Putin calls for upgrade of Russian army (Second Coming Watch Update #314)

1. According to The Associated Press, Russian President Vladimir Putin told the country's top brass to drastically upgrade the armed forces in the next few years as part of a response to attempts by the United States and NATO to "tip the strategic balance" in the world.

2. According to the Associated Press, nearly two dozen European diplomats have urged the European Union to intensify efforts to block Israeli settlements in and near Jerusalem, saying that such construction on occupied land is the "single biggest threat" to a Mideast peace deal. 

3. According to Reuters, Pope Benedict bid an emotional farewell at his last general audience on Wednesday, acknowledging the "rough seas" that marked his papacy "when it seemed that the Lord was sleeping."  The Vatican said the address was the last by the pope, who as of Thursday evening took the title "pope emeritus."

4. According to Reuters, Christians in Sudan are growing increasingly wary that they will be unable to freely practice their faith under the country's Muslim government. 

5. According to Reuters, gonorrhea cases have soared by 25 percent in the past year in England as superbug or drug-resistant strains of the sexually transmitted infection take hold worldwide. 

Jesus Christ said in Luke 21:25-26: "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; 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."

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