Hi Daryl,

SA>It is more likely that it will be Iran and Islam that are
SA>"wrapped up".

 DS>   No one really knows how it will transpire...but, it could be that
 DS> just after the rapture of the church, when millions of people
 DS> suddenly vanish from the Earth...that the Russians, the Muslims,
 DS> and others will seek to attack Israel admist the chaos of "the
 DS> great disappearance". 

Yes, the important thing is to know that it will happen, and be alert
and watching as it comes to pass, and try to understand it as God has
revealed it through his prophets. I'm just browsing a Reuters article
on their AlertNet reporting that the EU is worried that the conflict
could spread to Syria. I would be very surprised if it doesn't spread
to Syria and Iran (and beyond), - in fact, I stopped writing this reply
while I chatted to a user, & now have a Stratfor article which is
anticipating an Israeli Air Force preemptive strike against Syria.

There will be a lot of "rumour of war", if not actual war, until this
comes to a head, or some influential mediator (Russia, according to
Novosti) stops the conflict.

 DS>   When they get to the mountains of Israel, there could well be a
 DS> major earthquake, along with violent thunderstorms having large
 DS> hailstones, and other events that will destroy the invading
 DS> armies...providing a feast for the vultures. It could be when the
 DS> Antichrist appears, he will claim that it was HE, and not God, who
 DS> destroyed the invading armies.

That is what I expect - that Antichrist will take the credit for saving
Israel, & enter into the seven year covenant with Israel, which he will
renege on, and seek to destroy Israel.

 DS>   But, the destruction foretold in Ezekiel, Daniel, Matthew, and
 DS> Revelation will occur...prophecy demands it. Plus, man has forced
 DS> God's Hand.

Yes, despite the objections of those who believe that we can bring peace
through our own diplomatic or military efforts.

 DS>   The thing is...despite all the warnings from God, testimony from
 DS> "the two witnesses" (who I believe will be Enoch and Elijah), the
 DS> majority of mankind will refuse to repent of their wicked
 DS> ways...so, God will give them what they deserve.

 DS>   I always think back to the cartoon with the bassett hound's long
 DS> ears being nibbled on by the chihuahua (sp?), with the caption "How
 DS> Long, Oh, Lord??"!! :)

I haven't seen that, but I can picture it! :)

Cheers, Steve..

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