Special Report Religion in Prophecy

MARCH/APRIL 1999

SPECIAL REPORT RELIGION IN PROPHECY

www.thetrumpet.com VOL. 10, NO. 3 — MARCH/APRIL 1999 CIRC. 105,300

COVER STORY PUBLISHER and EDITOR IN CHIEF Gerald Flurry SENIOR EDITORS Dennis Leap J. Tim Thompson The death of King Hussein Vyron Wilkins MANAGING EDITOR Stephen Flurry 2 The Last Peacemaker ASSISTANT MANAGING EDITOR Joel Hilliker CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Ryan Malone What happens now that the man most Nancy Coffey Donna Grieves committed to peace in the Middle East is gone? Deborah Leap Paula Powell Melody Thompson Magda Wilkins Iraq CONTRIBUTORS Eric Anderson Gareth Fraser 5 The Other Hussein Ron Fraser Shane Granger Exploiting the newly sensitized Middle East Andrew Locher Wilbur Malone Gary Rethford PHOTOGRAPHERS David Jardine Viewpoint Stephen Flurry 6 Defending Absolutism ON THE COVER: Jordan’s beloved PREPRESS PRODUCTION Mark Carroll and stately King Hussein died CIRCULATION Shane Granger The leadership essential most choose to ignore February 7. (AP/Wideworld) INTERNATIONAL EDITIONS EDITOR Wik Heerma German Wik Heerma Italian Daniel Frendo Spanish Jorge Esparza ARTICLES OFFICE DIRECTORS Australasia Alex Harrison Margaret Thatcher Canada Wayne Turgeon 8 Caribbean J. Tim Thompson A Voice From the Past Central and South America Ron Fraser Britain, Europe, Middle East, Africa John Durrad 9 Threats to the Global Economy THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET Four potential flash points to watch (ISSN 10706348) is published monthly (except bimonthly March/April and September/October issues) by the Philadelphia Church of God, 1019 Waterwood Parkway, Suite F, Edmond, OK 73034. SPECIAL REPORT: RELIGION IN PROPHECY Periodicals postage paid at Edmond, OK, and additional mailing offices. 9 ©1999 Philadelphia Church of God. 16 The Abomination of Desolation All rights reserved. PRINTED IN THE U.S.A. HOW YOUR SUBSCRIPTION HAS BEEN PAID: Where false religion is leading the world The Philadelphia Trumpet has no subscription price — it is free. This is made possible by the tithes and offerings of the membership of the Philadelphia Church of God and others. Contributions, however, are welcomed and are tax-deductible in the United 22 Papal Call to Arms States, Canada, and New Zealand. Those who wish to voluntarily aid and support this worldwide Work 24 Meet Me in St. Louis of God are gladly welcomed as co-workers in the effort to “hold fast” to the traditions established in the Two stops on tour with the most true Church by Herbert W. Armstrong and to pro- powerful man in religion today claim a final warning to the world. Contributions or letters of interest may be sent to one of our offices nearest you: United States: PO Box 3700, Edmond, OK 73083. Canada: P.O. Box 61541, Fennel Postal Outlet, 25 Bad Religion Hamilton, ON L8T 5A1 New Zealand and the Pacific Isles: P.O. Box 38- Americans do a great job at evangelism 424, Howick, Auckland, 1730 Australia: P.O. Box 6626, Upper Mount Gravatt, but a poor job at discipleship 22 QLD 4122 Philippines: P.O. Box 1372, Q.C. Central Post Office, Quezon City, Metro Manila Britain, Europe, Middle East: P.O. Box 1, Abbots Langley, Herts WD5 OBS DEPARTMENTS Africa: P.O. Box 2969, Durbanville, 7551 South Africa Be sure to notify us immediately of any change in 1 Personal: Victory in Court! your address. Please include your old mailing label and the new address. The publishers assume no responsibility for return of unsolicited artwork, photographs or manuscripts. The 14 World News Watch : “LETTERS” section is made up of various letters from our readers. The editor reserves the right to use any Talking it Over — “A Sincere Desire to En- letters, in whole or in part, as he deems in the public gage the Enemy” — Countdown to Republic interest, and to edit the letter for clarity or space. Unless otherwise noted, the scriptures quoted in this publication are from the King James Version of the Holy Bible. 28 Letters U.S. POSTMASTER — send address changes to: The Philadelphia Trumpet, PO Box 3700, Edmond, 29 OK 73083 29 Commentary: We D on’t Want You For a FREE SUBSCRIPTION in the U.S. and Canada, call 405-340-7474. PERSONAL FROM

Victory in Court!

ime will prove that we have just won the most He got to the intent of the author and the spirit of important court battle in this modern age! We the law. A copyright law is supposed to protect the Thave been battling the Worldwide Church of author’s work—not destroy it! The author “had God (WCG) for over two years. Mystery of the Ages copyrighted on Just before his death on January 16, condition of the Church not rejecting 1986, Herbert W. Armstrong pub- his doctrine,” the judge stated pro- lished Mystery of the Ages. He wanted foundly. “The copyright will not to reach “the largest audience possi- trump the nature of Herbert ble.” The WCG began to change the Armstrong’s work. A copyright can’t book’s text immediately after his triumph over the foundation of reli- death. Two years later, they stopped gion,” he said. publishing it. So we decided to publish The WCG was using the copyright Mystery of the Ages in early 1997, be- to try and stop our religion. Under lieving it was our right to give it free to the cloak of “Christian duty,” they the public as the author desired. wanted to DESTROY the U.S. Consti- This book is a summary of Mr. tution, as it relates to this case! They Armstrong’s life work. But that didn’t had already destroyed the constitu- matter to the WCG. They have already tion of the Church that Mr. Arm- changed all the major doctrines Mr. Armstrong strong founded! taught. This case reveals to everybody how vile and de- They hate the book’s message and want to keep structive their attitude is. Now the whole world can the public from even reading it! see what we have been fighting against for a decade. In his 1997 book, Transformed By Truth, WCG Nearly two-thirds of the WCG members have Pastor General Joseph Tkach Jr. wrote: “In February been driven out of that church since Mr. Armstrong 1997 we filed suit against the Philadelphia Church of died. The leaders kept all the property, with an esti- God—one of our splinter groups headquartered in mated value of around $250 million. Of course that Edmond, Oklahoma—to block the republication of wealth was created by all of the members while Mr. Mystery of the Ages. The Worldwide Church of God Armstrong was alive. still holds the copyright to this book, and we con- We not only won an overwhelming victory, the tend that no one else has the right to publish it. We judge thought the WCG was violating our freedom feel it is our Christian duty to keep this book out of of speech—a fundamental Constitution issue. He print...because we believe Mr. Armstrong’s doctrinal said, “Religion is the highest order of free speech.” errors are better left out of circulation” (p. 203). Mr. Armstrong believed Mystery of the Ages was On February 8, Judge J. Spencer Letts ruled that the most important book on this earth after the Mystery of the Ages was published by its author to be Bible. (Please write for a free copy if you don’t have shared with the world. The WCG, he said, has no one.) Time will prove Mr. Armstrong to be right. If right to withhold this work from publication. Judge we can learn that lesson today, it will prevent unpar- Letts also said “a copyright doesn’t exist for what alleled suffering in our lives. they want to do.” He also said Mr. Armstrong “never Soon the whole world will understand how im- intended the copyright to stop Mystery of the Ages portant this great book is. Then the Bible will no from going to the public.” longer be a mystery to man.

MARCH/APRIL 1999 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET 1 COVER STORY

HUSSEIN BECAME KING IN 1953 at age 17. Two years earlier, as a 15-year-old, he witnessed his grandfather’s assassination. Abdullah, Jordan’s first king, was gunned down at the Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. Hussein might have died himself were it not for a medal on his THE uniform that his grandfather asked him to wear. A bullet had ricocheted off the medal. In 1958, Hussein was shaken by another family tragedy when his close friend and cousin, Iraqi ruler Faisal, LASLAST was assassinated in Baghdad. Hussein PEACEMAKER learned from these tragedies. In his King Hussein 1935-1999 memoirs he said he learned of death’s unimportance—“When you die, you have to die.” In a 1993 interview, he said that from these early experiences BY STEPHEN FLURRY he learned that “rulers cannot depend on their advisors to save or guide them, N A NEIGHBORHOOD FULL OF BULLIES, JORDAN’S that they must make their own deci- KING HUSSEIN seemed always to maintain an air of dig- sions and go their own way.” Early on, it was clear there was nity and honor in the Middle East. Holding an office in something different about this man’s Jordan which allotted him absolute power, the King was ability to make peace. One story was re- lated in the Sunday Times of London: not known for abusing it. To the contrary, he will be re- “Facing an attempted military coup in membered for his kindness and charisma, whether 1957, he drove straight up to the Zerqa I military headquarters, the center of the in the presence of dignitaries or commoners. Herbert Armstrong, who visited the King several times over the revolt, and personally persuaded the course of his ministry as pastor general of the Worldwide Church of God, troops to support him.” Hussein’s tact and diplomacy— was struck by this unusually humble monarch. “Kings never, or almost whether in dealing with military men, never, address any common citizen with the title of respect, ‘Sir.’ Yet, His heads of state or poor Hashemite Majesty continually addressed me as ‘Sir,’—a truly unusual honor ac- Bedouins—earned him much of the cording me respect.” As a religious leader and unofficial ambassador for prestige and honor he received late in peace, Mr. Armstrong held no political office or distinguished title. Yet life. As one commentator noted, he was the King treated him like royalty. aloof around no one. Other stories like that abound, shedding further light on the King’s unique- That’s not to say that the King’s ness. Once, after an army officer tried to lead a coup against him, the King reign was without flaw. He deeply re- squashed the revolt and exiled the rebel to four years at Oxford. Try to envision gretted joining Syria and Egypt in their the other Hussein’s response to such a rebellion. 1967 attack on Israel. Not only did it John Simpson, BBC’s World Affairs editor, remembers the King’s kindness add to the region’s instability, Jordan and good humor. “Some years ago,” he writes, “I was invited to a dinner at the also lost East Jerusalem and all of the palace in Amman. The King was an hour late, and spent much of the next 20 West Bank to the Jews. Israeli occupa- minutes apologizing. At the table he was self-deprecating, funny and frank in tion in the West Bank fueled a mass turn. He spoke about Saddam Hussein in a way that had everyone roaring with Palestinian exodus into Jordan. (Unlike unobsequious laughter. And when someone asked about himself he said, ‘You other Arab leaders, Hussein has offered know, the British call me the plucky little king. Plucky is fine; I just don’t like the immigrants Jordanian citizenship and little.’” passports. Today, over 65 percent of Dignified, humble, respectful, jovial—these best describe King Hussein, the Jordan’s population is Palestinian.) man. But he may be remembered more for what he did—make peace. Jordan’s rising Palestinian popula-

2 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET MARCH/APRIL 1999 CORBIS tion proved a greater threat to its existence than the 1967 war. Yasser Arafat and his Palestinian Liberation Organi- zation (PLO) moved its base of operations from the Israeli-occupied West Bank to the eastern side of the Jordan River and challenged the King’s rule. In what became known as Black Septem- ber, the King and his Bedouin troops declared war on the PLO guerrillas in 1970. They killed 4,000 Palestinians and forced the terrorist organization to move its base to West Beirut. In 1973, having learned a lesson from 1967, Hussein disguised himself and went to Tel Aviv to warn Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir that the Syrians were about to attack. She ig- nored the warning, and hours later Syria and Egypt ignited the Yom Kippur war against Israel. Hussein, for the most part, remained neutral. After squelching the PLO’s rebellion in 1970 and remaining on the sidelines in the 1973 war, the King fast acquired more than a handful of enemies within his own Arab community. Yet he survived each potentially dangerous situation—the last known assassination plot occurring in 1980. Late in life, as an elder statesmen, Hussein devoted much of his time to peace initiatives. His first cancer diag- nosis in 1992 only prodded him to finally solidify peaceful relations with Israel, which he did in 1994. He considered Jordan’s peace treaty with Israel in 1994 his proudest moment as King. After Israeli Prime Minister Rabin was assassinated in 1995, Hussein said, “It is peace that has been assassinated.” At Rabin’s funeral, a tearful Hussein gave a speech that moved even the most cynical observers. In 1997, after a Jordanian soldier shot and killed seven Israeli schoolgirls, Hussein felt obliged to visit the families of each victim in their homes—an ex- traordinarily kind act for anyone, let alone a king.

N JULY OF 1998, THE KING CHECKED into the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota to undergo chemotherapy treat- ments for cancer in the lymph nodes. He responded well to early Itreatments and showed signs of an early recovery. In October, the King appeared in public for the first time since his treat- ments began. It came as a complete shock to many. Before TV cameras at the Wye Plantation peace talks, he was

MARCH/APRIL 1999 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET 3 THE LAST PEACEMAKER bald, skinny and pale. Some Jordanians will and testament. In so doing, he re- Middle East, there is a great crisis on took this as a signal from their ailing moved his brother, Crown Prince the horizon. monarch that he was on death’s door. Hassan, as his successor, replacing him What might surprise many, howev- Rumors surfaced that the King was with his 37-year-old son, Prince er, is that the greatest threat to peace in headed back to Jordan in November to Abdullah. the Middle East will come from outside enjoy his final days on his native soil. Hours after juggling successors, the the region. Regular Trumpet readers But reports were wrong. The King King returned to the United States for know that prophecies in Daniel 2 and stayed in the States, received further further treatment and, finally, to die. Revelation 17 describe a soon-coming, treatment, and news of his “miracu- His comatose body was rushed home ten-nation, European conglomerate lous” recovery again made headlines. on February 6, pronounced dead in that will interfere in Middle East affairs. By January, news spread that the King Jordan on the 7th and buried on the The Bible calls this group of nations the was healed completely and preparing to 8th. His funeral guest list read like “beast.” return home. Who’s Who in 20th Century Politics. In the book of Daniel, this beast Once again, reports were wrong. He President Clinton attended with three power is called the “king of the north.” did return home, but not healed. And other former U.S. presidents. Other at- Notice Daniel 11:40: “And at the time of what he returned home to do shocked tendees included King Juan Carlos of the end shall the king of the south push nearly everyone. Spain, French President Jacques at him: and the king of the north shall He arrived in Jordan on January 19 Chirac, British Prime Minister Tony come against him like a whirlwind, with after spending two weeks in Britain. Blair, Prince Charles, German Chan- chariots, and with horsemen, and with British, French, Italian, Israeli and fi- cellor Gerhard Schroeder, Russian many ships; and he shall enter into the nally the Jordanian air forces escorted President Boris Yeltsin and UN Sec- countries, and shall overflow and pass his plane home. Upon disembarking retary-General Kofi Annan, among over.” First, we should note that the the aircraft, despite the cold, rainy many others. That list alone speaks vol- “time of the end” refers to our time weather, he knelt to kiss the ground he umes of the impact King Hussein had today. Elsewhere in Daniel, you read had missed for six months. Then, as his on world affairs, despite the fact that he that the prophet didn’t even under- motorcade drove through Amman’s ruled a small, barren country of only stand this vision (Dan. 8:26; 10:14; 12:4, 1 streets—packed with hundreds of 4 /2 million subjects. 9). That’s because it wasn’t for his day. thousands of cheering well-wishers— It’s for ours. the King poked his head outside the N MANY WAYS, THE LAST SIX MONTHS The king of the south in Daniel car’s sunroof to acknowledge the of King Hussein’s life mirrored the 11:40 refers to a great Islamic power in thronging masses. Later, commenting the last 50 years of Middle East af- the Middle East. Write for our free on the inclement weather, he said, “It fairs: unpredictable. To this point, booklet, History and Prophecy in the was so cold, and I did not have ade- peace in the Middle East has been, Middle East, for full details. quate clothing...but the warmth I felt Iat best, tenuous. What will happen The word “push” means to “war everywhere was more than enough.” now that the Middle East’s most noted against.” So the king of the south, He was only to be home for a week, and distinguished peacemaker is ab- Islam, will aggressively war against the as it turned out. But what a week it was. sent? The Bible prophesies that despite European beast power. That prompts He had come home to finalize his last the genuine efforts toward peace in the the beast power to come against the

CORBIS Islamic king of the south in full force, like a whirlwind. The king of the north will overwhelm its Islamic enemy. Verse 41: “He [the king of the north] shall enter also into the glorious land [Jerusalem], and many countries shall be overthrown....” This is no small skirmish. Verse 42 says Egypt will not escape this Euro-force. The Middle East’s most powerful Arab nations will be occupied by this beast power. But not Jordan! Notice the last half of verse 41: “...but these shall escape out of his [the beast’s] hand, even Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon.” These references unmistakably refer to the land of Jordan today. (Ammon is merely a vari- ation of Amman, Jordan’s present capital.) Jordan will escape European occupation. Other verses indicate that God HIS FINAL DAYS spares them because of the kindness As Hussein helped forge the agreement and respect they show His people. at Wye River, some took his appearance (Remember how the King treated as a signal he was about to die. Herbert Armstrong?)

4 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET MARCH/APRIL 1999 Sad to say, however, the Jordanians do not retain this spirit of humility and kindness. Prophecies in Jeremiah and The Other Hussein Ezekiel reveal that the Hashemite people will rejoice in Jerusalem’s occupa- Exploiting the newly sensitized Middle East tion. God has said, “Rejoice not when CORBIS thine enemy falleth…lest the Lord see OLLOWING THE DEATH OF KING it, and it displease him, and he turn Hussein of Jordan and the as- away his wrath from him” (Prov. 24:17- Fsumption of the Hashemite 18). This very spirit—their rejoicing— throne by little-known Prince will bring to fulfillment Ezekiel 25:3-11. Abdullah, the world watched with Toward the end of the Tribulation, bated breath to see who would be the European king of the north will first to take advantage of the newly worry over a dangerous enemy lurking sensitized Middle East. to the north and east of Jerusalem—a Surprise, surprise! Who should great federation of Asian nations. These be first in the ring than that wild communist hordes will descend upon card in the Mid-East pack—Iraq. the holy mountain (Dan. 11:44-45), Saddam Hussein deduced that gathering 55 miles north of Jerusalem Iraq and Turkey shared a common in a place called Armageddon (Rev. problem, the Kurds, and sought 16:16). This confrontation leads right also to take advantage of increasing into the return of Jesus Christ upon the Turkish unease over their country FIRST IN THE RING Mount of Olives. being exploited as a base for U.S. After King Hussein’s death, As Prince of peace, Jesus Christ will operations in the form of aggres- Saddam makes overtures to Turkey return to carry out the dreams of King sive air-missions against Iraq. Hussein. He will finally put an end to Saddam sent his foreign minister Tariq Aziz to Turkey to seek a new alliance. war and strife, bringing peace to all On the surface, it seemed Iraq’s timing could not have been better. Aziz arrived peoples, in every nation. on the scene to share in the Turks celebration of the capture of their mutual King Hussein knew there was only thorn-in-the-flesh, Abdullah Ocalan, champion of the Kurdish cause and lead- so much he could do. Widely credited ing Kurdish dissident. for being the savior at Wye Plantation, AP/WIDEWORLD Worried at this peremptory action by Iraq, the U.S. bringing Israel and the PLO together, quickly dispatched its own representatives to Turkey to the dying monarch later admitted, “It patch up any damage done by Aziz and secure Turkey’s didn’t work. It worked at the time,” he continuing agreement to the U.S. utilizing its bases in said, “but it was temporary relief.” Turkey for weekly missile launching jaunts to Iraq. That, it seems, is what King Hussein Turkey is caught between a rock and a hard place. Allied provided for this “bad neighborhood.” with Judaic Israel, they nevertheless are feeling the pressure Temporary relief. In the end, we have to become more closely aligned with the Muslim countries found that the only thing permanent in of the Middle East. The U.S. operations against Saddam, this volatile region is instability. which they anticipated would end quickly, are now drag- Speaking of some of the lessons Tariq Aziz ging out over weeks, soon to become months. This discom- which stood out over his near half-cen- forts Turkey. Nevertheless, weighing its options and deduc- tury reign, he said two weeks before he ing that Saddam is still seen as an international pariah, Turkey sent Aziz packing died, “The worst part was that there with no real joy for him on the prospect of ending the U.S. mandate to use were many crises that passed through Turkish bases for control of the Iraqi no-fly zone. this area that I could see coming and I Ignoring U.S. warnings to cease threats to strike at Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, warned and did whatever I could to Saddam promptly re-issued the same warnings to each of these neighboring prevent them from happening. But no countries. one listened. Lots of things could have In the meantime, Turkey was busy penetrating northern Iraq with its ground been different from the way they are forces in an attempt to wound the Kurdish-held enclave. Their aggression was right now. But, anyway, we have to directed against the outlawed Kurdish Workers Party (PKK), following hard on keep struggling. Let’s hope for a better the heels of the capture of Ocalan, the party’s leader. The PKK has used moun- future; for peace and harmony.” tainous northern Iraq as a base of operations for its strikes in its continuing cam- In the short run, the King’s death paign for self-rule in the mainly Kurdish southeast corner of Turkey. will only hasten the inevitable clash the Saddam’s efforts to raise the heat in the Middle East following the death of Bible prophesies for the Middle East. King Hussein should be no surprise. As Slobodan Milosevic has discovered in But in the long run—once everyone lis- the European theater, Saddam understands that he is dealing with a U.S. power tens and heeds the warning, once which lacks the will to consummate the battle. Iraq’s bumbling initiatives to un- things are different, once peace and settle the Middle East in the wake of King Hussein’s death will not be its last. Nor harmony are established for all peoples will it be long before other nations jump on the bandwagon. The list of attendees in all nations—we’ll find that King at the King’s funeral showed the world the importance which world leaders at- Hussein was not the last great peace- tach to Jordan’s role in containing developments in the Middle East. maker. RON FRASER

MARCH/APRIL 1999 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET 5 THE LAST PEACEMAKER

dents best sum up Hussein’s legacy. VIEWPOINT In October, after peace talks stalled STEPHEN FLURRY between Yasser Arafat and Benjamin Netanyahu, Jordan’s monarch mus- tered enough strength to drag himself from his deathbed to the Wye River talks in Maryland. Looking pale and Defending Absolutism sick, bald from the chemotherapy treat- ments, Hussein said, “There has been enough destruction. Enough death. The one leadership essential most choose to ignore Enough waste. And it’s time that, together, we occupy a place beyond our- NE FACT ABOUT KING HUSSEIN’S Jordan. What he said was final. Sure, he selves, our peoples, that is worthy of rule seems to have been drowned created a partially elected parliament in them under the sun, the descendants of out by the tearful accolades of 1989 and has since that time liberalized the children of Abraham.” The Othose mourning his death. Yes, restrictions on the press and deregulat- two sides eventually settled, and the he “really did bring people together,” as ed Jordan’s economy. Yet with one, King received credit for a great diplo- President Clinton said. He was respect- swift, decisive act just 12 days before he matic victory. ed and admired internationally—even died, the King left little doubt about the Then, in January, the King returned by many of his enemies. And at home, authority of his office—as king, he re- to Jordan looking fresh and claiming to Jordanians adored their king. (When tained total control. be cured. His wife’s expression upon he returned from his six-month stay in arrival in Jordan, however, suggested America on January 19, one-fourth of LAST JULY, KING HUSSEIN—A MAN WHO otherwise. As it turns out, the King was the country gathered on streets, in had survived 12 assassination attempts still very sick. He had only come home pouring rain, to welcome him—cheer- and seven plots to overthrow his to replace his brother, Crown Prince ing, waving banners, even weeping.) regime—entered the Mayo Clinic in Hassan. He appointed his eldest son Yet this fact remains: King Hussein, Minnesota to face his greatest enemy Abdullah as successor and, hours later, till the day he died, was the absolute, yet—lymphatic cancer. During his six- flew back to America to undergo a unelected, unquestioned ruler of month treatment, two notable inci- bone marrow transplant. But the old

CORBIS man’s declining health was beyond repair. He died on February 7. Obviously dissatisfied with his brother’s rule in his absence, it seems to me the big story is not why he changed his successor, but how he pulled it off so smooth- ly. Hassan had been crown prince for 33 years. And yet, 12 days before he died, in one fell swoop, King Hussein single-handedly removed his brother from office, appointed a new king, and forever changed the course of his beloved country. No election. No opinion polls. No pro- tests. No civil strife. No attempted coup. No war. Just a decree from one man with absolute power. The King had spoken. So let it be written; so let it be done.

N THE WEST, ESPECIALLY IN America, we have prided ourselves in supposedly Iforming a “better” and A KING’S RIGHT “more superior” governmen- Hussein hugs his son Abdullah, tal structure. Tyrannical ab- after appointing him successor solutists like Pope Innocent,

6 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET MARCH/APRIL 1999 Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin and Saddam “and they make haste to shed innocent doms and governments of this world Hussein are to be demonized. But blood” (v. 7). will become His Kingdom! (Rev. Western elites have, for the most part, And in verse 8, he says, “The way of 11:15). One world government. He will applauded King Hussein’s 46-year peace they know not.” It’s certainly not rule with compassion, justice and reign as absolute ruler. The reason is for want of trying! Man has worked un- mercy. But be assured, as King of kings because of the way in which King ceasingly for peace—sometimes with and Lord of lords, He will also rule with Hussein used his authority. relentless, round-the-clock fervor, like absolute, unquestioned authority. No King Hussein was not a perfect at the Wye River talks last October. one will vote Him into office. And no monarch. But as far as absolute rulers And for what? More violence and one will vote Him out—for all eternity. go, he was a cut above. For the most bloodshed. More division. More war. If you think about it, really, could it part, he devoted his reign to obtaining For 6,000 years, our civilization, and be any other way? With all of man’s di- peace with his neighbors—especially every type of government it has creat- vision, strife, competition and jealousy, late in life. At home, considering Jor- ed, has looked for solutions it has been how else could a law of unselfish love dan is seven-eighths desert and without the oil-rich resources of other Arab nations, he worked miracles. Though not When I heard Western commentators eulogizing King Hussein as a a rich country, life in Jordan was decent. Compared to Beirut, Damascus or great leader who made life for his desert-dwelling subjects a lit- Baghdad, Amman was like a desert tle better and more hopeful, I did not doubt their conclusions. It oasis. Known for its low crime, clean just seemed strange that these champions of democracy would so streets, operable traffic lights (though sometimes unheeded) and gardens that exalt a man who directed a government with absolute authority. actually grew green, Jordan’s capital city reflected the King’s basic decency. Yet, despite King Hussein’s decency unable to find. No government today be enforced worldwide unless there was and sincere desire for peace, even he —whether monarchy, democracy, an all-powerful, all-knowing, all-loving faced many problems and difficulties communism, socialism—has been able God at the helm to enforce and live by that were beyond human power to to remove the causes for world prob- such a law? solve. And if honest, we would have to lems. Since the causes have not been re- God’s government, to be set up by admit that world conditions since moved, effects have only worsened. Christ when He returns, will be a theoc- Hussein became King in 1953 are much You would think, as evils worsen, racy. Like Jordan’s monarchy, rule will nastier. that more people would wake up to the come from the top down. But it will be fact that THIS IS NOT GOD’S WORLD. It is thoroughly unlike any government THERE IS A CAUSE FOR EVERY EFFECT. IF Satan’s! (II Cor. 4:4). That’s why the man has devised—including King there is poverty, sickness, suffering, di- whole world is deceived (Rev. 12:9). Hussein! That’s because it will be a per- vision, strife, war, it’s because man has And that’s why conditions are only get- fect government—based upon God’s made it, or at least allowed it, to be that ting worse. perfect wisdom, understanding and way. God traces the cause of all the It’s time we turn to the Bible for the justice—directed in perfect love. world’s problems back to man’s carnal solution to these problems. When I heard Western commenta- nature. He says in Romans 8:7 that the tors eulogizing King Hussein as a great carnal mind is hostile toward Him. In SAIAH CONCLUDES CHAPTER 59 WITH leader who made life for his desert- Jeremiah 17:9, He says that man’s the only real solution to the prob- dwelling subjects a little better and heart, or mind, is deceitful and desper- lems we face. “And the Redeemer more hopeful, I did not doubt their ately wicked. It gets back to man’s I[Jesus Christ] shall come to Zion, conclusions. It just seemed strange that heart—the way we are living. It’s based and unto them that turn from trans- these champions of democracy would on the way of sin, of selfishness and gression in Jacob, saith the Lord. As for so exalt a man who directed a govern- competition. me, this is my covenant with them, ment with absolute authority. I wonder In Isaiah 59, God identifies the cause saith the Lord; My spirit that is upon if they realized that in a way they were of evil just as clearly and decisively as thee, and my words which I have put in actually defending absolutism. Of King Hussein’s final decree. He also thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy course, I wouldn’t want to be subjected outlines the solution to the world’s mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy to the rule of Adolf Hitler or Saddam troubles. Notice! seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed’s Hussein. But what if that absolute ruler In verse 2, God says our sins have seed, saith the Lord, from henceforth was a good man who really did rule for separated us from Him. We have gone and for ever. Arise, shine; for thy light the good of the people? our own way (Prov. 14:12). is come, and the glory of the Lord is When you think about what one There is some good in the carnal risen upon thee” (Isa. 59:20-21; 60:1). carnal-minded man—considered by mind. King Hussein’s life proves that. Man’s only hope for lasting peace, most accounts to be good, honest and But man has done much evil too, as the and justice, and truth—for right solu- decent—can do for a small country the rest of the chapter shows. Isaiah says tions to the world’s problems—is Jesus size of South Carolina, imagine what a there is no justice or truth in the land, Christ’s return to this earth in power perfect, glorified, all-powerful, spirit- but instead vanity, mischief and deceit and glory! When He returns, as He says composed King can do for the whole (v. 4). “Their feet run to evil,” he says, He will in so many scriptures, the king- world.

MARCH/APRIL 1999 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET 7 ORATION

word of praise that rang out in the sta- we know that peace is only preserved dium, what filled the echoes and the si- by we keeping strong and by having A Voice From lences was the dim present. very advanced weaponry so that anyone who chooses to challenge our inde- the Past MRS. THATCHER LAUDED AMERICA’S PAS- pendence or those of our friends knows sion for freedom. Not freedom from re- that we, with our forces and our latest sponsibility, but the freedom that equipment and our resolution, would Margaret Thatcher brings a comes from acting responsibly: free- always prevail.” Hers were the words of sad reminder of a better time dom from tyranny and disorder. Then a stronger Britain, a superpower United she reminded her listeners about the States. They reverberated with the BY JOEL HILLIKER duty that comes with liberty and pros- long-forgotten will to rule that made perity: the importance for individuals Britain an empire and brought pros- NYTHING CAN SEEM NORMAL AND given the blessing of freedom to fulfill perity to far-flung colonies through right if you have no basis for their accountability to God, to be rigor- benevolent (albeit human and flawed) Acomparison. Take present con- ously governed by conscience; for free governance. ditions in the United States and Britain and wealthy nations to fight for the half Similar words may be uttered by as an example. of the world’s countries that are not present leadership, but they are belied There is a sense of right and wrong, free. by paucity of action. In fact, the history but people are resigned that wrong is TRUMPET that Mrs. Thatcher’s words evoked too widespread to condemn. There is brings a sense of shame to today’s talk of using military might to van- Britain. The present Prime Minister is quish tyranny, but the real battlefield eagerly dismantling vestiges of com- is the bargaining table, where tiny, vi- monwealth. His small, uninfluential olent countries milk concessions in country is now unrecognizable as exchange for promises to behave. what it was a mere century ago: the There is occasional action, but it is world’s largest and most powerful weak, last-resort, not designed to empire ever. achieve victory but to coax the enemy into resuming talks. ARGARET THATCHER WON HER It all seems so normal and right— last election in 1986. She unless you speak of the past, and use it Mhasn’t been a former states- as a basis for comparison. man for even a decade, and yet she On February 25, former British represents a time long past. The era of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher ad- Thatcher and Reagan has been wholly dressed 6,000 who had gathered to see eclipsed by the era of Blair and her receive an honorary doctorate Clinton—leaders with no connection from the University of Oklahoma. She to the history that made their coun- spoke of the past. In fact, it seemed as tries great, supported by electorates if she also spoke from the past. DIPLOMATIC CORRECTION In without a memory. A fact became clear Mrs. Thatcher had high praise for praising the U.S.—as it used to be— as Thatcher spoke: She would not be the United States. She praised us for Thatcher issues tactful criticism. elected today. our noble birth; the founding fathers “My friends,” she concluded, “the who navigated the perilous unknown to “Where there is not a rule of law,” only guide to a man is his conscience. wriggle free of restrictions on their reli- she said, “there is a rule of corruption. The only shield to his memory is the gion. She praised the nation’s funda- It is not a rule; it is people taking some rectitude and sincerity of his actions. It mental faith, its moral foundation, its of the things and using them for their is very imprudent to walk through life commitment to justice and equity own purposes. Corruption takes over without this shield because we are so through rule of law. from integrity.” often mocked by the failure of our The founding fathers believed that In World War II, Mrs. Thatcher hopes. But with this shield, however the each person “was accountable to his said, America knew “they were fighting fates may play, we march always in the God for his actions and for the use of for all humanity in the cause of liberty, ranks of honor. May the great United his talents,” she said. “They knew all justice and democracy. What gave the States and United Kingdom and their about the biblical injunction to look peoples of our countries and others peoples march always in the ranks of after your neighbor as yourself.… They from the British Commonwealth the honor. That is the best service we can suffered much, but their beliefs brought resolve and strength to fight through to give to the world.” them through all adversity and infused victory? It was because, my friends, we Rectitude, honor, service—these, the life of this new nation destined to knew that our cause was morally right. sadly, are bywords of a bygone age, become uniquely great—destined to And that we had to fight for that moral bound up in the memory of this digni- keep liberty and justice and democracy rightness to prevail.” fied, aging woman. If they were what alive at great times of difficulty.” “May I say that your President,” she enabled previous generations to march Yet, it could not be overlooked: It said—was she now in the present?— in the ranks of honor to national great- was a former United States Margaret “President Ronald Reagan, and I ness, we should fear now that they are Thatcher praised. For every bright worked very closely together, because forgotten.

8 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET MARCH/APRIL 1999 INDEX STOCK After the events of 1997 and 1998, the global economy is ONE quivering in fear in a still-hazardous world. What are some of the primary dangers threatening mankind’s economic future? Overvalued U.S. Stock Market

AFTER CLIMBING BACK TO RECORD heights following a precipitous fall in the autumn of 1998, the U.S. stock market began fluttering in December in a confusion of peaks and valleys in spite of America’s robust growth, low inflation and almost-full employment. Such Threats gyrations are evidence of an unhealthy Threats economy with severe underlying weak- nesses such as an extremely overvalued stock market, a negative personal savings rate, high foreign borrowing ac- toto thethe GlobalGlobal companied by a severely bloated national debt, and an enormous and bal- looning trade deficit. Such flawed fundamentals suggest that a major stock market correction of EconomyEconomy perhaps 25 percent or more may be immediately on the horizon. A fall of that magnitude will have ominous repercus- sions for the entire world. With much volatility in the market, there is disagreement among financial forecasters, some analysts predicting the Dow will reach 10,000 while others BY J. TIM THOMPSON expect a Dow in the range of 7,000 or below by the end of 1999 or sooner. HE TRIUMPH OF GLOBAL CAPITALISM AFTER THE COLLAPSE OF THE SOVIET Time will tell whether the amazingly re- Union in 1991 appeared to set mankind on the road to peace and af- silient U.S. economy and markets can fluence. World trade began booming around the globe. Capital flows withstand the powerful economic Tflooded seemingly every niche of so-called emerging markets like Asia, forces at work around the globe. Latin America and Eastern Europe, as investors sought ever-increasing and ex- The forces presently driving down hilaratingly high returns on investment. Stock markets around the world the U.S. market include a fear of soon- seemed to burst in unprecedented growth and prosperity as countries liberal- to-be rising interest rates due to an an- ized, privatized and deregulated their economies in pursuit of democracy and ticipated reappearance of inflation, as capitalism. It seemed a new era of peace, stability and abundance had arrived! well as a more profound recognition of But something went wrong. In 1992-1993, Western Europe was shaken by the overvaluation existing in the stock violent currency-exchange-rate fluctuations. Mexico was rocked by a banking market itself. White-hot consumer and currency crisis in 1994-1995 when total collapse of their economy and cur- confidence, propped up by the income rency was only narrowly averted by a massive $50 billion bailout led by and wealth effect of a soaring stock America and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Southeast Asia melted market, is fueling the booming U.S. down economically beginning in the summer of 1997, followed by Russia and economy, which in turn is providing Latin America in August of 1998. As the November 1998 issue of Current the buying power needed to save the History put it, “Far from being the decade of global capitalism, the 1990s may world from financial collapse. Yet it is well be remembered as the decade of financial instability.” the enormous strength of the American What happens to America happens to the global economy. And America’s economy which now threatens to bring future is not a pretty picture. In Leviticus 26:19, God says to Israel (America down the house of cards. primarily), “I will break the pride of your power.” Economic strength is at the Investors are sensing that the U.S. heart and core of the pride of America’s power. Many Americans equate wealth Federal Reserve is leaning toward rais- with righteousness. In the American mind, wealth shows not only that we are ing interest rates in the near future to better off than others—it shows we are superior. Many Americans even view slow down the rapidly overheating their wealth as an indicator of moral superiority, but God sees that only as American economy. This overheating pride, and as it says in Proverbs 16:18, “Pride goes before destruction, and a is reflected, in part, by the excessive haughty spirit before a fall.” earnings-to-price ratios in U.S. stocks That fall is coming. At present, at least four immediate areas of concern which put stock values at highs which could have serious consequences on the fragile state of global economic affairs. are simply unsustainable.

MARCH/APRIL 1999 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET 9 ECONOMY

Barron’s Dictionary of Finance and Investment Terms states that the earnings-to-price ratio is the “relationship of earnings per share to current stock price. Also known as earnings yield, it is used in comparing the relative attrac- tiveness of stocks, bonds and money market instruments.” Earnings per share are defined as a “portion of a company’s profit allocated to each outstanding share of common stock. For instance, a corporation that earned $10 million last year and has 10 million shares outstanding would report earnings of $1 per share.” Historically, the price per share of stock is about 16 times the amount of earnings for that same share, meaning that a company with earnings of $1 per share would put the average price per share at $16. However, the major U.S. stock market indicators have risen at a double-digit pace for an unprecedented four straight years so that, according to the February 8 Wall Street Journal (WSJ), tech or internet stocks like “Microsoft trades at close to 70 times its past-year’s earnings, and networker Cisco Systems at more than 100 times, TWO SAVING SOCIAL SECURITY? Clin- astronomic levels for such big compa- ton proposes spending a “surplus” nies.” Clearly stock valuations must borrowed from Social Security. suffer a considerable drop to be more What Budget in line with sustainable historic levels, to $5.618 trillion. Those are govern- otherwise, as published in Australia’s Surplus? ment numbers right out of Barron’s. Sydney Telegraph of January 23, U.S. fi- “That means the federal debt nancier George Soros forecast that “the ANOTHER MAJOR THREAT TO THE GLOBAL climbed by $132 billion [in 1998]. U.S. asset [stock market] bubble will economy is the unrealistic dependence Which means the federal budget DEFI- burst and trigger the next MAJOR GLOBAL upon a non-existent U.S. federal bud- CIT last year was $132 billion. There was ECONOMIC CRISIS.” get surplus to correct the major flaws in no surplus of $70 billion, or any other

AP/WIDEWORLD the American economy. One of those amount, as Washington is claiming…. uncorrectable flaws, the Social Security “Washington is able to pretend system, will in all likelihood remain an there is a surplus because it has been albatross around the neck of America, raiding the Social Security trust fund, dragging it ever downward as the huge- which, you have to understand, isn’t a but-aging Baby Boomer generation pile of cash sitting somewhere in the stops putting money into the system as Treasury. It’s really a pile of govern- it reaches retirement age and begins ment IOUs (Treasury bills, really) drawing more and more funds out of which Washington puts into Social the system. As explained by New York Security in exchange for the cash it Post journalist John Crudele, it is steals. today’s overabundance of funds being “And it is our cash that is being put into Social Security and “bor- stolen. Anyone who pays into Social rowed” by the U.S. government which Security is really unwittingly buying makes it appear as if there is a budget IOUs from a government that might surplus. In actuality, there is an ex- not be able to pay in decades to panding budget DEFICIT. come…. [Under President Clinton’s Mr. Crudele wrote on January 22, plan], Washington will steal $200 bil- “There is no federal budget surplus. lion from Social Security (turning a real “I’ll say it again,” he writes, “There is $132 billion deficit into a $70 billion no federal budget surplus…. surplus), so that it can proclaim a bud- STILL A THRILL RIDE, but the “Over the past year, the federal get surplus, then it will return the ex- markets show plenty to indicate that deficit—which is money owed by our cess money to Social Security from current values are unsustainable. government—rose from $5.486 trillion where it was stolen in the first place.”

10 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET MARCH/APRIL 1999 AP/WIDEWORLD THREE War’s Ever- Present Danger

ONE OF THE GREATEST THREATS FACING the global economy is the growing likelihood of war, just as Jesus Christ prophesied would happen in Matthew 24:6 when He said that in this end time mankind would “hear of wars and rumors of wars.” This world is certainly fulfilling that prophecy! In the last decade, America has again and again found itself in the middle of foreign, internal conflicts from Haiti to the debacle in Somalia and most recently in the Balkan conflict after the former Yugoslavia collapsed into war. These disastrous and costly interventions were preceded by U.S. blunders in Korea and Vietnam, while domestic strife in El Salvador and Nicaragua dominated American foreign policy throughout the 1980s. Those kinds of deceitful practices in fore this iniquity shall be to you as a The January/February 1999 issue of government are called names like breach ready to fall, swelling out in a Foreign Affairs presents an article with “smoke and mirrors” and “voodoo high wall, whose breaking cometh sud- extreme importance to the continued economics.” denly at an instant.” Sudden destruc- health of the global economy. The arti- God’s word in Isaiah 30 identifies tion in the form of FINANCIAL COLLAPSE cle, titled “Saving America from the the problems and the consequences of will come on the United States unless Coming Civil Wars,” says, in part, our deceitful natures when it says in we repent and turn from our fraudulent “Most civil wars do not directly threat- verse 1, “Woe to the rebellious chil- ways! Unless we turn back to God, this en the United States or its allies. While dren, saith the Lord, that take counsel, nation is doomed to the scrap heap of recent internal conflicts have raised hu- but not of me; and that cover with a history! manitarian concerns, none has serious- covering, but not of my spirit, that they Federal Reserve Chairman Alan ly affected American security or eco- may add sin to sin.” The phrase “cover Greenspan said in January 1999, “Re- nomic interests. This, however, was with a cover” literally means in Hebrew ducing the Federal debt to the public at largely a matter of luck. The United “to weave a web” and its meaning is to this stage is unquestionably the most States should recognize a vital and “devise schemes.” This phrase certainly important thing that I believe that we sobering truth: that Russia, Mexico, describes the “creative accounting” can do….” Yet paying off the U.S. na- and Saudi Arabia all now stand on the which is presently occurring in the tional debt is not now happening and is brink of civil war, conflicts that would American debt crisis. not likely to happen in the future. have DEVASTATING CONSEQUENCES for God says man is rebellious; people Interest on America’s national debt the United States. These consequences are not getting their counsel from Him continues to accumulate at approxi- are not the traditional dangers of state- through His Holy Spirit, but are devis- mately $40 million PER HOUR! America’s to-state aggression, such as outside at- ing their own deceitful schemes and trade deficit, called the current account, tack or invasion. Though largely ig- “adding sin to sin” or, one might say, hit $170 billion in 1998 and is expected nored by scholars and policy makers, deficit spending to deficit spending. to reach as much as $300 billion in who remain fixated on the idea of inter- Verse 12 continues, “Wherefore 1999. Those outrageous interest national conflict, internal war has thus saith the Holy One of Israel, charges and a growing trade deficit will emerged as a PRINCIPAL THREAT to secu- Because ye despise this word, and trust continue driving up the national debt, rity in the post-Cold War world. in oppression [which means ‘fraud’] so eliminating the deficit is not enough; “Conflicts fought within the borders and perverseness, and stay [or rely] the debt principal itself must be elimi- of a single state send shock waves far thereon.” God is saying the nations of nated. To do otherwise leaves in place beyond their frontiers. To begin with, biblical Israel (America and the British this enormous threat to the American internal wars risk destroying assets the Commonwealth nations) are relying on economy—and that threatens the en- United States needs. Were the Persian perverse practices of fraud and deceit, tire world, which is totally dependent Gulf oil fields destroyed in a Saudi civil and there will be a terrible price to pay. for economic survival upon continued war, the American economy (and those Verse 13 pronounces sentence: “There- massive spending by U.S. consumers. of the rest of the developed world)

MARCH/APRIL 1999 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET 11 ECONOMY would suffer severely. Internal wars can Regarding America’s southern FOUR also unleash threats that stable govern- neighbor the article states, “Mexico ments formerly held in check. As cen- today faces a future more uncertain tral governments weaken and fall, than at any other point in its modern The Japanese weapons of mass destruction may fall history,” and that it may be too late for into the hands of rogue leaders or anti- U.S. help in conquering the “pervasive American factions…. corruption financed by drug traffick- Threat “Civil conflict in Mexico would pro- ers, the end of one-party rule, armed JAPAN CONTINUES TO BE A MAJOR THREAT duce waves of disorder that would spill revolt and economic disaster [which] to the global economy because its fi- into the United States, endangering have all surfaced over the past few nancial house is sinking deeper and lives of hundreds of thousands of years.” deeper into depression, and its leaders Americans, destroying a valuable ex- The article also says, “At no time are rapidly running out of options to port market, and sending a torrent of since the civil war of 1918-20 has Russia turn it around. refugees northward. A rebellion in been closer to bloody conflict than it is The Japanese national debt is among Saudi Arabia could destroy its ability to today,” and that “if internal war does the biggest in the developed world export oil, the oil on which the indus- strike Russia, economic deterioration when compared with the size of its trialized world depends. And internal will be a prime cause.” As an indicator economy or Gross Domestic Product war in Russia could devastate Europe of Russia’s present financial condition, (GDP: the country’s annual output in and trigger the use of nuclear the February 6 Economist states that goods and services). According to the weapons.” “Western bankers say they would IMF, the estimate for Japan’s fiscal year All three countries, which are heavi- rather eat nuclear waste than lend to 1998 (ending March 31, 1999) is a $4.34 ly dependent upon oil exports to sus- Russia in its current state.” trillion GDP compared to a Japanese tain their economies, have been Foreign Affairs concludes, “Most national debt of over $3.5 trillion. That wracked by the expanding global eco- alarming is the real possibility that the means Japan’s national debt, which is nomic crisis which has sent oil and violent disintegration of Russia could growing larger by the day, is a stagger- other commodity prices into the base- lead to loss of control over its nuclear ing 81 percent of GDP, compared with ment. arsenal. No nuclear state has ever fallen about 45 percent for heavily indebted Saudi Arabia, for example, posted a victim to civil war, but even without a America. Japan’s indebtedness is pro- $12.3 billion deficit in 1998 due to clear precedent the grim consequences portionately even greater than falling oil revenues, thus dramatically can be foreseen. Russia retains some America’s! increasing the possibility of social un- 20,000 nuclear weapons and the raw In spite of that enormous national rest. Foreign Affairs says, “As likely as is material for tens of thousands more, in debt, the Japanese government is con- conflict in Mexico, there is even less scores of sites scattered throughout the tinuing to borrow massive amounts of hope for Saudi Arabia…. A country country…. money in what may be a LAST-DITCH EF- built on contradictions, Saudi Arabia is “If war erupts, however, Moscow’s FORT to support its failing banks and extremely vulnerable to internal war. already weak grip on nuclear sites will kick-start its dying economy. Because The same factors that have kept its slacken, making weapons and supplies of that immense borrowing, long-term regime in power—the oil economy, the available to a wide range of anti- interest rates in Japan have risen dra- military, Islam, the royal family—could American groups and states. Such dis- matically, which is forcing the yield (or now fuel an insurrection. Meanwhile, persal of nuclear weapons represents return on investment) on the bench- global dependence on Saudi oil will the greatest physical threat America mark ten-year Japanese government only increase in coming years, making now faces. And it is hard to think of bond (JGB) to rise by over 300 percent. an interruption in its flow even more anything that would increase this threat The major danger that high-yielding dangerous…. more than the chaos that would follow JGBs play in the global market is the “A crisis in the planet’s largest oil a Russian civil war.” fear that Japanese investors will sell producer, with reserves estimated at 25 The scourge of war has ravaged their quarter of a trillion dollars of U.S. percent of the world’s total, would have mankind all throughout history and Treasury bonds to bring their money a massive and protracted impact on the scripture makes it clear that not only is home. Such selling would mean DISAS- price and availability of oil world- there the curse of lost human lives, but TER for the United States, which is de- wide…. The oil shocks of the 1970s there are also severe financial repercus- pendent upon heavy foreign borrowing threw the United States into recession, sions from war. Jeremiah 5:17 prophe- to keep its economy growing. causing spiraling inflation and a decline sies that in this end time, war will im- Foreigners who own America’s as- in savings rates that plagues the U.S. poverish our cities. Unless mankind sets and are financing our national debt economy even now. Trillions of dollars turns from the evil in this world, the have great power over this nation. Even were lost worldwide. And all this oc- sword of war will descend on nations of past verbalized threats by the prime curred at a time when the United States this earth as at no previous time in his- minister of Japan and other officials was less dependent on foreign petrole- tory (Matt. 24:21; Dan. 12:1). Even that they may sell their Treasury bonds um than it is now. Cutting the Saudi now, Jeremiah 6:25 says, war and the and discontinue buying have dramati- pipeline today would cause a SEVERE fear of war surround us on every side. cally shaken our financial markets. WORLDWIDE RECESSION OR DEPRESSION. The global economy, and indeed the What is occurring today in the bond Short of physical attack, it is the gravest entire world itself, is in grave danger market, sometimes referred to as the threat imaginable to American inter- from the devastating and impoverish- debt market, brings clearly to mind ests.” ing effects of war. scriptures like Deuteronomy 28:44,

12 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET MARCH/APRIL 1999 triggered a disastrous inflationary spi- ral, and later prompted the government to ban the Bank of Japan from buying bonds directly from the government…. The bank [says] that creating ‘a little inflation’ is extremely risky. For what started as a limited step in the 1930s rapidly spiraled out of control, with politicians using it as an excuse to raise spending further.” A senior BOJ official is then quoted, saying, “This would be a huge gamble. If you lose central bank credibility, it which describes the financial curses of other international officials are putting will take another 50 years to recover it.” turning from God. The New Century heavy pressure on the Bank of Japan to Clearly, Japan has no good options, Version of the Bible translates that pursue more aggressive monetary poli- and her dire condition continues to be verse as, “Foreigners will lend money to cy by printing more money to buy a great threat to America and to the you, but you will not be able to lend to Japanese government bonds. The global economy. Or, as stated in the them. They will be like the head, and thinking is that such a move would re- January 20 Financial Times by Paul you will be like the tail.” inflate the Japanese economy by bring- Krugman, the highly respected profes- As explained in the February 9 ing down bond yields as well as lower- sor of economics at the Massachusetts Financial Times, “The Japanese gov- ing the value of the yen, thus improving Institute of Technology, “The [Japan- ernment bond market is set to overtake poorly performing bank and export ese] story is starting to look like a the U.S. Treasury market to become the stocks, which are weighing down TRAGEDY. A great economy, which does largest in the world as a result of Japan’s Nikkei stock index. not deserve or need to be in a slump at [Japan’s] planned borrowing spree this However, such a move by Japan to all, is heading for the edge of the cliff— year. weaken the yen by printing more and its drivers refuse to turn the “Japan will account for more than 90 money would endanger the global wheel.” percent of net government bond is- economy because a cheaper yen would suance (new debt minus redemption of also make Japanese goods cheaper in HE UNITED STATES IS UNDER maturing bonds) among the leading 18 the U.S. and heighten already escalat- the imminent threats developed economies in 1999, according trade tensions. The WSJ of Febru- mentioned throughout ing to J.P. Morgan, the investment ary 10 says, “The Clinton administra- this article as well as many bank…. T tion has apparently decided that other threats to its security and “Japanese government borrowing is Japan’s recovery is worth risking an economy. Some of those national a desperate bid to ward off DEPRESSION even larger trade deficit [again, expect- and international threats include after a succession of smaller fiscal stim- ed to reach an all-time record in 1999 impending economic collapse in ulus packages have failed to revive the of $300 billion]. A weaker yen might Latin America; China’s fiscal dete- economy.” also make it harder for other recovering rioration and its warmongering to- Historically, at least for the last 15 or Asian countries to sell their wares in ward Taiwan and the rest of the so years, Japan’s huge trade surplus Japan, and could, in a worst-case sce- world; looming trade war between with America has been recycled back nario, put pressure on China to devalue America, Europe, Japan, Latin into the U.S. economy by Japanese pur- the yuan [Chinese currency] to keep America and China; the continued chases of U.S. government bonds. pace.” Japan is caught between the decline of America’s manufactur- Because of the availability of that easy proverbial “rock and a hard place.” ing sector as it dies on the vine due money, the U.S. has not AP/WIDEWORLD None of their options are to foreign competition; and the had to raise interest rates to good ones. very real threat of a biblically attract foreign investors, The Bank of Japan’s prophesied rising Europe posing and therefore interest rates governor, Masaru Hayami, the strongest challenge to U.S. have remained low, which is reluctant to print money dominance in over 50 years. has helped fuel the boom in to buy the JGBs because he The potential for all of this to stocks. This will now no fears it would “lead to a suddenly come to pass is clearly longer be the case. loss of fiscal discipline” as there. In spite of the glowing re- Global bond markets well as uncontrolled infla- ports being foisted on a naïve citi- will literally be flooded with tion based on history. As zenry, America is in grave danger Japanese bonds, which reported in the Financial and, therefore, so is the global have become more attrac- Masaru Hayami Times on February 5, economy. America is continuing tive to investors who now “Sixty years ago, in the its valiant fight for economic sur- have more reason to buy and hold JGBs run-up to the second world war, vival and is showing amazing re- instead of Treasuries. Japan’s central bank [the BOJ] was silience, but without national re- Some say that desperate times call forced by politicians to buy Japanese pentance and a return to the true for desperate measures. Japanese gov- government bonds (JGBs) to fund a God, biblical prophecy indicates ernment officials as well as U.S. and [pre-war defense] spending spree. This fearsome times ahead.

MARCH/APRIL 1999 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET 13 WORLD NEWS WATCH

AP/WIDEWORLD try to look at more DAEJUNG ESSAY Uniting with of North Korea’s North Korea? positive sides than its negative aspects, “A s i n c e r e d e s i r e t o there will be a positive improvement in South-North ex- engage the enemy” changes.” Later, he Balkan situa- AP/WIDEWORLD marked, “This offi- President Kim Dae- Ttion continues cer did not show a jung stated, “We as the running sore sincere desire to en- must give to the of Europe. gage the enemy.” As North what we can Slobodan Milosevic, Churchill further afford to give. For dictator of rump observes, this saying example, we can give Yugoslavia, remains was a key to Haig’s the North diplomat- intractable in his whole military out- ic ties with the U.S., pursuit of the inhu- look. “A sincere de- economic coopera- mane policy of eth- sire to engage the Milosevic tion and a guarantee nic cleansing (geno- enemy. That was CORBIS for its safety. In return we cide) to gain his Haig. That was his KOREA must get promises from the ends by seeking to message. That was North that it will never devel- ensure Serbian racial the impulse that he op nuclear weapons and mis- dominance in his imparted to his Talk ing it siles and that it will never slice of the old, troops throughout start an armed provocation.” now-defunct his command till over North Korea is approach- Yugoslav Republic. the last minute be- orth Korea’s recent offer ing the talks with what is Despite continuing fore eleven o’clock Nto hold wide-ranging, plainly a more definite pur- threats from the on 11 November, high-level talks with South pose—“a view to preventing lame duck UN and Hussein 1918.” That was the Korea has been welcomed by the imminent danger of war NATO, and of U.S. time and date of the Seoul as a sign that relations and bringing about a radical and British saber-rattling, official cessation of hostilities between the two countries phase for national reunifica- Milosevic continues to over- between the combatants in might be changing for the tion this year.” Where is this see the slaughter of Albanian World War I, the Armistice better. The two countries, unusual gesture of solidarity civilians in Kosovo. (pp. 143-144). which were divided into leading? Both Saddam Hussein and This is what is missing in communist North and capi- These moves raise some Slobodan Milosevic, each the minds of today’s generals, talist South in 1945, are still disquieting questions about pursuing their own particular military strategists and for- technically at war, having the condition and future of ends in completely separate eign policy formulators—a

ended their three-year democracy in the region. theaters of conflict, have R.C. BARNUM CO. Korean war in the early ’50s Which political system would come to understand a reality with an armistice, not a peace prevail if the communist that has yet to dawn on the treaty. North were to reunite with most senior policy makers in The proposed talks would the capitalist South? It is a far the U.S., Britain, the UN and be the first in several years. stretch to imagine North NATO: Unless the enemy de- This time, as in the past, the Korea opening its arms to de- tects that his opposition has a North has attached condi- mocratic principles, especial- patent and sincere desire to tions, including an end to the ly as it is under the eye of its engage in battle, he faces no South’s military cooperation great communist neighbor, immediate consequence to with the United States and a China. his aggressive actions. repeal of anti-communist And if South Korea were Winston Churchill, in his laws. to relinquish its democratic book, Great Contemporaries, Seoul has previously re- structures, what might this observed of that famous jected both of these condi- mean for the region’s other British general, Sir Douglas tions. But this time, with an freedom fighters—Taiwan Haig, that he had a unique air of good will, despite en- and Japan? Without the strength which left both his Sir Douglas Haig couraging the North to come strong military and political own loyal troops and the to the negotiating table with support given to this region enemy in no doubt as to his sincere desire to engage the no strings attached, it seems in the past by the U.S., how intentions. Churchill was pre- enemy! It seems that Western ready to talk, and has already long will these scattered sent during certain military leaders, particularly in the approached China, the U.S. democracies be able to sur- exercises being conducted by U.S., are so infatuated by a and Japan with appeals for vive under the intensifying British army cavalry in 1912. Disneyland dream of “peace support of the proposal. pressure of their enveloping Having observed a British at all costs, as long as we lose A South Korean presiden- and well-armed communist brigadier in action, Haig no troops,” that their minds tial spokesman said, “If we neighbors? turned to Churchill and re- are befuddl to reality.

14 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET MARCH/APRIL 1999 The clear-cut reality is that ing efforts. That’s why petty Being a remnant of the AUSTRALIA the purpose of any nation despots such as Hussein and British empire, Australia, like possessing a military force is Milosevic can strut their stuff other Commonwealth na- to destroy any opposing mili- on the world stage with im- Countdown tions such as Canada and tary force. This is the under- punity in the face of a world New Zealand, still recognizes lying tenet of both offensive superpower hidebound by its Queen Elizabeth II as its head and defensive warfare. cowardly view that no mili- to Republic of state. Although that has al- “The fact is there is no tary effort should result in o one was singing “God most no effect on national af- such thing as a neutral inter- American casualties! NSave the Queen” when fairs, the queen’s representa- vention by a superpower, and As Stratfor points out, members of Australia’s fore- tive, the governor-general, therefore all peacekeeping underlying U.S. military most political parties gath- has one crucial power—to operations, such as those in strategy is a fatally flawed ered February 9 to plot a dismiss a corrupt, abusive, or Beirut and Somalia, can result theory. The assumption is strategy to dump the British non-functional government. in combat” (Stratfor Systems, made that the presence of monarch as head of state. “It is the government’s Feb. 16,). U.S. troops in peacekeeping view that Australia’s In this time of the fulfill- roles in regions of conflict head of state should be ment of God’s prophecy will deter any aggressor from an Australian—that when they cry “peace, peace; attacking. Strategists assume Australia should when there is no peace” (Jer. that fear of U.S. military become a repub- 6:14), it is the “peacekeeping might will deter any would- lic by the year force” that has replaced the be aggressor. This assump- 2001,” said for- military force. As Stratfor al- tion simply denies the reality mer Prime ludes, the strange thing is that of the recent history of U.S. Minister Paul we insist on supplying fully involvement in Beirut, Keating, in a equipped military forces at Somalia and the Balkans, not 1995 speech to huge cost on peace monitor- to mention Saddam the House of ing missions, instead of send- Hussein’s attacks on the Representatives. ing a combination of civilian “peacekeeping” flights of the The plan retains the cur- Mr. Keating, who foreign service officers and U.S. Air Force policing the rent separation of roles be- served as head of the aid officials. Iraqi no-flight zone. tween the head of govern- Labor party, is best The experiences in In these situations, rather ment (prime minister) and known for steering Australia Somalia, Rwanda, Beirut and than deter aggression, U.S. the proposed head of state toward a republic and dis- the Balkans should have presence has invited it! The (president) with the latter tancing ties with the United proven to the U.S., UN and result in Beirut, Rwanda and performing a largely ceremo- Kingdom. This strategy suc- NATO that the deployment Somalia was not a powerful nial role. The head of state in cessfully diverted the public’s of military troops in “peace- reaction by U.S. military Australia would be a non-ex- attention away from its most keeping” or “peace monitor- might—it was retreat and ecutive president—a largely pressing political problem: a symbolic position, above rapidly failing economy. day-to-day politics, repre- Anti-monarchists, That’s what’s missing from our peacekeeping senting the nation rather than Australia’s relationship to its a political party or the gov- former colonial master has efforts. That’s why petty despots such as ernment. sown confusion in its interna- Hussein and Milosevic can strut their stuff This is quite different to tional dealings. “It is beyond on the world stage with impunity in the United States system, doubt that this confusion where the head of state and rests on the fact that our head the face of a world superpower. the head of government are of state is also the head of one and the same person and state of the United where the President runs the Kingdom,” said chief UN ing” roles has “less to do with withdrawal! country and makes political weapons inspector Richard warfare than it has to do with Sadly, we have to report, decisions. The Australian of- Butler, who spent 30 years as using peacekeepers as in advance of the event, U.S. fice of president would retain an Australian diplomat. hostages to guarantee the involvement in the coming the powers, which the Butler said he had run into peace” (ibid.). “peacekeeping” mission in Australian governor-general confusion “about exactly who Have we forgotten the Kosovo will likewise end in currently uses under the con- we are, and worse, who we re- CNN pictures flashed around failure. Why? The answer is ventions, or traditions, that ally belong to.” the world of Dutch and simple. With all of its demon- have developed over this cen- In November 1999, the French blue berets in the strated and overwhelming tury. The president’s non-re- Australian public will decide Balkans literally taken military might, the U.S. and serve powers will be clearly in a constitutional hostage by hostile Yugoslav those institutions which are defined, stating that the presi- referendum whether the troops? advised by the U.S. (UN, dent acts on the advice of the “lucky country” will become A sincere desire to engage NATO) simply lack “a sincere duly elected government— a republic by the centenary the enemy—that’s what’s desire to engage the enemy.” reflecting the current practice of Federation, January 1, missing from our peacekeep- RON FRASER with the governor-general. 2001.

MARCH/APRIL 1999 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET 15 “Let him THE

A Sign of the End OF THE OLIVET PROPHECY IN MATTHEW 24 ISONEOFTHEMOST N 1944, WHEN GERMANY BEGAN TO realize they were losing World famous prophecies of the Bible. It is an account of Jesus War II, top German industrialists Christ explaining to His disciples of signs which would met with Nazi leaders “to plan a secret post-war international net- immediately precede His Second Coming. work to restore them to power “And as Jesus sat upon the mount of Olives, the disci- according to a NEWLY DECLASSI- FIED U.S. INTELLIGENCE DOCU- ples came unto him privately, saying, Tell, when shall MENT” (Reuters). IGerman militarism is well-docu- these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, mented in secular and biblical history. and of the end of the world? And Jesus answered and said Even in this century, Germany caused unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many two world wars—the first killing 10 million, the second, 50 million. Why shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall de- did the United States government clas- sify—or suppress—information about ceive many” (Matt. 24:3-5). the Nazis’ post-WWII plans to rise At the top of the list of these signs, Christ warned of re- again to power? Why would they keep this from their people? ligious deception—specifically false Christianity: men And perhaps even more alarming is spuriously claiming to be doing their work in Jesus’ this fact: When this explosive document finally was declassified, it hardly name. Other prophecies reveal more specifically how caused a ripple in the press or among false religion will dominate the unfolding of end-time the people. You can be sure that soon, the con- events. tents of that document will impact the Can we afford to ignore Christ’s warning? lives of every person on earth. Regardless of what we think, Christ knew the dangers The Importance of Prophecy this religious deception would pose. We each have a grave One of the most famous prophecies in the Bible is called the Olivet prophe- responsibility to prove our religion. Not accepting that cy. Jesus Christ was talking to His disci- responsibility leaves us dangerously vulnerable to the de- ples about the signs of the end of the age. The prophecy is found in Matthew ception Christ warned about. 24 (and companion passages in Mark In this special report, “Religion in Prophecy,” the 13 and Luke 21). A specific sign Christ mentioned Trumpet takes Christ at his word. was “the abomination of desolation.”

16 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET MARCH/APRIL 1999 that readeth understand.” ABOMINATION DESOLATION BY GERALD FLURRY “When ye therefore shall see THE ABOM- was done by one man, a voice crying about the Palestine area, but also the INATION OF DESOLATION, spoken of by out in the wilderness of religious confu- U.S. and Britain—Jerusalem is a type of Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy sion. Herbert W. Armstrong took all of Israel in this end time. (If you place, (whoso readeth, let him under- Christ’s gospel to every nation on haven’t proven that to yourself, please stand:)…” (Matt. 24:15). Christ intend- earth. As he himself said, the work that write for The United States and Britain ed this prophecy to be understood in he did was a sign of the end of the age. in Prophecy.) God wants us to under- the end time. We must understand, be- That gospel work stopped when he stand this prophecy so deeply that we’ll cause this abomination will touch our died in 1986; “and then shall the end run when He says run. This is an urgent lives! Your physical life depends on come,” Christ said. In other words, message. your understanding. And you CAN un- once the gospel stopped, the COUNT- “For then shall be GREAT TRIBULA- derstand this. DOWN TO DESTRUCTION BEGAN. TION, such as was not since the begin- This newly released intelligence doc- The beginning of that countdown ning of the world to this time, no, nor ument has everything to do with the revolves around the abomination of ever shall be. And except those days “abomination of desolation.” If you desolation. Whatever the should be shortened, there understand what God calls the “abomi- abomination is, it will play should no flesh be saved nation of desolation,” you will be the key role in the destruc- [alive]: but for the elect’s shocked by this document. tion mentioned in Matthew sake those days shall be 24. shortened” (vv. 21-22). The Gospel Preached Herbert Armstrong Although Christ said He Christ also gave a sign which would warned the world about all will intervene and shorten immediately precede the “abomina- this. Not many listened, those days for the elect’s tion” of verse 15: “And this gospel of but he told them neverthe- sake, before He does the the kingdom shall be preached in all the less. That warning was part abomination will inflict the world for a witness unto all nations; of the gospel going around worst suffering ever on and then shall the end come” (v. 14). the world. He was the end- Israel. DO YOU BELIEVE Think about that. If the gospel had time Elijah (Matt. 17:10- Herbert Armstrong CHRIST’S WARNING? been preached around the world be- 11) to come just shortly be- Why is it called the tween the time Christ uttered that fore Christ returns to restore all “abomination of desolation”? Because prophecy and the present time, the end things—including the true gospel. it is the abomination that makes deso- would have come then. The fact that it late (Dan. 12:11). It makes great desola- didn’t come all that time shows that Be Ready to Run tion of nations. Jesus Christ is not em- Christ’s true gospel was not widely Now look at what will happen in the phasizing this because it’s a small prob- preached. This tells you, in itself, that wake of the “abomination”: “Then let lem. HE SAYS IT’S A PROBLEM LIKE YOU’VE religion was in terrible shape; truth was them which be in Judaea flee into the NEVER SEEN ON THIS EARTH BEFORE! No almost totally dead—the whole world mountains: Let him which is on the flesh would be “saved alive,” Moffatt deceived (Rev. 12:9). housetop not come down to take any translates it, if Jesus Christ wouldn’t in- But in the 20th century, that gospel thing out of his house” (Matt. 24:16- tervene to stop it. That’s how bad it will has been preached around the world. It 17). “Judaea” is speaking not only be. But the good news is that Christ is

MARCH/APRIL 1999 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET 17 about to return to this earth just in time will be. This is not just about treading unto the Gentiles: and the holy city to save us from destroying everybody. down a little city in the Middle East. shall they tread under foot forty and 1 These are the “times of the Gentiles,” two months”—or 3 /2 years (vv. 1-2). Compassed With Armies when the Gentiles rule over all Israel. God wants us to be measured. He Here is what Mark wrote about the Israel soon will not have the upper wants to be able to correct us, so we abomination: “But when ye shall see hand, as they have had for years. learn how to measure up to His high the abomination of desolation, spoken standard. But notice: There is a group of by Daniel the prophet, standing God’s Temple of His own people which refuses to be where it ought not, (let him that readeth Revelation 10 and 11 add more de- measured. “The temple” is always understand,) then let them that be in tail to this same prophecy. There it God’s Church. Many of God’s people Judaea flee to the mountains” (Mark talks about a little book that comes on in this end time have been put in the 13:14). Luke’s version actually tells us the scene in this end time (Rev. 10:2-3). outer court, which means they’re not what the abomination is: “And when ye THAT LITTLE BOOK IS HERE. (Write for close to God anymore, and when the shall see Jerusalem compassed with our free booklet, The Little Book, to un- times of the Gentiles come (v. 2), He armies, then know that the desolation derstand more on this subject.) In this will not protect them. They will be thereof is nigh” (Luke 21:20). context, God says “that there should be trodden underfoot. THE ABOMINATION IS THESE ARMIES time no longer” or NO MORE DELAY About six months before he died, SURROUNDING JERUSALEM. This city will (v. 6). That means, in biblical terminol- Herbert W. Armstrong said to the be destroyed, unless they understand ogy, that God will not hold Satan back members of the church he founded, this prophecy, repent and turn to God. any longer from doing what he wants to “MOST OF YOU DON’T GET IT!” Time If you have faith, you will under- has proved those words true: Most of stand that these events are signs from the members of that church fell away Jesus Christ. And when you see armies from part or all of his teachings after he surrounding Jerusalem, you will under- GOD SAYS THAT THERE died. God subsequently cast them into stand that sign deeply enough to take the outer court of His temple. off running, not even going back into should be no more delay: But if there is an “outer court,” there your house to get anything! That is a lot He will not hold Satan has to be an inner court—people who of faith. back any longer from were loyal to God and did “get it.” Luke says the abomination is com- doing what he wants to do. These are the people who prophesy prised of armies—plural. The Bible in- again (Rev. 10:11) the same way God’s terprets itself: Other prophecies show Thus we’ve entered a time end-time Elijah prophesied. They warn how there will be armies of ten nations like never before, when it is about the abomination, what it is and dominated by one nation. And these one crisis after another. what it will do. They will not be trod- are not Arab armies. Prophecy shows den down. They are the only people that the radical Islamic Arabs will have God protects. already been conquered before this do. God has turned him loose, and Ten nations are rising in Europe happens. As Herbert Armstrong we’ve entered into a time like never be- right now. They are about to explode taught, the abomination of desolation fore, when it is one crisis after another, on the world scene, and you need to be is made up of EUROPEAN ARMIES. after another. protected. The times of the Gentiles will 1 Continue with Luke’s account: “For “And he said unto me, Thou must be the most horrifying 3 /2 years ever on these be the days of VENGEANCE, that all prophesy again before [or concerning] earth! things which are written may be ful- many peoples, and nations, and filled” (v. 22). Bible prophecies are tongues, and kings” (v. 11). During the German Militarism being fulfilled quickly; you are not liv- time of the little book, God tells some- After the war, in 1945, Winston ing in normal times. And you cannot one to prophesy AGAIN. So someone has Churchill and Franklin Roosevelt conduct yourself as you would normally, already prophesied once before. That wrote, “It is our inflexible purpose to because times are so urgent. SO SAYS points us, again, back to Herbert DESTROY GERMAN MILITARISM AND JESUS CHRIST. “But woe unto them that Armstrong. Mystery of the Ages will ex- NAZISM, and to ensure Germany will are with child, and to them that give plain that to you. never again be able to disturb the peace suck, in those days! for there shall be Two verses further down (Rev. 11:2) of the world. We are determined to dis- great distress in the land, and wrath show that this prophecy occurs just be- arm and disband all German Armed upon this people” (v. 23). fore the Gentiles tread Israel under- Forces, break up for all time the The abomination is an INSTRUMENT foot—the same prophecy as Luke German General Staff that has REPEAT- OF GOD’S VENGEANCE! He is ANGRY with 21:24. EDLY contrived the resurgence of Israel in this end time. “And they Even more of this puzzle is pieced German militarism, remove or destroy [Israel] shall fall by the edge of the together by considering the context: all German military equipment, elimi- sword, and shall be led away captive “And there was given me a reed like nate or control all German industry into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, that could be used for military produc- trodden down of the Gentiles, until the Rise, and measure the temple of God, tion. It is not our purpose to destroy TIMES OF THE GENTILES be fulfilled” (v. and the altar [a type of the ministry], the people of Germany, but ONLY WHEN 24). “Trodden down” means they will and them that worship therein. But the NAZISM AND MILITARISM HAVE BEEN EX- be led away as slaves, if they are fortu- court which is without the temple leave TIRPATED, WILL THERE BE HOPE for a de- nate enough to live! That’s how bad it out, and measure it not; for it is given cent life for Germans and a place for

18 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET MARCH/APRIL 1999 them in the community of nations.” destructive war machine in man’s his- they would listen to what the end-time Apparently, at the same time, people tory, killing 50 million people in the last Elijah taught. on the same level of government classi- inquisition. That history is not talked fied a document which revealed that about as much as it should be. A Warning Unheeded the Germans were planning to do it This German-led empire is about to Herbert Armstrong wrote on May 9, again. Did those men really believe the rise one last time. But this is not neces- 1945, almost the same time Churchill words of Churchill and Roosevelt? sarily bad news. God is allowing and, in and Roosevelt issued their document, They said Germany “REPEATEDLY fact, engineering this for a great pur- “The war is over, in Europe—or is it? contrived the resurgence of German pose. We need to wake up and realize that militarism.” There is a prophecy in right now is the most dangerous mo- Isaiah, a book which is intended for the The Rod of God’s Anger ment in the United States’ national his- end time (Isa. 30:8), that says almost Notice, God calls this nation “the tory, instead of assuming we now have the same thing. rod of MINE anger.” God is mad and in- peace!” (Autobiography, vol. II, pp. “O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, dignant. “I will send him against an 114-115). and the staff in their hand is mine in- hypocritical nation [Israel], and against In 1945 people scoffed at this power- dignation” (Isa. 10:5). Who is the the people of my wrath [God’s Church] ful statement. But they would not scoff Assyrian? If Isaiah is an end-time book, will I give him a charge, to take the today, considering what Germany is we must know who Assyria is. spoil, and to take the prey, and to tread doing. “Howbeit he meaneth not so, neither them down like the mire of the streets” “Men plan, here, to preserve the doth his heart think so; but IT IS IN HIS (v. 6). Lawlessness abounds all over PEACE of the world,” Mr. Armstrong HEART TO DESTROY AND CUT OFF NATIONS Israel, and still we profess to be reli- continued. “What most do not know is NOT A FEW” (v. 7). If you had to pick out gious. “In God we trust,” it says on our that the Germans have their plans for Assyria in this modern time, who do dollar. People talk about obeying God, winning the BATTLE of the peace. Yes, I you think this would be? Who, in this but they are lawless. They like to act re- said BATTLE of the peace. That’s a kind end time, cuts off “nations not a few”? ligious, and still they have the morals of of battle we Americans don’t know. We Although God is taking that history an alley cat. Hypocrisy is everywhere. know only one kind of war. We have much further back than modern times, It’s in Washington. Although we only never lost a war—that is, a military war, think about who started World Wars I call it “inappropriate behavior,” God but we have never WON a conference and II. Who is prophesied to start calls it LAWLESSNESS. It is breaking HIS where leaders of other nations outfox World War III? LAW! There are churches all over this us in the BATTLE for the peace.” To illus- Assyria is a destructive nation; de- land like no place in the world, but that trate Mr. Armstrong’s point, consider struction is in its heart. God will use does not impress God! He calls Israel a this: The United States GAVE AWAY that nation to dominate nine other na- “hypocritical nation” and His Church Eastern Europe to Russia after winning tions and bring them against Israel. If “the people of my wrath.” He will allow World War II. Stalin ended up ruling you don’t know who Israel and Assyria Germany to “tread them down like the Poland, the very nation that brought are, now is the time to determine that. mire of the streets”—the same descrip- the British into the war in the first Even our own leaders said Germany tion as in Luke. place! That’s how weak we have been in has “repeatedly” done this. Repeatedly. In verse 24 God specifically address- peace conferences. They knew about Germany’s history of es His own Church: “Therefore thus “We don’t understand German causing wars, and yet they classified a saith the Lord God of hosts, O my peo- thoroughness,” he wrote. “From the document showing German plans to do ple that dwellest in Zion [a symbol of very start of World War II, they have it again. God’s Church], be not afraid of the considered the possibility of losing this Certainly, Germany and a church, Assyrian: he shall smite thee with a rod, second round, as they did the first— together called the “Holy” Roman and shall lift up his staff against thee, and they have carefully, methodically Empire, have cut off nations “repeated- after the manner of Egypt. For yet a planned, in such eventuality, the third ly” since 554 A.D. Primarily, Germany very little while, and the indignation round—World War III!” MR. ARM- has led the “Holy” Roman Empire shall cease, and mine anger in their de- STRONG WROTE THIS MAY 9, 1945! since 554 and the reign of Justinian. struction” (vv. 24-25). God reveals His “Hitler has lost,” he continued. Otto von Habsburg, the one who actu- purpose in all the destruction: to bring “This round of war, in Europe, is over. ally has the right to the throne of the His people to repentance. And the Nazis have now gone UNDER- empire today, said: “We possess a When will this happen? “And it shall GROUND. In France and Norway they European symbol which belongs to all come to pass in that day [the end time], learned how effectively an organized nations of Europe, equally. This is the that his burden shall be taken away UNDERGROUND can hamper occupation crown of the Holy Roman Empire, from off thy shoulder, and his yoke and control of a country. Paris was lib- which embodies the tradition of Char- from off thy neck, and the yoke shall be erated by the French UNDERGROUND— lemagne.” Both France and Germany destroyed because of the anointing” (v. and Allied armies. Now a Nazi under- claim Charlemagne as their hero. “The 27). Yes, Jesus Christ will return, as ground is methodically planned. They European Community is living largely other prophecies tell us. He will be the plan to come back and to win on the by the heritage of the Holy Roman one to free Israel and His Church. third try.” God was using this man to Empire,” Habsburg continued, “though What we should understand, warn us about what was coming. He the great majority of the people who live though, is that these people shouldn’t warned that the period just after the by it don’t know by what heritage they be in captivity in the first place. They war was the most dangerous time in the live.” This empire has been the most have the chance to repent NOW! If only history of the United States. But not

MARCH/APRIL 1999 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET 19 many people listened! heartland, the engine-room, of a united will in effect be a German currency That declassified document shows Europe in the 21st century. The new controlled by a central bank based in us that Mr. Armstrong was absolutely single currency, the euro, will be run Frankfurt [it already is]—ironically in right. What kind of an impact does that from Frankfurt.” Whoever controls the the former headquarters building of have on you? What are you going to do money controls the European Union. I. G. Farben, the manufacturer of the about it? We are truly running out of That’s the way it works. Nazis’ death gas, Zyklon B.” time. All of this end-time prophecy is The Sydney Morning Herald wrote Newsweek (Dec. 14, 1998) quoted nearly FULFILLED. this (Dec. 29, 1998): “When Parliament Owen Harries, editor of The National Brian Connell, in Watcher on the meets in the Reichstag building next Interest, who argued that a very suc- Rhine, wrote in 1957 that in the spring May, for the first time since the Nazis cessful European Monetary Union of 1947 “the vexed problem of denazifi- used it half a century ago, Mr. Schroe- “would amount to the creation of a sec- cation, which had been handled up to der wants the moment to symbolize the ond…superstate.” “In Harries’s view,” that time by the Allied authorities, was end of Germany’s inferiority complex Newsweek continued, “that would handed over to the Germans.” Just two and the beginning of an era of restored mean trouble, because ‘there is a lot of years after their defeat, the Germans confidence and assertiveness in the accumulated resentment in Europe of were told to denazify themselves! world.” If they were the least bit repen- its subordination to…the United States And Nazis quickly returned to lead- tant, they wouldn’t want to act like they over the last half a century.’ ” They lost ing positions. Bernard Connolly, in his did in the past. But they like their past— World Wars I and II because of the book The Rotten Heart of Europe, dis- except the fact that they lost! power generated from America, and cusses how already in 1966 the Bundes- And we didn’t do anything to cause they haven’t forgotten it. If you’re a su- bank of Germany had many prominent them to repent—so we’re dealing with perpower, you just can’t sneak off into figures who were Nazis. “It did not go the same old Nazi spirit that will wreak unnoticed that the man who replaced havoc on this world, just as God said it Erhard, Georg Kiesinger, was, like would. “Mr. Schroeder,” they said, many prominent figures in the Bundes- “does not have the same fears and be- “IF ANY MAN HAVE AN bank at that time, a former Nazi Party lieves it is time for Germans to not feel ear, let him hear.” God is member.” This man, A FORMER NAZI, handicapped by their history.” even got to be in charge of the major fi- The Guardian Weekly, in a January 3 pleading with you. Hear nancial institution in Germany. article, “Germany Flexes its Economic what He is saying. Today, as Connolly points out, the Muscles,” stated, “Rolf Breuer, chair- European Union is just a “cloak for man of Deutsche Bank, sees himself as German ambition.” the new star of Germany’s business es- the dark and hide. People remember, tablishment: Last November he an- and they want revenge. Such resent- Germany Today nounced his company was taking over ment, he concludes, could one day be A January 17 Sunday Telegraph arti- the United States bank, Bankers Trust, translated into “competition, obstruc- cle, “German Leaders Step Up Drive thus creating the world’s biggest finan- tion and rivalry; possibly…outright for a United States of Europe,” stated, cial services company.” Germany is hostility.” “As holders of the EU presidency for moving strongly into America already. The European had this headline: the next six months, Germany wants to “Breuer dreams of moving into the “Liftoff. Europe Aims to Be Super- capitalize on the momentum of the same league as fellow German Jürgen power of the 21st Century.” euro’s birth to set Europe firmly on the Schrempp, boss of Daimler-Benz, who So much is happening in Europe. road to a federal future. The new ad- has been riding high since his company When Charlemagne was crowned by ministration has also made clear that it merged with [actually took over] the the pope, this statement was made: will promote its own national financial U.S. car manufacturer Chrysler in May “Nevertheless it is quite clear the king- interests more stridently than previous 1998.” Germany, although little in land doms of this earth belong to the Bishop governments. While former Chancellor mass, is already a powerhouse. of Rome; they are his to give.” Cardinal Helmut Kohl made no secret of his “He embodies the new triumphant Alfonse Maria Stickler says this about dream of a united Europe, his sense of Germany that is conquering the United the doctrines of the Roman Catholic guilt for Germany’s past meant that he States. Another German company that Church: “We believe in AGGRESSIVE shied away from throwing the country’s has pulled off a coup in the U.S. is CATHOLICISM against ungodliness.” weight around. His younger successors Bertelsmann, the world’s third-largest That is in the tradition of Charlemagne. are free of that historical baggage and media company: Last March it took have no such qualms.” WATCH over Random House, becoming the top A Mighty Beast GERMANY. WATCH THEM CLOSELY. U.S. publishing house.” This is truly It is vitally important that we under- The Guardian Weekly, the same day, leading to something that most people stand this. “And I stood upon the sand wrote, “All roads lead to a greater don’t want to think about. of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of Berlin.” Hitler did all his dirty work Norris and McWhirter wrote, in the sea, having seven heads and ten right there in the Reichstag. “Berlin, Treason at Maastricht, “By far the most horns [the Holy Roman Empire], and capital of Germany. That we know ambitious project of today’s Euro- upon his horns ten crowns [ten na- about. But Berlin, capital of Europe? federalists is the establishment of a sin- tions], and upon his heads the name of The world has NOT YET GOT IN FOCUS the gle currency. Although this is paraded blasphemy. And they worshipped the monster now emerging from the Prus- as a European currency it is quite clear dragon which gave power unto the sian sands…. Germany will be the that, should it ever become a reality, it beast: and they worshipped the beast,

20 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET MARCH/APRIL 1999 saying, Who is like unto the beast? who church has that kind of history. January 3, 1938, “It is difficult to per- is able to make war with him?” (Rev. Again, there is a reason for all the suade people of facts till too late.” He 13:1, 4). bloodshed. God has to punish His peo- thought his nation would die and never They actually worship Satan. What a ple, because they have drifted away even respond to him. He said Neville power behind this beast! from Him. God doesn’t like to punish Chamberlain “does not know the truth: Even a strong leader like Margaret people so severely! He would rather we and perhaps he does not want to.” Thatcher probably lost her job fighting hear His warning! He is a God of love. That’s the problem with people in the European Union. They can’t win That means if serious punishment is America and Britain today. But when because it is prophesied to happen, and what it takes to save us, He loves us these things come to pass, they will look at the power fueling it. enough to put us through that. know that a prophet was in their midst “And there was given unto him a “And the ten horns which thou (Ezek. 33:32-33). Then, of course, it mouth speaking great things and blas- sawest are ten kings, which have re- will be too late to do anything about it phemies; and power was given unto ceived no kingdom as yet: but receive physically, but not spiritually. him to continue forty and two power as kings one hour [just a short Can you understand these prophe- 1 months”—that same 3 /2 years (v. 5). time] with the beast” (v. 12). There are cies? Do you realize what a responsibil- He will continue that long until Jesus 11 kings in the European Union right ity you have if you do? Christ returns to put down that abomi- now, and Britain is about to be kicked There is great hope in building faith. nation and bring to an end the times of out. We don’t know the actual con- God is pleading with us. If we will just the Gentiles. glomerate they will finally have, but have ears to hear what He is telling us, “And it was given unto him to make Christ said there will be ten nations, we can avoid all of this. All of mankind war with the saints [God’s people], and and they will unite and destroy like no could; that’s why God sends the mes- to overcome them: and power was political-religious power ever has. sage—to awaken them. given him over all kindreds, and World War II and the concentration God is doing everything He can to tongues, and nations” (v. 7). This is an- camps were nothing like what’s com- get us into His family. He is a God of other description of God’s own people ing. love and wants to give us all He possi- being trodden underfoot. Very soon, These nations will be dominated by bly can. He wants us to be there serving those people in God’s outer court, be- one mind (v. 13)—Satan the devil. He at headquarters with Him—to teach cause they’ve been so rebellious, will will lead Germany and a false church as this world how to live happily and have to give their blood to prove to they lead this union. “For God hath put abundantly. He will give this reward to God that they are worthy to enter His in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to us if we heed what He says about the kingdom. agree, and give their kingdom unto the abomination of desolation. Not only “If any man have an ear, let him beast, until the words of God shall be will He save us spiritually, but if we hear” (v. 9). God is pleading with you. fulfilled” (v. 17). This beast is ruled by a heed His warning now, He will also Hear what He is saying. Those who great religious city that rules over the save us physically. hear and “prophesy again” will be pro- kings of the earth (v. 18). Isaiah 47:1 tected. God will protect you if you heed says they even have a throne. Is it hard His words. to understand who this is about? For further study… “And I beheld another beast coming At the end of it all, there is good up out of the earth; and he had two news. “These shall make war with the Our booklet, The History and horns like a lamb, and he spake as a Lamb [Jesus Christ], and the Lamb Prophecy of Germany, contains dragon” (v. 11). This great, false reli- shall overcome them: for he is Lord of more information about the gion looks like a lamb—but it causes lords, and King of kings: and they that abomination of desolation. You unparalleled evil! are with him are called, and chosen, may request a free copy in writing Revelation 17 adds to the story: and faithful” (v. 14). Those who re- (see the addresses on this maga- “And there came one of the seven an- mained faithful to God all the way zine’s table of contents), or on our gels which had the seven vials, and through are with Him. They never gave website, www.pcog.org. talked with me, saying unto me, Come in; they continued His Work. hither; I will show unto thee the judgment of the great whore [this great false Your Responsibility church] that sitteth upon many waters” If you understand God’s purpose in (v. 1). Is it hard to figure out which the abomination of desolation, you church God is referring to? “And upon know that IT IS AWFULLY HARD TO GET her forehead was a name written, MYS- THE ATTENTION OF MEN. Think again TERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER about that declassified document, OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE clearly stating that the Germans started EARTH. And I saw the woman drunken preparing for World War III even be- with the blood of the saints, and with fore World War II ended—AND YET IT the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and DOESN’T HAVE AN IMPACT ON PEOPLE’S when I saw her, I wondered with great MINDS. What is wrong with people? admiration” (vv. 5-6). Christ is viewing Millions died at the hands of the Nazis! this from 554 A.D. to the end time. He Are we just going to let them do it says this old lady has been killing God’s again? people for a long time! Only one false Winston Churchill wrote to his wife,

MARCH/APRIL 1999 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET 21 PAPAL CALL TO ARMS Pope John Paul II threw tain the pope’s prayers, homilies and looks frail in his stooped appearance. religious chants in five languages. This But his iron will is set to accomplish a down the gauntlet in Mexico man captivates his global audience by great jubilee for his church in the year in the greatest challenge yet identifying readily with their cultural 2000—a year which celebrates 2,000 to recover his lost sheep. roots, and now seeks to use the medi- years of its checkered and often very um of mass entertainment to move vast bloody history. Always careful to This is but a sample of audiences into the spiritual fold of the choose his words, John Paul’s true in- things to come. Roman church. tent should not be missed when he stat- The fourth, and possibly final, visit ed to the Mexican faithful, “You, as of Pope John Paul II to Mexico far sur- children of the church, must work to BY RON FRASER passed, in its great finale at Mexico ensure that the coming ‘global society’ IVALING THE 1968 OLYMPICS OR City’s gargantuan Azteca soccer stadi- will not be spiritually indigent the previous World Cup soccer um, any of the events which have sur- [needy]….” In this pope’s mind those games held in Mexico, the rounded his visits all over this planet. words refer specifically to a “global so- Pope’s farewell ceremony, fol- This most traveled pope in history ciety” desirably under the hegemony of Rlowing a tumultuous five-day had a timely and powerful message to the Roman Catholic faith. visit to that country, was a pop-media deliver to the many nations of Latin Intriguing to students of current extravaganza. Merging giant images on America represented at his colorful Vatican history was the real reason why huge video screens with loud musical farewell in Mexico. The message was a Pope John Paul visited the U.S. imme- accompaniment, the release of hun- call to arms! The Vatican is worried at diately following his Mexican tour. dreds of white “doves of peace,” a the penetration of its flock by funda- Hardly reported in the press were the march-past of national flag bearers mentalist evangelical sects. Karol words of Tad Szulc, the Pope’s official from all countries of the continent, the Wojtyla sought to rally his troops. The biographer. Questioned over National spectacle took on the flavor of a multi- million faithful who packed the Mexico Public Radio as to why the Pope was national, pop-religious festival. The City racetrack the previous Sunday visiting the U.S., Szulc replied, in no Catholic Church has always been ex- heard his rallying cry in an appeal to uncertain terms, “To rebuke the Presi- pert in melding local culture, religion stem the flow of Catholic adherents dent for bombing Iraq and to seek the and tradition with its message as it has bleeding into these evangelical groups. lifting of sanctions imposed on that sought to globalize Roman Catholi- This second-largest Catholic nation in country.” cism. the world heard the Pope challenge President Clinton was tight-lipped However, not until this Polish pope, them to meet the enemy of evangelicals as to what was specifically discussed in Karol Wojtyla, have we seen a Vatican drawing away the Catholic faithful head his private audience with the Pope, yet head so effectively exploit the popular on! John Paul cried out to his audiences he said enough to indicate that the media in its high-tech sense. in Mexico to spurn the seduction of Pope’s words had stung. Questioned in This first pontiff to ever visit Mexico what he termed “untruthful ideologies” the White House corridors by the makes his debut this month with the re- and to take to the streets to spread the press, the President replied that the lease of a compact disc merging record- word of Catholicism and combat the Pope had been “clear, forceful and ings of his prayers, sermons and chants inroads made by evangelical Protes- sharp” during their private discussions set to the beat of contemporary music. tantism. in St. Louis. Titled “Abba Pater,” the disc will con- This was a Pope on the warpath! He Even more intriguing is the fact that

AP/WIDEWORLD the senior Vatican theologian, Cardinal Ratzinger, visited the U.S. between February 9 and 12. Ratzinger heads the Vatican’s office of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the old office of the Inquisition. This man’s power is feared by church liberals. Hard on the heels of the Pope speaking out against liberalism in the U.S., the Vatican’s protector of doctrinal purity headed to San Francisco to discuss the subjects of homosexuality, feminism and abortion with senior Catholic officials from the U.S., Canada, Australia and other POPE CULTURE countries from Oceania. Ratzinger has The packed-out Azteca Soccer Stadium defrocked more than one senior Catholic clergyman for preaching

22 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET MARCH/APRIL 1999 AP/WIDEWORLD before the feet of its ruling spiritual hierarchy (Rev. 18:15, 23). Big business is notoriously amoral. Remember how they changed in mid-stream from backing the home government in South Africa to kowtowing to Nelson Man- dela’s ANC/Communist rule! When it comes to religion, it’s the sound of money that big business wor- ships! The European Union has gone global with the world’s newest international currency in competition with sterling, the dollar and the yen. World business is going global in a mad rush to dominate world markets and limit competition. The Vatican has globalist plans for its business, the spiritual dominance of the minds of the masses. All three great globalist movements will soon come to a confluence in the near- future fulfillment of God’s prophecies in the book of Revelation. “So he car- ried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthi- ness of her fornication” (Rev. 17:3-4). Students of Bible prophecy recognize this woman as a great fallen church. She is shown as sitting “on many waters,” connoting a globalist reign, and consorting with the mer- BEFORE A CROWD OF 100,000, chants of the earth, big business, in the Pope’s final address in Mexico Revelation 18:3: “For all nations have was also broadcast live to cities drunk of the wine of the wrath of her across the Americas. fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, against the declared doctrines of theologians are numbered! and the merchants of the earth are Catholicism. Watch for the correction of church waxed rich through the abundance of The Vatican is on a four-pronged liberals in the wake of Ratzinger’s visit her delicacies.” campaign in advance of its coming ju- to the U.S. Watch for the Vatican to The fulfillment of these events is al- bilee in the year 2000. This campaign campaign against evangelical Pro- most upon us. It is but a time and a sea- involves a public relations effort to testantism by using the evangelicals’ son away. When it comes, the world show repentance for its past sins (the own tools—pop-hype multi-media ral- will stand in awe. Yet it will last but a Inquisition and moral depravity of nu- lies and the exploitation of mass media, short time, this ruling hegemony of merous popes) and reconcile with the particularly television. European dominance, under a great Jews. It is also mounting a considerable The Pope has announced the year church, funded largely by the giants of global effort to campaign against evan- 2000 not only as a great Catholic ju- global business. And when it fails, all its gelical Protestantism in addition to ar- bilee, but also as a great year of evange- major planners will stand aghast at the resting and correcting doctrinal dissi- lizing the world! Big business will be suddenness and might of its crushing dence from within. willingly recruited into and exploited in demise. The Vatican sees itself as having met those efforts. Not for nothing did the “And the kings of the earth, who the first two goals and is now concen- Pope award media high-flyer Rupert have committed fornication and lived trating on stemming the flow of Roman Murdoch a medal of honor for his deliciously with her, shall bewail her, Catholic adherents towards evangelical media exploits! and lament for her, when they shall see Protestantism and moving more ag- Remember, the merchants of the the smoke of her burning, standing afar gressively to eliminate dissident teach- world will rejoice at the coming Cath- off for the fear of her torment, saying, ing. The days of the liberal Catholic olic beast power in Europe and worship Alas, alas that great city Babylon, that

MARCH/APRIL 1999 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET 23 mighty city! For in one hour is thy judgment come. And the merchants of Meet Me in St. Louis the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchan- The Pope took St. Louis by storm. Why does this man dise any more…. And saying, Alas, hold such a grip on the religious and non-religious of today? alas, that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and HEN THE ANNOUNCEMENT WAS MADE LAST YEAR IN ST. LOUIS, MO., THAT decked with gold, and precious stones, Pope John Paul II would visit, the city began preparing eagerly. About and pearls! For in one hour so great Wone week prior to his arrival, the city was ecstatic. The hype for his visit riches is come to nought. And every surpassed the fervor over Mark McGwire’s attack on the home-run record. shipmaster, and all the company in Never being visited by a pope before, the city made many final preparations to ships, and sailors, and as many as trade ensure a flawless visit. No expense was spared. Thoroughfares received a by sea, stood afar off, and cried when

AP/WIDEWORLD $500,000 facelift, including 20 they saw the smoke of her burning, say- miles of plastic orange safety ing, What city is like unto this great fencing along the Pope’s motor- city!” (Rev. 18:9-11, 16-18). cade route used to control the The fall of this beast power now ris- crowds mobbing to catch a ing before our eyes will be the forerun- glimpse of this man. A throne ner of the greatest era of peace this for the Pope on his visit took world has ever known. “Rejoice over four St. Louis men three 50- her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles hour weeks to complete. and prophets; for God hath avenged Thousands of screaming you on her…. And after these things I youth turned out for a youth heard a great voice of much people in rally on January 26 at the Kiel heaven, saying, Alleluia; salvation, and CROWDS CHEER the popemobile as it Auditorium, cheering and ap- glory, and honour, and power, unto the enters the Trans World Dome. plauding almost every state- Lord our God” (Rev. 18:20; 19:1). ment the Pope made. Earlier in Then will come the only ruler who the day, President Clinton had flown in to welcome the 78-year-old pontiff. has the power and authority to put Wednesday morning, people awoke in the wee hours of the morning to get a down all rebellion, all false religion, all seat at the Trans World Dome. This football stadium holds over 65,000, but a tyrannical rule, all amoral business, to crowd of 104,000 people packed in; 20,000 chairs had to be rented. So many impose, yes IMPOSE, peace on a world wanted to attend that lotteries were conducted even in distant cities to deter- which will have literally run out of all mine who would be admitted inside for the morning Mass. At the service, 900 human options at its disposal for priests and deacons served 130,000 communion wafers baked by local nuns. peaceful coexistence. Pray for that day, With about one million people coming to see the Pope, the boost to the local for God will have the victory then! community was estimated at $25 million. But watch, daily; watch as these fan- Not only were local Catholics excited about the Pope’s visit, but many of tastic events prophesied in your Bible other faiths were also caught up in the enthusiasm and payed their homage. One come to a grand smashing climax at the Protestant minister called a radio talk show and said he welcomed the papal visit close of this dreadful age of man and since he felt the Pope was “next to God.” Masses crowded into the gateway city the dawning of the true new world to glimpse the pontiff, even “touch his garment,” as one woman said. A mis- order, the order of God’s government sionary from Idaho observed, “It’s like being with Christ.” of ultimate peace, justice and mercy on Rabbi Robert Jacobs read from the book of Isaiah in the St. Louis Cathedral all mankind. with the Pope sitting in the sanctuary, listening. Jerusalem Rabbi David Rosen You need to keep reading this maga- praised this, saying he never knew of a service such as this happening. In fact, zine in order to be apprised of these Pope John Paul II is the first pope to pray in a synagogue in 1700 years and the prophesied events as they are happen- first pope to open diplomatic relations between the state of Israel and the ing! Many write to us and ask, “How do Vatican. Rosen also said, “For me the Pope is one of the great symbols of good- you do it? How come you know the ness in the world.” news and publicize it often before it Why does this man command such a response wherever he goes? Catholics happens, often before the media gets believe he is the “Vicar of Christ”—Christ’s representative on earth, or the one the story?” in His place. Some claim he is infallible—incapable of error. Others feel he has The answer is in your Bible. The healed the rift between religions, and many view him as the spiritual head of SPIRIT that inspires the insight in this Christiandom. Some call him an ambassador of peace, since he travels to many magazine that you now hold in your countries. When he visited Cuba, he convinced Castro to allow Christmas ob- hands is simply revealed in your Bible. servance and appealed for the release many political prisoners. “For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit The fact is, world leaders listen to the Pope. of prophecy” (Rev. 19:10). That’s what What other man could unite the nations of Europe in political, religious and makes the difference. That’s the Spirit economic unity? If it is not John Paul II, it will be one of his successors. It wasn’t which is behind this great Work, the man that caused such a stir in St. Louis as much as it was the office he held. preached and published by this maga- The power in this office will revolutionize world events as it leads the world to zine. We are simply your early-warning witness the final resurrection of the Holy Roman Empire. WILBUR MALONE service. Will you heed the warning?

24 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET MARCH/APRIL 1999 BAD RELIGION Americans do a great job at evangelism but a poor job at discipleship.

BY DENNIS LEAP Founded on Faith CORBIS HE RELIGIOUS BOOK MARKET There is no doubt that is booming. The $3 billion our Founding Fathers market for Christian viewed right religion as the books, magazines, videos necessary bedrock for and music increased 12 American success. Many early settlers came to North percent between 1996 and T American shores seeking 1997. Television airwaves are awash refuge from religious perse- with religious teaching, preaching cution. Worship motivated and viewpoints. Songs of praise the dangerous trek across boom out from Christian-music- the Atlantic. Early American only radio stations 24 hours each preachers, such as Cotton day. You would think this means re- Mather and John Cotton, ligion in our society is alive and believed that America was healthy. Yet, religion as an institu- the “new Israel.” They un- tion in America is in sharp decline. derstood their people’s flight from an oppressive Hard to accept isn’t it? Believe it! Europe as a type of Israel’s The facts are startling. flight from Egypt. And just Membership in some mainstream as Moses taught the ancient Protestant denominations is at an all- Israelites, they instructed early 1997, p. 117). The founding of America time low and still dropping. Presby- Americans that the new nation would is unique in history. Religion deter- terians have been losing 35,000 to achieve its splendid destiny only under mined the nature of America. Why 40,000 members a year for the last two the direction of God. History shows would America, different from any decades. Methodists have been losing that the early Americans believed and other nation of this world, be so closely about 1000 members a week since 1965. acted upon what these men taught. tied with religion? The answer is truly The decline in the Methodist Church is America was shaped by religion. astounding and is revealed in the Bible. considered the worst mass departure in Religion permeated colonial society. Herbert Armstrong, in his book The recent history. Even Roman Catholics American freedom became synony- United States and Britain in Prophecy, are concerned about a falling member- mous with religious freedom. Speaking reveals that the United States of ship. Along with falling membership is of the American Revolution, British America is in fact the lost Israelite tribe faltering church attendance. Although historian Paul Johnson states: “The of Manasseh. Yes, America truly is some church officials work to conceal Revolution could not have taken place Israel. Prophecy shows that Manasseh the facts, many churches are as empty without this religious background. The was to become the single greatest na- on Sunday as during the week. Many essential difference between the Ameri- tion ever in these end times. Together who claim membership in a church sel- can Revolution and the French Revolu- with Great Britain (Ephraim), the U.S. dom sit in a pew. tion is that the American Revolution in was to inherit the national name and What is happening in American reli- its origins was a religious event, where- promises of wealth given to Israel gion? Where has it gone wrong? When as the French Revolution was an anti- through Abraham millennia ago. To we honestly analyze the facts, we’ll religious event. That fact was to shape fully grasp the import of what is hap- come to see that Americans do a great the American Revolution from start to pening in American religion, you must job at evangelism, but a poor job at dis- finish and determine the nature of the understand this Bible fact. Please write cipleship. Why is American religion independent state it brought into be- for your free copy of this vital book. failing? ing” (A History of the American People, Speaking of the promises to

MARCH/APRIL 1999 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET 25 Abraham, Mr. Armstrong wrote, “Yet, for pornography. Are we looking at a Israelite ancestors, Americans have be- we must face the astounding fact that religious society? Surely we would have come a vain people. God has richly our white, English-speaking peoples— to say no. Even with all the apparent re- blessed us. But now we are fat, fed to not the Jews—have inherited the na- ligious fervor in this country, we must the full on our wealth. We have much tional and physical phases of those recognize that our society is growing time for our material pursuits, but little promises! ever worse. We no longer have the time for God. The prevailing attitude in “How could this have happened? power to control robbery, rape and this country is, who needs God when “The Bible is an Israelitish book, murder. We no longer have the sway to times are so good? One minister recent- preeminently of and for the Israelitish lead people away from hurtful lusts like ly complained that he has lost his con- nationality, inspired by their God drug addiction, alcoholism and illicit gregation to the weekend. through their prophets. Is it not indeed sex. Why is our society falling into such Americans worship the mighty dol- strange that we English-speaking peo- decay? Isn’t our modern crisis really a lar more than the Almighty God. ples are today the greatest believers in crisis in religion? We must put the Americans are well-known for their ex- and exponents of this book of the blame for our modern problems cesses in sports and other forms of en- Hebrew people; that of all nations we squarely on the shoulders of religion. tertainment. We love our TVs, movies, are the chief worshipers of Israel’s God For the most part, as a people, we concerts and casinos. Americans love and Israel’s Messiah—in the name and have simply forgotten God. We only their shiny new cars and lavish homes. form, if not in truth and in deed? pay Him casual lip service. Many only Did you know that Americans spend “The more these facts are realized, turn to God in times of trouble or $10 billion annually on pornography? the more apparent it becomes that a full tragedy. We talk big and act shallowly. We are corrupting ourselves with our knowledge of these Israelites is neces- Our ancestors had to rely on God for wealth! This too was prophesied thou- sary to a right understanding of the their very existence. They knew every sands of years ago. Holy Bible, which is chiefly concerned morsel of food, each day of good At the end of his life, Moses warned with them as a people. And this knowl- weather and all safe protection from the his people, “Gather unto me all the el- edge becomes important if we are to enemy came directly from God. The ders of your tribes, and your officers, understand the present status of the founders of America were a hard work- that I may speak these words in their American and British peoples in the ing people grateful for every blessing. ears, and call heaven and earth to world—and their relation to unprece- Their legacy of hard work and faith laid record against them. For I know that dented world conditions at this fateful the foundation for our modern success. after my death ye will utterly corrupt hour!” (The United States and Britain And what have we done with their yourselves, and turn aside from the way in Prophecy, 1980 version, p. 15). The tears, prayers and sweat? which I have commanded you; and evil We have allowed ourselves to be will befall you in the latter days; be- blinded by the very wealth God has because ye will do evil in the sight of the stowed on us. Our material possessions Lord, to provoke him to anger through COMPARED TO THE have given us incredible power. Yet as a the work of your hands” (Deut. 31:28- time of our forefathers, nation we no longer recognize how we 29). Notice this verse is a prophecy for obtained such wealth. Most believe we the latter days—our time now! Because religion has lost its obtained it through our own power and of our turning away from God, evil influence in American life. strength. Tell the vast majority of suc- abounds. As the Trumpet has been For all of our outward cessful Americans that God gave them showing for months, America is about their wealth, and you would probably to fall under a severe financial crisis. show, we are no longer a witness a heavy measure of scorn. God? Yet we take little notice. America looks truly religious people. What do you mean God gave me such to its great civilization—the work of wealth? This condition in America was our hands—instead of God. By doing prophesied years ago. this we provoke God’s anger. WEALTH Moses warned the Israelites, “When WILL NEVER SAVE A SINNING NATION. Our fact that the Bible is an Israelitish book, thou hast eaten and art full, then thou day of reckoning is quickly coming and today’s Americans have descended shalt bless the Lord thy God for the upon us. from ancient Israel, discloses why our good land which he hath given thee. roots are so religious. Yet, we have for- Beware that thou forget not the Lord Sea of Confusion saken those roots. God has much to say thy God, in not keeping his command- American religion is adrift in a sea of about our religion in these troubled ments, and his judgments, and his confusion. Inside our high-tech evan- times. statutes, which I command thee this gelism are the seeds of its own destruc- day: Lest when thou hast eaten and art tion. With so many denominations ad- Forgetting God full, and hast built goodly houses, and vertising, promoting and claiming that To be honest, compared to the time dwelt therein; And when thy herds and THEIR truth IS truth, we have doctrinal of our forefathers, religion has lost its thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and chaos. Watch religious television any influence in American life. For all of thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou Sunday. You will find that the clang our outward show, we are no longer a hast is multiplied; Then thine heart be and clamor of religious broadcasting is truly religious people. lifted up, and thou forget the Lord thy more distracting than helpful. This too Consider America’s crime rate— God, which brought thee forth out of was prophesied for our day. meditate on America’s violent cities— the land of Egypt, from the house of In the Olivet prophecy, Jesus Christ analyze America’s insatiable appetite bondage” (Deut. 8:10-14). Like our stated that rampant religious deceit

26 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET MARCH/APRIL 1999 would be a leading sign of His immi- tude of men claiming Christ is with witness, Honour thy father and thy nent return. The disciples asked Christ, them, BELIEVE IT NOT! Christ expects mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neigh- “Tell us, when shall these things be? His true followers to know where He bour as thyself” (vv. 18-19). Why do so and what shall be the sign of thy com- is—where His Church is working. many stumble over such simplicity in ing, and of the end of the world?” There should never be a need to look religion? To have an impact, our reli- (Matt. 24:3). Jesus told the disciples, anywhere else. gion must get back to the simplicity of “Take heed that no man deceive you. Sociologists recognize that Ameri- the Bible. For many shall come in my name, say- cans love to “belief shop.” Many mix On another occasion, a lawyer asked ing, I am Christ; and shall deceive and match their beliefs. For example, in Christ, “Master, which is the great many” (vv. 4-5). Jesus said religious de- this decade, there has been a dramatic commandment in the law?” (Matt. ceit would be a sign of His coming. He rise in interest with New Age religion, 22:36). Christ answered, “Thou shalt said emphatically that many would be which promotes everything from love the Lord thy God with all thy preaching and teaching “in His name” Christian principles to Eastern medita- heart, and with all thy soul, and with all and yet deceiving people. Jesus did not tion and includes white witchcraft— thy mind. This is the first and great say a few—He said many. nature worship! What confusion. Jesus commandment. And the second is like Recognize, these deceivers teach in Christ aptly described our troubled re- unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour Jesus’ name and not their own. Christ is ligious times. as thyself. On these two command- speaking here of false ministers who ments hang all the law and the pretend to speak the truth, but are ac- No Moral Absolutes prophets” (vv. 37-40). Jesus Christ tually teaching lies. Christ plainly says Instead of guiding society, RELIGION taught a way of life that dictates our that many so-called Christian preachers TODAY HAS BEEN OVERCOME BY SOCIETY! private thoughts and guides our out- would be telling people about Christ, ward actions. It shows us how to love but would not be preaching Christ’s God and people. True Christianity has own message—His gospel. There are absolutes. There is a clear right and many different gospel messages being INSTEAD OF GUIDING wrong. Who is bold enough to stand up taught today. But which one is Christ’s for God’s law in religion today? Too gospel? Christ said many would be de- society, religion today has few. Most religious people believe that ceived by ministers teaching the wrong been overcome by society. Christ came to do away with the law. message. Have you been taught Christ’s Instead of charting the But can a nation of people be truly wor- gospel? You need to know. To be saved, course, religion is drifting shiping God while disobeying His com- it is necessary to believe that gospel mandments? Hardly. Even James (Mark 1:14-15). Herbert Armstrong’s with the tide. Madison, our fourth President, stated, book Mystery of the Ages explains “We have staked the whole future of Christ’s gospel message in great detail. American civilization…upon the ca- Jesus Christ again emphasized the Instead of charting the course, religion pacity of each and every one of us to threat of religious deception in the is drifting with the tide. Instead of govern ourselves according to the Ten middle of this vital prophecy. Even teaching a clear distinction between Commandments.” though religious deception began in right or wrong, many ministers have We live in a lawless age. Our news- His time, He warned that it would in- become politically correct. Not wanting paper headlines tell us as much every crease in our time. “Then if any man to offend, many have allowed immoral- day. In a 1991 bestseller, The Day shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or ity to infect our society. Our modern America Told the Truth, nine of ten cit- there; believe it not. For there shall arise ministry has caused religion to lose its izens surveyed said they lie regularly, false Christs, and false prophets, and teeth. Think deeply about this. Most one-third of married Americans sur- shall show great signs and wonders; in- American religions hold few absolutes. veyed indicated they’ve had an affair, somuch that, if it were possible, they True Christianity represents a way and 7 percent said that for $10 million shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I of life. It reflects a high moral standard. they would kill a stranger. Though ex- have told you before. Wherefore if they It upholds a clear right and wrong. perts seek solutions, few seek out the shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the There was a day when a young man causes. Can we begin to see that our desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the came to Jesus Christ and asked, “Good weak-willed religion must top the list of secret chambers; believe it not” (Matt. Master, what good thing shall I do, that reasons why our society has gotten so 24:23-26). These verses speak directly I may have eternal life?” (Matt. 19:16). bad? of the time just before Christ’s return. Jesus answered, “Why callest thou me Prophesying of our time, Paul wrote He states clearly that many men will be good? there is none good but one, that to Timothy, “This know also, that in saying Christ is working in their orga- is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, the last days perilous times shall come. nizations. But Christ promised that keep the commandments” (v. 17). Jesus For men shall be lovers of their own there would only be one true Church— Christ had no doubt that true religion selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blas- not a mass of churches (Matt. 16:18). consisted of obeying a set of clearly de- phemers, disobedient to parents, un- American religion has opened its fined rules of right and wrong. Perhaps thankful, unholy, without natural affec- own shopping mall. You can find a confused, the young man asked Christ, tion, trucebreakers, false accusers, in- multitude of denominations and “Which commandments?” Christ an- continent, fierce, despisers of those that non-denominations all claiming to be swered, “Thou shalt do no murder, are good, traitors, heady, highminded, ministering for Christ. Christ stated Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou lovers of pleasures more than lovers of emphatically that when you see a multi- shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false God; having a form of godliness, but

MARCH/APRIL 1999 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET 27 LETTERS denying the power thereof: from such Stealing From God turn away” (II Tim. 3:1-5). Using the Spirit of God, Paul looked into our I agree; for the [WCG] to sell its facili- time and saw untold violence. Paul witnessed our rotten moral fabric. Paul “ties and use the funds for whatever its pe- listed our many sins. We covet, we are culiar purposes is ‘stealing from God.’ vain, we are disobedient, we lack love, we lie, we love violence and we love The funds more properly belong to the ourselves more than God. But also no- Philadelphia Church of God…. tice—we are big on religion! As Paul stated it, we have a form of godliness, Phoenix, Ariz. ” but we deny the power thereof. This means that GOD IS NOT REALLY IN OUR RELIGION. It is all show and no sub- THANKS FOR RESURRECTING THE MINISTRY “The Gate of His Enemies…” stance. Paul advises all true believers, started by Herbert W. Armstrong. “From such turn away”! While I didn’t always agree with the in- I SUBSCRIBED TO YOUR MAGAZINE ABOUT terpretations Mr. Armstrong (or you, a year ago. I am politically active and National Repentance Coming for that matter) put on biblical mes- read other publications such as The Take stock of your religion. There sages, he did force thought and debate Nation, Mother Jones and Z Magazine. I are troubled times just ahead. The Bible about worthwhile issues. Mr. Arm- wasn’t about to take your magazine se- does show that the greatest time of strong provided a fresh message to riously, being as it is rooted with a reli- trouble ever—the Great Tribulation— those turned off by mainstream warfare gious right viewpoint which is generally is about to descend on the Western over what the supposed true message of supported by big business and very world. The immediate future is defi- the Bible purports to be. For years, I conservative ideas. However, month nitely not bright. Economic and nu- was a subscriber to the Plain Truth. It after month you shed light on a politi- clear disaster are staring us in the face. seemed to me, in an effort to “be want- cal issue I haven’t come across in other Yet, none of this need happen if we ed and needed and loved” by so-called publications—the handover of the would collectively repent of disobeying mainstream evangelists, their present Panama Canal to China on December God. Realistically, this is not likely to pastor general got “hijacked” by their 31, 1999—which seems very objective happen. However, it is not too late for apparent advice to him. I lost all inter- and informative yet easy to read. I now you personally to get it right with God. est. The Worldwide Church of God eagerly await each issue for your in- If you turn to God, He will turn to you somehow became irrelevant. depth coverage of world events. (Isa. 59:1-2). You need not go through I did not know the ministry of Mr. New York, N.Y. the Tribulation. There is still time to re- Armstrong had been resurrected until I pent. happened to see your television pro- I ENJOY READING YOUR MAGAZINE EACH Realize that even with the coming gram a few months ago. Thanks for res- month. I was shocked when I read that Tribulation, there is hope for our great urrecting a needed and fresh message the U.S. will hand over Panama to nation. Moses prophesied of a coming for the world today. I agree; for the ex- China in 2000. time of national repentance. He told isting Worldwide Church of God to sell Balch Springs, Tex. our ancestors, “But if from thence thou its facilities and use the funds for what- shalt seek the Lord thy God, thou shalt ever its peculiar purposes is “stealing BIBLE PROPHECY IS CERTAINLY MOST find him, if thou seek him with all thy from God.” The funds more properly intriguing to me. It is just mind-bog- heart and with all thy soul. When thou belong to the Philadelphia Church of gling to see so many of these prophe- art in tribulation, and all these things God, as being the more authentic suc- cies being fulfilled. I could never see are come upon thee, even in the latter cessor to the Church which Mr. Arm- that so plainly until now, thanks to the days, if thou turn to the Lord thy God, strong founded. Unfortunately, it writers of the Trumpet. and shalt be obedient unto his voice; would appear, the WCG is authorized Pilleys Island, Canada (For the Lord thy God is a merciful to engage in legalized larceny. God;) he will not forsake thee, neither Phoenix, Ariz. destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them” I’M HAPPY THAT MR. FLURRY IS HITTING the theme of leadership very hard and (Deut. 4:29-31). Although very nega- Letters to the Editor must include tive, the Great Tribulation will produce taking Churchillian, Herbert W. the writer’s name and address and positive results. God will regain His Armstrong-like stances in a world should be sent to The Trumpet, people’s attention. He promises that in where our birthright nations are so P.O. Box 1099, Edmond, OK 73083, the Tribulation, any who turn to Him, weak-willed and adrift morally, and or faxed to 405-359-6280 or e-mailed to He will forgive and extend mercy. How blind to the Titanic-like dangers lurk- [email protected]. Letters may be edited great is God! ing on the horizon. I believe Mr. Flurry for space and clarity. Subscription inquiries can be made by Even with all the bad news, there is is doing exactly what Joseph Tkach said he would do but didn’t, namely walk in calling 405-340-7474 or writing Trumpet very good news. When our nation does Subscription, P.O. Box 3700, Edmond, fully repent, God plans to restore it and the footsteps of Mr. Armstrong—continuing this great Work. OK 73083. Please provide complete ad- lavish upon it all the blessings promised dress, including zip code. Abraham. Plattsburgh, N.Y.

28 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET MARCH/APRIL 1999 COMMENTARY STEPHEN FLURRY We D on’t Want You America’s military is in retreat

HEN THE DUST SETTLED AFTER THE BERLIN News of another U.S. drawdown in the Pacific Wall fell in 1989, the United States splashed across headlines a few years back when Wemerged as the world’s last remaining America agreed to reduce its presence in Okinawa after superpower. So they say. A look back at the last three GIs raped a local schoolgirl in 1995. Nearly ten years, however, suggests that America’s half of the 47,000 U.S. servicemen stationed in power and influence abroad has crumbled Japan reside on this small island 400 miles off the along with the infamous Wall. Japanese coast. More than 12,000 Americans died I got a firsthand glimpse of this phenome- capturing this island stronghold, cracking Japan’s non while visiting Berlin in 1993, less than last line of defense at the end of World four years after the Wall came down. We War II. With Japan devastated after the saw all the sights many tourists had proba- war, and Russia only a few years away bly visited before Communism loosened from successfully testing nuclear its death-grip on Eastern Europe: the bombs, the U.S. quickly raised dozens Reichstag, the Brandenburg Gate, of military bases in the Far East. Checkpoint Charlie. But what left the Bases like Okinawa enabled United biggest impression on me was visiting the States participation in the Korean abandoned American military base in and Vietnam Wars and to prevent what used to be West Berlin. Row after the spread of Communism. But with row of huge military housing complexes the collapse of Communism in the late now provided low-income Germans 1980s, as in the West, America has reeval- with nice accommodations. “With uated its position in the Eastern hemisphere. Communism gone,” our guide told us, In all, America’s presence in the Western “the plan is for U.S. troops to pull back to Pacific is comparable to its forces in Europe. There Frankfurt before substantially downsizing.” And are approximately 100,000 servicemen in each hemi- downsize they did! Since the fall of the Berlin Wall, United CORBIS/ JOEL HILLIKER sphere—about two-thirds smaller than at the end of the Cold States forces in Europe have been slashed by 67 percent. War. More than a few analysts have noted America’s flagging Simultaneous with the U.S. drawdown on German soil has ability to respond to international challenges as we head into been Germany’s expansion on U.S. soil. In 1990, Germany the next millennium. and the United States agreed to “deepen military coopera- The situation abroad is but a microcosm of the drawdown tion”—meaning German expansion. In 1992, then-Secretary of America’s forces in general. Consider these facts: Since of Defense Richard Cheney agreed to add 12 German 1985, the Pentagon’s budget has been slashed by 38 percent Tornados to the seven F-4 Phantom Jet fighters already sta- and 97 bases have been closed—just in the United States! The tioned at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico. In 1995, numerical strength (or lack thereof) of the armed forces Germany added 300 aircrew, along with families and support stands at a little less than 1.4 million—a 35 percent drop from personnel, to their training facility at Holloman. This year, Cold War levels. Since 1991, the Army’s active-duty divisions plans call for another 600 Germans and 30 Tornado aircraft. have dwindled from 18 to 10; the Air Force’s fighter wings Meanwhile, just last year, eleven U.S. bases in Germany re- from 22 to 13. And since 1992, the Navy’s Battle Force ships turned to German control: Sheridan, Kaserne, Deuringen and have shrunk from 467 to 327, the lowest level since 1938. Lechfeld, just to name a few. These cuts have forced Washington to all but abandon its In the Pacific theater, the storyline is the same: cut bud- so-called “two wars” policy—America’s ability to mount a gets, draw down, mobilize, consolidate. I got a firsthand Desert Storm-like operation on two fronts. At current levels, glimpse of this also while recently on assignment in the a sizable war on one front will absorb most of our resources. Philippines. After taping two programs for The Key of David In fact, according to the Pentagon’s last quadrennial review, in December, our crew was airlifted out of Bataan by heli- released in 1997, U.S. officials foresee “the possible emer- copter en route to Manila. On the way our pilot detoured gence, after 2010-2015, of a regional power or global peer over Subic Bay. Strategically situated as an inlet off the South competitor.” China Sea, Subic used to be homeport for the U.S. Navy’s 7th If government officials are aware of these global threats, Fleet. It closed in 1992. Looking at it from the air, it’s still im- and their concerns along with these telling statistics are post- pressive—the long airstrip bordering one side of the ocean ed on most military websites, be assured that enemy nations inlet, training facilities, military housing units, still surround- have taken note! “Unless something is done,” James ed by cyclone fences topped with barbed wire. But down Anderson wrote in the Macon Telegraph last year, “the butch- below, with the 7th Fleet gone, Subic is little more than a pop- er’s bill for military unpreparedness will be paid in blood the ular tropical resort. next time we go to war.”

MARCH/APRIL 1999 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET 29 South Carolina, Myrtle Beach—WFXB 7:00 am, Sunday ** Tennessee, Memphis—WLMT 9:00 am, Sunday Texas, Amarillo—KAMR 7:00 am, Sunday Texas, Dallas—KDFI 8:30 am, Sunday Texas, Houston—KHTV 8:30 am, Sunday Texas, San Antonio—KSAT 6:30 am, Sunday Texas, Tyler—KLTV 10:30 am, Sunday Texas, Wichita Falls—KAUZ 9:00 am, Sunday Virginia, Richmond—WRIC 7:30 am, Sunday Virginia, Roanoke—WDRL 10:30 am Sunday Washington, Seattle—KTZZ 9:30 am, Sunday Washington, Spokane—KAYU 7:30 am, Sunday ** Washington D.C.—WDCA 6:30 am, Saturday Wisconsin, Green Bay—WACY 8:00 am, Sunday Wyoming, Rawlins—KMGH 6:30 am, Sunday ** Canada VISION Network 9:30 am ET, Sunday (Nationwide Canadian cable) Alberta, Calgary—KAYU 8:30 am, Sunday ** Alberta, Edmonton—KAYU 8:30 am, Sunday ** Alberta, Red Deer—KAYU 8:30 am, Sunday ** North America British Columbia—BCI TV 11:30 am, Sunday ** British Columbia, Kamloops—CFJC 11:30 am, Sunday ** United States British Columbia, Kelowna—CHBC 11:30 am, Sunday ** Nationwide cable—Goodlife Network 6:30 am ET, Monday British Columbia, Prince George—CKPG 8:30 am, Sunday Nationwide cable—KTLA 8:00 am PT, Sunday British Columbia,Vancouver—CHEK 9:00 am, Sunday Nationwide cable—WGN 6:30 am ET, Sunday New Brunswick—CIHF 7:00 am, Sunday Northeast United States cable—WPHL 6:30 am ET, Sunday Nova Scotia—CIHF 7:00 am, Sunday Alabama, Montgomery—WHOA 7:00 am, Sunday Prince Edward Island—CIHF 7:00 am, Sunday Arizona, Phoenix—KNXV 6:30 am, Sunday ** Quebec, Montreal—CKMI 10:00 am Sunday ** Arkansas, Little Rock—KASN 8:00 am, Saturday California, Concord—KTNC 10:00 am, Sunday California, Fort Bragg—KFWU 10:00 am, Sunday Caribbean California, Fresno—KNSO 8:00 am, Sunday; 9:00 am, Monday California, Los Angeles—KTLA 8:00 am, Sunday —WGN 6:30 am, Sunday California, San Francisco—KTNC 10:00 am, Sunday Bahamas KTLA 11:00 am, Sunday California, San Francisco—KBWB 8:00 am, Sunday WPLG 7:00 am, Sunday California, San Jose—KTNC 10:00 am, Sunday California, Sacramento—KTNC 10:00 am, Sunday —CCN 7:30 am, Sunday Colorado, Alamosa—KOBF 8:30 am, Sunday Grenada Colorado, Denver—KMGH 6:30, Sunday ** —CCN 7:30 am, Sunday Connecticut, Hartford—WBNE 6:30 am, Sunday Tobago Florida, Daytona Beach—WFTV 10:30 am, Sunday ** —CCN 7:30 am, Sunday Florida, Jacksonville—WTEV 6:30 am, Saturday Trinidad Florida, Miami—WPLG 7:00 am, Sunday Florida, Orlando—WFTV 10:30 am, Sunday ** Florida, Tallahassee—WTLH 8:30 am, Sunday Australasia Florida, Tampa—WTSP 7:00 am, Sunday Georgia, Atlanta—WUPA 7:30 am, Sunday Australia Idaho, Boise—KNIN 7:00 am,, Sunday Nationwide—Network 10 4:30 am, Sunday Illinois, Chicago—WCIU 9:00 am, Saturday New South Wales—NRTV 4:30 am, Sunday Illinois, Chicago—WGN 5:30 am, Sunday Northern Territory—Australia Television International 8:30 am, Sunday Illinois, Decatur—WAND 7:00 am, Sunday Queensland—QTV 4:30 am, Sunday Indiana, Indianapolis—WRTV 9:00 am, Sunday Queensland—Australia Television International 10:30 am, Sunday Kansas, Wichita—KSAS 10:00 am, Sunday South New South Wales—Capital TV 4:30 am, Sunday Kentucky, Bowling Green—WKNT 9:30 am, Sunday ** Victoria—Southern Cross TV 4:30 am, Sunday Kentucky, Louisville—WBNA 9:30 am, Sunday Western Australia—Australia Television International 8:30 am, Sunday Kentucky, Paducah—WDKA 7:30 am, Sunday Louisiana, Shreveport—KMSS 8:00 am, Sunday Cambodia—Australia Television International 7:30 am, Sunday Maine, Bangor—WPXT 7:30 am, Sunday Maine, Portland—WPXT 7:30 am, Sunday China—Australia Television International 8:00 am, Sunday Maryland, Baltimore—WUTB 7:00 am, Sunday Massachusetts, Boston—WFXT 8:00 am, Sunday Fiji—FIJI TV 11:30 am, Sunday Michigan, Detroit—WADL 9:00 am, Sunday Minnesota, Minneapolis/St. Paul—WFTC 6:30 am, Sunday Hong Kong—Australia Television International 8:30 am, Sunday Minnesota, Rochester—WFTC 6:30 am, Sunday Missouri, Cape Girardeau—WDKA 7:30 am, Sunday India—Australia Television International 6:00 am, Sunday Missouri, Kansas City—KMCI 7:30 am, Sunday Missouri, St. Louis—KPLR 8:00 am, Sunday Indonesia—Australia Television International 8:30 am, Sunday Montana, Billings—KHMT 7:00 am, Sunday New Jersey—WPHL 6:30 am, Sunday Laos—Australia Television International 7:30 am, Sunday New Mexico, Albuquerque—KOB 8:30 am, Sunday New Mexico, Farmington—KOBF 8:30 am, Sunday Nauru—Australia Television International 12:30 pm, Sunday New York, Buffalo—WIVB 6:30 am, Sunday New York, New York City—WWOR 7:00 am, Saturday New Zealand—TV3 6:00 am, Friday North Carolina, Asheville—WHNS 7:00 am, Sunday North Carolina, Charlotte—WAXN 8:00 am, Sunday Papua New Guinea—EMTV 7:30 am, Sunday North Carolina, Kannapolis—WAXN 8:00 am, Sunday Australia Television International 10:30 am, Sunday Ohio, Cincinnati—WXIX 7:30 am, Sunday Ohio, Cleveland/Akron—WVPX 8:00 am, Sunday Philippines—IBC TV 7:00 am, Sunday Oklahoma, Tulsa—KOKI 9:00 am, Sunday Australia Television International 8:30 am, Sunday Oklahoma, Oklahoma City—KOCB 9:00 am, Sunday ** Oregon, Eugene—KLSR 7:00 am, Sunday Singapore—Australia Television International 8:30 am, Sunday Oregon, Portland—KPDX 7:30 am, Sunday Pennsylvania, Philadelphia—WPHL 6:30 am, Sunday Taiwan—Australia Television International 8:30 am, Sunday Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh—WPGH 7:30 am, Sunday Pennsylvania, Red Lion—WGCB 8:30 am, Sunday Vanuatu—Australia Television International 10:30 am, Sunday South Carolina, Columbia—WOLO 8:00 am, Sunday EMTV 7:30 am, Sunday South Carolina, Florence—WFXB 7:00 am, Sunday ** South Carolina, Greenville/Spartanburg—WHNS 7:00 am, Sunday ** Indicates a new station or time change

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