September 27 – October 3 , 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

To skip the introductory slides and go straight to this weeks developments click here.

PRESS SPACE BAR TO CONTINUE

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

• Russia's intervention in Syria lifts crisis to new level

• How Putin blindsided the US over Syria

• U.S: few options as Russia, Iran flex muscle in Syria

• Russian operations in Syria could last ’3 or 4 months'

• Abbas: We are no longer bound by pacts with Israel

September 27 – October 3, 2015

• Pope Francis: Speeches in New York

The Russian intervention is a game-changer which opens a new chapter in the ever-escalating Syrian saga and lifts it to a yet higher level of crisis.Western nations on Friday accused Russia of escalating the Syrian conflict and fuelling extremism, as Moscow's warplanes conducted air strikes for a third day amid mounting fears over civilian casualties. A bellicose Russia waded into the four year-long conflict on Wednesday, launching surprise bombing runs against rebel groups fighting the Syrian regime of Bashar al-Assad while vowing to defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (Isil). Britain, the United States and five other nations called on Russia to "immediately" end attacks on the Syrian opposition and civilians and to focus only on fighting Isil. In a statement, they expressed "deep concern" over the Russian military build-up in Syria and, in particular, strikes on Hama, Homs and Idlib, saying these had caused civilian casualties and did not target the jihadist group.

Daily Telegraph, October 2, 2015

EVENT

COMMENT

Woe to the multitude of many people, which make a noise like the noise of the seas; and to the rushing of nations, that make a rushing like the rushing of mighty waters! The nations shall rush like the rushing of many waters: but God shall rebuke them,: This rushing of nations into Israel occurs after Syria has fallen – see start of chapter.

BIBLEQUOTE

It was back on September 5th that we first reported that Russia was building a new military base in Syria. At that point it was just anonymous officials saying that Russia had setup an air traffic control unit and housing for thousands of troops. We then reported how warplanes were landing in Syria. Within one month Russia has begun bombing in Syria. Syria is becoming the epicentre of something much, much worse.So why after 4 years is Russia suddenly getting involved? It is because Assad was on the verge of losing power. The Western-backed regional powers supporting the anti-Assad rebels - mainly Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey - started working more closely together. America began pumping in more money and hardware. The rebels were gaining ground. The king of the north (Putin) has suddenly descended to stop this…

Russia's intervention in Syria lifts crisis to new level

(Isaiah 17:12-13)

he

How Putin blindsided the US over Syria

President Vladimir Putin had a meeting with President Barack Obama on Monday night to explain what Russia's plan was - and although there were profound differences, US officials said they understood better what Russia's intentions were.And yet. Isn't there something totally jaw-dropping, gob-smacking, eyebrow-arching, ear twitchingly extraordinary - and not to mention, casual - about the way the Americans learnt about Russian plans? It began with a phone call from a Russian diplomat to his counterpart in Baghdad to say "we've got something interesting to tell you”. Then a three-star Russian general leaves the Russian embassy compound and knocks on the door of the American one, and asks to see the US military attache.He tells the American military man that bombing starts in an hour, so you'd better get out of Syrian airspace now and move any assets you have off the ground. And 60 minutes later, the bombing started. Wow.

BBC News, September 30, 2015

EVENT

COMMENT

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. We often quote this verse – but it is key – the push from the king of the south is the prelude to Russia invading.

BIBLEQUOTE

(Daniel 11:40)

An extraordinarily dangerous situation has now developed in Syria. Russia is now bombing anti Assad groups that America and Saudi Arabia are supporting. Just consider this - the risks of a US fighter plane running into a Russian one with unimaginable consequences has just ratcheted up. Are they going to take it on turns to bomb targets? Russia has clearly not been attacking ISIS. Out of 20 bombing raids only one has struck known ISIS positions. All the rest are anti Assad rebels. The trouble is that US almost certainly has special forces in some of the positions. What if they find themselves coming under fire - do they call in US close air support to see off their Russian attackers? The king of the north and king of the south could easily come

into conflict in Syria. The king of the south (USA) will militarily provoke Russia .

U.S., allies short on options as Russia, Iran flex muscle in Syria

Across the Middle East, America’s traditional allies are watching with disbelief as Russia and Iran mount a show of force in Syria, and they are wondering how it will end.The U.S.-led coalition, created to combat the jihadi threat from Islamic State in Syria and Iraq, has been wrong footed by the Russian jets pounding the rebels fighting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, and by an influx of Iranian forces. The question on everyone’s mind is: will the United States and its European and regional Sunni allies intervene to stop President Vladimir Putin from reversing the gains made by mainstream Syrian rebels after more than four years of war? Few are holding their breath. Many say, often with vehemence, that the current drama is the consequence of ongoing Western inaction and U.S. retreat at critical moments in an ever more uncontrollable conflict, whose regional dimensions are fast becoming global.

Reuters, October 2, 2015

EVENT

COMMENT

Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Zidon: For I will send into her pestilence, and blood into her streets; and the wounded shall be judged in the midst of her by the sword upon her on every side; and they shall know that I am the LORD. And there shall be no more a pricking brier unto the house of Israel, nor any grieving thorn of all that are round about them, that despised them; and they shall know that I am the Lord GOD.

As the article says – this is an ever more uncontrollable conflict – regional dimensions are fast becoming global. The king of the south is made up of Saudi Arabia and America/ UK. The king of the north is made up of Russia and Iran etc. But Ezekiel 38 that speaks of these two opposing powers does NOT mention Syria. Why not? Because Syria / Damascus has been destroyed BEFORE the Gogian invasion. The Syrian conflict is part of the stage 1 of the final conflict. It is the conflict detailed in Zechariah 12 and Isaiah 17. There will be a war (coming soon) between Israel and her surrounding neighbours (Palestinians, Hezbollah, Syria). It will see the total end of Syria as a nation. Israel will be left greatly weakened. At this point Israel’s “pricking briers” will be removed. But shortly after a so-called peace Russia will descend…

BIBLEQUOTE

(Ezekiel 28:22-24)

he

Russian operations in Syria could last 'three or four months'

Russian air strikes in support of Bashar Assad's embattled government enter third day amid mounting reports of an imminent regime ground offensive .Russian forces in Syria flew 18 sorties against 12 targets between Thursday afternoon and Friday morning, the Russian ministry of defence has said, as one official said the air strikes could last "three to four months". The latest air strikes come as further details emerged of the shape of Russia’s military campaign in Syria, with fresh reports of an imminent Iranian and Hezbollah-backed ground offensive being planned in co-ordination with the Russian air strikes. Pavel Felgenhauer, an independent military analyst, said Mr Peskov’s comments indicated the Kremlin has decided to “win the war” for Bashar Assad’s government once and for all. “Right now they are just softening up the opposition. Then there will come the ground offensive. It will be us in the air and Syria, Iran, and Hezbollah on the ground,” he said.

Daily Telegraph, October 2, 2015

EVENT

COMMENT

They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance. For they have consulted together with one consent: they are confederate against thee: The tabernacles of Edom, and the Ishmaelites; of Moab, and the Hagarenes;

BIBLEQUOTE

Reports suggest that a ground offensive is shortly going to take place in Syria - but not using Russian troops. The offensive will be using Hezbollah and Iranian forces but overseen and supported by Russia. Analysts believe that Russia is softening up targets ready for these ground forces to attack. Iran has sent thousands of fighters into Syria – so has Hezbollah. Now with Russian air support they can make real advances.Russia has warned Israel not to attack anywhere in Syria. Israel has often conducted missile strikes when Hezbollah or Iranian troops were getting too much of an advantage. The Syrian situation is now far more complex for Israel. Psalm 83 speaks of Israel’s immediate neighbours making war on Israel. Something will happen that will indeed bring Israel into conflict with these terror groups in Syria.

(Psalm 83:4-6)

Abbas Says Palestinians No Longer Bound by Pacts With Israel

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas declared before world leaders Wednesday that he is no longer bound by agreements signed with Israel and called on the United Nations to provide international protection for Palestinians, in the most serious warning yet that he might walk away from engagement with the Jewish state."It is no longer useful to waste time in negotiations for the sake of negotiations; what is required is to mobilize international efforts to oversee an end to the occupation in line with the resolutions of international legitimacy," he said. "Until then, I call upon the United Nations to provide international protection for the Palestinian people in accordance with international humanitarian law.” In a symbolic moment Wednesday, Abbas raised the flag of Palestine at the United Nations for the first time, with a promise that it will be raised soon in Jerusalem, "the capital of our Palestinian state."

Associated Press, September 30, 2015

EVENT

COMMENT

For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city.

BIBLEQUOTE

(Zechariah 14:2)

No one quite knows what Abbas means when he says he is no longer bound by agreements made with Israel. He has not spelled out the implications. What is clear is that something is about to change. If Abbas were to go through with his demand that Israel assume responsibility for the Palestinians, as the occupying power in the territories, this would require dissolving the Palestinian Authority and the Abbas' resignation. He would then call on protection from the UN to help the Palestinian people being “occupied by another power” as he would put it.The UN flew the Palestinian flag for the first time indicating they accept the Palestinians as a nation. Abbas said that he wants this same flag flying over Jerusalem the capital of the new state. There will indeed be a battle for Jerusalem – its coming – soon.

Pope Francis begins historic U.S. trip

Pope Francis' first stop in New York was at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Manhattan, where, at an evening prayer, he said the following. ”I would like to express two sentiments for my Muslim brothers and sisters: Firstly, my greetings as they celebrate the feast of sacrifice.” Then he said “The cross shows us a different way of measuring success. Ours is to plant the seeds. God sees to the fruits of our labours. And if at times our efforts and works seem to fail and not produce fruit, we need to remember that we are followers of Jesus Christ and his life, humanly speaking, ended in failure, the failure of the cross.” Then he spoke at the UN General Assembly. “Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen, Once again, the Secretary General of the United Nations has invited the Pope to address this distinguished assembly of nations. In my own name, and that of the entire Catholic community, I wish to express to you,

USA Today, September 30, 2015

EVENT

COMMENT

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.

BIBLEQUOTE

(1 Corinthians 1:18-19)

The speeches the Pope gave in New York this week are worthy of note as they totally establish him as the anti Christ. Firstly he called Muslim’s his brothers and sisters. From a religious point of view a true Christian cannot call a Muslim his brother or sister. Our brothers and sisters are only those in Christ. He then went on to say that Jesus Christ’s life ended in failure, the failure of the cross!!! He didn’t go on to say anything else! He just left it there. Failure. But the cross, the death of Christ, was VICTORY.It was victory over sin. Hence his resurrection. No mention of this by the anti Christ.At the UN General Assembly he said “In my OWN NAME” I speak to you. Christ said, " I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in OWN NAME, him ye will receive" . The world has received another man -the Pope not Christ.

Weekly World WatchYouTube Videos

Please take a look at this excellent Christadelphian Prophecy website

Just click the imageTo watch again, click here.

WWW will be e-mailed to you each week.

If you think others may find the WWW helpful please direct them to the website

www.weeklyworldwatch.co.uk

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

The end of this week’s