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.

Coronavirus death toll in Italy rises by 100 for second day in a row, jumps from 366 to 463

9 Mar, 2020 17:41 / Updated 6 seconds ago RT

Italy saw its death toll from the coronavirus spike yet again, with the number of casualties in the country rising from 366 to 463 on Sunday, according to officials.

Italy has been the most affected country in Europe from the coronavirus, with the total number of cases rising to 9,172 from 7,375 on Sunday. It also has the highest mortality rate from the virus than any other country in the world.

To combat the spreading of the disease, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte signed a decree restricting the travel of people living in Lombardy, where there have been the most cases, and fourteen other northern provinces, essentially setting up a massive quarantine.

At least 16 million people have been quarantined, with travel restrictions in place until April 3. Even government officials have been affected by the disease. Italian Chief of Army Staff Salvatore Farina tested positive for the coronavirus over the weekend and self-quarantined himself inside his home. Alberto Cirio, the head of the north-western Piedmont region, and Nicola Zingarett,  the head of the central Lazio region, have also contracted the disease.

The lack of stability also extends to Italy’s prisons where officials have been dealing with riots over a move to suspend family visits to help stop the spread of the disease. “There have been a series of rebellions across the country,” Italy’s prison administration head Francesco Basentini announced on Monday. Prisoners at San Vittore Prison in Milan set cells on fire and displayed signs reading, “freedom” and “pardon.” Prisons in Modena and Pavia also dealt with prison riots and fires, causing major damage to the structures.

PM Conte has also closed schools, gyms, nightclubs, and other venues in an attempt to stop the spread of the disease.