thetrumpet--2020-03-22--Man Has Lost Control of the Coronavirus; God Has Not

Shoppers wait in a line , hundreds of people deep , to enter a Costco store in Novato , California , on March 14 .
Hoards of shoppers rushed to stock up on toilet paper , paper towels and cleaning supplies because of coronavirus .
The world is panicking and locking down in response to a virus .
Some are asking , is God angry with mankind ?
The answer should dictate your response .
Why is this happening ?
Coronavirus is grinding the world to a halt .
Countries are locking down , closing borders and banning public gatherings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ events are being canceled .
Cities are eerily quiet .
Masses of people are being forced to stay home .
Hoarding is rampant .
Store shelves are empty .
Shoppers are panicking .
Businesses are being destroyed .
Stocks are plunging , and economies—national and global—are being ravaged .
Is God angry with mankind ?
Is this fulfilling Bible prophecy ?
What can we learn from this extraordinary event ?
When we experience this kind of disruption and trial , we need to learn what we can from it .
We don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everything ends as quickly as possible simply so we can return to life exactly as before .
You need to know what the Bible says .
You need to know what a Christian ’ s response should be .
You need to know how to react , physically and spiritually—because even more-serious crises are coming .
United States President Donald Trump declared Sunday , March 15 , a “ National Day of Prayer for All Americans Affected by the Coronavirus Pandemic and for Our National Response Efforts.
” In a White House statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lot of churches were closing , “ in this time we must not cease asking God for added wisdom , comfort and strength , and we must especially pray for those who have suffered harm or who have lost loved ones.
” He asked for people “ to pray for God ’ s healing hand to be placed on the people of our nation , ” to “ pray for the health and well-being of your fellow Americans , and to remember that no problem is too big for God to handle .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ we will overcome this threat.
” It was a fairly tame proclamation .
It said nothing about why God might be allowing this pandemic .
It avoided talk of humbling ourselves before God or seeking to restore God ’ s favor .
It didn ’ t mention repentance , or turning from sin .
It merely recommended asking God for comfort , strength , protection , health and healing .
Still , many people reacted viscerally .
They ridiculed prayer as being “ anti-science.
” One woman tweeted : “ Wishful thinking isn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care available to those who are sick .
Wishful thinking isn ’ t going to feed people or pay their bills .
It doesn ’ t keep us warm or safe from harm.
” Rep. Rashida Tlaib issued a vulgar response scorning national prayer .
Others demanded separation of church and state , as if encouraging voluntary prayers is somehow enforcing a state religion .
One woman tweeted : “ This goes against everything the founding fathers stood for.
” Apparently she is unaware that America ’ s founders were deeply religious and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the nation ’ s Declaration of Independence .
Among them were men like John Adams , who said , “ Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people .
It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.
” In the overall national conversation on the news , God is not being talked about .
Instead , you are hearing from every doctor , scientist , celebrity and pundit regarding containment measures and projecting worst-case scenarios .
You are hearing experts speculate that around two thirds of the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and that tens of millions could die .
This is creating a lot of hysteria .
Most of the shocks to stock markets have not come from problems already hitting , but from fear of problems that could hit .
Shortages in groceries and general stores mostly aren ’ t resulting from problems with supply , manufacturing or distribution , but from fear , panic and hoarding .
Plenty of food , toilet paper and other essentials still exist , but people are frantically grabbing more , looking after themselves and their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ truths about ourselves—truths certain to prove extremely relevant in the time ahead .
We are getting a preview of how people react in crisis—and Bible prophecy says far more and far worse crises are coming .
What would happen if a more lethal disease or an environmental or financial disaster actually disrupts the supply chain ?
What if earthquakes or other natural phenomena destroy infrastructure or wipe out food production , or long-term economic depression hits , or currency values collapse , or we suffer an energy embargo , or terrorist strikes—perhaps nuclear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ several cities ?
Such threats are very real .
Witness how people are behaving in this comparatively minor crisis .
The world has never reacted to a pandemic as it is reacting today .
Even if worst-case scenarios don ’ t materialize , this shows how quickly an unexpected disaster can arise from nowhere and utterly alter the global landscape .
This is a time we need national days of prayer .
We need to be sincerely looking to God , not just for comfort , strength , protection , health and healing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yes , correction .
We need to see this from His point of view .
We must see how He is involved and what He is trying to teach us .
Yet the notion of God being involved in something like a disease pandemic is entirely foreign to people .
“ For Christians , this terrible virus is not a punishment but a test of our faith and charity , ” the Telegraph wrote on March 16 .
This author ridicules the idea of divine punishment , and explains how “ Enlightenment ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Very few Christian leaders have blamed the coronavirus on sin ( even if there is a lot of it about ) , and some clerics have been so keen to discourage us from going to church , lest we cough on the congregation , that one is left wondering what faith has to offer when nature goes mad.
” The solution this author provides : Christians should look after other people .
Acts of charity toward those in need are certainly noble—but can we casually dismiss the idea that a crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ God ?
Think about this for a moment .
Suppose God did want to correct us .
Suppose He does hate sin and hates how it harms us .
Suppose He wants us to see how selfish , covetous , materialistic we are , how glutted on sports and entertainment .
Suppose He does want us to change , to turn from sin , to turn to Him , and to live better lives .
Suppose God wants to show us that modern conveniences and luxuries are dominating our lives and drawing us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wants to help us see how we trust ourselves too much and to realize how fragile the civilization we have built really is , how tenuous the social fabric .
Suppose God wants us to get a good look at our own selfish human nature and to help us see that we aren ’ t as good-hearted as we think .
Most of us get along well enough as long as we are materially well off—but it ’ s when we experience hardship and deprivation that our true character begins to emerge .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ how little hardship it takes to begin to expose our ugly tendencies like selfishness , tribalism , factionalism ?
What if He wanted to warn us that bigger trials are coming , and to give us a taste of those , a dose of reality , so we could examine ourselves to begin to see who we really are ?
What if God wanted us to stop our sports worship , our entertainment addiction , if He wanted us to hit the pause button on all the movies—so we would slow down a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think , and consider our ways ?
What if God actually did want to correct His children for their sins , and to lead them to repentance ?
Isn ’ t it possible He could use a disease pandemic to do it ?
God makes the answers to all these questions and more plain in His revelation to mankind , the Bible .
God ’ s Word tells us why events like this are happening .
It explains in detail why God allows trials like this one—at times on a mass scale—to accomplish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what God expects of us : what God ’ s standards are and how to recognize when we are astray .
It explains how to see the evil in our own hearts and to combat it .
The Bible is also full of examples of God correcting people through trial .
There are biblical examples and many biblical prophecies of God specifically using health trials and diseases to correct people .
So the Bible is an invaluable resource to guide us through an event like this .
It can tell us what to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ choppy waters .
First let ’ s see why God is allowing mankind to go through this ordeal .
God has a magnificent purpose for man .
But that purpose requires that we have free choice ; God will not force us to go His way .
At the beginning of the book , our first parents , Adam and Eve , were given that choice .
God spelled it out for them and let them choose between the tree of life and the tree of death .
They chose death ( Genesis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chapter shows that because of their decision , God pronounced certain curses on them .
He banished them from the Garden of Eden and cut off their access to the tree of life .
Their decision cut mankind off from God , His truth , His knowledge and His guidance .
Ever since , man has been building civilization apart from Him , trying to figure out how to make things work on our own .
This is why the world is so rife with misery : because , with few exceptions , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are living a way that is leading to our own destruction .
It ’ s a way God prophesied would actually end with our annihilating ourselves from off the planet—if He didn ’ t intervene !
Jesus Christ Himself prophesied this about the time that would occur just before His Second Coming : “ For then shall be great tribulation , such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time , no , nor ever shall be .
And except those days should be shortened , there should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Matthew 24:21-22 ) .
God wants to restore to us the awesome human potential that Adam and Eve turned their backs on .
He wants to convert the heart of every person in the world , to help us see our error in going the wrong way and instill in us a love for His way .
“ The Lord is … not willing that any should perish , but that all should come to repentance ” ( 2 Peter 3:9 ) .
Repentance means comparing ourselves to God ’ s law of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and flawed , and then changing direction and obeying that law !
God ’ s law , for example , commands that you love God with all your heart , mind and strength ( Deuteronomy 6:5 ; Matthew 22:37 ) .
Repenting of not doing this means striving to change .
God ’ s law forbids putting anything before the true God ( Exodus 20:2-3 ) .
Repentance means searching your life for areas where you are prioritizing other interests , people or things before God .
God ’ s law says you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; Matthew 5:27-28 ) .
That means turning away from all forms of sex outside of marriage , including fornication , pornography and all lust and perversion ( as God defines it , not as society does ) .
God ’ s law is perfect and it is liberating ( James 1:25 ) .
It is a law of love ( Romans 13:10 ) .
God ’ s law defines how He thinks , how He lives , and who He is .
It is the way that Jesus Christ lived .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that we keep his commandments ” ( 1 John 5:3 ) .
Our own thinking , reasoning and ways are fatally flawed .
The unstable , unjust , unhappy world we have built is abundant proof of that .
God wants each of us to see reality , “ the plague of his own heart ” ( 1 Kings 8:38 ) .
He wants us to avoid the suffering that comes from each of us relying on ourselves and comparing ourselves to others .
He wants us instead to live by His @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for each one of us , and for the world we inhabit .
This is a tremendous ambition for God to have , because each human heart is terribly plagued by weakness and evil ( Jeremiah 17:9 ) .
God is not yet trying to turn people to repentance on a mass scale—but His master plan does eventually include everyone .
God has an amazing future for all those who will be willing to come to repentance .
True repentance bridges the gap between an individual and God .
Thus , the very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a genuine , deep , complete repentance .
Have you ever repented before God ?
Very , very few people have .
But nobody will ever begin to walk the path toward true happiness and fulfillment before doing so .
We must recognize our own helplessness and inadequacy apart from God .
That is the most fundamental lesson any of us can learn .
This is what was missing from President Trump ’ s declaration for a National Day of Prayer .
As 1 John 3:22 explains , “ Whatsoever we ask @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of him , because we keep his commandments , and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
” Prayer alone isn ’ t enough : We must also turn to Him in repentance and obedience .
His ears are open to the prayers of the righteous , “ but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil ” ( 1 Peter 3:12 ) .
That is a major reason so many prayers go unanswered—because people simply have not surrendered themselves wholly to God .
They are still living @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can learn more about this in our free book How to Pray . )
Once you understand that God is trying to bring us to repentance , then many of the prophecies of the Bible make sense .
Consider Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28 , known as the “ blessings and curses ” chapters .
They list the blessings God will give , even on the national level , to those who obey Him—and the curses that will come to those who do not .
These chapters are specifically directed at the Israelites @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the United States and Britain .
But the principle applies to us all , even individually .
“ But it shall come to pass , if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God , to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day ; that all these curses shall come upon thee , and overtake thee : Cursed shalt thou be in the city , and cursed shalt thou be in the field .
… The Lord shall send upon thee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in all that thou settest thine hand unto for to do … because of the wickedness of thy doings , whereby thou hast forsaken me .
The Lord shall make the pestilence cleave unto thee ” ( Deuteronomy 28:15-16 , 20-21 ) .
The word pestilence describes various types of destruction and death ; it could even be violence we commit against each other .
God then gets more specific , even discussing disease : “ The Lord shall smite thee with a consumption [ chronic degenerative diseases ] , and with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speaking of communicable diseases like influenzas—coronavirus would be included ] , and with an extreme burning … ” ( verse 22 ) .
To have God , who has total power , cursing you is terrifying !
Few take this warning seriously , but this is just one of many biblical passages showing how God corrects His children when we go astray .
He is like any father who loves his children : He will step in when he sees them hurting themselves .
Throughout Deuteronomy 28 , God repeatedly says how these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Him !
If we would turn—and as soon as we turn—the curses would stop !
Only because we refuse to repent will they grow worse and worse .
Amid this current crisis , how many people are seeking God ?
How many are examining themselves according to God ’ s Word ?
How many are concerned about the sins of our peoples that are bringing these curses upon us ?
Instead we see people hoarding , fighting over goods in stores , panic selling , and looking for entertainments to lose themselves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world population physically distancing themselves from the rest of society , travel restricted , and schools and workplaces shutting down , we can expect a massive increase in ‘ screen time , ’ ” the Telegraph reported .
“ Last week , Telecom Italia reported a 70 percent increase in Internet traffic , much of it due to online games such as Fortnite .
… The coming age of self-isolation means experiencing live events , social interactions and learning through a device .
Parts of life that were once analogue will now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ digital ” ( March 16 ) .
So many of the things society loves are actually idols : sports , concerts , bars , comforts and luxuries , money and materialism , our work , our investment portfolios .
Not that any of those things is evil of itself—but many people put those things ahead of God , which is a form of idolatry .
Now , suddenly , many of these “ gods ” are being forcibly stripped from us .
Perhaps you are among the many people who can not go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on your hands .
Use this opportunity to direct your attention to the more important things in life that are too often neglected amid the hurly-burly of everyday responsibilities and distractions .
God wants us all to see the error of our ways and turn our hearts to Him !
He wants mankind to recognize just how failed and flawed the civilization we have built apart from Him is .
He can use a crisis like this to try to drive people in that direction .
But if people don ’ t respond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do ?
If you look from God ’ s perspective at the way people are reacting , you can see why these problems are virtually certain to intensify .
God wants to bring about repentance—so He can make the magnificent future He has for mankind possible .
Thus , He is going to allow this world to endure even greater suffering .
The Bible includes some grim prophecies about disease pandemics in the end time .
Even secular news sources have been quoting some of them .
In that Matthew 24 prophecy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ precede His Second Coming .
He said , “ For nation shall rise against nation , and kingdom against kingdom : and there shall be famines , and pestilences , and earthquakes , in [ different ] places .
All these are the beginning of sorrows ” ( verses 6-8 ) .
Perhaps the most vivid forecast on this point is in Revelation , the Bible ’ s most detailed book of end-time prophecy .
Here is where you find the imagery of the four horsemen of the apocalypse .
The fourth of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ And I looked , and behold a pale horse , and his name that sat on him was Death , and Hell followed with him .
And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth , to kill with sword , and with hunger , and with death , and with the beasts of the earth.
” Among the weapons this horseman has , there are disease epidemics .
Along with these other three horsemen , this anemic-looking horseman on a haunting , pallid horse will slay “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ With today ’ s population of 7.7 billion , that means nearly 2 billion people !
Coronavirus is definitely a problem—but compared to the scale of the pestilence that is coming , it is barely significant .
God prophesies of tens of millions of people killed by pestilence !
But do not lose sight of the reason .
God is not destroying indiscriminately : He is punishing the world in love and in measure—to help mankind ultimately turn from the paths of destruction to the way of truth and peace !
God will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mankind to precisely the degree needed to help people repent—no more , no less .
For most people , this will come when God resurrects them again to life in a world that He governs .
( To understand this truth , read “ The Three Resurrections.
” ) God is trumpeting His end-time warning message to this world through this work , literally fulfilling His prophecy in Isaiah 58:1 : “ Cry aloud , spare not , lift up thy voice like a trumpet , and shew my people their transgression , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” But if God can not bring us to repentance through words , then He will try to do so through trials , afflictions and disasters .
When trouble comes , some will finally cry out to God for His intervention in their lives .
But physically , they may be too late .
We must seek God “ while he may be found ” ( Isaiah 55:6 ) .
Must you suffer alongside this world ?
No .
The same God who controls world events is perfectly capable of protecting individuals .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ out , not only after calamity grows worse .
Heed God ’ s words and turn to God now , and you will receive relief from His curses .
He promises to forgive and then to protect each person who repents .
Why wait until the Great Tribulation , the worst suffering mankind has ever experienced , to respond ?
God wants us to change our behavior so we obey Him and seek His will , not ours .
The Bible is filled with examples of individual repentance and individual protection .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just as surely as He protected Daniel from the jaws of the lions .
Not one hair was singed when Shadrach , Meshach and Abednego were cast into the fiery furnace .
Other ancient prophets survived multiple disasters and intense persecution .
God ’ s true Church received divine protection throughout the centuries when His people remained faithful to Him .
God can bless us and be a shield in our individual lives just as He was for Abraham , Isaac , Jacob and so many others .
The Apostle Peter wrote that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the godly from trial , and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment ” ( 2 Peter 2:9 ; Revised Standard Version ) .
This lesson permeates the Bible : God protects righteous , obedient people who seek His protection .
God has power over diseases .
He says in Exodus 15:26 that if we diligently hear Him and keep His laws , “ I will put none of these diseases upon thee , which I have brought upon the Egyptians : for I am the Lord that healeth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ repentance : “ Bless the Lord , O my soul , and forget not all his benefits : Who forgiveth all thine iniquities ; who healeth all thy diseases ” ( Psalm 103:2-3 ) .
This does not mean you will never get sick .
In fact , God ’ s promise of healing wouldn ’ t apply to someone who never came down with a sickness or disease .
Some of God ’ s people may even get coronavirus .
God may allow that as a test of our faith .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these .
The world is panicking and fearful .
People are so terrified of death , that panic is drawing them into ugly behavior and unnecessarily costly policy decisions .
But those who put their trust in God are at peace .
They are full of faith , hope and comfort .
God promises these things .
He also absolutely promises healing .
Yet sometimes God allows His people to get sick—even to die in faith , not yet having received the promise of healing in this lifetime ( Hebrews 11:35-39 ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ many who claim that promise are healed , even immediately !
But for some , it will take place in the resurrection .
( If you want more information on this inspiring biblical doctrine , request our free booklet The Plain Truth About Healing . )
God does not promise that you will never die in this physical life .
Actually , God promises that you will experience trials !
But with Christ in you , you ’ ll be able to battle those with faith .
That makes all the difference—whether you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ faithful people are not afraid of death .
God guarantees peace of mind during the worst of crises .
He is in control , and He promises in Romans 8:28 that “ all things work together for good to them that love God , to them who are the called according to his purpose.
” We may experience some of the same troubles that descend on the world .
Yet we have a solid hope in the future God has promised as an “ anchor of the soul ” to keep us stable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ready for crises to come ?
Start preparing by repenting before God .
That is what God seeks above all .
And to those who turn to Him with supple hearts , He offers individual protection—escape—from the worst of the coming storms ( e.g .
Luke 21:36 ) .
That is the only sure place to invest your faith .
If you want guidance on how to repent and to act on what you ’ re reading , we can help .
We produce a lot of material aimed at helping you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your way of life !
A good place to start is by reading our editor in chief ’ s booklet How to Be an Overcomer , starting with Chapter 1 , “ Repentance Toward God.
” Sign up for our weekly PCG Signposts e-mail ; it gives vital , practical Christian-living instruction to help you make real changes in your life .
You can also find helpful , relevant education on our sister website , pcg.church .
And if you want to speak with a Philadelphia Church of God minister , e-mail us @ @ @ @ @

Humanity is in the grip of a global pandemic considerably more devastating than the coronavirus. This highly infectious flu has triggered a worldwide contagion of irrational fear and emotion. Man has lost his mind.
The ramifications of this universal abdication of reason are vast and unknown. Right now, the world is in total lockdown: Millions of people are in quarantine, a calamity for countless individuals and businesses; stock markets and economies are in free fall, even as federal governments are racking up unparalleled debt trying to save them; and many experts believe the world has entered recession. Meanwhile, national borders are closing, soldiers are being deployed to the streets in cities across the Earth, and some countries are enacting wartime laws and measures, equipping many federal governments with authoritarian power.
In aviation, when a pilot becomes disoriented and loses spatial awareness, he can panic and make decisions that send the aircraft into an out-of-control free fall, a fatal moment called the graveyard spiral. Has the panic over coronavirus plunged mankind into a graveyard spiral?
It has not. Let me tell you why.
Fulfilling God’s Will
From the moment the coronavirus crisis began, the Trumpet has explained that this disease is fulfilling Bible prophecy. Many biblical passages, such as Revelation 6 and Matthew 24, forecast disease pandemics in the time just before Jesus Christ returns. The truth is, as Trumpet editor in chief Gerald Flurry recently warned, we can “expect diseases like this new Wuhan coronavirus to get worse, and to eventually spread like medieval pandemics and kill millions of people!”
But it is crucial to remember: The prophesied death of millions from disease and pestilence does not happen arbitrarily. In fact, none of the biblical prophecies presently being fulfilled occur haphazardly or by chance. Yes, the Bible tells us that a lot of suffering is imminent and that multiple millions will perish. But the suffering, and death, occurs on God’s terms.
“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?” Jesus asked His disciples. “And not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father’s will. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered” (Matthew 10:29-30; Revised Standard Version). God knows every man on Earth. He knows you, right down to the number of hairs on your head.
But God is just as aware of humanity in general. In Psalm 33, King David wrote, “From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind; from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth—he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do” (verses 13-15; New International Version).
God pays close attention to world conditions and often intervenes to make certain events unfold according to His plan. “Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the people of the world revere him. For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm. The Lord foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations” (verses 8-11; niv).
This isn’t the way most people, even Christians, see God. To most people, God is distant and detached. He takes little interest in humanity. Even to most religious people, God is little more than an idea or concept, or perhaps a feeling generated through study or “prayer.” God simply isn’t a living, dynamic, active Being who takes a serious interest in human affairs and engages with men, both individually and collectively. Sadly, men are ignorant of God’s presence in world events, even though the Bible plainly says that He “sees all mankind” and “watches all who live on earth” and “foils the plans of the nations” and “thwarts the purposes of the peoples.”
So what is God doing now? And why hasn’t He saved mankind from coronavirus? We have answered the second question thoroughly in other material. God is allowing the coronavirus as correction for our sins. Mr. Flurry wrote in “Coronavirus and Other Modern Plagues in Prophecy,” “The Wuhan coronavirus and the other diseases breaking out today are only the beginning. [God] is going to let the world see where its evil ways are leading.”
God takes no pleasure in suffering. His desire is that such crises will generate some humility; that it will cause us to recognize our sins and change our behavior. The Apostle Peter wrote, “The Lord is … not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).
Does this mean that God is disinterested in the coronavirus and the consequences for mankind? To the contrary, He is carefully monitoring this crisis and its impact on the world, at a national and global level, but also on a family and individual level. He is watching world events far more closely than most people know.
Measured Crises
In recent years, Mr. Flurry and the Trumpet have explained the prophecy in Amos 7. This prophecy outlines certain key developments to occur in America in the end time, including the emergence of a latter-day King Jeroboam ii (fulfilled by United States President Donald Trump). You can study what we have written about this prophecy in our free booklet Great Again.
For now, let’s consider Amos 7:7-8, which describe the moment God reveals this prophecy to Amos: “He showed me: behold, the Lord was standing beside a wall built with a plumb line, with a plumb line in his hand. And the Lord said to me, ‘Amos, what do you see?’ And I said, ‘A plumb line.’ Then the Lord said, ‘Behold, I am setting a plumb line in the midst of my people Israel; I will never again pass by them’” (rsv). God Himself is talking here, and He is focusing our attention on the plumb line in His hand.
A plumb line is a measuring device; it’s an instrument used to calculate measurements and guarantee accurate construction. These verses show that God is “measuring the destruction that is to come upon the nations of Israel,” Mr. Flurry writes in Great Again. “This destruction is not random; God is measuring it carefully and precisely. And it will bring about the most wonderful results imaginable.”
Here in Amos 7, God specifically states that He measures the punishments that are to come upon the nations of Israel, predominately America, but Britain and the State of Israel, too. God delivers the punishment with divine precision.
What does this mean practically? It means that God takes a personal interest in the coronavirus and its impact on America and Britain. He is aware of the consequences for President Trump and his administration, and the toll this will take on America’s economy and the public in general. He sees that the radical left is using this crisis to attack the president. It’s impossible for me to say whether America’s resurgence is over, or if this disaster will puncture Mr. Trump’s hope of reelection. But thanks to Amos 7, I can tell you that God is paying close attention to this crisis and that it will fulfill His will.
I can also state: The coronavirus is not going to take down President Trump and neither is the radical left, which has played an instrumental role in manufacturing this crisis, as it uses it to further its agenda. As the market crashes and the shelves empty, remember this: God is monitoring this situation closely; it is unfolding exactly according to His plan. Amos 7 makes it clear that Mr. Trump will be brought down by God, on His time schedule, and on His terms.
What about the world in general? Is God measuring the coronavirus crisis as it rolls through China, Italy, Iran and all the other nations and peoples on this planet?
An enthralling and dramatic prophecy in Zechariah 6 answers: Absolutely! In The New Throne of David, Mr. Flurry writes: “The time frame of Zechariah 6 is very sobering. It is about the urgent period of preparation right before the Great Tribulation and Day of the Lord!” The Tribulation and Day of the Lord precede the return of Jesus Christ and are described in Matthew 24, as well as the books of Joel, Zechariah and Malachi. The events described in Zechariah 6 begin shortly after the “Jeroboam end” begins, the time period in which the events of Amos 7 occur.
Zechariah 6 gives a dramatic account of God’s active and tangible presence in the world right now!
In verses 1-3, Zechariah records the vision: “And I turned, and lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came four chariots out from between two mountains; and the mountains were mountains of brass. In the first chariot were red horses; and in the second chariot black horses; And in the third chariot white horses; and in the fourth chariot grisled and bay horses.”
Who are these chariots and what do they represent? Verse 5 says, “These are the four spirits of the heavens, which go forth from standing before the Lord of all the earth.” God often uses angels to accomplish His will on Earth. In Hebrews 1:14, Paul wrote that angels are “ministering spirits, sent forth to minister ….” In 2 Kings 6, God dispatched an entire army of angels to protect Elisha and Israel. God even opened the eyes of one young man so that he could actually see this angelic army, which was “full of horses and chariots of fire” (verse 17).
In Zechariah 6, God dictates orders to four powerful, high-ranking angels, and then dispatches them to Earth. Each angel has a specific job description, and a detailed set of commands from God Himself. “God sends these chariots,” Mr. Flurry recently wrote. “He is preparing, giving specific commands about what these chariots are to do. It is a global effort. God has given these angels of Zechariah 6 instructions, and is dispatching spirits all over the globe, setting up and arranging for these catastrophic events that are already beginning to unfold before our eyes.”
Zechariah 6 makes it clear that humanity has not been left alone with the coronavirus. This chapter shows that God is not letting mankind accidently stumble into the Tribulation and the Day of the Lord. These terrible times are coming, but they will arrive on God’s terms. Zechariah 6 shows that God Himself, through these four angels and their cohorts, is carefully orchestrating world events!
Some might think it preposterous to say that God monitors world conditions using angels. Some will find it hard to visualize angels crisscrossing the planet, keeping tabs on events to make sure they unfold according to Bible prophecy. A few months ago, many of these same people would have thought it preposterous that a disease epidemic would send the entire planet into lockdown. One of the great lessons of the coronavirus crisis is that we need to think the unthinkable more often.
Hitting the World’s Major Powers
What do these angels do once they have been given their orders? “The black horses which are therein go forth into the north country; and the white go forth after them; and the grisled go forth toward the south country. And the bay went forth, and sought to go that they might walk to and fro through the earth: and he said, Get you hence, walk to and fro through the earth. So they walked to and fro through the earth” (Zechariah 6:6-7).
God’s monitoring of the world right now is detailed and calculated; these four angels have specific territorial assignments. Through these angelic proxies, God is paying close attention to what his happening in the “north country,” which other biblical prophecies tell us refers to Europe. Meanwhile, another angel is operating in the south. Perhaps this includes the area controlled by the “king of the south,” or Iran and its radical Islamist allies, prophesied in Daniel 11:40.
What does this mean practically? It means that God is watching events in Europe and in Iran, as well as in China and the rest of the planet. Through these four angels, He is making sure the coronavirus crisis advances the prophecies in the Bible. This means that this crisis is going to help Europe unite and cause a powerful German strongman to rise and lead his nation and Europe. To men, it might look like the coronavirus could destroy Europe politically and financially, and end the notion of European unity. In fact, the angel stationed over the Continent has everything under control—this being is making sure that this crisis advances God’s prophecies for Europe. (It’s already happening, as Trumpet contributor Josué Michels explained yesterday.)
The same goes for Iran, another nation the Trumpet has monitored for many years and has delivered some strong, specific forecasts about. A few months ago, Iran was tormenting the region and the wider international community, and very obviously fulfilling the role of “the king of the south” prophesied in Daniel 11:40-44. Then the coronavirus struck. Since January, some of Iran’s top leaders have been killed, by either coronavirus or U.S. drones. The virus has wreaked havoc on the population and is thrashing Iran’s economy. Is Iran still the king of the south and capable of inciting war with Europe, as the Bible prophesies?
Do not doubt it! The angel stationed over this region and responsible for measuring Iran’s power and presence has it under control. Perhaps Iran was a little too powerful; perhaps Tehran was moving too quickly toward accomplishing its prophesied role, and God needed to slow it down to ensure prophecy is fulfilled on His time schedule.
Then there’s China, patient zero for the coronavirus and the nation that only a few months ago brandished colossal global influence and power. The Trumpet has long forecast that China would be an economic and military superpower that would rival the United States and would one day impose a devastating economic siege on America. Then the Wuhan coronavirus crisis hit, causing China to enter total lockdown, tanking the economy, and sending China’s leaders reeling. Is China a superpower capable of competing with America? Or has the coronavirus knocked China out? Was our prophecy wrong?
You know the answer: The angels of Zechariah 6 have it all under control! Thanks to Bible prophecy, we can know: The coronavirus and its devastating impact on China will advance the biblical prophecies about this nation. Again, we can already see this happening. Beijing’s relationship with America, which was already capricious, will be even more volatile. This virus also secures Russia as the lead nation in the prophesied Sino-Russian alliance. Economically, China might slow down, especially if there’s a global recession, but it still has the power to siege the U.S. Perhaps this crisis will reconfigure things economically, giving Beijing more freedom to decouple from the U.S.—creating the opportunity to be more openly hostile.
In The New Throne of David, Mr. Flurry writes that Zechariah 6 “shows how God is diligently preparing for the events of the Great Tribulation and Day of the Lord—and for the majestic coronation that will follow immediately afterward.” We too need to be “diligently preparing” for Christ’s return!
How familiar are you with these prophecies in Amos 7 and Zechariah 6, among all the others? The more familiar we are with them, the more urgent we will be in our preparations. Amos 7 and Zechariah 6 show how urgently and intimately involved God is in world events!
A pandemic of irrational fear and illogical behavior seems to have taken root. Our leaders, doctors and scientists may have lost control of the coronavirus. It feels like humanity has entered a graveyard spiral. But be assured: God has not lost control. Like a loving father, He is judiciously measuring the curses descending on humanity.
In this fact, there is solace and peace. All we have to do is believe it.


thetrumpet--2020-03-23--Russia and Indonesia Agree to First Joint Naval Exercise

Armored vehicles of the Russian Navy disembark during an amphibious landing exercise at the Opuk training area on Crimea ’ s Black Sea coast on Sept. 21 , 2019 .
As the world continues to panic about Coronavirus , the kings of the east are preparing to unite .
Russian news agency tass reported on March 13 that the Russian Pacific Fleet “ preliminarily agreed upon the location , the timeline and the membership ” of a naval exercise with Indonesia .
This exercise will be the first ever between the two nations .
The move is an indication of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defensive ties with key Asian states .
The inroads such an exercise will make are massive .
This year Russia commemorates 70 years of ties with Indonesia , a defense relationship stretching back to the Cold War .
Such developing relationships are making the United States nervous .
President Donald Trump has made efforts to scupper burgeoning military cooperation between Asian nations .
His administration pressured Indonesia into dropping a $ 1.1 billion deal to buy Russia-made Su-35 fighter jets earlier this month .
In February , it pressured Indonesia into walking away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China for naval patrol vessels .
However , it appears Indonesia has not abandoned its desire to purchase the Russia-made fighter jets , with the purchase of 11 Su-35s appearing on its defense budget procurement plan for 2020–2024 .
This surprising defiance of the U.S. comes from Indonesia ’ s lofty military ambitions .
Recent regulatory changes in Indonesia indicate a desire to revive dormant nuclear energy .
In February , an “ omnibus bill ” was submitted to parliament that indicates an inclination toward private sector investment in nuclear energy .
Indonesian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pass in a matter of months .
According to the Nikkei Asian Review , Indonesia has harbored nuclear ambitions for decades .
This bill would allow the government ’ s sanctioned National Nuclear Energy Agency to partner with the private sector in nuclear energy development .
This would be a solid first step to ultimately being able to make the transition from nuclear energy to nuclear weapons .
While the nation is still a long way from becoming a nuclear power , its ambitions are clear .
And this ambition is translating into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and now the joint naval exercises with Russia .
The tass report was vague and lacking specifics on the size and scope of the exercises .
It is possible that the Russian fleet is wary of more U.S. involvement in its military relations and thus aims to be as ambiguous as possible in releasing information .
Whatever the case may be , it is clear that Russia is determined to increase and strengthen its ties in Southeast Asia .
Indonesia , in turn , is purposefully pursuing a stronger military presence and might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pathway to achieve that goal .
Bible prophecy speaks of a powerful end-time Asian military alliance .
It will comprise soldiers , military equipment and firepower in a combined force of several Asian nations .
The Bible calls this coalition “ the kings of the east ” ( Revelation 16:12 ) .
Trumpet editor in chief Gerald Flurry writes in his free booklet The Prophesied ‘ Prince of Russia ’ that the main members of this alliance are Russia and China .
However , it will also include other Asian nations such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr .
Flurry writes : Current events show this Asian army is taking shape already .
You can see it in Putin ’ s growing authoritarianism , and also in his outreach to other Asian powers .
Russia has supplied China with many military armaments over the last decade or so ; it also helped the Chinese go nuclear .
For many years the Russians have been allied with China , at least to some degree .
But there will also be other powers involved .
Russia is prophesied to lead this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has negotiated multibillion-dollar military trade pacts with China and India .
It has taken steps to heal relations with Japan .
It is fostering warmer ties with the Philippines , another aspiring nuclear power .
And now it is pursuing deals with Indonesia .
Russia is preparing to lead this Asian bloc .
With coronavirus destabilizing the world , the stage is being set for a reduction of Chinese power , Russia ’ s main regional rival , and a corresponding Russian surge .
This could bring about Russia ’ s dominance of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The increasing cooperation between Russia and Indonesia serves to reinforce these prophecies .
To learn more about these prophecies , request your free copy of Russia and China in Prophecy .

Russian news agency tass reported on March 13 that the Russian Pacific Fleet “preliminarily agreed upon the location, the timeline and the membership” of a naval exercise with Indonesia. This exercise will be the first ever between the two nations. The move is an indication of Russia’s determination to strengthen its defensive ties with key Asian states.
The inroads such an exercise will make are massive. This year Russia commemorates 70 years of ties with Indonesia, a defense relationship stretching back to the Cold War.
Such developing relationships are making the United States nervous. President Donald Trump has made efforts to scupper burgeoning military cooperation between Asian nations.
His administration pressured Indonesia into dropping a $1.1 billion deal to buy Russia-made Su-35 fighter jets earlier this month. In February, it pressured Indonesia into walking away from a $200 million deal with China for naval patrol vessels.
However, it appears Indonesia has not abandoned its desire to purchase the Russia-made fighter jets, with the purchase of 11 Su-35s appearing on its defense budget procurement plan for 2020–2024. This surprising defiance of the U.S. comes from Indonesia’s lofty military ambitions.
Recent regulatory changes in Indonesia indicate a desire to revive dormant nuclear energy. In February, an “omnibus bill” was submitted to parliament that indicates an inclination toward private sector investment in nuclear energy. Indonesian President Joko Widodo wants the bill to pass in a matter of months.
According to the Nikkei Asian Review, Indonesia has harbored nuclear ambitions for decades. This bill would allow the government’s sanctioned National Nuclear Energy Agency to partner with the private sector in nuclear energy development. This would be a solid first step to ultimately being able to make the transition from nuclear energy to nuclear weapons.
While the nation is still a long way from becoming a nuclear power, its ambitions are clear. And this ambition is translating into military deals with Russia and China, and now the joint naval exercises with Russia.
The tass report was vague and lacking specifics on the size and scope of the exercises. It is possible that the Russian fleet is wary of more U.S. involvement in its military relations and thus aims to be as ambiguous as possible in releasing information.
Whatever the case may be, it is clear that Russia is determined to increase and strengthen its ties in Southeast Asia. Indonesia, in turn, is purposefully pursuing a stronger military presence and might, and it sees Russia as a pathway to achieve that goal.
Bible prophecy speaks of a powerful end-time Asian military alliance. It will comprise soldiers, military equipment and firepower in a combined force of several Asian nations. The Bible calls this coalition “the kings of the east” (Revelation 16:12).
Trumpet editor in chief Gerald Flurry writes in his free booklet The Prophesied ‘Prince of Russia’ that the main members of this alliance are Russia and China. However, it will also include other Asian nations such as Japan, India and perhaps even Indonesia. Mr. Flurry writes:
Current events show this Asian army is taking shape already. You can see it in Putin’s growing authoritarianism, and also in his outreach to other Asian powers. Russia has supplied China with many military armaments over the last decade or so; it also helped the Chinese go nuclear. For many years the Russians have been allied with China, at least to some degree. But there will also be other powers involved.
Russia is prophesied to lead this alliance. In recent months, it has negotiated multibillion-dollar military trade pacts with China and India. It has taken steps to heal relations with Japan. It is fostering warmer ties with the Philippines, another aspiring nuclear power. And now it is pursuing deals with Indonesia. Russia is preparing to lead this Asian bloc.
With coronavirus destabilizing the world, the stage is being set for a reduction of Chinese power, Russia’s main regional rival, and a corresponding Russian surge. This could bring about Russia’s dominance of Asia, as the Bible prophesies. The increasing cooperation between Russia and Indonesia serves to reinforce these prophecies.
To learn more about these prophecies, request your free copy of Russia and China in Prophecy.


thetrumpet--2020-03-23--KT zu Guttenberg, Artificial Intelligence and You

Many , many prophecies in your Bible describe the world after Jesus Christ returns as being a world filled with happiness !
Did you know that God actually commands us to be happy ?
And He gives a formula for making you happy in His Bible , which is for the whole world .
God is full of joy !
And He is creating us to be like He is , so He wants us to be filled with joy , too .
Only those people who have that joy will be in His Family in the future .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s world filled with unhappiness and other strong , negative feelings .
Revelation 12:9 says this whole world is deceived .
One of the greatest deceptions of all is about how to be happy .
Why are people so deceived about this subject ?
And how can you be happy ?
Let me explain the answer to both of those questions .
It is deeply misunderstood , and strongly resisted .
I present The Key of David , a weekly television program that reaches millions of potential viewers and is available online @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I cover this subject , we get less response than normal .
I ’ d like to challenge you to think about this subject , to read and study the additional literature we offer on it .
We give away all our literature freely because God commands us to do so in Matthew 10:8 : “ Freely you have received , freely give.
” We have done this for over 80 years .
We give over a million dollars ’ worth of free literature every year , yet we always have the income @ @ @ @ @ @ @ God commands us to do certain things in the Bible , and He rewards us immensely for obeying Him .
In John 13 , Jesus Christ instructs the disciples about the Passover , which begins the holy day plan of God .
“ For I have given you an example that ye should do as I have done to you ” ( verse 15 ) .
You must do things the way Christ does .
That includes the holy days , which He kept and He commands us to keep .
( Request @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Holy Days—Which ?
to learn about how God ’ s holy days reveal God ’ s master plan for human beings .
This is truth we need ! )
Then notice verse 17 : “ If ye know these things , happy are ye if ye do them.
” Christ said that following His example and obeying Him will make you happy .
God puts everything on the line .
If doing these things doesn ’ t make you happy , then that would make God a liar .
But He doesn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( Titus 1:2 ) .
Here is another scripture that describes how happy we can be : “ But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings ; and ye shall go forth , and grow up as calves of the stall ” ( Malachi 4:2 ) .
Here is a picture of a young calf in the stall that has been born recently and is jumping around because it ’ s so thrilled to be alive !
And this tells you how to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and bright and shining like the sun !
It starts with fearing God .
Notice verse 4 : “ Remember ye the law of Moses my servant , which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel , with the statutes and judgments.
” The main law Moses received on Mount Horeb ( another name for Mount Sinai ) , was the Ten Commandments ( Exodus 20 ) .
And the “ statutes ” we are here commanded to remember include the holy days .
The first five books of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Law ( e.g .
Luke 24:44 ) .
Those five books are the foundation of the entire Bible—and the Ten Commandments are the center of that foundation .
Remember that law !
Don ’ t forget it , because keeping it will make you happy !
The book of Malachi shows that most of God ’ s own people in this end time—95 percent—have turned away from that law ( e.g .
Malachi 2:8-9 ; 3:7 , 14 ) .
And here at the end of the book God is saying , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Moses that he received on Mount Sinai with thunder and lightning , with the mountain and the earth shaking !
In the days of the second temple construction , the Jews who had returned to Jerusalem from captivity had renewed appreciation for the law of God .
Nehemiah 8 records them gathering to observe the Feast of Trumpets , and then the Feast of Tabernacles , two of God ’ s seven annual festivals .
When they gathered , Ezra and the spiritual leaders read the Law to the people .
“ So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law of God distinctly , and gave the sense , and caused them to understand the reading ” ( verse 8 ) .
They really made it plain .
And how did the people respond ?
“ [ A ] ll the people wept , when they heard the words of the law ” ( verse 9 ) .
They were convicted and repentant .
That may seem like the opposite of happiness—but in reality , it is the only true path to real happiness !
Nehemiah saw their response .
“ Then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way , eat the fat , and drink the sweet , and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared : for this day is holy unto our Lord [ referring to the Feast of Tabernacles ] : neither be ye sorry ; for the joy of the Lord is your strength ” ( verse 10 ) .
If you are keeping those holy days , God says it will fill you with joy , and that is your strength !
Obedience to God ’ s law makes you strong !
Verse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ properly as they hadn ’ t done for generations , and “ there was very great gladness.
” That is what keeping God ’ s law brings .
Many scriptures show that very shortly , Jesus Christ will return to Earth and apply that law , and the Earth will become a paradise , filled with happy and joyful people—adults , children , everybody .
The Almighty God will ensure that this happens !
Jesus Christ continually spoke of the importance of the law and the Old Testament as a whole .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obeying the law and the Old Testament prophets .
The Jews boasted that they followed the law scrupulously .
But Moses wrote the Bible ’ s first five books , called the Law , and in John 5:46-47 , Jesus told them , “ Had you believed Moses , you would have believed me , for he wrote of me .
But if ye believe not his writings , how shall ye believe my words ?
” Jesus confirmed the veracity of the Bible ’ s record of the Flood ( Matthew 24:37-39 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the account of the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah ( Matthew 10:15 ; Luke 17:29 ) .
He corroborated the fate of Lot ’ s wife ( Luke 17:32 ) .
After Jesus was crucified and resurrected , He spent some time with His disciples , teaching them .
“ And beginning at Moses and all the prophets , he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself ” ( Luke 24:27 ) .
He went through the first five books , throughout the Law , and all the prophets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ major and minor prophets—and taught them just how relevant and significant it all was !
Many people dismiss these sections of the Bible—but Christ certainly didn ’ t !
I saw one commentary that drew together all these examples showing just how much Christ underscored the importance of the Old Testament .
But do you know what this commentary did not say ?
It didn ’ t say what Christ said about the law , the foundation of the entire Bible !
This commentary said nothing of that because most of them believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But what did Christ say ?
You would think such an important subject would have been mentioned above some of those other miraculous events .
Christ told His disciples , “ Ye are the light of the world .
A city that is set on an hill can not be hid ” ( Matthew 5:14 ) .
Those people who are obeying Him , Christ calls the light of the world !
If you are a light to the world , that means you are shining and happy !
People will see it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ candle , and put it under a bushel … .
Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works , and glorify your Father which is in heaven ” ( verses 15-16 ) .
Wow !
Let that light shine , and people will see your good works and glorify God !
Now , notice this amazing scripture that is so contrary to what nearly every commentary will tell you : “ Think not that I am come to destroy the law , or the prophets : I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to fulfil ” ( verse 17 ) .
He is talking about the Ten Commandments above all .
But also the first five books of the Bible and all the prophetic books .
He didn ’ t come to destroy these , but to fulfill them—to fill them to the full !
“ For verily I say unto you , Till heaven and earth pass , one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law , till all be fulfilled ” ( verse 18 ) .
This is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said He would cross every T and dot every I of the law in every little detail .
He came to fill the law to the full perfectly !
Most people in the so-called Christian world talk about the law being done away .
But that is the opposite of what Jesus Christ taught !
The Ten Commandments are the foundation of the Bible and are the heart of everything—if you want to be happy .
Yet the way the world views it , if you ’ re keeping the law , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ !
And look at how unhappy , miserable and dangerous this world is as a result !
Look at how politicians and political adversaries hate each other today .
God ’ s law says you must love your neighbor ( Leviticus 19:18 ) .
Christ confirmed that this even means loving your enemies ( Matthew 5:44 ) .
They often talk about how religious they are , but they have such hate in their lives !
Harboring such hate means they are not doing what Christ commanded .
That is what your Bible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Isaiah , “ For the leaders of this people cause them to err ; and they that are led of them are destroyed ” ( Isaiah 9:16 ) .
The leaders and scholars of Israel should be an example to the whole world , and would be , if they were obeying God .
But they have rebelled against God .
They are causing people to err and leading people to destruction , spiritually and even physically .
Isaiah 3:12 concurs : Those leaders “ cause thee to err.
” God emphasizes this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leading you astray , causing you to make serious mistakes !
Their lawless approach is making you unhappy , and they make God unhappy by what they are doing !
Christ said if you are obeying the law , you will be like the sun , shining with happiness so people can see !
You won ’ t be hating people—you will love them and be giving to them in any way you can .
The Apostle Paul also strongly endorsed the Old Testament .
He explicitly backed up its account of Cain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Melchizedek and Abraham , of the miracle of the Red Sea , of Israel ’ s rebellion by creating a golden calf , of the life of Rahab and the fall of Jericho , and many other historical incidents that most people dismiss as myth .
Paul also underscored the importance of God ’ s law .
In Romans 10:1-3 , he talks about people who “ have a zeal of God , but not according to knowledge .
For they being ignorant of God ’ s righteousness , and going about to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.
” How many people fall into that trap ?
Do you submit to God ’ s definition of righteousness—as He defines it in His Word and by His law—or do you try to establish your own definition of righteousness ?
Verse 4 reads , “ For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.
” That does not mean that Christ ended the law , as many would have you believe .
The word “ end ” comes from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point aimed at .
When you look at Christ ’ s example , you see up close what real righteousness looks like , and what God and Christ are all about .
If you keep the law the way God directs you to , and you are doing it spiritually—then in the end , you will have the very character of Christ !
You will be following His example ( 1 Peter 2:21 ) , you will have His mind ( Philippians 2:5 ) , and you will be keeping the law of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ For this is the love of God , that we keep his commandments : and his commandments are not grievous.
” God ’ s commands are not grievous , as so many people say they are .
They make you happy !
And they fill you with love and many other wonderful virtues !
Paul got to the heart of people ’ s problem with God ’ s law .
He wrote , “ Because the carnal mind is enmity [ or hostile ] against God : for it is not subject @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indeed can be ” ( Romans 8:7 ) .
You see this natural hostility to God everywhere !
And if you are honest , you can even detect it , at least to some degree , within yourself .
The only way we can obey God and keep His law is by receiving His Holy Spirit !
Paul referred repeatedly back to Adam and Eve in his epistles ( e.g .
Romans 5:14 ; 1 Corinthians 15:22 ; 1 Timothy 2:13-14 ) .
He spoke about the Garden of Eden and the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the tree of life .
God kicked them out of the garden , and mankind has followed their example ever since .
They rebelled against God and set the example for this world , so God condemned this world to 6,000 years of being cut off from Him .
Now we are very close to the time when Jesus Christ will return .
Mankind has had his “ six days ” of the week—each day symbolizing a thousand years ( 2 Peter 3:8 ) —and the seventh , the Sabbath , is almost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to keep the Sabbath holy each week ( Exodus 20:8-11 ) —and He even says He will bless us with delight and abundance for doing so ( Isaiah 58:13-14 ) —but most people ignore that and rebel .
The Sabbath points to the fact that Christ is about to use that seventh “ day ” —that seventh thousand-year period—to fill this world with happiness and joy !
Many scriptures tell us this .
Do you believe them ?
God tells us we must be doers of the Word ( James 1:22-25 ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 25 says , “ But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty , and continueth therein , he being not a forgetful hearer , but a doer of the work [ or this law ] , this man shall be blessed in his deed.
” Do you see God ’ s law as a law of liberty ?
If you keep it , you will have freedom .
You ’ ll be blessed in special ways by God , and one of those blessings is you ’ ll be happy !
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you be happy without freedom ?
People in this world think they have freedom , but they are really in bondage to sin .
“ Where there is no vision , the people perish : but he that keepeth the law , HAPPY is he ” ( Proverbs 29:18 ) .
Keeping the law gives you vision , and it makes you happy .
It shows you how to make things work out in your life , and how to solve your problems .
Keep the law , and you have vision : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and you know where God is taking every one of us .
Your life can be filled with happiness , joy and great purpose .
That doesn ’ t mean you won ’ t have trials and tests , but the Bible tells us to rejoice even when you have fiery trials , because God is using those to build His very character within you !
( e.g .
James 1:2-4 ) .
He is preparing you for a spectacular eternal future in the very Family of God !
If you want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : He says you must turn from your iniquities ( Daniel 9:13 ) —and turn to that law of love , that law of happiness , that law of freedom , that law of joy !
Christ came so you could have life , and have it more abundantly ( John 10:10 ) .
God wants you to be filled with joy , and to live the abundant life !
His law shows you the way .

In 2019, former German Defense Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg took on a senior leadership position in the artificial intelligence (AI) company Augustus Intelligence. Guttenberg previously urged Europe to take the lead in AI. We have alluded for quite some time to the possibility of Guttenberg leading a united Europe. His gained experience in the United States may further qualify him to lead Europe’s digital transformation and more.
Augustus Intelligence has recently been involved in a legal dispute with two fired managers, former sales director Marco Pacelli and consultant Ed Crump. Guttenberg has been a shareholder in the company since March 2019, a board member since May, and he took on a management position, as president in charge of “general affairs,” in October. He is also said to have been involved in the firing of Pacelli and Crump, Germany’s Der Spiegel noted.
After Guttenberg left the political scene in Germany, he retired to the U.S. and founded a management consultancy and investment company called Spitzberg Partners. According to Der Spiegel, he now works full time for Augustus Intelligence on the 77th floor of the One World Trade Center in New York. The company also employs an active German politician: Philipp Amthor, who is a member of the Bundestag and of the Christian Democratic Union.
Augustus Intelligence’s chief executive officer is German entrepreneur Wolfgang Haupt. President in charge of Business Affairs is Charles-Édouard Bouée, the former head of the management consultancy Roland Berger. Also on the management team is 23-year-old information technology expert Pascal Weinberger, whom Forbes introduced as a “prodigy.”
Augustus provides “the leading gateway to AI” and helps people find “data solutions for the ongoing benefit of humanity,” according to its website. Investors support the company with millions of dollars.
Artificial intelligence aims at developing computer systems able to accomplish what previously required human intelligence. In other words, it is man’s attempt to give machines human-like reasoning. By studying large amounts of data, observing patterns over time, and analyzing various other factors, computer systems are trained to draw conclusions and make decisions.
AI is commonly used in smart home devices, autonomous cars and customer support. Some believe that AI will transform our world, change industries, militaries and even humans. Some even think it is bringing mankind a step closer to overcoming mortality. Reality still looks quite different. But having a cutting edge in these developments may prove crucial for the success of companies and nations.
Depending on the field of operation, AI combines machine learning and symbolic learning with deep learning technologies, data analytics and cloud computing. In the banking industry, AI may be used to evaluate if customers are approved for a loan. In the military, drone swarms controlled by AI could support combat vehicles and future battle tanks.
In January, French President Emmanuel Macron “proudly fan-fared” the arrival of the German Augustus Intelligence, as it plans to open a research laboratory in Paris, Intelligence Online reported on February 26. Augustus Intelligence plans to create 50 new jobs in France.
Given its location in New York, its endorsement by the French president, and its high-profile management, Augustus seems to be a highly respected company.
The two fired managers, Pacelli and Crump, however, claim that the company is fraudulent and investors are deceived. “Pull the curtain aside, and it becomes apparent that Augustus Intelligence’s business practices are steeped in ‘fraud, illegality and corruption,’ a lawsuit filed in a New York court said. That is just the introduction. Afterward, the accusers take out an all-round attack,” Der Spiegel wrote.
Pacelli and Crump claim that the tens of millions of dollars in seed funding were far exaggerated and that the company’s AI algorithm was a mere demonstration code. Augustus has rejected the accusations. But whether or not investors have been deceived, Guttenberg’s interest in advancing AI is something to take note of.
When it comes to digitalization, Europe lags behind the U.S. and China. This is also true in the field of AI. But AI is in many ways still in its infancy. Guttenberg believes that Europe could still take the lead, so he is urging European governments to invest heavily.
“We also shouldn’t say that all these developments already happened; artificial intelligence is still something Europe could shape,” he noted in a television interview with Puls 4-Talk on July 28, 2019. “But in order to do this, as banal as it sounds, one has to invest money.”
The Trumpet has predicted that Guttenberg will take a major leadership position in Europe. His prod for Europe to take the lead in AI and his own involvement with Augustus Intelligence may indicate how Europe, under his leadership, would change.
Europe has one major advantage when it comes to incorporating new technologies: “We have a well-established industry, which still has to be far more connected to the new technologies,” Guttenberg noted. “But once this happens, it will develop a totally different field of power than a purely technological or digitalization firm.”
Europe, led by Germany, could connect its old industry with its new technology and thus rise to new economic strength. This could apply to its banking industry, car industry, or any of its other well-established sectors.
“We shouldn’t believe we can stomp out competition in the fields where the U.S. and China have already formed giants,” Guttenberg explained. “We will not create the European Alibaba or Alphabet. However, in the field of artificial intelligence, for example, Europe is in a position to play a major global role. Instead of complaining about Huawei and 5G, Europe could set itself up to develop 6G. But it is important to speak with one voice. Europe is currently doing the opposite. That is worrisome.”
Artificial intelligence is often overhyped in the media. But the various underlying technologies and algorithms could indeed empower companies and nations to outperform competitors.
The Bible prophesies that Europe will suddenly rise to superpower status and surprise many in this end time (Revelation 17:7).
In a July 24, 1983, co-worker letter, the late Herbert W. Armstrong wrote: “The very first issue of the Plain Truth magazine appeared February 1934—just 50 years ago lacking about six months. The article starting on the cover page warned of a coming sudden appearance of a resurrected ‘Holy Roman Empire’ in Europe—a union of 10 nations in Europe under one government, with one united military force. For 50 years I have been crying out to the world the Bible prophecies of this coming ‘United States of Europe’—a new united superpower perhaps more powerful than either the Soviet Union or the United States!”
At the head of this superpower, Daniel 8:23 reveals, will be a man who understands “dark sentences.” The Gesenius’ Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon defines “dark sentences” as “twisted, involved, subtlety, fraud, enigma.” “This strongman grasps things that are obscure, things you can’t understand without explanation or interpretation,” Trumpet editor in chief Gerald Flurry noted.
Regardless what role artificial intelligence will play in the fulfillment of Bible prophecy, it is crucial to understand what God reveals about Europe’s prophesied leader. I encourage you to read “Is KT zu Guttenberg About to Come to Power?” by Gerald Flurry to learn why we watch this man so closely.


thetrumpet--2020-03-23--Rules for Radicals: Thou Shalt Panic!

Rules for Radicals: Thou Shalt Panic!

A section of empty shelves is seen at Northgate Gonzalez Market , a Hispanic specialty supermarket , on March 19 , 2020 in Los Angeles , California .
For weeks now , government officials and the media have said that America and Britain are just days away from looking like Italy .
Some experts forecast that America and Britain could face hundreds of thousands of deaths—on the low end !
Is it any wonder many people are panic buying ?
People are shocked more by the government ’ s reaction to the coronavirus than they are by the virus itself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a good sign !
Any dissent from the experts ’ opinion is blotted out or flagged by social media .
Everyone must comply with the experts ’ narrative .
This Is Not a Joke !
( 10 minutes ) The weather yesterday was beautiful .
Not surprisingly , many people ventured outside .
They were scolded by governors and mayors alike for not taking the crisis serious enough .
The mayor of London is now considering the possibility of arresting “ clusters ” and deploying the Army .
Subscribe to the Trumpet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Google Play or by RSS

Rules for Radicals: Thou Shalt Panic!
‘We’re All Italy’ (16 minutes)
For weeks now, government officials and the media have said that America and Britain are just days away from looking like Italy. Some experts forecast that America and Britain could face hundreds of thousands of deaths—on the low end! Is it any wonder many people are panic buying?
Thou Shalt Panic (30 minutes)
People are shocked more by the government’s reaction to the coronavirus than they are by the virus itself. The experts say that an overreaction is a good sign! Any dissent from the experts’ opinion is blotted out or flagged by social media. Everyone must comply with the experts’ narrative.
This Is Not a Joke! (10 minutes)
The weather yesterday was beautiful. Not surprisingly, many people ventured outside. They were scolded by governors and mayors alike for not taking the crisis serious enough. The mayor of London is now considering the possibility of arresting “clusters” and deploying the Army.


thetrumpet--2020-03-24--Coronavirus Hastens Lebanon’s Impending Economic Collapse

Liverpool Street railway station quiet , and almost deserted despite it being East End markets day when it is normally very busy on 22nd March 2020 in London , England , United Kingdom .
The final death toll of coronavirus is unknown .
But it ’ s already clear it will have a massive economic toll .
The globe has essentially shut down .
Travel has ceased .
Restaurants , cinemas , amusement parks—anywhere people gather in public—are closed .
Retail sales are plummeting as no one ventures out .
With no money coming in , firms are at risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could soon be unemployed .
Into the breach steps government .
Every major government has unveiled a massive spending plan .
Right now , the United States government is working on a $ 2 trillion spending package .
The United Kingdom has unveiled a $ 413 billion plan .
That ’ s over 40 percent of typical annual government spending—all poured out on just one crisis .
This response could make a real difference in people ’ s lives and stop a lot of the immediate economic pain this virus could cause .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ economies , preparing the way for a future collapse .
In past crises , people looked to their own resources .
It wouldn ’ t have even occurred to Britons or Americans 100 years ago to expect the government to save them .
But now we ’ re used to the government taking care of us .
They pay us when we ’ re unemployed , provide our health care , and bail out banks to keep the economy afloat .
In return , we pay heavy taxes .
In the United Kingdom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ income goes to taxation .
In the United States , it ’ s 30 percent .
All that taxation makes it hard to save up for a rainy day—and makes us feel entitled to government handouts when our livelihoods are threatened .
In many cases governments are the ones forcing people to stay home .
If the governments are destroying our livelihoods , it seems only fair that they help rebuild them .
The trouble is , our governments—even with their colossal levels of income— can not afford to provide those handouts .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. , UK and many other governments borrowed heavily .
Prior to that , America ’ s national debt was 65 percent of its annual economic output .
By 2011 , it had jumped to 95 percent as it buoyed its economy by borrowing at the fastest rate since World War ii .
Since then , instead of paying the debt off , America has continued to borrow .
U.S. debt is now about 105 percent of its gross domestic product .
Harvard economics professors Carmen Reinhart and Kenneth Rogoff have concluded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ annual economic output is dangerous .
The unprecedented response to the 2008 crisis broke more than the budget .
It also broke a major taboo .
Major government intervention became expected in any economic crisis .
Imagine the public outcry if , when the coronavirus crisis hit , the government refused to help : You spent trillions bailing out the banks , what about ordinary Americans ?
You ’ ll help rich bankers , but not us ?
!
With its extravagant response in 2008 , the government effectively committed itself to similar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that is exactly what it is doing in response to the coronavirus .
America ’ s $ 2 trillion bailout package will have to be financed by debt ; it alone will add another 5 percent to the national debt .
By the time this ends , the U.S. will have taken a giant leap toward equaling its highest-ever level of debt : 121.7 percent , reached during World War ii .
The U.S. is talking about giving $ 1,000 a month to every adult .
Japan is considering a smaller amount of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will not be enough to meet these crises .
If America borrows too much , creditors could become worried about the government ’ s ability to repay the debt .
That fear could destroy the economy .
So the government is looking at another source of income : the printing press .
The 2008 financial crisis began a great experiment with a new tool for central banks : quantitative easing .
With this tool , central banks create money from nothing .
There is , rightly , a huge taboo on governments printing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of money printing can be catastrophic , leading to hyperinflation that renders a currency basically worthless .
So central banks trod carefully on their quantitative easing experiment .
They didn ’ t hand the newly created money directly to the government ; instead , it bought government debt and other assets from banks .
And central banks pledged to “ wind down ” this printing in the future : to sell the government bonds they had bought and then destroy the money they had created .
Twelve years later , it looks like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extra money kept the financial system going .
The central banks bought up government debt and kept interest rates on that debt at record lows , enabling governments to spend record amounts .
But most central banks have destroyed only a fraction of the new money they had created .
Yet the sky hasn ’ t fallen in .
You don ’ t have to bring your money in a wheelbarrow to buy a loaf of bread .
So in reaction to the coronavirus , central banks are running the printing presses faster @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced today unlimited quantitative easing .
After the 2008 crisis , the Fed has never done anything like this ; instead , it announced quantitative easing within a huge , though specified , limit .
The first round , from December 2008 to March 2010 , for example , was capped at $ 1.5 trillion .
Previously the Fed also announced that it would inject $ 1.5 trillion into the repo market , essentially where banks go to get cash .
“ It is effectively underwriting U.S. Treasury bonds and ‘ printing ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote the Telegraph ’ s Ambrose Evans-Pritchard .
The Bank of England also announced $ 236 billion in quantitative easing .
The central banks may also drop many more of the restrictions that were placed on quantitative easing in 2008 .
The thinking is : It worked , they got away with it , and so less caution is required this time .
Even right-wing economists are now talking about “ helicopter money ” —creating money using quantitative easing and more or less raining it down from the sky on ordinary citizens .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the banks in 2008 , the thinking goes , so why not create the money and give it to ordinary people ?
“ [ W ] e are certainly going to see some form of ‘ helicopter money , ’ the mechanism by which the state , via the central bank , simply prints money and hands it out to people , ” wrote finance journalist Matthew Lyn in the Spectator .
“ The next logical step in the chain of unconventional monetary policy is helicopter money and that is a direct liquidity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economy , ” said Neil MacKinnon of vtb Capital .
These are just two of a great number of similar statements .
Helicopter money used to be a fringe idea , something only crazies or socialists talked about .
Now , your freshly printed money may reach you before our next Trumpet issue does .
The response to coronavirus has led even people on the right to embrace socialism .
“ Boris Must Embrace Socialism Immediately to Save the Liberal Free Market , ” blared a headline in the usually right-wing Telegraph .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Into Socialists , ” declared the Spectator .
On March 20 , the British government unveiled a radical new program that turns most Brits into government employees .
If people are unable to work due to coronavirus , the government will pay 80 percent of their wages—up to a cap of £2,500 ( us $ 2,900 ) a month .
In making this commitment , Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak admitted that he had no idea what it would cost .
“ It is the most extensive intervention in the economy ever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the world , ” wrote the Spectator .
“ In effect , we will all soon be working for the government.
” The massive increase in spending globally is pushing all countries in the direction of socialism .
Companies of all sizes are banging on the U.S. government ’ s door asking for a bailout .
Government money could soon be flowing into more sectors of the U.S. economy than ever before .
The trouble is , it ’ s very hard to reverse on the road to socialism .
With each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from their governments the next time .
Once they receive handouts , they expect to keep receiving them .
Anyone who tries to roll back the clock is taking something of theirs away .
And once a government takes power over something , the bureaucracy and politicians are very reluctant to give it back .
“ When the UK economy last went onto a war footing in 1939 , we didn ’ t really shake it off until Mrs. Thatcher ’ s reforms of the 1980s , ” wrote the Spectator .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time .
[ I ] t is a huge gamble—and it will be easier to start this rescue than to stop it.
” Even if we succeed and take a step back from socialism , what happens when the next crisis hits ?
The 2008 crisis broke taboos , but 2020 has smashed them beyond all repair .
Once again , there will be massive borrowing .
Once again , the printing presses will be fired up—with even fewer rules than before .
How long before government finances , the currency and our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re not just on the road to socialism , but to economic ruin .
This unprecedented response may stave off an immediate crisis , as it did in 2008 , but what next ?
We never managed to pay off the debt or destroy the newly created money from that crisis .
We may stave off the crisis for now , but we are setting ourselves up for catastrophe .
Britain , America and our whole financial system are in a tough position .
Refusing to take these kinds of measures would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot of people .
But adopting them simply pushes the pain into the future , and guarantees that when it hits , it will be worse .
The problem isn ’ t the bailout .
This isn ’ t about one bad decision destroying everything .
It ’ s the whole system .
We have built an entire economic system on a foundation of debt .
The government manages the economy by encouraging people to borrow .
When a crisis hits , it lowers interest rates , so people borrow more and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people can not look after themselves in times of crisis and have to turn to the government .
But the government can ’ t help without borrowing more .
It ’ s a cycle that builds up more and more debt .
In the long run , it is unsustainable .
Step by step , choice by choice , we are creating conditions that are guaranteed to produce an unprecedented , world-altering crash .
This is a crash we have warned about for years .
Herbert W. Armstrong wrote in 1984 that a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have major consequences abroad , as well as at home .
It “ could suddenly result in triggering European nations to unite as a new world power , larger than either the Soviet Union or the U.S. , ” he wrote ( co-worker letter , July 22 , 1984 ) .
The book of Revelation prophesies of a sudden revival of a power in Europe that is hostile to the U.S .
Revelation 18 describes the vast wealth its merchants acquire as they take over the global trading system .
The implosion of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ usher in this economic revolution .
The Bible also confirms that our financial practices are unstainable .
Psalm 37:21 says , “ The wicked borrows , and can not pay back , but the righteous is generous and gives ” ( Revised Standard Version ) .
Borrowing money like this is “ wicked ” behavior—and it never ends well .
The Bible also forecasts a real solution .
It ’ s not just a tweaking of interest rates or a different way of printing money .
The smartest men in finance have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our current system .
We need an entirely new system .
Soon , God will establish a fair , stable , prosperous financial system on Earth .
Micah 4:4 prophesies of this future : “ [ T ] hey shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree ; and none shall make them afraid : for the mouth of the Lord of hosts hath spoken it.
” There will be universal property ownership—not communism , nor indebted mortgage payers .
God talks about the ground producing so many crops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( Amos 9:13 ) .
Jeremiah 31:12 paints a picture of this prosperity : “ Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion , and shall flow together to the goodness of the Lord , for wheat , and for wine , and for oil , and for the young of the flock and of the herd : and their soul shall be as a watered garden ; and they shall not sorrow any more at all.
” 3 John 2 says , “ Beloved , I wish above all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in health , even as thy soul prospereth.
” God wants the world to have prosperity , and He has a plan to provide it .
The coming financial crisis will help bring us to the point where we are willing to listen to what God says on finance and much more—where we ’ ll finally be willing to choose the way that leads to prosperity .
Request our free booklet The Wonderful World Tomorrow—What It Will Be Like , by Herbert W. Armstrong .
It is filled with scriptures to help you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a sure biblical foundation .
In a world full of financial miseries and other suffering , this hope is essential for everyone .

The Lebanese government declared a state of emergency on March 15, putting its economy on virtual lockdown over fears of the Wuhan coronavirus spreading throughout the crowded nation.
The government ordered the closure of most of the nation’s public facilities and private companies. According to Reuters, Lebanon also closed its borders, ports and airport from March 18 to March 29 and told its citizens to stay home except for matters of “extreme necessity.” Police intervened to close down several shops in Beirut, which remained open despite the government’s orders.
According to Johns Hopkins University, there are less than 200 confirmed coronavirus cases in Lebanon, a nation with 5.4 million people. Nevertheless, like many nations, Lebanon has been swept along by the current of worldwide fear. The drastic measures being undertaken by Lebanon’s government will only exacerbate its crashing economy.
The Lebanese pound has lost about 40 percent of its value since October. Food imports have been slashed by 30 percent to 40 percent, and industries are struggling to obtain raw materials as prices rise and sales plunge. At least 785 restaurants, cafes and clubs in Lebanon have shut down in the last six months.
“More than 220,000 jobs in the private sector have been shed since mid-October, when protests fueled by worsening economic conditions erupted against the political elite,” reported Haaretz.
Many, like Ramzi El Hafez, a private business owner, are calling this “catastrophe” the “heaviest one-shot drop” since the Lebanese Civil War (1975–1990). To Lebanon’s citizens, “There is no end in sight.”
“Almost all the work has come to a halt. We’re unable to do anything,” said Mohammed Sukkar, an owner of a contracting company in Lebanon.
According to Ali al-Shareef, head of the Sidon trade association, 120 of Sidon’s 600 shops have closed since October. With the new economic shutdown, Shareef expects the number to more than double in the next few months, resulting in the closure of about half of the city’s shops.
As coronavirus exacerbates Lebanon’s economic crisis, Shareef warned, “We’re headed toward a bigger and bigger collapse.”
Widespread Poverty
While the coronavirus shutdown is hastening Lebanon’s economic collapse, the country was already in a desperate situation before the introduction of the new virus.
According to World Bank statistics, about 27 percent of Lebanese lived below the poverty line in 2011–2012. By 2018, that number reached about a third of Lebanon’s population. On Nov. 6, 2019, World Bank Director Saroj Kumar Jha said that poverty in Lebanon could rise to 50 percent if the economic situation continued to worsen (which it has).
Reuters reported last year that economic growth in Lebanon, which was usually around 1 percent to 2 percent, fell to zero and the national debt reached 150 percent of gross domestic product. Water and power cuts in Lebanon occurred almost daily, sewage and trash were building up in the streets, and new taxes were enforced on messaging apps, such as WhatsApp. The people had finally had enough.
Beginning on Oct. 17, 2019, over a million Lebanese, nearly a fourth of the nation’s population, came out in protest against the poor economic conditions and government corruption, accusing the political elite of exploiting the state’s resources.
While the coronavirus has exacerbated the crisis, the real virus in Lebanon is Hezbollah.
The Iran-backed terrorist group and political wing has a stranglehold on Lebanon’s government. After the nation’s first elections in nearly a decade, Hezbollah won a small majority in the parliament and now controls the government’s Health Ministry and other smaller government offices, which it has used to siphon off government funds to pay for its militiamen and military equipment, to the detriment of the nation’s economy.
Additionally, with the imposition of United States sanctions in the last two years and the inability to determine whether a company is supporting Hezbollah, many private companies are steering clear of investing in Lebanon for fear of suffering secondary sanctions from the U.S.
These two factors combine to make Lebanon’s economy extremely weak. Many of its citizens are beginning to realize this fact and have increasingly come out in protest against Hezbollah.
But despite months of demonstrations that led to the resignation of Prime Minister Saad Hariri and the dissolution of his cabinet, Hezbollah remains firmly entrenched in the government.
On December 19, Hassan Diab was tasked to form the next government after Hezbollah and its allies nominated him in parliament. “A government like this will be perceived as Hezbollah’s government,” Sami Nader, the director of the Levant Institute for Strategic Affairs, told Al Jazeera. “This will isolate Lebanon from donors and expose it to sanctions at a very critical point in time where it badly needs the international community to help deal with the collapse.”
This is exactly what has happened. The Lebanese people are struggling to buy food, water, clothing, and shelter and to simply survive.
As the economy continues to worsen amid the coronavirus-induced nationwide shutdown, deep-seated frustration is brewing throughout the population.
Civil War
Lebanon is practically controlled by Hezbollah and, by extension, Iran. However, we at the Trumpet are watching for a dramatic shift to occur in this region: Lebanon will be peeled from Iran’s grasp.
This could happen by Hezbollah breaking from Iran or it losing power. Given Hezbollah’s current military and political power in the nation, the only way Lebanon could join an anti-Iran alliance is if it had Hezbollah’s support or if it wrested control of southern Lebanon from Hezbollah.
In “Why You Need to Watch Lebanon,” Trumpet editor in chief Gerald Flurry wrote about a coming second Lebanese civil war:
For the past decade, Hezbollah has developed a reputation for being moderate and friendly to the Lebanese by funding schools, hospitals, clinics and other social programs within southern Lebanon. … However, Hezbollah’s contributions to the war in Syria are changing people’s view. … Hezbollah is losing all credibility in the eyes of the majority of the Lebanese. The division between these two sides is threatening to turn violent.
If Lebanon is to be free from an Iran-influenced Hezbollah, it will need foreign support. The Bible reveals where this support will come from.
A prophecy in Psalm 83 indicates that Lebanon will be removed from Iran’s influence. The prophecy lists several Arab nations that are allied in a sort of anti-Iranian coalition. The Anchor Bible states, “History transmits no record” of these events in Psalm 83. That means that this psalm is a prophecy for the future, not the description of the historical past.
This passage in Psalm 83 seems to acknowledge the separation of Hezbollah from the rest of Lebanon. Among the nations listed in verses 6-8 are Gebal, which refers to the modern nation of Lebanon, and the inhabitants of Tyre, referring to southern Lebanon, home of Hezbollah. According to Psalm 83, both parts are included in this prophetic alliance.
While the Bible does not say exactly how this alliance will be formed, it does tell us where Lebanon will find its foreign support. Verse 8 says, “Assur also is joined with them.” Assur is another biblical name for Assyria.
The cruel, warlike Assyrians are recorded in the Bible living in Mesopotamia beginning in the 16th century b.c. In the sixth century b.c., they migrated to the southern shores of the Black Sea, then up into Scythia, then across into Central and Western Europe by about the third century b.c. When the Romans encountered them around this time, they referred to them as Germani, meaning “war men.” Thus, the ancient, warlike Assyrians became the people of the modern-day nation of Germany.
This prophecy in Psalm 83 says that Lebanon will soon align itself with Germany.
After the U.S., Germany is the second-largest financial supporter of Lebanon. However, the U.S. wants to pass on its responsibility in the region. On January 8, the U.S. called on nato, which is primarily made up of European Union countries, including Germany, to take over the Middle East. Since then, we have seen a sharp rise in German activity in the Middle East, from supporting an anti-Iran naval mission to training Saudi military forces to hosting a diplomatic conference to resolve the Libyan civil war. America is on the way out, and a German superpower is emerging to take its place.
“Continue to watch as Lebanon descends into another civil war,” Mr. Flurry wrote, and “watch to see whether [Germany] decides to send its soldiers into Lebanon.” With economic collapse staring the nation in the face and growing frustrations leading to civil war, Lebanon will soon experience a dramatic change.
For more information, read “Why You Need to Watch Lebanon,” by Mr. Flurry.