March 29 – April 4, 2015

“If the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet to warn the people and the sword comes and takes the life of one of them, that man will be taken away because

of his sin, but I will hold the watchman accountable for his blood.”

(Ezekiel 33:6, New International Version)

Weekly World Watch

Andy Walton’s

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What is a Weekly World Watch?

• Israel: The continuing conflict in the Middle East and focus on Jerusalem.

• Europe: Its developing union, both political and religious.

• Russia: Its return to anti-Western ways as Bible prophecy’s “king of the north.”

• The UK and the US: Bible prophecy’s “king of the south.”

• Moral standards in decline and violence on the increase.

WWW presentations in PowerPoint can be ordered as audio/visual CDs by clicking here. Move your mouse to place the cursor on the blue link and click.

The idea is simple. It is to look at current events and compare them to events spoken of in the Bible. .

I hope to build up a picture of God’s hand working in the affairs of this world. God is bringing about a day when all nations will be gathered to Jerusalem to battle. At that time God will send His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, back to this earth. Jesus will then establish God’s kingdom on earth.

This kingdom will last for ever. This is our hope and the reason we watch.

• Increasing natural disasters: including earthquake, famine etc

The following six themes will appear repeatedly in WWW:

HEADLINE

EVENT

COMMENT

News Photo

The source of the headline and the date are included.

Each WWW looks at a few key developments that have happened during the past week. It is in no way meant to be exhaustive – just a look at those events I saw as significant from a Biblical point of view.

What is in a Weekly World Watch?

BIBLEQUOTE

This is normally one verse which backs up why the event that has occurred is interesting from a Biblical perspective. Please read in its context. Unless stated otherwise, all quotes are from the King James Version. (Book, chapter, and verse)

This is straight from a news report that caught my eye because it looked significant from a Biblical perspective, usually that of prophecy.

Every WWW event slide has the following format. To reveal each block of text just left click your mouse or press the space bar. You control when it appears.

This is the reporter’s description of the event. It is always a direct quotation from the news report and reflects the understanding of the reporter and editors.

This is my comment on why the event is interesting to a Bible student. The intention of the WWW is to offer brief Biblical perspectives without going into detail. If more detail is desired, please e-mail me: (andy@weeklyworldwatch.co.uk). Please note that these are personal thoughts and the aim is purely to stimulate Bible study.

This Week’s Developments

To print any of the event slides that follow, click the picture on the upper rightPRESS SPACE BAR TO CONTINUE

• Netanyahu: Nuclear deal threatens Israel's existence

• Saudi oil flow at risk as Mid-East conflagration spreads

• Russian tanks and fighters enter Eastern Ukraine

• RAF mounts biggest defence exercise in 30 years

• Greece drachma plans, prepares to miss IMF payment

March 29 – April 4, 2015

• Millions watch 'blood moon' rise in total lunar eclipse

Benjamin Netanyahu has denounced the framework agreement over Iran’s nuclear programme as a “bad and dangerous deal” that threatens Israel’s existence.The Israeli prime minister launched his expected backlash against the settlement hatched between Tehran and six world powers almost immediately after details emerged from the Swiss town of Lausanne on Thursday, criticising it in a late night phone conversation with President Barack Obama. Mr Netanyahu told the US leader that he “vehemently opposed” the agreement, saying it posed a “grave danger to Israel, the region and the world”. A statement issued by the prime minister’s office afterwards was even more scathing, calling it a deal that “kowtows to Iranian dictates” and would pave the way to a “military nuclear programme”.

Daily Telegraph, April 3, 2015

EVENT

COMMENT

A grievous vision is declared unto me; the treacherous dealer dealeth treacherously (the Iranian deal is treacherous), and the spoiler spoileth. Go up, O Elam (Iran): besiege, O Media (Iran) ; all the sighing thereof have I made to cease. Also see Isaiah 13:17-18

BIBLEQUOTE

The United States, Iran and five other world powers on Thursday announced the framework for a deal with Iran over its nuclear program. It’s a step towards a comprehensive agreement within three months. Obama said that the agreement would make the world a safer place. In Iran thousands took to the streets celebrating the potential end of sanctions. But things are seen very differently in Israel. All major parties in Israel are united in believing the proposed agreement legitimises Iran’s nuclear weapons program. Israel feels very vulnerable because of this and is insisting that when the agreement is signed in June (if it is) that Iran recognises Israel’s right to exist.So what does the Bible say about Iran’s future role? Is it one of peace or war? The answer is simple – war. We are told that Iran will deal treacherously. We are told they will be stirred up and cause astounding devastation with their missiles. We are told they will invade Israel. Obama may think peace is coming - he is deceived – war is coming..

Netanyahu: Nuclear deal threatens Israel's existence

(Isaiah 21:2)

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Saudi oil flow at risk as Mid-East conflagration spreads

Saudi Arabia’s escalating intervention in Yemen is a high-stakes gamble that risks back-firing in a series of complex ways, ultimately endangering Saudi oil infrastructure and the security of global energy supply. Military analysts say there is little chance that air strikes by a Saudi-led coalition of Sunni countries will subjugate the Iranian-backed Houthi forces in Yemen. It may require a full-blown invasion by land forces to secure control. Large concentrations of Saudi armour and artillery are already massing near the border, though this may simply be a negotiating ploy. The longer the conflict goes on, the greater the risks that it will stir up internal hatred in a country that has traditionally been relatively free of sectarian violence. Adam Baron, from the European Council on Foreign Relations, said the inflammatory comments about the Sunni-Shia struggle by politicians across the region are becoming “self-fulfilling prophecies”.

Daily Telegraph, March 30, 2015

EVENT

COMMENT

The burden upon Arabia. …For they fled from the swords, from the drawn sword, and from the bent bow, and from the grievousness of war. For thus hath the Lord said unto me, Within a year, according to the years of an hireling, and all the glory of Kedar [Saudi Arabia] shall fail:

BIBLEQUOTE

(Isaiah 21:13-16)

At the same time the world thinks they are on the brink of peace with one of the key nations on the so called “axis of evil” ie Iran - we see the smoulderings of war in the Middle East. Yemen is a small country at the base of the Arabian peninsula. Yemen is part of Saudi Arabia’s sphere of influence. Iran (arch enemy of Saudi Arabia) is now meddling in Yemen using rebels loyal to them called the Houthis. Over 500 people have been killed in the last 2 weeks. The rebels seized the palace of the President of Yemen this week. Saudi Arabia who has been bombing the rebels has now threatened to send in ground troops. In effect we are seeing the start of a proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran in Yemen. This brings risks to oil flows to the world if it spreads as reported.

The Bible speaks in Isaiah 21 of 3 burdens. The burden of the desert of the sea and the burden of Arabia. They speak of latter day Saudi Arabia and a coming war with

Iran.…

Russian tanks and fighters enter Eastern Ukraine

22 Russian tanks crossed into Ukraine’s separatist-held eastern territories over the weekend, as pro-Moscow forces continue to seep into Ukraine’s war-stricken Donetsk and Luhansk regions, Donetsk’s local pro-government officials reported yesterday.In a statement published on Donetsk’s regional government website, the deputy head of Ukraine’s anti-separatist military operations in Donetsk and Luhansk Valentin Fechev, condemned the “cynical lies” of pro-Russian fighters who have accused Ukraine of violating the ceasefire between the two sides, and instead gave a recent recap of Russian violations. Fechev told the regional government website that 22 tanks had crossed from Russia via the border town of Gukovo, into Ukraine’s Luhansk region, heading toward the city of Sverdlovsk for maintenance.

NewsWeek, March 30, 2015

EVENT

COMMENT

Through his cunning he shall cause deceit to prosper under his rule; And he shall exalt himself in his heart. He shall destroy many in their prosperity. He shall even rise against the Prince of princes; But he shall be broken without human means

Although Ukraine has come off headline news the issues remain. Russia continues to send in troops and tanks which means at some point the conflict will flare up again.Russian tanks and soldiers have been “decisive” in winning key battles against government troops in eastern Ukraine, the commander of a separatist “special forces” detachment has admitted. The Kremlin denies sending men and military vehicles to fight in Ukraine, but Dmitry Sapozhnikov told the BBC this week that regular army units sent from Russia and commanded by Russian officers were key in seizing the strategic town of Debaltseve in February. “All operations, especially large-scale ones, are led by Russian officers, by Russian generals,” he said. This isn’t news. The world has known Russia invaded Eastern Ukraine. It’s just amazing the Putin would blatantly lie saying that Russia hadn’t. But the Bible says that Russia would have a deceptive leader….

BIBLEQUOTE

(Daniel 8:25 NKJV)

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RAF mounts biggest defence exercise in 30 years after Russian bomber flights

Operation Rising Panther, the first of six proposed air defence operations due to take place every year, will “show Vladimir Putin in no uncertain terms” that Britain is ready, willing and able counter increasing Russian aggression should the need arise, say military sources. More than 30 aircraft, including 20 Typhoons and Tornado fighter jets as well as a range of ED-3, AWACS, Sentinal and Shadow surveillance aircraft took part in the mock attack-and-defence wargames over the North east of England, as well as ground-based command teams. In February the Sunday Express revealed how one of the two Russian T-95 “Bear” long-range bombers intercepted by RAF Typhoons over the English Channel was carrying a nuclear missile designed to destroy a Trident submarine. President Putin, who has recently increased Russian defence spending by a record 33 per cent, authorises around eight Russian incursions into UK air space or Britain's "sphere of influence" every year. More than 100 were known to have encroached European airspace in 2013 alone.

Express, March 30, 2015

EVENT

COMMENT

I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal: And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws, and I will bring thee forth, and all thine army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed with all sorts of armour, even a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords:

BIBLEQUOTE

Rising Panther is said to be the biggest UK-only air defence exercise in decades. Britain is trying to prove to Putin that they will not be intimidated by Russian bombers flying close to their shores. Also this week there are reports from Norway that Russia is reopening a once secret naval base in the Artic. Three Russian ships spent the entire winter docked deep within the mountain hideaway which was once a heavily guarded military facility. Russian ships docked at what was once a secret Norwegian naval base in the Arctic have prompted concern from the NATO country's former top military leaders, anxious about its resurgent eastern neighbour roaming nearby. The Bible says we would see Russia turned back – turned back to anti western ways….

(Ezekiel 38:3-4)

Greece draws up drachma plans, prepares to miss IMF payment

Greece is drawing up drastic plans to nationalise the country's banking system and introduce a parallel currency to pay bills unless the eurozone takes steps to defuse the simmering crisis and soften its demands. Sources close to the ruling Syriza party said the government is determined to keep public services running and pay pensions as funds run critically low. It may be forced to take the unprecedented step of missing a payment to the International Monetary Fund next week. Greece no longer has enough money to pay the IMF €458m on April 9 and also to cover payments for salaries and social security on April 14, unless the eurozone agrees to disburse the next tranche of its interim bail-out deal in time. Going into arrears at the IMF – even for a few days – is an extremely risky strategy. No developed country has ever defaulted to the IMF. While there would be a grace period of six weeks before the IMF board declared Greece to be in technical default, the process could spin out of control at various stages.

Daily Telegraph, March 26, 2015

EVENT

COMMENT

And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.

BIBLEQUOTE

(Revelation 17:12-13)

Syriza, the left wing political government that was swept into power just weeks ago in Greece did so because it said it would renegotiate the harsh terms set by Europe on repaying its debt. But Europe won’t compromise and so a showdown between Greece and Europe continues. Syriza sources say are they fully aware that a tough line with creditors risks setting off an unstoppable chain-reaction. They insist that they are willing to contemplate the worst rather than abandon their electoral pledges to the Greek people. It appears they are willing as a last resort to leave the Euro rather than back down. This would indeed set off a massive chain reaction which could see other nations leave the Euro. The remaining 10 nations would then form a true empire state…

Millions watch 'blood moon' rise in total lunar eclipse

Millions of stargazers watched today's 'blood moon' in the shortest lunar eclipse this century. A partial eclipse was visible to the entire united states as the moon entered Earth's shadow at 6.16am Eastern Daylight Saving Time - five hours behind Greenwich Mean Time - according to NASA. Those west of the Mississippi river were expected to have the best views of the event in which the moon turned blood red before disappearing for five minutes in a total lunar eclipse.

Independent, April 4, 2015

EVENT

COMMENT

The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered:

BIBLEQUOTE

This was the third lunar eclipse in a series of four, known as a tetrad. The first two were in April and September last year, with the final eclipse in the cycle on September 28 this year. It is interesting to note that this lunar eclipse (today) falls on Passover. The next lunar eclipse falls on Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles). This series of 4 lunar eclipses called a Tetrad is very, very rare. There have only been 8 in the last 2000 years and only 3 since 1492. The last ones were Tetrad of 1493-1494, Tetrad of 1949-1950, Tetrad of 1967-1968 and now the Tetrad of 2014-2015. We know the significance of 1949-50 which saw conflict over Israel as it had only just been created. We know there was conflict over Israel in 1967 when Israel recaptured Jerusalem. These dates are the most significant events to do with Israel since AD70 and a Tetrad occured next to both of them. Now here we are with another Tetrad. Are we about to see another conflict over Israel in line with this one? There won’t be another for about 600 years! The Bible says that the moon will turn to blood BEFORE the great and terrible day of the LORD comes. We have been watching how close it is – the signs in the heavens also say so

(Joel 2:31-32)

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They can register on the sitePLEASE NOTE: The Weekly World Watch is written and sent by myself – it is my take on events and I accept that on occasions I will miss significant events

and also misinterpret them as well. However I will endeavour to be faithful to the scriptures and hope that it will be of benefit to both of us.

Weekly World Watch

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