LCG: Oceans in Trouble

The oceans are in trouble:

The oceans in trouble.

According to scientists at the International Programme on the State of the Ocean (IPSO), “The health of the oceans is deteriorating far more rapidly than expected… they predict that marine life could be on the brink of mass extinction” (The Times, June 21, 2011). While scientists have been witnessing drop-offs in species population sizes for years, current numbers are far more extensive than originally understood. “The report warned that damage to marine life would harm its [the ocean’s] ability to support humans, and that entire ecosystems, such as coral reefs, could be lost in a generation.”

The Bible reveals that God intended mankind to be wise and loving stewards of His creation (Genesis 2:15). Biblical guidelines are intended to “preserve” plant and animal species–for example, female birds were to be preserved to bear future generations (Deuteronomy 22:6-7). Today’s greed-driven fishing policies foster “over-fishing” that pushes species to the brink of extinction. The decline of one species then impacts other species. The sad story is that when we disrupt ecosystems and violate the natural laws that God has designed, there are serious consequences!

The Bible reveals that Jesus Christ is going to return and put an end to the exploitation and destruction of God’s creation (Revelation 11:17-18; Romans 8:18-22). The ecosystems of this earth will be restored as a result of righteous government in the coming Kingdom of God (see Isaiah 35). TW News & Prophecy. Living Church of God.

As reported here earlier (Fishing Stock Depletion), there was a meeting in Europe to look at fishing stock depletion in the oceans a few days ago.

The Bible warns of famines of course (Matthew 24:7-8; cf. Revelation 6:5-6) as part of the beginning of sorrows. But it also warns that the time will come when fishing stocks will be even more dramatically affected (Revelation 8:8-11) and ultimately they apparently will be gone (Revelation 16:3).

Environmental issues are more important than many realize. Notice one of the reasons that Jesus will come is to destroy those who destroy the earth:

18 The nations were angry, and Your wrath has come,
And the time of the dead, that they should be judged,
And that You should reward Your servants the prophets and the saints,
And those who fear Your name, small and great,
And should destroy those who destroy the earth. (Revelation 11:18)

Humans should try to be good stewards and live a life of love. And this includes not polluting or overfishing the oceans.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

What is the Meaning of Life? Who does God say is happy? What is your ultimate destiny? Do you really know? Does God actually have a plan for YOU personally?
The Seven Laws of Success Booklet by Herbert W. Armstrong that can help people become successful.
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2011, 2012, or 2013? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? Who are the 144,000?
Did The Early Church Teach Millenarianism? Was the millennium (sometimes called chiliasm) taught by early Christians? Who condemned it. Will Jesus literally reign for 1000 years on the earth? Is this time near?
Physical Preparation Scriptures for Christians. We all know the Bible prophecies famines. Should we do something?