Transcript Weekly World Watch

Andy Walton’s
Weekly World Watch
June 22 - 28, 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.
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
June 22 - 28, 2014
• Ukraine signs historic EU pact amid Russia anger
• Iraq crisis: the country is facing imminent break up
• Israel offers to help Arab nations over Iraq crisis
• Putin meets Abbas, urges renewal of peace talks
• Obama asks Congress for $500m for Syrian rebels
• UK one step closer to quitting Europe
To print any of the event slides that follow, click the picture on the upper right
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Ukraine signs historic EU pact amid Russia anger
Daily Telegraph, June 27, 2014
EVENT
Vladimir Putin has called for a long-term ceasefire in Ukraine while claiming the
overthrow of its former pro-Russian president provoked a schism, a humanitarian
crisis and a “flow of blood”. Speaking at a ceremony for foreign diplomats in the
Kremlin, the Russian president made a sideswipe at today’s signing in Brussels of a
trade deal between the EU and Ukraine. “The anti-constitutional coup in Kiev and the
attempts to impose on the Ukrainian people an artificial choice between Europe and
Russia pushed society towards a schism, a painful internal confrontation,” he said, in
comments carried by news agencies. Mr Putin added: “In the south east of the
country, blood is flowing, there is a real humanitarian catastrophe, tens of thousands
of refugees are forced to seek shelter, including in Russia.”
COMMENT This week Ukraine’s President Petro Poroshenko signed the very agreement with
Europe that was almost signed last year. It was this event last year that was the final
straw for Russia and Putin ordered the invasion of Crimea. This is why there is anger
from Putin at events this week and hints at retaliation. But it wasn’t only Ukraine signing
agreements this week…The leaders of Georgia and Moldova also signed EU
“association agreements” at a ceremony in Brussels. So three former Soviet countries
have signed up with Europe. So what Putin’s next move? Well perhaps we get some
idea if we listen to the words of Putin’s senior adviser. “Europe organised a military
coup in Ukraine, they helped Nazis to come to power.” Asked if Ukraine’s president was
a Nazi he replied “of course”. We are seeing Russia being pushed and provoked. It is
part of a series of events that will eventually persuade Russia to break forth and
descend into Israel and beyond. The Russian bear will rise up as its cubs are taken…
BIBLE
QUOTE
And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him: and 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. Events in Ukraine could be part of
the “push” from the king of the south. America is threatening more sanctions (Daniel 11:40)
Iraq crisis: the country is facing imminent break up
Daily Telegraph, June 24, 2014
EVENT
Western officials fear Iraq is facing imminent break-up, as the jihadist take
over of the north seeks to carve the country into different religious fiefdoms. Using
their strongest language to date, diplomats warned that the "sheer scale" of the crisis
could defeat belated efforts by the country's fractious politicians to resolve it. "We
have used the word crisis about Iraq before, but this is the real thing," a Western
diplomat told The Telegraph. "There is no doubt about the scale of the threat that it
poses to Iraq's continued existence as a state, and it is also a threat to the wider
region too.” The diplomat also voiced doubts about the ability of Iraq's politicians,
including Nouri al-Maliki, the country's Shia prime minister, to bury their sectarian
differences. While John Kerry, the US secretary of state, warned on Monday that
greater unity was the only way to stabilise the country, the diplomat said the politicians
were "trapped in a pattern that was hard to break out of."
COMMENT Iraq is a fascinating country. As we watch is dissolving before our eyes it is worth
reminding ourselves of the significance of the area. It was of course where the garden
of Eden was situated – home of sin and death. We know it was in Iraq because the
rivers in Eden are are detailed in Genesis. Those rivers still exist today. It is also the
home of the first kingdom of men ruled by Nimrod – Babylon (or Babel). This kingdom
was setup in opposition to God and became the home of false worship. It was where
Abraham came from. God called him out of this home of sin, death, false worship and
the kingdom of men to a new home. A home in Israel – God’s future kingdom. A place
of true religion, forgiveness of sin and the promise of eternal life. There will be a final
cataclysmic destruction of Iraq which will usher in the long awaited kingdom of God…
BIBLE
QUOTE
And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees’ excellency, shall be as when God
overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah. Babylon never was overthrown like Sodom and Gomorrah.
Those cities were destroyed by fire and brimstone. But these words will be fulfilled to the letter.
(Isaiah 13:19)
Great fire and destruction is yet to come on Iraq.
Israel offers to help Arab nations over Iraq crisis
Associated Press, June 26, 2014
EVENT
Israel offered to help moderate Arab nations threatened by a lightning offensive by
Islamic militants in Iraq, as the country's top diplomat met with US Secretary of State
John Kerry on Thursday. Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman told Kerry at a
meeting in Paris that "the extremists currently operating in Iraq will try to challenge the
stability in the entire Gulf region, first of all in Kuwait," a statement from the Israeli
minister's office said. "Israel could provide effective and reliable assistance to
moderate Arab states who are dealing with extremists," it added, without going into
specific details. Just a few days after visiting Iraq, Kerry said it was "important that
countries in the region stand together against the threat," according to a senior US
official. The conflict also appears to be broadening with Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri alMaliki confirming Syria's air force struck Sunni militants on the Syrian side of the IraqSyria border this week.
COMMENT We have mentioned before about there being 3 definable conflicts that are coming. The
first involves an inner ring of peoples around Israel. It is a conflict involving Hamas,
Hezbollah, Syria supported by Iran / Iraq. This conflict does not involve Russia directly.
It will be a conflict that Israel will overcome but they will be left greatly weakened. This
war will see prophecies fulfilled like Psalm 83 and Isaiah 13, 17 etc. At this point there
may well be some peace agreement put in place. But it will be short lived. The vacuum
left by the destruction of Syria and Iraq during this war will be immense. Into this void
will pour Russia, Iran, Libya, Ethiopia. This is the outer ring of nations war. There may
be little time between the two wars. It may all be considered Armageddon. Finally there
is a third war – a religious war against Christ and the saints. The woman and beast….
BIBLE
QUOTE
For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of
the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty…. And he gathered
them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.
(Revelation 16:14-16)
Putin meets Abbas, urges renewal of peace talks
Israel National News, June 26, 2014
EVENT
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in
Moscow Wednesday. "We would very much like the peace process to resume. I know
there are many difficulties here,” Putin said. Abbas for his part described it as “meeting
between two friends," Itar-Tass news agency reported. “Regrettably, the situation in the
region is not improving, and I am very happy to have the opportunity to meet with you
and talk about how the situation is evolving and outline steps toward normalization,”
Russia Today quoted Putin as telling Abbas. Putin told the Palestinian leader Russia
was interested in improving relations, saying “This is an addition to the other issues of
the regional agenda which is currently a priority for us, and our neighbours, and other
countries.” Abbas will seek Russia's help to face the "vicious crackdown" Israel
has been waging in the occupied West Bank, the Fatah official added.
COMMENT This event is worth noting. The Palestinian leader went to Moscow this week on a three
day visit. According to Russian media, the last time Abbas was in Moscow was at the
end of last January. Abbas first visited Russia in an official capacity at the beginning of
2005 and has since then visited Russia eleven times, not including the current trip.
So 12 times Abbas has been to Moscow. Every time he has been he has the same
message. WE NEED RUSSIA’S HELP. This message has become evermore urgent.
America’s attempts at peace have come to nothing. Russia’s influence in the world has
become ever greater. We read in Ezekiel 38 of Gog (Putin) being ’visited”. The word
literally means to be “sought after” or “called to action”. These “visits” by Abbas are
seeking Russia’s support and calling him to action. Russia WILL respond….
BIBLE
QUOTE
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 38:8)
Obama asks Congress for $500m for Syrian rebels
BBConline, June 26, 2014
EVENT
President Barack Obama has asked the US Congress to approve $500m (£294m) to
train and equip what he described as "moderate" Syrian opposition forces. The funds
would help Syrians defend against forces aligned with President Bashar al-Assad, the
White House said. The aid would also counter Islamist militants such as the Islamic
State in Iraq and the Levant (Isis), it added. Isis's advance in neighbouring Iraq has
led some in Congress to press Mr Obama to take action. Tens of thousands of people
have died and millions more have been displaced in three years of civil war in Syria,
as rebels fight troops loyal to Mr Assad. "This funding request would build on the
administration's longstanding efforts to empower the moderate Syrian opposition, both
civilian and armed," the White House said. It will also "enable the Department of
Defense to increase our support to vetted elements of the armed opposition".
COMMENT Obama is blaming the Syrian regime for the meltdown in Iraq. It’s actually a highly
complex situation. The argument goes like this… The Syrian regime led by Assad (who
is Shia) have been mercilessly killing their own people to stay in power. The main
group of people being killed are Sunnis. This in turn has caused a new virulent stream
of Sunni’s to rise up (ISIS) who now threaten the stability of the government in Iraq
(which is Shia). But the Sunni’s who have risen up are almost certainly funded by Saudi
Arabia (who are Sunni). But the trouble there is that Saudi and America are allies. Iran
(who is Shia) has ended up being on the same side as America over ISIS! Complex?!
So America wants revenge on Assad. He (they believe) is the cause of the problems.
They also want to stop ISIS taking over any part of Syria. Isaiah 17 speaks of the
destruction of Damascus. But at the end of the chapter it says the following….
BIBLE
QUOTE
Woe to the multitude of many people, which make a noise like the noise of the seas; and to the
rushing of nations, that make a rushing like the rushing of mighty waters! The nations shall rush
like the rushing of many waters: We are seeing the multitudes of people rising up and crashing
(Isaiah 17:12-13)
together like the stormy seas…
UK one step closer to quitting Europe
Daily Telegraph, June 27, 2014
EVENT
Britain has moved a step closer to leaving the European Union after David Cameron
declared “war” on Brussels over the nomination of Jean-Claude Juncker.
Keeping Britain in the EU “has got harder”, the Prime Minister said, after he was
outvoted by 26 to two in his attempt to prevent Mr Juncker becoming the European
Commission president. The result emboldened Eurosceptic MPs and Ukip supporters
who want to leave the EU. However, Mr Cameron said he would wage a “long, tough
fight” to reform Brussels before campaigning for Britain to remain in the EU in an in-out
referendum he has promised to hold in 2017. The Prime Minister said the decision to
nominate Mr Juncker, an arch-federalist facing questions about his drinking habits,
represented “a sad day for the EU”. Mr Cameron said: “The European Council know
that I’m deadly serious about EU reform. I’ve said I’m not going to back down. I won’t.
COMMENT So who is the new President of Europe? And why does Britain oppose him so much?
Jean-Claude Juncker was one of the main architects of the euro. As one UK
newspaper put it he bares “considerable responsibility for the flaws in its design which
led to the years of economic stagnation and mass unemployment in which the union is
still ensnared. He has never shown any public regret or remorse for these problems,
however: he appears convinced like the true believer in some arcane faith that
Europe’s “ever-closer integration” must be driven forward relentlessly, whatever the
political, social and economic costs.” And that is the issue for Britain. Europe’s vision is
ever closer union – giving up sovereign power. For Europe its about an ideology – a
uniting of the continent. For Britain its just about the money. If we can be more wealthy
then being in Europe is a price worth paying. That price though as just gone up!
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.
(Revelation 17:12-13)
The beast = Europe The kings = national leaders Giving their power = giving up sovereignty
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