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General prophecies about the end of time on planet earth – the time of judgment.
Recent News and Commentary Suggesting the Fulfillment of End-Time Bible Prophecy
Padilla guilty of terrorism! Aug. 27, 2007 Jose Padilla, U.S. citizen, Muslim convert, and former Chicago gang member, was convicted in a Miami courtroom of conspiracy, to murder, kidnap, maim, and of supporting terrorism Padilla was apprehended at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport in May of 2002, carrying a suitcase with $10,000 cash and the names of a number of Al Qaeda agents. He was initially held as a material witness and later as an "unlawful enemy combatant" - though a U.S. citizen arrested in the United States. Eventually the charges against Padilla were changed and he was freed from military custody and transferred to a Miami Federal Court for trial. While Padilla's conviction is a victory of sorts for the Bush administration's war against terror, it is also an example of the kind of measures the government can use in extenuated circumstances when under threat, whatever that threat may be. There are, within America today, influential voices in the ecumenical movement calling for unity, describing this as a "time of testing" for those that cannot buy into the principles and practices of that movement. In time of crisis, it is easy to see how these dissidents might easily face a similar experience as Padilla has gone through. (Click here to read more about the Church in Bible prophecy) Chaos following Peruvian quake! Aug. 27, 2007 It is reported that chaos reigns in Pisco and surrounding cities and villages following Wednesday's powerful earth quake in Peru. Not only have hundreds of people been killed and injured in this city of 90,000 where nearly 90% of the buildings have been destroyed, but markets, pharmacies, and even relief vehicles are being ransacked and looted. President Alan Garcia has called in 200 troops to assist police in controlling the thousands of homeless and desperate victims of this 8.0 magnitude quake along Peru's coastline. Earthquakes and other natural disasters are bad enough, but perhaps the most alarming thing about this story out of Peru is the report of all pervading lawlessness that is complicating salvage and recovery efforts. Many had reconciled themselves when they saw similar pictures coming out of New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina, hoping this was a situation unique to New Orleans - but these reports from Pisco suggest otherwise. Society is changing, all around the world. While we speak much about God and religion, most of us live our lives as if there were no loving God, and no consciousness of loving service to one another, seeking only the insatiable effort to please ourselves. It is a sign of our times - predicted long ago in the words of Holy Writ - a time of trouble such as this world has never before seen. We are even now living in the last judgment hour of planet earth during which the fields of 6000 years of sin are ripening for the harvest - a devastation that will only be arrested by the return of Jesus in glory as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. And there is a question we must all ask ourselves in view of our times, "How am I standing in the judgment?" (Click here to read more about the final judgment) Cambodia restricts Christian witness! Aug. 20, 2007 Door to door visitation by Christians is no longer acceptable behavior in Buddhist Cambodia, according to a recent report by the "Voice of the Martyrs (VOM)." Claiming that evangelism "disrupts society and causes other insecurities," the Ministry of Cults and Religions says that Christians "can do any activity within their institutions, but are not allowed to go door to door." Christianity has grown from an estimated 2,000 believers following the days of the Khemer Rouge to about 130,000 today, thanks to the sacrifice of many devout Christian missionaries serving the survivors of those days of the "killing fields." (Click here to read more) The U.N. to serve as platform for spreading homosexual "rights." Aug. 20, 2007 By granting official consultative status to two homosexual groups, the Coalition gaie et Lesbienne du Quebec (CGLQ) and the Swedish Federation for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Rights (RFSL), the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSCO) has established a platform for the spreading of homosexual "rights" to member nations around the world. Among the nations voting in favor of the change in status were the United States, the United Kingdom, Albania, Austria, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Guinea-Bissau, Iceland, Japan, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, and Romania. Those opposed included Algeria, Belarus, Benin, China, Guinea, Indonesia, Iraq, Pakistan, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sri Lanka and Sudan. All of which reminds us of the passage in the Bible likening our day to the situation in the ancient cities of Sodom and Gomorrah - and a sad day at that! (Click here to read more) "Enormous, Humanic and Historic Upheaval" coming soon! Aug. 20, 2007 Christians are not the only ones looking at the signs of the times and concluding they are but the beginnings of trouble as described in the end-time prophecies given in the Bible. Rabbi Daniel Lapin, an Orthodox Jew, nationally acclaimed speaker, and best-selling author, in discussing his newly released audio series with LifeSiteNews.com, likens our day to the days of Noah and notes that we are "moving towards some kind of enormous, humanic and historic upheaval." Lapin attributes our present degeneracy to "secular fundamentalism," not unlike that which existed in the time before the flood, and expects God to respond cataclysmically as He did in Noah's day. Although the "threshold" of passage from this world to the next will be turbulent, people of faith have the hope of a renewed earth beyond - this in contrast to those without faith whose picture is of hopelessness and doom, he states. Yes, the Bible is clear in its descriptions of the end-times on planet earth, and yes, all indications are that we are now living in those times predicted. But thank God, through faith in Jesus, we need not despair, for He also promised that all who "believe" and follow him will be united with Him when He returns in glory as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. (Click here to read about the better land) Worst floods in living memory drown Asia. Aug. 20, 2007 South Asia is experiencing the worst monsoon floods in living memory, including parts of India, Nepal and Bangladesh. As many as 20 million people have been forced from their homes and more than 1000 are dead in India alone. Hunger and disease promises to claim thousands more lives before it is all over. While southern India may suffer the highest casualties from the record floods, Europe and America too have experienced similar unprecedented rainfall. Whether due to global warming or some other cause, it seems clear that these signs in the sky are a direct fulfillment of Bible prophecies describing the end-times of earth history just preceding the return of Jesus and the end of the world. And most certainly, our disregard for the natural resources of the world around us must be a major contributing force to the devastation we are experiencing. While it is likely too late to reverse the process, serious turning away from our blatant carelessness with the use of our natural resources might buy a bit of time. Perhaps of ever greater importance is the need for each of us as individuals to seek and find our Savior, that when He appears, we may be ready to greet Him. (Click here to read more) Hate crimes as part of defense spending bill! Aug. 13, 2007 In order to get the "hate crimes" legislation, once defeated, into lay, Senator Edward Kennedy has proposed attaching it to the defense spending bill now before the Senate, thus avoiding any significant debate. Since President Bush is anxious to sign the defense spending bill, to do so should it include a hate crime attachment would pit him against an already irate Christian support base - thus putting him in a difficult spot. Bush claims that present legislation already protects crimes against homosexuals, and further legislation is not needed. His claims appear to have ample support, there being a number of examples in the courts already of persons tried for merely quoting biblical teachings about homosexuality as sin. Should Kennedy's proposal pass, and the president sign, conscientious pastors and parishioners would no longer dare to mention central biblical doctrine - doctrine that above most others is designed to protect the integrity of the family unit of society. Readers are once again reminded of the biblical predictions that the world at the end of time would mimic the world before the flood and before the fiery conflagration that engulfed Sodom and Gomorrah. (Click here to read more) Torture, successful tool - or black mark? Aug. 13, 2007 President George Bush has responded to the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling last year by creating an Executive Order outlining questioning techniques for the CIA's terror interrogation program. Except for a ban on sexual and religious abuse practices, specific interrogation techniques that may be used by the CIA have not been made public - lest terrorists anticipate ways of defusing their effectiveness. While there remains debate among authorities whether harsh questioning techniques (torture) actually help to discover useful information or not, President Bush claims the harsh questioning techniques used until now have been one of the most effective tools for combating terrorism since 9/11. Others have called it a "black mark" on America's international reputation. Today, the techniques are used to uncover information from terrorists, but tomorrow, the techniques placed into law today may be used against the followers of Jesus who, conscience bound, are unable to comply with legislation mandating Sunday worship. (Click here to read more) And though such predictions bring fear to the heart of some, the promises of God assure His presence with those who love and server Him, no matter where they are or what happens to them. "Perfect love casts out all fear." Seven - the perfect Potter number? Aug. 6, 2007 Seven is often considered the number that represents perfection, and it is said that "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" is the perfect ending to a ten-year escapade into the world of magic and wizardry. Of course, that designation is not universal. Some see the seven book series as nothing more than good reading, and view JK Rowling as one of the world's greatest story-tellers. Others express concern that immersion into such "dark" stories cannot help but make permanent imprints on the minds of those who read, and thus open the door for other advances of Satanic influences. Still others argue that the fact Rowling's series portrays the long historical battle between good and evil as allegory is a positive thing, reminding us once again that good always triumphs over evil (if indeed this is how the series ends!). In considering these various possibilities, it is well to remember the Holy Scriptural admonitions to "think" on things that are good and virtuous, (Philippians 4:8). (Click here to read more) The true cost of World-class entertainment! July 30, 2007 Chris Benoit, his wife Nancy, and 7 year-old son Daniel, are dead - of murder and suicide. It is reported that "legal steroids" and other drugs were found in the home where the bodies were found. Chris, a world-class wrestler, was known for episodes of "roid rage," but World Wrestling Entertainment" (WWE) authorities are playing down the possible steroid link, claiming that evidence suggests that Benoit's action was deliberate, not a result of rage. No one knows for certain what tipped Chris off on this occasion. It could be steroids, or other drugs - or it may have been triggered by chronic traumatic encephalopathy (brain injury due to repeated head injuries). Only one thing seems certain. World Wrestling Entertainment is expensive business, in terms of the lives of its entertainers - as many as 50 reported premature deaths during the past few years attributed to steroids, other drugs, and head injuries (as mentioned on NBC morning news). It is said that a Bible was present beside the bodies - and only God knows the hearts of the victims - but how tears must flow from His eyes when within the pages of that Holy Book are hidden all of the answers to a long and peaceful life just waiting to be searched out and applied! (Click here to read more) Twenty inches of rain in 24 hours! July 23, 2007 As much as twenty inches of rain has fallen in some parts of Texas in the brief span of twenty-four hours - and the rains continue to fall. And even while the floods rage, unprecedented fire has destroyed more than 250 homes in the Lake Tahoe area, the result of a long continued drought in America's west. Scientists still debate the issue of relationship between greenhouse gases, global warming and changing weather patterns and natural disasters, but one thing seems quite certain - this world is definitely showing signs of wear, and we, as a society must accept much of the responsibility for failing to manage our resources well. For this we are paying a price - not by an angry God, but as a natural consequence of our actions. One can only wonder how the God who created us and loves us so much He emptied heaven to save us from our sins must feel when He looks down from above and sees what we are doing to ourselves. Is it possible He will just sit by and watch as we destroy ourselves - and the world He created? Or will His love for us yet find a way to rescue those who call upon His name - just as the Holy Bible promises? (Click here to read more) Paganism "trumps" Christianity in Edinburgh! July 23, 2007 Bibles may be banned, and the assembly of Christian groups nixed, but Scotland's Edinburgh University is opening its doors wide for the annual meeting of the Pagan Society. Instead of conferences discussing such things as immorality and homosexuality, presentations on Witchcraft and Magic in the 21st Century accompanied by sessions on pagan parenting, pagan marriage, pagan symbolism, etc., will fill the agenda. While the university's decision to remove its Gideon Bibles from student rooms, and to deny a convocation of the Christian Union at the university was made on the alleged basis of "respecting diversity" rather than attacking Christianity, Christians have every right to question the motives of University authorities. Yet, one ought not be surprised at the rise of paganism and spiritualism, for Bible prophecies describe a three fold demonic challenge to God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit, as bringing on the final battle on planet earth, the great battle of Armageddon - spiritualism being one of those powers. (Click here to read more about spiritualism) North Korea shuts down Nuclear Reactor. July 23, 2007 After four years of contention over its nuclear reactor, North Korea has reported that it is honoring its agreement with the United States to shut down its main nuclear reactor. For its part in the agreement, the U.S. has sent the first 6,000 of 50,000 tons of fuel oil to North Korea. Inspection teams of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) are already on the way to confirm the report. Still to work on is agreement with North Korea to dismantle the whole facility that is believed to have sufficient plutonium for 10-12 bombs. In a world where violence and terrorism reigns, this is good news. (click here to read Bible prophecies for our times) Religion leads "Gay Pride Parade" in Manhattan. July 16, 2007 Troy Perry, founder of the Metropolitan community Church and Sharon Kleinbaum, of New York City's Congregation Beth Simchat Torah, served as Grand Marshals for Manhattan's annual "Gay Pride Parade." A float sporting a giant "rainbow" flag created by "Dignity," a gay movement within the Catholic Church also followed close behind in the slow march down Fifth Avenue. Undoubtedly, the organizers of the parade were trying to send a message by placing these religious elements at the beginning of the parade - even before AIDS service groups and political activists. It is true, Jesus admonished his followers to go the second mile with their enemies (Matthew 5:41), but He never endorsed encouraging others in self-destructive behaviors. While homosexuality is often a consequence of our broken homes and broken society rather than usually an intentional sin, this fact does not remove from the practice its destructive effects on either the individual so enslaved, or on the society that encourages it. (Click here to read more) Highest terrorist alert in Britain! July 16, 2007 About a week short of two years following London's terrorist attack on the Transit system that killed 52, two cars loaded with explosives were found and disaster averted in London on Friday, June 29. On the following day, two men attempted to drive a burning Jeep Cherokee into the main terminal of the Glasgow Airport, a major disaster only averted by security posts that stopped the jeep at the door. At this time police are treating the incidents as the work of al-Qaeda as they continue to search for evidence. Of greatest concern to authorities is the fact that the tactics in all three incidents follow the pattern of the bombings occurring in Iraq and Indonesia, leading Lord Stevens, Britain's new terrorism adviser, to say, "This weekend's bomb attacks signal a major escalation in the war being waged on us by Islamic Terrorists." They "used the same technology, the same bomb-making techniques, the same operating methods as their brothers-in-arms in Baghdad and Bali," he said. So it is that in spite of the world's best efforts since America's 9/11 disaster at the World Trade Center to defeat the war on terrorism, terrorism continues to plague the our global society - and without any good signs of improvement in the days to come. Surely we are living in the times described by Jesus as He described the signs by which his followers might know that his return was near. (Click here to read more) Cities continue to grow with magnetic like power! July 16, 2007 By next year, the U.N. Population Fund (UNFPA) reports that half of the world's 6.6 billion people will be living in urban communities - and a third of these, will be living in the slums. And while growth in the mega-cities with populations of greater than 10 million is slowing, smaller cities of 1-3 million are expanding rapidly. In the cities, there is work, money, access to health care, and fun and games - all things that appeal to the senses. But there is also crime and gangs, poverty, hopelessness, exploitation, and abuse - and even under the best of circumstances, failure to find true and lasting happiness, and peace. And it is true, life is not always easy in rural areas either, but there one may find quietness to hear the voice of God, and natural beauty to satisfy the soul. (Click here to read more) Human mothers may give birth to chimeras! July 16, 2007 When responding to draft legislation regarding human-animal hybrids (known as chimeras) due for Parliamentary debated later in the year, the Catholic Bishops of England offered counsel to the committee considering the issue that genetic mothers ought to be able to raise their "chimeras" as their own children if they wished. Whereas, until now discussion regarding the creation of chimera embryos has focused upon destroying the embryos within the first 2 weeks of life and never to be transferred into a woman's womb, the Bishops are saying that they see no reason "inter-species" embryos should be treated any differently than others. This reasoning, taken to its natural conclusion, opens the door for creating all sorts of partially human creatures in singles or in clones. Other aims of the proposed "Human Tissue and Embryo Bill" include overhauling the laws regarding the treatment of infertility, management of "test tube" babies, and embryo research and abortion. While the proposed legislation may seem a bit far-fetched even in today's scientific community, the basic research is being done, and it seems that if time should last, we will likely see a return of those "mythical creatures" of storybook times - apparently with the blessing of at least some of the bishops of the Catholic Church! (Click here to read more about genetics) Human trafficking - modern day slavery. July 2, 2007 U.S. Government research indicates that every year, 800,000 people are "trafficked across national borders - a practice best described as modern day slavery - to be used in the sex trade, or in forced labor. Of these, 80% are women and girls, and more than half are children. There are now 16 nations on the U.S. "blacklist" for trafficking, who face sanctions unless they are able to bring about reforms. Most recent additions to the list come from Middle East nations, labeled primarily because of mistreatment of foreign workers. Exhibit will confuse kids! July 2, 2007 Kids are going to become confused by the new Creation Museum now open in the state of Kentucky, say evolutionist teachers and scientists. The museum, that opened its doors for visitors on Memorial Day, was built at a cost of more than $27 million in a cooperative effort to promote the truth of divine creation of the earth and all that is in it - about 6,000 years ago, rather than evolving over millions and millions of years as is taught in public schools. This state of the art museum uses the latest and most sophisticated technology to get its points across - videos, life-like models of dinosaurs, Adam and Eve, Cain, Noah and his ark, and many other exhibits. Already, evolutionists are calling, "foul," claiming they have the truth about origins while creationists are involved in telling lies, thereby confusing those kids that attend, they say. It is a debate that will undoubtedly persist until Jesus comes in all of His glory, for though both evolutionists and creationists say they have scientific evidence indicating they have the Truth, there are really significant things that require faith on the part of each in order to believe. Perhaps the most convincing evidence in favor of divine creation as the origin of our world is the evidence found in love and morality, concepts that have real meaning in the Biblical account of the fall of man from perfection and God's plan for rescue - but absolutely no reason to exist in the evolution model. While Christians often fail to live by the Biblical model of morality, anyone familiar with that model knows that if applied in all our lives, there would be no strife, no war, hate or killing, messing around, or divorce, broken homes, street children, and all of the other ills destroying our society. The same cannot even be dreamed of existing within the evolutionary model. Furthermore, the Holy Bible has proven its accuracy over and over again in depicting history, fulfilling prophetic predictions, changing people's lives and lifting them from the destructive effects of immorality, and giving purpose to life. Unfortunately, creationism has taken its greatest blow from within the Christian community itself - yes, even greater than from the evolutionists - and that is by rejecting the only Commandment of the Ten that calls us to remember - to keep holy (sacred) the Sabbath Day, set apart by God at the completion of Creation as a memorial to it - a memorial written in time, not in stone. Had we always remembered that Holy Day for fellowship with the Creator himself in worship, it is unlikely the theory of evolution would have even taken root! And kids would never have had reason to be confused! (Click here to read more) The Mahdi will return! July 2, 2007 Early indications are that the bombing of the Golden Mosque at Sumarra, Iraq, on June 13 destroying the remaining minarets was an inside job. Since February, 2006, when the Golden dome was destroyed, the mosque that houses the al-Askaryia shrine, one of the Shia Muslems most holy sites, has been guarded by a joint Sunni/Shia force. History tells us that the shrine was built in 944 to hold the tombs of two Imans who were direct descendents of the Prophet Mohammad. Tradition teaches that 12th and final Iman (also known as the "hidden Iman) went into hiding under the shrine, and will one day reappear to punish the sinful and to separate truth from error. Since no one knows when that might occur, for many years a saddled horse and soldiers were brought to the shrine daily to be ready for his return. Jesus too said He would return one day to rescue the faithful and to bring judgment against the wicked. Furthermore, He noted that there would be many counterfeits, but that there would be many signs by which we would know when His return was near, and by which to recognize Him when He came. It is interesting that in many religious traditions, a "Messiah" (Christ) will come to bring justice on earth and give eternal life to the faithful followers. The question we must all ask ourselves is this, are we ready and expecting the real Christ, or will we be taken in by some counterfeit? (Click here to read more) America warned that Iran is like a cornered lion whose tail should not be played with! July 2, 2007 In response to America's threat of attacking her nuclear facilities, Iran has promised to retaliate with a missile blitz against the Gulf States that would engulf the whole Middle East into war. U.S. Military bases, missile defense systems, oil refineries and power stations throughout the region would be the target of Iran's response, with the intent to "overwhelm U.S. defense systems with dozens and maybe hundreds of missiles fired simultaneously at specific targets." Iran has maintained that her nuclear facilities are strictly for the generation of electricity while U.S. President Bush insists they are for nuclear arms. One can only begin to imagine the effect of such a conflagration on the world economy and the present balance of powers. Truly, we are now living in those days described as occurring on earth at the end of history and just preceding the return of our Lord in glory. (Click here to read more some of those prophecies) "Synthetic Life!" What is that? July 2, 2007 Craig Venter thinks he can make a bacterium in the laboratory that can manufacture hydrogen and biofuels. Indeed, he has applied for patents all around the world to synthesize a bacterium from DNA that is made in the laboratory for just this purpose. "Mycoplasma laboratorium," the working name of this new species of life, and the first ever man-made species, is allegedly being designed to have about 500 man made genes in 500,000 million letters of DNA. Small segments of about 50 DNA letters each placed in the digestive track of the E coli bacterium are expected to be turned into ever larger pieces until eventually a new life form emerges. Craig Venter is an American who helped to crack the human genome in the year 2000, and one who ought to be able to accomplish his objectives if anyone can. The questions are these. Is Venter's invention truly alive? And is that "life" something he invented, or something transferred from the bacterium in which the DNA segments were assembled? If Venter's synthetic bacterium should truly be a new species of life, what will it do to your faith in God? (Click here to read more about genetics) FCC loses appeal against profanity in broadcasting. June 25, 2007 Vulgar language has become so common that even President Bush has been heard to use expletives, thus, it is OK if they are used on radio and television. So ruled the 2nd U. S. Court of Appeals in favor of a Fox television-led challenge against the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) attempt to keep profanity and vulgar language off the airways. In essence, the court told the FCC it was their responsibility to prove that its policy prohibiting vulgar language was not "arbitrary and capricious." While it is likely the case will be taken to a higher court, in the meantime, one more step away from God and decency has been taken in America, for which there are always consequences. (Click here to read Bible prophecies for our time) Abortion no longer a crime in Mexico City. June 18, 2007 No longer is it a crime for a woman to have an abortion in Mexico City. In spite of pressure from the pope on the bishops of this Catholic dominated nation, 27 of 46 lawmakers voted to remove the criminal status of abortion, making it now a matter of "choice." While the law applies only in Mexico City, many observers believe this legislation will have nationwide, and indeed, significant influence throughout the Latin world, and beyond. In trying to understand this apparently strange development that took place in opposition to the influence of the Church, attention is drawn to the fact that every year in Mexico, 200,000 women must resort to illegal abortion with its accompanying risks. And while abortion is not a pretty thing either, one must sometimes decide between lesser evils. Then, of course, there is the issue of better sex education as a means to reduce the abortion rate, whether legal or illegal. Unfortunately, society being what it is, sex education may provide information, but provides little power for countering the promiscuous worldview prevalent in today's society. As has been frequently stated on this web site, abortion is not the issue - as heinous as it is - but the moral depravity that is at the root of our society and governs our actions. For this, the Church must take at least some responsibility, for it is the Church that has replaced Tradition before the Holy Scriptures, thereby replacing the intercessory power of Jesus with the impotency of mere men in the confessional. For it is only the power of God that can give us humans power over sin in our lives. Unless and until we repent of our sin and turn to the Law of God and the Power of our Savior, we may expect society to continue its downward spiral into self-destructive behavior and eventual oblivion. (Click here to read more about the Law of God) Monstrosities will be created! June 18, 2007 Monstrosities will be created as a result of Great Britain's endorsement of scientific research that creates hybrid animal-human embryos for stem cell research. This is the assessment of Bishop Elio Sgreccia, president of the Pontifical Academy of Life at the Vatican. Creation of an animal-human being represents the violation of a natural border that will inevitably have dire consequences, the bishop noted. Moreover, there are many other sources of stem cells beside animal-human hybrids, making the research unnecessary and all the more despicable, he reasons. Bishop Sgreccia is right. We humans will pay a high price for our arrogance. Our Creator will not forever hold His peace, while in our denial of Him, we mess with the secrets of His creation. (Click here to read more about genetics) Kevorkian has served his time! June 18, 2007 Jack Kevorkian, the former pathologist made "famous" by campaigning for physician-assisted suicide and "helping" as many as 130 people suffering with "unbearable" disease entities end their lives, is now free from jail having served 8 years for a conviction of second-degree murder. Fighting societal norms for years in his promotion of physician assisted suicide for patients with severe pain, paralysis, and other seemingly hopeless disorders, Kevorkian was finally convicted and sentenced to jail following a demonstration of his "mercitron" machine on "60 Minutes," a national CBS television program. Many people believe there are some things worse than death, i.e., severe, unrelenting pain, dependence upon others for total care, inability to breath due to lung disease - the list goes on - of extreme suffering with no hope of improvement. Should not such persons be free to have help in ending it all? Dr. Kevorkian believed they did, and this is the battle he was fighting for. The Commandment says, "Thou shalt not kill." Most of society throughout history has accepted this Commandment as the norm - and most accept it as of divine origin. Furthermore, at those times in history when that norm has been breeched, terrible atrocities have occurred, giving good reason to continue to honor it. But even if Dr. Kevorkian carried things too far by assisting in the active ending of life, nothing in the Commandment mandates the prolongation of life by any kind of artificial measures - nor ought society add this condition to the Commandment. For many, especially for those believing in the Biblical Plan of Salvation, life really only begins with the resurrection at the return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ - with no merit gained by spending one's last days sustained by intravenous lines and respirators. (Click here to read about what really happens at death) DNA - the new "mark of the beast?" June 18, 2007 If New York Governor, Eliot Spitzer, gets his way, New York's DNA database will soon include DNA samples for all criminals, including those found guilty of any misdemeanor, including minor drug offences, harassment, or unauthorized use of a credit card. It would exclude things considered offences like disorderly conduct. Others to be included are those already in prison, those on parole, those on probation, and all registered sex offenders. Spitzer claims that his bill will help, both to bring the guilty to justice, and to exonerate those falsely accused. Police officials and prosecutors now view DNA samples, obtainable merely by swabbing the inside of the mouth, as one of the most effective tools in law enforcement. (A few states are even taking samples upon arrest and before conviction.) Spitzer's proposal is not without controversy. DNA, unlike fingerprints, contains volumes of personal information. Critics of widespread use express concern regarding how the information might be used once obtained and placed on file. Of concern also is the system used to catalogue, store, handle and protect the data so as not to be lost or misappropriated. With crime again on the increase in the U.S., it is easy to make a case for expanding the use of this nearly foolproof instrument. It is also easy to see how it could be wrongfully expanded to "mark" other "undesirable" members of society and thus appear to fulfill the predictions of Revelation, chapter 13 where the Mark of the Beast is mentioned. However, it is doubtful DNA evidence will be necessary to thus identify the followers of Jesus who will already be evident by their love for God and for their fellow men - in worship and in service as defined in the Ten Commandments of love, written on the heart and in the mind. (Click here to read more) Flight of Angels linked to "rational theology!" June 11, 2007 Emphasis on "rational theology" is weakening the "mystical impulse," within the Christian community, including awareness of the work of angels. This according to Father Marcello Stanzione, President of the Center of Angelology at the Benedictine Abby Santa Maria La Nova in Campagna, Italy, speaking in an interview with Zenit. Without denying the role of reason, Stanzione noted the lack of emphasis on the role of angels among us, both good angels and demons - a state he hopes to speak to at an upcoming meeting with the theme, "The Angels of the Mystics." By reviewing the history of the saints who throughout the ages were accompanied by angels, Stanzione expects to re-create an interest in "existential" experience. While Stanzione has a burden to revive awareness of the presence of angels guiding the lives of God's people, Mike Brown, writing in Spiritdaily.com, describes the close relationship between tattoos and evil angels, admonishing his readers to be aware of the dangers of modern demons working in disguise. (Click here to read more) In describing the life of a true Christian, Stanzione writes, "he lives in constant communion with God, and that union is not only an intellectual experience, but an existential." When such a relationship with God exists, followers of Jesus are aware of the work of angels in their lives day in and day out. The opposite is also true - evil angels under the direction of Satan himself, never cease in their attempt to disrupt that walk with Jesus - for the war between good and evil is real - and the "wise" Christian will keep his armor on at all times. (Click here to read about the "spirits") Religion - stumbling block for control of HIV/AIDS. June 11, 2007 "The difficulty the world faces" (in responding to the HIV/AIDS crisis) "is that the United Nations seems substantially disempowered to spread those messages because of religious impediments that exist to spreading the messages that are essential." These are the comments of Australian High Court Judge, Michael Kirby, author of a new book, "Civil Society, Religion and Global Governance." Because of "essential messages" spread by religious bodies, many countries are prevented from utilizing those measures proving most effective in Australia - i.e., promoting the availability of condoms and the role of safer sex, reducing the risk of IV drug use by making clean needles available to users, the decriminalization of sex work and homosexual acts, according to Kirby. Kirby is undoubtedly correct in his assessment. What he appears to have overlooked is the long-term fallout of disregard to the principles of life God has given us in the Holy Bible. We are cautioned, "the wages of sin is death." HIV/AIDS proves this statement to be true - yet Kirby is suggesting we can resolve our crisis by being accomplice to even more sin. "Be sure your sins will find you out!" Only by true penitence and turning away from sin can true healing occur in our society - a thing that cannot be legislated - it is a matter of personal choice. And yes, our world is on a course of certain self-destruction - except rescue come from the heavens. Thankfully, Jesus has promised that He would return at the appointed, but unknown, hour! (Click here to read more) Terrorist attack on New York's JFK International Airport prevented. June 11, 2007 U.S. government authorities have allegedly prevented a planned attack on New York's JFK International Airport by terrorists. Orchestrated from within the U.S., and apparently without al-Qaeda connections, plans called for blowing up fuel pipelines, fuel tanks and terminal buildings in a catastrophe that they believed would dwarf the destruction of the World Trade Center and cause major damage to the U.S. economy. Whether or not the plot would have accomplished the intended objectives is unknown, but unlikely, according to authorities. The fact that the alleged terrorists plotted their attack from, and were of U.S. Guyana, and Trinidad origin, adds another dimension to the defense of the U.S. against terrorists. (Click here to read Bible prophecy about our times) No premarital sex, pope admonishes youth! June 4, 2007 Speaking to tens of thousands in Sao Paul's Pacaembu soccer stadium, Pope Benedict XVI admonished the youth to avoid premarital sex and to be faithful in marriage. "Be men and women who are free and responsible. Make the family a center that radiates peace and joy," he said. In fact, the pope's message to today's amoral society was right on target. Unfortunately, what Benedict XVI fails to understand, like many who have gone before, is that in replacing the intercessory work of Jesus in His heavenly chambers with the fallible priesthood composed of mere men here on earth, the Church has robbed youth and adults alike of the only source of power for living victorious, morally responsible lives. Jesus - not the priest, no, not even Mary (now deceased and in the grave awaiting the resurrection) - is the only One who can forgive our sins and transform us with His love. Apart from a personal relationship with him, we must remain enslaved to the ways of Satan, the prince of this world. (Click here to read more) Violence continues to escalate. May 28, 2007 Violence continues to capture the headlines of the world. Between 2005 and 2006, the number of terrorist attacks against civilians world wide increased by 42%, from 14,618 to 20,498. While most of these occurred in Iraq and Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, and Sudan have also been identified as important sources. Interestingly, the vast majority of these terrorist activities have their roots in the conflict between Israel and those who support her, and her enemies, primarily, radical Islamic elements. And the United States, as one of Israel's strongest allies, is often at the center of the conflict - and this based upon the belief of many in leadership roles in the U.S. that Israel must be supported in fulfillment of Bible prophecy, interpreted to mean that Israel will again be restored as the chosen people of God and have their temple and nations rebuilt. But what if Israel as a nation truly did reject it's covenant relationship with God when subjecting Jesus to the cross, thereby disqualifying her for her appointed role in fostering the cause of God on earth - as alleged in the Holy Scriptures? What if the True Israel of today is composed of those who accept God's plan for the salvation of people of every nation, tribe and people - including the Jews - who are "Children of Abraham" by faith, as the Bible claims - and not the Jews as a nation? Would this not change the way the world looks at the Middle East, and war? Truly, as never before, it is important to know the Holy Scriptures! (Click here to read about Israel in Bible prophecy) Abstinence Education doesn't work! May 21, 2007 Contrary to U.S. President Bush's assertion, Abstinence Education doesn't work - at least not when young people are randomly assigned to receive it. In a report entitled, "Impacts of Four Title V, Section 510 Abstinence Education Programs," conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, young people were randomized to one of two groups, i.e., to receive abstinence education or not to receive it. While students assigned to the abstinence education group were no more likely to have unprotected sex than their "non-educated" peers during the approximately 6 years of the study, (contrary to the expectations of some of the programs critics) neither did the program change the age of their first sexual encounter, the frequency of sexual encounters nor the number of sexual partners. Assuming this study reflects the experience of all abstinence education programs nation wide, we are dumping $87.5 million down the drain annually. Nor ought anyone be surprised by the findings of the report! What are a few hours of didactic education teaching the benefits of abstinence when compared to the many hours each week that young people are exposed to the immorality of the public media of radio, television, billboards, Internet, etc., etc? Ought we really expect impressionable, peer pressured, youth to find the power to control these societal pressures just from a few lectures? Of course, the answer to these questions is an unequivocal, no! Only those students committed to abstinence till marriage by personal choice, and then educated to recognize and avoid situations likely to trip them up might be expected to fare better in their sexual practices - and for most of these, their choice and their success will be secondary to faith in a loving God and a desire to please Him and their families and friends. (Click here to read more about God's law governing human behavior) Tragedy at Virginia Tech! May 21, 2007 America is shocked as it tries to cope with another school massacre -this time of more than 30 students and faculty of Virginia Tech University. Cho Seung-Hui, a lone gunman who had long been profiled by fellow students and faculty as one capable of committing such a crime, was, since he had never before had a police record, beyond apprehension by the law. Events in Iraq suddenly became "non events" when compared to those things transpiring in America's own back yard. No! This was not the first. Many still remember the atrocities of Charles Whitman and Richard Speck in the 1960's - and the two students of Columbine in 1999 - but nothing compared to the tragedy at Virginia Tech. How could this be, many questioned, and many more wondered. Yet, it should not seem strange, for it has been said, and it is true as described by the pope, that "we are immersed in a culture of death." Everywhere in our society, we see hatred, violence, death and devaluation of life. It pervades nearly facet of our waking hours - on the television, on our billboards, in the local news, and in reports from the front lines of battle - all indelibly transmitted nearly instantaneously from the scene of violence to our brains via modern digital communication tools. Should it seem a mystery that those pixels, once entering the human mind, should not suddenly be transformed into something constructive and beneficial to society? No! Our minds are to a large extent programmed by the sensory stimuli entering them via our senses - and while for many, the higher powers of conscience and reason may exert some controls, minds troubled by traumatic experiences, mental illness, mind altering chemicals, or even nutritional deficiencies, may escape those control mechanisms and explode in violent behavior. The Bible tells us that it was for violence that God directed Noah to build an ark to save the race from otherwise certain total self-destruction. Furthermore, by all indications, our society today closely mirrors that of that ancient patriarch. Is it possible the warnings given in the Bible are true today, as then? (Click here to read prophecies about our times) F-5 tornado wipes out Kansas town. May 21, 2007 95% of Greensburg, Kansas, a town of with a population of 1,500, was wiped out by an F-5 tornado that struck on Friday evening, killing 8 people. Many more funnels were reported throughout the plains states over the weekend, accounting for two more deaths. Tornados are not unusual in mid-western America, but in recent years the frequency and severity of storms has been unusually severe, quite in keeping with increasing environmental problems all over the world - tornados, hurricanes, floods, drought, fires, earthquakes, and tsunamis. Some attribute these changes to greenhouse gases and global warming. Others see these as the acts of an angry God, giving us our rightful dues in return for our loss of values as exemplified by homosexuality, abortion, genetic engineering, etc. For certain, the Bible does indeed describe violent events in the natural world just preceding the return of Jesus in glory - and many wonder if this may be but the beginning of that time of trouble. When placed in perspective to the many other pre-advent "signs" - terrorism and wars, the AIDS pandemic, economic challenges, etc., many recognize that this world is now existing on "borrowed time." And whether these "signs" represent the natural effects of our collective disregard for nature and the natural world or the destructive power of God is a matter for discussion perhaps, but ultimately must be seen as the judgment of God upon a planet long refusing to submit to His governing Law of Love written on Ten Tablets of Stone. All indications that we are merely experiencing the "beginning of sorrows" predicted in that Holy Book preceding the return of Jesus in glory. (Click here to read more about the last judgment) Ten Commandments Twice Removed arrives in Chicago. May 14, 2007 On May 6 and 7, 2006, the First Annual Ten Commandment Sunday was celebrated in Washington by activist Christians desirous of returning the Ten Commandments to their "rightful" place in American life. Recognizing the national interest in the Ten Commandments, Three Angels Broadcasting Network (3ABN), responding to a suggestion by creation scientist, Robert Gentry, decided to join in support of the Ten Commandment campaign. Accordingly, thousands of volunteers gathered at the Nation's capital calling upon people everywhere to restore the Ten Commandments to their rightful place in society - in the hearts and minds of the people - rather than on monuments of stone in public places. In keeping with the opportunity, millions of books, "The Ten Commandments Twice Removed" were distributed in the capital and across the nation, awakening many to the true benefits of the Ten Commandments. In response to the success of that first annual Ten Commandment weekend, 3ABN has once again decided to join this annual event - this time choosing Chicago as its base of operations. In addition to distributing hundreds of thousands of books, Ten Commandments Twice Removed, 3ABN, broadcasting from the famous Arie Crown Theater, has provided 14 hours of live international television coverage of a slate of professional speakers relating each of the Commandments as laws for the expression of love for God and for our fellow men. Often viewed as restrictive, the Commandments are in truth, barriers of protection, assuring those who live by them, the very best of life in this world, and in the world to come. (Click here to read more about the Commandments) Dinosaur fossils contain residual proteins. May 7, 2007 Scientists from North Carolina State University and Harvard Medical School have confirmed the presence of residual proteins deep within the thighbone of a Tyrannosaurus rex excavated in eastern Montana. Peptides, the building blocks of collagen (bone protein) that were pieced together into sequences were found to react with antibodies of chicken bone, confirming their protein origin. This was further confirmed by mass spectroscopy. While this represents the first time protein has been discovered in dinosaurs, they have been found in mammoths preserved in permafrost, and DNA has been found in (presumed) Neanderthals. The significance of these findings and the reason for intensifying the search of actual DNA from dinosaurs lies in the desire to re-establish these ancient creatures via cloning techniques and to establish evolutionary links between the various ancient species. It is interesting in this respect that the dinosaur from which the above described protein was extracted was found "buried in a virtually oxygen-free setting very soon after death." Such catastrophic burial under deep layers of rock would seem to argue in favor of the more recent Biblical universal flood rather than a slow evolutionary process over millions of years. Never-the-less, it would be most interesting should further DNA discoveries confirm the suspicion of some that dinosaurs may have been "created" by genetic engineering by our ancient pre-flood ancestors rather than by evolutionary processes. (Click here to read more) Human-sheep are here! May 7, 2007 When Jesus said he was the Good Shepherd, and that his sheep knew his voice and would follow him, he was using a metaphor likening people to sheep - but he certainly did not have in mind the same thing as Professor Esmail Zanjani, of the University of Nevada has. Zanjani's human-sheep are that indeed - chimera sheep with half human organs! Yes, science technology has arrived at the place where stem cells from one animal species can be transplanted in another and made to multiply and become part and parcel with the host species. At the Mayo Clinic, scientists have developed pigs that have human blood cells, pig blood cells, and a new kind of blood cells exhibiting both human and pig characteristics. At Stanford University, there are mice with brains containing human and mice brain cells - and at St. Kitts Biomedical Foundation in the Caribbean, it is monkeys that have partially human brains. Based upon present knowledge, it is theoretically possible that a female chimera rat with a human egg could mate with a male chimera rat with a human sperm and produce a human baby with chimera rats for parents - and if theoretical, only a matter of time until someone does it - should God permit! In fact, with a bit of imagination, one can picture all sorts of bizarre creatures soon walking upon the earth. All of which may cause one to wonder, are we who call ourselves human, rather, chimera monkeys? It has been said that it was the "amalgamation" of animals and man that became the "last straw" that necessitated the flood in the days of Noah. Is it any more likely that our Creator will forever ignore our efforts today to "improve" upon his creation? (Click here to read more) Miranda, the new Antichrist! April 30, 2007 Jose de Jesus Miranda, former Puerto Rico drug addict, now turned televangelist, claims to be the Antichrist - and is proud of it. In fact, Miranda teaches that the proper interpretation of the Bible's reference to Antichrist refers to the rebirth of Christ here on earth - and not one who is warring against Christ as is usually taught. According to Miranda the number 666 tattooed on his arm is actually a symbol of love - not a symbol of Satan or his human representative. Satan does not exist, Miranda says, and there is no such thing as hell - and no sin. But though Miranda denies the devil and the concept of sin, he seems to have no hesitation in disparaging the Catholic Church in his public remarks - for which he has recently been denied entry into El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala. From his base in Miami, Miranda broadcasts his radio, television and Internet message to more than 20, mostly Latin American, countries. While Miranda is not the only multimedia ministry broadcasting into Latin America, he is undoubtedly one of the voices that is changing the religious affiliation of these long-time Catholic nations - so much so in fact that Pope Benedict XVI is scheduled to meet with Bishops in Brazil in the month of May to plan and strategize ways to counter this religious revolution. If nothing more, Miranda's preaching may be anticipated to give a boost to the evangelical movement and with it, increasing intolerance for "intolerant" minorities that are unable for conscience sake to join the crowd! (Click here to read more about the church in Bible prophecy) France opens FUO (unidentified flying objects) files. April 30, 2007 Online archives of more than 1600 FUO sightings during the past 50 years in France are now being posted on a national space agency website (www.cnes-geipan.fr.) As new sightings occur, they will be added to the website. While 75% of the sightings can be explained, the remainder continue to be enigmas, even to the authorities. They do say, however, that they have no evidence that the objects belong to extraterrestrials - nor that they do not! So, what has been learned by opening the French UFO files? Not much! Only that there are some things for which we do not have explanations. If one takes the Bible seriously, one can be pretty certain the UFO's are not extraterrestrials - at least not in the usual sense of the word. Un-fallen beings from other worlds would not likely choose to visit planet earth and risk getting trapped in the sin that enslaves us. On the other hand, fallen angels might well find this a useful way to arouse curiosity and entice unwary persons into their clutches. And it certainly would be an effective way for us to be conditioned to be captivated by a satanic representation of Jesus a short while before His promised appearance. (Click here to read more) SAARC - South Asia Association for Regional Cooperation. April 30, 2007 For years, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, the Maldives, Bhutan, and Nepal have met together to talk about creating closer links between them, but have never seemed to make any real progress. It appears now, perhaps spurred on by the earnest attempts by India and Pakistan to resolve the Kashmir problem, that these Southern Asian nations are ready to move from rhetoric to action. India has begun to get the ball rolling by calling for liberalized visas, a common currency, direct flights linking the eight regional capitals, a regional food bank for emergencies and shortages, and for zero duty. Should they actually be successful in fulfilling their goals, it would become the world's largest grouping of nations - 1.7 billion people. While the move has ample economic incentives to make it worth while, Christians that have accepted the responsibility for taking the Judgment Hour message to the world may also hope that doors may also open wider for the proclamation of this message. (Click here to read more) Christian artists enter "American Idol" top ten. April 16, 2007 Four Christian artists have moved into the "American Idol" top ten position during its sixth season. Between 26 and 37 million viewers have tuned in each week, many of them Christians! While the motives of the contestants may be pure enough, hoping thereby to promote the cause of Christ around the world, the very concepts appears somewhat of a paradox, seeing that God commands that we have no other God's (or idols)! Where is Christianity going in America? (Click here to read more about the Church in Bible prophecy) The poor will starve! April 16, 2007 Cuban leader, Fidel Castro, has apparently recovered sufficiently from his long illness to warn America and the world that the emphasis being placed on the use of biofuels in place of crude oil will seriously reduce available food sources, causing the starvation of millions of people each year. One of U.S. President Bush's primary answers to the growing demand and rising costs of crude oil, is to switch to biofuels. In 2007, corn production is expected to increase by more than 15%, and in the process reduce the production of soybeans and other foods by a similar amount - thus, in effect, reducing the amount of food available to the already deficient world food supply. Accordingly, America is already investing heavily in the building of production facilities where corn and other biological materials may be turned into ethanol. While one may not agree with Castro's politics, his concerns regarding biofuels ought not be overlooked. Something is amiss in society when the disadvantaged are made to suffer more so that those who have been more blessed may continues their extravagance. It ought not therefore come as a surprise when the poor of the world rise up in revolt, demanding attention. No! Terrorism is not right. Violent demonstrations are not right. But neither is it right that the rich live in luxury while the poor perish for lack of the necessities of life. What does it look like when we love our neighbors as our selves? (Click here to read more) Our world is "super-eroticized." April 16, 2007 In Great Britain all public adoption agencies and businesses, including those run by church groups, must place children with homosexual as well as with straight couples - with no exceptions for faith-based groups. In Italy, legislation is considering legalization of "civil unions" - much to the dismay of the Italian bishops and other religious groups. Poland is under investigation by the Committee on Civil Liberties of the European Parliament because of a proposed law protecting children in the country's schools from aggressive and obscene homosexual propaganda that would present homosexual lifestyle as "normal and acceptable." These are but a few of the many conflicts occurring between persons of faith and the gay community around the world - all in the name of love and civil liberty. While it is one thing to love and empathize with homosexual inclinations, much of the legislation presently being put into place around the world poses serious threats to the long-term viability of the family, and consequently, society itself. Of the many voices expressing their views, Bishop Demetrio Fernandez, speaking from Spain, says it well, "One does not choose one's sex, no matter what Congress says. Whatever a person's inclinations may be, you should accept yourself as you are and live out your sexuality in a climate of chastity that teaches you to love freely. Human sexuality is also damaged because of sin, and it must be redeemed through an ever-growing love, which all men can attain with the grace of God," he says. "Love is not necessarily expressed through the exercise of sexuality," he continued. "Thought the world is 'super-eroticized,' the redemption of Christ is abundant grace for living chastity with freedom," - even in this world! Just as one may be faithful to one partner of the opposite sex for a lifetime, by the grace and power of God, so one with other orientation may exercise his/her responsibilities to society by the same power. (Click here to read more) "Clean Air Act" gains new support. April 16, 2007 In response to recent scientific warnings regarding the effect of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases on global warming, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has the authority to regulate the emissions of greenhouse gases from motor vehicles. Paul Burns, executive director of the Vermont Public Interest Research Group said it best, "In the face of overwhelming evidence, President Bush and his administration have been ignoring the facts, attacking the messengers and stifling their own scientists in an effort to block action against global warming. The Supreme Court's unambiguous rebuke in this case has removed the last fig leaf in the administration's defense of industrial polluters." Until now, President Bush has been reluctant to acknowledge the problem of global warming, claiming instead that maintaining a strong economy must take precedence over measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. With the Supreme Court ruling, things are now likely to change quite rapidly as state and federal agencies respond to the new EPA authority. As meaningful as this decision is, it is unlikely to eliminate our lust for the things that do the polluting. While we may be ready to vote for reduced carbon dioxide emissions, it is doubtful we will agree to do without some of our automobiles, without the marvelous things created in our factories, and without those other activities we are accustomed to that depend upon carbon based power. Indeed, even our best efforts may already be too little, too late to avert the consequences of our indulgent waste - unless the nay-sayers are correct, after all! "Fertility Institutes" face "incredible demand!" April 9, 2007 "Fertility Institutes," a full service program designed for gay men desiring their own biological children, claims an incredible demand from gay couples around the world. The institute, based in Los Angeles, works to bring all of the necessary components together in one place - patients, donors, surrogates, psychologists, medical and legal - so as to facilitate their client's desires. Yes, it is a sad time in history when men suffering the pangs of childlessness must attend fertility clinics to have their biological needs met. That certainly is not the way it was intended to be from the beginning. Nor ought children need be brought into a home lacking either a mother or a father. Yet this is the world we live in - the terrible results of sin and disregard for the law governing God's creation for the past 6 thousand years. And while we must live in its midst until Jesus returns to put an end to sin, we, individually and collectively, may turn from our own sins in sincere penitence while showing love and concern for those who remain victims of Satan's malignant deceptions - all by the grace of God! May His return come soon! (Click here to read more about that day) Temperatures continue to rise! April 9, 2007 While North Americans are just digging out after a hard cold February winter, records show that the months of December through February to be the warmest quarter world wide since records began to be kept in 1880. Scientists attribute America's unsettled winter to "El-Nino, and are already beginning to worry about "El-Nina's" warm waters in the Atlantic, and the threat of hurricanes and tropical storms. And yes, while the majority of weather scientists now support the reality of global warming as related to green-house gases, a few hold out, claiming nothing more that normal cycles. Irrespective of the truth or error of these divergent beliefs, one thing seems certain. We are destroying our world. We are destroying our forests, our lakes and streams and oceans, the air we breathe, the peaceful quietness of nature, and the wildlife that inhabits them. It is as if the very essence of the natural world is crying out God for solace. This is not the first time in Earth history where this has happened. The Biblical record describes the days before Noah as being very much like our own day. Then, the record says, God "looked down and saw" the condition of the earth. Again, when the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah reached a status very much like that existing today, it says, God said, "Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous, I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know," Genesis 18:20,21. That visit was rapidly followed by a destructive firestorm that devastated those cities. The question we ought each ask, ought we expect God to respond differently in our day? (Click here to read more China steps up military spending. April 1, 2007 Driven by the game of "catch-up," China's Jiang Enzhu, when speaking for the People's National Congress, announced that China will step up military spending this year by 17.8%, which is the equivalent of about U.S. $45 billion. While the percentage increase is high, and while China is determined to catch up with the rest of the modern world, China's annual budget for military pales in comparison to the $481.4 billion of the U. S. Department of Defense. Even so, China's increase represents a challenge to U.S. interests in Taiwan and other Far East places. But the U.S. is not the only one alarmed by China's military and space expansion. There is no way Japan and India are about to sit idly by and let China prepare a war machine that will wipe them off the map. They too must therefore join in the arms race. The question any reasonable person ought to ask is this. Why? Why are we humans to set on destroying one another? Especially if one also considers what our world could be like if all of our military spending could be directed instead to provide clean water, wholesome food, adequate housing and self-sustaining employment to the world's poor! And who knows, such a gesture might even be a cure for terrorism! Jesus said, "Love one another as I have loved you" - certainly the cure to our world's ills - and the strongest argument ever in favor of true, Bible based Christianity over every other philosophy or belief system. (Click here to read more) "The language of war!" April 1, 2007 "When 'I decapitated with my blessed hand the head of the American Jew, Daniel Pearl, in the city of Karachi, Pakistan,' I was simply speaking 'the language of war.'" The words are those of Khalid Shiekh Mohammed, the highest-ranking Al-Qaeda terrorist captured since Nov. 11, 2001. "I mean the language of war is victims. "I don't like to kill people, I feel very sorry they have killed kids in 9/11. This is the language. Sometimes I want to make great awakening between American to stop foreign policy in our land," Khalid admits. The Pentagon transcript of Khalid's confession contains 31 other terrorist attacks or plots including the truck bomb attack on the World Trade Center in 1993, the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon in 2001, the Bali night club bombing in 2002 and the trans-Atlantic "shoe-bombing" operation - to name just a few. In his confession, Kahlid is acknowledging the messed up condition of our world, now after 6,000 years of sin and disregard to the Law of Love as given to us by God in the Ten Commandments. Justice is too frequently in short supply. Unfortunately, war is not the answer to injustice. Anticipating our despicable state, God has had a plan from the very beginning to rescue and restore His Earth creation upon completion of His final judgment and the return of Jesus. In view of the rapid fulfilling of that plan, we would be wise to focus our efforts on preparing our lives and those of our fellow men to meet Him at his appearing - rather than getting involved in a war we cannot win with the elements of evil here on the planet. (Click here to read more about the final judgment) The day Rome burned! April 1, 2007 World historians often note that Rome burned largely as a result of her indulgence and sensuous life style. Today, a similar indulgent, sensuous character is no longer limited to a single city, or empirical power, but it dominates much of our modern society world-wide. This fact is again brought to our attention by the recent, decadent, ten-course dinner served to the "elite" of this world in the 65th floor, rooftop restaurant of the Legua Luxury Hotel in Bangkok. The price? Only $U.S. 25,000 per plate! Is there a lesson here for us? (Click here to read about Jesus prophecies for the end-times) Two new mega millionaires set for life! Mar. 26, 2007 Two "lucky" people had their numbers drawn at Times Square for the largest ever $370 "Mega Million" jackpot. It would seem these two should now be set to enjoy the pleasures of life for as long as they live - while millions more have gambled away their hard earned dollars only to be left empty handed. The story is exciting - and sad! - for it reflects a society whose whole life is focused upon the transient things of this "ME FIRST" world where nothing really satisfies, but only ends in disappointment and disaster - not the way god intended life to be. While many jackpot winners intend to give big donations to charities, this usually happens only after one's own desires have been met, and seldom amounts to anything more than a pittance. This! - when, as some discover along the way, the only things of life that satisfy and have real value are the things we give away. For all of life, from the smallest living thing to the Great God in the heavens is governed by this simple principle, everything receives to give of its best, and receive again, in the cycle of benevolence. Those that have learned this truth have no need for the lottery - and no desire for its illusive promises. (Click here to read more)
Death penalty an affront to human dignity! Mar. 12, 2007 "We demand with one voice the end throughout the world of justice that kills. No authority has the right to strike out a person's life. We recall that the death penalty is a cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment, that it is contrary to human rights, that it has no utility in the fight against crime, and that it always represents a failure of justice." These words represent just a small portion of the final statement issued by the 3rd World Congress against the Death Penalty held in Paris from February 1 - 3, 2007. Among the 600 abolitionists and decision-makers assembled in Paris were representatives of the Vatican that expressed support for the mandates of the Congress as exemplified in the following statement. "The Holy See says that it is difficult to justify its use today and warns that the practice is an affront to human dignity and the 'Evangelical teaching of forgiveness.'" Certainly, human life is precious, and a gift of God, but "forgiveness" must be a voluntary response to acknowledged wrong and the expression of sincere repentance. Where in the final statement of the congress do we find a true expression of justice as one of the essential characteristics of godly love? Where is there in the document recourse for the innocent victims of injustice - and the oppressed? While the congress has placed great value on human life, it seems to have ignored the possibility that there are some things worse than death. To "live" with hate and guilt and enslaved by the evils of this world, surely cannot be considered the ultimate experience, and something to be perpetuated at any cost - at least not when compared to the voluntary surrender of the heart to the will of God and to rejoice in His goodness and to have the hope of a better world to come. While we pride ourselves for our tolerance and for societal progress toward peace, it is interesting that we seem to overlook the progressive deterioration of our world society toward anarchy and terrorism. What can this mean but the failure to administer justice mixed generously with love and compassion? (Click here to read more about death) Environmental crime, the new kid on the block. Mar. 5, 2007 Environmental crime, a new crime according to the European Commission, is now subject to the creation of common criminal standards by which the crime will be judged. Environmental crime joins the crime of counterfeiting as falling under the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice. Money laundering and computer hacking have not yet been included as such, but are identified as possibly coming to the Court's jurisdiction. Until now, fear of losing national sovereignty has significantly curtailed the span and responsibility of the high court - all of which is to say, Europe may look united from certain perspectives, but has a long way to go to become a truly united governing body - and thus fulfilling Bible prophecies first revealed 25 hundred years ago to Daniel, the prophet. Interesting too is the fact that modern day inspiration identifies natural disasters as being of primary importance leading up to the conclusion of Earth's final judgment hour. Should it seem strange therefore to see Europe taking the lead in creating legislation intended to protect the environment from those who continue to destroy the earth? (Click here to read about Europe in Bible prophecy) (Click here to read about natural disasters during the end-times) The "Nature of Science" re-worded in Kansas! Mar. 5, 2007 "Intelligent Design" is now out, and the "Nature of Science" in, in the curriculum of Kansas public schools. By a vote of 6 - 4, the Kansas School Board has ruled that the "Nature of Science" will now be described "as the pursuit of rational explanations for the things that happen in the Universe." In 1987, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that teaching creationism in public school science classes was unconstitutional. Citizens who believe in God and the Bible have succeeded in countering this Supreme Court ruling by leaving God's name out of the curriculum and replacing it with Intelligent Design, indicating that true science can only be understood in terms of an intelligent being. But those efforts have met with resistance by many in the scientific community as well as the public at large - resulting in rulings such as this on in Kansas. Biblical history, and to a certain extent, secular history, describes God's patient tolerance for those |