Since late 1990 we have shared prophetic information about the upcoming final war with Iraq. We will now update our message "Saddam may soon Panic."

On the CNN Headline News broadcast of Feb. 15, 1998 a fascinating piece of footage was shown where Iraqis were seen chanting and brandishing their weapons as a show of force against an anticipated American attack on Iraq.

What made the footage so unique was that it was reportedly filmed at Babylon, Iraq which is located 60 mi. south of Baghdad.

What made this broadcast so special to watch was the fact that Babylon, Iraq was supposed to be no more than an abandoned tourist attraction with all items of value having been looted or moved to secure museums elsewhere. So why were men armed with machine guns seen in this supposedly depleted and militarily insignificant city? As we shall see, Bible prophecy sheds vital light on answering this question.

The Jan. 30, 1998 edition of the Jerusalem Post reported that, "the assessment in the [Israeli] defense establishment is that the probability of Saddam Hussein firing [non] conventional warheads is high once the Iraqi leader senses he is close to annihilation and feels he has nothing to lose. Then he may order a non-conventional strike."

As threats of war with Iraq in 2003 intensifies with each passing day, talk of Saddam Hussein releasing weapons of mass destruction also increases daily.

It is important to keep in mind the concern for what actions Saddam Hussein might take if he feels he is facing annihilation since the prophecy we will be centering on in this week's message deals precisely with just such a situation materializing.

The only questions that remain foremost in the minds of global leaders are, "What weapons of mass destruction does Iraq have and where are they hidden?"

The answer to these questions will be found out in the day when, according to Jeremiah 50:43-44, the king over Babylon will come up like a lion about to drown in a rising river. Iraq's enemies will focus their greatest attack on Babylon during Saddam's final days according to Bible prophecy and what lies hidden under the sands of Babylon will be made known in all its horror.

We have pointed out in the past that according to God's prophetic Word found in Jer. 51:11, the Lord Himself will stir up the spirit of the Medes (Kurds, Iran & Turkey) against Babylon, Iraq in the final days of these ancient Chaldeans.

Jeremiah 51:8-9 & 46-47 reveals that before the Medes launch their final deadly assault, a previous period of partial devastation followed by an opportunity for Iraq to be restored would transpire.

We believe these first two prophecies have been fulfilled during the 1991 Persian Gulf War and the subsequent failed opportunity for Iraq to be accepted back into the international community by implementing full compliance with the United Nations and the New World Order's Security Council's resolutions.

One cannot help but see a pattern developing which seems to indicate that 2003 may well be the year which brings about the prophesied total destruction of Babylon, Iraq. Reading the key prophecies from Jer. 50:41-46, which describe the events just prior to Iraq's final devastation, we find that circumstances at present are aligning themselves in such a manner as to attest that Iraq's frightening downfall may be witnessed in the very near future.

"Behold, a people shall come from the north, And a great nation and many kings shall be raised up from the ends of the earth. They shall hold the bow and the lance: They are cruel and shall not show mercy. Their voice shall roar like the sea; They shall ride on horses, Set in array, like a man for the battle, Against you, O daughter of Babylon. "The king of Babylon has heard the report about them, And his hands grow feeble; Anguish has taken hold of him, Pangs as of a woman in childbirth. "Behold, he shall come up like a lion from the flooding of the Jordan Against the habitation of the strong, But I will make them suddenly run away from her. And who is a chosen man that I may appoint over her? For who is like Me? Who will arraign Me? And who is that shepherd Who will withstand Me?" Therefore hear the counsel of the Lord that He has taken against Babylon, And His purpose that He has proposed against the land of the Chaldeans: Surely He will make their habitation desolate with them. At the noise of the taking of Babylon The earth trembles, And the cry is heard among the nations."

This passage of Scripture reveals that destroying forces will once more come from the ends of the earth to complete the annihilation of Babylon.

The present situation between the US and Iraq holds forth the likelihood that a global coalition will eventually have no choice but to join forces in a war against Iraq.

Saddam Hussein's concealed arsenal is now in danger of being exposed by either the UN inspectors, a well targeted missile or the launching of such weapons by a crazed and desperate dictator.

"A great nation" is mentioned as having a key role in Babylon's destruction. We believe that the United States is this great nation being spoken of in Jer. 50:41. Iraq's destruction will come predominantly from its north in this second stage of the war. True to God's Word, the vast majority of Iraq's potential adversaries can be found to her north, from Kurds to Turks to Iranians and members of the European Union.

In contrast to the 1991 Persian Gulf War, there is no Arab coalition threatening Iraq from the south.

It is significant to keep in mind that both the USA and Israel have air bases in Turkey, which is located directly north of Iraq.

The Scripture goes on to reveal that the king of Iraq will become terrified at the determined, merciless array of enemies which will assemble for the attack. Saddam Hussein will panic and let loose with a ferocious display which will actually cause his powerful enemies to flee for a short time. The counter attack against Iraq will be an outpouring of destruction which will surpass what befell Hiroshima and Nagasaki according to what is shared in Jer. 51:26, 58 & 62.

It is fascinating to note that in Jer. 50:44 we are told that God assists Iraq with her initial attack against her adversaries. Further reading in verse 45 reveals God does not do this as an act of favor for the king of Babylon, but does this to provoke the nations to completely annihilate Babylon in retribution.

During this time of tremendous upheaval the Lord delivers a special message to the Jews in Jeremiah 51:50-51. He intimates they should seek safety in Jerusalem and to reflect upon the days when the ungodly took control of the holy places.

We quote, "You who have escaped the sword, Get Away! Do not stand still! Remember the Lord afar off, And let Jerusalem come to your mind. We are ashamed because we have heard reproach. Shame has covered our faces, for strangers have come into the sanctuaries of the Lord's house."

We know by numerous Bible prophecies that Israel will indeed reclaim the sanctuaries of the Lord from the Muslims and rebuild the Temple on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

A Dec. 3, '02 Denver Post article which headlined, "Israel braces for new missile attacks" sheds further light on why the Jews, who while under attack in the upcoming war, will "let Jerusalem come to [their] minds."

Quoting from the Denver Post we read, "Some residents of Israel's crowded coastal cities, where most of the Scuds fell in 1991, are already planning to head to Jerusalem, which is unlikely to be targeted because of its large Arab population and Muslim holy sites. During the Gulf war, tens of thousands of Tel Aviv resident fled to hotels in Jerusalem and the remote southern Red Sea resort of Eilat."

Repeatedly, Israel is mentioned in the prophecies of Jer. 49, 50 & 51. We are told in numerous other passages that this will be an expanding war which will bring numerous nations into conflict with other nations.

We are thoroughly convinced by Scripture that Israel will soon have no choice but to enter into these conflicts and that she is destined to come out victorious over Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the Palestinians during the ensuing exchange (Psalm 83).

We believe that the 7-year Israeli Middle East covenant of Dan. 9:27 will then be confirmed by the Anti-Christ shortly after the conclusion of these wars. With an Israeli agreement to disarm its own weapons of mass destruction and trusting the New World Order for protection in the future, the stage will be set for Ezekiel 38 & 39 when Russia, Iran, Ethiopia, Turkey, Libya, Germany and the former Soviet bloc nations will challenge the agenda of the New World order and will attack the unprepared and unarmed country of Israel and the surrounding regions.

We recommend that Ezek. 38 & 39 be read in their entirety along with Zech. 12:10 in order to fully appreciate the magnificence of God's love for the remnant of Israel which will come to salvation through His Son Jesus Christ in these last days. This same unconditional love is promised to all at present.

For many in the upcoming wars it will be too late. They will die and go on into eternity without the forgiveness of God.

For now though, this opportunity for complete forgiveness from all of one's sins and the opportunity to escape the Great Tribulation and wrath of God which is soon to come is still as near and attainable as an act of faith.

Read I Thessalonians 4:16-18 to find out about the Lord's great escape plan. There are no Scriptures to be found which teach that the Church will be here on this earth to witness the appearance of the Anti-Christ when he strengthens the 7-year covenant with Israel, nor that the church will even have to be here to witness all or part of Babylon's destruction.

We urge you with all sincerity to come to Jesus Christ this moment with faith, trusting Him by His atoning blood sacrifice to forgive you of your sins. Time is short…very short.