Transcript Weekly World Watch

Andy Walton’s
Weekly World Watch
October 5 - 18, 2014
“If the watchman sees the sword coming and
does not blow the trumpet to warn the people
and the sword comes and takes the life of one
of them, that man will be taken away because
of his sin, but I will hold the watchman
accountable for his blood.”
(Ezekiel 33:6, New International Version)
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To skip the introductory slides and go straight to this weeks developments click here.
What is a Weekly World Watch?
The idea is simple. It is to look at current events and compare them to
events spoken of in the Bible. .
I hope to build up a picture of God’s hand working in the affairs of this world.
God is bringing about a day when all nations will be gathered to Jerusalem
to battle. At that time God will send His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, back to
this earth. Jesus will then establish God’s kingdom on earth.
This kingdom will last for ever. This is our hope and the reason we watch.
The following six themes will appear repeatedly in WWW:
• Israel: The continuing conflict in the Middle East and focus on Jerusalem.
• Europe: Its developing union, both political and religious.
• Russia: Its return to anti-Western ways as Bible prophecy’s “king of the
north.”
• The UK and the US: Bible prophecy’s “king of the south.”
• Moral standards in decline and violence on the increase.
• Increasing natural disasters: including earthquake, famine etc
WWW presentations in PowerPoint can be ordered as audio/visual CDs by clicking here.
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What is in a Weekly World Watch?
Each WWW looks at a few key developments that have happened during the
past week. It is in no way meant to be exhaustive – just a look at those events
I saw as significant from a Biblical point of view.
Every WWW event slide has the following format. To reveal each block of text
just left click your mouse or press the space bar. You control when it appears.
HEADLINE
This is straight from a news report that caught my
eye because it looked significant from a Biblical
perspective, usually that of prophecy.
The source of the headline and the date are included.
EVENT
News
Photo
This is the reporter’s description of the event. It is always a direct
quotation from the news report and reflects the understanding of the
reporter and editors.
This is my comment on why the event is interesting to a Bible student.
COMMENT The intention of the WWW is to offer brief Biblical perspectives without
going into detail. If more detail is desired, please e-mail me:
([email protected]). Please note that these are personal
thoughts and the aim is purely to stimulate Bible study.
This is normally one verse which backs up why the event that has occurred
BIBLE
is interesting from a Biblical perspective. Please read in its context.
QUOTE
Unless stated otherwise, all quotes are from the King James Version.
(Book, chapter, and verse)
This Week’s Developments
October 5 - 18, 2014
• Moscow caught watching Israel from Syrian border
• Russia and Ukraine fail to make progress in talks
• Russia deploying tactical nuclear arms in Crimea
• Geopolitical Development: Russia’s push to the south
• Iran arms Palestinians for new war with Israel
• 10,000 new Ebola cases per week could be seen
To print any of the event slides that follow, click the picture on the upper right
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Moscow caught watching Israel from Syrian border
The Times, October 11, 2014
EVENT
A secret base overrun by Syrian rebel forces this week yielded more than a grandstand
view of the Israeli border. After seizing the 3,280ft peak at Tal al-Hara, the rebels found
a military eavesdropping base bristling with equipment.
Intriguingly, though, the walls were also covered in maps of Israel annotated in Russian
to show the layout of Israeli forces and signal stations. There were lists of Russian
soldiers who had apparently served with Syrians at the base, less than 10 miles from
the sensitive Golan Heights region of Israel. Wall-mounted displays showed Syrian
army emblems alongside insignia of the Osnaz GRU, the Russian special forces’
electronic intelligence unit. Video footage shot by the rebels showed a wall-mounted list
of six past commanders of the base, all Russian with the rank of colonel. One rebel, a
former soldier in the Syrian army, said that the site was the most important in a network
of Russian operated listening posts in Syria.
COMMENT Incredible - but with Bible in hand not surprising. Russia is watching Israel from Syria.
The American senator John McCain commenting on this said that the “base reflected
enduring Russian support for President Assad’s government”. He described it as a
“shocking revelation”. Russia’s true intentions are revealed clearly in God’s Word.
We are told that Gog (the Russian ruler) will plan in advance to invade Israel. The
reason that Gog wants to invade is because he sees a “spoil”. Wealth to be taken.
Israel has this wealth right now. It has not only the largest economy in the Middle East,
it also has the strategically valuable east coast of the Mediterranean. And if that wasn’t
enough it has, in the past few years, found huge gas fields worth billions.
Russia is watching Israel – it will invade…
BIBLE
QUOTE
Thus saith the Lord GOD; It shall also come to pass, that at the same time shall things come into
thy mind, and thou shalt think an evil thought: And thou shalt say, I will go up to the land of
unwalled villages; I will go to them that are at rest, that dwell safely, all of them dwelling without
(Ezekiel 38:10-11)
walls, and having neither bars nor gates,
Russia and Ukraine fail to make progress in talks
Washington FreeBeacon, October 17, 2014
EVENT
Russia, Ukraine and European governments failed to make any progress towards
solving the crisis in Ukraine on Friday in talks that the Kremlin said were “full of
misunderstandings and disagreements.” Further discussions were scheduled later in
the day, but there were few expectations of any immediate accord to strengthen a
faltering ceasefire in eastern Ukraine or to end a row over blocked Russian gas
supplies to Ukraine. “I cannot see a breakthrough here at all so far,” German
Chancellor Angela Merkel said after top EU leaders met Russian President Vladimir
Putin and Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on the sidelines of an EU-Asia
(ASEM) summit in Milan. “We will continue to talk. There was progress on some
details, but the main issue is continued violations of the territorial integrity of Ukraine,”
she added, clearly pinning the blame for the impasse on Moscow.
COMMENT As the days become colder and the nights shorter, the search for a deal to keep the
heating on in Ukraine and safeguard the supplies of many of its neighbours is reaching
a critical point. But the talks are struggling. The consequences if these talks collapse
are huge. On 16 June Russia turned off the gas taps to Ukraine after complaining that
Ukraine had failed to pay off its debts. Ukraine depends on Russia for half its gas
supplies. Putin warned on Thursday that Russia would reduce gas supplies to Europe if
Ukraine took gas from the transit pipeline to cover its own needs.
We can see how this standoff could develop into a massive crisis in Europe. Putin
holds many of the cards in this high stake game as he controls a huge percentage of
Europe’s energy. We read of a latter day king of the north in Daniel 8. We read of a
fierce, strong, deceitful Russian ruler – Putin fits the bill amazingly well!
BIBLE
QUOTE
a fierce king, a master of intrigue, will rise to power. He will become very strong, but not by his own
power. He will cause a shocking amount of destruction and succeed in everything he does. He will
destroy powerful leaders and devastate the holy people.
(Daniel 8:23-24)
Russia deploying tactical nuclear arms in Crimea
Washington FreeBeacon, October 10, 2014
EVENT
Russia is moving tactical nuclear weapons systems into recently-annexed Crimea while
the Obama administration is backing informal talks aimed at cutting U.S. tactical nuclear
deployments in Europe. Three senior House Republican leaders wrote to President
Obama two weeks ago warning that Moscow will deploy nuclear missiles and bombers
armed with long-range air launched cruise missiles into occupied Ukrainian territory.
“Locating nuclear weapons on the sovereign territory of another state without its
permission is a devious and cynical action,” states the letter signed by House Armed
Services Committee Chairman Howard P. “Buck” McKeon (R., Calif.) and two
subcommittee chairmen. “It further positions Russian nuclear weapons closer to the
heart of NATO, and it allows Russia to gain a military benefit from its seizure of Crimea,
allowing Russia to profit from its action.”
COMMENT As one US Senate Armed Services Committee member said “The stationing of new
nuclear forces on the Crimean peninsula, Ukrainian territory Russia annexed in March,
is both a new and menacing threat to the security of Europe and also a clear message
from Putin that he intends to continue to violate the territorial integrity of his
neighbours.” Russia is deploying Tu-22 Backfire nuclear bombers to the Crimean
airbase. Jane’s Defence Weekly described the nuclear-capable Tu-22s to be based in
Crimea as “the backbone of Soviet naval strike units during the Cold War.”
Russia is preparing not only to defend its position in eastern Europe but to expand its
influence far wider. We are seeing the king of the north preparing to descend into the
Middle East. Ezekiel 38 and Daniel 11 will shortly be fulfilled…
BIBLE
QUOTE
the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen,
and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over. He
shall enter also into the glorious land, and many countries shall be overthrown:
(Daniel 11:40-41)
Russia’s Push to the South—A net assessment of the
Geopolitical Developments in the Black Sea Region
Eurasia Daily Monitor, October 16, 2014
EVENT
The strategic implications of Russia’s annexation of Crimea and invasion of Ukraine
far transcend Ukraine, Russia, Poland and the Baltic States. They also prominently
include the entire Black Sea littoral, including the Balkans, and even the Eastern
Mediterranean. Historically, domination of the Black Sea opened the way to Russia’s
projection of its power into these areas, and recent events show signs that this
process may be repeating itself again. Moscow’s conquest and annexation of Crimea
in February 2014 has set the stage for a new Russian drive to the south.
Russia’s expanding presence in the Middle East stems, in no small measure, from its
ability to project and sustain naval power in the Mediterranean from its bases and
robust presence in the Black Sea—a capability and objective that will likely continue
to grow if Moscow’s conquest of Ukraine cannot be arrested and reversed.
COMMENT There are those who might question whether Russia would ever descend south into the
Middle East. Sure they might want to defend their own borders – but invade Israel and
beyond? – surely not! But it’s not just the Bible that says this will happen. The analysis
in the report above says that Russia is in a drive to the south. The author of this paper
is Dr. Stephen Blank. He is a Senior Fellow and resident Russia expert at the American
Foreign Policy Council. He is not looking at Russia with Bible in hand – he is looking at
Russia with current events in hand. It just so happens that the two are one and the
same. We have been saying for many, many years that Russia is the nation to lead an
invasion from the north into Israel. Events in Ukraine and Crimea have emboldened
Russia to make the steps southward. There are of course still more events to happen
to finally push (and pull) Russia down but they could come at anytime….
BIBLE
QUOTE
I am your enemy, O Gog, ruler of the nations of Meshech and Tubal. I will turn you around and
drive you toward the mountains of Israel, bringing you from the distant north. I will knock the bow
from your left hand and the arrows from your right hand, and I will leave you helpless. You and
(Ezekiel 39:1-4 NLT)
your army and your allies will all die on the mountains.
Iran arms Palestinians for new war with Israel
Washington FreeBeacon, October 16, 2014
EVENT
COMMENT
BIBLE
QUOTE
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei promised increased support for
Palestinian terrorists and urged them to stockpile arms in anticipation of a new war on
Israel, according to public comments made Thursday following his meeting with
members of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) terror group. “Fighting the Zionist regime
[Israel] is a war of destiny,” Khamenei said after a meeting with PIJ’s secretary general,
according to Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency.
Khamenei instructed Palestinians to “intensify their fight against the Israeli regime” and
vowed that Iran would continue to arm Palestinian terrorists in both the Gaza Strip and
West Bank, according to Fars. All Palestinian terrorists groups—with Iran’s support—
should rearm and prepare for another war with Israel, Khamenei said.
The 50 day war between Hamas and Israel is paused - but not over. Who can doubt
even without reading the Bible that conflict will start again. With Bible in hand the whole
picture is clear. There are 3 key stages to the final conflict. Stage 1 is war between
Israel and surrounding tribes. The surrounding tribes include Hamas (Palestinians) and
Hezbollah (based in Tyre). Syria will almost certainly be involved in this conflict. The
main power behind these peoples is Iran. The report above clearly shows this to be the
case. Iran is using these peoples like pawns to carry out its main objective – destroying
Israel. However stage 1 will fail. Israel will overcome and defeat these people. But then
comes stage 2. Into the void that is left will pour the outer ring of nations. This time led
by Russia. Iran will join the fray. But this stage will also fail– Christ will return and the
northern army will be destroyed. Stage 3 comes after this. Europe v Christ & Saints…
I will make Jerusalem like an intoxicating drink that makes the nearby nations stagger when they
send their armies to besiege Jerusalem and Judah. 3 On that day I will make Jerusalem an
immovable rock. All the nations will gather against it to try to move it, but they will only hurt
themselves. Zechariah 12 concerns stage 1 – the “nearby nations”
(Zechariah 12:2-3 NLT)
10,000 new Ebola cases per week could be seen
Associated Press, October 14, 2014
EVENT
West Africa could face up to 10,000 new Ebola cases a week within two months, the
World Health Organization warned Tuesday, adding that the death rate in the current
outbreak has risen to 70 percent. WHO assistant director-general Dr. Bruce Aylward
gave the grim figures during a news conference in Geneva. Previously, the agency had
estimated the Ebola mortality rate at around 50 percent overall. In contrast, in events
such as flu pandemics, the death rate is typically under 2 percent. Acknowledging that
Ebola was "a high mortality disease," Aylward said the U.N. health agency was still
focused on trying to get sick people isolated and provide treatment as early as possible.
He told reporters if the world's response to the Ebola crisis isn't stepped up within 60
days, "a lot more people will die" and health workers will be stretched even further.
Experts say the epidemic is doubling in size about every three weeks.
COMMENT It’s incredible that in World War 1, 17 million soldiers and civilians were killed in battle.
What is even more incredible is that as World War 1 ended in 1918 a deadly illness
took hold around the world which killed an estimated 50 million people. It was the
Spanish Influenza – it killed 3 times as many as the world war. It is still the largest and
most destructive pandemic in recorded history. Average life expectancy dropped by 12
years… in America. We know another world war is coming. In fact a war to eclipse all
wars. And in the making is another pandemic that could potentially be even more
catastrophic than the flu pandemic. We read in Isaiah 24 that terrible judgement is
coming on the world. It will effect all people – rich and poor. And when it is over – few
men will be left… We surely need to be on God’s side….NOW….
BIBLE
QUOTE
The earth suffers for the sins of its people, for they have twisted God’s instructions, violated his
laws, and broken his everlasting covenant. Therefore, a curse consumes the earth. Its people must
pay the price for their sin. Therefore the inhabitants of the earth are scorched and parched, and
only a few are left alive…..Lord of Hosts will rule on Mount Zion. He will rule in great glory in
(Isaiah 24:5-6 NLT)
Jerusalem,
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