APRIL 2019 | THETRUMPET.COM

Axis of authoritarians The inspiring truth abortionists should know God’s miraculous work and a wonder! Sodom and Gomorrah proved What is true repentance?

How German industry is forging a military superpower COVER Germany’s industrial might is paving the way for a German resurgence not seen since World War II. APRIL 2019 | VOL. 30, NO. 4 | CIRC.269,785 (gary dorning/trumpet)

FEATURES 1 FROM THE EDITOR God’s Miraculous Work and a Wonder

4 The Inspiring Truth Abortionists Should Know

8 Axis of Authoritarians

11 A Real ‘Bombshell’: France and Germany Unite!

12 Christ’s Coming Is ‘At the Very Door’!

14 COVER STORY Forging a Superpower “Therefore, behold, I will proceed

18 INFOGRAPHIC to do a marvellous work among this people, The Roots of German Military Might even a marvellous 22 What Is True Repentance?

25 Sodom and Gomorrah Proved! work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the DEPARTMENTS 28 WORLDWATCH understanding of their prudent men shall be hid.” —ISAIAH 29:14 31 SOCIETYWATCH

33 PRINCIPLES OF LIVING Serve God With Passion

34 DISCUSSION BOARD

35 COMMENTARY Why Has Emotion Replaced Reason in America?

36 THE KEY OF DAVID TELEVISION LOG

Trumpet editor in chief Gerald Trumpet executive editor Stephen News and analysis Regular news updates and alerts Flurry’s weekly television program Flurry’s television program updated daily from our website to your inbox theTrumpet.com/keyofdavid theTrumpet.com/trumpetdaily theTrumpet.com theTrumpet.com/go/brief FROM THE EDITOR

God’s Miraculous Work and a Wonder

God wants your life to be full of wonder! This will energize and greatly motivate you. Here is how you can achieve it.

saiah 29:14 is a specific forecast about these latter A Sealed Book days—the times we are living in right now—regarding a The context of Isaiah 29:14 is about the great majority of God’s I terrible tragedy and a stunning success. people going astray. “Stay yourselves, and wonder; cry ye out, Both the tragedy and the positive news involve God’s own and cry: they are drunken, but not with wine; they stagger, but people, those whom He has called to do His very work in this not with strong drink” (verse 9). This is about God’s people, world. But the lessons of this powerful prophecy apply to who were spiritually sober but have become “drunk” on false anyone willing to listen. doctrines. They are in a terrible spiritual condition in these The tragedy is that most of God’s own people would turn latter days. away from Him. This teaches us something crucial about the “For the Lord hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep human nature we all possess. sleep, and hath closed your eyes: the prophets and your rulers, However, Isaiah also foretold that there the seers hath he covered” (verse 10). Their eyes were once would be a small remnant of faithful opened to God’s marvelous truth—this wonder! But God saints with whom God would be pleased. has closed their eyes because they are far from Him. This is a That remnant would accomplish some- colossal change in God’s own people that deeply disturbs Him. thing supremely important. “And the vision of all is become unto you as the words of a Notice what Isaiah wrote about these book that is sealed, which men deliver to one that is learned, people: “Therefore, behold, I will proceed saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I cannot; for it is gerald flurry to do a marvellous work among this sealed” (verse 11). These people did understand God’s Word; people, even a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom they had His revelation. But they turned away from Him, and of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their the Bible became sealed to them. After they had known so prudent men shall be hid” (Isaiah 29:14). God is talking about much, they could no longer understand it! His own Church here. He tells us that He is going to do some- When you have the Bible sealed, that is the ultimate thing extraordinary with this little remnant. catastrophe! So many people today are confused, for exam- He is putting dual emphasis on what this remnant Church ple, about all the prophets of the Old Testament—the former would do by calling it not just a work—but also a wonder. prophets, major prophets and minor prophets. One man who The word wonder means something stupendously done or was an evangelist in God’s own Church said the prophets were accomplished; a phenomenon; a miracle or act of God; an event mainly history. That is not true! Prophets wrote those books causing astonishment, admiration and joy. It can refer to a for the purpose of prophesying. They are filled with prophecy! feeling of amazement or wonderment. As a verb it means to be God desperately wants us to understand this because, as Her- awestruck, to stand aghast, to be seized or filled with wonder. bert W. Armstrong always taught, those books are for our day. If something is wonderful it is awe-inspiring, extraordinary, Ninety percent of prophecy is for today! It is occurring right now. astonishing, spectacular, magnificent, divine. The thesaurus Yet right at the time when it is more relevant than ever, that truth gives several synonyms: thunderstruck, spellbound, amaze- has become sealed to many people who at one time understood it. ment, startling, staggering. What a tragedy! In Revelation 5, there is a vision of the Bible The Bible is filled with wonders. And so is God’s work on being sealed, “And no man [one] in heaven, nor in earth, nei- Earth today! God calls the work of His Church a wonder! This ther under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look work causes joy and wonder in people’s lives. God isn’t just say- thereon” (verse 3). And the Apostle John wrote, “And I wept ing that—He means it. His work is full of spectacular wonder! much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read We need this wonder in our lives. God has created man to be the book …” (verse 4). Yes—the Bible being sealed is something istock successful, doing amazingly good deeds and accomplishing great to weep about! . com things. Look at the Seven Wonders of the World. Yet they are But then, in verse 5, “one of the elders saith unto me, Weep /

evantravels physical wonders. We need God’s spiritual wonder in our minds to not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, be galvanized to do the great deeds God expects His people to do. hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals You can prove where this “marvellous work and a wonder” is. thereof.” The Lion of the tribe of Judah, Jesus Christ, could In fact, God expects you to prove it. unseal the book. And He promises to do so in this end time. APRIL 2019 1 Did you know that the book of Revelation has been unsealed? them severely if they do not heed His message. God has revealed the meaning of this book. If He hadn’t, These lukewarm people rejected the revelation that God had we wouldn’t be able to prophesy from Revelation as we do. given to Herbert W. Armstrong. We fought a six-year court (Request a free copy of our booklet Unveiled at Last: The Royal battle with them to receive the copyrights for Mr. Armstrong’s Book of Revelation.) works, primarily Mystery of the Ages. Where has the Bible been unsealed? God says it is your Mystery of the Ages is the most important book on Earth responsibility to prove this to yourself. It’s in the Bible. And the next to the Bible because it is a synopsis of what is in the Bible interprets itself, so people can prove these truths if they Bible. It reveals seven great mysteries that this world doesn’t are willing. understand. The Bible is a mystery to the world. God wants to You are going to be a much more motivated person if you remove those mysteries. He wants everything to be unsealed. have this magnificent wonder. You will be inspired, stirred and He wants to give us the truth—if we will only accept it! He moved to do something terrific in your life and for God! wants to fill our minds with these visions and these wonders in His work and in the Bible. That is wonderful understanding, Full of Wonder and it is made plain in Mystery of the Ages. Now notice the verse right before Isaiah 29:14: “Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the pre- cept of men” (verse 13). These people were close to God, but then they “removed their heart” from Him. This is terribly upsetting to God! Then He says, “Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a mar- vellous work among this people ….” Now, only a little flock, a small remnant, is doing God’s work. Despite so many people leaving Him, God is still going to do amazing things with that group—so amazing it will be a mind-staggering wonder to your mind! Are you a part of a marvelous work and a wonder? God’s work is filled with excitement, vision and a vivid picture of the future! This is a spiritual phenomenon, and it should fill you with 10,000 GROWTH AID The PCG’s G450 allows times more wonder than the Seven Wonders of the World. Mr. Flurry to travel to more In the first-century era of God’s Church, there was a deacon congregations and to deliver more campaigns. named Stephen who was “full of faith and of the Holy [Spirit]” (Acts 6:5). This man did a great work for God. Notice: “And Ste- phen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles The copyright battle we fought for Mystery of the Ages was among the people” (verse 8). Stephen was full of faith and God’s specifically prophesied in the book of Habakkuk, one of the power! He was a human being, yet God was able to do great minor prophets. This book is not just history—it is for our day! wonders and miracles through him! As it says in Habakkuk 2:3, “… at the end it shall speak.” God wants to fill you with wonder. That is what He did with Habakkuk wrote, “The burden which Habakkuk the prophet Stephen, and that is what He does with His people today. did see. O Lord, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! even Do you have wonder in your life? Are you doing a work that cry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save! Why dost fills you with magnificent vision and wonder? If you do, you thou shew me iniquity [lawlessness], and cause me to behold become a visionary in the right way. We should want to under- grievance [injustice]? for spoiling and violence are before me: stand Bible prophecy and all the visions of the Bible. and there are that raise up strife [or, a lawsuit] and contention God’s work is a wonder work. This wonder is so much [a personal or legal contest]” (Habakkuk 1:1-3). The language in greater than even the Seven Wonders of the World because this passage is that of a legal battle—a lawsuit. For six years, we it inspires and motivates you to do great things for God and had to strive at the law with the organization that owned the yourself all the time. copyrights to Mr. Armstrong’s works. Righteous men were being What a tragedy that so many of God’s own people have lost encompassed by unrighteous men, led by an evil man within that wonder in this end time. God’s own Church (verse 4). That was a contentious battle! And for six years, justice was perverted just as Habakkuk prophesied. Habakkuk’s Double Wonder Yet in the midst of that contention, God’s little flock, led by a Jesus Christ prophesied that there would be seven eras of God’s man who was following God, did amazing wonders! The very Church from the time of Christ in the first century down to next verse reads, “Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, this last century. You can read about these eras in Revelation 2 and wonder marvellously: for I will work a work in your days, and 3. (Prove this truth by reading my book The True History of which ye will not believe, though it be told you” (verse 5). This God’s True Church. All of our literature is free.) verse is an important and inspiring verse. And remember, it is scott

Today we are in the last era, known as the Laodicean era within the context of the legal battle over God’s truth. stephens (Revelation 3:14-22). God’s people in this end time have become The Hebrew expression translated “wonder mavellously” Laodicean, or spiritually lukewarm. God is going to correct means “wonder, wonder.” It is about a double wonder! God’s 2 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET faithful remnant could not receive justice from the in the walls.” The beam brings everything together. courts—so God delivered it personally! Prophetically, the “beam” in this verse is referring to Mystery God is telling His rebellious Church that He will use a faithful of the Ages. Everyone needs to read and study Mystery of the remnant to deliver this “double wonder” in the last days—but Ages because that is how important it is! they won’t have the faith to believe it! That is how alienated they The story of how we received the copyright to that book is are from God. God is warning them, and they ought to heed! truly a wonder! (You can read about it in our free book Raising Habakkuk 1:5 is a fulfillment of Isaiah 29:14! It is a powerful the Ruins.) In fact, that copyright victory is the second of the message for all of us about a wonder work. “double wonder” of Habakkuk 1:5. The first part of that double wonder relates back to the “stone” The Two Wonders, Explained of Habakkuk 2:11. Right at the end of our six-year court case we Another scripture expands on these wonders and helps you received a physical stone—a rock that Mr. Armstrong had used as understand them more deeply. “For the stone shall cry out of the a “prayer rock” at the beginning of the Philadelphia era of God’s wall, and the beam out of the timber shall answer it” (Habakkuk Church. As I explain in my book The New Throne of David, that 2:11). Physically, this verse doesn’t make sense; you can’t even stone is a symbol of Jesus Christ. It is closely associated with understand it. But God’s faithful remnant does understand it! the throne on which Christ will sit as King of kings, called “the Habakkuk 2:11 is very important to comprehend. God has to throne of David” (Isaiah 9:7; Luke 1:32). That stone, and the vision reveal to us what all this means. It is the single greatest revela- it symbolizes, is truly a wonder! tion God has given to His Church during this Laodicean era. It For generations, God preserved the throne of David in a royal inspires and stirs us as perhaps no other verse in the Bible! line that ruled over some of the physical descendants of Israel. In this end time, however, God moved that throne to His own Church. He saw corruption and pollution in that throne, and He had to give a new throne of David to His Church to prepare for the return of Jesus Christ! Now, God’s own people will be able to present Christ with a throne, not from a corrupt source, but a throne that has been ruled from righteously and lawfully. That is how God wants it, so it can be presented properly. The new stone is a symbol of the very throne of David. (Request my book The New Throne of David for more informa- tion. It is the most inspiring book we have ever written of the WONDROUS Armstrong Auditorium on the PCG truths God has revealed.) Mr. Armstrong explained the “stone headquarters campus of destiny” in The United States and Britain in Prophecy (which in Edmond, Oklahoma we will send you free at your request), but you must follow that up with The New Throne of David to get the whole story. This understanding, combined with Mystery of the Ages, fulfills the inspiring prophecy of Habakkuk 1:5. We are talking about a double wonder: Mr. Armstrong’s most important life’s work, WORLDWIDE WORK Stephen Flurry Mystery of the Ages, and a new throne for Jesus Christ to sit on! delivers a Trumpet Read Mystery of the Ages together with The New Throne of Daily program. EDSTONE HALL David, and this will all be clear to you. I assure you it will. If you read and study these two books and truly understand them, it As I wrote in my booklet on Habakkuk (request a free copy), will fill you with an unparalleled wonder! the “stone” in this verse is Jesus Christ; He is “the stone of This is what God wants us to have: a life full of wonder! Israel” (Genesis 49:24). He wants each person to be motivated, stirred and moved to Jesus Christ is the Head of His Church, and He is crying out declare this magnificent message to God’s people and anyone to His faithful remnant. From where is He crying? “Out of the who is willing to hear it. wall.” Stone, wall, beam and timber are all building materials. God’s faithful remnant today has the answers everybody God actually has a physical house on Earth today from which should be looking for. God has removed all the mystery from He is crying out—but this is primarily referring to the spiritual the Bible. He has done that now as part of the final prepara- house of God, which is the Church of God. tions for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ! We are in the gun The Hebrew word translated “beam” means to join together lap of this race to the very end! Jesus Christ is about to return! or connect; it is derived from a root that means “to fasten” and He must return to stop all of the devastating destruction and signifies “a connecting girder.” The Jamieson, Fausset and Brown hate that is overtaking this world. And the wonders He is Commentary says it is “the cross beam working within His faithful remnant today are a big part of the or the main rafter connecting the timbers solutions He will bring to save all mankind! n (3) Wondering about the wonders? Order your free copy of Herbert W. Armstrong’s Mystery of the Ages and Gerald Flurry’s The New Throne of David. trumpet APRIL 2019 3 anuary 22 was the 46th anni- versary of Roe v. Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion. The New York State Senate cel- Jebrated the occasion by passing the Reproductive Health Act, liberalizing the state’s already liberal abortion code. This law essentially decriminalizes abortions right up to the point of birth. If a health-care practitioner decides killing a baby will be good for a mother’s health or even her psychological or emo- tional well-being, he can now legally end that young life. When Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the law, the New York Senate erupted in jubilant cheers. Several other states are working to follow New York’s lead, including Massa- chusetts, New Mexico, Rhode Island and Washington. Virginia legislator Kathy Tran proposed a new state law similar to New York’s, aimed at lifting restrictions on abortions during the third trimester, even up to birth. She was questioned in a subcommittee whether her law would permit abortions during dilation— which is when the baby is beginning to The emerge. She said yes. Abortion advocates say they are defending women’s rights. They’re nobly crusading for “freedom,” for “equality,” Inspiring for “health.” But what Tran is boldly advocating, and what New York state leaders are openly celebrating, is not just that they are preserving current abortion Truth rights. They are expanding them—and strengthening abortion culture in America. Right now in America, on average, an abortion is performed every 30 seconds. Abortionists That’s nearly 3,000 abortions every day, 1 million abortions every year. Excluding miscarriages, 1 out of every 5 pregnancies ends in the poisoning, dismemberment Should or other method of destroying the baby istock before—or as—he or she is being born. . But Cuomo, Tran and others say we com /

need more. steveallenphoto Know Everything is moving in the direction of more abortion, looser laws and fewer It’s a fundamental question of what a human life is worth. restrictions—yet liberals act like the real by joel hilliker danger is a supposed assault on women’s

4 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET rights. They’re fighting the supposedly Ever since, they have reasoned and opposed they are to it. It ignores the aggressive, dangerous efforts of those campaign-promised their way through moral dimension of this question entirely. who would restrict those rights, most the logic. Abortion should be done for a This is what happens when we come notably the Supreme Court’s newest good reason, they said. It should occur to view human life as nothing more than appointment, Brett Kavanaugh, whom early in pregnancy, they said. It should matter—atoms colliding with atoms. they fear could overturn Roe v. Wade. be rare, they said just three presidential This is what happens when we say there Liberals warned that Kavanaugh’s elections ago. But since there is no is nothing sacred about human life. confirmation would mean that “millions stage between conception and a baby’s of people will die,” and are now pushing first breaths where he or she suddenly Man’s Place of Honor laws to counteract that. Meanwhile, becomes a human being, they moved Where does the view of the sanctity of since Roe v. Wade, abortion mills have their demands. Not in the direction of human life come from in the first place? killed more than 61 million unborn little making abortion earlier and rarer, but We may think the inherent, precious boys and girls. further and further toward the light at value of human life is self-evident. But Here is an unmistakable reality: These the end of the birth canal. the example of the abortionists teaches abortion advocates have a casual, even And now, even after that. us that this is not so. hostile perspective on human life. Governor Northam spoke with such Most people don’t stop to think about Opposing this trend are those who humane terminology—keeping the it, but our high assessment of human view human life as very special, uniquely infant comfortable and such … before life comes from the Bible. worthy of preservation and protection. killing it. The language always sounds This Book reveals that human beings These two perspectives could not be so honorable and principled. were created by God. Its very first chapter more different. Which is your view? He said this would be “done in cases describes God renewing the face of the where there may be severe deformities” Earth, creating a beautiful environment Rapidly Changing Standards or the child “is non-viable.” Even if this that would support life—first the atmo- It was just 2008, during her first run for president, when Hillary Clinton—per- Without the Bible, perhaps most or all of us would haps the most prominent champion of abortion in America—said she wanted view human life as an accident, a product of blind to reduce the number of abortions. Her evolution and altogether insignificant. policy was for abortion to be “safe, legal and rare—and by rare, I mean rare.” were absolutely true (likely not), and it spheric and geological conditions, then That position—only a decade old—is was only done when there absolutely were plant life in spectacular variety, then like a relic of ancient history. severe deformities (what is “severe”?) or animal life in the skies and seas, then On January 30, Virginia Gov. Ralph non-viability (for how long?)—we are land creatures of every kind, “cattle, and Northam spoke on a local radio program still talking about a form of eugenics. creeping thing, and beast of the earth supporting Tran’s proposed law. Explain- This is infanticide. This is murder. after his kind.” Why did God do all this? ing how late a baby could be aborted, the Many people were horrified by what For human life! As His crowning physical governor said, “[I]f a mother is in labor, I Governor Northam said. But what was creation, “God said, Let us make man can tell you exactly what would happen: the story in the mainstream media? in our image, after our likeness …. So The infant would be delivered. The According to the headlines, the real God created man in his own image, in the infant would be kept comfortable. The story was the overreaction by Repub- image of God created he him; male and infant would be resuscitated—if that’s licans. Apparently anyone revolted by female created he them” (Genesis 1:26-27). what the mother and the family the idea of killing a child after delivery The Bible’s first chapter shows that desired—and then a discussion would is just trying to deny women their rights. human beings are unlike any other cre- ensue between the physicians and the That is always the story. ation: We are made in God’s image and mother” (emphasis added). It’s not about the fact that abortion is likeness—after “the God kind.” It further There is no mistaking what he said. big business. It’s not about the fact that reveals that God gave us dominion over He is describing a child who has already abortion clinics are encouraging abor- all the other creatures. been delivered—and a discussion taking tion and trying to move patients in and Without the Bible and its seen and place over whether to allow that child to out as quickly as possible. That Planned unseen effect on our history and live or die. Parenthood alone takes in $1.7 billion a our society, perhaps most or all of us Lifetimes ago, the left abandoned year in revenue, and that American tax- would view human life as an accident, the realm of absolute right and wrong payers subsidize nearly a quarter of all a product of blind evolution and alto- when they committed to abortion. abortion costs, no matter how morally gether insignificant.

APRIL 2019 5 The rest of the Bible reveals why God Mr. Armstrong showed that the pas- this is the only law that is repeated in all made man and what His purpose for us sage in Hebrews 2 plainly reveals God’s five books of the Pentateuch? (see also is—and it is a most inspiring truth. God purpose for man. God made human Genesis 9:6; Leviticus 24:17, 21; Numbers took pains to reveal it in order to give us beings to actually help Him govern not 35:16-18, 31; and Deuteronomy 19:11-13). hope, inspiration and motivation to live just Earth, but the universe! It describes Many people believe the death penalty productive, moral and purposeful lives. God crowning Jesus Christ “with glory is unjust and hypocritical—that it some- Most people do not understand the and honour”—and then intending to how degrades human life. God says it Bible, but flip it open to almost any page bring “many sons unto glory” the way He actually shows the supremely high value and you will see evidence of the special- brought His Son Jesus Christ to glory! of human life! It forcibly demonstrates ness and purpose of human life. The truth about God’s purpose for just how precious was the life of that King David wrote, “When I consider human beings is awesome and wonder- innocent victim by demanding the sever- thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the ful! Mr. Armstrong wrote an entire book est of penalties for the one who took it. moon and the stars, which thou hast about it, called The Incredible Human (Now, you cannot understand human ordained; What is man, that thou art Potential, which shows that this inspiring life and God’s plan for it without under- mindful of him?” (Psalm 8:3-4). Out of all purpose is in the Bible from beginning standing the Bible’s teaching on the His vast creation, why does God care so to end (request a complimentary copy). afterlife. The Bible reveals that God will much for human beings? “For thou hast God wants us to understand this truth. It resurrect all sinners who have never made him a little lower than the angels, gives our lives meaning and direction. known Him—including murderers who and hast crowned him with glory and hon- And it gives us crucial perspective on were executed. Each person will receive our. Thou madest him to have dominion just why it is so important to protect the opportunity to repent and live for- over the works of thy hands; thou hast put and preserve life. ever—e.g., Revelation 20:11-12. So that all things under his feet: All sheep and When we reject this truth, as modern execution for a crime is not an eternal oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field; The secular society has, then we cannot death sentence.) fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea …. O see anything particularly special about God has no pleasure in the death of Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name human life. Humanism and other the wicked. But He demanded the death in all the earth!” (verses 5-9). David was ideologies and religions provide poor penalty, not only to put a murderer out of his misery (and then reserve him for The truth about God’s purpose for human beings is resurrection) but also so that others would hear and fear, to prevent more wonderful. It gives us crucial perspective on why innocent life from being taken. Such a it is so important to protect and preserve life. serious command protecting life has a powerful deterrent effect: Fewer people awestruck at God’s stunning creation, and substitutes. Left empty-handed, we commit murder, meaning fewer murder the fact that God crowned human beings descend into the type of thinking you see victims and fewer executed murderers. with such honor at the head of it all. in America today in the abortion culture. In the law God gave Israel, even the One New Testament author quoted punishment for manslaughter, acciden- studied David’s psalm. “But one in a cer- God’s Law Protects Life tal killing, was severe: The killer had to tain place testified, saying, What is man, Having created us for a wonderful pur- uproot his life and flee to a city of refuge, that thou art mindful of him?” he wrote pose, God is serious about protecting remaining there until the high priest (Hebrews 2:6). He quoted the verses human life. He gave several laws for died (Numbers 35). This too engendered about God putting creation under human that purpose, most powerfully the Sixth deep respect for the life of our fellow man. dominion—then expanded on them. Commandment, “You shall not murder” God’s law even commands that an Herbert W. Armstrong explained in his (Exodus 20:13; New King James Version). animal which kills a human being is to book Mystery of the Ages: “But now the Throughout history, societies that be killed (Exodus 21:28-32). Many other writer of the book of Hebrews is inspired departed furthest away from godly ancient codes of law address the matter to expand David’s prophecy to add some- thinking have come to view murder not of an animal injuring or killing a human thing radically different—something to as a sin or a crime, but as a valuable tool being—but only in God’s law was the happen in the world to come! for getting what they want. In the 20th animal subject to the death penalty and “This revealed knowledge of God’s pur- century alone, governments helmed by its flesh rendered unfit for human con- pose for mankind—of man’s incredible Mao Zedong, Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin, sumption. In Babylon, for example, the awesome potential—staggers the imagi- Hirohito, Pol Pot and Ho Chi Minh took uppermost concern was to protect the nation. Science knows nothing of it—no a very cheap view of life, and they killed property of the wealthy and powerful. religion reveals it, so far as I know—and millions upon millions of people in In God’s law, the sanctity of a human life, certainly higher education is in utter pursuit of their political aims. formed in the image and likeness of God, ignorance of it. God considers human life so valuable was paramount. “Nevertheless, it is what God says He that He commands, “He that smiteth a Most relevant to recent events, God has prepared for them that love Him man, so that he die, shall be surely put even gave a law to protect the life of an (1 Corinthians 2:9-10).” to death” (Exodus 21:12). Did you know unborn child in the womb. 6 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET In Exodus 21:22-23, the New King The only reason there would be any dis- We are using the laudable language of James Version reads, “If men fight, and agreement over this point is that people “rights” and “freedom”—even, ironically, hurt a woman with child, so that she want to carry on with their lives without “health”—but what are we talking about? gives birth prematurely, yet no harm an unwanted, unborn child—and thus We’re talking about making it easier follows [meaning, no injury comes to want to justify killing it. to murder. the fetus], he shall surely be punished A 2006 documentary called Lake of accordingly as the woman’s husband The Danger of Human Reasoning Fire included footage of an abortionist, imposes on him; and he shall pay as This message about the supreme value holding a tub containing the contents of the judges determine.” The perpetrator of human life is consistent throughout his latest procedure. He is washing out a had only to pay damages for whatever the Bible. It is when we ignore that tub of intestines and bones and organs inconvenience or hardship might have revelation from our Creator that we get and tiny hands, ensuring he evacuated come on the parents. “But,” it continues, ourselves into trouble—when we begin everything properly. He is measuring the “if any harm follows, then you shall give to rationalize acts of brutality toward length of a tiny severed foot on a ruler to life for life.” In other words, if his actions other human beings, even killing. assess how far the child’s development caused the unborn child to die, he was Abortion advocates always use had advanced. And this is the language sentenced to death! noble-sounding language like “freedom” coming out of his mouth: “Well the media In the eyes of God’s law, human life is and “choice” and “health care” and “equal- attention is always directed for the fetus sacred. And the life of an unborn child is ity” and “women’s rights” and “women’s and the gory parts, if you will, of pro- equal to that of an adult. health.” (They wouldn’t get very far viding the procedure—when the really This law gave the penalty for acciden- proclaiming the virtues of “fornication,” important thing is that we’ve been able tally killing a fetus. How do you suppose “poisoning” and “dismemberment.”) How- to help this young lady get on with her the God who made that law views the ever, the closer you look into the actual life. She’s planning to go to school and doctors who perform abortions for reality of abortion, the more shocking and she doesn’t have to take on the respon- profit, or counseling services that pres- grotesque it is. Once people remove God sibilities of parenting. And here in just sure pregnant women into killing their from the picture, once they discard abso- a few minutes we’re able to facilitate her babies, or judges who decide it is “legal,” lutes and begin traveling down that road decision to not be a parent at this time.” How compassionate. How magnan- Once people remove God from the picture, imous and high-minded he is—as he holds a tiny decapitated head with his once they discard absolutes, they end up justifying fingers. Don’t focus on the gory parts, he actions that are more and more horrific. says. Focus on the fact that we’re helping her live her life the way she wants to live or politicians, lobbyists and activists in their thinking, they end up justifying it. And look—it takes mere minutes to who encourage such laws and debate actions that are more and more horrific. turn that life into a tub of body parts. the merits of intentionally leaving a When human beings discard the This is what the people passing newborn to die on a hospital table? truth that God is our Creator, and these laws are really celebrating. Not Life begins at conception. Not only hypothesize that His vast, spectacular, “reproductive rights.” Not “protecting a is this true by biblical reckoning, it is beautiful creation is a cosmic accident mother’s health.” They are celebrating also the only scientifically viable without meaning, purpose or inherent a woman gaining the freedom to walk view. The question cannot be satisfac- value—when we reject God’s revelation away from parenthood—to make the torily, definitively answered any other and begin reasoning our way through same terrible choice that an irrespon- way. After conception, there is no stage questions of life and death—then ratio- sible man can—by murdering her child. of a child’s development, no moment nalization for all kinds of destructive How can they have grown so callous? of maturation, that suddenly makes behavior increases, even murder. What is really behind such thinking? The him or her become a human God says abortion is murder. Society Bible exposes its true origin: “the god being. He or she is vehemently disagrees. We have dis- of this world,” a malevolent spirit that a human being agreed for decades, but lately this view hates human beings and wants to destroy at conception. has gotten bolder and more aggressive. ABORTIONISTS PAGE 36 u

peretiatko Infinite potential.

Every human has a chance for eternity. To learn artem / more, request Herbert W. Armstrong’s free book com . The Incredible Human Potential. istock APRIL 2019 7 Throughout the Vladimir Putin era, starting in 2000, China’s esteem for Rus- sia has only increased. When Hu Jintao became China’s leader in 2003, his first trip abroad was to visit Putin. For the next decade, the relationship flourished. By the time Xi Jinping took the reins from Hu in 2013, China had become the world’s second-largest economy. And though Russia’s economy was smaller than that of New York, Xi’s first presi- dential trip abroad was also to Russia. He and Putin became fast friends, and have met dozens of times since. On the foundation of China treating Russia as if it were still a superpower, and with a common goal of dismantling the United States-led international order, both China and Russia grew stronger. And their camaraderie deepened.

Marching in Lockstep In international politics, Russia-China Axis of Authoritarians cooperation is accomplishing nothing short of reshaping the world. Whether allying to oppose Western interests in The Russia-China alliance is reshaping the world. by jeremiah jacques the Middle East, the Korean Peninsula and Venezuela, or supporting each oth- hina and Russia are more of the Western world looked down on ers’ growing territorial appetites in the aligned than at any point since Russia to a degree. former Soviet nations and South China “C the mid-1950s.” That was the But not China. The Chinese rec- Sea, Russia and China are reshaping conclusion of a January report by the ognized that they had much to learn international politics. United States Director of National from the Russians about armaments Economic developments tell the same Intelligence. and warfare. And they understood that story. In 2010, China overtook Germany Bloomberg took an even bolder view to stand up to the West in the future, to become Russia’s largest trading in November 2018, saying Russia and they would need a partner. So during partner. Five years later, Russia became China are now “as close as at any time in those years of Russian weakness China’s top supplier of crude. In 2018, their 400 years of shared history.” and instability, China treated Russia Russia and China exceeded $100 billion Most analysts recognize the deepen- with what Jeanne Wilson, author of in mutual trade for the first time, part ing relationship between the two most Strategic Partners: Russian-Chinese of which was China buying advanced powerful nations in the world’s largest Relations in the Post-Soviet Era, calls Russian weaponry such as fighter jets and most populous continent. But few “scrupulous respect.” and the S-400 anti-aircraft system. realize that this new reality has major In January 1992, when dust from the The most meaningful manifestation implications for every person alive. Soviet collapse was only starting to set- of the Russia-China axis is in military The new Russia-China axis gives tle, Chinese Premier Li Peng met with cooperation. In 2003, the two started urgent cause for each of us to be sobered Russian President Boris Yeltsin in New holding joint military drills. Beginning and take stock of our lives. Yet this new York, where they agreed to boost rela- as low-level drills involving a handful reality also points to a far greater devel- tions. That December, Yeltsin accepted of soldiers, the Russia-China exercises opment on the horizon that can fill us an invitation to visit Beijing, an event evolved over the years into complex with profound hope! both sides said signaled a new phase in maneuvers with thousands of military Russia-China ties. Intensive diplomatic personnel on each side. Respecting Russia activity over the next few years resulted As these military exercises expanded

During the Cold War, the Soviet Union in a massive reduction of troops on the in scope and complexity, references to julia

and China were often at odds. But the former China-Soviet border and the the Russia-China relationship upgraded goddard Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, and for formation of a “constructive partner- from “strategic cooperation” to a “com- /

the next decade Russia was a defeated, ship.” Wilson says China’s outreaches to prehensive strategic partnership,” and trumpet depleted power outside the mainstream Russia during this time went “a long way upgraded again to a “privileged strategic of world affairs. During this time, much to assuage Russia’s wounded ego.” partnership.” Yet the two still kept their 8 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET most important military secrets from Some still believe Russia and China each other. have too many differences to ever form But then came the joint air and mis- a true military alliance. The skeptics sile exercise in 2017. say obstacles such as historical border disputes, current water scarcity issues, Showing Each Other Their Cards and conflicting interests in Central Asia Stephen Blank, a senior fellow with the are too contentious for Russia and China American Foreign Policy Council, has to unite. called attention to this particular drill, On January 29, for example, Geopo- saying it “suggests an alliance” between litical Futures called the idea of a Rus- Russia and China. That’s because the sia-China alliance “a fantasy.” Kashin, exercise required both nations to “put too, wrote in his report that although MR. ARMSTRONG their cards on the table and display their Russia and China are laying the ground- c4isr,” he wrote. This term refers to work to be able to join forces, “currently WAS RIGHT command, control, communications and there are no observable scenarios under computer, as well as intelligence, sur- which the two sides might undertake … he Trumpet and its veillance and reconnaissance—among a joint action.” forerunner magazine, the the most sensitive aspects of a military. But Bible prophecy shows that just T Plain Truth, have forecast the The fact that Russia and China shared such a scenario will soon emerge. establishment of a Russia-China axis this information during the 2017 drills for 85 years, long before there was indicates a new and rare level of trust. ‘Tidings Out of the East’ evidence in the news of this happening. Vasily Kashin, a senior research fellow The Bible prophesies of a civiliza- Mr. Armstrong first prophesied at Moscow’s Higher School of Econom- tion-threatening war that will erupt in that a Russia-China axis would form in ics, told the Trumpet on February 11 that the near future. Matthew 24:21-22 record the Plain Truth’s June-July 1934 issue: this exercise was “a step forward.” But Jesus Christ as saying: “[T]here will be “[T]wo great military powers arise in the he said the Vostok-2018 exercise was greater anguish than at any time since last days—one the revival of the Roman still “more important.” the world began. And it will never be so Empire … the other … Russia, with her With more than 300,000 soldiers, great again. In fact, unless that time of allies … possibly China or Japan.” 36,000 military vehicles, 1,000 air- calamity is shortened, not a single person In the June 1957 Plain Truth, Mr. craft and 80 naval vessels taking part, will survive” (New Living Translation). Armstrong examined Ezekiel 38. Verse Vostok-2018 is believed to have been This could only be describing a 2 discusses “Gog, the land of Magog, the largest military exercise ever held. nuclear world war with enough deto- the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal.” China’s People’s Liberation Army con- nations to cause nuclear winter. It will He explained the modern identities tributed 3,200 troops, 900 combat vehi- have the potential to end all human life. of these lands and peoples, writing: cles and 30 aircraft, making it China’s Daniel 11 shows how this civiliza- “‘Gog’ in the land of ‘Magog’ is Russia, largest-ever dispatch of forces abroad tion-threatening war will ignite. Verse Mongolia and China. ‘Meshech’ is for military exercises. 40 discusses a power called “the king Moscow, ‘Tubal’ is Tobolsk — the Great Kashin told the Trumpet that the of the south.” This “king” is described Russians today. The margin says ‘Prince gargantuan drills show how closely the as pushing—enacting an extremely of Rosh,’ which is [White] Russia.” militaries of Russia and China have provocative foreign policy. Today, ana- He pointed to other Asian nations become, especially as both nations’ ties lysts worldwide label Iran as the world’s mentioned in verses 5 and 6, and to the U.S. are increasingly strained. primary state sponsor of terrorism. concluded: “[T]his prophecy of Ezekiel Russia and China have now held more This is among the “pushiest” strategies a 38 shows that it is RUSSIA and CHINA, than 30 sets of military drills as they iron country could adopt, and helps identify who shall finally succeed in marshaling out the details of how to join their forces the king of the south as radical Islam, led all the [Asian] races” into a unified bloc. for potential conflicts. “If at some point by Iran. You can prove this identity by These are just a few of the numerous Russia and China decide to jointly inter- reading Trumpet editor in chief Gerald statements Mr. Armstrong made from vene in a local conflict,” Kashin wrote in a Flurry’s booklet The King of the South. 1934 up until his death in 1986, saying 2018 report for the Center for Naval Anal- Verse 40 says this Islamic power will Russia and China would ally. In 1986, yses, “their militaries would act as a very “push at” another power called “the king Russia-China relations remained strong force multiplier for each other.” of the north.” This northern power will strained. But the trend of the last Kashin wrote, “China’s superior be a united Europe, led by Germany three decades show that surface navy, and its logistical and uav and guided by the Vatican. You can Mr. Armstrong was right. [unmanned aerial vehicle] capabilities understand the scriptures proving this would be coupled with Russia’s bat- identity by reading our free book The Request your tle-hardened ground and air forces as Holy Roman Empire in Prophecy. free copy of well as its air defense, submarine and Daniel 11 shows that after the king of He Was Right.

trumpet long-range strike advantages.” the south pushes at the king of the north, the latter will unleash a fury of devasta- power: The Asian force, called “the kings consume” all other world powers. Rev- tion on Iran and its Islamist partners. of the east,” will mobilize toward the elation 19:11-16 describe the scene as This clash will rattle the world! west! They will converge on the Euphra- Christ returns to assume His office as Russia and China—both of which have tes and then cross its miraculously dried King of kings, ruling the entire Earth. significant ties with Iran and desire bed—en route to confront the Europeans. Revelation 11:15 states, “The kingdoms to exert great influence in the Middle of this world are become the kingdoms East—will perhaps be more jolted than ‘Stunning Fulfillment of Prophecy’ of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he other nations. In 2014, after Putin annexed Ukraine’s shall reign for ever and ever.” This The clash between Europe and Iran- Crimean Peninsula, most of the world describes the Kingdom of God on Earth. led radical Islam will help create exactly condemned Russia. But one country Herbert W. Armstrong, editor in chief the “scenario” that Kashin says is pres- supported Moscow’s dangerous expan- of the Trumpet’s forerunner magazine ently absent on the world scene. sionist moves: China. the Plain Truth, wrote of this future Russia and China will see how In our May-June 2014 Trumpet issue, Kingdom. He said it will bring an end to powerful Europe has become, and how Mr. Flurry called this “a stunning present governments, including those effectively it wields its power. They will fulfillment of a biblical prophecy!” He in Moscow, Beijing and Tokyo, and also see that to challenge this mighty United was referring to the Bible passages those in Washington, D.C., London and Europe, they must ally. The Bible shows cited above. Paris. “The governments of Russia, China, that is exactly what they will do. He wrote: “When these Asian Japan—yes, also of the United States, Verses 40 through 43 say that after that nations—extremely powerful nucle- Britain and France—will be overthrown,” attack against Iran, the Europeans will ar-armed countries—begin to show sol- he wrote. “[T]here will be a different dominate more and more of the Middle idarity with each other regarding moves system of government. It will be God’s East. These campaigns are abruptly like that, what does that portend for the government” (Plain Truth, June 1964). interrupted: “But tidings out of the east world? I tell you it is woe to the world. It He continued: “Jesus Christ will and out of the north shall trouble him …” will cause many serious problems.” return, having received the kingdom (verse 44). Any good map shows that to Mr. Flurry said the Russia-China axis from God Almighty the Father. He will the east of the region where these cam- “is going to affect everyone.” set up world government. It will be the paigns will be occurring is China and its Scriptures in Ezekiel, Daniel, Matthew government of God.” neighbors, and to the north lies Russia. and Revelation show exactly how the Mr. Armstrong emphasized that The Europeans will hear “tidings” from Russian-led force will “cause many seri- Christ will not rule this Kingdom by these nations and be “troubled” by them. ous problems” that will “affect everyone” Himself. He will enlist those who have They will be disturbed to learn that Rus- in the near future. The coming war will learned to love God’s way of life to help sia and China have expanded and merged threaten to end all human life! Him. “Christ will assign some, who have their militaries to challenge Europe. But the Bible’s prophecies do not end learned and lived His way—the way of The Bible provides details about with nuclear war eradicating mankind. His government, during this life—to this Russo-Chinese force, showing rule over one city, or perhaps five, ten or why Europe will be so “troubled.” A New Government—Positions Open a hundred cities,” he wrote. Ezekiel 38:1-6 show that this force Continuing in Matthew 24:21-22, just Mr. Armstrong went on to explain that will absorb other Asian nations after Christ said the end-time war will as we see Russia and China rising and (sidebar: “Mr. Armstrong Was Right”). be so devastating that it could end all aligning, and as we see the world hurtling Revelation 9:16 says that with the bloc human life, He added a crucial detail: toward conflict, it should make us put our combining several populous nations, “But it will be shortened” (nlt). hope in this future righteous government. it will field an army of 200 million sol- What happens next will be stunning. And it should make us take action now so diers—an order of magnitude larger than Jesus Christ will return—before we can help administer that future gov- any force the world has ever seen. Reve- the chaos obliterates all human life. ernment of peace. “This life is the training lation 16:12 reveals what may be the most Daniel 2:44 says after Christ returns, period,” he wrote. “It is only those who are troubling “tidings” for the European His Kingdom will “break in pieces and under and obedient to the authority of God’s government now—who learn its laws, who overcome every other (and MARCHING TO ARMAGEDDON false) way—whose real citizenship is now reserved in heaven, who then will be Russia and China are stepping toward fulfilling biblical prophecies assigned a position of rule.” that will soon affect the entire world. To learn more, request Mr. Armstrong’s article concluded your free copy of Russia and China in Prophecy. with these hope-filled words: “The real istock

and true Christian life is, simply, the way . com

of God’s government. It trains the true / grigorenko Christian to administer that govern- ment. It trains him to become a king! Yes, you were born to be a king!” n 10 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET FRIENDSHIP PACT on the United Nations Security Council, Macron and which is where the UN’s real power lies. Merkel sign the Aachen Treaty. The five permanent Security Council members are the five victors of World War ii—the U.S., United Kingdom, France, Russia and China. Now France wants Germany, the instigator of World War ii (and World War i), on board. How soon we forget our history! “France really does love Germany— you can see it in these important joint ventures!” my father wrote—before this A Real ‘Bombshell’: treaty was even reported. France and Germany Unite! 21st-Century Empire Another key statement from the Times: “France and Germany also intend to by stephen flurry The treaty also contains a mutual speak with one voice in Brussels, draw- merican journalists love to defense clause: If either France or Ger- ing up common positions before pivotal report “bombshells”—about celeb- many is attacked, the other will come European Union summits in an effort to A rities or “miracle cures” or political to its defense. The nato alliance, which make the bloc a more decisive power on scandals. But then a real bombshell event includes the United States, already pro- the world stage” (op cit). occurs and they fail to even notice. vides these two nations with guaranteed France and Germany are already the On January 22, one of these bomb- defense in case of attack. So why an inde- EU’s two strongest powers. If they ham- shells went off: the Aachen Treaty. pendent agreement? These countries are mer out their differences beforehand This treaty includes “shared defense, already looking past nato. If America and join forces in every debate with other foreign and economic policies in an pulls out or nato otherwise falls apart, EU nations, they will dominate the rest of unprecedented ‘twinning’ pact regarded Europe will have to protect itself. the bloc even more than they already do. as a prototype for the future of the Euro- My father’s February 2019 Trumpet Smaller, weaker EU states with dissent- pean Union,” the London Times reported cover article was “France Rejects ing opinions, especially those in debt to (January 10). America—and Empowers Germany!” Germany, will face pressure to support In some of the most important aspects In November and December 2018, he projects like a “real, true European of national power, France is bolting itself broadcast three Key of David programs army” or face consequences, perhaps as to Germany. And some observers think on the subject, sparked by Macron’s extreme as getting kicked out of the bloc. other EU nations should do the same. The Times wrote that the treaty These countries are looking past NATO. If America enables Germany and France “to present a united diplomatic front and act jointly pulls out, Europe will have to protect itself. in peacekeeping missions. … Some offi- cials regard these experiments as a petri comments in November, when he called “The text bears the imprint of dish for the integration of the EU” (ibid). for a real European army, praised a Nazi Mr. Macron’s desire to use Franco-Ger- This is a real bombshell! Europe’s sec- collaborator from World War ii, and man consensus to rally the EU into ond-most powerful nation is giving its publicly rebuked United States President becoming more assertive as a global power over to its most powerful nation, Donald Trump as not being a true patriot. power” (ibid). In reality, there will be no and this might be just the beginning. At the same time, French Finance Minis- “rallying”—the Franco-German consensus ter Bruno Le Maire called for a European will impose its will on other members! France Loves Germany “empire” and urged Germany to lead. “There are concerns that the ever The Aachen Treaty openly advocates mili- Merkel joined the chorus and called for a closer union between the bloc’s two tary cooperation. After signing the treaty, “real, true European army.” Then Macron most powerful economies could create German Chancellor Angela Merkel said visited Berlin and told the German par- a juggernaut capable of crushing dissent its provisions will build a “common liament, “France loves [Germany].” beneath its wheels,” the Times continued. military culture” between France and France loves Germany! How true— “[The Aachen Treaty] lays the ground- images

Germany and “contribute to the creation and how historically unusual. “Never work for a Franco-German defense getty / of a European army.” French President before in French history has there been and security council that would act as afp / Emmanuel Macron said, “[A]uthoritarian a government so fixated on partnership a ‘political steering group.’ … Berlin

marin powers are emerging everywhere. … Let’s with Germany,” Deutsche Welle wrote and Paris will also frequently exchange

build a real European army to protect (January 22). France plans to lobby for diplomats and civil servants. Ministers ludovic ourselves and have a real foreign policy.” Germany to receive a permanent seat FRANCE AND GERMANY PAGE 27 u APRIL 2019 11 Christ’s Coming Is ‘At the Very Door’!

Six signs Jesus gave that He is about to return by gerald flurry

hat are the signs of the Two Commissions of the Philadelphia Church of God (pcg) Second Coming and of the Here is the context of this prophecy: today! The commissions of these two eras end of the world? “And as he [Christ] sat upon the mount of are both signs. But only one belongs to the Jesus Christ’s disciples Olives, the disciples came unto him pri- six signs I will explain in this article. Wasked this question of Christ Himself, vately, saying, Tell us, when shall these Mr. Armstrong’s work was a sign to and He gave a detailed answer—many things be? and what shall be the sign of this world of Christ’s imminent return. It specific signs to watch for that would thy coming, and of the end of the world fulfilled Matthew 24:14: “And this gospel show when He was about to return to [age]?” (Matthew 24:3). Christ’s disciples of the kingdom shall be preached in all Earth in glory! heard His prophecies and believed them, the world for a witness unto all nations; You can read His answer in Matthew but they were curious about when these and then shall the end come.” That work 24. He explained that “all these things prophecies would be fulfilled. was “the sign of thy coming.” It showed must come to pass” just before His Look closely at that verse, and you that Christ’s return is near. But it is not a Second Coming. notice two questions. These correspond sign that this epic event is “at the door”! “Now learn a parable of the fig tree; with the last two eras of God’s Church Compare verse 3 with verse 14. Both When his branch is yet tender, and put- before Christ’s return. (I explain this in refer to “the end,” but the Greek words teth forth leaves, ye know that summer my booklet Nuclear Armageddon Is ‘At are different. Verse 3 relates to the end is nigh: So likewise ye, when ye shall see the Door’; request a free copy or read it of the age of man’s rule over man and all these things, know that it is near, online at theTrumpet.com/go/arm.) “The Christ establishing God’s government even at the doors” (Matthew 24:32-33). sign of your coming” refers to Herbert over the Earth. Commentaries tell us You won’t know the day or the hour W. Armstrong’s work of preaching the that the context must reveal which “end” of Christ’s return (verse 36), but you true gospel of God around the world—as is being discussed in verse 14. The con- can know based on the signs when I will show you. And the sign “of the end text shows it is the “end” of the period it is, as Moffatt translates it, “at the of the age” refers to the work of God’s during which the gospel of the Kingdom very door.” Church today, which has been commis- of God was preached around the world This is the single most important sioned to prophesy again (Revelation as the Church’s primary commission. prophetic message Christ ever deliv- 10:11) in this last era of the Church, the This “end” took place when Mr. Arm- ered. It takes study to understand it. Laodicean era. (You can read Christ’s strong died in 1986. But it is one of the most exciting studies prophecy of these eras in Revelation 2-3, The gospel being preached around the of the Bible you will ever have! Pay and learn more by studying my book world was “the sign of thy coming”—but close attention to this truth, and you Malachi’s Message to God’s Church Today. not a sign “of the end of the world” and istock .

will be stunned! All of our literature is free.) of Christ’s coming being at the door! com

I want to point you to six signs Christ What was the sign of Christ’s coming? With that important distinction in / ilbusca gave that prove His return is at the very God’s Work under Mr. Armstrong. What mind, here are six signs that Christ’s door—right now. is the sign of the end of the age? The work coming is now at the very door. 12 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET around the world in dozens of nations Do we really believe mankind is going and in front of hundreds of national lead- to avoid any of these weapons being used? ers. At the same time, a “synagogue of Isn’t it folly to think anybody could solve Satan” within the Church fought against these problems except God Himself? his work in secret (Revelation 3:9). When Mr. Armstrong died, they took over the Church and it became the Laodicean 1 era (verses 14-22). God says He will spew these rebels out of His mouth (verse 16). Matthew 24:12 is about rampant law- Ninety-five percent of God’s lessness. Moral and spiritual decay will own people have rebelled abound. The whole world is infected, and God’s people have been swept up 3 “And Jesus answered and said unto them, in it. Mr. Armstrong warned that such Take heed that no man deceive you. For degeneration is more dangerous than many shall come in my name, saying, the nuclear bomb! Society today is ‘as I am Christ; and shall deceive many” in the days of Noah’ (Matthew 24:4-5). This was Christ’s primary warning to His disciples! He Christ continued: “But as the days of foretold that just before His Second Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Coming, many false religious teachers Son of man be. For as in the days that would preach a message about Christ the were before the flood they were eating man instead of focusing on the message and drinking, marrying and giving in He taught while on Earth. marriage, until the day that Noe entered There are many “Christian” churches 2 into the ark, And knew not until the that preach about Christ and ignore His flood came, and took them all away; so message. But Christ was warning His very shall also the coming of the Son of man disciples, “Take heed that no man deceive Nuclear weapons threaten be” (Matthew 24:37-39). you.” He is warning of a deception that to destroy all humanity Noah spent 100 years building an ark would affect even His own disciples! That and warning that God would send a great is how deceptive Satan the devil is. Still, many prophecies actually speak of flood, which would drown the entire Christ backed up this warning a few nuclear bombs wreaking untold destruc- world. People taunted and scorned him verses down: “And many false prophets tion—including Christ’s prophecy in and continued to rebel against God. shall rise, and shall deceive many. And Matthew 24: “For then shall be great “And God saw that the wickedness of man because iniquity [lawlessness] shall tribulation, such as was not since the was great in the earth, and that every abound, the love of many shall wax cold. beginning of the world to this time, no, imagination of the thoughts of his heart But he that shall endure unto the end, nor ever shall be. And except those days was only evil continually” (Genesis 6:5). the same shall be saved” (verses 11-13). should be shortened, there should no Imagine people being so wretched as to “Love” here is translated from the Greek flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake think about evil all day long. The human word agape, which is the very love of God. those days shall be shortened” (verses mind of itself is incapable of conceiving This can only be referring to God’s own 21-22). This is the crisis of all crises! God anything righteous. people—those who have been begotten is trying to get our attention. Christ said society would be the same with the Holy Spirit, which alone gives us What else besides nuclear weapons way today. God is showing His love that love (Romans 5:5). But these saints could wipe out all life on the planet? by trying to save mankind from their lost their first love: They no longer love There are more than enough such nuclear bombs, but they won’t listen! God or His message! They don’t hunger weapons on Earth to accomplish that, You can give them all the facts, informa- jkenneth

/ and thirst after righteousness as they did and they are in the hands of some very tion and proof they could possibly need,

com at the start of their calling to the truth. unstable people. North Korea likes to and they will still ridicule you for telling . Christ warned that “the love of many play deadly games with America. Its the truth. All who refuse to heed God’s istock , shall wax cold”—or as the Greek reads, bizarre, extreme leader possesses warning will pay a heavy price. the majority! After Mr. Armstrong died, nuclear warheads capable of reaching We cannot save ourselves. It is already tavani 95 percent of God’s Church fell away! This American cities, and at times he has virtually guaranteed that nations as a

romolo was a shocking event—likely the greatest shown an eagerness for war! Pakistan whole will not listen to God. But God / falling away from God in human history! and India possess nuclear weapons, as says to you individually, Even if your com . How could this happen? Because they do Russia and China, Brazil and other nation won’t obey me, you can choose to istock

, descended into lawlessness. countries. Europe has the ability to use do so and be protected from the coming Mr. Armstrong gave everything he atomic bombs that America has stored punishment. Just heed and obey God!

trumpet had to preach the true gospel message on the Continent. CHRIST’S COMING PAGE 32 u APRIL 2019 13 FORGING A SUPERPOWER German industry is building the machinery for world war—again. by brad macdonald and josué michels simply haven’t justified the expense of putting on serious military muscle. But times have changed. The incentive ermany is an indus- How? Ultimately it will come down to to militarize is intensifying—and Ger- trial heavyweight, two key ingredients: industrial capacity many is positioned to quickly become a more powerful than and will. Germany already has plenty military heavyweight! Russia, India and the of the first. It is the world’s fourth-larg- United Kingdom. Its est industrial power and third-largest Illustrious Military Legacy economy almost sin- exporter. German-made products, from Understanding Germany’s military gle-handedly keeps the European Union cars to machinery to chemicals and phar- requires historical context. While every Gfrom going bust. But in military prowess, maceuticals, dominate global markets. race and nation has a long history with Germany is a lightweight. Germany’s landscape, as anyone who has war and conflict, the Germans have At the end of 2017, the “Bundeswehr driven on the Autobahn knows, is a land a unique penchant for combat. This had 128 Eurofighters, of which 39 could of factories and cathedrals. Germany history can be traced all the way back to fly,” the Spectator reported. “It had six already manufactures masses of military their forefather Asshur and the ancient submarines, none of which were work- products it sells all over the world. Assyrians in Mesopotamia. But that is a ing when the [February 2018 Defense Germany has the industrial capacity. story for another day. Ministry] report was compiled. Of its 13 It only needs the willpower, the incen- The first to unite most of Europe’s aging frigates, only five could sail. Of its tive—and it could transform militarily Germanic tribes on a large scale was 93 Tornado jets, 26 were ready for action. from dwarf to formidable giant virtually Charlemagne, the eighth-century German Air Force trainees struggled to overnight! French-German emperor of the Holy

qualify because so few aircraft were Why isn’t Germany more of a military Roman Empire. Less than a century christof ready for use” (June 16, 2018). This isn’t heavyweight already? First, its power isn’t later, the German war machine was

merely an issue of decrepit subs and nearly as weak as many say. Second—and operational again, this time under Otto stache broken jets. Germany’s army, the Bunde- this is critical, given the nation’s history— the Great. His kingdom is referred to as / swehr, is woefully undermanned and in the military is an exceedingly complex the Holy Roman Empire of the German afp / need of thousands of soldiers, officers and sensitive topic, both domestically nation. Over the next thousand years, getty

and administrators. and internationally. Germany cannot the land between the North Sea and the images Despite this bleak picture, the Trum- simply build a powerful military. Until Adriatic Sea was some of the most war- ,

pet expects Germany to soon transfigure the last 10 to 15 years, the Bundeswehr torn territory in the world. The Thirty till

into a terrifying military power that will couldn’t fire up a tank without being Years War (1618–48), for example, which rimmele spark another world war. accused of starting World War iii. began as a Catholic-versus-Protestant /

This is what the Bible forecasts. And Germany has to be very careful with conflict but gradually engulfed most getty improbable as it may seem, this transfor- how it shapes its military identity. Since of Europe, caused the deaths of more

images mation could happen much more easily the nation reunited in 1990, the costs than 8 million people and reduced the and rapidly than most people know! to its reputation, economy and politics German population by 20 percent. 14 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET FORGING A SUPERPOWER

Even modern Germany was conceived shocked by the sheer scale of Germany’s really knowing until it was too late. in the crucible of war. At the start of the military strength. In just a few years Virtually the entire world slumbered as 19th century, Germany was divided into the nation had quietly but not secretly Germany prepared for war! 300 duchies. Then Otto von Bismarck transformed from a hollowed-out power Could this history repeat itself? arrived, and by 1871 he had united these to a military giant, and most of the world Many of the best and brightest men in states under Prussian leadership. How had scarcely noticed. the West certainly believed it could. This did he do it? He picked a fight with the Winston Churchill was one of the few is why Allied leaders gathered in Germany French. The Franco-Prussian War (1870– men watching closely; he understood in 1945 and forged the Potsdam Agree- 71) was the glue that united Germany. Germany’s capacity for deceit. In a ment. This agreement demanded “the Less than 20 years after Bismarck speech on Nov. 28, 1934, he warned complete disarmament and demilitariza- died, Germany again went to war. about its growing air power. “So far I tion of Germany and the elimination or In 1914, Kaiser Wilhelm started the have dealt with what I believe is the control of all German industry that could First World War by manipulating known, but beyond the known there is be used for military production.” Austria-Hungary into conflict with Ser- also the unknown. We hear from all These men recognized the deadly bia (and its ally Russia). Germany was sides of an air development in Germany axis between Adolf Hitler and German defeated. Within 20 years, Adolf Hitler far in excess of anything which I have industry. The Potsdam Agreement plunged Germany, and much of the rest stated today. As to that all I would say curbed Germany’s industrial might, of the world, into another terrible war. is, ‘Beware!’ Germany is a country thereby preventing it from building images

Germany was again vanquished. fertile in military surprises.” another war machine. But the effort The sheer destruction of World War ii Poland was one of the first to experi- soon failed and within a few years the getty / and the horrors of the Holocaust slowed ence firsthand the truth in Churchill’s war factories were again thriving.

gallup the German war machine. But over time, warning when, in September 1939, it In the fall of 1950, Konrad Adenauer,

Germany’s military identity reformed. was crushed under its martial assault. the West German chancellor, gathered sean , In the early 1990s, the newly unified Poland’s famed cavalry was no match for at the Himmerod Monastery with mili-

images German state, together with the Vatican, Germany’s tanks. Next came France— tary leaders and experts who previously

sparked the Balkans wars. conquered on June 25, 1940, after a mere served in Hitler’s Wehrmacht (the Nazi getty / six weeks of resistance. When the Luft- armed forces). The men discussed how ‘Fertile in Military Surprises’ waffe began bombing London in Septem- to restore the nation’s military following alliance Time and again Germany has shown a ber 1940, its 2,682 planes outnumbered the war. Many of the attendees were proclivity for subterfuge and deceit over the Royal Air Force nearly 4 to 1. Were it later granted high offices in the Bunde- picture / its military capacity and ambitions. At not for Churchill’s inspired leadership swehr and nato. the time Hitler took power in 1933, most and a series of divine miracles, Britain The substance of this discussion later bänsche Western leaders considered him a peace- would have been defeated in 1941. became part of the “Himmeroder Memo- ful leader seeking only to strengthen his Remarkably, Hitler was able to build randum” of Oct. 9, 1950. The memo’s main immanuel nation’s position in Europe. When war his massive navy, air force and army thesis was that a future German Army

arne erupted in September 1939, many were without Britain, France and America required rehabilitating the Wehrmacht. APRIL 2019 15 FORGING A SUPERPOWER

This document served as the basis for Rheinmetall was authorized to resume Bundeswehr had become the “backbone negotiations with the West. Though Ade- producing military equipment. Thus the of nato’s conventional defense in Central nauer carefully negotiated and knew the Potsdam Agreement was undermined not Europe.” Mere decades after the Potsdam demands had to be implemented in small long after its ink had dried! Agreement, nato was relying on Ger- steps, it is clear that Germany’s military The story of Krauss-Maffei Wegmann many to deter Russia on the Continent, ambition still smoldered. is even more striking. The company’s and German industry was churning out The embers of World War ii hadn’t official website reads, “Krauss-Maffei tanks and other military supplies. yet been extinguished, and already top Wegmann reflects on 170 years of history The Soviet Union’s collapse in Decem- German leaders were plotting how to which is steeped in tradition and closely ber 1991 had a direct impact on Germa- rebuild Germany’s military! linked with the Kassel and Munich loca- ny’s military expansion. But not in the By 1955, with the Communist threat tions.” The company is indeed “steeped in way you might expect. Germany actually rising, Germany was allowed to rearm tradition”—but tradition to be proud of? began to reduce military spending. Why? and join the newly created North Krauss-Maffei Wegmann contributed Atlantic Treaty Organization. There to the building of the tanks that rolled Saving Money for the Third Round were conditions: Germany must waive into Poland and across Europe. In that When the Cold War ended, Germany the right to biological and chemical tradition, the company today produces largely stopped militarizing. Even as weapons, the Bundeswehr was to be greater, faster and far more powerful nato officials demanded that Berlin capped at 500,000, and it was to operate tanks. It was Nazi tradition to name increase its military budget, it refused. under nato command. On June 7, 1955, Theodor Blank was appointed minister of defense, giving Germany its first postwar defense minister. The Allies also loosened their ban on German rearmament. Step by step, the very same industry that had built Hitler’s war implements was allowed to restart operations. Their stories are told not just in hidden documents but in detail on the companies’ official websites. For example, the Rheinmetall website provides an extensive chronology of the company’s history during the war. Concerning the years 1942 to 1944, A German soldier holds a G36 Rheinmetall writes: “As the war pro- Heckler and Koch assault rifle. gresses, the Nazi regime demands ever greater efforts on the part of industry to tanks after big cats, such as Tiger and Did this mean Germany’s military step up arms production. The require- Panther. The war’s end halted work ambitions had been extinguished? On ments of the German Army, Navy and on another tank that was to be called the contrary: It meant the newly united Luftwaffe for technical innovations Leopard. But in the 1960s, Krauss-Maffei Germany was rejecting nato’s authority. force the development departments of Wegmann started production on the Within nato, Germany had reached its Rheinmetall-Borsig to push ahead at full Leopard 1 battle tank. The Gepard and authorized military potential. To exceed speed, too. By July 1944, the company Leopard 2 followed. (To learn more about these imposed limitations, it developed has developed some 20 weapon systems where Hitler’s arms manufacturers are its own plan for military domination. that have been fielded by the Wehr- today, see the infographic on page 18.) This plan required first focusing on macht.” What is Rheinmetall’s intention The very arms industry that shocked getting healthy and strong domestically, here? Some would say it is bragging the world in World War ii rose rapidly bringing Eastern Germany into the fold, about its support for Adolf Hitler! during the Cold War. The Stockholm and securing dominance over Europe Many other arms companies recount International Peace Research Institute economically and politically. similar stories. Even more interesting (sipri) says Germany spent as much Rather than invest billions each year to

is how they returned to business after as 5.2 percent of its gross domestic safeguard Europe, Germany relied on the david

being banned in Potsdam in 1945. product on its military in 1963. By 1982, U.S.-sponsored security umbrella. The hecker Rheinmetall-Borsig AG split into two 300 Leopard 2 tanks were manufactured billions it saved were then invested in / companies to make it easier to obtain annually. By 1990, the now-reunited the civil industry and economy. Outside getty production permits. In 1950 both German Army numbered 500,000. of nato, however, Germany developed its

images companies received permission to man- nato documents record that through- arms industry, its integration with other ufacture civil sector products. In 1956, out the latter half of the 20th century, the EU armies and its foreign deployment. 16 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET Today, while many countries face world’s third-largest arms exporter. War Factories bankruptcy, Germany has one of the Even after recent cuts, it remains in the Though Germany isn’t a military heavy- strongest economies in the world. top five, currently fabricating 7 percent weight, the overall picture is strong. Its The U.S. and Russia are still among the of the world’s total arms exports. That is military budget is the seventh highest world’s largest military powers. But what impressive, especially for a nation that is in the world. This rank could suddenly about the race for the next generation of such a military lightweight itself! rise if Germany commits to rearm—for weapon systems? Can the U.S. or Russia But why is Germany exporting weap- which its capacity is mighty. win that race? Technologically, they have ons everywhere? It’s not the profit. In Germany excels in the small-arms the capacity—but both are in trouble 2017, weapons exports accounted for less industry, which is a conglomerate financially and are having to cut mili- than half a percent of its total exports. of smaller manufacturers and other tary spending. Meanwhile, Germany’s Germany’s Economic Ministry states industry branches that also produce economy is comparatively strong, and is on its website: “Arms exports are not arms and security technologies. Among ready to finance a military upgrade! resources for economic policy.” In its greatest armories is Heckler & Koch, In this age of cyberwarfare, artificial other words, it has a strategic reason one of the world’s five largest gun man- intelligence and technological advance- to manufacture and export arms. The ufacturers, which produces handguns, ment, it takes a lot of money and effort government gives at least two reasons: pistols, rifles and machine guns. Its G3 to keep apace with competitors. At this It builds strategic partnerships and alli- is modeled after the Kalashnikov AK-47. crucial time in history, the U.S. and ances, and it maintains Germany’s arms Another great manufacturer is Ger- Russia are forced to make military industry and thus its national security. many’s photonics group Jenoptik, which cuts—while Germany can rearm. Manufacturing and exporting weapons produces mechatronic and sensory prod- “Germany has benefited from the fact brings enormous strategic and military ucts for civilian and military markets. that the strategic situation has remained benefits. Germany may have neglected The company is present in more than calm for two decades, allowing it to its military stock at home, but it hasn’t 80 countries. In 2017, it generated about invest in the civilian economy,” stated neglected its capacity to manufacture €748 million (us$850 million) in revenue. Swiss military expert Albert Stahel in an military hardware. It has made profits The Munich-based company mtu Aero interview with Focus Online. “But that is by producing and exporting weaponry Engines produces engines for combat now over: The whole orientation of the while others have spent money storing aircraft, such as the Eurofighter, and the state must be rethought. The armament and upgrading weaponry. Germany may civilian Airbus A380. Founded in 1934, machine must be restarted” (Feb. 7, not have thousands of tanks and millions the company today extends worldwide to 2017; Trumpet translation throughout). of machine guns in storage, but it has the 14 locations, with 10,000 employees and Germany today is ready—econom- factories, the plans and blueprints, the revenue of €5 billion ($5.7 billion). ically and industrially—to reenter experience and the skill set to militarize! Diehl Defense is the armaments divi- the military armament game. It has Germany has tested its weaponry sion of the Nuremberg-based Diehl Group. the technology, factories and industry. It in various terrains around the world. The company specializes in the produc- also has decades of experience with pro- Repeatedly the industry has been tion of tank tracks, ammunition and ducing world-class military hardware. alerted to malfunctions in the equip- guided missiles. The company is present ment, and upgraded and perfected its in 18 locations, primarily in Europe. Secret Strategy Behind Exports weaponry in peacetime. For example, Krauss-Maffei Wegmann specializes “At first glance,” wrote German public Turkey used German tanks against the in manufacturing howitzers, troop broadcaster ard, “Germany looks like a Islamic State in Syria, giving the Ger- transporters and tanks. Its famous deeply peaceful country. But that is only mans feedback that helped them perfect Leopard 2 was built in cooperation with partially true. Since the mid-1950s, Ger- their design. Had Germany overstocked Rheinmetall. kmw has 3,500 employees man armaments companies have been its military warehouses with tanks, it in seven countries; 30 countries rely on selling weapons all over the world” (Nov. would have had to upgrade thousands of its military technology. 2, 2017). In 2016, Handelsblatt wrote malfunctioning tanks on its own dime. Rheinmetall Defense is the arma- that “Germany is one of the largest arms Germany produces some of the most ments division of the Düsseldorf-based producers in the world” (Jan. 25, 2016). highly demanded tanks in the world. In Rheinmetall Group. Its main products Though Germany’s military spending cooperation with France, it is working include tanks, anti-aircraft systems and declined, its military production indus- on the next generation of combat ammunition. try never stopped. In fact, it grew from systems. Newly designed tanks are Steel manufacturer ThyssenKrupp strength to strength. predicted to outperform Russia’s T-14. A also operates an armaments division. The March 2018 sipri Fact Sheet states, joint venture of Airbus and Dassault Avi- The company produces world-class “The combined arms exports by Euro- ation aims for dominance with next-gen- submarines and naval vessels. pean Union member states accounted for eration fighters and a Future Combat Air Some of Germany’s arms manufac- 27 percent of the global total in 2013–17.” System. German-French fighter jets are turers have also expanded through Germany alone rose to become the predicted to excel America’s F-35. SUPERPOWER PAGE 20 u APRIL 2019 17 FORGING A SUPERPOWER

Airbus A400M military THE ROOTS transport planes of OF GERMAN the Luftwaffe MILITARY MIGHT Some of Germany’s most successful businesses have a history of arming Puma tanks are Workers emerge from a assembled at a submarine under construction Germany with the tools of Rheinmetall factory. at a ThyssenKrupp shipyard. war, and they rebounded remarkably from their World War II defeat. After Airbus Rheinmetall Röchling ThyssenKrupp some mergers, splits and Headquartered in Leiden, Headquartered in Headquartered in Headquartered in Essen, acquisitions, the same the Netherlands, Airbus Düsseldorf, Germany, Mannheim, Germany, Germany, ThyssenKrupp is industrial conglomerates operates in 19 countries. Rheinmetall operates Röchling operates in 25 divided into 670 subsidiaries that powered Adolf It is now the world’s in 21 countries. It is the countries. It has the biggest worldwide, operating Hitler’s Third Reich have second-largest aerospace 10th-largest weapons portfolio of thermoplastics in 78 countries. It is the reemerged to dominate the company, manufacturing manufacturer in Europe, and composite materials in 10th-largest steel producer modern European Union. commercial aircraft, primarily manufacturing the world, manufacturing in the world, manufacturing helicopters and military combat vehicles like the plastics, automotive parts trains, elevators, ships and profile transports. Leopard 2 tank. and medical equipment. submarines.

2017 REVENUE $76,510,000,000 $6,760,000,000 $1,800,000,000 $47,500,000,000

PARENT COMPANIES MESSERSCHMITT RHEINMETALL RÖCHLING THYSSEN, KRUPP World War ii ROLE Messerschmitt designed Rheinmetall was Adolf Hermann Röchling was Fritz Thyssen was an early and manufactured the Hitler's second-biggest appointed the Reich supporter of Hitler. During majority of the Third arms supplier, manufactur- Commissioner for Iron World War II, his company The RED Reich’s Air Force. ing nearly every important and Steel in the Occupied was one of the Third Reich's HOUSE REPORT kind of gun the German Territories. His company major steel producers. The In 1996, a shocking Bf 109 fighters on the Army used and exploiting manufactured weapons Krupp combine manufac- assembly line at the World War II intelligence Messerschmitt factory thousands of concentration such as the Röchling tured submarines, trucks, document went public. in Augsburg, 1943 camp laborers. grenade. locomotives, warships, A French military intel- artillery and munitions for ligence agent compiled the Reich—using 75,000 the document detailing slaves for labor. an August 1944 meeting between top German In 1951, Alfried Krupp, along with all other industrialists. Several of imprisoned German industrialists, was Germany’s elite industries officially pardoned and released. Six years were represented, later, he appeared on the cover of Time including Messerschmitt magazine as “the wealthiest man in Europe— and Volkswagenwerk. Adolf Hitler speaks and perhaps the world.” He died in 1967 with Representatives met at at a weapons factory in Berlin, in 1940. a copy of Mein Kampf on his nightstand. the Hotel Rotes Haus in Strasbourg, France, to company representatives discuss a secret postwar plan to restore Nazi power. Dr. Sinderen Drs. Kopp, Vier and Beerwanger Dr. Tolle Dr. Kaspar When the U.S. declassified this document, it received “The battle of France was lost for Germany and now the defense attracting any suspicion. Moreover, the ground would have to sparse news coverage. of the Siegried Line was the main problem. From now on also be laid on the financial level for borrowing considerable sums More disturbing is that German industry must realize that the war cannot be won and from foreign countries after the war. … Following this meeting a the U.S. government did that it must take steps in preparation for a postwar commercial smaller one was held presided over by Dr. Bosse of the German not make it public until campaign. Each industrialist must make contacts and alliances Armaments Ministry and attended only by representatives of 181996—over THE PHILADELPHIA 50 years later. TRUMPET with foreign firms, but this must be done individually and without Hecho, Krupp and Rochling. At this second meeting it was stated

thomas starke/getty images, phillip schulze/picture alliance/getty images, sean gallup/getty images, galerie bilderwelt/getty images, keystone-france/getty images BASF headquarters Bayer headquarters

Volkswagens move along the assembly line in Dresden. TriDelta Volkswagen BASF Bayer Sanofi Headquartered in Headquartered in Headquartered in Headquartered in Headquartered in Paris, Hermsdorf, Germany, Wolfsburg, Germany, Ludwigshafen, Germany, Leverkusen, Germany, Bayer France, Sanofi operates TriDelta is a subsidiary Volkswagen operates BASF operates in 80 operates in 79 countries. in 100 countries. It is of the Tokyo-based in 31 countries. It is the countries. It is the largest It is the 15th-largest the world’s sixth-largest Meidensha Corp. It largest manufacturer chemical-producing pharmaceutical company pharmaceutical continues to manufacture of automobiles in the company in the world. in the world, also making company, manufacturing surge arresters for world, producing 11 million It is also involved in crop consumer health-care both prescription high- and medium-voltage passenger and commercial technology and crude oil products and biotechnology and over-the-counter electrical systems. vehicles in 2018. exploration. products. medication.

$45,500,000 $272,000,000,000 $73,880,000,000 $36,730,000,000 $40,180,000,000

HERMSDORF & SCHOMBURG BÜSSING, VOLKSWAGENWERK IG FARBEN Hermsdorf & Schomburg Büssing manufactured IG Farben, the world’s largest chemical group, played manufactured ceramic heavy motor vehicles for a key role in the Holocaust, manufacturing Zyklon B insulators for electronic the German Army—using gas-chamber poison—using 80,000 slaves for labor. IG Farben Faust and chemical plant Himmler components during the war. inmates of several Nazi con- centration camps. Volkswagenwerk Germany’s built cars, military vehicles and Master Plan The Germans are building an munitions—using Adolf Hitler and empire. Their imperial goals Dr. Ferdinand Porsche 15,000 slaves for inspect a new Volkswagen. catapulted in the 1990s labor. when Germany recognized the independence of two In 1951, Alfried Krupp, along with all other little Roman Catholic imprisoned German industrialists, was republics in the Balkans. officially pardoned and released. Six years These events show anyone later, he appeared on the cover of Time willing to take note that magazine as “the wealthiest man in Europe— something dreadful is Hitler greets Inspectors test and perhaps the world.” He died in 1967 with Gustav Krupp, shells at a Krupp Workers assemble tanks stirring in Germany. To learn who led Krupp AG munitions factory for the German Army a copy of Mein Kampf on his nightstand. through 1940. in 1942. Caption during World War II. more, request Germany’s Conquest of the Balkans.

Dr. Scheid Captain Haberkorn and Drs. Ruhe, Ellenmayer and Kardos

that the Nazi Party had informed the industrialists that the war Maquis (to go in mountain defense stations). From now on the was practically lost but that it would continue until a guarantee government would allocate large sums to industrialists so that of the unity of Germany could be obtained. German industrialists each could establish a secure postwar foundation in foreign must, it was said, through their exports increase the strength countries. Existing financial reserves in foreign countries must of Germany. They must also prepare themselves to finance be placed at the disposal of the Party so that a strong German the Nazi Party, which would be forced to go underground as Empire can be created after the defeat.” APRIL 2019 19

jens schlueter/getty images, ullstein bild/getty images, oliver berg/picture alliance/getty images, topical press agency/getty images, ullstein bild/getty images, three lions/getty images,bettmann/getty images, ullstein bild/getty images (2) FORGING A SUPERPOWER u SUPERPOWER FROM PAGE 17 Renault, Volkswagen and man, are all military pact called Permanent Struc- mergers beyond national borders. mbda involved to some degree in the produc- tured Cooperation (pesco) that includes developed into a European defense com- tion of military equipment and parts. logistics, transportation and training pany with locations in France, Britain, These factors give Germany enor- missions that will help coordinate mem- Italy, Germany and Spain. The company mous military potential. It may not be ber countries’ operations. specializes in guided missiles. brimming with tanks, fighter jets and But Europe’s army and military would Germany’s largest arms manufacturer guns, but it has the industrial capac- be largely ineffective without capable is also a merger. The Airbus Group con- ity to create all these things. Indeed, leadership at the officer level. This is sists of the German dasa, the French it does manufacture them for others. It why Germany is training military offi- Aérospatiale-Matra and the Spanish need only keep a few at home. cers all over Europe. casa. The company specializes in As peaceful as Germany seems because The Bundeswehr, Germany’s armed fighter jets, troop transporters, tankers its army has shrunk since 1990, its mil- forces, currently has 24 training facil- and combat helicopters. European itary potential has grown exponentially. ities open to soldiers from other EU aircraft producer Airbus is ranked the The stage for sudden rearmament is set. member states. It also has troops in 55 second-largest industry in the field. Europe’s land and maritime produc- tion industries are undergoing similar mergers. Government reports published in November say Germany will lead the production of a new European super tank that involves the German com- panies Rheinmetall and kmw and the French Nexter. France’s state-owned Naval Group also seeks to merge with ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems. German industry has also formed business and strategic partnerships with industries worldwide. Take The European Main Battle Tank, manufactured by Rheinmetall, Rheinmetall: Beyond exporting its KMW, and Nexter goods around the world, the company is known for investing in other countries European Strategy training facilities of other armies across directly. For example, it has been heavily When calculating Germany’s military Europe. Some Bundeswehr officers are involved in the construction of a tank potential, it is important to also consider attending the elite officers’ school in factory in Turkey. the capacity of its European neighbors. Saint-Cyr, learning about the military Rheinmetall’s reach gives it power to Why? Because, thanks to its economic structure, strategies, resources and subjugate competitors. In January, the and political position in Europe, Ger- mentality of France. British defense company bae Systems many can tap into their assets. Moreover, German officers are learning to work announced that it is selling a majority Bible prophecy speaks of an end-time with and to command foreign soldiers. controlling share of its Land UK division European superpower, led by Germany. They are cooperating with the French on to the German Rheinmetall Group. In time, we will see Germany gain flying helicopters. German submarines Andreas Schwer, a native German more influence and even exercise direct could soon set off for patrol carrying and executive for the Düsseldorf Rhe- control over France’s air force, Italy’s joint German-Norwegian crews. inmetall Group, sits on the board of the navy and Poland’s impressive tank bri- Saudi Arabian Military Industries. Then gade. Indeed, the effort to streamline Preparing for World War III there’s Rheinmetall Italia and American these disparate sectors is already In 1945, Herbert W. Armstrong told Rheinmetall Munitions, the company’s underway. Germany is working to merge radio listeners: “From the very start operations in Italy and America. Europe’s weapons industry, its military of World War ii, [the Germans] have This manufacturer was banned after operational headquarters, its armies and considered the possibility of losing this World War ii, and today it is one of the its leadership. Most of the Dutch Army second round, as they did the first—and top industrial companies in the world! is already integrated into the German they have carefully, methodically Combining the strength of its arms Army. The Czech and Romanian armies planned, in such eventuality, the third industry with its civil industry, Germany have also agreed to join the Germans. round—World War iii!” (May 9, 1945). could soon be mass-producing tanks Our Trend article details the progress of Between 1945 and his death in 1986, and other military vehicles instead of the integration: “Europe’s Push Toward a Mr. Armstrong delivered this same

cars. Incidentally, Europe’s great car Unified Military” (theTrumpet.com/15727). warning hundreds, perhaps thousands, kmw and truck producers, Mercedes, Volvo, In 2017, EU nations launched a of times. Like Churchill, he understood 20 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET that Germany “is a country fertile in mil- The destruction inflicted by the (February 2011). He was referring to itary surprises.” But Mr. Armstrong had German-led European war machine verse 17, which says, “For God hath put in another advantage: He understood the described in Bible prophecy will their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, many biblical passages prophesying the eclipse all these! and give their kingdom unto the beast, formation of an end-time German-led This is why we must closely monitor until the words of God shall be fulfilled.” United States of Europe. Germany’s military. The Germans are Will you believe what the Bible plainly He knew the prophecy in Isaiah 10, an industrious, disciplined people, with states? Germany’s imminent militariza- where God says He will use the “Assyrian” many wonderful qualities. But history tion, followed by its initiation of World as a corrective rod to punish the nations shows they have a penchant for war War iii, is actually God’s will. of Israel (America and Britain). Verse 6 and conquest. It would be unwise to But why would God allow another says Germany (modern-day Assyria) will discard centuries of history in a moment world war? This is hard for many people have the military might “to tread them of self-righteous political correctness. to fathom. down like the mire of the streets.” The will, the incentive, for war grows The answer? Through this coming He knew the prophecy of Daniel 7. almost by the week. Inside Germany, conflict, God is trying to establish a con- Depicted in this chapter are four “beasts,” issues like migration, radical Islam and nection with mankind, particularly with each representing a world-ruling empire. economic uncertainty are arousing the end-time nations of Israel. God takes These empires rise and fall chronolog- nationalist sentiments. As anxieties and no pleasure in suffering. In Ezekiel 33:11, ically; that means the fourth is on the fears grow, the people will naturally begin God says, “As I live … I have no pleasure scene prior to the return of Jesus Christ. to think more about the need for security in the death of the wicked; but that the This fourth “beast” is the most destruc- and protection, and the need to defend wicked turn from his way and live: tive; verse 7 says it is “dreadful and their interests at home and abroad. The turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for terrible, and strong exceedingly ….” more threatened they feel, the more they why will ye die, O house of Israel?” Mr. Armstrong knew the prophecies of will accept the need to militarize. This is God’s great purpose for the Revelation 13 and 17. He understood the Nearly the entire international commu- coming tribulation: He is correcting the identity of the “woman” in Revelation 17 nity is virtually begging for Germany to do nations of Israel, and all mankind, to help who rides the seven-headed, 10-horned more militarily—and not just in Europe, them turn from their ways and live! beast. He understood that the seven but also in the Middle East, in Central Since 1931, especially since December heads of this beast represent the seven Asia and in Africa. How often in the 1989, God has been telling Israel, “Turn consecutive resurrections of the Holy past two years have we heard America’s ye, turn ye from your evil ways.” God has Roman Empire, and that the 10 horns president call on Berlin to spend more on been measuring Israel’s correction for on the seventh and final head represent the military and take more responsibility many, many years. Some have listened, a united, German-led European empire. for Europe’s security? Now we see France repented and changed—and these people He understood the prophecies in and Germany making real progress on will be protected in a place of safety when Ezekiel, Habakkuk and Matthew 24 developing a European military. the tribulation comes (Revelation 12:14). that describe a time of intense violence Consider the mounting threats too. But most people and nations reject God and tribulation. Notice Habakkuk 1:8-10, Europe faces pressure from Russia, and reject His warnings. which describe this end-time European which is unafraid to show force and is Today, the only way God can get peo- empire: “Their horses also are swifter drawing ever closer to China and Asia. ple’s attention is by getting tough. Man- than the leopards, and are more fierce The problems in the Middle East, in Iran, kind simply must see the consequences than the evening wolves: and their horse- Syria and Turkey, all ripple into Europe. of their rebellion and repent. You might men shall spread themselves, and their The continued invasion by migrants wonder: Is there no other way that God horsemen shall come from far; they shall from the Middle East and Africa is a daily could break through to mankind? Sadly, fly as the eagle that hasteth to eat. They threat. Meanwhile, the U.S. and Britain— God has tried every other option. shall come all for violence: their faces once the guarantors of Europe’s strategic But there are a few, and indeed only shall sup up as the east wind, and they defense—are abandoning that role. a few, who understand what God is shall gather the captivity as the sand. There has never been more incen- doing today. These few understand the And they shall scoff at the kings, and the tive for Germany and Europe to prophecies and see the great hope in princes shall be a scorn unto them: they militarize. their fulfillment. They see God’s hand in shall deride every strong hold; for they But there is also an even more world events. They see Bible prophecy shall heap dust, and take it.” profound and inspiring reason why Ger- as proof of God’s existence, and that His This passage is describing the single many is militarizing! Word, the Holy Bible, is true and accu- most destructive, most frightening In 2011, Trumpet editor in chief rate. These few today proclaim God’s military force in human history! Gerald Flurry wrote, “But here’s the master plan. These few are striving to Remember Genghis Khan’s mass most astounding and inspiring part of submit to God’s law and government, slaughter, Joseph Stalin’s gulags Revelation 17: God put it in the minds of and they experience the happiness and and purges, and the Nazi Holocaust? Europe’s leaders to do what they’re doing!” blessings that result. n APRIL 2019 21 rue repentance is one of the most misunderstood doctrines T in mainstream Christianity today. It is also one of the most import- ant for a true Christian to understand. Before Jesus Christ’s ministry, John the Baptist boldly proclaimed that man- kind needed to repent. Christ started His ministry by emphasizing the exact same truth. And at the beginning of God’s one true Church, Christ’s apostles continued proclaiming the need for true repentance. What Is True As a reader of the Trumpet magazine, perhaps you have thought about repen- tance. You may have heard this subject Repentance? discussed at your local church. But do you really know what repentance is? What does a person repent of? Who is repentance toward? It is vital you under- stand this subject. No person will inherit Most people do not know—yet this vital truth eternal life who has not truly repented. is a matter of life and death! by brian davis It is truly a matter of life and death.

Not Just Sorry “Repentance is not merely being sorry for something one has done—or even many honestly see yourself for what you are then what do we repent of? If you think such sins,” Herbert W. Armstrong wrote and who you are apart from God. This is God’s law is done away, then you cannot in his book The Incredible Human Poten- what we all must do! understand true repentance. tial. “It is a real repentance of what one is Human nature is filled with the evil God’s law is His way of thinking; it is and has been—of his whole past attitude fruits of “vanity, selfishness, greed, His perfect way of life. Anything con- and life apart from God.” Have you ever hostility to authority, envy, jealousy and trary to that is sin. That is what we must thought of repentance to that degree and unconcern for the good and welfare of repent of. That is more than being sorry depth? This is what your Bible teaches. others,” as Mr. Armstrong wrote. We for doing something wrong. It is about Repentance is more than just being have to recognize this reality about changing—a complete turnaround and sorry. Many times, individuals have ourselves, but can only do that if we get moving forward in the other direction. thought that they have repented of a sin. God involved in the process. Then, with Repentance is about going in the oppo- Yet merely asking God for forgiveness is His Holy Spirit and His perfect love shed site direction of sin. not true repentance. It is important that abroad in our hearts (Romans 5:5), we The process of repentance requires we confess our sins before Him and ask can begin to learn and think differently. that we know what sin is and that we for His mercy and forgiveness, but true We can have that “change of mind and come to recognize it in our own lives. repentance goes much deeper than that. heart” we so desperately need—the Otherwise, how could we overcome it? “It is a total change of mind and heart change that is true repentance. Again, understanding the law of God is and direction of life,” Mr. Armstrong vitally important. continued. “It is a change to a new way What Do You Repent Of? True faith—the faith of Jesus Christ— of life. It is a turning from the self-cen- Mainstream Christianity today some- is critical as well. The Apostle Paul tered way of vanity, selfishness, greed, times speaks about repentance. But wrote, “But without faith it is impos- hostility to authority, envy, jealousy and do they really understand the kind of sible to please him: for he that cometh unconcern for the good and welfare repentance God requires? Do they even to God must believe that he is, and that of others to the God-centered way of understand what one must repent of? he is a rewarder of them that diligently obedience, submission to authority, love Notice the answer in 1 John 3: “Who- seek him” (Hebrews 11:6). Do you istock toward God more than love of self, and soever committeth sin transgresseth diligently seek God? Do you approach . of love and concern for other humans also the law: for sin is the transgression Him with faith? Without faith, it is com /

equal to self-concern.” of the law” (verse 4). We repent of break- impossible to please God. Elsewhere, dunca If you are to reach the deep level of ing God’s law. Paul states that whatever is not of faith n _

repentance God seeks, then you need One of the greatest deceptions in is sin (Romans 14:23). andison to pray about and meditate on what so-called Christianity is the notion that Not doing what God says to do is sin. you just read. To truly repent, you must God’s law is done away. If that is the case, Doing things that God says not to do is 22 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET an Overcomer. We want to send you this book free of charge. Take the time to study it deeply. It shows you the attitude you must have in order to totally repent. In fact, the first chapter is titled “Repen- tance Toward God.” That booklet highlights King David’s example. David made some serious mis- takes and committed some terrible sins. But he knew how to truly repent toward God. Because of his attitude and the changes he made in his life, God called him a man after His own heart (Acts 13:22). That is quite a reputation for this king! God would never have called David that if he didn’t know how to repent. We have all sinned, just like David (Romans 3:23). But do you want to be a person after God’s own heart? In the first chapter of How to Be an Overcomer, Mr. Flurry writes: “Sin is something that needs to horrify us. We must be aware of what Christ did for us. Grow in ‘repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.’ sin. Not walking by faith is sin. Anything true repentance on our own. It can only Have faith in that sacrifice. Then repent contrary to living and thinking like God be done by the power of God. toward God, who planned the whole is sin. That is what we must change. In Humbly and diligently ask for God’s thing. You know, especially if you’re a all cases, the common denominator help! Go before Him in faith with a parent, that the Father must have suf- regarding sin is God’s law. humble and teachable spirit, desiring fered horribly along with Christ. True repentance has more to do with to learn to think and live like Him. If “If you have problems that keep recur- the future than with the past. Yes, we you want to live according to His way, ring in your life, evaluate yourself by this should have remorse. We should be then ask in faith for Him to lead you to measure. Are you repenting toward sorry for the wrong ways of our past. But repentance. That will lead to a total and God? Realize your evil before God!” true repentance is about turning around complete separation from your former Think about what Jesus Christ and and going in a different direction. It’s ways. Let it cut deeply to the point that God the Father did for you. We need to about changing and moving in a new, you want to change your ways. come to a depth of repentance where different and right way. True repentance has more to do with the future God Leads You to Repentance than with the past. It is about turning around However, not one of us can do this on and going in a different direction. our own. Without God, we are woefully inadequate. To be successful, we need to Repentance Is Toward God it is as though our own firstborn was beseech God for help. When we go before Another very important aspect we must pierced! (Zechariah 12:10). God the God, we must know that He will hear and understand is found in the book of Acts. Father had His own Son brutalized, answer us. Remember, as the Apostle “Testifying both to the Jews, and also to crucified and a spear pierced into His Paul wrote, that God is a rewarder of the Greeks, repentance toward God, side. Sin should horrify us as it does our those who diligently seek Him. and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ” spiritual Father. Notice what God can do for us: “Or (Acts 20:21). We must have faith toward despisest thou the riches of his goodness Jesus Christ, yes—but our repentance A Message Through the Ages and forbearance and longsuffering; not is toward God the Father. He is the Even before Christ’s earthly ministry, knowing that the goodness of God lea- great Lawgiver. When we break His law, emphasis was placed on true repen- deth thee to repentance?” (Romans 2:4). our repentance must be toward Him. tance. “In those days came John the God expects us to come to Him with a When we sin, we are violating His way of Baptist, preaching in the wilderness humble and teachable spirit. Then with life and what He has established as right. of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the power of His Spirit, He will lead us Trumpet editor in chief Gerald Flurry the kingdom of heaven is at hand” to true repentance. We cannot work up has written a booklet titled How to Be (Matthew 3:1-2). John the Baptist was APRIL 2019 23 telling those gathered around (ahead of Why don’t you hear people in this The Path to Joy Christ’s ministry) to repent. The time world talking about the Kingdom of True repentance will bring joy into your had come for God to begin preparing God, a literal kingdom and government life. Sin brings misery and complications. pillars, helpers and leaders for the King- that is going to rule this Earth? After Remember this: Obedience to God and dom of God. It all starts with repentance. all, that is the message Christ brought His law will simplify your life; disobedi- It starts with us recognizing who and (Mark 1:14-15). He instructed His disci- ence will always complicate your life. what we are apart from God. It starts ples to do the same: to go out and preach Mr. Armstrong said that it was in sur- with us seeing the need to change and to “that men should repent” (Mark 6:12). rendering to God in complete repentance begin learning how to become more like That is instruction for anyone who that he found unspeakable joy in accept- God. It is a complete change from sin to serves under Christ. ing Jesus Christ as his personal Savior living and thinking like God. After Jesus Christ was resurrected, and his present High Priest. You can find We have to make that change perma- the true Church of God was established. that same joy! But you must repent and nent. Some in John the Baptist’s day Christ had prepared leaders. The accept Christ as your personal Savior. did not like his message. They did not foundation was laid. Acts 2 describes That is what God instructs us to do. want to change. “But when he saw many the history of the very first Pentecost. We must understand and be brought of the Pharisees and Sadducees come This was a momentous event in Church to true repentance in order to enter into to his baptism, he said unto them, O history! Notice the message that was God’s Family and receive eternal life. generation of vipers, who hath warned preached in the very first sermon: “Now Remember this crucial point, as well— you to flee from the wrath to come? when they heard this, they were pricked as you go through the process of being Bring forth therefore fruits meet for in their heart, and said unto Peter and to led by God’s goodness to real repentance, repentance” (verses 7-8). They were told the rest of the apostles, Men and breth- never get negative, discouraged or they wouldn’t be baptized. No matter ren, what shall we do? Then Peter said depressed. Never give up! In The Incred- how much they tried to be righteous, unto them, Repent, and be baptized ible Human Potential, Mr. Armstrong they didn’t show evidence that they every one of you in the name of Jesus wrote: “The truly converted Christian will find that he often stumbles, under This theme of repentance appears over and over temptation, and falls down—even as a physical child learning to walk often again. Clearly this subject is important to God. falls down. But the year-old child does not get discouraged and give up. He gets were changing from their own carnal Christ for the remission of sins, and ye up and starts out again.” You do not have way. Where were the fruits? Where was shall receive the gift of the Holy [Spirit]” to get discouraged. You do not need to the evidence that they were striving to (Acts 2:37-38). Once someone hears and give up. You do not need to be down. You change? Where was evidence that they believes the true gospel message that need to repent. Then God will help you; were submitting themselves to God and Christ brought to this Earth, he or she He will lift you up and continue leading He was leading them to repentance? must repent! True repentance is the you to overcome. We have to ask ourselves those same beginning of the entire process. Mr. Armstrong continued: “The questions today. What are your fruits? This theme of repentance appears truly converted Christian is not yet Are there fruits in your life to show that over and over again! Think about how perfect! you are truly repenting and changing, prominent repentance is in the verses at “God looks on the heart—the humbling yourself and allowing God the beginning of the New Testament and inner motive—the real intent! If he is to lead you to repentance? As covered at the foundation of God’s true Church. trying—if he gets up whenever he falls earlier, only by God leading you can you Clearly this subject is important to God! down, and in repentance asks God’s achieve true repentance. Paul wrote, “Therefore leaving the prin- forgiveness, and sets out to do his very Now notice how Jesus Christ began ciples of the doctrine of Christ, let us go best not to make that mistake again— His earthly ministry: “From that time on unto perfection; not laying again the and to persevere with renewed effort to Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: foundation of repentance from dead works, overcome, God is rich in mercy toward for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” and of faith toward God” (Hebrews 6:1). that man in his striving to overcome.” (Matthew 4:17). Christ’s message was for Here Paul is listing the basic doctrines There is so much hope in true repen- people to repent first and foremost. of God’s Church. At the top of the list, tance! Strive to more perfectly repent Otherwise, the full weight he points to repentance! Repentance is toward God, reaping the abundant joy of the gospel couldn’t absolutely critical for any of us if we are and blessings that come from true, godly be understood. going to have a future with God. repentance. n

Unlock joy and blessings. To study this profound and inspiring subject further, request Gerald Flurry’s free booklet How to Be an Overcomer. Sodom and Gomorrah Proved!

FIRE FROM HEAVEN Recent scientific evidence corroborates Lot and his two daughters fled an ‘impossible’ biblical miracle. Sodom as God by christopher eames destroyed the city.

odom and Gomorrah—cities According to the Bible, because of destruction was found at five nearby utterly destroyed by fire from the widespread evil in Sodom, God con- excavated sites, and indicated by ground S heaven. So says your Bible. demned it to fiery destruction, sparing surveys at 120 other, smaller settlements And now, so says archaeology. only Lot and his family. “Then the Lord in the region. Excavation director The biblical account of Sodom and rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah Prof. Phillip Silvia recorded his team’s Gomorrah’s heavenly destruction is brimstone and fire from the Lord out of discoveries in a detailed analysis: “The legendary. “Sodom and Gomorrah” is heaven; And he overthrew those cities, 3.7kaBP Middle Ghor Event: Catastrophic a term universally understood to rep- and all the plain, and all the inhabitants Termination of a Bronze Age Civiliza- resent sin, sexual license, immorality— of the cities, and that which grew upon tion.” The details are almost incredible. and horror and destruction. the ground” (Genesis 19:24-25). Mud brick structures were found The biblical account is far from being God demolished the terrain, and to have suddenly disappeared, leaving merely a fable, however. Scientists have fused Lot’s wife into salt after she looked only burned stone foundations. Bricks now found evidence of a catastrophic back longingly at the city. The Bible showed signs of incineration. Skeletons event unmistakably akin to the one associates salt with total destruction; for lay mangled. Clay pottery fragments described in the book of Genesis. example, after Shechem was conquered, were discovered to have melted into glass. From Paradise to Sheol Excavations have revealed utter destruction The Dead Sea zone was once home to a thriving civilization—particularly the and an instantaneous end of civilization, cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, accord- dating roughly to the 1700s B.C. ing to the Bible. Genesis 13:10 describes the location as a veritable “garden of the salt was scattered throughout the city Zircon crystals in the pottery, upon anal- Lord,” “well watered every where.” (Judges 9:45). Appropriately, the area is ysis, were shown to have formed within Archaeology has revealed flourishing home to what is known as the Salt Sea one second, the result of superheating to prosperity in this area—right up until (Dead Sea), the world’s deepest hypersa- temperatures perhaps as hot as the sur- it came to a sudden, jarring end around line lake—10 times saltier than the ocean. face of the sun. A “tidal wave” of boiling 3,700 years ago. This is the same period hot salt had swept over the land. There at which the Bible places the “fire Archaeological Evidence was evidence that mineral grains had and brimstone” destruction. In the Jordan’s Tall el-Hammam is a possible rained down, carried by scorching, high- centuries following this abrupt end of location of biblical Sodom. Excavations force winds. Ash and debris, several feet civilization, the territory has remained there have revealed utter destruction thick, were left behind within the wider domain lifeless and uncultivatable. To this day it and an instantaneous end of civilization, 193-square-mile area of destruction—a public is utterly saline and quite literally dead. dating roughly to the 1700s b.c. More scene of utter carnage of biblical APRIL 2019 25 proportions. The estimated regional description—directly matches the also Deuteronomy 29:23). Even today, the population of 40,000 to 65,000 people biblical event. region remains synonymous with death. would have been killed instantly by the Given that much of the area was blan- strange event. Fire and Brimstone keted in boiling salt in the conflagration, What caused such a catastrophe? To this point, archaeology has con- it’s not surprising that Lot’s wife would firmed dozens of personalities in the also be cemented into a superheated An Exploding Meteor? Hebrew Bible (53, according to this column of salt for her sin of looking Silvia’s team of scientists working at Tall count), dozens of places, dozens of wars, back in longing for the depraved cities. el-Hammam has estimated that the scene etc. Here, at the northern tip of the Dead And certainly, the damage would have of devastation was caused by an explod- Sea, we have scientific corroboration created billowing clouds of smoke visi- ing meteor. They base this hypothesis for a biblical miracle. The New Living ble for hundreds of miles around—such on a massive airburst that occurred in Translation of verses 24-28 read: “Then as what Abraham saw. 1908 in Siberia, leveling 772 square miles the Lord rained down fire and burning of forest yet leaving no crater. Scientists’ sulfur from the sky on Sodom and Why? best guess at what caused this Russian Gomorrah. He utterly destroyed them, Why the utter destruction of Sodom and blast was a meteor breaking apart three along with the other cities and villages Gomorrah? For thousands of years, it was to six miles above ground. In 2013, a fiery of the plain, wiping out all the people believed that the cities were destroyed meteor streaked across Russia, causing and every bit of vegetation. But Lot’s wife primarily for their sexual sins, especially explosions and injuring hundreds. The looked back as she was following behind homosexuality. However, due to the cur- Tall el-Hammam scientists posit that a him, and she turned into a pillar of salt. rent popularity of homosexuality, some similar event must have occurred around Abraham got up early that morning and biblical apologists argue otherwise. They 3,700 years ago, causing a dramatic fire- hurried out to the place where he had posit an alternative interpretation: that the prime sin of Sodom was the lack of Evidence shows the land remained uncultivable hospitality toward foreigners. and inhospitable for the next 500 years. Does this explain why Sodom and Gomorrah, above all cities on Earth, ball, a superheated air blast, and a fallout stood in the Lord’s presence. He looked were wiped out? What about those that wiped out the region below. out across the plain toward Sodom and like the Assyrians, who lined city walls Based on research by atomic energy Gomorrah and watched as columns of with the heads and skins of foreigners? researcher Samuel Gladstone, the Tall smoke rose from the cities like smoke Why weren’t they destroyed by a nucle- el-Hammam scientists have estimated from a furnace.” ar-like fireball? that a 10-megaton airburst yield in the The finds at Tall el-Hammam and the Several scriptures make clear Sodom atmosphere would have been sufficient surrounding area have confirmed just and Gomorrah were glutted with sexual to cause the destruction evidenced on such an event. Some kind of heavenly sin—especially homosexual sin—and the ground. That is just over 666 times firestorm instantly incinerated not only that this specific sin is directly related the blast yield of the atomic bomb the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, but to the fiery conflagration. The context dropped on Hiroshima. all the “other cities and villages of the of Genesis 19 makes this clear. The men While scientists can debate whether plain,” carbonizing them with tempera- of the city demanded that Lot send or not such extraordinary destruction tures perhaps akin to the surface of his “male” guests out to them, “that we was caused by a meteor-type event or the sun. “[E]very bit of vegetation” was may know them” (verse 5), referring to other heavenly phenomena, what is wiped out, and evidence shows that sexual relations. This wasn’t just one or not debatable is the effect. And that the land remained uncultivable and two men. This was “the men of the city, destruction—in location, time and inhospitable for the next 500 years (see even the men of Sodom, compassed the house round, both old and young, all the people from every quarter” (verse 4). Lot refused, and offered instead his virgin ‘It doesn’t affect me’— daughters to the mob, girls “which have not known man … and do ye to them as is good in your eyes” (verse 8). The context oh, really? makes clear what the men of the city wanted. The Moffatt translation (among Our free booklet Redefining Family examines others) renders verse 5: “Where are the the true effects of the modern proliferation men who came to visit you tonight? Bring of sexual perversion. It explains why it is them out to us that we may rape them.” harmful, why God is against it, how to extract As a result of this exchange, the angels yourself from it, and where the modern who were with Lot blinded the men out- movement is taking us. side his home—and still the sex-crazed men grappled for the door (verse 11). 26 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET The idea that homosexuality isn’t a u FRANCE AND GERMANY FROM PAGE 11 begin to see how the EU alliance will be sin contravenes several other scriptures from one country will regularly sit in pared down to 10 nations? Eight other that condemn the practice (e.g., Levit- on the other’s cabinet meetings. On the nations or groups of nations will also lend icus 18:22; 20:13). “Even as Sodom and military front, the treaty enshrines an their power to Germany. Others will leave Gomorrha, and the cities about them in ambition to form a ‘common culture and or be pushed out. Europe will have its like manner, giving themselves over to common deployments’ overseas.” core of nations that, like Charlemagne, are fornication, and going after strange flesh, This is real integration! This is a serious about political power, economic are set forth for an example, suffering the 21st-century empire! power, religious power and firepower. vengeance of eternal fire” (Jude 7). These This news story should be alarming Europe is uniting before our eyes! are the chief sins identified with Sodom to students of history. In the early 1900s, Read my father’s February cover story and Gomorrah—sexual sins—going after people felt the world was too modern (“France Rejects America—and Empow- strange flesh. Of course, this was con- and sophisticated for something like ers Germany!” at theTrumpet.com/18315). current with many other sins that con- World War i to ever happen. In the It shows the prophetic significance of tributed to their downfall. The Prophet 1930s, people thought the world was too France turning away from Britain and Ezekiel wrote of Sodom and “her daugh- modern and too sophisticated for World America, and toward Germany, which ters”: “They were haughty and practiced War ii. Today, similar wishful thinking has repeatedly invaded it. France’s atti- abominable deeds” (Ezekiel 16:49-50; makes World War iii unimaginable. tude toward the U.S. and Britain today is New English Translation). This should be a real bombshell to often open rebuke. That article explains The mortal danger of such sin is not students of Bible prophecy. It is part of why this will soon turn into open betrayal. only to those directly engaged in it, but the fulfillment of a modern resurrection “I think President Macron is just grov- to those exposed to it. The attitude of the Holy Roman Empire. Revelation eling before Germany and saying, ‘Well, of “as long as it doesn’t affect me” is 17:12 says this revived empire will con- we’ll be your servant. We’ll do whatever dangerous, as Lot found out the hard sist of “ten kings,” meaning 10 nations we have to do just to be a part of your way. He detested the sins of the city, but or groups of nations. It will be unified great power,’” my father said in his Dec. the gross sexual immorality had rubbed under the direction of the Catholic 7, 2018, Key of David program. “They just off on his family—to the point that his Church, and Daniel 8 states it will be led don’t seem to have the will to fight like betrothed sons-in-law refused to escape, by a strongman. Other prophecies make Winston Churchill did in World War ii.” his wife looked back longingly at the city it reasonable to deduce that this leader Macron might be willing to sign this as they fled, and his own two daughters will be German. France will be followed treaty with Merkel now because he sees raped him soon afterward in order to by other Catholic-influenced nations her as weak and hopes he can take advan- conceive children (Genesis 19). Such giving their power to Germany. tage. But that is about to change! A strong actions by Lot’s daughters certainly German leader will soon take control, and aren’t the result of a mere “lack of Connection to Charlemagne Europe will unite under his leadership. hospitality” rubbing off on them. They This coming Catholic European empire Dramatic events with huge conse- are the result of growing up in a society will follow the tradition of Charlemagne. quences are occurring, and quickly! saturated in sexual sin. Charlemagne united Europe politically Herbert W. Armstrong prophesied this Today’s world is fast approaching—or and religiously, but he did it through for years. In a 1980 World Tomorrow has already surpassed, in many cases— decades of breaking agreements, raids, broadcast, he emphasized that this the saturation point of sin prevalent in deportations, hostage-taking, brutally empire would appear suddenly: Sodom and Gomorrah, especially in imposing Catholicism, and slaughtering “Gradually, and now faster and faster, sexual sin. Isaiah 3:8-9, speaking of our people en masse. The Times noted that a new power is being developed from time, condemn our people who proudly this new Franco-German treaty honors underneath the surface. A new world “declare their sin as Sodom, they hide it the memory of Charlemagne, since the power which the public now least sus- not.” Never in history has sodomy been two nations chose to sign it in Aachen— pects, which the world does not yet see, so openly celebrated. Charlemagne’s capital, a location “heavy doesn’t realize, doesn’t dream is coming, Homosexuality does go beyond with symbolism.” but it is developing just as prophesied in affecting those who directly engage The treaty was signed in the coronation Europe. A resurrected Roman Empire …. in it. Your Bible says society’s sins are room of the historic Aachen town hall, A power so mighty that our Western peo- leading to another “fire and brimstone” originally part of Charlemagne’s palace ples will stand aghast when it flashes event—this time worldwide. This com- complex. The room is filled with frescoes suddenly into full being. Yes, your Bible ing calamity is going to be “greater than and images of the Holy Roman emperor, says that the world will be startled.” the punishment of the sin of Sodom” and holds copies of Charlemagne’s crown Watch this partnership between (Lamentations 4:6). and other regalia from his coronation. France and Germany. Prophecy is unfold- Not only does the Bible present a Germany and France are getting seri- ing at an astonishing rate, and we must witness of fiery judgment for sin, so too ous about European unification. They follow Christ’s admonition in Matthew does archaeology. Perhaps these recent want political action, they want to be 26:41 to watch and pray. The world will discoveries are actually an omen of what together on the UN Security Council, and be startled when this empire suddenly is soon to come upon us. n they want a real European army. Can you appears—but you don’t have to be. n APRIL 2019 27 BROKEN TREATY next-door neighbor—is going The Russian to help shape and form the Holy Defense Ministry Roman Empire rather suddenly,” WORLDWATCH displays its he wrote in the May 2014 Trumpet. new cruise missiles. With the demise of the INF Treaty, that fear has grown. Watch how Europe responds. Watch the debate about nuclear power in Europe. This fear will bring some massive and long-prophe- sied changes to Europe. The signing of the INF Treaty was a positive development for mankind. But it was never a guarantee of lasting peace, End of INF brings mankind and now it is collapsing. None of man’s various treaties and closer to nuclear brink plans are able to secure sure and lasting peace. In all such ideas, there is no guarantee he United States puts Europe’s historic cities in Roderich Kiesewetter, a that unfathomably destructive announced on February the nuclear crosshairs. If inter- defense expert with Germany’s weapons will not be used. And T 2 that it is suspending mediate-range nuclear missiles ruling Christian Democratic there is no cause for hope. compliance with the Interme- are launched, they will be Union party, said, “If Russia But there is hope in the Bible. diate-Range Nuclear Forces inbound, not for Washington or doesn’t dismantle its systems, “Only God can solve our number Treaty due to Russia’s ongoing Moscow, but for Berlin, Warsaw, we must ensure Europe’s one problem: that of human violations of the deal. The 1987 Paris and Rome. The INF treaty security and shouldn’t exclude survival,” Mr. Flurry writes in his agreement between the U.S. covers shorter range, mobile any options, even nuclear ones” booklet Nuclear Armageddon Is and Russia bans both countries missiles more suited to surprise (Spiegel Online, February 5). ‘At the Door.’ from developing or using land- attack than longer-range, larger This is a controversial issue Mr. Flurry makes the Bible’s based, medium-range nuclear counterparts. Russia has already and could be another major plan for a sure solution clear. But missiles. Such missiles give even developed and deployed new headache for the coalition. he shows that the Scriptures also less warning than long-range types of these weapons. “If you But several in the CDU want say that man’s peace efforts will intercontinental ballistic missiles think Europe is under strain now, Europe to strengthen its nuclear increasingly fail and that nuclear or incoming aircraft, meaning wait until it faces a new nuclear weapons. If Russian President war will soon erupt. Matthew decisionmakers have minutes or arms race,” wrote Edward Lucas Vladimir Putin continues to 24:21-22 reveal that this future seconds to decide if an inbound in the Sunday Times (February 4). reject all forms of cooperation, war will threaten to end every threat is a false alarm. But Germany is already “one must, if need be, consider human life. The suspension of the Beginning in 2008, Russia showing signs of a strong nuclear retrofitting in Europe,” INF Treaty brings this alarming began developing a new missile response. After the deal’s said Elmar Brok, a CDU member prophecy closer to fulfillment. system that clearly violates the suspension, a Handlesblatt of European Parliament (ibid). But end-time prophecies do INF deal. “[T]he United States headline read, “New Arms Race: T-Online wrote that Germany is not end with war wiping out has … raised Russia’s noncom- As Nuclear Treaties Dissolve, stumbling “into a debate about mankind. Matthew 24:22 says the pliance with Russian officials, Germany Wakes Up to New nuclear armament, reminiscent nuclear war “shall be shortened.” including at the highest levels Responsibilities.” Europe is no of dark times” (February 4). Before the nations detonate of government, more than 30 longer relying on America for its Trumpet editor in chief Gerald enough weapons to obliterate all times,” Secretary of State Mike security, but on Europe—which Flurry has long focused on the people, Jesus Christ will return Pompeo said on February 1. “Yet means it is relying on Germany. role that fear of Russia has played and cut the violence short. He will Russia continues to deny that its Sigmar Gabriel, Germany’s in uniting Europe. In the January usher in an age of lasting peace. missile system is noncompliant former vice chancellor and 2004 Trumpet, he described “We are now at the edge of and violates the treaty. The foreign minister, wrote an how the rise of strongman Putin this nuclear abyss!” Mr. Flurry vasily

United States will therefore article titled “Europe and the “strikes intense fear in Europe … writes. But he adds that as these maximov suspend its obligations under New Nuclear-Arms Race.” He that will hasten the uniting of the “horrible signs come to pass, we /

the INF Treaty ….” wrote, “Europe is now entering European Union.” Ten years later, know Christ is about to return.” afp /

The decisions were made a potentially dangerous period Mr. Flurry described how Putin To understand these prophecies getty by Russia and America, the and must play a much more shocked Europe with his invasion and the profound hope at their

images effects are most dramatic for active role in the nuclear-arms of Ukraine. “Europe’s dreadful core, order a free copy of Nuclear Europe. This treaty’s demise debate” (February 5). fear of Vladimir Putin—its Armageddon Is ‘At the Door.’ n 28 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET China expands navy and air force, downsizes army

he Chinese People’s vacuum. … China is intimidating Liberation Army is the nations of Southeast Asia T undergoing “transfor- into submission to its will. … mational changes” to boost the Everything is headed in the size of its navy and air force direction of war.” and to downsize its land-based Mr. Flurry’s analysis is founded army by nearly half, the nation’s on Bible prophecy. Deuteronomy official Xinhua news agency 28:52 records God warning the wrote on January 20. people of Israel that if they reject China is using its expanding Him, He will give control of the PRIORITIES naval power to assert greater world’s maritime choke points, or China’s Liaoning aircraft carrier and control over the South China Sea. “gates,” to their enemies. Mr. Flurry J-20 stealth fighters Trumpet editor in chief Gerald wrote that this is “a prophecy for Flurry has said its tightening grip the modern-day descendants of Asian sea “gates” they once Pentagon: Rising on the region shows that “China Israel! Two nations in particular controlled, but even those that lie Chinese military is steering the world toward represent Israel in this end time: thousands of miles from China. targeting Taiwan war.” In the July 2016 Trumpet, he America and Britain.” To understand this Bible prophecy, wrote: “[T]he American military Its naval expansion will soon and the hope that is tied to it, read hina has made major is retreating, and other great enable China to block the U.S. Mr. Flurry’s free book Ezekiel: The military advancements powers are coming in to fill the and Britain out of not just the End-Time Prophet. n Cand developed new weapons as it improves its ability to wage war over places such ‘Long arm of the as Taiwan, a January 15 report Islamic Republic’ from the United States Defense Intelligence Agency said. n February 2, Iran “Beijing’s long-standing interest successfully test- to eventually compel Taiwan’s O launched what Defense reunification with the mainland Minister Brig. Gen. Amir Hatami and deter any attempt by Taiwan described as the “long arm of to declare independence has the Islamic Republic of Iran”: the ‘LONG ARM’ served as the primary driver for Iran exhibits its new Hoveizeh cruise missile. cruise missile, Hoveizeh. China’s military modernization,” The long-range missile was the report said. manufactured by the Iranian tense period: On January 20, today, come to terms with the For decades, the Taiwanese images Defense Ministry’s Aerospace Iran’s Quds Force launched a new reality of Iran’s missile have lived in fear of military getty

/ Industries Organization, but was ballistic missile from the outskirts might: There are no obstacles invasion from China. But they afp

/ derived from the Russian Kh-55, of Damascus, targeting an Israeli or technical limitations to us have managed to stay free due to which is capable of carrying a resort in the Golan Heights. Israel increasing [our] range.” the support of the United States. kenare nuclear warhead. During the successfully intercepted the All of Israel and parts of Europe But in 1998, after U.S. President atta

, test, held on the 40th anniver- Iranian-made rocket with its Iron are already within range of Iran’s Bill Clinton publicly opposed sary of the Islamic Revolution, Dome anti-missile system and longest-range advanced missile. Taiwanese independence, images the missile “accurately hit the set retaliated the following day with So far, Israel has borne the brunt Trumpet editor in chief Gerald getty

/ target” from a distance of 750 three waves of air strikes against of those missiles—and retaliated Flurry said it showed that Taiwan vcg

/ miles, according to Hatami. He Iranian intelligence facilities, accordingly. While most of Iran’s would eventually be forced under said the missile “flies at a very weapons warehouses and a rocket and missile attacks on China’s rule. In the August 1998 baihua low altitude” and “can be ready in training camp near Damascus. Israel have been conducted via issue, he wrote that “Taiwan qian

, the shortest possible time.” Iranian leaders also proxies, Iran has proved willing is … going to be forced into the Five days earlier, Iranian Brig. threatened Europe, though less to confront Israel more directly Chinese mold; and it is going to images Gen. Hossein Salami said that his blatantly. “If today the Europeans since Feb. 10, 2018, when it happen for one reason: because getty

/ nation’s strategy was “to erase or others try to plot and pursue launched an armed drone into of a pitifully weak-willed America.” afp

/ Israel from the global political Iran’s missile disarmament, then Israeli airspace from Syria. Bible To understand China’s map.” Three days later, he vowed we will be forced to resort to a prophecy shows that Europe will increasing aggression in the wallace

that a new war would “result in strategic leap,” General Salami soon be the target, and when it context of Bible prophecy, order Israel’s defeat within three days.” said on the same day Iran tested retaliates, it will result in the end a free copy of our booklet Russia

anthony The test followed a particularly the Hoveizeh. “All that hear me of Iranian terrorism. n and China in Prophecy. n APRIL 2019 29 Venezuela chaos: Isaiah’s End-time Vision and the Not just a problem late Herbert W. Armstrong’s for Venezuela book The United States and Britain in Prophecy.) enezuela has two Logistically, the U.S. cannot competing presidents. truly be blockaded unless Latin V One is the incumbent America participates in the siege. President Nicolás Maduro, who Venezuela’s language was sworn in for a second (Spanish) and religion (Roman six-year term on January 10 Catholicism) make it a natural after a dubious election result. MADURO GUAIDO ally of Europe. If Maduro is The other is Juan Guaido, who forced into exile, it is likely that declared himself interim governments of Cuba, China, European Union and an Asian opposition forces will realign president on January 23. Iran and Russia. bloc. He based this forecast on their country toward Europe and Government officials in the Security experts are unsure a prophecy in the biblical book the U.S., and away from Russia United States, the European how this situation will play out. of Isaiah. These two economic and China. But ultimately, the Union, Canada, Brazil and 10 The Bible, however, gives a strong powerhouses are going to team Bible reveals that Europe will other Latin American countries indication of Venezuela’s future. up against the modern-day turn its back on the U.S., make have recognized Guaido as A decade ago, Trumpet editor descendants of ancient Israel common cause with Russia Venezuela’s legitimate leader. in chief Gerald Flurry forecast (the U.S. and Britain, primarily). and China, and use its Latin But Venezuela’s military still the formation of a brief economic (All of these biblical identities are American allies to besiege and backs Maduro, as do the alliance between a German-led explained in Mr. Flurry’s booklet invade North America. n

America negotiates defeat in Afghanistan America’s Achilles’ heel: EMPs report in the New to destroy a far weaker enemy York Times on January repeatedly over the past two he United States Air A 28 indicated that decades. Force released an Elec- America’s longest-running war How could we know that T tromagnetic Defense is about to end. After nearly two the Afghan war would end in Task Force report on Nov. 28, decades of fighting, the United such failure? It’s because God 2018. The report concluded

States is about to enter into prophesied that He would break that an electromagnetic pulse yuri

peace negotiations with the very the will of the United States. generated by a solar flare or a be destroyed in such a scenario. cortez enemy it sought to destroy in Referring to what God says in nuclear weapon could cripple Communication between / Afghanistan: the Taliban. Leviticus 26, the Trumpet wrote communication systems that are military bases could be cut off. afp / in 2006, “It is time crucial to the military. Many weapons systems could be getty

to remember that Such an event would fulfill rendered useless. images ancient prophecy a major Bible prophecy that In 1995, Mr. Flurry described , God declared Trumpet editor in chief Gerald an end-time Bible prophecy that edilzon against a rebellious Flurry has highlighted for over could be fulfilled by a cyberattack

gamez nation caught up in two decades. In the January 1995 or EMP attack. Ezekiel 7:14 says, /

deepening moral Trumpet, he said the U.S. military’s “They have blown the trumpet, getty and spiritual decline.” Achilles’ heel is its dependence even to make all ready; but none

images Notice: “And I will on information technology. If goeth to the battle: for my wrath

break the pride of an enemy could sabotage this is upon all the multitude thereof.” , thomaswatkins SETTLING your power … And technology, it could conquer the The trumpet of war will be blown U.S. Defense Secretary your strength shall nation. One way to sabotage in the nations descended from James Mattis visits Kabul in March 2018. be spent in vain … if information systems is cyberwar- ancient Israel (mainly America / ye walk contrary unto fare. But there are others. and Britain). People expect the afp / But before Americans rejoice me, and will not hearken unto me” The high-altitude detonation military to mobilize, but nobody getty

over a possible end to the war, (Leviticus 26:19-21). of a nuclear weapon over North goes to battle. images it’s worth remembering that To understand the full America would theoretically To see what the Bible says ,

victory over the Taliban was one weight of this prophecy and its incapacitate power grids for concerning America’s misplaced istock of the main objectives of the war ramifications for America, read months, crippling major cities. trust in military technology, read . in the first place. The United States and Britain The U.S. military is ill prepared Mr. Flurry’s updated article “Amer- com / The Trumpet forecast this in Prophecy, by Herbert W. to respond, as it depends on the ica’s Achilles’ Heel—and Germany” hxdyl shocking display of lack of will Armstrong. n advanced electronics that would (theTrumpet.com/1394). n 30 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET JOIN THE RACE Senator Harris’s proposals Senator Warren on free college for households declares her intention to earning less than $125,000 per SOCIETYWATCH run in the 2020 year and “Medicare for all” are presidential election. far from centrist. Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, 2016 presiden- tial candidate and self-described Social media addicts socialist, advocated both of struggle to make these proposals. According to a real friends George Mason University study, the “Medicare for all” program survey of 3,053 British would cost about $3.3 trillion adults commissioned per year (93 percent of the total A by the French beverage projected 2019 tax revenue). company Pernod Ricard found Democratic Party Senator Gillibrand called that social media addiction on Congress to abolish the makes it harder to make new swings hard left U.S. Immigration and Customs friends and keep old ones. In the Enforcement Agency, effectively survey, released at the end of erasing the nation’s border. She January, 55 percent of respon- he Democratic Party has some of her colleagues, she has embraced legal marijuana dents agreed that spending time drafted a new strategy does not openly embrace and endorsed a plan for on social media has made their T to defeat United States socialism. She says she wants government-guaranteed jobs for friendships more superficial. President Donald Trump in the to “fix” capitalism, rather than all Americans. Taken together, The survey found that the 2020 presidential election: Shift replace it. Yet the details of her her proposals would allow average Briton has 12 “real” even harder to the left. Demo- economic proposals would illegal immigrants to pour into friends, but only feels close cratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand actually “constitute the largest the country, claim a guaranteed enough to four of them to confide announced her candidacy seizure of private property in job, and openly indulge in drugs. personal details. The average for president on January 15, human history.” In August 2018, All of these proposals would respondent said he or she had followed by Sen. Kamala Harris she introduced a Senate bill have been unthinkable just one drifted apart from seven friends, on January 21, and Sen. Elizabeth proposing that the government election cycle ago. blaming time spent on social Warren on February 9. Several should manage every U.S. To understand the biblical media as a primary cause. others are seriously considering business with more than significance behind the Demo- Proverbs 17:17 says, “A friend runs. This lineup is the most left- $1 billion in revenue. That would cratic Party’s shift left, read loveth at all times, and a brother is wing Democratic presidential turn more than 1,000 American Trumpet editor in chief Gerald born for adversity.” Social media field in U.S. history. companies (90 percent of Flurry’s article “Communism is creating a world where people images So far, Senator Warren is American businesses by sales) in America Today” (theTrumpet. have hundreds of Facebook into state-run entities. n n getty the biggest name in play. Unlike com/go/communism). friends and few real ones. / post

Women run the military-industrial complex washington

the en no longer domi- David Brown, “the culmination / nate the United States of decades of women entering defense industry. As science and engineering fields boatsford M of January 1, women lead four of and knocking down barriers as jabin

, the nation’s five biggest defense government agencies and the WOMEN RULE contractors: Northrop Grumman, private sector increasingly weigh President Trump Lockheed Martin, General merit over machismo” (January 2). meets Lockheed Martin CEO

peopleimages Dynamics and Boeing’s defense Major news outlets are Marillyn Hewson. / division. The U.S. military’s top enthusing over the trend. In the com . weapons buyer, the government’s past, some scholars, such as will do nothing to prevent change will not to lead to a more istock

, top arms control negotiator, and Francis Fukuyama and Steven impending conflict. enlightened, peaceful future, but the chief overseer of the nation’s Pinker, have argued that women A prophecy in Isaiah 3 refers will “destroy the way of thy paths” images nuclear stockpile are also women. filling such positions could make to a time when God removes “the and leave the nation desolated

getty This historical first is “a water- the world more peaceful. This [men] of war” and “the captain[s] by war (verses 1-12). To learn why / shed for what has always been a hope will prove illusory. Bible of fifty” from end-time Israel, God is removing strong leaders olson male-dominated bastion,” reports prophecy reveals that female and replaces them with women from America and Britain, read

scott Politico deputy defense editor dominance in military industry and childish leaders. This Isaiah’s End-Time Vision. n APRIL 2019 31 4 5 6

Only one of God’s God is preparing His loyal people The Laodicean rebels have churches is protected to rule at Christ’s Second Coming lost the God Family vision u CHRIST’S COMING FROM PAGE 13 “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, “But and if that evil servant shall say in Christ said, “Then shall two be in the whom his lord hath made ruler over his his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; field; the one shall be taken, and the household, to give them meat in due And shall begin to smite his fellow­ other left. Two women shall be grinding season? Blessed is that servant, whom servants, and to eat and drink with the at the mill; the one shall be taken, and his lord when he cometh shall find so drunken; The lord of that servant shall the other left” (Matthew 24:40-41). In doing. Verily I say unto you, That he come in a day when he looketh not the Bible, a woman symbolizes a church. shall make him ruler over all his goods” for him, and in an hour that he is not This passage is about two churches (Matthew 24:45-47). God will bless the aware of, And shall cut him asunder, grinding, or doing a work, but one is tiny few who do His work before the and appoint him his portion with the lukewarm and materialistic, putting return of Jesus Christ. hypocrites: there shall be weeping and physical riches ahead of God, His Family What does God mean by “ruler over gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 24:48-51). and His Kingdom. God says that only all his goods”? Many other scriptures The Laodiceans have lost the faith and the one that is faithful to Him “shall be show the meaning: They will rule the patience to wait for Christ’s return and taken” and protected. universe! prepare for it. They had God’s power; they God has not and will not protect the Here is a promise God makes to those understood His truth, but they couldn’t 95 percent of His Church who have who remain faithful to Him during wait. He didn’t come when they thought become rebels. They will be left behind the Laodicean rebellion: “Him that He should, so they turned from God and when God’s loyal remnant is taken to overcometh will I make a pillar in the compromised with this evil world. a place of safety. This truth ought to temple of my God, and he shall go no How important it is to wait on God! sober us! more out: and I will write upon him the Look at the punishment that awaits for This is true during the coming Great name of my God, and the name of the this treachery! A horrible time is com- Tribulation—but it also applies in the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, ing, a time of “weeping and gnashing of years leading up to it. God says He will which cometh down out of heaven from teeth”! And God is going to allow these protect, not only during the Tribulation, my God: and I will write upon him my people of His to go right through the but even up until that time. What a won- new name” (Revelation 3:12). Those who middle of that nuclear tribulation. derful blessing from God! follow God today will not only become God puts them through that crucible Why will they be protected? “Blessed spirit-born sons of God, they will also in an effort to turn them back to Him- is that servant, whom his lord when marry Jesus Christ (Revelation 19:7) self! Many other prophecies show that he cometh shall find so doing” (verse and rule at universe headquarters for when they experience that worst of all 46). The faithful Church receives God’s all eternity at the highest level of God’s trials, half of them will repent. protection because they are found doing government! What mighty blessings This is dangerous knowledge: Once His work. They remain vigilant, watch- for obedience! God reveals it to us, He holds us ing and praying about the fulfillment accountable. But it is the most wonder- istock of Bible prophecy in end-time events ful knowledge you could ever hear! . (Luke 21:36). Christ gave these signs to put us on com /

This is definitely a time that demands high alert for when He would return. He lingbeek spiritual vigilance. What a horrible time wants us to be watching and preparing! ,

to fall asleep spiritually! He wants us to be ready. We must listen trumpet and heed. The Second Coming is so close.

The fulfillment of these six signs show , istock that it is at the door. . Discern the dangerous days ahead. Heed Christ’s warning, and obey Him. com /

For a study on the signs Christ gave for His return, request Learn to think like Him today, and you rawpixel The Four Horseman of the Apocalypse. will sit on His throne with Him forever! There could be no greater reward! n 32 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET prayed to the Father with “strong crying and tears” (Hebrews 5:7). In the same way, ask God to help you bring passion into your PRINCIPLES Bible study. Romans 10:1-2 describe people who are filled with OF LIVING misguided zeal that differs from God’s knowledge. Studying the Bible fills you with God’s knowledge and gives your passion direction. Pursuing your own desires and your own Serve God With Passion righteousness, causes you to miss out on the entire purpose for your existence. Ground your routine and your life in deep re you passionate? I belong to a book club that has Bible study. The truth you learn will have you bubbling over studied three dynamic personalities over the last two with passion and pointed in the right direction. If you study A years: Winston Churchill, John Adams and Napoleon God’s Word with a humble, obedient attitude, it will become a Bonaparte. We have found that these great leaders were active, burning fire in your bones (Jeremiah 20:9; 23:29). assertive and passionate. God is also passionate about what He does and about His 2. Study the lives of passionate leaders. plans. Bring more of God’s passion and energy into your life, and Our book club has studied a prime minister, a president and you can conquer even your worst sins, weaknesses and obstacles. an emperor—and all three were voracious readers. These great The Holy Spirit is a spirit of power (2 Timothy 1:7). The Greek men studied great men. “Napoleon Bonaparte said that if you word here for “power” is dunamis—the root word for dynamite! want to be a great general, you must study the great generals God’s Spirit supplies explosive spiritual power! And you need of the past,” my father writes in The Former Prophets. “That is nothing short of that to win your spiritual good advice for us spiritually as well. Bible history is the great- war. Those who are so passionate that they est history of all because it’s God’s history.” conquer their sins are those who will rule with God on His throne (Revelation 3:21). Military leaders sometimes sum up John Adams was called the their ethos, their purpose, their passion “colossus of independence” because of in a single phrase. Semper Fidelis. Invicta. his urgency, unrelenting drive and Duty first. Who dares wins. For king and passion for the fledgling United States. stephen flurry country. God tells His Christian warriors, “Fight the good fight of faith …” (1 Timothy 6:12); “Strive to enter in at the strait gate …” (Luke 13:24); “mortify the deeds of the My father writes in his booklet on Chronicles that if we don’t body” (Romans 8:13); bring your body into subjection (1 Corin- study history and the lives of great men, we are in danger of thians 9:26-27). These are the bold actions of passionate people! being caught up in the present and forgetting the prophetic Here are three areas to build more passion in your life: and historic overview. As a young man, Mr. Armstrong studied the biographies and autobiographies of great men, as well as 1. Prioritize prayer and study. the stories of great leaders in the Bible. Studying passionate “But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and leaders teaches us how to be passionate ourselves. watch unto prayer” (1 Peter 4:7). “The fact that Christ’s return is so near should change our behavior. … The knowledge of 3. Build passion for God’s work. Christ’s imminent return should make us urgent spiritu- John Adams was called the “colossus of independence” because ally,” my father writes in The Epistles of Peter—A Living Hope. of his urgency, unrelenting drive and passion for the fledgling “Because Christ is almost here, we must be very concerned United States. He was passionate for a physical goal. We should about our prayer life.” be far more passionate for our spiritual goal: supporting and Don’t try to work up passion yourself. Stirring up human doing God’s work. emotion leads to temporary and sometimes dangerous results. Jeremiah was. He did God’s work by “rising early and speak- Your passion must come from God. Go to Him in prayer—not in ing” (Jeremiah 7:13; 25:3; 35:14). He was urgent and hard-work- a dreary routine, but drinking in energy, spiritual strength and ing about getting the work done. inspiration from God. Our passionate Father will respond and fuel Jesus Christ certainly was. He attracted huge crowds, not only your passion, energizing your life and producing growth, excite- because of His healings and miracles, but also because He had a ment and more passion! Your prayers will get results (James 5:16). powerful message that He delivered with power and conviction. In Hosea 7:14, God corrected His people for their indifferent His messages left people amazed and astonished (Matthew prayers: “[T]hey never put their heart into their prayers” (Mof- 22:33; Luke 2:47; 4:32). After Christ was gone, His disciples said, fatt translation). Herbert W. Armstrong wrote, “[N]ever have “Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by I received an answer from God except when I prayed earnestly the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?” (Luke 24:32). from the heart. I have never known of a real answer coming Doing God’s work effectively takes real passion! We should from God of a casual, routine prayer” (Plain Truth, August 1978). be bold and courageous in our mission, knowing God’s King- Make sure your prayers are not casual, listless or said while dom is the solution to the world’s evils and troubles. domain half-asleep. Psalm 62:8 tells us to pour out our hearts to God. Use these three points. They will help you to become truly public Hezekiah “prayed and cried” to God (2 Chronicles 32:20). Christ passionate about what God is passionate about. n APRIL 2019 33 DISCUSSION BOARD

I just wanted to tell you how much your magazine has kept me from feeling alone in a world of false religions. Since my childhood, my faith in our heavenly Father has been challenged, but the Church at that time was standing right with the Lord’s holy, inspired words. It was almost 30 years later that my childhood church turned away from the truth. I wanted to express my sincere thanks for your magazine and Bible studies. It is so refreshing to hear the gospel the way I feel the Lord intends it to be today and forever! God bless you for your outreach and for doing the good works of the heavenly Father. And yes! I want to start the Bible correspondence studies! Benjamin Guzman texas

This is a great magazine. I pass mine on to a I love the Philadelphia Trumpet. It helps me disabled and have started reading my Bible lot of different people, and they really enjoy it know what to expect in the world. Thank you. again. Thank you! too. Tell them to keep up the great Work! It helps to keep up on Israel so I know how to Michael Paulus pennsylvania

Larry Gilmore texas pray for it.

Glynmary Bateman california I love reading the Philadelphia Trumpet. It’s It is a very lovely and uplifting Christian the best magazine I have ever read. Thank you magazine. You guys work really hard at what Thank you for the Philadelphia Trumpet maga- and have a nice new year! you are doing; I can tell. zine. You have the news that we need but that William Bright missouri

Arnold Gross manitoba, canada nobody else talks about. Glad for your service!

Larry Rueschhoff wyoming Please tell whoever does this that I really It is the nicest, most informed magazine appreciate it. I get a blessing from it. I don’t I have ever gotten. I really appreciate the I have no phone or that Internet, but I LOVE have a TV, and I don’t want one, but your magazine! your magazine. I look forward to it every magazine really explains world events to me.

Janice Coss virginia month. I love to read. I’m 53 years old and Lois Wilson kentucky

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34 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET battle vests pounding on the door at 6 a.m.? While cnn covers it? There is something despicable about what’s happening in America today” (January 25). COMMENTARY Is this about facts? Is this about justice? Or is it about poli- tics, ideology and will? The only reason this case was handled this way was because it supported the popular but false narra- Why Has Emotion tive, promoted incessantly by the media regardless of facts, of “Russian collusion.” Replaced Reason It seems that what matters most—more than facts, morals, or anything else—is simply winning, whatever the cost. in America? These and many other bizarre, unprecedented and danger- ous trends are evidence of an unseen destructive influence on The surprising answer by stephen flurry our society that few people ever think about. That is the influence of the invisible spirit world on the spirit acts are stubborn things,” American founding component of the human mind. Ephesians 6:12 states that father John Adams famously said. But in modern Amer- we are not actually striving against other human beings but “F ica, facts are not so stubborn, and you don’t become “against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of famous by clinging to them. You become famous by being the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness [evil stubborn with your emotions. More stubborn than facts, truth spirits] in high places.” There is a real spirit world! and logic are emotions, feelings and “personal truth.” The Bible perfectly describes the conditions we see: 2 Cor- “We no longer live in a democracy. We live in an ‘emocracy’— inthians 4:4 says Satan is the god of this world; Ephesians 2:2 where emotions rather than majorities rule and feelings matter says human beings walk “according to the course of this world, more than reason,” historian Niall Ferguson recently wrote. “The according to the prince of the power of the air [Satan], the spirit stronger your feelings—the better you are at working yourself that now worketh in the children of disobedience.” “People into a fit of indignation—the more simply do not realize that there is an influence you have” (January 27). invisible spirit power injecting into Examples are everywhere. Con- “I think that there’s their minds these hostile attitudes,” sider just two. a lot of people more Herbert W. Armstrong wrote in Newly elected Congresswoman concerned about Mystery of the Ages. It’s not that the Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is a being precisely, average person underestimates the socialist and has been called the factually and power of Satan’s influence. We don’t future of the Democratic Party by semantically even realize it’s there. the party chairman. In a January 6 correct than about This destructive influence is worse 60 Minutes interview, Anderson being morally right.” now than in any previous generation. Cooper challenged her regarding her In these last days, the Bible tells us Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez use of inaccuracies to support her about a universe-shaking, spiritual political views. Cortez condemned “war in heaven.” Michael and his angels those who would dare call her out: “If people want to really prevailed against Satan and his demons, and there was no more blow up one figure here or one word there, I would argue that space in heaven for those evil beings; they are now confined to they’re missing the forest for the trees. I think that there’s a lot Earth (Revelation 12:7-9, 12). of people more concerned about being precisely, factually and Why is our world coming apart in so many ways? Why are semantically correct than about being morally right.” nations rising up against other nations? (Luke 21:10). Because It doesn’t matter if you make a few things up—what’s import- Satan is influencing human minds, and he has been cast down ant is being morally right. She doesn’t define what makes some- to Earth! He is the cause. He is the father of murder, lies and thing moral: Her views are “moral” regardless of facts. She is deception (John 8:44). And he surcharges the air with his spirit of like many today who are less concerned with facts than with unrestrained emotion: anger, bitterness, strife, jealousy and envy. their narrative and their “truth.” These are the emotions taking over America. The louder you Take another example: the January 25 arrest of Roger Stone. are with your uncontrolled emotion, the more credible you No less than 29 heavily armed Federal Bureau of Investigation seem! Yet uncontrolled, unbridled emotions lead to catastrophe. agents took part in the arrest of the 66-year-old former adviser God gave us emotion, but He also gave us His law to show us to President Donald Trump at 6 a.m. at his house—on charges what is right and wrong, so we can direct our emotions. But images related to lies in an interview by Special Counsel Robert Muel- people in the world today are not looking to the Bible or to God getty / ler regarding Russian meddling in the 2016 election. Stone for answers. They are not seeking guidance from above. They quickly made bail and was back out of custody. To say that he is are not interested in reasoning together with God (Isaiah 1:18).

nurphoto not considered a threat to anyone is an understatement. And they have made themselves deeply vulnerable to the influ- /

may As former House Speaker Newt Gingrich put it, “Is this ence of the god of this world, the prince of the power of the air.

really America when at 6 in the morning somebody who is not That is why, in America today, facts are no longer stubborn

cheriss violent, has no record of violence, has armed fbi agents in full things. Emotions are. n APRIL 2019 35 u ABORTIONISTS FROM PAGE 7 us—and yet who rules this world (2 Corinthians 4:4). “He was a murderer from the beginning … there is no truth in him … for he is a liar, and the father of it” (John 8:44). Sur- charging the air with hostility toward the Creator, he is “the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience” (Ephesians 2:2). Yes, that murderous, lying spirit “now worketh”—in a world increasingly filled with and governed by “children of disobedience.” Look starkly at the abortion issue, and the contrast is stunningly clear between the view, and influence, of that evil being—and that of the beneficent Creator. Philadelphia Trumpet editor The Apostle Paul prophesied in 2 Timothy 3:1-4 that “in in chief Gerald Flurry appears the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be each week on The Key of David lovers of their own selves [selfish, self-centered] … disobe- explaining the meaning behind dient to parents … Without natural affection … incontinent world events and teaching the [without self-control], fierce [brutal] … lovers of pleasures inspiring truths of the Bible. more than lovers of God.” The program is also available We are living in these “last days” of which Paul at keyofdavid.com. prophesied. Our world is rife with the attitudes he fore- cast—attitudes that lead to illicit sex, and to unwanted ALL TIMES ARE A.M. LOCAL TIME UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED babies. And to brutal abortions on a mass scale. And to celebrating this ghoulish reality. UNITED STATES Nationwide Satellite Connecticut, Hartford WHPX 6:00, Fri God is already correcting us for these sins, and that Galaxy 3 Trans. 17 11:30 ET, Tue/Thu Florida, Gainesville WCJB-DT 9:30, Sun correction is about to get far more severe. One day soon, Direct TV Jacksonville WPXC/WPXJ-LP 6:00, Fri CW Plus, Chan. 34, 9:30 ET/PT, Sun Miami WPXM 6:00, Fri however—thanks to that correction—people will get reac- ION, Chan. 305, 6:00 ET, Fri Orlando WOPX 6:00, Fri quainted with the Creator they have turned their backs on. Dish Network Panama City WJHG-DT 8:30, Sun ION, Chan. 216, 6:00 ET, Fri Tallahassee WTXL 7:30, Sun; WTLF/ And they will learn to cherish the sanctity of the gift of life. Nationwide Cable WTLH-DT 9:30, Sun ABC Freeform, 6:30 ET/PT, Fri Tampa WXPX 6:00, Fri CW Plus, 9:30 ET/PT, Sun West Palm Beach WPXP 6:00, Fri A God of Life! ION, 6:00 ET/PT, Fri Georgia, Albany WSWG-DT 9:30, Sun God is a God of life! He created life, He created human Alabama, Birmingham WPXH 5:00, Fri; Atlanta WPXA 6:00, Fri WVUA 8:30, Sun Augusta-Aiken WAGT-DT 9:30, Sun beings, and He protects human beings from other human Dothan WRGX 8:00, Sun; Brunswick WPXC 6:00, Fri beings. God loves human beings and wants the best for WTVY-DT 8:30, Sun Columbus WLTZ-DT 9:30, Sun Montgomery-Salem WBMM-DT/WNCF-DT Macon WMAZ-DT 9:30, Sun us. This is a beautiful truth that abortion advocates do not 8:30, Sun Savannah WSAV-DT 9:30, Sun recognize. When we believe God’s truth and revelation, Opelika WLTZ-DT 9:30, Sun Thomasville WTLF/WTLH-DT 9:30, Sun Alaska, Anchorage KYUR-DT 8:30, Sun Hawaii, Hawaii Na Leo Chan. 54 6:30, Sun; when we accept His guidance, when we follow His laws, we Fairbanks KATN-DT 8:30, Sun 8:30, Wed are blessed for it. Our lives become infused with purpose Juneau KJUD-DT 8:30, Sun Honolulu KPXO 5:00, Fri Arizona, Jonesboro KAIT3-HD 9:30, Sun Kaui Ho’ Ike Chan. 52 9:30, Tue and hope. Our thinking becomes cleaner and brighter and Phoenix KPPX 5:00, Fri; KASW 8:00, Sun Maui/Lanaii/Molokai/Niihau/Akaku more positive. A society that respects His creation and His Yuma KECY-DT 8:30, Sun Chan. 52 6:30 pm, Sun; 3:30, Mon Arkansas, El Dorado KNOE-DT 8:30, Sun Oahu Focus Chan. 49 7:00, Sat laws also respects life, in all its forms. Fayetteville KFTA 9:30, Sun; KHBS-DT/ Idaho, Boise KYUU-LP/KBOI-DT 8:30, Sun If you are open to the biblical truth on this subject, read KHOG-DT 8:30, Sun Idaho Falls KIFI-DT 8:30, Sun Fort Smith KFTA 9:30, Sun; KHBS-DT/ Pocatello KIFI-DT 8:30, Sun “Is Abortion Really Murder?” (theTrumpet.com/65). Besides KHOG-DT 8:30, Sun Twin Falls KMVT-DT 8:30, Sun physical proofs, it gives compelling and inspiring spiritual Jonesboro KJOS/WLMT 8:30, Sun Illinois, Bloomington WEEK-DT 8:30, Sun Rogers KFTA 9:30, Sun; KHBS-DT/KHOG- Chicago WCUU 7:00, Mon-Fri; WCIU 9:30, perspective on the preciousness of an unborn life! 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