Quote: "Although a German national himself, he said, he firmly believed that "the Mediterranean is the cradle of Europe and democracy, the birthplace of which we find ourselves today". Poettering stressed that the Euro-Med Parliamentary Assembly must follow in the steps of the European Parliament which "in the past, had limited authorities, but today we have enhanced powers", and urged the Assembly to acquire "expanded authorities, so that its decisions will be binding". 

In other news, comments made by European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso during a press conference last year seem to be causing a widespread debate on the internet, so much so that at least one news organization has picked up on it. A video of Barroso's comments have been posted on YouTube. During the press conference, Barroso is asked what the EU will be like for ordinary citizens once the 'European project' is completed. In his speech, Barroso dismisses the idea that the EU will become a United States of Europe, a federation of nations similar to that of the USA. He also dispels the notion that the EU is destined to become a superstate, with member states losing their national identities. Nor does Barroso believe that the EU is an international organization, but he thinks that it could be likened to an empire. According to Barroso, the EU is unique from other empires in that it has not been created through conquest, but each nation has willingly agreed to become part of this grand project. Barroso likens the European Union to a "non-imperial empire". And as globalization increases, Barroso says member states will increasingly come to depend on the European Union for their needs.

Quote: ""Sometimes I like to compare the European Union as a creation to the organization of empires... empires... and eh... because we have the dimension of empires. But there is a great difference... The empires were usually made through force, with a centre that was imposing a dictat, a will, on the others. And now, we have what some authors call a non-imperial empire," Barroso responded.

And this is exactly what the Bible predicted would come to pass. The book of Daniel describes four or five world empires that would rise and fall before the return of Jesus Christ to this earth. There was Babylon (Daniel 2:38), Medo-Persia (Daniel 10:20), Greece (Daniel 10:20) and Rome (Luke 2:1). Now there have been other empires that have existed after the fall of the Roman Empire. Some people have emailed me recently on the subject of why America is not mentioned in Bible prophecy. Of course, America isn't the only country that is not mentioned in the Bible. Other nations such as Australia, and even the British empire are not mentioned either. The British Empire once covered over 3/5ths of the globe, yet there is not a single mention of it in prophecy. Why? Because God's prophetic timetable always centres around the nation of Israel. The British Empire did rule over the Holy Land at one particular time, but we never ruled over the Jews when Israel was a nation. But in 1948 everything changed. On March 17th, 1948, five European nations signed the Treaty of Brussels, which would pave the way for the establishment of the Western European Union and ultimately the European Union itself. That same year, on May 14th, 1948, the state of Israel was reborn (Isaiah 66:8). The Bible prophesied that this final world empire, which would eventually rule over the nation of Israel, would be different from all the other empires that have come before it, just like Barroso says.

Daniel 7:23-27
Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces. And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings. And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time. But the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it unto the end. And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.

According to the book of Revelation, this empire would not be carved out by conquest, but would rise up by itself out of the Mediterranean area (Revelation 13:1). And Daniel states that this final world empire would be partly strong and partly weak, just like Barroso says. For while the European Union would retain in it the strength of the Roman Empire, it would remain divided into nation states (Daniel 2:41-43). As we can see from today's news, the European Union is actively seeking ways in which it can govern the Mediterranean region, and ultimately Israel itself. As one website states, the EuroMed Parliamentary Assembly is the only international political body that includes both Israel and Palestinian representatives. Clearly it is the European Union and not the United States of America or any other world power, that is in the position to secure peace in the Middle East. Daniel 9:26-27 states that a leader from this last world empire will arise, who will strengthen a covenant of peace between Israel and the surrounding nations for a period of seven years. And in the midst of this seven year period, the agreement will be broken, and this world leader will turn against Israel, commencing the greatest period of persecution the Jewish people have ever witnessed. 

As we can see, the pieces of the puzzle are falling into place. Bible prophecy is no longer the realm of speculation, it is happening here and now for all to see. What does all this mean? Jesus Christ is coming back, just like He promised (John 14:3). God has appointed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness by that Man whom He has ordained (Acts 17:31). Will you meet Jesus Christ as your Saviour today, or as your Judge tomorrow? Don't leave it until it is too late. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved (Acts 16:31). 

Source Athens News Agency, EUX TV, WikiPedia, EUX TV

Last October, French President Nicolas Sarkozy floated the idea of creating a 'Mediterranean Union', a body comprising of European Union and Middle Eastern states bordering the Mediterranean Sea. The idea received a mixed response, with northern EU states initially opposing the plan, fearing it could divide Europe and create a rival to the 27 member bloc. But yesterday European Union ministers approved Sarkozy's plan, albeit with several significant changes. Whereas previously, only European states bordering the Mediterranean Sea would form part of the new union, now all European states will become members of the new body. The Mediterranean Union will have a joint presidency, with one leader coming from the European Union and one coming from the twelve southern states. Members of the union will hold a summit every two years. The Mediterranean Union union is being promoted as an upgrade to the Barcelona Process, launched by High Representative for the European Common, Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana back in 1995. The Barcelona Process, or EuroMed as it has become known, is a framework of agreements between the EU and Middle Eastern states, designed to promote stability and prosperity in the region. Ministers will be discussing the proposal over the next few months, and are expected to formally announce the establishment of the Mediterranean Union on July 13th on this year.

Quote: "Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Jansa called the proposal an "upgrade of the Barcelona process" – the mechanism currently regulating the relations between the EU and the Mediterranean countries – and said it had received support during the EU leaders' meeting in Brussels. "It is now a question of working on this in different forums. It's now a question of doing what is needed so that this project can see the light of day," he said. An agreement was reached to launch the project as soon as possible, "with the principle that all member states will participate," European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso also said. A formal decision to "transform the Barcelona Process into a Union for the Mediterranean" is expected to be taken today (14 March), Mr Sarkozy told journalists late on Thursday night.

I think I now understand why some Christians believe the Antichrist will come out of the eastern leg of the old Roman Empire. I was a little bit confused about this before, but it is now starting to make sense to me how they arrive at this conclusion. The 'little horn' of Daniel 8 sprouts up out of the Greek empire. Some believe this little horn to be the Antichrist himself, but this doesn't really make sense, for according to Daniel's prophecy, the Greek empire was to be followed by at least another two empires before Christ will return (Daniel 7:7-9). It does make sense, however, if we assume that Daniel 8 speaks solely of Antiochus Epiphanes, and that while the real Antichrist may re-enact what Antiochus Epiphanes did in the Temple (2nd Thessalonians 2:4), not all the verses that speak of this little horn may be applied to both men. Some of the confusion may be due to the fact that Daniel mentions another 'little horn' in chapter 7, and the identity of this man is the Antichrist himself. But this little horn comes up in the middle of ten horns - the ten leaders of the last world empire, whereas the little horn in chapter 8 rises out of the Seleucid empire - one of the four divisions of the Greek empire. It seems that these two 'little horns' are two entirely different people, and so in my mind we should be looking to the European Union and a ten region confederacy for signs of the rising of the Antichrist, and not necessarily to the Middle East.

Daniel 8:9-12
And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which waxed exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant [land]. And it waxed great, [even] to the host of heaven; and it cast down [some] of the host and of the stars to the ground, and stamped upon them. Yea, he magnified [himself] even to the prince of the host, and by him the daily [sacrifice] was taken away, and the place of his sanctuary was cast down. And an host was given [him] against the daily [sacrifice] by reason of transgression, and it cast down the truth to the ground; and it practised, and prospered.

Daniel 7:7-9
After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it [was] diverse from all the beasts that [were] before it; and it had ten horns. I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn [were] eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things. I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment [was] white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne [was like] the fiery flame, [and] his wheels [as] burning fire.

Of course there are verses in Daniel 8 and 11 which can be applied to both Antiochus Epiphanes and the Antichrist. And long after Antiochus Epiphanes was dead, Jesus Christ made reference to the abomination of desolation as a future event which shall occur at the end of the age (Daniel 11:31, Matthew 24:15). In Scripture there are often double fulfilments of prophecies. For example, Elijah is prophesied to appear to Israel before the return of the Messiah (Malachi 4:5), yet this was partly fulfilled in the person of John the Baptist (Matthew 11:13-14). God's Spirit is prophesied to be poured out on all flesh at the end of the tribulation period (Joel 2:28), yet this has been fulfilled in part through the formation of the Church (Acts 2:17). As we can see from today's news, the European Union is making great strides towards expanding its empire in the Middle East. And this is a sure indicator that the events spoken of in Daniel chapter 7 are drawing near. Jesus Christ is coming back to take those who have trusted in Him for salvation, to be with Him where He is (John 14:3). If He came today, would you go to be with Him? Or would you remain behind to face the wrath of a Holy and Righteous God? Jesus Christ gave Himself for you. He has already borne God's wrath for your sins upon the cross. Trust in Jesus Christ for salvation today.

Psalm 50:4-6
He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people. Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice. And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God [is] judge himself. Selah.  

Source EU Observer

The British Parliament cast its vote last night on whether or not the adoption of the Lisbon Treaty into UK law should be put to a public referendum. Five EU states have so far ratified the revised EU Constitution, namely Malta, Hungary, Slovenia, Romania and France. The Polish government has approved draft laws for ratification of the treaty, and most other states have begun the process of ratification. Following the signing of the first EU Constitution, the Labour government had pledged in its manifesto that they would put any future EU Constitution to a public referendum. But they only agreed to this after facing fierce opposition from the opposition party at the time, and even then, the referendum they agreed to was never going to be legally binding, effectively meaning that the government could go ahead and adopt the treaty anyway if they believed it was in the best interests of the nation. Now that the EU Constitution has been redrafted in two parts, an "Amending Treaty" and a "Charter on Fundamental Rights", the government says that there is no need to hold a referendum. Britain intends to sign up to the Amending Treaty but not the Charter on Fundamental Rights, and thus the government claims that the United Kingdom will not be affected 'constitutionally'. But it is the Amending Treaty and not the Charter on Fundamental Rights that paves the way for the creation of an EU superstate, by establishing the permanent posts of EU President and Foreign Minister, and by giving the EU its own legal identity on the world stage. EU Constitution author Giscard d'Estaing previously stated that there are no substantial differences between the original constitution and the Lisbon Treaty, and a Parliamentary committee recently slammed the government over its attempt to bring in the EU Constitution by stealth, and adding that UK foreign interests would be significantly affected once the treaty comes into force.

Quote: "Many analysts believe the Lisbon treaty, which overhauls EU institutions, would be rejected if put to British voters. But Brown, buffeted by a bank crisis and government blunders during his first eight months in office, is determined not to call one. Brown has a working majority of 67 seats. While rebels say 20-30 Labour MPs may defy the government, Brown's position appeared secure after Nick Clegg, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, said his members would abstain.

It seems that this whole process of ratification has been marked by deception and political intrigue from start to finish. Numerous claims were made by European politicians to try and convince the public to vote in favour of adopting the original EU Constitution. Giscard d'Estaing said the document could not be rewritten once rejected. French President Jacque Chirac exclaimed that France would cease to exist politically if the public voted no. Just before the referendum was held, he made a passionate plea for the French public to consider their future and the future of their children. EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson stated that a no vote would harm EU financial markets. French Prime Minister de Villepin said France would be "humiliated" by a no vote. Ministers said that voting no meant French citizens staying in a Europe they did not like. The German vote on the ill-fated document was timed so as to put further pressure on French citizens to toe the line, whereas the euro-sceptic British vote was to be delayed until most other states had ratified the treaty. And last night the government broke their promise to the British public in denying them a say on whether or not we want to live in a European superstate. We proclaim that democracy is the best form of government, yet it seems that Europe does not trust its citizens enough to make their own decisions on how they want to be governed. What sort of democracy is that? It's not democracy at all, it's more like demagoguery.

The Bible prophesies that during the time of the end, a world empire will be set up which shall be different from all other empires that have gone before it. According to Daniel 7:23, this world empire shall devour the whole earth, and tread it down, and break it in pieces. But the writing is on the wall, for the Lord has already numbered the days of this kingdom and finished it (Daniel 5:26, Revelation 13:5). And in the days of this empire, the God of Heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed (Daniel 2:44). Jesus Christ is coming back (John 14:3). Are you a friend of the King (Proverbs 22:11)? Is your citizenship in heaven (Philippians 3:20)? Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation today.

John 1:29
Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. 

Source Europa, Reuters

Quote: "The joint statement said the first Catholic-Muslim summit would be held in Rome on 4-6 November and would involve 24 religious leaders and scholars from each side. It said the Pope would address the meeting on the themes of "Love of God, Love of Neighbour", "Theological and Spiritual Foundation" and "Human Dignity and Mutual Respect". Catholic and Muslim leaders hope the forum will start a regular official dialogue between the two religions.

Following the aftermath of the First and Second World Wars, the political world was more or less united through the setting up of the League of Nations, the United Nations, the European Union and other such bodies. The goal then was to end the threat of war by establishing governing bodies by which all member nations would be bound. But the religious world remained very much divided. Today, the rise of Islamic militancy has provided the means whereby the religious world can be united. And so another governing body must be created to end the threat of war between religions. We have seen the beginning of this process with the formation of the Alliance of Civilizations. The Bible seems to indicate that during the tribulation period a global religious system will be set up, perhaps similar in fashion to that of the old Roman Empire. Back in the days of the Roman Empire, the Caesar wanted some assurance that all the people of his empire would remain loyal to his government. There were so many different provinces Rome controlled, each tribe having their own language, their own culture, their own religion, their own gods, etc. How was it possible to ensure the loyalty of all these diverse groups to the Emperor? You couldn't unite them politically. But you may be able to unite them religiously. The Caesar decided the only way to ensure the loyalty of all his citizens to his empire was to declare himself to be a god, and to demand to be worshipped by them. And that is what he did. In the days of the Roman Empire, you were allowed to worship whatever god you liked, so long as you added the Caesar to your list of gods. Roman soldiers would go from door to door demanding that you offer up a pinch of incense in honour of the Emperor. Those that refused often paid with their lives. Today we are living in the period of the Revived Roman Empire. We have a united political system, but so far we haven't been able to command the loyalty of all our citizens to this government, especially with the growth of Islam in Europe. Perhaps the only way to ensure the loyalty of all citizens to a one world government would be for its leader to declare himself to be a god, and demand that everyone worship him. And this is exactly what the Bible says will happen (2nd Thessalonians 2:4). According to the book of Revelation, another man, called the False Prophet, will head up a one world religious system, and he will demand that everyone worship the Antichrist as a god (Revelation 13:12). Perhaps you will still be allowed to worship your own god, but you may be required to put the Antichrist at the top of your list...

Daniel 11:36
And the king (Antichrist) shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done.

The Bible states that all who worship the Antichrist will seal their doom in the lake of fire (Revelation 14:9-11). Jesus Christ said in John 8:21 that if we die in our sins, where He is we cannot come. Isaiah 59:2 states that our sins have separated between us and God. Romans 6:23 says that the wages or reward for our sins is eternal separation from God. Jesus Christ came that you may have life (John 10:10). Jesus Christ, God's own Son, bore God's punishment for your sins upon the cross. He gave His life for yours. Because Jesus Christ has already bore God's punishment for your sins upon the cross, you can go free. But you must recognize you are sinner, repent of your sin, and believe on Jesus Christ for salvation. Jesus Christ said in John 10:28, I give unto my sheep eternal life, and they shall never perish. Why not trust in Him for salvation today.

Source BBC