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Wednesday 30 April 2014
Daniel 2 -“What shall be in the Latter Days”
Originally published in: The Bible Magazine
The Dream of Nebuchadnezzar II
It was around the year 600BC that one of the world’s most powerful men, Nebuchadnezzar son of Nabopolassar King of Babylon, had an amazing prophecy revealed to him in a dream. Through this dream the almighty Creator revealed the blueprint of His purpose with the Kingdom of men and showed what state it would be in when His son returns to the earth. This prophecy is one of the most exciting and essential for any student of the Bible to get to grips with. It gives us the framework for the “latter days” – into which all other Bible prophecies relating to this period will fit. It describes the great controversy that will soon be fought out on the earth – the Kingdom of men in defiance of the Kingdom of God.
The purpose of the revelation of the prophecy is very important for us to appreciate. In v26-29 Daniel explains why God revealed these things to Nebuchadnezzar. Before going to sleep, Nebuchadnezzar had been wondering what would eventually happen to his kingdom (v29) and the dream was an answer to this question. The prophecy was revealed to show how Nebuchadnezzar’s empire and power would be handed down to various other kingdoms, until something completely different would replace it upon the earth. By revealing this, God also showed that He is in supreme control over human affairs – He is watching and guiding world events down through time. This knowledge should be of immense comfort to all who follow after the God of Israel (see also Daniel 4:32).
We are specifically told that the dream would reveal to Nebuchadnezzar what was to happen during a Biblically defined era known as “the latter days” (v28). When considered carefully, we discover a very significant series of events which will occur during this time period – some of these events are set out below:
The events depicted in the dramatic dream of Daniel 2 can also be included.
The dream
The dream recorded in v31-35 is amazingly simple. It consisted of a metallic image with a head of gold, a chest and arms of silver, a belly and thighs of brass, two legs of iron and feet made of iron and clay. A stone then strikes the image violently on the feet – breaking the feet to pieces and causing the image to tumble. The other pieces of the image are broken up into very small pieces and the wind blows them away. Finally the stone grows to fill the whole earth. On first reading this may appear very peculiar – however the Scriptures reveal the dream’s interpretation to us.
The interpretation
So what did the dream mean? Well it had two functions. Not only did the dream show what was to happen to Nebuchadnezzar’s kingdom in “the latter days” but it would also reveal a continual historic outline of the various phases of that kingdom down through time.
From v36-45 we read how each metal represented a successive kingdom or empire and when compared with history, we can see how accurate this prophecy was. Nebuchadnezzar is told “thou art this head of gold” (v38). Therefore, the Babylonian Empire (or “Neo-Babylonian Empire” as it is called in scholarly circles) that lasted between 626 BC – 539 BC approx, was depicted by the head of gold. The next empire was the silver Medo-Persian (or “Achaemenid”) Empire which is referred to in Daniel 8:20 and 11:2 – this empire lasted up until 330BC. Following this, the Greek (or Macedon) Empire arose as outlined in Daniel 8 and 11 and this is represented by the bronze. This empire would exist until approximately 146BC when Andriscus of Macedon was defeated by the power of the Roman Republic and Macedon became a province of the Roman Empire. The last of the world empires was the Roman – depicted by the iron.
After this fourth empire there would be no fifth. The fourth empire would be split into fragments with some strong and some weak countries – its territory would no longer be dominated by one single empire.
The inferiority
As we read through the interpretation, it is inferred that each subsequent kingdom would be “inferior” to the one it replaced (e.g. v39). With each successive empire growing in territory, what can this “inferiority” mean? By looking elsewhere in Daniel, we discover that this refers to the diluting of the powers of rulership. For example we read this about Nebuchadnezzar in Dan 5:19, “whom he would he slew; and whom he would he kept alive”. In other words he had supreme control. However when we come to the next empire, Scripture records that the king was bound by law, even if he himself wished to overturn it, e.g. “the law of the Medes and Persians is, That no decree nor statute which the king establisheth may be changed.” (Dan 6:15). Thus we see that the power of the king was diminished. In the next two empires power would be further diluted from the leader – with more powers given to politicians. Eventually in the interpretation of the feet phase, we are met with this curious statement: “And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay.” Here, the iron is referred to as “they”? Who might these be? Bearing in mind that the metals of the image initially refer to the rulership (“Thou art this head of gold” Dan 2:38) “they” relate to the rulership of the Kingdom of men of the time. This is described as mixing with the “clay” or “seed of men”. Clay is often used in Scripture to represent man (for example Job 10:9, 13:12, 33:6, Isa 45:9, Jer 18:6) and is used here to denote the “common people” in the Kingdom of men. This mixing between rulership powers and common people is an apt description of the system of democracy.
We are told that this style of government was not to be successful – “they shall not cleave one to another” (Dan 2:43). Here we see the Divine commentary on man’s system of power and authority. Democracy is indeed an “inferior” system, as it allows men to inject their own fallible ideas. The truth is not a democracy – it’s a Theocracy. Yahweh is our King and His word alone should be what we follow no matter what the majority of men decree (Psalm 74:12).
The Criteria of Interpretation
Sometimes we can be a little vague in regard to this prophecy’s basis of interpretation but it is important that we have a clear understanding on this in order to be able to show forth the wonder of the prophecy to others. As far as the writer is aware, there are three main suggestions of how to interpret the prophecy and these are briefly reviewed below:
Suggestion 1 – Ruling over Israel
The metals represent x4 powers who would all control Israel when the Jews were in their land. The initial problem with this, is that it is not the explanation provided by God when the interpretation is given in the passage. In addition there are certain historical complications with this – whilst it’s true that Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece and Rome controlled Israel, both the Ottoman and British Empires also held the land of Israel when there was a minority of Jews present. Therefore although God is always interested in Israel, this cannot be the criteria that is meant in the prophecy because it does not measure up to the historical record. If this criteria was meant surely two additional metals would be in the image, one for the Ottomans and one for the British.
Suggestion 2 – Ruling over Babylon
Another possibility is that the prophecy relates directly to the territory of the land of Babylon. This can initially seem to fit with the interpretation given in Daniel 2, however it does not match with history. The Ottoman Empire had dominance over the territory of Babylon and therefore again an additional metal would be required in the image if this was the correct criteria.
Suggestion 3 – The Principle of Inheritance
The final and only suggestion which fits, is that the prophecy is dealing with what we could call the “principle of inheritance”. In other words, the initial prophecy related to the territory and influence of Babylon. The Medes and Persians would then take over this territory including the capital. They “inherited” the Kingdom of men. Next the Greeks came – again taking the capital of the Medes and Persians and dominating the territories once controlled by the Persian kings. Next the Romans would come and take the kingdom of the Greeks – absorbing it into their empire and making it a province. No other power would come to inherit the Kingdom of men from the Romans. The Roman territory would disintegrate and split into some weak and some strong. This idea of the “principle of inheritance” fits the context and words of Scripture – the dream was given to show what would happen to the Babylonian Empire (Dan 2:29,37,38) and the dream follows the line of inheritance from that empire. This explanation also agrees with the realities of history.
The stone and the mountain
So who, or what, is the stone which is “cut out without hands” in v34? The Bible tells us in:
Matthew 21:42-44 “Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: …and whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder”.
Here we have the Spirit Word connecting the person of Christ to the stone of Daniel 2. Christ was created without “human hands” due to the nature of his virgin birth. However we also know from other prophecies that at the time of Armageddon and the destruction of the image, the saints (the immortalised believers in Christ), will also be with him (Zech 14:5).
Therefore the stone represents the authority of God manifested in Christ and the saints in the latter days. This authority, once positioned in Jerusalem will grow until it spreads across the whole globe and this is depicted in the growth of the stone to fill the whole earth as a great mountain.
The mountain is clearly a symbol of the Kingdom of God as outlined in v44. This kingdom will be established upon the ruins of the Kingdom of men. What a wonderful illustration that the Kingdom of God will be on the earth – the restored kingdom of Israel. Not a ruling of Christ in our hearts, not the current influence of the apostate church, not life as an immortal being playing a harp in the clouds but a tangible kingdom on the earth where men once ruled. It’s capital at Jerusalem with Christ sitting on the throne of his father David (Luke 1:32), Israel being the principle dominion (Micah 4:8) and the other nations of the world accepting his rule and being subject to HIs authority (Zech 14:16-19, Psalm 72:8-11).
The idea of the mountain of Yahweh is also used literally in prophecies about the latter days relating to the Kingdom of God. For example:
“And it shall come to pass in the last days [Heb: latter days], that the mountain of the LORD’S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.” Isaiah 2:2
The destruction of the image
Verses 34 and 35 depict a two phase destruction of the image. Firstly in v34 we read of the stone smiting the image on the feet which initially breaks them in pieces. The next phase is in v35, which tells us that after the smiting of the feet, comes a more systematic breaking of the “iron, the clay, the brass, the silver and the gold” until they become like the “chaff of the summer threshing floors” and blow away.
These two phases of destruction form a framework for the interpretation of latter day prophecy. Firstly there is to be an initial battle – Armageddon – where the armies of the Kingdom of men gather against Israel but are destroyed by Christ and the saints. This is prophesied of in Daniel 11, Ezekiel 38, Joel 3, Zechariah 14 etc. When pieced together, all the territories of the attacking nations listed in these prophecies correlate to the united territories of the ancient Kingdoms of men and tie in perfectly with the framework depicted here in Daniel 2.
The second phase is when the gospel is preached to all nations and they are given the option to accept this gospel and the authority of Christ (Rev 14:6-7, Psalm 2:10-12). Those who accept (like Tarshish see Isaiah 60:9, Psalm 72:10) will become subject to the dominion of Christ. However, there will be some nations who will not accept – especially those following the teachings of the apostate church – who, if they continue to spout out their current line of thought, will declare Christ as the “antichrist”. Following the sequence revealed in Revelation 14, this false system (termed Babylon) will then be removed (see v8) and then further opportunity for nations to submit will be given (see v9) before those nations who still reject the truth are also removed. These events are the breaking up of the image into pieces after the initial smiting.
The uniting of the territories
The events which occur in the feet phase also show us that although this dream has aspects of a continual historic timeline; when Christ returns, all the metals will be present “together” (v35). We understand this to mean that at some point in the “latter days” the image will “stand”. It can therefore be deduced, that all the territories dominated by the ancient empires must be united together in the “latter days”. They will all join together in opposition of Christ. This is also described in Ezekiel 38 and Revelation 17. Any interpretation of the great controversy of the latter days has to sit within this framework provided in Daniel 2 – it cannot be a a local, Arab conflict for example. The controversy described in the prophets has to relate to the territories of the Kingdom of men – which will be wiped out by the stone power.
Current Events
It is very clear that we are indeed in the feet phase of the prophecy – the Roman Empire having been divided up hundreds of years ago. We know that we have entered into the time period of “the latter days” – as Israel has been regathered to their land (see Hosea 3:5). In addition to this, we have begun to see the uniting of the territories of the image occurring in our days. We can see this development mainly in Europe but we can expect to see unification spreading east. Russia is currently championing the “Eurasion Union” – a project similar to the EU – and has even indicated that it might wish to join Europe at some stage in the future. However we must remember, that by the time the stone appears in the political heavens to smite the image, the saints will already be with Christ (Zech 14:5). Therefore we do not know how much of the union we will see before we are taken to judgment. We really are just one tick of the clock away from the return of our master.
The wonder of the prophecy
This amazing prophecy really is something which we, as mere humans, can be astounded by, because it teaches us so many things. It shows us:
- The framework of God’s purpose with the Gentiles down through time – the fact that God is in control
- That the Bible is inspired by almighty God – as no human could have foreseen these events to such a degree of accuracy
- That we are in the “latter days”, the final phase of Gentile rule on earth and that very soon the political system around us will be changed
- That God’s kingdom will indeed be on the earth
Many people today think that to believe in an almighty God is to escape into a fantasy world. People who hold such faith are often considered weak and gullible. Professed Christians are often unable to explain or provide support for their beliefs when challenged by atheists. However our faith is not a “blind faith”, it is a faith based upon God’s word, the Bible, which has tangible evidence as to its authority. Fulfilled prophecy helps us to see that this is no ordinary book. How could a man know that starting with the ancient kingdom of Babylon, the Kingdom of men would be successively superseded by four world empires one from another; and that the fourth empire would disintegrate into smaller territories with weak and strong nations? As these are now facts of history, the only logical conclusion is that this is a Divine revelation and that it would be foolish to discount the unfulfilled aspects of the prophecy – for it stands to reason that they will also come to pass. Jesus will return to the earth and God’s kingdom will indeed soon be here. This is not a “blind” faith but a faith based on logical reasoning from God’s word – by which we are convinced of the truth we hold.
How amazing it is that this prophecy has been fulfilled across thousands of years affecting millions of humans. We are living at the end of the timeline and have the benefit of being able to look back over human history to see the truth of the Bible vindicated. Surely, as we await the final fulfilment of this prophecy, we can be stirred up to follow God’s ways in our life and indeed adopt the words of the prayer of Daniel and reflect them to our heavenly Father: “Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.”
SIGN # 4 -- MIDDLE EAST REVOLUTIONARY TURMOIL
2011 saw unparalleled historic events - most notably the massive political & social upheaval in the Middle East. With the ' Arab Spring ' rattling through more than 14 separate nations in the Arab World , overthrowing longstanding governments & dictatorships ( Tunisia , Egypt , Libya ) & throwing others into chaotic civil wars ( Syria , Yemen ) it has created a maelstrom of political dynamics transforming this already volatile region into a tinder-box of instability & strategic uncertainty. In 2013 , the continuing emergence of brutal terrorists groups such as Al Qaeda , Al Nusra , ISIS , Ansar Al-Islam has further escalated the violence , bloodshed & suffering in this troubled region. These events are the prelude to the final global conflict , long prophesied in the Bible & centered around God's people , the tiny nation of Israel.
Revelation 16 v 12 - 16
v12 And the sixth angel poured his vial upon the great river Euphrates & the water thereof was dried up , ◄◄ STAGE 1 - Mid.East Uprising
that ' the way ' of the kings OF THE EAST [ Middle East " Arab Spring " ] might be prepared
v13 And I saw three unclean ' SPIRITS ' like frogs come out of the mouth of THE DRAGON [ Russia ] & ◄◄ STAGE 2 - Political Uprising
out of the mouth of THE BEAST [ EuroUnion ] & out of the mouth of THE FALSE PROPHET [ Papacy ]
v14 For they are the ' spirits ' of devils [ Spirit of REVOLUT'N ] working ' miracles ' which GO FORTH unto ◄◄ STAGE 3 - Global Revolution
the kings of THE EARTH & of THE WHOLE WORLD [ Arab Spring ~ 'Occupy' & 'Austerity' Protests ]
to gather them to the battle of that Great Day of God Almighty
v15 Behold , I COME AS A THIEF. Blessed is he that watcheth & keepeth his garments , lest he walk naked ◄◄ STAGE 4 - Christ's Return
& they see his shame & He gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue ARMAGEDDON
Note : 3 unclean " spirits " [ Liberty + Equality + Fraternity = " Democracy " ] - originating from 1789 French Revolution ( ie. " Frogs " )
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Tuesday 29 April 2014
Russia has been keeping the news rooms of the world busy over the last few months and this week is certainly no different with the situation continuing to get hotter. The Economist front cover from April sums up the Russia the world is dealing with very well with one word “Insatiable.”The world is certainly worried about how hungry the Russian bear really is. Thanks for tuning in and welcome to another edition of the Bible in the News. The Geneva agreement of April the 17th that was supposed to see the calming of the situation of Ukraine it seems was never worth the paper it was written on, as the situation has only continued to get worse since. Russia is now saying the Ukraine will face justice for bloody crime in Eastern Ukraine where Ukrainian soldiers killed 5 pro Russian rebels as they are being called. Ukraine is claiming that Russia wants to start World War 3. An understandable claim as Russia has been continuing to build it number of troops on the border, plus and sending jets into Ukrainian airspace, this after the taking of Crimea. It is not just the Ukraine that has had problems with the Russians planes, the British, the Dutch and the Danes have all scrambled jets after Russian bombers have approached their airspace this week.
For the British this was not something new and I know that here in Canada we were doing the same thing about four years ago over the Arctic, but with everything else going on today it is that much more disturbing. Also this week a surprise came out of the US brokered “peace talks,” Fatah the party in the “west bank” that Israel has been speaking with decided they would join with Hamas in Gaza and form a unity government. Hamas is openly a terrorist organization and Israel halted the peace talks immediately on Thursday.
These talks were said to be the last chance for a two state solution. Even the US State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said “It’s hard to see how Israel can be expected to negotiate with a government that does not believe in its right to exist.” The truth is that any peace talks that happen if they involve Jews vacating the West Bank are destined for failure. Why can we be so sure of this?
As we have said many times on this program before the West Bank or mountains of Israel are at the center of the prophecies and it is God who has put the Jews there, and that right on time. That said, from Ezekiel 38 we know that a temporary peace will come to Israel prior to the northern invader coming down as it says the northern invader says in verse 11 “I will go up to the land 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…” How we are going to get to that point time will tell. We discuss weekly on this program that all the signs are pointing to the return of the Lord Jesus Christ very soon, the question I ask myself is “am I ready?” The fact that Almighty God has given us these signs and shown us what is coming on this earth is extremely incredible but what is our reaction?
The following was written by John Thomas in 1849, we have quoted it much recently: “The future movements of Russia are notable signs of the times, because they are predicted in the Scriptures of truth... When Russia makes its grand move for the building-up of its Image-empire, then let the reader know that the end of all things, as at present constituted, is at hand.
The long-expected, but stealthy advent of the King of Israel, will be on the eve of becoming a fact; and salvation will be to those who not only looked for it, but have trimmed their lamps by believing the gospel of the kingdom unto the obedience of faith, and the perfection thereof in "fruits meet for repentance"” How incredible it is that we may on the doorstep of Russia making it moves to build up its empire but notice that he says salvation will be for those that have done the following: 1) Looked for his coming 2) Trimmed their lamps by believing the gospel of the kingdom 3) Unto the obedience of faith and the perfection thereof in “fruits meet for repentance” Looking for his coming The following passage from 1 Thessalonians 5 speaks to the importance of watching: “But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. 2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. 4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. 5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.”
There is a very interesting verse in Amos 3:7 that says “Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.” The truth is that God wants to share what he is doing on the earth with those that love him. We see this practically worked out with Abraham in the destruction of Sodom in Genesis 18:16-18: “And the Lord said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do; 18 Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?” I find this truly amazing that the creator of the heavens and the earth feels the need to share with his people on earth what his plan and purpose is.
If we needed any more proof that God cares that we take the time to understand the prophecies and the times in which we live, look at the opening words to the book of Revelation: “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: 2 Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. 3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.” Trimmed their lamps by believing in the gospel of the kingdom “The gospel of the kingdom” is a direct quote from the book of Mathew and the book of Mark. Often the gospel is thought about as being the four gospels accounts of Mathew, Mark, Luke and John but from this phrase “the gospel of the kingdom” you can see much more is meant. The word “gospel” means “good news” and in this case it is the good news of the kingdom.
There is much misunderstanding about the coming kingdom of God, when we look closely at it the kingdom is certainly something that is coming on the earth. In Daniel 2 Nebuchadnezzar has visions of the kingdoms of the world, one after the next after the next, but these “kingdoms of men” were to be replaced by a Kingdom set up by God: “And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.” Interestingly in Acts 1, after the resurrection of Christ the apostles spend forty days with him before his ascension to heaven, it is after this time that the apostles ask Christ “Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?” Christ does not answer and say, a restored kingdom of Israel? Who's ever heard of such a thing! He actually says “It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.” There will be a time but they were not to know it that point. Christ is then taken up to heaven and the apostles are told in verse 11 by the angel that Christ would return. When we come to Acts 3:20,21 we get a little more information: “And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: 21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.
It is worth noting that under King David and Solomon the kingdom was God’s then, they sat on “the throne of the kingdom of the Lord over Israel” 1 Chronicles 28:5 When we come to look at Christ it was prophecied before he was born that he would sit on the throne of David his father in Luke 1:31-33: “And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. 31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. 32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.”
Also worth reading in relation to this is Jeremiah 23:5,6: “Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. 6 In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, The Lord Our Righteousness.” This is “good news of the kingdom” and the Hope of Israel. The good news promised in the Bible is not an afterlife in heaven, as a writer by the name of Robert Roberts once said “what God has never promised, no one will ever receive.”
The hope laid out in the Bible is real and is coming on this earth soon, much more can be read on this in the back issues of the Bible Magazine. Unto the obedience of faith and the perfection thereof in “fruits meet for repentance” This is the last point that we are looking at that John Thomas mentioned and cannot be missed. It is certainly important that a servant of God understands who he is and what he is about but is cannot stop at knowledge it must be shown in our way of life.
John Thomas actually mentions the following passage on this point and I think it is worth looking up: James 2:20-22 “But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? 22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?” We can have faith that the Word of God is true and right, we can believe in Christ and in his work and even have faith in his return and in what he is doing in the world but it must affect our life, we have to do something with this knowledge. Hab 2:2 – “And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. 3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” This is the reason God gives us prophecy, so we may be motivated to move, to do something.
The word of God is quick and powerful it says in Hebrews, well it certainly can be powerful in our lives if we let it. We have been saying on this program much over the last while these events in Russia have been looked for by Bible students for many years and this is true, but the challenge is as we see these things coming to pass to take the time to examine ourselves “for the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God.” “…Salvation will be to those who not only looked for it, but have trimmed their lamps by believing the gospel of the kingdom unto the obedience of faith, and the perfection thereof in "fruits meet for repentance"” May we be found worthy in that day and may that day come soon. Thanks for joining us again this week, come back next week for another edition of the Bible in the News at www.bibleinthenews.com
Monday 28 April 2014
Saturday 26 April 2014
Latest News & PROPHECY A MESSAGE TO MOSCOW 25-04-2014
Latest News & PROPHECY
A MESSAGE TO MOSCOW 25-04-2014
A message to Moscow
First of Nato soldiers arrive in eastern Europe, prompting Kremlin to launch its own military drills near the border as death toll rises in Ukraine
- Nato soldiers will be deployed in Poland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania
- It is part of routine drills and U.S. insists it will not intervene in Ukraine
- But U.S. army spokesman said there was a 'message to Moscow'
- Kremlin responded by sending troops on exercises near Ukrainian border
- Defence minister: 'We have to react to these developments somehow'
By Dan Bloom
Published: 17:35 GMT, 24 April 2014 | Updated: 08:03 GMT, 25 April 2014
The first of 600 U.S. soldiers have arrived in eastern Europe as a Pentagon spokesman declared the mission was sending a 'message to Moscow'.
But the Nato drills prompted a backlash from Russia, which sent its troops on exercises along the Ukrainian border today and declared: 'We have to react somehow'.
The escalation of east-west tensions comes amid a slowly rising death toll in Ukraine, where the government renewed its crackdown today on pro-Russian militants leaving at least five shot dead.Flying to the region from their previous posting in Italy, they were met by Polish troops in similar red berets and the nation's defence minister.
Within a few days there will be 450 more American Nato troops spread between Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.
The Americans insisted the military exercises will not be a precursor to intervention in Ukraine, which is not a Nato member, and they could last until next year.
But Rear Admiral John Kirby, a top Defense Department spokesman, said the deployments sent a strong message to Nato allies about U.S. commitments to the alliance following events in Ukraine.
'If there's a message to Moscow, it is the same exact message that we take our obligations very, very seriously on the continent of Europe,' he added.
But Russia has insisted the build-up may violate the Founding Act, a 1997 agreement between Moscow and Nato.
Today Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu reacted by ordering new military exercises in Russia's south and west, along the Ukrainian border.
The latest exercises - which add to the tens of thousands of troops already massed on the border - will involve ground and air forces.
'We have to react to these developments somehow,' he said.
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RUSSIA is fulfilling Bible Prophecy TODAY!
RUSSIA is fulfilling Bible Prophecy TODAY! |
Russia’s Grand Move: Ukraine, Europe, Turkey and On To Israel as seen from Bible Prophecy Russia will not let Ukraine out of its grip and Turkey is moving into Russia's sights. Russia has started threatening the use of the energy weapon once again. Turkey is involved in a Trans-Anatolian Pipeline project which will eventually bring gas to Europe, and Turkey into Russia's sights. Israel is also discussing a pipeline to Turkey to join in the venture. Ukraine will not be Left Alone Russia is not going to let the Ukraine out of its grip, even though it has now obtained the Crimea, the home of its Black Sea fleet, the “many ships” spoken of by Daniel the prophet: “And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him: and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over.” (Daniel 11:40) When the Northern invader comes it is “like a whirlwind” and with “many ships”. Both of these require Russian control of the Black Sea and the Crimea, home of Russia’s Black Sea fleet. It cannot come “like a whirlwind” with “many ships” all the way from the Baltic. It needs a port close by. Not only this, but Ukraine is still a strategic goal of Russia whose resurgence has been tied to energy distribution.  The Arabic Media Al-Monitor reported: One quarter of all energy consumed in the EU is gas, and 58% of this gas is imported. Of this, 42% comes from Russia, and around 80% of EU gas imports from Russia pass through Ukraine. Among the eight new Eastern European member states, dependence on Russian imports averages 77% As Andrew Kuchins, director of the CSIS Russia and Eurasia program, stated in an interview with Bloomberg: “There is no way Putin is going to win Crimea and lose Ukraine.” Consequently, Russia is applying economic pressure. When terminating its Black Sea Fleet Agreement with Ukraine, it is holding Ukraine accountable for its debt. The Russian news agency ITAR-TASS reported on Thursday: “The diplomatic note held that the Russian Foreign Ministry “assumes that termination of the effect of these international treaties does not affect financial liabilities taken during the term of the treaties and subject to repayment and confirms that Russia is prepared to settle issues related with practical consequences of termination of their effect through talks with Ukraine…. Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin said that Ukraine’s overall debt to Russia after the termination of the 1997 and 2010 Black Sea Fleet agreements stands at $10-11 billion. We watch with great anticipation as Russia continues to make its grand move for the building up of its image empire, as predicted by the prophets and written about extensively by Author John Thomas in Elpis Israel, and Anatolia (see the current edition of the Bible Magazine). The Energy Weapon With the rising temperature of world events, Russia has started threatening the use of the energy weapon once again. Prices have already been cranked up in Ukraine, and Europe is very worried about the results. John Kerry stated on Wednesday, "It really boils down to this - no nation should use energy to stymie a people's aspirations. It should not be used as a weapon. It is in the interest of all of us to be able have adequate energy supplies critical to our economies, critical to our security, critical to the prosperity of our people…" This is exactly what Russia is doing, and America is powerless to do anything about it. Reuters reported Gasprom’s increases for Ukraine on Thursday: Russian natural gas producer Gazprom announced a more than 40 percent increase in the price Ukraine must pay for gas on Apr. 1, stepping up economic pressure on Kiev in its political standoff with Moscow…. Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed in December to cut the gas price for Ukraine and provide a financial lifeline to Kiev after its abrupt decision not to sign a trade agreement with the European Union and rebuild economic ties with Moscow instead. The discount was subject to a quarterly review. After Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich was deposed in February following months of anti-government protests, Gazprom and Putin said the gas price discount would be scrapped because of the debt. John Kerry has pointed out America’s strategy regarding energy in Europe and the Middle East:  “Our agenda today - or at least part of it - is to look at how we get more natural gas through what folks call the Southern Corridor from Azerbaijan to Turkey and on to Europe. There are also other opportunities, including LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) terminals planned across Europe and pipelines that can gas to customers.”The goal would be to limit Russia’s control of Energy distribution on Europe, and thereby limit Europe’s fear of Russia “cutting off the gas”. The Voice of America reported ongoing projects that are aimed at doing this:  Azerbaijan and Turkey are involved in the Trans-Anatolian Pipeline project which will eventually bring some 60 billion cubic meters of gas to Europe. There are hopes Central Asian countries Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan will contribute gas to the pipeline also. Both those Central Asian countries already pump modest amounts of oil into the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline, which is then sold to European markets.This will bring Turkey into direct conflict with Russia as it threatens the bully’s effectiveness. The Sofia News Agency reported Turkish prime minister Recep Erdogan as stating: “Turkey will close the Bosphorus for Russian ships, if there is violence against the Crimean Tatars.” Russia is not going to let this type of threat go unnoticed, and Turkey is becoming more of a target by its actions economically and politically. In fact, the Bible identifies that it will be in the catalyst that brings Russia into the Middle East, because the “him” in Daniel 11:40 is Turkey: “And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him (The Ottoman Turk): and the king of the north shall come against him (The Turk) like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over.” (Daniel 11:40) It is during this invasion of Turkey that Russia “overflows and passes over” and keeps going into Israel: “He shall enter also into the glorious land, and many countries shall be overthrown….” (Daniel 11:41) Israel-Turkey Gas Pipeline Adding fuel to the fire are plans for a gas pipeline from Israel to Turkey and on to Europe. This  would throw a very large spanner in the Russian energy domination works. Israel’s recent gas supplies have already been the target of Russian interests who wanted control of the exploit, but lost them to Australia. Israel’s Business publication “Globes” reported :The most attractive option, economically speaking, is laying a pipeline to Turkey. Such a project, which would cost a mere $3 billion, could deliver a return on the investment within two years, in light of the volume (10 BCM/year) and the prices ($7-9/MMBTU) that were discussed with Turkish companies. The Turkish groups (6 in total) have offered to build transport infrastructure from the reservoir to the Port of Mersin or Jihan in southern Turkey, at their expense. In September, Turcas Board Member Mathew Bryza had announced the company had submitted a $2.5-billion offer to build a pipeline under the sea from Israel to Turkey’s southern province of Mersin. Turkey, also a conduit for gas from the Georgian region, (another recent Russian repatriation exploit), could well be setting itself up if it started delivering gas to Europe through Israel as well. Russia is already trying to stop Israel exporting gas to Europe. Amiram Barket of Globes reported in October of 2013: The Israeli government confirms it is in talks with the Russian government on development of Israel's gas fields. The statement was made in a written response to a question by MK Gal-On to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if it was true that, he discussed with Russian President Vladimir Putin a "deal", under which Russia would stop shipments of sophisticated weapons to the regime of Syrian President Bashar Assad in exchange for an Israeli commitment not to export gas to Europe. The response to Gal-On stated that "such conditions" were not discussed between Israel and Russia, but, "Russian companies are examining options of participating in the development of the Israeli gas economy, and consequently the Russian government is interested in the Israeli gas economy." Deterioration in NATO-Russian Relations  This week also saw a deterioration in NATO-Russian relations. Reacting t o NATO’s suspension of cooperation with Russia, Russia stated it may deny NATO transit through its airspace when transporting to and from Afghanistan. Viktor Ozerov, head of the Defense and Security Committee of the Federation Council stated today:“Military activity of one side may directly influence security of the other side. We can't help but view military unions of East European and Baltic states and military activity on their territories as a threat to our strategic security If our cooperation comes to a halt, we'll have the right to suspend (NATO) transit, and the alliance will have to find other routesIf our cooperation comes to a halt, we'll have the right to suspend (NATO) transit, and the alliance will have to find other routes" The Russian Envoy to NATO, Alexander Grusko stated Saturday: “If a country does not wish to cooperate, there will be no cooperation. It is a matter of principle for us to carry on the responsibilities we have undertaken in the deterrence of new threats and challenges. If NATO is not prepared to work with us and is evading responsibility, we will be working with those partners on the international arena who share these goals.” In other words, the western fantasy of keeping the Russian bear at its side on a short chain has evaporated. Russia, having been sick and emaciated during the 1990’s has recovered and is now going to form alliances with those of like mind. Ezekiel 38 lets us know who those nations will be: “Son of man, set thy face against Gog, the land of Magog (Middle Europe – Ukraine, Belarus, Poland, Germany), the chief prince of Meshech (Moscow) and Tubal (Tobolsk), and prophesy against him, And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal… Persia (Iran), Ethiopia, and Libya with them; all of them with shield and helmet: Gomer (France & Germany), and all his bands; the house of Togarmah (Caucasus region) of the north quarters, and all his bands: and many people with thee.” (Ezekiel 38:2-3, 5–6) Russia’s respect for American world dominance has c ompletely evaporated. American politicians can see this clearly. Bloomberg reported this week:  Critics of Obama’s handling of Putin want him to bring more pressure to bear, up to and including threatening NATO intervention if Russia sends troops deeper into Ukraine. “Putin thinks we’re wussies and the president is the wussy-in-chief,” says Andrew Kuchins, director of the Russia and Eurasia Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. “That perception has got to be altered.” The Bible paints of picture of a Western alliance that is only able to offer token resistance in the time of the end. We can look for further American demise and Russian dominance in Europe. Emboldened Palestinians Scuttle Peace Talks America’s demise in international respectability is also having an effect on the Israeli-Arab negotiations it is brokering in the Middle East. Reuters reported early this week: “The U.S. secretary of state arrived in Jerusalem on Monday to put the negotiations back on track, but his efforts were undermined when Palestinians signed 15 international conventions that gave them greater leverage against Israel.”  On Tuesday evening, only hours after Israeli and American officials indicated that the peace talks were back on track and Palestinians had promised not to approach international organizations until the end of April, Abbas instead signed fifteen application forms to join various UN agencies and conventions on live television. He stated: "The Palestinian leadership has voted unanimously in favor of joining the international organizations." Yair Lapid, Israel’s centrist Finance Minister, and a politician who originally backed the peace talks, said Friday that the events of the past day “raised serious doubts” about whether Mahmoud Abbas, the president of the Palestinian Authority, was really interested in reaching an agreement: “It looks more like a deliberate provocation aimed at blowing up the talks, No Israeli will conduct negotiations at any price.” By Friday, the New York Times reported from Morocco: Secretary of State John Kerry said Friday that the Obama administration planned to re-evaluate its approach to Middle East peacemaking and decide whether it was worth continuing its effort in light of the inability of Israeli and Palestinian negotiators to make progress. “There are limits to the amount of time and effort that the United States can spend if the parties themselves are unwilling to take constructive steps in order to be able to move forward,” he said. So as America continues to decline in its ability to impact world affairs, Russia is working at building up its new empire. The words of John Thomas, based on a clear understanding of the scripture instruct us to be prepared: “The future movements of Russia are notable signs of the times, because they are predicted in the Scriptures of truth... When Russia makes its grand move for the building-up of its Image-empire, then let the reader know that the end of all things, as at present constituted, is at hand. The long-expected, but stealthy advent of the King of Israel, will be on the eve of becoming a fact; and salvation will be to those who not only looked for it, but have trimmed their lamps by believing the gospel of the kingdom unto the obedience of faith, and the perfection thereof in "fruits meet for repentance"” Added to which we give our Lord Jesus Christ the last word: And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. (Luke 21:28) By Jonathan Bowen from Bible In The News See Bible In The News: http://www.bibleinthenews.com |
Noah's Ark by God's Design Approved by Science
Noah's Ark by God's Design Approved by Science |
Noah's Ark given the seaworthy seal of approval by physicists (It is not a surprise to Bible Students that Science should confirm the Bible True) By Sarah Knapton 7:09 PM Thursday Apr 3, 2014 Researchers are saying that the concept of Noah's Ark would definitely have worked. Photo / Thinkstock  Noah's Ark could have floated even with two of every land animal in the world packed inside, scientists have calculated.Although researchers are unsure if all the creatures could have squeezed into the huge vessel, they are confident it would have handled the weight of 70,000 animals without sinking. A group of master's students from the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Leicester University studied the exact dimensions of the Ark, set out in Genesis 6:13-22. According to The Bible, God instructed Noah to build a boat that was 300 cubits long 50 cubits wide and 30 cubits high - recommending that it be constructed from gopher wood. The students averaged out the Egyptian and Hebrew cubit measurement to come up with 18.98in, making the Ark around 472ft long - about 328ft shorter than the Navy's recently scrapped aircraft carrier Ark Royal. Using those dimensions, the Archimedes principle of buoyancy and the approximate weight of various animals, they were surprised to discover that the Ark could have floated. Benjamin Jordan, 21, a student from Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, said: "Using the dimensions of the Ark and the density of the water, we were able to calculate its buoyancy force, which, according to Archimedes's principle, is equal to the weight of the volume of fluid the object displaces. This meant we were then able to estimate the total mass the Ark could support before the gravitational weight would overcome the buoyancy force, causing the Ark to sink."  Researchers are confident Noah's Ark would have handled the weight of 70,000 animals without sinking. Photo / Thinkstock Previous research has suggested that there were approximately 35,000 species that would have needed to be saved from floodwaters, enabling the students to make the calculations. The students had to swap gopher wood for cypress wood, as biblical experts continue to speculate as to what gopher wood might be. Some think it may just mean prepared planks. Thomas Morris, 22, from Chelmsford, Essex, said: "You don't think of the Biblenecessarily as a scientifically accurate source of information, so I guess we were quite surprised when we discovered it would work. We're not proving that it's true, but the concept would definitely work." The students presented their findings in a paper for the Journal of Physics Special Topics, a peer-reviewed student journal run by the University's Department of Physics and Astronomy. Dr Mervyn Roy, the course tutor, said: "The students are encouraged to be imaginative with their topics, and find ways to apply basic physics to the weird, the wonderful and the everyday." |
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