Religious Discrimination in Europe!/ Australia Culls Herds to Cope with Drought!

Religious Discrimination in Europe!

“Times are getting more difficult for members of minority religions across Europe as nationalism, security fears and anti-immigrant movements gain ground” (Double Helix, June 27, 2018). Harassment is “aimed mostly at Muslims and Jews, although other faiths—including some Christian groups in a few places—also faced discrimination.” Nations like Belgium, Denmark, Holland and France have all moved to limit the expression of Muslim beliefs and practices. Italy’s new government has suggested that only Italians be allowed to live in Italy and that non-Italians should be deported. The migration issue in Europe is dividing nations, and some think the issue could destroy the EU (The Guardian, June 28, 2018). As European political parties revive nationalistic agendas, the marginalization of non-Catholic religious groups promises to increase.
For decades the Catholic Church has encouraged secular Europeans to return to their religious roots—Catholicism. We are beginning to see greater pressures to comply with this directive, in the form of non-Catholic groups being persecuted and attacked. In light of Europe’s history and also Bible prophecy, this comes as no surprise. Bible prophecy reveals that a universal “mother” church will rise once again over her harlot daughters (see Revelation 17:3–6). According to these scriptures, this church and its leader are prophesied to “ride” or provide guidance and direction to a coming military and political power in Europe known as the “beast” (v. 7), and they will forcefully promote the acceptance and worship of this coming “beast” (Revelation 13:11–18).
Today, developments in Europe appear to be setting the stage for the empowerment of this great universal church that in past centuries did not tolerate those who were not part of her belief system. To better understand where the emerging religious discrimination in Europe will lead, be sure to watch “Seven Signs of the Beast.”



Australia Culls Herds to Cope with Drought!

Southeast Australia has experienced drought-like conditions for years. Yet, worsening conditions are now forcing ranchers to cull their herds because it is becoming too expensive to feed them (The Guardian, June 9, 2018). As usable pasture land shrinks, one rancher observed, “We’re killing a cow and a calf at this late stage of pregnancy. The drought is so widespread there’s just no options left for stock producers to put them anywhere. That’s why it’s so heartbreaking.”
Although this drought is not the “worst ever,” it has been ongoing for about seven years and is intensifying. Soil moisture levels are extremely low and may prevent winter planting in several areas of the nation. This will have far-reaching ramifications.
Not only are famine and drought apocalyptic events (Revelation 6:5–6), the Bible also links famine and drought with prophesied punishment on backsliding Israelite-descended nations. As a result of disobedience, God warned Israel through Moses, “I will break the pride of your power; I will make your heavens like iron and your earth like bronze” (Leviticus 26:19), and “The LORD will change the rain of your land to powder and dust” (Deuteronomy 28:24). As we look around the globe, many extreme weather conditions are impacting Israelite-descended nations, like Australia, that have drifted away from God. However, the Bible not only states that punishments come when God is rejected, but blessings will also come when God is obeyed! To learn more about this covenant of “blessing and cursing,” be sure to listen to or read our historically insightful booklet The United States and Great Britain in Prophecy.