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.
Brazil will let hunters shoot endangered jaguars, parrots and monkeys in rainforests under new law, warn conservation experts
Jane Dalton. The Independent•August 13, 2019
Trophy-hunters may be allowed to shoot jaguars and other endangered wildlife “for sport” in Brazil’s critically important rainforests, conservationists are warning.
Parrots, otters and monkeys could also be killed or captured alive – even in nature reserves – in the country that is the world’s richest in biodiversity, according to opponents of the plan.
A bill that would legalise hunting, breeding and selling animals could mean commercial hunting grounds being set up for the first time in more than half a century, critics say.
They fear private hunters would be allowed to either shoot their targets dead or sell them to wildlife centres and zoos under the plan being considered by President Jair Bolsonaro’s government.
It’s estimated at least 1,100 species in Brazil – home to the Amazon rainforests – are already threatened with extinction from deforestation, human expansion and poaching.
And the country has lost more forest habitats than any other country since 2001 – 1.3 million hectares last year alone, research shows.
The bill, which repeals a ban on professional hunting, went before Brazil’s parliament in 2016 but was archived in the face of anger by conservationists.
However, under Mr Bolsonaro, who has loosened a raft of environmental protections since taking office this year, it has now been revived.
“If approved, this project will bring a huge setback for Brazilian biodiversity. The slaughter of animals may even take place in protected areas,” warned Michel Santos of WWF-Brazil.
The Rainforest Rescue non-profit group said: “Brazilian environmentalists have criticised the bill sharply, describing hunting as cruel, immoral and a medieval ritual.
“Legalised hunting would only cater to hunters’ lust for killing and boost the trade in threatened species.
“The bill also plays into the hands of the Brazilian arms industry and arms exporters, particularly those in the United States.”
But Valdir Colatto, the MP who first drafted the proposal, hit back at critics, saying 30 per cent of profits from game reserves would go towards recovering and protecting wildlife.
The bill sought to regulate an area that has no rules, he said, preventing smuggling, illegal slaughter, mistreatment and the extinction of wild and exotic animals.
It bans hunting of endangered animals in reserves, Mr Colatto added.
Slaughter would be authorised only for traditional communities that depend on hunting for survival and to control invasions of animals threatening human health and economic damage, he said.
But scientists insist any hunting in Brazil would compromise the health of natural ecosystems and cultivated land – and ultimately affect our own quality of life, Rainforest Rescue said.
“Wildlife is crucial for both natural ecosystems and crops: by dispersing seeds it helps regenerate forests, maintains an ecological equilibrium and helps keep pests and diseases under control.”
Humane Society International/Brazil is also lobbying against the plan.
If the bill is approved by the government’s environment commission, it will go to the senate and deputies of the national congress.