Welcome back friends!  I’m departing slightly from our study today to focus on current events.  However, these current events certainly fit in with what we’ve studied over the past few weeks: end times Biblical prophecy.  So, let’s look at today’s news through the lens of Scripture.

Sudanese Christian Freed from Prison
Let’s begin the day with very encouraging news!  In May, Meriam Ibrahim was sentenced to death by hanging for being a Christian, but I’m happy to report that she has been freed from the Sudanese prison that has been her home.  

Born to a Muslim man and a Christian woman, her father abandoned the family and Meriam was raised Ethiopian Christian.  Sudan penal code prohibits Muslims from converting to Christianity, and Meriam’s father’s family claimed that she was born Muslim and given a Muslim name.  However, the court ruled in her favor and the US Embassy is now working to bring Meriam and her family to the US.  (Meriam’s husband has dual US-Sudan citizenship.)  

Join me in thanking and praising the Lord for His hand of provision upon Meriam and her family…and let’s pray for safe, smooth transition in coming to America.

Israel Responds to Syrian Missile Attacks
The Israeli Air Force successfully targeted 9 military targets inside Syria in response to an anti-tank missile that was fired at an Israeli citizen’s vehicle while he and two other contract workers worked on a section of border fence on Sunday.  The man’s teenage son was killed in the attack and all three workers were injured.  An IDF spokesperson stated that the attack was “an unprovoked act of aggression against Israel, and a direct continuation to recent attacks…the IDF will not tolerate any attempt to breach israel’s sovereignty and will act in order to safeguard the civilians of the State of Israel.”

Friends, we know that civil war is raging in Syria, and that ISIS is taking the opportunity to seize control in Syria and Iraq to establish sharia law.  Keep your eyes on the Middle East, as the Bible tells us that enemies of Israel will come with a vengeance some day soon.  We’re living in times where that is increasingly possible.

Let’s pray for peace and safety in Israel, courage for Christians in Muslim areas (there are millions!), and for wisdom for our world leaders.

US Sending Military Advisors  to Iraq
As many as 300 US military advisors may be sent to Iraq to assist in the effort to hold off the siege by ISIS militants to take over Baghdad.  The first order of business is the assess the strengths and weaknesses of the Iraqi military and what equipment and armaments they have on hand.  They will then attempt to gain better intelligence regarding ISIS’s strategy, weapons, and positions of militants.

One must understand the theological underpinnings of Islam to begin comprehending what is currently happening…and will continue to happen…in the Middle East.  Muslims desire to conquer and rule the world through a world-wide caliphate.  The Qur’an (their holy book) seems to promote jihad (holy war) against “infidels” (those who oppose their faith).  Thus, terrorism and the killing of innocent people for the sake of Allah are not only allowed, but encouraged.  

Today’s news definitely confirms what Scripture teaches about end times.  Those who follow this blog have spent the past several weeks studying specific Scriptural references, and the goal has been to bring greater understanding to Bible prophecy.  We are finishing up our last week of the study, but you’re welcome to search this site by “Bible Study” to find all posts related to the study.

Thanks for stopping by, and join us again tomorrow!