The World Is Transitioning— Mid Week 3/31/2020
While most of the world waits in isolation for the Corona Virus pandemic to end (or at least get contained), there are those that are bent, not on good will toward men—but, on conflict.
The United States has been receiving regular intelligence of Iranian backed militia groups within Iraq that are planning imminent attacks against installations that are militarily or diplomatically linked to the United States. It is very clear that Iran desires the Americans to leave Iraq; however, the United States has been in Iraq at the request of the Iraqi government for the purpose of eradicating ISIS. Be that as it may, the developments of last October through November shed an interesting situation for the Americans.
The citizens of Iraq (who include Sunni Moslems, Kurds and the majority being Shia Moslems) are tired of government corruption (in 2018, Iraq was ranked the 12th most corrupt country in the world according to NGO Transparency International). The country earned $65 billion in oil export revenue in 2018 and still the Iraqi government does not provide clean drinking water to the providences that are responsible for the oil; plus, the country endures frequent power outages. In protest, Iraqis took to the streets demanding that the Iraqi government be revamped and new elections be held. Sadly, about 400 people were killed by the government guards—over 8,000 injured. In one day over 60 people were shot—many of them found dead. It is thought that the violence was a statement from Iran to the Iraqi political forces that Prime Minister, Adel Abdul Mahdi, must stay—why? he protects Iranian interests in Iraq. The bloodshed caused Iraq′s top Shia leader, Ayatollah Ali al‐Sistani to intervene. He condemned the use of lethal force against the protesters and in alliance with the protesters urged for a new government.
That did get the ball rolling, but it sounds simpler than it really is—for Iraqi′s largest political bloc is Shia—and even though they desired a new leader they are divided as to who that leader should be. Normally, the largest political bloc of Iraq would put forth a recommendation of a candidate to the President of Iraq. The President would approve the candidate and instruct him to form a new government; which in turn, would need a majority vote from parliament. However, this time Iraqi′s largest political bloc does not plan on nominating a candidate. At present, they say they want to leave that decision to the Iraqi people. And what do the Iraqi people want most? According to Aljazeera news, “an end to foreign interference in Iraqi political affairs, with their anger directed primarily at Iran.” But, that does not seem likely with the majority of the population united with Iran by religion—the Shiite Moslem religion—they have the same religious leader.
In December of last year the Prime Minister did resigned, but, under Iraqi law will stay on as a caretaker of the government until a new Prime Minister has been chosen. So what happens now? Analyst are concerned that with the current up‐evil between the government and the people of Iraq there could be a civil war—and where would that leave the 5000 American troops who are stationed in Iraq?
For the Americans to leave Iraq now would be disastrous—history proves this. Like it or not, the Americans are a counterweight to Iran and ISIS. Pre‐2011, the U.S. Forces were training the Iraqis to fight—to defend their country—then, in 2011 the Obama Administration ordered them to leave. However, by 2014 (three years later) the Obama Administration needed them to return—to fight ISIS. At that time, the Iraqis had been ravished by ISIS and most of its fighters were fractioned by disagreements and feared the Islamic terrorist organization. The only forces really making a difference in Iraq were the Kurds.
Iraqis, like any people, do not desire to be ruled, but want independence. And as it may be, the United States does not desire to be in Iraq, but to be able to train its soldiers to protect their own territory and return home. Yet, with a responsibility toward their Middle Eastern allies, the Americans are trying to prevent nuclear proliferation, squelch terrorism and help the flow of Iraq′s oil to continue in order to enhance Iraq′s economy—for these reasons America needs to be in Iraq and Iraq obviously agrees—well, some Iraqis agree. To date, Iraqi′s largest political bloc linked to Iran, would like the Americans to leave peacefully. They say the fight with ISIS is over. They are in a difficult position by hosting the force that killed Iranian′s Quds force commander, Qasem Soleimani, in early January. The Iranian backed militia groups within Iraq want the Americans to leave yesterday and continue their threatens and attacks toward U.S. troops. The Americans have responded by repositioning themselves in Iraqi Kurdish territory.
So, what does this have to do with Bible Prophecy? We could quote Jesus when His disciples asked Him about the latter days. He said, “And when ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom…these are the beginnings of sorrows‐Mk 13:7,8. Or, we could emphasis the positioning of Iran in the latter days which some believe will include part of Iraq (see our blog of 2/12/20‐What Is Really Important To Look For Regarding Bible Prophecy?). But, could there be a more profound relationship to Bible Prophecy?
With the rise of the Internet in and amongst the Middle Eastern region, if not all over the world—a change has happened in the people who use it. Countries are no longer separated by tribes and traditions. People are forging new alliances—crossing territorial boundaries. They are beginning to see that they live under systems of government which do not represent them, or respond to their basic needs. Instead, these governments represent the interest of small elite groups—groups that line their own pockets or funnel government monies to facilitate their own agendas. To procure a change people are speaking out in protest. Citizens protesting their government—governments sometimes using violence to try to control their people. What will be the end of it all? Who can united the world? Christians, Jews and Moslems look for an answer. Everyone is looking for some kind of savior to rescue them from all the violence—they want peace! The Scriptures talk of someone who will offer peace to the world—especially the Middle East. Someone who actually conquers the world, but not with weapons of war. He will have a way about him like no other—the world will love him. Check out this link if you want to read more about him.
The world is transitioning—which side are you on? Are you among those who have been schooled to acquiesce to those institutions that promise a better way of life—so you think? Do you realize that you will give up all freedoms by accepting the inducements? Have you been schooled to have no tolerance for the old ways or the old paths, but accept alternative life styles? Do you think religion is part of the problem—not the solution? Do you even believe in the true and living God, Jesus Christ?or ,do you believe in a god you have created—in your mind? Be warned that your god can not save you. Consider—for if you do not consider truth now—you will have eternity to consider your regret. Check out this link if you are interested in learning more.
Source: msn.com; jpost.com; jpost.com; aljazeera.com; aljazeera.com; usatoday.com; time.com.
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What Time Is This? End of week 3/20/2020
It is not too often that the entire world seems to be focused on one topic—Covid‐19, a virus publicized to be a more deadly pandemic than anything before it—at least in modern history.
Recorded numbers show that Covid‐19 has impacted certain nations more than others. Some individuals think it is mainly due to the country′s air of transparency. We know China, the origin of the virus, was heavily impacted; however, some believe the actual figures of infection and death to be much higher than the ones China has issued—concluding the government was not willing to admit to a problem and therefore did not adequately warn the public.
Iran, China′s neighbor, is also not in the habit of being transparent to the world. We do know Iran also has been heavily impacted, but, again the numbers are believed to be higher than Iran admits. We also know that top Iranian leaders, plus senior IRG officials, have been killed or infected by Covid‐19. No acknowledgment has been made as to the health of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who should be 81 this July—Iran′s most powerful Ayatollah. Due to the elderliness of Iran′s higher ranking officials it appears they might be running out of trusted officials to replace empty cabinet positions. There are even suggestions that countries who support terrorism are having serious outbreaks among the terrorist. One would think this would weaken the stronghold that regimes have over a country; but in fact, it will probably make it more difficult for the citizens, as the regimes tighten their grip—not willing to forfeit their power.
As there are many aspects one can write about when dealing with Covid‐19, and many have already been written, how does this all relate to the Bible and Bible Prophecy? We discussed the virus last week. This week let′s look at another view.
While history has pointed out this is not the first pandemic (meaning pertaining to a disease that is prevalent throughout an entire country, continent, or the whole world), and Scripture is explicit it will not be the last; citizens are being asked to stay at home—no school, work or even gathering for prayer. People are panicking—nothing like this has ever happened in their lifetime. What should they be doing since there is no school or work? What are Christians to think when church doors close?
Annie Holmquist of Intellectualtakeout.org updated the work, “On Living in an Atomic Age” by C.S. Lewis, by replacing an “Atomic Age” with “Corona Virus”. The question is asked, “How are we to live in {a Corona Virus} age?” It answers back, we should, “not (be) huddled together like frightened sheep and thinking about {this Corona Virus}. They may break our bodies (a microbe can do that) but they need not dominate our minds”. Ms. Holmquist concludes the article with this thought, “Don′t seek to just survive this Corona Virus. Live a life that makes a difference for others and looks beyond this world.”
It is written, There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven—
A time to give birth and a time to die;
A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted.
A time to kill and a time to heal;
A time to tear down and a time to build up.
A time to weep and a time to laugh;
A time to mourn and a time to dance.
A time to throw stones and a time to gather stones;
A time to embrace and a time to shun embracing.
A time to search and a time to give up as lost;
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
A time to tear apart and a time to sew together;
A time to be silent and a time to speak.
A time to love and a time to hate;
A time for war and a time for peace- Ec 3:1-8 (NAS)
So, what time is this? A time to treat others the same way you want them to treat you‐Lk 6:31. A time to forgive others who have done you wrong‐ref Mt 6:12, Lk 11:4, Lk 17:4, Eph 4:32, Col 3:13. A time to help others instead of complaining about what you can not do or do not have‐ref 1 Thes 5:14, Acts 20:35, Lk 3:14, Phil 4:11, 1 Tim 6:8. If you have not repented and surrendered your life to Jesus, then this is the time‐ref Ezk 14:6, Ezk 18:30, Lk 13:5, Lk 15:7, Acts 17:30. Don′t be among those on the left hand of judgment who will hear, “Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry, and you gave Me nothing to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me nothing to drink; I was a stranger, and you did not invite Me in; naked, and you did not clothe Me; sick, and in prison, and you did not visit Me”. Then they themselves also will answer, “Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not take care of You?” Then He will answer them, “Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me. These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life”‐Mt 23:41‐46 (NAS). The Lord says, “I have listened and heard. They have spoken what is not right; no man repented of his wickedness, saying, ‘What have I done?’ Everyone turned to his course”‐Jer 8:6. What time is this? It is the accepted time for you to repent‐ref 2 Cor 6:2.
Source: howstuffworks.com; twitchy.com; rightwingreview.com; foxnews.com; jpost.com; intellectualtakeout.org; aol.com; dictionary.com; u-s-history.com.
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Does The Corona Virus Fit In With Bible Prophecy? End of week 3/13/2020
According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control, human corona viruses were first identified in the mid nineteen sixties consisting of a large family of viruses that are common in people and many animals—among them are bats, camels, cattle and the cat.
There are seven variations of the virus. The first four (229E [alpha coronavirus], NL63 [alpha coronavirus], OC43 [beta coronavirus] and HKU1 [beta coronavirus]) are rather common. The last three are more serious; (MERS-CoV [what causes the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, or MERS], SARS‐CoV [this causes severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS] and SARS‐CoV‐2 [the newly celebrated coronavirus that causes Coronavirus Disease 2019, or COVID‐19]). On January 30, 2020, the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee of the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a, "public health emergency of International concern".
Presently, some authorities attest that the virus started in a seafood market in Wuhan, China. They concur that, in a rare incident, an animal (in the meat market which illegally traded wildlife animals), infected a person. Later on, it was found that not all patients had exposure to an animal market—indicating person‐to‐person spread.
In a research paper entitled, The Possible Origins of 2019‐nCoV Coronavirus, authors Botao Xiao (from Joint International Research Laboratory of Synthetic Biology and Medicine, School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology) and Lei Xiao (from the China 3 Tian You Hospital, Wuhan University of Science and Technology) give evidence that the virus that infected the humans was almost identical to that of bats which host the CoV ZC45 coronavirus. But, these bats do not live near Wuhan. The nearest bats are six hundred miles away. The researchers then began to investigate the surrounding areas of the market. They found that indeed there are two laboratories conducting research on the bat coronavirus. One laboratory, Wuhan′s Centre for Disease Control (approximately 300 yards away from the market) is said to host 605 bats for research purposes. Near this laboratory is the Union Hospital where the first group of doctors were infected with the virus. Another Laboratory of the city is, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences about 7 miles from the market. This laboratory was investigating the Chinese horseshoe bats which are believed to contain reservoirs for the coronavirus (SARS-CoV) which caused the 2002‐3 pandemic. Presently, while there is no concrete evidence, there is much speculation that the outbreak could have been leaked from one of these sources.
Still another theory is that Covid‐19 was genetically engineered in a Wuhan lab and released into the public. Most scientist would not speculate beyond what the status quot says—there is no evidence of the virus being altered.
In an interesting turn of events, there is evidence that officials in Wuhan did take into custody a, Dr. Li Wenliang of Wuhan, who had raised early warnings about the coronavirus, documenting it on‐line. Apparently, the Wuhan police detained and forced the doctor to sign a letter acknowledging he had made false comments on the Chinese Internet. Since then, Chinese authorities have reported that the Doctor, age 34, died February 6 of the virus. His death raises suspicions as the average age of patients who died in China from Covid‐19 (as of Feb 2020) was roughly 55 years old; and, 75% of those had pre‐existing conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, coronary heart disease, Parkinson′s disease among other health ailments. It is unknown whether the Doctor had pre‐existing health issues or if he worked in contact with the virus.
It has been speculated that if the Communist Party of China had been more forthright with the scientific facts of the virus, perhaps the virus, Covid‐19, would not have spread so largely around the world. While seventeen years ago the coronavirus, SARS killed over 800 people in Southern China, this Covid-19, is far deadlier, with the number of fatalities from December to mid February soaring past 1,500—many suggest these numbers are staggeringly higher and mostly affecting those who already have weakened immune systems and/or the elderly.
But, Covid‐19 is not China′s only problem. China is also suffering from other infectious disease outbreaks—African swine fever, Hepatitis A virus, Bacterial diarrhea, Typhoid fever, Diabetes and Norovirus, also called the winter vomiting bug. Scientist attribute these out breaks in China (which have been many over the last two decades) due to the large population and insufficient health standards for food and water. Is this the reason China alone is burdened by these new diseases and viruses? Doubtful, as many Asian countries also have largely populated cities and insufficient health standards when it comes to food and water safety. The population of China is bigger than that of the whole of Africa and 80% of the new human flu strains within the last few decades have appeared in China first—this is as of 2004. There are reports that the reason is—meat. In an article by nbcnews.com, “All flu viruses probably originate in birds, and the best environment for making the jump to humans is one where densely packed people live closely with birds and animals.” Research has found that Asians enjoy meat and dairy. China has had a boom in industrialized chicken farms, and the like, where multitudes of wild animals live in close proximity with humans—a recipe for disease disaster. While your average farmer, no matter what country he lives in, may not consider chickens as “wild animals”, there is that element of danger from zoonotic diseases (any disease of animals communicable to humans). Particularly with chickens, the Salmonella Germ is easily spread, hence the importance of washing hands immediately with soap and water after contact with barn yard animals. Actually, the real danger has been the influx of industrialized chicken farms; however, not all of viruses come from birds—this Covid‐19 apparently comes from bats. Are Chinese scientist testing with these viruses? Certainly, until there is circulated concrete evidence, virtually no creditable sources are making that claim.
So, how does this relate to Bible Prophecy? The obvious are the Scriptures which talk about pestilence increasing in the latter days‐ref Mt 24:7; Lk 21:11. These verses actually deal with the Tribulation, however, most scholars believe there will be a increase of these events even now. An example would be, more and more earthquakes have been happening around the world. However, if you look beyond the Covid‐19 pandemic—looking past the initial quarantines—what is really happening?
Panicked around the world, people are told by governments to stay home. Worldwide there have been factory close downs. Most, if not all nations have debt. How do they pay that debt if their financial resources are closed? China, which sells more manufacturing goods than any other country in the world, has come to a production halt—there will be a shortage of certain goods. With people out of work, how do they pay their bills? How do they buy food for their families? How do they survive? Right at this moment, it is not hard to vitalize a one‐world currency coming into play— eventually leading to a need for a cashless society. After all, if you use paper money you could transmit disease. A debt or credit card can be lost or stolen—what about a visible impression or trace on something, maybe you forehead or on your hand with the personalized number, 666. But wait, that is way in the future—or is it?
One might ask, where is God in all of this? Why does a God of love allow these evil things to plague the earth if He really has control over them? The answer—God is love‐ref 1 John 4:8; but, He is also a God of truth and without sin; His ways are judgment; He is just and right‐ref Deut 32:4.
If you contemplate the whole Word of God, most of the earth′s botherations has been due to the sins of humans.
- Adam and Eve disobey God—they fall—the earth receives a curse on it.
- In the time of Noah, God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually‐ref Gen 6:5. The book of Matthew says, They were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage—God was not in all their thoughts‐ref Matthew 24:38, Ps 10:4. So God told Noah, because Noah was seen righteous before God in his generation‐ref Gen 7:1, that He (God) would bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh—everything that was in the earth died‐ref Gen 6:17.
- Through out the ages hell has continued to enlarged itself. Not only do the multitude of unbelievers go to hell, but also those who were once God′s elect—but, they decided on doing their own thing—not the will of God‐ref Mt 7:21. They have no knowledge and have forgotten Him‐ref Deut 32:18. Many believe hell is in the midst of the earth. If the earth expands the result would be in earthquakes and the like. Check out this link for more. Click here to get an audio sermon on the topic of hell (look under Audio Sermons The Meat of God′s Word; click on the mp3 link; then sermon *13]).
There are many examples in Scripture and history of the earth being bothered with earthquakes, famines, pestilence throughout the ages—mostly due to some kind of iniquity (or sin) on the part of man (or woman). Sin separates us from God‐ref Is 59:2. But, because He does care for us, He sent a mediator between God and men—the man Christ Jesus‐ref 1 Timothy 2:5. Wise King Solomon, in a prayer to God, reveals the keys of repentance. He prays, When thy people Israel be smitten down before the enemy, because they have sinned against thee, and shall turn again to thee, and confess thy name, and pray, and make supplication unto thee in this house: Then hear thou in heaven, and forgive the sin of thy people Israel, and bring them again unto the land which thou gavest unto their fathers. When heaven is shut up, and there is no rain, because they have sinned against thee; if they pray toward this place, and confess thy name, and turn from their sin, when thou afflictest them: Then hear thou in heaven, and forgive the sin of thy servants, and of thy people Israel, that thou teach them the good way wherein they should walk, and give rain upon thy land, which thou hast given to thy people for an inheritance. If there be in the land famine, if there be pestilence, blasting, mildew, locust, or if there be caterpillar; if their enemy besiege them in the land of their cities; whatsoever plague, whatsoever sickness there be; What prayer and supplication soever be made by any man, or by all thy people Israel, which shall know every man the plague of his own heart, and spread forth his hands toward this house: Then hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive, and do, and give to every man according to his ways, whose heart thou knowest; (for thou, even thou only, knowest the hearts of all the children of men;) that they may fear Thee all the days that they live in the land which thou gavest unto our fathers.‐1Kings 8:33‐40.
Source: cdc.gov-Coronavirus; cdc.gov-Coronavirus-2019-NCOV; metro.co.uk; reddit.com; cfr.org; intellectualtakeout.org; borgenproject.org; nbcnews.com-Asia Traditional Cradle of Influenza; cnbc.com-The coronavirus sparing one group of people; foxnews.com; thehappychickencoop.com; cdc.gov-Salmonella In Poultry; realconservativesunite.com; hbr.org; sourcify.com.
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What Is Really Important To Look For Regarding Bible Prophecy?-Part 2 Russia Midweek 3/04/2020
They say you can know the future by understanding your past. Certainly, by reading and studying the Bible, you can know what God has planned for the latter days.
The Bible indicates that certain countries will be aligned in the last days before the Rapture—which was the subject of the last blog. The Bible also informs the reader that Russia will invade the tiny Middle Eastern country of Israel around the time of the Rapture—but, why?
- To take a great spoil or plunder.
- To take or seize a prey or loot.
- To turn her hand upon the places that are now inhabited.
- To turn her hand upon the people of Israel.
- To take away cattle.
- To take away goods.
- To carry away silver.
- To carry away gold.
For discussion sake, arms (or weapons) are not Russia′s only riches. They also are rich from oil and natural gas. They have natural resources of coal, iron ore, and bauxite mining; timber processing, steel and aluminum production. Agriculture, and mining are among their main economic activities. Central Siberian with its ancient volcanic soil makes it rich in natural materials and minerals as well as deposits of diamonds and gold (deep within the frozen ground). They even have a beautiful lake (Lake Baikal, 400 miles long, 50 miles wide) which holds more fresh water than all of America′s Great Lakes together and about 20 percent of all the liquid fresh water on the earth′s surface.
So, what would the great and mighty Russia need from a tiny little Middle Eastern country that is not much larger than the size of America′s eastern state of New Jersey? It would only take one word to answer this—Sanctions.
After Russia annexed Crimea back in 2014, the Obama administration, along with the European Union tightened restrictions on major Russian state banks and corporations; also, including the energy (oil) and arms sectors. Besides hitting Russia in the economic arena, they also were sending a message to President Vladimir Putin′s the inner circle of friends.
In 2016, the Trump administration upheld these restrictions and (what some are likening to the Russia nest of dolls) has added sanction, upon sanction, upon sanction. In the 2018 round of sanctions, Russia saw their stocks crash and seven of their oligarchs lost tens of millions of dollars in a matter of hours. There was also a devaluation of their money—the ruble, whereby most of the citizens felt immediate effects. (You may wonder what is the definition of an oligarch? It is one of the rulers in an oligarchy. So, what is an oligarchy? A form of government in which all power is vested in a few persons or in a dominant class or clique; government by the few.)
When the Sanctions were first announced, Russia in turn announced they would not need the West (including western Europe) imports. They were going to awaken the Russian agriculture industry. After three years, things were looking pretty good—on paper. Food production did increase—but, so did the prices. So much so that it lead to the common folks choosing to reject those home grown crops which in turn reduced sales. According to Russian food industry experts, “the overall quality of available food isn′t as high as it was prior to the food import ban.” Something Russians really enjoy is cheese—and it takes generations to establish good strains of cheese cultures.
As Russia has tried to rebound from the U.S./E.U. sanctions, there is yet another actor interfering with Russia′s progress—Mother Nature. Australia is not the only place burning with fire. Russia is also experiencing what they are calling a Global Ecological Catastrophe.
It is not unusual for the Siberian region to have bad wildfires, but, with the high winds and drier conditions, fires are burning out of control. Last year (2019) saw the devastation of an area approximately the size of Belgium. This year an area larger than Portugal has been affected throughout the spring and summer. The result was citizens needing hospitalization for smoke inhalation. These fires have also been emitting more carbon emission than a major city. The forecast for this area is very bleak.
Another industry being affected by the fires is the wheat industry. One of Russia′s major exports is from this burning region. The situation appears to be so critical that Russia is considering an export quota for the second quarter as it does not wish to leave itself vulnerable to wheat shortages at home. Even though Russia has much land, any crop expansion would return more crops, but at limited yields due to infertile soils. Probably the main reason the fires have not been contained is the government has turned back to an old soviet rule of thumb. If the cost of the fire is greater to put out than the cost of rebuilding after the devastation—then let it burn.
Globally, Russia has definitely made a come back in similar form and tactics of the old communist ways. Many of their former soviet neighbors have definitely felt the iron hand of pressure regarding Russian relations; however, in today′s political environment, Russia has aspirations of power but not dominated by just one country—they prefer a distribution among several countries—also know as a multi-polar world. Currently, the U.S. is the world super power as most trade is done in American currency. However, the U.S. is no longer the only nation with nuclear weapons and the U.S. is not as aggressively trying to forge new alliances or spread American policy world wide as they once did. China is seen as the up and coming challenger to U.S. Supremacy (other nations tend to trust China more than the Russians), but in a multi‐polar system. Russia, India and Germany are considered as some of the other contenders. This is interesting due to the fact that three out of the five just mentioned are already BRICS members. BRICS stands for Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. This multi‐polar system also seems to fit well into the kind of government the Anti‐Christ will work alongside—at least for a while.
The Scriptures indicate that God will turn Gog (the leader of Russia) back, and put hooks into his jaws. God will bring Gog forth with his armies‐ref Ezek 38:4. God will put an evil thought into the mind of Gog to invade Israel, or the land of unwalled villages‐ref Ezek 38:10,11.
One can summarize that since Russia has been so involved with the Syria War and has visited Israel on several occasions, Russia knows of their wealth, natural resources and beauty—not to forget their weapons. Some experts believe Russia was only involved in Syria to protect their very important naval base in the Alawite‐dominated part of Syria and not to fight ISIS. These naval bases are important because Russia is rather landlocked. They do not have any natural direct access to a major sea except the Arctic and that only in warmer weather. No matter the reason, Russia is in a position to view extra resources as a plus. But this invasion only takes place after Israel has signed a peace treaty with the Anti‐Christ and many. Israel puts their trust in the treaty and no longer depends on the Lord God for security. Presently, Israel′s population (for the most part) has turned from God. They no longer depend on the Great I AM to defend them nor even pay any attention to His commandments. To be honest, most don′t even take time to pray to Him. As in the days of old, when Israel turned from the Lord God, He sent other nations to chasten His people. So it appears Russia (along with other nations) will be the chastising hand that will bring Israel to her knees; but, they do not destroy her. God will rise to protect His people‐ref Ezk 38:18‐23.
Do you know Jesus as your Lord and Saviour? Have you turned from your sins? Do you know what sin is? If not, check out this link and test yourselves to see if you are in the faith—examine yourselves!‐ref 2 Corinthians 13:5.
Source: dw.com; americansecurityproject.org; worldview.stratfor.com; bbc.com; thehill.com; producer.com; umn.edu; themoscowtimes.com; usnews.com; aljazeera.com; theguardian.com; dw.com; aljazeera.com; forbes.com; carnegieendowment.org; reference.com.
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