Weekly World Watch: April 17-23, 2016 Developments

1. Weekly World Watch Andy Walton’s April 17 - 23, 2016 “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) PRESS SPACE BAR TO CONTINUE To skip the introductory slides and go straight to this weeks developments click here.

2. What is a Weekly World Watch? 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. The following six themes will appear repeatedly in WWW: • 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. • Increasing natural disasters: including earthquake, famine etc 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.

3. BIBLE QUOTE What is in a Weekly World Watch? 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. 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. News Photo This is straight from a news report that caught my eye because it looked significant from a Biblical perspective, usually that of prophecy. HEADLINE The source of the headline and the date are included. 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. EVENT 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. COMMENT 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)

4. This Week’s Developments April 17 - 23, 2016 • Russian forces in Syria fired on Israeli aircraft • Russia 'breaks' military deal with America over Syria • Navy official: Russian sub activity is at Cold War level • Golan Heights 'forever Israeli', PM Netanyahu vows • UNESCO resolution on Jerusalem stirs Israeli anger • Crowds celebrate Queen Elizabeth's 90th birthday To print any of the event slides that follow, click the picture on the upper right PRESS SPACE BAR TO CONTINUE

5. thou shalt say, I will go up to the land of unwalled villages; I will go to them that are at rest, that dwell safely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having neither bars nor gates, To take a spoil, • Russian forces in Syria fired on Israeli military aircraft Reuters, April 22, 2016 Russian forces in Syria have fired at least twice on Israeli military aircraft, prompting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to seek improved operational coordination with Moscow, Israel's top-selling newspaper said on Friday. The unsourced report in Yedioth Ahronoth gave no dates or locations for the incidents nor any indication Israeli planes were hit. Russia mounted its military intervention in Syria in September to shore Damascus up amid a now 5-year-old rebellion. Separately, Israel's Channel 10 TV said a Russian warplane approached an Israeli warplane off the Mediterranean coast of Syria last week but that there was no contact between them. Visiting Moscow on Thursday, Netanyahu told Russian President Vladimir Putin in televised remarks: "I came here with one main goal - to strengthen the security coordination between us so as to avoid mishaps, misunderstandings and unnecessary confrontations." EVENT This week Israel’s prime minister flew to Moscow to meet Putin. Netanyahu’s wants to try to resolve the increasing issues Israel has with Russia’s involvement in Syria. Western and Middle Eastern military sources monitoring the war in Syria, and networks monitoring Russian air force flights in the country, reported Wednesday afternoon that there was almost a clash earlier in the day between four Israeli F-15 fighters and two Russian Su-30 jets. Israel monitors the situation in Syria because there are so many of Israel’s enemies there. Hezbollah, Iranian officials and ISIS. Reports that Russian forces have actually fired at Israeli planes just shows how easily there could be a wider conflict. We know that Russia will one day invade Israel to take a spoil. Israel and Russia are being brought military and geographically closer and closer… COMMENT BIBLE QUOTE (Ezekiel 38:11)

6. The fortified towns of Israel will also be destroyed, and the royal power of Damascus will end. All that remains of Syria will share the fate of Israel’s departed glory,” declares the Lord of Hosts • Russia 'breaks' military deal with America and threatens US warplanes over Syria Daily Telegraph, April 19, 2016 Russia has broken an agreement with the US by allowing its warplanes to carry out “simulated attacks” on American jets over Syria, according to a new analysis. Last week, the US accused Russia of “aggressive” and “unsafe” manoeuvres after two Su-24 strike aircraft flew within 30ft of an American destroyer in the Baltic. Across Europe, Russian fighters and bombers have been intercepted while probing the air defences of Nato countries. The US and Russia held military-to-military talks last year designed to prevent incidents of this kind from occurring over Syria. The result was a memorandum of understanding last October, stating that all Russian and American jets would stay a safe distance away from one another and communicate in English via recognised radio channels. But a new analysis from Chatham House says that Russia has routinely broken this agreement. EVENT It’s not just Russia sparring with Israel – Russia is also sparring with America. As the peace talks shudder to a halt Russia appears to be gearing up for more conflict. It has been acting extremely aggressively in the last week or two. One report said this week that Russia has been moving artillery units to parts of northern Syria populated by President Bashar al-Assad's forces, a move that could indicate that Russia is readying to bolster its ally should full-scale fighting resume. These artillery movements started two weeks ago – just when the talks began to fail. Two things we are certain of in relation to this crisis. Firstly Damascus will cease to be a city at some point and at the same time Syria will end as a nation. Secondly Israel will be drawn into the conflict. It is just a matter of time until this happens…. COMMENT BIBLE QUOTE (Isaiah 17:3 NLT)

7. Get ready; be prepared! Keep all the armies around you mobilized, and take command of them. A long time from now you will be called into action. In the distant future you will swoop down on the land of Israel, which will be enjoying peace after recovering from war Top Navy official: Russian sub activity expands to Cold War level CNN, April 19, 2016 Russia is deploying its ballistic missiles and attack submarines in numbers, range and aggression not seen in two decades, according to a top U.S. Navy official. In an exclusive interview, the commander of U.S. Naval Forces in Europe told CNN that the buildup reflects an alarming strategic world view. "NATO is viewed as an existential threat to Russia, and in the post-Cold War period, the expansion of NATO eastward closer to Russia and our military capability they view as a very visceral threat to Russia," Adm. Mark Ferguson said. Ferguson spoke from his base in Naples, Italy, home to U.S. Naval forces in Europe and the Navy's 6th Fleet. Adding to U.S. apprehension, Russia is deploying new submarines that are harder for U.S. naval forces to track and detect following years and billions of dollars in investment. EVENT COMMENT Russia’s increased submarine activity is backed by a much broader military expansion. Russia is adding or upgrading some 12 naval bases across the Arctic Circle -- expanding its capability to send subs in numbers through the crucial Greenland-Iceland-U.K. gap into the Atlantic -- and closer to U.S. and NATO territorial waters. They have also stationed six submarines in the Black Sea recently, giving them greater reach in the Mediterranean. More worrying to the U.S. is the fact the Russian subs are now much more stealthy and have more advanced weapons and missiles. The Bible says that Gog (the Russia leader) would prepare for conflict. He amasses a huge army that invades the Middle East. It is not a spur of the moment decision. It is long planned for and long prepared. We are seeing Russia in this role now. BIBLE QUOTE (Ezekiel 38:7-8 NLT)

8. Moreover thou gavest them kingdoms and nations, and didst divide them into corners: so they possessed the land of Sihon, and the land of the king of Heshbon, and the land of Og king of Bashan. Bashan (Golan Heights) was given to them by God. • Golan Heights 'forever Israeli', PM Netanyahu vows BBC, April 17, 2016 EVENT Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed the Golan Heights will forever stay in Israel's hands, at the country's first cabinet meeting held in the occupied territory. He called on the international community to recognise Israeli sovereignty. Israel seized the Golan Heights from Syria in 1967's Six-Day War. Israel annexed the region in 1981 but the move has not been internationally recognised. Syria demands its return. Mr Netanyahu said at the start of the cabinet meeting: "I chose to have this festive cabinet meeting on the Golan Heights to send a clear message: the Golan Heights will forever remain in Israeli hands. "It's time, after 50 years, that the international community finally recognises that the Golan will forever remain under Israeli sovereignty." Why would Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu suddenly announce that the Golan Heights will stay in Israel’s hands? What caused him to make this speech? The answer is that behind the scenes America and Russia have discussed and agreed that post Syria being sorted out Israel should withdraw from the Golan. Netanyahu spoke to Putin about this on Thursday in Moscow. He told Putin that retaining the disputed Golan Heights under Israeli control is a “red line” for his country. The Golan Heights were seized by Israel in 1967. They have been under Israeli control since then, despite failed bids by Damascus to restore control over the territory. The Golan Heights are the buffer zone between Israel and Syria. As we know Israel is going to be drawn into the Syrian conflict it makes sense that this area could be a catalyst. In the Bible the Golan Heights is called Bashan. The verse below speaks of God giving the Jews land “into corners”. One of the corners was the land of Bashan. COMMENT BIBLE QUOTE (Nehemiah 9:22)

9. And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it. • UNESCO resolution on Jerusalem stirs Israeli anger Associated Press, April 21, 2016 EVENT The Israeli government and Jewish groups have expressed outrage at a resolution adopted by the U.N. cultural agency that put the Western Wall Plaza in quotation marks, described Jewish sites as "so-called" and even claimed that some Jewish graves were bogus. The resolution , sponsored by several Arab countries and adopted by UNESCO's 58-nation executive board last week, condemned the Israeli government's stewardship of east Jerusalem, home to the city's most sensitive holy sites. The April 15 document also decried the renovation of "so-called Jewish ritual baths" and the alleged creation of "Jewish fake graves." Sites were either referred to by their Arabic or English names or, in the case of the Western Wall Plaza, the holiest site where Jews can pray, were put in quotes. Jewish groups were appalled by the language and anger has been percolating for days over what was seen as a disavowal of Jewish claims to holy sites in Jerusalem and elsewhere. COMMENT UNESCO stands for The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. It’s purpose (according to them) is “to contribute to peace and security by promoting international collaboration through educational, scientific, and cultural reforms in order to increase universal respect for justice, the rule of law, and human rights along with fundamental freedoms.” This organisation made yet another anti Israel resolution this week. This time condemning Israel’ government's stewardship of Jerusalem In a letter sent Thursday and obtained by The Associated Press, senior Israeli diplomat Dore Gold — a former ambassador to the United Nations — described the resolution as "hideous.” We know a time is coming (very soon) when Jerusalem will be on the whole world’s agenda. UNESCO is doing it’s best to do just that…. BIBLE QUOTE (Zechariah 12:3)

10. And it shall come to pass in that day, that Tyre shall be forgotten seventy years, according to the days of one king: after the end of seventy years shall Tyre sing as an harlot. Take an harp, go about the city, thou harlot that hast been forgotten; make sweet melody, sing many songs, that thou mayest be remembered. CLICK HERE to watch the video and find out how these words could apply to the Queen. • Crowds celebrate Queen Elizabeth's 90th birthday Reuters, April 21, 2016 EVENT Queen Elizabeth greeted thousands of well-wishers from across Britain and beyond as she celebrated her 90th birthday on Thursday, demonstrating the world's oldest monarch's intent to keep doing the job she has performed for more than six decades. Later the queen will light a beacon, the first of about 1,000 across Britain and worldwide to mark the occasion. There were also artillery gun salutes in London and other British cities. Close aides say Elizabeth, who has been on the throne for 64 years and is by far the oldest monarch in British history, was far more interested in events to mark her 90th birthday than she had been about overtaking her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria last September as Britain's longest-reigning sovereign. Born on April 21, 1926, Elizabeth shows no signs of retiring let alone abdicating. The Queen was 90 years old this week. It was only 4 years going in 2012 that Britain marked the 60 years since Queen Elizabeth II came to the throne. But how many know her scriptural significance? How many understand how the Bible speaks of this particular ruler and the role she will play when Christ returns? Her full title taken from the scriptures would read as follows…. Queen Elizabeth II – Latter day Queen of Sheba, The Royal Ruler of Tarshish, The Daughter of Tyre, EliySHEBA. The last title is the Hebrew form of Elizabeth. The Bible speaks of a latter day Queen of Sheba laying precious gifts at the feet of the Lord Jesus Christ when he returns. Ps 72:10 To watch a talk that explains all of this, the significance of this lady and the proof we are so near to Christ’s return – CLICK HERE. COMMENT BIBLE QUOTE (Isaiah 23:15-17)

11. a fierce king, a master of intrigue, will rise to power. He will become very strong, but not by his own power. He will cause a shocking amount of destruction and succeed in everything he does. He will destroy powerful leaders and devastate the holy people • Details of two new Bible presentations Andy Walton, April, 2016 Talk 1: Epiphanes, Putin & the People of God There have been two recent broadcasts in the UK by Panorama – a current affairs documentary program. The first aired in January was called Putin’s Secret Riches. The second aired last week in the light of the leaked documents in Panama was called Tax Havens of the Rich and Powerful Exposed. Putin of course featured in this one as well. What both programs have done is shone a light into Putin’s murky world – and in so doing have helped focus and give clarity to some incredible prophecies in the Bible. This talk spends some time piecing together Daniel 8 and Daniel 11 from an historical point of view. Only then are we able to see the relevance of what is happening now. I hope you find this talk interesting, eye opening and faith building. CLICK HERE to view the presentation. Lasts one hour. Talk 2: Syria – sign of Christ’s imminent return The war in Syria has sucked in more and more nations. The two main super powers have been drawn in on opposite sides. The worst migrant crisis in Europe since the second world war is destabilising Europe – this again is due to Syria. This talk looks at several key passages about Syria and looks verse by verse, almost word by word to show how accurately current events were foretold thousands of years ago. Only God could possibly have known the detail. Syria therefore is proof he exists. But more than that… Syria is a sign that Christ is about to return. CLICK HERE to view. BIBLE QUOTE (Daniel 8:23-24 NLT)

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13. Weekly World Watch The end of this week’s 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 site PLEASE 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. Please take a look at this excellent Christadelphian Prophecy website Just click the image To watch again, click here.