"The Beginning of the End: Obama's Betrayal of Israel: How It Will Affect You"

For the first time in U.S. history, the United States of America joined forces with Israel's enemies.

UN Security Council Resolution 2334, which was passed on Friday because of U.S. abstention, is much, much worse than even its critics realize. President-elect Donald Trump tweeted: "This is the beginning of the End," meaning Obama's deal with Iran, coupled with this latest outrage, is the beginning of the end of U.S. friendship with Israel (not to mention God).

The resolution (a direct result of U.S. actions) is not just unfair, unbalanced,and untruthful--it is unimaginably stupid. Why?

Because it demands Israel do the impossible: withdraw to its pre-1967 borders. They might as well ask Israel to commit national suicide. The pre-1967 borders make Israel too narrow to defend. Palestinian missiles (among other things) would destroy them. It also demands Israel give up Jerusalem, the very heart of their Holy Land and turn it over for the Palestinians to desecrate, something the Jewish state cannot do.

Resolution 2334 wrongly claims that the Jewish "settlements in the Palestinian territory, occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem has no legal validity and constitutes a flagrant violation under international law."

This is blatantly incorrect.

International law permits states to retain territory acquired in wars inflicted upon them by aggressive enemies. Israel won that land fair and square when attacked (though grossly outnumbered) by their invading Arab neighbors in 1948 and again in 1967. Israel has improved the land by building homes, hospitals and schools for both Palestinians and Jews to live side-by-side.

Resolution 2334 ignores the fact that the Palestinians are a dysfunctional, divided, violent, undemocratic society that rewards terrorists with a monthly income and whose Charter formally calls for the destruction of the Jewish state and the murder of all Jews. It overlooks the fact that the Arab community has over 600 times the land mass as the Jews and could easily assimilate the Palestinians.

How will this affect you? The Bible says that when the nations of the world gather against Jerusalem (as happened at the UN on Friday): "It shall be in that day that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem" (Zechariah 12:9).

Like it or not, our government has set the stage for the destruction of the nation of Israel. First, through the deal with Iran and now through UN Resolution 2334.

Even if President Trump is able to reverse the vote in the UN, he'll never be able to walk this back in the minds of the Palestinians.

Resolution 2334 gives the Palestinians everything-but-the-kitchen-sink and turns the Jews living in the land God gave them (Genesis 12:6-7; Gen. 15:18; Gen.17:7-8; Numbers 34:1-5; 2Chronicles 20:7; etc.) into criminals.

Over 200 times in Scripture God calls Himself  "The God of Israel" and has declared the Jews "His Chosen People"--the apple of His eye. (And woe to those who poke it!)

We are witnessing the Last Days re-gathering of the Jews to Israel (Isaiah 43:5-6; Ezekiel 37:21; etc.) which is why they need to build housing for them.

The dividing of Jerusalem is the true story of what's happening here with no regard to Israel's security and exactly as foretold in the Bible. Jerusalem has been the Jewish capital for over 3,300 years. It is mentioned over 700 times in the Old Testament (not even once in the Koran). How dare the UN steal it from the Jews and hand it over to the Palestinians.

The Bible repeatedly warns that the nations who try this will bring God's Judgment down on their own heads.

If you think this won't affect you--think again.

"...I will judge them for harming My people, for scattering My inheritance among the nations, and for dividing up My land" (Joel 3:2).

 "On that day I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone, a burden for the world. None of the nations who try to lift it will escape unscathed" (Zechariah 12:3).

A wise man once said: "The UN Security Council just targeted the only democracy in the Middle East: the State of Israel. This is a cultural genocide that is no less dangerous than terror attacks. It is based on anti-Semitic lies and creates the atmosphere not for achieving "peace", as disingenuously claimed, but for perpetual war." -- Hal Lindsey

News:

• DEBKAfile: UN vote against Israel was planned by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Palestinian Official Saeb Erekat a week before UN meeting condemned Israel.
• The Weekly Standard: Report: Obama made secret deal with Iran allowing the terror-sponsoring state to stockpile uranium in larger amounts than the "official" deal disclosed.
• Fox News Channel: Netanyahu claims "iron-clad proof" Obama helped craft UN Resolution 2334; will supply evidence to Trump. 

"Supernatural Instructions: Read This First"

"The words Read This First have taken an important role in the packaging of modern consumer products," says Bible editor Barry J. Beitzel, Ph.D.

Why? Because most of us think life is too short to read instruction manuals.

The Bible is a supernatural instruction manual; all of it "is given by the inspiration of God" (2 Timothy 3:16), but the Gospel of John is the Read This First of the Bible.

The Gospel of John was written "to tell individuals how to find eternal life" (John 20:31), says Beitzel.

"This clearly identified purpose sets the Gospel of John apart from the other Gospels. It is not so much a life of Jesus as it is a powerful presentation of His deity.

"Every chapter presents evidence--both signs and statements--for His divine authority. According to John, believing that Jesus is the Son of God, the Savior of the world, is the beginning of eternal life (John 3:14-17).

"What could be more important? John's statement about his Gospel is as good as a Read This First sticker for one's eternal life."

A wise man once said: "The Gospel of John is a persuasive argument for the deity of Jesus. It concentrates on presenting Jesus as the Word, that is, God (John 1:1) who became a man (John 1:14). Thus John meticulously records the statements and describes the miracles of Jesus that can only be attributed to God Himself." -- Barry J. Beitzel, Ph.D.

"Jesus said, 'I assure you, unless you are born again, you can never see the Kingdom of God...Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives new life from heaven. So don't be surprised at My statement that you must be born again.'"                   -- John 3:3, 5-7

Learn how to be born again here 

News:

• The Jewish Press: IDF Prepares For Nuclear, Biological And Chemical Warfare; launches special unit for training
• Ynet News: France to convene Middle East peace conference involving 70 countries including Israeli and Palestinian leaders
• Vocativ: Exclusive: ISIS Puts Out Holiday Attack List Of U.S. Churches; threatens "bloody celebrations in the Christian New Year." 

"Beware The Christmas Spy: Are Talking Toys Recording Your Children?"

What do the talking doll, "My Friend Cayla" and the "i-Que" robot have in common? They're both spies!

That's right gang--both toys are equipped with technology that is linked through an app to your smart phone and can:

• ask children for very specific personal information
• record and collect conversations
• understand and respond to kids in real-time
• send all collected intel on to the manufacturer (presumably to be used for marketing purposes)

How is this legal, you ask? Apparently, it shouldn't be. Consumer advocacy and privacy organizations have filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) against the manufacturers, Genesis Toys and Nuance Communications, requesting an investigation:

"This complaint concerns toys that spy. By purpose and design, these toys record and collect the private conversations of young children without any limitations on collection, use, or disclosure of this personal information. The toys subject young children to ongoing surveillance and are deployed in homes across the United States without any meaningful data protection standards. They pose an imminent and immediate threat to the safety and security of the children in the United States."

The complaint goes on for 24 pages, but you get the idea--toys that spy are not just play things. They can be hazardous to your child's privacy or worse. Can anyone say 'Big Brother'?

A wise man once said: "If you want to keep a secret, you must also hide it from yourself...Big Brother is watching you." -- George Orwell, 1984

"What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the housetops." Luke 12:3

News:

• Yahoo! News: Some poor Venezuelan parents give away children amid deep economic crisis; trend highlights Venezuela's fraying social fabric.
• The Washington Free Beacon: U.S. Accelerates Deployment Of Troops To Poland, Baltic States, And Romania To Ensure Security In The Region
• Bloomberg: Major banks required to 'stock pile' cash against collapse in rule approved Thursday; most fall about $70 billion short

"Donald Trump:'We're In A Big, Fat, Ugly Bubble'"

Remember all the things that used to spook the markets and scare investors into dumping stocks?

Things like political and social unrest, struggling Italian banks and increased instability in Europe--now barely have investors batting an eye. Brexit, Trump and the Italian Prime Minister step-down have all failed to rattle the markets.

Michael Block, Chief Strategist at Rhino Trading Partners, quipped Monday that "everything is a buying opportunity and you need to not miss the boat."

"Heck, all we need is a coup d' etat in India and the entire Belgian banking system to go Kablooey and the S&P 500 will be at 3,000 by Christmas Eve," he joked.

You've got to admit it is a little freaky when the markets react by pushing higher on each new political shock wave. It's just not normal.

Block is worried--and he's not the only one. Some believe what is being dubbed "The Trump Rally" may be turning into a bubble.

"Donald Trump has made the stock market great again," writes Sue Chang of Market Watch. "But that frothiness is prompting warnings that the market is getting too bubbly, setting up investors for a disappointment in coming weeks."

Even Donald Trump says we're "in a big, fat, ugly bubble" and sold all his stocks in June.

Sherlock Holmes would call that a clue.

A wise man once said: "Do not value money for any more nor any less than its worth; it is a good servant but a bad master." -- Alexandre Dumas

"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know...I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" -- John 14: 1-4, 6.

News:

• CNBC: Stocks trade at record highs after European Central Bank's decision to keep interest rates unchanged.
• Hawaii News Now: Tsunami watch issued after 7.7 magnitude quake strikes near Solomon Islands; 6.5 hits off Calif. coast Thursday.
• Fox News Channel: Trump Tower advertising Secret Service protection as amenity for tenants. 

"What's It All About (Alfie)?"

"Throughout the New Testament, the Christian life is compared to a race," says Greg Laurie of Harvest Christian Fellowship.

"With that in mind, we need to realize that it is not a short sprint, but a long-distance run."

Throughout all the twists and turns, ups and downs, good times and bad, Laurie contends the answer is the same: "A successful runner must keep his eyes on the prize."

In other words, remember what the race is all about.

"We must bear in mind," says Laurie, "for Whom and to Whom we are running: Jesus Christ. In essence, we need to keep our eyes on Jesus."

Corrie ten Boom, a Dutch Christian who survived the horror of Hitler's concentration camps during World War II, often said, "Look within and be depressed. Look without and be distressed. Look at Jesus and be at rest."

"God will see us through to the end," says Laurie. "He has given us His word."

"And I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again."-- Phil. 1:6 

 A wise man once said: "It's good to remind ourselves of God's faithfulness and the hope we have in Him...The same God who has been faithful in the past will continue His love for us in the future." -- James Banks, Christian writer

News:

• DEBKAfile: Syrian military spokesman confirms Israeli air strike on Damascus
• CBN News: Harvard study suggests millennials have given up on democracy; European millennials agree
• The Telegraph News: Russia hopes to 'normalise' relations with U.S. under Trump presidency, says Vladimir Putin in State of the Nation speech

"Creepy New Website Tells All"

Every move we make online is being scrutinized.

Don't believe it? According to news.com.au: "A creepy new website called clickclickclick has been developed to demonstrate how our online behaviour is continuously measured."

(And you thought your neighbors were nosey).

"Dutch media company VPRO and Amsterdam-based interactive design company Studio Moniker are the masterminds behind the site, which observes and comments on your behaviour in great detail."

Why would they do such a thing?

The designers claim it was an experiment done in a "lighthearted" way to prove a point: Big Data has destroyed your privacy.

"From the minute you visit the website, it begins detailing your actions on the screen in real-time."

And get this--there's a voice offering a running commentary about your behavior.

"What we do is just a little funny: we use a voice, a kind of psychologist who will assign properties" (to your behavior), they say.

While VPRO and Studio Moniker may just be conducting a funny little experiment to bring awareness, Big Data is busy tracking and analyzing our every move.

Nothing funny about it.

A wise man once said: "Your web searches about sensitive information might seem a secret between you and your search engine, but companies like Google are creating a treasure trove of personal information by logging your online activities and making it potentially available to any party wielding enough cash or a subpoena."  Electronic Frontier Foundation

"Therefore, whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the housetops" -- Luke 12:3.

News:

• Business Insider: Israeli Ambassador: Iran is smuggling weapons to Hezbollah on commercial flights.
• Fox News Channel: Law enforcement on alert about possible holiday terror attacks in U.S.
• The Jerusalem Post: Widespread fires rage through Israel; Arab world celebrates. 

"Photoshop-For-Voice: New Technology Puts Words In Our Mouth!"

'Seeing is believing'  became obsolete once Photoshop made sure we could no longer believe our eyes.

Now we've got the equivalent for our ears: A new "voice manipulation" app, VoCo made by the software firm Adobe.

"The software makes it possible to take an audio recording and rapidly alter it to include words and phrases the original speaker never uttered, in what sounds like their voice," according to BBC News.

"At a live demo in San Diego recently, Adobe took a digitised recording of a man saying "and I kissed my dogs and my wife" and changed it to say "and I kissed Jordan three times."

The edit was simple and took only seconds.

By using a text-based tool to create a synthesized voice track, it is now possible to put words in the mouth of another.

Horrified by the development, Dr. Eddy Borges Rey, a lecturer in media and technology at the University of Stirling said:

"It seems that Adobe's programmers were swept along with the excitement of creating something as innovative as a voice manipulator, and ignored the ethical dilemmas brought up by its potential misuse.

"Inadvertently, in its quest to create software to manipulate digital media, Adobe has (already) drastically changed the way we engage with evidential material such as photographs," Dr. Rey said, referring to Adobe's Photoshop.

"This makes it hard for lawyers, journalists, and other professionals who use digital media as evidence."

Not to mention the risks associated with no longer being able to believe anything you see or hear.

Having just come through one of the most contentious election cycles in recent history, just imagine (if you will) the extra added attraction of a voice-mimicking app in the wrong hands.

Welcome to the age of deception.

The 2020 Election should be interesting.

A wise man once said: "God's word is the same, yesterday and today and a million years from now." Franklin Graham

"Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you," declares the LORD. Then the LORD stretched out His hand and touched my mouth, and the LORD said to me: "Behold, I have put My words in your mouth. See, I have appointed you this day over the nations and over the kingdoms, to pluck up and to break down. To destroy and to overthrow, To build and to plant." Jeremiah 1:9-10

News:

• MRC NewsBusters: Poll: 70% of voters do not believe the media is honest and truthful.
• Technology News: Google, Facebook move to restrict ads on fake news sites.
• Vocativ: AT&T and NASA to build National Drone Tracking System to protect drones from hackers 

"The Trump Effect: Healing The Great Divide"

Now that the shock and awe has worn off, President-elect Donald J. Trump has a big-league job on his hands: spend the next 4-8 years making America great again.

Our job? Heal the Great Divide.

Let's face it, gang, this election cycle has been brutal. It has turned Americans against each other to a degree not seen in recent history. People are at each others throats--from the #NotMyPresident crowd taking to the streets, to the Trump Train gloaters--things have gotten down right ugly.

CBN News cited a recent Reuters/IPSOS survey indicating the election has caused:

• 15% to stop speaking to a family member or close friend
• 14% to block a family member or close friend from social media

We call this the "Trump Effect"--you're either with him (meaning the conservative platform) or against him.

CBN News spoke with Anne Graham Lotz (Billy Graham's daughter) about what Christians can do to help heal the divide.

"I think the most critical thing that God's people can do is pray. Two is to repent of our sin and three is to keep our focus on God," she said. "God is the One who will bring healing. It's not a political party or one particular person. Our faith has to be in God."

Lotz went on to say, "Prayer made the difference in the election, particularly among white, born-again evangelicals, who voted 81% for Trump, not to mention the countless churches across the nation that committed to praying for the election."

"I see what happened in this election as being a tremendous movement of God in answer to prayer."

Her challenge to God's people? Don't stop now.

A wise woman once said: "When God's people will pray with a humble heart, repenting of our sins, then God promises He will hear our prayers, He will forgive our sin and the third element is that He will heal our land." --Anne Graham Lotz

"Jesus said, 'Whoever is not with Me is against Me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.'" --Matthew 12:30

News:

• Daily Mail: Anti-Trump protests turn violent amid nationwide demonstrations involving tens of thousands
• Breitbart: Anti-Trump rioters vandalize monuments with "DIE WHITES DIE" graffiti and break windows in downtown New Orleans.
• The Daily Caller: Twitter Erupts With Calls For Donald Trump To Be Assassinated; while others call on Secret Service to investigate threats. 

"Crazy Country=Crazy Election: Let's Make America NORMAL Again"

"No matter what happens in this election, what Trump represents isn't crazy and it's not going away," said tech billionaire Peter Theil. 

Theil has made billions investing in technology, but his $1.25 million donation to Donald Trump has made him a pariah.

In the Silicon Valley, the once celebrated Theil is now being ostracized by his peers--shunned in an area where Trump support is the equivalent of social suicide. Theil doesn't care.

While Trump is far from the perfect candidate, concedes Theil, he represents a new path: Making America normal again.

"Just as much as it's about making America great, Trump's agenda is about making America a normal country," Theil said. "A normal country doesn't have a half-trillion dollar trade deficit. A normal country doesn't fight five simultaneous, undeclared wars. In a normal country, the government actually does its job."

Theil believes Trump will remake the Republican Party and spark new American politics that overcomes denial, rejects bubble thinking, and reckons with reality.

"When the distracting spectacles of this election season are forgotten and the history of our times is written, the only important question will be whether or not that new politics came too late."

"It's not a lack of judgment that leads Americans to vote for Trump; we're voting for Trump because we judge the leadership of our country to have failed."

A wise man once said: "When a society rebels against God, absurdity rules." --Tim Wildmon, American Family Association President

"Always be joyful. Keep on praying. No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." 1Thessalonians 5:16

"A Christian who refuses to vote for Trump because they can't look beyond the candidate to the Republican Platform is voting against:

• A child's right to life
• Constitutional Supreme Court Justices who uphold God's definition of marriage
• Defense of Israel
• 2nd Amendment and God-given rights of self-defense
• Religious liberty

Christian, recognize if Trump loses, the Republican Platform loses with him."
Listen to this message and vote biblically: What is the Christian Vote? by Pastor Jack Hibbs, Calvary Chapel Chino Hills (note: you must click on "Listen" to start)

News:

• World Net Daily: Trump V.P. pick, Mike Pence, calls  nation to prayer and repentance.
• CBN: Pastor Saeed Abedini says Trump gave his family $10,000 while he was imprisoned in Iran; urges Christians to vote for Trump.
• Fox News Channel: Sources say investigation into Clinton Foundation has taken a "very high priority" that may result in an indictment.

"Amazing Election Prediction: Professor Puts Money Where His Mouth Is"

According to Helmut Norpoth, a political science professor at Stony Brook University, the next American president will be Donald Trump.

Though the polls beg to differ, Norpoth has predicted the winner of the last five presidential elections dating back to 1996. How, you ask? By using a statistical model based on the outcomes of primaries.

"Some twenty years ago, I constructed a formula, the Primary Model, that has predicted the winner of the popular vote in all five presidential elections since it was introduced," says Norpoth.

Based on election data going all the way back to 1912, the formula has only been wrong once.

"The Primary Model," explains Norpoth, "consists of two ingredients: The swing of the electoral pendulum, and the outcome of primaries."

Norpoth contends the pendulum swings to the opposite party after two consecutive terms. The Dems have been in power for two terms. History points to a Republican win this time. Only once in the past 65 years has the pendulum stayed put: George H.W. Bush managed to win a third Republican term in 1988.

"That spells continuity," said Norpoth, " a desire for more of the same." We can thank Ronald Reagan for that.

When you add in the presidential primary results, you've got a formula that favors Republicans.

"In general, the party with the stronger primary candidate wins the general election."

"The Primary Model predicts that Trump will defeat Clinton with 87 percent certainty."

Professor Norpoth  is betting on a Republican victory--literally. He's got 500 bucks riding on the Trump Train...in spite of what the polls say.

A wise man once said: "It is time to make a decision about America's future. My hope is that we will contritely and humbly turn from our wicked ways and put our hope in God alone. There is no other remedy." --Franklin Graham, Decision-The Evangelical Voice of Today

"If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land" --2 Chronicles 7:14

News:

• Reuters: NATO seeks to manage Russia's new military deployments; puzzled by Russia's behavior
• DEBKAfile: U.S., Britain to place troops in Poland, Romania, as tension with Russia rises; two Russian warships armed with cruise missiles entered the Baltic Sea Wednesday.
• CBN News: Largest Military Buildup Begins On Russian Borders Since Cold War; U.S. promises troops, tanks, and artillery to Poland. Germany, Canada, and other NATO allies also pledged forces. 

"EU Opens Tunnel With Bizarre Satanic Ceremony"

If you think the creepy clown phenomenon is freaky--you ain't seen nothing yet.

Seventeen years in the making, the Grand Opening of the EU's Gotthard Base Tunnel has got to be one of the most bizarre ceremonies we've ever seen.

It was blatantly demonic, featuring the goat-man, Baphomet (you might remember him from our blog Satanists Horn In On The 10 Commandments).

Located in Switzerland, (home to the Large Hadron Collider who's scientists also dance to the beat of Satanic rituals) the Gotthard Tunnel is the world's longest underground railway.

To celebrate the long awaited occasion of its Grand Opening, Switzerland invited world leaders, Angela Merkel of Germany, Matteo Renzi of Italy, Francois Hollande of France and a host of other VIP's to join the Swiss, President and witness one of the strangest (and graphically demonic) opening ceremony imaginable:
Amid a grand pageantry of eerie music and dance, a goat-man dies and is resurrected while dancers simulate demonically inspired acts to a rhythmic drum beat. The goat-man, as Baphomet, is worshipped and crowned as "the king of the world", while weird, Cousin-It like creatures scuttle across the ground. And that's just the Reader's Digest condensed version. For a pastor's interpretation of the shocking video (must watch to believe!) click here  

Something weird's going down in Switzerland and we don't mean chocolate.

A wise man once said: "When men reject God, they except anything." -- anonymous

"With the Lord's authority let me say this: Live no longer as the ungodly do, for they are hopelessly confused. Their closed minds are full of darkness; they are far away from the life of God because they have shut their minds and hardened their hearts against Him. They don't care anymore about right and wrong, and they have given themselves over to immoral ways. Their lives are filled with all kinds of impurity and greed.

But that isn't what you were taught when you learned about Christ. Since you have heard all about Him and have learned the truth that is in Jesus, throw off your old evil nature and  your former way of life, which is rotten through and through, full of lust and deception. Instead, there must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes. You must display a new nature because you are a new person, created in God's likeness--righteous, holy and true" Ephesians 4:17-24.

News:

• The Telegraph: Russia taunts U.S. with biggest military offensive since Cold War NATO warns
• Reuters: Yemen missile launch, Saudi-led air strike strain truce; Kerry calls on Yemen to draw back
•  DEBKAfile: Latest N. Korean ballistic missile test fails.

"Russian nationalist: 'Vote Trump or Risk War'"

Russian President Vladimir Putin insists his country is not trying to influence the U.S. presidential election.

Really? Well somebody better let his pal, Vladimir Zhirinovsky, know because according to Reuters,  Zhirinovsky said if Trump loses, it means war.

An ultra-nationalist and ally to President Putin, Zhirinovsky is " a flamboyant veteran lawmaker known for his fiery rhetoric," Reuters reporter Andrew Osborn said.

"Trump", claims Zhirinovsky, "is the only person to de-escalate dangerous tensions between Moscow and Washington."

What about Hillary, you ask?

According to Zhirinovsky she could "spark World War Three. Relations between Russia and the United States can't get any worse. The only way they can get worse is if a war starts. Americans voting for a president on November 8 must realize that they are voting for peace on Planet Earth if they vote for Trump. But if they vote for Hillary, it's war."

With tensions between the U.S. and Russia already so strained over Syria, Ukraine and the Russian campaign of cyber-attacks, Zhirinovsky's statements seem especially jarring. If Russia is not trying to influence the U.S. election--what is it trying to do?

Meanwhile...

The Bible indicates Russia has a major role to play in the End-Times scenario. The U.S. does not.Why?

A wise man once said: "The Apostle Paul uses the image of labor pains to stress the suddenness of how quickly the world will be plunged into judgment." -- Barry Beitzel, Ph.D.

"For you are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, 'Peace and security', destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers, are not in the darkness so that this day should overtake you like a thief..." 1Thess.5:2-4.

News:

•  Associated Press: Russia accuses U.S. of conducting 'Scorched Earth' policy in relation to Russia during the final months of Obama's presidency; "This is very dangerous," said Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman.
• Reuters: Exclusive: Obama considers direct U.S. military action in Syria raising possibility of confrontation with Russia.
• DEBKAfile: Russia's embassy in Damascus hit with mortar fire for two hours, Russia's Foreign Ministry reported Thursday.

"Experts: 'Third World War Has Never Been So Close: Russia Prepares While America Sleeps'"

While most Americans are watching the presidential election like maniacal hawks, the international "think tank" Katehon is watching the world inch dangerously close to WWIII.

Why haven't you been hearing about this? Because the American media hasn't been doing its job (or maybe it has, if its job is to keep us in the dark).

Katehon, "an independent organization consisting of an international network of people--from a wide variety of fields and disciplines--who specialize in the geopolitical, geostrategic and political analysis of world events." Katehon keeps its eye on the ball and warns: "No one invited the U.S. into Syria. It has become a proxy war against Russia and Russia refuses to back down."

Though Katehon works behind the scenes, it's members include:

• experts in security and counter-terrorism
• international relations researchers
• political thinkers and philosophers

In short, they are Brainiacs from all over the world who's job it is to forecast global trends and warn when necessary.

Why should we care? Because according to Katehon: the "Third World War has never been so close."

Katehon contends that on "September 17th, the likelihood of this war was breathtakingly high," when American troops bombed positions of the Syrian army at Deir ez-Zor, resulting in the deaths of 60 Syrian soldiers.

According to Katehon: "This strike was extremely important for ISIS militants, whom the U.S. is informally advising and arming while supposedly fighting them."

"This crossed the line. Bombing Syrian soldiers is one thing, but this means declaring war not only against Syria, but also Russia, which is fighting in Syria on Assad's side. And this means that we have reached a climax."

U.S.leadership claimed that the air strike was a mistake and warned Russia not to react--but everybody, including Russia, believes the U.S. is lying.

 "Modern technology," Katehon continued, "allows satellite objects to be seen from a desktop. Theoretically, American bombers could not have simply confused such a strike."

"The point of no return has not yet been crossed", but Moscow is getting the Russian people ready for a direct, formal confrontation with the U.S. and NATO.

Vladimir Putin this week ordered the evacuation of 40 million Russians in a huge 4-day "drill". The drill will prepare Russian citizens for "large natural and man-made disasters", this according to the country's Ministry for Civil Defence.

But with tensions already so high over Syria, this drill has set alarms off in Washington and NATO states.

"Thus," according to Katehon, "everything at this point is very, very serious>'

A wise man once said: "Is Putin bluffing? Are we prepared to ride the up-escalator, at the top of which is nuclear war, if Putin, who has been boasting of his modernized nuclear forces, is also willing to ride it rather than back down?" -- Patrick J. Buchanan, syndicated columnist

"Do not be afraid of sudden terror, Nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes; For the LORD will be your confidence, And will keep your foot from being caught." Proverbs 3:25-36.

News:

• The Sun: Russian state newspapers predict 'direct military conflict' with U.S. as it compares Syria stalemate to Cuban missile crisis; 'Third World War' fears grow. 
• Metro: Russia tells citizens 'nuclear war with the West could happen soon'
• Reuters: Next U.S. President Inherits Sinking Russia Ties; meanwhile, U.S. suspends talks with Russia.

"Satanists Horn In On 10 Commandments"

The American History and Heritage Foundation filed an application last month to erect a privately-funded monument of the Ten Commandments on the Arkansas State Capitol grounds.

So far, so good...but then...

Not to be outdone, the Satanic Temple filed an application of their own--to place, also on the Capitol grounds, a statue of Baphomet--a 9-foot tall, 2,000 pound, bronzed goat-headed, angel-winged androgynous creature (made in the likeness of Iggy Pop) accompanied by two children smiling up at it. Their preferred location? One foot directly in front of the proposed Ten Commandments monument, where else?

"Our monument," proclaims Satanic Temple spokesman, Lucien Greaves, "will stand in honor of those unjustly accused--the slandered minority, the maligned outgroups who ultimately found a home in the United States where religions are neither opposed nor imposed--so that we might pay respect to their memory and celebrate our progress as a pluralistic nation founded on secular law."

The Satanic Temple pulled the same stunt at the Oklahoma Capitol and succeeded in having the state's Supreme Court rule against any religious display--including the Ten Commandments, which then had to be removed.

Meanwhile, the debate goes on in Arkansas with a third group getting into the act: The Saline Atheist and Skeptic Society has propose a third display: a brick "Wall of Separation" than would be erected between the Ten Commandments and the Satanic statue of Baphomet (aka Iggy Pop).

Seriously people, we can't make this stuff up. But if you'd like to voice your opinion, a hot line has been set up for your convenience by the Arkansas Secretary of State.

A wise man once said: "Many tend to see the Ten Commandments as a list of dos and don'ts given by a demanding God. Instead, we should view them as a road map to freedom provided by a powerful, yet gracious God." -- Mark Mitchell, author

"Satan, the god of this evil world, has blinded the minds of those who don't believe, so they are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News that is shining upon them."-- 2 Corinthians 4:4

News:

• The Globe: Satanic Temple quietly opened its first international headquarters in Salem, Mass on September 23
•  Richmond Times-Dispatch: FBI investigation launched after dead people are registered to vote in Harrisonburg, Virginia
• Los Angeles Times: Risk of big earthquake on San Andreas fault rises after quake swarm at Salton Sea; more than 200 quakes recorded in 24-hour period.

"It's The Ideology, Stupid: No Such Thing As 'Lone-Wolf Terrorism'"

Sebastian Gorka, one of the world's leading counter-terrorism experts and author of the New York Times Bestseller, "Defeating Jihad", believes:

"'Lone-wolf terrorism' is a phrase that is designed to make Americans stupid. The idea that a person is an upstanding American citizen on Monday and then on Tuesday suddenly becomes a raving jihadi decapitating his fellow man is absurd. It doesn't happen."

The connection, according to Gorka, between all so-called "lone-wolf terrorism" is the ideology of jihad. "It's not about a mastermind in a cave somewhere...It's sharing the same belief set."

"If you push the (Obama) administration on where terrorism comes from, they say it is unemployment and lack of education. As anybody with beyond a double-digit IQ can tell you, this is utterly absurd and fallacious. If poverty and lack of education caused terrorism, then half of India would be terrorists--but they're not."

What's missing?

"This administration cannot admit that truth because they've stated as an article of faith, not fact, that religion can have nothing to do with this war. They've painted themselves into this absurd corner where they deny the Islamic State is Islamic."

Contrasting the two presidential candidates, Gorka said, "Out of 320 million people, we have slim pickings. The Democratic candidate is either going to be a third term of Barack Obama or even worse. Clinton has said she refuses to associate the threat of terrorism with any religious concept."

Though Trump is not a national security person, according to Gorka, "He's hired people, some of whom are excellent, and hopefully he'll listen to them. I can't judge that right now, but I can judge one thing: this is a man who can't stand political correctness, admits we are at war, and clearly wants to win. Those three things alone are not enough to win the war, but they're a good foundation."

A wise man once said: "Your children, my grandchildren, will be hunting jihadists a hundred years from now unless we take down their ideology of global jihadism." --Sebastian Gorka, testimony to House Armed Services Committee on Emerging Threats

"Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep, but are really wolves that will tear you apart. You can detect them by the way they act, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit...A healthy tree produces good fruit, and an unhealthy tree produces bad fruit...Yes, the way to identify a tree or a person is by the kind of fruit that is produced" -- Matthew 7:15-17, 20.

News:

• Associated Press: NYC bomb suspect's father told FBI 2 years ago his son was a terrorist; FBI found nothing.
• Washington Examiner: State Dept. admits Islamic State terrorists trying to pose as refugees. Meanwhile, more than 858 immigrants slated for deportation mistakenly granted citizenship.
• Fox News Channel: NYC bomber purchased bomb components on E-Bay. 

 

"White Lies Matter: Are You In The 'Basket of Deplorables'?"

According to a recent HuffPost Pollster, Hillary Clinton's unfavorable rating is at 56.7% and rising. The latest Gallop, NBC and CNN polls put the unfavorables even higher.

One-third of New York Democrats say she is neither honest nor trustworthy and her image is at record lows among voters of both parties.

Why? Because white lies matter. And while throwing half of Trump's supporters into what she calls "a Basket of Deplorables" didn't help any--it's her lack of honesty that is hurting her at the polls.

Do little white lies matter? Are there different levels of lying, and are some okay?

The Bible says all lies matter.

According to Got Questions?.org, lying is defined as "making an untrue statement with the intent to deceive."

"A white lie is an untrue statement, but is usually considered unimportant because it doesn't cover up a serious wrongdoing. A white lie is deceptive, but it may also be polite or diplomatic at the same time."

Some white lies are common, for example lying about:

• one's age
• or when you're asked the dreaded: "Does this make me look fat?"
• or when you're telling the story about the fish that got away.

In other words, some lies are considered okay because they don't hurt anyone.

The truth? God expects honesty, and lying always hurts someone--you and God.

Got Questions? cautions, "It is true that some sins bring about worse consequences than others. And it is true that telling a white lie will not have the same serious effect as, say, murdering someone. But all sins are equally offensive to God. (Romans 6:23: "For the wages of sin is death.").

While telling the truth may not always be easy (and sometimes it can be downright unpleasant), it is always right. (Proverbs 12:22 says: "Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are His delight").

So when it comes to white lies we are probably all in that 'Basket of Deplorables'. All lies matter and if you still have your doubts, go back and look at Hillary's poll numbers.

A wise man once said: "When we tell little white lies, we become progressively color-blind. It is better to remain silent than to mislead." -- James E. Faust

News:

• Bloomberg Markets: Former Fed Chief Alan Greenspan: "...the worst economic and political environment ever...I hope we can all find a way out..."
• The Washington Post: White House plans to accept at least 110,000 refugees in 2017, up from 85,000 in 2016.
• Los Angeles Times: Trump's lead widens in USC/L.A.Times tracking poll; up 6 points.

"Obama Plays 'Race' Card: 'Trumps' GOP"

While the media was busy diagnosing Hillary's cough, President Obama nominated the very first Muslim-American to serve as a federal court judge.

If confirmed, Abid Riaz Qureshi's nomination would be an historic first.

The problem? He won't be confirmed. Everybody (including Obama) knows the U.S. Senate has halted any decisions on judicial nominations until after Obama's term ends in January.

So why did the President bother to nominate Qureshi even though he knows all judicial decisions have been halted?

One word, people--politics.

It's no secret the Dems worked overtime trying to paint conservative resistance to President Obama's liberal policies as 'racial hatred', when in fact it is his policies, not his race, that are disliked.

To nominate a Muslim he knows won't be confirmed just seems like another dubious attempt to play the 'race card', as in: 'See? They won't confirm him 'cause he's Muslim.'

As expected, the White House statement scores one for 'diversity':

"The men and women the president has nominated to enforce our laws and deliver justice represents his unprecedented commitment [to] expanding the diversity of our nation's highest courts."

In other words, Obama nominated Qureshi because he was a Muslim, using him as proof of Democratic diversity.

So what does that make Trump? The opposite, according to the Dems who love to color the GOP and Trump as racist. Trump wants to monitor Muslims, not nominate them to positions of power. He wants to build walls and kick out foreigners--the antithesis of inclusion.

Business Insider actually published an article with the title: "Republicans Would Be Screwed Without Racist Voters".

Can't anyone cough up something more original than the same ol' trumped-up prejudicial stereotypes?

A wise man once said: "White liberals are the most racist people there are. They put you in a little category, a little box--you have to think this way."  -- Dr. Ben Carson, Trump supporter

"I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, but in every nation the man who fears Him--and does what is right is welcome to Him--Acts 10:34-35.

News:

• Israel News: 88 U.S. generals sign letter of support for Trump.
• Washington Examiner: Liberals move aggressively to silence conservatives in attempt to amend the First Amendment, claims commissioner.
• New York Times: Obama avoids mention of Human Rights during visit to China; advocates concerned. 

"Was Holoportation Described in Revelation?"

Any sufficiently-advanced technology can seem indistinguishable from magic, especially waaaay back in, say, A.D. 95 when the Apostle John wrote the Book of Revelation.

Remember, John was instructed to write down the things "that he saw" (Rev. 1:2) and most of what he saw was nearly 2000 years in the future.

Talk about mind-blowing future-shock! How would a 1st century prophet describe things like:

• advanced attack helicopters
• armoured vehicles
• biological and chemical weapons
• fighter jets
• nuclear warfare?

Imagine the difficulty a primitive, non-technical man from the 1st century would have trying to make sense of modern advances and warfare--never mind trying to put it all in writing.

We take today's technological advances for granted, but back in John's day they must have seemed like magic.

In Revelation 13, John describes a statue that come to life and is able to speak. Some believe John is using symbolic language. We believe he's probably describing a technology.

"Holoportation" is a new type of 3-D capture technology that allows high-quality 3-D models of people to be reconstructed, compressed and transmitted anywhere in the world in real time. When combined with mixed reality, they are actually present in the same physical space. Communicating and interacting with remote users becomes as natural as face-to-face communication. click here and be amazed!

A wise man once said: "John was catapulted by God from one time period to another so that his extensive "visions" would have the authority of an eyewitness. The prophet then unknowingly encoded a warning for the generation in which these things would happen with conviction, accuracy and authority." -- Hal Lindsey, author

"He was permitted to give life to this statue so that it could speak. Then the statue commanded that anyone refusing to worship it must die" -- Revelation 13:15.

"Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near" -- Revelation 1:3. 

News:

• Breitbart: Pope Francis: "Global warming a 'sin'; man can atone by 'recycling' and 'car-pooling'.
• The Washington Post: "Like it's been nuked": Millions of bees dead after South Carolina sprays for Zika mosquitoes.
• The Sun: War warning: Iran sinks American Navy fleet with a huge tidal wave in ISIS-style propaganda video showing slaying of "Great Satan". 

"CERN Scientists Perform Satanic Ritual"

In certain circles (read: scientifically illiterate conspiracy theorists and tinfoil hat-wearing underground bunker-dwellers) speculation runs wild over the particle-smashing Large Hadron Collider (LHC).

Run by the European Organization for Nuclear Research, CERN has become the world's most notorious breeding ground for occultic scenarios.

Why? The best answer is CERN itself. Consider:

• The CERN campus features a huge statue of the Hindu "god of destruction" Shiva (aka "the lord of the dark"; Apollyon or Abaddon of Revelation 9:11 fame).
• CERN is built in the exact location as the ancient Apollo Temple.
• The CERN logo is 3 intertwined 6's (as in 666).
• Ahead of its launch, CERN scientists allegedly performed a bizarre "Dance of Destruction"
• And last, but certainly not least: a video depicting a "mock" ritual human sacrifice was filmed in front of the statue of Shiva, the god of destruction (again allegedly) performed by CERN scientists.

CERN released a statement admitting it was their campus where the video was filmed, "but without official permission or knowledge."

CERN, Europe's top physics lab and home of the Large Hadron Collider, understandably has tight security. No one gets on campus without an access badge.

Those who participated in the "mock" occult ritual must have had access badges--presumably scientists.

CERN's explanation? "CERN welcomes every year thousands of scientific users from all over the world and sometimes some of them let their humour go too far."

Okay...we can take a joke, but somebody better tell the CERN Director of Research, Sergio Berolucci because he wasn't laughing when he said: "The Large Hadron Collider could open a doorway to an extra dimension and out of this doorway might...come something."

'Something' like what? A troop of black-cloaked scientists doing the Dance of Destruction for the Hindu deity Shiva?

A wise man once said: "The angel of the bottomless pit mentioned in Revelation is demonic. The name of the angel in both Hebrew and Greek means "Destruction". - Len Wood, Ph.D.

"And they had as king over them the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon, but in Greek he has the name Apollyon." Revelation 9:11

News:

• World News: Italy quake toll hits 250 as rescuers search flattened towns; hundreds still missing
• Reuters: Hundreds of thousands of dead fish fill New Jersey creek baffling boat owners
• DEBKAfile: Armed Iranian speedboats carry out simulated attack of U.S. destroyer while ignoring repeated U.S. warning shots in Gulf; second attack this week. 

"Russia Viewed As Rising Star"

According to The Jerusalem Post: "Russia is viewed as the rising military star in the region while the U.S. is perceived as a falling star."

The news that Russia and Iran had a "secret" deal to place Russia's strategic bombers and strike fighters on an airbase in Western Iran is seen as proof.

"Although Israeli and American intelligence communities knew in advance that Iran agreed to host Russian bombers on its soil, the two countries are puzzled by the development, but understand its strategic importance--not only to the Middle East, but globally."

Aimed at boosting their military cooperation, the secret deal marks a much larger strategy: to increase Russia's influence in the Middle East.

The Post article continues: "In that sense, Putin is taking advantage of the incoherent and hesitant U.S. foreign policy of President Barack Obama. It seems the U.S. is trying to detach itself from world conflicts, which may well result in a new version of isolationism."

With what other countries is Russia "enhancing its military cooperation?"

• China
• Egypt
• Saudi Arabia
• (and just last week)--Turkey

Israeli military officials believe it is clear "that Moscow is trying to create a wedge between the U.S. and its traditional allies."

"American allies--including Israel--understand the new Russian game and its true motives, but still feel they have no choice but to tacitly support it."

Why? Because they believe Russia has a future with up-side potential and the U.S. does not.

A wise woman once said: "God reveals a fascinating and detailed prophecy about a future war campaign against Israel in the book of Ezekiel. The war is known as the "Gog and Magog War" because the people of Magog and their leader, Gog, will lead the attack against Israel. Scripture clearly teaches that this war will be a turning point for Israel with regard to their relationship with God. The sobering, yet exciting aspect of this study is that for the first time since Ezekiel penned these prophecies, the countries that will gather against Israel have built an alliance in recent years. The prophetic puzzle pieces are now in place. It is just a matter of time, that is, God's timing before these prophecies find fulfillment." -- Amy Van Gerpen, Tracking Bible Prophecy

"Indeed, the Sovereign LORD never does anything until He reveals His plans to His servants, the prophets." -- Amos 3:7

News:

• NBC News: Moscow & U.S. State Dept. exchange "withering" remarks over Russia's use of Iranian facilities.
• EurActiv.com: U.S. moves nuclear weapons form Turkey to Romania, according to two independent sources; Romanian Foreign Ministry denied the reports.
• The Sun: Putin masses 40,000 troops, armoured vehicles along Ukraine border as fears of military invasion mount. 

"Armageddon & The Election"

Dick Morris' new book, Armageddon: How Trump Can Beat Hillary, is the number three bestseller in the nation, according to The New York Times. 

"This may be the last election where the United States has a two-party system," warns Morris, best known as a former Clinton adviser and political strategist who has since 'gone rogue'.

"The 2016 election is truly America's Armageddon--the ultimate and decisive battle to save America, a fight to defeat Hillary Clinton and the forces seeking to flout our constitutional government and replace it with an all-powerful president backed-up by an activist judiciary that answers to no one."

(Besides being a run-on sentence, Morris' definition of armageddon flies wild regardless of which side of the political spectrum one leans...but we digress).

For the first time, reports DOWNTREND.com, the top three NYT Non-fiction Bestsellers are anti-Clinton books:
#2-Hillary's America by Dinesh D'Souza who warns: "We are on the brink of losing our country forever. After eight years of Obama, four years--or possibly eight years of Hillary Clinton as President of the United States would so utterly transform America as to make it unrecognizable."

#1-Crisis of Character by former Secret Service Agent Gary J. Byrne. A runaway bestseller by the man posted directly outside the Oval Office during Bill Clinton's reign. Needless to say, he had little good to tell us about the 'up-close-and-personal' Hillary.

One needn't be on the Trump-train to be concerned about the direction this election may take. According to a recent Reuters Poll, 20% of 'born-again Christians' plan to sit this election out.

Trump's net favorability rating among evangelicals is at minus -38%. Clinton's is at -61%.

The problem? The Senate, The House and, most importantly The Supreme Court appointments. Though understandable, it seems vital to resist the temptation to vote with our feet because, while Dick Morris' characterization of a Clinton win as 'Armageddon' may be over-the-top, Dinesh D'Souza's assessment may not be.

A wise man once said: "If we forget that we are One Nation Under God, then we will be a nation gone under." --Ronald Reagan

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. And knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." Proverbs 15:33

News:

• Reuters: New Poll Puts Clinton 6 Points Ahead Of Trump In Head-to-Head
• DEBKA file: Russia builds up forces in Crimea with international attention focused elsewhere; fear of invasion builds.
• FNC: Intel services suspected of "cooking the books" when it comes to terrorism; painting a rosier picture than exists.

"Satanic Temple Targets Elementary Schools"

While our children are chasing after Pokemon Go, Satan is busy chasing after our children.

That's right folks. The Satanic Temple has decided to spread their message in public elementary after-school programs.

"We are sure that the school districts we've approached are well aware that they are not at liberty to deny us use of their facilities," Satanist Temple spokesman Lucien Greaves said.

In a statement on their website, the satanists maintain they're entitled to the same accommodations as the 'Good News Club', a Christian organization.

Self-described as "an atheistic religious organization that uses the symbol of Satan to inspire civil justice", the Satanic Temple hopes to counter the Christian groups operating after-school activities in public schools.

'After School Satan' aims to mimic the 'Good News Club', but with a very "different focus."

"It's important that children be given an opportunity to realize that the evangelical materials now 'creeping' into their schools are representative of but one religious opinion amongst many," Greaves said.

An example of 'After School Satan' materials? The Satanic Children's Big Book of Activities featuring cartoon kids wearing goat head and pentagram tee-shirts.

'After School Satan' will make it's first appearance at Vista Elementary School in Taylorsville, Utah.

According to Granite School District spokesperson Ben Horsley, "Any organization can rent our facilities after school hours as long as they pay the fee and aren't doing anything illegal."

'After School Satan' has no plans to stop in Utah. They select schools near existing Satanic Temples.

The problem? Satanic Temples exist pretty much everywhere.

A wise man once said: "The evil day of Ephesians 6:13 is taken by some to refer to the end times when the Evil One will launch a ferocious campaign against Christ and His followers. Our real battle is not with human cultists, false religionists, atheists, or pseudo-Christians, but with the demonic being working in them." -- Richard Patterson, Ph.D

"But Jesus said, "Let the children come to Me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these."" Matthew 19:14

News:

• Fox News Channel: Pope: It's 'terrible' children taught they can choose gender; blames textbooks.
• Daily Records: Mother Wins Case To Kill Her Disabled Daughter; first time in U.K. a non-terminal child is allowed to die.
• ABC: Three men arrested in separate internet child sex sting; police urge parents to warn children of dangers of social media. 

"Russia: Convinced of Attack?"

According to Paul Craig Roberts, former Assistant Secretary of the Treasury under Ronald Reagan, "Armageddon Approaches," and no one in the West seems to realize it.

In a recently published article, Roberts opens with these words:

"The western public doesn't know it, but Washington and its European vassals are convincing Russia that they are preparing to attack."

Based on a leaked statement reported in Strategic Culture "the German government is preparing to go to war against Russia and has declared Russia to be an enemy nation."

And to make matters worse, the NATO military bases that Washington is establishing on Russia's borders seems to confirm the idea to some Russian politicians.

Roberts believes, "Washington might intend the military build up as pressure on President Putin to reduce Russian opposition to Washington's unilateralism."

However, the ploy could backfire.

For instance, Vladimir Zhirinovsky, founder of Russia's Liberal Democratic Party and Vice-chairman of the Russian Parliament, finds the build up a reminder of "Hitler's troops on Russia's border in 1941."

"In a confrontation with the editor of a German newspaper," Robert continued, "Zhirinovsky tells him that German troops again on Russia's border will provoke a preventative strike after which nothing will remain of German and NATO troops.

Zhirinovsky warns, "The more NATO soldiers in your territory, the faster you are going to die. To the last man. Remove NATO from your territory!" see YouTube video

"It is reckless," says Roberts, "to convince Russia that diplomacy is a dead end without promise. When the Russians reach that conclusion, force will confront force."

Meanwhile, the American public remains blissfully unaware...

Why? Because, according to Roberts, western journalism is dead and western media is blind.

President Putin recently excoriated western journalists: "How do you not understand that the world is being pulled in an irreversible direction toward nuclear war?"

Good question. Maybe it's time the American public looked beyond the American media for their news.

(While Paul Craig Roberts' credentials are impeccable and his facts check out, we often find his political views to be extreme.)

A wise man once said: "If you 're getting your information from U.S. news sources, you have no idea what's going on in the world." -- Pastor Jack Hibbs, Calvary Chapel Chino Hills

"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, give I to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:27

News:

• Associated Press: Trump to Russia: Uncover, release deleted Clinton emails; outcry follows
• Reuters: N.Korea warns U.S. of 'terrifying price' over nuke tensions; John Kerry: "Very provocative and deeply concerning."
• NBC: Trump: Putin has "a total lack of respect" for Obama. 

"Moscow Preparing For War"

While the American public is gearing up for the most vitriolic presidential campaign in modern history, the Russian people are preparing for war.

Former CNN Foreign Affairs correspondent Jill Dougherty spent the last 2 months traveling from "the Baltic region to Georgia and to Russia," and reported in an article for the  Wilson Center/ Keenan Institute: "Talk of war is everywhere."

The Baltics fear Russian invasion, while The Kremlin believes "NATO and the U.S. are the enemy and Russia must be ready for attack."

Working-class Russians are busy "stocking up on essentials in case of war because in Moscow 'warfever' is at fever pitch."

"The Kremlin," says Dougherty, "is frightened about its grip on the political situation at home--and the geopolitical situation abroad.

"Former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev complains that NATO's rhetoric at its summit in Warsaw 'simply howls about the effort to almost announce war against Russia."

Gorbachev claims, "NATO talks about defense, but actually is preparing for offensive action."

Alexander Grushko, Russian's envoy to NATO, says that NATO's "confrontational policy" is being built on a "mythical threat" from Russia.

Maria Zakharova, Russia's Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman believes Russia has been "demonized" and demands examples of how the nation "is undermining peace and order in Europe."

"Sweden claims that we are threatening them," she said. "The UK says we are a threat. What are the specific examples?"

Foreign affairs expert, Sergei Karaganov contends that "western propaganda against Russia is reminiscent of the period preceding a new war.

"The help offered by NATO is not symbolic help for the Baltic states," he said. "It is a provocation. If NATO initiates an encroachment against a nuclear power like ourselves, it will be punished."

"President Vladimir Putin himself plays both sides against the middle," Dougherty said. "Warning the West that Russia will have to 'strengthen its strategic nuclear forces' in order to counter the U.S. missile shield, while insisting it's the West, not Russia, that's destroying the balance that kept the world from nuclear conflict during the Cold War.

"Russia," says Dougherty, "is trying to deter the West in a very aggressive way because it realizes it is weaker--economically, militarily and in terms of soft power.

"The world, right now, is a very unstable place, for everyone, including Vladimir Putin."

A wise man once said: "Never underestimate the power of a cornered bear." -- Daniel Xu, outdoorhub

"There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death." Proverbs 14:12

News:

• NBC News: China warns of new missile crisis in Asia if U.S. installs missile defense system in So. Korea.
• The Washington Post: Pentagon's secret new bomber sparks controversy over price tag sticker shock.
• Reuters: NATO: "It is an absolute commitment that we help each other if any one member of NATO is attacked," says UK. Trump not so sure.

"World Instability"

Inch by inch, step by step, national security experts see the risk of nuclear conflict slowly creeping up on the world.

Late last year the Project for Study of the 21st Century (PS21) released a poll of 50 experts from around the globe including:

• leading international relations academics
• former senior military officials
• private sector political risk specialists

"This is the first survey we know of like this," said Peter Apps, executive director at PS21. "There has been plenty of talk of rising tensions with Russia and China in particular, but it's very rare to try and put numbers on that."

So what were the numbers? 52% of the experts believe the risk of a nuclear conflict between great powers would grow over the next 10 years, with 80% expecting proxy confrontations and other forms of "ambiguous warfare" to also increase.

Peter Apps went on to explain: "the aggregate figures show that most major potential for nuclear or conventional wars seem broadly unlikely--but the numbers are still high enough to be worrying. Clearly this is a risk that cannot be entirely discounted."

And now we've got tensions between China and the Philippines escalating dangerously over competing claims in the South China Sea after an international court ruled against Beijing's territorial claims.

China has vowed to ignore the ruling and Beijing's ambassador to the United States warned the decision will "intensify conflict and even confrontation."

Meanwhile, North Korea, under Kim Jong Un, is busy becoming more and more unpredictable. Aggressively arming his nuclear weapons and missile systems, the young Kim is beginning to pose a major threat.

With the added distraction of trying to rein in Russia, Iran, and Syria, the 65 million refugees and protecting our borders (and not to mention the growing threat from terrorism), the next U.S. President will definitely have his/her hands full. 

A wise man once said: " Nobody wants or should even contemplate the use of force. Hopefully the Chinese will come to realize that they have more to lose than to gain from creating a chaotic, lawless situation." -- Paul Reichler, Washington attorney

"You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. These things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains..." Matthew 24:6-8

News:

• Reuters: China Blames United States For Stirring Up Trouble In South China Sea; vows to protect rights
• NBC News: Germany's Open-Arms Refugee Policy Is Taking A Toll; 2.1 million immigrants since last year.
• AP: U.S. Offers Russia New Military Partnership In Syria; dramatic result expected 

"Liar, Liar, Pantsuit on Fire?"

Whether you're a Democrat or a Republican, all Americans should be outraged by FBI Director James Comey's statements on Hillary Clinton Tuesday.

Why? "Because our laws should apply to everybody and Hillary Clinton clearly violated the law," said former NYC Mayor, Rudy Giuliani.

As a former prosecutor and Comey's former boss, Giuliani added, "though Jim Comey is a friend of mine, I am shocked by his conclusions."

What exactly were Comey's conclusions?

• Clinton routinely sent classified information on multiple devices through private (unsecured) servers.
• Clinton's private email servers contained more than 2,000 classified documents.
• With 110 marked 'Classified' at the time they were sent
• 8 were marked 'Top Secret'
• 'Hostile actors' likely gained access through the people she contacted.
• Clinton was "extremely careless" with very sensitive, highly classified information (and lied repeatedly under oath when she claimed "none of my emails were classified.")
• Many deleted emails were also classified.

In spite of all that, Hillary Clinton was cleared on Tuesday by the FBI, only days after Bill Clinton and Attorney General Loretta Lynch (who is in charge of the investigation of Hillary!) met secretly in a private jet to discuss...you guessed it---"golf".

Giuliani insists the "gross negligence" by Clinton, outlined by Comey in his statement to reporters, should have resulted in a criminal prosecution. The fact that it didn't was in itself 'gross negligence' on Comey's part.

Meanwhile, Comey acknowledged that rank-and-file government employees might not get off the hook so easily in similar circumstances, and would probably be "subject to security or administrative sanctions."

But not Clinton.

It seems the biggest truth this FBI probe uncovered is that some people really are above the law.

A wise man once said: "If the FBI are no longer prepared to uphold the rule of law, it becomes the duty of the people to see that justice is served. Make your vote count." -- iPhone Conservative

"Live as people who are free. Not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God." -- 1Peter 2:16

News:

• Daily Mail: Donald Trump: Clinton "guilty as hell" of violating U.S. Espionage Act by placing state secrets within reach of foreign intelligence services.
• Mirror: 'Black Power' group claims responsibility for police killings and warns of more.
• CNN: Democratic leader Sen. Harry Reid tells Republicans to "just get over it" in regards to Hillary Clinton's email scandal. 

"Bible Prophecy: Over-hyped Doom & Gloom or A Message of Hope?"

In his classic commentary on The Book of Revelation, What The World Is Coming To, the late Chuck Smith, founder of Calvary Chapel states:

"The world is moving toward its zero hour.We're in the final countdown...The "birth-pains" have begun." (Matthew 24:8; Mark 13:8).

Doom & gloom? You betcha--if the birth-pains (or doom & gloom) were the only message.

"The Book of Revelation delves into grave details using remarkable symbols of judgment," proclaims S. Douglas Woodward of Faith-Happens. "Each broken seal discloses a new horror; each trumpet portends a new calamity; each vial grows increasingly more horrible."

"If we dwell on these images of doom, no doubt we too would become gloomy," cautions Woodward. "Nevertheless, the Bible consistently offers a starkly contrasted message: the greatest day for those who believe in Christ, comes on the worst day for those that don't."

In other words, the doom & gloom has a purpose. For the unbeliever, these "birth-pains" are a warning: seek God while He may be found; receive the redemption His Son suffered and died to purchase for you before it's too late.

For the believer and student of Bible prophecy, these same birth-pains are an amazing, faith-building, fear-of-God producing, awe-inspiring wonder to watch as events unfold exactly as God said they would in His word.

Remember, the purpose of Bible prophecy is not to predict the future, but to authenticate the message.

And what is the main message of the Bible?

Hope! God is the creator of everything. He has a plan and a purpose to redeem not only those of us who believe that Jesus died in our place and rose again as our Savior, but His entire creation as well.

"Now we live with a wonderful expectation because Jesus Christ rose again from the dead. For God has reserved a priceless inheritance for His children...It will be revealed on the last day for all to see. So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead..." 1Peter 1:3-6

Eventually, there will be a new heaven and a new earth where everything (including us) must be born again. But first, like any birth--there are birth pains.

A wise man once said: "Night is coming...a darkness that will cover this globe in suffering and sorrow such as we have never known. But we must not sit and wring our hands about the state of the world. God has provided a way to escape the coming night. Now is the time to tell everyone about the hope of a brand new world waiting for us." -- David Jeremiah, author

"So I pray that God who gives you hope, will keep you happy and full of peace as you believe in Him. May you overflow with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

News:

• The Washington Free Beacon: CIA Director Says Istanbul Bombings Warning To U.S.; group aims to carryout similar attacks in U.S.
• Reuters: UK consumer confidence tumbles after Brexit vote.
• WND: Russia About To Endorse Fines For Sharing Faith In Anti-Terror Legisaltion. 

"Sci-fi Banking"

The future is now--at least when it comes to verifying one's identity.

Facial scans, eye scans and the ever-popular fingerprint, along with other biometrics are all being used in some of the nation's largest banks--but a password?

Not so much, according to The New York Times:

"Millions of customers at Bank of America, JP MorganChase, and Wells Fargo routinely use fingerprints to log into their bank accounts through their mobile phone. The feature, which some of the largest banks have introduced in the last few months, is enabling a huge share of American banking customers to verify their identities with biometrics. And millions more are expected to opt in as more phones incorporate fingerprint scans."

And that ain't all folks. Other biometrics have begun to come online as well:

• Wells-Fargo uses eye scans 
• Citigroup uses voice recognition
• USAA (military bank) uses facial contours

"We believe the password is dying out," said Tom Shaw, Vice President for Financial Crimes Management at USAA. "We realized we have to get away from personal identification information because of the growing number of data breaches."

The ubiquitous iPhone, many equipped with touch pads, cameras, and microphones has made what used to seem like science fiction--a reality.

"It is harder to take someone's eyeball than someone's user ID and password," said Steve Ellis of Wells Fargo.

Maybe so, Steve Ellis. But what if they knock you out first, drag you off to some creepy bio-thief surgeon who steals the eyes from your head?

Unfortunately, where there's a will, there's a way.

A wise man once said: "When this gets hacked, and it will, what's next? A full body scan backed up by some DNA? Then the hackers can get all your info, clone you and then...watch the fun!" -- Roger 124, commenter

He required everyone--great  and small, rich and poor, slave and free--to be given a mark on the right hand or on the forehead. And no one could buy or sell anything without that mark..." Revelation 13:16-17

News:

• Reuters: N.Korea says missile gives "sure capability" to attack U.S. in Pacific
• The New York Times: Zuckerburg (Facebook) covers laptop photo, video & audio portals with tape as security measure
• RT News: Russia to reveal location of U.S. military satellites in free report  

"Orlando Terrorist Re-Ignites Gunfight"

A terrorist in Orlando, Florida, armed with an assault rifle, killed 49 people and wounded 53 others, committing the worst mass-shooting in U.S. history.

Who gets the blame? The gun, of course.

The Congressional debate over new gun control laws was reignited after the slaughter in Orlando, as it is after every gun-related incident on U.S. soil and around the globe.

"There's no excuse for allowing suspected terrorists to buy guns," said Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid.

According to Republican House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, they're not allowed to buy guns.

"Law enforcement is already being notified if people being investigated for terrorism try to buy firearms," McCarthy said. "If you listen, they are being notified."

But the left isn't listening because, as the Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says:

"Our suspicion is this is basically a politically motivated effort [by the Democrats]. We're open," McConnell continued, "nobody wants terrorists to have firearms--we're open to serious suggestions from the experts as to what we might be able to do to be helpful."

The problem? Congress can pass gun laws from here to the moon and back and it won't fix anything. Terrorists and crazed gunmen are not law abiding citizens. To disarm the law abiding is to make us sitting ducks.

Phil Naman, a gun-rights advocate and radio host of "Firing Line Gun Show", says in shooting incidents in gun-free zones ( or as Naman puts it: "victim-rich environments") such as:

• the Aurora, Colorado movie theater
• Ft. Hood
• Virginia Tech
• San Bernardino
• Sandy Hook
• and the Chatanooga Recruiting Station 

an average of 14.1 people died. In an armed-security / conceal-carry environment 2.1 deaths occur, including the shooter. You do the math.

A wise man once said: "It takes a human being, and a human heart bent on evil, to pick up a gun, load it, and pull the trigger. The problem we have in this country is sin. We have a government that has taken God out of society." -- Franklin Graham, Samaritans Purse

"We are made right in God's sight when we trust in Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we all can be saved in this same way, no matter who we are or what we have done.

For all have sinned; all fall short of God's glorious standard."  Romans 3:22-23

News:

• Fox News Channel: Billy Graham Rapid Response Team offers hope and comfort following Orlando attack.
• CBS: "Gun control is now a matter of homeland security," DHS Sec. Jeh Johnson; Dems grow increasingly frustrated over right to bear arms.
• Rolling Stone: It's time to repeal the 2nd Amendment; "Sometimes we just have to acknowledge the Founders and the Constitution are wrong," says law professor.

 

"Will Satan Bring Down America?"

We are fast approaching "the most critical presidental election in our country's history," says Tim Wildmon, president of the American Family Association (AFA).

Heard that song before? So have we...but this time, claims Wildmon, it's true.

"I'm convinced that the secular 'progressives' or far-left in this country are driven to 'fundamentally transform' our country away from our Constitution and away from the Judeo-Christian moral value system."

Wildmon contends that "while this movement gets things done on a worldly and tangible level, I believe the underlying reason why this movement exists is basically spiritual. I believe Satan himself is trying to bring down America."

Wildmon cites 5 ways our current administration has driven this nation further from Judeo-Christian values:

• It has been by far the most pro-abortion administration in history--in direct opposition to God's moral law.
• It has pushed for homosexual 'marriage'. The Supreme Court changed the definition of marriage--in direct opposition to God's moral law.
• It has overseen an increase in our country's debt from $10 trillion to nearly $20 trillion--a road to economic ruin from which we may never recover--in direct opposition to God's financial principals.
• It promotes and defends Islam at every opportunity. Islam is in direct opposition to what the Bible teaches about who God is.
• It is in constant conflict with Israel, America's closest ally in the tumultuous Middle East, ignoring Israel's plea for the U.S. not to sign a nuclear arms agreement with Iran who has sworn to wipe Israel off the face of the map. The Bible says God blesses those who bless Israel.

Wildmon believes "America in many ways is like a very sick person who is about to die."

The treatment? For Christians to stand against evil and for righteousness in government and everywhere else.

How do we do this? For starters, we vote.

A wise man once said: "Pray that God will raise up someone who understands that the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom." -- Tim Wildmon, AFA President

"Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. -- Ephesians 6:13

News:

• Associated Press: World Bank downgrades its forecast for the global economy again.
• Wall Street Journal: U.S. carrier's moves send message to Russia meant to check Russian aggression; "Kind of makes them think twice," military official says.
• Reuters: ISIS loses ground in Syria, Iraq 

"3 Important Facts You Need To Know"

According to Strong's Concordance, the word elpis (translated "hope" in Romans 15:13), is a Greek term that denote "confident expectation" or "anticipation", not "wishful thinking".

Romans 15:13 says,

"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

According to Greg Laurie of Harvest Crusade fame, "this verse touches upon three important facets of the Christian life that should give you great joy:

• You have a new identity. When you accept Jesus Christ into your life, God gives you a new identity. You discover that you are not merely some product of random chance. You are not a speck in the universe. You are a child of God. And as God's child you can rest assured that you will be loved and cared for by your heavenly Father.
• You have power to face life. With that new identity and hope in Christ, you also have the promise of the Holy Spirit's presence and power in your life. The Holy Spirit works constantly in your heart, helping you to understand God's Word and to to transform your attitudes and behaviors.

          An expanded translation of Romans 15:13 says that by the power of the Holy Spirit, your whole life and outlook will be "radiant with hope". God has not left you to face life on your own. He has promised to guide you and strengthen you with His Spirit.

• You have hope for the future. As a Christian, you have hope and knowledge that there is life beyond the grave. Your last breath on earth will be followed by your first breath in heaven. (To know for sure you really are going to heaven, click here.  

The world offers many roads to happiness: sex, money, power, personal success. But they are all cheap and worthless substitutes in comparison to knowing that you are God's child and that you have the hope of heaven.

"This," says Laurie, "is the only road to lasting--indeed, eternal--joy."

A wise man once said: "There is only one kind of life that truly wins, and that is the one that places faith in the hands of the Savior. Until that is done, we are on an aimless course that runs in circles and goes nowhere."    --John Wooden, legendary UCLA basketball coach

Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in Me, even though they die like everyone else, will live again. They are given eternal life for believing in Me and will never perish. Do you believe this?" John 11:25-26

News: 

• Fox News Channel: Alan Greenspan warns: "Venezuela is now under martial law and America is next"; "a coming economy crisis" cited.
• Reuters: U.S.-backed forces open major front in Syrian War after weeks of quiet preparation.
• Star-Telegram: 3 dead, 6 missing after Army truck swept away in Texas flood.

"Russia, China Increasingly Dangerous"

What's got the top combat officer of the U.S. Air Force worried?

A "resurgent Russia and a very, very aggressive China," said Air Force Gen. Herbert "Hawk" Carlisle, in an interview with USA Today.

Russian and Chinese war planes have been "increasingly aggressive" towards U.S. military aircraft, "buzzing perilously close" while intercepting them, and patrolling off the coast of California.

Their motivation? To expand their spheres of influence and send the message that the U.S. is no longer the Big Kid on the block.

Russia is pushing its way into Eastern Europe and the Pacific, while China is intent on the disputed South China Sea.

In other words, they want to control those international areas without U.S. influence.

"My belief," said Carlisle, "is that we cannot allow that to happen. We have to continue to operate legally in international airspace and international waterways. We have to continue to call them out when they are being aggressive and unsafe. Meeting the challenge from the Russian and Chinese to flights in international air space is essential but dangerous."

The risks are enormous. A mid-air collision among nuclear powers could drive tensions to the breaking point.

"Any accident that occurs while the U.S. military is playing cat and mouse with Russian or Chinese forces could escalate into a real fight," said military analyst, Loren Thompson.

"Small confrontations can turn into big wars," he continued, "and Russian military doctrine embraces the use of nuclear weapons."

The Bible indicates that Russia (along with Iran and a Muslim alliance) will eventually use nuclear weapons in a surprise attack against Israel (Ezekiel 38 & 39), and that China (as part of the "kings from the East" mentioned in Revelation 16:12) still has a major military role to play in the End Time scenario.

But the Bible is strangely silent when it comes to the United States.

The Big Question: Why?

A wise man once said: "I do not know with what weapons World War III will be fought, but I do know that World War IV will be fought with rocks." -- Albert Einstein

"These words are trustworthy and true: The Lord God, who tells His prophets what the future holds, has sent His angel to tell you what will happen soon.
Look, I am coming soon! Blessed are those who obey the prophecy written in this book."(Rev. 22:6-7).

News: 

• WCNC.com: Two Navy jet fighters collide off Oregon Inlet, North Carolina on Thurs.during routine training
• theguardian: China to send nuclear-armed submarines into Pacific amid tensions with U.S.
• DEBKAfile: Israel, Saudis share intel regarding Iran's ballistic missiles