News and Prophecy Staff

“Cooperation between Russia, Iran and China might signal a formation of a new world paradigm, able to re-define the global situation in the world both politically and strategically; the recent developments in the relations between the three might be more significant than many realize” (Sputnik News, January 26, 2016; Reuters, January 23, 2016).

Shinzo Abe, the Japanese prime minister expressed his desire to see 2016 as the year “Japan will shine on the global stage and demonstrate its leadership” (Japan Times, January 1, 2016).

Bible prophecy describes a great world church at the end of the age (Revelation 13 and 17) that will attempt to bring her children back together (Isaiah 47:1-8). But what will aid the world’s mother church in her mission? One catalyst could be growing LGBT issues and pressure from provincial, state and national governments to conform.

“Jewish immigration to Israel from western Europe has reached an all-time high due to a rise in anti-Semitic attacks” (Associated Press, January 14, 2016). However, Pope Francis recently visited Rome’s main synagogue in a show of support. “During a visit marked by tight security and historic continuity, Francis also rejected all forms of anti-Semitism and called for ‘maximum vigilance’ and early intervention to prevent another Holocaust.

The wave of immigrants surging into Europe is creating strains among EU member states. Germany’s urging to accept immigrants has spawned hostile reactions from her eastern European neighbors and received little support from France. In fact, “German and EU officials are warning that without a sharp drop in arrivals or a change of heart in other EU states… Germany could shut its doors, sparking wider crisis this spring” (Reuters, January 18, 2016).