Tabernacles – Reminding us Life is Temporary ...
“For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away." (James 4:14)
In 3 Week's Time...
Yes, that's right, on the evening of Friday September 25th, as sunset comes to God's people around the world, we will be gathering together where possible or logging in from home to hear the opening night message of the Feast of Tabernacles for 2026.
It's hard to comprehend how fast this year has sped by -- it seems only a few weeks ago that we were considering 2026 could turn out to be a "watershed year", and in hindsight it certainly has, and it's not over yet. Although, as Job put it millennia before: "My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle ... my life is wind ... as the cloud is consumed and vanisheth away ..." (Job 7:6-9) ... we don't mourn the swiftness of the passing days and years as others do, because we have SO much to look forward to in the near future. There's nothing worth hanging onto in this world is there?
God's Glorious Plan
- O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! (Romans 11:33)
Indeed, this life of ours that rushes by with ever-increasing speed has been designed for a glorious God-ordained purpose, which is laid out for us year after year within the seven annual festivals. Beginning with the Passover we are able to be reconciled to God the Father through the death of Christ and our acceptance of His sacrifice to forgive past sins. (Romans 5:8-11) During the days of Unleavened Bread which follow, we "digest" and make part of us the Word of God, changing when we see we've not only done wrong, but are wrong. Even so, we need more help if we are to "walk as He walked" -- and that is where Pentecost comes in, with the priceless gift of the Holy Spirit for the smaller harvest of firstfruits. (John 14:16-18)
Then we come to the autumn/fall festivals and the fulcrum around which all the other festivals and holy days revolve on the calendar of God – the Day of Trumpets. But that day is a fulcrum in an even greater way as well, as it pictures the transition from this present evil world into what is the glorious liberty of the children of God, and the establishment of His Kingdom.
- The whole creation waits breathless with anticipation for the revelation of God's sons and daughters.
- Creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice — it was the choice of the one who subjected it — but in the hope
- that the creation itself will be set free from slavery to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of God's children.
- We know that the whole creation is groaning together and suffering labor pains up until now.
- And it's not only the creation. We ourselves who have the Spirit as the first crop of the harvest also groan inside as we wait to be adopted and for our bodies to be set free. (Romans 8:19-23 CEB).
That incredible transition will begin with the return of Jesus Christ to this earth at the last Trump in supreme power and glory to rule over all nations (Revelation 11:15). Then we come to the Day of Atonement, picturing the removal of Satan and the complete nullifying of his power, making it possible for a state of true at-one-ment for all mankind. A veritable Jubilee bringing liberty to all mankind. (Leviticus 25:10) And that then brings us to the Feast of Tabernacles.
Feast of Booths
- "Ye shall dwell in booths seven days; all that are Israelites born shall dwell in booths ..." (Leviticus 23:42)
The Feast of Tabernacles – or booths – pictures the millennial rule of Jesus Christ and His resurrected saints as the ruling family, or Kingdom of God, over this entire earth transforming it over the course of 1000 years into a literal utopia. And the millennium is not an end in itself, but it's to prepare the earth -- and the teachers -- for the Last Great Day, when all who've ever lived and died without the knowledge of the Truth will be given their first chance of salvation through a resurrection to physical life into what will be an earthly paradise. At that time the earth will be filled with unsurpassed physical abundance:
- Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the treader of grapes him that soweth seed; and the mountains shall drop sweet wine, and all the hills shall melt. (Amos 9:13)
But of far more importance during these two periods of time is the SPIRITUAL ABUNDANCE – a world filled with the spirit of God: "as the waters cover the sea" (Isaiah 11:9, Habakkuk 2:14) – generating a society intent on "loving God with heart, soul and might and his neighbour as himself", the result being lives brimful with love, joy, peace, patience, courteousness, goodness, faith, teachableness -- ie. the very character of God.
- But now, my servant Jacob, my chosen Israel, listen;
- Here is the promise of the Eternal who made you, your helper from your birth. "Fear not O my servant Jacob, O Jeshurun, whom I chose,
- for I will pour water on the thirsty land and streams on the dry ground, I will pour my spirit on your children, my blessing on your offspring,
- till they spring up like grass among the waters, like willows by a water-course.
- One shall say, 'I am the Eternal's', another shall call himself 'Jacob', another shall mark his hand 'The Eternal's' and be honoured with 'Israel' as a surname" (Isaiah 44:1-5 Moffatt).
And this is where the booths come in. During the Feast of Tabernacles we gather together where possible in temporary dwellings – hotel rooms, cottages and condominiums – to drive home the lesson that everything that is physical on this earth -- including ourselves -- is only temporary: "You are but a mist, which appears for a little and then vanishes" (James 4:14 Moffatt) whereas what is of lasting value – the true riches of the world tomorrow – is the character and love of God that will go on for eternity:
- My righteousness is near; my salvation is gone forth, and mine arms shall judge the people; the isles shall wait upon me, and on mine arm shall they trust.
- Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath: for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner: but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished. (Isaiah 51:5-6)
Solomon's Splendour
The kingdom of Israel did have a pale foretaste of something approaching this time 3000 years previously during the rule of King Solomon. His reign was a unique time in Israel's history. From a humble beginning as a slave people 500 years before, God granted Israel under King David, the father of Solomon – "rest round about from all his enemies" (II Samuel 7:1). Under Solomon this then extended – allowing Israel to become dominant in the area under the wisest, richest and most honoured monarch ever – with "every man under his vine and under his fig tree":
- Judah and Israel were many, as the sand which is by the sea in multitude, eating and drinking, and making merry.
- And Solomon reigned over all kingdoms from the river [Euphrates] unto the land of the Philistines, and unto the border of Egypt: they brought presents, and served Solomon all the days of his life...
- For he had dominion over all the region on this side the river [Euphrates], from Tiphsah even to Azzah, over all the kings on this side the river: and he had peace on all sides round about him.
- And Judah and Israel dwelt safely, every man under his vine and under his fig tree, from Dan even to Beersheba, all the days of Solomon... (1 Kings 4:20-21, 24-25)
Ecclesiastes
But the time of Solomon was merely a shadow of what is to come. The millennial rule of Jesus Christ – without the satanic influence – is going to be very different. At that time, the emphasis on the spiritual will be clear from the onset – preparing all mankind to become part of the family and Kingdom of God. But that was not the case for King Solomon. Although he was wise – the wisest of all the kings of the earth, (I Kings 4:29-31) there is no evidence that he was converted as was his father David. And for this reason, although he appeared to have it all physically – untold wealth, wisdom, power and fame – he ended his days hating life, filled with depression and despair at the apparent injustice of it all.
- So I hated life, because the things that happen under the sun were troublesome to me. Definitely, everything is pointless — just wind chasing.
- I hated the things I worked so hard for here under the sun, because I will have to leave them to someone who comes after me.
- And who knows whether that one will be wise or foolish? Either way, that person will have control over the results of all my hard work and wisdom here under the sun. That too is pointless.
- I then gave myself up to despair, as I thought about all my laborious hard work under the sun,
- because sometimes those who have worked hard with wisdom, knowledge, and skill must leave the results of their hard work as a possession to those who haven't worked hard for it. This too is pointless — it's a terrible wrong.
- I mean, What do people get for all their hard work and struggles under the sun?
- All their days are pain, and their work is aggravation; even at night, their hearts don't find rest. This too is pointless. (Ecclesiastes 2:17-23 CEB)
Our Short Pilgrimage
Without the plan of God to illuminate us would not we – as did Solomon – also regard this physical, chemical existence as utterly pointless? Each of the Jewish holidays is characterised by a particular book in the Old Testament and during Tabernacles (Succoth) it is traditional to read the book of Ecclesiastes. But without appreciating the message Christ brought and the hope within in it for all mankind, then -- as one Jewish individual put it:
Its message, in effect, is to enjoy life while you can. Understand that “stuff” happens; the good are not always rewarded and the bad are not always punished. There is nothing a person can do to escape death (and there is no mention of afterlife); the rich and poor are headed to the same end. Everything of beauty and value perishes. And there is no greater pleasure in life than the ephemeral happiness of a good meal with the woman you love.
A case for "eat, drink and be merry" -- and not much point in doing anything else apart from passing on our genetic code, as the evolutionists would tell us. Certainly the apostle Paul recognised this god-less approach – but then immediately proclaimed his firm understanding and faith in the awesome plan that God has for all mankind
- If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
- But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
- For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
- For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
- But every man in his own order ... (I Corinthians 15:19-23)
Mr Armstrong too – particularly towards the end of his life – would comment on the fragile nature of our human frame. This extract from a sermon in May 1982 is typical:
"... All we have is a chemical existence and life isn’t very long anyway. I think I realize that more than when I used to speak to you 30 or 40 years ago. Somehow, I don’t know how, I sneaked past middle age. I never hit middle age. But now I look back and see I’m past it. I don’t know how I got past it. But in less than three months now, I will be in my ninetieth year. So that’s a little older than most of you and I’ve come to realize that life, this life, this temporary existence, is just a will-o-the-wisp, it’s just here today and gone tomorrow. Almost no time at all..." (Interracial Marriage May 1982)
Recognised by God
Once we begin to recognise this will-o-the-wisp nature of our current physical lives –- that each and every day we live we are that much closer to our death -- "dying you will die" (Genesis 2:17) - then how ridiculous indeed is our human arrogance and posturing towards the Eternal? As He says through the prophet Isaiah:
- Woe to him who quarrels with his Maker - a worthless piece of broken pottery among other broken pieces, equally worthless! Shall the clay say to the potter, 'What are you doing?', or does the thing say "He has no hands'? (Isaiah 45:9 Amplified)
Earlier on in Isaiah, God describes the nations, let alone individuals as "a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance: behold, he taketh up the isles as a very little thing" (Isaiah 40:15). But on the positive side, King David brings out in Psalm 103 that God not only recognises our frailty and human weakness, but shows mercy and pity for those striving to obey Him, being the loving Father that He is:
- Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.
- For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.
- As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.
- For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.
- But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children’s children;
- To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them. (Psalm 103:13-18)
Not Even Come to Mind
The millennium itself will be transitory, as will the Last Great Day, but the abundant life Christ promised (John 10:10) will be a life leading inexorably into eternity, as it will be based on solid spiritual qualities. Far surpassing all we experience today, we're promised that with the arrival of the new heavens and new earth, all this physical existence, every human experience "shall not be remembered, nor come into mind" (Isaiah 65:17).
- Thou, which hast shewed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth.
- Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side. (Psalm 71:20, 21)
It appears we will think as much then about this present frail human existence as we do today of our time within the womb. All the pain, suffering, heartaches and sorrows in our lives today – and those of the world around us – are merely working towards that time for which we yearn:
- ... Though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
- For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
- While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
- For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
- For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven:
- If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.
- For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but [further clothed], that mortality might be swallowed up of life. (II Corinthians 4:16-5:4)
Temporary Dwellings
So as we approach the Feast of Tabernacles this year it is an appropriate time to consider the frailty of this existence we call life – just before we travel to our temporary dwellings – looking forward not just to the Millennium, but out into an eternity of REAL Life, and the godly character, the way of life, that will make it an ETERNAL utopia. We need to make the most of each and every day God gives us, because the purpose of this fleeting physical life is to learn the fundamental, vital lesson of the Two Trees, so we can be the teachers of The Way to all humanity -- in the Millennium first and then out into all eternity; "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 12:3)
As this will be the last Pastor's Report until after the Feast, I thought it worthwhile to end with Mr. Armstrong's summing up of God's incredible Plan and Purpose in the final chapter of Mystery of the Ages:
Our potential is to be born into the God family, receiving total power! We are to be given jurisdiction over the entire universe! What are we going to do then? These scriptures indicate we shall impart life to billions and billions of dead planets, as life has been imparted to this earth. We shall create, as God directs and instructs. We shall rule through all eternity! Revelation 21 and 22 show there will then be no pain, no suffering, no evil, because we shall have learned to choose God’s way of good. It will be an eternal life of accomplishment, constantly looking forward in super-joyous anticipation to new creative projects, and still looking back also on accomplishments with happiness and joy over what shall have been already accomplished.
We shall never grow tired and weary. Always alive – full of joyous energy, vitality, exuberant life and strength and power!
Earth To Become UNIVERSE Headquarters
Finally, even God the Father will come to this earth. His throne over the whole universe will be established on this earth.
Notice in I Corinthians 15:24, after speaking of the various resurrections, it is recorded: “Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.”
In Revelation 21:3: “And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.”
And further in Revelation 22:3: “And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him.”
When it speaks of God and the LAMB, the LAMB represents Christ and God refers to the FATHER.
Finally the at-one-ment shall be completed. Both God the Father and the Son Jesus Christ in us and we united with them as the one great supreme God family.
How wonderful beyond the ability of words to express is the glory of God and his wonderful purpose actually now in progress. Praise, honor and glory be to God and to Jesus Christ forever and forever.
With God’s great master plan of seven thousand years finally completed – the mystery of the ages finally revealed, and with the re-creating of the vast universe and eternity lying ahead, we come finally to
THE BEGINNING.
Are we living in…
‘The Latter Days’?
Over 3,500 years ago, Moses was inspired to write this startling prophecy:
“For I know that after my death ye will utterly corrupt yourselves, and turn aside from the way which I have commanded you; and evil will befall you IN THE LATTER DAYS; because ye will do evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger through the work of your hands.” (Deuteronomy 31:29)
Around 2,500 years ago, the prophet Daniel used the same term, “IN THE LATTER DAYS” , and indicated that this event was in the far future.
“Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days : for yet the vision is for many days.” (Daniel 10:14)
“The Latter Days” Is The Same As “The Time Of The End”
In Daniel chapter 11, Daniel was inspired to write yet another prophecy about an end time event. At the time of the end, the King of the South is to ‘push’ against, or attack, the King of the North, and the King of the North responds by taking over most of the Middle East and cutting off the daily sacrifices in Jerusalem. (Daniel 11:40)
Prophecy Active - Right Now!
“I will break the pride of your power…” (Leviticus 26:19)
When we look at recent news events, we can see this happening right now!
When it comes down to weapons of war, one of the ultimate weapons is the mighty aircraft carrier.
The United States Has The Largest Carrier Fleet In The World
“The United States operates the world’s largest aircraft carrier fleet by a massive margin. As of 2025, the US has 20 carriers in active service, including 11 traditional aircraft carriers and 9 helicopter carriers. That is nearly three times more total carriers than China, which ranks second globally with 7. American carriers form the backbone of the country’s global naval power projection. The fleet includes some of the largest and most technologically advanced warships ever built, including the nuclear-powered Gerald R Ford-class supercarriers.” (worldpopulationreview.com)
But - Only 4 Of 11 US Aircraft Carriers Are Operational
“The US Navy’s carrier fleet is stretched thinner than it looks on paper. Out of 11 nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, only 4 are currently operational. The rest are either docked for repairs, undergoing refueling, or stuck in overhaul cycles that can drag on for years. That’s not a rumor. That’s the July 2025 status confirmed by fleet trackers and Navy dispatches.” (citizenwatchreport.com)
All Eyes Are On One Warship - The USS Gerald R Ford
“Having the Ford in position to strike Iran, and potentially to defend Israel, would significantly add to the firepower provided by the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Gulf of Oman and the many other US assets in the region. In a full-scale scenario, if Iran launches all available missiles and drones and sends out all its fast-attack craft, submarines and ships, it may manage to inflict serious losses on the US, up to and including the sinking of one or more US warships – though probably not the carriers. The stakes are high.” (telegraph.co.uk)
The USS Gerald R Ford Retreating From Iran
“America’s new $13 billion aircraft carrier forced to retreat from Iran war because eco-friendly toilets won’t flush. The ship was also hit by a fire on March 12 in a laundry area, which filled multiple sections with smoke, damaged berthing spaces and left some living quarters unusable. Smoke is believed to have spread through the ship’s air circulation system, contaminating mattresses and linens and rendering some areas virtually unliveable. It comes just days after Trump made a scathing remark about Great Britain’s aircraft carrier, calling it a ‘toy’ before mocking the UK’s decision to send ships when the Iran war is over.” (dailymail.co.uk)
Iran Claimed They Targeted The Premier American Aircraft Carrier
“Tehran has claimed responsibility, asserting IT SUCCESSFULLY TARGETED THE PREMIER AMERICAN AIRCRAFT CARRIER.” (zerohedge.com)
Ford Carrier Damage Far More Severe Than Pentagon Acknowledged
The damage inflicted looks a lot more like a missile strike as opposed to a fire in a tumble dryer!
“Newly surfaced footage obtained by CNN indicates that a severe fire aboard the USS Gerald R Ford - the world’s largest aircraft carrier - inflicted far more extensive damage than the Trump administration initially admitted to the public. Early in the conflict it was forced to depart Mideast regional waters and retreat West in the Mediterranean, before undergoing extensive repairs at port in Croatia.
Pundits were skeptical of official explanations, which suggested an accidental fire was sparked in the laundry room aboard the giant vessel. The major blaze erupted in March at a moment Iran claimed to have directly hit US naval vessels, but the crisis was consistently downplayed by Pentagon officials at the time.
The obtained video reveals severely destroyed sleeping quarters, showing sailors’ bunks entirely reduced to charred, twisted metal. The ceiling directly above the berthing areas appears completely gutted by the intense flames, while exposed wiring hangs from overhead and thick ash blankets the floor.
One sailor and eyewitness stationed on board the aircraft carrier told CNN: ‘I seriously thought we were going to lose the ship. It’s either fight or die.’ This doesn’t sound like some localized fire in a small compartment, BUT A MASSIVE EMERGENCY - which as we now know derailed the Ford’s ongoing Iran mission in CENTCOM regional waters.
According to prior revealed details, it took the carrier’s crew approximately 30 hours of continuous damage control to fully extinguish the fire, clear out the wreckage, and importantly prevent the fire from reigniting. Some 600 sailors were displaced and left without access to their standard bunks, it had been revealed soon after the event took place.
While the definitive cause of the fire remains unclear, Tehran has claimed responsibility, asserting it successfully targeted the premier American aircraft carrier.” (zerohedge.com)
Iran’s Regime Is Confident Of Victory
“More than 13,000 air strikes have proved that American and Israeli jets rule the skies above the Islamic Republic. Yet, despite everything, the regime strives to create an aura of brazen confidence. After Donald Trump denounced Iran’s ‘totally unacceptable’ response to an American peace plan, the foreign ministry spokesman in Tehran replied simply: ‘We don’t care if others are happy or not.’ Having suffered 40 days of round-the-clock bombing from two of the most formidable air forces in the world, Iran is now enduring a US naval blockade designed to strangle its seaborne oil exports and sever its economic lifeline once and for all. So is the regime’s defiance justified, or evidence of delusion and folly?” (telegraph.co.uk)
Iran’s New Plan To Take On The US
“Iran’s leaders have learnt a fundamental lesson from the war with the United States: the West runs on oil, and Iran sits astride the routes that carry it. ‘Any renewed aggression on the part of the enemy must be met with a response that directly targets the vital interests of the United States and its allies,’ it said.
It sets out four steps:
The first step is a halt to oil exports from Hormuz. Iran would seek to stop all crude leaving the Strait of Hormuz, attacking tankers and laying sea mines. They would also look to launch attacks on neighbours’ production and refining infrastructure so severe, the doctrine said, that it could not be rebuilt ‘for several years’. This is the single most powerful lever Iran holds.
The second plan of attack is opening a second front in the Red Sea. Closing Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb together would put Iran’s hand on two of the arteries linking Europe, the Middle East and Asia at once.
The third is raising the human and financial cost to the US. The doctrine urged a strategy of ‘cost-imposition’, using asymmetric strikes to inflict heavy casualties on US forces quickly enough to drive Washington’s cost-benefit calculation ‘to zero or negative’.
The fourth is a deliberately ambiguous shift in doctrine. Arguing the enemy had trampled Iran’s past red lines, Iranian military analysts urged Tehran to maximise ‘strategic ambiguity’, putting options on the table that would force ‘every military analyst to reconsider the new boundaries of Iran’s deterrent power’. Put more extreme red lines on the table, daring the US to break them and threatening a more extreme response.” (telegraph.co.uk)
America Has Suffered A Strategic Defeat Against Iran
“The moment has arrived. The evidence is in. The jury has concluded its deliberations and the verdict is clear. Donald Trump’s war against the Islamic Republic of Iran can now be declared a strategic defeat for the most powerful nation on Earth. It is with great reluctance and significant anguish that I reach this conclusion.
The final nail in the coffin of America’s hopes came on Sunday, when Trump called off ‘the biggest attack since World War Two’ amid talks that could hand Tehran at least partial control of the Strait of Hormuz. He also expressed his hopes that the latest ‘deal’ – how many deals have there supposedly been now? – would lead to ‘an end to Iran’s nuclear threat’.
After six months of on-off fighting which could cost upwards of a trillion dollars, the US and Gulf states now lack sufficient munitions, both offensive and defensive, to impose a decisive strategic outcome. Meanwhile, despite sustaining remarkably heavy losses during Trump’s epic fury, the regime in Tehran remains bloody but unbowed, its grim hands tight on the levers of coercion: its remaining missile capabilities and the ability to disrupt the Strait of Hormuz.
Not only is the threat from Iran undefeated, but American deterrence has sustained a generational level of damage. To make matters worse, its stock of munitions are running low. All the worst people in the world, from Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping to the maimed Ayatollah himself, are laughing and sharpening their knives.” (telegraph.co.uk)
Iran Security Chief: Hormuz Closed “Until America Corrects Its Behaviour”
“Iran’s top national security official warned Saturday that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the United States ‘corrects its behavior,’ issuing a sweeping list of demands as Vice President JD Vance said Washington remains in the ‘middle of the game’ and is continuing to apply diplomatic, economic, and military pressure on Tehran.
Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council and a former senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander, demanded that the United States end military action and threats against Iran and its regional allies,
- lift its naval blockade
- withdraw US naval and air forces from around Iran
- lift sanctions
- unconditionally release frozen Iranian assets
‘Until America corrects its behavior, the Strait of Hormuz will not be reopened,’ Zolghadr said in a statement carried by Iranian state media. ‘These are the demands of the Iranian people, which they have loudly proclaimed during 160 days of steadfast presence in the field and in the streets,’ he said. Zolghadr also vowed that Iran’s Supreme National Security Council ‘will never back down, whether in war or in negotiations’.
IRGC General Hossein Mohebbi reinforced that position Saturday, saying the reopening of Hormuz is ‘completely independent’ of the Iran-Oman negotiations and would come only after Washington accepts Tehran’s conditions.” (breitbart.com)
US Aircraft Carrier On Way To Relieve USS Lincoln
“The deployment, which was originally set to end in May, has been repeatedly extended. No return date has been announced, but on Thursday multiple outlets reported the US was preparing to replace the carrier with the USS George Washington as part of a previously scheduled rotation plan.
Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal listed the reported hardships on the carrier, where about 5,000 people currently live, in a letter to Hegseth.
‘Shortages of basic supplies, water contamination, plumbing issues, deteriorating mental health, deck safety concerns and disruptions in the mail system, which have caused many care packages in route to the ship to be lost in transit for months,’ the Democrat, who serves on the Armed Services Committee, wrote.
‘These reports warrant immediate attention, but they also raise a broader question: whether the Navy can sustain the operational tempo now being demanded of its carrier force.’” (bbc.co.uk)
Pentagon Hiding Missile Shortage From White House
“Rumours are spreading across the administration that the Pentagon is concealing a shortage of interceptor missiles, which are needed to resume the war. Sharing ‘bad news, or realistic news, doesn’t seem to end well for anybody’, an insider told The Telegraph. Analysis by the Royal United Services Institute in March calculated the US and its allies had burned through more than 11,000 munitions in the first 16 days of war, and predicted they were a month away from running out of critical munitions.” (telegraph.co.uk)
Now - Trump Wants To Unleash “Economic D-Day”
“Now Trump wants to squeeze the life out of Tehran with another tactic: taking down its crippled economy. Trump said last week that he was about to launch an ‘economic D-Day’ and ‘economic warfare… on an unprecedented scale’ to end the conflict. ‘These maniacs are on the ropes and these HISTORIC MEASURES will cripple them and their ability to project terror worldwide,’ he said on his Truth Social site.
But if Trump thinks unleashing US financial firepower will finally turn the tide of the six-month-old conflict, he is in for a rude awakening. Iran’s mullahs have suffered economic onslaughts before and analysts say Trump is deluded to think he can succeed where others have failed.” (telegraph.co.uk)
And The Truth Is…?
Did an Iranian missile disable the mighty USS Gerald R Ford? The truth is very difficult to find. But it seems that the fire on the USS Gerald R Ford was serious enough to take it out of service for at least a year and cause a huge amount of damage.
Is the US really running low on missiles? Some have been transferred from South Korea back to the Middle East - and the President called off a planned assault on Iran. Now we have economic warfare.
Financial pressure - the US at war with the bond market as interest rates rise.
Who Is Winning The war?
The Iranian government is still running the country. They are still claiming victory. They are saying that they “will never back down, whether in war or in negotiations.” They still claim to control the straights of Hormuz. They are playing for time - the longer this war drags out the higher the cost to America. So far, this war has cost the US over one trillion dollars! All financed on borrowed money!
If You Think The US National Debt Is $40 Trillion …Think Again!
“That $40 trillion figure is $136 trillion short! The actual total national debt is more than $176 trillion. At that level, each and every federal taxpayer is liable for $1.1 million in outstanding debt.” (pjmedia.com)
America: A Nation Under A Curse!
FINANCE
In Deuteronomy 28 we read about the blessings for obeying God:
“…Thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow.” (Deuteronomy 28:12)
“…The borrower is servant to the lender.” (Proverbs 22:7)
Trump Is In Another Unwinnable War With The Bond Market
“As US debt rockets, the president and allies are scrambling to prevent a financial earthquake. Trump urged the American public not to worry about the bond markets’ jitters. Trump’s gamble, with the world’s biggest debt stockpile, is that he can keep the party going. But in trying to take on the bond vigilantes, Trump and Bessent may inadvertently have started another unwinnable war.” (telegraph.co.uk)
Then the curse for disobedience …the reality of today’s world:
“The stranger that is within thee shall get up above thee very high; and thou shalt come down very low. He shall lend to thee, and thou shalt not lend to him: he shall be the head, and thou shalt be the tail.” (Deuteronomy 28:43-44)
POWER
Remember the curse in Leviticus 26:19 - “And I will break the pride of your power…”
The pride of the US navy - the USS Gerald R Ford, the largest aircraft carrier in the world, the most expensive carrier ever built, it boasts not one but two nuclear reactors, carries over 75 aircraft and 5,500 crew - had to leave the war zone due to blocked toilets and a fire in the laundry room! I think the pride in the power took a bit of a hit!
Between America and Israel, they have flown over 13,000 missions against Iran, and Iran is still going strong! And after this huge onslaught, Iran is still defiant. They will drag this war on and on - knowing that they are in control holding much of the world hostage.
Now it looks like Iran could join in the Mecca agreement!
“Iran has been invited to join the Mecca Agreement for Mutual Defense, the new security alliance established by Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan earlier this month, Al Mayadeen reported on Saturday, citing a senior Iranian official. The invitation has not yet been officially confirmed by Iran's Foreign Ministry or by any of the three countries that are parties to the agreement. Mehdi Rahimi, head of the Iranian parliament's Khaneh Mellat news agency, told the channel that ‘Iran has received an invitation to join the Mecca Agreement, and the matter is under review.’ Rahimi added that countries in the region ‘are moving toward seeking a regional security umbrella,’ and claimed that this represented ‘a victory for Iran, because it has been calling for this for a long time.’” (jpost.com)
Leviticus 26:19 - A Two Part Prophecy
The pride in American power is being broken - but don’t forget the second part of the verse...
“AND I will make your heaven as iron, and your earth as brass:”
The two are mentioned - together. What do we see in both Britain and the US? Drought! Our food supply is under threat. Many nations that normally export food are also having problems. Russia has banned all exports of wheat while fresh fruit and vegetables are in short supply in Europe.
Coming up - El Niño! The Super El Niño that we are currently experiencing is setting new water temperature records in the Pacific Ocean on a daily basis. More droughts and floods fulfilling the prophecy in Amos 4:7. “I have withholden the rain from you …I caused it to rain upon one city, and caused it not to rain upon another city:”
Just In The Last Few Weeks:
- USS Gerald R Ford - the premier aircraft carrier: disabled
- Second carrier short of basic supplies
- US running low on missiles
- US interest rates on debt rising - America is drowning in debt
- Iran’s regime is still confident of victory!
- Wild weather - floods and drought
- Now - the threat of El Niño
- The Mecca agreement starting to unite the Muslim nations - the foundation for the King of the South
“But THE END OF ALL THINGS IS AT HAND: be ye therefore SOBER, and watch unto prayer.” (I Peter 4:7)
(sober - From G4998; to be of sound mind, that is, sane)
It looks like the “latter days” have arrived!
But The Warning Was ALWAYS There …From The Very Beginning!
Moses was inspired to write:
“For I know that after my death ye will utterly corrupt yourselves, and turn aside from the way which I have commanded you; and evil will befall you IN THE LATTER DAYS; because ye will do evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger through the work of your hands.” (Deuteronomy 31:29)
The prophet Jeremiah warned that God would complete His plan:
“The anger of the LORD shall not return, until he have executed, and till he have performed the thoughts of his heart: in THE LATTER DAYS ye shall consider it perfectly.” (Jeremiah 23:20)
Jesus Christ gave us this time setting in Matthew 24:
“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.” (Matthew 24:14)
In his book ‘Mystery of the Ages’, God’s end time apostle stated:
“This gospel now has been preached into every nation. During its 50 years of proclamation, nuclear energy has developed with capacity for the first time in history to destroy every human alive on earth.” (Mystery of the Ages - Chapter 4)
At the end of his book ‘The United States And Britain In Prophecy’, Mr Armstrong concludes:
“By God’s direction and authority, I have laid THE TRUTH before you! To neglect it will be tragic beyond imagination! To heed it will bring blessings, happiness and GLORY beyond description!
The decision is now YOURS!”
So: Are we living in the “Latter Days”?
Watch the signs of the times!
Latest Audio - 2026-08-29
“Just what is an APOSTLE?”
Today we find the Church of God in a “wilderness of religious confusion!”
The confusion is not merely around the Church – within the religions of the world outside – but WITHIN the very heart of The True Church itself!
Read online or contact email to request a copy
