Sound The Midnight Cry

“Waking A Sleeping Bear”

Russia is up to its old tricks but using new methods. It is a country seeking to re-emerge to the forefront of the world political picture. Political and business deals abound as it shakes itself from the years removed from the international power scene.

It is no secret that Russia has been the main mover and shaker behind the billion-dollar-plus development of Iran's nuclear program. In addition, Russia has created deals throughout the Middle East for oil and natural gas exploration. These business transactions include Russia's leading manufactured export — weapons and weapons systems.

Russia recently cut off gas supplies to former Soviet bloc countries, like Belarus. They doubled the cost for gas to Belarus [have threatened to triple the cost]. They have offered a “deal” if Belarus will allow Russia's Gazprom to have controlling ownership in the Belarus gas company. 

Syria was in Moscow four weeks ago with $500 million of Iranian money for weapons and weapons technology. It was reported earlier this year that Russia is building a strategic nuclear submarine base in a Syrian port. Russia has also made energy deals with Saudi Arabia — and has supplied Algeria, Jordan, Syria and Iran with top-of-the-line military equipment and technology. Russia has blocked any strong actions by the United Nations Security Council against Iran's nuclear program.

The Lord said of Russia in Ezekiel 39:2-4 (NKJV), “I will turn you around and lead you on…and bring you against the mountains of Israel…You shall fall upon the mountains of Israel, you and all your troops and all the peoples who are with you.” 

Russia always has always chosen to use others to advance their agenda. During the 1967 and 1972 wars, Israel defeated Syria, Egypt, Iraq and Jordan handily. Russia [the Soviet Union] supplied weapons, technology and advisors as it did in this past summer's Hezbollah war against Israel.

Bears are most dangerous when they are coming out of hibernation and the Russian bear is waking from its sleep. The Scriptures tell us this one will soon let its growl be heard.

It’s time for the Church to awaken from its sleep and declare that Jesus is coming soon!

“America In Bible Prophecy”

America's biblical role may not be specific in the Scriptures, but the U.S. role in Israel and the Middle East has been the main catalyst in accelerating end events which are rapidly bringing together the final-day players: Russia, Iran, Syria, Iraq and Israel. All of the current events are forming the picture to the overall puzzle of the last days. Consider some of the other issues at work in this “last days” puzzle.

• The National Council of Churches – The NCC last year accepted the majority of its money from nonreligious organizations promoting their liberal agendas.
• The Vatican - Former Secretary of State for President Richard Nixon, the 83-year-old Henry Kissinger, will now take up the reins as an advisor to the Pope.
• Russia – In recent weeks has cutoff millions of barrels of oil destined for Europe, as it tried to establish leverage in a heated political dispute with one of its former communist satellites, Belarus. Iran – This week Russia delivered to Iran the sophisticated missiles that are able to avoid the U.S. Patriot missiles that Israel relies on for its defense.
• United States – President Bush has ordered a second carrier group to the Persian Gulf after he announced the U.S. would attack Iranian networks within Iraq.
• United Nations - The House of Representatives passed legislation that would place one of the most effective U.S. tools in fighting the war on terror, the Proliferation Security Initiative, under the auspices of the United Nations Security Council. It also requires an unspecified amount of funding be given to Russia to curb proliferation of materials and technology that could be used for weapons of mass destruction.

All of these actions are pieces to a small part of the picture. The one-world order takes a step closer under so-called democracy. However, when you add them to the other events taking place they paint for us a clear picture that everyone needs to see—Jesus is coming soon! 

There has never been a time when Christians should be sure about the message and emboldened to share it. Who will you share with this week?

“Springtime Messiah?”

Two weeks ago, an official state media website in Iran posted a message heralding the coming of the Shiite messianic figure, Imam Mahdi, noting he could arrive with Jesus by the spring equinox of 2007. 

“Imam Mahdi will appear all of a sudden on the world scene with a voice from the skies announcing his reappearance at the holy Ka'ba in Mecca,” the message said. The Islamic Republic of Iran broadcasting site said that the Mahdi will form an army to defeat the enemies of Islam in a series of apocalyptic battles, in which the Mahdi will overcome his arch villain in Jerusalem. The broadcast series claims many things, some of which include the following statements.

“The Mahdi's far sightedness and firmness in the face of mischievous elements will strike awe. After his uprising from Mecca all of Arabia will submit to him and then other parts of the world as he marches upon Iraq and establishes his seat of global government in the city of Kufa. Then the Imam will send 10 thousand of his forces to the east and west to uproot the oppressors. At this time God will facilitate things for him and lands will come under his control one after the other…finally Imam Mahdi sends troops who kill the Sofyani in Beit ol-Moqaddas (Jerusalem), the Islamic holy city in Palestine that is currently under occupation of the Zionists.”  

The Iranian series also claims the Mahdi will reappear on Earth with Jesus: The teaching says that, “The Mahdi will come with Jesus son of Mary accompanying him…Imam Mahdi will be the leader while Prophet Jesus will act as his lieutenant in the struggle against oppression and establishment of justice in the world.”

According to Shiites, the 12th imam disappeared as a child in the year 941. When he returns, they believe, he will reign on earth for seven years, before bringing about a final judgment and the end of the world. [Christians know this figure to be that of the anti-christ leading to the battle of Armageddon]. Iranian President Ahmadinejad said he sees his main mission as to “pave the path for the glorious reappearance of Imam Mahdi.”

All Iran is buzzing about the Mahdi, the 12th imam and the role Iran and Ahmadinejad are playing in his anticipated return. There's a new messiah hotline. There are news agencies especially devoted to the latest developments.

The stage is being set and the groundwork put into place to fulfill bible prophecy concerning the anti-christ. While the Islamic world is watching and waiting, I can’t help but wonder if the Church of Jesus Christ is watching with the same anticipation for Christ to return to planet earth. His return will not be to co-rule with anyone nor be the anyone's "lieutenant." When He returns he will be coming as King of kings, and Lord of lords.

The question remains to be answered: "Are you ready for when Jesus comes again?"

“The Beginning of the End?”

How many times have we used the phrase, “The beginning of the end?” It’s most common use is when we see change taking place. 2007 is beginning to do just that—changes that are aligning themselves with God’s Word. Let me give you just a few examples:

• Iran is boldly following its plan to develop nuclear technology knowing that there will be no effective sanctions from the United Nations Security Council because Russia and China, both allies and multi-billion dollar business partners with Iran, will veto any attempt to shut down the Iranian nuclear program.
• Leading counter-terrorist analysts to believe Al Qaeda has its sites set on Israel as it arms Islamic fighters from Lebanon, Iraq and Gaza.
• Syrian president Assad has a reported half a billion dollars of Iranian money to buy the weapons from Russian president Vladimir Putin.
• Russia has sold Iran sophisticated anti-aircraft missiles in hopes of protecting the Iranian nuclear facilities from an attack.
• Syria, Iran’s military and security partner in the Middle East is seeking more Russian weaponry to arm the terrorists that are deployed by Hezbollah in Lebanon.

All the while, Israel is being surrounded by hostiles equipped, funded and trained by Iran with the aid of Russia. Meantime, the West, led by Britain and the United States, is pressuring Israel to restart the so-called “peace process.”  

Ancient prophecies in the Bible point to two events that will signal the apocalyptic end times—Isaiah 17:1 says, “Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap.” The other is Ezekiel 38 where it is said that Gog, Magog, Persia, Ethiopia and Libya will come against Israel and be defeated. These are widely thought to be Russia, Iran, Northern Africa and the former Persian Empire.

I believe that 2007 will be a year of tumultuous changes. The aligning of these nations is occurring stronger each day and the end result seems to point toward war against Israel. “Will it come this year?” The experts say “yes”—only God knows for sure. However, He points out for us in His Word the signs of the times. Why? That we may know the time is near and that we might soberly be about our Father’s business. No fear—just assurance that God’s Word is true and that Jesus is coming soon. So watch and pray and live with confidence that God is in control!