"The Ultimate Black Swan Event"

Let's face it gang, a "Black Swan" is not just another ugly duckling.

According to wikipedia: "The theory of Black Swan events is a metaphor that describes an event that comes as a surprise, has a major effect, and is often inappropriately rationalized after the fact."

For instance, 9/11. A terrorist attack on American soil definitely came as a surprise to most. The effects of that event are still reverberating 14 years later and seems so obviously preventable in hindsight.

Because it is assumed that all swans are white, a black swan is seen as being impossible.

Unfortunately, we live in a Black Swan world. Consider:

• the 2004 tsunami in Indonesia that wiped out 250,000
• the Fukashima nuclear meltdown/earthquake/tsunami
• and Hurricane Katrina...to name a few

According to financial guru and ex-Marine Bob Moriarty, "There is a flock of black swans overhead, any of which could be catastrophic."

Moriarty, speaking in terms of a financial collapse, ISIS attack, or Middle East crisis, thinks it is only a matter of time before some calamity strikes.

And he's right. Sooner or later the mother of all Black Swan events is going to devastate the world and catch everyone by surprise. The Bible clearly predicts it.

"When the Son of Man returns, the world will be like the people were in Noah's day. In those days before the flood, the people enjoyed banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat and the flood came to destroy them all.

"And the world will be as it was in the days of Lot. People went about their daily business--eating and drinking, buying and selling, farming and building--until the morning Lot left Sodom. Then fire and burning sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all.

"Yes, it will be 'business as usual' right up to the hour when the Son of Man returns." (Luke 17:26-30)

And later, Jesus warns,

"Watch out! Don't let Me find you living in careless ease and drunkenness, and filled with the worries of life. Don't let that day catch you unaware, as in a trap. For that day will come upon everyone living on the earth. Keep a constant watch. And pray that, if possible, you may escape these horrors and stand before the Son of Man." (Luke 21:34-36) 

 And there you have it--the ultimate Black Swan event.

To be caught by surprise  is so obviously preventable.

"Today is the day of salvation." (Hebrews 4:7)

How To Go To Heaven

A wise man once said: "...People everywhere are beginning to feel the hair stand up on the back of their necks as if they realize something is about to happen..." -- Art Bell, The Art of Talk

News:

• CNN: ISIS claims responsibility for Yemen bloodbath; 137 dead, 345 wounded, as well as deadly Tunisia attack that killed 23 tourists
• Sky News: "N.Korea 'Prepared' To Fire Nuclear Missile If It Feels Threatened", Ambassador says.
• DEBKAfile: Nuclear talks collapse as Iranian delegation ordered home; No chance of an accord before June 30. 

 

 

"Do Only Idiots Believe the Bible?"

There are hundreds of books detailing the amazing evidence of the divine inspiration of the Bible.

The problem? Most people don't bother to read them.

In fact, according to ChristianAnswers.net,  "...few (of the Bible's detractors) have even read the Bible itself! Thus, many people tend to go along with the popular delusion that the Bible is full of mistakes and is no longer relevant to our modern world."

Fact: The Bible is not a single book but a library of books: 66 books written by 40 authors over a period of 2,000 years. And yet it is perfectly integrated.

Fact: "The Biblical authors claimed repeatedly (over 3,000 times) that they were transmitting the authoritative, infallible Word of God. These men were either telling the truth or they were lying or insane or both." 

Fact: The Bible is the most influential book ever written, a perennial bestseller, that contains the most perfect moral code ever devised.

Fact: The Bible is woven from Genesis to Revelation with prophecy, most of which (80%) has already been fulfilled with 100% accuracy. Over 300 prophecies were fulfilled by Christ Himself at His First Coming.

"There is no other book, ancient or modern, like this," writes Christian Answers.net. "The vague, and usually erroneous prophecies of people like Jeanne Dixon, Nostradamus, Edgar Cayce, and others like them are not in the same category at all, and neither are other religious books such as The Koran, The Confucian Analects, and similar religious writings."

"Only the Bible manifests the remarkable prophetic evidence, and it does so on such a tremendous scale as to render completely absurd any explanation other than divine revelation."

Fact: "The historical accuracy of the Scriptures is likewise in a class by itself." Archaeological evidence confirms much of the Biblical record.

Fact: Many scientific principles were recorded in the Bible centuries before science "discovered" them.

For instance, Isaiah 40:22 says the earth is round. At a time when science believed the earth was flat, Christopher Columbus bet his life the Scriptures were correct.

The Bible says a baby boy must be circumcised on the 8th day. Medical science has only recently discovered blood-clotting in a newborn reaches its peak on...you guessed it, the 8th day.

The book of Leviticus is full of rules about cleanliness, food prep and isolating the sick. It took centuries for science to catch up. We could go on and on...but you get the idea.

Though many claim the Bible is full of errors, none so far has ever been demonstrated. Not in science, history, or any other subject.

Fact: The Bible contains "remarkable structural and mathematical patterns woven throughout its fabric, with an intricacy and symmetry incapable of explanation by chance or collusion."

So do only idiots believe the Bible? There are literally thousands of scientists who believe the Bible, including: Physicists like Newton, Faraday and Maxwell. For more, "Scientists Who Believe the Bible"

A wise man once said: "Faith in Christ is not some blind leap in a dark chasm, but a faith based on established evidence."-- Hank Hanegraaff, author

"'Come now, and let us reason together," says the LORD: 'though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow.'"  Isaiah 1:18

News:

• Fox News Channel: Odds of large California quake rise dramatically; experts urge preparedness.
• CNN: Capracotta, Italy receives 100 inches of snow in 18 hours.
• Reuters: "Russia says has right to deploy nuclear weapons in Crimea": Ministry Official, Mikhail Ulyanov.

"Beware Apocalyptic, Genocidal Death Cult"

According to New York Times bestselling author and Middle East expert Joel Rosenberg, our biggest threat is not radical Islam.

It is "Apocalyptic Islam."  What's that, you ask?

A brand of Islam that both ISIS and Iran have in common.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran today is ruled by an apocalyptic, genocidal death cult," Rosenberg says. "So is the Islamic State, also known as ISIS or ISIL."

Though the former are Shia and the latter are Sunni, both believe:

• the End of Days has come
• their messiah (aka "Mahdi") is on his way
• they need to speed things up

"Yet each has entirely different strategies to hasten his arrival or appearance on earth," Rosenberg contends.

• ISIS wants to build a caliphate (Islamic government).
• Iran wants to build The Bomb.
• ISIS is committing genocide now.
• Iran is preparing to commit genocide later.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in an address to a joint session of the US Congress, outlined his opposition to the nuke deal currently on the table and made the same point:

"ISIS and Iran are battling each other to become rulers of the Middle East. The difference? ISIS uses butcher knives and Iran wants to use nukes."

The bottom line? Both hope to annihilate us. And if no one stops them--they will.

Netanyahu Recognizes Signs of Times

A wise man once said: "History has placed us at a crossroad...The peace of the world hangs in the balance. Standing up to Iran is not easy. Not standing up will lead to a nuclear nightmare." --Bibi Netanyahu

"Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, that you and your descendants might live! Choose to love the Lord your God and to obey Him and commit yourself to Him, for He is your life" --Deuteronomy 30:19-20.

News:

• Fox New Channel: ISIS calls on followers throughout the world to kill Twitter employees for shutting down ISIS Twitter accounts.
• Reuters: N. Korea warns US of pre-emptive strike "if necessary" to deter the "ever-increasing nuclear threat" posed by US.
• Yahoo! news: Iranian President says Israel "greatest danger to the region"; calls Israel "warmongering". 

"American Malls: Next 'Ground Zero'?"

In a video released over the weekend, terrorist group al-Shabaab called on like-minded individuals to launch terror attacks on American malls.

This is the same al Qaeda-linked group responsible for the Nairobi, Kenya mall assault back in 2013.

Don't remember? Let us refresh your memory: At about noon on September 21, 2013, four masked assailants, carrying AK-47s and grenades, attacked the upscale Westgate Shopping Mall in Nairobi.

The siege, which lasted 3 days, resulted in 67 deaths and over 175 people wounded.

The Observer, a British newspaper, reported that Kenya had prior intelligence that the attack was coming but was unable to prevent it from happening.

The aftermath? Lots of finger pointing and a massive "blame game", of course. Fast forward to this past Sunday.

Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson warned that al-Shabaab is calling for attacks on shopping malls in the US, Canada and the UK, specifically mentioning the Mall of America in Minnesota.

"I would say that if anyone is planning to go to the Mall of America today, they've got to be particularly careful," Johnson said.

"We're beyond the phase now where these groups would send foreign operatives into countries after being trained someplace."

Apparently, this is the "new phase" in the war on terror: Foreign terrorists use videos to recruit homegrown sympathizers to carry out the dirty work on their own homeland. No passports necessary.

Federal authorities are taking the threat "seriously", said Johnson, who also advised Americans to be more "vigilant," reports The New York Post.

Oh, and if you're planning a little trip to the mall? You might think about wearing some body armor...just sayin'.

A wise man once said: "How do you defeat terrorism? Don't be terrorized." -- Salman Rushdie, author

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God--this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--His good, pleasing and perfect will" --(Romans 12:1-2).

News:

Fox News Channel: EU Parliament member, Nigel Farage, warns US to take hard line against ISIS threat to prevent it becoming "impossible to live as a Christian".

Reuters: Air strikes hit ISIS in Syria after over 300 Christians abducted.

MSM: ISIS Militants Destroy Ancient, "Incredibly Precious" Biblical Artifacts.
New 

"Fifty Shades of Grey"

Last Saturday, a bunch of us went out for a group Valentine's "Date Night"--nothing original, just  the usual dinner & a movie.

The theater was a zoo. The long-awaited adaptation of "Fifty Shades of Grey" was showing on three screens. The lines went around the block.

Comprised of 80% women, audiences forked over $85 million domestically during the 3-day weekend making this "romance" the biggest February opening in movie history.

Yep--it toppled former record holder "The Passion of the Christ" as the top ranking movie premiere. While the picture may be a huge success for Universal Pictures, it's a mega disaster for young American women.

In fact, many countries banned the film for its "unnatural" and "sadistic" content including: Malaysia, Indonesia, Kenya, China, United Arab Emirates and parts of Russia.

The theater actually had to ask patrons to leave their whips, duct tape and spurs (spurs?!?) at home.

Anti-pornography watchdog group Morality in Media argues that the movie's 'R' rating "severely undermines the violent themes in the film and does not adequately inform parents and patrons of the film's content."

The National Center on Sexual Exploitation calls "Fifty Shades" a movie "about sexual abuse and violence against women that sends the message that sexual violence is enjoyable."

Since when does sadomasochistic torture pass for romance? And no, we did not see this movie.

Our choice? "Old Fashioned", a romantic, unrepentantly faith-based flick you'll be urging your dating-age children to see.

A wise woman once said: "So disturbed by how popular this series (Fifty Shades of Grey) has become with mainstream women. It's as though the enemy has us sitting in pots on the stove while he slowly turns up the heat. Our children will be the ones to reap what we've sown--a society that has no idea about right or wrong, good or evil." --Rachel, Christian Post commenter

The apostle Paul warns:

"When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, your lives will produce evil results: sexual immorality, impure thoughts, eagerness for lustful pleasure, idolatry, participation in demonic activities, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, divisions, the feeling that everyone is wrong except those in your own little group, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other kinds of sin. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the kingdom of God" (Galatians 5: 19-21).

News:

• ABC News: "Teens Mob Mall After Being Denied Entry to 'Fifty Shades'"; 100 teens rushed the theater because the 'R' rating required the viewer to be at least 17.
• New York Daily News: N.J teacher, the mother of 2 young children, has sex with six 14- & 15-year old male students. Makes sex tape.
• LA Times: Super bug linked to 2 deaths at UCLA Hospital; 179 potentially exposed.

"Is Your TV Spying On You?"

Did you hear that noise? It was the sound of all the paranoid conspiracy theorists flinging off their tinfoil hats.

That's right gang--all those crazies who insist they're being spied upon are right!

Samsung admits (hidden deep within the fine print) that while we watch our TVs, our TVs are watching us--or more accurately, listening in on our personal conversations.

Yep--all that pillow talk you and your significant other are having in the "privacy" of your bedroom are not only heard, but recorded and distributed to mysterious third parties.

Outrageous? You betcha. Makes us so angry we just might turn the stupid thing off.

According to ABC News Australia: "The company is warning people as part of its privacy policy that anything they say around their television will be 'among the data captured and transmitted to a third party' because of a voice recognition feature."

Oh, and if the transmission is not encrypted? "A Smart Hacker could conceivably turn your TV into an eavesdropping device," Samsung warns. (Don't look now, but we're thinkin' Samsung already has).

Privacy advocate, Katherine Albrecht, Ed.D., cautions consumers on the impact new technologies have on their civil liberties: "The explosion of new technologies that enable the tracking and monitoring of individuals has moved faster than any legal system can adapt." It appears it's up to the consumers to protect themselves.

While TPTB might like us to keep this stuff under our (tinfoil?) hats, we believe you have a right to know.

Bottom line? Buying a 'Smart TV'  may be a dumb move.

A wise man once said: "Anyone who makes you choose between privacy and security wants you to have neither." -- Cory Doctorow, writer

"For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known. Therefore, whatsoever you have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light and that which you have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops"  (Luke 12:2-3).

News:

• Associated Press: Obama proposes war authorization against Islamic State; "militants could pose threat to US homeland," he says.
• KFI Radio: Boston, already struggling under record snowfall amounts, expecting two more snowstorms this week.
• Moscow Times: "Russia Would See US Moves to Arm Ukraine as Declaration of War; Could Spark Escalation of Conflict," Russian defense analyst says.

"5 Signs of Coming War"

The  Department of Defense (DOD) believes China is upping the ante when it comes to war.

According to a recent Pentagon report, "The People's Liberation Army (PLA) is engaged in a massive, extensive modernization program. Upgrading and expanding all military branches and equipment."

The problem? "A lack of transparency regarding China's intentions," says the DOD.

Meanwhile, things are heating up in Ukraine.

"The upsurge in fighting in Ukraine with Russian troops and equipment pouring across the border, is a sign that Russian President Vladimir Putin has decided to engage the West in a dangerous game of "chicken", says The Wall Street Journal in an opinion piece by David Satter.

Angered by economic sanctions and fearing "they could help lead to the destabilization of Russia," Satter writes that "Russia is shooting itself in the foot with its actions..." and "Putin could lash out with military action against the West."

"Russia is on a dangerous path," Satter concludes.

And what about those cagey Iranians? The Jerusalem Post reports Israel's Eros-B satellite, launched last April, revealed a "never seen before" Iranian launch pad with a new 27-meter long missile.

"The missile and the launch pad indicate Iran's ballistic missile program, which is an integral part of its nuclear weapons program, is moving forward full throttle."

This "expanded range" of Iran's ballistic missiles means its nuclear weapons program is not merely a threat to Israel and Europe. "It is a direct threat to the United States as well."

And then there's North Korea, who vowed on Wednesday to respond to any US aggression with nuclear strikes.

Oh, and let's not forget ISIS, (or ISIL or whatever they're calling themselves these days) who never seem to tire of thinking up sick new methods of execution.

Tuesday ISIS released video showing captured Jordanian pilot, Moaz al-Kasasben being burned alive before they ran him over with a bulldozer. Charming group. Their goal? More atrocities. And not just in the Mideast or Europe, either. FBI Director James Comey today issued a warning that "ISIS is already in 49 US states."

When Jesus was asked, "What will be the sign of Your coming and the end of the age?" He answered, "And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows" (Matthew 24:6-8).

A wise man once said: "The primary purpose of prophetic teaching is not to satisfy our curiosity, but to motivate us to change our lives. Rather than working for things that will ultimately be destroyed, we should work for things that are eternal." --Len Woods, Th.M.

News:

• Newsmax: Experts: Iran Now a Nuclear-Ready State, Missiles Capable of Hitting U.S.
• Fox News Channel: Jordanian fighter jets carried out 'massive' air strikes today against ISIS, vowing: "Just the beginning and you shall know who the Jordanians are."
• The Drudge Report: Hollande & Merkel fly to Russia for crisis talks amid growing fears of 'total war.'