We see the terms frequently - almost daily - "Global Finance", "Global Financial System", "Global Currency". Years ago, such a concept was scoffed at as impossible. I can still recall similar reactions when Hal Lindsey, in his book "The Late Great Planet Earth", proposed the ideas of a "United States of Europe" (now known as the European Union -- extended now to the Mediterranean Union) which would include a central currency for this union. It seemed impossible at the time, but here we are in 2009 and we have the Euro, exactly as predicted.
Similarly, we are seeing the genesis of a world financial system, with a central control and a central currency. I can recall speaking on and discussing this topic almost a decade ago, and seeing similar (skeptical) reactions. Now we read these proposals almost daily in the news and no one even blinks.
This week, we see yet another summary of this situation, stemming from the G-8 meeting: Roundup: G8 summit in push for global financial reform". In this article we see some interesting quotes:
"Leaders from the Group of Eight (G8) industrialized countries and emerging economies are expected to make a new push for reform of the global financial system when they meet..."
"As the host, Italy has put it high on the agenda of the three-day summit to revamp the global financial system and rewrite the ground rules for world economic activities."
"Leaders from the group of 20 (G20) major economies met for the first time on the financial crisis in Washington last November, marking the beginning of the global financial reform....and an overhaul of international financial institutions."
An "overhaul of international financial institutions"? What exactly are these "world leaders" doing? Unfortunately, the details from these meetings are never disclosed.
From biblical prophecy, we know that the antichrist and his "partner-in-crime" the false prophet (i refuse to capitalize these "titles") will seize control of the world's financial system and implement the Mark of the Beast.
What I find amazing, is the fact that the road is already being paved for this financial system to occur. The antichrist will have FAR less work, once he gains power, than previously imagined. The world's economic crisis (whether it is real or perceived) has created the perfect scenario for a world leader to emerge and take control of the world economy. We aren't quite there yet, but the progress towards a world financial system, including "central control" is ominously marching forward.
In a somewhat related news story, we watch the continuing battle for the "permanent" EU president, as the Lisbon Treaty finalization approaches. In this France International News article (read here), we see some interesting quotes, but one stood out:
"If we have (the treaty of Lisbon), I personally hope that the first council president will be someone strong and ambitious, because Europe deserves it."
Strong and ambitious, indeed. Bible prophecy would agree.
Minggu, 12 Juli 2009
Sabtu, 11 Juli 2009
Also in the news....
International calls for single-world-currency continues: "Medvedev sees single currency dream..."
Calls for "Global Governance" continue "Gore: U.S. Climate Bill Will Help Bring About 'Global Governance'"
Famine Watch: "Potato famine disease striking..."
The context of these articles given in the post below.
Maranatha and keep watching!
Calls for "Global Governance" continue "Gore: U.S. Climate Bill Will Help Bring About 'Global Governance'"
Famine Watch: "Potato famine disease striking..."
The context of these articles given in the post below.
Maranatha and keep watching!
Watching the Signs
Watching the signs can be very tiring and at times frustrating. With folks who get turned on to watching prophecy - I see a typical scenario. When some folks first get pointed in the direction of prophecy and the signs they often become VERY energized and assume that the Rapture of the Church, followed by the Tribulatuion and Second Coming will happen almost immediately. Which it could. But when this doesn't come to pass, occasionally they become frustrated and stop watching - often becoming skeptical.
Jesus stated that the signs would be observable for an entire generation to witness. With a generation approximately 110-120 years, and having started (we believe) during the WWI era (according to Matthew 24:6-8), then we may still have another 10-15 years. That would be if God decided to wait until the VERY end of the generation (don't forget Jesus simply said it would be within a generation, not necessarily the very very end of that generation). I don't believe we have that long, simply because I don't believe terrorists groups, out to destroy Israel will wait that long to attempt nuclear destuction of Israel.
I posted a response to this scenario (the scenario involving frustration at waiting for Jesus' return) in a popular prophecy message board and its worth repeating here:
I believe we are in the "End Times"
Every sign that we were told to watch for is present today. Every single one.
Jesus said to watch for these signs no less than 9 times in Olivet (Matthew, Luke and Mark). He was emphatic that we watch for these signs. After giving the signs, He then took the time to give ample parables stressing the importance of watching. He never gave a caveat "If you get tired of watching - then stop watching....If you feel that the time is NOT near, then you should stop watching.."...NO - Jesus never gave that declaration.
Lets look at the facts:
- Israel has been formed as a nation, fulfilling Ezekiel's vast prophecies.
- We have witnessed a ("last generation") - a generation that Jesus said would begin with "Nation against Nation, Kingdom against Kingdom", and "Wars and Rumors of War"....This, according to Fruchtenbaum, is an idiom for World War. The "Beginning of Birth Pains" combined with a spike in world Famine and Earthquakes....All of these signs spiked dramatically, in the WWI and WWII eras.
- The world's militaries, for the first time in human history can destroy the planet.
- According to Daniel 12 - this last generation would witness an unpresidented period of "Knowledge" and Travel"...Do I need to make this case?
- Persecution: More Christians (~ 150,000/year) are killed for their faith than EVER before. This ANNUAL number exceeds the entire 300 year period of Roman Persecution Christian killing
- ISRAEL is surrounded by enemies (after the miraculous re-gathering)
- ISREAL's land has been restored, with springs, greenery, plants, food, after having been a desert wasteland for 2000 years - fulfilling Ezekiels prophecies
- We see the push for global governance, global currency, and a "cashless society" like never before - not even close
- Gog-MaGog alliances are basically formed - today - FAR more than they have ever been in human history.
- The "Revived Roman Empire" is alive and well, in the EU/MEd Union - unequivocally.
- Famine, in raw numbers is higher today than it has EVER been in human history.
- Earthquakes - quake numbers today exceed any other period in history. By FAR - not even close.
- For the first time in human history - we have the technology for the Mark of the Beast. First time.
- For the first time in human history - the whole world can watch the Two Witnesses death and resurrection. First time.
These are the signs that we were told to watch for - and they are all here. What else do folks want or need to see??
This is just a brief synopsis of the signs...SO....There are only TWO possibilities. Either we are at the end of the last generation ----- OR ----- this is all just a HUGE coincidence..Yet the bible never informs us that there would be a period in history that ALL of the signs would APPEAR TO BE PRESENT - but not....Wouldn't the Bible inform us of such a coincidence?
Jesus said - during His first appearance that people were HYPOCRITS for knowing the weather signs for their farming purposes, BUT not knowing the signs of His arrival. He said to the two men leaving Jerusalem (Luke 24) - that they were SLOW OF HEART not to understand the prophecies of His coming. And again, He emphasized NINE times in Olivet to WATCH and to be PREPARED for His coming.
As a scientist - I can safely say that I have NEVER seen such an abundance of Data pointing in one single direction...Never. To say that we are not in the last days is simply ignoring the data.
Jesus may not come EXACTLY when we want Him to. We still have another 10-15 years left in this generation (based on Fructhtenbaum and others - view that we are in the generation), and If God tarries this long its HIS design and HIS decision. My whining won't speed things along as much as I'd like to be in New Jerusalem right now.
I understand that God has a perfect plan that plan may not coincide with MY plans...I believe the rapture will occur within the next couple of years (probably MUCH sooner), but if God decides to wait another 10-15 years:
I'll STILL FOLLOW JESUS' COMMANDS TO WATCH - AS I CONTINUE TO DO HIS WORK. I WILL NOT LET MY PERCEIVED "DELAYS" in JESUS' COMING TO ALLOW ME TO BE SAD, UNHAPPY OR TO STOP WATCHING. HE WILL COME WHEN HIS PERFECT TIMING IS RIGHT, AND I WILL BE WATCHING AS HE COMMANDED.
MARANATHA!
Jesus stated that the signs would be observable for an entire generation to witness. With a generation approximately 110-120 years, and having started (we believe) during the WWI era (according to Matthew 24:6-8), then we may still have another 10-15 years. That would be if God decided to wait until the VERY end of the generation (don't forget Jesus simply said it would be within a generation, not necessarily the very very end of that generation). I don't believe we have that long, simply because I don't believe terrorists groups, out to destroy Israel will wait that long to attempt nuclear destuction of Israel.
I posted a response to this scenario (the scenario involving frustration at waiting for Jesus' return) in a popular prophecy message board and its worth repeating here:
I believe we are in the "End Times"
Every sign that we were told to watch for is present today. Every single one.
Jesus said to watch for these signs no less than 9 times in Olivet (Matthew, Luke and Mark). He was emphatic that we watch for these signs. After giving the signs, He then took the time to give ample parables stressing the importance of watching. He never gave a caveat "If you get tired of watching - then stop watching....If you feel that the time is NOT near, then you should stop watching.."...NO - Jesus never gave that declaration.
Lets look at the facts:
- Israel has been formed as a nation, fulfilling Ezekiel's vast prophecies.
- We have witnessed a ("last generation") - a generation that Jesus said would begin with "Nation against Nation, Kingdom against Kingdom", and "Wars and Rumors of War"....This, according to Fruchtenbaum, is an idiom for World War. The "Beginning of Birth Pains" combined with a spike in world Famine and Earthquakes....All of these signs spiked dramatically, in the WWI and WWII eras.
- The world's militaries, for the first time in human history can destroy the planet.
- According to Daniel 12 - this last generation would witness an unpresidented period of "Knowledge" and Travel"...Do I need to make this case?
- Persecution: More Christians (~ 150,000/year) are killed for their faith than EVER before. This ANNUAL number exceeds the entire 300 year period of Roman Persecution Christian killing
- ISRAEL is surrounded by enemies (after the miraculous re-gathering)
- ISREAL's land has been restored, with springs, greenery, plants, food, after having been a desert wasteland for 2000 years - fulfilling Ezekiels prophecies
- We see the push for global governance, global currency, and a "cashless society" like never before - not even close
- Gog-MaGog alliances are basically formed - today - FAR more than they have ever been in human history.
- The "Revived Roman Empire" is alive and well, in the EU/MEd Union - unequivocally.
- Famine, in raw numbers is higher today than it has EVER been in human history.
- Earthquakes - quake numbers today exceed any other period in history. By FAR - not even close.
- For the first time in human history - we have the technology for the Mark of the Beast. First time.
- For the first time in human history - the whole world can watch the Two Witnesses death and resurrection. First time.
These are the signs that we were told to watch for - and they are all here. What else do folks want or need to see??
This is just a brief synopsis of the signs...SO....There are only TWO possibilities. Either we are at the end of the last generation ----- OR ----- this is all just a HUGE coincidence..Yet the bible never informs us that there would be a period in history that ALL of the signs would APPEAR TO BE PRESENT - but not....Wouldn't the Bible inform us of such a coincidence?
Jesus said - during His first appearance that people were HYPOCRITS for knowing the weather signs for their farming purposes, BUT not knowing the signs of His arrival. He said to the two men leaving Jerusalem (Luke 24) - that they were SLOW OF HEART not to understand the prophecies of His coming. And again, He emphasized NINE times in Olivet to WATCH and to be PREPARED for His coming.
As a scientist - I can safely say that I have NEVER seen such an abundance of Data pointing in one single direction...Never. To say that we are not in the last days is simply ignoring the data.
Jesus may not come EXACTLY when we want Him to. We still have another 10-15 years left in this generation (based on Fructhtenbaum and others - view that we are in the generation), and If God tarries this long its HIS design and HIS decision. My whining won't speed things along as much as I'd like to be in New Jerusalem right now.
I understand that God has a perfect plan that plan may not coincide with MY plans...I believe the rapture will occur within the next couple of years (probably MUCH sooner), but if God decides to wait another 10-15 years:
I'll STILL FOLLOW JESUS' COMMANDS TO WATCH - AS I CONTINUE TO DO HIS WORK. I WILL NOT LET MY PERCEIVED "DELAYS" in JESUS' COMING TO ALLOW ME TO BE SAD, UNHAPPY OR TO STOP WATCHING. HE WILL COME WHEN HIS PERFECT TIMING IS RIGHT, AND I WILL BE WATCHING AS HE COMMANDED.
MARANATHA!
Jumat, 10 Juli 2009
Calls for a "Global Fix" and a "Global Leader"
Many of the end times signs that we watch daily, involves watching the world as it approaches the seven-year tribulation period. The books of Daniel and Revelation provide ample information regarding this period. During the early "Judgments" of Revelation, we see how quickly warfare, famine and death all spread throughout the earth. Currently, the economic situation, the world's famine situation and various countries facing a threat of significant warfare (Israel,Iran, Russia, Georgia, Ukraine, North Korea, South Korea, Afganistan, Pakistan, India, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and on and on this list goes), are all seemingly on the brink of exploding. Author and prophecy scholar Jan Markell recognizes this, and as someone watching these end times scenarios has an interesting commentary on the state of affairs in the world today:
full article here:
The Cry for a Global Fix
By Jan Markell
The nightmare on Wall Street is far worse than a dozen movies combined of The Nightmare on Elm Street. The long-predicted financial meltdown of America's debt-ridden economy finally arrived in the Fall of 2008 under the Bush administration. The elements of a perfect storm converged. Since then, there has been a cascade of bad economic news on a daily basis that makes even those with great faith that God is in control a bit shaky.
Dr. Mark Hitchcock has connected the dots in his new book, Cashless: Bible Prophecy, Economic Chaos, & the Future Financial Order. Hitchcock presents the best case I have read as to how America has changed forever and how it applies to what the Bible foretold. He asks the right question: "What if the global financial chaos is not just a massive economic meltdown but rather, the genesis of a dramatic, tectonic shift toward a global economic system?"
People in pain are willing to go along with almost anything the government proposes if it can stop the economic bleeding. Thus, global cooperation has been astonishing. In tough times, people are willing to surrender freedoms, make concessions, and cooperate in ways never imagined. And this is why many Americans are going along with the socialization of our country.
The words of Thomas Jefferson are a stark reminder and warning: "A government big enough to give you everything you want is strong enough to take everything you have." And according to the Bible, that's exactly where all of this is ultimately headed. Economic chaos is leading to a cashless society as one foundation for a future financial order. There is a cry for a "global fix." The only question is, how soon will it be fully implemented?
The rush toward globalism and a cashless society will grease the skids for the coming of the slickest politician the world has ever known. He is called the Antichrist, the son of destruction, the lawless one, and the beast. He will seize the reins of world power and the global economy to advance his own agenda.
Many have wondered what could possibly happen to make the world ripe for the arrival of this evil one. Yes, a collapsing financial system is a setup. But there also must be a longing for a "man with a plan." A "Mr. Fix-it." We see how much of the world considers Barack Obama to be "president of the world." Evan Thomas of Newsweek said of him, "Obama's standing above the country, above the world. He's sort of god."
I am not suggesting Obama is the Antichrist. But the adulation knows no bounds. Search engines reveal thousands of references to him as a "messiah."
In the last ten days we have seen more "man worship." As an attendee of Michael Jackson's funeral said, "He's our prince, he's our king." While the constant news coverage of the event has been intolerable, it reveals that once again mankind longs for a "savior." No matter how sick Jackson was, to many, he was and is a god. The longing is there.
Nations are uniting like never before! Get used to hearing about the G-7, G-15, G-20, G-30. There must be a forced economic alliance to stay afloat.
Today the Pope called for a "world political authority." In his 30,000-word encyclical, he pushed for "reform of the United Nations Organization, and likewise of economic institutions and international finance, so that the concept of the family of nations can acquire real teeth." He is calling for the mandatory transfer of wealth from the haves to the have-nots through the brute force of the state. He even offers one suggestion as to how this might be made less objectionable to those whose wealth would be taken.
So now even the Pope is a part of the "perfect storm."
Back to Mark Hitchcock's book that outlines all of this without naming the names I have. There are approaching hoof beats from the four horsemen of the apocalypse. It's just a foreshadowing now. They appear in the Tribulation, which we are not in at this time but read about it in Revelation 6:1-8. You can read about financial collapse, hyperinflation, and famine in the land. Don't think it can't happen! It did in the Weimer Republic in the 1920s and it is taking place today in Zimbabwe. In both instances a day's wages were and are required to buy a loaf of bread! And with the Federal Reserve printing money faster each day, the logical conclusion is hyperinflation in America in the near future.
So when will we be cashless? We're in the process. From online payments to direct deposit to credit card use, the world is more and more comfortable without the burden of cash. As one pundit put it, "Buddy, can you spare me a card swipe?"
It's all a setup that is foretold in the Bible. How tragic that many denominations don't take such passages literally. They allegorize them as though they were nothing but a fairy tale. And why would God write fairy tales? Those folks who take this allegorically, or who have skewed eschatology, are missing out on the clues to all that is happening today.
full article here:
The Cry for a Global Fix
By Jan Markell
The nightmare on Wall Street is far worse than a dozen movies combined of The Nightmare on Elm Street. The long-predicted financial meltdown of America's debt-ridden economy finally arrived in the Fall of 2008 under the Bush administration. The elements of a perfect storm converged. Since then, there has been a cascade of bad economic news on a daily basis that makes even those with great faith that God is in control a bit shaky.
Dr. Mark Hitchcock has connected the dots in his new book, Cashless: Bible Prophecy, Economic Chaos, & the Future Financial Order. Hitchcock presents the best case I have read as to how America has changed forever and how it applies to what the Bible foretold. He asks the right question: "What if the global financial chaos is not just a massive economic meltdown but rather, the genesis of a dramatic, tectonic shift toward a global economic system?"
People in pain are willing to go along with almost anything the government proposes if it can stop the economic bleeding. Thus, global cooperation has been astonishing. In tough times, people are willing to surrender freedoms, make concessions, and cooperate in ways never imagined. And this is why many Americans are going along with the socialization of our country.
The words of Thomas Jefferson are a stark reminder and warning: "A government big enough to give you everything you want is strong enough to take everything you have." And according to the Bible, that's exactly where all of this is ultimately headed. Economic chaos is leading to a cashless society as one foundation for a future financial order. There is a cry for a "global fix." The only question is, how soon will it be fully implemented?
The rush toward globalism and a cashless society will grease the skids for the coming of the slickest politician the world has ever known. He is called the Antichrist, the son of destruction, the lawless one, and the beast. He will seize the reins of world power and the global economy to advance his own agenda.
Many have wondered what could possibly happen to make the world ripe for the arrival of this evil one. Yes, a collapsing financial system is a setup. But there also must be a longing for a "man with a plan." A "Mr. Fix-it." We see how much of the world considers Barack Obama to be "president of the world." Evan Thomas of Newsweek said of him, "Obama's standing above the country, above the world. He's sort of god."
I am not suggesting Obama is the Antichrist. But the adulation knows no bounds. Search engines reveal thousands of references to him as a "messiah."
In the last ten days we have seen more "man worship." As an attendee of Michael Jackson's funeral said, "He's our prince, he's our king." While the constant news coverage of the event has been intolerable, it reveals that once again mankind longs for a "savior." No matter how sick Jackson was, to many, he was and is a god. The longing is there.
Nations are uniting like never before! Get used to hearing about the G-7, G-15, G-20, G-30. There must be a forced economic alliance to stay afloat.
Today the Pope called for a "world political authority." In his 30,000-word encyclical, he pushed for "reform of the United Nations Organization, and likewise of economic institutions and international finance, so that the concept of the family of nations can acquire real teeth." He is calling for the mandatory transfer of wealth from the haves to the have-nots through the brute force of the state. He even offers one suggestion as to how this might be made less objectionable to those whose wealth would be taken.
So now even the Pope is a part of the "perfect storm."
Back to Mark Hitchcock's book that outlines all of this without naming the names I have. There are approaching hoof beats from the four horsemen of the apocalypse. It's just a foreshadowing now. They appear in the Tribulation, which we are not in at this time but read about it in Revelation 6:1-8. You can read about financial collapse, hyperinflation, and famine in the land. Don't think it can't happen! It did in the Weimer Republic in the 1920s and it is taking place today in Zimbabwe. In both instances a day's wages were and are required to buy a loaf of bread! And with the Federal Reserve printing money faster each day, the logical conclusion is hyperinflation in America in the near future.
So when will we be cashless? We're in the process. From online payments to direct deposit to credit card use, the world is more and more comfortable without the burden of cash. As one pundit put it, "Buddy, can you spare me a card swipe?"
It's all a setup that is foretold in the Bible. How tragic that many denominations don't take such passages literally. They allegorize them as though they were nothing but a fairy tale. And why would God write fairy tales? Those folks who take this allegorically, or who have skewed eschatology, are missing out on the clues to all that is happening today.
Selasa, 07 Juli 2009
Two worthwhile commentaries
Just this morning I came across two commentaries that are very worthwhile:
1. Hal Lindsey wrote an excellent summary of the situation between Iran and Israel. Almost every "sign" points to an invasion by Israel - intended to destroy Iran's nuclear facilities: (full article here)
Will Israel Strike Iran?
Hal Lindsey
Many factors are now converging to indicate that Israel is at long last about to attack Iran's nuclear enrichment facilities.
* Factor 1: President Obama's plan to draw Iran into an arms-length working relationship to help the U.S. establish stable governments in Iraq and Afghanistan and to restrain terrorist activities in the region have clearly been dashed. If there was ever any hope of that plan working, it was clearly rejected by the Ayatollahs and Ahmadinejad when they smashed the popular rebellion of citizens over the rigged Presidential election. If Obama had any plans to force Iran to abandon their headlong pursuit of producing nuclear weapons, it was clearly rejected by the current Iranian leadership. The Obama administration has indicated by its failure to act against both Iran and North Korea's flagrant violations of U.N. warnings that it has no intention of taking the only option left to stop Iran - military action.
* Factor 2: In the light of this, the Saudi and Egyptian leaders now recognize that the U.S. has no plan to stop Iran's nuclear weapons program. They, along with other Muslim Middle East oil producing nations realize that their futures are in great peril if Iran goes nuclear and becomes the dominant Muslim power in the world. A former head of research in Israeli intelligence said, "The Saudis are very concerned about an Iranian nuclear bomb, even more that the Israelis."
So it appears that The Saudis and Egyptians have adopted a strategic principle from Muhammad - "the enemy of my enemy is my friend!"
Referring to a leak from a ‘diplomatic source', The London Sunday Times reported that Saudi officials have agreed in secret talks with Mossad Chief Meir Dagan to turn a blind eye to Israeli planes if they fly over kingdom to attack Iranian nuclear sites.
In any Muslim secret understanding with Israel, it is understood that they must always have public "deniability". And as soon as the Sunday Times reported this leak, the denials from the Saudis, Egyptians and Israel were predictably immediate.
* Factor 3: Another factor that indicates that an Israeli attack on Iran is imminent was revealed on July 3rd. DEBKAfile gave a special report on an Israeli Dolphin class submarine's move from the Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean via the Suez Canal. This was ostensibly done to take part in naval maneuvers in the Eilat-Red Sea area. This submarine has the ability to launch advanced nuclear-armed cruise missiles through its torpedo tubes. This is a necessary capability for any future attack against Iran's nuclear facilities. It could not only launch a second strike, but also be used to pick up downed Israeli airmen. For this submarine to move through the Suez Canal required Egyptian approval. And once again, Egypt denied any such thing took place, even though there are pictures of the sub moving through the canal.
* Factor 4: In a startling interview by ABC's George Stephanoupolos of VP Joseph Biden, a tacit "green light" seems to have been telegraphed to Israel that the U.S. will not interfere with any future attack on Iran's nuclear facilities. During the interview, Mr. Biden said, "Look, Israel can determine for itself - it's a sovereign nation - what's in their interest and what they decide to do relative to Iran and anyone else."
* Factor 5: The most important factor to me is that according to many Bible prophecies about the "last days" reborn State of Israel, it cannot be destroyed. The Messiah will return to a hopelessly surrounded Israeli State and miraculously deliver it. He will then take Israel's believing remnant and turn the state into the center of the Kingdom of Heaven on earth for a thousand years. If Iran gets nuclear weapons, as reported in another article on this report, It could and would destroy Israel in seconds.
So I believe it is time for all born again believers to pray for God's people. I believe the long anticipated strike by Israel on Iran is imminent. But it will not be without great cost. Iran has the ability to strike all over Israel with a barrage of ballistic missiles that will cause many casualties. It is horrible to think about, but Israel knows that if they delay until Iran goes nuclear, the casualties will be infinitely worse. So Israel, once again with its very existence at stake, must act alone in its own behalf. And the world stands by and offers no help. Let us stand by them in prayer to their God.
2. The second commentary is an interesting perspective regarding the Rapture or "gathering up" of the Church and its ramifications. As written by author Joseph Chambers (find here), he points out the "victory" gained by the Church when Christ comes for His "Bride" and the defeat which will be handed to the adversary, Satan.
Maranatha!
1. Hal Lindsey wrote an excellent summary of the situation between Iran and Israel. Almost every "sign" points to an invasion by Israel - intended to destroy Iran's nuclear facilities: (full article here)
Will Israel Strike Iran?
Hal Lindsey
Many factors are now converging to indicate that Israel is at long last about to attack Iran's nuclear enrichment facilities.
* Factor 1: President Obama's plan to draw Iran into an arms-length working relationship to help the U.S. establish stable governments in Iraq and Afghanistan and to restrain terrorist activities in the region have clearly been dashed. If there was ever any hope of that plan working, it was clearly rejected by the Ayatollahs and Ahmadinejad when they smashed the popular rebellion of citizens over the rigged Presidential election. If Obama had any plans to force Iran to abandon their headlong pursuit of producing nuclear weapons, it was clearly rejected by the current Iranian leadership. The Obama administration has indicated by its failure to act against both Iran and North Korea's flagrant violations of U.N. warnings that it has no intention of taking the only option left to stop Iran - military action.
* Factor 2: In the light of this, the Saudi and Egyptian leaders now recognize that the U.S. has no plan to stop Iran's nuclear weapons program. They, along with other Muslim Middle East oil producing nations realize that their futures are in great peril if Iran goes nuclear and becomes the dominant Muslim power in the world. A former head of research in Israeli intelligence said, "The Saudis are very concerned about an Iranian nuclear bomb, even more that the Israelis."
So it appears that The Saudis and Egyptians have adopted a strategic principle from Muhammad - "the enemy of my enemy is my friend!"
Referring to a leak from a ‘diplomatic source', The London Sunday Times reported that Saudi officials have agreed in secret talks with Mossad Chief Meir Dagan to turn a blind eye to Israeli planes if they fly over kingdom to attack Iranian nuclear sites.
In any Muslim secret understanding with Israel, it is understood that they must always have public "deniability". And as soon as the Sunday Times reported this leak, the denials from the Saudis, Egyptians and Israel were predictably immediate.
* Factor 3: Another factor that indicates that an Israeli attack on Iran is imminent was revealed on July 3rd. DEBKAfile gave a special report on an Israeli Dolphin class submarine's move from the Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean via the Suez Canal. This was ostensibly done to take part in naval maneuvers in the Eilat-Red Sea area. This submarine has the ability to launch advanced nuclear-armed cruise missiles through its torpedo tubes. This is a necessary capability for any future attack against Iran's nuclear facilities. It could not only launch a second strike, but also be used to pick up downed Israeli airmen. For this submarine to move through the Suez Canal required Egyptian approval. And once again, Egypt denied any such thing took place, even though there are pictures of the sub moving through the canal.
* Factor 4: In a startling interview by ABC's George Stephanoupolos of VP Joseph Biden, a tacit "green light" seems to have been telegraphed to Israel that the U.S. will not interfere with any future attack on Iran's nuclear facilities. During the interview, Mr. Biden said, "Look, Israel can determine for itself - it's a sovereign nation - what's in their interest and what they decide to do relative to Iran and anyone else."
* Factor 5: The most important factor to me is that according to many Bible prophecies about the "last days" reborn State of Israel, it cannot be destroyed. The Messiah will return to a hopelessly surrounded Israeli State and miraculously deliver it. He will then take Israel's believing remnant and turn the state into the center of the Kingdom of Heaven on earth for a thousand years. If Iran gets nuclear weapons, as reported in another article on this report, It could and would destroy Israel in seconds.
So I believe it is time for all born again believers to pray for God's people. I believe the long anticipated strike by Israel on Iran is imminent. But it will not be without great cost. Iran has the ability to strike all over Israel with a barrage of ballistic missiles that will cause many casualties. It is horrible to think about, but Israel knows that if they delay until Iran goes nuclear, the casualties will be infinitely worse. So Israel, once again with its very existence at stake, must act alone in its own behalf. And the world stands by and offers no help. Let us stand by them in prayer to their God.
2. The second commentary is an interesting perspective regarding the Rapture or "gathering up" of the Church and its ramifications. As written by author Joseph Chambers (find here), he points out the "victory" gained by the Church when Christ comes for His "Bride" and the defeat which will be handed to the adversary, Satan.
Maranatha!
Sabtu, 04 Juli 2009
Isaiah 17 ?
One reason we watch developments between Israel and Syria is because of the prophecy recorded in Isaiah 17. We have discussed this many times, but in short, this prophecy tells us that Damascus will be destroyed in a matter of hours and will become a "heap of ruins" and will cease to exist as a city. Obviously this is an unfulfilled prophecy, as Damascus is a thriving city today. It also seem vastly obvious that somehow the complete destruction of Damascus will play a role in the overall conflict in the region, quite possibly leading to the more epic prophetic events as described in Ezekiel 38-39, aka the "Gog-MaGog" invasion of Israel.
My good friend and brother-in-Christ Michael Mickey has written a timely commentary (also attached here) regarding the situation with Syria today:
Will Syria provoke the destruction of Damascus?
By Michael G. Mickey
(7-1-09)
Recently, as many of you know, Syria has been suspected of having a covert nuclear weapons program much like Iran has.
UPI reported the following on 6-6-09, documenting both present concerns and past ones:
Suspicions that Syria was trying to build a nuclear weapon have gained momentum with the discovery of uranium at a second site in the country, analysts say.
The International Atomic Energy Agency said Friday that a random test at a small research reactor in Damascus turned up processed uranium particles of a "type not included in Syria's declared inventory of nuclear material," The Washington Post reported.
And...
The first uranium discovery came after Israeli warplanes destroyed a facility on the Euphrates River near the village of Al Kibar in 2007. Syria had long claimed the bombed facility was not nuclear-related, but U.N. investigators say they found traces of a specialized form of uranium in soil around the ruined building, the Post reported.[More]
Adding to the tension Israel is already under with Iran, a nation whose leader has openly hoped for the destruction of the Jewish nation, seeking a nuclear bomb, the United States and international community breathing down its neck to make peace with the Palestinians who also want to see Israel destroyed, now there's a nuclear weapon-seeking Syria to its north. Not good.
As bad as the current situation is for Israel, one has to wonder where all of this is headed in light of Isaiah 17:1 which foretells a destruction of Damascus so terrible that it will no longer exist as a city, no small thing considering Damascus is thought by many to be the most continuously inhabited city on the face of the earth.
Isaiah 17:1: The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap.
The question on my mind right now, in light of recent developments, is: Will Syria provoke the destruction of Damascus, potentially very soon?
Mere days ago, with Syrian president Bashar Assad in attendance, Syrian officials "threatened to take "practical steps" to regain control of the Golan Heights, since Israel is clearly not willing to negotiate its surrender." (Source: Israel Today)
WorldNetDaily.com is reporting the following, documenting that Israel has been taking the threat posed by Syria seriously, even before the recent outburst:
Israel has not been standing idle at recent Syrian rhetoric and military moves.
A WND trip to the Israeli-Syrian border three weeks ago found Israeli tanks stationed alongside the Syrian border as well as a series of massive trenches dug in recent months on the Israeli side.
When Israel bombed Syria's first plant dedicated to their arch enemy traveling down the same path Iran presently is, it should've raised red flags in Damascus but it hasn't. Instead, if the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) is correct, Syria has simply relocated its efforts to become a nuclear power to a new location. As if that isn't dangerous enough in and of itself, members of its government are now threatening war with Israel for possession of the Golan Heights.
If Damascus went up in a mushroom cloud today, I'd be sorrowed for all the innocent people who would die in a scenario like that but I wouldn't be surprised in the least. While the mainstream media's attention is directed almost exclusively to Iran's pursuit of a nuclear weapon and Israel's potential attack to try and prevent that, bible prophecy foresees Iran remaining militarily viable, but by the time the battle of Gog-Magog occurs? Syria isn't mentioned as a participant, which raises the possibility in my mind that Damascus may have already been dealt with, specifically in an Isaiah 17:1 type way. Is that how it will ultimately play out? I don't know, but Syria is playing a very dangerous game right now - one it is not going to win.
Keep looking up!
My good friend and brother-in-Christ Michael Mickey has written a timely commentary (also attached here) regarding the situation with Syria today:
Will Syria provoke the destruction of Damascus?
By Michael G. Mickey
(7-1-09)
Recently, as many of you know, Syria has been suspected of having a covert nuclear weapons program much like Iran has.
UPI reported the following on 6-6-09, documenting both present concerns and past ones:
Suspicions that Syria was trying to build a nuclear weapon have gained momentum with the discovery of uranium at a second site in the country, analysts say.
The International Atomic Energy Agency said Friday that a random test at a small research reactor in Damascus turned up processed uranium particles of a "type not included in Syria's declared inventory of nuclear material," The Washington Post reported.
And...
The first uranium discovery came after Israeli warplanes destroyed a facility on the Euphrates River near the village of Al Kibar in 2007. Syria had long claimed the bombed facility was not nuclear-related, but U.N. investigators say they found traces of a specialized form of uranium in soil around the ruined building, the Post reported.[More]
Adding to the tension Israel is already under with Iran, a nation whose leader has openly hoped for the destruction of the Jewish nation, seeking a nuclear bomb, the United States and international community breathing down its neck to make peace with the Palestinians who also want to see Israel destroyed, now there's a nuclear weapon-seeking Syria to its north. Not good.
As bad as the current situation is for Israel, one has to wonder where all of this is headed in light of Isaiah 17:1 which foretells a destruction of Damascus so terrible that it will no longer exist as a city, no small thing considering Damascus is thought by many to be the most continuously inhabited city on the face of the earth.
Isaiah 17:1: The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap.
The question on my mind right now, in light of recent developments, is: Will Syria provoke the destruction of Damascus, potentially very soon?
Mere days ago, with Syrian president Bashar Assad in attendance, Syrian officials "threatened to take "practical steps" to regain control of the Golan Heights, since Israel is clearly not willing to negotiate its surrender." (Source: Israel Today)
WorldNetDaily.com is reporting the following, documenting that Israel has been taking the threat posed by Syria seriously, even before the recent outburst:
Israel has not been standing idle at recent Syrian rhetoric and military moves.
A WND trip to the Israeli-Syrian border three weeks ago found Israeli tanks stationed alongside the Syrian border as well as a series of massive trenches dug in recent months on the Israeli side.
When Israel bombed Syria's first plant dedicated to their arch enemy traveling down the same path Iran presently is, it should've raised red flags in Damascus but it hasn't. Instead, if the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) is correct, Syria has simply relocated its efforts to become a nuclear power to a new location. As if that isn't dangerous enough in and of itself, members of its government are now threatening war with Israel for possession of the Golan Heights.
If Damascus went up in a mushroom cloud today, I'd be sorrowed for all the innocent people who would die in a scenario like that but I wouldn't be surprised in the least. While the mainstream media's attention is directed almost exclusively to Iran's pursuit of a nuclear weapon and Israel's potential attack to try and prevent that, bible prophecy foresees Iran remaining militarily viable, but by the time the battle of Gog-Magog occurs? Syria isn't mentioned as a participant, which raises the possibility in my mind that Damascus may have already been dealt with, specifically in an Isaiah 17:1 type way. Is that how it will ultimately play out? I don't know, but Syria is playing a very dangerous game right now - one it is not going to win.
Keep looking up!
Jumat, 03 Juli 2009
In the news....
I've been off-line due to modem problems, which are now (hopefully) resolved. Probably another sign of the times (computer problems) although I can't prove it biblically (kidding).
This week there were three news stories which align with prophecy watching:
One of the most accurate prophetic predictions comes from Zechariah:
"This is the word of the Lord concerning Israel...I am going to make Jerusalem a cup that sends all the surrounding peoples reeling...On that day, when all the nations of the earth are gathered against her, I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all the nations. All who try to move it will injure themselves." (Zechariah 12:1-4)
This has been a continuing prophetic fulfillment ever since 1967 when Israel recaptured the Holy City. For anyone who has closely observed all of the previous attempts at peace in the Middle-East, primarily between Israel and the surrounding Arab states, it is easy to see how the last "sticking point" in every negotiation in the region has been over the fate of Jerusalem.
Even this week, we see this idea confirmed. As seen in Israel National News (read here), The Center for American Progress, which has "served as a source for several of the Obama administration's policies", issued a report recommending that control of Jerusalem be taken away from Israel.
More significant, prophetically, is the following quote: "Operating with the premise that the Old City of Jerusalem is the central problem in the peace process, the report discusses various options for a third-party entity that would replace Israel as its administrator."...Interesting choice of words...I wish them luck with this scenario (not really) - as God has clearly determined that any such effort will "injure" any nations involved in taking Jerusalem from the Nation of Israel. More importantly, the verbiage used here reads almost identically to the prophet Zechariah's words, written approximately 2500 years ago.
Also in the news is an update on the EU's progress towards finalizing the Lisbon Treaty (expected in October, when Ireland formalizes their vote approving the Lisbon Treaty). Many of us are watching this situation closely, as the treaty specifies a "permanent" president. Several people have been actively lobbying for the job, but no one as obvious as Tony Blair. We see
in this article, from the Guardian, that Tony Blair is meeting some opposition in this endeavor. Several new names are beginning to emerge, so this evolving situation is definitely worth watching. The prophetic implications are obvious, as we know the antichrist will arise from the "revived roman empire".
Also in the news, we read where former U.S. Ambassador to the UN, John Bolton is stating that an Israeli attack on Iran is the "only option in preventing the Muslim country from obtaining a nuclear weapon" (read here). Additionally we see the following quote by Mr. Bolton:
"In an article headlines 'Time for an Israeli Strike?' Bolton answered his own question by stating, 'Israel's decision of whether to use military force against Tehran's nuclear weapons program is more urgent than ever...Those who oppose Iran acquiring nuclear weapons are left in the near term with only the option of targeted military force against its weapons facilities."
We seem on the very brink of several significant prophetic events. We watch the as the EU consolidates their power structure with a "permanent" president and a similar position of power within the foreign policy department. We watch as Jerusalem continues to present the main "immovable rock", seemingly blocking finalization of the peace process in the Middle-East. We also read where the window of opportunity for Israel to deter Iran's quest for nuclear arms closing rapidly.
The word "imminent" keeps coming up. There are so many prophetic developments that seem to be JUST on the brink of complete fulfillment. Its almost as if God is keeping the "lid" on things until His perfect timing occurs. Just as all previous prophecy was fulfilled specifically and literally, so will all remaining prophecy. And we prophecy watchers have front row seats, while the rest of the world sleeps.
As stated by the apostle Peter (2 Peter 1:19):
"And we have the word of the prophets made more certian, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as a light shining in a dark place."
A light shining in a dark place. Indeed.
This week there were three news stories which align with prophecy watching:
One of the most accurate prophetic predictions comes from Zechariah:
"This is the word of the Lord concerning Israel...I am going to make Jerusalem a cup that sends all the surrounding peoples reeling...On that day, when all the nations of the earth are gathered against her, I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all the nations. All who try to move it will injure themselves." (Zechariah 12:1-4)
This has been a continuing prophetic fulfillment ever since 1967 when Israel recaptured the Holy City. For anyone who has closely observed all of the previous attempts at peace in the Middle-East, primarily between Israel and the surrounding Arab states, it is easy to see how the last "sticking point" in every negotiation in the region has been over the fate of Jerusalem.
Even this week, we see this idea confirmed. As seen in Israel National News (read here), The Center for American Progress, which has "served as a source for several of the Obama administration's policies", issued a report recommending that control of Jerusalem be taken away from Israel.
More significant, prophetically, is the following quote: "Operating with the premise that the Old City of Jerusalem is the central problem in the peace process, the report discusses various options for a third-party entity that would replace Israel as its administrator."...Interesting choice of words...I wish them luck with this scenario (not really) - as God has clearly determined that any such effort will "injure" any nations involved in taking Jerusalem from the Nation of Israel. More importantly, the verbiage used here reads almost identically to the prophet Zechariah's words, written approximately 2500 years ago.
Also in the news is an update on the EU's progress towards finalizing the Lisbon Treaty (expected in October, when Ireland formalizes their vote approving the Lisbon Treaty). Many of us are watching this situation closely, as the treaty specifies a "permanent" president. Several people have been actively lobbying for the job, but no one as obvious as Tony Blair. We see
in this article, from the Guardian, that Tony Blair is meeting some opposition in this endeavor. Several new names are beginning to emerge, so this evolving situation is definitely worth watching. The prophetic implications are obvious, as we know the antichrist will arise from the "revived roman empire".
Also in the news, we read where former U.S. Ambassador to the UN, John Bolton is stating that an Israeli attack on Iran is the "only option in preventing the Muslim country from obtaining a nuclear weapon" (read here). Additionally we see the following quote by Mr. Bolton:
"In an article headlines 'Time for an Israeli Strike?' Bolton answered his own question by stating, 'Israel's decision of whether to use military force against Tehran's nuclear weapons program is more urgent than ever...Those who oppose Iran acquiring nuclear weapons are left in the near term with only the option of targeted military force against its weapons facilities."
We seem on the very brink of several significant prophetic events. We watch the as the EU consolidates their power structure with a "permanent" president and a similar position of power within the foreign policy department. We watch as Jerusalem continues to present the main "immovable rock", seemingly blocking finalization of the peace process in the Middle-East. We also read where the window of opportunity for Israel to deter Iran's quest for nuclear arms closing rapidly.
The word "imminent" keeps coming up. There are so many prophetic developments that seem to be JUST on the brink of complete fulfillment. Its almost as if God is keeping the "lid" on things until His perfect timing occurs. Just as all previous prophecy was fulfilled specifically and literally, so will all remaining prophecy. And we prophecy watchers have front row seats, while the rest of the world sleeps.
As stated by the apostle Peter (2 Peter 1:19):
"And we have the word of the prophets made more certian, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as a light shining in a dark place."
A light shining in a dark place. Indeed.
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