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.

GERMANY TO ISSUE BAN ON PLASTIC SHOPPING BAGS, SAYS ENVIRONMENT MINISTER

There has been a 64 per cent decline in plastic bag use since 2015

Sarah Young The Independent. August 12, 2019

Germany is planning to enforce a ban on plastic shopping bags, according to the country’s environment minister.

On Sunday, Svenja Schulze announced that the country will impose the ban after voluntary agreements with retailers to curb usage have been sufficient but not yet yielded good enough results.

An agreement reached with German businesses in 2016 has already been successful in reducing plastic bag consumption, with many consumers now paying for plastic bags

According the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, there has been a 64 per cent decline in plastic bag use since 2015.

“My ministry will get a plastic bag ban on its way,” Schulze told the Bild am Sonntag, a national Sunday newspaper published in Berlin

Schulze did not give a timetable for the plan but added that her aim was “that we get out of the throw-away society and that overall, we use less plastic”. 

The move forms part of a wider strategy by the European parliament to tackle the use of plastics in an effort to improve pollution.

Disposable plastic bag use in England’s main supermarkets has fallen by more than 90 per cent since the introduction of a 5p charge in 2015, according to recent figures.

Meanwhile, plastic straws, stirrers and cotton buds are to be banned in England from April next year.

The environment secretary Michael Gove confirmed the ban after an open consultation revealed “overwhelming” public support for the move.

“Urgent and decisive action is needed to tackle plastic pollution and protect our environment,” Gove said.

These items are often used for just a few minutes but take hundreds of years to break down, ending up in our seas and oceans and harming precious marine life.

“So today I am taking action to turn the tide on plastic pollution, and ensure we leave our environment in a better state for future generations.”