What in the World is Going On?: The Crude Awakening
Dr. Barry D. Lovett
The international thirst for petroleum that changed the world.
When we talk about oil, we are talking about the new commodity in our world economy. It will help us to understand our times.
Then He also said to the multitudes, "Whenever you see a cloud rising out of the west, immediately you say, 'A shower is coming'; and so it is. And when you see the south wind blow, you say, 'There will be hot weather'; and there is. Hypocrites! You can discern the face of the sky and of the earth, but how is it you do not discern this time?" Luke 12:54-56 (NKJV)
Who Controls the World's Oil Supply
Rank Country Billions of barrels
1 Saudi Arabia 264.3
2 Canada 178.8
3 Iran 132.5
4 Iraq 115.0
5 Kuwait 101.5
6 UAB 97.8
7 Venezuela 79.7
8 Russia 60.0
9 Libya 39.1
The United States is number 11 with 21.4 billion barrels!
Notice that five of the top six nations with the greatest oil reserves are Arab nations who don’t particularly like the US and dislike Israel even more.
Who Consumes the World's Oil Supply
Conflicts Over the World's Oil Supply
Yom Kippur War - In 1973, when a group of Arab nations attacked Israel, but their bid for power was now related to their control of the world’s greatest oil reserves.
The Middle East became a major consideration in every subsequent international event.
The Arab oil blackmail began the fastest transfer of money in history and a political reshaping of the world.
The Gulf War - President Bush defended his actions to the nation saying, “Our country now imports nearly half of the oil it consumes and could face a major threat to its economic independence” While other justifications for the war were given, experts agree that the Gulf War in 1990-91 was the first war in world history almost entirely about oil.
Iraq –The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan today are not just about terrorism. They are also about oil—oil that is sold to finance terrorism and oil that is necessary for the West to continue to function economically.
Is There Any Oil in Israel?
"Moses dragged us for forty years through the desert to bring us to the one place in the Middle East where there was no oil." - Golda Meir, prime minister of Israel
One of Ezekiel's prophecies speaks of a time in the future when Israel would be more prosperous than in her beginning: In his book, The Coming Peace in the Middle East, Dr. Tim LaHaye suggests that Israel discovering oil may be one way that this wealth could be explained.
How Does the Oil Situation Affect Our Future and explain What in the World is Going On?
Ezekiel prophesied about a coalition of nations that would join with Russia against Israel.
"Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya are with them, all of them with shield and helmet..." Ezekiel 38:5
Up until March 21, 1935, Persia was the official name of the country we now call Iran.
Here is an end-time alliance that was prophesied 2,500 years ago and just in the last seven years has become a reality.
2. The Emergence of Petroleum Alliances
A New York Times article on April 6, 2002 was headlined, "Iranian Urges Muslims to Use Oil as a Weapon." Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is quoted as saying: "The oil belongs to the people and can be used as a weapon against the West and those who support the savage regime of Israel...If Islamic and Arab countries...for only one month suspend the export of oil to Israel and its supporter, the world would be shaken."
How Shall We Then Live? So What, Now What?
1. Keep On Waiting
"Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near—at the doors! Assuredly, I say to you, this generation (Jewish Race) will by no means pass away till all these things take place." Matthew 24:32-34
2. Keep On Working
"I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work." John 9:4
"Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing." Matthew 24:46
3. Keep On Watching
"Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near." Luke 21:28
"This impending war has taught us some important things. Life is short. The world is fragile. All of us are vulnerable, but we are here because this is our calling. Our lives are rooted not only in time, but also in eternity, and the life of learning, humbly offered to God, is its own reward." C.S. Lewis
"We are not just looking for something to happen; we are looking for Someone to come! And when these things begin to come to pass, we are not to drop our heads in discouragement or shake our heads in despair, but we are to lift our heads in delight." Vance Havner
Answers for Sermon Notes Insert
When we talk about oil, we are talking about the new commodity in our world economy. It is necessary to help us understand our times. Luke 12:54-56
The United States is number 11 with 21.4 billion barrels!
The Gulf War - the first war in history almost entirely about oil.
Iraq –The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan today are not just about terrorism. They are also about oil
One of Ezekiel's prophecies speaks of a time in the future when Israel would be more prosperous than in her beginning: Dr. Tim LaHaye suggests that Israel discovering oil may be one way that this wealth could be explained.
It is driving the Emergence of Prophetic Alliances. Ezekiel 38:5 Russia and Iran, an alliance that was prophesied 2,500 years ago and just in the last seven years has become a reality.
The Emergence of Petroleum Alliances
1. Keep On Waiting Matthew 24:32-34
2. Keep On Working Matthew 24:46
3. Keep On Watching Luke 21:28