Prophecy News Watch Update

Prophecy News Watch Newsletter

Thu, 8 May 2008 00:35:58 -0400

Prophecy News Watch Newsletter
For The Week Of May 8, 2008

Biblical Prophecy In The News
http://www.prophecynewswatch.com

Keeping You Informed of World Events From A Biblical Perspective

Support Prophecy News Watch: Featured Items

Thu, 8 May 2008 00:35:57 -0400

We are pleased to offer our new featured items that you can receive when you donate to our ministry:

Pagan Christianity? - Exploring the Roots of Our Church Practices:

Have you ever wondered why we Christians do what we do for church every Sunday morning? Why do we "dress up" for church? Why does the pastor preach a sermon each week? Why does the congregation sit passively in pews? Why do we have pews, steeples, choirs, and seminaries? Why do our church services seem so similar week after week? Not sure? The vast majority of Christians have no idea why they do what they do on a typical Sunday. Many Christians take for granted that their church's practices are rooted in Scripture. Yet those practices look very different from those of the first-century church.

Farewell Israel: Bush, Iran, and The Revolt of Islam DVD :

One of the most important questions of our time, especially in the post 9/11 world, is how we view the world of Islam. For those of us who view the world through Judeo/Christian lenses - our prophetic perspective can sometimes lead us to approach the subject of Islam too simplistically. There is another important question that we often overlook and that is how Islam views us. Such a question is imperative to understanding what is happening in our world today and as recent headlines loudly declared "Muslims now outnumber Catholics worldwide" - how will their worldview impact the culture, economy and politics of not only the Middle East but Europe and America as well. View a preview trailer for this movie by clicking here.

Click here to donate and and receive these items

Advertisement--Southern California Strategic Perspectives Conference

Thu, 8 May 2008 00:35:56 -0400

Southern California Strategic Perspectives Conference

Calvary Chapel Chino Hills - May 16-17

Speakers include: Chuck Missler, Tim LaHaye, Joseph Farah,Walid Shoebat, Ray Comfort, Jack Hibbs, Bob Cornuke

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Chinese build secret nuclear submarine base that could threaten Asian countries and challenge American power in the region (Where is the U.S. in Bible Prophecy?)

Thu, 8 May 2008 00:35:55 -0400

China has secretly built a major underground nuclear submarine base that could threaten Asian countries and challenge American power in the region, it can be disclosed. Satellite imagery, passed to The Daily Telegraph, shows that a substantial harbour has been built which could house a score of nuclear ballistic missile submarines and a host of aircraft carriers. In what will be a significant challenge to US Navy dominance and to countries ringing the South China Sea, one photograph shows China’s latest 094 nuclear submarine at the base just a few hundred miles from its neighbours.

First steps to possible war - US looks at surgical strike on Iranian insurgency camp (Where is the U.S. in Bible Prophecy?)

Thu, 8 May 2008 00:35:54 -0400

The US military is drawing up plans for a “surgical strike” against an insurgent training camp inside Iran if Republican Guards continue with attempts to destabilise Iraq, western intelligence sources said last week. One source said the Americans were growing increasingly angry at the involvement of the Guards’ special-operations Quds force inside Iraq, training Shi’ite militias and smuggling weapons into the country.

What happens when there is not enough oil or food to go around? (Where is the U.S. in Bible Prophecy?)

Thu, 8 May 2008 00:35:53 -0400

For more than a decade, English petroleum geologist Colin Campbell has been sounding the warning bell about the coming of peak oil and its disturbing ramifications for the world. Since 2005 Dr. Robert Hirsch has been giving specific warnings for the United States through a series of Department of Energy-sponsored reports outlining the dangers to America if the peak finds us unprepared. And in the past year, the GAO, the National Petroleum Council, and scores of other organizations and governments around the world have reported on the severe consequences the world might incur once the peak has been achieved.

America's fading military-industrial base could have long term implications in any future war (Where is the U.S. in Bible Prophecy?)

Thu, 8 May 2008 00:35:52 -0400

History dictates that protecting and maintaining a nation's industrial base is critical to its national security and to winning wars. This is why taking out an enemy's manufacturing infrastructure, as America did to Germany and Japan during World War II, is the first step in rendering it defenseless.

Israel at 60 - 7,282,000 population (Israel - God's Timepiece)

Thu, 8 May 2008 00:35:51 -0400

On the eve of Israel's 60th Independence Day, the country's population stands at 7,282,000, according to figures released by the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS). 18,000 new immigrants have arrived in Israel since last Independence Day. Some 5,499,000 of the population (75.5 percent) are Jews, 1,461,000 (20.1%) are Arabs and the remaining 322,000 (4.4%) are immigrants and their offspring who are not registered as Jews by the Interior Ministry.

Israel at 60: So vilified, yet so deserving of praise (Israel - God's Timepiece)

Thu, 8 May 2008 00:35:50 -0400

As Israel celebrates 60 years of nationhood this Thursday, and looks ahead to the next 60 years, the world should appreciate what the Jewish state has accomplished. Built on the ashes of the Holocaust, Israel's birth was followed by a massive attack from all sides by the surrounding Arab nations. Threatening another genocide, they managed to kill 1 percent of Israel's population, but Israel survived – and even thrived. In the years since, the Jewish nation has turned deserts into gardens, swamps into orchards, sand dunes into cities. Lacking the natural resources of its neighbors, Israel made the best of what it had. It became a high-tech giant, specializing in life-saving medical technology. Indeed, it ranks second only to the United States in NASDAQ listings.

In Lebanon, Hezbollah arms stockpile bigger, deadlier (Israel - God's Timepiece)

Thu, 8 May 2008 00:35:49 -0400

Almost two years after its war with Israel, Hezbollah has rearmed and is stronger than before the conflict, according to Israeli and Western officials and the Lebanon-based Shiite Muslim group itself. But assessments diverge on the source of Hezbollah's arms. Western and Israeli officials accuse Iran and Syria of smuggling thousands of short-range rockets as well as missiles that can strike deep into Israel and other weaponry into Lebanon in violation of a U.N. arms embargo. Smuggling routes have included a rail line through Turkey, the officials say.

EU looks to fill presidency this year but will the position have any real power? (A Revived Roman Empire?)

Thu, 8 May 2008 00:35:48 -0400

Paris is no longer supporting the idea of Tony Blair becoming the first president of the European Council, according to French and British media reports. French President Nicolas Sarkozy on Tuesday let it be known that instead of the UK former prime minister taking the post, he would prefer the job go to Luxembourg prime minister Jean-Claude Juncker. While Mr Juncker - a veteran of the EU stage - is favourite to take the president job, Jose Manuel Barroso is set to win a second term as head of the European Commission, according to Elysee sources quoted by French daily Le Figaro.

King of the South? Egypt could lead southern states in planned EU/Union for the Mediterranean (A Revived Roman Empire?)

Thu, 8 May 2008 00:35:47 -0400

Egypt could lead southern states in the new Union for the Mediterranean, which France plans to launch in July, French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner said on Sunday. French President Nicolas Sarkozy was forced to scale back plans for a full EU-style "Mediterranean Union" after fierce German resistance and wants to launch the new grouping of 27 EU countries and their southern neighbours in Paris in July.

Time is running out - Israel believes Iran will begin enriching uranium on 'military scale' this year (Gog/Magog War)

Thu, 8 May 2008 00:35:46 -0400

With Iran racing forward with its nuclear program, Israel now believes the Islamic Republic will master centrifuge technology and be able to begin enriching uranium on a military scale this year, The Jerusalem Post has learned. The new assessment moves up Israel's forecasts on Teheran's nuclear program by almost a full year - from 2009 to the end of 2008. According to the new timeline, Iran could have a nuclear weapon by the middle of next year.

No creeds, no miracles, no Resurrection - a Christianity without Christ? (Apostate Christianity)

Thu, 8 May 2008 00:35:45 -0400

There is a Bible on a pedestal in Gretta Vosper's West Hill United Church in Toronto. She would prefer it did not have a special place, she said, because it is just a book among other books. In a similar way, the cross that is high above the altar has no special meaning, but there are a few older congregants for whom the Bible and the cross are still nice symbols so there they remain. Though an ordained minister, she does not like the title of reverend. It is one of those symbols that hold the church back from breaking into the future -- to a time "when the label Christian won't even exist" and the Church will be freed of the burdens of the past.

Ahmadinejad - The Mahdi (hidden imam) is directing Iran (The Rise of Islam)

Thu, 8 May 2008 00:35:44 -0400

Clerics have told President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to stick to more worldly issues after he was quoted as saying the "hidden imam" of Shiite Islam was directing Iran. Ahmadinejad has always been a devotee of the Mahdi, the twelfth imam of Shiite Islam, who Shiites believe disappeared more than a thousand years ago and who will return one day to usher in a new era of peace and harmony. But in a speech to theology students broadcast by state television on Monday, Ahmadinejad went further than ever before in emphasising his belief that the Mahdi is playing a critical role in Iran's day-to-day politics. "The Imam Mahdi is in charge of the world and we see his hand directing all the affairs of the country," he said in the speech, which appears to date from last month but has only now been broadcast.

Christian think tank claims Muslims 'will outnumber Christians in England by 2035' (The Rise of Islam)

Thu, 8 May 2008 00:35:43 -0400

Practising Muslims will outnumber worshipping Christians in Britain within 30 years, according to research published today. By 2035, there will be about 1.96 million active Muslims in Britain, compared with 1.63 million church-going Christians, according to calculations by Christian Research, a think- tank. The figures are published in the latest in a series of reports entitled Religious Trends. The think-tank has warned that 4,000 churches could close by 2020 if congregations continue to shrink at current rates. According to the most recent figures from the Church of England, regular Sunday, weekly and monthly attendance each fell by one per cent in 2006. Fewer than a million people attend church every Sunday.

Feds: Don't label terrorists "Muslim" (The Rise of Islam)

Thu, 8 May 2008 00:35:42 -0400

U.S. officials are being advised in internal government documents to avoid referring publicly to al Qaeda and other terrorist groups as Islamic or Muslim, and not to use terms like jihad or mujahedeen, which "unintentionally legitimize" terrorism. "There' s a growing consensus in the Bush administration that we need to move away from that language," said a former senior administration official who was involved until recently in policy debates on the issue. Instead, in two documents circulated last month by the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), the multiagency center charged with strategic coordination of the U.S. war on terror, officials are urged to use terms such as violent extremists, totalitarian and death cult to characterize al Qaeda and other terrorist groups.

Islamic Divorce Ruled Not Valid in Maryland (The Rise of Islam)

Thu, 8 May 2008 00:35:41 -0400

After his wife of more than two decades filed for divorce in Montgomery County Circuit Court, Irfan Aleem responded in writing in 2003, and not just in court. Aleem went to the Pakistani Embassy in the District, where he executed a written document that asserted he was divorcing Farah Aleem. He performed "talaq," exercising a provision of Islamic religious and Pakistani secular law that allows husbands to divorce their wives by declaring "I divorce thee" three times. In Muslim countries, men have used talaq to leave their wives for centuries. But they can't use it in Maryland, the state's highest court decided this week.

Human implants increasing new applications - wi-fi devices warn doctors of heart attacks (Increase in Knowledge/New Technologies)

Thu, 8 May 2008 00:35:40 -0400

The Bluetooth wireless technology that allows people to use a hands-free earpiece while making a mobile telephone call could soon alert the emergency services when someone has a heart attack, Ofcom predicts. The communications regulator said that sensors could be implanted into people at risk of heart attack or diabetic collapse that would allow doctors to monitor them remotely.

Real-Life Iron Man: Company looking to mass produce robotic power suits (Increase in Knowledge/New Technologies)

Thu, 8 May 2008 00:35:39 -0400

The prospect of slipping into a robotic exoskeleton that could enhance strength, keep the body active while recovering from an injury or even serve as a prosthetic limb has great appeal. Unlike the svelt body armor donned by Iron Man, however, most exoskeletons to date have looked more like clunky spare parts cobbled together. Japan's CYBERDYNE, Inc.

Robobug goes to war: Troops to use electronic insects to spot enemy 'by end of the year' (Increase in Knowledge/New Technologies)

Thu, 8 May 2008 00:35:38 -0400

It may have seemed like just another improbable scene from a Hollywood sci-fi flick – Tom Cruise battling against an army of robotic spiders intent on hunting him down. But the storyline from Minority Report may not be quite as far fetched as it sounds.

NASA, Blood Moons and the Return of Christ (Christian Worldview/Issues)

Thu, 8 May 2008 00:35:37 -0400

Will Jesus Christ return to Earth in the year 2015? And can studying NASA's website provide evidence for such a scenario? A minister who promotes the Old Testament roots of Christianity suggests a rare string of lunar and solar eclipses said to fall on God's annual holy days seven years from now could herald what's come to be known as the "Second Coming" of Jesus. "God wants us to look at the biblical calendar," says Mark Biltz, pastor of El Shaddai Ministries in Bonney Lake, Wash.

A response to the blood moon scenario (Christian Worldview/Issues)

Thu, 8 May 2008 00:35:36 -0400

There's a video currently on the web, promoted by a well known prophecy website, that a whole bunch of you have either sent links to or asked about it or both. Here's my response. The conclusion being drawn from this by the video's producer is that 2015 is the most likely year for the Lord's 2nd coming in the entire 21st Century, and the fall is the best time in that year. Prophecy buffs from across the spectrum are falling all over themselves to get on board this. But in the rush of emotion that rightfully accompanies thoughts of the Lord's impending return most are ignoring a tool for evaluating where we are in the end times.

The consequences of abortion - Russia could lose one-third of its current population by 2050 (Christian Worldview/Issues)

Thu, 8 May 2008 00:35:35 -0400

The underpopulation crisis unlimited abortions has caused in Russia is so bad, that the nation will likely need to import large numbers of foreign workers because of labor shortages. U.S. CIA director Michael Hayden says he's concerned that will lead to racial unrest in a nation with numerous nuclear missiles. Abortion has been used as a method of birth control for decades in Russia and other eastern European nations. Russia will likely lose one-third of its current population by 2050 as a result.

Hizballah, Lebanese army call up troops as both sides prepare for new civil war (Other events to watch)

Thu, 8 May 2008 00:35:34 -0400

Pro-Western Siniora government and Iran-Syria-backed Hizballah forces exchanged fire in the streets of Beirut Wednesday. DEBKAfile’s sources report both have ordered a general call-up of their adherents. Hizballah fighters clad in national army and police uniforms are infiltrating government party strongholds in the capital to seize control. In the north and the western Beqaa Valley region of Kharoub, government forces are mobilizing. First units have been sighted heading for Beirut.

China's next-generation nationalists - educated, richer and more aggressive toward the West (Other events to watch)

Thu, 8 May 2008 00:35:33 -0400

As human rights protesters dogged the Beijing Olympics' torch relay around the world, as supporters of Tibet condemned the violent crackdown in Lhasa, and as Darfur activists demanded change in China's Sudan policy, Chinese young people worked themselves into a different form of righteous anger. In online forums and chat rooms, they blasted Beijing's leaders for not being tougher in Tibet. They agitated for boycotts against Western businesses based in nations that object to Beijing's policies, and they directed venomous fury against anyone critical of China.

Poll-What do you think of the blood moon scenario of 2015?

Thu, 8 May 2008 00:35:32 -0400

This weeks poll

What do you think of the blood moon scenario of 2015 (see articles above)?

*A credible scenario
*Interesting but too close to date setting
*Not plausible
Vote Now!

Poll Result-Has your interest in Bible Prophecy made some people think you are a little nuts?

Thu, 8 May 2008 00:35:31 -0400

Results of last poll

Has your interest in Bible Prophecy made some people think you are a little nuts?

*Yes - 74%
*No - 26%

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Thu, 8 May 2008 00:35:30 -0400

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Blessings,

Kade