"5 Signs of Coming War"

The  Department of Defense (DOD) believes China is upping the ante when it comes to war.

According to a recent Pentagon report, "The People's Liberation Army (PLA) is engaged in a massive, extensive modernization program. Upgrading and expanding all military branches and equipment."

The problem? "A lack of transparency regarding China's intentions," says the DOD.

Meanwhile, things are heating up in Ukraine.

"The upsurge in fighting in Ukraine with Russian troops and equipment pouring across the border, is a sign that Russian President Vladimir Putin has decided to engage the West in a dangerous game of "chicken", says The Wall Street Journal in an opinion piece by David Satter.

Angered by economic sanctions and fearing "they could help lead to the destabilization of Russia," Satter writes that "Russia is shooting itself in the foot with its actions..." and "Putin could lash out with military action against the West."

"Russia is on a dangerous path," Satter concludes.

And what about those cagey Iranians? The Jerusalem Post reports Israel's Eros-B satellite, launched last April, revealed a "never seen before" Iranian launch pad with a new 27-meter long missile.

"The missile and the launch pad indicate Iran's ballistic missile program, which is an integral part of its nuclear weapons program, is moving forward full throttle."

This "expanded range" of Iran's ballistic missiles means its nuclear weapons program is not merely a threat to Israel and Europe. "It is a direct threat to the United States as well."

And then there's North Korea, who vowed on Wednesday to respond to any US aggression with nuclear strikes.

Oh, and let's not forget ISIS, (or ISIL or whatever they're calling themselves these days) who never seem to tire of thinking up sick new methods of execution.

Tuesday ISIS released video showing captured Jordanian pilot, Moaz al-Kasasben being burned alive before they ran him over with a bulldozer. Charming group. Their goal? More atrocities. And not just in the Mideast or Europe, either. FBI Director James Comey today issued a warning that "ISIS is already in 49 US states."

When Jesus was asked, "What will be the sign of Your coming and the end of the age?" He answered, "And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows" (Matthew 24:6-8).

A wise man once said: "The primary purpose of prophetic teaching is not to satisfy our curiosity, but to motivate us to change our lives. Rather than working for things that will ultimately be destroyed, we should work for things that are eternal." --Len Woods, Th.M.

News:

• Newsmax: Experts: Iran Now a Nuclear-Ready State, Missiles Capable of Hitting U.S.
• Fox News Channel: Jordanian fighter jets carried out 'massive' air strikes today against ISIS, vowing: "Just the beginning and you shall know who the Jordanians are."
• The Drudge Report: Hollande & Merkel fly to Russia for crisis talks amid growing fears of 'total war.'