The United States of Europe?

The Bible seems to hint in Revelation that in the Last Days there will be some sort of federation consisting of 10 parts.  These 10 parts, be they countries or districts, will give their authority to the Antichrist system.

Revelation 17:12-13
12 “The ten horns you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but who for one hour will receive authority as kings along with the beast. 13 They have one purpose and will give their power and authority to the beast.

Some watchers go to Daniel and believe that the 10 parts will have something to do with a revived Roman empire.  This belief comes from what Gabriel told Daniel....that the people who destroyed the temple will give rise to the Antichrist...and the Roman army is who destroyed the 2nd Temple....so many are looking for a REVIVED ROMAN EMPIRE to play a part in the Last Days.

With that as a short backdrop, this article is interesting...because Rome, of course, is in Italy.

Italy to push for 'United States of Europe' when it holds the EU presidency

Matteo Renzi, the Italian prime minister, has said that Italy will push for a "United States of Europe" during its six-month EU presidency, in a move likely to raise hackles in Britain.

Launching an appeal to convince European leaders to show "that a stronger and more cohesive Europe is the only solution to the solve the problems of our time", Mr Renzi said: "For my children's future I dream, think and work for the United States of Europe."

He further called for "courageous leaders" to work towards achieving that goal - something that Britain has always objected to. In 1988 Margaret Thatcher, then prime minister, dismissed the idea that the United States might be a model for the future of Europe and David Cameron is actively trying to prevent the election of a committed federalist, Jean-Claude Juncker, to the head of the European Commission.

Italy takes over the rotating EU presidency from Greece on July 1. Its job will be to steer the EU at a time when the so-called "European Project" is coming under renewed attack, in the wake of an EU-wide surge in support for Eurosceptic parties in the recent European elections.

Mr Renzi, whose country will preside over the EU until December, said the only effective response to the outcome of the European elections is to offer "an idea of Europe that corresponds to an attractive adventure, rather than just a financial or economic exercise." He said it was vital to show that the EU "is not only a common past but a common destiny."

Here;  http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/eu/10918134/Italy-to-push-for-United-States-of-Europe-when-it-holds-the-EU-presidency.html

Hat tip to Tom F.

Of course, we aren't saying that this WILL BE the 10 kings spoken of in Revelation....but it is just another interesting headline to watch and say to yourself, "Hmmmmm....."

And WHY did Jesus tell us to watch?  Because He knew that people who are excited and watching for the return of Jesus would be much more prone to be living sober lives and much more willing to share the Gospel so that all of their loved ones, family, coworkers and neighbors will have oil in their lamps WHEN the cry goes out and the trumpet sounds.

1 Corinthians 14:22
Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is not for unbelievers but for believers.

Revelation 1:3
Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.

Revelation 19:10
At this I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers and sisters who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For it is the Spirit of prophecy who bears testimony to Jesus.”

"But Dennis, people have been watching for Jesus' return since the days of the apostles and still he hasn't come!...so really they wasted a lot of time watching when they could have been doing good works!...or entertaining themselves with worldly pursuits!"

Well, I guess you will have to argue that one with Jesus....because he clearly told us to watch and told us it would go well for those who are watching when He return.

Luke 12
Watchfulness


35 “Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, 36 like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. 37 It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes.