Transcript Weekly World Watch

Andy Walton’s
Weekly World Watch
May 3 - 9, 2015
“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.
Move your mouse to place the cursor on the blue link and click.
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
May 10 - 23, 2015
• Vatican recognizes State of Palestine in new treaty
• Iran 80,000 missiles pointed at Tel Aviv
• Iran enters Iraqi fight for key oil refinery
• Finland tells 900,000 reservists roles 'in event of war'
• Greece says that it will default on June 5th
• Ireland same-sex referendum
To print any of the event slides that follow, click the picture on the upper right
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Vatican recognizes State of Palestine in new
treaty
Daily Telegraph, May 13, 2015
EVENT
The Vatican has officially recognised a Palestinian state in a new treaty. The treaty,
which was finalised on Wednesday but still has to be signed, makes clear that the Holy
See has switched its diplomatic relations from the Palestinian Liberation Organisation
to the "state of Palestine”. The Vatican had welcomed the decision by the UN General
Assembly in 2012 to recognise a Palestinian state. But the treaty is the first legal
document negotiated between the Holy See and the Palestinian state and constitutes
an official recognition. The treaty comes as Pope Francis prepares for a visit by
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Saturday before the canonisation of two new
saints from the Holy Land the following day.
Israel said it was "disappointed”. In a statement, the Israeli Foreign Ministry said the
move would not help the peace process and "distances the Palestinian leadership from
returning to direct and bilateral negotiations."
COMMENT The Pope makes a treaty with the Palestinians with regards the division of the land of
Israel! We have in Biblical terms the little horn power of Rome in Daniel 7 (the Pope)
making a covenant with the Philistines (Palestinians) with regard to the division of
God’s land of Israel who He gave to the Jews. There must be scriptural significance
with this event. And there is. Amazingly we read of a future leader of the Rome
confirming a covenant with those opposed to the descendants of Jacob. It’s in Daniel
9v27. We read that “he shall confirm a covenant with many”. “He” grammatically refers
to the ruler that destroyed the city and the sanctuary. The ruler who did this was a
Roman ruler in AD70. A latter day Roman ruler makes an agreement for a period of 7
years with “many”. The many refers to descendants of Esau- those who oppose Israel
BIBLE
QUOTE
And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall
cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall
make it desolate, Some believe the “he” to refers to Jesus. But it cannot be so. It is a latter day
Roman ruler who causes the overspreading of abominations – the Pope
(Daniel 9:27)
Iran 80,000 missiles pointed at Tel Aviv
Israel National News, May 21, 2015
EVENT
Iran issued yet another threat against Israel on Thursday, Channel 2 reported.
According to a top Iranian advisor, Tehran has “tens of thousands” of missiles pointed
at Israel, and will not hesitate to use them. Speaking Thursday, Yahya Rahim Zafabi, a
top advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, said the tens of thousands of
missiles will “sow the seeds of destruction in Israel” if they are to be fired.
“The Zionists and the Americans know what the powers of Iran and Hezbollah are,” he
added. “They know that over 80,000 missiles are pointed at Tel Aviv and Haifa,” with
the figure apparently including the many short-range missiles Hezbollah is believed to
have.Zafabi was apparently responding to remarks made Wednesday by Defence
Minister Moshe Ya'alon, who said Israel “will not allow for the opening of another war
front against Israel. We will act strongly against those who act against us or plans to
act against us. We will reach their bases, damage them, and destroy their weapons."
COMMENT Iran wants Israel removed from the map. Even though they are talking to America about
limiting their nuclear program there is no doubt with Bible in hand that we know this is
all deceit. They are stalling for time and busy arming those people that surround Israel
with deadly missiles and rockets that will one day be used against them.
Zechariah 12 speaks of an initial war against Israel that involves Israel’s surrounding
neighbours. It is a war we are told that Israel wins. It is the same war mentioned in
Psalm 83. Iran [Assur] is mentioned in Psalm 83 as helping those peoples like Hamas
and Hezbollah who want to destroy Israel. Following this devastating war which Israel
does win (but is left greatly weakened) we will then see Russia and Iran itself descend
into the vacuum that is left. There are 2 main parts then to the final conflict coming…
BIBLE
QUOTE
On that day I will make the clans of Judah like a flame that sets a woodpile ablaze or like a burning
torch among sheaves of grain. They will burn up all the neighbouring nations right and left, while
the people living in Jerusalem remain secure. Notice Jerusalem is secure. Very different to the
(Zechariah 12:6 NLT)
situation in Zechariah 14 when Jerusalem is taken and ruined.
Iran enters Iraqi fight for key oil refinery
Associated Press, May 21, 2015
EVENT
Iran has entered the fight to retake a major Iraqi oil refinery from Islamic State militants,
contributing small numbers of troops — including some operating artillery and other
heavy weapons — in support of advancing Iraqi ground forces, U.S. defence officials
said Friday. Two U.S. defence officials said Iranian forces have taken a significant
offensive role in the Beiji operation in recent days, in conjunction with Iraqi Shiite militia.
The officials were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition
of anonymity. One official said Iranians are operating artillery, 122mm rocket systems
and surveillance and reconnaissance drones to help the Iraqi counteroffensive.
The Iranian role was not mentioned in a new U.S. military statement asserting that Iraqi
security forces, with U.S. help, had managed to establish a land route into the Beiji
refinery compound
COMMENT The report above went on to say that “Iran's role in Iraq is a major complicating factor
for the Obama administration as it searches for the most effective approach to
countering the Islamic State group.” Iran is getting more and more assertive. It feels in
the driving seat. Iran knows America wants a deal on its nuclear program. It sees
America’s support diminish for both Israel and Saudi Arabia. Iran therefore is bolstered
and is stirring up trouble in Yemen and now entering the war in Iraq. The Bible tells us
that Iran (the Medes) will have a role to play in Iraq. Just as ancient Medes brought
ancient Babylon to an end so modern Iran will bring modern Iraq to an end. We are told
in Isaiah 13 that the Medes will be stirred up against Iraq. They will bring great
destruction to that land. We are seeing the start of Iranian involvement there.
BIBLE
QUOTE
Behold, I will stir up the Medes [Iranians] against them, which shall not regard silver; and as for
gold, they shall not delight in it. Their bows also shall dash the young men to pieces; and they
shall have no pity on the fruit of the womb; their eye shall not spare children. And
Babylon,[Iraq]…shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah.
(Isaiah 13:17-19)
Finland tells 900,000 reservists roles 'in event
of war'
Daily Telegraph, May 21, 2015
EVENT
Finland has sent letters to nearly a million military reservists,
setting out their roles “in the event of war” amid rising tension with
neighbouring Russia. The letters have been dispatched to 900,000 former conscripts
in the armed forces, including to Finns living abroad. The first were sent earlier this
month, with the final batch distributed in the last few days. Finland is not a member of
Nato and the country shares an 830-mile border with Russia – the longest of any
European nation apart from Ukraine. In the aftermath of Russia’s annexation of
Crimea and the invasion of eastern Ukraine, Finland is uniquely vulnerable to any
further aggression. The letter tells the reservists which regiment or unit to report to in
the event of hostilities. “Attached you will find your personal details as well as your
role in the event of war,” it reads.
COMMENT War is coming. In fact World War 3 is coming. The final conflict – Armageddon. Events
in Europe with Russia are the preparation for a war that will be centred in the Middle
East. The Ukrainian conflict is part of the push against Russia that in effect finally tips
Putin over the edge. The push from the West encourages Putin to think an evil thought
to descend south into the Middle East. It is possible that this summer might finally see
war break out. There are a number of reports saying as follows…”A summer campaign
may begin in a month or so. In July and August, the weather is best for war-making in
Eastern Ukraine, and the Russian military is operationally at its peak for carrying out
mass engagements if the confrontation, by chance, begins to escalate out of control.”
We do not know for certain when World War will begin but when we look at events in
Ukraine, Syria, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Russia – we know it cannot be long…
BIBLE
QUOTE
Proclaim ye this among the Gentiles; Prepare war, wake up the mighty men, let all the men of war
draw near; let them come up: Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruninghooks into
spears: let the weak say, I am strong. Assemble yourselves, and come, all ye heathen, and gather
yourselves together round about: thither cause thy mighty ones to come down, O LORD.
(Joel 3:9-11)
Greece says that it will default on June 5th
Reuters, May 20, 2015
EVENT
Greece will not be able to make a payment to the International Monetary Fund due on
June 5 unless foreign lenders provide more aid, a senior ruling party lawmaker said on
Wednesday, the latest warning from Athens that it is on the verge of default.
Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras's leftist government says it hopes to reach a cash-forreforms deal in days, although European Union and IMF lenders are more pessimistic
and say talks are moving too slowly for that. Payments to the IMF totalling about 1.5
billion euros ($1.7 billion) fall due next month, starting with a 300 million euro payment
on June 5. "Now is the moment that negotiations are coming to a head. Now is the
moment of truth, on June 5," Nikos Filis, spokesman for the ruling Syriza party's
lawmakers, told ANT1 television. "If there is no deal by then that will address the current
funding problem, they won't get any money," he said.
COMMENT Why are we interested in a technical default by one of the smallest economies in the
European Union? The answer is that a default could cause Greece to exit the Euro. An
exit of the Euro could then cause contagion that spreads. It could cause other weaker
nations to exit. At the same time the UK is looking to have a referendum on whether to
stay in or leave Europe. What we could then see is a core group of nations covering a
similar territory to the ancient Holy Roman Empire emerge. Ten nations who become a
superstate. A block that really do give their power and strength to the European beast.
One government, one army, one superstate. The Bible says that 10 kings (rulers) will
give their power and strength to the beast for one hour. So emerging from a bottomless
pit will be a Roman like superpower that one day makes war on Christ and the saints.
BIBLE
QUOTE
And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but
receive power as kings one hour with the beast. These have one mind, and shall give their power
and strength unto the beast. These shall make war with the Lamb,
(Revelation 17:12-13)
Ireland same-sex referendum
BBC, May 23, 2015
EVENT
COMMENT
BIBLE
QUOTE
Vote counting has begun after a historic referendum in the Republic of Ireland on
whether to legalise same-sex marriage. More than 3.2m people were asked whether
they wanted to amend the country's constitution to allow gay and lesbian couples to
marry. Counting started at 09:00 BST on Saturday morning - early indications are that
the measure will pass. An "unusually high" turnout was reported on Friday.
If the change is approved, the Republic of Ireland would become the first country to
legalise same-sex marriage through a popular vote. Minister for Equality Aodhan O
Riordain said on Twitter: "I'm calling it. Key boxes opened. It's a yes. And a landslide
across Dublin. And I'm so proud to be Irish today.” Speaking from the Dublin count, he
told Irish broadcaster RTE that it appeared about 75% of votes being counted there
were in favour of legalising same-sex marriage.
As this is being typed the vote has not yet been announced but from all reports it looks
like a landslide victory for those backing same sex marriage. This is the first country in
history to ask people to vote for same sex marriage. Other countries who have
legalised this have never asked the people to vote.
The Bible could not be clearer. Practising homosexuality is an abomination to God. We
are designed by him. We were not created to behave in this way. The institution of
marriage was designed by God. A man and a woman married, committed to each other.
It is a sign we are living in the days like Sodom – which God destroyed. Jesus said we
would be living in days like Sodom just before he returned. The acceptance of
homosexual marriage surely puts in in those very days. His return is therefore near.
God condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah and turned them into heaps of ashes. He
made them an example of what will happen to ungodly people. But God also rescued Lot out of
Sodom because he was a righteous man who was sick of the shameful immorality of the wicked
people around him. Are we like Lot – sick of the shameful immorality we see? (2 Peter 2:6-8)
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