Transcript Weekly World Watch

Andy Walton’s
Weekly World Watch
April 20 - 26, 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
April 20 - 26, 2014
• Kiev warns of 'world war three'
• G7 agree new sanctions on Russia
• Ukraine crisis: War of words offers little hope
• Israel suspends peace talks with Palestinians
• Assad using chemical weapons attacks with chlorine
• Man killed by giant crucifix dedicated to Pope
To print any of the event slides that follow, click the picture on the upper right
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Kiev warns of 'world war three'
Daily Telegraph, April 25, 2014
EVENT
Western powers led by US President Barack Obama have warning that Russia faces
fresh sanctions over Ukraine, as Kiev accused Moscow of seeking to trigger a “third
world war”. The threat came amid heightened tensions on the ground as the Ukrainian
military launched a new offensive to besiege the rebel-held city of Slavyansk and
insurgents blew up an army helicopter with a rocket-propelled grenade. German
Chancellor Angela Merkel announced that EU ministers would meet soon to agree
new measures targeting Russia. “Given the absence of progress, we have to think
about - and not just think about, but act on - the option of new sanctions,” she said.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian authorities ratcheted up military operations against pro-Russian
rebels in the east and called for support from the West. “The world hasn’t forgotten the
2nd World War and Russia wants to start a third world war,” said the prime minister.
th
COMMENT It is incredible as we near the 100 anniversary of the start of the first world war we
read in our daily newspapers about the possible start of the third world war. The first
world war, was a global war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914. More than 9
million combatants were killed. World War 1 brought about the end of several great
empires. The British and the Ottoman empires. A key element was to remove the
Ottoman power from Palestine. World War 2 brought about the reestablishment of
Israel in the land of Palestine because of the 6m Jews that were killed in Europe. World
War 3 will bring about the end of nations as we know them and the establishment of
Christ’s kingdom on earth centred in Israel. The 3 world wars then are 3 stages. Stage
1 – clearing the ground for Israel to be created. Stage 2 – the creation of Israel. Stage 3
– the establishment of the kingdom of God centred on Israel. World War 3 is coming….
BIBLE
QUOTE
And just as you saw the iron mixed with baked clay, so the people will be a mixture and will not
remain united, any more than iron mixes with clay. “In the time of those kings, the God of heaven
will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will crush
all those kingdoms and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure forever. (Daniel 2:43-44 NIV)
G7 agree new sanctions on Russia
Daily Telegraph, April 26, 2014
EVENT
The Group of Seven has agreed to impose new sanctions on Russia over the crisis in
Ukraine, with a senior US official saying some could come as early as Monday.
The move marks a further ramping up of pressure on the Kremlin by the grouping,
which has turned on its fellow G8 member since Russia annexed Crimea in March.
"We have now agreed that we will move swiftly to impose additional sanctions on
Russia," a joint statement said. "Given the urgency of securing the opportunity for a
successful and peaceful democratic vote next month in Ukraine's presidential
elections, we have committed to act urgently to intensify targeted sanctions and
measures to increase the costs of Russia's actions.” A senior US official, however,
noted that the measures by each country need not be identical. Several European
economies are tightly bound to Russia, which is a large supplier of energy.
US sanctions could come as early as Monday.
COMMENT From a military point of view America is practically powerless in Ukraine. The Obama
administration has removed all operational combat tanks from Europe and key strike
aircraft. This is limiting the options for America to give a show of force to bolster eastern
NATO allies as Russia contemplates invading Ukraine. So what can America do? It
seems clear that America will do something. Its greatest weapon is now financial
sanctions. The Telegraph reported this week that an elite cell at the US Treasury has
developed an arsenal of financial weapons that can in theory can bring Russia to its
knees by “persuading” global banks and insurers to pull back form dealing with Russia.
Russia then would be forced either into submission or into finding new ways to get
cash. Russia will be “pushed” into coming down and taking a spoil from Israel….
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, …. He shall enter also into the glorious land. The “push” is a
provocation from the king of the south (America/ UK) against the king of the north (Russia). We will
(Daniel 11:40)
enter the “time of the end” when this happens… anytime soon!
Ukraine crisis: War of words offers little hope
BBConline, April 25, 2014
EVENT
Day by day the language of diplomacy is being replaced by words of confrontation
and recrimination, as the US and Russia manoeuvre in the escalating crisis over the
future of Ukraine. The statement by John Kerry on Thursday took the rhetoric to a new
level as he accused the Russian government of failing to do anything to defuse
tensions in eastern Ukraine, as required under the terms of the agreement reached in
Geneva last week. "Having failed to postpone Ukraine's elections, having failed to halt
a legitimate political process, Russia has instead chosen an illegitimate course of
armed violence to try and achieve with the barrel of a gun and the force of a mob what
couldn't be achieved any other way," Mr Kerry said. The US secretary of state went on
to describe Russia's action as a "full-throated effort to sabotage the democratic
process.” Not since the Cold War ended more than 20 years ago, have such angry
words been fired at the Kremlin by the state department.
COMMENT It is hard to see any diplomatic solution with the situation in Ukraine. Russia will never
let Ukraine out of its sphere of influence and America will never allow Russia to just get
its own way without punishment. It is indeed an escalating crisis. In his first term Barack
Obama attempted to reset relations with the Kremlin. The two countries even signed a
treaty to cut their nuclear arsenals back in 2010. But that brief period of optimism that
Russia and the United States could normalise relations, has now become a distant
memory. It began to go wrong when the revolutions in the Arab world began. Russia
was alarmed by NATO’s bombing of Libya. Russia then backed Assad in Syria and
blocked every resolution against the regime. And now Ukraine is the final straw for
Russia. The path to conflict has begun. It will end with Russia invading the Middle East.
BIBLE
QUOTE
I will drive away these armies from the north. I will send them into the parched wastelands. Those
in the front will be driven into the Dead Sea, and those at the rear into the Mediterranean. The
stench of their rotting bodies will rise over the land.” Surely the Lord has done great things!
(Joel 2:20 NLT)
This verse is speaking of the destruction of Russia troops in Israel by God
Israel suspends peace talks with Palestinians
USA Today, April 25, 2014
EVENT
Israel suspended the current round of Israeli-Palestinian talks Thursday in response
to a unity deal between the rival Palestinian groups Hamas and Fatah. The two
Palestinian rival groups announced on Wednesday plans to unite and try to form a
unity government after a seven-year rift. The decision by Palestinian President
Mahmoud Abbas angered Israel, which considers Hamas to be a terrorist
organization. The suspension of talks was announced after Prime Minister Benjamin
Netanyahu held a five-hour meeting of Israel's Security Cabinet. "Instead of choosing
peace, Abu Mazen [Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas] formed an
alliance with a murderous terrorist organization that calls for Israel's destruction,"
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, "Abu Mazen formed an alliance with an
organization whose covenant calls for Muslims to wage Jihad against Jews.”
COMMENT Incredibly as we see world war 3 on the cards starting in Europe we see the collapse of
the peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians. Obama has tried to push Israel
into accepting the division of the land. But so far he has failed to get the two sides to
agree. The deadline of the 29th April to complete a peace agreement is now completely
dead in the water. The 9 month window to get a final status solution ends next Tuesday.
9 months was an interesting time period. The exact time is takes for a woman to give
birth. At the end of the period there are the contractions and a final push. We have
been seeing the contractions get worse and worse and closer and closer together. We
may be very close to the final push. The “time of the end” which starts with the “push”
will eventually bring forth our Lord Jesus Christ – who will return from heaven with the
trumpet blast and a great shout – and all the world will see him in the clouds of heaven.
BIBLE
QUOTE
I said in a little while you won’t see me, but a little while after that you will see me again. …. You
will grieve, but your grief will suddenly turn to wonderful joy. It will be like a woman suffering the
pains of labor. When her child is born, her anguish gives way to joy because she has brought a
(John 16:19-21 NLT)
new baby into the world.
Assad using chemical weapons attacks with
chlorine
Daily Telegraph, April 20, 2014
Bashar al-Assad's regime has reverted to the use of a chemical gas first used at Ypres
in the First World War in a series of recent attacks, Western officials believe.
François Hollande, the French president, on Sunday declared the Syrian leader had
continued to use chemical weapons on the front line, though he added definite proof
had not yet been established. Officials are examining attacks on at least three towns in
the last week where credible reports point to the use of chlorine gas, leaving dozens of
people seeking treatment for the symptoms of poisoning.
While the Syrian regime has handed over 80 per cent of its declared chemical weapons
stockpile for destruction under UN supervision, the attacks appear to show Assad's
regime is continuing to use poison against its own civilians. Since the initial attack on
April 11, there have been at least two more chlorine related incidents in the rebel
region.
COMMENT Meanwhile in Syria events continue to deteriorate. Assad has resumed use of chemical
weapons. He is now using chlorine gas. While chlorine is not listed as a banned
chemical agent in recognition of its wide range of industrial uses, its use as a weapon
of war is prohibited under the 1925 Chemical Weapons Convention.
It was first used 100 years ago in the first world war where it killed 30,000 people.
We know that Isaiah 17 needs to be completely fulfilled at some point. Damascus
removed from being a city. Israel greatly weakened at that point. We are entering a
time of great conflict. Not only in Europe but beyond into Syria and Israel. We are even
seeing tensions rise in the east between China and Japan. There are fears of an
imminent nuclear test by North Korea as well…..The world is on the brink…
EVENT
BIBLE
QUOTE
Say to the nations far and wide: “Get ready for war! Call out your best warriors. Let all your
fighting men advance for the attack. Hammer your plowshares into swords and your pruning
hooks into spears. Train even your weaklings to be warriors. Come quickly, all you nations
everywhere. Gather together in the valley.
(Joel 3:9-11 NLT)
Man killed by giant crucifix
dedicated to Pope
Daily Telegraph, April 24, 2014
EVENT
Before and After
An Italian man was crushed to death on Thursday by a giant crucifix dedicated to the
late Pope John Paul II, just days before the Polish pontiff will be made a saint in a
ceremony at the Vatican. In a bizarre coincidence, the 21-year-old man was reported to
have been living in a street named after Pope John XXIII – who will also be canonised
in the ceremony on Sunday, in an event that is unprecedented in the 2,000 year history
of the Catholic Church. The man, named as Marco Gusmini, was posing for a
photograph with a group of friends in front of the 100ft-high cross when it suddenly
collapsed. A large, 20ft-high statue of Christ the Redeemer was attached to the crucifix,
which was created for John Paul II’s visit to Brescia in 1998.
COMMENT Tomorrow Pope John Paul II will be “made a saint”. According to the Vatican there are 3
BIBLE
QUOTE
things you need to become a saint. 1. You need to be a catholic. 2. You must have led
a saintly life. 3. You must do 2 miracles (after your dead). Finally you must hope that a
Pope and his bishops will declare you are a saint. The process normally takes decades
– sometimes centuries. This pope has been rushed through in a few years. John Paul
II has apparently performed 3 miracles since dying in 2005 managing to cure 2 women
who were seriously ill. To celebrate being made a saint a giant crucifix was made (100ft
tall) and dedicated to Pope John Paul II. Just two days before the celebrations begin
the crucifix snapped in half and fell to the ground killing a man. The Bible tells us not to
make any graven image to bow down to and to worship it. See Lev 26v1. This includes
a graven image of a man or woman. See Deut 4v16. God sometimes shows his
displeasure at such images. We read in Samuel of a graven image called Dagon. It
was toppled over by God and its head and hands were broken off. Has it happened
again?
They
carried the Ark of God into the temple of Dagon and placed it beside an idol of Dagon. But
when the citizens of Ashdod went to see it the next morning, Dagon had fallen with his face to the
ground in front of the Ark of the Lord! So they took Dagon and put him in his place again. But the
next morning the same thing happened—Dagon had fallen face down before the Ark of the Lord
(1 Samuel 5:2-4 NLT)
again. This time his head and hands had broken off
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