A columnist for the Financial Times newspaper is predicting that not only is the formation of a one world government now achievable, but that it is becoming increasingly likely that such an institution will be created within the not too distant future. Gideon Rachman believes that the European model, of individual states being governed by a supranational entity, could easily be expanded on a global level. Citing a number of global threats the world now faces, such as international terrorism, climate change and financial turmoil, Rachman says that individual states are being pressured into co-operating with each other on an expanding basis. Developments in mass-transit and communications have also served to increase the interconnectedness of the world. Add to this volatile mixture a change in the political atmosphere, with the election of Barack Obama to the US Presidency, and you have a recipe for the creation of a one world government.

Quote: "So could the European model go global? There are three reasons for thinking that it might. First, it is increasingly clear that the most difficult issues facing national governments are international in nature: there is global warming, a global financial crisis and a "global war on terror". Second, it could be done. The transport and communications revolutions have shrunk the world so that, as Geoffrey Blainey, an eminent Australian historian, has written: "For the first time in human history, world government of some sort is now possible." Mr Blainey foresees an attempt to form a world government at some point in the next two centuries, which is an unusually long time horizon for the average newspaper column. But – the third point – a change in the political atmosphere suggests that "global governance" could come much sooner than that. The financial crisis and climate change are pushing national governments towards global solutions, even in countries such as China and the US that are traditionally fierce guardians of national sovereignty.

Some will debate whether these global issues the world is facing today are genuine or not, or whether they may have been purposely 'engineered' to bring about a desired outcome. I don't know the answer to that. The Scriptures don't go into the reasons why this world's weather will get increasingly destructive (Revelation 16), or why a third of the world's population will be wiped out in war (Revelation 9:14), or why a world government will eventually be set up (Revelation 13:3). But we are told these things will come to pass. While there is no doubt that these are Divine judgements for man's sin, sometimes man is author of his own punishment.

Proverbs 5:22
His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins.

The more men try to remove God from all their thoughts, the more God removes His protecting influence from their lives. There is a day coming in which God will give mankind what they have always really wanted, a world without any form of moral restraint. In essence, a world without God. And God will stand by and watch as mankind brings itself to the brink of destruction. And only when man comes to the end of himself and has nobody else to turn to, will God intervene. The same can be said of you and me. God will not force His way into your life. He created you, and as your Creator He knows what is best for you. God does not want to restrict your freedom, He wants to maximize your enjoyment of it. He wants to be part of your life. But He will not come in uninvited (Revelation 3:20). Will you leave the Lord outside of your life, and in turn face the consequence of your sins, which is eternal separation from God? Or will you invite Him into your life, and know the forgiveness of sins, and everlasting life in Heaven? The Bible says that unless you have a relationship with Jesus Christ, then you haven't even begun to live (John 10:10). Turn to the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation today.

Source FT

Quote: "According to the document, the French president then proposed a deal: "Listen to me. You become leader of Eastern Europe. You'll need me. I'll still be in power, I'm not ready to leave. Who do you think I prefer? Angela (Merkel) or you? I'll help you and I'm sure that at the end of your presidency, you'll have the same authority as France vis a vis the Mediterranean Union. Back me today and I'll defend you later." Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi also reportedly entered the discussion. "Silvio always says no and in the end he always says yes. He'll never dare jump off the European train," Mr Sarkozy is reported as saying.

The Czech Foreign Minister formally apologized over the article, claiming that someone within the Czech Foreign Office had "made a mistake" in publishing the "misleading text". The Czech ambassador to France publicly denied that such a conversation actually took place, stating that, "I was present during all talks with the French president and I do not recognise the text. I must categorically deny speculations about the authenticity of the text".  And a spokesman for the French government went one step further in saying that, "this story is completely made up". But is the story entirely fictitious? Or was the Czech government's only mistake to publish minutes of a meeting that were meant to be kept strictly off the record? It's not the first time the French President has sought a special role for France within the Union for the Mediterranean. And it wouldn't be the first time that Sarkozy has sought to retain power within the European Union.

The Bible states that a man will soon arise from the revived Roman Empire (Daniel 9:26) who will command the respect of the entire world. And this world leader, who will attempt to resolve the Middle East conflict (Daniel 9:27, 11:38), will be given power to continue in his position for a three and a half year period (Revelation 13:5). The fact that European leaders are now bending over backwards to try and secure a permanent presidency over the European Union and Union for the Mediterranean shows us how close we may be to the fulfilment of these prophecies. As Christians we are not necessarily opposed to the ideas of a European Union or a one world government in themselves, but we do believe that the inclination of the heart of man is predisposed to sin and that the government of man will ultimately fail. There is only one Person who has the right and ability to govern this planet. And the Bible declares that "His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6-7). Wonderful, because of what He has done for us upon the cross of Calvary (Romans 5:8). Counsellor, because He is a High Priest who can be touched with the feelings of our infirmities (Hebrews 4:15), and He is our Advocate with the Father (1st John 2:1). The Mighty God, because He is acquainted with us on a personal basis (Genesis 49:24-25). The Everlasting Father, because through faith in His sacrifice for our sins we have been given the authority to be called the sons of God (John 1:12). And Prince of Peace, because through the blood of His cross He has made peace between God and men (Colossians 1:20). Words are incapable of adequately portraying Him or doing justice in describing all that He has done for us. Why would a God go to such lengths to reconcile sinful men to Himself? Perhaps we will never fully understand.

Source Telegraph

Quote: "In fact, the dual identity of a supranational entity comprised of peaceful national states holds the answer for both sides' most profound concerns. For Israelis, EU membership offers physical security and permanent legitimacy. For Palestinians, membership means a territorial settlement, including a return, of sorts, of their lands through the new joint European source of security and authority over them. Such an arrangement also holds significant benefits for Europe. It would contribute to political stability on its eastern and southern flank. If successful, it might even open a path for EU members to certain North African states, thus limiting the frustrations of millions of would-be immigrants to leave their instable region and go to Europe.

Rosecrance and Eiran's analysis does seem to be accurate, in that the Bible does prophesy that Israel and the Middle East in general will come under the authority of a world leader from the revived Roman Empire (Daniel 7:7-8, 9:26). And this world leader will strengthen a covenant between Israel and her neighbours for a period of seven years (Daniel 9:27). But Rosecrance and Eiran's prediction is inaccurate, because the peace they speak of that will result from this political affiliation will not last. Unfortunately Israel is now looking for peace in all the wrong places. Israel looks to the Arab world for peace. But the Arabs want nothing to do with Israel, and even the countries they have signed peace agreements with are openly hostile to the Jewish state. Israel looks to America for peace, but America is not in any position to create peace. And they are looking to the European Union for peace, and Europe will bring peace to the region for a little while. But the peace will not last, neither shall Israel enjoy legitimacy among the international community. Why?

Numbers 23:7-9
And he took up his parable, and said, Balak the king of Moab hath brought me from Aram, out of the mountains of the east, saying, Come, curse me Jacob, and come, defy Israel. How shall I curse, whom God hath not cursed? or how shall I defy, whom the LORD hath not defied? For from the top of the rocks I see him, and from the hills I behold him: lo, the people shall dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the nations.

Because Israel is God's chosen people. I can't think of any other nation on Earth that has its right to exist openly questioned by the international community. Throughout history, when nations have been conquered, their people have been assimilated and their culture destroyed. Not so with the Jews. "This people shall dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the nations". God has seen to it that there is only one Way that Israel will find peace, and that is through their Messiah. Only when they are willing to say, "Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord", Matthew 23:39, will the Jewish people find their Peace and Security. Do you know this Peace? Do you possess this Security? His name is Jesus Christ. He suffered for you so you would know the peace of sins forgiven (Isaiah 53:5). He left the safety of heaven so you could know the security of an eternal salvation (John 3:16). Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved (Acts 16:31).

Source CS Monitor

Foreign Ministers from the European Union and Mediterranean states have finally agreed on a location for the headquarters of the newly established Union for the Mediterranean. Members of the 43 nation body met in the French port city of Marseille last night to discuss on the issue. The Spanish city of Barcelona, in which the Barcelona Process commenced in 1995, has been chosen as the headquarters for the new union. The decision comes after weeks of wrangling by EU and Mediterranean states, seeking to be the host of French President Nicholas Sarkozy's Roman renaissance. France, Tunisia, Egypt and Jordan had also offered to host the Union for the Mediterranean, but doubts arose over Tunisia's human rights record, and my guesses are European leaders were not keen on France having the pre-eminence in the new body. It seems that Spain was chosen for its neutral status and historic affiliation with the Barcelona Process.

Quote: "Foreign ministers from the 43 countries overcame one hurdle at a meeting in the French port of Marseille, deciding to base the "Club Med" in the Spanish city of Barcelona. "I'm very happy (with) that," said the EU foreign policy chief, Spain's Javier Solana. "It is a great joy for me."

There have also been disputes over the insistence of the Arab League at being represented in the Union for the Mediterranean. Only a few Arab states are members of the Barcelona Process, but the Arab League has been granted Observer Status in the body. Israel objects to the Arab League taking part in the Union for the Mediterranean, for they have always opposed the Jewish state in everything they have become involved in. According to reports, this issue has largely been resolved, although details of the agreement have yet to be made public. In other news, the European Union is planning to send a letter to the winner of the US Presidential election, calling for a 'partnership of equals' on global issues with the next American administration. The letter will call for increased co-operation between the EU and US on foreign policy matters, including the Middle East, Afghanistan, Pakistan, relations with Russia and other global issues. 

Quote: ""Both candidates have their eyes turned towards Europe and have shown their interest in seeing both sides of the Atlantic working together," [French Foreign Minister] Kouchner said, predicting a new era of multilateralism. "The time is past when people asked what Europe was for. What we want is for our initiatives to be understood and shared." "The European Union has become more resolute," he argued, referring to the bloc's role in negotiating a solution to the Russia-Georgia conflict in August and its leadership on the global financial crisis. The French minister said it would have been "unthinkable" until recently for a united Europe to reach out to an incoming U.S. administration "as friends but especially as partners, to say here is what we could do together." "The world has changed, because we have realized that a great country, which will remain a great country, is not the only one concerned by the world's problems," he said.

Whoever gets into the White House, it seems that the European leaders are seeking to make sure the US avoids the mistakes of the past, in dictating the global agenda in the Middle East. In the past few months we have seen Europe demanding a greater say on global issues, including the Middle East peace process and global financial reforms. Prophecy scholars have long debated as to whether America is mentioned in end time prophecy. Apart from in Zechariah 14:2, I believe America is not mentioned in Bible prophecy. I believe America is destined to follow the fate of the British Empire. We were once called 'Great Britain'. Unfortunately this country no longer deserves that title. And as Kouchner says, America will remain a great country, but like the British Empire that went before it, they will no longer enjoy that place of prominence in global affairs. I believe this letter from the leaders of the European Union to the next US Administration is representative of this shift in world dominance.

As you can see, everything that the Bible has predicted concerning the last days is coming to pass. The Bible states that the "wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God", Psalm 9:17. Sad to say that our nation has largely forgotten God, and America is following in our footsteps. You may not be concerned about the downfall of your nation, but what about your own downfall? Are you not concerned about that? The verse also speaks of "the wicked". The word "wicked" means 'morally wrong', 'condemned', 'guilty', 'ungodly'. Does that sound like you? I know it sounds like me. The Bible declares that "all have sinned and come short of the glory of God", Romans 3:23. But praise God that just as "all have sinned", so God's salvation is also offered to "whosoever will". If you are condemned, guilty and ungodly, then there is good news. Jesus Christ died for you! The Bible says that "when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly", Romans 5:6. Jesus Christ bore God's punishment for your sins upon the cross, and all who believe on Him for salvation can have everlasting life in heaven (John 3:16). Turn to Jesus Christ for salvation today. 

Source Reuters, Earth Times, Canada, FXStreet