Transcript Weekly World Watch

Andy Walton’s
Weekly World Watch
September 14 - 20, 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
September 14 - 20, 2014
• Scotland votes No, UK is still united - but uneasily so
• Putin privately threatened to invade Poland & Romania
• Nato begins military exercises in Ukraine
• Obama signs bill to train, arm Syrian rebels
• U.N. peacekeepers leave Syrian-controlled Golan
• Police will protect every Jewish institution in Germany
To print any of the event slides that follow, click the picture on the upper right
PRESS SPACE BAR TO CONTINUE
After Scotland votes No, the kingdom is still united
- but uneasily so
Daily Telegraph, September 19, 2014
EVENT
After independence is rejected, the abiding emotion in large areas of Scotland, across
the rest of Britain, and particularly the environs of Westminster is of relief, tempered
with a deep uncertainty and foreboding about what the future now holds. After
polls through the week had suggested the referendum was running neck and neck,
Scotland elected to remain in the Union with a vote that was decisive, but not emphatic.
55.3 per cent (2,001,926) voted No, to 44.7 per cent (1,617,989) voting Yes. In
Scotland the result will have left divisions that will not be easy to heal. More than
1.6 million Scots must now live in a political union they voted to leave. And what of the
41.4 million in the rest of Britain 91 per cent of the population who, denied a vote, could
only look on as Scotland deliberated on the break-up of the United Kingdom. Many
have found themselves hurt and bemused by the stridency of the Yes campaign, the
atavistic tribalism, and in some cases, naked hatred directed towards the English.
COMMENT In a desperate attempt to stop a yes vote in the Scottish referendum the UK prime
minister promised to give the Scots more devolved powers. The trouble is that the
promises were made without parliament’s authority. And therein lies the problem. If
Scotland gets more devolved powers so (argue the English politicians) should the
English . So Britain has won the battle but still has another war to fight. We will see
some bitter in-fighting over the coming months. The UK has survived but is divided.
Britain is Tarshish in the Bible. The Bible records a key role that Britain (an isle afar off)
played in hearing the word of the Lord and also helping the Jews return back to the
land. (Jeremiah 31:10) But it also records a returning to harlot ways. (Isaiah 23:15) It
also says Britain will be judged for becoming proud. (Isaiah 2:12-16).
BIBLE
QUOTE
And the sons of Javan; Elishah, and Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim. By these were the isles of the
Gentiles divided in their lands; every one after his tongue, after their families, in their nations.
Tarshish was a great grandson of Noah. Notice he was one of those from whom the “isles” or
“islands” of the Gentiles came. Britain is a gentile island divided into their families (Genesis 10:4-5)
Putin 'privately threatened to invade Poland,
Romania and the Baltic states'
Daily Telegraph, September 18, 2014
EVENT
President Vladimir Putin privately threatened to invade Poland, Romania and the
Baltic states, according to a record of a conversation with his Ukrainian counterpart.
"If I wanted, in two days I could have Russian troops not only in Kiev, but also in Riga,
Vilnius, Tallinn, Warsaw and Bucharest," Mr Putin allegedly told President Petro
Poroshenko of Ukraine, reported Süddeustche Zeitung, a German newspaper.
If true, this would be the first time that Mr Putin has threatened to invade Nato or EU
members. Any threat to send Russian troops into the capitals of Latvia, Lithuania,
Estonia, Poland and Romania would cause grave alarm among Western leaders.
If Mr Putin were to act on this, Britain could find itself at war with Russia. All five
countries mentioned in this alleged conversation are members of both the EU and
Nato. They are covered by the security guarantee in Article V of Nato's founding
treaty, which states that "an attack on one is an attack on all".
COMMENT Putin's alleged threat bears similarities to remarks he made to Jose Manuel Barroso,
the president of the European Commission, in which he warned: "If I want to, I can take
Kiev in two weeks". On Tuesday, Ukraine ratified a historic Association Agreement with
the EU. This puts Ukraine on the path towards eventual EU membership. It was the
refusal of the former president, Viktor Yanukovych, to sign this agreement last year that
triggered the Ukraine crisis. Last week we reported that the EU was implementing
further sanctions against Russia, focusing on the energy, financial and arms sectors.
So despite an on-going ceasefire, behind the scenes the tensions are growing.
Putin is not backing down. His rhetoric is increasingly aggressive. The Bible says a
Russian leader will pretend to be peaceful but in fact bring shocking destruction…
BIBLE
QUOTE
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. He = latter day Antiochus Ephanese / king of north
(Daniel 8: 24-25 NLT)
Nato begins military exercises in Ukraine
Daily Telegraph, September 15, 2014
EVENT
For the first time one European country now contains both Nato troops and Russian
combat units, although they are deployed at opposite ends of Ukraine about 700 miles
apart. America and the leading Western powers began a military exercise in Ukraine on
Monday after renewed fighting in the east claimed at least six lives in breach of a
supposed ceasefire. About 1,300 troops from 15 countries joined Exercise Rapid
Trident held in the Lviv region of western Ukraine. America sent 200 troops and Britain
dispatched a reconnaissance troop from the Light Dragoons with 40 personnel.
This multi-national force, which included soldiers from 11 Nato countries, carried out a
"battalion-level field training exercise", said a US Army statement. The manoeuvres
were held "at the explicit request of the Ukrainian government and military".
COMMENT The two sides are coming ever closer together. Not to make peace but closer to
BIBLE
QUOTE
conflict. Nato has its troops in Ukraine and so does Russia. Ukraine is being torn in
two.
There is increasing anxiety over energy. Ukraine could run out of gas in this winter, as
Russia has stopped deliveries and is demanding that Ukraine repay its debts. EU
members Poland, Hungary and Slovakia are re-exporting Russian gas to Ukraine - but
this "reverse-flow" solution has angered Russia. So as we head towards winter the
tension will mount. Russia is also building up forces in Crimea to counter NATO forces.
So where does this Ukraine conflict fit in to Bible prophecy? It fits because Gog
(Russian leader) is “of the land of Magog”. And the original Magog when Ezekiel wrote
covered the eastern half of what we now know as Ukraine as well as southern Russia.
Therefore
is indeed
“of the
land
ofof
Magog”.
Ukraine
is becoming
his… of
Son of man,Putin
turn and
face Gog
of the
land
Magog, Eastern
the prince
who rules
over the nations
Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him. Give him this message from the Sovereign Lord:
Gog, I am your enemy!
It is interesting that Magog is mentioned first on the list… Perhaps indicating its significance at
the time Gog invades?
(Ezekiel 38:2-3 NLT)
Obama signs bill to train, arm Syrian rebels
Associated Press, September 18, 2014
EVENT
President Barack Obama has signed into law a bill authorizing the military to arm and
train Syrian rebels fighting the Islamic State group. Obama signed the bill Friday in the
Oval Office. The Senate gave its final approval Thursday, a day after the legislation
drew strong bipartisan support in the House. The White House says U.S. troops will
train Syrian rebels at camps in Saudi Arabia.
The Pentagon's top leadership has also approved an ambitious target list for U.S.
airstrikes against Islamic State militants in Syria, Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel
said Thursday, but President Obama has not signed off on the plan, adding a level of
uncertainty to the military strategy. U.S. military forces carried out two more airstrikes
against ISIS militants in Iraq on Thursday and Friday, striking a boat and a small
ground unit, United States Central Command said. The strikes came the same day
that France participated in airstrikes against the terror group in Iraq for the first time.
COMMENT Last year we came VERY close to a military attack by America and Britain against
Syria. At the last moment a deal was done to persuade Assad to give up his chemical
weapons. This deal was brokered by Russia. Russia was adamant that the US and UK
should not attack Syria and warned of severe consequences if it did. 12 months later
we are close to the US attacking Syria. Obama has been given the green light to arm
Syrian rebels. Why? So that the US can attack (using these rebels) the Islamic State
that has appeared in Syria. But of course these rebels can then also attack the Assad
government! Obama is also on the brink of authorising airstrikes on Syria to attack
Islamic State. A Russian foreign ministry spokesman said any such action would be "an
act of aggression". The king of the south (US/UK) is pushing again at Russia….
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. The push is a military
(Daniel 11:40)
provocation by US/UK – it could involve Syria the ancient king of the north….
U.N. peacekeepers leave Syrian-controlled Golan
Heights
CNN, September 15, 2014
EVENT
U.N. forces withdrew Monday from the Syrian-controlled side of the Golan Heights, the
world body confirmed. The U.N. statement cited the "exceptionally challenging
environment" posed by armed rebel groups advancing on peacekeeping positions its
observer force has held for close to four decades. The confirmation comes hours after a
journalist working for CNN saw dozens of peacekeeping vehicles crossing into territory
controlled by Israel. The withdrawal comes a little more than two weeks after Islamic
militant fighters took some peacekeepers hostage and besieged others.
Al-Nusra Front freed 45 U.N. peacekeepers from Fiji in good condition last week, while
forces from the Philippines escaped after exchanging fire with militant fighters,
according to media reports.
The incidents occurred after Syrian rebel fighters took control of the only border
crossing between Israel and Syria in the Syrian town of Quneitra in late August.
COMMENT Not sure if you have noticed this but it is very interesting how many times the word
“rebels” is used in news reports. In the report above we have “rebel groups” in Golan.
We have on the previous slide Obama signing a bill to arm the “rebels in Syria.’ The pro
Russian forces in Ukraine are called “rebels”. It seems like we have rebels in all the key
flashpoints. So why is this significant? Well perhaps because the Bible talks about
rebels at the time of the end…In Daniel 8 we read of a little horn that comes out of the
Greek empire. It is Antiochus Ephanese. But then we read “In the latter part of their
reign, when rebels have become completely wicked, a fierce-looking king, a master of
intrigue, will arise.” So rebels become completely wicked and then Gog finally arises…
BIBLE
QUOTE
“In the latter part of their reign, when rebels have become completely wicked, a fierce-looking king,
a master of intrigue, will arise. He will become very strong, but not by his own power. He will
cause astounding devastation and will succeed in whatever he does.
The Ukrainian rebels are accused of shooting down passenger jet MH17
(Daniel 8:23-24 NLT)
Angela Merkel: police will protect every Jewish
institution in Germany
The Times, September 15, 2014
EVENT
Angela Merkel committed Germany to the fight against anti-Semitism yesterday after
revealing that every Jewish institution in the country was under police protection after
an alarming rise in hostility. Anti-semitic incidents have soared in Germany since Israel
began its military incursion into Gaza, and outrage at the level of civilian casualties has
fuelled increasingly hostile demonstrations. Germany’s far right has also been active,
with the offices of the campaigning newspaper Lausitzer Rundschau daubed with
threatening graffiti last week, including the Nazi salute Sieg Heil. The previous week the
walls were daubed with “Jews, kill them” and “We’ll get you all”, leading to
condemnation from European civil rights groups.
More than half a million Jews lived in Germany when the Nazis took power in 1933.
That number was reduced to about 30,000 by the Holocaust.
COMMENT “Many members of our community are very shaken, worried and absolutely shocked by
the worst anti-Jewish slogans that some out-of-control crowds have shouted, calling for
Jews to be ‘gassed’, ‘burnt’ and ‘slaughtered’,” said Dieter Graumann, head of the
Central Council of German Jews. Mrs Merkel and her entire cabinet appeared at a rally
to support Germany’s 200,000-strong Jewish population at Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate
in a sign of the high level of concern.
As we enter the time of the end we are seeing increasing anti-Semitism not only in
Germany but around the world. A charity set up to protect Britain's Jewish community
has recorded its highest-ever monthly total of anti-Semitic incidents in July. When
Christ returns the gentiles will actually see the Jews for who they are – God’s people…
BIBLE
QUOTE
Thus saith the LORD of hosts; In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold out
of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will
go with you: for we have heard that God is with you. It’s hard to imagine this in a world full of
hatred for the Jew. But it will happen when Christ returns.
(Zechariah 8:23)
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.