Transcript Weekly World Watch

Andy Walton’s
Weekly World Watch
March 29 – April 4, 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
March 29 – April 4, 2015
• Netanyahu: Nuclear deal threatens Israel's existence
• Saudi oil flow at risk as Mid-East conflagration spreads
• Russian tanks and fighters enter Eastern Ukraine
• RAF mounts biggest defence exercise in 30 years
• Greece drachma plans, prepares to miss IMF payment
• Millions watch 'blood moon' rise in total lunar eclipse
To print any of the event slides that follow, click the picture on the upper right
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Netanyahu: Nuclear deal threatens Israel's
existence
Daily Telegraph, April 3, 2015
EVENT
Benjamin Netanyahu has denounced the framework agreement over Iran’s nuclear
programme as a “bad and dangerous deal” that threatens Israel’s existence.
The Israeli prime minister launched his expected backlash against the settlement
hatched between Tehran and six world powers almost immediately after details
emerged from the Swiss town of Lausanne on Thursday, criticising it in a late night
phone conversation with President Barack Obama. Mr Netanyahu told the US leader
that he “vehemently opposed” the agreement, saying it posed a “grave danger to Israel,
the region and the world”. A statement issued by the prime minister’s office afterwards
was even more scathing, calling it a deal that “kowtows to Iranian dictates” and would
pave the way to a “military nuclear programme”.
COMMENT The United States, Iran and five other world powers on Thursday announced the
BIBLE
QUOTE
framework for a deal with Iran over its nuclear program. It’s a step towards a
comprehensive agreement within three months. Obama said that the agreement would
make the world a safer place. In Iran thousands took to the streets celebrating the
potential end of sanctions. But things are seen very differently in Israel. All major
parties in Israel are united in believing the proposed agreement legitimises Iran’s
nuclear weapons program. Israel feels very vulnerable because of this and is insisting
that when the agreement is signed in June (if it is) that Iran recognises Israel’s right to
exist.
So what does the Bible say about Iran’s future role? Is it one of peace or war? The
answer is simple – war. We are told that Iran will deal treacherously. We are told they
will be stirred up and cause astounding devastation with their missiles. We are told they
will invade Israel. Obama may think peace is coming - he is deceived – war is coming..
A grievous vision is declared unto me; the treacherous dealer dealeth treacherously (the Iranian
deal is treacherous), and the spoiler spoileth. Go up, O Elam (Iran): besiege, O Media (Iran) ; all
the sighing thereof have I made to cease. Also see Isaiah 13:17-18
(Isaiah 21:2)
Saudi oil flow at risk as Mid-East
conflagration spreads
Daily Telegraph, March 30, 2015
EVENT
Saudi Arabia’s escalating intervention in Yemen is a high-stakes gamble that risks
back-firing in a series of complex ways, ultimately endangering Saudi oil infrastructure
and the security of global energy supply. Military analysts say there is little chance that
air strikes by a Saudi-led coalition of Sunni countries will subjugate the Iranian-backed
Houthi forces in Yemen. It may require a full-blown invasion by land forces to secure
control. Large concentrations of Saudi armour and artillery are already massing near
the border, though this may simply be a negotiating ploy. The longer the conflict goes
on, the greater the risks that it will stir up internal hatred in a country that has
traditionally been relatively free of sectarian violence. Adam Baron, from the European
Council on Foreign Relations, said the inflammatory comments about the Sunni-Shia
struggle by politicians across the region are becoming “self-fulfilling prophecies”.
COMMENT At the same time the world thinks they are on the brink of peace with one of the key
BIBLE
QUOTE
nations on the so called “axis of evil” ie Iran - we see the smoulderings of war in the
Middle East. Yemen is a small country at the base of the Arabian peninsula. Yemen is
part of Saudi Arabia’s sphere of influence. Iran (arch enemy of Saudi Arabia) is now
meddling in Yemen using rebels loyal to them called the Houthis. Over 500 people
have been killed in the last 2 weeks. The rebels seized the palace of the President of
Yemen this week. Saudi Arabia who has been bombing the rebels has now threatened
to send in ground troops. In effect we are seeing the start of a proxy war between
Saudi Arabia and Iran in Yemen. This brings risks to oil flows to the world if it spreads
as reported.
The Bible speaks in Isaiah 21 of 3 burdens. The burden of the desert of the sea and the
Arabia.
They
speak
latter
day
Arabia
a coming
warand
with
Iran….
Theburden
burdenof
upon
Arabia.
…For
theyoffled
from
theSaudi
swords,
from and
the drawn
sword,
from
the bent
bow, and from the grievousness of war. For thus hath the Lord said unto me, Within a year,
according to the years of an hireling, and all the glory of Kedar [Saudi Arabia] shall fail:
(Isaiah 21:13-16)
Russian tanks and fighters enter Eastern Ukraine
NewsWeek, March 30, 2015
EVENT
22 Russian tanks crossed into Ukraine’s separatist-held eastern territories over the
weekend, as pro-Moscow forces continue to seep into Ukraine’s war-stricken Donetsk
and Luhansk regions, Donetsk’s local pro-government officials reported yesterday.
In a statement published on Donetsk’s regional government website, the deputy head of
Ukraine’s anti-separatist military operations in Donetsk and Luhansk Valentin Fechev,
condemned the “cynical lies” of pro-Russian fighters who have accused Ukraine of
violating the ceasefire between the two sides, and instead gave a recent recap of
Russian violations. Fechev told the regional government website that 22 tanks had
crossed from Russia via the border town of Gukovo, into Ukraine’s Luhansk region,
heading toward the city of Sverdlovsk for maintenance.
COMMENT Although Ukraine has come off headline news the issues remain. Russia continues to
send in troops and tanks which means at some point the conflict will flare up again.
Russian tanks and soldiers have been “decisive” in winning key battles against
government troops in eastern Ukraine, the commander of a separatist “special forces”
detachment has admitted. The Kremlin denies sending men and military vehicles to
fight in Ukraine, but Dmitry Sapozhnikov told the BBC this week that regular army units
sent from Russia and commanded by Russian officers were key in seizing the strategic
town of Debaltseve in February. “All operations, especially large-scale ones, are led by
Russian officers, by Russian generals,” he said. This isn’t news. The world has known
Russia invaded Eastern Ukraine. It’s just amazing the Putin would blatantly lie saying
that Russia hadn’t. But the Bible says that Russia would have a deceptive leader….
BIBLE
QUOTE
Through his cunning he shall cause deceit to prosper under his rule; And he shall exalt himself in
his heart. He shall destroy many in their prosperity. He shall even rise against the Prince of
princes; But he shall be broken without human means
(Daniel 8:25 NKJV)
RAF mounts biggest defence exercise in
30 years after Russian bomber flights
Express, March 30, 2015
EVENT
Operation Rising Panther, the first of six proposed air defence operations due to take
place every year, will “show Vladimir Putin in no uncertain terms” that Britain is ready,
willing and able counter increasing Russian aggression should the need arise, say
military sources. More than 30 aircraft, including 20 Typhoons and Tornado fighter jets
as well as a range of ED-3, AWACS, Sentinal and Shadow surveillance aircraft took
part in the mock attack-and-defence wargames over the North east of England, as
well as ground-based command teams. In February the Sunday Express revealed
how one of the two Russian T-95 “Bear” long-range bombers intercepted by RAF
Typhoons over the English Channel was carrying a nuclear missile designed to
destroy a Trident submarine. President Putin, who has recently increased Russian
defence spending by a record 33 per cent, authorises around eight Russian
incursions into UK air space or Britain's "sphere of influence" every year. More than
100 were known to have encroached European airspace in 2013 alone.
COMMENT Rising Panther is said to be the biggest UK-only air defence exercise in decades.
Britain is trying to prove to Putin that they will not be intimidated by Russian bombers
flying close to their shores. Also this week there are reports from Norway that Russia is
reopening a once secret naval base in the Artic. Three Russian ships spent the entire
winter docked deep within the mountain hideaway which was once a heavily guarded
military facility. Russian ships docked at what was once a secret Norwegian naval base
in the Arctic have prompted concern from the NATO country's former top military
leaders, anxious about its resurgent eastern neighbour roaming nearby. The Bible says
we would see Russia turned back – turned back to anti western ways….
BIBLE
QUOTE
I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal: And I will turn thee back, and put
hooks into thy jaws, and I will bring thee forth, and all thine army, horses and horsemen, all of them
clothed with all sorts of armour, even a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them
handling swords:
(Ezekiel 38:3-4)
Greece draws up drachma plans, prepares to miss
IMF payment
Daily Telegraph, March 26, 2015
EVENT
Greece is drawing up drastic plans to nationalise the country's banking system and
introduce a parallel currency to pay bills unless the eurozone takes steps to defuse the
simmering crisis and soften its demands. Sources close to the ruling Syriza party said
the government is determined to keep public services running and pay pensions as
funds run critically low. It may be forced to take the unprecedented step of missing a
payment to the International Monetary Fund next week. Greece no longer has enough
money to pay the IMF €458m on April 9 and also to cover payments for salaries and
social security on April 14, unless the eurozone agrees to disburse the next tranche of
its interim bail-out deal in time. Going into arrears at the IMF – even for a few days – is
an extremely risky strategy. No developed country has ever defaulted to the IMF. While
there would be a grace period of six weeks before the IMF board declared Greece to be
in technical default, the process could spin out of control at various stages.
COMMENT Syriza, the left wing political government that was swept into power just weeks ago in
BIBLE
QUOTE
Greece did so because it said it would renegotiate the harsh terms set by Europe on
repaying its debt. But Europe won’t compromise and so a showdown between Greece
and Europe continues. Syriza sources say are they fully aware that a tough line with
creditors risks setting off an unstoppable chain-reaction. They insist that they are willing
to contemplate the worst rather than abandon their electoral pledges to the Greek
people. It appears they are willing as a last resort to leave the Euro rather than back
down. This would indeed set off a massive chain reaction which could see other
nations leave the Euro. The remaining 10 nations would then form a true empire
state…
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)
Millions watch 'blood moon' rise in
total lunar eclipse
Independent, April 4, 2015
EVENT
COMMENT
BIBLE
QUOTE
Millions of stargazers watched today's 'blood moon' in the shortest lunar eclipse this
century. A partial eclipse was visible to the entire united states as the moon entered
Earth's shadow at 6.16am Eastern Daylight Saving Time - five hours behind Greenwich
Mean Time - according to NASA. Those west of the Mississippi river were expected to
have the best views of the event in which the moon turned blood red before
disappearing for five minutes in a total lunar eclipse.
This was the third lunar eclipse in a series of four, known as a tetrad. The first two were
in April and September last year, with the final eclipse in the cycle on September 28
this year. It is interesting to note that this lunar eclipse (today) falls on Passover. The
next lunar eclipse falls on Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles). This series of 4 lunar eclipses
called a Tetrad is very, very rare. There have only been 8 in the last 2000 years and
only 3 since 1492. The last ones were Tetrad of 1493-1494, Tetrad of 1949-1950,
Tetrad of 1967-1968 and now the Tetrad of 2014-2015. We know the significance of
1949-50 which saw conflict over Israel as it had only just been created. We know there
was conflict over Israel in 1967 when Israel recaptured Jerusalem. These dates are the
most significant events to do with Israel since AD70 and a Tetrad occured next to both
of them. Now here we are with another Tetrad. Are we about to see another conflict
over Israel in line with this one? There won’t be another for about 600 years! The Bible
says that the moon will turn to blood BEFORE the great and terrible day of the LORD
comes. We have been watching how close it is – the signs in the heavens also say so
The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible
day of the LORD come. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the
LORD shall be delivered:
(Joel 2:31-32)
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