Transcript Weekly World Watch

Andy Walton’s
Weekly World Watch
November 9 - 15, 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)
PRESS SPACE BAR TO CONTINUE
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
November 9 - 15, 2014
• Russia sends warships to Australia in 'puerile' display
• Putin stockpiles gold as Russia prepares for war
• Fears rise as Russian military units pour into Ukraine
• Russia to build Iran atomic reactors at Bushehr
• Iran's supreme leader outlines plan to 'eliminate' Israel
• Cameron compares Russia to Nazi Germany
To print any of the event slides that follow, click the picture on the upper right
PRESS SPACE BAR TO CONTINUE
Russia sends warships to Australia in 'puerile'
display
Daily Telegraph, November 13, 2014
EVENT
Russia has dispatched a convoy of warships to Australia’s northern border in a “puerile”
display of its military muscle just weeks after Australian prime minister Tony Abbott
threatened to confront his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin over the MH17 plane
attack. The Australian Defence Force said it was monitoring the passage of the
Russian vessels through the Coral Sea and dispatched two frigates and a surveillance
aircraft to track the ships. The ships have reportedly been tracked for a week.
"Certainly it is unusual for Russian naval elements to be in Australian waters,” Mr
Abbott said. "Unusual, not entirely unprecedented, but unusual … Let’s not forget that
Russia has been much more militarily assertive in recent times. The Russian embassy
in Canberra said the deployment was a routine exercise and was “not directly related to
Australia” and "Your reaction is not that surprising because we do rarely go this way.”
COMMENT The G20 meets in Australia this weekend. The G20 stands for a Group of 20 nations
BIBLE
QUOTE
who have large economies who meet primarily to discuss monetary issues. Russia is
one of those nations and Putin is attending. The Australian prime minister is incensed
at Russia’s involvement in the shooting down MH17 which killed 27 Australians.
Mr Abbott said he was going to “shirt front” Mr Putin at the summit. Apparently this is an
Australian football term which describes aggressively grabbing an opponent or
knocking them to the ground. In response to this tension Putin ordered a convoy of
Russian warships to Australia’s northern border. The Australian Defence Force said two
frigates and a surveillance aircraft had been sent to track the warships. Australia of
course is part of the Bible’s king of the south. It is one of the “young lions” of Ezekiel
38. Part of the opposing force when Russia invades the Middle East. We see tension
now. and Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish, with all the young lions thereof, shall say unto
Sheba,
thee, Art thou come to take a spoil? hast thou gathered thy company to take a prey? to carry away
silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to take a great spoil?
(Ezekiel 38:13)
Putin stockpiles gold as Russia prepares for
economic war
Daily Telegraph, November 13, 2014
EVENT
Russia has taken advantage of lower gold prices to pack the vaults of its central bank
with bullion as it prepares for the possibility of a long, drawn-out economic war with
the West. The latest research from the World Gold Council reveals that the Kremlin
snapped up 55 tonnes of the precious metal - far more than any other nation - in the
three months to the end of September as prices began to weaken. Vladimir Putin's
government is understood to be hoarding vast quantities of gold, having tripled stocks
to around 1,150 tonnes in the last decade. These reserves could provide the Kremlin
with vital firepower to try and offset the sharp declines in the rouble. Russia's currency
has come under intense pressure since US and European sanctions and falling oil
prices started to hurt the economy. The biggest buyers of gold after Russia are other
countries in the Commonwealth of Independent States led by Kazakhstan / Azerbaijan
COMMENT In total, central banks around the world bought 93 tonnes of gold in the third quarter of
BIBLE
QUOTE
2014 of which Russia bought 55 tonnes. Kazakhstan bought 28 tonnes. Russia has
tripled its gold stocks in the last decade. Why would Russia be buying so much gold?
Nations buy gold during periods of crisis. This might be a financial crisis, currency
crisis, national emergency or war. Russia is suffering a financial crisis (because oil - its
main revenue - has fallen so much in recent months). It is suffering a currency crisis
(the rouble has fallen because of sanctions). It is heading towards war (the situation in
Ukraine continues to worsen with war looking increasingly likely). So Putin buys gold.
What we are actually witnessing then is Russia’s preparation for a time of instability
and conflict. It’s not a sudden move but a long term strategy to shore up the defences.
Putin has a plan – an evil thought – to re-establish a Russian Empire through
Beconflict…
thou prepared, and prepare for thyself, thou, and all thy company that are assembled unto thee,
and be thou a guard unto them.
Russia preparation for war is well underway…
(Ezekiel 38:7)
Fears rise as Russian military units pour into
Ukraine
New York Times, November 12, 2014
EVENT
Tanks and other military vehicles pouring over the border from Russia into eastern
Ukraine. Nightly artillery battles in the region’s biggest city, Donetsk, and reports of
fighting around another regional capital. And now, sightings of the “green men,”
professional soldiers in green uniforms without insignia, the same type of forces that
carried out the invasion of Crimea last spring. A senior NATO official confirmed on
Wednesday what Ukrainian military officials and monitors from the Organization for
Security and Cooperation in Europe have been saying for days now: Russian troops
and military equipment are crossing the border into Ukraine, seemingly preparing for
renewed military action, though what exactly remains unclear. The statement drew stern
and dismissive denials from Moscow, which for months has denied any military
intervention in eastern Ukraine, though it has acknowledged publicly that Russian
“volunteers” have crossed into Ukraine to support the pro-Russia separatists.
COMMENT We reported last week that there was evidence Russia had sent tanks and troops into
Ukraine following the vote on independence in the eastern regions of Ukraine. NATO
confirmed this on Wednesday accusing Russia of sending tanks, troops and military
hardware to east Ukraine, raising fears of renewed all-out fighting and calling into
question the peace deal. The US envoy to the UN, Samantha Power, also accused
Russia of pursuing war in Ukraine while talking peace. This is an interesting statement.
In Daniel 8 we read of the latter day king of the north. We are told he will be a fierce
ruler and a “master of deception”. But we are also told he bring sudden and shocking
destruction. We see the deception - we await the destruction…
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. He will be a master of deception
and will become arrogant; he will destroy many without warning.
(Daniel 8:23-25 NLT)
Russia to build Iran atomic reactors at Bushehr
BBC, November 12, 2014
EVENT
Russia has agreed to build up to eight nuclear reactors in Iran, 12 days before a
deadline for a deal to curb Iran's nuclear activity. The deal agreed by Russia and Iran
envisages the construction of two reactors, with scope for a further six. World powers
including Russia have been pressing Iran to curb its activity amid fears it wants to
build a bomb. Diplomats are due to meet for a final round of talks next week. It is
unclear what impact the Russian deal will have. Six world powers - the US, the UK,
France, Germany, Russia and China - are seeking to persuade Iran to reduce its
uranium enrichment to a level below that required to build a weapon. They have
offered to lift sanctions in exchange. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov
said he was "reasonably optimistic" of reaching a deal at the talks.
COMMENT Russia has struck a deal to build two more nuclear reactors in Iran to be possibly
followed by another six. It is a move intended to cement closer ties between the two
countries. This deal comes just two weeks before the 24 November deadline for Tehran
to sign an agreement on its nuclear programme with six world powers. It surely shows
Moscow’s intention to deepen its links with Tehran before possible softening of western
sanctions against Iran. There are a few key prophecy points here. Firstly we have
Russia acting with Iran and effectively guaranteeing their security and well being.
Ezekiel 38 says that Russia will act as a “guard” a “protector” of Persia (Iran). The
second point of interest is where these nuclear reactors will be built in Bushehr.
Bushehr is south west Iran. The Bible calls that area ELAM. Isaiah 21 speaks of Elam
attacking. Jeremiah 49 speaks of Elam’s bows being broken. It sounds like there is
conflict in the very area that Iran is building nuclear facilities.
BIBLE
QUOTE
See, I will break the bow of Elam, the mainstay of their might. I will bring against Elam the four
winds from the four quarters of heaven; I will scatter them to the four winds, and there will not be a
nation where Elam’s exiles do not go. I will shatter Elam before their foes, before those who want
to kill them. I will bring disaster on them, even my fierce anger,” declares the Lord. (Jeremiah 49:35)
Iran's supreme leader outlines plan to 'eliminate'
Israel
The Independent, November 10, 2014
EVENT
COMMENT
BIBLE
QUOTE
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has outlined a nine-step plan to “eliminate” Israel.
The Supreme Leader of Iran’s official Twitter account has posted a set of answers to
what are described as the “key questions”, saying that Israel is guilty of a host of
“crimes”. The first question asked is: “Why should the Zionist regime be eliminated?” To
this, the response is given: “During its 66 years of life so far, the fake Zionist regime has
tried to realise its goals by means of infanticide, homicide, violence and iron fist while
boasts [sic] about it blatantly”. The statement proposes a referendum in which “all the
original people of Palestine including Muslims, Christians and Jews” could vote, but
from which “Jewish immigrants” would be excluded. It says the theoretical resultant
government would then decide upon whether the latter group could remain in the
country. But it goes on to say that if such a referendum cannot be achieved then
“powerful confrontation and resolute and armed resistance” is the only solution.
So this is the ruler of the nation that Russia wants to help with nuclear know-how and
America wants to appease by offering them sanction relief! A nation that wants to bring
to a complete end another sovereign nation. His idea to eliminate Israel is as follows.
He says there should be a referendum only by those people who were originally living
in the land before Israel was created. Any Jew who returned to Israel since could not
vote. The Palestinian government which is then formed would form a new nation and
decide what to do with the Jews living there. He then says this referendum is very
unlikely to happen and so until then he says there should be armed confrontation with
Israel. To this end he says Palestinians in the West Bank should be armed.
“Therefore, tell the exiles, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Although I have scattered you in
the countries of the world, I will be a sanctuary to you during your time in exile. I, the Sovereign
Lord, will gather you back from the nations where you have been scattered, and I will give you the
land of Israel once again.’ The Iranian leader is in direct opposition to the Lord God.
(Ezekiel 11:16-17 NLT)
Cameron compares Russia to Nazi Germany
Daily Telegraph, November 14, 2014
EVENT
COMMENT
BIBLE
QUOTE
David Cameron has compared Russia to Nazi Germany because of its
actions in Ukraine on the eve of a tense meeting with Vladimir Putin.
Mr Cameron will on Saturday night challenge Mr Putin about Russia’s continued acts of
aggression in Ukraine as it supplies heavy weapons and tanks to the separatists.
In a reference to World War II, Mr Cameron said that the world must “learn the lessons
of history” and intervene to stop “a larger state bullying a smaller state”.
He said: "Russian action in Ukraine is unacceptable. We have to be clear about what
we are dealing with. It is a large state bullying a smaller state in Europe.
"We have seen the consequences of that in the past and we should learn the lessons of
history and make sure we don't let it happen again."
It was only a few months ago that Prince Charles compared Putin to Adolph Hitler. Now
we have the UK prime minister comparing Russia to Nazi Germany. Britain is currently
remembering 100 years since the outbreak of world war 1 in 1914. And here we are on
the brink of world war 3.
Putin does have some things in common with Hitler. Not least a shadowy youth
movement called Nashi (Russian for “ours”). Hitler had Hitler Youth a recruitment
training ground to bring new young people into paramilitary wing of the Nazi party.
Both Hitler and Putin led nations that were filled with bitterness over lost glory, both
fostered intense hatred of outsiders, and both promised to restore their national honour
through military conquest. Hitler killed 6 million Jews. We are told that two thirds of
living in Israel will be killed when Russia invades. 4 million Jews will be killed…
Two-thirds of the people in the land will be cut off and die,” says the Lord. “But one-third will be left
in the land. I will bring that group through the fire and make them pure. I will refine them like silver
and purify them like gold. They will call on my name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘These are
my people,’ and they will say, ‘The Lord is our God.’” This is Holocaust II driven by Putin
(Zechariah 13:8-9 NLT)
Weekly World Watch
YouTube Videos
The end of this week’s
Weekly World Watch
WWW will be e-mailed to you each week.
If you think others may find the WWW helpful
please direct them to the website
www.weeklyworldwatch.co.uk
They can register on the site
PLEASE NOTE: The Weekly World Watch is written and sent by myself – it is
my take on events and I accept that on occasions I will miss significant events
and also misinterpret them as well. However I will endeavour to be faithful to the
scriptures and hope that it will be of benefit to both of us.
Please take a look at this excellent
Christadelphian Prophecy website
Just click the image
To watch again, click here.