IRAN, RUSSIA AND ISRAEL

When I became a Christian over 25 years ago, I remember hearing Bible prophecy teachers talking about Iran, Israel and Russia with reference to the Middle East and war. Now that these same countries are in the news and the subject is war, few are listening. Why is this?

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God’s Word never changes, but sometimes God’s people do. This is especially true when it comes to understanding and proclaiming Bible prophecy. Have you noticed Bible prophecy is rarely mentioned these days in many churches – especially in the mega-churches that promote church growth methods. Apparently, the emphasis these days is on how to enhance your purpose in the present rather than be concerned about the imminent return of Jesus.

I am convinced this is just another sign of the times. It seems the closer we get to the return of Jesus, fewer and fewer people will be prepared for His return. Everyday, there are more and more signs, but not all that many are paying attention.

With regard to Bible prophecy and war in the Middle East, the prophet Ezekiel laid out a scenario we read about in the Bible. [1] Sometime in the future, in the latter days, the prophet foresaw an attack on Israel by a number of nations. The nations listed include the modern day countries of Russia and Iran. While this alliance of nations intends to destroy Israel, the scriptures state God wipes them off the map, instead.

Recently, newspapers around the world have been reporting about the Iran-Russia-Israel situation almost every day. First we were told that the President of Iran and protesting Iranians wanted to eliminate Israel altogether: One article stated:

Tens of thousands of Iranians took part in the rally in Tehran which Iran organizes every year on the last Friday of the fasting month of Ramadan to show solidarity with the Palestinian struggle. Shouting "Death to Israel, death to the Zionists", the protesters dragged Israeli flags along the ground and then set them on fire. Many carried posters and placards sporting the slogan "Israel should be wiped off the map". [2]

Or another news article reported: “the President of Iran Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in an address he made to a "A World Without Zionism” conference in Teheran, called for the annihilation of Israel.” [3]

Not long after, we were told that Russia was supplying Iran with expertise to develop “nuclear power plants” and arms so Iran could “protect themselves” from Israel. [4]

Now, I appeal to all open-minded reasonable people to ponder these events. First, Iranians and Iranian leadership call for the annihilation of Israel. Second, Russia promises to support Iranian leadership and provide assistance for developing nuclear technology and weapons of war for Iran’s “protection”.

Doesn’t this scenario ring a “prophetic bell” in your head? How much clearer would it have to be? The present President of Iran has called for Israel to be wiped off the map. In our last program we documented that a map was recently displayed at the United Nations that did just that. Palestine was in the place of Israel. There was no Israel in the Middle East.

Of course, these are man’s plans. However, we know what God has said. Israel will prevail. Yes, the signs of the times line up with the prophecies laid out in the Bible.

I am Roger Oakland. This has been a biblical perspective to help understand the times.

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