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 pains, growing in
intensity, frequency, size and duration.
Portugal fires MAP: 30 injured as 8,500 hectares burnt in major blaze at tourist hotspot
PORTUGAL is a popular tourist destination for many – but Brits hoping to enjoy some summer sun this year could be forced to change their plans as the country is engulfed by flames. Express.co.uk bring you the latest fires information as 30 people have been injured in the raging blazes.
By VICKIIE OLIPHANT PUBLISHED: 09:36, Mon, Jul 22, 2019 | UPDATED: 11:52, Mon, Jul 22, 2019. Express.co.uk
More than 1,000 firefighters are bravely fighting the raging wildfires, as blazes continue to grow in east Portugal. The fires broke out in the district of Castelo Branco, some 124 miles from the capital Lisbon, on Saturday. One wildfire has even made its way to Macao, in the district of Santarum, where temperatures reached a blistering 34C on Sunday.
Civil Protection Commander Luís Belo Costa told a press conference the active fire, in Vila de Rei, has a total length of 25 kilometres.
He added although 60 percent of its area has already been controlled, “there is still a lot to resolve.
Dozens of villages and even some beaches have been evacuated, after at least 30 people have been injured.
One person has been taken to hospital in a serious condition, after suffering first and second-degree burns, officials say.
Strong winds have made tackling the fires more difficult, but authorities say they hope to have the blazes under control soon.
Until then, homeowners have been trying to protect their properties from the licking flames.
Residents have been snapped with buckets of water and hosepipes and the strong winds fanned the flames over the weekend.
Vasco Estrela, the mayor of Macao, told Portuguese radio station TSF: “The fire is out of control, without resources on the ground, and the population at risk.
“We never thought we would live through this again.”
One resident said: “The wildfire came with force. We had to fight the flames.”
He added there were not enough firefighters, but officials say the army is also sending in 20 soldiers and four bulldozers to help with the operation.
Belo Costa said work on tackling the flames was “progressing favourably”, adding the Rola fire has more than 90 percent containment while the Cova Valley blaze is 50 percent contained.
The Vila de Rei fire is the one that causes the greatest concern because it “is very fast, long and narrow”, said the commander.
He added: “We are doing consolidation work with track machines to engage the operatives in combat.”
The wind is expected to cool overnight, according to weather forecasts and that increased humidity facilitates fire-fighting.
Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa said he would be in contact with the mayors in the affected areas.
A statement on the presidential website said: “Aware of adverse weather conditions, the President of the Republic conveys all solidarity to the men and women who fight them, as well as to the most directly affected populations, accompanied by all the Portuguese.”
Police have opened an investigation about the cause of the fires, which all started between 2.30pm and 3.30pm on Saturday in the same area.
A 55-year-old man has been detained on suspicion of starting a blaze in the Portuguese district of Castelo Branco.