World Watch Prophetic, Last Days News Just Like Jesus Said

World Watch 2.11.23: Prophetic, Last Days News Just Like Jesus Said

Undeniably, the last-days birth pains — or sorrows — that Jesus talked about in the Olivet Discourse, found in Matthew 24, Luke 21, and Mark 13, are definitely getting incredibly intense and more frequent. Russia is flexing its muscles and doubling down on Ukraine as the 1-year anniversary approaches. Then we have the tragic mega-quakes that hit Turkey and Syria. Undoubtedly, this is panning out to have the largest death toll in decades, if not centuries. Let’s dig into this weeks prophetic news items…

Wars and Threats of Wars

At the Mount of Olives, Jesus’ disciples asked Him, “What sign will signal your return and the end of the world?” He replied…

And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately. Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.

Matthew 24:6-7 NLT

The Birth Pangs…

Amir Tsafati: Middle East Update


Ukraine

  • The Black Sea Fleet of the Russian navy bombed the Zatoka bridge in the Odessa district with a suicide unmanned marine vehicle. The bridge is an important traffic route from Ukraine to Romania and Moldova.
  • Russia launched more than 60 cruise missiles at strategic facilities in Kiev, Odessa, and other major cities in Ukraine. Furthermore, some of them flew over Romania, a member of NATO, and over Moldova. If NATO does not respond to this violation, the Russians will realize that NATO is a paper tiger. In other words, all bark and no bite.
  • The Ukrainian parliament is drafting a law that would allow NATO troops to enter Ukraine.
  • A former commander of the Polish Land Forces states, “The Ukrainians predicted the Russian offensive and its directions. They will defend themselves until they inflict maximum damage. Some say they should counterattack. However, the Ukrainians do not have the strength and means to carry out a counter-offensive”. The General added that he believes Ukraine is close to total defeat.
  • The Institute for the Study of War (ISW): Russia has regained the initiative in Ukraine and launched a new major offensive in Lugansk Oblast.

All Eyes on Israel in the Last Days

God told Abraham…

“I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.”

Genesis‬ ‭12‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬
  • Spain: Barcelona mayor accused of antisemitism after decision to boycott Israel. Ada Colau says she made the decision “at the request of more than 100 entities and thousands of Barcelona neighbors.” (Israel HaYom) Amir Tsarfati states, “In return – Barcelona will not see me again!”
  • Are the Muslim structures on the Temple Mount falling down? Arab media reported on Tuesday that pieces of mosaics containing anti-Christian verses from the Koran began falling off the facade of the Dome of the Rock. While many attribute this to heavy seasonal rains and a recent earthquake, one mystic rabbi declared it as the divinely initiated development preparing for the Third Temple.
  • 7 Palestinian terrorists were killed in a special IDF operation in Jericho.
  • Friday, Feb 10, 3 people were killed in a car-ramming in Jerusalem. Two brothers, 6 and 8 years-old were killed when a Palestinian terrorist drove a vehicle into a crowd of Jews. The father was badly wounded. Also killed was a 20-years-old newlywed ultra-Orthodox Jew .
The Day Approaching by Amir Tsarfati
The Day Approaching by Amir Tsarfati (affiliate link)

“Not a single one of all the good promises the Lord had given to the family of Israel was left unfulfilled; everything he had spoken came true.”

‭‭Joshua‬ ‭21‬:‭45‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Earthquakes and “Seismic” Events

Jesus told us that in the last days…

11 There will be great earthquakes, and there will be famines and plagues in many lands, and there will be terrifying things and great miraculous signs from heaven.

Luke 21:11 NLT

Turkey/Syria Earthquakes

  • Death toll in Turkey & Syria surpass 28,000.
  • Erdogan stated that ther are over 80,000 people injured.
  • The UN announces: the death toll from the earthquake in Turkey and Syria will probably exceed 50,000.
  • German rescuers and the Austrian army paused search operations on Saturday, citing clashes between unnamed groups.
  • Security is expected to worsen as food supplies dwindle, one rescuer said.
  • And nearly 50 people have been arrested for looting, with several guns seized, local media reported. (source)

Dutchsinse explains the seismic events in Turkey and Syria


By the way, Turkey is #41 in the World Watch List of Christian persecutors. Of Turkey’s population of 85.6 million, only a tiny number are Christian: 171,000, which is about 0.2%. Almost the entire country is Muslim.

In case you missed it, I did a special report on the earthquakes on Tuesday.

Other Seismic Weather Events…


Lightning hit the statue of Christ the redeemer in Rio de Janeiro. Reports that many locals are worried that it’s a bad sign…
Pray for the victims of the Turkey/Syria earthquake.

As it was in the Days of Noah
As it was in the Days of Noah
(affiliate link)

Implosion by Joel Rosenberg
Implosion by Joel C. Rosenberg
(affliate link)
The End of America by Jeff Kinley
The End of America
by Jeff Kinley
(affiliate link)

Economic Woes, Pestilence, and Plagues

The World Economy

America

  • The Latest Signs of an Economy on the Brink: The number of people unable to make their car payments and having their cars repossessed is now greater than it was after the 2008 financial crash. (Thank you, Lord, that my car is paid off!)
    • The month of January saw the most bankruptcies involving $50 million or more in liabilities since 2010. (I keep telling myself, “I will NOT go into debt again and I won’t sacrifice my paid-off car!” God will provide!)
    • When the current US president took office, the US government’s interest payments on the federal debt were $549 billion a year. Two years later, they’ve escalated to $853 billion a year. That’s just the interest payments.
  • The CEO of America’s second-largest bank — Bank of Amierca — is preparing for a possible US debt default.

Elsewhere

More Plagues

As in the Days of Lot

Jesus said…

28 And the world will be as it was in the days of Lot. People went about their daily business—eating and drinking, buying and selling, farming and building— 29 until the morning Lot left Sodom. Then fire and burning sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all. 30 Yes, it will be ‘business as usual’ right up to the day when the Son of Man is revealed.

Luke 17:28-29 NLT (The First Sin City)

Increased Evil , Satanic Lawlessness, Apostasy, and Deception

Elsewhere

Letter to the American Church by Eric Metaxas
Letter to the American Church
by Eric Metaxas
(affiliate link)
The Coming Apostasy
The Coming Apostasy
by Mark Hitchcock & Jeff Kinley
(affiliate link)

Jesus said…

“But don’t be afraid of those who threaten you. For the time is coming when everything that is covered will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all.

“I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. Your enemies will be right in your own household!”

Matthew 10:26, 35-36 NLT

New World Order, Great Reset, Big Brother, Global Insanity, & Government Overreach in the Last Days

The Real State of the Union

Last Tuesday, President Biden delivered his State of the Union speech. No matter which party is in office, these speeches are always meant to make the President’s party look good and to appeal to his party’s followers.

I spared myself from watching it, however, many of the podcasters I listen to said Biden came across as an “angry old man”. He yelled at the people at times incoherently.

“The real state of any nation, however, comes down to its spiritual condition in relation to God. That alone reveals where it truly stands. Imagine what God would say if He wrote the speech.”

Steve Miller, Foreshadows Report

Elsewhere

Interview with the Antichrist
Interview with the Antichrist
by Jeff Kinley
(affiliate link)

Increased Christian Persecution

Jesus warned us…

Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers (on account of my name).

Matthew 24:9 NLT

Open Doors 2023 World Watch List on Christian Persecution

America

Former FBI special agent and federal whistleblower Kyle Seraphin reportedly obtained a leaked FBI document that outlines a plan to spy on a segment of one of America’s biggest religious denominations.

“The FBI’s Richmond Division would like to protect Virginians from the threat of ‘white supremacy,’ which it believes has found a home within Catholics who prefer the Latin Mass,” Seraphin reported. “An intelligence analyst within the Richmond Field Office of the FBI released in a new finished intelligence product dated January 23, 2023, on Racially or Ethnically Motivated Violent Extremists (RMVE) and their interests in ‘Radical-Traditionalist Catholics’ or RTCs.”

He added that the document “assesses with ‘high confidence’ the FBI can mitigate the threat of Radical-Traditionalist Catholics by recruiting sources within the Catholic Church.”


Washington D.C.: Students from South Carolina were kicked out of museum for wearing pro-life hats

Yemen #3

Yemen operates under strict Islamic laws, which can make life difficult for Christians. Lift up the brave Christians who still choose to follow Christ in secret, despite the danger they face if their faith is discovered. Pray that God will strengthen the secret church.

The situation is particularly dangerous for Muslims who convert to Christianity. Radical Islamic groups threaten people they label as ‘apostates’ with death if they do not re-convert. This creates an atmosphere of scrutiny and mistrust, even between families. Pray that Christians will be safe, and that all people in Yemen can live in openness and freedom.

Algeria #19

Most Algerian Christians are converts from Islam. They can face discrimination, harassment and pressure to follow Islamic customs from family members and the wider community. More recently, Christians have increasingly experienced restrictions and pressure from state officials to renounce their faith; many of these officials come under the influence of radical Islamic teachers. 

Algeria jumped three places to number 19 in the World Watch List. Persecution has significantly worsened in the past year, with Christians becoming very vulnerable to state pressure alongside the ongoing societal pressures that can come from families and communities.

Last year, at least ten Christians were sentenced for charges including ‘practicing worship without prior approval’, ‘shaking the faith of a Muslim’ and ‘poisoning the minds of youths’. Additionally, the government has continued to structurally undermine the church in several ways, including ordering churches to close and cease activities.  

Vietnam #25

The persecution of Christians in Vietnam frequently occurs in the highlands and remote rural areas. The most common reasons for harassment, mistreatment, discrimination and even imprisonment, include preaching the gospel illegally and gathering without permission.

India #11

Iraq #18

Believers from Muslim backgrounds experience intense pressure from their families, clan leaders and communities, which can lead to being expelled from the family, losing the means to get married, or being forcibly divorced and losing their inheritance and access to their children. They may be arrested and prosecuted under blasphemy laws, if they are accused of trying to convert Muslims. It’s not surprising that some choose to keep their new faith a secret.

“When people used to tell me about God’s existence, I would be like: but what about the suffering, the torture, the displacement?” Vian* recalls. “It is only through actively working through my trauma that I have been able to see the presence of God in all this.”

In northern Iraq, church services have not been able to take place for over a year due to Turkish bombings.

Elsewhere

  • Burkina Faso #23: From the Field – a Desperate Plea for Prayer (VOM)
  • Pakistan #7: Muslim Throws Acid on Young Christian Woman in Pakistan
  • Eritrea #4: There are thought to be 1,000 Christians indefinitely detained in Eritrean prisons, not officially charged with anything. Pray for God to bring hope to these Christians and pray for their swift release.
  • Afghanistan #9: Pray for God’s continued protection for secret believers hiding in Afghanistan. Hana* is an Open Doors partner in the Gulf region. She says, “Afghanistan’s Christians are on the move, trying their best to avoid detection… now there is no safety anywhere, for anyone.”
    • The Taliban refuses to acknowledge the existence of believers in the country. According to a Taliban spokesperson, “There are no Christians in Afghanistan. A Christian minority has never been known or registered here.” Praise God that even the Taliban cannot stamp out Jesus’ presence. Pray that God’s love will permeate the Afghan government.
Extreme Devotion
From Voice of the Martyrs (VOM) A collection of prayers, sayings, writings, and brief biographies of sixty Christians who died for their faith
(affiliate link)

Paul wrote…

“And God will use this persecution to show his justice and to make you worthy of his Kingdom, for which you are suffering. And God will provide rest for you who are being persecuted and also for us when the Lord Jesus appears from heaven. He will come with his mighty angels, in flaming fire, bringing judgment on those who don’t know God and on those who refuse to obey the Good News of our Lord Jesus.”

‭‭2 Thessalonians‬ ‭1‬:‭5‬, ‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

*Name changed for security reasons

More on Christian Persecution

Good News! The Gospel Around the World!

In the middle of the Olivet Discourse, Mark notes something important that Jesus said regarding the last days…

10 For the Good News must first be preached to all nations (peoples).

Mark 13:10

Each week after reporting the bad news, I showcase some of the great news — the signs of hope — around the world that Christians are doing what Jesus told us to do in the Great Commission and before He left us. Check these out and pray for them…

  • Africa – Al Massira: Pray for Africa following Al Massira’s recent face to face gathering in Sierra Leone where 15 African nations were present. The Gospel is being shared through the AM resources in several languages. Two fruitful trainings have just taken place in Tanzania, and others in Uganda, Mozambique and another coming up in Kenya early in 2023. Pray for Holy Spirit power, courage, and wisdom for the Persecuted Church, particularly in Nigeria. May the faithful team there and across Africa know the presence, power, and peace of the King as He loves and leads them forward to advance His Kingdom across Africa!
  • Revival rocked Asbury college in Kentucky in 1970 and many are saying it’s happening again.
  • Central African Republic – SIL: Thank God for so many open doors for Bible translation in the local languages of the Central African Republic! The Banda-Linda New Testament went to print at the end of 2022, and now the Bhogoto team are typesetting their New Testament and Psalms. Two more projects are not far behind. Pray for persistence and precision for the translators in each language, and the consultants who support them mainly via the internet. Pray that these will all be top quality products that will be accessible to many in written or oral format, bringing about transformation and renewal across the country.
  • Eritrea: Thank God, that despite the dangers, “the church is growing fast in Eritrea. The persecution inspires Christians to be close to God and know Him well.” As Yael* reports, the Christian community is bubbling with hope and strength. Praise God for these resilient Christians who witness to the power of Christ in their homeland.
  • Ecuador – Reach Beyond: Radio HCJB in Quito, Ecuador is launching a new app for mobile phones so that their audience can listen to the radio station and to their podcasts. Pray that many will download the app to access this creative and inspiring material that will lead them closer to Jesus. One listener called José wrote, “I always listen to you when I’m driving. I think about you every day when I pass by the small HCJB sign.” Pray for listeners to HCJB Radio in Ecuador who don’t know Jesus.
  • North Korea: Lady Da Hyeon* has been receiving extensive Bible training at an Open Doors safe-house in China. It’s equipping her to return to North Korea to share the gospel with family and friends. Pray for her protection and ask the Holy Spirit to prepare the hearts of those she will minister to.
    • Praise God that the radio ministry run by Open Doors local partners continues to encourage secret believers. Pray that the broadcasts will continue to reach believers and even nonbelievers without reprisal. OpenDoors
  • Mongolia: Ask God to stir the hearts of a group of students who are currently training in preparation to serve the Mongolian church and reach others with the gospel. Pray that students and staff will be gripped by a deep burden to share the Word and draw closer to the Lord. AsiaLink

*Name changed for security reasons

Help Spread the Good News of Jesus Christ all over the World!


The Signs of the Last Days are Obvious!

Jesus said regarding the Last Days…

“But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come.”

Matthew 24:8 NLT

Dig Deeper into Last Days Prophecies…


Jesus is coming soon whether you’re ready or not!
Why not begin a relationship with Him?

Jesus knocking at the door of your heart.
Jesus is knocking at the door of your heart.
Isn’t it about time you let Him in?

Invite Jesus into Your Heart and Receive the Gift of Grace and the Confident Hope of Eternal Life…

The Line Up – Feb. 9, 2023


Soli Deo Gloria — To God Alone Be The Glory!