Thursday, September 6, 2012
Strange hum keeping West Seattle awake
Julie Schickling stood out on her porch in West Seattle just after midnight because she couldn't explain what she was hearing. So she recorded the sound
"It gets high and lower, and goes away, then comes back," said Schickling.
Some of her neighbors report being shaken out of bed by the low rumble, also described as a growl. In fact, as many people you talk with is about how many different words you heard to describe it.
"It is kind of creepy," Kay Kirkpatrick, the West Seattle resident said of the sound. "It creeps you out a little bit."
The neighboring large industries say they aren't to blame.
Then what is? Something the City of Seattle is looking into.
Some long time residents say they've heard this sound before over the years. Others say it's the first encounter they've had with the eerie noise.
"We want to know," Kirkpatrick said. "Tell us what it is."
NWCN
Quantum Teleportation Goes the Distance: Record-Breaking Distance of 143 Kilometers Through Free Space
The experiment saw the successful teleportation of quantum information -- in this case, the states of light particles, or photons -- between the Canary Islands of La Palma and Tenerife. The breakthrough is a crucial step toward quantum communications via satellite.
Unlike the teleportation of solid objects popularized in science fiction, the experiment involved the teleportation of quantum states, an essential pre-requisite of quantum computing, quantum communication and other powerful technologies under development at the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) at Waterloo.
The project, led by researchers from Vienna's Institute for Quantum Optics and Quantum Information, relied on algorithms and equipment developed in Waterloo. Their results were published this week in Nature.
Teleportation across 143 kilometres is a crucial milestone in this research, since that is roughly the minimum distance between the ground and orbiting satellites. This achievement leads to the possibility of quantum teleportation between ground stations and orbiting satellites, a key goal in the research of Professor Thomas Jennewein, an IQC faculty member and collaborator on the record-setting experiment.
For this experiment, Jennewein developed the coincidence algorithm, which synchronized and measured the transfer of photons between the two sites in the Canary Islands.
The ultra-precise clocks needed to measure the teleportation of photon states were aligned to each other to within a nanosecond, or one-billionth of a second. Such precision will be necessary in the development of satellite-based quantum communications networks.
"The experiment paves the way toward teleportation of signals over free space, or even using satellites," said Jennewein, whose research is largely focused on the creation of large-scale quantum communications networks. "This is useful for applications in secure communication, as well as the possibility of networking full-scale quantum computers, once they exist."
IQC research assistant professor Vadim Makarov, along with PhD student Elena Anisimova, designed the highly sensitive photon detectors, which allowed the teleportation to occur with high precision despite some hazy air conditions.
Makarov and Anisimova were recruited to help overcome inclement atmospheric conditions caused by dust whipped up from the Sahara Desert in the summer of 2011 that foiled the first attempt at the teleportation experiment. Makarov's photon detectors, and more cooperative weather, allowed for a successful experiment last April.
Because there is less atmospheric disturbance when communicating upwards to space than between the Canary Islands, Makarov says the next logical step is to attempt teleportation between Earth and a satellite.
Makarov was in the Canary Islands for the experiment, but Jennewein stayed in Waterloo, connecting with his international colleagues via Skype to lend troubleshooting tips and scientific expertise.
Science Daily
Explosive Confrontation Between Netanyahu and American Ambassador
Rep. Mike Rogers, the Michigan Republican who chairs the House Intelligence Committee, says that his much-discussed meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem late last month did, in fact, devolve into an sharp confrontation between Netanyahu and the American ambassador to Israel, the former National Security Council official (and former Obama campaign Jewish liaison), Dan Shapiro.
Rogers told a Michigan radio interviewer earlier this week that he had not previously witnessed such a high-level confrontation, and he described Israeli leaders as being at "wits' end" over what they see as President Obama's unwillingness to provide them with his "red lines" in the effort to stop Iran's nuclear program. He also said that neither the Israelis nor the Iranians believe that Obama would use force to stop the nuclear program. (UPDATE: Rogers said as well he believes the Israelis will "probably" bomb Iran if they don't get clearer red lines from the U.S.)
Rogers description of the meeting directly contradicts repeated Administration assertions that there is "no daylight" on the Iran issue with the Israeli government. Shortly after the meeting took place, Israeli press reports appeared suggesting that Netanyahu and Shapiro had engaged in an argument, but Shapiro soon dismissed those reports, calling them "silly" and saying, "The published account of that meeting did not reflect what actually occurred in the meeting. The conversations were entirely friendly and professional."
Rogers, speaking to WJR radio host Frank Beckmann, painted a very different picture. He said the meeting, originally scheduled to be a discussion of intelligence and technical issues between himself and the prime minister, spun out of control when Netanyahu began lambasting Shapiro over the Administration's Iran policy. When Beckmann asked Rogers to describe the tenor of the meeting, he said: "Very tense. Some very sharp... exchanges and it was very, very clear the Israelis had lost their patience with the (Obama) Administration." He went on, "There was no doubt. You could not walk out of that meeting and think that they had not lost their patience with this Administration."
Rogers said Israeli frustration grows from what they see -- and he sees -- as a refusal by the Obama Administration to outline an endgame: "(I)t was very clear the overarching policy has been frustrating mainly because I think it's not very clear. What we walked out of that meeting knowing is that the Administration was trying to defend itself." By the end, he said, there was a "sharp exchange between the Administration's representative there, our ambassador there, and Mr. Netanyahu, which was unusual to say the least, but I thought at the end of the day maybe productive."
Beckmann then asked: "Is it inaccurate to say it was a shouting match?" Rogers answered: "can say that there were elevated concerns on behalf of the Israelis." When asked if he had "ever seen that sort of thing before," Rogers answered: "No not that directly. We've had sharp exchanges with other heads of state and in intelligence services and other things, but nothing at that level that I've seen in all my time where people were clearly that agitated, clearly that worked up about a particular issue where there was a very sharp exchange."
Rogers went on to describe what he understands to be the Israeli frustration, and, apparently, his frustration, with the impact of sanctions: "Here's the problem. "...I support the sanctions. But if you're going to have a hammer you have to have an anvil. You have to have at least a credible threat of a military option. So it's having an effect, yes, it's having an effect on the Iranian economy. It is not impacting their race on enrichment and other things, and that's very very clear." He went on, "I think the Israeli position is, 'Hey, listen, you've got to tell us -- I mean, if you want us to wait' -- and that's what this Administration's been saying, you've gotta wait, you've gotta wait, you've gotta wai -- got that -- 'but then you've gotta tell us when is the red line so we can make our own decisions about should we or shouldn't we stop this particular program."
And Rogers had harsh words for the Administration, which he says has made it very clear to the Israelis what they shouldn't do, but hasn't delivered a message to the Iranians with the same clarity: "There's a lot of pieces in play on this. But I think again, their frustration is that the Administration hasn't made it very clea -- they've made it very clear to Israel in a public way that they shouldn't do it, but haven't made it very clear to Iran in a public way that there will be tougher action, which could include -- and I argue peace through strength, so you just need to let them understand that that's an option so we can deter them from their program. And right now the Israelis don't' believe that the Administration is serious when they say that all options are on the table, and more importantly neither do the Iranians. That's why the program is progressing."
I'll post more of this interview as it is transcribed, in a few minutes, in this space.
PART II: When asked by Beckmann at what he believes the Israelis willl say "enough is enough," Rogers answered: "Certainly when you walk out of that meeting you get the feeling that they are finally at wits' end, and that's what concerned me about the meeting."
He went on, "I will say that as a part of their decision point or data point when they go through the process of should we or shouldn't we, it was clear that our American elections have worked its way into one of those data points. I thought, well, maybe that hedges their response until maybe after the election. But what I got out of that, walking out of that, wa,s yeah they're considering it, but at this point they're very frustrated because they don't' know what happens after the election, and their window for impacting the program they believe is starting to close."
Rogers also said that what he calls Obama's uncertainty has caused problems for the U.S. across the Middle East. "You know, it's a very interesting argument when you're in the room and talking about options.The meeting was designed, it was supposed to be between Netanyahu and myself on some intelligence cooperation matters and other matters, when it came to Iran and Syria and other things, and kind of devolved into this meeting where the ambassador was confronted directly... what was very apparent to me was a lot of frustration with the lack of clarity and the uncertainty about what their position is on the Iranian nuclear program. And that's what I think I saw across the Middle East. The uncertainty about where the United States' position is on those questions has created lots of problems and anxiety that I think doesn't serve the world well and doesn't serve peace well."
Rogers spoke, as well, about the Iranian nuclear timeline: "So the big question is the dash. And the dash is, we know they have an enrichment program, it's highly likely they have a weaponization program. You have to have both of those parts for a nuclear weapon program. And the dash is when does weaponization mean you can put it on a missile and fire it off?
The Israelis are upset because that dash question seems to be shortening and they already believe they have enough enrichment for more than one nuclear bomb. That's why their anxiety is high and the United States position isn't all that clear." Beckmann then asked Rogers how close the Israelis believe that dash period to be. Rogers: "The Israelis believe it's short. I mean, Netanyahu made it very clear he thought it was a matter of weeks. If they decide to do the dash it could be four weeks to eight weeks, which is a month or two months. Our intelligence analysts believe it would be a little longer than that. But the problem is, nobody really knows for sure. But we do know, and I think everyone agrees, including, you know, our European intelligence allies and other things that they are clearly marching down this road."
The Atlantic
The Global Economy Continues To Sink Deeper Into The Twilight Zone
A few weeks ago, Morgan Stanley's head global economics Joachim Fels sent a note to clients entitled Into the Twilight Zone. In the note, the group downgraded its global growth forecasts, reflecting increasing pessimism across Wall Street on the future of the world economy.
Fels just put out an update today, writing that "recent disappointing data suggest that the global economy is sinking ever deeper into the twilight zone that divides sustainable recovery from renewed recession."
Here's Fels in his most recent note, looking at the new data that's been revealed since Morgan Stanley downgraded its growth forecasts:
Disappointing data: Since we lowered our sights on global growth three weeks ago (see The Global Macro Analyst: Into the Twilight Zone, August 15, 2012), economic conditions have continued to deteriorate across emerging and advanced economies alike:
In China, the official manufacturing PMI fell into contraction territory for the first time in nine months in August, with widespread weakness across the relevant sub-components.
In India, our colleague Chetan Ahya has cut his 2012-13 GDP forecast for the third time this year and highlights the rising risk of a “deeper macro stress scenario” in the event of continued policy inaction (see page 8 or India Economics: Risk of a Deeper Growth Shock Rising, September 3, 2012).
In the US, the only slight decline in the manufacturing ISM composite index masked a greater deterioration in the relevant underlying details, including worsening indications for new orders, production and employment. The composite index was helped by a jump in the inventory component, but this is hardly a positive sign at a time of falling new orders and points to further production cuts ahead.
In Sweden, the manufacturing PMI dropped by an outsized 5.5 points to 45.1. Sweden’s manufacturing firms are exposed heavily to the European and global economy, so we take this as an(other) indication that the global trade cycle has deteriorated further.
Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/morgan-stanley-the-global-economy-is-sinking-ever-deeper-into-the-twilight-zone-2012-9#ixzz25greZe4B
ISRAEL READIES 'SECRET WEAPON' FOR IRAN ATTACK
Israel sees Iranian nuclear weapons as an existential threat, and plans are in place to carry out strikes to cripple the nuclear program by the middle of next month. Middle East expert Mike Evans says his discussions with top Israeli officials this week suggest there is a strong likelihood the attacks will take place between Sept. 15 and Oct. 15.
Evans estimates a 75 percent chance that strikes will be carried out in that 30-day window. Evans says high-ranking Israeli leaders also tell him they have a secret weapon they intend to deploy for any strikes, but they would not tell Evans what that weapon is. He believes the likely weapon is an electromagnetic pulse (EMP), which would cripple Iran’s power grid.
“Israel is trying to get a hard promise from the U.S. that they’ll support an attack,” Evans told WND.
Evans says he’s not surprised that the Obama administration is telling Israel and Iran that the U.S. will not back any Israeli attacks. He also reports that CIA Director David Petraeus and other American officials are strongly pressuring Israeli leaders to hold off on attacks before the U.S. elections. Evans explains what sort of ironclad promises from President Obama could convince Israel to stand down temporarily.
WND Senior Staff Reporter Jerome Corsi reported in 2009 on a “secret weapon” being developed and tested by Israel.
The test was done at an undisclosed Israeli military base, but few details were uncovered at the time. It was confirmed that the military specifically designed the weapon to be used in a possible conflict with Iran.
WND
Dragon Flood Introduction
Joseph Herrin
Revelation 12:15-16
And the serpent poured water like a river out of his mouth after the woman, so that he might cause her to be swept away with the flood. But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and drank up the river which the dragon poured out of his mouth.
I have anticipated this writing for quite some time. It addresses a very critical matter and reveals a tremendous danger for the saints of God. You will possibly be startled at some of the revelations that come forth in this series. The focus will be upon the extent to which the Christian’s world view, has been shaped by the adversary who is called “the great deceiver.”
Revelation 12:9
And the great dragon was thrown down, the serpent of old who is called the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels (messengers) were thrown down with him.
It should be noted from the beginning of this series that the Greek word translated “angel” is also translated “messenger” in the Bible. This reveals one of the chief functions of angelic beings as they interact with mankind. Yahweh has frequently used angels as messengers to deliver some heavenly communication to mankind.
In the Old Testament we read of Abraham speaking with angelic messengers. We read of Jacob wrestling with the angel and refusing to let go until the angel spoke a word of blessing over him. We read of Gideon conversing with an angelic messenger who was sent to commission him to deliver Israel from her enemies. The parents of Samson had an encounter with an angel who told them that they would have a son, and that he was to live as a Nazarite. Yahweh sent angels to speak often to Daniel, and we even have the names of the angels Gabriel and Michael mentioned.
In the New Testament we find that an angel appeared to Mary telling her that she had ben chosen to bear the promised Messiah. An angel communicated to Joseph in dreams on a number of occasions. The angel told Joseph to not be afraid to take Mary as his wife, informing him that she was pregnant by the Holy Spirit. Later an angel appeared to him warning him to flee with his wife and child to Egypt. When the danger had passed the angel appeared again and told him to return to Israel. The apostle Paul spoke of an angel appearing before him and giving him news that the ship he was traveling in would be wrecked, but all those aboard would survive.
This role of a heavenly messenger is inextricably linked to angelic beings. It should come as no surprise that Satan, having corrupted his ways, utilizes various modes of communication to deceive mankind. The action of Satan as a deceiver of mankind is clearly revealed in Scripture. Satan has been eminently successful in this work. From the very first recorded conversation between Satan and a human in the garden we read of his employment of words to deceive and the awful consequences.
Genesis 3:13
Then Yahweh God said to the woman, "What is this you have done?" And the woman said, "The serpent deceived me, and I ate."
Throughout the Bible the words of Satan are pictured as something that mankind consumes. This is foreshadowed in the words of Eve, the mother of all living. She said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” In the last book of the Bible we read that when the dragon spews forth a river of water from his mouth (words of deceit), the earth “opened its mouth and drank up the river.” Thus, from the opening book of the Bible, to the very end, we see Satan engaged in pouring forth words that mankind consumes to his great hurt and loss.
This function of Satan as a great deceiver is shared by men and women who are in league with him. The devil grants to unrighteous men the ability to speak words of deception that they might gain control over mankind. The book of Revelation figures Satan as the great dragon giving authority to a world ruler. This world ruler is marked by his subversive and perverse speech.
Revelation 13:1-8
And the dragon stood on the sand of the seashore... And the whole earth was amazed and followed after the beast; they worshiped the dragon because he gave his authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast, and who is able to wage war with him?" There was given to him a mouth speaking arrogant words and blasphemies, and authority to act for forty-two months was given to him. And he opened his mouth in blasphemies against God, to blaspheme His name and His tabernacle, that is, those who dwell in heaven. It was also given to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them, and authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation was given to him. All who dwell on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain.
What the wise Christian should understand is that this work of deceiving the nations is not merely a matter for the very last days of mankind. It will reach a crescendo at the end of the age, but it has been going on apace ever since Satan first spoke words of deception to mankind in the Garden. Today, having satisfied myself of the truth of this matter, I declare that the saints of God, even the elect, are subject to this work of delusion. Satan has persuaded mankind of many falsehoods. He has led the church to imbibe poisoned waters. There is not a realm of life in which this deception cannot be observed to have infiltrated the minds and thinking of believers.
The apostle Paul, writing to the Hebrew saints of the first century spoke the following warning.
Hebrews 13:9
Do not be carried away by varied and strange teachings; for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, through which those who were so occupied were not benefitted.
Note the parallel employment of the words “strange teachings” and “foods.” Doctrines and thoughts are compared to foods that mankind consumes. Satan has been setting a table for mankind, and especially for the chosen of God, for long ages. He is a master at getting men and women to eat the very deadliest poisons that lead to ruin and destruction.
Note this connection between teaching and foods again in the following passage.
Revelation 2:20
But I have this against you, that you tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, and she teaches and leads My bond-servants astray so that they commit acts of immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols.
The book of Revelation is written in symbolic speech. Eating things sacrificed to idols is a figure of speech meant to convey the thought that the church had been consuming doctrines of demons. There are prophets and prophetesses in the church today who are speaking perverse things that come from Satan. The end result of the church imbibing this poisoned food and drink is immorality and a darkened understanding. Satan has succeeded in replacing truth with lies, and forming in the minds of men and women everywhere falsehoods and deceits that are accepted as truth.
In this writing I will mention some specific examples of the falsehoods widely adopted by men and women in the church. I do not doubt that the majority of the readers of this series will find that they have been led astray by the deception spewing forth as a great flood from the mouth of Satan. His instruments of deception are legion. The entire earth is being flooded with lies. The success Satan has enjoyed in deceiving the nations will only end when he is chained and cast into the abyss.
Revelation 20:1-3
Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold of the dragon, the serpent of old, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; and he threw him into the abyss, and shut it and sealed it over him, so that he would not deceive the nations any longer...
Understand what is stated here. Satan will be bound at a future date to keep him from that work he has been doing with profound effect. Satan deceives the nations. You and I dwell in these nations. We are surrounded by a deceived population. In many ways the deceptions embraced by society have been adopted by the saints. The whole world lies in the power of the evil one. Deceived people do not know they are deceived. Mankind’s actions and judgments are predicated upon what they believe. When they have swallowed a lie, people depart from the will of God.
II Corinthians 11:3
But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray...
Paul’s fears are well founded. The church has been led astray. Indeed, the condition of the church in these last days is far worse than that of the virgin church of the first century. The apostle foretells the wretchedness of the church in the end of the age when the work of Satan has come to its full fruition.
II Timothy 4:3-4
For the time will come when they (men in the church) will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.
Who is the author of false doctrines, and of the myths and fables the church has embraced? It is none other than Satan, the great deceiver. It is a tragic truth that in a majority of churches today the lessons being taught, and the doctrines being delivered, were written by Satan. Sound doctrine, that which originates in the mind of the Father, is not endured by the churches, which is to say they will not tolerate it.
We live in a perilous hour when men prefer lies over truth, and this is the condition in the church as well as out. I have often written of the Christian’s rejection of the disciple’s cross, a message of suffering, and of self-denial. The church has rejected the afflicted path that alone leads to life. They have amassed to themselves preachers of ease and prosperity, willingly turning a deaf ear to that truth that can save them.
What will be shown in this teaching series is that the deceptions of Christians go far beyond doctrines of the kingdom of God. Christians have been drinking the poisoned water of Satan that spills from the television, that is broadcast over the radio, that is channeled through the Internet, and which comes forth as a flood through books, magazines, billboards, and a veritable smorgasbord of media. Some very big lies have been swallowed by the unwary.
It is my hope that by exposing the pervasive nature of lies in this world, the overcomers in Christ might be alert to the deception that is all around them. It is my hope that some might be awakened by these words and by the revelations and examples set forth.
Like a blind man who is given vision for the first time, the experience can be traumatic, even unsettling. It is a frightening event to have one’s delusions stripped away and to be confronted with the truth. Yet, even a difficult truth is preferable to pleasant lies.
Revelation 13:9
If anyone has an ear, let him hear.
May you be blessed with peace and understanding as you read.
Revelation 12:15-16
And the serpent poured water like a river out of his mouth after the woman, so that he might cause her to be swept away with the flood. But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and drank up the river which the dragon poured out of his mouth.
I have anticipated this writing for quite some time. It addresses a very critical matter and reveals a tremendous danger for the saints of God. You will possibly be startled at some of the revelations that come forth in this series. The focus will be upon the extent to which the Christian’s world view, has been shaped by the adversary who is called “the great deceiver.”
Revelation 12:9
And the great dragon was thrown down, the serpent of old who is called the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels (messengers) were thrown down with him.
It should be noted from the beginning of this series that the Greek word translated “angel” is also translated “messenger” in the Bible. This reveals one of the chief functions of angelic beings as they interact with mankind. Yahweh has frequently used angels as messengers to deliver some heavenly communication to mankind.
In the Old Testament we read of Abraham speaking with angelic messengers. We read of Jacob wrestling with the angel and refusing to let go until the angel spoke a word of blessing over him. We read of Gideon conversing with an angelic messenger who was sent to commission him to deliver Israel from her enemies. The parents of Samson had an encounter with an angel who told them that they would have a son, and that he was to live as a Nazarite. Yahweh sent angels to speak often to Daniel, and we even have the names of the angels Gabriel and Michael mentioned.
In the New Testament we find that an angel appeared to Mary telling her that she had ben chosen to bear the promised Messiah. An angel communicated to Joseph in dreams on a number of occasions. The angel told Joseph to not be afraid to take Mary as his wife, informing him that she was pregnant by the Holy Spirit. Later an angel appeared to him warning him to flee with his wife and child to Egypt. When the danger had passed the angel appeared again and told him to return to Israel. The apostle Paul spoke of an angel appearing before him and giving him news that the ship he was traveling in would be wrecked, but all those aboard would survive.
This role of a heavenly messenger is inextricably linked to angelic beings. It should come as no surprise that Satan, having corrupted his ways, utilizes various modes of communication to deceive mankind. The action of Satan as a deceiver of mankind is clearly revealed in Scripture. Satan has been eminently successful in this work. From the very first recorded conversation between Satan and a human in the garden we read of his employment of words to deceive and the awful consequences.
Genesis 3:13
Then Yahweh God said to the woman, "What is this you have done?" And the woman said, "The serpent deceived me, and I ate."
Throughout the Bible the words of Satan are pictured as something that mankind consumes. This is foreshadowed in the words of Eve, the mother of all living. She said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” In the last book of the Bible we read that when the dragon spews forth a river of water from his mouth (words of deceit), the earth “opened its mouth and drank up the river.” Thus, from the opening book of the Bible, to the very end, we see Satan engaged in pouring forth words that mankind consumes to his great hurt and loss.
This function of Satan as a great deceiver is shared by men and women who are in league with him. The devil grants to unrighteous men the ability to speak words of deception that they might gain control over mankind. The book of Revelation figures Satan as the great dragon giving authority to a world ruler. This world ruler is marked by his subversive and perverse speech.
Revelation 13:1-8
And the dragon stood on the sand of the seashore... And the whole earth was amazed and followed after the beast; they worshiped the dragon because he gave his authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast, and who is able to wage war with him?" There was given to him a mouth speaking arrogant words and blasphemies, and authority to act for forty-two months was given to him. And he opened his mouth in blasphemies against God, to blaspheme His name and His tabernacle, that is, those who dwell in heaven. It was also given to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them, and authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation was given to him. All who dwell on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain.
What the wise Christian should understand is that this work of deceiving the nations is not merely a matter for the very last days of mankind. It will reach a crescendo at the end of the age, but it has been going on apace ever since Satan first spoke words of deception to mankind in the Garden. Today, having satisfied myself of the truth of this matter, I declare that the saints of God, even the elect, are subject to this work of delusion. Satan has persuaded mankind of many falsehoods. He has led the church to imbibe poisoned waters. There is not a realm of life in which this deception cannot be observed to have infiltrated the minds and thinking of believers.
The apostle Paul, writing to the Hebrew saints of the first century spoke the following warning.
Hebrews 13:9
Do not be carried away by varied and strange teachings; for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, through which those who were so occupied were not benefitted.
Note the parallel employment of the words “strange teachings” and “foods.” Doctrines and thoughts are compared to foods that mankind consumes. Satan has been setting a table for mankind, and especially for the chosen of God, for long ages. He is a master at getting men and women to eat the very deadliest poisons that lead to ruin and destruction.
Note this connection between teaching and foods again in the following passage.
Revelation 2:20
But I have this against you, that you tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, and she teaches and leads My bond-servants astray so that they commit acts of immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols.
The book of Revelation is written in symbolic speech. Eating things sacrificed to idols is a figure of speech meant to convey the thought that the church had been consuming doctrines of demons. There are prophets and prophetesses in the church today who are speaking perverse things that come from Satan. The end result of the church imbibing this poisoned food and drink is immorality and a darkened understanding. Satan has succeeded in replacing truth with lies, and forming in the minds of men and women everywhere falsehoods and deceits that are accepted as truth.
In this writing I will mention some specific examples of the falsehoods widely adopted by men and women in the church. I do not doubt that the majority of the readers of this series will find that they have been led astray by the deception spewing forth as a great flood from the mouth of Satan. His instruments of deception are legion. The entire earth is being flooded with lies. The success Satan has enjoyed in deceiving the nations will only end when he is chained and cast into the abyss.
Revelation 20:1-3
Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold of the dragon, the serpent of old, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; and he threw him into the abyss, and shut it and sealed it over him, so that he would not deceive the nations any longer...
Understand what is stated here. Satan will be bound at a future date to keep him from that work he has been doing with profound effect. Satan deceives the nations. You and I dwell in these nations. We are surrounded by a deceived population. In many ways the deceptions embraced by society have been adopted by the saints. The whole world lies in the power of the evil one. Deceived people do not know they are deceived. Mankind’s actions and judgments are predicated upon what they believe. When they have swallowed a lie, people depart from the will of God.
II Corinthians 11:3
But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray...
Paul’s fears are well founded. The church has been led astray. Indeed, the condition of the church in these last days is far worse than that of the virgin church of the first century. The apostle foretells the wretchedness of the church in the end of the age when the work of Satan has come to its full fruition.
II Timothy 4:3-4
For the time will come when they (men in the church) will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.
Who is the author of false doctrines, and of the myths and fables the church has embraced? It is none other than Satan, the great deceiver. It is a tragic truth that in a majority of churches today the lessons being taught, and the doctrines being delivered, were written by Satan. Sound doctrine, that which originates in the mind of the Father, is not endured by the churches, which is to say they will not tolerate it.
We live in a perilous hour when men prefer lies over truth, and this is the condition in the church as well as out. I have often written of the Christian’s rejection of the disciple’s cross, a message of suffering, and of self-denial. The church has rejected the afflicted path that alone leads to life. They have amassed to themselves preachers of ease and prosperity, willingly turning a deaf ear to that truth that can save them.
What will be shown in this teaching series is that the deceptions of Christians go far beyond doctrines of the kingdom of God. Christians have been drinking the poisoned water of Satan that spills from the television, that is broadcast over the radio, that is channeled through the Internet, and which comes forth as a flood through books, magazines, billboards, and a veritable smorgasbord of media. Some very big lies have been swallowed by the unwary.
It is my hope that by exposing the pervasive nature of lies in this world, the overcomers in Christ might be alert to the deception that is all around them. It is my hope that some might be awakened by these words and by the revelations and examples set forth.
Like a blind man who is given vision for the first time, the experience can be traumatic, even unsettling. It is a frightening event to have one’s delusions stripped away and to be confronted with the truth. Yet, even a difficult truth is preferable to pleasant lies.
Revelation 13:9
If anyone has an ear, let him hear.
May you be blessed with peace and understanding as you read.
Joseph Herrin
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