Another new year begins, and as we look at the world and the things happening in it, the coming year which appears to offer more of the same. Politicians looking to try and solve the problems, whilst still remaining in office and hoping to be voted for again, and violence and mayhem spreading throughout the world. Although one question remains. Has the third world war begun? There are two areas of conflict one in Russia with its attacks on the Ukraine and its burgeoning war with the West. But the conflict appears more far reaching in the Middle East. Let us then look around the world and find where in the light of Biblical prophecy some of these prophecies, might appear to be in the process of being fulfilled.
Russia – This nation seems to be flexing its muscles and reviving the cold war. The squabble with the Ukraine is just one area of concern. However the main Russian interest seems to be the Middle East where they have their technical advisers, and also Russian arms and munitions which are being used by many of the Arab nations. Several countries like Iran and Syria also have many Russian military advisers. The general belief is that Russia is after the Middle Eastern oil supplies, and eventually will be greedy for the new oil discovered in Israel.[Ezek 38:10-13]. Putin seems to be trying to annex once again the old states of the USSR, rather unsuccessfully at the moment. However Russia is expanding its military might all around the earth, with Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu announcing in mid-November that the Russian long range bombers have been told to patrol close to the casts of the USA and elsewhere.
Syria – The war continues and with the help and armaments of Russia, the Syrian Government is beginning to overcome the rebels fighting against the Assad regime. The amount of damage, death and suffering by the people of Syria is astronomical and one wonders who will clear it all up. Syria which makes up part of Assyria of Old Testament times was always against Gods people, Israel and still is. If it was not for the rebel war, no doubt Syria would be so much more of a threat to Israel than it is. We do know that Syria will be one of the nations in coalition with Gog [many believe this prophecy belongs to Russia and the other nations in the far north] and their armies. [Ezek 39: 1-11]. It appears that Russia is in conflict with the Ukraine over principally the Russian naval base, Mediterranean fleet workshops and depot situated in the Crimea. They also have an operational base for the fleet in Syria, and with the current arrangement being with Assad’s regime are eager to retain the rule of Assad so their base is not compromised.
Iran – As mentioned above Russia does appear to be trying to secure the Middle East for itself, and having told the United Nations they will keep an eye on Iran’s nuclear ambitions has offered to build the reactors for them, making sure they will be for peaceful use in the generation of power? We only have Russia’s word for this and it gives a wonderful screen for them, together, to prepare nuclear weapons for use in a war against Israel in time to come. As one of the allies of Gog in the future, Russia will have a wonderful hold over Iran so Iran does what Russia wants.
Palestine – Although speaking words of peace, their intentions are still to annihilate Israel and then to occupy the land left vacant by the murdered millions. This we are told in the Bible, will not happen, in fact it will be the Palestinians who are destroyed. This is most probably a fulfilment of Psalm 83, where God will fight for Israel and they will destroy all the armies of the neighbouring states. How Palestinians are showing their hostilities at the moment, apart from raids into Israeli territory and sending rockets into Israel, is by protesting at any visits by any Jew to the Temple Mount, which is jealously guarded by the Moslems. One of the worst culprits is known as Anssar Bait Al Maqdis which can be translated into English more or less as “Supporters of the Islamic Shrines in Jerusalem.”
ISIS – The Islamic State of Iraq & Syria seems to be attracting militant Muslims from all over the world. The Islamic State commanders, several of which were trained by the Western forces in their fight against Saddam in Iraq, have been extremely brutal in their conquests and have beheaded many. Although originally a breakaway from Al Qaida. Al Qaida are now supporting them, as are many of the Islamic splinter groups throughout the Middle East and Africa. They consider the next conflicts will be with Jordon and Saudi Arabia. The ISIS leader has told Muslims in Saudi Arabia to rise up and toss out the Saudi family who have ruled the nation since the 1920s. The leader also urged all Muslims living around the world to unite in unison to “explode volcanoes of jihad in their own regions” In America, Europe, Australia and even little New Zealand, the threat has been observed and steps are being taken to combat the problem. Freedom loving people are objecting to these restrictions as affecting our liberty. What they do not realise is that not only could the Islamic State overwhelm us, but unfortunately it is preparing the way for the Antichrist when he comes [II Thess 2:1-12]. The information the governments have on file will tell him exactly where people are and what they believe. Please note; those on Facebook who happily give away their life style, beliefs and general details to the world in general. It is with great joy I can assure you that the Christian Church, that is, those who believe that Jesus is the Christ the son of the living God, will have been taken to be with Jesus [1 Thess 4:13-18] by then, and will be rejoicing in Heaven with The Lord. “And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all men, as we do to you, so that he may establish your hearts unblamable in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.”[Thess 3:12-13 RSV]
Brian D. Papworth
Representative in the South Pacific for Prophetic Witness Movement International.