Prophecy in the news
"Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book:
for the time is at hand." - Rev 22:10 

Quote: "By April there were around 3m wallet phones in Japan using a pre-paid credit system where users topped up their account, often via a website, before using their phone to pay for something. The joint venture between McDonalds and DoCoMo - worth 300 million yen - will see McDonalds Japan holding a 70% stake, with DoCoMo owning the rest. It is due to begin in July of this year.

I was given my first mobile phone last Christmas, and I have found it extremely handy for communicating with friends. There is no doubt people will want to be able to use their mobile phones to pay for things. It's much handier than carrying around a load of cash, but unfortunately it is not necessarily more secure. And that is the problem. As an RFID payment network is built up through mobile phone companies, we still have to deal with the old problem of losing your phone or having it stolen. There are people who say there is no way they can bring in a Mark of the Beast system within a short period of time. The fact is the system is already here. We just haven't had the courage to start implanting people with RFID chips yet. But that will come, as the security situation deteriorates and the government presses for more control of their citizens, you can bet somebody will decide it is time to start issuing the real thing.

Source BBC

Quote: "Bishop Field said: "Today we shall meet with Minister Ahern and raise with him the issue of the EU-Israel Association agreement. While we welcome cooperation between the EU and its neighbouring countries, nevertheless such cooperation should not be at the expense of a large segment of the indigenous population ­ in this case the Palestinians. Where there is evidence of systematic abuse of human rights on a large scale as in the Occupied Territories there are questions that must be asked concerning the appropriateness of maintaining close business, cultural and commercial links with Israel.

The Catholic Bishops said that they believed the Gaza Strip was little more than a large prison, due to heavy restrictions imposed by Israel on the borders to prevent terrorists crossing into the Jewish state, and to prevent the smuggling of weapons into Gaza. And about the daily terrorist attacks against Israel, which have continued since the day Israel left Gaza, the Bishops had this to say...

Quote: ""

Yes, according to the Catholic Bishops, turning a blind eye to Palestinian atrocities while condemning Israel for the entire situation, is a "just" solution to the conflict in the Middle East. As I said before, if you are against Israel you must justify terrorism. Either the violence will not be mentioned at all, or it will be said there is a moral equivalence and both sides are to blame for the violence, or the killing will be justified as legitimate resistance against the "evil Israeli occupation". In this case the Bishops did not mention the killing at all, and in doing so they condone murder. And the Bible says that anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and does not have eternal life in him (1st John 3:15). 

Joel 3:2-4 
I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people and [for] my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land. And they have cast lots for my people; and have given a boy for an harlot, and sold a girl for wine, that they might drink. Yea, and what have ye to do with me, O Tyre, and Zidon (Lebanon), and all the coasts of Palestine? will ye render me a recompence? and if ye recompense me, swiftly [and] speedily will I return your recompence upon your own head;

Source Independent Catholic News

Quote: ""Hamas should use its authority to stop violence including missile attacks against Israel," Lavrov said at a news conference after his meeting with Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal. "We received confirmation that such steps will be taken," Lavrov said. However, Mashaal said at a separate news conference that the group is not ready to recognize Israel. Renouncing violence and recognizing Israel are both key demands of international peace negotiators. "First of all, Israel has to end its occupation of Palestinian territory and put an end to the suffering of the Palestinian people," Mashaal said when asked about the recognition issue. "When Israel does that, the Palestinian people will make their position clear."

I predicted a few days ago that Hamas would be pressed to announce an end to its attacks against Israel, and possibly a promise to abide by previous agreements signed by the PLO, and that this would satisfy the requirements of the international community. But I didn't expect this announcement from Hamas to come so quickly. It will be interesting to see how the other Quartet members react. I suspect that after the formation of the unity government and if Mashaal can keep his word, Europe and the US will quickly follow suit in recognizing the Palestinian Authority government. After that, and possibly after the looming war of Ezekiel 38-39, the next step is the division of the land.

Daniel 11:38-39
But in his estate shall he (Antichrist) honour the God of forces (armies): and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honour with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things. Thus shall he do in the most strong holds with a strange god, whom he shall acknowledge [and] increase with glory: and he shall cause them (his army) to rule over many, and shall divide the land (Israel) for gain. 

Source YNet News

Quote: "Russia favours the agreement between Hamas and the Fatah group to share power because it shows "wisdom, reason and responsibility before the Palestinian people," Sergey Lavrov said before a meeting with Hamas's political leader Khaled Mashaal. "We are pushing for all members of the international community to support this process and make it irreversible, including efforts to lift the blockade," Lavrov added.

Israel has strongly condemned Russia's decision to meet Khaled Mashaal, when the rest of the international community has criticized the Mecca agreement for failing to meet the three principles of the Quartet, that Hamas recognize Israel's right to exist, renounce violence and abide by previous agreements made by the PLO.

Quote: "But in Jerusalem, Foreign Ministry spokesman Mark Regev said that it was a mistake to give an "unreformed Hamas" such acceptance when it had not agreed to the international community's three benchmarks. "It will not serve the purposes of peace. On the contrary, it strengthens the extremist tendencies within the organization," Regev told Cybercast News Service.

Russia's desire to dominate the Middle East will of course bring it against the mountains of Israel in the not too distant future. Russia is already concerned about talk of a strike on Iran's nuclear facilities, and with rumours that Iran has not yet paid Russia for the construction of the Bushehr plant, you can bet they are getting worried. I doubt the US or Israel will want to reimburse Russia for the destruction of their plant, considering the trouble its caused them. Perhaps this will be one of the reasons Russia and her Islamic allies will march on Israel to "take spoil".

Quote: ""What attacks are they talking about, without sanctions from the UN Security Council?" Putin asked during the meeting at his Novo-Ogaryovo residence outside Moscow. "No-one is talking about such sanctions," Lavrov responded.   

Ezekiel 38:10-12
Thus saith the Lord GOD; It shall also come to pass, [that] at the same time shall things come into thy mind (Gog), and thou shalt think an evil thought: And thou shalt say, I will go up to the land (Israel) of unwalled villages; I will go to them that are at rest, that dwell safely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having neither bars nor gates, To take a spoil, and to take a prey; to turn thine hand upon the desolate places [that are now] inhabited, and upon the people [that are] gathered out of the nations, which have gotten cattle and goods, that dwell in the midst of the land.

Source Jerusalem Post, Cross Walk, Turkish Weekly, Rian

Quote: "A senior diplomat told Reuters that two Europeans, possibly French nationals, were shot on a road between touristic ruins at Madain Saleh and Medina in the west of the vast desert country on Monday morning. "They were two Caucasians, but what they were doing there I don't know," he said. "We heard that two French died and one is seriously injured," another diplomat said. U.S. and British diplomats said they had heard reports of an incident but did not believe that any of their nationals were involved. French diplomats were not answering phone calls. Saudi interior ministry spokesmen were not available for comment.

Having started to read my friend Judy's book, Eye to Eye, which details America's dealings with Israel in the division of the Holy Land and the subsequent "judgements" on the United States, this news just seemed to jump out at me. The author of the book, William Koenig, believes that God is presently judging the nations that are touching His land, through natural disasters and other catastrophes that seem to befall them shortly after major developments in the Middle East peace process. Saudi Arabia was of course the nation that hosted the Palestinian unity government talks, and France is pressing the European Union to accept the deal, offering legitimacy to a terrorist government bent on the destruction of Israel. Earlier in the month Israel was struck by two moderate earthquakes, also the day following the signing of the Palestinian unity government agreement in Mecca. 

Isaiah 52:8 
Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye (i.e. the prophecy and its subsequent fulfilment), when the LORD shall bring again Zion.

Source Swiss Info

Quote: ""Our goal is to encourage the international community to start cooperation with the Palestinian government and pressurise Israel to recognise the Palestinian state's right to exist," RIA Novosti news agency quoted him [Mashaal] as saying. "We value Russia's position towards lifting the blockade from which the Palestinian people suffer. We also value Russia's special position in the issues of the Middle East settlement."

Both French Foreign Minister Doust-Blazy and French President Jacque Chirac have welcomed the Mecca agreement, and are planning to push the EU to accept the formation of a unity government as the first step to implementing the three principles required by the Quartet, recognition of Israel's right to exist, the renunciation of terror and a promise to abide by past agreements with Israel. 

Quote: "Following a meeting Saturday with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas at Chirac's official residence, Chirac reconfirmed his support of the Feb. 8 Mecca agreement and said it represents the first step toward fulfilment of the preconditions for international backing. French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy repeated French willingness to cooperate with the new unity government and expressed his hope that it would open the way to all Palestinian organizations, Hamas included, recognizing Israel.

But as has been said many many times before, the Mecca agreement is "full of eastern promise", but in regards to Israel contains very little substance. When it comes to Israel, Fatah and Hamas have in fact agreed to nothing, and most analysts see President Abbas as having lost to Hamas in the deal. The wonder is that Russia and France are so keen to adopt the deal. Perhaps they have too much to lose out on financially, by upsetting the Arab states who are also keen that the Western world accepts their deal.

Source Reuters, JTA

Quote: "Prof. Amos Kloner, the Jerusalem District archaeologist who oversaw work at the tomb when it was uncovered in 1980, told The Jerusalem Post on Saturday that the documentary's claims were "impossible" and "nonsense," and that there was "no likelihood" that Jesus and his relatives had a family tomb.

The filmmakers claim that the 'James' ossuary that was recovered a few years ago - purported to be the ossuary of the brother of our Lord, at one time resided in this same tomb. But the Israeli Antiquities Authority have already branded the 'James' ossuary a forgery, and this casts doubt on whether the other ossuaries from this tomb are genuine. Will this be the lie that God will cause people to believe, who believed not the truth of the Gospel when they had the opportunity? It could be this, or it could be a lie regarding the rapture of the Church. Certainly it seems Satan is doing his best to discredit the claims of Jesus Christ.

Matthew 12:32 
And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the [world] to come.

Source Jerusalem Post, Haaretz

Quote: "According to the Associated Press, Edwards denies the statement. His spokesman, Jonathan Prince called the Variety.com story "erroneous" and was quick to correct it. "Senator Edwards did not say nor does he believe that the greatest short-term threat to world peace is the possibility that Israel would bomb Iran's nuclear facilities. Senator Edwards said, as he has in the past, that Iran acquiring a nuclear weapon is one of the greatest short-term threats to world peace," Prince explained. 

We've been saying for some time that since the Democrats regained power in Congress, the chances of the US coming to Israel's aid over a conflagration with Iran are now a lot less likely. You only need to look at the hammering President Bush has been given over the Iraq war. They've made such an issue of it, that I doubt a Democrat controlled government would ever allow President Bush to go to war again. Even if Iran started it. Slip of the tongue, or perhaps John Edwards really did make those comments. In any case it shows us just how Satan works, portraying evil as good and good as evil. Iran is the nation that is working towards developing nuclear weapons and has threatened to wipe Israel off the map, yet in the eyes of many Israel is the aggressor for just wanting to ensure its own survival and trying to prevent a global nuclear catastrophe. Go figure. Edwards' thoughts reflect those of former British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, who labelled Iran and Israel as potential threats to Middle East peace. Someone please tell me the last time Israel threatened another nation with annihilation. 

But that's the way Satan works. You can see it in every interview, in every editorial, in every publication that mentions the conflict in the Middle East. It's either for Israel or against, and those who are against Israel must justify violence and bloodshed. Either they will brush it under the carpet and not mention it, or they will say there is a moral equivalence to violence by both sides (the media loves that one), or that people have a right to kill one another to resist occupation (Ken Livingston, Cherie Blair). All three of these in my Bible is murder, and the Bible says not to be a partaker of another man's sins. Those that fight against Israel will find themselves fighting against God.

Zechariah 2:7-9 
Deliver thyself, O Zion, that dwellest with the daughter of Babylon. For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye. For, behold, I will shake mine hand upon them, and they shall be a spoil to their servants: and ye shall know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me. 

Source YNet News

Quote: "The newspaper quoted a senior Israeli defense official who told reporters that negotiations were now underway between the two countries for the US-led coalition in Iraq to provide an "air corridor" in the event of the Knesset deciding on unilateral military action to prevent Teheran developing nuclear weapons." "We are planning for every eventuality, and sorting out issues such as these are crucially important," said the official, who asked not to be named. "The only way to do this is to fly through US-controlled air space. If we don't sort these issues out now we could have a situation where American and Israeli war planes start shooting at each other."

It was also reported last year by a Russian official that a date for the strike against Iran had already been set, for the end of next month. Whether that happens or not, I don't know. Last month, Britain's Sunday Times newspaper reported that Israel had concrete plans for taking out Iran's nuclear facilities with mini-nukes, which would guarantee that nothing remains to be salvaged from the debris. Iran has spread its nuclear facilities all over the country, and Israel would need to time its strikes to ensure that every target is taken by surprise.

Source Jerusalem Post

Quote: "At the start of the conference, Moratinos called for an end to negative perceptions diving the West and the Arab world and contributing to the creation of Islamaphobia and anti-Western feelings. He said that he wanted to work together with the European Union in order to enable a Palestinian government to be a partner for a dialogue with the international community.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is expected to visit Brussels today to meet with Javier Solana, the High Representative for the European Common, Foreign and Security Policy, to discuss how they should progress after the announcement of the Mecca agreement last week. So it seems that Europe is still spearheading efforts in the region, despite increased involvement in the process from the United States. 

I think Europe will press for Abbas and Haniyeh to make some sort of public statement about Israel after the formation of the unity government. Possibly something along the lines of a announcing a long term truce and a promise to abide by previous agreements with Israel. Europe could press Israeli leaders to make a public statement committing to a full withdrawal to 1967 borders within a defined period of time, and call for Arab nations to normalize relations based on this promise. Perhaps then the economic boycott against the Palestinian Authority could be lifted. The result would be Israel would get a temporary peace from the Palestinian terrorist organizations, the Palestinians would get international aid and the Arab nations will get the promise of having "their" land back. Everyone wins. At least, for those who don't read their Bibles, it will appear so. 

Friends, this conflict seems to be all about land, but it is not, and it will never be solved through land. Arab nations have not recognized Israel's right to exist at all, even before 1967. Israel's existence today is a modern miracle and proves the existence of God. Outnumbered and outgunned Israel has survived, not because of the help of the US or any other country, but solely on God's promise to Abraham 4000 years ago. The promise that his seed would inherit the land from the river of Egypt to Hamath in modern Syria, from the river Euphrates to the Mediterranean. What we are seeing today is not a conflict over land, for Eretz Yisrael does not amount to a drop in a bucket compared to the land the Arabs control. It is a very spiritual conflict that is fought, not particularly between Arab and Jew, but between the "seed of promise" and the "seed of the bondwoman", and ultimately between God and Satan. When looking at this conflict, we need to be looking at it from God's perspective and not from man's, for it is God that has given this land to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and it will be God who will solve it. This is why as a Christian I support Israel, not because they are a righteous people for they are not, nor because they are better than every other people for they are not. But because God made a promise to Abraham, and through believing in the covenant of blood of Yeshua HaMashiach, I have been made a partaker in these eternal promises. God is sovereign and can chose whomsoever He will give His land to, it doesn't belong to the Jews or the Arabs, its His land (Leviticus 25:23).

Deuteronomy 9:4-5
Speak not thou in thine heart, after that the LORD thy God hath cast them out from before thee, saying, For my righteousness the LORD hath brought me in to possess this land: but for the wickedness of these nations the LORD doth drive them out from before thee. Not for thy righteousness, or for the uprightness of thine heart, dost thou go to possess their land: but for the wickedness of these nations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee, and that he may perform the word which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Source YNet News, People's Daily

Quote: "Although the cave was discovered nearly 30 years ago and the casket inscriptions decoded ten years ago, the filmmakers are the first to establish that the cave was in fact the burial site of Jesus and his family. The findings challenge the traditional Christian belief that Jesus was resurrected three days after his burial and only later rose to heaven.

I can just imagine what these filmmakers must be thinking, "You've heard of the Da Vinci Code, now we got the real thing!". And what a stroke of luck, that the filmmakers were the ones to uncover this wonderful discovery. Of course the world is ripe for such a find as this, coming on the heals of Dan Brown's fictional Da Vinci Code book and film, and the other book which Dan plagiarized, "Holy Blood, Holy Grail". As a result, people are much more prepared to be told that the Jesus Christ mentioned in the Bible is nothing more than a popular myth. But names like Matthew, Mary, Judah and Joseph are extremely common in the Scriptures, and even the Lord Jesus' name is used by Elymas the sorcerer in Acts 13, Bar Jesus (or "son of Joshua"). It is possible that this find is genuine and is the remains of a real family, although not that of our Lord's. It is also possible that this is a fabrication invented by Professor Amos Kloner, devised to bring him fame and fortune and made public when a convenient time came along. But it is definitely not the tomb of Jesus Christ. The sad thing is, because these finds will be shown on a documentary on television, many people will blindly accept such notions that the Scriptures must be a myth because of some questionable archeological find, rather than accepting the vast amount of evidence that the Bible provides for the resurrection of Jesus Christ, including Old Testament prophecy, statements of the Lord Himself and over 500 witnesses to the fact.

2 Thessalonians 2:11-12
And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

I was at a children's meeting with my friends Cliff and Jean last night at Ian Paisley's church, the Martyr's Memorial. There were over 380 kids there, and one or two professions of salvation. One of the songs the kids sing is "God is not dead, NO! He is alive!". Out of the mouths of babes, Thou hast ordained praise.

Source YNet News

Following the Mecca agreement between Hamas and Fatah over the formation of a national unity government, it seems that the cracks in the wall of isolation surrounding Hamas, the Quartet (EU, US, UN, Russia), are continuing to grow. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has stated he hoped that the Quartet could lift the sanctions against the Palestinian unity government. This statement was issued before the Quartet members gathered in Berlin to discuss the exact details of the Mecca agreement, and whether it met the three demands of the Quartet, that Hamas recognize Israel's right to exist, renounce violence and abide by previous agreements made by the PLO.

Quote: ""I hope that the Quartet will favor a lifting of the financial and economic sanctions which were imposed by Israel. That will be the position of Russia, the European Union and the UN Secretary-General," Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in an interview with the Rossiskaya Gazeta newspaper.

Russia was also one of the first nations to break the international political boycott against Hamas, by inviting the terrorist organization to Moscow for talks. It seems Lavrov believes the Israelis are the ones that are hindering peace, not Hamas. Sadly, some European nations are also doing their best to water down the three principles of the Quartet. Prime Minister Tony Blair, along with other European diplomats, have reportedly met with Hamas officials despite their word that they wouldn't, and despite the boycott and Hamas being listed as a terrorist organization by the European Union. Tony Blair has stated it may be possible to achieve some sort of agreement, even with some of the "sensible" people in Hamas. 

His former Foreign Minister Jack Straw tried the same trick, by insisting that Hamas did not necessarily have to recognize Israel's "right" to exist, just the "fact" of its existence. Of course, recognizing the "fact" of Israel's existence is poles apart from recognizing its right to exist, for you can recognize the fact of a state's existence but still wage a war of terror against it to destroy it. Downing Street were holding a live web chat with the current Foreign Minister Margaret Becket, and I asked the question if the Foreign Minister would demand full recognition of Israel's right to exist, for anything less is no recognition at all. Unfortunately Mrs Becket's schedule has clashed with the live web chat, and it has been postponed. Why so concerned about full recognition? Because of the following news. It seems, as predicted, world leaders may be prepared to accept a long term truce from Hamas, for the sake of some sort of peace.

Quote: "A Hamas source claimed Britain and France held meetings with the terror group in which discussions addressed the possibility of breaking an international financial embargo imposed on the PA since Hamas won parliamentary elections. The source claimed Britain and France are "coming to terms" with the Hamas position of mediating the so-called Israeli-Palestinian conflict with a long-term cease-fire instead of final status negotiations in which the PA would agree to peace with Israel in exchange for a Palestinian state. The source said the two countries asked Hamas for a position paper outlining ideas for a long-term truce with Israel.

Friends, the Bible states that the next event on the prophetic calendar (not including the rapture) is an idle peace in the Middle East. It is after this peace is formed that Gog and his Islamic armies march on Israel. It seems that a long term truce will offer a temporary way out for the impasse in the Middle East, and that neither Hamas nor Fatah will be obligated to recognize Israel. You can be sure that the result of this "peace" will be that Palestinian terrorist organizations will start building their munitions to prepare for the day when they decide to attempt the final destruction of Israel.

Source YNet News, WorldNetDaily

About half a dozen people have sent me this link over the past few weeks. I didn't want to give this guy too much exposure, for no doubt he is reaping the rewards of the media attention he has been enjoying recently. Jose Luis de Jesus Miranda, a Miami pastor, claimed recently to be Jesus Christ. He said while he was in bed a spirit visited him, and merged with his own spirit (demonic possession) and now he claims to be Jesus Christ. More recently he has claimed to be the Antichrist, and has even instructed his followers to wear the number 666 on their arms. But what makes this story particularly sad is that Jose has deceived a lot of sincere people, who help to fund his "ministry". The "gospel according to Jose" states that you can live whatever way you please, it doesn't matter, as once you are saved you are going to heaven anyway.

Quote: "And what about the tattoo of 666 on his arm? Although it's a number usually associated with Satan, not the son of God, de Jesus says that 666 and the Antichrist are, like him, misunderstood. The Antichrist is not the devil, de Jesus tells his congregation; he's the being who replaces Jesus on Earth. "Antichrist is the best person in the world," he says. "Antichrist means don't put your eyes on Jesus because Jesus of Nazareth wasn't a Christian. Antichrist means do not put your eyes on Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Put it on Jesus after the cross." And de Jesus says that means him.

The disciples asked the Lord Jesus Christ how they would know when the end of the age was upon them. His first words in answer to this question may have sounded strange to them, but for us the conditions the Lord describes seem to be becoming more and more prevalent...

Luke 21:8 
And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am [Christ]; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.

The Bible scholars tell us that the words in brackets should not be there in the original Greek. In other words, people would come along in the last days and say "I AM", another title for God (Exodus 3:14). The New Age movement is one of the biggest movements today that claim ownership of this title, for they believe that everything and everyone is god, and as Christ said, they are deceiving many. Jose is a bit different than the New Agers, for he is demonically possessed and is coming "in Christ's name". In my personal experience on the internet over the last few years, I have had long discussions with one person who claimed to be the Messiah, and another who claimed to be the personal representative of the coming Messiah. I have also spoken with a few people who offered hidden knowledge on prophecy if only I would forsake the Scriptures. Friends, it is true, many are coming in Christ's name, but what they say does not match up with the Scriptures, which are the acid test for any such claims. Satan wants us to reject the authority of the Scriptures, for he knows that is the only thing that will prevent us from be beguiled by his subtlety. Let us keep studying the Scriptures, and keep watching for our Messiah Jesus Christ.

Source CNN

The BBC has revealed what it says are the plans for a US strike against Iran's nuclear facilities. The plans also entail the destruction of much of Iran's military installations. According to the BBC, diplomatic sources have told them that senior officials in the US administration have already selected a list of possible targets within Iran, in the event that it is decided military action against Iran should be taken. The BBC correspondent says that two possible triggers for a US strike are a high number of casualties in Iraq, or substantial proof that Iran intends to develop nuclear weapons.

Quote: "Middle East analysts have recently voiced their fears of catastrophic consequences for any such US attack on Iran. Britain's previous ambassador to Tehran, Sir Richard Dalton, told the BBC it would backfire badly by probably encouraging the Iranian government to develop a nuclear weapon in the long term.

Iran is planning to develop nuclear weapons, everyone knows that. President Ahmadinejad has repeatedly stated his intentions to "wipe Israel off the map", and has obtained information on how to build nuclear warheads on the black market. Javier Solana, the High Representative for the European Common, Foreign and Security Policy, has stated that the diplomatic option will not prevent Iran from acquiring the material to produce a nuclear weapon. So for Iran, it's a win-win situation. If the US and Israel try to intervene after diplomacy fails, Iran will claim it needs nuclear weapons to defend itself and develop them anyway. Either way Iran will get its conflict with the West, and in particular Israel, sooner or later.

Source BBC

Quote: "Following the meeting it became known that Israel is weighing the possibility of a summit with Jordan, Egypt, the Palestinians and the Americans, in order to continue the diplomatic dialogue. Diplomatic sources stressed that if such a meeting materializes, it will not include a discussion over controversial issues such as Jerusalem, the refugee problem, and the withdrawal to the 1967 lines.

Israel has already brokered peace agreements with both Jordan and Egypt, and I guess they could put further pressure on Hamas to comply and get the economic embargo lifted. In other news, Turkey has announced its support for the Saudi-based peace initiative, which offers Israel full Arab recognition in return for a withdrawal from lands captured during the Six Day War. So far seven nations have accepted the peace plan, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Malaysia and Turkey.

Quote: "The initiative also includes the creation of a multinational Muslim peacekeeping force comprising troops from core Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC) member states. Some observers have described it as the creation of a 'Sunni bloc' aimed at curbing Shiite-majority Iran's growing influence in the Middle East.

But I don't believe the Muslims can ever recognize Israel's right to exist, even with 1967 borders. As we have seen, there are Egyptian MPs who believe the war with Israel continues despite their peace agreement. And of course the Bible states that one day, all the nations of the world will gather themselves against Jerusalem (Zechariah 14:2). It also seems that Turkey is continuing to get involved in the conflict in the Middle East. Last week Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan also became involved in the dispute surrounding the construction work at the Temple Mount. And the Bible states were this will eventually lead, Turkey aligning itself with Gog and commencing the invasion of Israel as described in Ezekiel 38-39.

Source YNet News, ADNKI

The Times newspaper has revealed today that plans are to be published this year on proposals to reunite the Anglican and Catholic churches. The two bodies hope to find enough common ground between them, which will enable them to unite under the leadership of Pontificus Maximus (the Pope), ending a 400 year old division. The Anglican church split from Rome in the 1600s during the reformation period. Before the reformation period, the Pope ruled Europe by force, and overthrew countries that refused to pledge allegiance to his authority. Only Rome can claim the description in Revelation as a city that has ruled over kings (Revelation 17:18). Christian groups that were persecuted by Rome include the Waldensians and Huguenots (from which it seems I descend, "On his father's side Mr. Pervear is of French Huguenot ancestry"), who fled mainland Europe and settled in England, Ireland and America. But after the Scriptures were published in the English language in Britain, the Pope's authority was rejected as unscriptural and antichrist (meaning someone attempting to take the place of Christ - head of the true Church).

Quote: "In one significant passage the report notes: "The Roman Catholic Church teaches that the ministry of the Bishop of Rome (the Pope) as universal primate is in accordance with Christ's will for the Church and an essential element of maintaining it in unity and truth." Anglicans rejected the Bishop of Rome as universal primate in the 16th century. Today, however, some Anglicans are beginning to see the potential value of a ministry of universal primacy, which would be exercised by the Bishop of Rome, as a sign and focus of unity within a reunited Church.

The Roman Catholic church bases the ministry of the Bishop of Rome upon a falsehood, for they state that Peter was given this authority from Christ as first Pope, when there is no evidence Peter even visited Rome nor that he was given authority over the Church. The Scriptures correctly proclaim that Christ is the Head of the Church, not the Pope or the king of England. The Pope claims the title "Holy Father", but this term is only used once in the entire Bible, in the Lord's prayer to His Father shortly before His crucifixion in John 17:11. But the book of Revelation gives other titles for this "church". Someone once emailed me about the phrase "Mother of Harlots", noting that seeing Rome was the "Mother", the "Harlots" must be the reformation churches. And looking around us today, that is sadly a fitting term for many of them. When the Lord talks of adultery and harlotry, He is not meaning in the physical sense, rather in the spiritual sense, worshipping other gods rather that Him alone. It looks like many of these "Harlot churches" will once again join themselves to Rome before the whole thing is judged by God for its wickedness.

Revelation 18:4-5
And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.

Source The Australian, Roots Web

Further controversy over Israel's construction work at the Temple Mount has erupted today, after it was revealed that what looks to be an ancient Islamic prayer room was uncovered at the site three years ago. The Antiquities Authority had made the discovery during the collapse of the Mugrabi ramp, but the findings were not made public, over fears that the Muslims would demand access to the site which is adjacent to the Wailing Wall. It was claimed by the Islamic Waqf that administer the site earlier in the month, that there are two rooms underneath the ground that Israel was excavating. It has not yet been verified what the rooms were used for.

Quote: "The remains apparently date back to the 11th century, the Salah al-Din era known as the Ayub Period and which is of great significance to the Muslim world. This important finding was kept secret in fear that the Muslim community would demand that the site, adjacent to the Western Wall compound, be declared sacred. One of the Muslim arguments regarding the works taking place near the Mugrabi Bridge is that the destruction of the embankment would damage Muslim sites. The findings published by the Antiquities Authority are likely to support this argument.

The publication of this news will make it much harder for Israel to resume the construction of the Mugrabi walkway, the only entrance by which non-Muslims can enter the Temple Mount. Many world leaders have already become involved in the dispute over the construction work. Conflict is also continuing over the formation of the Palestinian unity government, with Israeli Prime Minister Olmert threatening to boycott the government if it does not agree to the demands of the Quartet (EU, US, UN, Russia) that Hamas recognize Israel's right to exist. Just a few days ago he said he was willing to change his stance on the unity government, if Hamas would release Gilad Shalit. Possibly Olmert is willing to go much further than he states publicly. US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has also cancelled a scheduled press conference in Ramallah today over the difficulties with the Mecca agreement. The three leaders, Olmert, Rice and Abbas are due to meet for a tripartite discussion on the issues with the unity government and its relations with the West tomorrow. It is very doubtful they will make much, if any progress.

Revelation 11:1-2
And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein. But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.

Source YNet News, YNet News, Jerusalem Post

That leads me to President Ahmadinejad's statement today, where he said that the time of Iran's enemies is over. The Iranian President made the remarks during a farewell meeting for the Lebanese Ambassador to Teheran, Adnan Mansour.

Quote: ""The time of our enemies is over, and - like in the past - the Iranian government and nation support the Lebanese people during the some of the toughest moments in their history," he declared. Referring to the recent war between Hizbullah and Israel, Ahmadinejad said that the "spectacular resistance" of the Lebanese nation against the Zionist regime was "unique and unparalleled." "With its resistance, the Lebanese nation became the flag of resistance, piety, and pride for all nations," Ahmadinejad concluded.

The Iranian President made a statement two years ago at an anti-Semite conference called "The World without Zionism", that Iran intended to wipe Israel off the map. Iran became the first country in the United Nations to call for another member of the organization to be destroyed. The remarks were internationally condemned, but so far the Iranian president remains in power and nobody is prepared to bring him to justice. Perhaps the reason for that is, that his time has not yet come. Perhaps the Iranian President may be kept in power until the invasion of Israel in Ezekiel 38-39. And if history is anything to go by, it will not be Israel that is "wiped off the map". 

Source YNet News

Quote: ""Israeli history is drenched in blood," Israel Radio quoted Salah as saying. "They want to build their Temple while our blood is on their clothing, on their doorposts, in their food and in their water."

Muslim extremists in Srinagar, Kashmir also called for a strike to protest the construction work being carried out at the Temple Mount. You would think such provocative statements would get a mention on the mainstream news agencies. I did a search for "Israeli history is drenched in blood". Not one Western news agency covered the sermon. In fact, the BBC even mentions our friend the Sheikh and his arrest during a protest yesterday, but fails to mention anything about his calls for a third intifada against Israel...

Quote: "But the leader of the Islamic movement, Sheikh Raed Salah, remains banned from the site after being arrested during earlier protests.

In fact, the only provocation the BBC mentions is Israel's construction near the Mount, "Israel says the work is needed to repair a walkway up to the compound. But Palestinian leaders see the work as a huge provocation". And the reason for the Islamic protests have become clear. The Mugrabi walkway, which collapsed several years ago, is the only access route non-Muslims have onto the Temple Mount. If it weren't for this walkway, no Christians or Jews would be able to visit the holy site. Muslims do not want this walkway repaired so that they will have total dominance over the area and the Jews will never be able to rebuild their Temple.

Quote: ""The Arabs actually want the Mughrabi Gate passway to collapse," Knesset Member Aryeh Eldad said this week, "so that they will be able to close the only gate that is under Jewish control. That will end the era of Jewish visitation rights to the Temple Mount. They have been waiting for this for a long time, and that's why they don't want us to refurbish it."

But you won't hear that mentioned on the mainstream media. Instead you will hear that Israel is inciting Islamic anger by their actions, and threaten the foundations of the Al-Aqsa Mosque. 

Source Haaretz, BBC, Arutz 7

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, has given US President Bush a stark warning that he will need to seek the permission of Congress if he plans a strike against Iran. Nancy Pelosi, a staunch Democrat, made the comments days after Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton made similar remarks. 

Quote: "Pelosi, a Democrat, noted that Bush consistently said he supports a diplomatic resolution to differences with Iran "and I take him at his word." At the same time, she said, "I do believe that Congress should assert itself, though, and make it very clear that there is no previous authority for the president, any president, to go into Iran."

In another surprising development, Peter Hain, former Northern Ireland Secretary for the British Labour government, has endorsed Hillary Clinton for the next President of the United States. Last month, Peter Hain slammed the current administration as the "the most right-wing American administration, if not ever, then in living memory". But that statement isn't surprising considering Peter Hain has also done more harm to Northern Ireland than any other Northern Ireland Secretary. He championed homosexuality laws in this country and has been interrogated by the police over the cash-for-peerages scandal and possession of drugs. I wouldn't call his praise of Hillary a "ringing endorsement".

Quote: "Before meeting Senator Clinton for the fourth time as a minister, he said: "When the Democrats won last November [in the mid-term congressional elections] of course every Labour member, like me, cheered because they're our sister party." Mrs Clinton was "formidably briefed on Northern Ireland and an extremely impressive interlocutor".

Democrat Presidential candidate Barak Obama, who has championed abortion in the US, has announced his intentions to publish his policy on Israel soon. Obama stated that the US has an obligation to help Israel find partners for peace, as well as defend it from its enemies. 

Quote: "In his speech, he intends to remove any doubts that the Democratic Party's donors and constituents, many of whom are Jewish, may have about his support for Israel. "Israel wants peace with its neighbors more than anything else," he said.

Source Jerusalem Post, Telegraph, Haaretz

Quote: ""For all that Palestinians every where with their friends and supporters of the just cause were happy for the conclusions of the Mecca meeting. We look forward with anticipation to the formation of the new government and restoration of law and order, and resumption of peace talks." The programme said that it sincerely hopes that Solana's position will help the US to reach a wiser position and different from its current violent attitude towards peace, democracy and justice. "Your 'old' experience is called in today in such challenging moment of history."

The EU has cautiously welcomed the formation of the unity government, but has adopted a "wait and see" policy concerning the resumption of aid. Meanwhile, it seems the US is more pro-Israel than Israel itself. Apparently the US government has informed Palestinian President Abbas that it will boycott the whole PA unity government, unless they agree to abide by the three principles stipulated by the Quartet. On the other hand, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has stated he will not sever ties with Abbas, even if Hamas does not agree to recognize Israel. Olmert's softly, softly approach, which it is believed he took due to the Quartet's resolve to stick by their principles, will result in confusion. The dyke is only as good as its weakest point. If the Quartet holds its ground but Israel doesn't, the Quartet will have to water down its principles and that is what I fear will eventually happen if Olmert continues this line of reasoning. In the Scriptures the Israelites were told by God never to seek the peace of their enemies. They did over and over again, and we are told of the results.

Numbers 33:55 
But if ye will not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you; then it shall come to pass, that those which ye let remain of them shall be pricks in your eyes, and thorns in your sides, and shall vex you in the land wherein ye dwell.

Source WAFA, Jerusalem Post, Jerusalem Post

It has been announced that Turkish engineers are expected to visit the Temple Mount to inspect the work being carried out on the Mugrabi gate. The news came during Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's two day trip to the country. Olmert had brought photographs of the construction work on the mount, but failed to convince Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan that Israel would not harm the foundations of the Al-Aqsa mosque. A number of high profile figures have latched on to the Hamas protests over the Temple Mount, and have criticized Israel for raising the tensions. These include UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, Egyptian MPs who suggested the only thing that would stop Israel would be a nuclear bomb, Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan yesterday, and King Abdullah of Jordan and President Mubarak of Egypt last week. It seems unbelievable that so many world leaders have taken it upon themselves to get involved in the situation.

Quote: "Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan was expected to press Olmert to ease restrictions on Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza. Erdogan also criticized Israel for allowing construction near the Temple Mount in Jerusalem a day before Olmert's arrival...
Turkey will likely press Olmert to work with a new Palestinian government after last week's agreement by Hamas to join a national unity government with the more moderate Fatah movement of President Mahmoud Abbas. Israel and the West have reserved judgment, insisting that any Palestinian government must recognize Israel, renounce violence and accept previous peace deals.

Meanwhile, President Vladimir Putin is touring the Middle East in an effort to increase Russian dominance in the region. The President once again stated his intention to hold an international peace conference on the Middle East during his brief stop in Jordan. Israel has up until now rejected the idea of holding such conferences, due to the fact they usually end up becoming Israel-bashing sessions, preferring instead to negotiate directly with the Palestinians.

Quote: "At a joint press conference with Jordan's King Abdullah II after their talks, Putin said, "We confirm our call for a broad international conference in the Middl