Ahmadinejad: Israel 'dying', Mideast to destroy it when given chance
In his latest rhetorical onslaught on Israel, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Wednesday that it was "dying" and that people in the Middle East would destroy it if given the chance.
"They should know that regional nations hate this fake and criminal regime and if the smallest and briefest chance is given to regional nations they will destroy [it]," said Ahmadinejad,who often rails against Israel and the United States.
Our Prophetic Perspective
Ahmadinejad's claim that Middel Eastern nation will destroy Israel when given chance is identical to what the Bible prophecy says will happen in the the end times.Is Psalm 83 we read:
''They (Israel's neighbors) have said, Come, and let us cut them off from [being] a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance. . .The tabernacles of Edom, and the Ishmaelites; of Moab, and the Hagarenes;Gebal, and Ammon, and Amalek; the Philistines with the inhabitants of Tyre;Assyria also is joined with them: they have holpen the children of Lot. Selah.''(Psalm 83:4,6-8) Read entire passage here
This verse highlights the very words spoken by today's Arab and Islamic leaders.The nations mentioned in Psalm 83 are:
“Edom, Moab, Gebal, Ammon”— Jordan
“Ishmaelites, Hagrites”— Saudi Arabia peninsula
“Tyre”— Lebanon
“Assyria”— Syria, Iraq
“Philistia”— Gaza
Other passages in the Bible mention Egypt ,Persia (Iran),Togarmah (Turkey) and African-Islamic nations as Israel's enemies.Bible prophecy also says that when the the Arab world attempts to destroy Israel under the leadership of the Antichrist,Jesus Christ will return to earth to destroy these nations and save Israel.
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Israel's population stands at 7,282,000
On the eve of Israel's 60th Independence Day, the country's population stands at 7,282,000, according to figures released by the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS). When the state was established, there were only 806,000 residents, with this number reaching its first and second million in 1949 and 1958 respectively.
Our Prophetic Perspective
The Bible predicted that Israel would become a nation and it did.The Bible predicted that Jews from all over the world would return to Israel and they did.How can people deny the existence of God and that the Bible is true when such an event predicted more that 2500 years ago is taking place before the eyes of the world.God said through Isaiah the prophet that He would make Israel become a nation in one single day:
''Who hath heard such a thing? who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? [or] shall a nation be born at once? for as soon as Zion (Israel,Jerusalem) travailed, she brought forth her children.''(Isaiah 66:8).
God asked if it would be possible for a nation (Israel) to be born in one day at once.God himself answered that Israel brought forth her children in one day at once.On May 14th,1948 Israel become an independent state in one day as predicted by Isaiah.
In Ezekiel God said:
''Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I do not [this] for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for mine holy name's sake, which ye have profaned among the heathen, whither ye went.And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I [am] the LORD, saith the Lord GOD, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes.For I will take you from among the nations, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land. . . Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will take the children of Israel from among the nations, whither they be gone, and will gather them on every side, and bring them into their own land:And I will make them one nation in the land upon the mountains of Israel; and one king shall be king to them all: and they shall be no more two nations, neither shall they be divided into two kingdoms any more at all:(Ezekiel 36:22-24,37:21-22)
God clearly said that He would bring the children of Israel,the Jews,from all the nation of the world and that He would make them a nation.The above headline literally illustrates this prophecy and no skeptic nor atheist can deny that God exists,that He has spoken and that His words were recorded in the Bible.Other prophecies indicate that there will be a second and greater gathering of Jews in the land of Israel after the return of Jesus Christ to planet earth,an event which does not seem to be very far away.
''And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea.And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.''(Isaiah 11:11-12)
''And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man (Jesus) in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
And he (Jesus)shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect (the Jews) from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.(Matthew 24:29-30)
Pope meets with Iran-based Muslim group
Vatican City, Apr 30, 2008 / 04:06 pm (CNA).- Following today's general audience, Benedict XVI received a group of Iranian Muslims who have been meeting biannually for the last 12 years with the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue. The dialogue between the Vatican and the Muslim group resulted in an agreement on faith and reason, violence and religion and the method for dialogue.
Our Prophetic Perspective
The Bible says that a false One World religious system will be formed in the last days.This religious system will be based on the ancient Babylonian paganism which started in the days of ancient Babylon (Shinar) when the Tower of Babel was being built (Genesis 11).God refers to this religious system as ''Mystery,Babylon:The mother of harlots and of the abominations of the earth'' (Revelation 17:5).This religious system sits upon seven mountains which represent the seven kingdoms of history,namely,Egyptian,Assyrian,Babylonian,Medo-Persian,Grecian,Roman ,and Ottoman empires (Revelation 17:9).It is interesting to note that Islam and Catholicism are based on the ancient Babylonian paganism - Islam with the worship of the ancient moon god (the crescent moon used by Islam is a symbol of this ancient pagan god - Judges 8:21) and Catholicism with the worship of the ancient mother-son cult known by various names in the ancient world which were later renamed Virgin Mary and the Christ child by the Roman Church after the Roman empire joined its pagan practices with Christianity.The interfaith dialogue held between Isalm and the Vatican in a precursor to the formation of this false religious system which will be in operation during the days of the Great Tribulation and which will be used by the Antichrist as a way of promoting his political agenda.But the Antichrist (the beast) himself will destroy this false religious sytem after he has gained the world's adimirarion (Revelation 17).
Special Report - A Comprehensive Look At A Growing Nuclear Trend In The Middle East
Israel faces many threats from its neighbors, but perhaps the most worrying are the nuclear programs under construction by a number of Arab countries surrounding Israel.
While they have insisted that the nuclear programs are for domestic use, what would happen if Israel's neighbors turn against it, declaring war while the so called nuclear programs become weapons of mass destruction aimed at seeking Israel's annhilation?
Our Prophetic Perspective
The Bible says that Israel will face the threat of annhilation from its Islamic neighbors in the end times.Passages like Psalm 83,Zechariah 12:1- 5,14:1- 4,Ezekiel 35 and many others highlight the fact that the nations surrounding Israel will form a military alliance in order to wipe Israel off the face of the earth.
Psalm 83 delcares:
''They (Israel's neighbors) have said, Come, and let us cut them off from [being] a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance.''(Psalm 83:4) Read entire passage here
This verse highlights the very words spoken by today's Arab and Islamic leaders.The nations mentioned in Psalm 83 are:
“Edom, Moab, Gebal, Ammon”— Jordan
“Ishmaelites, Hagrites”— Saudi Arabia peninsula
“Tyre”— Lebanon
“Assyria”— Syria, Iraq
“Philistia”— Gaza
Other passages in the Bible mention Egypt ,Persia (Iran),Togarmah (Turkey) and African-Islamic nations as Israel's enemies.The second coming of Jesus Christ is actually in connection with the Arab alliance against Israel.Read our related article at:
The Arab threat against Israel is a sign that Bible prophecy is being fulfilled before our very eyes!
Assyrians Need Own Area in Iraq, Swedish Mayor Tells US Congress
It's mission accomplished for Anders Lago, the mayor of the Swedish town of Södertälje. He has gone from an unknown mayor of a Stockholm suburb to a world voice on Iraqi refugees after his recent and well covered visit to the U.S, which was prompted by the flood of Assyrian refugees from Iraq who have besieged his town.Kurt Volker, the newly appointed U.S ambassador to NATO, and Senator Edward M. Kennedy were among the influential people who told Lago they realize the need to help the Assyrians by establishing an Assyrian administered area with its own police force in the Nineveh Plains, situated in the north of Iraq.
Our Prophetic Perspective
The Bible says that Assyria will become an independent state in the end times.God said through the prophet Isaiah:
'' In that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian will come into Egypt and the Egyptian into Assyria, and the Egyptians will serve with the Assyrians.
In that day Israel will be one of three with Egypt and Assyria—a blessing in the midst of the land, whom the LORD of hosts shall bless, saying, “Blessed is Egypt My people, and Assyria the work of My hands, and Israel My inheritance.” (Isaiah 19:23-25)
God says in this passage that Assyria will enter the Millennial kingdom as the ''works of His hands''.One of the reasons why God will allow Assyria to become an independent state is to bring the Antichrist to power in the Middle East.God said through the prophet:
''The LORD of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, [so] shall it stand:That I will break the Assyrian in my land, and upon my mountains tread him under foot: then shall his yoke depart from off them, and his burden depart from off their shoulders.''(Isaiah 14:24-25).
The13th and 14th chapters of Isaiah are about the future destruction of Babylon.In 14:4 the Antichrist is called the king of Babylon who will be empowered by Lucifer in verses 12 through 15.In verse 25 he is called the Assyrian.This suggests that the Antichrist besides being an Assyrian,he will also be the king of Babylon which will be his economic capital is modern day Iraq.
In Isaiah 30 we read something very interesting:
''And the LORD shall cause his glorious voice to be heard, and shall shew the lighting down of his arm, with the indignation of [his] anger, and [with] the flame of a devouring fire, [with] scattering, and tempes, and hailstones.For through the voice of the LORD shall the Assyrian be beaten down, [which] smote with a rod.''(Isaiah 30:30-31)
This verse says that the Assyrian will be destroyed by the voice of the Lord.Could it be that this is what Paul had in mind when he wrote?:
''Let no man deceive you by any means: for [that day shall not come], except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God . . .And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:''(2 Thessalonians 2:3-4,8)
Here Paul says that the Antichrist will be destroyed by the spirit of the mouth of the Lord just as Isaiah wrote that by the voice of the Lord will the Assyrian be destroyed.Although Paul and Isaiah use different terms,the idea is the same.Some might say that Isaiah 30:30-31 refers to the destruction of the Assyrians by the Babylonians,but some verses of Isaiah 30 have eschatological implications,not just historical.See Isaiah 30:18-33.
These verses show that the Antichrist will be of Assyrian nationality
The call for an Assyrian area in Iraq by the Swedish mayor is a sign that Bible prophecy will soon be fulfilled.
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Putin in Libya to close $2.5b arms deal
Putin's visit may bring closure to several large arms deals totaling $2.5 billion, which are aimed at bolstering Libya's aging weapons arsenal, Russian media outlets reported. The deals will include anti-aircraft systems, MiG and Sukhoi aircraft, helicopters, submarines and warships, the Russian news agency Interfax said.
Our Prophetic Perspective
Libya is mentioned in Ezekiel 38 as one of Russia's allies against Israel in the famed battle of Gog and Magog.God said through the prophet:
''And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
Son of man, set thy face against Gog, the land of Magog (Russia), the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him,
And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal:
And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws, and I will bring thee forth, and all thine army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed with all sorts of armour, even a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords:
Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya with them; all of them with shield and helmet:
Gomer, and all his bands; the house of Togarmah of the north quarters, and all his bands: and many people with thee.
Be thou prepared, and prepare for thyself, thou, and all thy company that are assembled unto thee, and be thou a guard unto them.
After many days thou shalt be visited: in the latter years thou shalt come into the land that is brought back from the sword, and is gathered out of many people, against the mountains of Israel, which have been always waste: but it is brought forth out of the nations, and they shall dwell safely all of them.''(Ezekiel 38:1-8)
The arms deal between Russia and Libya is a sign that this prophecy will be fulfilled in the near future
Israel: We'll 'destroy' Iran
JERUSALEM – Israel will "destroy" Iran if Tehran decided to launch a war against the Jewish state, Israeli Infrastructure Minister Benjamin Ben-Eliezer said today."The Iranians won't rush to attack Israel, because they understand the significance such action would have and are well aware of our strength," Ben-Eliezer told reporters. "However, Iran continues to aggravate the situation by supplying arms to Syria and Hezbollah, and we must deal with this."
Our Prophetic Perspective
The Bible says that Iran will suffer a major destruction as a judgement from God.Iran was known in biblical times not only as Persia,but also as Elam.In Jeremiah we read:
''The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah the prophet against Elam in the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah, saying,Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Behold, I will break the bow of Elam, the chief of their might.And upon Elam will I bring the four winds from the four quarters of heaven, and will scatter them toward all those winds; and there shall be no nation whither the outcasts of Elam shall not come.For I will cause Elam to be dismayed before their enemies, and before them that seek their life: and I will bring evil upon them, even my fierce anger, saith the LORD; and I will send the sword after them, till I have consumed them:And I will set my throne in Elam, and will destroy from thence the king and the princes, saith the LORD.But it shall come to pass in the latter days, that I will bring again the captivity of Elam, saith the LORD.'' (Jeremiah 49:34-39)
God say in this passage that he will use Iran's enemies to come against it.It could be that the Iranian threat to Israel is what will cause God's anger to rise against Iran.We do not know whether God will use Israel do destroy Iran or not,but the current scenario shows that Iran is becoming very dangerous to Israel's security.The great prophecy scholar John Walvoord wrote:
''The prophecy concerning Elam referred to an area east of Babylon,known today as Iran.The destruction of Elam was described as breaking her bow,for,like Kedar,Elam was noted for archery.The complete destruction of Elam does not seem to have been fulfilled in history and may have its final chapter in the future in connection with judgements at the second coming of Christ.Elam was promised,however,restoration (v.39)."
(John F. Walvoord,Every Prophecy of the Bible,Chariot Victor Publishing,Colorado Springs, Colorado,1990,1999,pg.151)
Pope's US Trip Not Just for Catholics
When Benedict XVI travels to the United States this month, ecumenical and interreligious relations are a priority on his agenda, according to an aide of the nation's conference of bishops.
Father James Massa, executive director of the U.S episcopal conference's Secretariat for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs, said this is because "the Pope is convinced that there will be no peace in the world until there is peace among the religions. That is why he comes to the table of dialogue here in the U.S. and in Rome, with hope and abiding conviction."On April 17, the Pope will meet with 200 interfaith leaders at the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center in Washington, D.C.
Our Prophetic Perspective
The more I read these news,the more excited I get for the Lord's return.Revelation 17 says that an ecumenical interreligious system will be operating during the Great Tribulation as the means to false peace.This religious system will persecute and kill Christians who do not support its interreligious affairs which will promote the idea that there are many paths to God.Revelation 17:9 seems to indicate that this religious system will be headquartered in the city of Rome during the first half of the Tribulation period.It is interesting to note that the Pope is being the main promoter of ecumenical and interreligious relations with leaders of other religions.The formation of this ecumenical and interreligious system is taking place before our eyes.The Antichrist will use this system to promote his political agenda in the beginning of the Tribulation as seen in the symbolism of the woman riding the beast in Revelation 17.This means that the Antichrist will willingly submit himself to the authority of this false religious system in the beginning of the Tribulation but will destroy it after having earned the world's admiration.Here is what so excites me:If this religious system is being formed as I write this prophetic perspective,the Great Tribulation must not be too far away and if the Tribulation is not too far away,the Rapture of the Church must be just around the corner.If you do not know Jesus as you Lord and Savior,receive him now in your heart before it is too late.Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus!
Iran Gains African Foothold up to Chad through Pacts with Sudan
Iran jumped in with gusto to meet Sudan president Omar al-Bashir’s application for a military package including arms and training of his army.1. The Sudanese Army will gradually re-adjust from Russian and Chinese weaponry to Iranian-made items.2. A 50 percent discount on Iran arms sold to Sudan.3 Iran will build Sudan a military industry for the manufacture of Iranian weapons.
Our Prophetic Perspective
The fact that Iran is planing to form a military alliance with Sudan is a sign that Bible prophecy will soon be fulfilled.Iran and Sudan are mentioned in Ezekiel 38 as two of the nations that will invade Israel along with Russia (Magog).The prophet Ezekiel refers to Iran as Persia and to Sudan as Ethiopia.
'' Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya with them; all of them with shield and helmet: . . After many days thou shalt be visited: in the latter years thou shalt come into the land [that is] brought back from the sword, [and is] gathered out of many people, against the mountains of Israel, which have been always waste: but it is brought forth out of the nations, and they shall dwell safely all of them.'' (Ezekiel 38:5,8).
Persia officially changed its name to Iran in 1935 and ancient Ethiopia encompassed the area of modern day Sudan.The military alliance between Iran and Sudan is another piece of the puzzle that is being put in place to fulfill the prophecy of Ezekiel 38 & 39.
Obama Suggests Jesus Christ Not the Only Way to Heaven
Democratic presidential contender Barack Obama suggested Wednesday that Jesus Christ is not the only way to heaven during a campaign event in North Carolina.While answering a question about his Christian faith, Obama said he believes that Jesus Christ died for his sins and through God’s grace and mercy he could have “everlasting life,” according to the Los Angeles Times.
But he also believes Jews and Muslims and non-believers who live moral lives are as much “children of God” as he is, according to The Associated Press.
As an example, he spoke about his late mother who was “not a believer.”
"[S]he was the kindest, most decent, generous person that I have ever known," Obama said, according to the Times. "I'm sure she is in heaven, even though she may not have subscribed to everything that I subscribe to."
Our Prophetic Perspective
''Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.(John 14:6)
Obama's claim that Jesus is not the only way to heaven is a sign that Bible prophecy will soon be fulfilled.Revelation 17 says that the One World Religion of the end times will be a harlot.This religious system will accept all religions as alternate paths to God.This harlot religious system will also have influence in politics as she commits fornication with the ''kings'' of the earth (Revelation 17:2).
If Obama gets elected as the new president of the United States,he will be one of the many kings of the earth to be promoting many ways to God,thus setting the stage for the creation of a One World Religion which accepts every faith to be a part of it except fundamentalist Christians who will be persecuted and killed by this religious system during the Tribulation.(Revelation 17:6).
When Israel accepted heathen religions in the Old Testament,God in turn brought judgement against the Jewish nation for doing so.
''For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly.''(Deuteronomy 7:4)
''And I will utter my judgments against them touching all their wickedness, who have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods'' (Jeremiah 1:16)
Could God's judgement against the United States be just around the corner?America once believed that Jesus was the only way,the truth ,and the life (John 14:6),but now it seems that this nation is going against God's word and if God judged Israel in the past,He will surely judge America in the future.Could this great economic recession be the beginning of God's Judement?Only time will tell.
Religious leaders welcome Saudi proposal
Several Jewish, Christian and Muslim leaders reacted warmly to a proposal for dialogue among the religions by King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, welcoming the overture from the leader of the strict Muslim country as a major development in interfaith relations.
"The idea is to ask representatives of all monotheistic religions to sit together with their brothers in faith and sincerity to all religions as we all believe in the same God," the king said Monday night in Riyadh at a seminar on "Culture and the Respect of Religions."
The king's call — the first of its kind by an Arab leader — was described as a "dramatic and important development" by Rabbi Eric Yoffie, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, the largest branch of American Judaism.
The Rev. James Loughran, director of the Catholic New York-based Graymoor Ecumenical & Interreligious Institute, also welcomed the proposal, saying he was "elated."
Muhammad al-Zulfa, a member of the Saudi Consultative Council — an appointed body that acts like a parliament — said it was "a message to all extremists: Stop using religion."
Our Prophetic Perspective
The fact that religious leaders of Islam ,Judaism,and Christianity are welcoming Saudi king Abdullah's proposal for representatives of all monotheistic religions to sit together and develop interfaith relations is a sign that Bible prophecy will soon be fulfilled.The book of Revelation predicts that during the Tribulation there will be a global religious system which will help the Antichrist rise to power and gain worldwide influence (Revelation 17).
This interfaith religious system is symbolized by a harlot riding a beast which symbolizes the kingdom of the Antichrist.This means that during the first half of the great tribulation, this interfaith religious system will be in control of the Antichrist's political kingdom until the Antichrist commands his ten political partners to destroy the harlot religion which represents a city (Revelation 17:16-18).
It is interesting that the city of Rome was chosen by the leader of the Italian democratic party Walter Veltroni to be the headquarters of a building called ''United Religion'' which was then approved by Pope Benedict XVI.The Vatican which is located in the city of Rome is being the leader in promoting interfaithsm among all of the world's religions.How interesting that now the king of the most extreme Islamic nation is also accepting interfaithsm and proposing that all monotheistic religions get together to promote religious unity to ''save'' humanity.The Bible says this is Satan's plan to ''destroy'' humanity.King Abdullah even called Jews and Christians ''brothers in the faith who believe in the same God''.This is quite a statement from the king of a very extreme Islamic nation.It seems that the harlot religion of Revelation 17 is being formed before our very eyes and many so called Christians are welcoming it with open arms.
Dubai Ports International plans to invest in Iraq
Riyadh, Mar 26, (VOI)- Dubai Ports International, a Dubai based corporation, said it has intention to invest in Iraq and to take advantage of investment opportunities available in it.
"Iraq is listed among the developing countries, which have good investment opportunities, and we have our future plans to take advantage of these opportunities," Mohammed al-Mualem, Dubai Ports CEO, said on Tuesday.
Our Prophetic Perspective
Why is Dubai,one of the richest cities of the Middle East willing to invest in Iraq,a nation that has been torn apart by war for the past five years?The answer is very simple:Bible prophecy is on its way to fulfillment.
The book of Revelation says that Babylon (modern day Iraq) is destined to become the world's economic capital only to be utterly destroyed by God himself.
''And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning,Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more: . . .The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing,And saying, Alas, alas that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls! For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off,And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city! (Revelation 18:9-11,15-18)
The merchants (businessmen) ,every shipmaster ,all the company in ships and as many as trade by sea will cry when they see mighty Babylon being destroyed at the end of the Great Tribulation because of the loss of the money they invested to become rich with Babylon's resources.What could be Babylon's treasure that the Bible says will make the merchants of the earth and those that trade by sea with companies of ships rich ?It has been reported that Iraq has the third largest oil reserves.This could be what is going to make the merchants of the earth rich with Babylon.But they will cry when they see the smoke of Babylon's burning,for in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her (Revelation 18:8).
Dubai's willingness to invest in Iraq is just a precursor to what Bible prophecy says will happen in Iraq in the last days.
Arab world can destroy Israel, says Hizballah chief
Hizballah leader Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah told supporters in Beirut on Monday that the military forces of the Arab world are capable of destroying Israel, whose own military prowess has been "exaggerated by Zionist-American propaganda."
Our Prophetic Perspective
Everyone knows the biblical story of David and Goliath and how the little Israelite boy killed the giant enemy.The present day Israeli-Arab conflict sound just like the story of David and Goliath.Tiny Israel has proven over and over again that the giant Arab world is no match for Israel's military power.During the six-day war of 1967 and the Yom-Kippur war of 1973 Israel defeated the Arab enemies even though the Israeli army was vastly outnumbered by Arab troops and yet, the Arab world keeps on insisting that they can destroy Israel.God said through the prophet Zechariah:
''Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem.And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it. . . In that day will I make the governors of Judah like an hearth of fire among the wood, and like a torch of fire in a sheaf; and they shall devour all the people round about, on the right hand and on the left: and Jerusalem shall be inhabited again in her own place, even in Jerusalem.'' (Zechariah 12:2-3,6)
In this passage God says that when all the Arab nations that surround Israel come against the Jewish state,He will make the governors of Judah (ancient southern part of modern Israel) like fire among the wood and like a torch of fire in a sheaf to devour all the enemies of Israel.The Israeli Defense Forces today are so powerful that whenever the Arab nations make war against Israel,they are devoured like wood in the fire.Tiny David has and will always defeat Goliath,the giant enemy.
Purported Bin Laden Message: Iraq is 'Perfect Base'
(CNN) -- Al-Jazeera broadcast on Thursday an audiotape on which a voice identified as Osama bin Laden declares "Iraq is the perfect base to set up the jihad to liberate Palestine."
The voice calls on "Muslims in neighboring countries" to "do their best in supporting their mujahedeen brothers in Iraq."
"My speech to you is about the siege of Gaza and the way to liberate it," he said.
"The Gaza siege is a direct result of Annapolis," he adds, apparently referring to the site of November's summit in Annapolis, Maryland, where Israeli and Palestinian leadership agreed to work toward a two-state plan.
He accused Arabs who supported the plan of having become "partners in this horrendous crime."
And he predicted, "Palestine will be restored to us, with God's permission, when we wake up from our slumber and adhere to our faith and sacrifice our souls and belongings for it."
The speaker called for armed revolt in the Middle East.
Our Prophetic Perspective
The call of Bin Laden for an armed revolt in the Middle East using Iraq as the perfect base for jihad to liberate Palestine sounds like a passage from the book of Revelation.In Revelation 9 we read:
''And the sixth angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God,Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates.(geographically located in Iraq) And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men.And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousand: and I heard the number of them.And thus I saw the horses in the vision, and them that sat on them, having breastplates of fire, and of jacinth, and brimstone: and the heads of the horses were as the heads of lions; and out of their mouths issued fire and smoke and brimstone.By these three was the third part of men killed, by the fire, and by the smoke, and by the brimstone, which issued out of their mouths.''(Revelation 9:14-18) .
This vision seems to be referring to an army of two hundred million men who will be guided for war by the four angels (fallen angels or demons) that are bound in the river Euphrates.Who or what these two hundred million men are,I do not know.Some have speculated that they are Chinese soldiers who will come from the East according to Revelation 16:12.The problem with this view is that the kings of the east cross the Euphrates during the sixth bow judgement which will occur near the end of the second half of the Tribulation whereas the two hundred million army invasion occurs during the sixth trumpet judgement which occurs during the first half of the Tribulation,therefore,the two hundred million men or whatever they are cannot be the same as the kings of the east of Revelation 16:12.Since they are connected to the four angels that are bound in the river Euphrates,they must be geographically located in the surrounding region of Iraq or "Muslims in neighboring countries" as Bin Laden said.
Could it be that these two hundred million warriors are Islamic extremists preparing to declare jihad against Israel during the tribulation when the Jews will have a rebuilt Temple on the Temple Mount which is considered by Muslims the third holiest site of Islam?The message of Bin Laden could be setting the stage for that to happen if Revelation 9:14-18 is referring to Islamic extremists who will declare war against Israel in the tribulation.The Islamic religion currently has 1.3 billion followers.Two hundred million of them to declare jihad against Israel to liberate Palestine would be less the just 20 percent.I personally think this is a possible scenario to fulfill Revelation 9:14-18.I as a Christian do not expect to be on earth when that happens.Whatever or whoever the two hundred million warriors are,I will not be here to see them,but will be in heaven worshiping the lamb that was slain.(Revelation 5:6-12) Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus!
Second Temple Half-Shekel Found in Jerusalem Dig
(IsraelNN.com) A half-shekel coin from the Second Temple was found in excavations in the City of David, just below and east of Jerusalem’s Old City. The upcoming Purim festival features the half-shekel prominently in its observance.
The ancient silver coin was discovered in an archaeological excavation that is being conducted in the main Second Temple-era drainage channel of Jerusalem. The foreign coin is of the denomination used during the turbulent Second Temple period to pay the Biblical half-shekel head-tax.
Our Prophetic Perspective
The ancient silver coin that was discovered in an archaeological excavation that is being conducted in the main Second Temple-era drainage channel of Jerusalem not only points to already fulfilled prophecy but also points to future fulfillment of Bible prophecy.Jesus said in Matthew 24 that the Second Jewish Temple which stood in His days would be destroyed.
''And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple.And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.''(Matthew 24:1-2)
This prophecy was fulfilled 38 years later when the Romans destroyed the Second Temple under Titus Vespasian.The discovery of a coin used during Second Temple-era proves that there was a Jewish Temple on the Temple Mount
On March 10,2008 the Jerusalem Post reported the following headline:
Arab leader denies temple ever existed
''The al-Aqsa mosque was never the site of a Jewish temple, Sheikh Raed Salah, the head of the Islamic Movement's northern branch, said Monday during a press conference he convened in Jerusalem to respond to voices calling for the expulsion of Israeli residents of the city who participate in terror activities against Israel.
"Those calling for the expulsion of Palestinian residents of east Jerusalem are hysterical and stupid and belong in the trash can," Salah said at the conference.
He went on to deny any Israeli or Jewish historical claim to the city, denying that there ever existed a Jewish temple on the Temple Mount.
"The claims of the Jews are big lies and they have no right to any speck of dust here," he said.''
How interesting it is that God used archaeologists to find a Second Temple coin only a week after an Islamic leader denied any evidence of a Jewish Temple on the Temple Mount
As times goes by,more and more evidences of Jewish presence on the Temple Mount will appear.The Islamic world will have no choice but to accept that the Jews indeed had a Temple on the Temple Mount.This will lead to the fulfillment of Bible prophecy.The Bible clearly states that there will be another Jewish Temple on the Temple Mount.The prophet Daniel,Jesus himself and the Apostle Paul made reference to the Abomination of Desolation which will take place during the mid point of a 7 year covenant which will be signed between Israel and the Antichrist (Daniel 9:27,Matthew 24:15,2 Thessalonians 2:4).The Abomination of Desolation must occur inside a newly rebuilt Jewish Temple when the Antichrist brakes his covenant with the Jews and enters the Temple proclaiming to be god.
European Union Foresees Bigger Future Role in Iraq
Brussels 3-13-2008 -- The European Parliament celebrated its 50th anniversary in its latest plenary session in Strasbourg which took place between the 10th and 13th of March 2008. One of the items on its agenda was a resolution on the European Union's (EU) role in Iraq after a report prepared by the Committee on Foreign Affairs. The resolution was adopted by the Parliament by a resounding 506 votes for and 25 against, statistics which themselves affirm the importance of this resolution.
The resolution is an important initiative taken by the Parliament and is of specific concern to minorities in Iraq, including the Assyrians. The resolution makes it clear at paragraph J that 'the EU needs to be more strategic in supporting Iraq in its progress towards becoming a democratic federal state', a sentence which is important in that it reflects the EU's acceptance of Iraq choosing to become a federal state.
Of specific importance however are the Parliament's recommendations to the Council of the European Union. The Parliament urges the Council to adopt with the Commission a new strategy that will help the UN in building a safe, stable and united Iraq which, amongst other things, 'protects its minorities and promotes inter-ethnic tolerance'. Furthermore, the Parliament urges the Council to ensure that electoral procedures at the local level are strengthened, a factor especially important this year with Iraqi elections coming up. It is hoped that this emphasis on strengthening electoral procedures prevents the voting irregularities which took place in 2005 from recurring so as to ensure fair and free elections for all Iraqis.
Some points of the resolution are of specific concern to the Assyrian minority in Iraq. For example, paragraph 1.g) urges the EU, under its new strategy, to:
"support the reconciliation process, namely on Kirkuk and other internally disputed territories, including the Assyrian areas known as the Nineveh Plains with their Christian minorities; […] encourage European NGOs to engage with their Iraqi counterparts -- which are already particularly active in the Kurdish region -- and make extensive use of the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) in providing technical and financial assistance to civil society organizations, in order to address the following issues: […] the rights of indigenous peoples and of persons belonging to minorities and ethnic groups, including the Assyrians (Chaldeans, Syriacs and other Christian communities), the Yazidi and the Turkmen;
The Assyria Council of Europe (ACE) has been instrumental in urging the European Parliament to take a deeper interest in Iraq's minorities such as the Assyrians, and the points in the resolution mentioned above are a product of such efforts.
Our Prophetic Perspective
The above headline is very interesting news to me for the following reason.A few weeks ago I wrote an article titled ''The kingdom of the Antichrist:An Alternate View'' in which I explain that the empire of the Antichrist will not only include the European Union,but also the Middle East.In this article I wrote that Babylon (Iraq) will be Antichrist's economic capital.I also explained that the Bible seems to indicate that the Antichrist will be an Assyrian and that Assyria will possibly become an independent nation in the near future.Why is the European Union interested in a future role in Iraq and interested in specific concern to the Assyrian minority in Iraq?Why does the European Union need to be more strategic in supporting Iraq in its progress towards becoming a democratic federal state?
Could it be that Assyria will soon become an independent nation to produce the little horn (Antichrist) of Daniel 7?Could it be that Iraq will soon be a safe,stable and united nation according to the new EU resolution and become the Middle East's main political and economic powerhouse to be the capital of the Antichrist's kingdom according to Isaiah 14 and Revelation 18?
For a more detailed answer,read our article ''The Kingdom of the Antichrist:An Alternate View'' by clicking the following link
Babylon Resurrected in Louvre Exhibition
PARIS (AP) -- The ancient city of Babylon, situated in modern-day Iraq, gets a thorough exploration in a new show at the Louvre, with treasures borrowed from galleries around the world.All that's missing is the obvious: artifacts on loan from Baghdad's museum.
The Louvre said it had hoped the National Museum in Baghdad would contribute to the exhibit, "Babylon," which opens Friday, but the plan failed: Baghdad's security status is still too perilous to transport priceless treasures to the airport and put them safely on a plane.
The show tries to separate the real Babylon -- a Mesopotamian city of staggering advancement and cultural riches -- from the myths about it that stemmed partly from jealousy. Over time, the city became a symbol of vaulting ambition and wickedness, as witnessed in the Book of Genesis' portrayal of the Tower of Babel, where mankind dared to build a structure that would "reach unto heaven."
Our Prophetic Perspective
Why is the world beginning to get so preoccupied with ancient Babylon?Well,Bible prophecy has much to say about Babylon's resurrection.The resurrection of Babylon in museums around the world is just the beginning of a much greater reality.The Bible says that Babylon will be resurrected as a world economic system.Those who teach that Babylon was totally destroyed to never again be inhabited are missing the big picture.Babylon was actually conquered by the Persian king Cyrus the Great without a battle,not destroyed.In a cylinder found by British archaeologists,Cyrus made the following statement:
''I entered Babylon as a friend and when I established the seat of the government in the palace of the ruler under jubilation and rejoicing, Marduk, the great lord, induced the magnanimous inhabitants of Babylon to love me, and I was daily endeavoring to worship him. My numerous troops walked around in Babylon in peace, I did not allow anybody to terrorize any place of the country of Sumer and Akkad. I strove for peace in Babylon and in all his other sacred cities."
Bible prophecy says that Babylon will be destroyed but this prophecy awaits fulfillment.The prophecies of Isaiah 13-14 and Jeremiah 50-51 were never fulfilled in history as many assume.Babylon is seen in Revelation 18 as a world economic system five centuries after its conquest by the Persians.This means that Babylon still has a role to play in the end times.The United Nation are planing to rebuild Babylon.
On April 21,2006 the Herald Tribune reported:
"The U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is pumping millions of dollars into protecting and restoring Babylon and a handful of other ancient ruins in Iraq. UNESCO has even printed up a snazzy brochure, with Babylon listed as the premier destination, to hand out to wealthy donors."Cultural tourism could become Iraq's second-biggest industry, after oil," said Philippe Delanghe, a U.N. official helping with the project. But before Iraq becomes the next Egypt, he said wryly, "a few little things have to happen.One of those, of course, is better security. The American military still maintains bases near Babylon, but next month, in a sign of how relatively stable the area has become, most troops will pull out and head north to Baghdad, where they are needed more."
Russia wishes to confirm its status of 'friend to Islam' - Margelov
Moscow, March 13, Interfax - The problem of Islamophobia in Europe is very acute, Chairman of the Federation Council International Affairs Committee Mikhail Margelov told Interfax.
"The problem of European Islamophobia is so large that the Federation of Islamic Organizations in Europe has recently posted the European Islamic Charter," he said.
The charter urged 20 million Muslims who live in Europe to promote peace in their new countries and seek political temperance.
The peaceful co-existence of cultures, ethnic groups and religions is an important task, as the modern European civilization can be nothing but pluralistic, Margelov said.
The foreign minister represents Russia at the 11th Summit of the Organization of Islamic States (OIC), and this shows the significance of the Islamic factor in the Russian policy, he said. "Russia wishes to confirm its status of a reliable friend to Islam, as this meets the national interests of the country populated by over 14 million Muslims," he said.
"Experts notice the Russian interest in the smooth integration of Islamic migrants from CIS member countries and support to moderate Islam," Margelov said.
"Russia has sufficient experience for helping Muslims worldwide to settle conflicts and fight extremists and Western Islamophobia," he said.
Our Prophetic Perspective
The fact that Russia wats to confirm its status of ''friend of Islam'' is a sign that Bible prophecy will soon be fulfilled.
We read in Ezekiel 38 that Russia will form an alliance with Islamic nation to invade Israel.In verses 5 and 6 of Ezekiel 38, we see the allies of Russia in this attack against Israel:
''Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya are with them, all of them with shield and helmet; Gomer and all its troops; the house of Togarmah from the far north and all its troops - many people are with you.''(Ezekiel 38:5-6)
Persia changed its name to Iran in 1935. Ethiopia is modern day Sudan and Libya is located west of Egypt and may include modern day Algeria and Tunisia. Gomer and the house of Togarmah are also identified as Turkey.
Except for some parts of Russia, all these nations are Muslim. Keep in mind that Ezekiel made this prediction more than 1,000 years before Islam even existed (2500 B.C.), and there is only one thing that brings all these nations together: the religion of Islam. The Muslims disagree on many things among themselves. The Shiite Muslims hate the Sunni Muslims and vice-versa, but there is one thing that unites them all, and that is "the destruction of Israel" as a nation. The Koran, which is the sacred book of Islam, teaches that every true Muslim must swear Jihad (Holy War) against every Jew on the face of the earth. Consider just two out of many verses in the Koran that support violence against the Jews:
''Fight those who believe not in Allah and his apostle, nor acknowledge the religion of truth [even if they are] people of the book [i.e. Jews and Christians] , until they pay with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued [enslaved] ''(Sura 9:29).
''Fight and slay the pagans (i.e. non-Muslims) wherever ye find them, and seize them, beleaguer them and lie in wait for them in every stratagem; but if they repent ... then open a way for them (Sura 9:123).
Now consider this phrase from the Hadith (sayings of Muhammed), the second most important piece of Islamic literature after the Koran:
''The Hour (last day) will not be established until you fight with the Jews, and the stone behind which a Jew will be hiding will say. ‘O Muslim! There is a Jew hiding behind me, so kill him.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari, vol. 4, b. 52, Hadith # 177).
'EU leaders back closer ties with Mediterranean rim'
French President Nicolas Sarkozy said Friday he won "unanimous" backing for his plan to forge closer political ties with Europe's North African and Mideast neighbors on the Mediterranean Sea.
The agreement came at the end of the first day of a two-day EU summit, but the specific details of the plan will still have to be worked out by June, other leaders said.
The project would involve 39 partners - the 27-nation EU plus a dozen on the Mediterranean's southern shores, from Mauritania to Algeria, Egypt, Israel, the Palestinian Authority to Syria and Turkey.
Our Prophetic Perspective
The fact that European Union Leaders back closer ties with Mediterranean rim is a sign that Bible prophecy will soon be fufilled.
The Bible says that the Antichrist will rise from a political entity which will include the nations that surround the Mediterranean sea (Daniel 7:1-25,Revelation 13:1-2).
This political kingdom will be divided into 10 regional sections which will be governed by 10 kings.(Daniel 7:23-25,Revelation 17:11-13).
The Mediterranean Union could be setting the stage for the kingdom of the Antichrist which will include Israel and the Middle East.Most prophecy students see the European Union as the kingdom of the Antichrist,but the Bible seems to indicate that the kingdom of the Antichrist will include all of the Islamic-Arab world,not just Europe.
Peres supports ‘100 percent’ Sarkozy’s plan for Mediterranean Union
"I support 100 percent the plan," Peres, who is on a five-day state visit to France, said in an interview with French radio Europe 1.
"The entire (Israeli) government is in favour of Sarkozy’s initiative of course," he added.
"North Europe countries, the Maghreb countries in the south and the Arab countries in the middle, why not cooperate on what is possible?," he asked, recalling that Europe started with a union on coal and steel.
A summit meeting between the EU countries and Mediterranean countries, including Israel, is scheduled to take place on 13 July in Paris when France takes over the six-month EU presidency.
Ahead of a EU summit meeting at the end of this week, France and Germany settled their differences over President Sarkozy's plan to create the EU-Mediterranean new forum.
Sarkozy is expected to outline the compromise at the meeting of European Union leaders in Brussels on Thursday.
The French president originally envisaged setting up an organisation exclusively for states bordering the Mediterranean but Germany balked at the idea fearing it would freeze out northern EU countries from a vital geo-political region.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel forced Sarkozy last week to open up the club to all 27 EU states.
The new union is intended to replace the so-called Barcelona Process which was launched in 1995 with much fanfare but which has made little headway in building cross-border business.
Our Prophetic Perspective
The fact that the Israeli government supports he Mediterranean Union is a sign that Bible prophecy will soon be fulfilled.The Bibles says that the Antichrist will confirm a covenant with Israel for 7 years (1 week of years) and brake this covenant in the middle of the 7 years.(Daniel 9:27).
The Bible also says that the Antichrist will rise from a political entity which will include the nations that surround the Mediterranean sea (Daniel 7:1-25,Revelation 13:1-2).This political kingdom will be divided into 10 regional sections which will be governed by 10 kings.(Daniel 7:23-25,Revelation 17:11-13).The Mediterranean Union could be setting the stage for the kingdom of the Antichrist which will include Israel and the Middle East.Most prophecy students see the European Union as the kingdom of the Antichrist,but the Bible seems to indicate that the kingdom of the Antichrist will include
