"Read the Next Verse!"
"Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:9,10)
After the death of Mr. Armstrong in January 1986, Satan incited an all-out attack on the church. After just a matter of months the leaders of WCG launched their agenda: their ultimate goal being to take God's church back 'into the fold' of wordly Christianity. And this they achieved within just one decade. The truth which Christ had revealed to His church through His end-time apostle was all but obliterated.
We are warned in Matthew 24; "For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if [it were] possible, they shall deceive the very elect." (Matthew 24:24) Note: "it were" is not in the original text, so Satan's prime objective appears to be to deceive even the very elect of God's church. We're not at the "signs and wonders" stage – yet, but it would be prudent not to let our guard down. Knowing what is prophesied in this area, we'd be wise to prepare ourselves for more deception, because we could still 'lose our crown' if not very, very careful. (Revelation 3:11)
During the recent apostasy a very effective means of leading brethren astray was to "wrest the scriptures", banking on the fact that many of the brethren wouldn't take the time to check up on the passages being quoted – and importantly, the context in which they are found. And so in this Pastor's Report I want to examine 4 areas in which we could be taken off track, and if kept in mind, will also aid our personal Bible study:
- Cherry-picking
- Even Satan quotes Scripture
- Missing the Context
- A Personal Agenda
Cherry-picking
In his articles and sermons Mr. Armstrong often pointed people to "the next verse", which gave a fuller understanding of what he'd just written or quoted. This example from Ephesians is one which many of us will recognise:
From Mr. Armstrong's 1981 sermon "Are You Ready?":
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith ; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.
That is, the faith that you have. Some of you try to work up faith and wonder why you don’t have more faith. Brethren, you can’t work up faith. Faith is the gift of God. It says so right here. But you receive eternal Life as the gift of God, and you can’t earn it yourself. And so it says:
Ephesians 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
And right there most preachers stop. I remember (Oh, I think this is at least 40 years ago.) a man who then was quite a famous evangelist on the air. He’s been dead a good many years now. He read that and stopped! I said “Go on. Read that next verse.” I shouted into the radio! Of course, he didn’t hear me! That was before the days of television; but I shouted, and I said “Go on. I dare you! Read that next verse.” But, of course, he wouldn’t. Well, let me read it.
Ephesians 2:9-10 Not of works, lest any man should boast. (10) For we are HIS WORKMANSHIP, created in Christ Jesus UNTO GOOD WORKS , which God hath before ordained that we should WALK in them [in good works]. ("Are you Ready?" - October 15 1981)
Another very clear example of cherry-picking certain scriptures to prove your particular point comes from the Seventh Day Adventist "prophetess" Ellen G. White, and her personal rendition of Isaiah 24:
At the coming of Christ the wicked are blotted from the face of the whole earth—consumed with the spirit of His mouth and destroyed by the brightness of His glory. Christ takes His people to the City of God, and the earth is emptied of its inhabitants. “Behold, the Lord maketh the earth empty, and maketh it waste, and turneth it upside down, and scattereth abroad the inhabitants thereof.” “The land shall be utterly emptied, and utterly spoiled: for the Lord hath spoken this word.” “Because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant. Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate: therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned.” Isaiah 24:1, 3, 5, 6. (The Great Controversy, chapter 41 – Desolation of the Earth)
Now notice what the first six verses of Isaiah 24 actually say. The passages highlighted are the ones she ignored – as they show clearly that some people are still alive at the time:
- Behold, the LORD maketh the earth empty, and maketh it waste, and turneth it upside down, and scattereth abroad the inhabitants thereof.
- And it shall be, as with the people, so with the priest; as with the servant, so with his master; as with the maid, so with her mistress; as with the buyer, so with the seller; as with the lender, so with the borrower; as with the taker of usury, so with the giver of usury to him.
- The land shall be utterly emptied, and utterly spoiled: for the LORD hath spoken this word.
- The earth mourneth and fadeth away, the world languisheth and fadeth away, the haughty people of the earth do languish.
- The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant.
- Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate: therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left. (Isaiah 24:1-6)
Ms White deliberately leaves out the fact that not ALL the inhabitants of the earth perish, as this would conflict with the SDA's fundamental belief #24 – "The Investigative Judgment" which requires the earth being emptied of its inhabitants. The main thrust of the doctrine seems to be that it's only those who have accepted Christ in their lifetime who are saved from destruction. Without the revelation of the meaning of God's Holy Days, they are completely adrift with their doctrines, and have to tamper with the scriptures to make them fit. Not even "read the next verse" ... but read the WHOLE verse!
Small wonder that the overall thrust of her book in which this misquoted passage from Isaiah is found is called "The Great Controversy", and describes the confrontation between God and Satan. But there is no battle between God and Satan – another truth which the Holy Days reveal! God remains supreme at all times and only allows Satan a limited jurisdiction for a specific reason, until he is removed entirely.
Even Satan quotes Scripture
During the recent apostasy false ministers would indeed quote scripture in their sermons or articles, but adulterated the meaning to back up their agenda. Hardly a new methodology – Satan used the same in the Garden of Eden:
- Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden (Genesis 3:1)
Whereas, what God HAD said to Adam was positive:
- And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. (Genesis 2:16,17)
A subtle – and negative – emphasis to God's command, putting Him in a unfavourable light. No doubt the same approach was used when Lucifer, as he was then, manipulated the minds of the angels under his supervision. Satan even attempted the same formula when Christ met him head-on, recorded in Matthew 4 and Luke 4. Regarding turning the stones to bread, Christ rebuffed Satan with "it is written", quoting Deuteronomy 8:3. "OK," thinks Satan ... "I can quote scripture too." ...
- And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. (Matthew 4:6)
Satan picked out one verse from Psalm 91 to try to make a point, but it was out of context with the rest of the word of God. As Christ pointed out, we shouldn't put God to the test as Satan was proposing. (Matthew 4:7, Deuteronomy 6:16). Just because an individual quotes scriptures, doesn't necessarily mean they are giving you God's unadulterated truth on a subject.
- For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
- And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
- Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. (II Corinthians 11:15)
Missing the Context
If an individual wants to set up a high street business which depends on consistent 'footfall', there are three things he needs to keep in mind: 'location, location, location'. A similar point can be made regarding getting a true understanding of a particular verse in the Bible: 'context, context, context'. That brings to mind a lady we had been through college with saying she didn't bother to do her own Bible study, but would just read the articles printed in the Good News or Worldwide News ... "as the men who wrote them obviously knew what they were writing" ... i.e. had done the studying for her, and she didn't bother to check the context. A dangerous approach, as it turned out. How often have we heard Mr. Armstrong on the World Tomorrow programmes encouraging his listeners to "go and blow the dust off your Bibles" ... and "don't believe me, believe what you read in your Bible"!
A major point to keep in mind regarding context is that the Bible was not divided into chapters until the early 13th century. Much earlier the Hebrew texts were divided into paragraphs (called parashot) that were identified by two different letters of the Hebrew alphabet. Apparently the Torah was divided into 154 sections so they could be read aloud over the course of 3 years. But the numbered verse divisions we use today were not introduced until the middle of the 16th century. We need to remember that the chapter and verse divisions in the Bible are entirely man-made, and mostly by unconverted individuals and are not inspired. Nowhere in the Bible can we read of someone quoting chapter and verse ... but rather..."it is written", and "which was spoken by the prophets".
A good example of an unnecessary and unsatisfactory chapter break is the man-made chapter break between Matthew 24 and 25. After mentioning the dreadful worldwide scenario, and the need for us to be aware of the times we are in (v32,33) from verse 42 onwards, Christ goes straight into discussing the critical spiritual qualities needed at the end time, flowing straight into ... "THEN shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, etc" (Matthew 25:1), the parable of the talents, and also the message re. the sheep and the goats at Christ's second coming – all impressing on us the spiritual qualities we must develop.
Another example of the importance of context can be found Acts 10. Just taking a few verses on their own out of this vision given to Peter could easily cause someone to think it's OK now to eat any type of meat – pork, shellfish, reptiles etc – which in the past were labelled unclean:
- And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:
- Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.
- And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.
- But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.
- And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. (Acts 10:11-15)
But Peter did not jump to such an assumption – and it is clear we shouldn't either. From the context of the whole chapter, we know it's about God calling gentiles into His church, as Peter then states:
- And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean. (Acts 10:28)
Another instance regarding the importance of context is in first Corinthians chapter 2. If we take verse nine on its own we could come to the conclusion that we have NO idea what God has in store for His people – UNLESS we read before and after verse nine, and realise that most of that chapter is discussing the difference between those given God's spirit and those that have only the spirit in man, and therefore lack this vital understanding.
- But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
- But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. (I Corinthians 2:9,10)
Lastly, a common but far-reaching misconception among the scattered churches of God these days is to use the following command of Peter to say we must "move on from Mr. Armstrong", and modify or even change the foundational teaching he was inspired to give to the church.
- But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. (II Peter 3:18)
Reading the context of the whole chapter, it becomes clear that the very opposite is true:
- That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour: (II Peter 3:2)
- As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
- Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.
- But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. (II Peter 3:16-18)
A Personal Agenda
Arguing to water down and liberalize God’s Word reminds me of the Protestant minister in the 1890s, when women adopted the “new” style of hairdo of a topknot on top of the head. He quoted from one text only, without regard to others on the subject, shouting out that “the Bible says, Matthew 24:17, ‘top not come down.’” Sure enough it says that but in context and in line with other Scriptures, it means no such thing. (PGR - May 23 1980)
The above is an amusing example, but of much more importance to us today, there are some leaders in the scattered churches of God who play down/dismiss Mr. Armstrong's role as Christ's end-time apostle and the Elijah to come. But the understanding of what an apostle IS, and who it was that fulfilled this Christ-given role at the end time is vital! If God's people are regularly listening to Mr. Armstrong's sermons and Bible studies, and reading his books and articles they won't be deceived by being told that "Oh, Mr. Armstrong never said ... X or Y or Z" ... because they will know differently. Keeping our feet firmly on the foundation of the spiritual heritage left to us, we're less likely to be taken in by an individual's personal agenda, whatever it might be.
Let me here interject a biblical principle within the immediate context. [Much of Genesis 1 is filled in by other parts of the Bible] There is this instruction in Isaiah: “Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? …precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little” (Isa. 28:9-10). But most who try to apply this principle in biblical understanding take each “little” verse out of its context, to “interpret” their own ideas into it. (Mystery of the Ages - Chapter 3)
To understand any general subject in the Bible, it is necessary to view all the scriptural evidence touching that particular subject. And we cannot read our inherited or desired meaning into any particular passage; for “no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation” (2 Peter 1:20), but each passage is interpreted by, and in the light of, other texts.
For example. It is quite popular to quote Romans 3:20: “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight,” and from this passage alone assume that salvation comes by faith, in disobedience to God’s Law! Those who thus interpret this passage never tell you that in Romans 2:13 the same Apostle Paul was inspired to write: “Not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the DOERS of the law shall be justified.” (What is Faith - part 2)
Our Life in Context
The world situation today is dire in just about every respect. Everything points to the fact that we are very close to the end of Satan's 6000 year rule over mankind, and yet even at this last hour, we can still be overcome with the cares of this life. It is doubtful whether there is one church member who is not unaffected by a worry or deep concern of some kind – whether it be ill health, financial issues, family worries, bereavement, loneliness etc. The quote below from Mr Armstrong was given in the final few years of his life, after he had suffered the untimely death of his son Richard, the death of his beloved wife Loma, the disloyalty of GTA and many formally trusted ministers, heart problems and virtual blindness which removed his ability to read the scriptures which had been SO precious to him for the best part of 60 years. Yet he shows us here how to keep OUR life in context:
James 1:1-2 James, a servant of God [He doesn't say I am the big I am, I'm a big boss and I've got a big high position now. He's just a servant] and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting[s]. (2) My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into [different] temptations;
Now, other translations translate that trials, troubles or tests that will come. Sometimes they will come from other people. But I think the Greek word here and that James intended means, includes, temptations as well as troubles and trials that come from other people. Often they really come from Satan even though other people are used to bring them.
So "count it all joy." We don't. We don't count it joy. How do you count it when troubles come, when everything is going wrong, when there's real trouble? How did you count it about two and a third years ago now when the trouble hit the Church? Or was that as bad as when some trouble hits you personally, maybe a real serious financial trouble, something terrible? Do you count it joy? Or are you really troubled and think, Oh boy, that's tough, that's terrible? But he says to count it joy because we're on the way in a transient, chemical, temporary existence into life, and there aren't going to be any more troubles when we get there.
And enduring these troubles, in enduring them, and in coming through them through faith in Christ, we become stronger ourselves, and we're stronger characters, and we are going to have that much more that will give us joy and enjoyment in the Kingdom of God and in ALL eternity. (Beginning of James and Unleavened Bread, 23 April 1981)
Just two weeks ago we kept the Passover, which then led into the Days of Unleavened Bread ... priceless understanding of an incredible Plan for mankind that, if not careful, we could take for granted. On occasion we get a "wake up call" when we come across religious beliefs that are the complete antithesis of the Truth revealed in God's Holy days. Take this segment from Ellen G. White, regarding the work of the saints during the millennium, and the Last Great Day:
In union with Christ they judge the wicked, comparing their acts with the statute book, the Bible, and deciding every case according to the deeds done in the body. Then the portion which the wicked must suffer is meted out, according to their works; and it is recorded against their names in the book of death ...
... At the close of the thousand years the second resurrection will take place. Then the wicked will be raised from the dead and appear before God for the execution of "the judgment written." (https://ellenwhite.info)
The 'Investigative judgment' couldn't be further from the truth, that Christ came " ... that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." (John 10:10). Within the SDA's doctrines there's no concept of those called now being trained to teach God's way in the millennium, and bring more sons into the God family – OUR life and calling couldn't be more positive, because we know our trials are part of our training, and are temporary:
- For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
- For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
- While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. (II Corinthians 4:16-18)
Like studying the word of God, where it's vital to get the subject matter in context, if we are not going to fall at the last hurdle, we need to get OUR life – including trials and troubles – in context too, and the best way to do that is to immerse ourselves in the wonderful future that God has promised us individually, to our "seed" and to all those that who have ever lived, if they are willing.
- When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.
- Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them.
- The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.
- Turn again our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the south.
- They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
- He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. (Psalm 126)
We are entering unchartered territor – the world as we knew it has gone…
The Tariff Doomsday Machine Roars
We were warned, back in 1963, that tariffs and trade wars were going to occur in the future - well now it’s happening! Trade wars were predicted between the USA and Europe. It was also predicted that terrible economic disasters would result. “And the result from such disasters? A New Nazi Germany!” (The Plain Truth – December 1963)
Right now, the stock market is volatile and unstable. A few days ago, in the space of minutes, trillions had been added to and wiped off some of the most sophisticated financial markets in the world (see article below).
The world financial situation is also volatile and unstable, and in Germany the new far-right party - the AfD - is now the most powerful party in the German Parliament.
Trump, Tariffs And A Stark Lesson From History
“At one level Smoot-Hawley worked. US imports from Europe slumped from a high of $1.33 billion in 1929 to only $390 million in 1932, according to an official analysis by the US Office of The Historian. That must have given some relief to domestic producers.
“The Smoot-Hawley Act was created to protect US farmers and businesses from foreign competitors. The Smoot-Hawley Act increased tariffs on foreign imports to the US by about 20%. Over 25 countries responded by increasing their own tariffs on American goods. Global trade plummeted, contributing to the ill effects of the Great Depression. The official US Senate website calls Smoot-Hawley ‘among the most catastrophic acts in congressional history.’” (investopedia.com)
However, American exporters were equally hit as other countries retaliated. US exports to Europe fell from $2.34 billion to $784 million over the same period. ‘Overall, world trade declined by some 66 per cent between 1929 and 1934,’ the USOTH said.
Then followed an economic slowdown of immense intensity, one that seemed to hit the US even harder than other countries. The slowdown spread around the world. In Germany, the unemployment rate climbed to nearly 30 per cent in 1932, HELPING TO BOLSTER SUPPORT FOR THE FLEDGELING NAZI PARTY.” (thetimes.com)
The Lessons Of History
The official US Senate website calls Smoot-Hawley “among the most catastrophic acts in congressional history.” Tariffs were set at 20%. Then followed an “economic slowdown of immense intensity.” Today, we see tariffs on some countries in excess of 100%. Looking at what happened back in the 1930’s what can we expect from the present situation? Bible prophecy certainly appears to indicate an “economic slowdown of immense intensity” - a catastrophic financial disaster.
Trump Lets Slip The Dogs Of Trade War
02/04/2025
“This week will see the opening salvoes in a global trade war that brings echoes of darker times. Donald Trump, hailing it as ‘liberation day’, proposes to impose tariffs across the board from April 2 and this will trigger retaliation. Despite the US president’s braggadocio, there are no winners from this approach, as we have seen in the past.
The protectionist policies pursued by William McKinley in the late 19th century, raising import duties to 50 percent in some instances, caused high prices and a political backlash. The Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930 worsened the Great Depression. The arguments used in the past were the same: if foreign goods were more expensive then Americans would buy home-produced products, bolstering US manufacturing and fuelling economic expansion. But the impact of retaliation, especially in a more integrated global trading environment than before, cannot easily be calculated.” (telegraph.co.uk)
Donald Trump Reveals Tariffs
03/04/2025
“Donald Trump announced a reciprocal tariff of 10% on the United Kingdom as he outlined a list of measures which are expected to rock the world economy. ‘It’s our declaration of economic independence,’ Trump said in announcing the tariffs. ‘For years, hard working American citizens were forced to sit on the sidelines as other nations got rich and powerful, much of it at our expense. But now it’s our turn to prosper.’” (mirror.co.uk)
The Global Trade War Has Now Fully Erupted
04/04/2025
“The global trade war is officially heating up. President Trump just unveiled a series of tariffs that were higher than expected, and business leaders all over the world are absolutely stunned. For many of those that have made a killing importing goods into the United States, their businesses have now been ruined. For many of those that manufacture their goods right here in the United States, President Trump’s tariffs are very welcome news. The tariffs that Trump has just announced will go into effect right away, and stock futures are plunging as I write this article. During the economic chaos that is ahead, there will be winners and there will be losers. But without a doubt, the global trade war that has now fully erupted will certainly be an enormous shock to the global economy.” (theeconomiccollapseblog.com)
Panic-Peddlers Alert!
No, A 50-Percent Tariff Doesn’t Mean A 50-Percent Price Hike!
“The tariff doomsday machine is roaring again. This time, it’s over talk of a 50% tariff on certain imports. Predictably, the panic-peddlers are out in force, warning that such a tariff means retail prices will skyrocket 50%. It’s an easy line to chant, BUT IT’S WRONG — FLAT WRONG — and anyone with a basic grasp of economics should know better.
Let’s make one thing clear: a tariff applies to the transaction value, not the final retail price. That cost is just the first step in a long supply chain. By the time a product reaches the consumer, it’s been marked up to cover domestic shipping, warehousing, employee wages, utilities, sales tax, and profit margins for every hand it passes through. The tariff is just one input among many.
Take a simple example. A retailer imports a widget with a $100 transaction value. Add a 50% tariff, and the cost to the importer becomes $150. That importer then sells it wholesale — perhaps at $200 — to a retailer, who marks it up again to $300 for sale. That $50 tariff is now 16.7% of the retail price. Even if every penny of the tariff is passed along, you’re not looking at a 50% increase in retail price — you’re looking at something closer to 17%.
But here’s the kicker: tariffs are not always fully passed on to the consumer. Importers and retailers know they can’t raise prices beyond what the market will bear. Sometimes they absorb part of the cost, cut expenses, renegotiate contracts, or shift to different suppliers. The market reacts; it doesn’t just lie down and take it.
Still not convinced? Look at the real-world data. The National Bureau of Economic Research analyzed the 2018–2019 US tariffs on Chinese goods. They found that for every 10% tariff, retail prices rose 1–2%. So even a 50% tariff, if applied, might cause retail prices to edge up 5–10% — not 50%. That’s a far cry from the alarmist headlines.
So why do politicians and media outlets keep pushing the scare narrative? Easy: Fear sells. ‘Fifty percent’ is a lot more dramatic than ‘maybe 5 to 10%.’ It’s easier to provoke outrage than to explain how pricing actually works. They’re banking on the average person not understanding the difference between wholesale cost and retail price — or not caring enough to dig into the numbers.
Yes, tariffs matter. They influence trade behavior. They can increase some costs. They can disrupt certain supply chains. But they’re not some magic multiplier that doubles the price of your groceries or gadgets overnight. Anyone pushing that line is either economically illiterate or deliberately misleading you.
The next time you hear that a 50% tariff will mean a 50% price hike, don’t nod along. Push back. Ask for the math. Demand the details. Because when it comes to tariffs and retail pricing, the facts just don’t support the hysteria.” (americanthinker.com)
There’s Nothing Free About ‘Free Trade’
“How ‘free’ can international trade be if its proponents depend upon a labyrinthine system of rules that requires thousand-page treaties and guidance from the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, the Export-Import Bank of the United States, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, central banks galore, the Bank for International Settlements, international standards organizations, law firms specializing in commercial and maritime law, more law firms specializing in the administrative law of specific nations, even more law firms specializing in the labor and environmental laws of each nation, and an ever-increasing number of national and international regulatory bodies to tell producers what they can and cannot produce, how and when to produce what they are permitted to produce, and whom to pay for the ‘privilege’ of producing it — all while restricting which domestic consumers around the world are permitted to purchase what the aforementioned producers end up producing?
That long question only scratches the surface of the sheer complexity of international trade, yet even in its oversimplification, it smacks of coercion, extortion, overbearing micromanagement, government corruption, and blatant racketeering. It oozes the ‘command and control’ odor we associate with a Soviet-type, socialist, or similarly centrally planned economy. Nothing about ‘free trade’ in practice sounds remotely free.” (economiccollapse.report)
Trump’s Tariff Play: The Art Of The Economic Reset
“Why are these tariffs happening? The simple answer is leverage. Trump’s worldview, and really his entire economic posture, is built around one foundational belief: America has been getting the short end of the stick in global trade for decades. Whether it’s China flooding the US with cheap goods or Europe slapping taxes on American exports while enjoying free access to our markets, Trump sees an imbalance that needs correction. Tariffs, in this context, aren’t just taxes on imports. They’re bargaining chips. By imposing tariffs, Trump is essentially saying, ‘If you want access to the world’s largest consumer market, you’re going to play fair.’
There’s also a geopolitical angle here. By reducing dependence on Chinese manufacturing, Trump is aiming to weaken China’s economic influence over the US and its allies. This isn’t just about economics — it’s about national security. The fewer critical goods we rely on from overseas, the more leverage we regain on the world stage.
At the end of the day, Trump’s tariffs are not an isolated policy. They’re a chess move in a much larger game. He’s aiming to rewrite the rules of global trade, attract massive investment back into the US, lower taxes, cut red tape, and reassert American economic dominance.
Will it work? That depends on execution, timing, and whether businesses are willing to bet on the American comeback. But one thing is clear: this isn’t accidental. It’s a calculated play to rebuild the American economy from the ground up — and it’s going to have ripple effects for years to come.” (americanthinker.com)
‘Fake News’ Added – And Then Wiped – $4 Trillion From The Stock Market In Minutes
“A tweet repeating a false claim about a 90-day pause on tariffs contributed to momentary chaos. Wall Street was braced for chaos when the US markets opened for trading on Monday, but no one could have anticipated the $4 trillion meltdown that ensued. An unsourced claim that Donald Trump was mulling a 90-day pause on the sweeping tariffs he imposed on virtually all of America’s trading partners sent stocks flying upwards before plummeting back down at breakneck speed. In the space of minutes, trillions had been added to and wiped off some of the most sophisticated financial markets in the world. In the end, it proved to be a bad misunderstanding for the markets, and an embarrassing one for the media.” (telegraph.co.uk)
“In politics, there is no use looking beyond the next fortnight.”
Joseph Chamberlain
“A week is a long time in politics.”
Harold Wilson
Trump’s US Doesn’t Just think Europe Is Obsolete – It Wants To See It Dead
“The ‘Signalgate’ scandal confirmed what Europeans already knew. The Trump administration’s disdain for Europe is deep and the transatlantic fracture is structural. While our leaders publicly play down the significance of the unravelling that is manifestly under way, few actually sound as convinced in private. Hopes persist that Europe can prevent the most extreme manifestation of the collapse in the relationship, be it an invasion of Greenland, the withdrawal of US forces from Europe’s Nato member states or an all-out trade war. Most urgently, European leaders are focused on ensuring that if (or perhaps when) the US throws Kyiv under the bus, it is Europe collectively that will somehow succeed in securing a free, independent and democratic Ukraine.” (theguardian.com)
A Global Economic War
“The Pershing Square Capital Management CEO warned that Trump’s current trajectory could devastate businesses around the world. ‘By placing massive and disproportionate tariffs on our friends and our enemies alike and thereby launching a global economic war against the whole world at once, we are in the process of destroying confidence in our country as a trading partner, as a place to do business and as a market to invest capital’.” (dailymail.co.uk)
Global Financial System Entering ‘Unchartered Territory’
“The US-China tariff escalation is moving the global financial system into ‘unchartered territory,’ and could cause ‘outright financial war,’ George Saravelos, Deutsche Bank’s global head of foreign exchange research, has warned. Saravelos issued the warning in a note to clients on Wednesday, which was quoted by multiple media outlets. The analyst, who has repeatedly warned about a looming dollar crisis and a global loss of trust in the US currency, described the current situation as a ‘collapse’ in markets. ‘We are witnessing a simultaneous collapse in the price of all US assets, including equities, the dollar versus alternative reserve FX and the bond market. WE ARE ENTERING UNCHARTERED TERRITORY IN THE GLOBAL FINANCIAL SYSTEM,’ HE WROTE.” (rt.com)
The Uncertain Future Of Trade
“The re-emergence of tariffs and economic nationalism signals a more contested global environment. While the WTO remains a cornerstone of the rules-based order, its authority has been weakened by stalled negotiations and limited enforcement capacity.
For investors, this shift matters. Many economies are heavily reliant on international trade, both in goods and services. Firms are used to operating in global markets shaped by decades of liberalisation and changes in the trading landscape – especially among major partners like the United States – carry direct consequences. Whether this signals a lasting turn remains to be seen, but the risks of fragmentation and volatility have clearly returned to the global stage.” (trustnet.com)
The World As We Knew It Has Gone
“Nobody wins from a trade war. First it was defence and national security. Now it is the global economy and trade. Old assumptions can no longer be taken for granted.
The world as we knew it has gone.
We must rise to meet the moment. We are ready for what comes next. The new world is less governed by established rules and more by deals and alliances.
Nobody wins from a trade war.
The economic consequences, here and across the globe, could be profound. We already have a balanced trading relationship with our American allies and work continues on a new economic prosperity deal. Nonetheless, all options remain on the table.” (telegraph.co.uk)
The Destruction Of Britain And The USA!
What we are witnessing right now is the build up to the Great Tribulation. As we get closer to the end of the age, we watch as God steps up His punishment on modern day Israel:
“I also will do this unto you; I will even appoint over you terror…
And I will set my face against you, and ye shall be slain before your enemies…
And I will break the pride of your power; and I will make your heaven as iron, and your earth as brass…
Your land shall not yield her increase, neither shall the trees of the land yield their fruits…
I will send the pestilence among you; and ye shall be delivered into the hand of the enemy…
And I will make your cities waste, and bring your sanctuaries unto desolation…
And I will bring the land into desolation: and your enemies which dwell therein shall be astonished at it.” (Taken from Leviticus 26:16-32)
This Is Beginning - Now
In 1980 we were told about events to watch for:
“You may be sure the West European leaders are conferring hurriedly and secretly about how and how soon they may UNITE and provide a united EUROPEAN MILITARY FORCE so they can DEFEND THEMSELVES! And so they will no longer have TO GIVE IN MEEKLY TO RUSSIA! And who will they blame for their humiliation and their necessity now to have a united Europe, with a united government, a common currency, and a common military force as great or greater than either [Russia] or the USA? They will blame the United States!
And when they are strong enough to assert themselves, Bible prophecy reveals a man will rise to take the helm in Europe and will first attack Britain for standing firm with the United States, and then they will return a lot of hydrogen bombs the US has stored now in Europe!” (The Plain Truth - April 1980)
Over 40 years ago, Mr Armstrong warned:
“But already the noose is around our necks, and is almost daily tightening! Skyrocketing inflation, devaluation of the dollar in all foreign markets, other economic ills are starting GREATLY to reduce our standard of living! I warn you, PREPARE greatly to reduce your standard of living! Even GREATER punishments are to follow!” (The Plain Truth – May 1983)
“So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.” (Matthew 24:33)
Remember Christ’s instruction to His Church…
“I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.” (Revelation 3:11)
“Just what is an APOSTLE?”
Today we find the Church of God in a “wilderness of religious confusion!”
The confusion is not merely around the Church – within the religions of the world outside – but WITHIN the very heart of The True Church itself!
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