Pokemon Craze - from the spiritual perspective.

Update 20160723
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http://gizmodo.com/oliver-stone-warns-that-pokemon-go-could-lead-to-totali-1784064359/amp

Oliver has a similar idea ......


Original
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The Pokemon Go is all over the news over the last week in Australia and longer in the US. Yet more countries will follow soon shortly. I was out in the park for brief period of time over 4 days this week and saw some groups of people lurking - and realized, after hearing the news, that they must be playing the app. I was curious about the App and almost downloaded it, but was just to busy with other things.

Anyway, had a casual discussion with my relative and he alerted my to this, please have a read:
http://erikadawson.com/is-pokemon-safe-children-christian-perspective/

So after reading that, more thoughts grew in my head and I did more googling, and decided to share some findings here. A few other interesting links are here below. Note that the Pokemon cartoon is not new - has been around since 1997.

https://carm.org/what-is-pokemon
This is a very good article citing Biblical perspectives. There was no stretching of the Scriptures at all to argue the case against Pokemon, it was so plain and clear. It is easy to overlook some of these until it is pointed out.

http://www.kotaku.com.au/2011/02/the-banned-pokemon-episode-that-gave-children-seizures/
I have not heard about this one until now. Does this bring up the idea of 'possessed'?

Now even for the non-Believer, here are some more thoughts.
1. It is creating an army of zombies out of the players.



2. Real cases of injuries only starting....
http://www.smh.com.au/technology/smartphone-apps/pokemon-gos-unexpected-side-effect-injuries-20160710-gq2squ?utm_source=taboola&utm_medium=referral

3. Lure groups of people into one location - jackpot for robbers
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/jul/10/pokemon-go-armed-robbers-dead-body
Seriously, these are just small scale baddies. Extend this thought to, say Dr. Evil, who thinks on a much larger scale, with a more popular app.

4. Again on the larger scale, something that can be done with technology even a few years ago. Anyone who is familiar with X-Men, knows the story of Prof Xavier developing a technology that can help him pin point all the individuals. Essentially given a list of people with a certain profile, the technology is available to know exactly where on earth these individuals are at this point in time. This technology (smartphones) has been with us a few years now - not science fiction.

Pokemon Craze - from the spiritual perspective.

The Pokemon Go is all over the news over the last week in Australia and longer in the US. Yet more countries will follow soon shortly. I was out in the park for brief period of time over 4 days this week and saw some groups of people lurking - and realized, after hearing the news, that they must be playing the app. I was curious about the App and almost downloaded it, but was just to busy with other things.

Anyway, had a casual discussion with my relative and he alerted my to this, please have a read:
http://erikadawson.com/is-pokemon-safe-children-christian-perspective/

So after reading that, more thoughts grew in my head and I did more googling, and decided to share some findings here. A few other interesting links are here below. Note that the Pokemon cartoon is not new - has been around since 1997.

https://carm.org/what-is-pokemon
This is a very good article citing Biblical perspectives. There was no stretching of the Scriptures at all to argue the case against Pokemon, it was so plain and clear. It is easy to overlook some of these until it is pointed out.

http://www.kotaku.com.au/2011/02/the-banned-pokemon-episode-that-gave-children-seizures/
I have not heard about this one until now. Does this bring up the idea of 'possessed'?

Now even for the non-Believer, here are some more thoughts.
1. It is creating an army of zombies out of the players.



2. Real cases of injuries only starting....
http://www.smh.com.au/technology/smartphone-apps/pokemon-gos-unexpected-side-effect-injuries-20160710-gq2squ?utm_source=taboola&utm_medium=referral

3. Lure groups of people into one location - jackpot for robbers
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/jul/10/pokemon-go-armed-robbers-dead-body
Seriously, these are just small scale baddies. Extend this thought to, say Dr. Evil, who thinks on a much larger scale, with a more popular app.

4. Again on the larger scale, something that can be done with technology even a few years ago. Anyone who is familiar with X-Men, knows the story of Prof Xavier developing a technology that can help him pin point all the individuals. Essentially given a list of people with a certain profile, the technology is available to know exactly where on earth these individuals are at this point in time. This technology (smartphones) has been with us a few years now - not science fiction.

Could Revelations Locusts be remote controlled cyborgs?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/science/science-news/12206432/Giant-remote-controlled-cyborg-beetles-could-replace-drones.html


Ok so these are beetles and not locusts, but it is not a big step to change insects -

Revelations 9
Fifth Trumpet: The Locusts from the Bottomless Pit
Then the fifth angel sounded: And I saw a star fallen from heaven to the earth. To him was given the key to the bottomless pit. 2 And he opened the bottomless pit, and smoke arose out of the pit like the smoke of a great furnace. So the sun and the air were darkened because of the smoke of the pit. 3 Then out of the smoke locusts came upon the earth. And to them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power. 4 They were commanded not to harm the grass of the earth, or any green thing, or any tree, but only those men who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads. 5 And they were not given authority to kill them, but to torment them for five months. Their torment was like the torment of a scorpion when it strikes a man. 6 In those days men will seek death and will not find it; they will desire to die, and death will flee from them.7 The shape of the locusts was like horses prepared for battle. On their heads were crowns of something like gold, and their faces were like the faces of men. 8 They had hair like women’s hair, and their teeth were like lions’ teeth.

Hand of God - picture in Cloud Formation

 Here's a link to an incredible picture that some says look like the hand of God.


http://www.msn.com/en-au/news/world/image-of-cloud-in-portugal-that-looks-like-hand-of-god-goes-viral/ar-BBoWCeY?li=AAgfYrC&ocid=TSHDHP

Blood Moon, Shemitah and the Beginning of a Financial Crisis

For a few years leading to 2014-2015, there has been an anticipation of climatic events based on extra-Biblical topics centered around the
i) Blood Moons
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blood_moon_prophecy
ii) The Shemitah Years
http://www.shemitah-blood-moons.net/events.html

No one knows exactly what events will occur but generally, people expected events that will span across various areas and one such area is the financial markets. And so, having heard all this leading up to Sep 2015, I was keenly watching the Financial Markets. Then September and October came and gone with not much of  a Financial Impact and other areas were quite stable too. It seems like there was no major cataclysmic worldwide events.

Now February 2016, there has been a sizeable drop in the sharemarket, which by itself is not ground-breaking. However, looking back over a 1-year period, and looking at several major Stock Indices around the world, (see below), the world markets has definitely been on a downward slide. What's more interesting is the timing,

It appears that before 2015, the market has been doing quite well, then there is a drop between Sep and Oct 2015. Again, for a person living in Oct 2015, there is still no evidence of a market downturn, because the markets moved up again after Oct 2015. It's only now with hindsight, we can see that the Sep-Oct 2015 dip is the mark of the beginning of instability in the markets. The graphs below show the Sep-Oct 2015 dip very clearly and the market recovery after that is a false one. At present the downward trend is has the potential for a much deeper drop..... Keep Watch.

There are no aliens.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-01-27/parkes-astronomists-unfazed-aliens-could-already-be-extinct/7116256

Here is a news article trying to explain away the fact that why we have not found aliens yet. Firstly, the reason people think there should be aliens is that there are so many stars in the universe. Because there is so many, there must be some which have planets, and among those planets there must be some that can have live, and among those planets with life, there must be some that have intelligent life like us humans. The argument is simply because there is really so so so many stars, even if the other conditions are just a fraction, then that fraction is still big enough for there to be intelligent life out there.

The Word of God that we have received from Moses up until the Revelation of Jesus Christ recorded by John, only talks about The Almighty God and his relationship with us humans, and also intelligent spiritual beings such as angels and fallen angels. There is no mention of other physical intelligent beings. One can argue that that does not rule out extra-terrestrial intelligent life forms, but simply that God does not need us to have contact even if He had also created them. This is plausible, but our speculation would not give any concrete answer, only God can answer that question.

Coming back down to earth, the fact is that we have not found any intelligent aliens. Aliens are not in God's plans otherwise He would have told us about it. We should do well in attending to the things emphasised by God through His Word and focussing on how we can serve Him here on Earth. 

Update 1 Feb 2021

https://www.quora.com/Are-there-any-UFO-incidents-that-were-genuinely-disturbing-and-frightening-and-cant-be-explained

Various people contributed to the post above to recount UFO-related events all over the world. The description of these events defy natural explanations as well as multiple eyewitness accounts that cannot be dismissed easily.

Return of the Tribe of Dan

This is a news are article on the return of the lost tribe of Dan - who have been living in Ethiopia

Israel approves immigration of last Falash Mura group

365 Messianic Prophecies

During a Bible Study on the book of Revelation, in the New Testament, we were given a handout called the "365 Messianic Prophecies (Walk through the Year with Yeshua)". It had one messianic prophecy pointing to Yeshua for every day of the year.

I thought of scanning that handout to keep it, but then I tried Googling and found there are several references. So instead of scanning and linking to a PDF, here are a few links to other websites which lists those 365 prophecies about Yeshua.

http://www.jewsforjesus.org/answers/prophecy/365-messianic-prophecies
on the Jews for Jesus site

http://www.bibleprobe.com/365messianicprophecies.htm
on the Bible Probe site

The original handout also had links to the following (but I cannot find their publication of the 365 prophecies)
http://www.messiahrevealed.org/
https://hope4israel.org/resources/online-bible-study/
http://www.historicbelt.com/pb-family/proph.html

Isaiah 9-10 Judgement

A controversial event that happened 14 years ago is showing signs of prophetic fulfillment. Here are some other sources with more details:


http://www.metrovoice.net/www.metrovoice.net/2009/1109_stlweb/1109_articles/gods_judgement.html
by Pastor Carl Gallups

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVSgpfy1Cqk
Harbinger and  Isaiah 9-10 film
by Rabbi Jonathan Cahn

A few interesting things in the article above are the Sycamore tree and the Hewn Stone, both comes directly from the Scriptures.

Where is Palmyra and what has happened to it?

http://www.smh.com.au/world/where-is-palmyra-and-what-has-happened-to-it-20150521-gh6dza.html

There is mention of the Temple of the idol in this article. Not sure if most secular readers understand the significance. This again brings to life the reality of things described in the Scriptures.

Is this the Last Pope

https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/famed-german-catholic-philosopher-makes-waves-for-criticizing-pope-francis
Famed German Catholic philosopher makes waves for criticizing Pope Francis’ ‘autocratic’ style


The article above relates to something written by a current catholic philosopher on the current Pope. This article is not about the prophecy of the Popes. However this independent writing seems to be pointing to signs that make the prophecy seem plausible.

Some quotes from the article:
"he could break loose massive conflicts and the bad centrifugal forces could put in danger the Church as a whole. The analogy to Mikhail Gorbachev comes to mind – with all its differences: There comes a reformer from above and the changes make the whole edifice sway. That has to be avoided at all cost.”"

“It can be that Francis' way is perceived as a new start – or as a failure. I always try to find a standard with which to measure by reading the Gospels and the Letters of the Apostles. St. Paul says that there will come teachers who say things that sound beautiful for the ears and the people will follow them. But you, says St. Paul to Timothy, shall not be confounded. Pass on the treasure that you have received, in an unfalsified and unshortened manner.”

And at another place, Spaemann says: “This Pope is one of the most autocratic [popes] that we have had in a long time.”


“I find this formulation awkward. Both have to come together. Francis divides the two areas of the Church – theology and practice. And wants to keep them separate. The theologians shall do their work, but the shepherds shall not pay much attention to them. It seems to me that he does not read much, and does not care much about theology.

Spaemann, as well as his colleague, Joas, both express in this interview their critique of Pope Francis' sometimes “autocratic” methods and leadership. Spaemann says:

“The pope has the unrestricted power of definition and also the full jurisdiction, something that the Orthodoxy for example completely rejects. Francis stresses that he can directly intervene in every diocese of the world.

Oct 2013

"Proselytism is solemn nonsense"  https://www.repubblica.it/cultura/2013/10/01/news/pope_s_conversation_with_scalfari_english-67643118/#:~:text=Proselytism%20is%20solemn%20nonsense.,people%20and%20listen%20to%20them.%22&text=Pope%20Francis%20told%20me%3A%20%22The,the%20loneliness%20of%20the%20old.

Feb 2014

When Love Fails - http://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/cotidie/2014/documents/papa-francesco-cotidie_20140228_when-love-fails.html

June 2016

Pope says Church should ask forgiveness from gays for past treatment  -  https://www.reuters.com/article/us-pope-church-idUSKCN0ZC12E

9 April 2020

Pope says coronavirus pandemic could be nature's response to climate crisis - https://edition.cnn.com/2020/04/08/europe/pope-francis-coronavirus-nature-response-intl/index.html

Pope Says Humans Have ‘Sinned’ Against Planet in Earth Day Message - https://www.ecowatch.com/pope-francis-earth-day-speech-2645811438.html?rebelltitem=2#rebelltitem2

Update 21 Oct 2020

'Pope Francis calls for civil union laws for same-sex couples' - if this is not a sign of the End, then nothing else will convince you.....

https://www.smh.com.au/world/europe/pope-francis-calls-for-civil-union-laws-for-same-sex-couples-20201022-p567dk.html

Pope Francis’ hopes for greater equality in the distribution of wealth - https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2018-04/pope-francis-economy-commercy-preface-to-book.html

Update Nov 2020

Priest speaks out against the Pope. Amazing to see Catholics speaking out. - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzHHotRQoy4

Catholic speaks out against the Pope.

VIGANÒ on CHURCH vs. Anti-CHURCH with Matt Gaspers and Dr. Taylor Marshall - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88xN3PPl7Pg&t=9s

Viganò Warns Trump of GLOBAL-GREAT-RESET: Deep Church and Katechon - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VefowC0TUu8&t=474s

Update Mar 2021

Pope visits the ancient idolatrous ancient city of Ur in Chaldea, modern day Iraq. Why would the Pope visit such city, if God Himself called Abraham out of the city. One of the ancient ruins still standing today is the Ziggurat, which may be in the Papal itinerary. If Ur is the city of idolatry against God, then the Ziggurat is the focal point of that idolatry, which houses a temple a the top of it. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/3/5/pope-to-visit-ancient-city-of-ur-the-cradle-of-civilization

https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/The-Latest-Pope-arrives-in-Iraq-s-Ur-for-16005394.php

https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20210306-pope-francis-preaches-tolerance-on-visit-to-ur-in-iraq

Doubts on Climate Change

There are many "climate change sceptics" (name given to those who dare question the wisdom of Global Warming), who have produced various evidences. This article aims to collect those information.


What Some Scientists Says Is Causing the ‘Pause’ in Global Warming
Here is an article that shows some regular scientists finding evidence of a pause in climate change. Isn't it far simpler and more accurate to say that global climate change is not what it is supposed to be in the first place?

Call to Return to Israel

The most recent attack on God's people in Europe has resulted in a modern-day leader to call for the return to Israel.

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2015/02/15/murdered-jewish-guard-in-denmark-described-as-irreplaceable/

"Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded to the shooting by calling for the "massive immigration" of European Jews to Israel.
"This wave of attacks is expected to continue," Netanyahu said at the start of a Cabinet meeting. "Jews deserve security in every country, but we say to our Jewish brothers and sisters, Israel is your home."
"

The same leader has opened his country and call for the return to Israel
http://www.nowtheendbegins.com/pages/israel/apple_of_Gods_eye.htm


Another post about the biblical prophecy on the return of God's children to the Promised Land.
https://heavenawaits.wordpress.com/jewish-return-to-israel-in-end-times/

An article on the rising tide against God's people.
http://www.wnd.com/2015/02/surge-in-anti-semitism-prompts-plea-to-pope/


16 Feb 2015
"Yemen's last Jews eye exodus after Islamist militia takeover"
http://www.smh.com.au/world/yemens-last-jews-eye-exodus-after-islamist-militia-takeover-20150215-13fhag.html

The Makings of a New King

There is one true King of Kings and Lord of Lords and He is Yshua Ha Masiach.

The following article is an interesting one, though, about a potential future earthly king, in one of history's well-known kingdom and empire. Here he speaks about the crucial events happening today.

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-31199692

Long live the king.

Yet another article for science pointing to God

Science Increasingly Makes the case for God
http://www.wsj.com/articles/eric-metaxas-science-increasingly-makes-the-case-for-god-1419544568

This is a fascinating article, short as it may be. It has many points regarding the perfect tuning of all conditions to support life not only on earth, but the universe. There is also mention about SETI being defunded and various scientists saying how unlikely everything can exist without a Creator.... "the more we get to know about our universe, the more the hypothesis that there is a Creator . . . gains in credibility as the best explanation of why we are here"

Disclaimer: The article is behind the paid subscription. I don't recommend searching for the title using "Incognito mode" in your browser ;)



Monster black hole from early cosmos challenges physics
Another article showing science is being consistently turned upside-down when the science is not in-line with how God has described  His Creation.


http://www.smh.com.au/technology/sci-tech/astronomy/astronomers-find-ancient-black-hole-the-size-of-12-billion-suns-20150226-13p379.html
Astronomers find ancient black hole the size of 12 billion suns

Life after death proven?

Science again is finally catching up to reality.

Daniel 12
4 “But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.”


Scientists say there may be life after death
October 9, 2014 - 7:54AM
Katie Kenny

http://www.dailylife.com.au/health-and-fitness/dl-wellbeing/scientists-say-there-may-be-life-after-death-20141008-3hjpp.html

"Despite being clinically dead for three minutes, the 57-year-old from the UK recounted the actions of the nursing staff in detail and described the sound of the machines."

Learn from Noah's Ark

A lot of things we all can learn from Noah's Ark

1. Don't miss the boat.
2. Remember that we are all in the same boat.
3. Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noaoh built the Ark.
4. Stay fit. When your are 60 years old (or even 600 years old),someone may ask you to do something really big.
5. Don't listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done.
6. Build your future on high ground.
7. For safety's sake, travel in pairs.
8. Speed isn't always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs.
9. When you're stressed, float for awhile.
10.Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.
11 No matter the storm, when you are with God, there's always a rainbow waiting.

--- JFJ ---