|
Home
You are in Our Journal - What in the World 2007 2007 | 2008 | 2009 Jan | Feb | Mar | April | May | June | July | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec
What in the World is Happening
- March 2007
A series of articles by Brian Papworth,
our PWMI Representative in New Zealand.
As we look at the news day by day, we cannot help but see
the continuing fulfilment of end times Bible prophecy. However people try
to explain it away, or ignore it, it presents itself to us constantly
reminding us that God is on the throne and His plans are being fulfilled.
The new U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Zaimay
Khalilzad, was in his last position the U.S. Ambassador to Iraq. The White
House announced that it was "part of a revamping of the military team
that would carry out the administrations new Iraq strategy" In such a
difficult position as ambassador to the United Nations it seems strange
that an Afghan-born Muslim who received his education and religious
training in Beirut during the 1980's should be chosen. In Islam, one's
faith is placed in loyalty to the teachings of the Koran as a necessary
step towards pleasing Allah. However loyal to the U.S. and Western beliefs
he might be, one cannot help wondering, if it comes to the crunch, whose
side he may really be on? It has become increasingly evident that although
only a small minority of Muslim's use violence, the general policy is to
spread the faith through some means, peaceful or violent, regardless.
Lebanon still features in the news. Once upon a time it
was the only Christian country in the Middle East, and all the time
Israeli troops were in occupation it was safe for Christians to be there.
However upon the United Nations demand for Israel to withdraw from
Lebanon. Syria and Iran put in place the Hezbollah organisation, [whose
headquarters is located in Damascus, Syria]. Hezbollah has slowly taken
over and is now creating riots in the streets and strikes, so that they
will overcome the moderate government at present in power, and make
Lebanon into an Islamic state without any safety for Christians and
without any Christian influence. This has happened in Palestine where
Hamas is in the process of removing the moderate President and his
supporters. It will mean the strong Islamic forces are situated on the
Northern and Western borders of Israel. The efforts of Israel to promote
peace by withdrawing from Palestine and trying to negotiate for peace with
the Palestinian government has been made to none effect by the take over
of Palestine by the Hamas organisation. With the strong influence of
Hezbollah upon Lebanon it seems impossible for Israel to reasonably
negotiate peace with people who do not want peace, but in fact, want
Israel wiped off the map. However most of the present western governments,
seem insistent on trying to make Israel do so?
In Pakistan it appears that in spite of the efforts of
government forces, al-Qaida has become established in the isolated
mountain area and this acts as Head Quarters not only locally but for
guiding this organization world wide.
Iran continues with their nuclear development work. Russia
[or Magog, we believe, of the Bible] has supplied a large quantity of anti
aircraft missiles and equipment to Iran, so that Iran is up on the latest
technology. Getting ready for Ezekiel 38 no doubt. It also reduces the
possibility of either the USA or Israel safely destroying the nuclear
manufacturing facilities in Iran, should Iran suddenly be found to have a
nuclear bomb. The last thing Israel needs is to have a near neighbour who
wants them "wiped off the map" with a nuclear arsenal.
The belief that Islam can be tamed and appeased and allow
Muslims to forsake Sharia Law in the interests of democracy; as promoted
by the UN, EU, the State Department, the Vatican, and every western
inclined Arab state of the world, and even some churchmen, who should know
better, becomes the biggest delusion of the 21st century. As the old hymn
says; "God is working His purpose out" and if we ignore the
propaganda and look at the prophetic facts of the Bible we realise He is
indeed.
Perhaps the Western governments and many members of the
Church are not taking Iran's threats seriously enough. Islam is as excited
about the imminence of their "messiah's" return as we Christians
are about ours. Official Iranian radio has just finished a series of
broadcasts on the subject of the imminent appearance of their messianic
figure who will defeat Islam's enemies and impose Islamic rule over the
entire world. This broadcast is coming from a possibly nuclear country.
They stated that after the coming of the 12th imam or Mahdi, "liberal
democratic civilization" will be only found in history museums!! They
stated that the Mahdi will appear suddenly in Mecca. No one can know the
day or hour of the Islamic messiah's return. Who are they trying to copy?
The subtle difference is that the Mahdi will set up in Iraq [Rev 18], and
reign for seven years over the world. The distinct difference between
Islam and Christianity is that Islam thinks it can hasten their Mahdi's
arrival, by war and conflict. Unfortunately not only do the Western
governments not understand the details of this situation but neither do
many Christians. The Israeli army warning given recently that there is
every indication that a major regional conflict may erupt during 2007
involving Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Iran and the Palestinians; only makes me
thankful that God is in control and has clearly indicated in His Word that
events are only following the path He has described.
There is nothing now to be fulfilled before the Lord meets
us in the clouds [1 Thess 4, 13 - 18]. Let us look up as our redemption
comes even closer day by day.
Yours in His Service
Brian D Papworth
Secretary for Prophetic Witness Movement International for New Zealand,
Australia and South Pacific.
Home
You are in Our Journal - What in the World 2007 2007 | 2008 | 2009 Jan | Feb | Mar | April | May | June | July | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec
|
