In the old Revelation book there was a section on the cry "peace and security.
"14 In recent years, politicians have used the phrase “peace and security” to describe various
human schemes. Do such efforts by world leaders constitute the beginning of the fulfillment of 1
Thessalonians 5:3? Or was Paul referring only to a specific event of such dramatic proportions
that it will claim world attention? Since Bible prophecies are often completely understood only
after they are fulfilled or in the course of fulfillment, we will have to wait and see. Meanwhile,
Christians know that whatever peace and security the nations may appear to have achieved,
basically nothing will have changed. Selfishness, hatred, crime, family breakdown, immorality,
sickness, sorrow, and death will still be here. That is why no cry of “peace and security” needs to
mislead you, if you remain awake to the meaning of world events and heed the prophetic
warnings in God’s Word.—Mark 13:32-37; Luke 21:34-36."
In a couple weeks they will be studying another attempt to interpret this prophecy. They seem to
be more confident that the cry of Peace and Security is a "signal event". What is a signal event.
A signal event is the event that marks the beginning of something of "SIGNificance. It's a sign.
WHAT EVENTS SIGNAL THE END OF OUR WAITING?
9-11. Has 1 Thessalonians 5:3 been fulfilled? Explain.
9 Read 1Thessalonians 5:1-3In the near future, the nations will say “Peace and security!” If we
are not to be caught off guard by this declaration, we need to “stay awake and keep our senses.”
(1Thess. 5:6) To help us stay awake spiritually, let us briefly review events that have set the stage
for this noteworthy proclamation.
10 In the aftermath of each of the two world wars, the nations clamored for peace. After the first
world war, the League of Nations was formed in the hope of bringing peace. Later, after the
second global war, the United Nations became a popular hope of bringing peace to the earth.
Government and religious leaders have looked to those agencies to bring about peaceful
conditions for mankind. For example, in 1986, the United Nations sanctioned a highly publicized
International Year of Peace. That year, leaders from many nations and religions joined the head
of the Catholic Church in Assisi, Italy, to offer prayers for peace.
11 However, neither that proclamation of peace and security nor others like it have been the
fulfillment of the prophecy recorded at1 Thessalonians 5:3 Why not? Because the foretold
“sudden destruction” has not yet occurred.
Following the proclamation of “Peace and security!” political elements of Satan’s system will
suddenly turn on false religion and wipe it out. Never again will Babylon the Great be seen!
Surely it is worth waiting patiently for such momentous events.—.
CURRENT EVENTS DEVELOPING IN THE MID EAST.
Secretary of State Kerry has been relentless in his push for a middle east peace with the
formation of a Palestinian state. He has the backing of the European Union which has offered
big incentives to boths sides in the form of financial aid and attractive trade status. The Saudi's
are on board. Russia is also favorable.
Obama got the Nobel Peace Prize for being elected and has only delivered drones. He needs to
polish his image with some kind of noteworthy legacy that fulfills the promise of his election.Lame ducks turn to foreign affairs because they know progress will be hindered in the domestic sphere. Obama is especially a lame duck because of his domestic record.
Obama hates the Clintons. The last thing he would like to see is Hillary and Bill steal the
spotlight by moving back into the White House. He wants to remain the symbol of American
progress even after he leaves the presidency. He doesn't want to share his beloved stage by bumping into Clinton everywhere he goes.
Obama and Kerry have a deal. If Kerry can get Obama a spectacular peace agreement between
Israel and Palestine Obama will anoint Kerry as the Democratic candidate for President in 2016.
The one thing that will drive the Mideast peace is the opportunity to get on the money wagon.
As the glut of oil continues with American energy independence Lebanese, Palestinians, and
Israelis will want to get in on the next wave of economic expansion.
The proposed date for getting this agreement is April 2014. A declaration of peace right around
the Memorial (April 14) would certainly be a tempting trap for JW's to feel the Destruction of
Babylon The Great is at hand. This will be their final test. If some catastrophic event follows a
declaration of peace in the middle east JWs will have the next 100 years to claim their prophetic
role.
If this scenario unfolds what will you do?