Saturday, March 29, 2003

No Drugs Treat Mystery Illness, U.S. Says
U.S. health officials said Saturday that none of the antiviral drugs and other treatment they have tested are effective against a flu-like disease that has killed at least 54 people and sickened nearly 1,500 others around the world. :: This AP report is submitted for your pestilence (Luke 21:11) files.
Iraqi VP Threatens More Suicide [Homicide] Bombings
A bomber posing as a taxi driver summoned American troops for help, then blew up his vehicle Saturday, killing himself and four soldiers and opening a new chapter of carnage in the war for Iraq. Iraq's vice president said such attacks would be "routine military policy." :: This AP report is submitted for your war (Matthew 24:6) and Babylonia destroyed (Jeremiah 51:29&37) files.
Meteor Showers Rocks on Midwestern Homes
The midnight sky flashed an eerie blue early Thursday over four Midwestern states as a meteorite exploded in the atmosphere, sending rocks as big as softballs crashing through some houses. :: This AP report is submitted for your signs in the heavens, fearsome events, and signs in the stars (Luke 21:11; 21:25) files.
Bibles, Other Religious Book Sales High in January
Preparation for war may have boosted sales of Bibles and other religious books in America, the Financial Times reported. U.S. publishers collected almost $15 million in religious book revenues in January. "Is this a result of the war? A fear of the unknown? Could be," said Mark Rice, a spokesman for Zondervan, a leading Bible publisher. Revenues from the company's Bible sales in January were 10 percent higher than the year before -- and the earlier sales had been influenced by the Sept. 11 attacks. :: This Religion Today report is submitted for your gospel preached to all (Matthew 24:14) files.
Stunning Hubble Images of Mysterious Erupting Star
In January 2002, a dull star in an obscure constellation suddenly became 600,000 times more luminous than our Sun, temporarily making it the brightest star in our Milky Way galaxy. The mysterious star has long since faded back to obscurity, but observations by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope of a phenomenon called a "light echo" have uncovered remarkable new features. :: This Spaceflight Now report is submitted for your signs in the stars (Luke 21:25) files.

Thursday, March 27, 2003

Iraqi Troops in Civilian Clothes Taking Over Baghdad Homes
At this moment (4:00 am Mountain time), Fox News is reporting that in villages around Nasaryiah, Iraqi troops are seizing males, including children, from their homes and ordering them to shoot at Allied forces or be shot themselves. :: This USA Today report is submitted for your rumor of war (Matthew 24:6) files.
Stunning Hubble Images of Mysterious Erupting Star
In January 2002, a dull star in an obscure constellation suddenly became 600,000 times more luminous than our Sun, temporarily making it the brightest star in our Milky Way galaxy. The mysterious star has long since faded back to obscurity, but observations by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope of a phenomenon called a "light echo" have uncovered remarkable new features. :: This Spaceflight Now report is submitted for your signs in the stars (Luke 21:25) files.
Blair, ahead of Bush war summit: Mideast solution is vital
British Prime Minister Tony Blair, addressing parliament before leaving for a Camp David "war summit" Wednesday with President George Bush, declared that he and Bush believed it vital to solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, calling it the one issue that most divides the pan-Muslim world from the West. :: This New York Times (reg required) report is submitted for your covenant with many (Daniel 9:27) files.

Tuesday, March 25, 2003

Mystery Illness May Come From Common Cold
U.S. and international health officials now believe a flu-like illness from Asia that has sickened hundreds of people may actually be a new, virulent version of an old enemy: the common cold virus. :: This AP report is submitted for your pestilence (Luke 21:11) files.
U.S. Fights Elite Force on Way to Baghdad
U.S. forces are using air power, helicopters and artillery to "beat down those Republican Guard positions" before ground troops move ahead in the battle for Baghdad, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said Tuesday. :: This AP report is submitted for your war (Matthew 24:6) and Iraq destroyed (Jeremiah 51:29&37) files.

Sunday, March 23, 2003

Thousands of Troops Request Bibles
As coalition forces continue their push into Iraq, thoughts of the battle that awaits them in Baghdad weigh heavy..."The reality of death for a young person becomes quite apparent when you're going into battle. If you have faith in Christ, that gives you peace that passes all understanding, even in the midst of the storm or the battle." :: This WND report is submitted for your gospel preached to all (Matthew 24:14) files.

Saturday, March 22, 2003

Bible Prophecy In The News
With the Iraq war dominating the headlines, religion editors have discovered a link between Iraq and Bible prophecy. This is not so much prophecy news, as prophecy in the news. Here are some recent articles in major newspapers about the connection between Bible prophecy and Iraq.

Direst of Predictions For War in Iraq
"In recent weeks, the prophetic interpreters have been citing a new reason they believe the end is coming: the impending U.S. war with Iraq. Anxious discussions have arisen on prophecy Web sites, in Bible study groups and churches, and at such gatherings as last month's 20th International Prophecy Conference in Tampa. Its title: "Shaking of Nations: Living in Perilous Times."

Some see Iraq war in Scripture
"For millions of Americans, the looming war with Iraq is far more than an effort to eliminate a dictator and his weapons of mass destruction. Citing Scripture, they fervently believe that the conflict is yet another strong sign that the end of time is approaching."

Threat of war conjures visions of Armageddon
"Dr. Stephen Hankins is dean of the Bob Jones University Seminary and a man who believes with all his heart there will be a battle at Armageddon, pitting Jesus Christ against nations led by a smooth-talking Antichrist. But first, he says, there must be a Rapture, in which faithful Christians will be taken up with God. That will be followed by a seven-year Tribulation, a time of international catastrophe like the Earth has never seen."
Sun's Output Increasing in Possible Trend Fueling Global Warming
In what could be the simplest explanation for one component of global warming, a new study shows the Sun's radiation has increased by .05 percent per decade since the late 1970s. :: This Space report is submitted for your signs in the sun (Luke 21:25) files.

Friday, March 21, 2003

IFC Special Edition: War in Iraq
The opening salvoes of war in Iraq have been fired. For months, Christians have discussed and debated the difficult questions of war, violence, and justice. Now the attention of the world is focused on the events unfolding in the Iraqi deserts and cities, and Christians and ministries around the world are responding. Gospelcom.net ministries have provided resources to help you find a Biblical perspective on this second Gulf War.
Iraqi Christians Face Unknowns of War
As a U.S.-led war to topple Iraqi President Saddam Hussein begins, Iraq’s small Christian minority fears more than American bombs. They expect to be targeted by a growing tide of Islamic militancy now being encouraged in the secularized Arab state. Numbering less than 400,000, Iraq’s Christian community has in recent months become the object of overt discrimination by Muslim elements. The attacks have ranged from verbal abuse and graffiti campaigns to stone-throwing and even brutal assassinations. Over the past few weeks, anti-Christian rhetoric has dominated Friday-prayer sermons in Baghdad’s mosques. :: This Religion Today report is submitted for your persecution (Matthew 24:8) files.

Wednesday, March 19, 2003

Bush Launches Military Strikes On Iraq
Taking the nation to war, President Bush said the conflict in Iraq may be long and difficult but the U.S. troops will succeed at their mission "to disarm Iraq, to free its people and to defend the world from grave danger." :: This AP report is submitted for your war (Matthew 24:6) and Iraq (Jeremiah 51:29&37) files.
The Iraqi Threat For Israel
This IDF webpage contains a general overview of Iraq, its history, its involvement in the two Gulf Wars and their aftermath and the threat Iraq poses to Israel and other countries in the region; the Iraqi armed forces, the missiles and unconventional weapons at its disposal, as well as the Israeli response; and Iraq's blatant violations of human rights as presented by numerous human right's organizations and reports.

Tuesday, March 18, 2003

Muslim Mob Invades Christian Village in Western Nigeria
More than 100 persons died when a Muslim mob attacked a Christian community in western Nigeria’s Adamawa state apparently in retaliation for the deaths of 16 Muslims three months ago. :: This Religion Today report is submitted for your believers persecuted (Matthew 24:8) files.

Sunday, March 16, 2003

Bush, Allies Set Monday Deadline on Iraq
On the brink of war, President Bush and summit partners from Britain and Spain gave the United Nations a Monday deadline to endorse the use of force to compel Iraq's immediate disarmament. :: This AP report is submitted for your rumor of war (Matthew 24:6) and Iraq (Jeremiah 51:29&37) files.
Saddam Warns of World War if U.S. Attacks
Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein warned Sunday that if Iraq is attacked, it will take the war anywhere in the world "wherever there is sky, land or water." :: This AP report is submitted for your rumor of war (Matthew 24:6) and Iraq (Jeremiah 51:29&37) files.
Mystery Outbreak May Be New Strain of Flu
A deadly, mysterious respiratory illness spread largely among health care workers in Asia could be a new strain of flu or even an exotic virus passed from animals to people, a health official said Sunday. :: This AP report is submitted for your pestilence (Luke 21:11) files.

Saturday, March 15, 2003

Palestinian Statehood Plan Said Positive
Palestinian legislators said Saturday the U.S. administration's promise to adhere to last year's "road map" for Palestinian statehood was a positive sign, signaling that President Bush would push for the plan's implementation without any changes. :: This AP report is submitted for your covenant with many (Daniel 9:27) files.
WHO Sends Alert on Pneumonia-Like Illness
The World Health Organization warned Saturday that a highly contagious and deadly pneumonia-like illness of unknown cause is fast becoming a worldwide health threat. :: This AP report is submitted for your pestilence (Luke 21:11) files.
U.S. vows to keep pushing for Palestinian statehood by 2005
The United States vowed Monday to stick with its roadmap for a Palestinian state by 2005 even while war clouds gathered over Iraq. :: This Ha'Aretz & AP report is submitted for your covenant with many (Daniel 9:27) files.
Saudis Won't Allow Churches on Its Land
Saudi Arabia, as the birthplace of Islam, will not allow churches to be built on its land, according to Defense Minister Prince Sultan...On Thursday, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, an independent federal agency, complained that a new State Department list of countries that severely limit religious freedom omits several that deserve censure, including U.S. ally Saudi Arabia. The commission's annual reports say that religious freedom "does not exist" in the Gulf Kingdom. :: This AP report is submitted for your persecution (Matthew 24:8) files.
Eritrea and Ethiopia Face Food and Funding Crisis
Food shortages in Eritrea have now become critical, and humanitarian efforts are facing a severe funding crisis, the United Nations has warned. :: This ENS report is submitted for your famine (Matthew 24:7) files

Saturday, March 08, 2003

Ebola Virus Invades Congo, 81 Dead
Thousands of people have fled a town in the Republic of Congo from fear of contracting the Ebola virus, which has killed more than 80 people in the last two months. :: This Disaster Relief report is submitted for your pestilence (Luke 21:11) files.

Thursday, March 06, 2003

Chaplains: Prelude to War Prompting Soldiers to Seek Christ
Chaplains in the Middle East are reporting a swell of spiritual interest among troops preparing for war -- including capacity crowds at chapel services and numerous professions of faith. "Now is a golden opportunity to reach soldiers for Christ. I am witnessing all the time and it is the soldiers who want to talk about God and their faith," said Maj. Keith Kilgore, a U.S. Army chaplain currently based in Kuwait. :: This Religion Today/Baptist Press report is submitted for your gospel preached to all (Matthew 24:14) files.

Wednesday, March 05, 2003

Newsweek: Bush Administration Most Resolutely Faith Based in Modern Times
According to a cover story profile in this week's "Newsweek," although President Bush's Christianity is well known, the anticipated conflict in Iraq has highlighted that the president and his administration are "the most resolutely 'faith-based' in modern times, an enterprise founded, supported and guided by trust in the temporal and spiritual power of God." The administration is "dedicated to the idea that there is an answer to societal problems here and to terrorism abroad: give everyone, everywhere, the freedom to find God, too." The report traces the president's "defining journey" of faith, beating a drinking problem after becoming a Christian through a small-group Bible study it describes as "a baby-boomerish mix of self-help, self-discipline, group therapy ... and worship." It tells how he "talks regularly to pastors, and loves to hear that people are praying for him." Insiders say that the atmosphere at the White House is "suffused with an aura of prayerfulness," it adds. According to "Newsweek," aides say that President Bush's "quiet but fervent faith gives him strength but does not dictate policy." He only appears to be "preacher in chief" because of "a confluence of events" -- the 9/11 attacks, the terror alerts and the Columbia shuttle loss -- they say. Meanwhile, the news weekly notes, President Bush has recently been finding comfort and strength in his daily, early morning devotions from Oswald Chambers' classic "My Utmost for His Highest." :: This Religion Today/Charisma News report is submitted for your gospel preached to all (Matthew 24:14) files.
Suicide Bomber Kills 15 in Haifa
A suicide bomber blew himself up aboard a crowded bus in the northern city of Haifa on Wednesday, killing at least 15 people and injuring dozens in the first terrorist attack in two months, officials said. :: This Washington Post report is submitted for your battle for Jerusalem (Ezekiel 38:8; Zechariah 12; Luke 21:20) files.

Tuesday, March 04, 2003

Nigerian Christians Arrested Following Riots
Seventeen Christians from various denominations in Aba, a city in the country's southern Abia state, were arrested last month over reprisal attacks on Muslims. According to Compass Direct, sources said the believers were reacting to "incessant" assaults on Christians in northern Nigeria by Muslim extremists. Religious clashes on Jan. 11 in Central Nigeria's Plateau state left one Christian dead. Joel Nimfa, a Christian leader in the Kanam community, was killed in his farmhouse when Muslim bandits attacked the farm and other Christian settlements. Christian leaders in the northern state of Kaduna filed a lawsuit last month against the Nigerian and the Kaduna state governments and the newspaper, "ThisDay," over last November's religious riots. An article in "ThisDay" has been blamed for the death of 1,000 people and the destruction of about 125 churches in the city of Kaduna, Compass reported. "We are also aware that no amount of wealth can pay for a single human life, and that is why we are demanding compensation for destroyed churches and not for lives," said Joseph Danlami Bagobiri, Catholic Bishop of the Kafanchan Diocese and the chairman of the Kaduna state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria. :: This Charisma News report is submitted for your believers persecuted (Matthew 24: 8) files.