by Herbert W. Armstrong

“Heads of Europe no longer see eye to eye with Washington,” said Dan Rather Monday night on a special CBS News roundup.

He said the European heads of state no longer trust American leadership, and President Carter’s image has materially decreased in Europe. European leaders have gained confidence in themselves. They regard Americans as blundering amateurs in world diplomacy.

Mr. Carter’s Olympic boycott, his debacle in attempting to rescue the hostages in Iran without first conferring with U.S. allies, and his Middle East agreement with Begin and Sadat, especially, have brought discredit on Carter in their eyes.

All these things are extremely significant. Europe is rapidly moving toward a European political union, and a hostile attitude toward the United States. The time is RIPE for Pope John Paul II to move in as the STRONG MAN to weld Europe together in a resurrection of the Holy Roman Empire of 554-1814 A.D. as prophesied.

Mrs. Thatcher, Britain’s Prime Minister, stands alone with the United States. Britain will not be in the ”Holy Roman Empire.” But Britain will be DESTROYED by it, along with the United States!

When this European empire is perfected, the great Work God is doing through this Church will be quickly completed – finished.

Jesus spoke of observing signs in the sky predicting tomorrow’s weather, then asked whether we could discern the “signs of the times.” What are “signs?” A sign identifies. A sign on a store identifies the kind of store as well as its owner. It is a signal identifying in advance a soon-coming or imminent event. Jesus’ disciples asked Him what would be the sign of His coming, and the end of this age. That is, the signal identifying its imminency. The sign He gave was that which He is doing through us – proclaiming for the first time in 1900 years to the world the Gospel of the KINGDOM OF GOD (Matthew 24:14).

But next, after our work, is to come the GREAT TRIBULATION (verses 21-22. That shall be ended, verse 29, by supernatural, frightful signs in the sun, moon, and stars; signaling the “day of the Lord” – see also Joel 2:31). Then quickly; the coming of Christ. See also Daniel 12:1.

Events now occurring SWIFTLY in the world are SIGNS of the imminency of the Great Tribulation. No one will be allowed to proclaim Christ’s Gospel then. The “Philadelphia era” or succession of God’s Church will be taken on the “two wings of a great eagle” – whatever that symbolizes – to a place of protection where we are to be “fed” – provided for. We need now to begin to be ALERT, for this “flight” may happen suddenly. DO NOT BE DECEIVED BY THE NEGATIVE SNEERING OF EXCOMMUNICATED MINISTERS! Both Revelation 12:13 and 3:10 warn us.

We, ourselves, are a sign (Matt. 24:14) of the very imminency of these things!

I say again and again, it is later than we think.

Fellow Ministers, God has made it our job to PREPARE His Church – that we may be “without spot or wrinkle… holy and without blemish” WHEN Christ comes!

This means renewed dedication, more constant and intensive earnest prayer, “soul-searching,” and determined preparation. This is a serious responsibility for all of us!