INTRODUCTION
What a week - news-wise!!
Deep Impact Kicks Off Fourth of July With Deep Space Fireworks
After 172 days and 431 million kilometers (268 million miles) of deep space stalking, Deep Impact successfully reached out and touched comet Tempel 1. The collision between the washing machine-sized impactor and city-sized comet occurred at 1:52 a.m. EDT. (NASA web site)
G8 conference… Olympics for London….Then Terror.. all in a few days
Luke 21:7-20
7 And they asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass?
They asked for a sign…what do we look out for…
8 And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.
9 But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, = (181 akatastasia-instability, a state of disorder, disturbance, confusion) be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by.
10 Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom:
11 And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilence's; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. Matt 24:8
8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. = Birth pains…shorter gaps between, increasing in intensity (KJV)
e.g,- earthquakes - volcano's - terrorism - floods - etc……. Matt 24:14
14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. (KJV)
Some have said that the events before Mt24;14 only applied to the apostles…
HWA- Key to the Book of Revelation.
"Then Jesus digressed to go back and describe the siege and destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70, because this was a type and forerunner of the coming age-end siege against Jerusalem and battle of ARMAGEDDON (compare Luke 17:30-36 with Matthew 24:17-28). Thus Matthew 24:9-28 and Luke 21:12-24 applies to the period of A.D. 70, only as a type or forerunner of this age-end time, to which, therefore, it literally refers."
So, the same conditions will be around at the end of the age! (KJV)
When we check the news on the radio/tv/newspapers, we only get the news that the world feels is important.
The world thinks of "news" as just another commodity, to be sold for profit! "Bad news" is "good news" - and "Good news" does not sell newspapers.
We need to know what is really happening in the world today, as we approach the "end of the age!"
We need to keep in mind the" birth pangs principle," these end time events getting ever closer together, and increasing in intensity!
Also, a warning …..
Are We In the LAST DAYS? by Herbert W. Armstrong 1985 edition
"One cannot look at one or two superficial signs or events and jump to any sure conclusion. We must comprehend God's overall PURPOSE and how he is working out that purpose. Many prophecies must be considered. We must not guess or surmise, or jump hastily to conclusions."
We are in the process of setting up the church web site on our own server, making us independent from outside sources.
We are going to set up a "news" section on the church web site. We will uncover the real news, and link it to God's overall purpose.
These are the 8 areas we will be watching:-
Wars, and rumours of wars.
Famine and Disease epidemics.
Earthquakes, Droughts and other "Natural" Disasters.
Modern day Israel
Europe
Middle East.
Far East.
Religion.
Wars, and rumours of wars.
HWA - US/GB
"We are entering a time of world trouble -- utter world chaos! There is war, strife, violence in Asia, Africa, South America -- as well as Europe and North America. The population explosion is a worldwide threat to human existence. Crime, violence, sickness, disease, inequality, poverty, filth, squalor, degeneration, suffering -- these infest ALL nations!"
What does the world say?
Date: 2005-07-02
Military Conflicts Losing Steam
New Report Gives Some Grounds for Optimism
COLLEGE PARK, Maryland, JULY 2, 2005 - In spite of fears about global insecurity, the number of armed conflicts continues to decline. An overview of the world situation was published June 1 by the University of Maryland's Center for International Development and Conflict Management.
Benedict XVI, in his address May 12 to the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See, noted his own origins in having lived in a country burdened by war. He stated: "I am particularly sensitive to dialogue between all human beings in order to overcome every kind of conflict and tension and to make our earth an earth of peace and brotherhood."
Terrorism.
WASHINGTON, D.C., JUNE 25, 2005 -
"Religion and Security:
"Nations that do not foster respect for religion will be vulnerable to a number of significant threats to stability and security, religion is not only part of the problem; it is part of the solution."
. When religion is involved, conflicts tend to be longer and more intense
In 1980, there were 64 identifiable terrorist groups, of which just two were religious. By 1992 the number of groups had declined to 48, of which 11 were now religious. By 1995 no fewer than 26 out of 56 terror groups were religious-inspired.
Religious terrorism also favours mass indiscriminate violence, in part because the fanatics dismiss those outside their group as not worthy of respect. "In some cases, religious terrorists have convinced themselves that they're doing their victims a favour," he commented. Such a prospect bespeaks a problem that won't go away easily."
John 16:2 They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. (KJV)
Famine and Disease epidemics.
Famine
23 children die every minute, every day, from hunger. W.H.O.
Just one e.g.
Right now in Niger, West Africa, an estimated 3.6 million people are in critical need of food. The United Nations reports that more than 800,000 children are suffering from hunger, including 150,000 children who show signs of severe malnutrition, after drought and locust swarms devastated crops throughout the country.
Disease epidemics
TUBERCULOSIS
Tuberculosis kills 2 million people each year. The global epidemic is growing and becoming more dangerous. The breakdown in health services, the spread of HIV/AIDS and the emergence of multidrug-resistant TB are contributing to the worsening impact of this disease.
In 1993, the World Health Organization (WHO) took an unprecedented step and declared tuberculosis a global emergency, so great was the concern about the modern TB epidemic.
It is estimated that between 2000 and 2020, nearly one billion people will be newly infected, 200 million people will get sick, and 35 million will die from TB - if control is not further strengthened.
Every second, someone, somewhere, gets infected with T.B.
Malaria - Scope of the problem
Malaria is a significant health problem, threatening the lives and affecting the development of over 2,2 billion people in over 100 countries, about 40% of the world's population.
AIDS
Total number of AIDS deaths between 1981 and the end of 2003:- 20 million.
Number of children orphaned by AIDS living in Sub-Saharan Africa at the end of 2003: 12 million.
Under the right circumstances, especially after a war, with food in short supply, even a normal illness can become a world disaster.
Influenza
1918-1919 Flu pandemic.
It has been estimated that throughout the world over 70 million people died of the influenza pandemic. In India alone, more people died of influenza than were killed all over the world during the entire
First World War.
Ezek 5:12
Up to 2 billion people will die as a result of famine and disease epidemics at the end of the age!
Earthquakes, Droughts and other "Natural" Disasters.
Earthquakes
Unless you live in an area prone to earthquakes, you may think that the earth beneath our feet is pretty solid. Nothing could be further from the truth.
In the last month there has been 428 earthquakes over 4 on the rieghter scale. Of these, 12 were magnitude 6 or more with one at 7 of N California and 1 at 7.9 of Chile. Very little info in the news about these events.
Volcanic Activity.
In the first 6 months of 2005, 49 Volcano's have been active!
Tsunami
Story from BBC NEWS: Published: 2005/06/26 11:27:59 GMT
Tsunami remembered six months on
People around the Indian Ocean have been marking six months since the earthquake and deadly tsunami that devastated a string of countries.
The tsunami hit in December, killing at least 200,000 people in 13 countries.
The United Nations has said that reconstruction work across the whole affected region will take up to five years, and could cost $9bn.
Drought!
U.S.A. up to 30% of the U.S. is suffering drought conditions
Africa. 30-40% of Africa is suffering drought conditions
Australia has had severe drought in some areas, but now is having heavy rain, and even snow in some places.
Crippling drought conditions in parts of Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia, leaving area residents on the brink of starvation, water shortages and disease outbreaks. "Since 2000, drought conditions have affected nearly 20 percent of the world's land mass,"
Drought leaves Europe's farmers helpless
By Alex Kirby BBC News Online environment correspondent
Europe is aflame, with little prospect of any imminent change in the weather to cool it off.
We've never had this kind of drought in 50 years
People have died in forest fires, and fire-fighters across the continent are fully stretched.
The forecast for Rome and Lisbon is 37C, for Athens 33C, and no respite is in sight.
For Europe's farmers, totally dependent on the weather, the outlook is dire, and remedies are few.
"Nobody expected anything like this, even with the prospect of climate change. We've never had this kind of drought in 50 years."
A cross-Europe farmers' organisation based in Brussels says the drought has had "truly catastrophic consequences" for farmers in Italy, Germany, Austria, Spain, France and Portugal, and in some of the countries preparing to join the EU.
Worst drought since 1976!
Daily Mail July 4th 2005-07-04
Millions of families face higher water bills following the worst drought since 1976.
To avert shortages, several water companies are believed to be poised to invoke emergency powers to install compulsory water meters to every home.
Man has caused some of the problems.
After 9/11, weather changes were noted in the U.S. - because all air traffic was suspended. Air travel - "running to and fro on the earth" causes high levels of pollution - high up in the atmosphere. The effects of drought are hidden - because supermarkets simply buy fresh fruit and vegetables elsewhere in the world - and transport them by air!! We even get some items of fresh vegetables imported to the U.K. from as far away as Australia!!
But - God is in control of the weather
Amos 4:7 And also I have withholden the rain from you, when there were yet three months to the harvest: and I caused it to rain upon one city, and caused it not to rain upon another city: one piece was rained upon, and the piece whereupon it rained not withered.
Amos 4:9 I have smitten you with blasting and mildew: when your gardens and your vineyards and your fig trees and your olive trees increased, the palmerworm devoured them: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD.
(KJV)
MILDEW. Properly a species of fungus or parasitic plant generated by moisture and corrosive of the surface to which it adheres. (from New Unger's Bible Dictionary)
BLASTING. This refers to the withering or burning of the ears, caused by the E wind <Gen. 41:6,23,27>; (from New Unger's Bible Dictionary)
Now, this is the real drought!
Rev 11:6 These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy ( three and a half years ) and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.
(KJV)
Joel's prophecy was for the far, far future -- verses 1-3 of chapter 1.
HWA US & GB in Prophesy Joel 1 1"-- now comes devastating DROUGHT: "The field is wasted, the land mourneth; for the corn is wasted: the new wine is dried up, the oil languisheth .... because the harvest of the field is perished .... all the trees of the field, are withered: because joy is withered away from the sons of men" (verses 10-12). This is to happen just prior to the terrible plagues of "the DAY OF THE LORD" (verses 14-15)."
Some are waiting for the world-wide drought as a sign of the end of the age. Total drought seems to occur 1 year before the return of Christ!!
Amos 4 is happening NOW!! rain upon one city, not to rain upon another city:..
Modern day Israel
Britain - Binge Drinker's paradise!
Just in the last week, 3 men have been murdered in separate incidents, by gangs of drunken youths, some as young as 12!
Isa 28:1 Woe to the crown of pride, to the drunkards of Ephraim, whose glorious beauty is a fading flower, which are on the head of the fat valleys of them that are overcome with wine! (KJV)
Binge drinking costing billions
Story from BBC NEWS: Published: 2003/09/19 12:16:24 GMT
Britain's binge drinking culture is costing the country £20 billion a year, according to a government report.
The study by the Prime Minister's Strategy Unit shows 17 million working days are lost to hangovers and drink-related illness each year.
The annual cost to employers is estimated to be £6.4 billion while the cost to the NHS is in the region of £1.7bn.
Billions more are spent clearing up alcohol-related crime and social problems.
In addition, alcohol-related problems are responsible for 22,000 premature deaths each year.
However, the authors of the report said that even these figures may be a conservative estimate.
They found that there are 1.2 million incidents of alcohol-related violence a year.
Around 40% of A&E admissions are alcohol-related. Between midnight and 5am that figure rises to 70%.
Alcohol-related accidents and illnesses land around 150,000 people in hospital each year.
Up to 1.3 million children are affected by parents with drink problems, the report said.
They are also more likely to have problems later in life themselves.
Moral decline.
From Are We In the LAST DAYS? by Herbert W. Armstrong 1985 edition Apostle Paul's warning - Truly we have come to the time warned of by the apostle Paul, in II Timothy 3, "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors' heady, high minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof: ... ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth" (verses 1-5, 7).
HWA - "This is a prophecy, as it plainly states, for the last days. When I was a little boy, ninety years ago, those conditions were not true or escalating as they have been within the last twenty or thirty years."
What would he have said if he could see the situation today??
Destruction of the family.
In 1971, 8.4% of births were to unmarried mothers,
As of 2003 - 41% of all births were to unmarried women.
In 1971, there were 9460 abortions in the U.K.
In 2003, there were 181,600!!
The "pride of our power"- Broken! (US/GB in Prophesy)
As the "pride of our power" continues to be BROKEN, as the British continue to lose their foreign sea gates and possessions around the earth, as America signs away ownership of the Panama Canal -- control over this vital sea gate -- as our gold supply drains away from this nation, weather upsets increase, this focal prophecy alone represents giant PROOF as to where the modern "remnant" of the peoples of Israel resides today!
Most all of the Sea gates and foreign possessions have gone.
Our wealth has gone - US and GB are bankrupt!
Our weather is very unstable.
At the recent Glastonbury Festival, 2 inches of rain fell in 2 hours, turning the site into a mud-bath.
Two days later, a hose pipe ban was announced for the area due to a water shortage!!
Why? The rain fell in the wrong place!!
Europe
From Are We In the LAST DAYS? by Herbert W. Armstrong 1985 edition
"We are now looking for the tenth and last resurrection of the Roman Empire -- the seventh head of this Beast of the 17th chapter of Revelation (Rev. 17:12), which is also pictured by the ten toes of Nebuchadnezzar's image of Daniel 2:40-44. Since these toes were on the two feet that represented Eastern and Western Europe, there is strong likelihood that this final resurrection of the Holy Roman Empire will include Iron Curtain nations of Eastern Europe as well as nations in Western Europe."
This would not have been possible but for the destruction of the Berlin Wall. and the subsequent dismantling of the old Soviet Union! The Iron Curtain was shattered!!
Now, several Eastern European nations are applying for membership of the European Union, soon to be re-named, The United States of Europe! And most of them are catholic countries!!
"These ten toes of Daniel 2:40-44 will be destroyed by Christ at his Second Coming and will be replaced by the world-ruling government of the Kingdom of God, with Christ at its head and all the resurrected saints also ruling under Christ."
Euro 'doomed to be a weak currency'
by DAVID HUGHES, Daily Mail 06:45am 18th January 2002
The euro is doomed to be a weak currency indefinitely, according to a crushing assessment by Europe's most authoritative economists.
The single currency will not prosper without sweeping economic reforms across the EU, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development says today.
Germany is very unhappy about the Euro, many want the DMk back!
It was financial chaos in pre-war Germany that allowed Hitler to come into power. Will history repeat itself??
Prices rose one trillion-fold from their pre-war level. More importantly, for the long-term political future of Germany, the middle and working classes saw their savings wiped out. These were, in essence, the people who were later to become the hard-core of the Nazi vote.
Prices could rise one thousand times between a worker being paid and his reaching the shops.
Having learned the lessons of the Great Inflation, these were the people who remembered 1923 when the mark collapsed for the second time. These were the people who voted for the Nazi Party in their millions.
"Among these positive achievements of Hitler the one outshining all others was his economic miracle...In January 1933, when Hitler became Reich Chancellor, there were six million unemployed in Germany. A mere three years later, in 1936, there was full employment
Middle East.
Israel
Israel now has another a big problem.
They wanted free and fair elections for the Palestinian Authority. This happened.
However, some of those elected are from the terrorist group Hamas!
To add more heat to the fire…
Straw tries to calm Israeli worry over Hamas talks
Tue Jun 7, 2005 4:32 PM BST By Megan Goldin
JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Foreign Secretary Jack Straw began a Middle East visit on Tuesday trying to ease Israeli concern over his disclosure that British diplomats had met Palestinian officials linked to the militant group Hamas.
Bush pledges aid to Palestinians
Story from BBC NEWS: Published: 2005/05/26 17:05:23 GMT
US President George W Bush has pledged $50m in direct aid for the Palestinian Authority, at a meeting with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas.
The new aid is part of a $350m package earmarked for the Palestinians.
In Isa 9:21, we are told that Ephraim and Manasseh will be against Judah
Hosea 5:13 When Ephraim saw his sickness, and Judah saw his wound, then went Ephraim to the Assyrian, and sent to king Jareb: yet could he not heal you, nor cure you of your wound. (KJV)
If anything drastic were to happen to either Britain of Israel today they would be looking to America for help. But at this time, the go to Germany….WHY?
We will be watching relationships between USA, GB and the state of Israel.
US aid to Israel…
When grant, loans, interest and tax deductions are added together for the fiscal year ending in September 30, 1997, our special relationship with Israel cost U.S. taxpayers over $10 billion.
Adjusting the official aid to 2001 dollars in purchasing power, Israel has been given $240 billion since 1973. In addition, the US has given Egypt $117 billion and Jordan $22 billion in foreign aid in return for signing peace treaties with Israel.
US Jewish charities and organisations have remitted grants or bought Israel bonds worth $50 billion to $60 billion. Though private in origin, the money is "a net drain" on the United States economy. Q. What happens when this aid is cut off?
Jerusalem and the Temple
The Temple Institute is dedicated to every aspect of the concept of the Holy Temple of Jerusalem, and the central role it fulfilled, and will once again fulfil, in the spiritual wellbeing of both Israel and all the nations of the world.
The Institute's work touches upon the history of the Holy Temple's past, an understanding of the present day, and the Divine promise of Israel's future. The scope of these activities includes education, research, and development.
The Temple Institute's ultimate goal is to see Israel rebuild the Holy Temple on Mount Moriah in Jerusalem, in accord with the Biblical commandments.
At this site, you may view photographs of the actual sacred temple vessels that have been produced by the Temple Institute. Each vessel was produced by accomplished craftsmen. These vessels and priestly garments are being fashioned today according to the exact Biblical requirements, specifically for use in the future Holy Temple. They await the day when they will be called into the Divine service of the Holy Temple.
These people are serious!! The Temple Institute.org
But , remember, before they re-built the temple, sacrifices were re-established!
Iraq
A war based on lies and deceit! It continues to claim the lives of US and GB troops. There seems no end in sight to the suicide bombings etc. Even if the allies pull out, the future of this nation is in doubt.
The bottom line is that this war is going to cost !!! (London being a possible repercussion)
Iran
Going ever more to the extreme religious right. They now openly claim the right to pursue nuclear research - for peaceful purposes, of course!
Saudi Arabia
Another oil rich nation - on the brink of political upheaval. Many terrorists come from this nation - yet the west continues to support it - Why?…OIL!!
Far East.
China
The up and coming world super power.
A nuclear power…
Annual economic growth a staggering 8 -9%
Looking to Russia….Gog and Magog under consreuction??
Deals pave way for closer Sino-Russian links
By Hu Qihua (China Daily)
Updated: 2005-07-02 01:30
MOSCOW: China and Russia on Friday signed bilateral deals on energy, electricity and finance, paving the way for increased "mutually advantageous" co-operation.
Taiwan
Experts Warn China Capable of Attacking Taiwan
By Stephanie Ho - Washington 29 June 2005
"American experts are warning that China is rapidly building up its military so that it will have the capability to attack Taiwan, a separately governed island that Beijing considers part of Chinese territory. Tensions across the Taiwan Strait are hotter than usual, as Beijing increasingly sees Taipei's democratically elected government as moving the island toward independence."
North Korea
Special Report on the North Korean Nuclear Weapons Statement
February 11, 2005
Monterey Institute of International Studies
"
On February 10, 2005, the North Korean Foreign Ministry issued a statement declaring that North Korea possessed nuclear weapons and that the country would "increase its nuclear arsenal to defend the ideas, system, freedom and democracy that were chosen by the North Korean people."
Religion.
The Key to the Book of Revelation
"When the 1st SEAL is opened, Revelation 6:1, John sees a white horse (verse 2) -- an imitation of Jesus at His second coming described later in Revelation 19:11-16. Here are pictured FALSE CHRISTS -- false preachers deceiving and causing multitudes to accept them as the ministers of righteousness, II Corinthians 11:13-15, preaching counterfeit Christs, II Corinthians 11:4, represented to be the true Christ who died for us on the Cross. The world is full of them, though deceived multitudes do not realise it!"
Rev 18:23…………… all nations deceived. (KJV)
From Are We In the LAST DAYS? by Herbert W. Armstrong 1985 edition
Jesus then said, "Take heed that no man deceive you." He was speaking to his own disciples about being deceived in their lifetimes. He continued, "For many shall come in my name, saying I [Jesus] am Christ; and shall deceive many." How could they be deceived by the teaching that Jesus was the Christ? Many did come in his name claiming to represent him, saying that Jesus was the Christ and they deceived the many even in that very first century. Let me explain a very important fact here. Soon after Christ's ascension to heaven and the founding of the church in A.D. 31, a violent controversy arose, according to church history, as to whether the gospel to be proclaimed was the gospel OF Christ, or a gospel ABOUT Christ. The latter won out. False prophets did arise in the first century, saying Jesus was the Christ, but omitting altogether Jesus' gospel which was the message of the coming world ruling kingdom of God to rule all nations after Christ's Second Coming.
In Galatians 1:6-7, we see they were already preaching a different gospel than Jesus' gospel of the kingdom of God.
Roman Catholic Church
From Are We In the LAST DAYS? by Herbert W. Armstrong 1985 edition
But what else -- just before His coming?
Mr Armstrong mentioned this in his sermon last week…
In verse 1 of Isaiah 47 the prophetic message is addressed to the daughter of Babylon. Not the Babylon of ancient days. Not Nebuchadnezzar's Babylon of 600 years before Christ -- but a DAUGHTER of that Babylon, now, in our twentieth century. In prophecy a woman, or a daughter, means a CHURCH -- a religious organization.
This particular "lady" of this prophecy is pictured as a lewd harlot and "a lady of kingdoms." That is, a great CHURCH ruling over nations. This same modern "female" Babylon is pictured also in the 17th chapter of Revelation -- there called a "great whore," sitting on or ruling over "many waters," which are interpreted in verse 15 as "peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues." Her name is there given as "mystery, Babylon the great, the mother of harlots and abominations of the earth." In other words, the Babylonian mystery religion -- the same religion of the ancient Babylon -- but now grown GREAT and ruling over many nations of different languages.
Her KINGDOMS over which she ruled were called "The Holy Roman Empire" of A.D. 554 to 1814, briefly revived by Mussolini and SOON to have a last and final "resurrection" by a political -- military union of ten in Europe (Rev. 17:8-14).
Its leaders talk continually of POLITICAL union -- which means, also, military. So far they have been unable to bring about full political union. This will be made possible by the "good offices" of the Vatican, who alone can be the symbol of unity to which they can look. Two popes already have offered their "good offices" toward such union.
WORLD PEACE - How It Will Comeby Herbert W. Armstrong 1978 edition
Revelation 17. Here is pictured a church. Not a small church -- a GREAT church. She rules over "many waters" (verse 1) which are described in verse 15 as different nations speaking different languages. She posed as the Church of GOD -- which Scripture says (Eph. 5:23; Rev. 19:7; Matt. 25:1-10, etc.) is the affianced "bride" of CHRIST, to be spiritually MARRIED to Him at His Second COMING.
But she has committed fornication. How? By having direct political union with HUMAN GOVERNMENTS of THIS WORLD!
We must be watching the Vatican…..
April 17, 2005 - Papal hopeful is a former Hitler Youth
Justin Sparks, Munich, John Follain and Christopher Morgan, Rome
THE wartime past of a leading German contender to succeed John Paul II may return to haunt him as cardinals begin voting in the Sistine Chapel tomorrow to choose a new leader for 1 billion Catholics.
Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, whose strong defence of Catholic orthodoxy has earned him a variety of sobriquets — including “the enforcer”, “the panzer cardinal” and “God’s rottweiler” — is expected to poll around 40 votes in the first ballot as conservatives rally behind him. That "papal hopeful" became Pope!!
What is the new German Pope saying? ( from Zenit.org - a good source of info on the Catholic Church)
Benedict XVI's Address to Zimbabwe's Ambassador Date: 2005-06-16
"In this regard, I can only second the observations made by Zimbabwe's Bishops on the eve of the recent elections about the urgent need for "a responsible and accountable leadership" marked by truthfulness, a spirit of service to others, honest management of public goods, commitment to the rule of law and the promotion of the right and duty of all citizens to participate in the life of society."
Papal Address to Azerbaijan's Ambassador Date: 2005-06-16
"That Religious Freedom … Be Sanctioned as a Fundamental Civil Right"
Benedict XVI Urges Italy to Guard Christian Roots. Date: 2005-06-24 ROME, JUNE 24, 2005
Today, when visiting Italy's president, Carlo Ciampi, at the Quirinale Palace, the Pope invited Italians to not give up their Christian heritage, and to help Europe rediscover its Christian roots.
The debate on the Christian roots of Europe began when the European Convention refused to mention them in the preamble of the Constitutional Treaty, which was subsequently rejected by France and the Netherlands in their respective referendums."
Date: 2005-06-23
Pope Urges Support of Greek-Catholic Church in Ukraine
To Foster Reconciliation With the Orthodox
VATICAN CITY, JUNE 23, 2005 - Benedict XVI appealed for help for the Eastern-rite Catholics of Ukraine, in order to promote reconciliation with the country's Christians, most of whom are Orthodox.
Date: 2005-06-23
Benedict XVI Sees "Positive Signs" in Holy Land
VATICAN CITY, JUNE 23, 2005 - Benedict XVI, citing "positive signs" in the Holy Land, appealed for prayers and assistance to the peoples of the area so that reconciliation can take place.
Date: 2005-06-23
Vatican Official Optimistic About Relations With China
Archbishop Lajolo Upbeat After Asian Trip
VATICAN CITY, JUNE 23, 2005 - A Vatican official says "there are no insurmountable difficulties" for the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Holy See and China.
Date: 2005-06-21
Benedict XVI's Trip to Include a Stop in Bonn
VATICAN CITY, JUNE 21, 2005 - The Vatican confirmed that Benedict XVI will attend World Youth Day in Cologne, Germany, from Aug. 18-21 and also make a visit to nearby Bonn.
Vatican sources have said that the trip will include a visit to the Synagogue of Cologne. It will be the second visit of a modern Pope to a synagogue, after John Paul II's stop at the Synagogue of Rome in 1986.
Date: 2005-06-20
Zambian President Meets With Pope
VATICAN CITY, JUNE 20, 2005 - Benedict XVI received the President of Zambia in a brief audience.
Solidarity with Africa has been one of the topics of international politics that the Bishop of Rome has most emphasized during the first months of his pontificate.
Papal Address to Secretary-General of World Council of Churches Date: 2005-06-16
The commitment of the Catholic Church to the search for Christian unity is irreversible.
Date: 2005-06-26
Movements Meet to Prepare for Pentecost 2006
Presided Over by President of Council for the Laity
VATICAN CITY, JUNE 26, 2005 - A meeting of representatives of 29 Church movements and communities was held in preparation for the gathering of these groups with Benedict XVI on the vigil of Pentecost 2006.
There are now over 100 "Christian groups" enjoying "special status" in relations with the RCC
Date: 2005-06-29
Benedict XVI's Homily for Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul
"Catholicity and Unity Go Together"
VATICAN CITY, JUNE 29, 2005 The feast of the holy Apostles Peter and Paul is at once a grateful memorial of great witnesses of Jesus Christ and a solemn confession in favor of the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. It is above all a feast of catholicity. The sign of Pentecost -- the new community that speaks in all tongues and unites all peoples in one people, in one family of God -- became a reality.
Date: 2005-07-01
Benedict XVI Greets Hungarian President
VATICAN CITY, JULY 1, 2005 - Benedict XVI received Hungarian President (a Catholic ) in audience, together with his wife and entourage.
About 63% of Hungary's more than 10 million inhabitants are Catholic. The country became a member of the European Union in May 2004.
Date: 2005-06-30
Pope Wants Dialogue With Orthodox to Go Forward
Theological Talks Blocked Since Baltimore Meeting in 2000
VATICAN CITY, JUNE 30, 2005 - Benedict XVI appealed for the resumption of the official theological dialogue with the Orthodox Churches, blocked since 2000.
The Pope made his appeal today when receiving a delegation of the ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.
"The need is felt to join forces and spare no energies so that the official theological dialogue, begun in 1980 between the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Churches as a whole, is resumed with renewed vigor," said the Holy Father during the audience he granted his Orthodox guests.
Date: 2005-06-30
Benedict XVI Hopes Papal Primacy Won't Be Seen as Barrier to Unity
At Angelus Address
VATICAN CITY, JUNE 30, 2005 - Benedict XVI hopes that the papal primacy will not be seen as an obstacle but as a support for the full unity of Christian churches and confessions.
Date: 2005-07-07
Israeli Says Benedict XVI Wants to Visit
JERUSALEM, JULY 7, 2005 - Benedict XVI reportedly would like to visit Israel, after he received an invitation from Ariel Sharon, the country's prime minister.
"I have already a long list of commitments to visit foreign countries, but Israel has a priority.
Date: 2005-07-07
Papal Message of Condolence for London Attacks
VATICAN CITY, JULY 7, 2005 - Here is the text of Benedict XVI's telegram of sympathy for the victims of today's terrorist attacks in London
"Deeply saddened by the news of the terrorist attacks in central London the Holy Father offers fervent prayers for the victims and for all those who mourn. While he deplores these barbaric acts against humanity he asks you to convey to the families of the injured his spiritual closeness at this time of grief. Upon the people of Great Britain he invokes the consolation that only God can give in such circumstances."
The DEATH of Pope Paul VI may trigger drastic change in world events. This change could plunge the world into the most terrifying crisis ever experienced by man.
The article ends….."The meeting of the Catholic College of Cardinals in the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican may well prove to be a WORLD-SHAKING EVENT - the most important world event since World War II!"
Was Mr Armstrong right?
The new Polish Pope, John Paul 2nd, was instrumental in the collapse of the U.S.S.R!!!!! Paving the way for Eastern European nations to join Europe!!!
And now we have a German Pope..We must watch what he does very carefully!
1Thes 5:1-6 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.
2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; ( The message from Rome) then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
(KJV)
sober. - 3525 nepho-
1) to be sober, to be calm and collected in spirit
2) to be temperate, to be dispassionate, to be circumspect