Blog note. Jesus indicated that ‘fearful sights’ (various natural disasters) would occur leading up to the time known as the Tribulation and Great Tribulation (a combined seven year period of great destruction on earth). Although these types of things have occurred in the past for centuries and thousands of years, they could be identified as the ‘season of the times’ due to the ferociousness of these events. They would be occurring in greater intensity, severity, frequency, size, duration, scope … just like the pains that a woman experiences in labor the farther along she is in the labor process. We are in the ‘season of the times’ that comes just before the seven (7) year Tribulation/Great Tribulation period
… And great earthquakes shall be in diverse places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. (Luke 21:11).
… And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; (Luke 21:25)
… Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken; (Luke 21:26)
… This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. (2 Timothy 3:1)
Jesus is giving a series of prophecies about what to look for as the age of grace comes to a close. These verses are several of many such prophecies from throughout the Bible. 2017 was the worst year in recorded history for the intensity, frequency, severity, duration and occurrence of a large number of severe natural disasters worldwide. Earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones, torrential flooding, unprecedented wildfires in unusual places, devastating droughts, excessive/scorching heat setting records everywhere, record snowfalls in Europe and Russia. Snow in the Arabia. This list can go on. Most studied Eschatologists believe these ‘fearful sights’ and massive natural disasters are all part of the ‘CONVERGENCE’ of signs that this Biblical and prophetic age is closing. Most people who study prophecy are familiar with the routine reference(s) made that these things will be like a woman having labor.

Superbugs kill 33,000 in Europe every year. The worst is in Italy and Greece. Perilous times have come to Europe.

By Lianne Kolirin, CNN

Updated 8:25 AM ET, Tue November 6, 2018

Superbugs are killing about 33,000 people in Europe every year, according to a new report.

The “burden of infection” — measured in the number of cases, attributable deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) — of these superbugs is equivalent to that of flu, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS combined, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), which conducted the research.

These deaths come as a “direct consequence of an infection due to bacteria resistant to antibiotics,” according to the authors of the report, published in the Lancet Infectious Diseases on Monday.

Scientists believe that around 70% of bacteria that cause infection are already resistant to at least one antibiotic that would otherwise be used to combat it. This has led to the development of superbugs — bacteria that have become resistant to the main antibiotics used against them — which present a major threat to global healthcare.

The study focused on five types of infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the European Union and in the European Economic Area.

Three quarters of those affected are due to healthcare associated infections — in other words, the people fell ill with the disease while being treated in a medical facility. Therefore scientists believe the impact of these superbugs can be dramatically reduced through “adequate infection prevention and control measures, as well as antibiotic stewardship,” according to the report.

Geographically, the situation was found to be worst in Italy and Greece, with about a third of the recorded deaths occurring in Italy.

Researchers said: “Even if one considers its large and ageing population, it is notable that about a third of the deaths due to infections with antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the EU and EEA were in Italy.”

The research found that the victims included people of all ages, though infants and the elderly proved to be the most vulnerable to infection.

Almost two in five cases are caused by bacteria that are resistant to even the strongest antibiotics. The phenomenon “is worrying because these antibiotics are the last treatment options available,” the ECDC said in a statement. It added: “When these are no longer effective, it is extremely difficult or, in many cases, impossible to treat infections.”