Mark 13:32-33 
But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.

Acts 1:6-7 
When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.

Secondly, because we are not told the day and hour of Christ's return, it behoves us to watch and be ready at all times. This principle is laid out in several of Christ's parables, of the five wise and foolish virgins, and again in the parable of the wise steward. If we knew the time of Christ's coming we might be inclined to grow cold, forgetting what Christ originally commanded us to do which was to "occupy till I come", Luke 19:13, not "occupy when I come". Like Christ, we must work "while it is day" (John 9:4), and always be doing our Father's business (Luke 2:49).

Luke 12:45-46
But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken; The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. 

With that said, we must be extremely careful when it comes to prophecy. The Lord has a unique sense of timing, and sometimes like Abraham, anticipation can give way to haste, and soon we start planning our lives around prophecies we have created in our imaginations, instead of relying on God to fulfil His will. I know, I have done that with some promises God gave me, and I made a mess of things. If prophecy encourages me to keep looking up, if it encourages me to long for Christ's coming again, for which every believer is promised a special reward (2nd Timothy 4:8), then prophecy is profitable. But if I start relying on prophecy being fulfilled when I want it to be fulfilled, instead of relying on God, then we have gone too far.

But over one third of the Bible is prophetic material, and the Lord does encourage us to study into prophecy. 1st Peter 1:12 states that even the angels desired to look into the things that were revealed to the prophets regarding the death and resurrection of Christ, and when Moses and Elijah were with Christ on the mount, they too were intrigued by the events that were soon to follow (Luke 9:31). Revelation is also the only book of our Bible where a special blessing is promised to those who read it (Revelation 1:3), yet it is one of the most neglected books in our Bible today.

Jesus derided the Jewish leaders for their failure to recognise the Messiah. They missed His first coming, because they didn't know their Old Testament prophecy. 

Luke 12:56 
Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time?

Is it possible we could be making the same mistake they did? The Rapture of the Church used to be one of the most preached-on topics, now it is rarely mentioned. What are the signs Jesus gave that would show us when His coming was near? Jesus told his disciples a parable of the fig tree to illustrate when they would know His coming was near.

Matthew 24:32-34 
Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.

The fig tree, of course, is a spiritual picture of Israel. We have seen Israel literally blossom in these "last days". From 1948, when Israel declared independence, to 1967, when Jerusalem saw the end of over 2500 years of Gentile rule.

Hosea 9:10 
I found Israel like grapes in the wilderness; I saw your fathers as the firstripe in the fig tree at her first time: but they went to Baalpeor, and separated themselves unto that shame; and their abominations were according as they loved.

But what promise did God make to the generation that would see Israel reborn? That generation shall not pass until all these things are fulfilled. Friends, we are the generation that has seen Israel reborn, and Jerusalem's captivity ended. Therefore we know, without setting dates, that the Lord's coming is near at hand, and now is the time to get right with God.

I say all that before giving you the following information, for I don't know for certain whether the period from 2007 to 2013 will mark the tribulation period or not, and I want you would know why nobody can never know that. But a lot of prophecy is being fulfilled. Even if the years 2007 to 2013 is not the tribulation period, the speed at which global events are now moving can only mean one thing, that the return of Christ to the air, and later to the earth, must be close at hand...

1) The year 2009 should see the ratification of the European Constitution, fulfilling Scripture through the creation of the role of the EU President and Foreign Minister, or the "prince" of the people of the Revived Roman Empire (Daniel 9:26).

2) The European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP), a seven year stability agreement with the EU and 16 Middle East nations, of which Israel was first to sign, lasts from 2007-2013. Javier Solana, the High Representative of the European Common, Foreign and Security Policy is responsible for this policy (the prince of the people?). This agreement is to be confirmed with all nations on January 1st, 2007 (Daniel 9:27). The ENP also has a mid-term review period, similar to the covenant mentioned in the book of Daniel

The European Neighbourhood Policy lasts for a period of 2557 days, with each year containing 365 days, plus 2 days for leap years. The prophecy of Daniel runs according to the Jewish calendar, which contains only 360 days per year, giving a total of 2520 days. The Jews had a system of adding extra days to their years so that the seasons didn't drift - 30 days after every six years, and 30 days after four years on the seven succession. So there is still a possibility this could be Daniel's covenant with many. 

More specifically related to a peace agreement in the Middle East... Prime Minister Ehud Olmert addressed the Israeli Knesset and the nation on the 17th of July, 2006, following six days of severe fighting in southern Lebanon. The Prime Minister stated that Israel did not want conflict, but is hoping an "eternal covenant of peace" could soon be signed between Israel and its neighbours. "Covenant" is of course the exact phrase used in Daniel 9:27 (Fox News got the spelling wrong - the picture was grabbed by my friend Javier). 

Daniel 9:27 
And he (Antichrist) shall confirm the covenant with many (nations) for one week (seven years): and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.

Javier Solana, the High Representative for the European Common, Foreign and Security Policy, is working feverously behind the scenes now to achieve a global lasting peace in the Middle East. It seems world leaders are not prepared to let the status quo continue. This second picture from my friend Javier, taken during the Second Lebanese War, portrays US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's opinion that we are now "seeing the Birth Pangs of the new Middle East". This is an explosive phrase when it comes to eschatology. Birth pangs in the literal sense are indicators of how close a child is to birth, and they increase in intensity and frequency as the child is about to be born. In the Scriptural sense, birth pangs are prophetical indicators of how close we are to a particular accomplishment in God's prophetic calendar, and these prophetical indicators also increase in intensity and frequency as we have been seeing. Both 1st Thessalonians 5 and Revelation 12 refer to the tribulation period, and describe the sorrow Israel must go through before she sees her Messiah at the Second Coming of Christ.

1st Thessalonians 5:2-3 
For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

Revelation 12:1-2
And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman (Israel) clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars (12 tribes of Israel): And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered. 

3) Iran is expected to possess enough enriched Uranium to produce a nuclear weapon by around 2009-2010 (also here), if not by 2007, with knowledge on how to build a bomb already obtained on the black market. Russia and China are heavily involved in Iran's nuclear programme. Diplomacy has failed catastrophically in regards to Iran, and President Ahmedinejad is actively seeking war with Israel and the West. Israel is expected to take matters into its own hands, possibly fulfilling the prophecy of a Russian/Muslim invasion of Israel within months if not years, as foretold in Ezekiel 38-39. Ezekiel stated this war would occur in the "latter days", possibly just prior to the beginning of the tribulation period. 

4) The EU is working towards implementing its 2010 Headline Goal, a military response group capable of being launched anywhere within the world in 5 to 10 days. The EU will soon have a force capable of fulfilling the Antichrist's invasion of the Middle East, after the Middle East peace covenant fails (Daniel 11:40-45).

5) The European Union hopes to have its Battle Groups concept, similar to the idea of the old Roman Legions, up and running by 2007. Thirteen Battle Groups are to be operational by 2010. Each Battle Group consists of around 1500 troops from one or more nations.

6) The EU is also working towards launching a new global communications system by 2010, called GMES, and will "provide authorities with necessary elements for a European Security and Defence Policy". Europe is well on its way to becoming a world military power. Russia is also aiming to deploy its own network of satellites by the year 2010, called Glonass. This will consist of 24 satellites which will significantly boost the Russian Federation's military capabilities.

7) Tony Blair says the world has just seven years, or until 2012, to fix the global warming problem before it will be too late. This corresponds with descriptions in the book of Revelation regarding the plagues that will cause men to blaspheme the name of God (Revelation 16:8-9). Some scientists feel we have already passed the point of no return.

8) The British government will implement a compulsory national identification card system by 2010. Many other nations are considering implementing a similar scheme. This mandatory national identification scheme will be a precursor to the introduction of the Mark of the Beast, possibly an implantable RFID tag.

9) Meteorologists are expecting the next solar cycle to be around 30-50% stronger than the last one, significantly disrupting weather patterns and knocking out communication satellites. This cycle is to peak in 2012.

Quote: "There is disagreement on exactly when the new cycle will begin -- one key researcher predicted the cycle will start in late 2007 or early 2008, and another said it could begin either late this year or in early 2007. But they did agree that the most severe storms won't begin popping on the solar surface for several years, but when they do, they'll be huge. The solar storms in the past have knocked out huge power grids and screwed up global electronics and data communications, but "the next sunspot cycle will be 30 to 50 percent stronger than the last one," the scientists said in Monday's statement.

10) Israel is aiming at 2010 as the year to finalize its borders, even if it means doing it without the agreement of the Palestinian Authority. Prime Minister designate Olmert has insisted on holding on to East Jerusalem, which according to Scripture, will be recaptured by Gentiles by force (Zechariah 14:2). 2010 will put Israel seeking final status borders right in the middle of this seven year period.

11) There will be a lunar eclipse on the feast of Purim in March, 2007, over the entire Middle East. The Jews celebrate Purim as the day the Lord delivered them from their enemies and wicked Haman. The moon, which represents the Messiah in Jewish tradition, will be eclipsed over the entire Middle East on that exact date. I think its significant the lunar eclipse occurs during Purim, when the Jews all over the world will be celebrating the day God delivered them from their enemies. God veiling the moon (representing the Messiah) in darkness could be seen as a warning to Israel of the impending judgement the nation will face during the tribulation period before experiencing deliverance.

12) This from my friend Ed. EU Action Plan agreed on improving animal welfare within the European Union for the period 2006-2010. Could the renewal of this document at some time in the future, be the one that causes the sacrifice and oblation to cease halfway through the Antichrist's reign? (Daniel 9:27)

13) This from Herb's Fulfilled Prophecy website. The EU is aiming to implement numerous free trade agreements across the world by the year 2010, which will no doubt boost Europe's political influence across the globe. Someone once said, control energy and you can influence governments, control food and you can influence the individual. The North American Union, a regional government that Mexico, the US and Canada are setting up, is starting off as a simple trade and security pact. The European Union started out as a simple European Coal and Steel Community pact, where European nations agreed to pool their energy resources. We have no reason to believe we can expect anything less from these free trade agreements.

14) Experts are predicting global oil supplies may peak around the year 2010. This won't mean the oil supplies will run out, rather as the demand of oil - especially from booming economies like China - continues to outstrip supplies, the price of oil is expected to rocket.

Quote: ""Oil supply will peak in 2010-11 at around 92 to 94 million barrels a day," he said. "We have just 1500 days to peak. Collectively, we are still in denial."

15) The year 2007 falls 40 years after the recapture of Jerusalem, in the 1967 Six Day war. Forty years in Scripture represents the length of a generation. 

Hebrews 3:8-11
Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years. Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways. So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.)

Is it possible the generation that saw the recapture of David's city will be the generation that will see all these things fulfilled?

Luke 21:32 
Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled.

Friends, this is just prophetic news relating directly to this particular time period, 2007-2013. We have already seen how RFID is stepping in to fulfil the role of the Mark of the Beast. Even if 2007 doesn't turn out to be the start of the tribulation period, the world is well on its way to fulfilling end times prophecy as foretold in Scripture. Bible prophecy is no longer vague and something for the next generation to worry about, it's happening here and now, and if you're not saved, you won't make it. Over one third of the world's population will die during this seven year period (Revelation 9:15). Those that refuse to accept the Antichrist's system will face the death sentence (Revelation 13:15). The future according to world opinion is bleak, perhaps non-existent. The only hope can be found in the Scriptures, in the God who knows the end from the beginning. The Bible tells us that now is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation. Don't leave it too late...

I never thought I'd see the day, when you came to kneel and pray
I never thought that I would see, the church-house filled to capacity
And outside the door there's more, who have never come before
Oh what a shame that Jesus came, one day before

And you came one day too late, yes, just one day too late
Jesus came and you've been left behind, you will be left behind
Yesterday you couldn't find time for Jesus on your mind
You finally came to call His name, one day too late

You tried to live the best you could, you tried to do the things you should
But when it came to serving God, you said, "I still have time to wait"
Now it's all turned around, time for Jesus now you've found
How sad to think that you found the time, but one day too late

John 3:16 
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Source BBC, Europa, 360 Calendar, Jerusalem Post, Times Online, Jerusalem Post, CNS News, EurActiv, Telegraph, Russian News and Information Agency, Reuters, Bloomberg, SF Gate, Jerusalem Post, Net Speed, Euro Funding Mag, Conference for European Rabbis, Fulfilled Prophecy, WorldNetDaily, Adelaide Now