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

The House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee has strongly criticized the Labour government for reneging on its pledge to hold a public referendum on the adoption of the Lisbon Treaty, signed by Prime Minister Gordon Brown last year. The Labour government had promised in its manifesto to hold a referendum on the original EU Constitution, which was later rejected by France and Holland. Although a referendum in Britain was never legally binding, it was believed that a no-vote in the UK would make it difficult for the constitution to be passed into law. Following a 'period of reflection', the EU Constitution was later remodelled in the form of two treaties. A Charter of Fundamental Rights, which outlines basic human rights afforded to EU citizens, and an Amending Treaty, which combines all previous EU treaties in one, with several significant changes. Britain has not signed up to the Charter on Fundamental Rights, and we were told that because of this, British sovereignty would not be affected and a public referendum was not needed. The EU national anthem and the EU flag were also dropped from the Amending Treaty, mere cosmetic changes to remove any trappings of a European superstate. But the Amending Treaty still includes legislation that will give the European Union its own legal identity on the world stage, along with posts for EU President and Foreign Minister. A report published by the Foreign Affairs Committee warns that there are no substantial differences between the original EU Constitution and the Lisbon Treaty, and that British foreign policy will be adversely affected when it comes into force. Constitution author Giscard d'Estaing previously stated that all the major elements of a constitution remain in the new treaty, only they are disguised in such a way that this is not easily discernable.

Quote: ""We conclude that there is no material difference between the provisions on foreign affairs in the Constitutional Treaty which the government made subject to approval in a referendum and those in the Lisbon Treaty on which a referendum is being denied," the report said. It also accused the government of seeking to downplay the significance of new institutions, such as the creation of a new EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security. This was "unlikely to be beneficial to the UK's position in Europe", it said, and called on ministers to acknowledge their true significance in public.

Not only would the creation of a post for EU Foreign Minister be unbeneficial for the UK's position at the centre of Europe, but it would also be unbeneficial to its position internationally. There is already talk of the abolition of British foreign embassies around the world, and their subsequent replacement with EU embassies. This new treaty also makes the provision for the European Union to occupy the seats of those member states who have a permanent presence at the UN Security Council, as and when their foreign policies agree. So essentially Britain will have no voice on the world stage, and its role will be reduced to that of a ventriloquist's dummy, always speaking what Europe dictates.

The Bible prophesies that during the last days, a final world empire will arise which will devour the whole earth (Daniel 7:23). It seems that the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty is a major step towards the fulfilment of this prophecy. But it won't stop with Europe. As we have seen recently, the proposed formation of a Transatlantic Economic Community and a joint EU-US-NATO military command structure will ensure that this empire continues to grow until it devours the whole earth. But Daniel's vision doesn't end there...

Daniel 7:21-22
I beheld, and the same horn (Antichrist) made war with the saints, and prevailed against them; Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.

The book of Daniel prophesies of the crucifixion of the Messiah (Daniel 9:26) and His Second Coming as King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Daniel 7:13). Daniel's visions of the "Son of Man" in heaven mirrors that of the Apostle John's in the book of Revelation, of the "Lamb" Who had been freshly slain. This proves that the prophesied Messiah of the Old Testament is indeed the Jesus Christ of the New, and that He is coming back to set up His Kingdom which shall never be destroyed. He is the Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). Has your sin been taken away? Have you been washed in the blood of the Lamb? Jesus Christ died so that you may have eternal life. He bore God's punishment for your sins upon the cross. All you have to do to receive forgiveness of sins is to accept that by faith. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved (Acts 16:31).

Daniel 7:13-14
I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.

Revelation 5:6-7
And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.

Source BBC, Daily Mail