Wednesday, June 13, 2012

JOURNAL: Strange Bedfellows: Cannibalism and the Olympics

According to Google Trends, the term "cannibal" has risen in popularity over the past few weeks, no doubt due to the May 27, 2012 incident involving Rudy Eugene, who has been nicknamed the South Beach Cannibal.

Since then there have been a few other unrelated instances of cannibalism:

Moreover, interestingly, the term cannibal has even become synonymous with the term Zombie.  In fact, the South Beach incident which has been the de facto event that has started this recent zombie craze occurred on the 1-year anniversary of the CDC's Zombie Apocalypse Campaign and approximately 1 month after a Castle episode with an eerily similar plot line.

In light of the foregoing, I was reading an article yesterday in the Guardian regarding the 2012 London Olympics and came across the following:

[The director Danny] Boyle had already revealed that the three-hour opening ceremony would be titled Isles of Wonder, a title based on a speech by Caliban in Shakespeare's The Tempest that will be referenced throughout the four ceremonies of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.


I wanted to find out why this speech by a character named Caliban was being used as the title of the Olympics opening ceremony, so I checked out the Wikipedia entry for Caliban and here is what I found:

Caliban is the son of Sycorax by (according to Prospero) a devil.

Further...

The name is an anagram of the Spanish word canibal (Carib people), the source of cannibal in English.

I'm not sure what it means, but I find it definitely strange that there is a seeming connection between the Olympics and all the cannibal/zombie stories that have been surfacing a month prior to the Olympics.

Friday, June 8, 2012

Examiner 06-08-2012: Arizona losing real hunger games


Arizona is above the national average when it comes to kids going hungry according to a recent report. Feeding America, a National organization committed to feeding America's hungry released their report this week which shows Arizona has tied with Oregon for last place in feeding its hungry kids. According to the Phoenix Business Journal, 29 percent of Arizona children suffer from what is referred to as food insecurity, defined by the USDA as those with "limited or uncertain access to adequate food.”

Unfortunately, this percentage rate has slightly increased from the 2009 Report. In stark contrast, the national average of hungry kids is at 21 percent, which has actually decreased from 23 percent in 2009. Moreover, it appears that kids are not the only people going hungry. The overall hunger rate in Arizona is at 19 percent while the national average is at 16 percent. The Phoenix Business Journal goes on to surmise that what may be a contributing factor in this food crises may be due to the high unemployment and poverty rate in Arizona.

The Bible Prophecy Connection

The book of Revelation warns that in the End Times the world will face a food shortage and resulting famine that will make this crisis in Arizona pale in comparison. In Revelation 6, the last two horsemen of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, show that food will be in short supply and that it will result in famine, and ultimately, death.
5 When the Lamb opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come!” I looked, and there before me was a black horse! Its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand. 6 Then I heard what sounded like a voice among the four living creatures, saying, “Two pounds of wheat for a day’s wages, and six pounds of barley for a day’s wages, and do not damage the oil and the wine!” 7 When the Lamb opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, “Come!” 8 I looked, and there before me was a pale horse! Its rider was named Death, and Hades was following close behind him. They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine and plague, and by the wild beasts of the earth.
Although we have already been seeing a gradual increase of food prices in the past several years, the black horse reveals that there will be a sharp increase of food prices during the End Times. This will eventually lead to increases in the occurrences of famine which will be one way the pale horse will bring death to the world's inhabitants.

WAKE UP!

It's time to WAKE UP and realize that hunger is not a game and this crisis is not just relegated to third world countries anymore but it is becoming a real issue in our country and even our state. Unfortunately, according to the Bible this crisis will continue to increase until Jesus comes back. However, it shouldn't stop us from continuing to do whatever we can to help feed people's mouths with food and feed their hearts with the gospel.

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Examiner 05-29-2012: A naked face-eating man, bath salts, and what it says about the End Times

Police shot and killed a naked man eating the face off of another naked man in Florida over the weekend.

In a grisly scene usually reserved for horror movies, Rudy Eugene, 31, was killed by Miami police on Sunday after witnesses said he growled at police and continued to eat the face of the victim, an unidentified homeless man, who is now recovering in the hospital. Authorities are now saying that this attack may have been caused by Eugene’s use of bath salts, a new dangerous form of LSD.

Read more.

UPDATE: 
Exclusive: Causeway Cannibal Had Bible, Recently Smoked Pot When He Attacked [Source: CBS Local, June 6, 2012]
Exclusive: For The First Time, Cannibal Victim Speaks [Source: CBSlocal.com, August 8, 2012]




Friday, May 18, 2012

Examiner 05-17-2012: Superheroes and the rise of the modern-day Nephilim



Comicbook fans and moviegoers in Phoenix are in for a super-action packed summer. Marvel's The Avengers recently kicked the summer into high gear with ticket sales now grossing over $1 billion worldwide.  Later this summer, two more comicbook related summer blockbusters will be released: The Amazing Spiderman on July 3, 2012 and The Dark Knight Rises on July 20, 2012.  There is no doubt that this summer's trifecta of superhero movies will bring in hundreds of millions of dollars.

Metro Phoenix area residents click here for the latest movie dates and times.
By no means however, is this movie-going summer any different than in the past decade or so when it comes to superhero movies.  Below is an inexhaustive list of comicbook-related summer blockbusters. These movies, along with a plethora of other superhero movies released over the past 12 years, have grossed in excess of $7 Billion.
Super hero Summer Blockbusters 2000 - 2011

July 2000 -- X-Men
May 2002 -- Spider-Man
May 2003 -- X-Men 2
June 2003 -- Hulk
June 2004 -- Spider-Man
June 2005 -- Batman Begins
July 2005 -- Fantastic Four
May 2006 -- X-Men: The Last Stand
June 2006 -- Superman Returns
May 2007 -- Spider-Man 3
June 2007 -- Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer
May 2008 -- Iron Man
June 2008 -- The Incredible Hulk
July 2008 -- The Dark Knight
May 2009 -- X-Men Origins: Wolverine
May 2010 -- Iron Man 2
May2011 -- Thor 
June 2011 -- The Green Lantern
July 2011 -- Captain America

For a more exhaustive list, click here and here

Superheroes: Truth or fiction?

Why has there been such a surge in the popularity of superhero movies within the past decade?

READ MORE...

Friday, May 11, 2012

Examiner 05-11-2012: J.T. Ready murder-suicide mystery and its End Times significance


On May 2, 2012, federal, state, and local law enforcement officers were called out to a grisly scene in Gilbert, Arizona, to investigate an apparent murder-suicide. Among the victims were Lisa Maderos, 47; her daughter, Amber Maderos, 23; Amber’s fiance, Jim Hoitt, 24; and their 16-month old daughter, Lily Mederos. Investigations are still ongoing but officials have reported that military-style weapons and bio-hazardous chemicals were also found at the crime scene.


(To read one of the initial stories from that fateful day, click here.)

What is unique about this crime and sets it apart from other similar cases, is that the alleged gunman, Jason Todd (J.T.) Ready, 39, who ultimately turned the gun on himself, had interesting political ties and a colorful background. All of this may have led to this tragedy.

A colorful past

Ready had a colorful past. He was a former Marine who had been dishonorably discharged. He was a founder/member of the controversial U.S. Border Guard, that routinely patrolled Arizona’s border. He had connections with the Hell’s Angels. He was also a political figure in the Republican party whose recent foray into the political arena was running as a Democrat for Pinal County Sheriff. However, probably most notably was his involvement with the National Socialist Movement, more infamously known as the Neo-Nazis.

Ready also had ties with former State Senator, Russell Pearce, sponsor of SB1070. Who interestingly enough, several years ago, ordained Ready in the Mormon church and was present at his baptism. Additionally, Ready had been outspoken on the immigration and gun rights issues which have recently plagued Arizona.

Unanswered questions

With Ready’s background and the mainstream media’s report of the facts, it would appear that he indeed was the shooter. However, below is a list of some things to think about that, if nothing else, present some interesting timing issues and leave some unanswered questions.


Read on...

Friday, May 4, 2012

Examiner 05-04-2012: This weeked: Supermoon appearing in Arizona Night Sky

This Saturday around 8:35 p.m., Arizona residents will be able to experience the biggest moon of 2012.

For all the trivia buffs out there, the technical definition of this event is a Perigee-syzgy.  However, it is more commonly referred to as a supermoon.  It occurs when the moon, in its oval orbit, is at the closest point to earth.  This moon will be 14 percent bigger and 30 percent brighter than normal moons when it is on the horizon Saturday night.

Arizona’s last supermoon occurred over a year ago on March 19, 2011.

The term supermoon was originally coined by astrologer, Richard Nolle, who believes that the supermoon is connected to destructive weather patterns, including the Christchurch, New Zealand earthquake of 2011.  Although there are no conclusive studies on the supermoon’s effect on the weather, it does make for some interesting conjecture.

The Bible Prophecy Connection

The moon plays a significant role during the Last Days.  In Joel 2:31, the Hebrew prophet prophesied that the moon would be turned to blood before the coming of the Day of the Lord.
31The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.
The fulfillment of this prophecy is seen in Revelation 6:12 at the opening of the sixth seal.
12 I watched as he opened the sixth seal. There was a great earthquake. The sun turned black like sackcloth made of goat hair, the whole moon turned blood red,
Further on in Revelation 8:12, at the revealing of the fourth trumpet judgment, the moon is darkened.
12 The fourth angel sounded his trumpet, and a third of the sun was struck, a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of them turned dark. A third of the day was without light, and also a third of the night.
This event is prophesied in other scriptures throughout the Bible (See, Ezekiel 32:7; Joel 2:10; Joel 3:15; Matthew 24:29; Mark 13:24; and Isaiah 13:10).

Wake Up!

Although this Saturday’s supermoon will not be the Biblical moon that is turned to blood and darkened heralding the coming of the Day of the Lord, it is a good reminder that those who follow Christ Jesus should WAKE UP! and look up for their redemption is drawing near (Luke 21:28).

For more interesting information on the moon and how it relates to the Bible, click here.

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Examiner 04-26-2012: Arizona SB1070 argued before Supreme Court and what it says about the End Times


Arizona’s controversial immigration law had its day in court on April 25, 2012 when it finally made its way to the Supreme Court of the United States after a 2-year long battle.


Attorneys for both sides appeared before the highest court on Wednesday to argue several of the controversial provisions within Arizona’s SB1070; the most infamous being, requiring police to determine the immigration status of people who they detain or arrest if they believe they are here illegally. This requirement has caused quite an uproar in this state and many opponents have made claims that this law encourages racial profiling and is unconstitutional.

According to the Washington Post, it appears that the Supreme Court may be leaning in favor of the Arizona law. However, the Supreme Court’s ruling will not issue until late June.

The Bible Prophecy Connection


In Matthew 24, Jesus in His discourse on the End Times states that one of the signs of the End Times will be an increase in ethnic wars.

3 As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”

4 Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many. 6 You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of birth pains.

The word “nation” is translated from the Greek word “ethnos”, which is where we get our terms ethnic or ethnicity. Thus we can read this as "ethnic group will rise against ethnic group" or "race will rise against race". There is no doubt that SB1070 is stirring up ethnic group against ethnic group here in Arizona and all over the nation for that matter.

WAKE UP

Unfortunately, the controversy over SB1070 is just one of many issues that are causing ethnic groups to rise up and fight against other ethnic groups in our nation and around the world. One thing is for sure, it’s time to WAKE UP! and realize that we are witnessing the intensifying of birth pangs signaling to us that we are living in the Last Days.

.

Friday, April 20, 2012

Examiner 04-20-2012: Arizona legalizes Bible course for students and what it says about the End Times

Arizona has now become the sixth state to implement a high school elective course on the Bible.

On April 17, 2012, Governor Jan Brewer, signed into law HB2563, which will allow high schools to offer a bible-based elective course on the Bible and its influence on Western Culture. According to the law itself, the course would do the following:

1. Familiarize pupils with the contents, characters, poetry and narratives that are prerequisites to understanding society and culture, including literature, art, music, mores, oratory and public policy.

2. Familiarize pupils with the following:
(a) The contents of the old testament and the new testament.
(b) The history recorded by the old testament and the new testament.
(c) The literary style and structure of the old testament and the new testament.
(d) The influence of the old testament and the new testament on laws, history,
[Read HB2563 in its entirety here.]

According to an article from MyFox10 News, the bill's sponsor, State Representative, Terri Proud, R-Tucson, believes that this type of course is necessary because there are references to the Bible everywhere in our culture.


The Bible Prophecy Connection

Jesus prophesied in Matthew 24:14 that the gospel of the kingdom, as established in the Bible, would be preached to the whole world.
14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
Over the centuries we have seen the gospel be preached in the remotest corners of the world.  Yet, in the past few decades we have seen it all but disappear in our culture.  Yet, God's Word will not return void but accomplish what He desires (Isaiah 55:11).  Thus, in Arizona we have seen the Bible be able to slip passed liberal bias and the religious restrictions of our society and end up being introduced into a classroom of students who might not have ever had the opportunity to read and experience the Bible. 

WAKE UP!

It's time to WAKE UP! and realize that God's Word as set forth in the Bible is true and powerful.  Yes, before the end of time, the gospel will be preached little by little until all nations have heard the Good News of Jesus Christ.  And here in Arizona we have seen a tiny bit of that prophecy fulfilled this past week by the signing into law HB2563.

More Information:
http://www.myfoxphoenix.com/dpp/news/politics/state_politics/Bible-Course-Bill-4-17-2012
http://www.myfoxphoenix.com/dpp/news/education/state-lawmaker-wants-public-schools-to-offer-elective-bible-class-1-23-2012
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/19/arizona-bible-course-bill_n_1437484.html

Friday, April 13, 2012

Examiner 04-13-2012: Maricopa County holds mock bioterrorist event on April 14

File this one under bioterrorism threats.


On Saturday, April 14, 2012 at North Canyon High School, the Maricopa County Department of Health, along with more than 200 volunteers, will be hosting a “dispensing drill” in order to prepare itself in case of a bioterrorism attack. In the event of such an attack the County would be responsible for working in conjunction with the community to distribute lifesaving antibiotics to more than 3.8 million residents.

To learn more information read press release here.

Unfortunately we live in a world where these sorts of drills have become commonplace, even to the point that they go unnoticed. These types of drills that were once only conducted in war-torn countries have increasingly been made a regular exercise in our country, and even in our own city.

The Bible Prophecy Connection

According to Matthew 24, Jesus prophesied that the time of the End would bring wars and rumors of war followed by death and destruction. Moreover, in Revelation 6 we read about the seven seals, the first four of which are famously known as the four Horseman of the Apocalypse:

1 I watched as the Lamb opened the first of the seven seals. Then I heard one of the four living creatures say in a voice like thunder, “Come!” 2 I looked, and there before me was a white horse! Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest. 3 When the Lamb opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, “Come!” 4 Then another horse came out, a fiery red one. Its rider was given power to take peace from the earth and to make people kill each other. To him was given a large sword. 5 When the Lamb opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come!” I looked, and there before me was a black horse! Its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand. 6 Then I heard what sounded like a voice among the four living creatures, saying, “Two pounds of wheat for a day’s wages, and six pounds of barley for a day’s wages, and do not damage the oil and the wine!” 7 When the Lamb opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, “Come!” 8 I looked, and there before me was a pale horse! Its rider was named Death, and Hades was following close behind him. They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine and plague, and by the wild beasts of the earth.

The last rider rides a pale horse representing death which will take many forms, including, perhaps, the use of bioterrorist weapons, killing a fourth of mankind.

WAKE UP!

As wars and rumors of war and the drills that prepare us for them continue to increase, it’s time to WAKE UP! and recognize that even though the four horseman are on their way bringing death and destruction, we who stand firm to the End, by the power of Jesus, will be saved (Matthew 24:13).

Friday, April 6, 2012

Examiner 04-06-2012: HB2549: Arizona's Internet Censorship Bill paving way for Anti-Christ's Kingdom

File this one under "Big Brother Legislation".

On March 28, the Arizona State Legislature passed HB 2549 that many critics claim would have serious constitutional repercussions. [Read the Bill here.]

HB 2549 amended a law already on the books that criminalizes harassing telephone calls and broadens it to "any electronic or digital device" in an effort to stop bullying and other types of harassment. While although this a noble cause, the Media Coalition, one of the bill’s most outspoken critics, believes that the bill is too overly broad and would harm rather than help the problem. As reported in a Phoenix New Times blog article, the Coalition sent the Governor a memo stating the following:

"H.B. 2549 is not limited to a one to one conversation between two specific people. The communication does not need to be repetitive or even unwanted. There is no requirement that the recipient or subject of the speech actually feel offended, annoyed or scared. Nor does the legislation make clear that the communication must be intended to offend or annoy the reader, the subject or even any specific person."

There has been so much media attention and negative publicity concerning this bill that as of April 3, instead of going to the Governor’s desk for signature the bill went into a conference committee were it will either be amended or laid to rest until the next legislative session.

The Bible Prophecy Connection

While although this bill will not be signed into law in its current form, it definitely is a shadow of things to come in the near future. According to Revelation 13:5-8, the Beast, otherwise known as the Anti-Christ, is given power over all peoples.

5 The beast was given a mouth to utter proud words and blasphemies and to exercise its authority for forty-two months. 6 It opened its mouth to blaspheme God, and to slander his name and his dwelling place and those who live in heaven. 7 It was given power to wage war against God’s holy people and to conquer them. And it was given authority over every tribe, people, language and nation. 8 All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast—all whose names have not been written in the Lamb’s book of life, the Lamb who was slain from the creation of the world.
We also know from Daniel 7:23 that the fourth and last world kingdom, ruled by the Anti-Christ, will be so powerful that it will control the whole earth.

23 “He gave me this explanation: ‘The fourth beast is a fourth kingdom that will appear on earth. It will be different from all the other kingdoms and will devour the whole earth, trampling it down and crushing it.

How does the Anti-Christ gain control over all the people of the world? More than likely it will be through programs and policies, such as HB2549, that keep us monitored and in fear. All one has to do is to briefly watch the news or search the internet to see that Arizona is not the only governmental entity that is slowly restricting the freedom of their people. It's happening all over our country and throughout the world via technology. Technology can be a good thing but very dangerous when used in the wrong way.

It's time to WAKE UP! and realize that as the government takes away our freedoms by monitoring the populace through police power and surveillance, they will be setting the stage for the Anti-Christ to takeover more easily every tribe, people, language and nation.


FOR MORE INFORMATION:

http://www.abc15.com/dpp/news/region_phoenix_metro/central_phoenix/a-bill-heading-to-the-governors-desk-aims-to-tackle-stalking-but-critics-say-it-censors-the-web

http://www.infowars.com/arizona-passes-sweeping-internet-censorship-bill/

http://www.azleg.gov/DocumentsForBill.asp?Bill_Number=HB2549&Session_ID=107

http://www.bibleprophecyblog.com/2012/04/arizona-law-could-mean-internet.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+BibleProphecyBlog+%28Bible+Prophecy+Blog%29&utm_content=Google+Feedfetcher

http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/valleyfever/2012/04/internet_trolls_can_breathe_ea.php

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Examiner 04-03-2012: Obama birth certificate investigated by Maricopa County Sheriff


File this one under controversial investigation.

Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, the self proclaimed "Toughest Sheriff in America" is cracking down on all lawbreakers and no one is safe not even the President. On March 1, Sheriff Joe held a news conference regarding his investigation into the validity of Obama's birth certificate and selective service registration card. His investigation alleged that they were likely both a forgery [Read full story on AZCentral.com].


A couple of weeks later on March 16, Sheriff Joe made headlines again with an appearance on the Roger Hedgecok Show. According to a World Net Daily report on March 21, Arpaio stated on air, "We got tons of other information that could be very shocking, too, but I’m sticking now with just the [forgery] investigation and possible criminal violations.” And if that statement wasn't enough to get you up in arms, Arpaio further stated this was "probably the biggest censorship blackout in the history of the United States," proving that he may not be the history buff we all thought he was.


The Bible prophecy connection

So how does this controversial investigation relate to Bible prophecy? No, President Obama is not the Anti-Christ, (although there have been those who have argued this belief with some interesting points). However, I do believe this controversy proves the point that when people are hurting and desperate for "hope and change" they are willing to listen and follow anyone who offers them "salvation" and tells them what they want to hear, regardless of whether they have the "proper" documentation to do the job.

The Apostle Paul writes in 2 Timothy 4:3-4:

3 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.

Although this passage is speaking specifically about teachers within the church, it is a principle that can be applied in all arenas of life, even politics. Throughout history people have looked for and followed leaders who will tell them what they want to hear. It happened during Old Testament times when kings and commoners brought in false prophets because they liked their words of hope and encouragement; it happened in 2008 with the election of Barack Obama; and it will happen in the future when the Anti-Christ rises to world power because he offers what the people want, which will be peace in a world wracked by tribulation.

It's time to WAKE UP and stop looking for salvation from our human leaders, teachers, and politicians, and realize that true salvation is found in Jesus Christ alone.

NOTES: Research on Regent University - A Global Christian University

Founded by Pat Robertson in 1978 http://www.regent.edu/about_us/ President Dr. Carlos Campo Member of the Council on Foreign Relations: ...