CAN THE NEW WORLD COURT TRY U.S. CITIZENS?

By Garner Ted Armstrong

Recently, President George W. Bush threatened to pull U.S. Peacekeepers out of Bosnia if a three-man panel of judges in the Hague, Holland, was given jurisdiction over them.

The much-discussed "World Court" presently consists of a small, temporary office in the Hague, where it was said a small number of staff had only a fax machine and a telephone.

Conceptually, the court would consist of 18 judges and a prosecutor. The purpose of the court would be to try those accused of "war crimes." But who is to determine what is a "war crime"? To Americans, Slobodan Milosovich is a war criminal, who is guilty of carrying out massacres of Muslims and ethnic Albanians in Serbia. But to Palestinians, Israelis are "war criminals" who are guilty of genocide in the West Bank and Gaza. To Afghans and Pakistanis, Americans are "war criminals" who have "bombed villages and weddings."

Suddenly, anti-U.S. voices are being heard around the world, particularly from the EU (European Union) over Bush's resistance to the court.

Currently, there are 3,100 Americans still stationed in Bosnia as "peacekeepers." Also, there is a multinational force under the aegis of NATO some 18,000 strong, which includes the Americans. The UN maintains a 1,500 member "training mission" for military police in Bosnia.

No matter where, and no matter which military force is involved, it is inevitable there will be crimes carried out by military personnel. Theft and rape are not uncommon. Traditionally, all offenses committed by military personnel who are garrisoned in foreign lands are handled by the appropriate military authority, and are usually not under the jurisdiction of the host (or occupied) country. The Japanese were bitterly angry over a rape committed by a U.S. serviceman on Okinawa, and demanded the U.S. quit the island.

Because it is a hotbed of ethnic, racial and political differences, Bosnia presents a particularly sticky problem to the U.S. peacekeepers. American diplomats and high-ranking military officers could, upon complaints from any group, whether Muslim Albanians or Greek Orthodox Serbians, be hauled into the "World Court" and tried for "war crimes."

When Bush threatened to pull U.S. troops out of Bosnia unless certain revisions were made in the court's charter, his threat was met with anger and dismay by nations all around the world.

The President of the European Commission, Italy's former Prime Minister Prodi, said "It [Bush's threat] complicates the situation. It's another movement of division between Europe and the U.S. that we have to avoid at any cost." But would the cost be the abandonment of the court?

Even the British reacted negatively. Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said the Bush veto would be "a serious matter" and said his government did not agree. The German Foreign Minister, Joschka Fisher said he "regretted the United States' negative stance." Norway's Foreign Minister also chimed in, saying, "We think the U.S. has exaggerated the risk of unfortunate cases." Spain's Foreign Minister Joesp Pique said he was opposed to anything that would impede the implementation and working of the court. The Russian Foreign Minister also criticized the U.S. position.

So long as the work of the court was purely JUDICIAL, and not POLITICAL, the U.S. government went along. Yet, once it became apparent that U.S. citizens could be hauled before the court to be tried for "suspected crimes against humanity, genocide and war crimes" the government blanched; took another tack. Not surprisingly, the only nation standing with the U.S. in its opposition is Israel.

There could be much more afoot here than meets the eye.

U.S. opposition to the court is bound to appear as a virtual admission of guilt in hostile countries around the world who have accused the U.S. of war crimes. Sentiment in Germany has been expressed as "All the U.S. ever does is go around and bomb everything." Millions in the former Yugoslavia feel the same way, as do more than one billion Muslims in dozens of countries. Recently, when villagers alleged that a U.S. bomb went astray and killed many people attending a wedding in Pakistan, such charges were again reinforced. Notwithstanding the fact that Al Quaida fighters were borrowing a page from Saddam Hussein, hiding their anti-aircraft guns among civilian structures, and using civilians as "human shields," grossly exaggerated claims came from Pakistanis about casualties. Investigators could not substantiate any such claims. Told the victims were "buried in a garden," they were not shown the garden.

Leaders of many nations view Bush's decision as "deepening the divide between the United States and its European allies over key issues of cooperation."

For decades, I have predicted the eventual creation of a kind of "United States of Europe."  Such a unified Europe has been in the hopes and dreams category of such geopolitical visionaries as Haushofer and MacKinder, who wrote of Germany's need for "lebensraum" (living room) and its inevitable domination of Europe. Bismarck wanted to unite Europe. Hitler tried it by force of arms.

Following the devastation of Germany and much of Europe during World War II, there were many sage observers who predicted Germany would never rise again. My father said that Germany would rise from the ashes of defeat, and once again dominate Europe,, as early as 1944, when Allied bombers were pounding German cities into rubble. I began saying so in the mid-1950s over television and radio, and in articles in our magazines of the time. Theodore White wrote Fire in the Ashes implying the Nazis were not truly defeated, but would arise from the rubble. The New Germany and the Old Nazis was a major book by T.H. Tetens, who had earlier written of rapprochement between a new Germany and Russia, called Germany Plots With the Kremlin. Brian Connells, a 20-year Reuters veteran who lived in Germany, wrote Watcher Along The Rhine showing German revanchism.

In the very depths of the Cold War, when it appeared East Germany, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Rumania and Bulgaria would always remain under Soviet domination, I was telling huge audiences numbering up to 15,000 that those specific nations would come out from behind the "Iron Curtain;" that Germany would REUNITE, and that Europe would unite into a "third power bloc" in the world, able to arbitrate between east and west!

For decades, I have spoken on television and radio, and written in dozens of articles and booklets, that Germany would reunite; that Europe would unite; that eventually we would see EUROPE looming as the most dangerous foe the United States has ever faced.

Now, there is an attempt to give virtually UNLIMITED POWER into the hands of a small number of "judges" chosen from among 100 nations -- power to INDICT AND TRY U.S. CITIZENS, DIPLOMATS, AND MILITARY PERSONNEL!

Because the U.S. government is RESISTING such a move, Europe is ANGRY!

You will live to see growing fractures in the U.S./European alliance!

Whether you want to believe it or not, the same old system which existed for centuries in the heartland of Europe is to have an end time "resurrection!" From the days of Constantine to the times of Adolf Hitler, the BEAST of Bible prophecy was a European creation! It was controlled by a great RELIGIOUS power. It is to have another shocking reawakening, and it is prophesied to become the greatest superpower the world has ever seen!

If you have not yet read my book Europe and America In Prophecy please find it on our web site at www.garnertedarmstrong.org/ call our offices at (903) 561-7070, or write to me at Box 747, Flint, TX, 75762 for your free hard copy.

We have all known for many months that the United States plans to attack Iraq. On July 4th, President George W. Bush again reminded Americans that Afghanistan was “only the beginning” of a long and arduous “war against terror.”

For months, major news media have been speculating about an impending attack against Iraq; how best to “get rid of Saddam Hussein.” Meanwhile, Saddam has been making tentative gestures toward once again allowing UN arms inspectors inside Iraq; has repeatedly said he is not building weapons of mass destruction in an obvious attempt to deter such an attack.

On June 11th, Saddam reacted to reports that the US had been sending special forces and CIA agents into northern Iraq in an attempt to recruit and train anti-Saddam Kurds. Was the US hoping to create yet another “Northern Alliance” so that a repeat of Afghanistan could be carried out in Iraq? Obviously, Saddam believed the US personnel already on the ground must have been making headway, for he dispatched many elite forces of his “Republican Guard” to northern Iraq in early June, in an attempt to root out any US intruders, and to intimidate the Kurdish population. A similar situation exists in the southern part of Iraq, where large numbers of Iraqis would like to see Saddam go.

Many months ago, I wrote that the US could not attack Iraq before June, simply because our stores of laser-guided bombs, cruise missiles and other sophisticated weapons had been seriously depleted in the Afghan war. If the rumblings from many quarters are any indication, those stores have now been replenished, and an attack against Iraq could be imminent. As I write, word comes that Pentagon officials are busily “brainstorming” how such an attack should be carried out; with what force level; where, when, and how. The President said no “plan” has actually been presented to him, however. Is this merely disinformation? Is it mere media hype?

It makes no sense, of course, to forewarn an enemy. That is, unless you wish to create fear, confusion and disinformation in the enemy’s high command, and give heart to those who wish to see him toppled.

High on the list of US tactics would be to prevent Saddam from launching SCUDS from western Iraq against Israel in an attempt to drag Israel into the conflict. He did this during the Gulf War, as you know. Only by a last-ditch promise to immediately supply Israel with “Patriot” anti-missile batteries, and to shift the massive US air campaign from the Republican Guard to SCUD hunting in the western desert, did then President George H.W. Bush prevent the Israeli Air Force from launching a devastating nuclear attack against Baghdad.

Make no mistake about it. The specter of gassing Jews by exploding chemical warheads in Tel Aviv neighborhoods, thus conjuring up memories of the holocaust, will never be tolerated by the Israeli government. Israel has a large and growing nuclear arsenal, and just recently sent another even more serious and ominous message to its Islamic neighbors by launching a satellite into orbit.

The launching of an Ofeq-5 satellite into orbit in space, with a “Shavit-class” booster engine proved to the world that Israel now has ICBM capability. And why not? Israel has seen steady progress by Syria and Iran in acquiring IRBMS (Intermediate range ballistic missiles, capable of hitting targets anywhere in Israel) and strongly suspects that Saddam Hussein’s program of upgrading his “Sihab” SCUDS presents a major threat to Israel. Therefore Israel has herself been working on producing rockets capable of reaching the entire Middle east, and now, the world. Clearly, Israel has not only been a member of the “nuclear club” for decades, but has now acquired the means to deliver nuclear weapons half a world away in just over half an hour. The specter of a nuclear exchange in the Middle East, with several nations launching nuclear-tipped missiles at major population centers is absolutely mind-boggling.

Unsubstantiated reports have alleged that the US has also sent Special Forces into Jordan, no doubt because tiny Jordan could not contain large columns of Iraqi tanks should Saddam turn his ground forces toward Israel in a retaliatory attack. Jordan recently arrested several Al Qaida operatives, and king Abdullah is friendly toward the US, and maintains a peace treaty with Israel.

If and when you see more US carrier attack forces gathering in the region; if and when more US forces are being deployed in neighboring countries or aboard ships, then you may rest assured a US strike against Saddam is definitely in the works.

And what then? Will Syria attack Israel? Will Iran jump into the war on the side of its former enemy? Will Saudi Arabia deny the US use of the bases we built with American money?

And, the big question: If the war does not meet with the same kind of success it did in Afghanistan, and if massive loss of life occurs in Israel, will Europe intervene?

Another intriguing question: Would the POPE become directly involved, by going to Jerusalem in an attempt to halt the fighting?

Those who know and understand Bible prophecy would do well to WATCH developments in the Middle East! But there is more involved than merely “watching.” Christ said, “Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man” (Luke 21:36).

Christ was giving this warning to His own disciples! He left this warning for His true church! It is only those who are truly converted; who are praying always, never taking a hiatus from prayer; who are involved in HIS WORK, who are promised protection!

Daniel wrote, “And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered [protected physically, and SAVED, spiritually], every one that shall be found written in the book.

“And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.

“And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever” (Daniel 12:1-3). Are you helping to turn MANY to the truth of God; to righteousness? Are you helping turn even ONE other person to righteousness? Many of those who were formerly filled with ZEAL in doing God’s work are now settled down in various independent, local groups, doing nothing, going nowhere, just “waiting it out” as if they have no great GOAL in sight! Many have gone straight back into the slop and slime of this sin-sick world; embracing Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny, abandoning God’s Sabbath and His annual Holy Days, and therefore abandoning God! Yet, they believe “having love” is all that is necessary! They are exactly like the ones to whom Jesus Christ will say, “I never knew you!”

On the other hand, Christ said of those who are engaged in performing His WORK on this earth, “I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it [that open door consists of TELEVISION, THE INTERNET, RADIO, AND THE PRINTING PRESS!]: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.

“Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

“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.

“Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown” (Revelation 3:8-11). This inspiring verse is paraphrased on the corporate seal and logo of the Intercontinental Church of God: “Let no man take your crown!” Your crown represents YOUR PART in the kingdom of God, which is only guaranteed if you are DOING YOUR PART in the WORK OF JESUS CHRIST of proclaiming the advance good news of His soon-coming WORLD RULING GOVERNMENT to the nations of this earth!

Christ said “I must WORK THE WORKS of Him who sent me.” His people must be doing the same thing today!

Is Anti-Semitism A World Phenomenon?

By Michael Burkert

Today started as most days do, with the exception of taking my Volkswagen to the dealer for service.  I own a four-year old VW Passat Diesel, and continue to marvel at the fuel economy it delivers.  Unfortunately, this model of VW is not available in the United States, and can't be imported.  On a recent trip to Poland, my wife and I were very pleased to figure we made over 35 MPG.  Amazing!  But then, the Germans who designed and built this car are amazing people.  Capable of the most incredible engineering feats and one of the friendliest peoples you can ever encounter, yet capable of perpetrating mind-boggling atrocities against a singular people the Jews.

Anti-Semitism is alive and thriving in Europe.  I mentioned that trip to Poland.  On the building next to our hotel in Boleslawiec, formerly the German city of Bunzlau, (60 miles east of the Oder River) was written the ominous Juden Raus.  The obligatory swastikas and Stars of David along with the cry for  "Jews get out," accompanied this German script.  The Polish graffiti I couldn't read, but I'm certain that it was as offensive as what I read in German.  My wife and I were absolutely appalled.  Poland of all places, to see this sort of unbelievable hatred.  Less than 6,000 Jews live in Poland today, yet hatred for them is alive and active.  The fact is that hatred for Jews is alive and well.  It's a worldwide phenomenon.

During the time it took to service my car, I waited along with a German schoolteacher.  He was a very friendly fellow when he found out that I am an American, and we spoke of many things.  He was only three years of age when World War II ended, so he had a vivid memory of the Allied occupation of Germany, and the "CARE" packages sent by Americans to help needy, hungry and destitute Germans.  He remembered well, the Marshall Plan that rebuilt Germany, and made the Wirtshaftwunder or Economic Miracle of West Germany's recovery possible.  He had some very good things to say about our country.  He also had some very disturbing things to say about our country.

"The Jews are in control of the United States!"  When he said this, I was quite taken aback.  I asked him how he came to this conclusion.  The first example he mentioned was that of Ari Fleicher, President Bush's Press Secretary.  I told this gentleman that I hardly saw Jewish domination of the United States, as a result of the President's Press Secretary being a Jew.  My new acquaintance went on to tell me how Jews, who use every chance they get to paint a black picture of Germans and Germany, dominate the movies and television programs.

He continued to elaborate on this theme, and stated that it's not only in Germany where Jews are not liked.  Unfortunately, I had to agree with this statement.  Jews are not liked anywhere.  Why is this?  Even in our country, a country that has never officially persecuted the Jews, anti-Semitism abounds.   How can this be, for God has so blessed the Jews?  So many wonderful medical breakthroughs have come as a result of Jewish laboratory technicians, Jewish researchers and Jewish doctors.  Countless MILLIONS owe their very lives, and the quality of life they live, to somebody who happened to be Jewish!   Or is it only Jews?

God blessed the nation of Israel.  Not only the tribe of Judah, but all of the tribes.  God blessed even the so-called "lost tribes."   Two of the lost tribes, Ephraim and Manasseh, eventually became the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.  Look at the marvelous inventions, and discoveries which have moved the world forward, that originated in either Britain or the United States.  It is absolutely mind-boggling!   Yet the Jews, of all the original tribes of Israel, stick out in the crowd.  There are many reasons for this.  Why are the Jews targeted for hatred, persecution and even murder?  Is it because they wear funny hats or coats?  Is it because of their beards?  Is it because they keep the Sabbath?  Or could it be the hatred and fear that Satan has for the wonderfully gifted Israelites?  Remember that all Jews are Israelites, but not all Israelites are Jews.

What does Satan have in Mind for God's People?

God's Church is not being openly persecuted today.  However, biblical prophecy tells us what's to come regarding this issue.  The Church WILL be persecuted to the point that it stops all efforts to do any sort of work.  God's people will go into hiding.  In the latter days, during the Tribulation, it won't be only the Jews who are hunted down, harassed, tormented and even killed.  Jesus tells us, in Matthew 24:9, "Then they shall deliver you up to be afflicted and shall kill you: and you shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. "Jesus was very clear in his prediction of torment and persecution of the elect, in the latter days.  Some of the elect will be protected, and God can offer protection to any of His people, as He sees fit.  However, the Bible further predicts that only a remnant will remain until the actual time of the Second Coming.

Satan will soon know that he's in a corner.  He'll soon know that his time is short, and he won't like it!  Satan and his demons know the Bible.  They know the Bible better than any Sunday evangelist.  They know what the prophecies say, and what they mean.  However, Satan is so vain and haughty that he probably doesn't believe what was revealed to him thousands and thousands of years ago.    When reality finally sinks in, Satan is going to lash out at the nations, and particularly God's Church with a vengeance!

Both Daniel 11 and Matthew 24 tell us of a time of terrible tribulation yet to come. Read what Matthew 24:21 reveals:  "For then shall be great tribulation such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be."  What Satan has in mind for the elect is trouble, persecution, hardship, and destruction.  Yes, Satan will attempt to destroy all of God's people, in his vain attempt to destroy God's Church.  He will not succeed.  Realize though, that during the Tribulation, life will be extremely hazardous for the elect.  Just when one thinks he has the rules down, the rules will change.  For many, death will come quickly, for no reason, as the torment spreads.  There will be no rule of law, individual rights.  The elect will be hunted down, ruthlessly.  Informants will denounce Sabbath keepers in the vain hope of living just another day.  Jesus tells us in Matthew 24:22 "And except those days should be shortened there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened."  Jesus will return at the last trump, and as Revelation 19:11 tells us, "he doth judge and make war," against those who fight Him at his return.

Anti-Semitism will Increase

In the European Union, as well as the United States, Islam is growing by leaps and bounds.  Liberal government policies which encourage the immigration of Iranians, Palestinians, Lebanese, Saudi Arabians, and even Iraqis, has caused an enormous imbalance of influence in both Europe and the United States.

The Saudi royal family, in efforts to appease Islamists in their own country, donate millions of dollars toward the construction of mosques, and Islamic "cultural centers," worldwide.  Islam is once again on the move, and in our "politically correct" society, only a blind eye is turned toward this movement.  There is a calculated effort to encourage and support financially, the immigration of as many Middle Eastern people to both Europe and the United States as possible.  Millions are being spent to convert as many people as possible to Islam.  Our government allows the spread of Islam in our prisons and inner cities.  If a Christian complains or raises this issue publicly, that person is labeled as a whacko paranoid right-winger or some other type of nut!   The latest American Taliban figure to be captured while "scoping" for terrorist targets is Jose Paddilla, a prison convert to that "peaceful, loving" religion the world knows as Islam.

Anti-Semitism is a natural outcome of an increased number of Muslims in the United States and Europe.  At a recent rally and march here in Germany, NPD (Nationaldemo-kratische Partei Deutschland) party members were joined by hundreds of Middle Eastern men and women.  The German NPD marchers carried signs proclaiming that they are in "solidarity" with Iraq and the Palestinian cause. Some placards read, "Free Palestine from the Brutal Jew," some read, "Americans Out!"

With a population of over four-million Muslims, the German government is more and more wary of any efforts at all to curtail Muslim perpetrated violence against the tiny Jewish population extant in Germany today.  As my schoolteacher acquaintance at the Volkswagen Garage put it, "Why waste our time protecting a trickle of Jews, when we have an avalanche of Muslims to make happy?  To protect the Jew would only infuriate our Muslim population."
 

The same attitude will eventually create a very difficult situation for the American Jewish population.  While the United States has never    had an official policy of persecution of the Jews, this may come to pass soon.   God's Church will not be overlooked either, at the time of the end, just prior to the Last Trump, and the return of Jesus Christ.  Watch Jerusalem, watch Europe, and particularly Germany, but also watch our country as well.  When the final persecution of the Jews begins, God's people will not be left alone for long.

Parading Toward Sodom

By Garner Ted Armstrong

Sodom and Gomorrah, those perverted, sinful cities which suffered horrifying fiery destruction from heaven, did not materialize overnight. “Sedim” is the name of a region of the southern reaches of the dead sea, on the main highway from Jerusalem to Eilat (the ancient Elath, at the northern shore of the Gulf of Akaba) where large dikes containing multi-colored mineral deposits can be seen. But nothing remains of Sodom and Gomorrah.

Archaeologists claim they have found, visible beneath the very shallow waters near “Sedim,” indications that a city once existed there. They say there are symmetrical stone foundations or ancient walls which are man made.

Did Sodom really exist? Did its sister city, Gomorrah, likewise exist, and did they both suffer the same, horrifying fate?

The Bible says, “Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven;

“And he overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground” (Genesis 19:24, 25). But WHY? What was so bad about Sodom and Gomorrah that God would utterly destroy both cities; instantly incinerating man, woman, and child? Sodom gave its name to the act of sodomy. Sodomy is among the most perverse of all human acts, and is soundly condemned of God in His word.

Paul wrote of heathen Greek and Roman philosophers who were sun worshipers and idol worshipers. Like many a modern atheist and evolutionist, they had motives for denying the existence of God. Paul wrote, “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse [God’s creation is proof of His existence; that He is Lawgiver, Lifegiver, Designer and Sustainer]: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

“Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

“And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

“Wherefore God also gave them up to [gave them over to; allowed them to have what they desperately wanted!] uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves” (Romans 1:20-24).

Decades ago, one of America’s leading proponents of evolution admitted, in one of his writings, that evolutionists “had a motive” for not wanting to believe in God. He admitted that his motive and that of his colleagues was personal choices in life; especially, he admitted, their sexual choices! He denied the existence of God, saying that the Bible would interfere with those choices.

Paul continued, “Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

“For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:

“And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet [fitting].

“And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient” (Romans 1:25-28).

This is a direct condemnation of homosexuality. God’s word condemns all deviant sexual acts, and soundly condemns bestiality: “If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them [meaning their death is a direct result of their sin; is their own personal responsibility].

“And if a man take a wife and her mother, it is wickedness: they shall be burnt with fire, both he and they; that there be no wickedness among you.

“And if a man lie with a beast, he shall surely be put to death: and ye shall slay the beast.

“And if a woman approach unto any beast, and lie down thereto, thou shalt kill the woman, and the beast: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them” (Leviticus 20:13-16).

Such filthy human acts are the root cause of venereal diseases. Such diseases were not contracted because they were floating around in the air, or hiding under a rock. Instead, they are the result of the kinds of sins enumerated in God’s word. It has been postulated that AIDS began as a result of Africans committing bestiality with monkeys. Now, this rampant plague; this virulent infectious disease, is killing millions of human beings who have practiced various forms of homosexuality, or shared needles to inject harmful and illegal drugs into their bloodstream.

Some of the most prominent movie “stars” have died of AIDS because of homosexual practices. Thus, as God’s word plainly says, they “receive in themselves that recompense [payback] of their error [sin] which is fitting” [appropriate].
 

For every effect, there is a cause. Today, mankind seeks to deal with the effect; to remove it, alter it, make it more bearable, so as to continue wallowing in the CAUSE, while not having to suffer the consequences; the effect!

Witness the dozens of products to deal with innumerable diseases and physical complaints. ”Heartburn?” The ads show someone wolfing down a greasy cheeseburger, then holding his stomach in pain. Simple. Just purchase their expensive anti-acid pill, and, presto! No more heartburn. They never tell people to quit eating the kinds of foods which are causing the heartburn!

When God said homosexuals “receive in themselves that recompense of their error which was fitting,” He was saying they are experiencing the EFFECTS due to the CAUSE, which is their homosexual perversions! AIDS is the direct result of perverted humans breaking God’s laws against bestiality and sodomy! Macro-evolution does not occur in nature. Man did not descend from the apes. However, micro-evolution does exist! There is almost limitless variety of species within a Genesis kind. This is true right across the spectrum of life forms; from man to horses; from dogs to insects. Bacteria and viruses develop ever more virulent strains, as all doctors and pharmacists know, as a result of developing resistance to bactericides. Great concern exists today among physicians, who know very well that a whole range of bacteria are becoming “super bugs” who have developed resistance against powerful antibiotics.

Homosexuals, who have been championed by many of the most prominent “stars” from Hollywood, have demanded that the government spend billions of dollars to REMOVE THE EFFECT of their sins by finding some kind of a cure for AIDS! They might as well say, “Let us continue our abominable, perverted, sinful practice, but REMOVE THE PENALTY!”

Just how long did it take for Sodom and Gomorrah to become so completely given over to perversity that God made an everlasting example of them by pouring down His wrathful fire?

Notice, “And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground;

“And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night.

“And he pressed upon them greatly; and they turned in unto him, and entered into his house; and he made them a feast, and did bake unleavened bread, and they did eat.

“But before they lay down, the men of the city, even the men of Sodom, compassed the house round, both old and young, all the people from every quarter:

“And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men which came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us, that we may know them.

“And Lot went out at the door unto them, and shut the door after him,

“And said, I pray you, brethren, do not so wickedly.

“Behold now, I have two daughters which have not known man; let me, I pray you, bring them out unto you, and do ye to them as is good in your eyes: only unto these men do nothing; for therefore came they under the shadow of my roof.

“And they said, Stand back. And they said again, This one fellow came in to sojourn, and he will needs be a judge: now will we deal worse with thee, than with them. And they pressed sore upon the man, even Lot, and came near to break the door.

“But the men put forth their hand, and pulled Lot into the house to them, and shut to the door.

“And they smote the men that were at the door of the house with blindness, both small and great: so that they wearied themselves to find the door” (Genesis 19:1-11).

Lot “sat in the gate.” This means he was a village Elder; one who was a judge. It does not merely mean that he had found a place to sit in the shade. Lot was prominent in the town. He is referred to as “righteous Lot.” Notice, “For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;

“And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;

“And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;

“And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:

“(For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)

“The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished” (2 Peter 2:4-9).

Lot was a righteous man! Yet, because of his keen awareness that these two visitors were, indeed, come from God, and his desire to protect them from being raped by sodomites, Lot OFFERED TO THEM HIS VIRGINAL DAUGHTERS! Nothing could better serve to show how Lot had become HELPLESS before the mob of homosexuals, even though he was “vexed” and terribly disturbed by their conduct. Nothing could better show how Lot’s environment affected his sense of propriety.

Previously, Lot had no doubt been a part of the “silent majority.” A few deviant homosexuals began to become more and more brazen. They became emboldened by each other, until some of them, such as religious leaders, actors, singers, artisans, housewives, and other village elders “came out” from their previously clandestine lives, and openly proclaimed themselves to be homosexuals.

Eventually, the noisy “gay” minority became the majority! The formerly compliant, “silent majority” found themselves completely overwhelmed by the loud, threatening minority! Eventually, the gays and lesbians of Sodom and Gomorrah succeeded in their agenda — the complete perversion of the entire society!

This is the goal of many in the “gay rights” movement in America today! They seek nothing short of the “homosexualization” (to coin a word) of all society!

Their plan is devious, insidious, clever, and multi-faceted. Many of them hate God. They hate His word. They hate every conservative, nominal Christian. In a way, they are the “sexual terrorists” of our time, who want to destroy the American way of life, and gradually replace it with open orgiastic behavior; public sodomy and lesbianism; open, uninhibited sex acts with no restraints, just as they finally succeeded doing in ancient Sodom and Gomorrah.

Notwithstanding this, there are also many homosexuals who actually “have a form of religion” (2 Timothy 3:5) and who actually attempt to bring their perversion into churches. Who is not familiar with the modern trend toward ordaining “gay” ministers, and even the existence of wholly “gay” churches?

They have succeeded in placing homosexuals in pulpits, in the priesthood, in the professions, in schools, and in the military. There, they ply their evil trade, attempting to influence as many as possible to accept their so-called “alternative life style.”

Today, America’s children are being asked questions about such things as touching the private parts of themselves or of others; of other children or adults; whether they enjoy masturbation; what is their “sexual orientation,” and are being deliberately manipulated by teachers, priests, boy scout leaders, and, sometimes, even by members of their own families; by parents and grandparents!

Pedophilia and child molestation is rampant. Incest is common. Homosexuality is growing by leaps and bounds.
 

On Sunday, June 30, 2002, an estimated crowd of a half million people turned out in San Francisco, that bastion of homosexuality, to cheer, cavort, mince, march, kiss and shout in a massive parade.

A group called “Dykes on Bikes” was formed by lesbians riding hundreds of motorcycles down San Francisco’s main streets. They were followed by a large contingent of homosexuals and sodomites, pedaling bicycles. One lesbian, with a 15-month old adopted son, expressed her joy over the parade. She said, “We’re very fortunate to live here and we know it,” speaking of her “partner” of 14 years. She said, “Little by little the changes are happening and when he’s an adult, it’s going to be nothing” meaning that she expects homosexuals to be in the great majority in less than another ten years.

Celebrities and “movie stars” were there. One leading British actor, who had “come out” while performing Shakespearean theater in San Francisco back in 1988, said, “For generations the people in San Francisco have set standards for the rest of the world to catch up to.”

Huge celebrations were also under way in cities across the nation; in Chicago, Atlanta, Seattle, Minneapolis, and in New York, where the new mayor, Michael Bloomberg, was heartily applauded as he marched near the front of the parade! One would think, after the incredible events of September 11, 2001, that New Yorkers would be much more prone to seek God; more humble, more eager to “clean up their act.” But mayors of large cities recognize the political clout of large voting blocs, and they bend with the wind.

Though it was illegal, some 50 homosexual couples — 100 people — conducted a sham “same sex” wedding ceremony at Fifth Avenue and Central Park South. Chicago had its 33rd annual parade, celebrating the end of “Gay Pride Month” which was designated by Chicago’s Mayor, Richard Daley.

Surely, Isaiah’s prophecies are coming to pass before our eyes: “The show of their countenance doth witness against them; and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide it not. Woe unto their soul! for they have rewarded evil unto themselves.

“Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings.

“Woe unto the wicked! it shall be ill with him: for the reward of his hands shall be given him.

“As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths” (Isaiah 3:9-12).
 

Jesus Christ died for the sins of the world. God’s Ten Commandments do not “categorize” sin. Sin is the transgression of the LAW (1 John 3:4), and the wages of sin is DEATH (Romans 6:23).

Homosexuality is a SIN! It is a lie, and a satanic, subtle excuse that sexual perversion is something that is innately present in a human individual from birth. God said, “...the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly” (Genesis 13:13).

Homosexuality can be REPENTED of! It is a sin of human appetite, just as is gluttony, alcoholism, smoking, and drug abuse. But homosexuality is a perversion; a sin of the innermost psyche. I have received letters from homosexuals who HATE their appetites, and who want to repent; to be delivered from their perversions!

God does not hate homosexuals. He LOVES them, just as He loves all mankind! But He HATES WHAT THEY ARE DOING TO THEMSELVES! Like a loving Father, He sees His children destroying themselves; destroying their chance for a wonderful, fulfilling, productive, successful life; a life of obedience to God; a life of the God-ordained kind of love in MARRIAGE between a man and a woman.

Marriage is a type of the relationship between God and His church! Paul wrote, “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

“Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

“Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

“And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

“Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

“Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

“Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

“Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.

“For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.

“Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.

“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

“That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

“That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

“So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.

“For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:

“For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.

“For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.

“This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church” (Ephesians 5:15-32).

Satan the devil is the author of homosexuality! He is UNABLE to procreate! But God is PRODUCING CHILDREN - RECREATING AFTER HIS OWN KIND!

Satan is JEALOUS of God! He HATES what God is doing on this earth; he hates the plan of God, and hates human kind! The devil is NOT THE FRIEND of homosexuals! He is their bitter ENEMY, instead!

How Satan must chortle and cackle in glee as he sees people giving in to his subtle whisperings; his magnetic, enticing appeal to the basest of human appetites!

Satan seeks to destroy the family; the home. He wants to destroy America, because he knows America is (or should be) a nation which stands for the noble values of liberty, freedom, law, justice, and peace.

How long, now, until America will continue its long “slouch toward Gomorrah,” its “parade toward Sodom?” Or will Americans REPENT of their sins, and turn to God in time to avert national destruction?

Ezekiel pled, “As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?” (Ezekiel 33:11). If you are in doubt whether this prophecy applies to the modern United States, please read my book “Europe and America in Prophecy” published on our web site, or available in hard copy by calling (903) 561-7070.
 

"THE STRANGER THAT IS WITHIN"

By Garner Ted Armstrong

In the name of "political correctness," America maintains borders resembling a sieve. Just since 9/11, the INS ("Immigration and Naturalization Service") has admitted over 50,000 Middle Easterners into the country. But that is only the beginning. In a recent article by Paul Sperry published on "World Net Daily," it was revealed that there are many dangerous gaps and loopholes in the INS system of screening persons entering the U.S. from foreign countries.

One of the most outrageous was the fact that people from Libya, Saudi Arabia, Algiers, Syria, Pakistan, Sudan, Egypt, or Afghanistan can freely enter Canada, obtain a Canadian visa, and enter the United States with no questions asked. In many cases, those not having personal identification can actually purchase an "affidavit of identity" from the Airlines for the whopping sum of $10.00. This is accomplished by the person displaying to the gate agent any kind of a birth certificate issued by a hospital.

Our president says we are at WAR with terrorists.

During World War II, we were AT WAR with Germany, Italy and Japan. Were we "politically correct" then? Did we avoid "profiling" at all costs, and continue to allow citizens of those countries to pour into the United States?

So many, and so outrageous are the loopholes that one can scarcely believe it! All the while, the Homeland Security Agency is warning U.S. citizens of "sleeper cells" of Al Quaeda operating here, and telling citizens to be on the alert for any "suspicious" person, a veritable avalanche of foreigners are pouring into our country. For example, airlines personnel are instructed not to engage in "profiling" people. So, if a dark, swarthy man, obviously an Arab, shows them a Canadian visa, they must not ask if he is Iranian, Iraqi, Sudanese, Libyan, Saudi Arabian or Algerian. This would be "politically incorrect."

God's Word ominously warns, "The stranger that is within thee shall get up above thee very high; and thou shalt come down very low" (Deuteronomy 28:43).

How utterly foolish not to "profile" Middle Easterners entering the country! Would we have freely allowed Japanese (who are very easy to identify) to come into our country after Pearl Harbor? Whether our "politically correct" bureaucrats want to admit it or not, all of the 9/11 murderers were Muslim Arabs! When the next massive attack occurs, one wonders if the INS will be willing to shoulder any of the blame?