KTFLive: Establishing the Underground Church, Part 7

Watch out for Christian Nationalists! - KTFLive -

Pope Francis and His Super bowl Ad

 

Pastor Hal Mayer Speaker / Director


Thursday February 9th, 2017 

True to his method of getting attention, Pope Francis prepared an ad to be shown during the American football championship game called the Super Bowl. The ad, a first for the Vatican, aired at the game on a massive jumbo screen above the field. It was also posted on YouTube and other social media. It was also apparently shown on TV.

“Great sporting events like today’s Super Bowl are highly symbolic, showing that it is possible to build a culture of encounter and a world of peace,” he says in Spanish with English subtitles.

“By participating in sport, we are able to go beyond our own self-interest ― and in a healthy way ― we learn to sacrifice, to grow in fidelity and respect the rules,” he continues. “May this year’s Super Bowl be a sign of peace, friendship and solidarity to the world.”

Pope Francis is an avid sports fan himself and uses the classic Greek arguments on behalf of sport. American football is perhaps one of the most pugilistic of sports with brutal clashes on nearly every play.

Pope Francis continues to find ways to ingratiate himself to Americans whenever he can. In September 2015, he was given the unprecedented opportunity to speak to the American Congress for the first time for a pope in history. Now he tries once again to capture the imagination of football fans.

Why does Pope Francis have such opportunities to present himself and his persona to the masses? It’s because he pretends to be Christ’s representative on earth, yet his is involved with worldly powers in a way that Christ never did. This makes him very popular with the world-loving crowd.

In the video, the pope calls people to come together for peace, friendship and solidarity. But never does he call them to come to Christ for healing of humanity’s deep wounds and for international unity around God’s kingdom. He wants them to rally around him and the Papacy rather than turn to their Bibles.

“And all the world wondered.” Revelation 13:3.



Source References

Pope Francis Releases His Own Super Bowl Ad … For World Peace

Prophetic Intelligence Briefings are provided to show a link between current events and Bible prophecy only. The article summaries, which are not intended as a commentary in support of or in opposition to the views of the authors, do not necessarily reflect the views of Pastor Mayer or of Keep the Faith other than to point out the prophetic link.


Source

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Charlie Hebdo, Pope Francis' Punch, Attack on Free Speech : Hal Mayer

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Living in a Total Surveillance World : Hal Mayer

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http://www.ktfministry.org/en/

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Ecumenical Tipping Point : Hal Mayer

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http://www.ktfministry.org/en/

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Unstoppable Juggernaut : Hal Mayer

TheVillageLighthouse

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http://www.ktfministry.org/en/

Sabbath talk given by Hal Mayer on 4/5/14, at The Village Lighthouse.
http://www.preparingfortheend.org

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Ebola Outbreak: Killer Microbe from Hell

November 01, 2014 [click to listen]


Dear Friends,

Thank you for joining me today as we look at one of the most devastating and deadly problems to arise in our modern world. The lethal Ebola virus is making its way around West African countries killing thousands. And the devastation so far may only be the very beginning as it spreads from village to village, from town to town, from city to city, and from country to country. It may well arrive in developed countries eventually like the United State, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Korea and other Asian countries.

But before beginning our study today, I want to say thank you for your support and prayers. They mean a lot to us at Keep the Faith. We are doing all we can to warn anyone who will listen that Jesus is coming soon, and that we must get ready, for all the things the Bible has predicted are truly coming to pass. Your eternal destiny depends on the choices you make now. Yes, Christ is the one who saves us, but it is your decision to obey Him and follow His counsel. Please, my friends make your calling and election sure.

We are still looking for a few skilled builders, or those with broad “jack-of-all” abilities that are able to spend a few weeks volunteering with us at Highwood Health Retreat in Australia this coming December and January. We will be making renovations that will complete the process of making Highwood a top-notch lifestyle health retreat for our guests. It will be simple, but very functional. As you may know, the guests that come to Highwood are so blessed that they often open their hearts to the Lord. At the very least, seeds are dropped that pray will spring up and bear fruit. Highwood is important to their salvation. And this is your opportunity to help us make the best impression and impact on them for the Lord.

Our volunteers always have a wonderful time at Highwood. You’ll enjoy the fellowship and you’ll be doing something worthwhile for the Lord. If you have practical skills and you would be willing to help us, please contact me. You can contact me by calling our office at 540-672-3553, or write to me at info@ktfministry.org. You need to be from a country that has a good relationship with Australia for visa purposes. I’ll be happy to explain everything to you.

And if you aren’t yet receiving our Keep the Faith Insider report by email, please see that we get your email address and we’ll fill you in on all the latest heartwarming stories of how God is changing lives and doing a wonderful work through our little CD preachers and through Highwood. We’ll gladly send it to you so you can keep up with the inside scoop on what God is doing through Keep the Faith.

As we begin, let us pray. Our Father in heaven, we realize that we are in a world that is doomed to chaos and destruction. We realize that we are facing some of the worst developments in history. Yet You have promised to sustain Your people. As we look at the prophecies of the Bible, we are reminded that they were given for our admonition. They were given so that Your people would be able to discern the meaning of the signs of the times. The prophecies of the Bible may be succinct, short, and without a lot of detail, but we know that they are certain to be fulfilled. They are designed to help us navigate the end times. Without them it would be impossible to know what to do, or how to prioritize, or understand the urgency of the times.

We pray that we might have Your Holy Spirit to teach us how to live, so that we are preserved to glorify Your name at a time when the people of this earth turn their backs on you and even curse you. Awaken in us a sense of Your presence in the midst of these terrible times. And as we study today, we pray that You will teach us of the wonderful things of God. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Friends, let us start with a promise today. Psalm 91 is a most reassuring chapter of scripture. Perhaps you memorized it at one time or another. If so, please refresh it in your memory. You are going to need it in the near future. Also, I would recommend that if you have never memorized these important verses, please take the time to do so. They are the most encouraging. They are the most sustaining, if you take them by sincere faith, believing that God means what He says.

Here are these wonderful verses for us to think about. “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.”

Friends, do you think you can trust God completely for protection, even when death and destruction are all around you? Of course you can! God takes a personal interest in every one of His people who have surrendered their lives to Him. That means He takes a personal interest in you! Imagine that! The God of the universe takes a personal, one-on-one interest in you, my friend. No matter what your problems are; no matter what your difficulties might be; no matter what your crisis is, He is by your side and He is planning to sort out your issues so that He can make you His witness to the glory of His name. Mostly He is silent, but you can have confidence that He has everything under control. You can have peace in your heart because you trust in His loving and tender care.

Verse 3 says, “Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.”

What will he deliver you from, the snare of the fowler? Isn’t that interesting? Satan is the great fowler? He knows how to catch you and ensnare you, even before you are aware that he is around. And yes, God knows how to deliver the godly out of those kinds of temptations.

2 Peter 2:9. And listen to this one. “Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.” That’s Revelation 3:10.

There is a great time of trouble coming upon the earth such as never was. Men’s hearts will be tried even to the breaking point. They will be devastated by the destruction of all their hopes and dreams, all their investments, all their riches. Men’s hearts will fail them for fear, the Bible says in Luke 21:26. We need to be kept from that “hour of temptation,” don’t we?

Look what is promised in verse four of the 91st Psalm to the faithful. “He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.”

Oh friends, what an encouraging verse. “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free,” John 8:32. You will not be weighed down with worry or concern for the future. You can rest confident in God’s love and care. You will be free from the burden of fear of what is going on around you. You will live above it all. Friends, these are not idle words. These are the actual promises of God to you, personally, and to all of God’s faithful people.

But that protection starts in your mind. It requires a mind that is used to thinking this way. So often, we look to the government to protect us, or the medical profession, or even our families or friends, the police, or some other entity. But friends, in the end, these will all fail you. You have to start getting used to thinking about how God will work, which will be very much out of the ordinary.

Listen to this statement about the last work on earth. It is from Testimonies to Ministers, page 300. “Let me tell you that the Lord will work in this last work in a manner very much out of the common order of things, and in a way that will be contrary to any human planning. There will be those among us who will always want to control the work of God, to dictate even what movements shall be made when the work goes forward under the direction of the angel who joins the third angel in the message to be given to the world. God will use ways and means by which it will be seen that He is taking the reins in His own hands. The workers will be surprised by the simple means that He will use to bring about and perfect His work of righteousness. Those who are accounted good workers will need to draw nigh to God; they will need the divine touch. They will need to drink more deeply and continuously at the fountain of living water, in order that they may discern God’s work at every point.”

Friends, if you drink deeply of the fountain of living water, God will use you to win souls. Don’t be afraid of that. It will be fantastic. I know from our experience at Highwood Health Retreat. I’ve seen God work. I’ve seen simple means do a lot of good. And I’ve seen people astonished by the light and then they pull back. But God doesn’t let them go. He keeps working.

Now listen to verse 5. “Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day…” Imagine that! The Holy Spirit led the psalmist to prophesy that in the last days there would be terrorism and war. The terror could be more than terrorism, of course. Ebola is a great terror to the people of this world too. But it will not terrify you if you are in Christ. In Christ, my friends, there is no fear.

Verse 6 says. “Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.” There it is… you will not be afraid of pestilence, even the most deadly pestilence. You don’t have to fear the Ebola virus. You don’t have to fear tuberculosis. You don’t have to fear any of the superbugs that are developing right now and that are resistant to every known antibiotic or anti-viral medication on the market today. You won’t fear them if you are in Christ.

Verses 7 & 8 say. “A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.”

Right now as the deadly Ebola virus makes its way around West Africa, we can see it all over the news. But it will not touch you if you are in Christ. In Christ, my friends, you have a sure defense, according to His will. Don’t you think it is time to get into the Most Holy place experience by faith in Christ? I do.

Now listen to this next part in verses 9 – 12. “Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.”

That’s powerful! Mighty angels will be commissioned to tenderly care for you, even down to the smallest of things. Friends, if you make the Lord your God your confidence; if you live in Christ, the same God that was with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, Daniel and his three friends, and so many other Bible heroes, no evil shall befall thee. Nothing will come upon you that is afflicting the people of the world. Nothing will come upon you that frightens the living daylights out of ungodly men and women. Oh, my friends. Our only hope is in Christ.

Daniel was thrown in the lion’s den. But was he afraid of the Lions? Did evil befall him? No. Evil befell those conniving Chaldeans, but not Daniel. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were thrown into the fiery furnace, but did evil befall them? No. They came out of it with an experience with Christ that you and I can only dream about.

Look what verses 13-16 say. “Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and show him my salvation.”

Do you know God’s name? That’s His character, you know. You cannot know God’s character unless you spend time with Him, unless you learn to trust Him for everything. You cannot really know something unless you experience it personally. You cannot know God’s character unless you are trying to imitate it. So, friends, start now. Start copying Christ’s character in every way. Always ask the question, what would Jesus do if He were in my shoes?

Notice that it says that Christ will be with you in trouble. It does not say that you won’t have trouble, only that He will be with you. He will deliver you from trouble. It does not say you will not go through trouble. But when you do go through it, you will be delivered. Trials and tribulations are not evil. They are good. It is all in how you look at them. They are designed to make you a better person. They are aiming to draw you closer to Christ so that you can learn to trust Him and make Him your habitation.

What a blessed Psalm is Psalm 91! This Psalm has been the comfort of many a soul who has sacrificed for Christ. It has been the consolation of countless thousands, yea perhaps even nameless millions who have experienced the sufferings of Christ.

Are you suffering? Are you disheartened, discouraged, and downtrodden? Christ is longing to minister to your broken and damaged heart. He loves to tenderly care for your needs. He earnestly desires to awaken your innermost longings for righteousness and purity. He is waiting for you today. Give yourself to Him. Let Him have His way in your life. Don’t fight. Don’t resist. Don’t turn from it. He will sustain you when you make Him your habitation.

Perhaps watching someone die from the Ebola virus is one of the most frightful and gut-wrenching things. The virus rapidly causes the shutdown of vital organs with pain and agony until the body can’t take it any longer. You can catch the virus by merely coming in contact with the body fluids of an infected person. It is so dangerous that anyone who makes contact with an Ebola sufferer is placed under strict surveillance and then quarantined if they show any signs or symptoms of the disease. Medical personnel who must help the poor sufferer must cover every inch of their skin to prevent infection of themselves. Moreover, in spite of official statements, Canadian Researchers have demonstrated that the most deadly strain of the Ebola virus can be spread through the air.


Growing concerns over ‘in the air’ transmission of Ebola


EBOLAVIRUS PATHOGEN SAFETY DATA SHEET – INFECTIOUS SUBSTANCES


As I am preparing this sermon, more than 2630 people have died from the terrible plague that is rapidly growing. So far the number of infections is over 5300, and many of those will die too. Moreover, these statistics are acknowledged to be under-reporting because of those who have not sought treatment even though they are sick. Global health officials say there are no signs of it slowing down. In the last days, we are told in prophecy, that there will be pestilences, and they will be devastating.

U.N. to deploy Ebola mission as death toll reaches 2,630

This deadly scourge is on the march. Foreign Policy magazine said that there is nothing anyone can do to stop the plague; not airport screenings, not experimental drugs, nothing can stop the relentless march of the lethal bug. No medical SWAT team can swoop in and save the world from the contagion. What is going on right now in West Africa is without a doubt, one of the most significant threats yet to attack the planet.

Hopes for containment were dashed with a “breathtaking act of negligence” that destroyed hope that the deadly epidemic could be quickly brought under control. Here is what happened. An adviser to the Liberian Finance Ministry was infected when he flew into Lagos. The people he contacted were quickly identified and quarantined, but one of them, a diplomat named Olu-Ibukun Koye escaped the quarantine.

“At the beginning of August, he secretly went to Port Harcourt, where he found a doctor willing to provide him with discreet treatment in a hotel. Koye survived and after he started feeling better a few days later, he returned to Lagos. By then, however, the doctor who had been treating him, Iyke Enemuo, had contracted the virus. The doctor continued providing treatment to patients at his private clinic and also celebrated the birth of his new child at home with friends and family. Eventually, he grew so sick he had to be taken to the hospital. He didn’t tell the staff that he had provided treatment to a patient with Ebola. He also allowed members of his church to place their hands on him during a healing ritual.

Enemuo died on August 22, but not before infecting his wife, his younger sister and an elderly patient at the hospital where he had been treated. The patient has also since died.”

This serious breach of medical ethics has exposed many to the disease and killed some who could have otherwise been treated and perhaps survived. But worse, if something like this happens again, it could spread the disease with unlimited consequences.

Ebola has been lurking in Africa for many years, waiting for an opportunity to take hold. And now it has gained a footing, even traction. Not only is it the largest outbreak ever, but it also seems “likely to surpass all two dozen previous known Ebola outbreaks combined.” And it will not be contained in West Africa except by some miraculous intervention. It is only a matter of time until someone brings it outside of the five nations that currently have the plague.


Tracing Ebola’s Breakout to an African 2-Year-Old


If the virus gains a footing in Lagos, the whole world will be in big trouble. Lagos has a population of 22 million people. It is one of the largest cities on the planet and much of it is slums, where the people live in filth and are exposed and vulnerable. It is a dangerous city in more ways than one. If Lagos is attacked by this lethal virus, the situation will transform itself into a worldwide crisis. That’s because of the chaos, size, density and mobility of the population.

Nigeria already has a lot going on. There is civil war, there is the Boko Haram terrorists, a countrywide doctor’s strike, all of which are a devil’s brew of conditions perfectly suited for the rapid spread of a disease so dangerous that it kills between 50 and 70 percent of those it infects, and has the potential to kill up to 90 percent in places where treatment is unavailable. Its impact would not stop at Nigeria’s borders.

Even the vaccines that are under development cannot be tested in time to be sure that they will actually work. Even for those that have received the vaccine and recovered from the disease cannot be certain that the vaccine had anything to do with their recovery at all. Not everybody infected dies, and scientists and medical professionals have no idea why. If a vaccine is used in West Africa, it will be without clinical trials and without certainty that it will work. And that could be deadly, particularly if someone who has the disease and gets the vaccine changes their behavior and acts as if they don’t have the disease. They could infect others thinking that they are immune.

The world is in for a long haul with this lethal scourge. There have been many reports of isolated cases in places like Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest city, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, etc. These have probably been the result of contact with the virus while traveling. Each isolated case creates new epicenters of concern, raises the specter of new centers of epidemic. It is only a matter of time before one of these isolated cases manages to get out into the population and spreads into new territory.

The epidemic quickly traversed Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia, some of the most impoverished nations on earth. And now it has also spread to Nigeria and Senegal. And in a separate outbreak, there have been 40 deaths in the Democratic Republic of Congo, out of 71 cases.

Approximately 150 health care workers have died as a result of working with Ebola cases. Up until now, these countries spent less than $100 per person on health care, whereas in developed countries, that much is spent per person on aspirin and ibuprofen every year.


U.N. to deploy Ebola mission as death toll reaches 2,630


The United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) called the raging outbreak a “public health emergency of international concern.” The outbreak is accelerating from 500 new cases per week to 700 so far with no signs of slowing. It is also believed by many experts that the number of cases is substantially understated because families are reluctant to report the disease.

“In the three hardest hit countries, Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, the number of new cases is moving far faster than the capacity to manage them in the Ebola-specific treatment centers,” said Margaret Chan, the WHO director-general. “Today, there is not one single bed available for the treatment of an Ebola patient in the entire country of Liberia.” Many hospitals have closed due to lack of staff, or because of fears that the disease would spread among patients and health workers. In other words, there has been an almost total breakdown of the medical system in these countries.


West African health centers can’t keep up with Ebola outbreak, WHO says


Wikipedia Article on Ebola virus epidemic in West Africa


Even though the WHO said the disease could persist for six months to a year, the fact is, no one really knows whether it can be stopped at all. The grim forecast means that thousands more will probably die. WHO Director-General Dr. Margaret Chan said, “This is the largest, most severe, most complex outbreak in the nearly four decades history of this disease… Our collective health security depends on support for containment in these countries.”

WHO: Ebola ‘an international emergency’


UN declares Ebola outbreak global ‘international public health emergency’


Acceleration Seen in Ebola Outbreak, Death Toll Exceeds 2,600


Wikipedia Article on Ebola virus epidemic in West Africa


“It’s like fighting a forest fire,” Tom Frieden, Director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention told the U.S. Congress recently. “Leave behind one burning ember, one case undetected, and the epidemic could re-ignite.” Another report from Frank Glover, a medical missionary and president of SHIELD, a U.S. based NGO in Africa, said that before the epidemic outbreak, there were fewer than 200 doctors serving the needs of 4 million people. After the outbreak, that number is fewer than 50. There has been a complete collapse of all non-Ebola health care. When the panic began among health workers, officials had to do all they could to persuade them to come to work. Doctors are concerned that people will die from all manner of unrelated health care needs, like dysentery, malaria, accidents, mostly from neglect as scarce resources are diverted to the treatment of Ebola. And Ken Isaacs, a vice-president of Samaritan’s Purse told Congress that the disease is “uncontained and out of control in West Africa.”

Tracing Ebola’s Breakout to an African 2-Year-Old


The threat is so serious that the World Health Organization said that thousands of health care workers are needed to contain and control the disease. Past outbreaks were contained in a matter of a few weeks or months. But this one is different. The WHO has also “launched a $100 million Ebola Virus Disease Outbreak Response Plan.”

UN declares Ebola outbreak global ‘international public health emergency’


And, at the request of Liberia, the nation with the most cases, the United States has sent 3,000 troops to assist coordination of the response in West Africa. France set up a military hospital in Guinea, the heart of the outbreak, to treat cases.


Acceleration Seen in Ebola Outbreak, Death Toll Exceeds 2,600


In the meantime, border blockades have essentially ended trade to the countries affected. This has had a devastating effect on the economy and may well mean that food supplies will diminish and shortages may become acute. Already, food prices in some places have increased by more than 150%. Furthermore, the surprise attack of the disease has shredded the medical front lines and has deeply disturbed the social fabric of the fragile countries it has assailed. And as the virus spreads, assuming it will, the needs and problems will grow exponentially.


You’re not Nearly Scared Enough About Ebola


Tracing Ebola’s Breakout to an African 2-Year-Old


Wikipedia Article on Ebola virus epidemic in West Africa


A three-day lockdown in the entire country of Sierra Leone, kept all 6 million people in doors for three days while health workers went from door to door delivering bars of soap and instructions on how to avoid the disease. But it also had another purpose. They used this process as cover to hunt down anyone who is showing symptoms of the disease and was unable or reluctant to seek treatment.


Acceleration Seen in Ebola Outbreak, Death Toll Exceeds 2,600


Other measures were implemented in various ways to try to contain the deadly virus included the banning of all football matches, because in large crowds the chance of transmission increases significantly. Schools were closed, shops and malls closed, whole communities were put in quarantine, curfews were announced, shore passes for sailors were cancelled, health screening of travelers was implemented, and awareness campaigns were carried out. Airlines cancelled flights into and out of the affected nations. A state of emergency was declared in Sierra Leone and Liberia, which involved the “suspensions of certain rights and privileges.” Friends, that’s marshal law. It’s medical marshal law. Governments are using military force, or marshal law, to impose quarantine. Soldiers and police guard houses in quarantine to prevent anyone from leaving that has had contact with an infected patient. Often families are reluctant to report cases, perhaps for fear of putting them in the hospital or treatment centers, which are very dangerous places to be. So, those infected with Ebola are being hunted down like fugitives.

The U.S. government sent at least 3000 troops to West Africa, mainly to Liberia, to strengthen the marshal law, by assisting with logistics, quarantines and to hunt down those who have avoided hospitals. It is the hospitals that are the death traps. Would it not make sense to avoid them, particularly in Africa?

While hospitals in developed countries have reasonably well-developed isolation procedures, there is no guarantee that someone with Ebola, who walks into an emergency room not knowing what he/she has, will not infect nurses, doctors, and other patients before anyone knows what their diagnosis is.


Wikipedia Article on Ebola virus epidemic in West Africa


Patient zero, as it turns out, was a two-year old boy in Guinea who died in December of 2013. “A week later, it killed the boy’s mother, then his 3-year-old sister, then his grandmother. All had fever, vomiting and diarrhea, but no one knew what had sickened them…

“Two mourners at the grandmother’s funeral took the virus home to their village. A health worker carried it to still another, where he died, as did his doctor. They both infected relatives from other towns. By the time Ebola was recognized, in March of 2014, dozens of people had died in eight Guinean communities, and suspected cases were popping up in Liberia and Sierra Leone — three of the world’s poorest countries, recovering from years of political dysfunction and civil war.”

The disease spread to Sierra Leone when 12 people who attended a funeral in Guinea carried the disease back to their country.


Tracing Ebola’s Breakout to an African 2-Year-Old


By mid-August of 2014, the WHO had declared it an international public health emergency and Doctors without Borders reported that the situation in Monrovia, Liberia’s capital city was “catastrophic” and “deteriorating daily.”


WHO: Ebola ‘an international emergency’#"


The deadly virus first established itself along the Ebola River in Congo in 1976 according to official sources. Since then it has been very low on the radar because of its rarity.

Somehow the deadly version traveled from Congo to neighboring nations probably through animals and spread to humans who handled the animal carcasses often used as “bushmeat.” Dogs also eat carcasses of infected animals and could easily spread it to humans, though the dogs themselves tend to remain asymptomatic. Further, the WHO says that the infection gets into humans through close contact with the blood, secretions, organs and other bodily fluids from a number of species including chimpanzees, gorillas and forest antelope. Also, fruit bats and pigs are reservoirs for the disease.

Now, the Ebola virus is center-stage. By mid-September more than 5300 cases had been reported, with more than 2300 of them dead. And the WHO “warned the number of new cases in Liberia was increasing exponentially, and would increase by ‘many thousands’ by the end of September.”


Growing concerns over ‘in the air’ transmission of Ebola


The outbreaks could destabilize governments in the region. Panic and disruption have worsened the chaos in the afflicted nations, and future outbreaks, which are inevitable, could cause worse chaos and tougher challenges. Previous outbreaks occurred in remote regions and were confined to localized areas. The most people to have died from the worst of those outbreaks was during the very first outbreak ever in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1976 (known as Zaire back then). The death toll then was a mere 280. But the current outbreak occurred in a border region in Guinea right near where Sierra Leone and Liberia converge with its borders. In this area there are improved roads and people travel a lot. The virus was on the move even before health officials realized it had erupted.


Acceleration Seen in Ebola Outbreak, Death Toll Exceeds 2,600


For Updates on the death toll and measures taken


Further complicating the problem is that Ebola, until now, was unknown in West Africa. Health workers were unprepared for it. They did not have the training to recognize it, nor did they have the equipment to protect themselves. Many hospitals in the area do not have running water and gloves, let alone body suits. They infected other patients in the hospitals. Funeral practices often involve touching the corpses, which are highly contagious, thus spreading the disease even further.


Wikipedia Article on Ebola virus disease


Tracing Ebola’s Breakout to an African 2-Year-Old


It is very difficult to contain this virus because of its multiple locations in several different countries. And the disease is not following its usual linear patterns, but is “hopping” from one place to another “all over the West African epidemic region.” The high death rate is alarming beyond words. And it even sometimes infects those who are well protected and trained to the strictest quarantine procedures.


CDC chief: U.S. in ‘perfect storm health emergency’


Two American health workers that contracted the disease and have recovered said that their team of workers were following “to the letter all of the protocols for safety that were developed by the CDC and WHO,” including a full body coverall, several layers of gloves, and face protection including goggles. One of the two, a physician, had worked with patients, but the other was working to help workers get in and out of their protective gear, while wearing protective gear herself. In an interview she said, “At this time we have not been able to confirm 100 percent the method of contagion. We are working closely with CDC and WHO to investigate. It is just an incredibly contagious disease.”


Two Americans Stricken With Deadly Ebola Virus in Liberia


The lack of adequate equipment and sanitary practices has exacerbated the spread of the disease. Making matters worse, denial and rumors in some areas have created suspicion of the government. Demonstrators have sometimes threatened health workers in clinics designed for treating the sick. Sometimes the military has had to get involved to control protests.


Wikipedia Article on Ebola virus epidemic in West Africa


The transmission of the disease is often described as intense. There is a statistical number called the basic reproduction number that is a measure of the expected number of people who will become infected with a disease. If the number is less than 1, the infection will die out, and if the rate is greater than 1 the infection will continue to spread. The WHO estimates that the Ebola number is between 1.4 and 1.7, which means that each newly infected individual had subsequently infected 1.4 to 1.7 more. The time between initial infection and the infecting of others for the Ebola virus is short. The basic reproduction number coupled with a short transfer time for this epidemic is very serious. Estimates of people to be infected by the end of 2014, based on this number are between 77,000 and 277,000. Other estimates are lower, but they assume that there will be a lot of money and other resources thrown at the disease, and that there will be a significant international response.


Wikipedia Article on Ebola virus epidemic in West Africa


In early September of 2014, Anthony Fauci, Director of the U.S. NIH’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said that “42 percent of the cases have occurred in the last month [August] and that the outbreak is ‘completely out of control.’ He further noted that the rate of infection is exponential: ‘The number of cases per unit time is dramatically increasing.’ On 8 September, theWHO warned that the number of new cases in Liberia was increasing exponentially, and would increase by ‘many thousands’ in the following 3 weeks.”


NIH: Ebola Outbreak is ‘Completely Out of Control’


Wikipedia Article on Ebola virus epidemic in West Africa


And in mid-September, a German Ebola expert, Jonas Schmidt-Chanasit of the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine in Hamburg, said that he is losing hope that Sierra Leone and Liberia will get the help they need in time to stop the disease. “The right time to get this epidemic under control in these countries has been missed,” he said. That time was May and June. “Now it will be much more difficult.” He also said the virus will become endemic to that part of the world. Liberia has not taken the same quarantine measures as Sierra Leone.

Consequently, “Ebola-infected people are crisscrossing the capital in shared taxis, looking for a treatment place and returning home after finding none. This way the virus spreads.” If you touch a surface that is infected, you will likely get infected if you then touch your eye, or your mouth, or some other body orifice, or wound.

Schmidt-Chanasit’s statement was controversial, but it nevertheless expresses the dire situation, particularly in Liberia, where the government is completely overwhelmed. When a new Ebola treatment center is opened, it is overflowed with patients. They just can’t keep up with it, let alone get ahead of it.


Ebola threatens to destroy Sierra Leone and Liberia


The separate outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo began when a woman butchered a bush animal that her husband had killed. She sickened and died. A week later several health care workers and others who had come in contact with the woman, not knowing that she had the Ebola virus came down with the disease. Five of the health workers sickened and died also. The disease has spread from there.

Animals that are carriers of the virus, like fruit bats and monkeys, could also spread the disease to the nations surrounding the epidemic area like Cameroon, The Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Angola and Gabon, as well as other nations to the East because of their rather vulnerable poor populations living in squalid and unsanitary conditions. According to an Oxford University study, these nations may already have an animal reservoir of the virus. Most of these countries already have existing conditions that are conducive to the virus infecting humans. It may only be a matter of time.


Oxford study predicts 15 more countries are at risk of Ebola exposure


Another potential that could dramatically increase the potency of the virus is if it mutates to a more deadly variety. U.S. President Barak Obama said it “represents a serious national security concern.”

Foreign Policy magazine, the published organ of the Council on Foreign Relations, published an article, which called for yet another globalist organization in the name of fighting dangerous diseases. It called for a new international epidemic response corps that can go straight to a hot zone when needed. Calling it a “medical NATO,” the organization would consist of a coalition of countries that would recruit specialty teams of doctors, nurses, and others to deal with international medical threats.


The Ultimate Ebola-Fighting Force


“The epidemic… is unlikely to spread to the United States in the short term, Obama said on… NBC’s ‘Meet the Press.’ But if the United States and other countries do not send needed equipment, public health workers and other supplies to the region, that situation could change and the virus could mutate to become more transmissible,” he said. “And then it could be a serious danger to the United States.”

Friends, it is the “perfect storm.” And that’s what Tom Frieden of the CDC said. And I quote: “It is inevitable someone will fly from West Africa to the United States with Ebola symptoms.” “We are experiencing here in the United States a perfect-storm health emergency.” Frieden also said the Centers for Disease Control in the U.S. raised its emergency operations alert to level 1, the highest possible level.


Obama: U.S. military to provide equipment, resources to battle Ebola epidemic in Africa


CDC chief: U.S. in ‘perfect storm health emergency’


Even though President Obama said the spread of the disease to the U.S. was unlikely, what happens if the disease went from being an epidemic to a pandemic? What if it did come to the United States, or Europe or other developed nations? What would it look like? Would there be marshal law? Would there be quarantines? Would there be mandatory vaccinations, travel restrictions, and closures of food stores, shopping malls; cancelling of major sporting events and other places where people gather and could infect each other? Would health care workers walk off the job for fear of being infected, like they have done in Africa? Would the hospitals, cities and government infrastructures be equipped to handle the challenges and the social upheaval? Would the panic and fear be any less than in Africa? Would people take matters into their own hands? Would that lead to another level of marshal law? All these things are already happening in Africa.

If the Ebola virus came to America, or Australia or New Zealand, or Europe, the consequences would likely be more complex, stressing the economy perhaps, to the breaking point. Store shelves could easily be empty. City streets would be vacant. Business could come to a grinding halt. Church services and sporting events could be cancelled. Airlines could be grounded or may not have enough passengers to fly their planes. The police and the military would be all over the place with heavy weaponry, military grade equipment and authoritarian mandates. Civil liberties would be suspended. Friends, when these judgments shall fall upon the wicked cities of the West, we can expect this sort of scenario.


Gateway to Hell: The Threat of Ebola Grows Worse


Inside the West African ebola towns where locals are quarantined at gunpoint and desperate volunteers are paid £4 to bury the dead


While we cannot answer all these questions with clear certainty, make no mistake about it, the logistics and procedures for these things are already in place. Is it any wonder that God has warned us to live away from the cities? They are traps in a number of different ways. To live in a large city would be a mistake. It is in the large cities where the chance of infection during such a pestilence is greatest. The cities are the places where restrictions, loss of rights and liberties, lockdown and quarantines would be the strongest. Militarized police would likely be everywhere. We have already seen them used in the Boston lockdown and the Ferguson, MO confrontations. Control of your movements would be powerful. If trucks cannot or if truckers refuse to bring food into cities, how soon do you think the stores would run out of food as desperate people would clean off the shelves in a hurry? If medicines were limited, how quickly would the hospitals be overwhelmed?

Friends, I don’t know about you, but I see that one thing is clear. The Bible tells us that there will be pestilences in the last days. I don’t think that Jesus words in Matthew 24 were just idle words, nor did they indicate that the pestilences at the end of time would be mild. Ebola kills more than 50% of those infected on average. That’s a very high percentage, and it shows us that it is a very lethal bug. Jesus was very serious, my friends. People who say that we don’t need prophecy, we just need Jesus, are preparing for disaster. Prophecy came from Jesus, for all scripture was written by the inspiration of God. And it is for our admonition upon whom the ends of the world are come. So, pay attention to Jesus’ words.

Friends, why does God permit such a lethal virus? Well, the fact is the issues in the Great Controversy demand that God permit Satan to manifest himself in all his malignity. That way the whole human race will be brought to the point where everyone can make an informed decision. That’s one reason.

Another reason is even more interesting. God wants to demonstrate His power to protect His people in the midst of pandemic. Think about that! It’s big. God is going to allow terrible scourges to fall upon the planet, but His people will be protected. “A thousand shall fall at thy side and ten thousand at thy right hand, but it shall not come neigh thee.”

Do you think that this prophecy is true? Then you can expect to see thousands, even tens of thousands, die close at hand. You can expect to see them in agony and pain. You can expect to see them perish by famine and pestilence. The Ebola virus is only a foretaste of what is to come, my friends.

“Only with thine eyes, shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.”

Not only will you see it on the news, but you will see it firsthand. Do you hear these things from most church pulpits? I’m afraid not. Most preachers will only tell you smooth things. They will tell you all about the sacrifice of Christ, and often at least some of what they say about it is false. But they avoid discussion of these prophetic things as if they are a plague in and of themselves. They don’t want their parishioners to think about what is coming upon the world. They really don’t want them to enquire “what must I do to be saved” and to escape that which is coming upon the world.

Friends, the Ebola pestilence is deadly, but it is not the worst thing that is to come upon the planet. There are more terrible scourges to yet take hold of this planet. We are still living before the close of probation. God’s mercy prevents a more universal impact of such lethal epidemics. Right now, God is giving Satan an opportunity to manifest his malice toward the human race that was made in the image of God. God limits Satan’s power and mixes these things with mercy. He uses them also in His own way to awaken souls to their danger and appeal to them to turn to Christ.

But a time is coming, just after the close of probation, when God will pour out His own judgments upon the earth. And these will be unmixed with mercy.

Listen to this statement from the book The Great Controversy, page 627-628. “When Christ ceases His intercession in the sanctuary, the unmingled wrath threatened against those who worship the beast and his image and receive his mark (Revelation 14:9, 10), will be poured out. The plagues upon Egypt when God was about to deliver Israel were similar in character to those more terrible and extensive judgments, which are to fall upon the world just before the final deliverance of God’s people… These plagues are not universal, or the inhabitants of the earth would be wholly cut off. Yet they will be the most awful scourges that have ever been known to mortals. All the judgments upon men, prior to the close of probation, have been mingled with mercy. The pleading blood of Christ has shielded the sinner from receiving the full measure of his guilt; but in the final judgment, wrath is poured out unmixed with mercy.”

So, you see, there are worse things to come. You can read about the seven last plagues in Revelation 16. Maybe someday, I will prepare a message on this topic. But today I have a question for you. Are you in the secret place of the Most High? Are you living by God’s law and under His protection? Have you turned on Satan with enmity and put all sin out of your life and yielded to the control of Jesus? I hope so. You must be if you want to survive the coming plagues and pestilences.

Now listen to this final devastating paragraph from God’s messenger.

“In that day, multitudes will desire the shelter of God’s mercy which they have so long despised. “Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord: and they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord, and shall not find it.” Amos 8:11, 12


Friends, I don’t want to be left without the mercy of God, do you? The good news about Ebola is that if you are under the shadow of the almighty, it will not cause you to fear.

Not only has God given us spiritual instructions about how to avoid the deadly plagues that will attack the planet. But He has also mercifully given us practical physical things we can do when there is a pestilence. These instructions are as important as the spiritual ones. He has provided guidelines for survival. If you follow His counsel and His guidelines, you will much more likely survive, and if you are in His secret place, He will protect you.

So, what can you do in practical ways to minimize your chance of contracting Ebola should it come to your country? There are some extra precautions that you can take. First, personal hygiene is very important. Always wash your hands before touching your eyes, mouth or an open wound on your body or that of someone else. Also, it is a good idea to wash your hands after touching a contaminated surface, or a surface you are not sure is clean.

Secondly, build up your immune system now, so that if there should be the Ebola virus you have the best chance of fighting it off. Build up your immune system with immune boosters and also follow the eight laws of health. Get proper nutrition through a plant based diet. Eat lots of fresh food, like salads, fresh vegetables and fruits in their natural state as much as possible. Avoid all animal, fowl or fish products, as well as refined sugars, and minimize processed fats. Take daily exercise; at least 30-45 minutes of vigorous exercise like power walking outdoors in the fresh air, going up and down hills, if possible. Drink lots of water, perhaps 16 or more glasses a day. Get at least 20-30 minutes of daily sunshine for vitamin D, and if you are deficient in vitamin D, use a supplement. Vitamin D has anti-viral qualities. Avoid all caffeine, alcohol, and find out how you can minimize any drugs or prescription medications, as they all have side effects. Get 7-8 hours of sleep each night.

These are the basics. Beyond that, read up on natural plants and foods that has anti-viral qualities. Take lots of garlic in your meals, for instance. Drink lemon water daily. Blend up greens like Kale, stinging nettle, dandelion and a host of other greens as a smoothie and drink it each day. There are many other things you can do. Just do a little research online. You’ll find many relevant websites that can help you build up your body and your immune system.

Friends, we are living in an immuno-suppressant environment with GMOs, toxic chemicals everywhere including in the food we eat. But you have the blueprint for perfect health. You just need to use the tools that will save your life. This is not the first epidemic or pandemic to arise on the planet and it will probably not be the last. The medical world is obsessively focused on vaccines. But God has given natural things that can defeat these viruses. Educate yourself on these things. They may come in handy one day.

Also, in an outbreak, hospitals can become the death centers, unless they have very high-end isolation rooms, equipment and procedures. In Africa, it was the health workers, like nurses and doctors that caught the disease and spread it. Some of them got sick even when they were fully protected in body suits. Many who got sick have died. By the way, vaccines often have serious side effects.

Friends, Jesus said that the Ebola plague is only the beginning of sorrows. The seven last plagues are the climax of sorrows, aren’t they? There can be nothing worse than being under a plague without the mercy of God. So, as we close let me share with you a couple of key statements about the times in which we live.

“The days in which we live are solemn and important. The Spirit of God is gradually but surely being withdrawn from the earth. Plagues and judgments are already falling upon the despisers of the grace of God. The calamities by land and sea, the unsettled state of society, the alarms of war, are portentous. They forecast approaching events of the greatest magnitude. The agencies of evil are combining their forces, and consolidating. They are strengthening for the last great crisis. Great changes are soon to take place in our world, and the final movements will be rapid ones.” That’s Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, p. 11.

“Transgression has almost reached its limit. Confusion fills the world, and a great terror is soon to come upon human beings. The end is very near. We who know the truth should be preparing for what is soon to break upon the world as an overwhelming surprise.” That’s Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 8, p. 28.

May God help you to be under His protection and the shadow of the Almighty. Let us pray. Our Father in heaven, thank You for revealing the prophecies of the future in Your holy scripture. They help us understand our times. May we be faithful to obey Your counsel and live by the Ten Commandments. May Jesus rule in our hearts and may His love shield and protect us from Ebola and every other lethal pestilence that is to come. Please fulfill Your promise to protect Your people from those things that will befall the wicked. May our relationship with Jesus be full, mature and complete. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Lockdown City: Liberty under Siege

July 01, 2013 [click to listen]

Napolitano stands by controversial report

Obama to UN: US Respects Universal Values of Religious Freedom, Free Speech

Obama Moves away from ‘Freedom of Religion’ toward ‘Freedom of Worship’

For the United States to take the step of dominating religious worship it would have to have a complete reversal of its present policy of acknowledging that inalienable right of full freedom of religion to all of its citizens. The change in policy will no doubt come in a seemingly innocent way. But any attempt to regulate religion is not at all innocent. It is the very impulse of the Papacy and of Satan himself.

But regulating worship or requiring a certain type of worship is the very step that the Bible says will happen. And the United States will be in the forefront of the movement. The one religious worship law that Rome has consistently championed and which she is still advocating, is the principle of Sunday observance as a day of rest and worship. Gradually, imperceptivity, Rome is working to bring all the nations under her banner in defiance of the law of God.

Notice too, that this second beast, the United States, takes on an international or global responsibility for helping Rome impose this worship law, because it says in verse 12, “he causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast.” This law would not just be implemented in the United States, though that is where the worship aspects of this law would be implemented first. It is referring to the whole earth. America could not require something of everyone else in the world unless it compelled its own citizens to obey such a law. So, the ultimate religious tyranny begins in the United States and spreads to other nations until it is eventually a universal Sunday law.

In order for the second beast to exercise that kind of power, or “all the power of the first beast,” the United States will have to achieve dictatorial power over its citizens, remove their personal rights and liberties, and take on a religious principle, mixing church and state. The infallible word of God declares that America will change, and change dramatically.

Just think about this for a minute. If the United States is going to do all that, what has to happen? There would have to be the complete overthrow of the U.S. Constitution and its signature Bill of Rights. This cannot be done all at once. The power described here in Revelation cannot attack religious liberty head on. It has to work steadily, persistently, stealthily and gradually, eroding the principles of the constitution until the people are willing to accept complete control of their lives. Then a Sunday law with its economic sanctions and its death penalty can be imposed (see verses 15-17). Most people are clueless. They do not suspect these dramatic changes to the nation. And they cannot foresee them because they do not understand Bible prophecy.

Read more

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Hal Mayer Interview in Atlanta during General Conferernce Session 2010

Hal Mayer: INFO - Keep The Faith

TheClosingOfTime

Published on May 2, 2013


http://www.ktfministry.org/en/
Dear Friends,

Thank you for joining us today for another timely message from your friends at Keep the Faith Ministry. I'm Pastor Hal Mayer, and I have an incredible message for you today. As I think back over the last year at the rapid-fire disasters that have accumulated in the world, I am astonished. The world has gone wild. A staggering number of people were killed by sudden disasters ranging from earthquakes, floods, volcanoes, fires and other major catastrophes. The earth reeled to and fro from it all. One authority suggested that the earth struck back in 2010.

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Habemus Iesuita

  [click to listen]

May 2013

Dear Friends, Welcome to Keep the Faith Ministry. And thank you for joining me today as we study prophecy once more and learn about the momentous events that are unfolding in the world around us. If ever there was an entity that involves prophecy it would be the papacy. Its... READ MORE

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The Perfect Storm - Hal Mayer

cvbiblesabbath


Uploaded on May 13, 2011

No description available.

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Clear and Present Danger, Part 2- Tightening the Grip

[click to listen]

June 2012

Dear Friends, Welcome to Keep the Faith Ministry. I’m so glad you have joined me today as we study another important message for our times. We are truly near the coming of Jesus and it gives me great joy to know that we are nearing the end of this dark... READ MORE

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Keep the Faith Ministry-Upcoming events

October 8, 2011
Ft. Myers, FL U.S.A.


October 15, 2011
Whitney Point, NY U.S.A.


October 29, 2011
Creswell, OR U.S.A.


November 4, 2011
Charlotte, NC U.S.A.


November 12, 2011
Colton, CA U.S.A.


November 15, 2011
Lake Junaluska, NC U.S.A.


November 25, 2011
Lutana, TAS, Australia


MORE EVENTS

Noah Builds an Ark

October 01, 2011 X[click to listen]

The story of Noah and the Ark represents a number of different things. For instance, if you want to survive the coming tempest against your faith, you need to have a character that is like the ark, a bulwark against the devil and his temptations, a protection against the flood of pressure and temptation that Satan will hurl at God’s people during the time of trouble before Jesus comes in the clouds of heaven. Your soul needs to be like Noah’s ark.

The ark also represents the church, which is a protection from the flood of wickedness in the world. It also represents faithful institutions of learning that teach young people how to work for God, and health centers that uphold God’s simple remedies for healing the sick. These institutions are meant to be a refuge from the storm of trouble that comes upon the people of this earth. Sadly today, the churches and institutions are not the refuge from the world that they are supposed to be. In many ways, they have become like the world. While probation lingers, they are still “prisoners of hope” if they will heed God’s warnings and return to His principles. But so often when God sends a warning, men turn their backs on it and continue in their own way.


Read whole Sermon

Keep the Faith Current Events

Upcoming events

• September 10, 2011
  Glendale, CA U.S.A.
• September 16, 2011
  Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• October 1, 2011
  São Paulo, Brazil
• October 8, 2011
  Ft. Myers, FL U.S.A.
• October 15, 2011
  Binghamton, NY U.S.A.
• October 22, 2011
  Creswell, OR U.S.A.
• November 5, 2011
  Charlotte, NC U.S.A.
• November 12, 2011
  Colton, CA U.S.A.
• November 15, 2011
  Lake Junaluska, NC U.S.A.

MORE EVENTS

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On a Crash Course: Coming Collapse of the U.S. Dollar

August 2011

Dear Friends, Welcome to another message from Keep the Faith. I hope you are well and prospering in the Lord. Most of all, I hope you are getting ready to meet Jesus in the clouds of glory. He is coming soon, you know. And we don’t have time to play... READ MORE

In the last few years, economic crises have erupted all around the world. Places like Iceland, Greece, Ireland, Portugal, Spain and some other European countries are struggling to keep their economies from collapsing. People, who are dependent on government support for pensions, health care, and other social service contracts, are facing severe cuts in their benefits as promises of government leaders are being shredded. In addition to the personal pain, these nations are being forced to accept rescue packages from the European Union and the International Monetary Fund, which is turning them into vassal states in the new Holy Roman Empire. Now Greece is about to receive another huge bailout from the European Union and the International Monetary Fund, because it has not been able to cut through the huge deficits with austerity measures. So the pain is not going to go away for its citizens either. It is only going to get worse. Ditto for other countries in the economic periphery of Europe.

But the economic virus is not limited to these peripheral European countries. Recently we saw major upheavals in the Middle East and North Africa where quite a number of nations have overthrown their leaders and are demanding a new set of political and economic principles. Their economies are in a shambles, and as food prices skyrocket, the people demand change. The stress is spreading around in an ever-widening circle of wave after wave of economic bad news.

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Bishops Manipulate Congress

Bishops Manipulate Congress · July 01, 2010 [click to listen] W

Dear friends,

A warm welcome to you and your family. We are truly nearing the end. Recently the Wall Street Journal commented that the Roman Catholic Church in America has “emerged as a major political force… Behind-the-scenes lobbying, coupled with a grassroots mobilization of Catholic churches across the country,” has led a decidedly liberal, democratically dominated U.S. House of Representatives to enact a law in harmony with conservative Roman Catholic policy.

Though generating howls of protest, the Catholic Church played a central role in one of the most sweeping changes in legislative history in the United States. The Bishops forced their will on the House of Representatives and the President to act against their own will. When you see what they did, you will be amazed at the power of Rome in the United States. From a prophetic point of view, this is astonishing, regardless of where you might stand on the issues embedded in the legislation.

Article on the Legislation

Before we go any further, I want you to be aware that Keep the Faith is dedicated to documenting fulfilling prophecy. We are not interested in promoting politics or weighing in on partisan issues. We respect our government leaders because God has appointed them a certain amount of time to do their work. In discussing prophecy and its fulfillment, we do not in any way intend to show disrespect to them or to the offices which they hold.

However, we also recognize that they are free moral agents and that God does not dictate how they think or act, though everything they do must have His permission, and ultimately fulfills His purposes. He may hold back the consequences of their decisions for a time. He may defeat their efforts by using opposing forces. But no one can do anything “against the truth but for the truth.” That’s what II Corinthians 13:8 says. He may even send angels in the form of men to argue His case before legislative assemblies.

The same goes for religious leaders. We do not disrespect them, and we believe that they have free choice just like anyone else. But today there is an undercurrent that is moving us toward a Sunday law. Bible prophecy tells us that both groups have a large part to play in the final movements.

Remember the scripture admonition in Revelation 16:15, which says, “Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.” This verse reminds us of the nearness of Jesus’ second coming and that He will come as a thief, or at a time when we do not expect him. Because of that, it also reminds us that we are to watch. The only way to watch is to open your eyes and see the fulfilling prophecy. Then the verse reminds us to “keep our garments,” in other words, don’t let go of the righteousness of Christ, lest you be shamed by sin which brings nakedness of character. Friends, this is vital counsel for the last generation. Notice the combination of watching and righteous living. More than ever we need righteous living through the righteousness of Jesus, for the time is at hand when the prophecies are being fulfilled in rapid succession. Your eternal destiny is at stake at this very moment. Don’t delay the necessary preparation.

I am going to read a powerful prophetic statement from scripture. It is one that you may well recognize, especially if you are one of our regular subscribers, because I have quoted it before. It is from Revelation 17. Beginning with verse one, the scripture says, “And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters: With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication.”

Then the apostle John describes a woman in scarlet sitting on a scarlet colored beast full of blasphemy, etc. This beast and woman represent Roman Catholicism, both a civil power, represented by a beast, and a church represented by a woman. There is no other entity on earth that can meet the description given here than the Roman Catholic Church. But I want you to notice that the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication, or her doctrines. Fornication is when someone is unfaithful. This church has doctrines that are unfaithful to the Lord and to scripture.

That drunkenness which inebriates the inhabitants of the earth spiritually is already happening. Rome has so successfully developed her popularity in Western countries that most people living in those countries don’t have much objection to her doctrines or to her power, except a very few secular people, or those who have rather liberal lifestyles and beliefs. Of course those that understand Bible prophecy and who accept Jesus and all the truth into their hearts and lives would not be drunk with her wine either. But they too are really a small minority.

Note also that the kings of the earth have committed fornication with Rome. The rulers of this world seek Rome’s counsel. They are also influenced by Rome in making their decisions. Rome in many ways has developed very powerful influence. This power is reflected in many different ways.

For instance in 1989, Germany was reunited and the Berlin wall separating east and west was no more. This was engineered by John Paul II working together with Ronald Reagan and other world leaders, and was reported in Time magazine as a clandestine campaign which was one of the “greatest secret alliances of all time.” In other words, they were in a conspiracy against communism, and amazingly without knowing it, they were fulfilling prophecy. Rome could never recover old Europe and thereby resurrect the Holy Roman Empire without the dissolution of Eastern European communism, particularly that which controlled Central and Eastern Europe. It was one of Rome’s key political achievements under John Paul II which then paved the way for the European Union to be melded together, which is now a federated block of nations with an overriding supranational constitution and government. This is essentially the way Europe was in the middle ages when Rome controlled it. There are new people. There are new documents, and new agencies, but the principles are the same. And Rome is working very hard to rebuild the ancient relationships that will put her on the throne of Europe. Even the European Union President is a Jesuit trained Roman Catholic.

Time Magazine Article

Independent News Article

What happened between John Paul and Ronald Reagan was an alliance, a cooperative effort. Rome had a lot of power in Poland because more than 90% of its people are Roman Catholic. John Paul II was also a Pole. This made it very difficult for the polish communist government to overrule him. In fact, they were utterly unsuccessful.

But that was 1989. Since then the popularity of Rome in America has dramatically increased. Americans are awed by Rome. This gives Rome tremendous influence and power. Now Rome has expanded her political efforts and is determined to influence the nation’s laws whenever possible. Once Rome has power to dictate the laws she wants, she will influence lawmakers to enact her ultimate geopolitical objective, Sunday laws.

The Holy See, which is the official name of the Vatican among the nation states, has bragged that she has considerable greatness. “According to Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Vatican Secretary of State, the Holy See is “small but great; the greatest in the world from any point of view,” quoted Zenit on February 13, 2009.

Bertone was speaking at a conference marking the 80th anniversary of the Lateran Treaty of 1929 which established the current Vatican as an independent city state and recognized its sovereignty. This was also the beginning of the healing of the deadly wound mentioned in Revelation 13:3.

“Cardinal Bertone noted in a special way the funeral of John Paul II and the election of Benedict XVI, ‘which brought to Rome the top political authorities of the world and massive crowds.’”

The pontificate of John Paul II, the second longest in history, and perhaps the most influential in recent times from a global perspective, elevated the popularity of the papacy to unprecedented levels which greatly enhanced its political influence and power.

The Bible also identifies the papacy as great, particularly in regard to her arrogance and sins and her blasphemy against God, all in the name of God, and of Christ.

For example, Daniel 7:25 says that the Holy See “speaks great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws.” If ever any organization was great in changing God’s law, it is the Catholic Church. If ever any organization wore out the saints of the Most High by persecuting them, it is the Papacy, even while creating a great many so-called “saints” of her own.

The Bible even speaks of the Vatican City State: “What city is like unto this great city!… wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness!” (Rev. 18:18, 19) And speaking of the great whore it says: “And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.”

The Vatican is indeed great. Cardinal Bertone was not speaking idly when he said that the Holy See is the “greatest in the world from any point of view.” Perhaps he wasn’t referring to the Bible’s definition of the greatness of the Vatican and the Holy See, but from the prophetic point of view, he inadvertently confirmed the words of sacred scripture nevertheless.

Zenit News Article

That greatness is reflected in so many aspects of Rome’s relationships with nation states too. Leaders of most nations, when in Europe on official business stop in Rome for an audience with the Pope. And Rome knows that this gives her political power on a global scale. But perhaps for Rome, there is no greater prize than to manipulate the United States, which was originally founded on Protestant principles. Rome has been patiently working to strengthen her power in the United States so that she would be able to influence its laws and policies. That day has now come.

Listen to this powerful statement from the book Great Controversy, page 581. “God’s word has given warning of the impending danger; let this be unheeded, and the Protestant world will learn what the purposes of Rome really are, only when it is too late to escape the snare. She is silently growing into power. Her doctrines are exerting their influence in legislative halls, in the churches, and in the hearts of men.”

Perhaps we could say that Rome has silently grown into power! This prophecy has been largely fulfilled. But it has more to go. Rome has not yet influenced the United States to pass a Sunday law. But note also that her doctrines are gaining acceptance and influence in legislative halls too.

Today, I’m going to show you a direct fulfillment of this prophecy, and the prophecy about the kings or rulers of the earth committing fornication with Rome, and specifically her doctrines.

But before I do, let us read the rest of the paragraph in Great Controversy, page 581. It goes like this: “She [meaning Rome] is piling up her lofty and massive structures in the secret recesses of which her former persecutions will be repeated. Stealthily and unsuspectingly she is strengthening her forces to further her own ends when the time shall come for her to strike. All that she desires is vantage ground, and this is already being given her. We shall soon see and shall feel what the purpose of the Roman element is. Whoever shall believe and obey the word of God will thereby incur reproach and persecution.”

I wonder why the author linked Rome’s popularity and legislative influence with persecution of those who follow God’s law. Isn’t that interesting? Perhaps the reason is self-evident. Laws are made by nations. When Rome gains popularity and influence she gains political strength. Then she pressures lawmakers to make laws that suit her. Note that there will come a time for her to strike. I wonder why the author used this term “strike.” It reminds us of a snake coiled up and ready to strike the innocent little mouse that is minding his own business doing what God made him to do.

The passage I read says that “Rome is strengthening her forces.” This is talking about her influence, and particularly in democratic Western countries, it is talking about votes. She is doing this in many ways. For instance, she does this through Catholic immigration into Western Europe, the USA and other Western nations. She also has her bishops conferences close to the centers of power in Western nations. In the United States, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops is in Washington DC, not far from the White House and Congress. Needless to say, the bishops designed it that way so that they can influence these individuals and legislative bodies and the votes they cast for legislative actions. She also promotes causes that advocate for the poor, which, while a good thing in itself, Rome uses to strengthen her own power and influence with the people. This translates into votes for and against those individuals or laws that Rome endorses or does not endorse. Her Jesuit institutions influence generation after generation of congressmen and congresswomen and other political leaders who are trained in them. This list of her “forces” could go on and on.

But Rome’s influence was powerfully manifested in a recent vote in the United States House of Representatives, and subsequently forced the President to take action to support Rome’s demands. Remember that the Speaker of the House is a Roman Catholic named Nancy Pelosi. Though she is liberal, she has very good relations with the Roman Catholic hierarchy in the United States and abroad, particularly in Rome as you will soon see. Also, remember that the majority leader of the House of Representatives, Steny Hoyer, is also a Roman Catholic. And again, the minority leader of the House of Representatives is John Boehner, another Roman Catholic. Moreover, Roman Catholics make up essentially 30% of the U.S. Congress, many of whom were trained at Jesuit institutions, the most notable of which is Georgetown University in Washington, DC.

The decision that I am referring to is the health care bill that was recently enacted by Congress so that there can be universal health care in the United States. It is really a bill which is a dramatic step toward the socialization of American health care. It has been a key platform of President Obama’s administration. Interestingly, the Catholic Church, since 1963 has supported the concept of universal health care at public expense. The church and the liberal administration have found common cause.

Herald Sun Article

Cleveland Article

Faith Magazine News Article

While I don’t want to get into all the ramifications of this particular law, I do need to tell you just one piece of information that will help you understand the rest of what I am going to say. Originally this bill had provisions in it that would allow the government to pay for abortions as part of the health care plan.

The bill delegated to the Secretary of Health and Human Services the power to make abortion an essential benefit in all health plans, and in any ‘public plan’ created by the legislation. But the final House of Representatives version of the bill does not have that provision. In fact, abortion was specifically excluded from the House version in spite of the fact that President Obama is a strong supporter of liberal abortion laws, as is Nancy Pelosi, speaker of the House. How the bill was changed is the story you need to hear.

CNA News Article

Her position on abortion is one of Rome’s doctrines on which God’s people can agree. Nevertheless, Rome uses this doctrine for her own ends. In this case, Rome saw her opportunity to pressure liberal abortion-supporting lawmakers into removing the abortion funding in order to pass the law.

The original bill created a firestorm of opposition which stemmed from various aspects of the legislation. The health care bill ran into problems in subcommittee. Conservatives, especially Catholic members of Congress, had introduced an amendment to prevent federal money from paying for abortions. But the committees dropped the amendment, much to the dismay of the Catholic Church. It appeared as though the health care bill was in trouble. Conservatives in Congress were strong enough to defeat the whole bill if it did not prevent support for abortion.

Then the bishops weighted in. Cardinal Rigali of Philadelphia who is the chairman of the bishops Pro-life Committee, wrote Congress a letter on July 29 which vowed that the bishops would “vigorously” oppose a health care bill that provided funding for abortion. “No one should be required to pay for or participate in abortion,” the letter said. “We sincerely hope that the legislation will not fall short of our criteria,” the letter also says. “However, we remain apprehensive when amendments protecting freedom of conscience and ensuring no taxpayer money for abortion are defeated in committee votes,” they said. Clearly the Bishops were planning to use their influence to lobby congress to comply with Rome’s doctrine. Remember that the issue is not about whether you agree with Rome’s position. It is about Rome’s increasing power to enforce her doctrine.

CNN Article

New York Times Article

EWTN Article

Medical News Article

CNA News Article

But as the debate wended its way through Congress, I wondered if the Catholic Church would get more involved in some way. Little did I know that they were actually going to mobilize a major campaign to engineer a coup d‘état and force liberal democrats to vote in favor of conservative amendments against abortion funding in the bill.

On November 11, 2009, the Associated Press published an article entitled “Catholic Bishops Shape Health Care Bill.” The opening statement is very revealing. “Catholic bishops have emerged as a formidable force in the health care overhaul fight, using their clout with millions of Catholics and working behind the scenes in Congress to get strong abortion restrictions into the House bill.”

Notice that the bishops used their clout with millions of Catholics in America, 68 million of them in fact, to pressure Congress to do their will. They worked behind the scenes – stealthily I might add, just as prophecy predicted. The second sentence in the article is just as revealing… “[The bishops] don’t spend a dime on what is legally defined as lobbying, but lawmakers and insiders recognize that the bishops’ voices matter — and they move votes.”

The Wall Street Journal revealed much of the powerful campaign conducted by the bishops. Listen. “At least four representatives of the [Bishop’s Conference] worked the House…, holding private meetings with lawmakers and Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The group distributed talking points to priests across the country and gave fliers to churches featuring the headline, ‘Health Care Reform Is About Saving Lives, Not Destroying Them.’ A prayer circulated to churches supporting an overhaul of the health-care system included the phrase: ‘We will raise our voices to protect the unborn.’” But that’s not all they did, as you will see in a few minutes.

Here is a little history. In the United States, there has been a long-standing open relationship between the leaders of government and the Roman Catholic bishops. Ever since at least the Carter Administration, presidents and popes began to cavort together and work in secret alliances to accomplish mutual geopolitical goals. These successful alliances have also opened the door for the bishops to become increasingly involved in direct intervention in domestic government affairs in the intervening years. As the Roman Catholic population in the United States has increased dramatically through immigration, and as the Catholic Church has become dramatically more popular in the last 30 years, the bishops have gained tremendous political clout. Almost all Americans have no objections to a foreign geopolitical power strongly influencing U.S. politics, if it is the Roman Catholic Church.

The Journal revealed what really happened secretly behind closed doors. “Representatives for the bishops were in House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s Capitol suite negotiating with top officials… as they reached final terms of the agreement.”

CBS News Article

Earlier in the day, Pelosi, a Catholic and an abortion rights supporter, had been contacted by Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick, Washington’s former archbishop, now in Rome. He called her from Rome to discuss the abortion restrictions that he and Rome wanted in the bill. “It was just one element of an intensive lobbying effort orchestrated by the nation’s Catholic bishops,” wrote Breitbart.com, “who have emerged as a formidable force in the health care negotiations.”

Breibart News Article

But this was only the beginning of the bishop’s intervention. They had a well planned strategy. I’ll quote again from the article. “It wasn’t the first time a high-ranking Catholic had weighed in with a key player on writing strict abortion curbs into the health measure. Boston’s Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley personally appealed to President Barack Obama about it near the church altar (of all places) at the early September funeral for Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass. [In addition] Bishops quietly called their congressmen and senators to weigh in.”

Rome worked every angle she could. The Stupak amendment, by which the abortion restrictions are known, was the tool used to pressure Congress. It was designed and introduced by Representative Bart Stupak, D-Mich., a Roman Catholic, and a strong abortion opponent even though he is a Democrat. The Stupak amendment wasn’t even considered to be viable until the Catholic bishops got involved the week before the vote with a massive campaign to pressure the House of Representatives to take out the abortion funding. Listen to Bart Stupak’s own words; “The Catholic Church used their power — their clout, if you will — to influence this issue. They had to. It’s a basic teaching of the religion…”

“It was [actually] Stupak” said the AP report “who told Pelosi… that if she wanted a deal on the health bill, she’d be well advised to invite the bishops’ staff, who were already in his office, to her table. ‘I said, ‘Well, they’re here, and they’re one of the key groups you want to have on your side, so why don’t we just bring them in and work this out,’’ Stupak said.” Pelosi did, and the result revealed what really went on behind the scenes. The bishop’s conference convinced Nancy and other leading Democrats that the only way to get the House version of the health care bill passed was to include the anti-abortion Stupak amendment. The Stupak Amendment passed the House 240-196, leading to the narrow passage of the entire bill.

MSNBC News Article

The amendment was co-sponsored by Joseph Pitts, an evangelical from Pennsylvania, and a strong abortion foe as well. This is an example of Catholics and Evangelicals working together to achieve Rome’s political goals.

MSNBC Article on Health Reform

CBS News Article

Bart Stupak Biography

The battle had became intense, both over the involvement of the Catholic Church and the amendment. There were actually up to 40 Democrats that were dissatisfied with the bill. They would have been enough to stop Pelosi’s health care bill if they were all unwilling to vote yes. Pelosi and her fellow Democratic leaders were working behind closed doors, scrambling to forge a compromise right down to the 11th hour to save the legislation. Rome obviously took advantage of this situation.

Several Democrats, including Rep. Jason Altmire, D-Pennsylvania, said they are in touch with their Catholic bishops back home. Altmire said he must have the approval of his bishop in Pittsburgh before he can vote yes. Imagine having to ask your pastor’s approval to vote for something like this. How is it that the Catholic Bishops have such powerful influence?

Rep. Steve Driehaus, D-Ohio, said he’s “trying to get to yes,” but said he won’t vote for the health care bill unless it says “no federal funds used to pay for abortions and so that means no federal funds used to pay for abortion in the public option.” Dreihaus is a Roman Catholic who worked closely with Jesuit Xavier University for a time as a teacher of political science, and as one time director and now consultant to the Community Building Institute, a collaborative effort of Xavier and United Way. Dreihaus is very friendly with the Jesuits and no doubt understands how to work with them.

CNN Article

Jason Altmire Biography

Steven Driehaus Biography

Fox News 4 published an editorial by radio commentator Bill Press entitled Congress of Catholic Bishops. “Consider this scenario, wrote Press. “After months of debate, the national legislature is set to cast an historic vote. But, before legislators can vote yea or nay, the bill must first be sent to the country’s Supreme Religious Council for its approval. Only after unelected clerics give their blessing are elected politicians permitted to vote.

“Did that happen in Iran? No, it happened right here, in the House of Representatives, during [the] vote on health care reform.

“A carefully crafted piece of legislation — the result of months of debate by three different House committees — was before the House for a final vote. But, at the 11th hour, lobbyists for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops descended on the Capitol, declared they could not accept provisions in the bill restricting federal funding of abortion, demanded that the language be made tougher — and dutiful Democrats did just what the bishops ordered.”

In other words, the conservative Catholic vote in the House of Representatives was so vital to Nancy Pelosi that she knew, ultimately, that she had to have the bishop’s support. She needed 218 votes. Considering that the bill lacked 19 votes up until that time, it is astonishing that the bill narrowly passed, suggesting that the arm-twisting was very intense. The final count was 220 in favor of the bill, just two votes to spare. It also suggests that those 21 votes were holding up the voting in favor of the demands of the Catholic Church.

Health Care Bill Clears House

Obviously my friends, the Catholic bishops convinced Nancy Pelosi and certain other Democratic leaders that they would lose the whole health care reform bill if they didn’t make the abortion changes.

Bill Press continued; “In so doing, they might just as well have tossed the First Amendment, and its separation of church and state, right out the window. Civil liberty advocates should be equally angry over such a blatant violation of the Constitution,” he said. “In effect, members of Congress gave Catholic bishops a veto over federal legislation: power that no group of religious leaders should hold over a secular, popularly elected Congress. Who elected the bishops, anyway? And whom do they represent?”

My friends, the “stones” are crying out. Though Mr. Press, a Catholic, is on the other side of the abortion question from the bishops, and even though many of God’s people would agree with the bishops concerns, students of prophecy should not miss the importance of what happened.

Listen to the prophet Daniel in speaking of the power of Rome. It’s from Chapter 7:7 “After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it…” While we have not seen this power in its fullest strength, we are beginning to see how Rome does this. She devoured the Democrats and broke them down. This is only the beginning folks, but we must see that this is a partial fulfillment of this prophecy. Rome is getting ready to devour God’s people if she can, and “destroy the mighty and the holy people,” Daniel 8:25 says. Those are the ones who keep all of God’s commandments and have the Holy Spirit in latter rain power. Rome is demonstrating her power as she rises to the height to which prophecy destines her.

Bill Press made another very interesting point. “Why is there special treatment for Catholic bishops?” he asked. “Can you imagine the complaints from Democrats if religious conservatives James Dobson and Pat Robertson had been given the same access? Or the howls of outrage from conservatives if Congress first took time out to ask Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson for their blessing? Not to mention the universal uproar [there would be] were a group of Muslim clerics consulted before the vote. No other group of religious leaders would have been given that special access to the corridors of power…”

While any American Catholic, even a bishop has the right to speak out on political matters in America as an individual, it is another thing however, for the bishops to lobby Congress as a religious entity or church, and then go on a full throttle campaign to pressure Congress through Catholic Church members. This is a violation of the intent of the first amendment, separation of church and state in the U.S. Constitution, if not of the constitution itself. The reason the bishops have such powerful influence is because of the dual nature of the Catholic Church. No other church has the kind of power that Rome has because they are not a mixture of Church and nation state. The Bible tells us this in Revelation 17 by describing this entity as both a beast and a woman. There are other nations that mix religion and politics, but none of them have the global clout that Rome has.

Bill Press concluded; “If Catholic bishops are going to demand a voice in legislation, then they must do what all other special interests in Washington do: register as lobbyists and pay their taxes. If they insist on playing politics, then we should insist on taking away the Catholic Church’s tax-exempt status.”

Fox Article

In other words, the nation’s laws are being influenced and manipulated by a powerfully influential church that is doing so without paying taxes. This is illegal in the United States.

In essence the Vatican actually passed judgment on civil legislation in the United States Congress before the vote was taken, and in effect, delivered Catholic votes for it once their demands were met. The outcome of the legislation in the House demonstrates that while the Republicans don’t have the votes to stop proposed legislation, the Vatican has the power to get it passed in harmony with its own agenda.

Notice that the Roman Catholic Church, a foreign nation, is now in a position to judge at least some of America’s laws. This should not go unnoticed by students of prophecy. When the Catholic Church has the power to successfully pressure the U.S. House of Representatives against their own majority, we have come to an unprecedented moment in history. It makes you wonder how long it will be until Rome will reach critical mass, so that any law that impinges in her principles, will ultimately be “engineered” or “fixed” by the Catholic bishops. More dangerously, how long will it be until Rome is capable of getting laws initiated and passed that restrict God’s last generation of Sabbath keepers, such as Sunday laws.

While you and I may agree with Rome’s position concerning abortion, this process in Congress to politically pressure legislative representatives to do her will, even though the vast majority disagree with Rome concerning abortion, is extremely significant.

There were enough conservative Democrats, mostly Catholic, who oppose abortion and would not vote in favor of the legislation unmodified, that the liberal and most powerful Democrats had to forego one of their key principles to bring the conservatives over to support the health care bill. The fact that the bill passed by only two votes, tells us that Rome has enough power to influence the outcome if it is one of Rome’s key principles, even when there is a wide margin of votes against her. It also tells us that Rome doesn’t yet have full throttle power if the House is more united against her positions. But she is well on the way to having it.

Not that long ago Republicans held the power of Congress. Democrats were very weak for most of the years between the Reagan administration and the present. The Democratic Party had to get more conservative Democrats elected into congressional office. Listen to the Wall Street Journal.

“The bishops’ success” wrote the Journal “served as a reminder that Democrats’ strategy over the past two election cycles of recruiting more conservative candidates to run in competitive House and Senate seats can have unwelcome policy consequences for liberals among the party’s base. About 40 House Democrats are opposed to abortion rights.”

Do you see what happened? Once there were enough conservative Democrats in Congress that were opposed to abortion, the Catholic Church could then use them to manipulate Congress into legislating in harmony with her religious principles. That is dangerous, my friends. What would happen if more conservative Democrats were elected to the U.S. Congress.

“The bishops have a history of political activism,” continued the Journal. “In the 2004 presidential race, some bishops said they would refuse to grant communion to Democratic nominee John Kerry, a Catholic who favored abortion rights. In 2005, the bishops’ conference backed efforts by then-President George W. Bush and Republican lawmakers to intervene in the Terri Schiavo right-to-die case. But rarely has the church entered the fray with such decisive force [as it did with the health care reform bill].”

More on the Health Care Reform Bill

Remember that of the members of Congress, 30 percent are Roman Catholic. Most of them are liberals. But should that change and more conservatives get voted into office over time, the landscape could change, giving Rome additional power. However, even now full power could arise on a specific issue if almost the whole nation were united concerning it. For instance, if massive disasters occurred and the bishops, mainstream pastors and evangelical preachers began promoting Sunday observance as a way to get the nation back to God, Sunday laws could easily pass through the House and the Senate rather quickly.

“The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops…” continued the Associated Press, “derives its power in large part from the sheer number of Catholics in this country… but also from the special moral and religious standing of its members. Many of them are in regular contact with lawmakers, weighing in on issues from immigration policy to benefits for low-income people.”

Note the point about special moral and religious standing of the Catholic Church members. The suggestion here is that they have more power and influence than other people when Roman Catholic members speak.

Kathy Saile, a spokesperson for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops made a very telling comment that was quoted in the AP article mentioned earlier. After pointing out that the Democrats are keenly aware of the power of Catholic voters, more than 50% of whom voted for President Obama, the AP reported that Kathy Saile said, “This was a lot of members of Congress listening to their constituents.” Of course she means that mainly Roman Catholic constituents were being listened to by Democrats that are keenly aware of their power. This comment coming from the Catholic Bishops spokesperson suggests that the bishops had been working behind the scenes urging their people to contact their elected officials, even telling them what to say.

This is, in fact, exactly what the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops did. They engaged in an outright, all-out campaign, largely out of sight of the public press by distributing “fliers to every parish in the nation asking people to pray for abortion restrictions and to call their congressmen and senators asking them to ‘fix these bills with pro-life amendments,’” said the AP report.

Moreover, continued the AP article, “the conference staff got elbow-deep in the legislative machinations on the health measure, even having bishops intervene with Republicans — who were loath to help Democrats pass their bill — to make sure they supported the abortion provisions.”

In other words, the bishops worked both sides of the political isle to get the legislation passed with provisions satisfactory to themselves. Incidentally, they weren’t as successful with Republicans as they were with Democrats. Only one Republican voted for the bill.

His name was Jospeh Cao, a Roman Catholic from New Orleans, LA. Once the anti-abortion provisions were included, he was prepared to support the health care reform bill. Cao studied for six years at a Jesuit seminary to become a Jesuit priest, but eventually abandoned that to pursue Philosophy and Law. Cao attended both Jesuit Fordham University in New York, and Loyola University in New Orleans to acquire his masters degree and his law degree respectively. Loyola had him teaching undergraduate philosophy classes while in law school there. No doubt Cao is very familiar with Catholic teaching and the Church’s positions concerning universal health care and abortion. Moreover, one would expect that he could be depended on to assist Rome in her efforts to get the legislation passed in the House of Representatives.

Joseph Cao Background

Joseph Cao Biography

Fordham University Website

Fordham University Background

Loyola University of New Orleans

Loyola University Background

The AP article went on to say that “The outcome [of the health care vote in the House of Representatives] left abortion-rights supporters, who couldn’t muster enough votes in the House to head off Catholic… intervention, fuming. The bishops ‘essentially got signoff. They dictated this, and it’s totally inappropriate — it’s blatant interference between church and state,’ said Eleanor Smeal of the Feminist Majority. ‘The women’s movement and the pro-choice forces feel like they were had.’”

MSNBC Article

Los Angeles Times News Article

I want you to think about those comments for a minute. Can you see what is happening? Those who are defending the separation of church and state in this case, are the feminists and pro-abortionists. Will those who defend the separation of church and state on the grounds of Bible principle get lumped in with these? When the best solution to a national or international emergency is a religious solution that sounds very pious and righteous, but is actually overturning the separation of church and state, and compelling people to break the law of God, how effective do you think God’s faithful people will be in arguing in favor of separation of church and state, and against Sunday laws, when linked with people that press progressive liberal agendas? Friends, in more than one way, God’s Sabbath keeping people have also been “had” by the Roman Catholic bishop’s intervention. It is only a matter of time.

“Tony Perkins, head of the Family Research Council, an evangelical group that tends to side with Republicans, said Saturday’s vote ranked among the most important victories for abortion foes since the 1973 Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision legalizing the procedure, because it came under Democratic leadership,” reported the Wall Street Journal.

Speaking of the Democratic Party, Nancy Pelosi said at a press conference, “We’re glad to take responsibility for this bill, and the credit.” But the real credit goes to the Catholic Bishops whose aggressive campaign handed the vote to the Democrats. When the Vatican has the ability to turn liberal Democrats on their heads, my friends, we can see that Rome has largely fulfilled its prophetic destiny to become perhaps the most powerful religious and political influence in American politics.

Listen to this statement from the book Great Controversy, page 588. “The Protestants of the United States will be foremost in stretching their hands across the gulf to grasp the hand of Spiritualism; they will reach over the abyss to clasp hands with the Roman power; and under the influence of this threefold union, this country will follow in the steps of Rome in trampling on the rights of conscience.” The United States is perhaps toward the end of the process of reaching across the abyss to clasp hands with the Roman power.

Friends, we are in the state of orange alert, and not far from red alert. “The evidence indicates that the Bishops-and the Vatican itself-are calling the shots behind the scene,” wrote Accuracy in Media.com. “In fact, as many media organizations are now reporting, they engineered the “compromise” that deleted abortion funding so the bill could pass the House.”

AIM News Article

Huffington Post News Article

The Bishops also went after the Senate, but were not able to get an amendment to the Senate version of the bill to eliminate abortion funding. Apparently, the Senate doesn’t have enough abortion foes yet for the Catholic Church to do what it did in the House. That is why Rome has clearly not reached the zenith of her power. However, during the reconciliation process between the two versions of the bill, the Bishops again pressed hard for the removal of the funding. Again, the conservative members of the House held out for abortion restrictions. This in turn forced President Obama to issue an executive order to restricting funding for abortion in the reconciled bill. Only then did enough conservatives vote in favor of the bill.
The Bishops were not satisfied with an executive order because it can be sassily changed. No doubt, they will keep putting pressure on the legislative bodies until they get what they want. Because of other constitutional issues in the bill, there are already a number of states that have filed lawsuits against the U.S. Federal Government to challenge the whole law. Certainly the Bishops will use their clout to influence the outcome if they can.

CNA News Article
Alternate CNA News Article

US Catholic News Article

Life News Article

Washington Times News Article

Friends, as we get closer to the time of the close of probation, do you think there are some things that you should do to get ready for the crisis? I hope you are taking these things seriously and doing what you have to do to have a very close relationship with Jesus. Now is the time; not sometime in the future. Today is the day of salvation. We must be spiritually prepared if we want to be protected by God’s grace when there is no human law to do so.

Want to read more? Feel free to read more about this subject by clicking the links below:

Do Catholic Bishops Run the US Government?

NPR News Article

Any one else want to sell us out?

NY Times Article

CNA Article on Faith Groups

CNA News Article on Abortion

New York Times Article

Zenit News Article

USCCB Article

Zenit News Article

CNA News Article

CNS News Article

CNA News Article

NPR Article on US Congress

Life News Article

Bishops Warn Against Health Care Abortion Expansion

Life News Article

We hope you have been greatly blessed by this month’s message. Your prayers and gifts mean much to us. Thank you for your support.

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