About this time of year, we remember what happened in the previous year and look forward to the new year. A part of remembering the past year is to learn from our successes and failures. Then we change priorities, make improvements and plan for success in the coming
year.
On January 7, 2015, two gunmen raided the headquarters of the French magazine
Charlie Hebdo. Two days later, a gunman took hostages in the Jewish HyperCacher grocery store. These were two of five attacks in the Paris region of France. This follows other events in Australia, Canada, United States and ISIS along the Euphrates River which is developing into Iraq War III. See
France Attack.
Purim: Feast of Chance
March 2015
In 473 BC during the reign of Xerxes I of Persia [or Ahasuerus of Iran], Haman the Amalekite was the top advisor to the king. The Amalekites had an ancient feud with Israel described in Exodus 17 and 1 Samuel 15. Haman plotted to kill the Jews and cast purim or lots that chose the 14th of Adar (February/March) by chance. However, God put Queen Esther and Mordecai in place for such a time as this. See Purim.
Passover Fulfilled by the Cross
April 2015
Each spring, we celebrate the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. By faith in His sacrifice, we are forgiven of our sin and receive the free gift of salvation. These holy days are floating holidays on the Roman calendar that link to the Passover full moon on the Jewish calendar. When we talk about prophecy, we say we do not know the time. However before the world was created, our sovereign God had a specific plan with a specific time. God revealed that plan though His Word. See Passover.
Iran-Israel Nuclear War & Middle East
May 2015
In April, Iran and the P5+1 announced a framework to limit Iran's ability to develop nuclear weapons. The P5 is the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council. Germany, Iran's key trading partner, and the European Union were included in negotiations. Iran tentatively agreed to restrictions on its nuclear program and allow international inspections while the P5 agreed to removal of economic sanctions. The framework is not binding and details should be worked out in the next three months. See Iran-Israel.
2014-2016 Eclipse Update: The Next Arab-Israel War?
June 2015
In 2014-2016, there is a series of twelve lunar and solar eclipses on Jewish holy days. Every solar eclipse occurs on the last day of the month or the first day of the new month (Rosh Chodesh). Passover, Tabernacles and the Fast of Esther or Purim occur on a full moon. Jesus Christ and the prophets told us to watch for signs in sky What does these eclipses have to do with the next Arab-Israeli war? See Eclipse Update
The 4th of July & Fall of America
July 2015
On July 4th, we remember the birth of the United States. In the war for Independence, the eagle was torn from the lion. While the day is a great celebration with parades, picnics and fireworks, we also learn the end of the story. July 4, 1776 on the Jewish calendar is the 17th of Tammuz. On that day, Moses descended from Mt. Sinai, broke the tablets inscribed with the Ten Commandments because the people abandoned God and worshipped the golden calf. See Fall of America.
Nuclear Iran & Middle East
August 2015
On July 14, 2015, Iran and the P5+1 announced the plan to limit the Iranian nuclear program. The P5 is the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council. Germany, Iran's key trading partner, and the European Union were included in negotiations. Iran agreed to restrictions on its nuclear program and allowed international inspections while the P5 agreed to remove economic sanctions. On July 20, 2015, the UN Security Council approved the resolution that takes effect by October 18, 2015. Also on July 20, the European Union approved the resolution and lifted certain EU sanctions. According to the US Constitution, the president negotiates treaties but they must be ratified by a two-thirds vote in the Senate. See Nuclear Iran.
Tishri: Beginning & End
September 2015
The Jewish month of Tishri is the beginning and the end. It is the first month on the civil calendar and the seventh month on the religious calendar. Tishri means beginning. The first book of the Bible is Genesis or Bereishit. Right to left, it spells "Aleph b'Tishri". Jewish tradition says Adam was created on the 1st of Tishri. When time comes full circle, Tishri is the end of the End Times. See Tishri.
China: Superpower on the Move
October 2015
China is the most populated country in the world. It is a member of the United Nations Security Council, G-20 leading economic countries, BRIC emerging economies and the nuclear club. Their economy is third to the European Union and United States but rising. A growing Chinese economy significantly increases its investment in the military. Financial success results in a better standard of living for some citizens but not greater personal liberty. Problems exist with overpopulation and aging because of the one-child policy. See China Superpower.
2016 Election: The Last US President?
November 2015
Each election cycle, we are told the election is the most important election. Then four years later we are again told that election is the most important election. But the 2016 election may be the most important election ever held. See 2016 Election.