"Russia & Bible Prophecy"

Regardless of how the Russian/Ukraine invasion turns out, students of Bible prophecy must remember to always keep their eye on the ball.

What ball, you ask? Israel, of course. And though Russia will play a major role in Bible prophecy (as you will soon see), Israel is the apple of God's eye. They are God's chosen people and when it comes to future events, Israel is the epicenter of world history.

Scripture tells the Jewish nation's history in advance and since its predicted rebirth in 1948, they've been on a collision course with Russia (though neither nation realizes it).

For instance, Ezekiel 38-39 details a future invasion of Israel by a Russian leader (aka Gog of the land of Magog), Iran and a coalition of Islamic nations which ends in utter disaster for Russia and company. This prophecy takes place "in the latter years" or the time of the end (Ezekiel 38:8) after Israel is re-gathered into a nation again which was fulfilled in (you guessed it!) 1948.

So how do current events move the ball in the direction of the Endgame as predicted throughout Scripture?

• The rapid decline in U.S./Israel relations since Biden took office. The Bible predicts no one will stand with Israel when she is attacked-not even her biggest ally-the U.S.A. God Himself will defend her.
• The U.S.'s perceived weakness has embolden Russia to become more aggressive. Among other things, Russia's been forming a military alliance with Iran and will eventually stage a surprise attack on Israel.
• Meanwhile, the rest of the world, including Europe, is left leaderless while governments trample freedoms and seize power through mandated vaccine passports, censorship and fear.

In short, current events and the global leadership vacuum are converging to set the stage and the infrastructure necessary for the Antichrist to accomplish what Scripture says he will do.

The bottom line? Recognize that the "ball" ( Israel) is positioned exactly where you'd expect it to be (and so are global conditions) if Bible prophecy is true. And while no man knows the day or the hour, it's getting harder and harder to mistake the season.

A wise man once said: "Ezekiel's prophecy is an example of God's planning, precision, and sovereignty. He maintains control of the events of history. When events seem chaotic, God reminds us to rest in His ability to bring order...God will create beauty out of ashes for all those who put their trust in Him." --Barry J. Beitzel, PhD.

"The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light" (ROMANS 13:12).

👉👉👉"HOW TO GO TO HEAVEN!" ☝

News:

• BBC News: Putin puts Russian nuclear forces on 'special alert'
• Business Insider: The EU, in watershed moment, announces it will send weapons to Ukraine, while also shutting down airspace to Russian planes
• The Jerusalem Post: Now Russia sets its sights on Israel: they will no longer recognize Jewish sovereignty over the Golan Heights in Northern Syria.  

 

"Russian nationalist: 'Vote Trump or Risk War'"

Russian President Vladimir Putin insists his country is not trying to influence the U.S. presidential election.

Really? Well somebody better let his pal, Vladimir Zhirinovsky, know because according to Reuters,  Zhirinovsky said if Trump loses, it means war.

An ultra-nationalist and ally to President Putin, Zhirinovsky is " a flamboyant veteran lawmaker known for his fiery rhetoric," Reuters reporter Andrew Osborn said.

"Trump", claims Zhirinovsky, "is the only person to de-escalate dangerous tensions between Moscow and Washington."

What about Hillary, you ask?

According to Zhirinovsky she could "spark World War Three. Relations between Russia and the United States can't get any worse. The only way they can get worse is if a war starts. Americans voting for a president on November 8 must realize that they are voting for peace on Planet Earth if they vote for Trump. But if they vote for Hillary, it's war."

With tensions between the U.S. and Russia already so strained over Syria, Ukraine and the Russian campaign of cyber-attacks, Zhirinovsky's statements seem especially jarring. If Russia is not trying to influence the U.S. election--what is it trying to do?

Meanwhile...

The Bible indicates Russia has a major role to play in the End-Times scenario. The U.S. does not.Why?

A wise man once said: "The Apostle Paul uses the image of labor pains to stress the suddenness of how quickly the world will be plunged into judgment." -- Barry Beitzel, Ph.D.

"For you are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, 'Peace and security', destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers, are not in the darkness so that this day should overtake you like a thief..." 1Thess.5:2-4.

News:

•  Associated Press: Russia accuses U.S. of conducting 'Scorched Earth' policy in relation to Russia during the final months of Obama's presidency; "This is very dangerous," said Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman.
• Reuters: Exclusive: Obama considers direct U.S. military action in Syria raising possibility of confrontation with Russia.
• DEBKAfile: Russia's embassy in Damascus hit with mortar fire for two hours, Russia's Foreign Ministry reported Thursday.

"Russia/U.S.: Playing With Fire?"

"Could a U.S. response to Russia's actions in Ukraine provoke a confrontation that leads to a U.S.-Russian war?" asks The National Interest writers Graham Allison and Dimitri K. Simes  in "Russian and America:Stumbling to War".

That's an unthinkable question and yet the sabre-rattling between the two nations has grown deafening. So loud, in fact, it seems neither can think straight.

How else can we explain this perilous game of brinkmanship they seem to be playing?

The Russian News Agency, TASS, reported back in September that Russia was "revising its defense doctrine as new threats emerge."

What new threats, you ask?

"...first and foremost," says Colonel-General Viktor Yesin, former Chief of Staff of the Russian Strategic Missiles Forces,"...the West, primarily the U.S."

Alexander Lukashevich, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman, says, "We see massive movement of fighter jets and tanks to eastern Europe, columns of armored vehicles riding down central roads and other signs of rapid militarization of the region."

"We consider the continuing discussion in Washington on possible weapons supply to the Ukrainian authorities as deliberate escalation of tensions," he adds. "That directly threatens Russian security."

"But that doesn't scare us," Lukashevich continued. "We could recommend Washington, which decided to use the crisis in Ukraine to flex its muscles, to seriously think about the consequences..."

A not-so veiled threat? Considering:

• Russian bombers have been intruding in NATO airspace
• President Putin says he was ready to put nuclear forces on alert in Crimea
• Russia's ambassador has warned off Denmark from joining NATO missile defense with threats of being targeted with nukes
• Russia's decision to send Iran its missile defense system in spite of objections from Washington

If Russia and the U.S. are stumbling to war, the American public (for the most part) remains blissfully unaware...

...and meanwhile, this dangerous game of "chicken" goes on.

A wise man once said: "Mankind must put an end to war before war puts an end to mankind." --President John F. Kennedy

"For when they say 'Peace and safety!' then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape."  (1 Thessalonians 5:3)

News;

• The Washington Free Beacon: Iranian Warships Arrive Near Yemen; comes days after U.S. announced it would send its own warships
• The Telegraph: Russia Masses More Forces Near Ukraine Border. A new build-up is under way with Russia deploying air defense units inside Ukraine and massing more troops on the border, says U.S. State Department.
• Russia FM: Grudges over Crimea prompt Obama to say Russian economy in tatters. Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavron claims remark a "Freudian slip." 

"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.'

"How Many Minutes Before Midnight?"

According to the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists and their famous Doomsday Clock--it is 5 minutes before midnight.

Headlines from 2014 seem to prove their point. Consider:

• US and Russian relations have cooled to the point of a new Cold War over Moscow's perceived role in Ukraine's separatist conflict. 
• The Islamic State (ISIL) terror group is still rampaging across the Mideast, kidnapping and torturing children. ISIL has now spilled into Lebanon, close to the Israeli border.
• The Ebola outbreak has spread to multiple West African countries, affecting tens of thousands. The possibility of it spreading further cannot be ruled out.
• Cyberwars are keeping the DHS up nights. Russia is the most likely suspect behind a destructive "Trojan Horse" malware program discovered in critical US software that makes what North Korea did to Sony look like child's play.

Not to mention: international unrest in various countries, the recent racial unrest right here at home, the massive security breach that is the US border, and the ever present threat of a nuclear Iran.

In 1948, the nation of Israel was born (again) and with it many Biblical prophecies were fulfilled, each graphic, literal, and exact.

In fact, the entire Scripture is woven through and through with provable, precise prophecy in regards to God's chosen people--the Jews. (For a detailed account of those prophecies, see archived posts from July 2011: Israel: The Key to Prophecy-Part 1 Part 2

The Scriptures seem to indicate the Jews will only be back in their Land for one generation (See Matthew 24) before the return of the Messiah.

Is it possible the Atomic Scientists are correct in setting The Clock @ 5 minutes before midnight - or are they  just alarmists? You do the math.

"So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be sober. Night is the time for sleep and the time when people get drunk. But let us who live in the light think clearly, protected by the body armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation. For God decided to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out His anger on us. He died for us so that we can live with Him forever, whether we are dead or alive at the time of His return."  (1Thess. 5:6-10)

A wise man once said: "Paul warns us that God will hold all people accountable for their attitudes and actions. So don't procrastinate. God wants us to act immediately to receive His forgiveness and power to help us change."  -- David Stoop, author

News:

• Reuters: East-West aerial confrontations heat up with Russia and China pitted against US and allied pilots on a scale not seen since Cold War Era
• AgenceFrance-Presse (AFP): Islamic State downs warplane over Syria, claims capture of Jordanian pilot
• Reuters: Japan fears North Korea cyberattack, works to secure infrastructure

"Tipping Point: World in Crisis"

The world situation has been slowly deteriorationg for some time now, but today it exploded. Literally.

First, a commercial Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777 was shot from the sky by a Soviet-era SA-11 ground-to-air missile over Ukraine. All 295 on board perished, including possibly 23 Americans.

This is the third downed plane in that region in the last four days.

The Big Question? Who's responsible? Both sides blame the other.

Ukraine accused militant rebels fighting to unite eastern Ukraine with Russia. Russia flatly denies any involvement, despite recent threats from Russian President Vladimir Putin that any attempt to impose sanctions on Russia would "boomerang and cause very serious damage."

Russian rebels point the finger of blame at Ukraine forces, claiming the Ukraine military is responsible. Ukraine officials cry untrue, and so far it looks like they can be ruled out.

Though it's too early to know for sure, all of the evidence seems to zero in on Russia. If so, get ready for real trouble.

Meanwhile, Israel finally launched a ground invasion into Gaza after days of trying to avert one. The invasion comes hours after a Hamas assault squad of heavily-armed terrorists attempted to carry out a massacre of civilians inside the Israeli border.

Apparently fed up with showing restraint, Israeli PM Benyamin Netanyahu ordered the ground offensive. The stated goal? Eradicate infiltration tunnels Hamas was planning to use to sneak into Israel and cause havoc; and if they can seriously harm the infrastructure of Hamas and other terrorist organizations and stop the constant barrage of missiles aimed at Israeli civilians--all the better.

But that ain't all folks. The world has never before in history had so many crises brewing at once:

• Iraq is unraveling as terror group ISIS conquers one city after another.
• Iran's Supreme Leader has called for more enrichment capacity despite a July 20th deadline to cut a deal with world powers to prevent it from being able to produce a nuclear bomb.
• The Syrian civil war is still raging out of control with an estimated 170,000 dead and counting.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) is warning "the worst-ever outbreak of Ebola has expanded beyond Africa." With 600 dead and hundreds more infected, health ministers from 11 countries plan to gather for an emergency meeting.

And to top it off? The sun is acting weird. But that's another blog...

"...in the last days there will be very difficult times." 2Timothy 3:1

A wise man once said: "Don't let us make imaginary evils, when you know we have so many real ones to encounter." -- Oliver Goldsmith, Irish poet

News:

• Fox News Channel: Vice Pres. Joe Biden says Malaysian plane crash "no accident, blown out of the sky on purpose."
• MSN News: Israel orders ground offensive in Gaza; heavy shelling on border
• MSN Money: Ukraine, Middle East hammer stocks; Dow plummets 161 pts. 

"Are We Witnessing the Rise of Magog?"

Russian President Vladimir Putin accused the United States and the West of practicing "cold war tactics" in a vitriolic speech before a cheering Russian parliament.

Fresh from his victory in Crimea, the Russian leader openly mocked and ridiculed the US for the sanctions approved on Monday.

Commodities and foreign currency expert Jim Sinclair says:

"To sanction Russia is to forget that Russia supplies Europe with its gas supplies. To sanction Russia is to forget there are many US and European corporations operating within Russia right now. I honestly believe sanctioning Russia is the same as shooting yourself in the foot."

Sinclair goes on to say, "Anybody that is nuclear capable to the degree that Russia is with its delivery systems is a world power."

"We hear constantly Russia is only a regional power. We hear lies. We hear untruths. We don't have a clear picture to what is taking place."

Sinclair believes the Russian's have "the upper hand. They have it in their ability to turn the US economy upside down and into collapse."

Strong words. But Sinclair stands behind them: "There is no question whatsoever", he says, "Putin doesn't need a nuclear bomb. He has a nuclear economic bomb he can set off at any time."

How?

According to Sinclair,

"The real teeth of retaliation for sanctions being in the simple acceptance of any currency whatsoever for payment for gas to Europe. It makes energy cheaper. Why in the world would anyone pay in dollars if they can pay in their own currency?"

Sinclair added, "We're in a hell of a mess. If the world drops the 'Petrodollar', we'll have a hot war in a week. We will go to war over the Petrodollar."

While the Bible doesn't mention a war between the US and Russia, it does detail a war between Russia (Magog & friends) and Israel. (Ez. 38 and 39)

Where's the United States?

Apparently, on the sidelines wringing her hands.

Jim Sinclair on USA Watchdog.com

"This is what the Sovereign Lord says: 'I am against you, Gog, chief prince of Meshek and Tubal. I will turn you around, put hooks in your jaws and bring you out with your whole army...'" Ez. 38:3-4

A wise man once said: "Many books can inform, but only the Bible can transform." - RBC

News:

• The Washington Post: Vice Pres. Biden: "US military well-prepared to defend NATO Allies from Russian aggression.
• Reuters: Russian forces storm Ukraine base in Crimea, US warned Moscow of 'dark path to isolation' on Wednesday.
• CBS: Family anger erupts in Malaysia, jet search enters 13th day; Israel on high alert

"Ukraine Crisis and Bible Prophecy"

How does what's happening in Ukraine factor into bible prophecy?

First, it's important to recognize that the fulfillment of bible prophecy does not happen out of the blue.

For example: Nobody is going to pull the Antichrist out of a hat one day. He will most likely rise to power in response to a global leadership vacuum.

Secondly, while bible prophecy gives us a complete overview of God's plan for mankind and this planet, it doesn't give us every detail. We must surmise the rest.

For example: Because the United States is not mentioned in the end-time scenario, we are left to guess (by watching events unfold) the reason why.

So how does Ukraine factor in?

If Russia is Magog (as detailed in Ezekiel 38), what is happening in Ukraine, and what happened in the former Soviet nation of Georgia in 2008, should come as no surprise. Whether Putin is Gog or not, it's way too early to tell.

But one thing is clear:

Vladimir Putin is taking Russia a giant step closer to fulfillment of Ez. 38 and the rise of the Antichrist.

How?

• His goal is to restore the power of the Soviet empire
• If Ukraine allies with Europe, it will be a huge blow to that goal. Putin will do everything in his power to stop that from happening.
• Russia, a major supplier of natural gas to Europe, uses it to manipulate and gain wealth and power (this will factor into their motivation to attack Israel, as Israel has recently discovered she is virtually swimming in oil).
• If the Ukraine situation ends up as the Georgia one did, Russia gains back a little more power, and will be emboldened to try for more.
• This will eventually cause Europe to seek a strong leader to counter Putin (and his like), and to unite into a much stronger union (as predicted in Revelation 17:12), going from 28 nations down to 10 regions.
• Meanwhile, Israel is on a collision course with Magog (Russia), Persia (Iran), Ethiopia, and Libya (along with many others).

In other words: Nations from all directions will form a coalition against Israel. But it won't happen out of the blue.

Because the student of bible prophecy knows what to look for, we've been alerted to watch this prophecy progress toward fulfillment for years in terms of:

• the Arab Spring
• the recent military alliance between Russia, Iran and a number of countries in the region
• the gutting of the US military, economy and subsequent unwillingness to fight
• the increasing aggression of Russia
• the discovery of massive oil reserves in Israel
• the increasing isolation of Israel and the unreliability of her allies

The crisis in Ukraine is (as Pink Floyd once lamented) Just another brick in the wall...

"I am God, and there is no one else like Me. Only I can tell you what is going to happen even before it happens. Everything I plan will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish" - Isaiah 46:10.

A wise man once said: "As the Sovereign of the cosmos, God can do anything He desires. His pleasure (Ps. 147) includes the salvation of His people (Zeph. 3:17) and the worship of their hearts (John 4:23-24). - William Van Germeren, PhD.

News:

• Press Telegram: Hilary Clinton compares Putin's action in Ukraine to Hitler's run up to WWII
• NBC: US sends six fighter jets to Baltics, more airmen to Poland in response to crisis in Ukraine
• DEBKA File: Israel's navy seizes Iranian missile ship headed for Gaza
• Fox News Channel: Russia's Vladimir Putin nominated today for the Nobel Peace Prize

"Is America Cutting Her Own Throat?"

The US government has finally realized it is spending us into oblivion.

Good news, right? They'll stop the waste, the fraud, the pork, and maybe even cut back on a few entitlement programs...

But no...That would make too much sense.

Instead, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel plans to shrink the United States military to its smallest force since before WWII. "This is a budget that recognizes the reality of the magnitude of our fiscal challenges," Hagel said.

Anticipated cuts include:

• retiring the famed U-2 spy plane in favor of drones
• the elimination of an entire class of Air Force attack jets
• a huge reduction in the number of troop personnel
• and many, many other cuts too numerous to tell

"For the first time in 13 years, we will be presenting a budget to the Congress of the United States that's not a war-footing budget," Hagel said.

His reasoning?

Downsizing due to modernization and budget constraints.

"There are difficult decisions ahead," Hagel said. "That is the reality we're living with."

Supposedly, our military will "become a smaller, more tactical force capable of fighting on one war front and maintaining effective defenses for a second."

Really? Tell that to the rest of the world (especially China and our old pal Vladimir Putin). How come we're downsizing while everyone else is building up?

Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) says, "It doesn't make strategic sense."

And he's right.

Why cut forces at a time of heightened threats?

Retired Army General George Joulwan, a former NATO Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, said he thought the changes were necessary.

"Whether it's smart or not is yet to be seen. But I think it's necessary to do, given the constraints that we face fiscally within the United States," said General Joulwan.

Remember the old adage: "Jack of all trades, master of none?"

That's our Federal government.

They've got two assignments: Defend us and keep our infrastructure from falling apart.

Instead, they've got their hands on everything: health care, private finance, just name it, they claim it.

On the bright side, a few more military cuts and all the potholes won't matter anymore.

A wise man once said: "We're in greater danger today than we were the day after Pearl Harbor. Our military is absolutely incapable of defending this country." - Ronald Reagan

"To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven...A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up...A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace." - Ecclesiastes 3: 1, 3, 8

News:

• Associated Press: Russia mobilizes fighter jets, troops near Ukraine border; US warns Russia using military force  is a 'grave mistake'
• Sky News London: Situation in Ukraine chaotic; Russia warns of "Dangerous" dilemma, urges US and EU not to intervene.
• CNN: Protests erupt in Venezuela, turn violent as opposition leaders blame government officials for unrest