later. Additionally, any action involving Israel could serve as a diversion from his domestic troubles.
It is hard to know where all of this will lead. Regardless, there is a lot of "activity" (for lack of a better word) going on in the Middle East right now.
All we can do, is what Jesus dictated so many times in the Olivet Discourse - particularly Mark's version (Mark 13). We are told over and over to watch for the signs of His return - and to be prepared.
That is exactly what we are doing - watching and preparing for His coming.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Pestilences in the news
We are informed in the scriptures that one of the signs of this last generation would be pestilences. Before diving in to this story though, it is worth mentioning that commonly scoffers will comment with something like: "we have always had diseases...Just look at the Bubonic Plague and how many it killed. Today is no different."
At first glance, that would seem like a legitimate point. But it displays a lack of knowledge of the scriptures. Jesus never said: "You will observe pestilences for the first time in history." Or, Jesus never said "There will never be any significant pestilences until the last generation". Jesus simply stated (Luke 21) that pestilences would be one of the signs of "the generation". In other words, pestilences would be something noteworthy - something we'd notice - something in the news - something getting people's attention.
In addition, Jesus said this would occur at a time when the other general signs would also be noteworthy ("wars and rumors of war", "nation against nation, kingdom against kingdom", earthquakes, famine, persecution and pestilences). Infectious diseases are most definitely newsworthy during this generation, and it is most definitely being noticed along with the other signs given.
A story that I have been following for several years (after being alerted to this medical issue by an infectious disease physician) is back in the news:
"First Case of Highly Resistant TB Seen in U.S.". There are several layers to the story.
First is this strain of TB itself - which is resistant to known treatments. As stated in this article, "This April, the World Health Organization sounded alarms by holding its first drug-resistant TB conference in Beijing. The message was clear - the disease already has spread to all continents and in increasing rapidly."
I believe if this becomes something that begins to circulate and gain momentum, it could be significant in terms of morbidity and mortality. It now appears that these fears may be realized:
"For decades, drug makers failed to develop new medicines for TB because the profits were not there. With the emergence of resistant TB, several private drug companies have started developing new treatments, but getting an entire regimen on the market could take 24 years. In the meantime, WHO estimates each victim will infect an average of 10 to 15 others annually before they die."
Also, this linked story comments on several other "resistant" infections - all emerging in the latter stages of this generation. Quotes:
"Today, all the leading killer infectious diseases on the planet — TB, malaria and HIV among them — are mutating at an alarming rate, hitchhiking their way in and out of countries. The reason: Overuse and misuse of the very drugs that were supposed to have saved us.
Just as the drugs were a manmade solution to dangerous illness, the problem with them is also manmade. It is fueled worldwide by everything from counterfeit drugmakers to the unintended consequences of giving drugs to the poor without properly monitoring their treatment. Here is what the AP found:
—In Cambodia, scientists have confirmed the emergence of a new drug-resistant form of malaria, threatening the only treatment left to fight a disease that already kills 1 million people a year.
—In Africa, new and harder-to-treat strains of HIV are being detected in about 5 percent of new patients. HIV drug resistance rates have shot up to as high as 30 percent worldwide.
—In the United States, drug-resistant infections killed more than 65,000 people last year, more than prostate and breast cancer combined. More than 19,000 people died from a staph infection alone that has been eliminated in Norway, where antibiotics are stringently limited.
'Drug resistance is starting to be a very big problem. In the past, people stopped worrying about TB, and it came roaring back. We need to make sure that doesn't happen again,' said Dr. Thomas Frieden, director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, who was himself infected with tuberculosis while caring for drug-resistant patients at a New York clinic in the early 1990s. 'We are all connected by the air we breathe, and that is why this must be everyone's problem.'"
Indeed. Pestilences are most definitely a sign of our times.
At first glance, that would seem like a legitimate point. But it displays a lack of knowledge of the scriptures. Jesus never said: "You will observe pestilences for the first time in history." Or, Jesus never said "There will never be any significant pestilences until the last generation". Jesus simply stated (Luke 21) that pestilences would be one of the signs of "the generation". In other words, pestilences would be something noteworthy - something we'd notice - something in the news - something getting people's attention.
In addition, Jesus said this would occur at a time when the other general signs would also be noteworthy ("wars and rumors of war", "nation against nation, kingdom against kingdom", earthquakes, famine, persecution and pestilences). Infectious diseases are most definitely newsworthy during this generation, and it is most definitely being noticed along with the other signs given.
A story that I have been following for several years (after being alerted to this medical issue by an infectious disease physician) is back in the news:
"First Case of Highly Resistant TB Seen in U.S.". There are several layers to the story.
First is this strain of TB itself - which is resistant to known treatments. As stated in this article, "This April, the World Health Organization sounded alarms by holding its first drug-resistant TB conference in Beijing. The message was clear - the disease already has spread to all continents and in increasing rapidly."
I believe if this becomes something that begins to circulate and gain momentum, it could be significant in terms of morbidity and mortality. It now appears that these fears may be realized:
"For decades, drug makers failed to develop new medicines for TB because the profits were not there. With the emergence of resistant TB, several private drug companies have started developing new treatments, but getting an entire regimen on the market could take 24 years. In the meantime, WHO estimates each victim will infect an average of 10 to 15 others annually before they die."
Also, this linked story comments on several other "resistant" infections - all emerging in the latter stages of this generation. Quotes:
"Today, all the leading killer infectious diseases on the planet — TB, malaria and HIV among them — are mutating at an alarming rate, hitchhiking their way in and out of countries. The reason: Overuse and misuse of the very drugs that were supposed to have saved us.
Just as the drugs were a manmade solution to dangerous illness, the problem with them is also manmade. It is fueled worldwide by everything from counterfeit drugmakers to the unintended consequences of giving drugs to the poor without properly monitoring their treatment. Here is what the AP found:
—In Cambodia, scientists have confirmed the emergence of a new drug-resistant form of malaria, threatening the only treatment left to fight a disease that already kills 1 million people a year.
—In Africa, new and harder-to-treat strains of HIV are being detected in about 5 percent of new patients. HIV drug resistance rates have shot up to as high as 30 percent worldwide.
—In the United States, drug-resistant infections killed more than 65,000 people last year, more than prostate and breast cancer combined. More than 19,000 people died from a staph infection alone that has been eliminated in Norway, where antibiotics are stringently limited.
'Drug resistance is starting to be a very big problem. In the past, people stopped worrying about TB, and it came roaring back. We need to make sure that doesn't happen again,' said Dr. Thomas Frieden, director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, who was himself infected with tuberculosis while caring for drug-resistant patients at a New York clinic in the early 1990s. 'We are all connected by the air we breathe, and that is why this must be everyone's problem.'"
Indeed. Pestilences are most definitely a sign of our times.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Today's news
We find several interesting news items today:
"Russia to work on new nuclear missiles". Gog continues the military build-up that has been ongoing since Putin's reign.
"Maverick Iraqi politician claims Iran could go nuclear within weeks". This report stems from comments by Iraqi parliamentarian Mithal al-Alusi, who is predicting that the Iranians "could have a nuclear capability - and may announce that they have it - as soon as next month."
It is hard to know how "real" his information is, but the following quotes describe the situation:
"Alusi said he cannot reveal his sources of this information, because that would place in grave and imminent danger individuals within the Iranian "establishment" who risked their lives to share it with him.
"I am talking about Iranian insider information. Very clear, from inside Iran," he said. "There are people within Iran who want to be normal... They know this is a dangerous regime. You see how they treat their own people... Iran is terrorizing the world already. What will they do once they have the bomb and they are stronger?"
As usual with such rumors, it is hard to determine what the truth is, but it is certainly enough to raise eyebrows.
In another story coming out of Israel, we see new oil discoveries. Last year, Israel discovered enormous gas reservoirs, and it was predicted then that oil findings wouldn't be far off (typically gas and oil are found together), and it looks like this may be the beginning of these oil finds.
"Significant Quantities of Oil Discovered in Center of Israel".
This finding, which will most likely be followed by additional discoveries of oil, potentially leads into the basis of the Gog-MaGog invasion. According to Ezekiel the invasion is at least partly for the purpose of "plunder" and "loot" (Ezekiel 38:12), and to "capture spoil". The question has always been - what does Israel have that is worthy of plundering and looting? Some have stated that it is Russia's desire to control access to the Mediterranean (and this could always be a consideration), or the raw materials present in the dead sea.
But the discovery of gas and oil within Israel's borders could be the lure. According to Joel Rosenberg, writing in the book "Epicenter" - Russia desires to control ALL gas and oil in the region. In fact, when Russia went into Georgia, and continues its movements there to this day - many considered this as a move to control Georgia's pipelines.
Now that Israel is making these discoveries, there is yet another attraction for the invasion of Gog-MaGog. What specifically triggers the invasion could include a vast array of possibilities, and the reason given to the world (by the Gog-Magog alliance) will probably be an internationally accepted "excuse" (such as Israel having bombed Iran's nuke facilities). But underlying all of this, will be Russia's true intent, and somehow that will be linked to Israel's "spoils".
Whatever the case, with every passing day, we move closer and closer to this prophecy being fulfilled.
This is epic in my opinion, because as stated, I do not believe the Church will be present on earth to witness this event. That is most definitely "huge". On the other hand, if we ARE here to witness this epic event, then we will also have witnessed God's direct intervention on earth. That is pretty "huge" as well.
Either way, when this happens, subsequent prophetic events will occur in rapid sequence leading into the Tribulation.
"Russia to work on new nuclear missiles". Gog continues the military build-up that has been ongoing since Putin's reign.
"Maverick Iraqi politician claims Iran could go nuclear within weeks". This report stems from comments by Iraqi parliamentarian Mithal al-Alusi, who is predicting that the Iranians "could have a nuclear capability - and may announce that they have it - as soon as next month."
It is hard to know how "real" his information is, but the following quotes describe the situation:
"Alusi said he cannot reveal his sources of this information, because that would place in grave and imminent danger individuals within the Iranian "establishment" who risked their lives to share it with him.
"I am talking about Iranian insider information. Very clear, from inside Iran," he said. "There are people within Iran who want to be normal... They know this is a dangerous regime. You see how they treat their own people... Iran is terrorizing the world already. What will they do once they have the bomb and they are stronger?"
As usual with such rumors, it is hard to determine what the truth is, but it is certainly enough to raise eyebrows.
In another story coming out of Israel, we see new oil discoveries. Last year, Israel discovered enormous gas reservoirs, and it was predicted then that oil findings wouldn't be far off (typically gas and oil are found together), and it looks like this may be the beginning of these oil finds.
"Significant Quantities of Oil Discovered in Center of Israel".
This finding, which will most likely be followed by additional discoveries of oil, potentially leads into the basis of the Gog-MaGog invasion. According to Ezekiel the invasion is at least partly for the purpose of "plunder" and "loot" (Ezekiel 38:12), and to "capture spoil". The question has always been - what does Israel have that is worthy of plundering and looting? Some have stated that it is Russia's desire to control access to the Mediterranean (and this could always be a consideration), or the raw materials present in the dead sea.
But the discovery of gas and oil within Israel's borders could be the lure. According to Joel Rosenberg, writing in the book "Epicenter" - Russia desires to control ALL gas and oil in the region. In fact, when Russia went into Georgia, and continues its movements there to this day - many considered this as a move to control Georgia's pipelines.
Now that Israel is making these discoveries, there is yet another attraction for the invasion of Gog-MaGog. What specifically triggers the invasion could include a vast array of possibilities, and the reason given to the world (by the Gog-Magog alliance) will probably be an internationally accepted "excuse" (such as Israel having bombed Iran's nuke facilities). But underlying all of this, will be Russia's true intent, and somehow that will be linked to Israel's "spoils".
Whatever the case, with every passing day, we move closer and closer to this prophecy being fulfilled.
This is epic in my opinion, because as stated, I do not believe the Church will be present on earth to witness this event. That is most definitely "huge". On the other hand, if we ARE here to witness this epic event, then we will also have witnessed God's direct intervention on earth. That is pretty "huge" as well.
Either way, when this happens, subsequent prophetic events will occur in rapid sequence leading into the Tribulation.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Merry Christmas!
I hope everyone has a very merry Christmas, as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior.
It always amazes me that the creator of the universe would humble Himself like this - to place Himself in the body of a helpless baby - in the body of a human - one who would ultimately endure hardships, pain, sickness, hunger, thirst, and then ultimately, the most brutal beatings, whippings, and then death by one of the most painful mechanisms ever known to man. Wow. What an incredible God we serve. It never ceases to amaze me that our Lord would place Himself in such condition - the human condition, with all of the pain, struggles, and difficulties that we know all too well.
Rather than (again) expose my poor writing abilities with an attempt to convey a Christmas message, I found a very simple, brief message, as typically well written by Max Lucado:
Max Lucado, writing in "God's Greatest Gift" Link here
"Untethered by time, (God) sees us all. From the backwoods of Virginia to the business district of London; from the Vikings to the astronauts, from the cave-dwellers to the kings, from the hut-builders to the finger-pointers to the rock-stackers, He sees us. Vagabonds and ragmuffins all, He saw us before we were born. And He loves what He sees.
Flooded by emotion. overcome by pride, the Starmaker turns to us, one by one, and says "You are My child. I love you dearly. I'm aware that someday you'll turn from Me and walk away. But I want you to know, I've already provided a way back."
And to prove it He did something extraordinary. Stepping from His throne, He removed His robe of light and wrapped Himself in skin, pigmented human skin. The light of the universe entered a dark wet womb. He whom angels worship nestled Himself in the placenta of a peasant, was birthed into the cold night, and then slept on cow's hay. Mary didn't know whether to give Him milk or give Him praise, but she gave Him both since He was, as near as she could figure, hungry and holy. Joseph didn't know whether to call Him Junior or Father. But in the end called Him Jesus, since that's what the angel had said and since he didn't have the faintest idea what to name God whom he could cradle in his arms.
You wonder how long My love will last? Find your answer on a splintered cross, on a craggy hill. That's Me you see up there, your Maker, your God, nail-stabbed, and bleeding. Covered in spit and sin-soaked. That's your sin I'm feeling. That's your death I'm dying. That's your resurrection I'm living. That's how much I love you."
------
It s hard to add anything to this message. If you are interested, I found three other very well written messages regarding the true meaning of Christmas:
"The Christmas Story", by David Zimmerman (Bible Baptist Church, Sapulpa, OK).
"The Real Christmas Story", by Darrow Perkins (Mesa View Baptist Church, San Diego, Ca).
"The Christ of Christmas: a message from Billy Graham".
And of course, this wouldn't be complete without a prophecy reference regarding the birth of Christ Jesus:
Christmas Prophecies of the Old Testament".
I hope everyone has a deep and meaningful Christmas season, and somehow during this period we all can draw closer to God.
It always amazes me that the creator of the universe would humble Himself like this - to place Himself in the body of a helpless baby - in the body of a human - one who would ultimately endure hardships, pain, sickness, hunger, thirst, and then ultimately, the most brutal beatings, whippings, and then death by one of the most painful mechanisms ever known to man. Wow. What an incredible God we serve. It never ceases to amaze me that our Lord would place Himself in such condition - the human condition, with all of the pain, struggles, and difficulties that we know all too well.
Rather than (again) expose my poor writing abilities with an attempt to convey a Christmas message, I found a very simple, brief message, as typically well written by Max Lucado:
Max Lucado, writing in "God's Greatest Gift" Link here
"Untethered by time, (God) sees us all. From the backwoods of Virginia to the business district of London; from the Vikings to the astronauts, from the cave-dwellers to the kings, from the hut-builders to the finger-pointers to the rock-stackers, He sees us. Vagabonds and ragmuffins all, He saw us before we were born. And He loves what He sees.
Flooded by emotion. overcome by pride, the Starmaker turns to us, one by one, and says "You are My child. I love you dearly. I'm aware that someday you'll turn from Me and walk away. But I want you to know, I've already provided a way back."
And to prove it He did something extraordinary. Stepping from His throne, He removed His robe of light and wrapped Himself in skin, pigmented human skin. The light of the universe entered a dark wet womb. He whom angels worship nestled Himself in the placenta of a peasant, was birthed into the cold night, and then slept on cow's hay. Mary didn't know whether to give Him milk or give Him praise, but she gave Him both since He was, as near as she could figure, hungry and holy. Joseph didn't know whether to call Him Junior or Father. But in the end called Him Jesus, since that's what the angel had said and since he didn't have the faintest idea what to name God whom he could cradle in his arms.
You wonder how long My love will last? Find your answer on a splintered cross, on a craggy hill. That's Me you see up there, your Maker, your God, nail-stabbed, and bleeding. Covered in spit and sin-soaked. That's your sin I'm feeling. That's your death I'm dying. That's your resurrection I'm living. That's how much I love you."
------
It s hard to add anything to this message. If you are interested, I found three other very well written messages regarding the true meaning of Christmas:
"The Christmas Story", by David Zimmerman (Bible Baptist Church, Sapulpa, OK).
"The Real Christmas Story", by Darrow Perkins (Mesa View Baptist Church, San Diego, Ca).
"The Christ of Christmas: a message from Billy Graham".
And of course, this wouldn't be complete without a prophecy reference regarding the birth of Christ Jesus:
Christmas Prophecies of the Old Testament".
I hope everyone has a deep and meaningful Christmas season, and somehow during this period we all can draw closer to God.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
FOCUS
I recently stumbled on an interesting website which contains a collection of writings by a Scottish minister by the name of Oswald Chambers (1874-1917), who wrote the commentary below link here.
The reason this commentary struck me was simple. As clearly stated by the Apostle Paul in 2 Timothy, we are truly living in "terrible times", and there are a lot of ominous, scary developments in the world. Much of what we watch, in terms of signs pointing to the last days, could easily evoke a spirit of fear in the believer. The vast majority of Christians that I speak with, regarding end times events, have moments of questioning "How much will we endure prior to the rapture?".
I have the same questions. Will we endure a financial collapse, similar to the great depression? Will I lose my job during such financial collapse? Will we see a higher degree of persecution? Will we ever see martial law instituted in the U.S. ? Will terrorism strike again? Will nuclear weapons be used by terrorists? If Israel strikes Iran, will gas/oil be significantly restricted as a result a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz? How will this affect our lives? And on and on it goes.
In this context, Mr Oswald's commentary from a previous century is right on the mark:
THE OVERSHADOWING PERSONAL DELIVERANCE
"I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord." Jeremiah 1:8
God promised Jeremiah that He would deliver him personally - "Thy life will I give unto thee for a prey." That is all God promises His children. Wherever God sends us, He will guard our lives. Our personal property and possessions are a matter of indifference, we have to sit loosely to all those things; if we do not, there will be panic and heartbreak and distress. That is the inwardness of the overshadowing of personal deliverance.
The Sermon on the Mount indicates that when we are on Jesus Christ's errands, there is no time to stand up for ourselves. Jesus says, in effect, Do not be bothered with whether you are being justly dealt with or not. To look for justice is a sign of deflection from devotion to Him. Never look for justice in this world, but never cease to give it. If we look for justice, we will begin to grouse and to indulge in the discontent of self-pity - Why should I be treated like this? If we are devoted to Jesus Christ we have nothing to do with what we meet, whether it is just or unjust. Jesus says - Go steadily on with what I have told you to do and I will guard your life. If you try to guard it yourself, you remove yourself from My deliverance. The most devout among us become atheistic in this connection; we do not believe God, we enthrone common sense and tack the name of God on to it. We do lean to our own understanding, instead of trusting God with all our hearts."
----------------------------
Three sentences above really struck me:
"If we are devoted to Jesus Christ we have nothing to do with what we meet, whether it is just or unjust. Jesus says - Go steadily on with what I have told you to do and I WILL GUARD YOUR LIFE. If you try to guard it yourself, you remove yourself from My deliverance."
He isn't talking about salvation here, as that cannot be lost - he is talking about His deliverance from fear, injustice, persecution, etc. Jesus will guard our lives - all we must do is focus on Him - our walk with Jesus, our devotion to Jesus, our Love for Jesus, and what we can do in these last remaining days to serve Jesus. He will take care of our lives - or, as stated by Mr Chambers, He will "guard" our lives. Focusing on our problems, our fears, our concerns can only serve to remove us from the sense of Jesus watching over our lives.
The passage found in Matthew 14: 24-30 - that passage in which Jesus called to Peter
"But the boat was already a long distance from the land, battered by the waves; for the wind was contrary.
And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea.
When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out in fear.
But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid."
Peter said to Him, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water."
And He said, "Come!" And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus.
But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!"
What just happened here? Peter was doing just fine as he began to walk on water. Peter wasn't just walking on water (by himself) - he was experiencing a miracle as performed by Jesus - as directed by Jesus. But it only worked while Peter was giving Jesus 100% of his focus and attention. As soon as Peter began "seeing the wind" he failed and began to sink. In other words, once he stopped focusing on Jesus and began to focus on his fears, he lost the "protection" given by Jesus and began to sink.
It is the same in our lives today, It is very easy to see the condition in the world today and as a result, begin to allow the fears to creep in. But we are directed to focus solely on Jesus and His love and protection over our lives.
As Jesus gave parting words to His disciples just before His arrest, knowing the fears that they would be facing in the near future He reminded them:
"But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.
Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:26-27)
We are called to focus on Jesus. He'll take care of the rest.
Maranatha! He is coming soon!
The reason this commentary struck me was simple. As clearly stated by the Apostle Paul in 2 Timothy, we are truly living in "terrible times", and there are a lot of ominous, scary developments in the world. Much of what we watch, in terms of signs pointing to the last days, could easily evoke a spirit of fear in the believer. The vast majority of Christians that I speak with, regarding end times events, have moments of questioning "How much will we endure prior to the rapture?".
I have the same questions. Will we endure a financial collapse, similar to the great depression? Will I lose my job during such financial collapse? Will we see a higher degree of persecution? Will we ever see martial law instituted in the U.S. ? Will terrorism strike again? Will nuclear weapons be used by terrorists? If Israel strikes Iran, will gas/oil be significantly restricted as a result a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz? How will this affect our lives? And on and on it goes.
In this context, Mr Oswald's commentary from a previous century is right on the mark:
THE OVERSHADOWING PERSONAL DELIVERANCE
"I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord." Jeremiah 1:8
God promised Jeremiah that He would deliver him personally - "Thy life will I give unto thee for a prey." That is all God promises His children. Wherever God sends us, He will guard our lives. Our personal property and possessions are a matter of indifference, we have to sit loosely to all those things; if we do not, there will be panic and heartbreak and distress. That is the inwardness of the overshadowing of personal deliverance.
The Sermon on the Mount indicates that when we are on Jesus Christ's errands, there is no time to stand up for ourselves. Jesus says, in effect, Do not be bothered with whether you are being justly dealt with or not. To look for justice is a sign of deflection from devotion to Him. Never look for justice in this world, but never cease to give it. If we look for justice, we will begin to grouse and to indulge in the discontent of self-pity - Why should I be treated like this? If we are devoted to Jesus Christ we have nothing to do with what we meet, whether it is just or unjust. Jesus says - Go steadily on with what I have told you to do and I will guard your life. If you try to guard it yourself, you remove yourself from My deliverance. The most devout among us become atheistic in this connection; we do not believe God, we enthrone common sense and tack the name of God on to it. We do lean to our own understanding, instead of trusting God with all our hearts."
----------------------------
Three sentences above really struck me:
"If we are devoted to Jesus Christ we have nothing to do with what we meet, whether it is just or unjust. Jesus says - Go steadily on with what I have told you to do and I WILL GUARD YOUR LIFE. If you try to guard it yourself, you remove yourself from My deliverance."
He isn't talking about salvation here, as that cannot be lost - he is talking about His deliverance from fear, injustice, persecution, etc. Jesus will guard our lives - all we must do is focus on Him - our walk with Jesus, our devotion to Jesus, our Love for Jesus, and what we can do in these last remaining days to serve Jesus. He will take care of our lives - or, as stated by Mr Chambers, He will "guard" our lives. Focusing on our problems, our fears, our concerns can only serve to remove us from the sense of Jesus watching over our lives.
The passage found in Matthew 14: 24-30 - that passage in which Jesus called to Peter
"But the boat was already a long distance from the land, battered by the waves; for the wind was contrary.
And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea.
When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out in fear.
But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid."
Peter said to Him, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water."
And He said, "Come!" And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus.
But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!"
What just happened here? Peter was doing just fine as he began to walk on water. Peter wasn't just walking on water (by himself) - he was experiencing a miracle as performed by Jesus - as directed by Jesus. But it only worked while Peter was giving Jesus 100% of his focus and attention. As soon as Peter began "seeing the wind" he failed and began to sink. In other words, once he stopped focusing on Jesus and began to focus on his fears, he lost the "protection" given by Jesus and began to sink.
It is the same in our lives today, It is very easy to see the condition in the world today and as a result, begin to allow the fears to creep in. But we are directed to focus solely on Jesus and His love and protection over our lives.
As Jesus gave parting words to His disciples just before His arrest, knowing the fears that they would be facing in the near future He reminded them:
"But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.
Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:26-27)
We are called to focus on Jesus. He'll take care of the rest.
Maranatha! He is coming soon!
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
In the news...
"Iran dismisses US deadline for nuke deal". Once again Iran's leader refuses to accept ANY deadline or a deal to discontinue their nuclear development. What a shocking development.
How much longer will the countries continue pretending that sanctions will solve this problem? Surely they know this - it is obvious to even the most casual observer. It seems clear to me that the U.S., among other involved parties, is stalling, and then at some point it will be "too late to do anything". At that point, the U.S. and other nations can claim that they tried everything, unsuccessfully, and now we must deal with a nuclear Iran. Effectively, these nations will have been able to deflect a tough decision.
Unfortunately, Israel doesn't have this luxury. Their very existence is at stake. Israeli Prime Minister "Bibi" Netanyahu knows this full well. I believe Israel wants this situation to be crystal clear to the world: Iran will NOT negotiate, and that leaves only one remaining "solution", and at that point Israel will take action. We seem to be VERY close to that breaking point.
-----------
In a separate, unrelated news item, we see another story relating to persecution:
"Christian teacher fired for offering to pray for sick pupil". Quotes from this article:
"A Christian teacher fears she may never work again after she was sacked for offering to pray for a sick pupil."
"Olive Jones, 54, said she had been made to feel like a criminal, and claimed that Christians were being persecuted due to 'political correctness'."
"Mrs Jones, who taught children not well enough to attend school, said that after she raised the topic of prayer during a visit to a 12-year-old's house, the girl's mother lodged a complaint."
"Just hours later, said Mrs Jones, her boss told her she would no longer be working for Oak Hill Short Stay School and Tuition Service, in Nailsea, Somerset."
"She said managers had ruled her comments could be perceived as 'bullying'."
"Mrs Jones had told the girl and her mother that there were people praying for them. She said: 'I asked the child if I could pray for her. She looked at her mother, who said, "We come from a family who do not believe", so I did not pray."
This Christian was fired not for actually praying, but for REQUESTING the opportunity to pray.
We generally think of persecution as something happening in places like China, Indonesia, etc. but we are seeing it creep into western industrialized countries including the U.K. and the U.S. in ways like this. Similar stories (a teacher wearing a cross, a nurse attempting to pray etc.) are becoming very common these days.
Its all part of the process of preparing the world for the Tribulation and the rise of the antichrist.
--------------
In another story that I found interesting, we see the world's ongoing efforts to indoctrinate our children. Similar to the story above, I believe this is more of the overall effort by secularists to divide the family - yet another example of the road being paved for the world to believe the combined media-state effort to indoctrinate the world towards their global, secular view:
"Turning children into Orwellian eco-spies".
This is a very interesting article - the opening paragraphs of this article:
"There is a long and sordid tradition of trying to socialise children by scaring them. The aim of such socialisation-through-fear is twofold: firstly, to get children to conform to the scaremongers’ values; secondly, to use children to influence, or at least to contain, their parents’ behaviour.
When I was a schoolchild in Stalinist Hungary, we were frequently warned about the numerous threats facing our glorious regime. I also recall that we were encouraged to lecture our errant parents about the new wonderful values being promoted by our brave, wise leaders. The Big Brothers of the 1940s saw children as tools of moral blackmail and social control. Today, in the twenty-first century, scaremongers see children in much the same way, exploiting their natural concern with the wonders of life to promote a message of shrill climate alarmism."
Once again, to repeat - I firmly see the non-Christian world in the preparation stages of the entrance of the antichrist and the beginning of the Tribulation. It seems that almost everything we see in the world today (globalization, financial crisis, pandemic fears and the perceived need for global solutions, the move to a single currency, the international criminal court, the recent efforts by the UN, etc....) is moving in that general direction.
It has to be this way however. It strikes me that - the world, as known, during the 1950's for instance - would have been a very difficult environment for the antichrist to succeed. At that time (again, just as an example) - it would have been impossible for a leader to emerge and create a world governance suited to his needs. At that time, it would have been impossible to even discuss things like a world government and a world financial system.
Today is a very different story. The world is calling for it - almost every day we see a world leader, and/or the UN calling for various forms of world governance.
The world (aka "the nations") will get their wish. They will soon have a world governance and they will have their world leader.
I wonder how that will work out for them.
How much longer will the countries continue pretending that sanctions will solve this problem? Surely they know this - it is obvious to even the most casual observer. It seems clear to me that the U.S., among other involved parties, is stalling, and then at some point it will be "too late to do anything". At that point, the U.S. and other nations can claim that they tried everything, unsuccessfully, and now we must deal with a nuclear Iran. Effectively, these nations will have been able to deflect a tough decision.
Unfortunately, Israel doesn't have this luxury. Their very existence is at stake. Israeli Prime Minister "Bibi" Netanyahu knows this full well. I believe Israel wants this situation to be crystal clear to the world: Iran will NOT negotiate, and that leaves only one remaining "solution", and at that point Israel will take action. We seem to be VERY close to that breaking point.
-----------
In a separate, unrelated news item, we see another story relating to persecution:
"Christian teacher fired for offering to pray for sick pupil". Quotes from this article:
"A Christian teacher fears she may never work again after she was sacked for offering to pray for a sick pupil."
"Olive Jones, 54, said she had been made to feel like a criminal, and claimed that Christians were being persecuted due to 'political correctness'."
"Mrs Jones, who taught children not well enough to attend school, said that after she raised the topic of prayer during a visit to a 12-year-old's house, the girl's mother lodged a complaint."
"Just hours later, said Mrs Jones, her boss told her she would no longer be working for Oak Hill Short Stay School and Tuition Service, in Nailsea, Somerset."
"She said managers had ruled her comments could be perceived as 'bullying'."
"Mrs Jones had told the girl and her mother that there were people praying for them. She said: 'I asked the child if I could pray for her. She looked at her mother, who said, "We come from a family who do not believe", so I did not pray."
This Christian was fired not for actually praying, but for REQUESTING the opportunity to pray.
We generally think of persecution as something happening in places like China, Indonesia, etc. but we are seeing it creep into western industrialized countries including the U.K. and the U.S. in ways like this. Similar stories (a teacher wearing a cross, a nurse attempting to pray etc.) are becoming very common these days.
Its all part of the process of preparing the world for the Tribulation and the rise of the antichrist.
--------------
In another story that I found interesting, we see the world's ongoing efforts to indoctrinate our children. Similar to the story above, I believe this is more of the overall effort by secularists to divide the family - yet another example of the road being paved for the world to believe the combined media-state effort to indoctrinate the world towards their global, secular view:
"Turning children into Orwellian eco-spies".
This is a very interesting article - the opening paragraphs of this article:
"There is a long and sordid tradition of trying to socialise children by scaring them. The aim of such socialisation-through-fear is twofold: firstly, to get children to conform to the scaremongers’ values; secondly, to use children to influence, or at least to contain, their parents’ behaviour.
When I was a schoolchild in Stalinist Hungary, we were frequently warned about the numerous threats facing our glorious regime. I also recall that we were encouraged to lecture our errant parents about the new wonderful values being promoted by our brave, wise leaders. The Big Brothers of the 1940s saw children as tools of moral blackmail and social control. Today, in the twenty-first century, scaremongers see children in much the same way, exploiting their natural concern with the wonders of life to promote a message of shrill climate alarmism."
Once again, to repeat - I firmly see the non-Christian world in the preparation stages of the entrance of the antichrist and the beginning of the Tribulation. It seems that almost everything we see in the world today (globalization, financial crisis, pandemic fears and the perceived need for global solutions, the move to a single currency, the international criminal court, the recent efforts by the UN, etc....) is moving in that general direction.
It has to be this way however. It strikes me that - the world, as known, during the 1950's for instance - would have been a very difficult environment for the antichrist to succeed. At that time (again, just as an example) - it would have been impossible for a leader to emerge and create a world governance suited to his needs. At that time, it would have been impossible to even discuss things like a world government and a world financial system.
Today is a very different story. The world is calling for it - almost every day we see a world leader, and/or the UN calling for various forms of world governance.
The world (aka "the nations") will get their wish. They will soon have a world governance and they will have their world leader.
I wonder how that will work out for them.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
EU expansion and the 10 Kings
Biblical prophecy contains a sequence of events for the last days, which can be "assembled" by constructing a relative timeline as provided in Daniel 2, and the prophecy of the "large statue". To simplify, by viewing this statue and moving from it's head to toe, one can view a sequence of prophetic events chronologically.
History has revealed the incredible accuracy of this prophecy as dictated by Daniel 2.
First, we see the four gentile kingdoms who would rule over Israel, as shown in the statue's various metals:
Head (gold) = Babylonian Empire (626 BC - 539 BC)
Chest/Arms (silver) = Medo-Persian Empire (539 BC - 330 BC)
Belly/Thighs (bronze) = Grecian Empire (330 BC - 63 BC)
Legs (iron) = Rome I (63 BC - ?)................evolve into Iron/Clay = Rome II (current "revived Roman Empire", aka EU/Med Union)
The reason I don't include the feet and toes as a separate, 5th empire is because the bible doesn't allow it. Daniel 2 and Daniel 7 specifically state that there will only be four such empires (as Daniel looked ahead in "history") who rule over Israel. The last empire is known as the Roman Empire, but biblically, we see it in two distinct phases.
We are informed that the Roman Empire of "Iron" (a perfectly appropriate description of the Roman Empire at the time of Jesus, who indeed ruled like "iron" - occupying cities, establishing their "rule" over occupied territories by use of the military etc.) would evolve during the last days into a kingdom described as iron mixed with clay. It would be this last form of the Roman Empire which would exist at the time of the Second Coming of Christ.
As mentioned, it is important to understand that as one views this statue, and moves from head to toe, one is essentially moving through time, as shown above.
Most literal prophecy scholars believe that we are now at the very base of this statue, historically, and we are at the "feet" stage.
The revived Roman Empire, aka as the combined EU/Med Union, is almost identical to any map of the original Roman Empire, at its peak. As Daniel 2 states, this "last days" consolidation of countries, unlike the "original" Roman Empire, is a very loose confederation, and has attempted to combine the southern Mediterranean States (Islamic) and the northern Mediterranean States (old Europe, or western Europe). Daniel 2 predicted this with amazing accuracy:
"Just as you saw that the feet and toes were partly of baked clay and partly of iron, so will this be a divided kingdom: yet it will have some of the strength of iron in it even as you saw iron mixed with clay. As the toes were partly iron and partly clay, so this kingdom will be partly strong and partly brittle. And just as we saw the iron mixed with baked clay, so the people will be a mixture and will not remain united, any more than iron mixes with clay." (Daniel 2:41-43).
It seems clear - as we move through history, using the statue of Daniel 2 as a guide - we are at the "feet" stage. We have a formal consolidation of Europe now, which has been perfectly described by the scriptures. In fact, the "mixture" of iron and clay, described biblically - is easily seen by a quick view of the EU/Med Union. This division of cultures and geography has even been recognized by the EU/Med Union, and as a result, a "split" in leadership roles has been created - with two leadership groups, 5 (countries/leadership) from the north and 5 similar representatives from the south.
Two articles which discuss these topics:
1. "The Mediterranean Union: Dividing the Middle East and North Africa". If there was any doubt that the Med Union is simply an outgrowth of the EU, the following quotes are provided:
"The Mediterranean Union: Expanding the E.U. into the Middle East and North Africa
The whole Mediterranean is slated to eventually fall within the European Union’s sphere of influence. This initiative is being spearheaded by France and was officially kicked off by Nicolas Sarkozy on a tour of the Mediterranean that started in Algeria. [6]
The idea of a “Mediterranean Union” was presented to Europeans with the election of Nicolas Sarkozy, but this idea is not as new as the mainstream media presents it. Zbigniew Brzezinski acknowledged in 1997 that “France not only seeks a central political role in a unified Europe but also sees itself as the nucleus of a Mediterranean-North African cluster of states that share common concerns.” [7] An extension of the E.U. sphere of influence will also result in an extension of Anglo-American influence and the economic diktats of the Washington Consensus."
2."5 + 5 Forum discusses the relaunch of the Med Union". This article provides more information on the "mixture" represented biblically as "iron and clay", with the 10 countries leading the union, and divided into a 5/5 split.
Even the EU alone (w/o the Med Union) is a vast mixture of cultures, religions and political views. This revived Roman Empire is clearly an "iron and clay" mixture, particularly when compared to the original Roman Empire which was in existence at the time of Christ.
------------------
Back to Daniel 2.
If we are in the stage of the "iron and clay" mixture - or also known as the "revived Roman Empire", then there are only two stages remaining, one of which is described in Daniel 2. Moving from head to toe on the statue, we are now awaiting the emergence of the 10 Kings (stage I - Daniel 2) and then the subsequent emergence of the antichrist from these 10 Kings (stage II - Daniel 7):
"The ten horns are ten kings who will come from this kingdom. After them, another king (the antichrist) will arise, different from the other kings...He will speak against the Most High and oppress his saints..." (Daniel 7:24-25...Quotes in "( )" mine).
Then Revelation provides more context and detail to Daniel 7:
"The ten horns you saw are ten kings...who will receive authority as kings along with the beast (the antichrist). They will have one purpose and will give their power and authority to the beast. They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings..." (Revelation 17:12-14).
We also know that the EU, or the revived Roman Empire will continue to grow until its leader, the antichrist consumes the world:
"He was given authority over every tribe, people, language and nation." (Revelation 13:7).
So, back to the main points.
We are to be looking for several things. The current stage - the one in which we are living - seems obviously the stage (referencing Daniel's statue) of iron/clay feet, awaiting the emergence of the 10 toes, aka the "10 kings". Then, following the development of 10 kings, somehow, from these 10 kings, the antichrist will arise and gain power, which will grow to encompass the world.
Therefore, any potential consolidation of "10 kings" is of great interest to the prophecy watcher. Additionally, any further growth in the EU is of great interest.
This brings us to the EU and its plans. The following links are taken from the main EU Website Main site's link Here.
1. "The EU's Global Role". Quotes:
"A major challenge now is to spread peace and security beyond the European Union’s borders. To meet this challenge, the EU is developing a common foreign and security policy so that it can act as a force for stability, cooperation and understanding in the wider world."
"Finally, the European Union shows how countries can successfully pool economic and political resources in the common interest. It serves as a model for integration between countries in other regions of the world."
2. "European Union in the World". Here we see references to the "emerging world order", and specific foreign policy intended for "effective multilaterism". Quotes:
"The external relations policy of the Barroso Commission is based on three key basic propositions on the EU’s role in the emerging world order. The EU is a global player; it pursues a specific foreign policy philosophy which one could term “effective multilateralism”; and, thanks to its specific nature, the Union disposes of a wide range of foreign policy instruments which are particularly suited to respond to today's challenges."
3. "European Union in the World: Common foreign and security policy". This informative piece shows us the military growth within the EU and its intentions:
"The idea that a strong Europe should act as one on the world stage has encouraged member countries to work together to achieve a coherent approach to foreign policy. Progress over the years has been slow, but steady."
"In the light of the Balkan wars, and of conflicts in Africa in the 1990s, the EU has created a European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) within the overall framework of the CFSP.
Under the ESDP, military or police forces can be sent to areas of crisis to carry out humanitarian operations, peacekeeping, crisis management and even peacemaking. Military action is carried out by an EU rapid reaction force, separate from Nato but with access to Nato resources."
--------------------
So...Based upon biblical prophecy we would expect to see the EU continue its growth and somehow develop 10 kings.
Whether the church is present to see the development of the 10 kings is anyone's guess. We may or may not be around to see this, depending on the timing of the Rapture.
However, one can find something very very interesting on the EU's website:
"The European Union in the World: WHERE".
The EU has, for whatever reason, decided to go ahead and divide the world into 10 regions. There is no explanation provided.
The quote given above, under #1 is particularly revealing:
"Finally, the European Union shows how countries can successfully pool economic and political resources in the common interest. IT SERVES AS A MODEL FOR INTEGRATION BETWEEN COUNTRIES IN OTHER REGIONS OF THE WORLD" (emphasis mine).
Is it possible that the EU envisions its future role as a "leadership" role once the world has consolidated into the ten regions?
Why would the EU have such a proposal on a map, on their main website?
Why does the EU see its role as integrating other countries into their "framework"?
Where else can the EU expand its borders?
We can easily see that the EU has a tangible plan for ongoing growth, most recently seen in its expansion into the Mediterranean Union.
We also observe the military growth and it's expansion within the EU.
Now we actually see a proposal of consolidation of the world into 10 regions. Could this ultimately evolve into the biblical 10 kings? Perhaps with one "president" or leader of each region?
At this point, it is anyone's guess. But several ideas are clear:
- The EU is expanding and has plans for further expansion.
- The EU's military is growing and now has leadership for planned growth and an expanding role.
- The EU sees itself as providing the world a "model for integration between countries in other regions of the world."
- The EU has at least one visible proposal for a 10 region consolidation of their growth.
Based on the statue of Daniel 2, we are in the last stages of "history" as provided by God. Moving down the statue, from head to toe, reveals that we are now in the "feet" stage, of the existence of a revived Roman Empire ("iron and clay"), awaiting the ten toes stage (aka "ten horns" of Daniel 7 and Revelation 17).
It is during the "ten kings" stage - that stage in which the antichrist rules with these 10 kings - that Christ returns and completely destroys this last kingdom:
"In the time of those kings (10 kings), the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will crush all those kingdoms (aka "human government") and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure forever." (comments mine) - Daniel 2:44).
The next stage in biblical history will consist of 10 Kings. Then the antichrist will arise from these 10 kings.
According to the EU's own website, it appears that we may be rapidly approaching the 10 kings stage. We're certainly looking down the barrel of EU expansion, as the Med Union is already engulfed by the EU's sphere of influence. With plans for even greater EU expansion, we watch as the EU calls for integrating "other regions of the world". We watch the military growth of the EU. We've now seen a proposal to divide the world into 10 regions, under the EU's model.
Very little "interpretation" or speculation is required right now - it is in their (EU) own words, and their very public website.
Surprisingly, most of these unions are already forming.
The African Union is just one example of such consolidation which is currently taking place.
We see other consolidations, or "unions" forming what some are calling the beginnings of a World Government:
- Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
- Central American Integration System (SICA)
- Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (CCASG)
- South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)
- Union of South American Nations (UNASUR)
- Commonwealth of Independent States
- Arab League --> Arab Union?
- Pacific Islands Forum --> Pacific Union?
- North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) - will this morph into a North American Union?
The consolidation of countries into "unions" is progressing and shows no signs of slowing or reversing course.
We're close to the end. It is coming, and the rapid pace at which it is coming is astonishing.
History has revealed the incredible accuracy of this prophecy as dictated by Daniel 2.
First, we see the four gentile kingdoms who would rule over Israel, as shown in the statue's various metals:
Head (gold) = Babylonian Empire (626 BC - 539 BC)
Chest/Arms (silver) = Medo-Persian Empire (539 BC - 330 BC)
Belly/Thighs (bronze) = Grecian Empire (330 BC - 63 BC)
Legs (iron) = Rome I (63 BC - ?)................evolve into Iron/Clay = Rome II (current "revived Roman Empire", aka EU/Med Union)
The reason I don't include the feet and toes as a separate, 5th empire is because the bible doesn't allow it. Daniel 2 and Daniel 7 specifically state that there will only be four such empires (as Daniel looked ahead in "history") who rule over Israel. The last empire is known as the Roman Empire, but biblically, we see it in two distinct phases.
We are informed that the Roman Empire of "Iron" (a perfectly appropriate description of the Roman Empire at the time of Jesus, who indeed ruled like "iron" - occupying cities, establishing their "rule" over occupied territories by use of the military etc.) would evolve during the last days into a kingdom described as iron mixed with clay. It would be this last form of the Roman Empire which would exist at the time of the Second Coming of Christ.
As mentioned, it is important to understand that as one views this statue, and moves from head to toe, one is essentially moving through time, as shown above.
Most literal prophecy scholars believe that we are now at the very base of this statue, historically, and we are at the "feet" stage.
The revived Roman Empire, aka as the combined EU/Med Union, is almost identical to any map of the original Roman Empire, at its peak. As Daniel 2 states, this "last days" consolidation of countries, unlike the "original" Roman Empire, is a very loose confederation, and has attempted to combine the southern Mediterranean States (Islamic) and the northern Mediterranean States (old Europe, or western Europe). Daniel 2 predicted this with amazing accuracy:
"Just as you saw that the feet and toes were partly of baked clay and partly of iron, so will this be a divided kingdom: yet it will have some of the strength of iron in it even as you saw iron mixed with clay. As the toes were partly iron and partly clay, so this kingdom will be partly strong and partly brittle. And just as we saw the iron mixed with baked clay, so the people will be a mixture and will not remain united, any more than iron mixes with clay." (Daniel 2:41-43).
It seems clear - as we move through history, using the statue of Daniel 2 as a guide - we are at the "feet" stage. We have a formal consolidation of Europe now, which has been perfectly described by the scriptures. In fact, the "mixture" of iron and clay, described biblically - is easily seen by a quick view of the EU/Med Union. This division of cultures and geography has even been recognized by the EU/Med Union, and as a result, a "split" in leadership roles has been created - with two leadership groups, 5 (countries/leadership) from the north and 5 similar representatives from the south.
Two articles which discuss these topics:
1. "The Mediterranean Union: Dividing the Middle East and North Africa". If there was any doubt that the Med Union is simply an outgrowth of the EU, the following quotes are provided:
"The Mediterranean Union: Expanding the E.U. into the Middle East and North Africa
The whole Mediterranean is slated to eventually fall within the European Union’s sphere of influence. This initiative is being spearheaded by France and was officially kicked off by Nicolas Sarkozy on a tour of the Mediterranean that started in Algeria. [6]
The idea of a “Mediterranean Union” was presented to Europeans with the election of Nicolas Sarkozy, but this idea is not as new as the mainstream media presents it. Zbigniew Brzezinski acknowledged in 1997 that “France not only seeks a central political role in a unified Europe but also sees itself as the nucleus of a Mediterranean-North African cluster of states that share common concerns.” [7] An extension of the E.U. sphere of influence will also result in an extension of Anglo-American influence and the economic diktats of the Washington Consensus."
2."5 + 5 Forum discusses the relaunch of the Med Union". This article provides more information on the "mixture" represented biblically as "iron and clay", with the 10 countries leading the union, and divided into a 5/5 split.
Even the EU alone (w/o the Med Union) is a vast mixture of cultures, religions and political views. This revived Roman Empire is clearly an "iron and clay" mixture, particularly when compared to the original Roman Empire which was in existence at the time of Christ.
------------------
Back to Daniel 2.
If we are in the stage of the "iron and clay" mixture - or also known as the "revived Roman Empire", then there are only two stages remaining, one of which is described in Daniel 2. Moving from head to toe on the statue, we are now awaiting the emergence of the 10 Kings (stage I - Daniel 2) and then the subsequent emergence of the antichrist from these 10 Kings (stage II - Daniel 7):
"The ten horns are ten kings who will come from this kingdom. After them, another king (the antichrist) will arise, different from the other kings...He will speak against the Most High and oppress his saints..." (Daniel 7:24-25...Quotes in "( )" mine).
Then Revelation provides more context and detail to Daniel 7:
"The ten horns you saw are ten kings...who will receive authority as kings along with the beast (the antichrist). They will have one purpose and will give their power and authority to the beast. They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings..." (Revelation 17:12-14).
We also know that the EU, or the revived Roman Empire will continue to grow until its leader, the antichrist consumes the world:
"He was given authority over every tribe, people, language and nation." (Revelation 13:7).
So, back to the main points.
We are to be looking for several things. The current stage - the one in which we are living - seems obviously the stage (referencing Daniel's statue) of iron/clay feet, awaiting the emergence of the 10 toes, aka the "10 kings". Then, following the development of 10 kings, somehow, from these 10 kings, the antichrist will arise and gain power, which will grow to encompass the world.
Therefore, any potential consolidation of "10 kings" is of great interest to the prophecy watcher. Additionally, any further growth in the EU is of great interest.
This brings us to the EU and its plans. The following links are taken from the main EU Website Main site's link Here.
1. "The EU's Global Role". Quotes:
"A major challenge now is to spread peace and security beyond the European Union’s borders. To meet this challenge, the EU is developing a common foreign and security policy so that it can act as a force for stability, cooperation and understanding in the wider world."
"Finally, the European Union shows how countries can successfully pool economic and political resources in the common interest. It serves as a model for integration between countries in other regions of the world."
2. "European Union in the World". Here we see references to the "emerging world order", and specific foreign policy intended for "effective multilaterism". Quotes:
"The external relations policy of the Barroso Commission is based on three key basic propositions on the EU’s role in the emerging world order. The EU is a global player; it pursues a specific foreign policy philosophy which one could term “effective multilateralism”; and, thanks to its specific nature, the Union disposes of a wide range of foreign policy instruments which are particularly suited to respond to today's challenges."
3. "European Union in the World: Common foreign and security policy". This informative piece shows us the military growth within the EU and its intentions:
"The idea that a strong Europe should act as one on the world stage has encouraged member countries to work together to achieve a coherent approach to foreign policy. Progress over the years has been slow, but steady."
"In the light of the Balkan wars, and of conflicts in Africa in the 1990s, the EU has created a European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) within the overall framework of the CFSP.
Under the ESDP, military or police forces can be sent to areas of crisis to carry out humanitarian operations, peacekeeping, crisis management and even peacemaking. Military action is carried out by an EU rapid reaction force, separate from Nato but with access to Nato resources."
--------------------
So...Based upon biblical prophecy we would expect to see the EU continue its growth and somehow develop 10 kings.
Whether the church is present to see the development of the 10 kings is anyone's guess. We may or may not be around to see this, depending on the timing of the Rapture.
However, one can find something very very interesting on the EU's website:
"The European Union in the World: WHERE".
The EU has, for whatever reason, decided to go ahead and divide the world into 10 regions. There is no explanation provided.
The quote given above, under #1 is particularly revealing:
"Finally, the European Union shows how countries can successfully pool economic and political resources in the common interest. IT SERVES AS A MODEL FOR INTEGRATION BETWEEN COUNTRIES IN OTHER REGIONS OF THE WORLD" (emphasis mine).
Is it possible that the EU envisions its future role as a "leadership" role once the world has consolidated into the ten regions?
Why would the EU have such a proposal on a map, on their main website?
Why does the EU see its role as integrating other countries into their "framework"?
Where else can the EU expand its borders?
We can easily see that the EU has a tangible plan for ongoing growth, most recently seen in its expansion into the Mediterranean Union.
We also observe the military growth and it's expansion within the EU.
Now we actually see a proposal of consolidation of the world into 10 regions. Could this ultimately evolve into the biblical 10 kings? Perhaps with one "president" or leader of each region?
At this point, it is anyone's guess. But several ideas are clear:
- The EU is expanding and has plans for further expansion.
- The EU's military is growing and now has leadership for planned growth and an expanding role.
- The EU sees itself as providing the world a "model for integration between countries in other regions of the world."
- The EU has at least one visible proposal for a 10 region consolidation of their growth.
Based on the statue of Daniel 2, we are in the last stages of "history" as provided by God. Moving down the statue, from head to toe, reveals that we are now in the "feet" stage, of the existence of a revived Roman Empire ("iron and clay"), awaiting the ten toes stage (aka "ten horns" of Daniel 7 and Revelation 17).
It is during the "ten kings" stage - that stage in which the antichrist rules with these 10 kings - that Christ returns and completely destroys this last kingdom:
"In the time of those kings (10 kings), the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will crush all those kingdoms (aka "human government") and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure forever." (comments mine) - Daniel 2:44).
The next stage in biblical history will consist of 10 Kings. Then the antichrist will arise from these 10 kings.
According to the EU's own website, it appears that we may be rapidly approaching the 10 kings stage. We're certainly looking down the barrel of EU expansion, as the Med Union is already engulfed by the EU's sphere of influence. With plans for even greater EU expansion, we watch as the EU calls for integrating "other regions of the world". We watch the military growth of the EU. We've now seen a proposal to divide the world into 10 regions, under the EU's model.
Very little "interpretation" or speculation is required right now - it is in their (EU) own words, and their very public website.
Surprisingly, most of these unions are already forming.
The African Union is just one example of such consolidation which is currently taking place.
We see other consolidations, or "unions" forming what some are calling the beginnings of a World Government:
- Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
- Central American Integration System (SICA)
- Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (CCASG)
- South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)
- Union of South American Nations (UNASUR)
- Commonwealth of Independent States
- Arab League --> Arab Union?
- Pacific Islands Forum --> Pacific Union?
- North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) - will this morph into a North American Union?
The consolidation of countries into "unions" is progressing and shows no signs of slowing or reversing course.
We're close to the end. It is coming, and the rapid pace at which it is coming is astonishing.
Friday, December 18, 2009
State of the Epicenter
Joel Rosenberg has produced a very timely summary of the current situation in the Middle East, and what we should expect to see in 2010. This review is worth repeating in its entirety :
(Link here)
STATE OF THE EPICENTER: Where does the Israel-Iran conflict stand at the end of 2009?
Yesterday, I met with another evangelical leader to discuss how we could work together to mobilize more Christian support for the Jewish State. He asked me what I thought would happen next between Israel and Iran. I began my answer by conceding, “I don’t know. As I keep saying, I’m praying for peace, but preparing for war.”
That said, here’s where I think we are at the moment:
Netanyahu won the Israeli elections in February in large measure because Israelis believed Ariel Sharon and Ehud Olmert had given away — or offered to give away — too much land as previous prime ministers, and had been thanked with two wars (2006 with Hezbollah, and January 2009 with Hamas in Gaza). Israelis wanted a tough, decisive leader strong enough to go to war with Iran, if need be.
The Iranian nuclear crisis is worsening by the week. As we end 2009, Iran now has enough uranium (that we know of) to build at least two nuclear weapons. What’s more, Israeli intelligence believes Iran has the technical know how to build functional weapons, and the missiles capable of delivering them. Israel does not seem to believe Iran currently has the bomb, but senior intel officials indicate they may not be more than a year or two away.
Netanyahu is quickly running out of options. If the international community does not stop Iran, he will have to order the military to strike. To maximize Israeli chances for success, he would have to do so: 1) before Iran builds its first bomb; and 2) before Russia delivers and installs the S-300 anti-aircraft missile system that it has already sold to Iran.
However, Netanyahu knows he must exhaust all other means short of a full blown air war against Iran if he is to garner any international support, most importantly from the U.S. — and he must be perceived as doing so.
This is why Netanyahu has taken the following steps: declared a 10 month freeze of building Jewish settlements in the West Bank, dismantled dozens of roadblocks and check points in the West Bank, offered to begin peace talks with Palestinian Chairman Mahmoud Abbas immediately and without preconditions, offered to begin peace talks with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad immediately and without preconditions. All these steps are designed to show the world — and particularly the U.S. — that Israel is not intransigent. They want peace with their neighbors.
Israelis can see that Congress is squarely pro-Israel. They are passing resolutions strongly in favor of the Jewish State with enormous bipartisan margins (such as the Iran gasoline sanctions act this week, that passed 412 to 12).
Israelis can also see that the Obama administration is clearly not pro-Israel. This is why only 4% of Israelis believe President Obama is on their side this year, compared to 88% who believed President Bush was on their side last year.
Obama told Netanyahu that he would give diplomacy with Iran until the end of 2009. Netanyahu probably gave his word to Obam that he would not launch an overt war during this period. But time is now up.
The White House is talking about more economic sanctions against Iran early in 2010. But this requires full support at the U.N. from Russia and China. Obama recently told the Chinese premier that he could not stop an Israeli strike against Iran indefinitely (see link to article below). He’s trying to pressure the Russians and the Chinese to support sanctions.
Netanyahu and his team are not confident that the U.N. Security Council will back decisive sanctions against Iran in early 2010. Moreover, it’s not even clear that such sanctions — if they do begin fairly soon — could stop Iran’s nuclear weapons development program at this point. It may simply be too late.
Israeli leaders continue to hope that something dramatic will happen in Iran, like the death or toppling of Khamenei and Ahmadinejad. Meanwhile, Israel is running a covert war to slow down and sabotage the Iranian nuclear weapons program. But that does not appear to be proving to be enough.
Thus, 2010 may be the year of decision for the Netanyahu government. Time for taking action to stop Iran from going nuclear is rapidly running out. Israeli is facing the threat of annihilation from a regime that believes the End of Days is at hand and that the Islamic Messiah known as the Mahdi or the Twelfth Imam may not come unless the Jewish State and it’s 7 million citizens has been vaporized. I can’t say for sure a war is coming this year, but peace would truly be a miracle.
Excerpts from Haaretz story: “U.S. President Barack Obama has warned his Chinese counterpart that the United States would not be able to keep Israel from attacking Iranian nuclear installations for much longer, senior officials in Jerusalem told Haaretz. They said Obama warned President Hu Jintao during the American’s visit to Beijing a month ago as part of the U.S. attempt to convince the Chinese to support strict sanctions on Tehran if it does not accept Western proposals for its nuclear program….Beijing agreed to join the condemnation of Iran by the International Atomic Energy Agency only a week after Obama’s visit. But in the past two weeks the Chinese have maintained their hard stance regarding the West’s wishes to impose sanctions on the Islamic Republic. The Israeli officials say the Americans now understand that the Chinese agreed to join the condemnation announcement only because Obama made a personal request to Hu, not as part of a policy change….Since Obama’s visit, the Chinese have refused to join any measures to impose sanctions. The Israeli officials say the Chinese have been giving unclear answers and have not been responding to the claims by Western nations. Beijing has been making do with statements such as ‘the time has not yet arrived for sanctions.’ China’s actions are particularly problematic because China will take over the presidency of the UN Security Council in January."
(Link here)
STATE OF THE EPICENTER: Where does the Israel-Iran conflict stand at the end of 2009?
Yesterday, I met with another evangelical leader to discuss how we could work together to mobilize more Christian support for the Jewish State. He asked me what I thought would happen next between Israel and Iran. I began my answer by conceding, “I don’t know. As I keep saying, I’m praying for peace, but preparing for war.”
That said, here’s where I think we are at the moment:
Netanyahu won the Israeli elections in February in large measure because Israelis believed Ariel Sharon and Ehud Olmert had given away — or offered to give away — too much land as previous prime ministers, and had been thanked with two wars (2006 with Hezbollah, and January 2009 with Hamas in Gaza). Israelis wanted a tough, decisive leader strong enough to go to war with Iran, if need be.
The Iranian nuclear crisis is worsening by the week. As we end 2009, Iran now has enough uranium (that we know of) to build at least two nuclear weapons. What’s more, Israeli intelligence believes Iran has the technical know how to build functional weapons, and the missiles capable of delivering them. Israel does not seem to believe Iran currently has the bomb, but senior intel officials indicate they may not be more than a year or two away.
Netanyahu is quickly running out of options. If the international community does not stop Iran, he will have to order the military to strike. To maximize Israeli chances for success, he would have to do so: 1) before Iran builds its first bomb; and 2) before Russia delivers and installs the S-300 anti-aircraft missile system that it has already sold to Iran.
However, Netanyahu knows he must exhaust all other means short of a full blown air war against Iran if he is to garner any international support, most importantly from the U.S. — and he must be perceived as doing so.
This is why Netanyahu has taken the following steps: declared a 10 month freeze of building Jewish settlements in the West Bank, dismantled dozens of roadblocks and check points in the West Bank, offered to begin peace talks with Palestinian Chairman Mahmoud Abbas immediately and without preconditions, offered to begin peace talks with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad immediately and without preconditions. All these steps are designed to show the world — and particularly the U.S. — that Israel is not intransigent. They want peace with their neighbors.
Israelis can see that Congress is squarely pro-Israel. They are passing resolutions strongly in favor of the Jewish State with enormous bipartisan margins (such as the Iran gasoline sanctions act this week, that passed 412 to 12).
Israelis can also see that the Obama administration is clearly not pro-Israel. This is why only 4% of Israelis believe President Obama is on their side this year, compared to 88% who believed President Bush was on their side last year.
Obama told Netanyahu that he would give diplomacy with Iran until the end of 2009. Netanyahu probably gave his word to Obam that he would not launch an overt war during this period. But time is now up.
The White House is talking about more economic sanctions against Iran early in 2010. But this requires full support at the U.N. from Russia and China. Obama recently told the Chinese premier that he could not stop an Israeli strike against Iran indefinitely (see link to article below). He’s trying to pressure the Russians and the Chinese to support sanctions.
Netanyahu and his team are not confident that the U.N. Security Council will back decisive sanctions against Iran in early 2010. Moreover, it’s not even clear that such sanctions — if they do begin fairly soon — could stop Iran’s nuclear weapons development program at this point. It may simply be too late.
Israeli leaders continue to hope that something dramatic will happen in Iran, like the death or toppling of Khamenei and Ahmadinejad. Meanwhile, Israel is running a covert war to slow down and sabotage the Iranian nuclear weapons program. But that does not appear to be proving to be enough.
Thus, 2010 may be the year of decision for the Netanyahu government. Time for taking action to stop Iran from going nuclear is rapidly running out. Israeli is facing the threat of annihilation from a regime that believes the End of Days is at hand and that the Islamic Messiah known as the Mahdi or the Twelfth Imam may not come unless the Jewish State and it’s 7 million citizens has been vaporized. I can’t say for sure a war is coming this year, but peace would truly be a miracle.
Excerpts from Haaretz story: “U.S. President Barack Obama has warned his Chinese counterpart that the United States would not be able to keep Israel from attacking Iranian nuclear installations for much longer, senior officials in Jerusalem told Haaretz. They said Obama warned President Hu Jintao during the American’s visit to Beijing a month ago as part of the U.S. attempt to convince the Chinese to support strict sanctions on Tehran if it does not accept Western proposals for its nuclear program….Beijing agreed to join the condemnation of Iran by the International Atomic Energy Agency only a week after Obama’s visit. But in the past two weeks the Chinese have maintained their hard stance regarding the West’s wishes to impose sanctions on the Islamic Republic. The Israeli officials say the Americans now understand that the Chinese agreed to join the condemnation announcement only because Obama made a personal request to Hu, not as part of a policy change….Since Obama’s visit, the Chinese have refused to join any measures to impose sanctions. The Israeli officials say the Chinese have been giving unclear answers and have not been responding to the claims by Western nations. Beijing has been making do with statements such as ‘the time has not yet arrived for sanctions.’ China’s actions are particularly problematic because China will take over the presidency of the UN Security Council in January."
Thursday, December 17, 2009
In the news...
A couple of quick articles which represent updates for stories we are following:
This news brief is of interest for two simple facts.
Israeli Maj. Gen Amos Yadlin rarely speaks in public. Out of the blue, he now comes out and states that Iran is close to having a "technological breakthrough" for the ability to assemble a nuclear weapon. In a speech made on Tuesday, he apparently outlined the Iranian threat - and did so in an atypically public manner. In my opinion, the very fact that he is coming out to make these statements publicly, is highly significant, and for a reason.
This also seems significant, as it may indicate a signal that Israel has made the final determinations regarding an attack on Iran's nuclear facilities:
"Israel: Iran Nearing Atomic Bomb Capability"
-----------
Another "shocking" (sarcasm) story "finally" (sarcasm) reveals the true intent of Hamas:
"Hamas still wants to liberate 'all of Palestine'"
Quotes:
"The cat is out of the bag: Palestine, all of Palestine. Standing before 100,000 people in the center of Gaza, Ismail Haniyeh this week declared the objective of the Hamas movement. The moderate prime minister of the moderate faction of the Palestinian religious movement publicly announced the peace solution for which his government is aiming."
"In recent years, quite a number of experts have promised us that Hamas does not really mean it. Hamas is only playing tough, but its intentions are lofty: cease-fire, Green Line, coexistence. Live and let live. But no message conveyed by any senior Hamas member to any diplomat behind closed doors is equal in status to the message conveyed by Haniyeh to the masses. What counts is only the direct and open statement made by the Palestinian leader to his people. Palestine, all of Palestine. Every piece of Israeli land on which any Israeli citizen lives. His home, your home, our home. The land beneath our feet."
So, as stated the "cat is out of the bag"...Hamas wants 100% of Israeli land. Of course, prophecy watchers have read such quotes for years, but mysteriously, this fact is always forgotten whenever "negotiations" take place for the elusive peace in the Middle East.
--------------
Iran is threatening to assassinate Israeli leaders in the event of conflict:
"Iran to target Netanyahu if nuclear sites attacked".
-------------
Sooner or later something is going to snap between Iran and Israel. It seems almost supernatural (and perhaps it is), that this situation has progressed as far as it has, without being triggered. The rhetoric seems to increase on a daily basis. When it does happen, as they say, "fasten your seatbelts" and hang on - because things will become VERY interesting, very quickly.
This news brief is of interest for two simple facts.
Israeli Maj. Gen Amos Yadlin rarely speaks in public. Out of the blue, he now comes out and states that Iran is close to having a "technological breakthrough" for the ability to assemble a nuclear weapon. In a speech made on Tuesday, he apparently outlined the Iranian threat - and did so in an atypically public manner. In my opinion, the very fact that he is coming out to make these statements publicly, is highly significant, and for a reason.
This also seems significant, as it may indicate a signal that Israel has made the final determinations regarding an attack on Iran's nuclear facilities:
"Israel: Iran Nearing Atomic Bomb Capability"
-----------
Another "shocking" (sarcasm) story "finally" (sarcasm) reveals the true intent of Hamas:
"Hamas still wants to liberate 'all of Palestine'"
Quotes:
"The cat is out of the bag: Palestine, all of Palestine. Standing before 100,000 people in the center of Gaza, Ismail Haniyeh this week declared the objective of the Hamas movement. The moderate prime minister of the moderate faction of the Palestinian religious movement publicly announced the peace solution for which his government is aiming."
"In recent years, quite a number of experts have promised us that Hamas does not really mean it. Hamas is only playing tough, but its intentions are lofty: cease-fire, Green Line, coexistence. Live and let live. But no message conveyed by any senior Hamas member to any diplomat behind closed doors is equal in status to the message conveyed by Haniyeh to the masses. What counts is only the direct and open statement made by the Palestinian leader to his people. Palestine, all of Palestine. Every piece of Israeli land on which any Israeli citizen lives. His home, your home, our home. The land beneath our feet."
So, as stated the "cat is out of the bag"...Hamas wants 100% of Israeli land. Of course, prophecy watchers have read such quotes for years, but mysteriously, this fact is always forgotten whenever "negotiations" take place for the elusive peace in the Middle East.
--------------
Iran is threatening to assassinate Israeli leaders in the event of conflict:
"Iran to target Netanyahu if nuclear sites attacked".
-------------
Sooner or later something is going to snap between Iran and Israel. It seems almost supernatural (and perhaps it is), that this situation has progressed as far as it has, without being triggered. The rhetoric seems to increase on a daily basis. When it does happen, as they say, "fasten your seatbelts" and hang on - because things will become VERY interesting, very quickly.
World Leaders Call for Global Governance
We have several interesting stories circulating today, but first it strikes me that two of the most powerful men on the planet are consistently calling for a world governance. In two separate commentaries, we see the head of the UN, Ban Ki-moon - secretary of the United Nations making the statements:
"We can do it"
His quote, in the context of governing carbon output (which would affect every business and every home and a new world-tax - in other words everything):
"A deal must include an equitable global governance structure."
We see something similar in a separate commentary as seen in the LA TIMES:
"Copenhagen: U.N. chief weighs in on climate talk expectations"
"We will establish a global governance structure to monitor and manage the implementation of this"
Then, we see the same mantra from the new leader of the EU:
"EU President Herman Van Rompuy on Global Governance".
This is just a small sample of such quotes. What strikes me is this simple fact: Calling for a world government/governance is something that we are hearing from various world leaders almost daily. Something that barely gets noticed. Almost every "crisis" that we see today, usually contrived, whether it has to do with the Swine Flu (or name a convenient disease "crisis" of the day - bird flu, ebola, HIV/AIDS, drug-resistant TB....it probably doesn't matter), the "world financial crisis", and now the "global warming crisis") - and the answer remains the same: create a world governance. It rolls off the tongue of world leaders. In fact, a skeptic may wonder if these perceived "emergencies" are created for the very purpose of forging a world governance.
When the antichrist arrives on the scene, at least for a while, he will have a world governance to work from. Whether he has to create this himself (in which case the public has been "conditioned" by constant and ongoing rhetoric regarding the need for world governance), or if he has such world governance systems in place before his power-grab is almost immaterial at this point. The general public of the world is already being conditioned for acceptance.
I predict that we'll continue to hear this rhetoric as we head into the last days of the last days. It has to happen this way. The bible warns us of the antichrist's reign of terror:
"And he was given authority over every tribe, people, language and nation. All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast - all whose names have not been written in the book of life belonging to the Lamb..." (Revelation 13:7-8)
"He also forced everyone, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead, so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark..." (Revelation 13:16)
These scriptures point out that the antichrist will control the world via a form of "world governance"; the very idea that has now become a mantra for world leaders.
It is coming. The antichrist is waiting in the wings right now - waiting for his time to arise and gain control. Perhaps he is waiting for the same thing that prophecy watchers are waiting for - the removal of his biggest roadblock to power - The Church, also known biblically as "the restrainer". In reference to the rise of the antichrist, the apostle Paul provided the following information:
"And now you know what is holding him back, so that he may be revealed at the proper time. For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and the splendor of his coming." (2 Thessalonians 2:6-8).
This scripture informs us of several ideas.
We are informed that something will hold the antichrist's rise to power - described as holding him (or his "power") back until being "taken out of the way". And only then can the "lawless one" (aka the antichrist) be "revealed".
The term "taken out of the way", from the greek root, can mean "departure" or "falling away", and is seen as either in various translations. Interestingly, in all biblical versions prior to the King James version, the term was referred to as "departure". Additionally, one has to consider what, on earth, has the power to restrain evil.
First, the "restraint" mentioned ("holding back") must be a world-wide influence which suggests omnipresence. Second, this restrainer must have some kind of supernatural ability in order to restrain the potent forces of evil on earth, including the rise of the antichrist. Third, the restrainer must have some kind of logical reason for ending the "restraint", which subsequently allows for the rise of the antichrist and his ability to seize world power.
To meet these criteria, there is no other option other than the Holy Spirit, residing within the Church, on earth. No individual on earth has ever had the ability to restrain evil, nor has any form of human government. However, the bible speaks of the ability of the Holy Spirit to restrain evil (Genesis 6:3 and Galatians 5:16-17).
No only does this represent a spiritual restraint, but there is a literal restraint imposed by the Church/Holy Spirit. If, for instance, the Church were still on earth as the antichrist began his rise to (obvious) power, then vast numbers of church leaders, prophecy scholars, web-sites, etc., would be passionately warning the world that the figure in question is the antichrist. It would be almost impossible to succeed under such controversy.
The identification of the "restrainer" seems obviously directed to the Church and its Holy Spirit, now residing on earth. But this restrainer will be removed, and when it is removed, the world will witness the revealing of the antichrist. And then, the calls for world governance, so coveted by those in power, can finally be recognized and acted upon.
I believe the antichrist is waiting patiently for his moment. After the rapture of the Church - or, better stated - the removal of the restrainer, there will be enormous carnage, shock, disbelief, financial meltdown, confusion, and basically a collapse of society as known. The world will be desperate for a leader with solutions to this situation. And there will no longer be any restraint.
He is waiting for his moment. But so are we - the Church. We are waiting for the same moment, only our "moment" has a dramatically different outcome. We will find ourselves in Heaven, in the presence of Jesus Christ, and the antichrist will have seven years of God's judgments to face. I like our situation far far better than his situation - at the risk of stating the obvious!
"Behold, I am coming soon! Blessed is he who keeps the words of prophecy in this book." (Revelation 22:7).
"We can do it"
His quote, in the context of governing carbon output (which would affect every business and every home and a new world-tax - in other words everything):
"A deal must include an equitable global governance structure."
We see something similar in a separate commentary as seen in the LA TIMES:
"Copenhagen: U.N. chief weighs in on climate talk expectations"
"We will establish a global governance structure to monitor and manage the implementation of this"
Then, we see the same mantra from the new leader of the EU:
"EU President Herman Van Rompuy on Global Governance".
This is just a small sample of such quotes. What strikes me is this simple fact: Calling for a world government/governance is something that we are hearing from various world leaders almost daily. Something that barely gets noticed. Almost every "crisis" that we see today, usually contrived, whether it has to do with the Swine Flu (or name a convenient disease "crisis" of the day - bird flu, ebola, HIV/AIDS, drug-resistant TB....it probably doesn't matter), the "world financial crisis", and now the "global warming crisis") - and the answer remains the same: create a world governance. It rolls off the tongue of world leaders. In fact, a skeptic may wonder if these perceived "emergencies" are created for the very purpose of forging a world governance.
When the antichrist arrives on the scene, at least for a while, he will have a world governance to work from. Whether he has to create this himself (in which case the public has been "conditioned" by constant and ongoing rhetoric regarding the need for world governance), or if he has such world governance systems in place before his power-grab is almost immaterial at this point. The general public of the world is already being conditioned for acceptance.
I predict that we'll continue to hear this rhetoric as we head into the last days of the last days. It has to happen this way. The bible warns us of the antichrist's reign of terror:
"And he was given authority over every tribe, people, language and nation. All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast - all whose names have not been written in the book of life belonging to the Lamb..." (Revelation 13:7-8)
"He also forced everyone, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead, so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark..." (Revelation 13:16)
These scriptures point out that the antichrist will control the world via a form of "world governance"; the very idea that has now become a mantra for world leaders.
It is coming. The antichrist is waiting in the wings right now - waiting for his time to arise and gain control. Perhaps he is waiting for the same thing that prophecy watchers are waiting for - the removal of his biggest roadblock to power - The Church, also known biblically as "the restrainer". In reference to the rise of the antichrist, the apostle Paul provided the following information:
"And now you know what is holding him back, so that he may be revealed at the proper time. For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and the splendor of his coming." (2 Thessalonians 2:6-8).
This scripture informs us of several ideas.
We are informed that something will hold the antichrist's rise to power - described as holding him (or his "power") back until being "taken out of the way". And only then can the "lawless one" (aka the antichrist) be "revealed".
The term "taken out of the way", from the greek root, can mean "departure" or "falling away", and is seen as either in various translations. Interestingly, in all biblical versions prior to the King James version, the term was referred to as "departure". Additionally, one has to consider what, on earth, has the power to restrain evil.
First, the "restraint" mentioned ("holding back") must be a world-wide influence which suggests omnipresence. Second, this restrainer must have some kind of supernatural ability in order to restrain the potent forces of evil on earth, including the rise of the antichrist. Third, the restrainer must have some kind of logical reason for ending the "restraint", which subsequently allows for the rise of the antichrist and his ability to seize world power.
To meet these criteria, there is no other option other than the Holy Spirit, residing within the Church, on earth. No individual on earth has ever had the ability to restrain evil, nor has any form of human government. However, the bible speaks of the ability of the Holy Spirit to restrain evil (Genesis 6:3 and Galatians 5:16-17).
No only does this represent a spiritual restraint, but there is a literal restraint imposed by the Church/Holy Spirit. If, for instance, the Church were still on earth as the antichrist began his rise to (obvious) power, then vast numbers of church leaders, prophecy scholars, web-sites, etc., would be passionately warning the world that the figure in question is the antichrist. It would be almost impossible to succeed under such controversy.
The identification of the "restrainer" seems obviously directed to the Church and its Holy Spirit, now residing on earth. But this restrainer will be removed, and when it is removed, the world will witness the revealing of the antichrist. And then, the calls for world governance, so coveted by those in power, can finally be recognized and acted upon.
I believe the antichrist is waiting patiently for his moment. After the rapture of the Church - or, better stated - the removal of the restrainer, there will be enormous carnage, shock, disbelief, financial meltdown, confusion, and basically a collapse of society as known. The world will be desperate for a leader with solutions to this situation. And there will no longer be any restraint.
He is waiting for his moment. But so are we - the Church. We are waiting for the same moment, only our "moment" has a dramatically different outcome. We will find ourselves in Heaven, in the presence of Jesus Christ, and the antichrist will have seven years of God's judgments to face. I like our situation far far better than his situation - at the risk of stating the obvious!
"Behold, I am coming soon! Blessed is he who keeps the words of prophecy in this book." (Revelation 22:7).
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
In the news...
First, the EU Observer gives us a story that is highly predictable and right on schedule:
"EU's new foreign relations chief criticises Israel". Now thats a shock isn't it?
In her very first speech regarding the Middle East she takes the opportunity to not only criticize Israel, but she makes the predictable statements - almost on cue:
"The EU's new foreign relations chief, Catherine Ashton, criticised Israel in her first speech on the Middle East and unveiled plans to visit the region in the New Year."
"Dubbed recently by one Israeli lobbyist as a "tabula rasa" who will be easy to influence because of her lack of foreign policy experience, Ms Ashton came down hard on the Israeli government in an address to MEPs in Strasbourg on Tuesday (15 December)."
"East Jerusalem is occupied territory together with the West Bank. The EU is opposed to the destruction of homes, the eviction of Arab residents and the construction of the separation barrier," she said on Israeli activity in the city, which is holy to both Jews and Muslims."
"Her speech, which fits in with the Arab-friendly British foreign office tradition, was also significant for what it left out: Ms Ashton did not say that Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East, that it faces a security threat from Palestinian "terrorists" or that Palestinians should immediately return to formal peace talks - the classic tenets of Israeli supporters."
-------------
In a second (unrelated) story, we see Copenhagen starting to unravel. Thats a good thing.
"Archbishop Tutu: Rich nations 'condemning Africa to incineration'". Quotes:
"On the eve of the arrival of senior ministers and the first few heads of state at the UN climate summit in Copenhagen, pessimism was rife that divisions amongst the major parties were so wide that talks may end in collapse."
"Adding to developed countries' woes as talks chugged away well into the night, anti-apartheid veteran Archbishop Desmond Tutu wrote to the president of the talks and future EU environment commissioner Connie Hedegaard charging that the position of wealthy nations would "condemn Africa to incineration."
"Talks have all but ground to a halt in particular over the issue of the continuance of the Kyoto Protocol, which focuses on the cuts in greenhouse gas emissions of the developed world."
-------------
In a third (unrelated) story, under the category of "It can't be a news day without a story relating to Iran":
"Iran says it successfully tested upgraded Sajjil-2 missile". Quotes:
"British Prime Minister Gordon Brown was quoted by AFP as saying that Teheran's missile test announcement was a matter of "serious concern to the international community and it does make the case for moving further on sanctions."
"Iran successfully test-fired an improved version of its Sajjil-2 medium-range missile which it says can reach targets inside Israel, state television announced."
"The Sajjil is a solid fuel, high-speed missile with a range of about 1,930 kilometers, placing Israel well within range and reaching as far away as southeastern Europe with greater precision than earlier models."
The implications of this development coming out of Iran are obvious.
-------------
Last but not least, is an interesting article from the Jerusalem Post. This may mean nothing, but it could also blow up into a big conflict at the Temple Mount, as it has in the past:
"Activists planning Temple Mount ascent". Quotes:
"A group of activists dedicated to bringing Jews to the Temple Mount told The Jerusalem Post on Tuesday that they were hoping to see hundreds of participants take part in a planned "mass pilgrimage" to the mount scheduled for Thursday morning in honor of Hanukka, which celebrates the rededication of the Second Temple after it was recovered from Hellenist Greeks more than 2,000 years ago."
"The pilgrimage, which will include guided tours of the area throughout the morning, will also be a litmus test for the shaky calm that has prevailed in Jerusalem's Old City since October, when rumors of a "Jewish takeover" of the mount sparked fierce clashes between Arab rioters and security forces in and around the sensitive holy site and in various neighborhoods of east Jerusalem."
As seen, this ascent is planned for Thursday. One never knows what the result of such action will be, but this has led to conflict - sometimes prolonged - as a result. We shall see.
As directed by Jesus, we need to pray for peace in Jerusalem.
"EU's new foreign relations chief criticises Israel". Now thats a shock isn't it?
In her very first speech regarding the Middle East she takes the opportunity to not only criticize Israel, but she makes the predictable statements - almost on cue:
"The EU's new foreign relations chief, Catherine Ashton, criticised Israel in her first speech on the Middle East and unveiled plans to visit the region in the New Year."
"Dubbed recently by one Israeli lobbyist as a "tabula rasa" who will be easy to influence because of her lack of foreign policy experience, Ms Ashton came down hard on the Israeli government in an address to MEPs in Strasbourg on Tuesday (15 December)."
"East Jerusalem is occupied territory together with the West Bank. The EU is opposed to the destruction of homes, the eviction of Arab residents and the construction of the separation barrier," she said on Israeli activity in the city, which is holy to both Jews and Muslims."
"Her speech, which fits in with the Arab-friendly British foreign office tradition, was also significant for what it left out: Ms Ashton did not say that Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East, that it faces a security threat from Palestinian "terrorists" or that Palestinians should immediately return to formal peace talks - the classic tenets of Israeli supporters."
-------------
In a second (unrelated) story, we see Copenhagen starting to unravel. Thats a good thing.
"Archbishop Tutu: Rich nations 'condemning Africa to incineration'". Quotes:
"On the eve of the arrival of senior ministers and the first few heads of state at the UN climate summit in Copenhagen, pessimism was rife that divisions amongst the major parties were so wide that talks may end in collapse."
"Adding to developed countries' woes as talks chugged away well into the night, anti-apartheid veteran Archbishop Desmond Tutu wrote to the president of the talks and future EU environment commissioner Connie Hedegaard charging that the position of wealthy nations would "condemn Africa to incineration."
"Talks have all but ground to a halt in particular over the issue of the continuance of the Kyoto Protocol, which focuses on the cuts in greenhouse gas emissions of the developed world."
-------------
In a third (unrelated) story, under the category of "It can't be a news day without a story relating to Iran":
"Iran says it successfully tested upgraded Sajjil-2 missile". Quotes:
"British Prime Minister Gordon Brown was quoted by AFP as saying that Teheran's missile test announcement was a matter of "serious concern to the international community and it does make the case for moving further on sanctions."
"Iran successfully test-fired an improved version of its Sajjil-2 medium-range missile which it says can reach targets inside Israel, state television announced."
"The Sajjil is a solid fuel, high-speed missile with a range of about 1,930 kilometers, placing Israel well within range and reaching as far away as southeastern Europe with greater precision than earlier models."
The implications of this development coming out of Iran are obvious.
-------------
Last but not least, is an interesting article from the Jerusalem Post. This may mean nothing, but it could also blow up into a big conflict at the Temple Mount, as it has in the past:
"Activists planning Temple Mount ascent". Quotes:
"A group of activists dedicated to bringing Jews to the Temple Mount told The Jerusalem Post on Tuesday that they were hoping to see hundreds of participants take part in a planned "mass pilgrimage" to the mount scheduled for Thursday morning in honor of Hanukka, which celebrates the rededication of the Second Temple after it was recovered from Hellenist Greeks more than 2,000 years ago."
"The pilgrimage, which will include guided tours of the area throughout the morning, will also be a litmus test for the shaky calm that has prevailed in Jerusalem's Old City since October, when rumors of a "Jewish takeover" of the mount sparked fierce clashes between Arab rioters and security forces in and around the sensitive holy site and in various neighborhoods of east Jerusalem."
As seen, this ascent is planned for Thursday. One never knows what the result of such action will be, but this has led to conflict - sometimes prolonged - as a result. We shall see.
As directed by Jesus, we need to pray for peace in Jerusalem.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
War Preparations
Below is an interesting commentary on the ongoing war preparations in the Middle East. While many of us have speculated that the trigger point would be an "attack" on Iran's nuclear facilities by Israel, the commentary below gives a different perspective:
"Iran Hezbollah Prepare for Pre-Emptive War".
Iran and Hezbollah Prepare for Pre-Emptive War
Ill Winds, What is brewing in Lebanon?
By Scott W. Winchell
It appears a powder keg that has been stockpiling in the Middle East for quite a spell is about to explode. What is Hezbollah planning? Is Israel ready? Is Iran planning a larger, bolder strategy for the demise of Israel? What of the involvement of Russia? The plan is a major preemptive strike on all major Israeli airports; auxiliary and military airfields to prevent any military take off against Iran. Ahmadinejad has effectively set much in place in a plan that now appears ready for launch! Iran has erected a building and assembling factory for rocket and missile development for Hezbollah in Lebanon and they are armed to the teeth.
The word is they plan to take out Israeli bases in a prelude to invasion in the Sheba’a Farms, Ghajar, and the Seven Villages region of the Golan. Any invasion, attack, or even a successful victory there would only embolden the Iranians, Syrians, and others to act on other unknown plans. Remember, Hezballah declared victory the last time because any success is all they need for their propaganda machine, and if they succeed there; repercussions are likely to be felt around the world.
It is known that Iranian Republican Guard agents have been placed throughout the world, including the USA and Europe. Is this the other time bomb? Well, it appears so! What then is the overall strategy? Is this the conflagration predicted that will cause worldwide chaos, thus bringing the Mahdi to power? It is said that the arrival of the Mahdi will be during a time of great chaos and strife the world over. With the economy of the world in freefall, Afghanistan re-emerging as a hornet’s nest, Jihadi training here in the USA and elsewhere, increased attacks from lone wolf Jihadist types like the terrorist massacre at Ft. Hood, the time may be at hand.
If Israel is attacked, will the Obama administration act decisively? If the snail’s pace that Obama exhibited in deciding- it took them so long to decide -what to do in Afghanistan, and then doing it all wrong, setting the US armed forces up for failure, we can hardly expect him to act quickly in response to an attack on Israel by Hezbollah and others.
Obama has already thrown (Bibi) Netanyahu and Israel under the bus, so it seems we are at a crossroads. Iran is bolder than ever, and the ties that bind connect the entire world. What about all those visits and interactions with Chavez in Venezuela, and the little tyrant in North Korea? The plans may be bolder than officials have anticipated. The naiveté of this administration knows no bounds and the Islamic world and Russia has taken notice. They rightfully believe we are weaker then ever and they are clearly emboldened.
Information has been flowing from many reliable sources at breakneck speed and the timing of Russia deciding to send the S-300 rocket system to Iran, Russia also trying to give MiG-29s to Lebanon, and what many believe is an already nuclear-armed Iran, the cards are falling into place. And this is no house of playing cards! Make no mistake; what happens there will affect the entire world. Russia’s efforts of late indicate truly that they see the Middle East as the proxy war for control of oil from the Middle East between Russia and the USA, and the players have seemingly disparate goals yet they dove-tail with larger goals like those of the Russians and the coming of the Mahdi.
America has from one side, a losing Arab Sunni alliance represented by mainly Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Kuwait, Bahrain, the UAE, and the Gulf States, versus Russia who has a victorious Shiaa alliance represented by mainly Iran, Syria (Alawite regime part of the Shiaa religion) Hezbollah and now Hamas. Should a nuclear conflict erupt in the Middle East between Israel and Iran (and others) and develop the process into the annihilation of the Jewish state, this could become the end of American presence in the Middle East.
An Israeli collapse may have a domino effect where all the Sunni monarchies in the Gulf capitulate on the spot to an upcoming victorious Iran in order to save their necks. We will see then on the tactical level, an Iran Caliphate ruling the Middle East from Iran all the way to the Mediterranean, (known as the Shiite Crescent), with the American presence reduced to ashes.
On the strategic level, a smiling Russia lies behind the scenes providing a giant come back to the Levant through Iran. Iran would supply it with military, technological, and scientific support, controlling the energy resources of the Middle East.
Russian revenge is one other goal, humiliating the US in that region of the world. With Saudi Arabian, Iraqi, and Iranian oil trading on the market with the Euro, where will the fate of the dollar be? America Foreign policy will be destroyed and damaged forever as the situation within the US may develop into a deep, severe depression where the possibility of riots may erupt in major cities where Washington will be focused on itself busy restoring Law and Order.
In the USA, expect Jihadi sleepers to come out of the woodwork and attack our neighborhoods, malls, and backyards. Expect individuals with predisposed Jihadist ideas to take up arms against us. Expect surprises at every corner. Jihadi forces throughout the world have been planning for years, and the critical mass may be at hand. The tipping point is likely to be a small event, but with so many tendrils connecting so many entities and players with divergent yet expedient aims, we fear the newest world war of Dar al Islam against Dar al-Harb is in the offing."
------------------
This is an interesting perspective indeed. The views towards Russia and their involvement in the Middle-East is exactly what is summarized by Joel Rosenberg in his book "Epicenter". It also (unwittingly?) points out much of the Gog-MaGog alliance has formed or is in the process of forming.
It is also interesting that virtually all news coming form the Middle-East could be placed firmly in the category of "Rumors of War", exactly as Jesus informed us in the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24, Luke 21 and Mark 13).
Israel is continuing their ongoing war preparations as well:
"Israel's Air Force Is Prepared For All Scenarios".
Just more rumors of war. That characterizes the Middle East today: One big rumor of an imminent war.
"You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed." (Matthew 24:6)
"Iran Hezbollah Prepare for Pre-Emptive War".
Iran and Hezbollah Prepare for Pre-Emptive War
Ill Winds, What is brewing in Lebanon?
By Scott W. Winchell
It appears a powder keg that has been stockpiling in the Middle East for quite a spell is about to explode. What is Hezbollah planning? Is Israel ready? Is Iran planning a larger, bolder strategy for the demise of Israel? What of the involvement of Russia? The plan is a major preemptive strike on all major Israeli airports; auxiliary and military airfields to prevent any military take off against Iran. Ahmadinejad has effectively set much in place in a plan that now appears ready for launch! Iran has erected a building and assembling factory for rocket and missile development for Hezbollah in Lebanon and they are armed to the teeth.
The word is they plan to take out Israeli bases in a prelude to invasion in the Sheba’a Farms, Ghajar, and the Seven Villages region of the Golan. Any invasion, attack, or even a successful victory there would only embolden the Iranians, Syrians, and others to act on other unknown plans. Remember, Hezballah declared victory the last time because any success is all they need for their propaganda machine, and if they succeed there; repercussions are likely to be felt around the world.
It is known that Iranian Republican Guard agents have been placed throughout the world, including the USA and Europe. Is this the other time bomb? Well, it appears so! What then is the overall strategy? Is this the conflagration predicted that will cause worldwide chaos, thus bringing the Mahdi to power? It is said that the arrival of the Mahdi will be during a time of great chaos and strife the world over. With the economy of the world in freefall, Afghanistan re-emerging as a hornet’s nest, Jihadi training here in the USA and elsewhere, increased attacks from lone wolf Jihadist types like the terrorist massacre at Ft. Hood, the time may be at hand.
If Israel is attacked, will the Obama administration act decisively? If the snail’s pace that Obama exhibited in deciding- it took them so long to decide -what to do in Afghanistan, and then doing it all wrong, setting the US armed forces up for failure, we can hardly expect him to act quickly in response to an attack on Israel by Hezbollah and others.
Obama has already thrown (Bibi) Netanyahu and Israel under the bus, so it seems we are at a crossroads. Iran is bolder than ever, and the ties that bind connect the entire world. What about all those visits and interactions with Chavez in Venezuela, and the little tyrant in North Korea? The plans may be bolder than officials have anticipated. The naiveté of this administration knows no bounds and the Islamic world and Russia has taken notice. They rightfully believe we are weaker then ever and they are clearly emboldened.
Information has been flowing from many reliable sources at breakneck speed and the timing of Russia deciding to send the S-300 rocket system to Iran, Russia also trying to give MiG-29s to Lebanon, and what many believe is an already nuclear-armed Iran, the cards are falling into place. And this is no house of playing cards! Make no mistake; what happens there will affect the entire world. Russia’s efforts of late indicate truly that they see the Middle East as the proxy war for control of oil from the Middle East between Russia and the USA, and the players have seemingly disparate goals yet they dove-tail with larger goals like those of the Russians and the coming of the Mahdi.
America has from one side, a losing Arab Sunni alliance represented by mainly Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Kuwait, Bahrain, the UAE, and the Gulf States, versus Russia who has a victorious Shiaa alliance represented by mainly Iran, Syria (Alawite regime part of the Shiaa religion) Hezbollah and now Hamas. Should a nuclear conflict erupt in the Middle East between Israel and Iran (and others) and develop the process into the annihilation of the Jewish state, this could become the end of American presence in the Middle East.
An Israeli collapse may have a domino effect where all the Sunni monarchies in the Gulf capitulate on the spot to an upcoming victorious Iran in order to save their necks. We will see then on the tactical level, an Iran Caliphate ruling the Middle East from Iran all the way to the Mediterranean, (known as the Shiite Crescent), with the American presence reduced to ashes.
On the strategic level, a smiling Russia lies behind the scenes providing a giant come back to the Levant through Iran. Iran would supply it with military, technological, and scientific support, controlling the energy resources of the Middle East.
Russian revenge is one other goal, humiliating the US in that region of the world. With Saudi Arabian, Iraqi, and Iranian oil trading on the market with the Euro, where will the fate of the dollar be? America Foreign policy will be destroyed and damaged forever as the situation within the US may develop into a deep, severe depression where the possibility of riots may erupt in major cities where Washington will be focused on itself busy restoring Law and Order.
In the USA, expect Jihadi sleepers to come out of the woodwork and attack our neighborhoods, malls, and backyards. Expect individuals with predisposed Jihadist ideas to take up arms against us. Expect surprises at every corner. Jihadi forces throughout the world have been planning for years, and the critical mass may be at hand. The tipping point is likely to be a small event, but with so many tendrils connecting so many entities and players with divergent yet expedient aims, we fear the newest world war of Dar al Islam against Dar al-Harb is in the offing."
------------------
This is an interesting perspective indeed. The views towards Russia and their involvement in the Middle-East is exactly what is summarized by Joel Rosenberg in his book "Epicenter". It also (unwittingly?) points out much of the Gog-MaGog alliance has formed or is in the process of forming.
It is also interesting that virtually all news coming form the Middle-East could be placed firmly in the category of "Rumors of War", exactly as Jesus informed us in the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24, Luke 21 and Mark 13).
Israel is continuing their ongoing war preparations as well:
"Israel's Air Force Is Prepared For All Scenarios".
Just more rumors of war. That characterizes the Middle East today: One big rumor of an imminent war.
"You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed." (Matthew 24:6)
Monday, December 14, 2009
A picture
is worth a thousand words:
Earthquake Map.
In other news, below is a link to a very interesting commentary on Israel's decision to strike Iran's nuclear facilities, and the issues that Mr Netanyahu faces in the near future:
"Binyamin Netanyahu must decide whether to strike Iran's nuclear facilities".
Quotes:
"The moment is fast approaching when Binyamin Netanyahu, the Israeli Prime Minister, may have to make the most difficult decision of his career — whether to launch a military strike against Iran’s nuclear facilities and risk triggering a conflagration that could spread across the Middle East."
"Israeli experts believe the point of no return may be only six months away when Iran’s nuclear programme will have — if it has not already — metastasised into a multitude of smaller, difficult-to-trace facilities in deserts and mountains, while its main reactor at Bushehr will have come online and bombing it would send a radioactive cloud over the Gulf nations."
"Mr Netanyahu has consistently called Iran the most serious threat Israel faces. President Ahmadinejad of Iran has called for Israel to be obliterated and his Revolutionary Guards supply training, money and weapons to both Hezbollah in Lebanon, on Israel’s northern border, and to Hamas in the Gaza Strip, whose missiles are believed to be capable of reaching Tel Aviv."
"In the run-up to his election this year, Mr Netanyahu promised that “under my Government, Iran will not be allowed to go nuclear”. Yet Mr Ahmadinejad has promised to produce 20 per cent enriched uranium: a big step towards weapons-grade fuel."
"When Mr Netanyahu came to power, he made great efforts to recruit his former commander as Defence Minister. Mr Barak serves with another former leader of the unit, the Deputy Prime Minister, Moshe “Bogie” Yaalon. The Israeli Prime Minister has hard-wired his core Cabinet with so much military experience for a good reason. Striking Iran’s nuclear facilities would be a huge military and political gamble. Although Russia has delayed supplying Iran with S300 anti-aircraft missiles, which could weaken any Israeli attack, the air force would have to mount one of its largest long-range attacks to have a chance of disabling Iran’s nuclear installations."
At the risk of being redundant, it is worth covering every bit of information that lends insight into when this attack will occur. The stakes are incredibly high and the implications of this action, when it occurs, will be "game-changing" for the region. Because many of us believe that any Israeli action against Iran will indeed precipitate the last stages of prophetic developments leading into the Tribulation, we follow this story closely. Very closely.
Its just a matter of time.
Earthquake Map.
In other news, below is a link to a very interesting commentary on Israel's decision to strike Iran's nuclear facilities, and the issues that Mr Netanyahu faces in the near future:
"Binyamin Netanyahu must decide whether to strike Iran's nuclear facilities".
Quotes:
"The moment is fast approaching when Binyamin Netanyahu, the Israeli Prime Minister, may have to make the most difficult decision of his career — whether to launch a military strike against Iran’s nuclear facilities and risk triggering a conflagration that could spread across the Middle East."
"Israeli experts believe the point of no return may be only six months away when Iran’s nuclear programme will have — if it has not already — metastasised into a multitude of smaller, difficult-to-trace facilities in deserts and mountains, while its main reactor at Bushehr will have come online and bombing it would send a radioactive cloud over the Gulf nations."
"Mr Netanyahu has consistently called Iran the most serious threat Israel faces. President Ahmadinejad of Iran has called for Israel to be obliterated and his Revolutionary Guards supply training, money and weapons to both Hezbollah in Lebanon, on Israel’s northern border, and to Hamas in the Gaza Strip, whose missiles are believed to be capable of reaching Tel Aviv."
"In the run-up to his election this year, Mr Netanyahu promised that “under my Government, Iran will not be allowed to go nuclear”. Yet Mr Ahmadinejad has promised to produce 20 per cent enriched uranium: a big step towards weapons-grade fuel."
"When Mr Netanyahu came to power, he made great efforts to recruit his former commander as Defence Minister. Mr Barak serves with another former leader of the unit, the Deputy Prime Minister, Moshe “Bogie” Yaalon. The Israeli Prime Minister has hard-wired his core Cabinet with so much military experience for a good reason. Striking Iran’s nuclear facilities would be a huge military and political gamble. Although Russia has delayed supplying Iran with S300 anti-aircraft missiles, which could weaken any Israeli attack, the air force would have to mount one of its largest long-range attacks to have a chance of disabling Iran’s nuclear installations."
At the risk of being redundant, it is worth covering every bit of information that lends insight into when this attack will occur. The stakes are incredibly high and the implications of this action, when it occurs, will be "game-changing" for the region. Because many of us believe that any Israeli action against Iran will indeed precipitate the last stages of prophetic developments leading into the Tribulation, we follow this story closely. Very closely.
Its just a matter of time.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Worldwide Persecution
It seems that every year, as we approach Christmas or Easter, the stories of persecution increase and this year seems to be no exception. Lets recall the scriptures, as directed to end times events:
""Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me." (Matthew 24:9).
"Fast-Growing Christian Churches Crushed in China".
"SOMALIA: CHRISTIAN MARTYRED".
"Catholic Church attacked, suspicions fall on Buddhist extremists".
CHINA: CHURCH LEADER SENTENCED".
"Church Burnt to Ashes by Hindu radicals in Andhra Pradesh State".
"Islamic Extremists Kill Somali Church Leader".
These are just a few recent stories to drive home the point. Persecution - a story that barely makes news anymore. Thankfully, we have groups who monitor and attempt to disseminate these stories to Christians, as the main-stream-media chooses to ignore the plight of Christians who suffer tremendously throughout the world, simply for following Jesus.
It is most definitely a sign of our times. Comparatively, there has never been an era such as this. It is estimated that between 150,000 - 160,000 Christians are put to death annually simply for peacefully practicing their faith.
Jesus seemed to hold these suffering followers close to His heart:
"Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
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, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you."
(Matthew 5:10-11).
We need to remember to pray for our brave brothers and sisters who are undergoing this persecution - those who are currently imprisoned, and those who must worship our Lord in hiding - constantly under threat of torture, beatings, death or imprisonment.
""Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me." (Matthew 24:9).
"Fast-Growing Christian Churches Crushed in China".
"SOMALIA: CHRISTIAN MARTYRED".
"Catholic Church attacked, suspicions fall on Buddhist extremists".
CHINA: CHURCH LEADER SENTENCED".
"Church Burnt to Ashes by Hindu radicals in Andhra Pradesh State".
"Islamic Extremists Kill Somali Church Leader".
These are just a few recent stories to drive home the point. Persecution - a story that barely makes news anymore. Thankfully, we have groups who monitor and attempt to disseminate these stories to Christians, as the main-stream-media chooses to ignore the plight of Christians who suffer tremendously throughout the world, simply for following Jesus.
It is most definitely a sign of our times. Comparatively, there has never been an era such as this. It is estimated that between 150,000 - 160,000 Christians are put to death annually simply for peacefully practicing their faith.
Jesus seemed to hold these suffering followers close to His heart:
"Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
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, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you."
(Matthew 5:10-11).
We need to remember to pray for our brave brothers and sisters who are undergoing this persecution - those who are currently imprisoned, and those who must worship our Lord in hiding - constantly under threat of torture, beatings, death or imprisonment.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
In the news...
There are a lot of interesting news articles today:
1. Under the heading of "Turkey continues their progression into the 'Gog-MaGog' alliance" (Ezekiel 38-39):
"Erdogan warns Israel of 'earthquake' in case of action against Iran". The headline is self-explanatory.
"Turkey warns IAF against using airspace".
Turkey's alliance with Iran/Russia and their rhetoric against Israel is right on schedule, as predicted.
2. Iran-Syrian alliance continues to strengthen:
"Iran, Syria sign defense pact against 'foreign aggression'".
(Don't forget Isaiah 17)
3. The EU continues their attempts to divide Jerusalem:
"Palestine claims EU backing on East Jerusalem".
4. The recently re-formed Sanhedrin (which is a fascinating story) is alive and well. The point of this article isn't so much about the Sanhedrin's point of view regarding the fate of prisoners, but he fact that the Sanhedrin has been re-established after formally disbanding in 358 AD is amazing prophetically. In October 2004, miraculously, the Sanhedrin was put back in place, and today is becoming what it once was: Universal Jewish Authority, or perhaps better put, "the Supreme Court of Israel".
The Sanhedrin, as a body, has powers that lesser Jewish courts never had. They are the only group who can determine the boundaries of the Temple (in fact they are in the process of determining where, exactly, on the Temple Mount, the next Temple will be placed). The Sanhedrin is also the only group who can formally determine the identity of the Messiah when he returns.
Isn't it interesting, after all these years of non-existence, here in the last days, as we approach the rebuilding of the Temple, and the coming of the Messiah, that suddenly, literally out of nowhere, the Sanhedrin is back in business?
They are now taking a very hard-line approach to the terrorists in their region:
"Sanhedrin: Kill prisoners if Shalit doesn't return".
As noted before, every single "sign of our times" - every sign that we have been given to watch, continues its progression towards the end. There isn't a single sign that is showing signs of slowing down or reversing course.
Every single sign, whether its the growth of the revived Roman Empire, the world's anti-Israeli sentiment, growth of surrounding terrorists groups, the Gog-MaGog alliances, the development of weapons of mass destruction, the EU's involvement in Israel and the "peace-plan", the waning U.S. presence, the earthquake story, pestilences, persecution, one-world governance, one-world financial system, single currency, Sanhedrin's re-gathering, Temple Mount news and rebuilding of the Temple, rumors of war, the rise of China as a world power, rising tensions in the Middle-East, Iran's nuclear development, attempts to divide Jerusalem, or Israel's enemy list growing in strength and rhetoric - every single sign continues progression - marching along exactly as prophecy informed us.
Every single sign is moving rapidly towards the ultimate conclusion; every sign is moving in the direction dictated by biblical prophecy. Just as we have been told.
It is a fascinating time to be a Christian and a prophecy watcher. What an incredible kind and loving God, to give us this information - so we would know when Jesus' return would be closing in, giving us time to prepare and to be ready, and perhaps more importantly - to face these days without any fear.
As Jesus said as He began His end-times discourse:
"...but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come." (Matthew 24:6).
"Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near." (Luke 21:31).
We are not only IN the season, we are at the very end of the season.
Indeed. Maranatha! The time of Jesus' return is near.
1. Under the heading of "Turkey continues their progression into the 'Gog-MaGog' alliance" (Ezekiel 38-39):
"Erdogan warns Israel of 'earthquake' in case of action against Iran". The headline is self-explanatory.
"Turkey warns IAF against using airspace".
Turkey's alliance with Iran/Russia and their rhetoric against Israel is right on schedule, as predicted.
2. Iran-Syrian alliance continues to strengthen:
"Iran, Syria sign defense pact against 'foreign aggression'".
(Don't forget Isaiah 17)
3. The EU continues their attempts to divide Jerusalem:
"Palestine claims EU backing on East Jerusalem".
4. The recently re-formed Sanhedrin (which is a fascinating story) is alive and well. The point of this article isn't so much about the Sanhedrin's point of view regarding the fate of prisoners, but he fact that the Sanhedrin has been re-established after formally disbanding in 358 AD is amazing prophetically. In October 2004, miraculously, the Sanhedrin was put back in place, and today is becoming what it once was: Universal Jewish Authority, or perhaps better put, "the Supreme Court of Israel".
The Sanhedrin, as a body, has powers that lesser Jewish courts never had. They are the only group who can determine the boundaries of the Temple (in fact they are in the process of determining where, exactly, on the Temple Mount, the next Temple will be placed). The Sanhedrin is also the only group who can formally determine the identity of the Messiah when he returns.
Isn't it interesting, after all these years of non-existence, here in the last days, as we approach the rebuilding of the Temple, and the coming of the Messiah, that suddenly, literally out of nowhere, the Sanhedrin is back in business?
They are now taking a very hard-line approach to the terrorists in their region:
"Sanhedrin: Kill prisoners if Shalit doesn't return".
As noted before, every single "sign of our times" - every sign that we have been given to watch, continues its progression towards the end. There isn't a single sign that is showing signs of slowing down or reversing course.
Every single sign, whether its the growth of the revived Roman Empire, the world's anti-Israeli sentiment, growth of surrounding terrorists groups, the Gog-MaGog alliances, the development of weapons of mass destruction, the EU's involvement in Israel and the "peace-plan", the waning U.S. presence, the earthquake story, pestilences, persecution, one-world governance, one-world financial system, single currency, Sanhedrin's re-gathering, Temple Mount news and rebuilding of the Temple, rumors of war, the rise of China as a world power, rising tensions in the Middle-East, Iran's nuclear development, attempts to divide Jerusalem, or Israel's enemy list growing in strength and rhetoric - every single sign continues progression - marching along exactly as prophecy informed us.
Every single sign is moving rapidly towards the ultimate conclusion; every sign is moving in the direction dictated by biblical prophecy. Just as we have been told.
It is a fascinating time to be a Christian and a prophecy watcher. What an incredible kind and loving God, to give us this information - so we would know when Jesus' return would be closing in, giving us time to prepare and to be ready, and perhaps more importantly - to face these days without any fear.
As Jesus said as He began His end-times discourse:
"...but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come." (Matthew 24:6).
"Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near." (Luke 21:31).
We are not only IN the season, we are at the very end of the season.
Indeed. Maranatha! The time of Jesus' return is near.
Friday, December 11, 2009
EU President calls for "world governance"
Much has been written about the current Copenhagen meeting on so-called carbon based, man-made global warming. Although I have strong feelings on this, I try to avoid topics that are not strictly prophecy related. In this case however as many are aware, agreements made at Copenhagen will create a massive transfer of wealth between the industrialized nations and the poorer nations, under the premise that the large industrialized nations are "guilty" of creating world-wide pollution and need to help the poorer nations become green as they develop.
The most succinct review of the implications is found in this video link:
"Is Obama Poised to Cede US Sovereignty?".
Another review is found here (note the interesting comments below the article):
"Copenhagen treaty will establish Marxist World Government".
As far as carbon based global warming, I just have the following brief thoughts:
- The carbon based global warming is based on false, fraudulent data, provided into false modeling and this fact has been painfully exposed through the "leaked" emails and information "sharing" between the main "scientists" responsible for feeding information to the UN. Mike Mickey on RaptureAlert.com has a nice summary of this situation:
"The 'Greatest Show on Earth' opens in Copenhagen".
Also, a link that I highly recommend, which comprehensively covers these issues is found here:
"ClimateDepot".
- The CO2 based model only goes back 70-80 years, which is absurd, just by itself. During this period, the CO2 based model cannot account for the cooling period from the 1940's to ~ 1970. The CO2 model cannot account for the last 8-10 years of cooling, while CO2 has increased. According to their model, temperatures should have increased during this period. Scientifically, these facts alone make such a "model" laughable in my opinion.
- CO2 is a tiny tiny fraction of greenhouse gases, the vast majority is simply water vapor.
- The temperature "graphs" popularized by Al Gore, allegedly showing temperature spikes resulting from CO2 have now been proven to be completely fraudulent.
- A FAR better model has emerged and is gaining a lot of momentum. Henrik Svensmark, who leads the Center for Sun-Climate Research at the Danish National Space Center described a model based upon sun activity (sunspots etc) which, using reliable "surrogate markers" can model global temperatures to the sun's activity over a period of thousands of years. The mechanism for this correlation is fascinating and makes a lot of sense scientifically. Link Below:
"The Chilling Stars".
I'll let others handle the scientific aspects of this.
Back to Copenhagen, and the main point in today's post:
The new EU President, Herman Van Rompuy is confirming many suspicions regarding the Copenhagen meeting - those suspicions as outlined by Lord Monckton's video link above. Mr Van Rompuy's quotes below:
"In his first big public speech since his appointment last month, Mr Van Rompuy also said a global climate change agreement could form the basis for what he called 'a kind of world governance'".
"Speaking about the Copenhagen climate conference, Mr Van Rompuy said that an agreement there could provide the basis for some kind of world governance. 'Globalisation demands multilateralism more than ever before,' he said."
"He described himself as a strong supporter of further enlargement of the EU..."
There we have it. A newly "appointed" leader of the EU is calling for:
- World Governance
- EU expansion
- Globalization
As a prophecy watcher, it borders on the surreal. I can recall years ago, when I first started speaking on prophecy for this age, people scoffing at the notion that we could be moving in the direction of a global government, as called for by the scriptures. I cannot find anyone who scoffs at this notion today. Its part of daily rhetoric - so much so, that the public seems to accept the premise.
I don't believe that Copenhagen will immediately affect our daily lives (although it could via taxation; we'll have to see the final results from the meeting to see if that is an immediate outcome), however it does represent yet another step in the direction of a "global governance".
Once again, we see the road being paved for the introduction of the antichrist and the beginning of the Tribulation.
The most succinct review of the implications is found in this video link:
"Is Obama Poised to Cede US Sovereignty?".
Another review is found here (note the interesting comments below the article):
"Copenhagen treaty will establish Marxist World Government".
As far as carbon based global warming, I just have the following brief thoughts:
- The carbon based global warming is based on false, fraudulent data, provided into false modeling and this fact has been painfully exposed through the "leaked" emails and information "sharing" between the main "scientists" responsible for feeding information to the UN. Mike Mickey on RaptureAlert.com has a nice summary of this situation:
"The 'Greatest Show on Earth' opens in Copenhagen".
Also, a link that I highly recommend, which comprehensively covers these issues is found here:
"ClimateDepot".
- The CO2 based model only goes back 70-80 years, which is absurd, just by itself. During this period, the CO2 based model cannot account for the cooling period from the 1940's to ~ 1970. The CO2 model cannot account for the last 8-10 years of cooling, while CO2 has increased. According to their model, temperatures should have increased during this period. Scientifically, these facts alone make such a "model" laughable in my opinion.
- CO2 is a tiny tiny fraction of greenhouse gases, the vast majority is simply water vapor.
- The temperature "graphs" popularized by Al Gore, allegedly showing temperature spikes resulting from CO2 have now been proven to be completely fraudulent.
- A FAR better model has emerged and is gaining a lot of momentum. Henrik Svensmark, who leads the Center for Sun-Climate Research at the Danish National Space Center described a model based upon sun activity (sunspots etc) which, using reliable "surrogate markers" can model global temperatures to the sun's activity over a period of thousands of years. The mechanism for this correlation is fascinating and makes a lot of sense scientifically. Link Below:
"The Chilling Stars".
I'll let others handle the scientific aspects of this.
Back to Copenhagen, and the main point in today's post:
The new EU President, Herman Van Rompuy is confirming many suspicions regarding the Copenhagen meeting - those suspicions as outlined by Lord Monckton's video link above. Mr Van Rompuy's quotes below:
"In his first big public speech since his appointment last month, Mr Van Rompuy also said a global climate change agreement could form the basis for what he called 'a kind of world governance'".
"Speaking about the Copenhagen climate conference, Mr Van Rompuy said that an agreement there could provide the basis for some kind of world governance. 'Globalisation demands multilateralism more than ever before,' he said."
"He described himself as a strong supporter of further enlargement of the EU..."
There we have it. A newly "appointed" leader of the EU is calling for:
- World Governance
- EU expansion
- Globalization
As a prophecy watcher, it borders on the surreal. I can recall years ago, when I first started speaking on prophecy for this age, people scoffing at the notion that we could be moving in the direction of a global government, as called for by the scriptures. I cannot find anyone who scoffs at this notion today. Its part of daily rhetoric - so much so, that the public seems to accept the premise.
I don't believe that Copenhagen will immediately affect our daily lives (although it could via taxation; we'll have to see the final results from the meeting to see if that is an immediate outcome), however it does represent yet another step in the direction of a "global governance".
Once again, we see the road being paved for the introduction of the antichrist and the beginning of the Tribulation.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Iran's puppets making a move
When viewing the situation in the Middle East, and making attempts to understand various events in and around Israel, it always helps to go back to the basic understanding of how things operate in the region.
As predicted in Bible prophecy we know that Israel will be surrounded by her enemies. That is easy to understand. Perhaps of greater importance is to understand the power and influence that Iran has in the region. First, the terrorist group Hamas, with its base in Gaza, is largely understood to be directly under the influence of Iran. This is easily confirmed by analysis of the missiles launched from Gaza, and the ships which have been intercepted in route to Gaza, filled with Iranian weapons. Then we turn to Hezbollah, who occupies the southern part of Lebanon - a group formed by Iran and funded by Iran, and, like Hamas, obtains its weapons from Iran, through Syria. Oh, and while we're on that topic, it is well known that Syria is also one of Iran's closest allies in the region.
Because of this, whenever I see any "action" from any of the above mentioned groups, one must first think, "What is Iran's motivation for having _____ (insert Hamas, Hezbollah, or Syria) do this?"
That leads to these recent articles:
"Syria: Israel cannot hold referendum on land it doesn't own".
"Syrian deputy FM: Continued Golan 'occupation' makes resistance necessary". This brief article is included below:
"Israel will not be able to achieve peace with Syria without relinquishing the Golan Heights, making resistance necessary as long as the "occupation" continues, Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Fayssal Mikdad said during a university symposium held north of Damascus on Monday.
According to an Israel Radio report, Mikdad also stated that if talks with Israel were to fail, Damascus would resort to other means to recapture the territory.
The event, titled "Syria's vision on the future of the Golan and the peace process," aimed to explore various topics related to the Golan Heights - including its geopolitical importance and "the falsity of the Israeli Knesset's decision to annex it."
Citing UN resolutions supporting his point, Mikdad asserted that the annexation was an expression of Israel's hostility and attempts to "usurp the rights" of nations in the region.
He added that a solution to the issue of the Golan Heights could only be drafted as part of a comprehensive peace agreement between Israel and its Arab neighbors."
It is interesting that at this critical time in attempts to forge peace in the Middle East, Syria would start "sabre-rattling" right now. Whoever occupies the Golan Heights, because of its strategic location, has an enormous advantage in the event of warfare in the region. This is not a secret. This will be worth watching closely, as I suspect Iran would love to have that strategic advantage prior to any invasion of Israel.
At the same time, we see movement by an increasingly armed Hamas:
"Hamas preparing advanced rockets, missiles and tunnels".
Quotes:
"Since Operation Cast Lead ended almost a year ago, Hamas has increased its weapons smuggling and today operates hundreds of tunnels along the Philadelphi Corridor. It has smuggled in dozens of long-range Iranian-made rockets that can reach Tel Aviv as well as advanced anti-aircraft missiles and anti-tank missiles."
"Hamas is believed to have a significant number of shoulder-launched anti-tank missiles and 9M113 Konkurs, which have a range of four kilometers and are capable of penetrating heavy armor.
In addition, Hamas is believed to have today a few thousand rockets, including several hundred with a range of 40 kilometers and several dozen with a range of between 60 and 80 km. Intelligence assessments are that Hamas smuggled the missiles into the Gaza Strip through tunnels, possibly in several components."
"Hamas has also recently increased its efforts to dig what the IDF calls "offensive tunnels" close to the border with Israel, which the terror group could use to infiltrate into Israel and kidnap soldiers.
These tunnels are believed to be of strategic value for Hamas, which would only use them for large-scale attacks and high-value targets."
-------
Both Hamas and Hezbollah have been receiving massive arms shipments from Iran over the last two years (this is in addition to the weapons sent to the region during previous years). We now see that at least some of the preparations (see last quote above) are intended for large-scale attacks into Israel. At the same time, Syria is threatening Israel in a dispute over ownership of the Golan Heights.
What is going on? All you have to do is look towards Iran. Is this setting up to be a diversion? Will Iran attempt to use Hezbollah, Hamas and possibly Syria to weaken Israel for a larger attack? Is this part of the ongoing efforts to consolidate the collection of nations and terrorists groups who will invade Israel in the Ezekiel 38-39 (aka "Gog-MaGog") attack?
It is hard to know exactly what Iran is planning, but they wouldn't be pouring such vast amounts of money and resources into the region for nothing. Something is being planned, and it won't be pretty for Israel. Only time will tell, but that time appears to be growing short.
Sooner or later, these enemies of Israel will be defeated dramatically on the "mountains of Israel".
We may or may not be here to see this take place. I am officially voting "no" on that one. I have a home in New Jerusalem that is awaiting my arrival.
Maranatha!
As predicted in Bible prophecy we know that Israel will be surrounded by her enemies. That is easy to understand. Perhaps of greater importance is to understand the power and influence that Iran has in the region. First, the terrorist group Hamas, with its base in Gaza, is largely understood to be directly under the influence of Iran. This is easily confirmed by analysis of the missiles launched from Gaza, and the ships which have been intercepted in route to Gaza, filled with Iranian weapons. Then we turn to Hezbollah, who occupies the southern part of Lebanon - a group formed by Iran and funded by Iran, and, like Hamas, obtains its weapons from Iran, through Syria. Oh, and while we're on that topic, it is well known that Syria is also one of Iran's closest allies in the region.
Because of this, whenever I see any "action" from any of the above mentioned groups, one must first think, "What is Iran's motivation for having _____ (insert Hamas, Hezbollah, or Syria) do this?"
That leads to these recent articles:
"Syria: Israel cannot hold referendum on land it doesn't own".
"Syrian deputy FM: Continued Golan 'occupation' makes resistance necessary". This brief article is included below:
"Israel will not be able to achieve peace with Syria without relinquishing the Golan Heights, making resistance necessary as long as the "occupation" continues, Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Fayssal Mikdad said during a university symposium held north of Damascus on Monday.
According to an Israel Radio report, Mikdad also stated that if talks with Israel were to fail, Damascus would resort to other means to recapture the territory.
The event, titled "Syria's vision on the future of the Golan and the peace process," aimed to explore various topics related to the Golan Heights - including its geopolitical importance and "the falsity of the Israeli Knesset's decision to annex it."
Citing UN resolutions supporting his point, Mikdad asserted that the annexation was an expression of Israel's hostility and attempts to "usurp the rights" of nations in the region.
He added that a solution to the issue of the Golan Heights could only be drafted as part of a comprehensive peace agreement between Israel and its Arab neighbors."
It is interesting that at this critical time in attempts to forge peace in the Middle East, Syria would start "sabre-rattling" right now. Whoever occupies the Golan Heights, because of its strategic location, has an enormous advantage in the event of warfare in the region. This is not a secret. This will be worth watching closely, as I suspect Iran would love to have that strategic advantage prior to any invasion of Israel.
At the same time, we see movement by an increasingly armed Hamas:
"Hamas preparing advanced rockets, missiles and tunnels".
Quotes:
"Since Operation Cast Lead ended almost a year ago, Hamas has increased its weapons smuggling and today operates hundreds of tunnels along the Philadelphi Corridor. It has smuggled in dozens of long-range Iranian-made rockets that can reach Tel Aviv as well as advanced anti-aircraft missiles and anti-tank missiles."
"Hamas is believed to have a significant number of shoulder-launched anti-tank missiles and 9M113 Konkurs, which have a range of four kilometers and are capable of penetrating heavy armor.
In addition, Hamas is believed to have today a few thousand rockets, including several hundred with a range of 40 kilometers and several dozen with a range of between 60 and 80 km. Intelligence assessments are that Hamas smuggled the missiles into the Gaza Strip through tunnels, possibly in several components."
"Hamas has also recently increased its efforts to dig what the IDF calls "offensive tunnels" close to the border with Israel, which the terror group could use to infiltrate into Israel and kidnap soldiers.
These tunnels are believed to be of strategic value for Hamas, which would only use them for large-scale attacks and high-value targets."
-------
Both Hamas and Hezbollah have been receiving massive arms shipments from Iran over the last two years (this is in addition to the weapons sent to the region during previous years). We now see that at least some of the preparations (see last quote above) are intended for large-scale attacks into Israel. At the same time, Syria is threatening Israel in a dispute over ownership of the Golan Heights.
What is going on? All you have to do is look towards Iran. Is this setting up to be a diversion? Will Iran attempt to use Hezbollah, Hamas and possibly Syria to weaken Israel for a larger attack? Is this part of the ongoing efforts to consolidate the collection of nations and terrorists groups who will invade Israel in the Ezekiel 38-39 (aka "Gog-MaGog") attack?
It is hard to know exactly what Iran is planning, but they wouldn't be pouring such vast amounts of money and resources into the region for nothing. Something is being planned, and it won't be pretty for Israel. Only time will tell, but that time appears to be growing short.
Sooner or later, these enemies of Israel will be defeated dramatically on the "mountains of Israel".
We may or may not be here to see this take place. I am officially voting "no" on that one. I have a home in New Jerusalem that is awaiting my arrival.
Maranatha!
Jerusalem: The Epicenter
Today's headlines tell the story:
"Fayyad: EU decision - first step towards statehood".
"U.S.: Only Israel, Palestinians should decide Jerusalem's future".
"EU decision shuns obstacles to peace".
"Share Jerusalem With the Palestinians, European Union Tells Israel".
Below are some quotes from these various articles, to further this point regarding Jerusalem as the epicenter of all Middle East peace negotiations:
“If there is to be a genuine peace, a way must be found through negotiations to resolve the status of Jerusalem as the future capital of two states,” it says".
"The Sweden-led attempt to announce a significant shift in E.U. policy regarding Jerusalem is an early flexing of muscles of the 27-member union days after the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty, which seeks to give the E.U. a more united and bigger voice on the international stage."
"Meanwhile, Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat also issued a statement, saying that he "completely rejects the decision of the EU to support the division of Jerusalem," calling it a real danger for the future of Jerusalem and predicting that such a division would never work. Barkat noted that the recent celebration of the 20th anniversary of the reunification of Berlin reminds us that "no divided city in the history of the world has functioned properly."
The last article quoted above included a nice summary of Jerusalem and the basis of the big conflict over the city's fate:
"Competing claims
The Israeli-Jewish claim to Jerusalem dates back some 3,000 years, to the reign of the biblical King David from the city. Throughout the Babylonian exile and the later one that followed the Roman conquest and destruction of the Temple in 70 AD, Jewish prayers have centered on a yearning for Jerusalem.
When Israel was reestablished in 1948, the new state had control over western parts of the city while the rest was occupied by Jordan, whose administration was recognized only by Britain and Pakistan. Nineteen years later, Israel captured the territory during the Six Day War, and in 1980 enacted a law declaring “Jerusalem, complete and united, is the capital of Israel.”
The U.N. Security Council passed a resolution rejecting the move – the U.S. abstained in the 14-0 vote – and all but a handful of governments relocated their embassies from the city, mostly to Tel Aviv. The remaining few have done so in the years since.
The U.S. Congress in 1995 passed a law recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and stating that “the United States Embassy in Israel should be established in Jerusalem no later than May 31, 1999.”
But Presidents Clinton, Bush and Obama, citing national security interests, all exercised a built-in waiver, for consecutive six-monthly periods.
The Islamic claim to Jerusalem is based on the belief that Mohammed rode on his magical winged steed, al-Buraq, from “the sacred mosque” in Arabia to “the farthest mosque” during his “night journey” (Sura 17, the Koran).
Scholars say the “farthest mosque” later became identified with Jerusalem, and specifically the location today of the al-Aqsa mosque – on the site of the first and second Jewish Temples.
Apart from the reference to the “farthest mosque,” there is no mention in the Koran to Jerusalem. By contrast, Jerusalem appears more than 600 times in the Old Testament, and a further 150-plus times in the New Testament.
Critics of the Palestinians’ political claim to the city note that no nation or ethnic group in history, other than the Jews, named Jerusalem as its capital.
They also point out that the founding covenant of the Palestine Liberation Organization, adopted in 1964, does not refer once to Jerusalem.
“Despite the many conquerors of Jerusalem throughout history – Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, Seleucids, Romans, Muslims, Crusaders, Mamluks, Ottoman Turks, British, and Jordanians – the Jewish people constantly remain the only people to claim Jerusalem as their capital for thousands of years,” Barkat, the Jerusalem mayor, wrote in his letter to the E.U.’s foreign representative."
---------
What this all shows is simple and prophetic. It all boils down to the fate of Jerusalem. Until 1967, when Israel reclaimed the entire city during battle, Jerusalem was barely noticed and it certainly wasn't on the world stage. Since that time, Jerusalem has been front and center in the "final status" negotiations for the mythical "Middle East peace process". This relatively small, seemingly insignificant city (at least in modern day times) has indeed become the centerpiece in these negotiations.
But the Bible told us that this would happen. The Bible told us that Jerusalem would be the focus of the world's attention in the last days, and it most definitely is. The Bible also told us that those nations who attempt to "move" or divide Jerusalem would be "Injured" or "cut into pieces". Yet, that is exactly what the nations are doing - moving rapidly into the exact scenario that God warned against. It's all right there in Zechariah 12, and it couldn't be more clear.
Jerusalem: "A cup that sends all the surrounding people reeling." Indeed it is. Who could have guessed this, over 2,500 years ago?
God. He warned us but apparently no one is listening.
"Fayyad: EU decision - first step towards statehood".
"U.S.: Only Israel, Palestinians should decide Jerusalem's future".
"EU decision shuns obstacles to peace".
"Share Jerusalem With the Palestinians, European Union Tells Israel".
Below are some quotes from these various articles, to further this point regarding Jerusalem as the epicenter of all Middle East peace negotiations:
“If there is to be a genuine peace, a way must be found through negotiations to resolve the status of Jerusalem as the future capital of two states,” it says".
"The Sweden-led attempt to announce a significant shift in E.U. policy regarding Jerusalem is an early flexing of muscles of the 27-member union days after the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty, which seeks to give the E.U. a more united and bigger voice on the international stage."
"Meanwhile, Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat also issued a statement, saying that he "completely rejects the decision of the EU to support the division of Jerusalem," calling it a real danger for the future of Jerusalem and predicting that such a division would never work. Barkat noted that the recent celebration of the 20th anniversary of the reunification of Berlin reminds us that "no divided city in the history of the world has functioned properly."
The last article quoted above included a nice summary of Jerusalem and the basis of the big conflict over the city's fate:
"Competing claims
The Israeli-Jewish claim to Jerusalem dates back some 3,000 years, to the reign of the biblical King David from the city. Throughout the Babylonian exile and the later one that followed the Roman conquest and destruction of the Temple in 70 AD, Jewish prayers have centered on a yearning for Jerusalem.
When Israel was reestablished in 1948, the new state had control over western parts of the city while the rest was occupied by Jordan, whose administration was recognized only by Britain and Pakistan. Nineteen years later, Israel captured the territory during the Six Day War, and in 1980 enacted a law declaring “Jerusalem, complete and united, is the capital of Israel.”
The U.N. Security Council passed a resolution rejecting the move – the U.S. abstained in the 14-0 vote – and all but a handful of governments relocated their embassies from the city, mostly to Tel Aviv. The remaining few have done so in the years since.
The U.S. Congress in 1995 passed a law recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and stating that “the United States Embassy in Israel should be established in Jerusalem no later than May 31, 1999.”
But Presidents Clinton, Bush and Obama, citing national security interests, all exercised a built-in waiver, for consecutive six-monthly periods.
The Islamic claim to Jerusalem is based on the belief that Mohammed rode on his magical winged steed, al-Buraq, from “the sacred mosque” in Arabia to “the farthest mosque” during his “night journey” (Sura 17, the Koran).
Scholars say the “farthest mosque” later became identified with Jerusalem, and specifically the location today of the al-Aqsa mosque – on the site of the first and second Jewish Temples.
Apart from the reference to the “farthest mosque,” there is no mention in the Koran to Jerusalem. By contrast, Jerusalem appears more than 600 times in the Old Testament, and a further 150-plus times in the New Testament.
Critics of the Palestinians’ political claim to the city note that no nation or ethnic group in history, other than the Jews, named Jerusalem as its capital.
They also point out that the founding covenant of the Palestine Liberation Organization, adopted in 1964, does not refer once to Jerusalem.
“Despite the many conquerors of Jerusalem throughout history – Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, Seleucids, Romans, Muslims, Crusaders, Mamluks, Ottoman Turks, British, and Jordanians – the Jewish people constantly remain the only people to claim Jerusalem as their capital for thousands of years,” Barkat, the Jerusalem mayor, wrote in his letter to the E.U.’s foreign representative."
---------
What this all shows is simple and prophetic. It all boils down to the fate of Jerusalem. Until 1967, when Israel reclaimed the entire city during battle, Jerusalem was barely noticed and it certainly wasn't on the world stage. Since that time, Jerusalem has been front and center in the "final status" negotiations for the mythical "Middle East peace process". This relatively small, seemingly insignificant city (at least in modern day times) has indeed become the centerpiece in these negotiations.
But the Bible told us that this would happen. The Bible told us that Jerusalem would be the focus of the world's attention in the last days, and it most definitely is. The Bible also told us that those nations who attempt to "move" or divide Jerusalem would be "Injured" or "cut into pieces". Yet, that is exactly what the nations are doing - moving rapidly into the exact scenario that God warned against. It's all right there in Zechariah 12, and it couldn't be more clear.
Jerusalem: "A cup that sends all the surrounding people reeling." Indeed it is. Who could have guessed this, over 2,500 years ago?
God. He warned us but apparently no one is listening.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)