We are in the midst of examining the signs of the times, and often current news seems to line up with Bible prophecy.  There is lots in the news today, but I want to start with the lighter side.  Have you seen the news out of Israel?  A major storm hit, and below are some snapshots.  Indeed, the bride wears white!

Unprecedented weather events are happening more and more in our lifetime.  The world groans with birth pangs each passing day.

The most horrific news of the day, though, comes out of Paris, where 3 French-born Islamic extremists attacked a Paris magazine office, splashing terror throughout Europe and beyond.  It is believed that the attackers, armed with AK-47’s and shouting “Allahu akbar,” struck in retaliation of a satirical cartoon mocking the leader of ISIS.  According to The Wall Street Journal, the same company was firebombed by terrorists in 2011 because of another cartoon the radicals found offensive.

There is absolutely no righteousness in terrorist acts, but I have to wonder if poking a rabid dog in the nose is wise.  I understand free speech and, as an American, am very thankful for that and the many other rights bestowed upon us in a free society.  However, when we use our “rights” to antagonize others, I’m not sure it’s a wise idea.

These attacks, though, convince me more than ever that our world is becoming desensitized to violence…something that plays right into the hands of radical jihadists and others who wish to perpetrate evil for whatever reason.  We should be outraged as a nation and as a world community, and strong action must be taken to stop this.  However, my suspicion is that these types of attacks will become like the random mass murders in America…hardly newsworthy, and certainly not something we take strong action against.

Remember the horror of Columbine?  American’s vowed, “Never again!”  Yet, we still have madmen storming into schools, theaters, shopping centers and wherever else they wish, and belching evil through the barrel of a gun or an explosive.  Put it on a much larger scale, and we have terrorist groups such as ISIS beheading anyone who believes differently than they, burning women and children in public squares, and burying people alive.  My message to world leaders: wake up and take strong action!  My message to all of us as believers: pray, pray, pray!  My message to non-believers: there is only one Hope, and that is Jesus.

Also in the news today came word that UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced that the Palestinians were granted membership in the International Criminal Court.  Here is his statement:

“The Statute will enter into force for the State of Palestine on 1 April 2015 in accordance with its article 126 (2) which reads as follows: ‘For each State ratifying, accepting, approving or acceding to this Statute after the deposit of the 60th instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession, the Statute shall enter into force on the first day of the month after the 60th day following the deposit by such State of its instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession.”

My question is: if the article in reference reads “For each State…..,” how can an entity not recognized as a state be granted membership to something reserved for “states?”  There are just some things I will never understand!  Furthermore, the sole purpose of the Palestinian’s push for membership in the ICC seems to be to drag Israel before the Criminal Court on charges of war crimes in Gaza.  I believe there are legitimate questions about that as well.

When we look at the world around us, it often seems as though evil is getting the upper hand.  And it may be, from an earthly perspective.  In fact, the Bible tells us that tribulation is coming and, when I read about it in the prophets and in Revelation 5-18, I shudder to think what that evil will look like.  But, God’s Word announces great hope!  Fellow believers, we may experience hardships and persecution in this world, but Jesus will save us from tribulational wrath!  Ponder these verses:

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.
~Romans 5:8-9

…wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath to come.
~1 Thessalonians 1:10

For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him.
~1 Thessalonians 5:9-10

Yes, believers, we are saved from His wrath.  However, to my unbelieving friends, I long for you to be set free from His wrath as well.  Here is the other side of God’s coin of wrath:

Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them…Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness.
~Ephesians 5:6-7, 11

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.
~Romans 1:18-20

Here’s the re-cap:  God will spare His faithful followers from the hellish tribulation that is to come.  However, the wrath of God will come upon those who are deceived and who partake in evil.  God detests the unrighteousness of those who suppress the truth when He has gone to great lengths to reveal Himself.  He makes Himself known in all creation, so that all are without excuse.

God will avenge the evil of terrorism.  However, His wrath is not reserved simply for the “really, really bad guys.”  It is reserved for the non-repentant…regardless of how large or small our sin is.  No one should face the wrath of God.  It was meant for Satan and his demons.  If you don’t have a personal relationship with the eternal God of righteousness, why not enter in today?  Click here to find out how…and may God bless you with eternal life today!