Global Situation Update: ‘The Final Flashpoint’

By Howard Green

God knows everything. Past, present, and future. When we step back and view current events through the lens of Scripture, the things taking place in recent weeks and months seem less random and more like they belong to the end-time scenario. I will cover several topics and focus on two that are certainly prophetic in scope.

Many global issues are becoming a reality here in North America.

ISIS (The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) has unfortunately made huge gains in the Middle East and North Africa. They are making inroads into Egypt’s Sinai and they are the de facto authority in Libya. ISIS is capable of launching terrorist attacks thousands of miles from where it’s based in northern Iraq and Syria.  

The Charlie Hebdo attack and the recent attack by its operatives in Garland Texas are a poignant reminder of just how real the threat of Islamic extremism is. This threat has officials here in the U.S. scrambling to get the word out to be vigilant and prepared for attacks by ISIS and other jihadists. Just this week Adm. Gortney who leads U.S. Northern Command, raised the threat level on all domestic military installations, citing concerns about ISIS:

“Military bases and installations in the United States have been ordered to raise their force protection condition status to Bravo (FPCON Bravo), due to general concerns about ISIS related threats, but not because of any specific threat or plot.”  —Adm. Gortney

FBI Director James Comey gave a stark assessment of the domestic terror threat and about the potential number of ISIS sympathizers and operatives here on our soil:

“There are hundreds, maybe thousands of people across the country who are receiving recruitment overtures from the terrorist group or directives to attack the U.S.”

“The Islamic State, also known as ISIL, is leveraging social media in unprecedented ways through Twitter and other platforms, directing messages to the smartphones of ‘disturbed people’ who could be pushed to launch assaults on U.S. targets.”

“’like the devil sitting on their shoulders, saying ‘kill, kill, kill.’”  —FBI Director Comey

There has been much debate about certain media entities ‘provoking’ attacks by extremists, and that’s not the direction I want to go here. In reality, there are literally thousands of unprovoked attacks committed by Islamic extremists all over the world. Boko Haram is only one; kidnapping, raping, and killing innocent women and girls. They are used as sex slaves…then discarded and killed by these barbarians.

Last week, as the Nigerian army closed in to rescue some groups of girls held by Boko Haram. Many of the girls were stoned to death before the terrorists retreated. That is an act of pure evil propelled demon worship (worshipping a false god.) In ISIS controlled parts of Iraq and Syria, Christians are tortured, beheaded, and crucified because they won’t convert to Islam and for their unwavering faith in Jesus.

The only “provocation” evil Islamists need to justify acts of terror on innocent women, children, and Christians is for people not to bow the knee and convert to Islam.

Over the last month or so, we have seen countless numbers of Christians being marched to their death along the coast of Libya at the hands of ISIS. Then there has been the boat loads of migrants fleeing the violence in Libya by crossing the Mediterranean Sea. Skirmishes have broken out on the vessels and Islamists have thrown many Christians overboard to drown.

One group of believers was saved only by locking arms to form a human chain while they prayed. These are actions fueled by demonic hatred for God’s people and freedom. Colleges and shopping malls in Kenya, schools in Russia, churches in many parts of the world, and other public places once considered “safe”… have been targeted by Islamists.

I believe it is just a short matter of time before we begin to see these acts of violence multiply here in North America. In light of the warnings by the FBI and other federal agencies, people need to wake-up and be prepared for the weeks, months, and years ahead. The most unbelievable thing about this Islamic extremism is the fact that they truly believe they are serving and following (god) by killing Christians.

John 16:2-4a: “Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. And they will do these things because they have not known the Father, nor me. But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you.”

Matthew 24:37 “For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.”

We live in perilous times and while being prudent, careful, and prepared are all good things, there is only one way to be completely secure. True security comes only through Jesus Christ.  He didn’t promise us a pass on earthly trials and hardships, but He promised to never leave us or forsake us. Even in the middle of worldwide or domestic upheaval, He is our peace.