HEADLINES IN PARTNERSHIP WITH - PROPHECY UPDATE
Date 1/29/15??PROPHECY UPDATE NEWS HEADLINESYesterday's Prophecies - Today's Headlines??1/29/15HEADLINES IN PARTNERSHIP WITH?TRACKING BIBLE PROPHECY?, Lebanese fear countries are on brink of war after deadly border clashesAt least 5 Kornet missiles fired in Hezbollah ambush of IDF soldiers IDF confirms two Israeli soldiers were killed in attack claimed by Hezbollah IDF: Seven soldiers lightly-to-moderately hurt in Hezbollah attack Hamas praises Hezbollah for attack that injured IDF soldiers Assad, Lebanon to blame for Hezbollah border attack on IDF soldiers, Netanyahu says Israel tells UN will defend itself against Hezbollah Video released of IDF strikes in Lebanon, Liberman calls for 'disproportionate response' Netanyahu: Those behind deadly border attack will pay the priceNetanyahu on Lebanon attack: I suggest those trying to challenge us in the North look at Gaza IDF hits Hezbollah in Lebanon after group claims responsibility for attackIs Hezbollah trying to draw Israel into a ground offensive?Netanyahu blames Iran for northern border attack Ya'alon: Iran seeking to open front against Israel on Golan Heights Iran Warns of 'Consequences' for Israeli AttackUS says Hezbollah 'in blatant violation' of UN resolutions Hezbollah in message to Israel: We don't want further escalationHezbollah faces internal criticism in LebanonMember of UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon killed United Nations Security Council condemns death of Spanish peacekeeper by Israeli fire Lebanon committed to UN peace resolution UN rights chief faults Israel, Palestinians over Gaza war justiceObama: Netanyahu meeting before Israel election 'inappropriate'Pelosi says Netanyahu speech to US Congress could hurt Iran talks New Greek PM is pro-Palestinian, but envoy to Israel predicts 'only positive things'European lawmakers urge new measures to combat anti-SemitismRivlin to UN: Lesson of Holocaust will never be learnedLeading Evangelism Movement Slams Christian Zionism Russia's Putin meets with Iranian presidential envoy Russia considers condemning "annexation" of East GermanyUkraine looking more like Poland on the brink of World War TwoNorth Korea's leader Kim Jong-un to visit RussiaMoscow Talks to Defuse Syrian War BeginJordan agrees to prisoner swap with ISIS in deal that could free pilot, Japanese journalistBill would grant war powers to fight Islamic State militantsThe Muslim population of America is expanding at warp speedFox News Poll: 47 percent say Obama downplays threat from Islamic terroristsISIS to Obama: We'll Behead You and Make America MuslimMuslim Brotherhood-Aligned Leaders Hosted at State DepartmentBoko Haram strikes again: 'They slaughter people like animals'Castro demands Guantanamo Bay in return for US-Cuba diplomatic dealBoehner confirms lawsuit against Obama, defends Netanyahu invitationSnowden files show Canada spy agency runs global Internet watch: CBCBiometrics To Replace Passwords... Sooner Than You ThinkSwiss bank on safe haven label to become world's data vaultAlexis Tsipras' debt plan sends Athens stock market tumblingCalifornia county declares fiscal emergency due to oil price plunge6.1 magnitude earthquake hits near Ndoi Island, Fiji5.7 earthquake strikes in Northern California5.3 magnitude earthquake hits near Pirgos, Greece5.3 magnitude earthquake hits near Ndoi Island, Fiji5.1 magnitude earthquake hits the West Chile Rise Santa Maria volcano in Guatemala erupts to 14,000ftMadagascar Seeks International Aid After Tropical Storm Two Cyclones Dance On The Indian OceanBrazil's Biggest City May Cut Water Service to 2 Days a WeekGlow-in-the-dark algae turns Hong Kong harbor blueBeijing smog makes city unliveable, says mayor Have we reached 'peak food'? Shortages loom as global production rates slowMinnesota to consider GMO labeling bill'No chance' of beating climate change without India: ObamaMillions to owe Obamacare tax penalty190 People Possibly Exposed to Measles at Urgent Care Center for Children in MesaChicago Confirms First Case of MeaslesPROPHECY UPDATE NEWSLETTERSTAY INFORMED, GET EQUIPPED, BE ENCOURAGEDPre-Millennium - Pre-Tribulation - PrePARED*If you missed an issue or did not receive your daily copy - All Newsletters are archived at:???(Featured Article at Bottom)?IN TODAY'S NEWSLETTER...?The Next War In The Middle East Has Begun And Israel Vows 'To Act Powerfully On All Fronts'Can Israel survive?Russia's New Nuclear ArsenalGoing Somewhere?Daily Jot: The influence of a good coachDaily Devotion: The First Step to Joyful LivingFeatured Article: Apostasy in these Final Days??????The Next War In The Middle East Has Begun And Israel Vows 'To Act Powerfully On All Fronts' - By Michael Snyder - ??Israel and Hezbollah are at war.? On top of everything else that is going on in the world, now we have a new war in the Middle East, and nobody is quite certain what is going to happen next.? Israel has been preparing for this moment for more than 8 years.? So has Hezbollah.? According to some reports, Hezbollah has amassed an arsenal of 50,000 rockets since the end of the Hezbollah-Israel war in 2006.? If all-out warfare does erupt, we could potentially see tens of thousands of missiles rain down into an area not too much larger than the state of New Jersey.? And of course the Israeli military is also much more sophisticated and much more powerful than it was back in 2006.? If cooler heads do not prevail, we could be on the verge of witnessing a very bloody war.? But right now nobody seems to be in the mood to back down.? Hezbollah is absolutely fuming over an airstrike earlier this month that killed six fighters and a prominent Iranian general.? And Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says that Israel is "prepared to act powerfully on all fronts" in response to a Hezbollah ambush that killed two Israeli soldiers and wounded seven.? Just such an incident is what sparked the war between the two sides back in 2006.? But this time, a conflict between Israel and Hezbollah could spark a full-blown regional war.?Earlier this month, Israel launched a surprise assault against a group of Hezbollah fighters that Israel believed was planning to conduct terror attacks inside their borders.?But in addition to killing six Hezbollah fighters, a very important Iranian general was also killed.? Needless to say, Iran is furious...?Iran has told the United States that Israel should expect consequences for an attack on the Syrian-controlled Golan Heights that killed an Iranian general, a senior official said on Tuesday.?Revolutionary Guards General Mohammad Ali Allahdadi died alongside six fighters from Lebanon's Hezbollah group in the January 18 attack on forces supporting President Bashar al-Assad in Syria's civil war.?And we didn't have to wait too long for a response.? An IDF convoy was hit by anti-tank missiles near the Lebanon border.? Two Israeli soldiers were killed and seven were wounded.? The following is how the Jerusalem Post described the attack.?The terrorists launched five or six anti-tank missiles from a distance of at least four kilometers from their targets, striking the vehicles as they drove two kilometers from the international border.?In the heavy Hezbollah ambush, a military D-Max vehicle containing a company commander and his driver from the Givati Brigade was the first vehicle hit.?This prompted all of those inside an IDF jeep behind it to quickly evacuate their vehicle before it, too, was hit and destroyed with missiles.?Just over an hour after that attack, mortar rounds struck an Israeli military position on Mt. Hermon.?In response to those strikes, the Israeli military hit back at Hezbollah positions on the other side of the Lebanese border...?Israel struck back with combined aerial and ground strikes on Hezbollah operational positions along the border, the military said.?At least 50 artillery shells were fired at the villages of Majidiyeh, Abbasiyeh and Kfar Chouba, according to Lebanese officials.?But Israel is probably not done.?Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is promising a "disproportionate" response to the Hezbollah attacks, and he says that Hezbollah should consider what Israel recently did to Hamas before taking any more aggressive action...?"To all those trying to challenge us on the northern border, I suggest looking at what happened here, not far from the city of Sderot, in the Gaza strip.? Hamas absorbed the hardest blow since it was founded last summer, and the IDF is ready to act with force on any front."?If things continue to escalate, we might not just be talking about another Hezbollah-Israel war.?In the south, tensions between Israel and Hamas remain near all-time highs.? In the event of a full-blown war, Hamas probably could be easily convinced to join the fray. ?And if Hamas jumps in, the rest of the Palestinians might not be far behind.?In addition, ISIS now has territory near the border with Israel...?Because of the strategic importance of the terrain, Iran and Hezbollah have been building infrastructure there for some time.? But their interest in the Golan skyrocketed in December.?The reason: ISIS gained a foothold there when the Yarmouk Martyrs Brigade of the Free Syrian Army "defected" from the de facto alliance with the U.S.-Arab coalition against Assad, and declared its allegiance to ISIS.? The Yarmouk Martyrs Brigade had been one of the most active rebel factions holding territory directly adjacent to the "area of separation" between Syria and Israel administered (in theory) by the UN.? In particular, it has held the southern line of confrontation with Syrian regime forces, in the transit corridor leading to the Quneitra border crossing.?Needless to say, ISIS would be extremely interested in any conflict with Israel.?And of course there are all of the other surrounding Islamic nations that are not too fond of Israel either.?The truth is that the Middle East is a perpetual tinderbox.? One spark could set the entire region on fire.?Meanwhile, Barack Obama continues to do all that he can to undermine Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.?The animosity between the two is well known, and now an "Obama army" of political operatives has been sent to Israel to help defeat Netanyahu in the upcoming elections.?The "leader" of this "Obama army" is Jeremy Bird, who was the national field director for Barack Obama's 2012 presidential campaign.? But he has plenty of company.? Just check out the following list that was compiled by WND...?Besides Bird, the 270 Strategies team includes the following former Obama staffers:*Mitch Steward, a 270 Strategies founding partner who helped the Obama campaign build what the U.K. Guardian called "a historic ground operation that will provide the model for political campaigns in America and around the world for years to come."*Mark Beatty, a founding partner who served as deputy battleground states director for the Obama campaign. He had primary responsibility for Obama's election plans for the battleground states.*Marlon Marshall, a founding partner at 270 Strategies who joins the team after holding several key positions in national Democratic politics, most recently as deputy national field director for the 2012 Obama campaign.*Betsy Hoover, a founding partner who served as director of digital organizing on the Obama campaign.*Meg Ansara, who served as national regional director for Obama for America where she was responsible for overseeing the 2012 programs in the Midwest and southern states.*Bridget Halligan, who served as the engagement program manager on the digital team of the 2012 Obama campaign.*Kate Catherall, who served as Florida deputy field director for Obama's re-election campaign.*Alex Lofton, who most recently served as the GOTV director of Cleveland, Ohio, for the 2012 Obama campaign.*Martha Patzer, the firm's vice president who served as deputy email director at Obama for America.*Jesse Boateng, who served as the Florida voter registration director for Obama's re-election campaign.*Ashley Bryant, who served most recently as the Ohio digital director for the 2012 Obama campaign.*Max Clermont, who formerly served as a regional field director in Florida for Obama's re-election campaign.*Max Wood, who served as a deputy data director in Florida for the 2012 Obama campaign.?As the first month of 2015 wraps up, our world is becoming increasingly unstable.?In addition to the oil crash, the collapse of the euro, looming stock market troubles, civil war in Ukraine, tensions with Russia, an economic slowdown in China and imploding economies all over South America, now we have more war in the Middle East.?And if lots of missiles start flying back and forth between Israel and Hezbollah, it could potentially spark the bloodiest war in that region that any of us have ever seen.? ??Can Israel survive? - By Victor Davis Hanson - ??Israel is the only liberal democracy in the Middle East and North Africa. Eight million Israelis are surrounded by some 400 million Muslims in more than 20 states. Almost all of Israel's neighbors are anti-Israeli dictatorships, monarchies or theocracies-- a number of them reduced to a state of terrorist chaos.?Given the rise of radical Islam, the huge petrodollar wealth of the Middle East and lopsided demography, how has Israel so far survived??The Jewish state has always depended on three unspoken assumptions for its tenuous existence.?First, a democratic, nuclear Israel can deter larger enemies. In the Cold War, Soviet-backed Arab enemies understood that Israel's nuclear arsenal prevented them from destroying Tel Aviv.?Second, the Western traditions of Israel -- free-market capitalism, democracy, human rights -- ensured a dynamic economy, high-tech weapons, innovative industry and stable government. In other words, 8 million Israelis could count on a greater gross domestic product, less internal violence and more innovation than, say, nearby Egypt, a mess with 10 times more people that Israel and nearly 50 times more land.?Third, Israel counted on Western moral support from America and Europe, as well as military support from the United States.?Israel's stronger allies have often come to the defense of its democratic principles and pointed out that the world applies an unfair standard to Israel, largely out of envy of its success, anti-Semitism, fear of terrorism and fondness of oil exporters.?Why, for example, does the United Nations focus so much attention on Palestinians who fled Israel nearly 70 years ago but ignore Muslims who were forced out of India, or Jews who were ethnically cleansed from the cities of the Middle East? Why doesn't the world worry that Nicosia is a more divided city than Jerusalem, or that Turkey occupies northern Cyprus, or that China occupies Tibet??Unfortunately, two of these three traditional pillars of Israeli security have eroded.?When the United States arbitrarily lifted tough sanctions against Iran and became a de facto partner with the Iranian theocracy in fighting the Islamic State, it almost ensured that Iran will get a nuclear bomb. Iran has claimed that it wishes to destroy Israel, as if its own apocalyptic sense of self makes it immune from classical nuclear deterrence.?Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) summed up the Obama administration's current policy on Iran as "talking points that come straight out of Teheran." Obama has cynically dismissed Menendez's worries about negotiations with Iran as a reflection not of the senator's principles, but of his concerns over "donors" -- apparently a reference to wealthy pro-Israel American Jews.??Symbolism counts, too. President Obama was about the only major world leader to skip the recent march in Paris to commemorate the victims of attacks by radical Islamic terrorists -- among them Jews singled out and murdered for their faith. Likewise, he was odd world leader out by skipping this week's 70-year commemoration of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp.?Obama is not expected to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who will address Congress in March. An anonymous member of the Obama administration was quoted as calling Netanyahu, a combat veteran, a "coward" and describing him with a related expletive. Another nameless administration official recently said Netanyahu "spat in our face" by accepting the congressional invitation without Obama's approval and so will pay "a price" -- personal animus that the administration has not directed even against the leaders of a hostile Iran.?Obama won't meet with Netanyahu, and yet the president had plenty of time to hold an adolescent bull session with a would-be Internet comedian decked out in Day-Glo makeup who achieved her fame by filming herself eating breakfast cereal in a bathtub full of milk.?Jews have been attacked and bullied on the streets of some of the major cities of France and Sweden by radical Muslims whose anti-Semitism goes unchecked by their terrified hosts. Jewish leaders in France openly advise that Jews in that country immigrate to Israel.?A prosecutor in Argentina who had investigated the 1994 bombing of a Jewish community center in Buenos Aires that killed 85 -- an attack widely believed to have been backed by Iran -- was recently found dead under mysterious circumstances.?Turkey, a country whose prime minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, was praised by Obama as one of his closest friends among world leaders, has turned openly non-secular and is vehemently anti-Israel.?Until there is a change of popular attitudes in Europe or a different president in the United States, Israel is on its own to deal with an Iran that has already hinted it would use a nuclear weapon to eliminate the "Zionist entity," with the radical Islamic madness raging on its borders, and with the global harassment of Jews.?A tiny democratic beacon in the Middle East should inspire and rally Westerners. Instead, too often, Western nations shrug and assume that Israel is a headache -- given that there is more oil and more terrorism on the other side.??CONVERGENCE of the End Time SignsCONVERGENCE of the End Time Signs"CONVERGENCE of the End Time Signs" -?Bible Prophecy fulfillment is in a period of acceleration, a time of Quickening, the world is racing towards Armageddon, now more than ever we must be ready! We are about to enter a time like no other time, a time that no man has ever seen, a time like no other time in the history of this world, as a matter of fact we are about to enter the end times. Since the dawn of mankind, there have always been wars and rumors of wars, earthquakes, famines, pestilences, disease, strange-weather and false Christ's just as Jesus predicted. Fast forward nearly 2,000 years since Jesus made this prediction, and you have today's headlines lining up exactly with the Word of God. The big thing?isn't?that these events?are happening today, is that they are all happening at the very same time! Bible prophecy is being fulfilled right before our very eyes.? Fulfilled prophecy is increasing in frequency and intensity just like birth pains, and Jesus said when you see these know that I am near, even at the door.All the signs of the last days are converging at the same time. Bible Prophecy is happening right before our eyes and like birth pains, ?the predicted events are happening more frequently and more intently. Never, in the history throughout the world have so many forces, including economic, scientific, techno-logic, ecologic, cultural, geopolitical, moral, spiritual and religion, converged together to bring this world that's already teetering over the edge into the abyss, to a point of no return. "CONVERGENCE" brings it all together and will clearly show where all this heading and what people need to do!CONVERGENCE - This DVD will be released on *March 1st, 2015 - Pre-Order and reserve your copy today! When you pre-order a DVD, not only are you making sure that you get your copy early, you are also helping to support this ministry and the product of this movie - thank you!!! *(This is an estimate and could be sooner, prayerfully no later)CLICK HERE TO ORDERCHECK OUT ALL OUR AMAZING DVD'SThe End of Times - Israel God's Timepiece - The Rapture - After the Rapture - As in the Days of Noah - Gog and Magog - Perilous Times - The Antichrist - Living on Borrowed Time - Angels, ?Aliens & Armageddon - There will be Tribulation - Jerusalem A Cup of Trembling -?The Revelation Series -?The Daniel SeriesWelcome to Prophecy UpdateVISIT OUR STORE BY CLICKING HERE??READ SOME OF OUR REVIEWS:?"Awesome - Great Work - Congratulations!"? - D. Koerner?"I found it really moving" - D. Bower?"The scene inside the church was awesome. I need to go home and lay on my face. Great work man!"- R. Miller?"Awesome video! I watched it last night with my family, and we loved it, and plan to share the word about it" -?? C. Young?"My wife and I watched the video and it is outstanding. Biblically?solid...... we especially like the clear bible referencing and quoting. The video is a moving tapestry tightly weaved with spectacular photography, bible references, and the signs of the times put together like a jigsaw puzzle. The gospel is presented clearly with tender love. We pray that this DVD gets distributed far and wide. I hope youth ministers have the courage to show this DVD rather than the garbage materials of the emergent church movement." - John Wicklund Board President for Olive Tree Ministries ?"I received The End of Times DVD today. It is Superb! For those that don't know much, or anything about Bible Prophecy, this DVD should really open their eyes, a great teaching tool. For those that have grown cold or indifferent in the Lord, this should awaken them." T. Nelson??"The DVD provides an effective mix of biblical teaching and history, interspersed with the happenings in Israel today.? Particularly effective is the emotional ending showing the return of Jewish people worldwide back to Israel and traveling with a sense of destiny.? Many commentators have said Israel is God's hour hand, Jerusalem is the minute hand, and the Temple Mount is the second hand on God's timepiece.? The video is a great introduction and myth-buster for those who do not know of the importance of Israel in God's eyes or who believe Israel has as much significance in today's world as Madagascar or the Canary Islands." - John Wicklund, Chairman Olive Tree Ministries Board of Directors?Got the DVD today and just finished watching it...outstanding!!! Loved it!!! - G. Madison - Oklahoma??I watched "Israel God's Timepiece" last night and thoroughly enjoyed it. I have loved Israel ever since I read the book "Exodus", when I was in the Army in 1958. I do everything I can to support Israel and get people involved in what they are going through, and more than that, to pray for Peace in Jerusalem, according to Psalm 122. Your DVD was a fitting tribute to this wonderful, spectacular country and God's very own "baby". Thanks for taking the time to put it together. Very well done. - J. Masters - Mississippi?It is really a professional production and I see why it is so well received. In fact we felt it is actually the best film we have seen on end time events. - Bill & Brenda Hicks??At first I thought it was going to be another routine message but as it progressed it became more and more impressive. It was a great message. Congratulations on a very well presented and produced DVD. - R. Webb - Williamsburg?Another effective witness from Randy and Prophecy Update. The "There will be Tribulation" video describes the purpose and the sequence of events during the final seven years prior to the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. The linkage to many Old Testament prophecies clearly show the importance of the nation of Israel to this seven-year period. The pictures in the video document a world already full of tribulation- how terrible will be those seven years. Great teaching tool for small groups and youth ministers to present the gospel message through the topic of bible prophecy. - John Wicklund Chair- Olive Tree Ministries Board of Directors??"Moving and Inspirational" - D. Koerner, Bakersfield, CA??"Your Presentation will literally scare the h-ll out some people. There is enough scripture and warnings of what is coming to cause, anyone, who has put off accepting the Lord's salvation through Jesus to repent now!" - Don Mills - Director of Programming - CSN Radio - Twin Falls, ID??Brother Randy, to say it was a great movie documentary is an understatement. Thank you for doing the Lord's work. This movie gave me the chills. - Terrance Alan - Kaukauna, WI??Thanks so much for the DVD There will be Tribulation...I watched it the other day, finally.?? It is well done and really holds your attention. In fact, it's unrelenting...which of course is what it needs to be. - Rich and JoAnne - Temecula, CA??VISIT OUR STORE BY CLICKING HERE???To order and more information - Click Here?Russia's New Nuclear Arsenal - Dr. Steve Elwart - ??The state of the American nuclear arsenal is in disarray. Last year, the Air Force stripped an unprecedented 17 officers of their authority to control and, if necessary, launch, nuclear missiles after a string of a poor reviews of their unit's launch skills. The group's deputy commander said it is suffering "rot" within its ranks.?That rot is something Russia has taken full advantage. While nuclear weapons and their mission simply do not matter much to post-Cold War American leaders, they matter very much to the Russians.?Nuclear arms have always been viewed by the Russians (and before that, the Soviets) as a measure of superpower. This is especially true today. The collapse of the Soviet Union left the remnant Russian Federation a country without the usual trappings of a great power, including a conventional military force or the ability to project it. Russia's nuclear arsenal is the last vestige of what is keeping it from being in Barack Obama's words, a "regional power." (U.S. Senator John McCain called Russia, "A gas station masquerading as a country," in response to that country's takeover of Ukraine.)?Today nuclear weapons not only are a source of Russia's national pride, but they are an integral part of that nation's military planning. While the American military and government officials see little use for nuclear weapons now that the Soviet Union is no more, the Russians continue to think about nuclear arms as both strategically and tactically useful.?This has become more apparent as the Russian military has been shown to be extremely weak when compared to their superior adversaries-the United States and NATO.?During the Cold War, the Soviets and the Americans constructed nuclear forces that mirrored each other, relying on a triad of ICBMs (Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles), submarine-launched missiles, and long-range bombers to ensure the survivability of at least part of their nuclear strike capability and to maintain the ability to deliver a massive retaliatory strike.?It was a mad concept aptly named "Mutual Assured Destruction".?Both countries maintain this conflict philosophy, with some significant differences. Russia, a massive land empire spanning two continents, commanded plenty of real estate and therefore buried most of its deterrent in underground silos. The United States, a maritime superpower, put most of its striking power underwater on submarines, where they remain. (The missile silos where they stored their land-based missiles are quickly being sold as surplus, with some of them being turned into homes, restaurants, and even office space.)?The Soviet long-range bomber force never progressed beyond propeller-driven aircraft that had only enough range for one-way suicide missions, while the Americans upgraded their air arsenal with the stealth B-2 bombers and kept the aging B-52 bombers still in service with most of the crews manning them being younger than the planes themselves.?Because of the Cold War standoff in Europe, East and West also developed a large arsenal of battlefield nuclear weapons. By the late 1960s, the United States and the USSR had tens of thousands of strategic and tactical weapons.?Even more destabilizing, each side developed an INF (intermediate-range nuclear forces) in the 1970s and 1980s. These weapons with flight ranges more than 300 miles (500 km) but less than 3,500 miles (5,500 km) can reach all European NATO capitals from Russian territory, and conversely, could reach Moscow from NATO bases, in a matter of minutes, cutting decision times for national leaders from minutes to literally seconds.?This entire class of weapons was banned by Soviet-American agreement in the INF Treaty of 1987.?The jewel in the Soviet nuclear crown was the Strategic Rocket Forces, a separate branch of the armed forces dedicated solely to ICBMs. The Russian Strategic Rocket Forces still enjoy a position of privilege in the Russian military. Like the other Russian branches, they even have their own patron saint: St. Barbara, the patroness of people who, for want of a better description, work with things that explode. (It is interesting to note that the officially atheist Soviets established the SRF on St. Barbara's Day-December 17-in 1959.?The Russian nuclear arsenal of today is much like its American counterpart. It is a smaller version of its former self, but it is more than capable of destroying its enemies in Europe and North America.?Recent Russian publications have bragged that Russia has now surpassed the United States in nuclear capability and they credit the new START (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) treaty the Obama Administration signed with Russia in 2011. It was signed on April 8, 2010 to replace the SORT (Strategic Offensive Reductions Treaty) treaty which was due to expire on December 31, 2012. The Russians tout this new treaty as the breathing room they needed to catch up to the U.S. nuclear arsenal.?In 2014, Russia could boast of 1,643 nuclear warheads in its war chest while the United States has 1,642 according to the annual report submitted by the U.S. Department of State report which was required under the terms of the new treaty. The gap has widened since then.?Marc Schneider, a former Pentagon strategic weapons specialist stated, "All U.S. numbers have declined since the new START treaty went into force. The fact that this is happening reflects the ineffectiveness of the Obama administration's approach to New START.?U.S. Senator James Inhofe (former ranking Republican on the Senate Committee on Armed Services) said, "Not only did Russia violate the Intermediate Range Nuclear Forces (INRF) Treaty signed by President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev in 1987, it did so while negotiating with the Obama Administration over the New START. The White House was at best na?ve to Russian duplicity; at worse, it was complicit."?While Vladimir Putin knows he has gone about as far as he can go in Eastern Europe in projecting power without prompting a NATO response, it is flexing its muscles in other ways.?Buoyed by its new offensive strike advantage, it is flexing its military muscle in other arenas.?It is flying ever closer to the United States and Canadian borders and stationing ships closer to those coastlines. There also have been reports of "mystery submarines" encroaching into the territorial waters of the Scandinavian countries, even sailing up fjords in the region. (In response, these countries are stationing retired military personnel in the area as "coast watchers" to try to track their movements.?Last November it also signed a new agreement to build eight nuclear power plants in Iran, further destabilizing the Middle East and creating yet another source of worry to a United States which is trying to disengage itself from the area.?Plans have also been announced by Russia that they intend to renew 100% of their aging arsenal, rather than the 70% they had previously announced.?In a new disturbing development, Russia also announced that they were discontinuing the co-operation agreement they had with the U.S. in securing the storage of nuclear material in Russia which could lead to a rouge element in Russia stealing more fissile material than has already been pilfered and selling that material to third parties, which many suspect has been going to jihadists who are more than willing to use them.?Putin accused the West of using the crisis in Ukraine to reinvigorate NATO, warning that Moscow will ponder a response to the alliance's decision to create a rapid-reaction "spearhead" force to protect Eastern Europe.?His comments came as Russia's relations with the West have plunged to their lowest point since the Cold War due to Russia's role in the crisis in Ukraine. They appear to show that the Russian leader is determined to pursue a tough course in the face of more Western sanctions.?Addressing a Kremlin meeting on weapons modernization, Putin ominously warned the West against getting "hysterical" about Moscow's re-arming efforts, in view of US missile defense plans and other decisions he said have challenged Russia's security.?"We have warned many times that we would have to take corresponding countermeasures to ensure our security," Putin said, adding that he would now take personal charge of the government commission overseeing military industries.?What makes all these actions by Russia all the more worrisome is the fact that time is working against that county. Its oil and gas reserves, its leverage against an energy hungry Europe is dwindling and its economic system is beginning to collapse, partly thru the sanctions imposed on it by the West and thru its own internal weaknesses.?Many in Russia feel that it must act now to secure its future. Most analysts believe that they won't make an overt move against the West, namely NATO, they cannot be sure.?If Russia cannot secure its future thru the soft power of economics and intimidation, it may attempt to pull itself out of its predicament the way many countries have in the past.?Start a shooting war.??Going Somewhere? - By Andy Coticchio - of the things that a Christian who believes in a pre-Tribulation Rapture often faces is to be accused of wishful thinking-especially by those in the Body of Christ who have a differing view of how the end-times will unfold. It is often the position of others that we expect to be whisked out of here just as things begin to get really bad; a Rapture of the true church just before the horrific events of the seven-year Tribulation begin.? ??Convenient timing, a sort of "Beam us up, Scotty, there's no intelligent life on this planet" attitude. Some who hold to the pre-Tribulation eschatology may believe that escape hatch view; there may even be some who profess that belief just because of it (those folks are the wishful thinkers). I am not in those camps.? ??I firmly hold to our eschatology, but I am well aware of the growing hostility toward the Christian worldview-especially pointed at those with a conservative, fundamental, evangelical literal view of the inerrant Word of? God-the Bible. And I expect to face plenty of tough times before the Lord comes back for His church.??I am not here to debate and defend that position, or attack any other. I actually want to issue a warning to all those who hold an end-times view similar to mine. I am pretty sure we are not getting out without having to face trials and persecution. We may expect our Christian lives to become trouble free at the Rapture at a point in time when we don't not have to deal with the Antichrist, nor the real bringer of judgment as cited in the book of Revelation (in that fire and brimstone way by the Lord Almighty Himself), throughout that seven-year period of Tribulation).? ??But don't be so sure that things are not going to get really bad for us before they get really great for us. Let's go the source of absolute truth itself, the Word of God to see what light can be shed upon the subject.??"In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also" (John 14:2-3).??So far, so good. Jesus went on ahead to get our rooms ready. And when they are ready, He is going to come back and personally take us there. Sounds like a solid plan to me. But notice that there is no mention how long it would take to prepare those places nor when He will be coming back for us. Date setters beware, there isn't any date set for us. But be assured, He? is coming again and I think Jesus is coming soon! That is truth, revealed to us in the Word of God.??A little later Jesus prayed right before He headed out for Gethsemane; a prayer often called the High Priestly Prayer, found in John 17. In it are some very interesting words (actually, all of Jesus' words are interesting):?"I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours" (John 17:9).??Jesus is not praying for the world but for us-His church.?"Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are. While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your name" (John 17:11-12a).??Jesus, with the Father, asks that we be kept in the Father's name as one with them, such as He had kept those with Him while He was here.?"I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one.? They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world" (John 17:15-16).??There you have it. Jesus prayed, not that we be taken out of the world (at least not until it pleases the Father's will to do so), but that we be kept from the evil one. Not kept from trials and persecution, just kept from the evil one. Sounds like he doesn't get possession, but it doesn't say we avoid persecution.? ??We are not of this world, but we are in it, and not necessarily going anywhere soon, not necessarily missing all the trials and toils of living in a fallen world. And it is a world that gets worse with each passing day.??Jesus did mention that the world would hate us, but it hated Him first. We may be hated and treated by the world much as Christ was; in fact many of our brothers and sisters in Christ are facing that kind of hatred even today.??Oswald Chambers in My Utmost For His Highest said it well:??The typical view of the Christian life is that it means being delivered from all adversity. But it actually means being delivered in adversity, which is something very different.??So as you read about wars and rumors of wars, as you hear of earthquakes and famines; remember that these are the beginnings of birth pangs. Fight the good fight, run the race to win (I know you know those verses). Don't stand around like you are waiting for an elevator or on a transporter pad. We may leave tomorrow, we may be here for quite some time.??We should all just go about our Father's business until He sends His Son to bring us home.?Andy Coticchio?Executive Director - Rafter Cross Ministries?? ?drwhitaker@? ??Daily Jot: The influence of a good coach - Bill Wilson - ??Last night, a taxi cab driver was telling me that Phoenix expects an additional 1.5 million people during this week because of the Super Bowl and a golf tournament. It is amazing how many people show up to sporting events. Think about it. Sports impacts hundreds of millions of people. Football alone, impacts millions. Some 1.1 million kids play high school football each year. That filters to about 66,000 who play in college, and then less than 300 make it to the NFL. According to Michigan State, a high school player has a 1 in 6,000 chance of making the NFL. From youth football through high school through college, football influences millions of our youth to become leaders, citizens, and parents. ?There are valuable life lessons in teaching and coaching football, a sport that is the microcosm of life. You get knocked down. You get back up. You face physical and mental hardship in just preparing to play the game. Practices are long and hard. You develop a work ethic where you do the best you can on every given opportunity. If you take a play off, you get burned. And even if you give your best, you may not make it as a starter. Just like in life, there are no guarantees. Those who play the game come away with a life experience that teaches them how to cope with pressure, adversity, difficult people, folks of different color, creeds, walks of life, motives, agendas, strategies, tactics and a myriad of other life trials.?Good football coaches understand the value of football. Seahawks Head Coach Pete Carroll in The Briefings Interview said, "To me, what we're talking about is working to be your best. And it doesn't matter whether you are a football player, a business person, a dad or a mom or somebody's big brother. You can be great at doing that if you work at it and if you apply yourself and compete to be that. I've found that the mentality translates anywhere I go and to whomever I'm talking to. I've visited with military officers, Special Forces groups, and it makes sense to them too, because we're all working to find our very best." Many of the best coaches are Christian men who transfer Biblical ideals in their body of work.?I find it amazing that football coaches make disciples everyday. Christian football coaches can be the biggest purveyors of Matthew 28:19,20--The Great Commission--"Go you therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you." Imagine all the people that could be impacted by the pulpit if pastors could transfer the ideals of glorifying God similarly to how football coaches transfer the values and life lessons of football. The word of God would be taught directly with enthusiasm, repetition and accountability to make doers of the Word rather than hearers only. Never underestimate the influence of a good coach, or of a good pastor--in many cases, they are the same--just in different ways.??Daily Devotion: The First Step to Joyful Living - Greg Laurie - ???Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. -Philippians 2:2?Conventional wisdom says that you must always look out for number one and do whatever it takes to succeed. But that is not how the kingdom of God works.?Paul wrote to the believers in Philippi, "Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose" (Philippians 2:1-2).?The Message puts it this way: "Don't push your way to the front; don't sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don't be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand."?This goes against conventional wisdom about how we are to succeed in life, but this is what the Bible says. Some people may say, "I don't know what planet you're from, but that won't work in my situation. You don't know what it's like in the world that I have to live in."?What we are talking about is the way that a Christian should live. The Bible says the first step to joyful living is to put the needs of others before yourself. Paul said, "Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too" (Philippians 2:4).?That seems like a recipe for disaster and failure in today's culture. But here's what the Bible says: "So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor" (1 Peter 5:6).?If you want to be a happy person, then you cannot be a self-absorbed person, because a self-absorbed person will be a miserable person.? ?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 Lindsey1) 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 9:10-13Prophecy 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: write us at:?Prophecy Update P.O. Box 40516 Bakersfield, CA 93384-0516???FEATURED ARTICLE?Featured Article: Apostasy in these Final Days - Ron & Nathele Graham - ???There is an unprecedented event which will happen in the very near future. That event is the Rapture of the Ekklesia (the called out body of Christ) and every Christian should be listening in anticipation for our Lord to call us all Home. Can you imagine the joy of being snatched away from this sin-filled world and being in the presence of Jesus? What a wonder that will be! Until then we live in a fallen world with all of its struggles and strife. Though we don't know what day the Rapture will happen, we can see the signs of its approach. One of those signs is apostasy, or falling away. "Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;" 2 Thessalonians 2:3. "Falling away" is translated from the Greek word "apostasia". According to Strong's Concordance it means "a falling away, defection, apostasy". When you look around at the various congregations do you see any apostasy? How about in your own congregation? There is a huge falling away - apostasy -from the pure truth of God.?Apostasy is a fact and sadly it is now in full swing. What exactly is apostasy? Any deviation from God's word is apostasy, and in these last days apostasy is running rampant. Homosexual bishops, woman preachers, New Age, emerging church, yoga, contemplative prayer, replacement theology...the list is long. None of these doctrines are Biblical, but they are seeping into our congregations. These doctrines are entering through the teaching of preachers who try to make Christianity more "user friendly", or should I say "seeker friendly". The goal is to keep the congregation happy no matter what heresy is embraced. "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." 2 Timothy 4:3-4. The congregation doesn't want to hear that they are doing anything wrong, so they won't stand for listening to God's truth. Rather than standing firm on the word of God, the man in the pulpit makes life easy for the flock. He waters down God's word so as not to step on any toes. He preaches to the itching ears of the congregation and apostasy reigns. ?The fact of the matter is our foundation must be built on Jesus Christ. God's Word must be the final authority in all matters and it must rule our life. As folks move away from sound doctrine the false teachers are able to change God's truth into doctrines of devils, and so the apostasy begins. "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;" 1 Timothy 4:1. We are living in the "latter times", and rather than heed Scripture, people want to do what is right in their own eyes. We can see that apostasy has a firm hold on many people.?This falling away also comes by the false teaching that all religious groups worship the same god. Well, Christianity worships one God in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. The others follow the doctrines of devils. There is a movement which is adding to the apostasy. Some religious leaders are trying to unite all religions into one group. Christians cannot unite with any other faith or we lose our foundation. Salvation is through Christ and Christ alone. Do you think that a Muslim would ever pray in the name of Jesus? Do you think a Jehovah's Witness will ever confess the deity of Christ? "Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able." Luke 13:23-24. There is no room for false teaching when it comes to salvation. Christians know that there is no other way of salvation except through faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" John 14:6. Don't be among those who are apostate; don't fall away. Follow the strait road and do not waver. There is no other way to come unto the Father but through Jesus.?False prophets who lead the gullible down the broad road to destruction aren't new. Jesus gave a warning to be on the lookout for these wicked ones. "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." Matthew 7:15. Jesus said that there will be teachers (false prophets) who seem to be learned in God's word and will be accepted by many people as teaching biblical truth. Although their words will appear to be sound and correct, these deceivers will actually be ravening wolves (emissaries of Satan). Because of their convincing style, their ability to present themselves in a good light, and their seemingly truthful message, they will lead many down the treacherous path of apostasy. Not everyone who writes a book or stands in the pulpit speaks God's truth. "They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate." Titus 1:16. The false teachers/false prophets are quite adept in leading the sheep who don't know their Bible into apostasy. Although their deceptions may rely heavily on the incessant use of the name "Jesus" it's all just a fa?ade as there's no indwelling by the Holy Spirit. Does your pastor preach the true Gospel, or is it watered down so as not to step on toes? Avoid these ravening wolves by knowing for yourself what God's word teaches. Read it...study it...apply it to your life.There was a time when the Bible was not available to ordinary people. The power hungry, government controlled clergy wouldn't preach the truth. Today we have the blessing of God's word being readily available in most languages and in easily understood translations. There is no excuse for anyone to be led into apostasy. Amos tells us there will come a famine in the land (the whole earth), but it will be a famine of hearing the Word of God. "Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD: And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it." Amos 8:11-12. People will seek to hear God's truth, but they will be fed counterfeit lies, as the true Word of God will have gone missing. It isn't that God's word isn't available, they just hear apostate lies instead of the words of the Lord and they don't read and study on their own. Therefore it is easy for them to be lead down the broad road of apostasy and destruction. We are in those days.?As Jesus speaks of the apostasy that will be widespread in the last days, He describes the apostates themselves. "Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?" Matthew 7:22. You might be asking yourself, "What's the problem?" It seems as if these zealots did everything correct, right? Did they not declare the name of Jesus in all their activities? They prophesied, cast out demons, and did many other wonderful works in His name. They're active, they're persuasive, and they're adept at convincing the masses of their spirituality simply by evoking the name of our Lord. So what's the problem? Just this, He (Jesus Christ) is not their Lord. Satan is able perform pseudo-miracles and wonders, and the apostates will be in league with him. "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world." 1 John 4:1. If you know the Scripture these purveyors of lies/false doctrines will not be able to deceive you or lead you into apostasy. They may speak of Jesus as if they know Him but Jesus Himself says "And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." Matthew 7:23. Even though these folks are apparently successful in casting out demons, make prophetic predictions, and achieve a level of wondrous signs, their doctrine was one of apostasy. The Holy Spirit is not indwelling them as they never truly believed in Messiah Jesus. They have helped many to fall away, and in these last days these false teachers are everywhere.?Study God's word, not seeker friendly drivel that leads to apostasy. "I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; preach the word; be instant in season, and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine." 2 Timothy 4:1-2. Paul's words to Timothy are as important today as they were so long ago. Instead of approving of every type of behavior we need to reprove. That means we bring into conviction things that go against God's word. If we see a Christian who is making choices that are not Biblical, rebuke that person. That means make them aware of their sin; use Scripture and love. Patiently urge the one who is falling away to get back on track. If that person has truly accepted Christ they will heed your words because those words will be of God. If they are merely "in name only" Christians, they will continue in their apostasy. Don't compromise God's word. ?Time is short. The falling away is in full swing but it has to happen before the Rapture. Then the man of sin will be revealed and Daniel's 70th week will start sometime after that. Those who continue in their apostasy will not be a part of the Rapture because they were never truly a part of the Body of Christ. Only those who know Christ as their Saviour will follow Him on that strait road to eternal life. Turn away from the doctrine of devils and know that eternal life is yours because of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. ?Don't be a part of the apostasy that is all around in these final days. Keep watching for the Lord to descend and the voice of the archangel to call you. "For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord." 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18. I can hardly wait.?God bless you all,Ron & Nathele Graham?twotug@ ron@Previous commentaries archived at ??All original scripture is "theopneustos" God breathed.This commentary was started by Ron Graham before his death on March 14, 2013, and finished by his wife, Nathele Graham If you'd like to be on my mailing list to receive the commentaries just drop me an email and let me know?? ??If You Died Today, Would You Go To Heaven?Find out, visit:Prophecy Update - GoodSearch Toolbar Prophecy Update Toolbar is free to download and allows you to raise money for our cause every time you search or shop onlineDID YOU KNOW?You can submit an article, leave a comment or praise report at email:prophecyupdate@bak.Maranatha! (Lord Come Quickly)??"On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand, All other ground is sinking sand."??"Let Us make the short time we have left count for all eternity!"??YBIC-RandyStay Connected?? ?? ?? Prophecy Update - PO Box 40516 - Bakersfield, CA 93384 ................
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