Allah imposes on Jerusalem's Jews

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

By Ryan Jones
September 27, 2006

News Item:
Fearing violence by Muslim mobs fired-up by the Ramadan sermons now being delivered daily atop Jerusalem's Temple Mount, Israeli authorities have instructed Jewish residents of parts of the capital's Old City to remain indoors during the evening hours.

Local Jews complained that police should be enforcing the law equally among all citizens, rather than cowering in fear at the mere hint of Muslim hostility.

But in a further sign that many Israeli officials are more interested in appeasing the followers of Mohammed than in protecting the religious rights of their fellow Jews, police arrested a Jewish prayer leader for blowing his shofar (ram's horn) at the Western Wall during the recent Rosh Hashanah holiday.

Biblical Lens:
"...then there will be the place where the Lord your God chooses to make His name abide. There you shall bring all that I command you: your burnt offerings, your sacrifices, your tithes, the heave offerings of your hand, and all your choice offerings which you vow to the Lord." (Deuteronomy 12:11)

As the site where the Almighty chose to make His name abide, the Temple Mount stands at the center of the Middle East conflict.

While much of the "peace" process negotiations that appear in the mainstream media focus on various pieces of land throughout Judea, Samaria and Gaza, most in Israel understand that control over the Temple Mount is the final and largest hurdle to reaching a settlement.

Israel's enemies -- who are driven by the enemy -- believe that solidifying their hold on the Temple Mount, the heart of Jerusalem and the Land of Israel, will end Israel's hopes, rooted in biblical promises, concerning the arrival of a divine savior and the presence of the LORD.

"And behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east. His voice was like the sound of many waters; and the earth shone with His glory. ... And the glory of the Lord came into the temple by way of the gate which faces toward the east. The Spirit lifted me up and brought me into the inner court; and behold, the glory of the Lord filled the temple." (Ezekiel 43:2, 4, 5)

The necessity of a restored Temple prior to the coming of Messiah is also alluded to in the New Testament:

"Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him... Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God." (2 Thessalonians 2:1, 3, 4)

This building is often wrongly referred to as the temple of the anti-Christ. While it is occupied for a time by the "man of sin," it is still clearly referred to by scripture as "the temple of God." And it is clear that this temple, and not Allah's gold dome, must be situated atop the Temple Mount prior to the return of God's manifest glory to that hill.

Viewed through this lens, it becomes understandable why the enemy is investing so much effort in ensuring the Jews never regain full control over the Temple Mount or feel they have a right to rebuild their temple to the God of Israel. Sadly, many spiritually-blind Israeli officials desiring to be accepted by a "politically correct" world are assisting in this effort by making those Jews faithful to the Word of God feel unwelcome anywhere near His Holy Hill.

But the Psalmist reassures us:

"Why do the gentiles rage and the people imagine a vain thing? He Who sits in heavens shall laugh; the LORD shall hold them in derision (and say): 'Yet have I set My king upon My Holy Hill!'" (Psalm 102:16)

Prayer Points:
Pray that those Jews who already today understand the central importance of Jerusalem and God's Holy Hill will be rewarded for their faithfulness with divine protection, blessing and increased courage;

Pray that those Jews who today are blindly assisting the enemy of their people and their God will, sooner rather than later, have their hearts and their eyes opened by the only One who can do so.

Full Story:
JERUSALEM - Jewish residents of the so-called "Muslim Quarter" of Jerusalem's Old City have been instructed by Israeli authorities to remain indoors during the evening hours throughout the Islamic month of Ramadan. Police fear Muslim mobs returning from worshipping Allah atop the Temple Mount could lynch Jews in their path.

The Al Aqsa Mosque, which sits atop Judaism's holiest site, is a venue for frequent diatribes against Israel and the Jews by revered Muslim clerics. Local Muslim Arabs typically leave Al Aqsa fired up for confrontation with the Jews they view as de-humanized occupiers. Clashes between Israeli police and Muslim worshippers following Friday Islamic prayers at Al Aqsa are not uncommon.

The danger to the nearly 800 Jews who have reclaimed houses in this part of the Old City is even more pronounced during Ramadan, when vitriolic sermons are delivered on a daily basis.

One local Jew who spoke to the nationalist Arutz 7 news service decried the police decision to restrict the movement of his community rather than impose the rule of law on their often hostile Arab neighbors:

"It is not acceptable to us that the police simply decides that it cannot protect us and enforce the law and that therefore we must be restricted."

Another asked if such behavior on the part of the authorities would be acceptable in America:

"Is it conceivable in the US that the police would inform the Greek community not to leave their homes because the Italians are having a celebration?"

Following a petition of the police order, the restrictions were later reduced to apply only to Hagai Street, which will be designated exclusively for Muslim pedestrians from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily, and all day Friday. Hagai Street is home to 30 Jewish families, as well as a yeshiva and a pre-military academy.

Tragically, individuals within the Israel police forces, among them high-ranking officers, are so given over to appeasing Muslims that they now view with contempt their fellow Jews who, by publicly worshiping the God of Israel, are seen as provoking Islamic anger.

On Monday, police reportedly forcibly arrested a Jewish man after he twice blew a shofar (ram's horn) as part of a Rosh Hashanah prayer service at the Western Wall. Rosh Hashanah is known biblically as Yom Teruah, or Day of the Trumpet Blast, and is always accompanied by the sound of shofars.

Witnesses to the incident told Arutz 7 that the man refused to go with police until he had finished his prayers. This led to the police becoming violent toward him, and lashing out at those bystanders who insisted he had done nothing wrong.

After what one witness described as "a big brawl," the 20-year-old prayer leader was taken to a police station where he was charged with attacking a policeman, disturbing a policeman in the line of duty, and disturbing the public order. These types of vague charges are universaly leveled against people by police forces seeking to avoid charges that they have abused their authority.

Police officials later denied the accounts given by eyewitnesses, and insisted the man had continued to blow his shofar long after the prayer service had ended, suggesting he deliberately sought to provoke local Muslims.

Information provided subsequently revealed that the police action resulted from a call by a Muslim Arab woman who complained that the sound of the shofar was disturbing her children.

A Jewish resident of the Old City noted the irony of that news, pointing out that imams' prayers blasted over mosque loudspeakers every morning at 4:30 a.m. daily disturb non-Muslims living anywhere near Muslim communities.

The incident was almost completely ignored by the mainstream Israeli press.

...................................................................benny

"This building is often wrongly referred to as the temple of the anti-Christ. While it is occupied for a time by the "man of sin," it is still clearly referred to by scripture as "the temple of God." And it is clear that this temple, and not Allah's gold dome, must be situated atop the Temple Mount prior to the return of God's manifest glory to that hill"

>I would suggest that Paul's statement about the temple is rightly defined as "a" temple of god (any heathen god), and not the ancient temple that was destroyed by the Romans. I seriously doubt that this temple will be rebuilt before the millennium.

"The Al Aqsa Mosque, which sits atop Judaism's holiest site, is a venue for frequent diatribes against Israel and the Jews by revered Muslim clerics. Local Muslim Arabs typically leave Al Aqsa fired up for confrontation with the Jews they view as de-humanized occupiers. Clashes between Israeli police and Muslim worshippers following Friday Islamic prayers at Al Aqsa are not uncommon"

>If we are close to time of the end, this will most likely be the temple building that the little horn will identify with when his followers invade and rule over Jerusalem and the Land of Israel for 42 months.

This l believe:



Below is what l find hard to believe. Turkey seems so secular. Why would they risk the good life? But maybe they see the writing on the wall and are choosing sides. After all what has America ever given them except millions of dollars in tourist money every year.



__________________________________________________________________


Benny! Love you too!

Things are moving oh! so fast!............................................AOC: Solana's Better World?
Today's commentary was slow coming because, as I said before, researching the UN's new Alliance of Civilizations can be like falling into an ocean of new information. And, if you recall, I also said it was more important now than ever for us students of Bible prophecy to keep our feet on the Rock of God's Word. Here's another reason why:

Whether we admit it or not, we all put our own spin on things. The only question is, who's spin is the closest to the truth. This is where the light of prophecy can come in. You see, the Apostle Peter tells us that that the prophetic word is like a lamb shining in a dark place. In fact, Peter also says -- despite what some argue -- that we had better pay attention to it (2 Peter 1:19).

Yet, that's not all Peter says. He also tells us to be careful in our study of prophecy. Peter says:

But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God (2 Peter 1:20-21 New American Standard Bible).

What Peter is saying is what I've been saying. We need to keep our feet on the Rock of God's word. Have you ever heard someone say if the Holy Spirit doesn't move them, they move the Holy Spirit? I have. And, every time I hear it I think of Peter's words -- "no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will."

You see, as I was saying before, we all put our own spin on things. That's why we need to renew our minds according to God's word. That way, when we spin things, to the best of our ability we spin things according to God's word. Now, here is my spin on the Alliance of Civilizations (AOC).

If you have read my book, you may recall I mention Javier Solana's new security doctrine for the European Union, A Secure Europe In A Better World. Well, what I'm finding is that the AOC is actually Solana's security doctrine in action. Let's take a look at certain parts of Solana's strategy. Notice in particular what I have highlighted. What's in brackets I added.
_________________________________________________________________________

A Secure Europe In A Better World

II. STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES

Building Security in our Neighbourhood

The Mediterranean area generally continues to undergo serious problems of economic stagnation, social unrest and unresolved conflicts. The European Union's interests require a continued
engagement with Mediterranean partners, through more effective economic, security and cultural
cooperation in the framework of the Barcelona Process. [The covenant with many?] A broader engagement with the Arab World should also be considered. [Reason for the AOC?]

AN INTERNATIONAL ORDER BASED ON EFFECTIVE MULTILATERALISM

In a world of global threats, global markets and global media, our security and prosperity
increasingly depend on an effective multilateral system. The development of a stronger
international society, well functioning international institutions and a rule-based international order
is our objective. We are committed to upholding and developing International Law. The fundamental framework for international relations is the United Nations Charter. The United Nations Security Council has the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. Strengthening the United Nations, equipping it
to fulfill its responsibilities and to act effectively, is a European priority. [Another reason for the AOC?]

See pdf here
_________________________________________________________________________

Last June the EU held its June summit. As I read the Council's conclusions, I noticed something interesting -- it was exactly as Solana suggested in his new doctrine. The EU's promoting of the so-called "dialogue between cultures" -- which is what led to the AOC -- is to be promoted through existing mechanisms. And, the first mechanism mentioned is the Barcelona Process. Next is the Anna Lindh Foundation that was later added to the Barcelona Process. Then comes the AOC. It was happening exactly according to Solana's security strategy. Solana said, "The European Union's interests require a continued engagement with Mediterranean partners, through more effective economic, security and cultural cooperation in the framework of the Barcelona Process." In other words, the AOC is another addition into the framework of Solana's 1995 Barcelona Process. And, it was also implementing his call for a new international order. So you can see what I mean, let's take a look at that part of the document.
________________________________________________________________________

15/16 JUNE 2006
PRESIDENCY CONCLUSIONS

The European Union will continue to actively promote the dialogue between cultures and civilizations through all existing mechanisms, including the Barcelona Process, the Anna Lindh Foundation and the Alliance of Civilizations. Particular emphasis will be given to the role that free media and civil society as well as their promotion can play in this regard.
_________________________________________________________________________

But, that's no all I found. Look at what follows.
_________________________________________________________________________

The European Council welcomes the meeting with leading representatives of churches and religious communities organized by the Presidency and the European Commission in Brussels on 30 May 2006.

The European Council welcomes the conclusion of the Inter-Institutional Agreement on the Financial Perspectives 2007-2013 providing the Union with the means to carry through its policies and stresses the importance of rapidly adopting the necessary legal instruments.
_________________________________________________________________________

Once again, we're seeing the inclusion of the religious element. And, once again we are seeing everything that's happening in the EU being fitted in to a seven-year time frame. For us here at FP, this naturally makes us think about the EU's new European Neighborhood Policy (ENP) that due to start on January 1, 2007. Let's see what the document has to say regarding the ENP.
________________________________________________________________________

EXTERNAL RELATIONS

The European Council reiterates the importance it attaches to the European Neighbourhood Policy as a means to strengthen cooperation with its neighbours and expand prosperity, stability and security beyond the borders of the European Union. The European Neighbourhood Policy seeks to support the political and economic reforms of neighbouring countries on the basis of partnership and building on shared values. The Union is determined to strengthen and further develop its Neighbourhood Policy, thus offering an increasingly close relationship and substantial support, as neighbouring countries fulfill their commitments to reform.

See pdf here
_________________________________________________________________________

Doesn't that word, "strengthen," sound a lot like "make strong." or, "confirm?" And, doesn't it look like the strengthening is for the EU's Barcelona Process, the ENP and AOC? Another thing to consider is the fact that the strengthening is to be for a period of seven-years beginning in 2007. If things go as planned in the UN, the AOC's war against fundamentalism should begin in full sometime around 2010. And, on top of everything else mentioned, the man behind al this is politically connected -- in two places -- to the number 666.

Or, is this all just my spin?

.........................................................................benny

[quote name='Miki' date='Sep 29 2006, 06:33 AM' post='85833']

Below is what l find hard to believe. Turkey seems so secular. Why would they risk the good life? But maybe they see the writing on the wall and are choosing sides. After all what has America ever given them except millions of dollars in tourist money every year.

[quote]DEBKAfile, a prominent and well respected intelligence news service, reports that Iran and Turkey appear to be preparing to launch a military strike in Northern Iraq against anti-Turkish and anti-Iranian Kurdish rebels that will enable Turkey to seize 40% of Iraq's oil producing territory and Iran will knock out key Israeli observation sites used for early warnings of Iranian attacks. [/quote]

__________________________________________________________________



Yes it does seem hard to believe but if this is it the alliances are certainly being formed. I have often pondered in my studies of Ezkiel 38 & 39 how Turkey would be brought in. They are such a Moderate

Nation that it always seemed that they did not fit in with the list of the other Nations. Yet that is how the

Lord said it would happend! So seeing this news is big to me as well.



Benny if we are raptured soon and we have not met face to face should I be looking for

someone that looks like this ?


Miki I know I just need to look for the Mansion with the prettiest flowers and landscape and there you will be.


But really I cannot wait to meet you guys

I have said it before but I will be looking you guys up!


Your Friend in Christ,
Val

Messiahiscoming

[quote name='messiahiscoming' date='Sep 30 2006, 02:32 AM' post='85932']
[quote name='Miki' date='Sep 29 2006, 06:33 AM' post='85833']

Below is what l find hard to believe. Turkey seems so secular. Why would they risk the good life? But maybe they see the writing on the wall and are choosing sides. After all what has America ever given them except millions of dollars in tourist money every year.

[quote]DEBKAfile, a prominent and well respected intelligence news service, reports that Iran and Turkey appear to be preparing to launch a military strike in Northern Iraq against anti-Turkish and anti-Iranian Kurdish rebels that will enable Turkey to seize 40% of Iraq's oil producing territory and Iran will knock out key Israeli observation sites used for early warnings of Iranian attacks. [/quote]

__________________________________________________________________



Yes it does seem hard to believe but if this is it the alliances are certainly being formed. I have often pondered in my studies of Ezkiel 38 & 39 how Turkey would be brought in. They are such a Moderate

Nation that it always seemed that they did not fit in with the list of the other Nations. Yet that is how the

Lord said it would happend! So seeing this news is big to me as well.



Benny if we are raptured soon and we have not met face to face should I be looking for

someone that looks like this ?


Miki I know I just need to look for the Mansion with the prettiest flowers and landscape and there you will be.


But really I cannot wait to meet you guys

I have said it before but I will be looking you guys up!


Your Friend in Christ,
Val

Messiahiscoming
[/quote]
Meet next to the entrance of the eastern gate..Hee! Hee! ....................................benny

[quote name='benny balerio' date='Sep 30 2006, 09:18 AM' post='85949']
[quote name='messiahiscoming' date='Sep 30 2006, 02:32 AM' post='85932']
[quote name='Miki' date='Sep 29 2006, 06:33 AM' post='85833']

Below is what l find hard to believe. Turkey seems so secular. Why would they risk the good life? But maybe they see the writing on the wall and are choosing sides. After all what has America ever given them except millions of dollars in tourist money every year.

[quote]DEBKAfile, a prominent and well respected intelligence news service, reports that Iran and Turkey appear to be preparing to launch a military strike in Northern Iraq against anti-Turkish and anti-Iranian Kurdish rebels that will enable Turkey to seize 40% of Iraq's oil producing territory and Iran will knock out key Israeli observation sites used for early warnings of Iranian attacks. [/quote]

__________________________________________________________________



Yes it does seem hard to believe but if this is it the alliances are certainly being formed. I have often pondered in my studies of Ezkiel 38 & 39 how Turkey would be brought in. They are such a Moderate

Nation that it always seemed that they did not fit in with the list of the other Nations. Yet that is how the

Lord said it would happend! So seeing this news is big to me as well.



Benny if we are raptured soon and we have not met face to face should I be looking for

someone that looks like this ?


Miki I know I just need to look for the Mansion with the prettiest flowers and landscape and there you will be.


But really I cannot wait to meet you guys

I have said it before but I will be looking you guys up!


Your Friend in Christ,
Val

Messiahiscoming
[/quote]
Meet next to the entrance of the eastern gate..Hee! Hee! ....................................benny
[/quote]
Talking Peace Planning War
If you want to know where we are in the history of God's people, read Psalms two. But, as we see by the words of King David, it's certainly not the first time. Many years later, in the N. T. book of Acts, we read:

Then they [Israel's political/religious leaders] called them in again [Peter and John] and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus [As those in possession of sole truth]. But Peter and John replied, "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard [The testimony of prophecy and Jesus]" (The words in brackets are mine).

Now we come to the word's of David.

On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. "Sovereign Lord," they said, "you made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David:

'Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed One.'

Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen (Acts 4:18-28 New American Standard Bible).

Today, in the UN's Alliance of Civilizations (AOC), we once again find the kings of the earth gathering together and plotting against the Lord and against His Anointed One -- exactly as the Scripture foretells. On page 11 of the summation of the opening debate on the AOC, we find these these prophetic words:

It was expressed that in both civilizations, the ideology of fear was fostered by extremists, Islamic as well as Christian, so that one of the main threats consisted not in Islam or Christianity, but in the dangers inherent to religious fundamentalism in general, which countering must be the main aim of an Alliance of Civilizations See pdf here.

So, who's idea is this anyway? For our answer let's look at the document's page one.

1. The Alliance of Civilizations initiative originated in a proposal made by the Spanish President of Government, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, during a speech at the 59th UN General Assembly on September 21, 2004.

It also says:

2. The proposal was taken up by the Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Miguel Ángel Moratinos, in his address before the Arab League the following December, as well as in an intervention held together with UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan on March 9, 2005, in Madrid.

Here we find the person -- Miguel Morantinos -- who is just recently calling for another Madrid type conference to settle the Israeli/Palestinian dispute. Morantions was Javier Solana's personal representative to the Middle East and is now Spain's Foreign Minister. So, by being the person taking the AOC to the Arab League, it would appear that Morantinos is only doing what Solana called for in his new security doctrine. Solana suggests:

The European Union's interests require a continued engagement with Mediterranean partners, through more effective economic, security and cultural cooperation in the framework of the Barcelona Process. A broader engagement with the Arab World should also be considered See pdf here.

Now we come to something that my friend Constance Cumbey will find most fascinating. If you've had the privilege to hear Constance speak, you will find that she likes to mention Solana's yearly birthday presents that he usually gets in November. For example, Solana's Euro-Mediterranean Partnership for Peace (Barcelona Treaty) was completed in November and, only a few days later in November, he was appointed the head of NATO. And, it was in November of 1999 that Solana was made the head of the 10-nation military alliance known as the Western European Union (WEU). Well, Constance, take a look at this:

The Secretary-General officially took over the initiative onJuly 14, and put in place a process to form a High Level Panel in order to convert this first impulse into a feasible and operative concept.

What's so important about July 14? July 14 is Solana's birthday. In other words, on Solana's birthday his new security doctrine for the EU, A Secure Europe In A Better World, was officially accepted for consideration by the UN. How's that for a birthday present Constance?

While we're on the subject of dates, recently I was made aware of another one. I received an email from someone informing me that the date the AOC resolution proposal is to be presented to the Security Council -- September 21, 2007, is the eve of the most solemn of all Jewish holidays -- Yom Kippur. You see, this day is also known as the Day of Atonement -- the day the Temple sacrifices for the nation's sins were once offered. Perhaps this date is not an accident. You see, besides waging a war against fundamentalism, the AOC seeks to bring a final solution to the sticky issue over who will control Old Jerusalem and the Temple Mount.

The Bible tells us, in the time of the end, the kings of the earth will once again gather together against the Lord and His Anointed One. In my opinion, that's what the UN's AOC is really all about. They may be talking peace, but they're planning war -- war against the people of God (Rev. 13:5). And, according to the prophecies of the Bible, this war won't be over until the power of the holy people has been shattered (Daniel 12:4-7). In order to understand fully what I mean, please carefully read the AOC's own documents -- especially this one See pdf here.

There was another email I wish to mention. This one I haven't had time yet to answer. Someone asked me a question that I feel is important. The question was, what will I do if it turns out that I've been wrong -- what will be my reaction? I think about that possibility all the time. At the beginning of my book, back when all of this first started, I said:

The events record in this book may, or may not, be actual fulfillment's of Bible prophecy. At the time of writing, it's too early to know for certain. However, even if it turns out that these fascinating events aren't the actual fulfillment's of prophecy that I think they are, you will see how major prophecies could be fulfilled in your day – in real time – and nobody would even notice them.

Friends, I still feel the same way.

.............................................................................................................benny

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml...9/30/wmid30.xml






Syria threat over Golan puts Israel on war alert

By Harry de Quetteville in Jerusalem
(Filed: 30/09/2006)




Israel has gone on heightened alert over a possible war with Syria amid reports that President Bashar Assad may be considering military strikes to regain the Golan Heights.

A signpost points out that Damascus is a mere 60kms from the Golan Heights

For years Israeli military intelligence has down-played Syria's capacity to launch a meaningful attack against Israel, and the threat level has been kept "low".

But Israeli reports have revealed that the threat level had been raised after intelligence assessments that Damascus is "seriously examining" military action.

The raised threat level comes as Israel prepares for Monday's Day of Atonement, known as Yom Kippur, a solemn Jewish holiday when the entire country effectively shuts down as residents fast and seek forgiveness for sins.

It was on Yom Kippur in 1973 that Israel was caught by surprise as Syrian and Egyptian forces launched a joint attack and inflicted heavy losses before being repelled.

"The first two days of that war were huge defeats for Israel," said Prof Uri Bar-Joseph, an expert on the 1973 conflict. "All the intelligence analysts failed."

Israel is determined to make sure that it is not surprised again, flagging up Syrian military preparations and signals from President Assad that his country might be readying for war.

The Syrian leader said this week that he "wanted to make peace with Israel". But he warned that his "hopes for peace could change one day".

"And if this hope disappears, then war may really be the only solution," he added.

That mixed message has proved divisive in Israel, renewing debate about whether to stay tough, or engage with Syria and solve the decades-long dispute over the strategically important Golan Heights, which Israel first captured in the 1967 Six Day War. Jewish settlers now populate the territory, which is crucial to Israel as a buffer zone with Syria and as a vantage point over its hostile neighbour, as well as providing Israel with a large proportion of its water supply.

Senior Israeli politicians and commentators are split about whether the time is right to start negotiations which would lead to a peace deal between the countries.

Few doubt that such talks would end with Israel returning the occupied land.

In return, however, Israeli advocates of the handover say the deal would split Syria from Iran, and would constrain Hizbollah and Palestinian militant groups which have headquarters in Damascus.

The Speaker of the Israeli parliament, Dalia Itzik, is one of those pleading for talks to begin. "Syria is sending signals all the time and I am not sure that we have the luxury of wasting opportunities like those," she said. "Imagine a new alliance with Syria. It is possible. Should we miss it?"

But the prime minister, Ehud Olmert, has dismissed such calls. Mr Olmert, who is politically vulnerable after his much-criticised handling of this summer's war in Lebanon, is in no mood to make territorial concessions.

He fuelled tension this week by insisting that "the Golan Heights will remain in our hands forever".

"Ehud Olmert is not strong enough to make a deal right now," said Shlomo Brom, a former strategy chief for the Israeli army. He said Israel would have to give up the Golan Heights to satisfy Syria, "but Mr Olmert is overloaded with Palestinian problems".

Mr Olmert has threatened to dismiss any cabinet minister who suggests negotiations with Syria.

"Assad wants to use threats as leverage to build on Israel's failures in Lebanon," said Mr Brom. "But any sane observer understands that Syrian military forces cannot match Israel, mostly due to our air superiority."

•The United Nations confirmed yesterday that four peacekeepers killed in Lebanon in July were hit by a half-ton Israeli precision guided missile.

fpress@telegraph.co.uk





It is interesting to note that 33 years ago Monday on Yom Kippur war started with a joint attack from Syria and Egypt.



I know this is what originally started this thread was Damascus being destroyed. Things

are still looking like War!



Your friend in Christ,

Val



Messiahiscoming

The Anti-Logos
If asked if we are ready for the return of Christ, most of us Christians would says that we are. But, how many of us are ready for the coming of the anti-christ? You see, both Scripture and the teachings of the early church warns us that the anti-christ will come before the real Christ. In other words, the false will come before the real. And, it will be up to us to know the difference.

As I was reading the summation of the first debate on the Alliance of Civilizations (AOC), I ran across some familiar words. On page 7 we read:

In order to solve the problems of the present, public memory must be complete and vivid. For example, unlike in the case of Christian philosophy, the establishment of a link between religion and rationalist philosophy is being categorically denied to Islam. This imposed separation constitutes an intolerable limitation, and ignores the long rational Islamic tradition. By denying Muslims the ability to rational thinking, they are implicitly denied the ability to participate in public debate. People who build the present today have to understand that rationality belongs to everyone and not, as selective memory suggests, to the West only See AOC pdf here.

Where have we hear these words before? If you recall, the same concept being expressed in this AOC document (above) was at the very heart of Pope Benedict's recent speech that so inflamed the Islamic world. His speech, delivered to his old university, was titled, Faith, reason and the university: memories and reflections. Let's take another look at some of what Pope Benedict said.

The university [The University of Regensburg] was also very proud of its two theological faculties. It was clear that, by inquiring about the reasonableness of faith, they too carried out a work which is necessarily part of the "whole" of the universitas scientiarum, even if not everyone could share the faith which theologians seek to correlate with reason as a whole Pope's speech here.

From here Pope Benedict turns to the most urgent issue of our day -- the clash of civilizations and the so-called dialogue of civilizations -- between Christianity and Islam. The Pope uses a historic event. He says:

I was reminded of all this recently, when I read the edition by Professor Theodore Khoury (Munster) of part of the dialogue carried on - perhaps in 1391 in the winter barracks near Ankara - by the erudite Byzantine emperor Manuel II Paleologus and an educated Persian on the subject of Christianity and Islam, and the truth of both.

It was while discussing this historic encounter between an early Christian emperor and a Persian leader that the Pope quoted the words that angered the Islamic world. But, examining what the Pope quoted is not the purpose of this commentary. There was something else that the Pope said in the following paragraphs that I think is revealing. We find basically the same type of thoughts being expressed by the Pope as those found in the AOC document. The only difference is, the Pope was speaking to a religious -- not a secular -- audience. The Pope said:

I believe that here we can see the profound harmony between what is Greek in the best sense of the word and the biblical understanding of faith in God. Modifying the first verse of the Book of Genesis, the first verse of the whole Bible, John began the prologue of his Gospel with the words: "In the beginning was the Word".

This is the very word used by the emperor: God acts, [text unclear] with logos. Logos means both reason and word - a reason which is creative and capable of self-communication, precisely as reason. John thus spoke the final word on the biblical concept of God, and in this word all the often toilsome and tortuous threads of biblical faith find their culmination and synthesis.

In the beginning was the logos, and the logos is God, says the Evangelist. The encounter between the biblical message and Greek thought did not happen by chance. The vision of Saint Paul, who saw the roads to Asia barred and in a dream saw a Macedonian man plead with him: "Come over to Macedonia and help us!" (cf. Acts 16. 6-10) - this vision can be interpreted as a "distillation" of the intrinsic necessity of a rapprochement between Biblical faith and Greek inquiry.

The Greek word "logos' does mean what Pope Benedict said. And, the Apostle John does say what Pope Benedict says. But, unfortunately, the Pope left something out. You see, there was something else that the Apostle John said.

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth (John 1:14 New American Standard Bible).

You see, by going back to the book of Genesis, the Pope identified the logos that the Apostle John was talking about with only the revealed God of the O.T., not the revealed God of the N.T. -- Jesus Christ of Nazareth.

Once Linda and I attended a dinner held by our local branch of one of the world's leading fraternal organizations. The dinner was by invitation only and, although they claim they have no recruitment, a movie showed made it obvious that recruitment was what the dinner was really all about.

The movie began by showing a half man half ape looking creature that was holding a crude tool of some kind in its hand. Then, whether spoken or written I don't recall, the organization's movie said," In the beginning was the word."

Friends, that's all I needed to know. The spirit that moved in this organization was not God's Spirit. The Apostle John warns us:

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God; every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God; and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God; and this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming, and now it is already in the world (1 John 4:1-3).

Here's what I'm saying. Although it's true that we Christians are to combine reason and logic to our faith, our reason and logic must remain solidly planted on the Word -- Jesus, the true Logos of God. If, in the name of tolerance and earthly concerns, we allow our reason and logic to shift from Jesus to reason and logic itself, we have abandoned the true God of the Bible for the lie -- we have left the Logos for the anti-logos.

Do you still think your ready?

.................................................................................................benny

Benny... Indulge me for a moment. If l wanted to explain the AOC to to another Christian what would l say in a paragraph or less?

If l were to discuss it with a non Christian as well...?

I asked herb peters that same question,and this was his answer.........That's a hard one. Perhaps we could say the AOC is the beast from the earth is getting his horns. I'm beginning to think the two horns may be the EU/US Strategic Partnership and the beast from the earth the re-organized UN -- which is what the AOC is to help bring about. Now, all we need is the FP to appear.

Herb
Dear Miki,..You stated that the seven year confirmation could not miraculously develope, and appear overnite....there had to be events and circumstances strongly indicating that a 7 year agreement may possibly soon come to pass,based on Daniel 9;27....If this coming January 1st 2007 7 year confirmation between The E.U.,middleast nations and Israel is that of Daniel 9;27....then it would make sense, that signs should soon appear indicating a one world religious system may be forming in a political nature.On a global scale,Men will be deceived, when the false prophet calls fire out of the sky.......This false prophet will Point his finger of deception towards the anti-christ to be worshiped and as a sign that they have accepted the anti-christ as their messiah.......they take the mark of the beast and place thier trust in his economic system..........The harlot ,...(the False Religious system) rides on the back of the beast,until the beast no longer needs her ....and then destroys her..........Once the rapture happens, the structure of the ablility to rule in a political and religious system will most likely be in place at the onset of the 7 year tribulation period...It seems that the A.O.C. is building a platform in a religious nature. through the U.N. on a global scale.......which is to be combined into this "Recommendation 666 Document"....and The E.N.P. (European Neighborhood Policy).......Thier desire is Peace, security,and a balance of religious harmony on a global scale.A new U.N. leader will be in office in a few weeks......because of the timing,...it makes you curious.....................................................................................benny

Thank you... And yes, it does make you wonder.

I had a vision early this morning following a confusing dream...

I saw a coffee cup thrown to the ground and a booted Gestapo leg step it down.



I'm sure there have been many that never forgot those boots.....

The vision seems indicative of someone getting ready in a firm way to do something. Perhaps someone that's been standing by having a cup of coffee waiting..now done, throws it to the ground and steps on it with resolve...

Dreams and visions...who knows?

Overview of Naval Confrontation against Iran

The Pentagon has already drawn up plans for U.S. sponsored attacks on Iran and Syria.3 Despite the public posturing of diplomacy by the United States and Britain, just like the Iraq Invasion, Iran and Syria sense another Anglo-American war in the horizon. Both countries have been strengthening their defenses for the eventuality of war with the Anglo-American alliance.

A conflict against Iran and Syria, if it were to materialize, would be unlike previous Anglo-American sponsored conflicts. It would be wider in scope, deadlier, and have active aerial and water (naval) fronts.

Sea power would be of greater significance than in Yugoslavia, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Lebanon. The United States would covet a quick victory. The chances of this happening are unknown. If there were to be a conflict with Iran, the United States and it partners would want to keep the Straits of Hormuz open for the flow of international oil. The Straits of Hormuz are the “energy lifeline of the world.”

The United States would without doubt quickly aim for the collapse of the Iranian and Syrian commands and military structures.

It must be noted that the Iranian Armed Forces are characterized by well structured military organization, with advanced military capabilities, when compared to Yugoslavia, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Lebanon. Moreover, Iran has been preparing for a scenario of war with the Anglo-American alliance for almost a decade. These preparations were stepped up following the NATO-U.S. led attack on Yugoslavia (1999).

The types of military units and weapons systems being deployed in the Persian Gulf and Arabian Sea by the United States are considered to be best suited for combat against Iran, also with a view to keeping the Straits of Hormuz open for oil tankers. This also includes forces that would be able to secure bridgeheads on the Iranian coastline. These U.S. forces consist of early warning units, recognizance, amphibious elements, maritime search and rescue units, minesweepers, and rapid deployment units.

U.S. Strike Groups: Cargo intended for War?

The U.S.S. Enterprise a U.S. Navy flagship is under deployment to the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea. This includes all the warships and vessels that compose Carrier Strike Group 12 (CSG 12) Destroyer Squadron 2 (DESRON 2), and Carrier Air Wing 1 (CVW 1). The stated objective for the deployment of the U.S.S. Enterprise, a nuclear powered aircraft carrier, and other U.S. Navy vessels is to conduct naval security operations and aerial missions in the region. The deployment does not mention Iran, it is said to be part of the U.S.-led “War on Terror” under “Operation Enduring Freedom.”





Originally the name for Operation Enduring Freedom was “Operation Infinite Justice,” which highlights the unlimited scope and intentions of the War on Terror. “Operation Iraqi Freedom” which envelops the Anglo-American invasion and the continued occupation of Iraq is also a component of these operations. A large number of U.S. warships are deployed in the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, and the Arabian Sea.

While this deployment is said to be related to ongoing military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, the warships are carrying with them equipment which is not intended for these two war theaters. Minesweepers and mine-hunters have absolutely no use in landlocked Afghanistan and are not needed in Iraq which has a maritime corridor and ports totally controlled by the Anglo-American alliance.

Other warships in the Enterprise Strike Group include the destroyer U.S.S. McFaul, the war frigate U.S.S. Nicholas, the battle cruiser U.S.S. Leyte Gulf, the attack submarine U.S.S. Alexandria, and the “fast combat support ship” U.S.N.S. Supply. The U.S.N.S. Supply will be a useful vessel in confronting the Iranian forces in the Persian Gulf in close-quarter combat. Speed will be an important factor in responding to potentially lethal Iranian missile and anti-ship missile attacks.

The U.S.S. Enterprise carries with it a host of infiltration, aerial attack, and rapid deployment units. This includes Marine Strike Fighter Squadron 251, Electronic Attack Squadron 137, and Airborne Early Warning Squadron 123. Squadron 123 will be vital in the event of a war with Iran in detecting Iranian missiles and sending warnings of danger to the U.S. fleet. Special mention should be made of the helicopter squadron specialized for combating submarines traveling with the strike group. “Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 11” will be on board the U.S.S. Enterprise. The Persian Gulf is known to be the home of the Iranian submarine fleet, the only indigenous submarine fleet in the region.

The Eisenhower Strike Group, based in Norfolk, Virginia, has also received orders to deploy to the Middle East. The strike group is led by the U.S.S. Eisenhower, another nuclear battleship. It includes a cruiser, a destroyer, a war frigate, a submarine escort, and U.S. Navy supply ships. One of these two naval strike groups will position itself in the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea while the other naval strike group will position itself in the Persian Gulf, both off the Iranian coast.





Another Strike Group Performs Anti-submarine Drills and sets sail for the Persian Gulf

Another assault or strike group of U.S. warships, “Expeditionary Strike Group 5,” are setting off to sea too. This strike group is setting sail from Naval Station San Diego with the Persian Gulf in the Middle East as their final destination. Over 6,000 U.S. Marines and Navy personnel will be deployed to the Persian Gulf and Anglo-American occupied Iraq from San Diego.4 Approximately 4,000 U.S. sailors and 2,200 U.S. Marines from the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit at Camp Pendleton will make the bulk of the force. The warships and the servicemen they carry will reportedly have a tour of duty in the Persian Gulf and “possibly” Anglo-American occupied Iraq for half a year. They will also be joined by other ships including a Coast Guard vessel. A Marine air wing of 38 helicopters also is on board and travelling to the Persian Gulf.

The Marine contingent of the force is not destined for deployment in Iraq. It must be noted that the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit is, however, able to “rapidly deploy” on “order” using large landing craft stowed aboard the strike group’s warships. If ordered this rapid deployment unit has the strong potential of being used as part of an invasion force against Iran from the Persian Gulf. The Marine unit would be ideal in being part of an operation with the objective(s) of securing Iranian ports to create beachheads for an invasion.

Expeditionary Strike Group 5 (ESG 5) is being led by the assault ship the U.S.S. Boxer as the flagship. Expeditionary Strike Group 5 (ESG 5) will also consist of the U.S.S. Dubuque, a “dock landing vessel,” the naval transport ship the U.S.S. Comstock, the battle cruiser the U.S.S. Bunker Hill, the guided-missile hauling destroyer the U.S.S. Benfold, and the guided-missile hauling destroyer the U.S.S. Howard. Once again, these vessels will all be deployed in the Persian Gulf, in nearby proximity to the Iranian coast.

It is noteworthy to mention that the command and control structure of the group will be separated from the vessels for maximum flexibility. Also before the U.S. Naval strike group reaches the Persian Gulf it will be performing “anti-submarine drills and operations.” The anti-submarine exercises will take place off the coast of Hawaii, in the Pacific Ocean. This can be training and preparation intended for combating the Iranian submarine fleet in the Persian Gulf and Arabian Sea. The warships will also be joined in Hawaii by Seattle-based U.S. Coast Guard and by a Canadian navy frigate, the H.M.C.S. Ottawa.

..........................................................................benny

Oct. 3, 2006 6:26 | Updated Oct. 3, 2006 10:11
Assad gives Israel 6 months for peace negotiations
By JPOST.COM STAFF


Syrian President Bashar Assad continued to give clashing messages to the international community with an announcement that he was ready to negotiate with Israel. In an interview with Spanish newspaper El-Pais on Saturday, the president said it would take six months to reach an agreement with Israel. If a peace agreement would not be reached, he added, war would break out.

"Two sides are responsible for the current situation (with Israel) - not just one side. The situation is based on one topic only, the peace process… and perhaps war if no peace is established," Assad said.

.............................................................................................benny

Reminds me of the double birch tree with the hornets nest we've been thinking of cutting down.

(Look up for your redemention draweth nigh..under prophecy topic)

CNN: Who Are the Amish?

You have asked, CNN, "Who are the Amish?" I'll tell you who they are. The Amish are among the world's new, number one enemy. They're what's called, "fundamentalist extremists."

For you CNN, it was another school shooting to report. But, this one was different -- wasn't it? Instead of it happening in the increasingly violent American school system --where prayer is becoming sin and the state a god, it happened in a private school where a devout religious sect was trying to protect their little ones from a corrupt world. It was a school where Jesus' words where learned and -- of all things -- taught to be taken literally.

Yes CNN, I know who the Amish are. You see, I too was raised in a home where a German dialect was spoken. I too trace my spiritual roots back to the Reformation and a Dutch Catholic priest known as Menno Simons Read about it here. In fact, my study library includes, The Complete Writings of Menno Simons.

Have you read Simon's writings CNN? If you had, you would know who the Amish are. You would know why they turn the other cheek and refused to take revenge. It's because they don't believe in using the sword to impose their religious beliefs on others. Where do you think America's concept of "separation of church and state" came from CNN? It came from a religious people -- known as Anabaptists -- who believed as a man called Menno Simons.

I'm not going to waist time with words. As I write, world leaders are planning their war against the Amish. And, if you think it was bad what this shooter did with his guns to the Amish, wait until you see what these leaders have planned for the Amish with their Alliance of Civilizations AOC pdf here.

No CNN, I don't expect you to report this. I expect you to do what's in your heart to do. But, you did ask the question. Remember, you asked, "Who are the Amish?" So, that's what I have told you.

Now, CNN, there's something I want you to know. If you remain quite about the true purpose of the UN's new Alliance of Civilizations, Amish blood may soon be on your hands.

They're what's called, "fundamentalist extremists."

10-03-2006
..................................................................................benny

DEBKAfile Exclusive: The rules of engagement UNIFIL published Tuesday rendered meaningless by Hizballah’s redeployment 24 hours earlier at its former Katyusha sites in S. Lebanon

October 4, 2006, 8:57 AM (GMT+02:00)

Delivery of the first Iranian arms consignment in the south also went through Monday -unhindered by the Lebanese army or UNIFIL.

Our military and W. intelligence sources reveal that Hizballah waited only one day after Israel’s final pull-out to set up checkpoints and declare its retaken strongholds with rockets “closed military zones,” which neither the Lebanese army nor UN peacekeepers have dared enter. An IDF source reports that Hizballah has reoccupied the triangle from which Katyusha rockets were launched against Haifa, Nahariya, Carmiel, Acre and Western Galilee during the war. The Israeli government has refrained from informing the public of these developments which effectively relegate UN Security Council resolution 1701 to the same dustbin as 1559 which demanded Hizballah's disarmement.

I can't even imagine what the IDF must be thinking... Maybe impeachment?

Solana To Retire?
The EUobsever is reporting rumors that Javier Solana may retire before even completing his term. The report says:

The same committee will hear EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana on Thursday amid rumors that he will not complete his term of office but retire earlier than 2009 Read about it here.

Once again, I find the rumor hard to believe. You see, a rumor about Solana's possible departure has floated the halls of Brussels before. The last time was when the EU heads were discussing who they would appoint to the new Foreign Minister post once the EU's constitution entered into force. As we know, they decided on Solana. And, I always wondered if the rumors about Solana leaving played a part in their decision.

It's true Solana isn't getting any younger. In fact, at 64, he's even older than me. And, it wasn't that long ago I read reports that Solana was seen limping around with a cane. So, this time, could the rumors be true? Could, before completing his 2010 Helsinki mandate See pdf here, Solana be throwing in the towel? I don't think so. Here's why:

As in the days of the first rumor, the EU heads are once again seriously discussing the EU Foreign Minister post. That's because the EU heads -- and the entire international community -- see the new situation in the Middle East as the most dangerous that it's been since 1948.

Last night on C-SPAN I listened to the UN's Special Envoy to the Middle East, Terje Rod Larsen. When asked how he perceived the current state of affairs in the Middle East, Larsen said, "I think we're headed for a dark time." And, he said something very interesting. He said the recent Israeli/Lebanon War was being seen in the region as a proxy war between the the Arabs and the Persians. He said the front has changed and it's now between the moderate Arab states and Iran.

If anyone should know what's going on it's Larsen. Larsen has been intimately involved in the Middle East peace process since the 1991 Madrid Conference. He discussed Oslo, Camp David and the Quartet's Road Map in detail. And, just like the majority of the world's diplomats and leaders, Larsen sees the festering Palestinian issue now at the very core of both regional and global problems.

As you may have heard, the Iranian nuclear negotiations may be on the brink of collapse. If so, economic sanctions are expected to follow. Iran has already said if there are sanctions Iran would close the Straits of Hormuz Read about it here. Friends, if Iran follows through on that threat, the Western powers will have no choice but to go to war.

Already many nations have their naval fleets in the region and their troops on the ground. Even China and Russia have troops prepared for the region -- as if saying to the West, "Remember, we've got a dog in this fight too."

The EU -- and the West -- can't afford such an interruption of their oil supply. Now, more than ever, the Western powers need strong leadership.

No, I don't think Solana will retire.

.................................................................................benny

Benny, thanks for all you do! I disagree however with your perception of Solona. He is not the Anti-christ. He is a typical liberal, blame the jews, we need one world government and i would be best at leading it politician. There is someone yet to be revealed that will eventually hold Solonas offices. But remember, Daniel tells us that the Anti becomes strong with a small people first (not leading the entire eu) and the bible refers to the anti as being assyrian. Jovier is not assyrian. he is too old and not charasmatic enough. Would you follow this guy? Me either. But the bible tells us that the anti will be so convincing that IF it were possible, even the Christians would be fooled.

Yes,.....You could very well be correct in your statement. Solona could only be setting up the political stage for the entrance of the real anti-christ.....But weather Solona is or is not.............is not important........In the very near future, we are wittnessing the developements of a possible 7 year confirmation, and many political circumstances that are in the process of being tied or combined into this coming agreement, that would fit the picture as described in Revelation 13........The revealing of the anti-christ will not happen until, after the rapture comes to pass. If these signs.......are what they seem to be,...then, "WE"....will very soon be caught up, to meet the Lord in the air.......As these events unfold,....I watch in excited anticipation.........realizing, "WE" may soon....very soon......shall see our Lord face to face........................................................................benny

EU heading for single UN seat, UN official says
03.10.2006 - 09:53 CET | By Helena Spongenberg
EUOBSERVER / BRUSSELS - The UN's deputy secretary general believes the European Commission will in future represent the EU in the United Nations as the voice of the European bloc worldwide.

"I think it will go in stages," Mark Malloch Brown told EUobserver on Monday (2 October). He explained that the European Commission already has an observer seat on the executive board for funds and programmes, where the commission is a big donor.

"We are going to see a growing spread of that and then steady formalisation of it institution by institution, probably starting in the UNDP or UNICEF [development aid units] first," Mr Malloch Brown said.

"It is not going to happen with a flash and a bang," he added, but said he hoped that "it will happen as quickly as possible."

The main obstacles to such a move, explained Mr Malloch Brown, could be that sovereign [UN] member states are wary of the rise of international institutions seeking to become a layer between them and another international institution.

"There is a lot of political theory in the way and it is not limited to the EU member states – there are a lot of other member states that see this as the thin end of the wedge and that other regions will then make the same case for regional organisations," he said.

Mr Malloch Brown explained that the European Commission office in New York working on UN issues "tends to be on the good side of issues so people are kind of quite keen to see it evolve – so it will get there but it is just going to be steady persuasion."

"I'm a huge fan of it," he stated. The number two UN official was in Brussels to speak at a policy briefing on UN reform in Brussels arranged by EU think-tank Friends of Europe.

UN reform 'needed'
He called on the EU to refrain from shying away from UN reform, saying it is urgently needed.

Mr Malloch Brown told the audience that current UN governance, including the UN security council, no longer reflects global reality because it is still largely based on the outcome of World War II.

"A security council without real membership opportunities for countries such as India, Brazil or any African country is clearly not reflecting how power is distributed today," he said.

He compared UN reform to the EU's own development in two ways. Firstly, it never stops due to constantly evolving challenges and risks and secondly, it is a politically difficult process for national states concerned about the transfer of power .

"When it comes to reform, I would say we have covered the first mile, but this will be a marathon," he told his audience of ambassadors, journalists, EU officials and business leaders. ..............................................................benny

Things are moving toward the time of the end. No question about it. Just where are we on the time line .... we do not know this. The confirmation of the covenant is the starting point given literally in Scripture for the beginning of the last time frame of 7 years for this present age, the timing of the Lord's "harpazo" is relative to this confirmation .... before, at the same time, or just after. Scriptures do not give us this exact connection.

It may be that this confirmation is action taken by the Lord Himself and may be His action to bring about the last 7 years of the 490 years decreed for national Israel. The 70 weeks of years decreed in Daniel chapter 9 is the only covenant mentioned in the context of the chapter. This may be the covenant confirmed. If so, those livng on the earth will not necessarily know about this "beginning", or starting point of the Lord's action to confirm the 70th week.

What will be known are the actions and events of judgment that will take place without warning and very obvious by the magnitude of the effects. Just when these will start related to the time frame of the 70th week is not known. It is for this reason that the living believer at the time must be ready for the Lord's dealing with the Church. He may have already confirmed a few days ago, or He may confirm today ... or tomrrow.

It is possible that the confirmation is made by the "other prince that shall come" of some sort of existing agreement, proclimation, alliance, etc. relative to his earthly actions with his followers. If the Lord is the one who confirms, this makes the urgency for the believer to be ready even more pronounced.

Stephen, why would you see the Lord confirming it as an option?