Prophecy Update Newsletter
IN TODAY'S NEWSLETTER...
The Midnight Hour is Upon Us - Pastor Mike Taylor -
http://pastormiketaylor.blogspot.com/2018/02/the-midnight-hour-is-upon-us.html 34 "And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. 35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man." Luke 21:34-36) As we slide further into the time of the end, and the bright sunny days continue to be spiritually dark, it is common for us to look around for an indicator of how long it will be until Jesus Christ returns. We might scan the horizon for any clue to how and when the end-time prophecies will be fulfilled and Christ will return. We watch events as the world continues to churn seemingly out of control. We see many key prophecies being fulfilled and those on the verge of fulfillment. According to the Bible, the world in the last days is divided up into four distinct power blocs. The Western Alliance of Revived Roman Empire spoken of in Daniel chapter 9. The Kings of the South to include all of Africa to include Islamic countries to its northern half. (Dan 11:40) The kings of the east to include China and southeast Asia including N. Korea who is in our news lately. (Revelation chp. 16) Gog-Magog alliance of Russian backed Islamic countries mentioned in Ezekiel 38-39. Of these power blocs, the Bible prophesies distinct descriptions of these four global spheres of mankind's attempt to rule himself, independent of the God of heaven. These four power spheres have been realigning themselves in regional covenants that would have been unheard of not over 50 years ago, as they were natural enemies of one another. This seems to be happening without rhyme or reason, but for political purposes and fulfilling prophecy written down by the prophets, they are coming to pass. There are actually five spheres beyond those mentioned, and that fifth is the United States. Most of the world is turning against her domination of the economy of the world and her military might that has been second to none in the last 70 years since the birth of Israel and the end of the last world war. But she is growing more isolated as the USA (at the moment) does not align herself with the world powers that be against our only real friend found in the nation of Israel. The rest are "friends of convenience" because at the present, they need us, as the world's economy is tied to the dollar and the economy of the USA is what is holding this world's nations together. For if the USA would fall, then this world would be in immediate chaos. So those who proclaim friendship with the American people, are not really "friends" using us for our wealth and resources to prop up their own economies. From the last "administration" that did nothing but apologize for this country and went on a world tour to foster friendship among our most natural enemies, the Islamic countries of the Middle East and Africa, she finds herself suddenly lonely and in conflict with the rest of the world, for the policies of the Trump Administration who has deemed that we must take care of ourselves and "Make America Great Again". This which flies in the face of the plans for a One World Government and a new World Order that the last "idiot" who occupied the Oval Office tried to implement. Some of these pretend "friends" include Arabic nations such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Yemen, and even Egypt. Others include our once NATO allies of France and Germany which are at odds with the USA over the Iranian Nuclear Deal that did nothing but give Iran the green light to build the bomb. They are our "friends" because at the present they are not our enemies...at least not yet. It is no accident that our only true friend in the sea of nations, (as mentioned) is the tiny democratic government of Israel, as she is in the bulls-eye of the end time events that are soon to play out all over your TV sets and the internet. As most of you know, Israel is the door to end time prophecy and Jerusalem is the key to that door of the fulfillment of prophecy of the end times, that was given over 2500 years ago, written down by men who spoke as the Holy Spirit moved them. The Old World powers are in a rage that the USA would actually recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capitol and move our embassy to that city. Besides that, no one who is alive and awake, can miss all the news concerning what is going on in the Middle East concerning Russia, Iran, and Syria. They have terrorist proxies of Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Islamic Jihad to mention the main players who do their bidding in terrorist activities against Israel. Many believe, including this writer, that war could break out at any given moment, but it will be based on the timing of God's will. Iran is invading the northern borders of Israel's Golan Heights and building missile factories that are a real threat to the security of Israel. We have seen clashes of Iran and Israel lately over Iranian spy drones and an IDF plane being shot down, and Israel stepping up attacks on clear and present danger as Iran attempts to become a major power broker in this region of the world. Iranian threats to Israel are real. ON THE BRINK OF WARS IN THE MIDDLE EAST Two wars come to mind instantly when you speak of hostilities breaking out concerning Israel and her Islamic neighbors. The first, that I believe will happen first and possibly soon, is the Psalm 83 war that describes Israel decimating all of her enemies that surround her country from all sides. With God's Divine help, Israel will be victorious and acquire major lands in her conquest of those who cause her to engage in mass destruction of her opposing enemies. This war could also see the Oracle of Damascus being fulfilled and the city never to be inhabited again. I see Islam being set back on her heels when Israel takes land from Egypt east of the Nile River to the river Euphrates in Iraq in a war that will be swiftly won, because Israel has greater firepower than those who surrounds her, and they should know it. There will be casualties on both sides, but Israel will win. The Arab nations have tried before to wipe Israel out of existence and failed miserably even with huge troop advantages and weapons, but Israel has a "Secret Weapon" that will not abandon her, and that is ALMIGHTY GOD. The next war past the victory won by Israel against her neighbors is the prophesied Gog-Magog war that involves nations that have not been conquered by Israel, meaning Russia, Iran, Libya, Ethiopia, Turkey, and possibly nations of eastern Europe. This war comes after the war of defense inflicted on invading Arab neighbors and we don't know how long a period between these two wars will Israel have peace and security they have longed for. But returning to those spheres of influence, as measured from the Holy City of Jerusalem, Russia is to the north, China is the east, Islamic nations in the Middle East and Africa to the south, and the rising revived Roman Empire found in Europe to the west, in the old world found across the big pond of the Atlantic, those are the divisions of power. WHERE IS AMERICA? Apart from these regional actors, the fifth and most powerful sphere of influence is the United States which is resented by all of the other power brokers in the Old World. The coming wars, especially the Gog-Magog war will engulf the whole world. Reading Ezekiel 38-39 gives us the actors that will come against Israel just before a regional war draws all people into a conflict that threatens to rage out of control and cause a 3rd World War. As we read God's Word, it gives a role to each of these four Old World players on the end time events, -Gog-Magog, the Kings of the East, the Kings of South, and the coming Revised Roman Empire headed by the Anti-Christ. But there is one glaring absence of one global powerhouse of influence that is not mentioned in this coming Middle East war that causes fears of the world bodies that it will spread world wide. That absent influence currently held by the lone superpower on earth, that fifth sphere mentioned found in the United States which the Bible's passage are completely silent on. There are possible reasons why she is not mentioned, at least by name and I believe this will happen in the coming tribulation: the American continent is devastated with an EMP attack that sends her back into the dark ages, and 90% of her people have died of starvation. The Yellowstone cauldron has exploded and the nation is enveloped in a ash cloud that blocks out the sun, and she is unable to produce anything to feed herself and all plant life dies. The outside chance that the USA is itself the Beast power is the one directing the invasion and supplying troops for that end. (and unlikely scenario) but possible as I have explored in the past. The other possible reason for her inability to respond to the invasion of Israel is the "rapture of the church" that has decimated her economically with millions suddenly disappearing and her inability to respond to an invasion that the atheist and Muslim world takes advantage of. This would cause the nations economy to virtually implode and eliminate her from being a world power because of the chaos that will ensue, and spreads to the rest of the world. As we know America was the center of Judeo-Christian beliefs in the past, but has been declining in moral character since the 1960s and has become the leader in sins of the flesh that produces porn, destroys life in the womb, and gives special favors to the homosexual crowds in this country, but to name a few. Whichever event comes to pass remains to be seen. But as we view the political landscape within the lens of Bible prophecy, we as Christians must be anticipating the return of our Lord Jesus Christ, as the world landscape is shaping up for these two wars to be fought soon. Mankind in our modern age, has attempted to eliminate all aspects of God from public life. This all started in this country, in theory, when the Supreme Court outlawed prayer in our schools and saying Bible verses to memory, and our nation has been going down a slippery slope since that time. Our children in a couple of generations have not been taught the principles of Godly living, from one generation who grew up without God in their lives, now they have passed it on to their kids, and those grown kids have passed along their ungodly nature to their kids as we see our culture virtually imploding with violence in the streets, immigration gone wild bringing diseases and lawlessness into this country, and this violence spreading to our schools where it originated, and children being shot in massacres that we can only be in total shock how this could even happen in this country. Even lately, the sleepy towns in the Midwest have had threats of violence of "shooting up the school" by teens and pre-teens who have hit the news lately. This even happened at my old high school that I graduated from and my grandsons attend. The world truly has gone mad and not even our kids are safe in what used to be a safe environment, our local schools. We are still a country, by a majority that believes in Judeo-Christian beliefs, but that is dwindling by the day as they are being ostracized and shouted down from public debate by those who hate anything to do with God. But Christianity has no nationality, as Jesus said that we are in the world, but not of it. That is for Christians who have put their faith and trust in Jesus, and it covers the whole world. Jesus said those who have put their trust in Him alone, are but strangers and pilgrims in this God-forsaken world. The apostle Peter and our Lord Jesus spoke of that very fact of our end times. 10 "Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. 11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; 12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation."(1st Peter 2:10-12) 12 "And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved." (Matthew 24:12-13) That would describe our world pretty well those who love others,and those who do not, with lawlessness abounding all across Europe, the Middle East, and now growing unabated in the land I grew up in, we called, "the good ol' USA"...but it she still good? I have noticed a decline in our national character and it has been coming on for years, but has grown exponentially in the last 15 years or so, and got really bad, back when this past "so called POTUS" was elected twice and was determined to "Change America" and he sure did and not for the better. NO TIME FOR FEAR This is a time for Christians in this nation to band together, to pray earnestly for this country, to band together and redouble our effect to inform the world just what is taking place. 7" For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; 9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, 10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel." (2nd Timothy 1:7-10) SIGNS OF THE RETURN OF JESUS ARE EVERYWHERE The Lord is preparing us for His return. The signs are all around us. Anyone who is diligently watching for the growing pains and the symptoms of our departure from this earth, need not debate the signs, as the debate is pointless over signs, season, and the times of the Lord's return, because we know it is close, right at the door. 50, "Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. 51, Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed' 52, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed." (1st Corinthians 15:50-52) We are the Church, those who believe in Jesus Christ alone for salvation and follow His footsteps, of where He walked, we walk likewise, and have promises that cannot be revoked from His Church, His bride who shall see Him, possibly soon. 19 "We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." (2 Peter 1:19-21) The Church of the Living God, those who in the Word of God, know what is coming. There is not a debate. Everyone feels that something is on the horizon. The Christian believer knows it, those who are luke warm sitting in a church, or not sitting at all, and even those who don't believe in anything but themselves, feel that something big is about to happen. You can literally feel it in the air, or in the tensions that are being displayed all over this earth. We see the earth being in convulsions that have never been displayed like it has the last 20 years in every part of the globe. The prophesies that God told us would be the end of the Age of Grace is coming faster and faster, where many are left breathless. We are not fearful, but excited to be living in this time of history. We will see with our own eyes the coming of our Lord Jesus and I look for Him every fall around the Feast of Trumpets, as that is the next marker on God's Plan for Mankind, the departure of His church before the tribulation falls on this world in God wrath and fury. 25" And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; 26 Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. 27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh." (Luke 21:25-28) The heavens are screaming His soon return. We have seen eclipses, blood moons, total eclipses that passed over the whole center section of the USA, and alignment of stars and planets. We have heard of predictions of outerspace asteroids, and Planet X supposedly coming close to this planet. This planet and our heavens are due to be shaken. Revelation tells us that every island will be moved out of its place and mountains will fall flat during the awful coming "Day of the Lord". "Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the Lord cometh, for it is nigh at hand; 2 A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations. 3 A fire devoureth before them; and behind them a flame burneth: the land is as the garden of Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness; yea, and nothing shall escape them." (Joel 2:1-3) 11 "Assemble yourselves, and come, all ye heathen, and gather yourselves together round about: thither cause thy mighty ones to come down, O Lord. 12 Let the heathen be wakened, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat: for there will I sit to judge all the heathen round about. 13 Put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe: come, get you down; for the press is full, the fats overflow; for their wickedness is great. 14 Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the Lordis near in the valley of decision. 15 The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining. 16 The Lord also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the Lord will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel."(Joel 3:11-16) The above verses speak of the coming Tribulation on the wrath of God falling upon this earth. The prophet Joel describes in easy to understand language what is to come upon the earth, and people we are bumping right up the days he speaks of. Why do I say that? Because the political drama unfolding in the Middle East will lead to war, and that war will lead to the prophesied Ezekiel 38-39 Gog-Magog war, and friend, my belief is that we won't see that war played out. We won't see the Arab nations led by Iran and Russia destroyed in an "Arab Holocaust" on the mountains of Israel, because right after that, the Son of Peridition, the Anti-Christ will sign a 7 year treaty with Israel and the Tribulation starts in earnest, as this is what reveals the Anti-Christ to the world. Wrath will begin almost immediately, as the world is engulfed in wars, and supernatural events. We are promised that the wrath of God will not be applied to His Church. 10 "Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. 11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown." (Revelation 3:10-11) The church will be KEPT OUT of the Tribulation, not through it, as I have revealed in past messages, that the wording in Greek says we will be removed from one location to another completely away from the time and space of the coming event, known as the Tribulation. Besides all these events that signal war coming to the Middle East and the fulfilling of prophecy of Psalm 83 and Ezekiel 38-39, the kicker is the prophecy that our Lord Jesus gave of who will see these events happen.. 32 "Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: 33 So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. 34 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. 35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. 36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only." (Matthew 24:32-36) As I have warned many times in the past, Israel is the fig tree that has bloomed in 1948, and Jesus said a generation who see this happen will be alive to see His return for His Church and His Second Coming to reign and rule for a 1000 years. What is a generation? According to Psalms 90, a generation is 70 year, and 80 years by strength, then we fly away. Guess how many years Israel has been a nation that bloomed? This year it is 70 years....the outside of a generation is that 80 years, but subtract the 7 year tribulation, and you can do simple math to know that we are on the cusp of the Lord's return..Not to make date predictions, but the day and hour we don't know, but we are definitely in the season of the end of that generation. So the political landscape as it heats up, gives us more reason to believe that Jesus is coming, right at the door. 9" For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. 11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do." (2nd Thesslonians 5:9-11) And again Paul emphasizes this fact...... "Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him." (Romans 5:9) It is true, my reader, Jesus is coming soon....possibly even this year. I can't be for sure, as He has not told me directly, but His Word is screaming "I AM COMING". The fields are white unto harvest, but the laborers are few. That is why I am sharing this truth with you now. Don't be afraid of the future, as everybody you meet will be afraid. But I have the answer to where you don't have to be afraid either. It is found in two simple passages that I share at the end of every message. 16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God."(John 3:16-18) Then confess to others your new-found belief in Jesus as Lord and Savior... 8 "But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed." (Romans 10:9-11) Believe that the tribulation is right around the corner in our world, and no one who hears to Word of Truth should have to endure what is coming that will destroy 80% of all mankind in various forms of torture, death and destruction. Make that decision for Jesus Christ today, then share the Gospel of what Jesus did for you with those around you. We must be prepared and "be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:"(1 Peter 3:15) ". . .for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time." (Revelation 12:12) And friends, you don't want to be here to see that happen. Accept my Jesus today, make Him your Hero in your life, as He will save you from this world and give you eternal life. This is pastor Mike Taylor, praying for your deliverance from the sin of this world. If you should need counseling, prayer, or just a listening ear, email me at [email protected] ,. God bless you all. TILL WE MEET AT JESUS FEET Abbas at UN: 'Israel Occupied Our Territories In 1948', 'We Are the Canaanites' - By Benjamin Kerstein - http://www.prophecynewswatch.com/article.cfm?recent_news_id=2034#xslm9hdDREd7cvsY.99 Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas appeared to endorse the idea that all of Israel is illegally-occupied territory in a speech he delivered at a UN Security Council meeting in New York City on Tuesday. In a lengthy, rambling discourse given in a voice that sometimes was little more than a mumble, Abbas said, "No one has held Israel accountable when it occupied our territories in 1948." Extremist Palestinians and their supporters often refer to the "occupation" as including all of current Israel, thus rejecting the Jewish state's legitimacy and right to exist. Abbas also embraced another extremist Palestinian myth, making the claim, "We are the descendants of the Canaanites that lived in Palestine 5,000 years ago." He also clearly rejected any Jewish national rights in the Land of Israel, saying that in the Balfour Declaration, in which Britain endorsed the creation of a Jewish "national home" in then-Palestine, "those who did not own gave to those who had no right." In addition, Abbas decried "Israel's refusal to implement Resolution 181," thus endorsing the "right of return" that would flood Israel with millions of Palestinian refugees. In a long peroration, Abbas claimed that the Palestinians had "persisted in our efforts to reach peace. ... It was the Israeli government's intransigence that caused the failure of all of this." The Palestinians opposed a partition plan that would have created a two-state solution in 1947, rejected a proposed peace agreement in 2000, and did so several more times over the subsequent decade. Abbas also denied that the Palestinians engage in terrorism and incitement to violence, saying his people are "committed to fostering a culture of peace and rejection of violence," and their goal "is one thing only: fighting terrorism." As expected, Abbas also slammed the Trump administration for its decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital, calling it a "dangerous and unprecedented" move. The US, he said, chose to "remove Jerusalem from the table. ... It did so ignoring that east Jerusalem is a part of the Palestinian territory." In addition, he asserted, the "US violated international law ... with its decision regarding Jerusalem" and caused a "deadlock in the peace process." Abbas then demanded that the US "suspend" its recognition and refrain from moving its embassy to Jerusalem. Abbas further hinted that the Palestinian Authority was growing skeptical about the efficacy of its continued existence, saying it has become "an authority without authority. ... We are working for the occupation. We are employees for the occupation. And we say Israel must uphold its obligations as an occupying power. We do not oppose Israel shouldering its responsibility in the West Bank," a hint at the possibility of dissolving the PA and "handing the keys" over to Israel. As was also expected, Abbas announced his intention to internationalize the conflict. He called for a "multi-level international coalition" that would replace America as the primary broker of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. This coalition should hold a peace conference sometime this year and decide "all permanent status issues," Abbas stated. In addition, he called for the "State of Palestine" to be recognized as a full UN member-state. Saying "the situation is no longer bearable," Abbas further hinted that one of the consequences of the status quo would be the flooding of Europe with Palestinian refugees. Lies and Israel-Hatred At the UN - Joseph Klein - https://www.frontpagemag.com/fpm/269380/lies-and-israel-hatred-un-joseph-klein Abbas's latest UN speech shows exactly why the "peace process" is dead. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas addressed the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday, February 20th. He delivered many of the same old Palestinian talking points. He claimed that the Palestinians remain open to negotiations based on the pre-June 1967 "borders," with East Jerusalem as the Palestinian capital. "We are ready to take the longest journey," Abbas declared. "We are ready to begin negotiations immediately." After appealing to the Security Council for "help," however, Abbas showed his true colors by walking out of the chamber immediately upon the conclusion of his speech. He apparently thought it was beneath his "dignity" to hear what the Israeli UN ambassador and the members of the Security Council had to say. Abbas used his Security Council speech to blame the Israeli "occupation" and its continued settlements in violation of "international law" as the real obstacles to peace. He said that the Palestinians have engaged in dialogue with Israeli leaders on several occasions, and that Israel was responsible for shutting the door on a two-state solution. Abbas seemed to have forgotten that it was he who rejected several Israeli peace offers, including one that would have resulted in Israel's virtual withdrawal from the West Bank, a connection between the West Bank and Gaza, and even placing the Old City under some form of international control. Abbas repeated his condemnation of President Trump's "unlawful" decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and to move the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem. Spurning any further U.S. leadership of peace efforts, Abbas called for the convening of an international peace conference by mid-2018. Its purpose would be to set the path for acceptance of "the State of Palestine" as a full member of the United Nations and to establish an international mechanism to facilitate resolution of all outstanding issues based on "relevant UN resolutions and international law." Rather than enter into direct unconditional negotiations with Israel's leader, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Abbas continues to use the UN and other international forums shields for his absolutist demands against any real process of give-and-take. Abbas's speech to the Security Council was temperate in tone only by comparison to his 2½-hour rant to the PLO Central Council last month in which he claimed that "Israel is a colonialist project that has nothing to do with Jews." While telling the Security Council that the Palestinians' problem was "not with the followers of Judaism," he had told the PLO Central Council that there was no historical connection of Jews to the Holy Land. "Jews were used as a tool under the concept of the promised land - call it whatever you want," Abbas said last month to his own comrades. "Everything has been made up." For the benefit of his Security Council audience, however, he promised that East Jerusalem, as the Palestinians' capital, would remain open to the faithful of all three monotheistic religions, including Jews. We saw how badly that worked out last time when Jordan occupied the Old City prior to the Six-Day War. Although attempting to put on his "moderate" mask while addressing the Security Council, Abbas could not help resorting at times to falsifying history and peddling the tiresome Palestinian victimhood narrative. As he had done last month before the PLO Central Council, Abbas told the Security Council that the Palestinians are "the descendants of the Canaanites who lived in Palestine 5000 years ago." This is an absurd claim on its face, with no historical or archeological evidence to back it up whatsoever. The truth is that many Palestinians today are descendants of immigrants from multiple countries in the region who arrived in what was then called Palestine during the 19th and early 20th centuries, including Muslim migrants who came from the Sudan, Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Yemen, Libya, Morocco, Bosnia, and other parts of western and central Asia. Abbas cited international law selectively to support the Palestinians' claims to the land that he accused Israel of illegally occupying. As he has done before, he condemned the 100 years old Balfour Declaration, by which he said, "those who do not own gave to those who have no right." Contrary to Abbas's false assumption that the Palestinians were indigenous to the land, the Palestinian immigrants had no rights of their own to the land superior to the rights of Jews, some of whom, for example, bought their lands from absentee owners. After the defeat of the Ottoman Empire in World War I, the right to a Jewish homeland was enshrined in international law in the San Remo Accord of 1920, and carried forward by the Council of the League of Nations in 1922 in the British Palestine Mandate. Abbas did mention United Nations General Assembly Resolution 181 (1947), the partition resolution, in his recital of international law he used to support the Palestinians' claims. However, he left out the resolution's reference to "Independent Arab and Jewish States." (Emphasis added) Instead, Abbas still lamented to the Security Council that "seventy years have passed since the Palestinian Nakba ["Day of the Catastrophe"] took place." Citing the UN Charter, he complained that "no one has held Israel accountable when they occupied our territories in 1948." (Emphasis added) In other words, Abbas only considers international law relevant when it supports Palestinian claims. He considers recognition by international law of the right of Jews to their own homeland a catastrophe, and the existence of Israel as a Jewish state, even within the pre-June 1967 armistice lines, illegal Israeli "occupation" of Palestinian land. Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon addressed the Security Council immediately following Abbas's speech and walkout. "You just addressed the members of the Security Council and spoke of your commitments to peace. This is what you often do when speaking to international forums," Ambassador Danon said to the absent Abbas, "but, when you address your people, you convey a very different message." Ambassador Danon went on to detail examples of anti-Semitic sentiments and incitement to violence by Abbas, quoting from his speech to the PLO Central Council last month. Israel's ambassador then declared, "Mr. Abbas, your incitement does not end with rhetoric. You have made it official Palestinian policy to sponsor terrorism. In 2017, you spent $345 million paying terrorists for killing innocent Israelis. That is fifty percent of the total foreign aid donated to the PA. This is money you could have spent building forty hospitals. This is money you could have used to build over 170 schools. Every single year." U.S. Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley, during her remarks to the Security Council, warned, "The Palestinian leadership has a choice to make between two different paths. There is the path of absolutist demands, hateful rhetoric, and incitement to violence. That path has led, and will continue to lead, to nothing but hardship for the Palestinian people." She added, also addressing the absent Abbas, "You can choose to denounce the United States, reject the U.S. role in peace talks, and pursue punitive measures against Israel in international forums like the UN. I assure you that path will get the Palestinian people exactly nowhere toward the achievement of their aspirations. Or, you can choose to put aside your anger about the location of our embassy, and move forward with us toward a negotiated compromise that holds great potential for improving the lives of the Palestinian people. Our negotiators are sitting right behind me, ready to talk. But we will not chase after you. The choice, Mr. President, is yours." Unfortunately, Abbas was not in the Security Council chamber to hear Ambassador Haley's call for talks. He had made his choice when he picked up his marbles and walked out. For its part, the United Nations remains in the Palestinians' corner. Prior to the address by the Palestinian leader and Ambassador Danon, UN Secretary General António Guterres and Nikolay Mladenov, the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, gave statements to the Security Council. Mr. Mladenov's statement included this incredible line: "Settlement construction is not a morally appropriate way to respond to murder," he said. He was commenting on Israel's decision to approve the establishment of a new settlement to absorb the residents of an outpost where a resident was killed last month. Apparently, it did not occur to Mr. Mladenov to say that murder is not a morally appropriate way to respond to settlement construction. This is even worse than moral relativism. In the read-out of Secretary General Guterres' meeting with Abbas, nothing was said about asking Abbas to cease incitement to violence or the Palestinian Authority payments to terrorists and their families. Rather, the Secretary General only expressed his concern about "the funding shortfall of the UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees)" programs, without calling for any reforms. When I asked the Secretary General's spokesperson for a reaction to Abbas's decision to walk out of the Security Council chamber before Israel or any of the members of the Security Council had a chance to speak, he declined to comment. So much for the UN's commitment to real face-to-face dialogue or moral clarity. As Ambassador Haley observed, "The problem is that the UN has proven itself time and again to be a grossly biased organization when it comes to Israel." Watchman Warning: Billy Graham-Man of Faith, Man of God - By Hal Lindsey - https://www.hallindsey.com/ww-2-21-2018/ Billy Graham outlived much of his fame. Young people today have no idea the level of influence and celebrity he held for most of his life. By the end of 2016, even though he hadn't preached at a crusade in years, he was again on Gallup's annual list of "the 10 most admired men in the world." It was his 60th appearance on that list! His crusades were a phenomenon everywhere they were held. They filled stadiums and other large arenas. In the 1960s and 70s young evangelical preachers from every region in the country seemed to add a slight North Carolina twang to their speaking. The rhythm of his speech, his movement behind the pulpit, his gestures, and his cadence served as a pattern for a generation of young ministers. It still amazes me that he was also a personal friend. When I was with Campus Crusade for Christ, I invited Billy to come and minister at UCLA. By that time, he had already been one of the most famous men in the world for a couple of decades. His crusades already filled stadiums. But when I asked, he came. For Billy, it was never about money or prestige. It was always about human beings and where they would spend eternity. On a couple of occasions, I was privileged to spend time with Billy at his North Carolina home. Though the whole world seemed to be clamoring for a piece of him, he was always generous with his time and wisdom. But his influence on me went far beyond my personal contact with him. Like millions of others, I watched his crusades on television. I heard the powerful messages from God's word. I saw the thousands streaming forward at the end of every such event. I'm still moved every time I think about it. In his crusades, he spoke passionately about the signs of the times, and the soon return of Jesus. His preaching helped pave the way for my book, The Late Great Planet Earth. Critics said his sermons were too simplistic. In its obituary, the New York Times wrote, "Some mainline Protestant leaders and theologians accused him of preaching a simplistic message of personal salvation that ignored the complexities of societal problems." But from long experience with pen and paper, as well as standing behind pulpits, I can tell you that keeping it simple is not easy. In fact, it's easier to be longwinded and overly complicated. Billy Graham preached the way Abraham Lincoln wrote. He could say more in a few minutes than most could say in a couple of hours. The point of his sermons was never to amaze people with his intelligence or grasp of issues. It was always about Jesus. It was about speaking the Gospel to his generation. 1 Corinthians 2:1-2 explains Billy's approach. "And when I came to you, brethren, I did not come with superiority of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God. For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." (NASB) Instead of "superiority of speech," the New Living Translation says, "lofty words." That's an accurate translation and much more applicable. Billy was known for the excellence of his speaking. But he rarely used "lofty words." In fact, his speech was made more excellent by the fact that he kept "lofty words" to a minimum. Billy spoke, not to impress, but to be understood. He was a communicator of the highest level. And he preached in person to more people than anyone else in the history of the world. He preached in remote villages and great metropolises. He preached from a heart of love. Billy Graham changed the world for the better. But he didn't just change the world. Through him, God changed eternity - one decision at a time. The St. Valentine's Day Massacre - J.L. Robb - http://www.omegaletter.com/articles/articles.asp?ArticleID=8594 Alphonse Gabriel Capone (1899-1947) died as a free man on January 25, 1947. Also known as Scarface, Al Capone was born in Brooklyn, New York. His parents were immigrants and poor, like so many immigrants. Al Capone made a lot of money as the country's leading mobster, selling bootlegged liquor, prostitution and gambling. He also had a penchant for violence. His most famous brutality became known as the St. Valentine's Day Massacre in 1929 in which he ordered the murder of seven of his competitors, also gangsters. Books were written and movies made. One has to wonder how many of our politicians were on-the-take, since Al was never tried for the massacre. He served a few years for tax evasion and then moved to Miami where he died in 1947. That was the first St. Valentine's Day Massacre. The second St. Valentine's Day Massacre was last Wednesday at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Parkland, Florida. Thanks to Rev. Stephen Carretto, St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Boca Raton, FL, the school quickly had the benefit of the Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dogs. He felt from experience that if anything could help the students dealing with the 17 deaths of their classmates, it would be the comfort dogs. I am sure he was correct. Comfort dogs. What irony. So now the debate continues about gun control and which ones to control, but the people need to be controlled. They are the ones shooting, plowing cars into people, throwing acid in the faces of Londoners, stabbing people and on-and-on. There was a big difference between the first St. Valentine's Day Massacre of 1929 and the St. Valentine's Day Massacre of 2018, besides the number of people killed. Al Capone, as deranged as he was, killed other gangsters. He did not walk into a public place and just start shooting, killing the innocent. To him, it was business. Other than the Mob, hardly anyone else did massacres. Nikolas Cruz on the other hand, only 19, walked in a high school and started shooting after pulling a fire alarm to get the kids to go in the halls, with him. It was demented; and so far, no one seems to know the motive. When I heard the story, I wondered if Nikolas knew who God was, had he ever seen a Bible? He was also a victim in many ways. Raised by his mother who died from the flu recently, he moved into a home of a family willing to help. Many are calling for bans, bans on rifles, pistols, the whole shebang. This would be unconstitutional, but that does not seem to matter. What about tighter restrictions? Before we rewrite the constitution, we need to remember that killers do not need guns. They will find other ways. There are probably a million bomb-making sites on the Internet. What about buying the latest-greatest body scanners and metal detectors to put at the entries? Why not hire retired soldiers for school security? While these are all pretty good ideas, they are simply Band-Aids. They do not get to the solution of the problem. We haven't even figured out what the problem is. The problem is the heinous evil person who does this type of thing. To get to a solution, it would be helpful to figure out why so many seem to have a heinous-evil problem. Where did it originate? The United States did not ban guns after Al Capone was arrested; but there were no school massacres for nearly twenty years, 1966 when a gunman killed 16 students from the University of Texas Bell Tower. There were no school massacres at all, with two exceptions. That first massacre was also followed 3 years after the Supreme Court Ruling banning the Bible and prayer from public schools, because of the separation of church and state clause. One day maybe American society will realize, the problem was and is the elimination of God from most aspects of society, and especially the education system. It is interesting that the Founders of the nation wrote the separation clause and put the Bible in every school. In the late 1940s until about 1960, we were very much a Judeo-Christian nation, at least in the South. After the war, everyone seemed to have found God. Maybe that was because of World War II ending. The public schools at that time were like divinity schools when compared to today's. Country boys all had hunting rifles, all believed in God, Heaven and Hell and would not think about walking into school and shooting someone. Most pickup trucks in the school parking lots had gunracks. There were no metal detectors, not even in airports. There were no security guards. There was no need for comfort dogs. Are there similarities between Al Capone's America and today's America? After World War I ended in 1918 and Spanish Flu killed millions worldwide in 1918-1919, the nation did not get back to God like we did in 1945. Seems they had plenty of reasons to get right with The Almighty. Instead, the United States jumped directly into the Roaring Twenties. Alcohol became illegal, which was helpful to Capone and his crew; but cocaine and marijuana were legal. It was party time, and Al Capone's illegal liquor flowed freely. Fast dancing like the Charleston, flapper dresses and ragtime music filled the air. Instead of sex, drugs and rock and roll, it was sex, drugs and ragtime jazz. Narcissism for the commoner made its debut. What about the United States today? There are similar moralities to the Roaring Twenties, only we took it to a new level. To satisfy societies sexual addictions, by 1973 (10 years after schools without God), for the first time in our history, we legalized abortion. That made it simple. No more homes for unwed mothers and shotgun weddings; and sex, whenever with whoever. In the twenties however, it was fashionable to wait for marriage before having babies. There were also still Bibles in the schools. My heart goes out to the families of these victims of the latest school massacre. My heart even goes out for the 19-year-old, very troubled shooter. How did society manage to let it get so out of control? If we want to solve the school massacre problem, we need to stop listening to the people today who think they have a better handle on the church-state clause than the Founders did, because they do not believe in God. Some say they do, but they need to reread the first four commandments. Put God back in the school, like it was before the days of constant school shootings, or any school shootings. Will the believers in this nation demand it? I don't think so. Believers in 1963 stood by, let God be eliminated from schools, let prayers and Bibles be banned, let abortion become legal; and even today many churches are crying, "Be inclusive" with every breath without realizing, at least according to the Bible, God is not inclusive. He is exclusive. And He is jealous. Put Him back in the school; and a generation from now we might have peace again. It will take a while. Daily Jot: The religion of socialism - Bill Wilson - www.dailyjot.com There has been much debate over the last 50 years about the separation of religion and state. This has gone to the point that prayer in school is essentially banned unless it meets rigorous standards set by school boards cowering to the American Civil Liberties Union. Christian school groups are discouraged, while Muslim, atheist, and even Satanist groups are tolerated. The leftists in the education system make no excuse about teaching a socialist agenda. You child may not know the history of our nation, but will understand how to put on a condom and how to protest about the socialist cause de jour. It's socialism that is the religion of choice for the government schools. And it's aimed at undermining our society. Much of public school leadership and teachers practice the religion of socialism. This means they are big on separation of church and state; protesting against those who fit their personal definitions of bigots, racists, misogynists, homophobes, Islamophobes, and anything Biblical. This is the religion of socialism/communism. The Communist Manifesto states: "...Communism abolishes eternal truths, it abolishes all religion, and all morality, instead of constituting them on a new basis." This is the basis for all socialism and progressivism where the state becomes god. It mixes politics and religion into a social movement. That is what has happened in the government schools, confusing and dumbing down our children. Think about this example: Leftists fight to make our schools gun free zones, which tells a shooter that he has free reign, as soft target, to attack. This puts targets on our children's back and when the inevitable happens, these leftists call for the right of self-defense and the defense of the defenseless to be taken away and put into the hands of the very governmental god that refuses to protect and defend the defenseless. It is senseless. Moreover, the leftists are encouraging students to walk out of school to protest guns. It wasn't guns that just got up and decided to kill those defenseless kids in Florida, or Columbine, or anywhere else for that matter. It was mentally disturbed evil people who used a gun and pulled the trigger. There are over 30,000 deaths a year by automobiles. But we don't ban them. Your chance of dying as an American is over 300% higher from a car or truck than from a gun. The socialism religion has worked to ban religion in the schools, specifically the Christian religion. It is working to ban free speech while using free speech to do it. Its congregants organized protests against our electoral system when it didn't go their way. And they continue to go after the right to bear arms. These teachers, media, politicians are manipulating our children into conforming to the religion of socialism by demanding that rights to freedoms be taken away. This leads to despotism. Jesus warns in Matthew 24:4, "Take heed that no man deceive you." A big deception is found in our public schools with the religion of socialism. Another swamp to drain. Daily Devotion: Tribute to a Faithful Servant, Billy Graham - By Greg Laurie - www.harvest.org "Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord." -Matthew 25:23 As you've probably heard, Pastor Billy Graham went home to be with the Lord yesterday morning at 99 years of age. I remember one time, I was with him in Portland, Oregon, where he had just preached. He left the stage, and we were making our way to the car. I was going back to the hotel with him, and people were lined up on each side just in awe of this man of God. We got in the car and were driving out. Billy was in the back seat next to his son, Franklin. His longtime friend and aide T.W. Wilson was driving; I was riding shotgun. I wanted to compliment Billy on his sermon, and I turned around and said, "Billy, that was a great message tonight." He looked at me with those steely blue eyes and said, "It's just gospel." I turned around and thought, "OK!" I knew that, but I was trying to compliment him. Then I turned back around and said, "Well, I loved your point about Jesus re-sensitizing your conscience." He said, "Well, He can!" Here's what I learned: You couldn't pin a compliment on him. It was like water off a duck's back. How can a man be in the position he was in and not have that go to his head? It's been said that it takes a steady hand to hold a full cup, and God entrusted Billy with a full cup of responsibility during his lifetime. Billy just liked to sit around and chat and be a regular person. He would be as interested in you as you were in him-which was hard for me to comprehend. Why would he want to ask my opinion or listen to what I had to say? Billy was the epitome of grace and humility and kindness-whether with presidents and celebrities or with the waitress who served him lunch or a person on the street who recognized him and stopped him to talk. Like Jesus, he always seemed to take a great interest in individuals, and I think that has been one of the secrets of his success. He often has said, "I'm just a country preacher," and though it may sound like a feigned humility, he was simply telling you the truth about himself. Raised up by God in a singular way to be a pastor to presidents and other world leaders, as well as an evangelist to the world at large, when it's all said and done, Billy was one of the most down-to-earth people I have ever known. He was "just a country preacher" who was elevated by God to a level that very few others have ever been to, if any. I feel that Billy Graham is the most Christ-like person I've ever met-though not without his human shortcomings. He would be the first to admit those. Billy Graham practiced what he preached-and he preached love. He loved his wife, Ruth, and his family with all of his heart. I've never seen a husband and wife more in love than Billy and Ruth, yet they would have their little disagreements like any couple. The way they would interact was just charming to watch. Ruth was in every way his equal, with a great wit and sense of humor, and you could tell he loved to be around her. Since her death, Billy longed for to be reunited with Ruth in Heaven and to hear the Lord say, "Well done, good and faithful servant!" Now, he is with both Ruth and Jesus. So we celebrate for him, and we mourn the loss of a godly influence on our nation and the world. I thank God for Billy Graham and his legacy, and pray that God comforts his family during this time. 
FROM THE HEART
IF YOU HAVE BEEN BLESSED THROUGH THIS MINISTRY, THEN WE ASK THAT YOU WOULD PLEASE REMEMBER PROPHECY UPDATE IN YOUR GIVING - WE ARE TRULY, TRULY, THANKFUL FOR YOUR SUPPORT Prophecy Update has no corporate sponsors. This ministry is paid for and prayed for by readers and supporters. Without your support, there would be no Prophecy Update, Please pray about becoming a monthly supporter - thanks! If ever there was a time to invest in God's Kingdom, it's now! What on earth are you doing for Heaven's Sake? "Share in the Blessings and Rewards that will last Forever!" "Folks, it's all beginning to unravel. America is in more danger of falling than at any time in its history. But I believe Bible prophecy predicts this very decline. From this point on, we believers have to get serious. We are going to face discouragement, disillusionment and, most certainly, persecution in the time between now and the Rapture. But don't be discouraged or disillusioned. The coming turmoil will provide us unrivaled opportunities to share the good news of the Gospel. So be ready to share your faith and your hope with those who need Christ. We still have time to reap a great harvest of souls for God's kingdom!" - Hal Lindsey 1) We need your prayers!- We proclaim the Truth of the Word of God and we are under constant spiritual and sometimes even physical attack. 2) We need your encouragement!- We need to hear from you, let us know how the Lord is blessing you through this ministry so that we can share it with others. 3) We need your input! - If you have a prophetic article or story or if there is a news related item we missed, let us know. 4) We need your financial support!- To put it quite simply, without your support, there would be no Prophecy Update. I ask that you would prayerfully consider partnering with us to get the Word out and keep the world informed. Remember, your gift, no matter how small, does make a difference! You will be helping to touch lives, around the world, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, thanks to the internet your generosity carries a global impact! - Thanks! Our Prayer for You- "Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else." 2 Corinthians 9:10-13 Prophecy Update is a 501 (c) (3) tax exempt - non-profit organization, and all your donations are tax deductible. If you have been blessed by Prophecy Update and would like to help support this ministry financially. You can make a secure donation online by going to: DONATE NOW Or Visit our website: http://prophecyupdate.com/donations/ Or write us at: Prophecy Update P.O. Box 40516 Bakersfield, CA 93384-0516 
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