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

Quote: "Israel Radio quoted Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos as saying that high-ranking officials in the international community had aided Palestinian factions to establish such a government by holding talks with Arab countries including Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

The European Union hopes that the establishment of the unity government will pave the way for the Palestinian Authority's rehabilitation in international affairs, allowing the EU to send aid to the Palestinians and stabilize the region. British politicians have been complaining that the Quartet's (EU, US, UN, Russia) boycott of Hamas has driven it into the arms of Iran...

Quote: "A British parliamentary committee warned that the international boycott of the Hamas-led Palestinian government could set back the Middle East peace process and lead to further violence, in a report published Wednesday. The Commons International Development Committee report called the policy of trying to isolate the democratically elected government "questionable."

No doubt our friend and former UK Foreign Minister Jack Straw was one of those MPs. During his tenure in the Blair administration, he stated Britain desired "normalized relations" with Hamas, and that it might be possible for Hamas to recognize the "fact" of Israel's existence without recognizing its right to exist. If so, he hoped, aid to the Palestinian Authority could promptly be resumed. Jack Straw did more harm than good to Britain's relations with Israel, seeking to undermine Israeli authority in East Jerusalem, and labelling Israel's nuclear arsenal a threat to Middle East peace. 

Meanwhile, there were concerns in Lebanon this evening that Israel may be about to launch a new wave of attacks on Hizbullah positions, breaking a 5 month ceasefire. Eight people have been hospitalised after being exposed to deadly Israeli balloons that blew across the Israeli-Lebanese border...

Quote: ""The balloons are of Israeli origin with multi colours… and the phrase / Happy Year / was written on one of them… the balloons triggered an atmosphere of fear and tense among the families," Lebanese National News Agency reported.

You have been warned.

Source Jerusalem Post, Jerusalem Post, Sana, YNet News

Quote: "The contentious issue of the wall between the West Bank and Israel was called 'temporary'. Said Peres: "We were forced to do it. Since we built the wall, attacks came down by 80 per cent. Once there is peace, who needs walls'' He noted that there was no wall along the Jordanian border, nor were there minefields. "Why? They do not penetrate us," he said. There is still hope of peace with the Palestinians provided they are willing to sit and negotiate and peace will be at hand in a relatively short time. "Negotiate with us. We cannot change our neighbours or friends," he said.

This of course falls into line with Biblical prophecy, that Gog and his Islamic allies will in the last days, invade "the land of unwalled villages", Ezekiel 38:11. It's pretty difficult to stage a mass invasion when you have a concrete barrier standing in your way. This news comes as Prime Minister Ehud Olmert gave the go ahead for the security barrier to be extended to include two additional villages, Nili and Na'aleh.

Quote: "If the cabinet approves Olmert's decision, it will be the first time part of the fence has been moved eastward after receiving cabinet approval. Hitherto, all such changes have moved the fence westward, toward the Green Line, the pre-1967 border that separates Israel and the West Bank. 

In regards to Peres' political ambitions, it seems he is well on his way to becoming the next Israeli President. Peres has received official backing from Prime Minister Olmert, his Kadima party and the Labor party. The Israeli Knesset has amended the law which requires a secret ballot for the election of the president, which it is hoped will boost Peres' chances. Today the Knesset also moved to impeach the disgraced President Katsav. Meanwhile, Arab and Islamic efforts are still underway to try and find a lasting solution to the Middle East conflict. King Abdullah II of Jordan believes that European involvement in the region will increase significantly this year, and that the Middle East nations attach much importance to the EU's role as a mediator between Israel and the Palestinians. 

Quote: "King Abdullah said 'the importance of the EU and G8 role will increase this year as efforts intensify to relaunch the peace process between the Palestinian and Israeli sides'. 'The region attaches much importance to this role for accomplishing real and tangible progress in the peace process that should lead to the eventual creation of an independent Palestinian state' that lives in peace with Israel, the statement said.

Pakistan is also getting involved in the peace process. Pakistan Prime Minister Pervez Musharraf is hoping to form a group of like-minded Islamic nations that could work together to develop a new initiative for the region.

Quote: "Musharraf, who was due to fly next to Malaysia for a meeting with Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, said such a grouping of "like-minded" Muslim nations would be listened to. "Since the West is looking and searching for methods and new ideas of bringing peace to the region I think any new idea, any new initiative would be acceptable to them as long as it is workable," he said. He did not elaborate on the group but said King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia was being consulted.

I don't think I can remember a time when so many nations around the world were interested in achieving peace in the Middle East. Perhaps they feel that the scourge of Islamic terrorism may be somewhat influenced if there was peace between Israel and the Palestinians. The book of the Revelation mentions four world conditions that would prevail during the seven year period. The rider of the first white horse wears a crown, holds a bow with no arrows, and goes forth conquering and to conquer. It is believed this horse rider represents peace. During the beginning of the 70th week, I believe the world will experience an unprecedented period of peace. It will be this false peace that will help the Antichrist achieve worldwide acclaim. It won't last, and will be followed by the rider on a second red horse who represents war, and whose job it is to take peace from the earth. 

Revelation 6:1-2
And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see. And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.

Source The Peninsula Qatar, Haaretz, Monsters and Critics, Reuters

You could call it the next step in Rick Warren's Purpose Driven Church. A Church of England bishop has announced plans to adopt secular songs into his services, in an effort to boost numbers. The congregation will sing along to some of Bono's songs, such as "Perfect Day" and "Mysterious Ways", songs which have "spiritual" connotations, but with no mention of God, Christianity, Jesus Christ, the blood, the cross or anything else that might offend people. The meeting will be recorded by the BBC for broadcasting later in the year. The bishop hopes that this new style of "worship" will spread across the United Kingdom...

Quote: "Despite his rock star antics, including swearing on live television, Bono is regarded as a Christian icon by many who point to the spiritual content of his music. His high-profile anti-poverty campaigns with fellow Irish musician Bob Geldof have elevated him to saintly status in some circles. But while Bono is open about his Christian influences, he has also clashed with Church leaders over issues such as Aids. Traditionalists who fear the Church is diluting its message to attract the young will be dismayed at its willingness to embrace Bono. Such doubts are not shared by the Bishop of Grantham, the Rt Rev Timothy Ellis, who is organising the U2-charist in St Swithin's church in Lincoln in May. "Bono and Bob Geldof are very human, but they have demonstrated that they believe there is sanctity to life that has to be protected," he said. "If that makes them saints, then I would go along with that."

From what I recall it was Bob Geldof who told British Prime Minister Tony Blair and US President Bush to increase their aid to Africa, as it was going to cost them "f***-all". Another friend of mine from Canada also sent me pictures Bono doing the sign of the devil at a concert (pictured left). So much for "saints". And this is the man whom the Church of England credits with creating spiritual music?

Quote: "The service will focus on the Millennium Development Goals to reduce world poverty, a cause close to Bono's heart.

Bob Geldof and Bono champion the Millennium Development Goals, which aim to reduce poverty on the African continent. An organization I used to help out in, Wycliffe Associates, also supported the Make Poverty History campaign in their magazine. Ending world poverty may be a noble ambition, but in my view a Christian organization should not support a secular project such as this, because even though our aims may be the same - ending poverty and suffering in the third world - the end goals are very different. One of the Millennium Development Goals aims is to increase sex-education in Africa, in an effort to halt the spread of aids. Sounds innocent enough, but the sex education supported by the UN will see abortion on demand legalized. The Millennium Development Goals see an expanding population as a cause of poverty in Africa, and any efforts to reduce the growth, including issuing condoms to men in an already sexually permissive culture and abortions for women, are being considered.

Quote: ""The MDGs are going to be difficult or impossible to attain without a levelling out of population growth" Richard Ottaway MP It has spent six months taking evidence from expert witnesses for the report, Population Growth - Its Impact on the MDGs. "No country has ever raised itself out of poverty without stabilising population growth," said the group's vice-chairman, Richard Ottaway MP, at a seminar on population issues this week. "And the MDGs are going to be difficult or impossible to attain without a levelling out of population growth in developing countries."

I sent Wycliffe an email about this, but unfortunately the warning fell on deaf ears. As Christians, we need to be so careful with what we get involved in.

2nd Corinthians 11:13-15 
For such [are] false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore [it is] no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. 

Source Telegraph, Guardian, BBC

Homosexual activists have announced they are planning to march in Moscow, despite a ban by the Moscow mayor Yury Luzhkov, who slammed the event as "satanic". Moscow barred a similar event last year on the threat of violence from extreme right-wing groups, but the march went ahead and violence ensued...

Quote: ""Last year, Moscow came under unprecedented pressure to sanction the gay parade, which can be described in no other way than as satanic," he said to applause in comments broadcast on a city-controlled TV channel. "We did not let the parade take place then, and we are not going to allow it in the future." He also charged that Western countries were facing a crisis of religious faith and were corrupting children. "Some European nations bless single-sex marriages and introduce sexual guides in schools. Such things are a deadly moral poison for children," RIA-Novosti quoted Luzhkov as saying.

I'm not anti-gay, but Yury's speech is a breath of fresh air compared to our Western notions of liberalism and political correctness.  Last year I commented about some of the things that go on at these homosexual events. Another friend emailed me and said he had witnessed these shameful things firsthand, and he was appalled. He said the TV crews were all there, but they only interviewed the sane homosexuals, refusing to report the debauchery that was going on in the background. Not because they were offended by it, rather, in order to present the gay cause as just and about civil rights. Yury hit the nail on the head. Homosexuality is not about civil rights, it is a spirit that wants to destroy God's order in creation, and to do it openly in defiance of the Creator. Would to God that we had more politicians like Yury.

Isaiah 3:9 
The shew of their countenance doth witness against them; and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide [it] not. Woe unto their soul! for they have rewarded evil unto themselves.

Source Fox News

We MUST Tell Our Kids The Truth!
by Dan Delagrave

We Christian parents need to stop telling our kids lines like "when Jesus comes again...dadadadada".  Why?  Because Jesus put the fulfilment of his Second Coming within the timeframe restriction of "this generation" (Matt.24:34, Mk.13:30, Lk.21:32).  That's all the reason we need! 

A Biblical generation was thought of in the same sense as a generation is thought of today - a lifespan period of time.  The word "this" in the English dictionary means "pertaining to the present".  Jesus OBVIOUSLY meant the THEN-PRESENT generation of the Apostles when he said that all things, which included his Second Coming and the end of the age, would be fulfilled before "this generation" passed away.  It isn't even debatable, to be quite frank with you.  In Lk.17:25, Jesus told the Disciples that he must first suffer many things and be "rejected (crucified) of this generation".  We all know what generation crucified Jesus, and it wasn't "the 1948 generation", or any other modern invention!  We MUST remain consistent a few chapters later in Lk.21:32, where Jesus said that "all", not some, would be fulfilled before "this generation" passed away.

There are three different understandings of the word "generation". The one that Dan mentions is the one most people would adhere to, that the "generation" referred to is the average lifespan of a human being, or the number of years between a generation and the birth of the next generation. Seventy years, or forty years respectively. The Bible makes use of this term when referring to the number of years Israel wandered in the wilderness.

Num 32:13 
And the LORD'S anger was kindled against Israel, and he made them wander in the wilderness forty years, until all the generation, that had done evil in the sight of the LORD, was consumed. 

The Greek word for this usage of "generation" is the word "dore", a revolution of time. Another word in the Greek which has been translated as "generation" in English, is the word "ghen-nay-mah", a generation of people. This refers to a specific group, rather than a specific time period. John the Baptist used the word in speaking to the Pharisees...

Mathew 3:7 
But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?

The generation Jesus referred to, when He said He would be rejected of "this generation", is another word again, "ghen-eh-ah". This refers to a specific people in a certain age. This is the same word that is used in Jesus Christ's prophecy, "this generation shall not pass away". The question then arises, which generation? The beginning of chapter Matthew 24 and Luke 21 in no doubt refer to the destruction of the Temple and the diaspora. Following this vivid description, Jesus Christ states...

Luke 21:24 
And they (the Jews) shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: (AD 70) and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.

Friends, the times of the Gentiles lasted 1900 years, from the date Titus conquered Jerusalem, until 1967, when Israel retook the city. The next verse commences after the times of the Gentiles has been fulfilled, and concludes with the Second Coming of Christ.

Luke 21:25-27 
And (after the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled) there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

So the question is, which generation is Jesus referring to when He states, the generation that sees all these things come to pass will be the last? The answer is obvious, the generation that witnesses the times of the Gentiles coming to a close.

So we need to start telling our kids THE TRUTH.

Pastors today are in a tough position.  They face LOSING THEIR JOB should they tell the truth.  This is unlike the first century, where pastors weren't plugged into a clergy system that gave them a comfortable salary for preaching the truth.  This is why pastors today commonly AVOID teaching Bible prophecy.  In other words, rather than risk losing their job should they have a change of mind about their denomination's official position on eschatology, they avoid the subject altogether. 

Let's face it, a typical pastor today who suddenly began teaching the Preterist view of eschatology would get OUSTED in short order.  It's the nature of the beast (the conventional church system and denominationalism).  Many pastors are simply unwilling to give up a comfortable salary and good standing before the community in order to openly teach the truth.  So they "leave well enough alone".  Come on, now.  Can we be just a little bit real here?

It has been said that the next reformation will concern eschatology.  That reformation, is, in fact, already underway.  As Thomas Ice, founder of  "the Pre-Trib Research Center" and perhaps the leading defender of Futurism today (particularly of the Premillennial, Dispensational sort), said, "The Preterist view is gaining widespread acceptance on all levels today."  Folks, literally NOTHING that Hal Lindsey, self-proclaimed "father of the modern prophecy movement", has taught or predicted in the last forty years has come true.  All the speculation surrounding the new millennium, such as the Y2K pandemonium, came to nought without so much as a "7-yr peace treaty".  No rebuilt temple, no Russian invasion of Israel, no micro-chip mark of the beast, no one-world religion, no ten horns, and no world-wide dictator has come to fruition like the Premil authors said it would.  It's all been a sad, moneymaking travesty due to wrong eschatology to begin with. 

No comment. Anyone who reads this site will soon see evidence for all this coming to pass in our lifetime. The millennium bug was a hoax by the New World Order, designed to make sure all the banks in the world updated their systems, so we could all be interlinked.

People want answers to all the failed hype and false predictions.  This has caused "a second reformation".  Believers have gone "back to the Bible" for answers, where they have noticed a particular TIMEFRAME for the fulfilment of Bible prophecy, that being "this generation".

We MUST tell our kids the truth if we are to keep this much needed reformation going strong for generations to come. 

The "1948 generation" proved to be a false teaching.  Here we are almost 60 years removed from 1948 and still no Jesus on a big chair in Jerusalem, not to mention none of the aforementioned staples of Dispensational eschatology seeing fulfilment either.  The WRONG GENERATION was in mind all along.

Not exactly. 1948 saw prophecy fulfilled, when a nation was born in one day (Isaiah 66:8), when Hebrew became the official language of the Jews (Zephaniah 3:9) and the Jews returned to their ancient homeland Israel (Ezekiel 37). But we were wrong to mark 40 years from 1948, because Jerusalem, and more significantly the Temple Mount, was still under Gentile control. Daniel's vision states explicitly, that 70 weeks were "determined upon thy people, and thy holy city Jerusalem", Daniel 9:24. Joel 3:1 also states that God was going to bring back the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem. Without Jerusalem under Israeli control, none of the prophesies concerning the end times could come to pass. 

Let's talk about "the 1948 generation".  That view of "this generation" is based on a wrong interpretation of the fig tree parable in Matt.24:32-33.  It is commonly taught that this parable is saying that when Israel, the fig tree, came to life again in 1948 then "the terminal generation" began.  What I want you to see, though, is the fact that, in LUKE'S VERSION of the parable, Jesus exhorted the Disciples to take note of not only the fig tree but "all the trees".  While the fig tree in scripture did indeed denote Israel, we must be consistent here.  If the parable is saying that Israel will come to life again some day, then so must "all the trees".  Were "all the trees", or ALL THE NATIONS, born again as political states in 1948????  NO!!  The fact is, the parable is not speaking of modern Israel at all.  If it were, then we would have to see evidence that ALL the nations became new political states at that time too, that is, if consistency means anything at all. 

Jesus Christ singled out the fig tree in his parable. The fig tree is a picture of Israel in the Bible.

Hosea 9:10 
I found Israel like grapes in the wilderness; I saw your fathers as the firstripe in the fig tree at her first time: but they went to Baalpeor, and separated themselves unto that shame; and their abominations were according as they loved.

The disciples were simply to compare the fig tree to all the trees, because the fig tree is unique, in that it is the first tree to blossom and bear fruit. It's leaves show that "summer is near". Jesus was saying to His disciples, look at all the trees, but when you see leaves on the fig (Israel), you know that you are in the last days.

Needless to say, "1948 generation" advocates prefer to cite MATTHEW'S VERSION of the fig tree parable, which only mentions the fig tree and not "all the trees".

Those who cite the fig tree parable to support a Dispensational bent on Bible prophecy claim that, in the next verse, the stated timeframe restriction for it's fulfilment - "this generation" - is "the generation that saw Israel come to life in 1948".  Yet, that interpretation of "this generation" is not consistent with how Jesus used that very same term elsewhere.  We've already examined Lk.17:25, where Jesus referred to the generation that crucified him as "this generation".  Another verse that demonstrates the then-present nature of "this generation" is Matt.23:36.  Jesus pronounced seven "woes" upon the hypocritical Pharisees of his time, and called them "the children of them which killed the prophets". (v.31)  He said, "That upon you (the hypocritical Jews of his day) may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth." (v.35).  Then he summed up his scathing pronouncement to the Pharisees by saying, "Verily I say un to you, All these things shall come upon this generation."  OBVIOUSLY, the term "this generation" in Matt.23:36 referred to the very ones Jesus was speaking to at that time!  Again, we MUST remain consistent when, just a few verses later in Matt.24:34, Jesus said virtually the same thing - "Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled." 

"In my grandfather's day, it took two days to cross the desert during the day". I use the same word in English three times, with three different meanings. The first day refers to a period of time when my grandfather was a boy, the second refers to a 24 hour period of time and the third refers to the period of time in which we have daylight. When Jesus Christ refers to this and that "generation", we need to make sure we are examining the passage for the correct context. Obviously the generation Jesus refers to in regard to the Pharisees and those who would put Him to death, could not be 2000 years after the resurrection. But the events He spoke of in regard to the last days could be! 

The words "all these things" included the Lord's Second Coming and the end of the age, in conjunction with the Temple's destruction.  All three elements were what the Disciples asked Jesus about, and Jesus put the fulfilment of ALL THREE under one and the same time statement of "this generation".  Therefore, we cannot separate by thousands of years the Lord's Second Coming from the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, since all three things were prophesied to be fulfilled before the then-present generation had passed away. 

No. The reference to "all these things" is to Israel fleeing, after seeing the abomination of desolation set up in the Temple. This is not a reference to the Temple's destruction in AD 70, for the events described by the Lord that coincide with this occurrence are false prophets, signs in the heavens, and the sign of the Son of Man. These things never occurred in AD 70.

Matthew 24:30 
And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

Sadly, Futuristic eschatology, at best, puts the fulfilment of "some" things in the first century, while other things are to be fulfilled thousands of years removed from that time.  But what right does anyone have to change what Jesus said twice about in the space of ten verses, that is, the fact that "all" would be fulfilled before that generation had passed away?  The TRUTH is, we have no option but to simply accept what Jesus said and begin adjusting our understanding of all else accordingly.  Unfortunately, modern teachers keep adjusting the clear timeframe Jesus gave to accommodate false notions about the nature of the kingdom.  Church, that ought not to be!

Let's face this too - NO MAN wants to get a crazy look from his kids, especially kids that are old enough to have already had a futuristic interpretation of the Second Coming of Christ ingrained into their minds.  But we have no choice short of not saying anything at all.  The result of not telling them the truth is IGNORANCE and all that curtails from it.  That includes a lot of silliness, unrealistic expectations, and, ultimately, disillusionment.

Telling our kids the Preteristic truth about Bible prophecy also equips them with a tremendous apologetic for the Christian faith.  The Sceptics constantly use "the non-return" against the deity of Jesus and the inspiration of the Bible.  Jesus didn't return WHEN he said he would, therefore he was a false prophet and the Bible is uninspired, so the Sceptics say.  Telling our kids the truth - that all was fulfilled within the first century parameters of "this generation" - gives them the only rock-solid refutation of the "non-return" accusation against Christianity.

We MUST tell our kids the truth.

*****

Just one thought. I would rather be right about Jesus' coming again, and to not be ashamed, than to have taught that Jesus wasn't coming back and have to face Him, knowing that I not only let Him down, but also my children. How sad.

1st John 2:28 
And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.

Quote: "In contrast to Majadle's comments, Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum defended the suicide attack as legitimate "resistance" against Israel. Barhoum called the attack, which killed three people in a local bakery, a "natural response" to IDF policies in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, as well as its ongoing boycott of the Hamas-led Palestinian Authority government. "So long as there is occupation, resistance is legitimate," he said. He also said attacks on Israel were preferable to the recent bout of Palestinian infighting in Gaza. "The right thing is for Fatah weapons to be directed toward the occupation, not toward Hamas," he said.

Of course its not just Palestinian terrorist organizations that sympathize with the bombers. Last year, Cherie Blair, the British Prime Ministers wife, said that "as long as as young people feel they have got no hope but to blow themselves up you are never going to make progress" - just hours after some 19 Israelis were killed in a massive suicide bombing. Mayor or London Ken Livingstone also justified suicide bombings, stating that the Palestinians had no other option, because they were fighting against a state that had fighter planes and tanks - and that was only days after London experienced its first taste of Islamic terror. Today's suicide attack is the first since April last year, and the first the town of Eilat has ever experienced. The IDF believe the bomber could have infiltrated across the Egyptian border, and if so, that would put EU efforts at the Rafah border under question. This is exactly why Israel has been building the "apartheid wall", to keep out Shahid who believe that killing themselves along with dozens of Jews will land themselves in heaven with 72 dark-eyed virgins.

John 16:2-3
They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.

Source Jerusalem Post, BBC

A new report published by the Global Forum Against Anti-Semitism has revealed a worrying spike in anti-Semitics attacks across the world. According to the report published by the Jewish Agency, Austria and Germany have seen at least a 60% rise in incidents in the last year, while France and Russia have seen a 20% increase. Every year, hundreds of anti-Semitic attacks are recorded. During the Israeli-Hizbullah conflict last year, a young girl was beaten unconscious on a London bus in an horrific attack that lasted for five minutes, after her attackers discovered she was Jewish. Not a single news agency covered the story. In another incident in Germany, a group of Muslim women attacked a girl speaking on a mobile phone to her friend in Israel, after they realized she was speaking Hebrew. Last year the Chief Rabbi of Britain warned the world that a "wave of anti-Semitism" was sweeping across the globe, from predominantly Muslim countries to Western nations.

Quote: "Europe was also scene to "pure white Christian anti-Semitism," Hermon said, citing an article last August by Norwegian author Jostein Gaarder, who wrote in the Aftenposten newspaper: "The State of Israel in its present form is history. We no longer recognize the State of Israel... Do not worry, Israel will go to exile again." Almost all forms of anti-Semitism, from the anti-Israel boycott attempts by the radical Left, to the propaganda of Islamic extremists, shared the attempt to equate the State of Israel with Nazi Germany, Hermon pointed out.

That is an extremely interesting statement. This is the same crime for which mayor of London Ken Livingstone was condemned for (and got away with it), for comparing a Jewish reporter to a Nazi prison camp guard. And of course we have the statements by President Ahmadinejad, who believes the holocaust was a myth, but intends to finish the job the Europeans started. And then all the Nazi graffiti which so often adorns the Jewish graveyards of Europe, courtesy of the neo-Nazi and nationalistic groups. 

And this of course is the same lie that the mainstream "Christian" churches are buying into. Last year, the Church of England decided it would get involved in politics in an effort to rediscover its validity in the modern world. But it seems getting involved in politics necessitates bashing Israel. The Church of Scotland also feels the same way. The view is portrayed in the media that the peace wall is really an "apartheid" wall, that Israel's construction in the West Bank is a "land grab", and that there was once a state called Palestine which has been overrun by the Jews. The sad thing is, when another holocaust does come, you won't need to wonder why the churches never did anything to stop it.

Isaiah 54:15 
Behold, they shall surely gather together, but not by me: whosoever shall gather together against thee shall fall for thy sake.

Source YNet News

Quote: "We bring to you our deepening concern for the welfare and future of the Palestinian Christian community. A small but vital part of the Palestinian society, Christians are rapidly emigrating to countries where they can gain the economic and physical security that is denied all Palestinians living under occupation. The future of the Palestinian Christians requires a solution to the conflict that will allow both peoples ­ Israelis and Palestinians - to live side-by- side in two states where all enjoy justice, peace and security...
With the construction by Israel of the separation barrier, many of the faithful ­ both Christians and Muslims ­ are excluded from the Holy City, and Jerusalem is severed from Bethlehem. Our second appeal is for you to work with Israelis, Palestinians and the international community to guarantee access to Jerusalem's Holy Places and religious liberty for all peoples.

Not only do they lay the blame for Christian suffering at the feet of Israel, they completely fail to mention that Hamas and Fatah are the ones to blame for the erection of the "separation barrier", and the fact that its erection has saved possibly hundreds of lives. I also commented on an article a few months ago in which Christian Palestinians described the suffering they were enduring. They didn't mention Israel or the peace wall, but what they did mention was that Hamas terrorists were fire-bombing their premises, and accusing them of proselytising Muslims. And the low population of Christians in Bethlehem, for which the ecumenicals blame Israel, has been falling ever since Israel handed control of the town to the Palestinian Authority. They also fail to mention Christians and Jews do not currently enjoy access to all Jerusalem's holy places, thanks to the Islamic Waqf who administer the Temple Mount, while their letter implies that Israel is to blame for this.

Are these church leaders really concerned for peace in the Middle East? I don't think so. If they read their Bibles, their letter would sound entirely different. They would love the Jew as much as the Palestinian. They would love justice, rather than compromise with terror. They would have a desire not to see God's land divided. They would travel to Israel and the territories, and help the poor and needy, instead of just writing letters about it. In reality, these ecumenical leaders' only concern is to be seen to be in favour of peace, to portray a good image of themselves. But just like Rick Warren's ill-fated trip to Syria, the sheep's clothing will eventually come off.

Matthew 7:15-17
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 

Source Independent Catholic News

Quote: "In a joint article published in a number of European newspapers, Spain's Alberto Navarro and Luxembourg's Nicolas Schmit say that in today's globalised world "a united and capable Europe is more necessary than ever". "We cannot resign ourselves to Europe being no more than a huge market or a free trade area," they write. "We want a political Europe that can speak with one voice, and with one minister of foreign affairs and a common foreign service."

Once again I hear that phrase "one voice". Javier Solana, the High Representative for the European Common, Foreign and Security Policy, has used the phrase several times, in relation to EU energy resources, in relation to Europe's representation on the UN Security Council. And of course EU propaganda proudly proclaims that Europe has many languages, but speaks with one voice. Of course the voice has to belong to an individual, and sooner or later they will get what they want. Only this "one voice" will speak blasphemy against God until his time is accomplished. Note the progression in the following verses...

Daniel 7:8 
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 (boastful) things. 

Daniel 7:20 
And of the ten horns that [were] in his head, and [of] the other which came up, and before whom three fell; even [of] that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spake very great things, whose look [was] more stout than his fellows. 

Revelation 13:5 
And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty [and] two months.

Revelation 13:6 
And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.

Source BBC

Quote: "The Israeli mission is hoping that a majority of at least 104 countries will support the resolution, as in the historical vote of November 1, 2005, designating January 27 as the International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust. The second International Holocaust Day will be commemorated next Monday.

Italy's Prime Minister Romano Prodi, a close friend of Israel and the man who called for EU troops to police the Gaza border, is pressing for Holocaust denial to be made a crime in his country. Italy proposed legislation today that would increase jail sentences for anti-Semitic attacks, and would help finance an international Holocaust education programme...

Quote: ""No to anti-Semitism, even when it is disguised as anti-Zionism," said Italian President Giorgio Napolitano in a Memorial Day speech before hundreds of students in Rome on Thursday. "Anti-Semitism means denying the base on which the Jewish country is built, the reason for its establishment, and its need for security even today, it has nothing to do with which government is currently leading Israel ," Napolitano said.

While this is positive news, especially in light of current statements coming out of Iran, actions speak louder than words. Anti-Semitism is on the increase throughout the world, it's not just an Iranian problem. The Bible states that during the tribulation period, specifically after the abomination of desolation is set up in the Jewish Temple, the Jewish nation will face a time of trouble the like of which has never been witnessed (Daniel 12:1), not even in the Holocaust. Two thirds (Zechariah 13:8-9) of Israel will be wiped out, and the remaining third will be preserved by God until the Second Coming of Christ (Revelation 12:14). 

Source YNet News, YNet News

It seems I was partly right, and partly wrong. He wasn't about to usurp Solana's role as future EU Foreign Minister, but I was wrong in that he was linked with Switzerland. The Swiss government has revealed the identity of its special EU mediator, that was involved in secret negotiations between Israel and Syria for a couple of years. Haaretz first broke the story that a deal had been negotiated between the two states which would have paved the way for the handover of the Golan Heights to Israel, in return for an end to the support of terrorism by Damascus. But the talks ended soon after the outbreak of the Israeli-Hizbullah conflict. The EU's secret negotiator was a man called Nicholas Lang, a minister in the Swiss Foreign Office.

Quote: "Former foreign minister Silvan Shalom, a Likud MK, confirmed last week that he knew of the secret talks while serving at the ministry. Meretz chair Yossi Beilin said after Haaretz first revealed the initiative that the European who mediated between the Israelis and Damascus was the head of the Middle East desk in the Swiss Foreign Ministry, Nicholas Lang. Lang had played a key role in the talks between Israelis and Palestinians that led to Beilin and Yasser Abed Rabbo's Geneva Initiative. Earlier, Lang had served as Swiss general consul in Jerusalem. Over the weekend, Lang visited Jerusalem, later travelling to Damascus to meet senior government officials, including Vice President Farouk Shara and Foreign Minister Walid Muallem.

Syrian American Ibrahim Suleiman stated that he believed the revelation of the secret talks between Israel and Syria would end hopes of an agreement, but it seems in spite of this development Switzerland has expressed a desire for the negotiations to resume. But with denials by both Israel and Syria that any talks had taken place, or that any agreement had been reached, it is doubtful the talks could take place on an official level, at least for the present.

Quote: ""As a neutral country, Switzerland is well positioned to facilitate such dialogues. In this context, Switzerland welcomed Syria's repeated calls for a resumption of dialogue and peace talks with Israel." The embassy statement made no mention of Lang, coordinator of Swiss Middle East peace efforts, being in Damascus. 

Source Haaretz, YNet News

Quote: ""As Christians, that cannot be our message," said Professor Rossing. "We need to read the Bible for the future; for the end of the world, said the New Testament scholar. We can learn from early Christians and New Testament communities about how to live in hope for the future "since they too believed that they were living at the end of the world, the end of the ages." "As we frame our thinking for the 21st century," she said, "frame the question of 'God's Unfinished Future' in ecological terms [and ask] how can we as Christians find a biblical vision of hope for the future that address ecological economics; that addresses the future of this earth; our home; and is God's home and will not be left behind."

Dr Rossing is proclaiming that the book of Revelation is a warning message from God, but advocates that Christians teach that God's ultimate aim is to heal this planet, not destroy it. That is true, don't get me wrong. But Rossing errs in her theology, which she claims to be a Doctor of. There is no "unfinished future" mentioned in the Bible, the future of mankind is already written down for all to see. The God I serve is the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. The events spoken off in Revelation, Daniel, Ezekiel, etc. will unfold exactly as foretold, because God is the author of the book. Dr Rossing said that the disciples believed they were also living in the "end of the age". The truth is they were, Scripturally speaking the "end of the age" (in regards to Israel - Hebrews 1:1-2) has been going on for the last 2000 years. But the events written in the Scriptures concerning the last days (in regards to this world) could not have been fulfilled in their lifetimes, due to political alliances and technological advances described as taking place in the last days, and that is why there is a sense of "an end" in today's culture. To Dr Rossing, this fear of impending judgement is wrong, and the Bible must be reinterpreted in order to portray a more positive message. After all, how could a loving God destroy His own creation? In fact God's love demands that He judge the world. Love for the world to not leave it in its sinful state, and love for the saved to deliver them from it. 

Dr Rossing is a false teacher. She proclaims peace to the world, but does not seek to warn the lost of the judgement to come. Sadly she is like so many other false teachers today, believing that the Church has taken Israel's place, and that they can continue their comfortable lives on this earth indefinitely. Like the false prophets of old, God has not sent them though they claim to speak in His name. Those that have not truly accepted Jesus Christ as Saviour will receive their judgement, along with the souls they have deceived.

2nd Peter 2:1 
But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

Isaiah 47:13 
Thou art wearied in the multitude of thy counsels. Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save thee from [these things] that shall come upon thee.

Source Spero

The White House and Congress of the United States have been flooded with calls from Assyrian groups that the US support the creation of an Assyrian province in Iraq. The Iraqi government has stated that the Assyrian people should be entitled to their own province in the country, and if they request it, they may be given one. The announcement has generated a wave of interest in several countries, and bills petitioning for the creation of the province are to be submitted to the US Congress and the European Parliament.

Quote: "The AIGNA story said, "Based on the public statements of both the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister [of Iraq] who said, 'The Assyrians are the original people of Iraq. They are entitled to a province of their own and should request it,' the move towards the Province is spreading from Washington to other countries with a similar resolution being prepared for presentation to the EU [European Union] Parliament. "In addition to calls, teams of volunteers are visiting every member of Congress, the White House, State Department and other Agencies, delivering a copy of 'The Congressional Resolution for the Assyrian Province' and asking them to sponsor the bills introduction into Congress and implementation."

The following comments are from Watchmen Watching...

This article grabbed my attention. In Micah Chapter 5, you will find the prophecy of the first and second coming Christ. It is the verse quoted to Herod by the chief priests and scribes when he asked where the messiah was supposed to come from. It foretells that He would come out of Bethlehem and that He was "from everlasting", an eternal being. Continuing on in this chapter, at verse 5, it foretells of His victorious return and His bringing real peace to Israel. It foretells the victory that will be gained over Israel’s enemies. Israel’s enemies in this chapter are depicted as being led by the "Assyrian", which many expositors have taken to be a symbolic description. Could the leader of Israel’s enemies be a literal Assyrian? Interesting days in which we live, for sure. 

Micah 5:5-6 
And this man (Jesus) shall be the peace, when the Assyrian shall come into our land: and when he shall tread in our palaces, then shall we raise against him 7 shepherds, and 8 principal men. And they shall waste the land of Assyria with the sword, and the land of Nimrod in the entrances thereof: Nimrod (remember Nimrod’s land was of Babylon…located in today’s Iraq) thus shall he deliver us from the Assyrian, when he cometh into our land, and when he treadeth within our borders.

My own (Chris) thoughts are that perhaps the reference to the Assyrian coming into the land and Israel raising up men to withstand him, may be a reference to the war of Ezekiel 38-39. I don't think the "Assyrian" here is a single individual, like the Antichrist or similar, rather it is speaking of the nationality of the Assyrians. It's like me saying, when the Roman invaded Britain we were defeated. Ezekiel states that many people shall come with Gog to invade Israel in the last days.

Source AINA

Quote: ""Everyone, particularly Israel, must realise that if we do not reach a solution to the Palestinian issue this year then we will all pay the price," King Abdullah told London-based Asharq al-Awsat newspaper, calling for the creation of a Palestinian state alongside Israel. "Without this, the region will move toward new disasters similar to what happened in Lebanon," he told the daily.

Meanwhile, President Abbas of the Palestinian Authority is planning to visit Spain this Friday, to meet with the Prime Minister Zapatero and Foreign Minister Miguel Moratinos. The two men have been instrumental in the creation of the Alliance of Civilizations and the Declaration of Alicante - the EU's new peace plan for the Middle East. The Palestinian Authority accepted the Spanish peace plan shortly after it was revealed by Moratinos.

Quote: "In Ramallah, aides to Abbas confirmed that the president would stop in Spain after attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Abbas will meet with Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos and dine with Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, Spain's Foreign Ministry said.

In other news, it appears the $100 million in tax revenues, so generously given by Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to Palestinian President Abbas will be distributed to the needy. Apparently US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice had pressured Olmert into handing over the money as some sort of good will gesture. President Abbas then made a surprise visit to Damascus to visit Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal, and the rest is history. And there is no doubt about it, Hamas is needy. They need bullets to kill more Jews, they need RPG launchers to attack the IDF and they need to buy off Palestinians to consolidate their power. 

Quote: "At the time Olmert quietened his critics, assuring them that Abbas would oversee the distribution of these funds, and that Hamas - which has been boycotted internationally until it recognizes Israel - would not be able to touch the money. Now, however, PA Minister of Planning Samir Abu Aisha (Hamas) has stated that his organization will be fully involved in handing out the cash. Doing so makes a mockery of Olmert's assurances and will help bolster Hamas popularity in its ongoing conflict with the Fatah faction of the PLO. Some of the dollars are expected to fund ongoing terrorist activities against Israel.

I think the US and UK need to take note, "Do not feed the animals".

Source Reuters, International Herald Tribune, Jerusalem Newswire

Member of the Israeli Knesset, Shlomo Breznitz of Olmert's Kadima party, has proposed a new peace plan which he believes is revolutionary and will solve the situation of Israel's security problem. Breznitz has proposed that Israel disengage from the West Bank, and hand control of the region over to the European Union. In the plan, EU forces would gradually replace IDF soldiers stationed in Judea and Samaria, who would in turn train and equip Palestinian President Abbas' "security forces". Eventually it is hoped, Abbas' forces will be in a position to take control of the region.

Quote: "The plan is based on an Israeli withdrawal from most of the Palestinian territories and the dismantling of dozens of settlements in the occupied territories. These territories will then be handed over to a European force, which Breznitz described as an "important force [which will] control the situation in preparation for the establishment of a Palestinian state". Breznitz also revealed that he is going to present this plan on Wednesday at the ongoing Herzliya conference, taking place outside Tel Aviv. He believes that this plan is the way out of the current dilemma, and would offer a solution similar to south Lebanon, or Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Breznitz' ideas are of course not new. At the end of last year, the European Union voted on sending EU troops to Gaza in order to put an end the bloodshed. That was after the Beit Hanoun "massacre", when Israel was blamed for killing dozens of Palestinians. The Bible also states that the European Union, the Revived Roman Empire, will send troops to the region in order to facilitate the peace agreement. But it seems Breznitz' plan may be more than just words on a piece of paper. European sources in Israel and the Palestinian territories have told WorldNetDaily that their institutions are already taking on new staff, ahead of an agreement between Israel and the Palestinians. It is expected a deal will result in the disengagement from much of the West Bank, and the European Union, which is already involved in security on the Rafah border and training the Palestinian police force, will be expected to take on the extra burden of security in the territories. 

Quote: "EU sources in Israel tell WND their offices here are taking on new staffers to deal with matters of security, public relations, diplomacy and regional coordination. They say they expect an increased work load due to behind-the-scenes diplomatic initiatives they state may result in an Israeli withdrawal from the West Bank.

Friends, it seems events are accelerating rapidly, and ideas that were once solely in the realm of prophecy are now fast becoming a reality. 

Source IMRA, WorldNetDaily

Quote: "Kadima's number two man Peres has shown interest in running for president again, but has yet to make an official announcement. Kadima sources told Ynet that advisor Eyal Arad, who steered Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to victory in 2001, has been recruited to manage Peres' presidential bid. Opinion polls projected Peres as the frontrunner in the race, with most Israelis favoring him for the presidency. However, the Israeli public does not determine the outcome of such a race. Under Israeli law, a presidential candidate is elected by majority in the Knesset.

If he does win, and if Solana's predictions that a deal with the Palestinians is a few weeks to two months away, Shimon Peres may just become the man who "hearkens to the division" of God's land. Is it just me, or does it seem that God is walking contrary to His people? Rabbis have speculated that because of the disengagement from Gaza and the "convergence" plan and their efforts to hand the land of Israel back to their enemies, that God has allowed the leadership of Israel to be judged, and has brought their sin out into the open. I'd be inclined to agree with that. But if things keep going the way they are going, then I believe, the worst is yet to come.

Leviticus 26:23-26 
And if ye will not be reformed by me by these things, but will walk contrary unto me; Then will I also walk contrary unto you, and will punish you yet seven times for your sins. And I will bring a sword upon you, that shall avenge the quarrel of my covenant: and when ye are gathered together within your cities, I will send the pestilence among you; and ye shall be delivered into the hand of the enemy. And when I have broken the staff of your bread, ten women shall bake your bread in one oven, and they shall deliver you your bread again by weight: and ye shall eat, and not be satisfied.

Source YNet News

Russia has announced it has completed the full shipment of Tor M-1 missiles to Iran. Russian Defence Minister Sergey Ivanov has stated that the missiles are purely for defence purposes, and have a limited range. But the United States criticized the $700 million deal, which comes at a time that the international community is seeking to pressurize Iran into giving up its nuclear programme. 

Quote: "Defense Ministry officials previously said Moscow would supply 29 of the sophisticated missile systems to Iran under a $700 million contract signed in December 2005, according to Russian media reports. Ivanov said last week that at least some of the missiles had been sent, the first high-level confirmation that their delivery took place despite US complaints.

Iran is using the missile systems to defend it's nuclear installations from attack. The Tor M-1 is a mobile guided missile launcher that is capable of taking out fighter aircraft, helicopters, UAVs, guided missiles and precision weapons, such as laser-guided bombs and cruise missiles. The system can operate in intensive radar-jammed environments.

Quote: "Tor M1 can detect and track up to 48 targets (minimum radar cross section of 0.1 square meter) at a maximum range of 25 km, and engage two of them simultaneously, at a speed of up to 700 m/sec, and at a distance of 1 to 12 km. The system's high lethality (aircraft kill probability of 0.92-0.95) is maintained at altitude of 10 – 6,000 m'.

Short range or not, Israel and the US will have their work cut out if they will attempt a strike on Iran's nuclear facilities before April 2007.

Source FARS, Defense Update

An aide to Javier Solana, the High Representative for the European Common Foreign and Security Policy, has stated on the condition of anonymity that an historic change in the Middle East is coming within the next few weeks or months. Sources say the deal was negotiated by Israel and Egypt in co-ordination with the European Union and the United States....

Quote: "The Egyptian and European sources told WND the negotiations for an Israeli withdrawal were mediated by Egypt and the European Union, with U.S. input. The sources said major changes in Israeli-Palestinian affairs are expected within a few weeks to two months. According to an aid to European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana, speaking on condition of anonymity, there will be a "historic political evolution and movement in negotiations in the next few weeks and few months, unseen since the Camp David peace talks in 2000."

The "historic change" would involve the transfer of most of the West Bank to the control of President Abbas, rather than the Palestinian Authority run by Prime Minister Ismael Haniyeh of Hamas. The United States and Britain have already handed over substantial funds and weapons to Abbas' "security forces". This would result in the unbelievable situation, where Israel's enemies completely surround the Jewish state, and are supported by the international community. All of Israel would then be within firing range of rockets, from Hizbullah in the north, Hamas in the west and Fatah in the east. In regards to the secret negotiations between Israel, Syria and the European Union, Javier Solana has stated that the EU will stand behind any decision Israel makes in regard to the apparent offer of peace from President Bashar Assad. 

Quote: "The European Union would support any decision Israel would make regarding negotiations with Syria, EU's foreign policy chief Javier Solana said in an interview with Channel 10 on Monday evening. Solana, who was asked by one of the presenters whether the EU thought Syrian President Bashar Assad's recent calls for peace talks with Israel were serious, said that judging from Syria's recent behavior towards the international community, the country may be difficult to believe. Therefore, he said, the EU would stand by any decision Israel would make regarding the Syrian president's offer.

Regarding the identity of the European dignitary that has been involved in the secret talks, it is difficult to know who he is, or what he represents. He could be just a well respected politician like Paddy Ashdown, who led a British political party for years, and later moved on to conflict resolution in Kosovo. He could just be undertaking the talks on an unofficial level, on behalf of the European Union or Javier Solana. In any case I don't think he could/should upstage Solana, who is slated for the job of EU Foreign Minister. He could be the man to make the agreement, which the Antichrist will later confirm or strengthen. The talks were probably undertaken in Switzerland, as this is "supposed" to be a politically neutral country, but I doubt if this would have anything to do with the dignitary's identity. On the other hand, Solana may not be the man, and this "super professional" dignitary could be the Antichrist. In any case we'll have to keep our eyes open.

Source WorldNetDaily, Jerusalem Post

Quote: "Switzerland served as a mediator in informal talks between Israeli and Syrian representatives, which were first reported in Haaretz last week, Swiss Foreign Minister and Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Ray said Monday. "Switzerland was the mediator in the talks that were reported in the media," said Calmy-Ray. She added that the individual who mediated between sides in the talks is currently in Syria. It was reported in recent days that the senior European official who was involved in secret talks between Israel and Syria held a long meeting with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's chief of staff, Yoram Turbowicz, during the second Lebanon war... Before the meeting, the European official visited Damascus several times with Syrian-American businessman Ibrahim Suleiman, who was the Syrian representative in the talks with Liel. Their last meeting took place 10 days after the war began.

They're not giving away much, are they? 

1) It's a male.
2) He's senior.
3) He had talks with Yoram Turbowicz during the Lebanese war. 
4) He has been in Damascus several times. 
5) He is currently in Syria. 

I don't know where Solana is right now, but Syria was not on his official schedule for his four day tour of the Middle East. YNet News has also revealed that this European diplomat is a super statesman, just like the Antichrist will be...

Quote: "Speaking to reporters at the Netanya Academic College last week, Dr. Liel admitted that the talks were mediated by a European country, whose identity he refused to divulge. "Our only way of ascertaining that our counterparts were serious was sending someone to Damascus nearly every month to verify this," Liel explained. He described the mediator as "a super-professional, super responsible European dignitary."

Now how many super-professional, super responsible EU dignitaries do you know of? I don't know of many, but if there are any other suggestions other than Solana, please email them to me.

Daniel 8:24-25
And his (Antichrist's) power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people. And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.

Source Haaretz, Ynet News

Quote: "Olmert and Abbas reached a series of concessions during the meeting, which marked the first substantial talks between Israeli and Palestinian leaders in 22 months. Regarding the meeting, Peres was quoted by Israel Radio as saying on Sunday that it is an opportunity to revive the " convergence" plan, which seemed to be shelved after the month-long Israel-Hezbollah conflict in summer. Olmert vowed before the March 28 election to set Israel's final borders by 2010 and the new government would be based on his so- called "convergence" plan, under which Israel would withdraw isolated settlements in the West Bank but keep bigger ones.

Peres also made an interesting remark today, stating that there are three main issues, borders, refugees and Jerusalem, and that the two sides are close to an agreement on the disengagement from Judea and Samaria, and around ninety percent of the land will be handed over to the Palestinian Authority.

Quote: "Addressing the conflict with the Palestinians, Peres said that the three main problems were borders, Jerusalem and the refugees. "On the border issue we are close to reaching a solution, as we have agreed to return 90 percent of the West Bank territories. On the refugee issue, Israel has told the Arab world that there is nothing to talk about, and even the Saudi document does not talk about the right of return anymore. Regarding Jerusalem, there are things that everyone agrees about and there are additional issues that have to be discussed."

I've stated this before, but for the benefit of those who are new, Shimon Peres has a very interesting name. Shimon, or Simeon means "to hearken", and "Peres" means "division". In the Bible, names are very important, and often describe the character of the person to whom they are given, for example, Abram (exalted father) and Abraham (father of a multitude), Saul (a haughty one) and Paul (a little one), Simon (a small pebble) and Peter (a stone). I have speculated before that Shimon Peres, due to his unique name, may end up becoming instrumental in the division of God's land, which thing He hates.

Source People's Daily Online, YNet News

Quote: "Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni has appointed Yossi Amrani, former Israeli consul in San Francisco, to oversee work on the plan, Maariv reports. Amrani's team must prepare the plan and present it within the coming weeks. It is to include various aspects of the establishment of a Palestinian state with temporary borders to be unilaterally determined by Israel. The way will be left open for border changes in the future, if the PA begins to cooperate. A withdrawal from Judea and Samaria means the destruction of an untold number of Jewish communities and the expulsion of many more thousands of Jews than those expelled from Gush Katif. Most of the latter are still without permanent homes or jobs. The plan in the works is predicated upon the assumption that the PA will not succeed in forming a Fatah-Hamas unity government in the near future, and that therefore the Hamas-led PA will continue to refuse to recognize Israel's existence. It is also assumed that PA Chairman Abu Mazen (Fatah) will never be strong enough to sign agreements with Israel.

This is why despite Olmert's denials, I have not removed his claim that Israel would finalize it's borders by 2010 from this website. Olmert is a very determined man and like British Prime Minister Blair, believes he has a moral obligation to fulfil his personal vision, no matter who disagrees with him. Olmert intends to disengage from land taken in 1967 in an attempt to shift the blame for the lack of peace onto the Palestinians, but his plan will leave Israel virtually indefensible and will result in the near destruction of the Jewish nation.

Zechariah 12:2 
Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah (West Bank) [and] against (East) Jerusalem.

Zechariah 12:7 
The LORD also shall save the tents of Judah first, that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem (Israeli government?) do not magnify [themselves] against Judah.

Source Arutz 7

Quote: ""We think there is an opportunity now, an opportunity we should not let go of," Solana told reporters following talks with Jordan's King Abdullah II in the capital city Amman. Solana departed for Israel, the last leg in a Mideast tour that included stops in the West Bank and Egypt. Commenting on the stalemate in Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, Solana said, "It's been taking too long a time; the situation has not evolved, the peace process has not evolved, but we think this is the moment to give it a push and to see if we can put it back on track."

During his visit to the Palestinian territories, the High Representative also said he was shocked at the extent of the West Bank barrier, the peace wall that has saved possibly hundreds of innocent lives from Palestinian attacks, and the growth of Israeli settlements in the disputed territory. He urged Israel to stop building the wall and put an end to the housing developments.

Quote: "Solana said he was struck during a tour on Saturday of Arab towns on Jerusalem's eastern slopes that lie within West Bank land by the growth of settlements and a barrier cutting into land that Palestinians want for a state. "I had the opportunity to make a tour along the eastern part of Jerusalem and go to Abu Dis and its surroundings. You get really very shocked every time you go and you see the situation worse, the wall is more extended and settlements are more extended," Solana told reporters in Amman.

The question is, why in Solana's eyes is Israel only to blame for the erection of the peace wall? Why is the situation "worse", now that hundreds of lives have been saved in the prevention of terrorists breaching the border of Israel in order to kill Jews? Solana did urge the Israeli government no so long ago to ease the "oppression" of the Palestinian people by making it easier for them to cross into Israel. He received a scolding response from former Shimon Peres, who said Israel's first and foremost responsibility was to their own people, and Hamas were to blame for the situation. Belfast has had peace walls for years, but nobody ever complains that their freedoms are being restricted or that they are being oppressed. When peace comes, walls should theoretically come down, but to call for walls to come down while war is being waged against innocent civilians is complete lunacy, in any part of the world. I believe the walls will eventually come down though, possibly shortly before Russia and her Arab allies invade.

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 (Gog) mind, and thou shalt think an evil thought: And thou shalt say, I will go up to the land of unwalled villages (Israel); 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, Haaretz, AlertNet

While I'm away, you can enjoy one final song from my friend Michael Jamison, Woe Is Me, from his album "I Love the Lord". This is a very powerful song about a man who dies, having rejected salvation. I like this song because it brings it home how real eternity is, and the mortal danger the unsaved are in if they die in their sins. If this doesn't stir you to pray for the lost and proclaim the gospel, nothing will. If you would like this CD, or some of the new ones that Michael will be recording in April, please feel free to contact him or myself. 

On the other hand, if you are not yet saved, and are concerned about your soul and the things written in this website, feel free to contact me, and I will do my best to help point you to the Saviour.

Quote: "Following a meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah Friday, European Union Foreign Policy Chief Javier Solana said that positive developments have been occurring recently that could contribute to the peace process between Israel and the Palestinians. "We are aware that the process will not be easy, but we are here to help remove obstacles, and you can count on us to make efforts to that end," Solana said.

Part of the reason for this renewed optimism may be the transfer of $100 million in tax revenues by Israel to President Abbas. The President later took a trip to see the exiled Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal in Damascus, who holds ultimate sway over the Palestinian Authority. Last year Javier Solana undertook the personal goal of working towards the release of the Israeli Corporal Gilad Shalit, who is being held captive by Hamas in Gaza. It is believed that Egypt at one stage was very close to finalizing a deal with Hamas for the release of Gilad. And of course Egypt was the first stop in Javier Solana's four day tour. I can't help but wonder whether this visit of Abbas to Damascus and the $100 million has anything to do with Solana's negotiations with Mubarak. Yesterday Solana spoke with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, and stated he hoped a peace agreement could be on the table by the end of 2007...

Quote: "European Union chief diplomat Javier Solana and Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul-Gheit in Cairo on Thursday called on Israel and the Palestinians to reach a peace agreement by the end of 2007.

Source YNet News, Reuters, Jerusalem Post, Monsters and Critics

Quote: "Suleiman revealed that 3 months ago Israel was offered "certain help on a matter that is most important to the Israeli people", but ultimately refused the gesture. He was unwilling to reveal further information on the issue. "This was a critical thing, a confidence building measure," prepared between himself, and European and Syrian officials. "The Israel people would have loved it. They would have celebrated it. Olmert's deputy said yes, then a week later he sent an email that said, 'No, we've changed our minds.'" Suleiman blames the Americans for Israel’s change of heart: "For some reason beyond my understanding the Americans don’t want peace between Syria and Israel."

Meanwhile, Javier Solana, the High Representative for the European Common, Foreign and Security Policy has stated that Europe is ready to face new military operations in 2007. The EU's "Battlegroup" concept entered into force on January 1st. The European Union aims to have 13 of these armored divisions fully operational by 2010. The Battlegroups should be able to respond to a crisis situation, anywhere in the world within 5-10 days. Each Battlegroup is comprised of 1500 soldiers drafted from various member states. 

Quote: "No EU battle group has ever been tested in a real operation, but last year saw two major EU military projects: member states coordinated sending 9,000 European peacekeepers under a UN flag to Lebanon and dispatched 1,400 soldiers under an EU flag to Congo. "Now we really have the beginning of a European army," French general Christian Damay said in Kinshasa in December, with France, Germany, Spain, Italy and Poland broadly supporting a gradual move toward a permanently standing EU force that could number several thousands of soldiers.

The Bible states that the Antichrist, the head of the European Union, will send forces into the Middle East region in response to a crisis there, and that many countries shall be overthrown. Jordan is spared the wrath of the Antichrist. Libya, Sudan and Egypt will come under his control. Both Libya and Sudan are mentioned as coming against Israel in Ezekiel 38-39. Egypt (king of the south) is also mentioned as pushing against the Antichrist's forces (Daniel 11:4). This makes me think that the Antichrist's invasion of the Middle East may be a direct response to the invasion of Israel by Russia and her Muslim allies.

Daniel 11:41 
He (Antichrist) shall enter also into the glorious land (Israel), and many [countries] shall be overthrown: but these shall escape out of his hand, [even] Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon (Jordan). He shall stretch forth his hand also upon the countries: and the land of Egypt shall not escape. But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt: and the Libyans and the Ethiopians (Sudan) [shall be] at his steps.

Source YNet News, EUObserver

Israeli Deputy Defence Minister Ephraim Sneh says he believes a final peace deal between Israel and the Palestinians could be on the table within the time period of two years from the commencement of talks between the two parties. Sneh says he believes the time is right for talks between Israel and the Palestinians, but progress must be made very quickly, as nobody knows how long this opportunity may last.

Quote: "Israel and the Palestinians should be able to reach a final peace deal within two years of restarting negotiations, a senior Israeli official said on Thursday. "I believe, strongly believe, that the time is right for a direct Israeli-Palestinian negotiation about the final-status agreement," Deputy Defence Minister Ephraim Sneh told a conference on the role of the United States and other third-parties in the stalled peace process. "Two years are enough to conclude a detailed agreement," he said, proposing a six-month discussion of principles before advancing to final details on establishing a Palestinian state. "In the government of Israel, there is a majority for doing it. We have an opportunity but I don't know how long it will last. So we have to do it very, very quickly," Sneh said.

His comments echo that of Javier Solana, the High Representative for the European Common, Foreign and Security Policy, who has stated that he believes the Palestinians and Israelis must now agree on the "end game", the final status issues such as Jerusalem, and the Palestinian "right of return". Final status issues constituted the final stage of the "Roadmap to peace" document. But so far the Palestinian leadership has been unable to implement even the first stage, the cessation of terror. Now international leaders hope that if they can get an agreement on the "end game", the rest should fall into place...  

Quote: "EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana also said a meeting of the Quartet of Middle East mediators in February would try to find ways to ensure progress toward peace before the summer. "What we would like to do with our friends is to know what is the endgame -- once we have the endgame, to know really how we can get there," Solana told a news conference with Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit. "Endgame" is the diplomatic code for negotiating aspects of a lasting peace agreement between Israel and its neighbours.

...at least, that's what they hope. Of course implementing the agreement is a whole other matter. The Bible states the Antichrist - the head of the European Union, will confirm a covenant between Israel and many nations, that should last for a period of 2520 days, or roughly seven years. It's seems final status issues, such as East Jerusalem and the disengagement from Judea (Zechariah 14:2) will be enforced in the middle of this period. But whatever happens, the covenant fails (Daniel 11:30-31) and the Jews get the blame (no change there then). All the armies of the world gather in Har Megiddo - northern Israel, to settle the issue once and for all (Revelation 16:16). The Jews flee into the wilderness where they will be nourished by God for 3.5 years (Revelation 12:14), until the return of Jesus Christ as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.<