Christians Together : Economic Judgement is Imminent

ECONOMIC JUDGMENT IS IMMINENT - 4 PREDICTIONS

ECONOMIC JUDGMENT IS IMMINENT - 4 PREDICTIONS
-by Andrew Strom

Four words from 2006 & 2007 predicting an imminent economic collapse in the USA.

(1) DATE: 14 Dec, 2006.

"AMERICA IN THE BALANCES"
-by Andrew Strom.

Complacency. Apathy. -These are the greatest downfalls of the 'lukewarm' church. "We are increased with goods, and have need of nothing," as the Scripture so rightly says.

So what does God do with a country like America today? - a country that has historically been a "Land of Revivals" but is now addicted to "consumerism" en masse. A country that for the first time since the Great Depression now has a NEGATIVE savings rate - because its people are so enamoured with owning "things" - even if they can't afford them. A country whose people are indebted to their eyeballs and beyond - so they can keep up the lifestyle of ease to which they have grown accustomed.

What does God do with an America that has grown too fat to pray?

Is anybody "desperate" any more? Where are those who cry to God from their gut - from the bottom of their heart? Where are the agonies and tears? Has America forgotten what kind of prayer it takes to obtain an Awakening? If we can't pray like that any more, then surely all is lost?

But just how 'desperate' are things really, you ask? Things aren't so terrible, surely?

Well, the fact is that this nation's sin right now is utterly unmatched in her entire history. Has there ever been a generation of Americans that has killed 40 million babies in just 30 years? No, such a thing is UNPRECEDENTED. And has there ever been an American generation that has not only CELEBRATED homosexuality - but actually helped broadcast and spread it around the earth? No, such a thing has never been seen before. Forty years ago it would have been undreamt-of.

(-God reserves for these particular types of sin the term, "Abominations" - and historically any nation practicing them has been utterly destroyed).

Has there ever been an American generation that has addicted the whole earth to soft porn and violence the way that Hollywood has done in the last 40 years? No, again this is UNPRECEDENTED in history. (The center of the worldwide pornography industry is located just outside Los Angeles).

Has there ever been an American generation whose preachers go on satellite television and teach other leaders in 'Revival' countries how to "milk" the sheep for money, and grow rich at the expense of the poor? No, I tell you, America has NEVER done this before. Our TV preachers are now actually being used by the devil to corrupt true moves of God all over the globe. (Go to Nigeria, Ghana, Brazil and see what I mean. American "Prosperity" is everywhere - and still spreading).

At this very moment America is hanging in the balances. God is making up His mind what to do with her. And yet still complacency rules. -Still no "desperate" prayer. Apathy covers us like a blanket. Will you sleepwalk your way to destruction, America?

Years ago a famous preacher commented that if God did not judge America, then He would have to apologise to Sodom and Gomorrah. I am not sure that it was true then, but I certainly believe it is true now. We are at the crisis point.

In the last 40 years, in every way we have become the most sick, selfish, greedy, corrupt, sin-addicted generation that America has ever produced. And now judgment hangs over the land like a sword.

Where are those who "sigh and cry" at the abominations in the land? Where are those like righteous Lot whose soul was "tortured" day after day by all that he saw and heard? Are there none who will cry to God with strong weeping and tears?

Let me make some predictions at this point, so I can be clear about what this country is facing:

(1) Firstly, I believe it is IMPOSSIBLE to avoid Judgment. This nation may have Revival in the midst of judgments - but this is now the best it can hope for. In fact, without judgments it is doubtful that Revival is even possible. -People are simply too complacent. They need a SHOCK even to begin to pray.

(2) Expect a great economic crash - and expect it SOON. Without this, how will this nation get its eyes off its great god, Money?

(3) Expect further CALAMITY. This nation is "running red lights" one after the other. -That is what 9-11 and Katrina were. Things are going to get much much worse before this is over. Expect something to hit the West Coast - and expect it to be BAD.

It is dificult for me to put into words the crisis we are in at this moment, and the judgments that await this nation if there is no repentance. God is looking for sackcloth and ashes. He is looking for those who "sigh and cry". Will you be one of these, my friend?

The hour is late. The need is urgent. Who will respond?

If you want to be someone who prays like this, there are some things that we have recently put in place to help you enter in to this kind of praying. Please go to our website - Revivalschool. com - and download the "Agonizing Prayer" audio clips on the right-hand side. Or join us on the Friday night Phone-Hookup prayer meetings - where we cry out to God together for mercy and outpouring.

The time has come to PRAY, PRAY, PRAY, my friends. The need is desperate - will you respond?

(2) DATE: March 14, 2007

"HAS THE CRASH BEGUN??"
-by Andrew Strom.

In the wake of the Stockmarket turmoil of the last two weeks, I felt it important to comment. Two weeks ago the US stockmarket fell 416 points in one day. Yesterday it lost another 242 points. A lot of this is directly caused by the Housing crash that we have been warning of for the past 8 months or so.

It is only since 9-11 that I have been watching the US economy so closely. I remember very vividly kneeling down by my bed soon after the towers fell on 9-11 and hearing God clearly speak to me- "The HORNS of AMERICAN FINANCIAL POWER HAVE FALLEN." To me this was a profound and shocking word, which I published that same week. I felt strongly that in following years we would see this play out before our eyes. -The unraveling of US financial power in the earth. (I was made to understand it was like the Titanic - which hit the iceburg but did not sink for many hours. In a lot of ways, the sinking of that vessel was symbolic of Britain's decline as a world power from that point on. -I know this is shocking to contemplate regarding the US. -It certainly shocked me at the time).

After 9-11, I continued to publish occasional articles about a coming economic crash. Meanwhile an enormous Housing bubble was building in America.

Eight months ago we began to publish warnings about the bursting of this Housing bubble, and the likely impact it would have - beginning in 2007. ("WORST HOUSING SLUMP in 50 YEARS?" - published Aug 30, 2006).

I began to refer to this coming financial judgment in my sermons, saying that in many ways it would be God's MERCY - to shock us out of our complacency and apathy - and to cause us to desperately seek His face. We have allowed comfort and materialism to turn our heads. We have become lazy - "lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God". Only by striking this country's great idol 'Mammon' can God cause us to cry out to Him. We have no idea how lukewarm we have become...

And now here we are. March 2007. The sub-prime mortage market is in free-fall. The CDO market is infected. The Yen carry-trade is unwinding. Housing is still sinking with no bottom in sight, and the stockmarket has suddenly become very volatile. It is a slow- motion train-wreck, and this is only the beginning. (-Keep your eye on the DERIVATIVES and the HEDGE FUNDS. -These are the "insurers" of the markets, and systemic danger lurks in their giant shadows).

For some time I have wondered what it will take to get us REALLY PRAYING in this nation. What calamity will need to occur? Do we really need a full-blown crisis staring us in the face before we will go to our knees? -Perhaps we do.

Let me state this very clearly:- This nation is at a crossroads. -RIGHT NOW. What is at stake is an entire lost generation - and in fact, this country's entire future. What will we do? Will we PRAY or will we allow this slide into the abyss to continue?

These few years decide all. -I say it again:- THESE FEW YEARS DECIDE ALL. So what is it going to be?

(3) DATE: July 27, 2007.

"STOCK MARKETS SLUMPING - WHY??"
-by Andrew Strom.

Several days ago there was a 200+ point drop in the US Stock- market. Yesterday there was another 300+ plunge. And today it looks like another rout going on. What is causing this - and does it have anything to do with the "Housing Crash" and other predictions that we have been publishing on this List for the past year or so?

Here is what the experts are saying (-This is from the mainstream Marketwatch website - one of the largest and most respected):

"Around the globe, rout in credit markets accelerates"

"Subprime could create global crisis, economist says" "World is one "Bear-like' event away from liquidity freeze, Zandi warns" By Rex Nutting, MarketWatch - Jul 26, 2007

"WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- The problems in the U. S. subprime mortgage market could spiral out of control into a global financial crisis, economist Mark Zandi said Thursday. With a "high level of angst" in the financial markets about who will take the losses from more than $1 trillion in risky mortgages, we could be just one hedge-fund collapse away from a global liquidity crisis, said Zandi, chief economist for Moody's Economy. com. A global meltdown is not likely, but the risks are growing, Zandi emphasized in a conference call with reporters following the release of a new study on subprime debt that concludes that the housing crisis could be deeper and last longer than investors now believe.

And it could spread. "Mounting mortgage delinquencies and defaults now pose the most serious threat to the global financial system and economy," Zandi said in his report. "If there is a fault line in the global financial system, it runs through the U. S. housing and mortgage markets," he said. Zandi's comments came as U. S. financial markets reeled from a growing credit crunch..." -[ http://www.marketwatch.com ]

As you can see, this "credit crunch" and the accompanying stockmarket declines are directly related to the Housing crisis that is ongoing - and likely to be with us for several years.

When we first published warnings of this Housing Crisis almost a year ago, it was definitely not a "popular" viewpoint. But it is bocoming more popular as the crisis worsens month by month.

Please be aware, this is going to be with us for a LONG TIME. And it is going to get WORSE.

So what do we, as Christians, DO about this?

Well - obviously I am hoping that we have already made moves to GET OUT OF DEBT as much as possible. But the real answer to this question is SPIRITUAL.

I was crying out to God about all this yesterday, and one thing I was strongly led to pray was that this economic crisis will not be "WASTED" on us. In other words, as things grow worse, that this nation will not harden its heart at losing its precious "lifestyle", but rather that its heart will be softened and broken - and become hungry for spiritual things once again. -That the complacency and apathy that comes with materialism will be broken - and people will begin to seek God more and more with all their heart. -That this crisis not be WASTED on us - but that GREAT GOOD might come of it.

-For there are two main paths that nations can take when major crises hit - and affect their lifestyle and standard of living. -They can either grow hardened and bitter against God, or they can become more broken and softened and hungry towards Him. We need to pray that the latter will be the case. In fact, we need to be URGENT in prayer that this crisis will not be "wasted" on the Western nations, but that it will prepare our lands for Revival - that it will help to "break up the fallow ground".

As I said, this could go either way, my friends. We really do need to PRAY that our nations will not become hardened, but rather humble and broken and spiritually hungry through what is happening.

All that can be shaken will be shaken. And the harvest fields will be white unto harvest. Are you ready and prepared for this time, my friends?

(4) DATE: Nov 8, 2007

THE DREADED "D" WORD
-by Andrew Strom.

People hate it when David Wilkerson talks about it - and they hate it just as much when I talk about it. But right now I have to bring it up again because of what is happening. Yesterday WorldNetDaily published the following:

"Alarm: China signals flight from dollar Investment CEO says he's 'never seen people more nervous'

An unprecedented signal from senior Chinese leaders that the Asian economic giant might abandon the U. S. dollar sent shockwaves through the markets today as the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 360 points and the greenback fell to a record low against the euro. Xu Jian, a Chinese central bank vice director, told a conference in Beijing, "The dollar is "losing its status as the world currency." Meanwhile, at the same meeting, Cheng Siwei, vice chairman of China's National People's Congress, said, "We will favor stronger currencies over weaker ones, and will readjust accordingly."

Craig Smith, CEO of Swiss America Trading Corp., told WND he's been in the investment business for 30 years and has "never seen people more nervous." Alarmed by today's economic news, he dispatched a note to brokers with a warning of ominous potential consequences if China and other trading partners abandon the dollar. "If that were to happen, all bets are off, and we will be in a depression that makes 1929 look like child's play," he said, "or we will experience Weimar Republic inflation as the dollar makes extreme moves toward devaluations." [- http://worldnetdaily.com ]

A. STROM Again: Actually, according to all the data that I have seen, the Dollar situation is not even the worst of the problems. There is a global Credit Crunch underway - affecting giant banks and Investment companies the worst - and every day we are getting news of MULTI-BILLION dollar write-downs. All of this is linked to the Housing and Mortgage crisis in America - and its effects are being felt worldwide. -And it is growing worse.

This Credit crisis by itself actually threatens the entire SYSTEM - no exaggeration. And it is already underway - NOW. Many international banks are in crisis mode already - but how long it takes to reach "Main Street" is difficult to know. There is already some fallout. For instance, giant retailers such as Wal-Mart reported yesterday their worst October in over a decade. But this is just the beginning of sorrows.

As one commentator put it today: "The dollar fell another 2 per cent last night, gold soared to $840 per ounce, oil topped $98 per barrel, General Motors reported a $39 billion loss after the market closed on Tuesday, the real estate market continued its downward slide, and the major investment banks are marching in lock-step towards bankruptcy..."

For many months now we have been saying that this Housing bust will be the worst (by far) that this nation has ever seen. This is no longer a "controversial" viewpoint. Even many of the most mainstream economists now openly admit the same thing.

The "D-WORD" that I mentioned in the title of this article is, of course, the word "DEPRESSION". I continue to stand by my statement of many months ago that within 3 years this nation will be in a terrible financial depression - possibly the worst that it has ever seen. Right now, things are right on track to see this fulfilled.

BUT WHY??

The answer to this question mostly lies in one word - "GREED". There has been an absolute orgy of Greed in this country - from the Investment Bankers selling shady Mortgage-Backed Securities to the condo flippers and Real Estate Appraisers and "Junk Bond" specialists and "Liar's Loan" officers. And what is left is an absolute mountain-pile of shameful, unethical financial garbage - which nobody is willing to swallow any more. -And then there are the DERIVATIVES. -A market worth over $400 TRILLION which, if it ever gets infected by this toxic junk (-which is close to happening), may cause the WORST SYSTEMIC AVALANCHE that the world has ever seen.

GREED is the word. At the end of the day, all of this has been for the love of the Almighty Dollar.

In fact, even CHRISTIAN AMERICANS love the Almighty dollar so much that they are willing to make up ENTIRE DOCTRINES to prove that God loves money just as much as they do. It is a new kind of gospel - never seen in the history of the world before. The Americans invented it and spread it around the earth. And now, even in REVIVAL COUNTRIES, this gospel of greed is taking over. Carter Conlon says that he was in a poor African nation recently where there are 700,000 little children living without parents on the streets - and yet the PASTORS ARE DRIVING BMW's and preaching SELFISH PROSPERITY. Where did they get such sickness?
-They got it from America. We beam it to them live by satellite.

And this is why I believe God is about to make an EXAMPLE of the USA. -He has to. All the nations follow her lead. The entire church worldwide looks to her for guidance. And she has become a center of corruption and spiritual sickness almost without precedent in the history of the world. She has made the whole earth "drunk" with her fornications, her movies, her MTV, her music, her rebellion, her love of money. And so I am convinced that God is about to make an 'example' of her before all nations. He cannot have a "Christian" country spreading such things in the earth.

When I am in Nigeria again this February I plan to preach this very thing. -That God is making an example of America so that all the nations will fear. -That this is what happens when you follow a creed of "God wants me rich", of pleasure-seeking, materialism, selfishness and greed. -That God is about to demonstrate to the whole earth what will happen to such a nation. Do you think He is just going to stand by and watch us ruin His Revivals forever?

God has a controversy with you, America. He is girding Himself up for war. I hope you are ready to find out what it is like to get yourself on God's "wrong side".

Enjoy the coming Christmas [2007], America. It may be your last really enjoyable one for a very long time.

A watchman of the Lord,

Andrew Strom

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Andrew Strom is a New Zealander who has been living in California and ministering in the USA for the last few years. He has just (March 2008) returned with his family to New Zealand. You can find more material on his website.

Andrew Strom, 15/09/2008

Feedback:

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	Rosemary Cameron	03/12/2008 18:15
My bible reading this morning was 1 Samuel 4. Israel were being defeated by the Philistines and so they sent for the ark of the covenant in the belief that invoking the presence of the Lord would save them. (Sounds familiar?) Unfortunately the presence of the Lord will not save when there is sin in the camp, in this case sin amongst the leaders in particular. (Ringing any bells?) The Lord's judgement is indeed on both the USA and the UK and no amount of calling on the Lord will work unless it is accompanied by true repentance, starting with us the church. We have failed to heed the commandment to owe no man anything but to love, and as a result this nation is £1.4trillion in personal debt. We are going cap-in-hand to nations who serve another God for money and instead of tightening our belts and bearing the pain we are trying to borrow our way out of our debt! Make no mistake - whoever you owe money to, owns you. If you are a christian and you are in debt, pray that the Lord will help you pay it off and make it a priority. I've been debt and mortgage-free for 4 years and I can testify that God provides enough for our need, but not our greed.
	Peter Carr (Guest)	03/12/2008 21:29
"Unfortunately the presence of the Lord will not save when there is sin in the camp, in this case sin amongst the leaders in particular. (Ringing any bells?)" My understanding of God's word tells me that sin is part and parcel of the human condition for Christians and non-Christians alike, also known as original sin. Thankfully sin is not a barrier to God's intervention, otherwise no-one could get saved. God will not usually intervene unless invited, although that does not restrict His Sovereign rights over humanity. The world is on its way to judgement, of that there can be no doubt, does God judge in the here and now is another question. 'Sin in the camp' is not in my opinion a barrier to God in any way, shape or form. As for being debt and mortgage free, a nice place to be, but sadly not a reality for many Christians!
	Colin Johnstone (Guest)	03/12/2008 22:14
Quote: "If you are a christian and you are in debt, pray that the Lord will help you pay it off and make it a priority. I've been debt and mortgage-free for 4 years and I can testify that God provides enough for our need, but not our greed" Well that's just great isnt it? I prayed about it and I'm alright Jack. Prosperity theology is alive and well. The more I see this sort of stuff, the more I realise that Dawkins is right. You people are a disgrace. By the way, the "enough for our need, but not our greed" quotation comed from Ghandi. Who also said, most tellingly, "I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ" QED
	John Parker (Guest)	04/12/2008 08:34
"I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians". It is good to have this pointed out. God will not judge us on the basis of how we responded to or what we thought about "Christians", however He will judge each one of us in terms of how we have responded (or not) to Christ. And that's a different thing altogether. It is very easy to find fault with mere mortals, but regarding the person and character of Christ - Gandhi at least looked in the right place. It would be great if he in fact placed his hope and trust in the Saviour of the world. --------- Regarding "Sin in the camp is not a barrier to God in any way shape or form". That's absolutely right, but it does shape His responses. (Read about it in the Bible, from beginning to end.) The story of Esther (et al) tells us that God will have his way, but if we rebel we will suffer. Read about Achan too. Re the financial scene, the advice offered earlier to do all that we can to get out of debt is very good counsel at this time and any time. Again this is what the Bible teaches.
	Peter Carr (Guest)	04/12/2008 09:30
"Regarding "Sin in the camp is not a barrier to God in any way shape or form". That's absolutely right, but it does shape His responses. (Read about it in the Bible, from beginning to end.) The story of Esther (et al) tells us that God will have his way, but if we rebel we will suffer. Read about Achan too." Interesting that you have quoted 2 instances from the Old Covenant (Old Testament), what about the new?
	John Parker (Guest)	04/12/2008 10:48
Peter, you ask: "Interesting that you have quoted 2 instances from the Old Covenant (Old Testament), what about the new?" I'm not sure whether I am answering a young believer with a genuine question, or someone with a deeper knowledge of the Bible who is merely being provocative. (I'll assume the former just in case). God's character does not change: it is fixed from age to age, and He hates sin. And if we deliberately carry on sinning when we know it to be wrong (a) in thought (1John 3:15), word (Matt 5:25) or deed (e.g. Rom 1:32) then we are in rebellion against God; and the consequences are dire (Rom 2:5&6, 6:23). And sins of omission also have the most serious of consequences (e.g. Matt ch. 25). Christ came to forgive us our sins, but God gives us no licence to continue to sin once we have come to a knowledge of the Truth. Endeavour to walk "in the paths of righteousness" at all times; and don't listen to anyone who tells you that sin does not matter. It is a lie from the enemy of God. Please note that all the above references are from the New Testament (and many more could be quoted).
	Peter Carr (Guest)	04/12/2008 11:59
"I'm not sure whether I am answering a young believer with a genuine question, or someone with a deeper knowledge of the Bible who is merely being provocative. (I'll assume the former just in case)." I guess that in many respects we all have 'L' plates on in the Christian life no matter how long or short we have been on the road, and all have something new to learn! Thank you for your gracious response. It is true that all sin is offensive to God, it is also true that as born again believers we are sinners, and sadly will sin until we are called home or He returns. Deliberate sin is not excusable, however we all sin in various ways, and sometimes are not even aware that we are sinning until the Holy Spirit points it out to us, and helps us to put it right. (God's goodness and grace). All I am trying to say is that the doctrine of sin is not a straight forward issue. And that we are under grace and not under law. You are right that doesn't give us a licence to sin. But sadly sin is so deceiving and destructive, and is alive and well both inside and outside of the church. Maybe that is one of the reasons that Jesus has said that we are not to judge (Matt 7: 1 - 6)?
	Rosemary Cameron	04/12/2008 17:55
I hardly think a total household income of £138 per week puts me in the prosperity theology camp! However it is enough for my needs. I'm not into all the name it and claim it stuff. I just believe in the promise that if we seek first the Kingdom of God, he will provide food, clothes and a roof over our head. The only time I've been overdrawn in recent years was when I was being disobedient to God. When I repented and looked to God, he very quickly helped me to get back out of debt. If you don't like the OT take on sin and prefer the NT, how about Ananias and Sapphira?
	Peter Carr (Guest)	04/12/2008 19:40
Its not a case of not liking the Old or New Testaments take on sin, its about being realistic of the human condition with regard to sin. Was it not Jesus who said let those without sin cast the first stone (paraphrased)? Sin is a human problem, I understand that it is God the Holy Spirits job to convict with regards to sin, righteousness and the judgement to come. We are only beggars showing others where they can find the Bread of Life.
	Editor	04/12/2008 20:48
I think that we can all agree that sin is (grossly) displeasing to God; and that to stray from God's righteous standards brings us into a situation of grave concern. Ultimately it is indeed the work of the Holy Spirit to convict of sin, but this does not absolve us from judging (evaluating) our own actions; and the actions of others who profess Christ. And anyone wishing to discuss this issue can find a topic in the "Debates" section of the web site covering same.

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