Church of God News

Mudslide Photo of Jaragua do Sul city in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil By Luciano Moraes, Agencia RBS, via AP

The following news is from Brazil:

SAO PAULO, Brazil (Nov. 24) – Floods and landslides in southern Brazil have killed 45 people, driven 22,000 from their homes and ruptured a major gas line, officials said Monday…

Senator Barack Obama

COGwriter

Although he has appointed two males in economic positions, Barack Obama also plans on having at least two influential females:

Obama also announced that economist Christina Romer will be director his Council of Economic Advisors, which provides economic analysis and advice to the president.

Romer, whose expertise includes the Great Depression and the economic recovery that followed, is a professor of economics at the University of California, Berkeley. She is also co-director of the monetary economics program and a member of the business cycle dating committee at the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), the group that officially determines when U.S. recessions begin and end.

In Romer, Obama said, he has found an independent economist respected by both conservatives and liberals who has done “groundbreaking research on many of the topics our administration will confront, from tax policy to fighting recessions.”

Lastly, Obama named Melody Barnes to be the director of his Domestic Policy Council (DPC), which he said will focus in part on healthcare reform as part of his economic recovery plan.

Before joining Obama’s transition team, Barnes was executive vice president for policy at the Center for American Progress, where her focus was on policies to help middle-class families. She also served as chief counsel to Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., on the Senate Judiciary Committee.

“Melody’s brilliant legal mind and her long experience working to secure the liberties on which this nation was founded, as well as to secure the opportunities for those who’ve been left behind, make her a perfect fit for DPC director,” Obama said.

Obama’s plans to boost the economy aren’t likely to be limited to investing in infrastructure and energy initiatives.

Several other measures are expected as well. Among some of the possibilities discussed: direct federal aid to states and cities, tax cuts for low- and middle-income Americans, increased food stamp payments, and a tax credit for businesses that create new jobs in the United States.

Whatever Obama and his economic team ultimately decide to include in the economic recovery package, it’s expected that Congress will have the final legislation ready for the president-elect’s signature the day he’s inaugurated.

Women truly are getting more of the “rule” over the United States (for a scriptural reference, see Women Chose Barack Obama).

Also notice the following news item where the president-elect warns that things will likely get worse at first:

And it looks like the prophecies about a nation laden with debt (e.g. Habakkuk 2) will be fulfilled by the USA.

Those interested in end-time events may wish to read the following articles:

Prophecies of Barack Obama? Are there biblical and non-biblical prophecies about Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist?
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”. Might Bible prophecy be fulfilled since he is to be the USA president?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2009, 2010, or 2011? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?|
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin?

COGwriter

Even though it is near the end of November and November 2008 items are in it, the August 31, 2008 issue of The Journal just came out.

Probably the local item of biggest interest to the editor of The Journal, would be the following as The Journal originates from that same geographic area (plus Dixon Cartwright also wrote it himself):

BIG SANDY, Texas—Members of the United Church of God East Texas (UCGET) voted Nov. 12, 2008, to transfer ownership of its new building in Big Sandy to the congregation’s parent organization, the United Church of God an International Association (UCGIA), based near Cincinnati, Ohio.

United Church of God East Texas is the formal name of the UCG’s Big Sandy congregation, which conducted its first Sabbath service in its new building in December 2007.

The vote, a show of hands with 42 adult members of the congregation present, was almost unanimous. Pastor Ken Treybig announced that the vote was unanimous, although that was not quite accurate. At least one adult member of the congregation abstained from voting, although no one voted against the move.

Mr. Treybig had called the meeting on short notice by E-mail, so many of the congregation’s members were not present.

The United Church of God has had a variety of issues related to the fact that when it first formed, it indicated that local groups could be fairly autonomous–few if any such groups remain within UCG.

One group split from UCG a few years ago over a Winter weekend activity.  That group still exists, and according to The Journal is having its Winter activity this year:

Winter Family Tournament

LEXINGTON, Ky.—Billed on its Web site as the Original Winter Family Tournament, the Church of God Cincinnati and Church of God Lexington will sponsor their big winter event Dec. 24-28, 2008.

One of the organizers, Jim O’Brien of Liberty Township, Ohio, explained to THE JOURNAL a year or two ago that the Winter Family Tournament is not actually a tournament. It does, however, feature sports competition. It’s just that there are no playoff games and, therefore, no winner. But there is fun for everybody, says Mr. O’Brien.

Calling it the “Original” contrasts with the fact that UCG itself decided to have a similar activity at about the same time since the O’Brien one began.  The Journal reports that UCG will do that again this year:

Winter Family Weekend
LOUISVILLE, Ky.—The United Church of God’s Winter Family Weekend will happen Dec. 23-27, 2008, in Louisville at the Galt House Hotel and Suites.

On other matters, there was an article in The Journal by Reginald Killingley promoting voting–which we in the Living Church of God do not do.  It contained such comments as:

My own view, which rejects the concept of voting as a sin, has evolved since leaving the WCG and now coincides with that of Chuck Colson, founder of Prison Fellowship.

Mr. Colson writes: “Voting is never an option—it’s both our civic duty and sacred duty. Voting is required of us as good citizens and as God’s agents for appointing leaders . . . We live in a democracy, so God entrusts us with the job of choosing leaders . . . That’s why not voting, or rejecting candidates because they’re not perfect on some biblical score sheet, is a dereliction of our trust.”

Voting is, in fact, an important responsibility laid upon us in Paul’s discourse on government in Romans 13…

However, what the article neglected to state is that the only reference in the Bible to voting was when Saul (before he became Paul) voted to get Christians killed (Acts 26:9-10).  Paul also specifically wrote that this present world is evil (Galatians 1:4) and recall that Jesus taught:

“My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight…” (John 18:36).

Furthermore, regarding the recent USA presidential election, both candidates endorsed evil (for one related news post, please see 2008 & Change God Approves).  Christians should not endorse evil.

Instead of voting in the election, I urged Christians to pray and fast (see US Election Tomorrow: Pray & Fast).  See also the article, Should a Christian Vote?

There was an article in The Journal that mentioned the late Bobby Fischer (who I covered here a while back, see Bobby Fischer Died).  An article essentially downplaying prophecy (which other groups do, please see CG7 Missed Revelation 12:14).  And an article by a non-COG writer on the New Testament canon (which, interestingly was the subject of a recent post (see Did John Finalize the New Testament Canon?).

On the last page an item was apparently posted by Dixon Cartwright tongue-in-cheek, and I was surprised that it was in The Journal:

In another poll conducted by Mr. Rumney, THE JOURNAL came in second among specifically named Web sites in the poll, although third overall because of the inclusive wording of the question.

The question: Apart from AW [Ambassador Watch], what other sources of COG news do you check at least once a month? The results:

* COGwriter.com, a site operated by Living Church of God member Robert Thiel of Arroyo Grande, Calif., 30 percent, 53 votes.
* Official church Web sites, 28 percent, 49 votes.
* THE JOURNAL, 27 percent, 47 votes.
* Other, 6 percent, 10 votes.

THE JOURNAL congratulates Dr. Thiel on his superior standing in this Ambassador Watch poll.

Ambassador Watch is essentially an anti-COG website put out by Gavin Rumney (a former WCG member who no longer holds to COG doctrines) of New Zealand.

The Journal is available by subscription (though you can view the first and last pages online at http://www.thejournal.org/issues/issue131/jf083108.pdf) and mainly contains articles by people who had some type of WCG connection (though none in the current edition seem to hold the same doctrines as those of us in the Living Church of God).

Rebuilt Gymnasium in Sardis.

This is one of the most impressive buildings in the area of any of the seven churches of Revelation 2 & 3. However, it has been recently and massively rebuilt as its original condition was in ruin. And while it and its size are impressive, it no longer functions as it once did.

COGwriter

CG7-Denver continues to seem to wish to minimize parts of prophecy while discussing it to a degree (which reminds me of at least two other COGs).  Here is what its former president wrote in the current edition of its Bible Advocate magazine:

Point on Revelation Road

Though full of war, chapter 12 offers longer, broader views than most in the Bible’s final book. by Calvin Burrell

Chapter 12 mirrors the agonies and ecstasies found throughout the book. It speaks constantly of war, fighting, conflict, and pain — the great controversy of the ages that always envelops us, choose it or not. With our beam of understanding fixed at both ends of Revelation, we can lift it to the peak at midbook, shedding ever more light along dark stretches of the roadway between…

Now there is war in our hearts (vv. 6, 17).

The same old dragon with his fiery evil tricks (vv. 4, 9, 10, 12, 13) still goes about as a wounded lion, making war on the church and seeking her sheep for supper. Now the church bears the heat and sting of this epic battle, and God-armored Christians are manning all the lines.

This war rages on many fronts: the lust of the eyes and of the flesh; sport and shopping; entertainment and amusement; Hollywood and Wall Street; the stuff of materialism; abuse, addiction, and perversion; false philosophies of men and science; the lies we tell ourselves; and the pride of life. Each hot spot amounts to a skirmish for our heart’s first love and for our time, talent, and treasure.

The conflict over our future is more intense today than ever. A generation ago, we hardly imagined the assaults that would be hurled against the people of Christ in the early years of this millennium. Now if we don’t see the imminent danger to our families, our churches, and our own souls, the enemy has us right where he wants us!

And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ (v. 17).

Victory ahead

Be not afraid, oh church, for the battle is the Lord’s. He who won the war in heaven, He who won the war on earth, is winning the war in our hearts by His Holy Spirit!

They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony (v. 11).

The triumph of God and His holy angels in heaven has spilled over into the earth through the victory of His Son. And the war’s final outcome is not in doubt. God shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly (Romans 16:20).

Even so, come Lord Jesus!

While it is perfectly find to end with “come Lord Jesus!” (cf. Revelation 22:20), this CG7-Denver article missed much.

Notice that there is no mention of Revelation 12:14 in an article that is supposed to be on Revelation 12.  Also notice that there is no discussion of the two groups in Revelation 12:17.

Let’s look at Revelation 12:14-17 below:

14 But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she is nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent. 15 So the serpent spewed water out of his mouth like a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away by the flood. 16 But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed up the flood which the dragon had spewed out of his mouth. 17 And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ (Rev 12:14-17).

As I have long warned readers, CG7-Denver is no “place of safety” for those once in the old WCG.

It even does not wish to discuss that Revelation shows two groups: the first, the part of the true Church that will flee into the wilderness (after it has been subject to the persecutions in verse 13), and the second, which are those that are considered to be the offspring of the true Church (those who did not flee with the Church to be protected in the place in the wilderness) and, which will be subject to extreme persecution and will not be protected.

This is an important way that the Living Church of God differs from CG7-Denver.  Not only will we emphasize prophecy that is relevant today’s Christians, but we will try to warn those who claim to be part of the true Church of God but that not understand prophecy well are not wise.

Recall what Jesus said to the Church of God in Sardis:

3 Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you (Revelation 3:3).

CG7-Denver seems determined to fulfill the above verse.  But you do not have to.

Articles of related interest may include:

There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Petra This article discusses a biblical ‘place of safety’ and includes quotes from the Bible and Herbert W. Armstrong on this subject–thus, there is a biblically supported alternative to the rapture theory.
Is There A Secret Rapture for the Church? When and Where is the Church Protected? What does the Bible really teach? Who really is left behind?
5. The Sardis Church Era was predominant circa 1600 A.D. to circa 1933 A.D. Discusses early history of the Seventh Day Baptists, Seventh-day Adventists, and COG-7th Day.
6. The Philadelphia Church Era was predominant circa 1933 A.D. to 1986 A.D. The old Radio Church of God and old Worldwide Church of God, now basically the Living Church of God.
7. The Laodicean Church Era was predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. Non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG.
There are Many COGs: Why Support the Living Church of God? This is an article for those who wish to more easily sort out the different COGs. It really should be a MUST READ for current and former WCG members or any interested in supporting the faithful church. It also explains a lot of what the COGs are all about.
Church of God, Seventh Day: History and Teachings Nearly all COG’s I am aware of trace their history through this group. Whaid Rose is the president of the largest CG7 group (Denver). Do you know much about them?

Roderick C. Meredith, Presiding Evangelist of the Living Church of God

COGwriter

In his latest weekly update, LCG’s Dr. Winnail reported the following:

The world has certainly entered a very dynamic period with the election of a new President in the United States, financial shockwaves surging around the world and now the major automakers in the USA facing bankruptcy, which could affect more than a million jobs. The “time of Jacob’s trouble” appears to be on the horizon. However, in the midst of this widespread turmoil, God has opened a “major door” for the Tomorrow’s World program to go on CNBC, a cable network in Europe that will carry the Gospel and a warning message to 113 million subscribers from the UK to Russia, including one million subscribers in the nation of Israel and 3.5 million subscribers in the Gulf States. This is a very important opportunity. Please pray that God will guide us in going through this door.

Here in Charlotte, we have had a busy and eventful week. In addition to going on the new station in Europe, Mr. Wayne Pyle reports that Mr. Meredith’s program last weekend, “When Will Christ Return?” broke the 6,000-mark for the first time—with 6,256 responses! Mr. Ames’ program two weeks ago has now received 6,129 responses. Also this week, Mr. Rod King and Mr. Wallace Smith taped several programs for the new television season.

It is interesting to note that LCG is receiving more responses in a week than it has adult baptized members in the entire church.

LCG continues to go through the open doors and is working hard to proclaim the whole truth, the Christ’s complete gospel of the kingdom to this world as a witness.

Several articles of possibly related interest may include:

The Gospel of the Kingdom of God was the Emphasis of Jesus and the Early Church Did you know that? Do you even know what the gospel of the kingdom is all about? True religion should be based upon the true gospel.
Are You Saved? Do You Love Jesus? What is a True Christian? What is the Gospel? Evangelist Richard Ames answers those important questions.
Getting the Gospel Out is More than a Local Job Discusses Biblical rationale for doing an international, and not just a local, work.
How Much Did You Cost? Some have complained that the total costs spent to proclaim the gospel as a witness is too high since it does not (in their opinion) result in enough conversions. Is that how God sees it?
Should the Church Still Try to Place its Top Priority on Proclaiming the Gospel or Did Herbert W. Armstrong Change that Priority for the Work? Some say the Church should mainly feed the flock now as that is what Herbert W. Armstrong reportedly said. Is that what he said? Is that what the Bible says? What did Paul and Herbert W. Armstrong expect from evangelists?
Attending the Church of Choice This article discusses whose choice is important to worship God; should you attend the church of your choice or the church of God’s choice?
Unity: Which COG for You? Why so many groups? Why is there lack of unity in the Churches of God? Has it always been this way? What can/should be done about it?
18 Truths Restored to the Churches of God Herbert W. Armstrong wrote that he felt he had restored at least 18 lost truths to the Church, here is Herbert W. Armstrong’s list given 12/17/83. This articles also has links to show that these truths were believed by professors of Christ in earlier times, hence they were not some invention of Herbert Armstrong.
Do You Believe God Used Herbert W. Armstrong to Raise Up the Philadelphia Era of the Church of God? Nearly everyone while in WCG used to believe this, most do not seem to anymore.
The Elijah Heresies Does the Bible teach that there will be a future Elijah? Must it be Herbert W. Armstrong?
Polycarp, Herbert W. Armstrong, and Roderick C. Meredith on Church Government What form of governance did the early church have? Which form of governance would one expect to have in the Philadelphia remnant? The people decide and/or committee forms, odd dictatorships, or the same type that the Philadelphia era itself had?
Is Third Tithe Still Valid Today? Some in the COGs no longer teach payment of third tithe, is this biblically correct?
What is a True Philadelphian? Many claim to be part of the Philadelphia era of the Church, but is claiming enough? This article has biblical and historical evidence about who really are the Philadelphians.
Are the Laodiceans the Modern Sadducees and Pharisees? Discusses similarities of the Sadducees and Pharisees to various COGs in this end-time.
Samaritans: Old and New Who were the Samaritans? Do the represent true Christianity or something else?
There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Petra This article discusses a biblical ‘place of safety’ and includes quotes from the Bible and Herbert W. Armstrong on this subject–thus, there is a biblically supported alternative to the rapture theory.
There are Many COGs: Why Support the Living Church of God? This is an article for those who wish to more easily sort out the different COGs. It really should be a MUST READ for current and former WCG members or any interested in supporting the faithful church. It also explains a lot of what the COGs are all about.

COGwriter

Here is a secular perspective of the world now from the United Kingdom:

The economic situation was captured the attention of the media, but the sins of the Anglo-American peoples are normally brushed off (or ignored) as not possibly relevant by them.

Look at a warning in the Bible:

12 Therefore thus says the Holy One of Israel:

“Because you despise this word, And trust in oppression and perversity, And rely on them, 13 Therefore this iniquity shall be to you Like a breach ready to fall, A bulge in a high wall, Whose breaking comes suddenly, in an instant…” ( Isaiah 30:12-13).

Of course, more and more, the Anglo-American nations are trusting in policies that encourage perversity. While there is oppression in these nations (especially racial), the Hebrew word for it can also be translated “unjust gain”. This can include not just the historical exploitation of of various peoples, but can probably also include the fact that the economies of the Anglo-American nations for the past few decades has been benefiting from the gains of foreigners loaning money to it.

Habakkuk 2:3,7, which is consistent with Isaiah 30:12-13, also teaches that the destruction will be sudden. And that it will occur at the end times:

3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry…
7 Will not your creditors rise up suddenly? Will they not awaken who oppress you? And you will become their booty (Habakkuk 2:3,7).

But notice what God warned in the Book of Hosea:

6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.
Because you have rejected knowledge,
I also will reject you from being priest for Me;
Because you have forgotten the law of your God,
I also will forget your children.

7 “The more they increased,
The more they sinned against Me;
I will change their glory into shame.
8 They eat up the sin of My people;
They set their heart on their iniquity.
9 And it shall be: like people, like priest.
So I will punish them for their ways,
And reward them for their deeds (Hosea 4:6-9).

Notice that God promises to turn the glory of a people (like the Anglo-American powers) into shame because they have REJECTED knowledge and the law of God.

The religious leaders in these nations have by and large failed to warn their followers that they need to keep the law of God.  This is knowledge that the people and the leaders should have as the Anglo-American powers have likely printed up more Bibles than the rest of the world combined.

Notice what happened between Jesus and the religious leaders of His day:

Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, ‘We see.’ Therefore your sin remains…”(John 9:41).

We in the Anglo-American nations do not have the excuse that we did not have the word of God freely available and discussed for generations.

We need national repentance.  Otherwise, we have no excuse.

The prophesied “shame” is starting to come upon the Anglo-American powers.  Without repentance, increased pride is likely to occur, then the prophesied destruction of our nations.

People individually and the nations collectively need to repent, because truly the end is near.  Those who think that they will be able to wait until the last moment (which will probably be sometime in the next decade) are deceiving themselves as a strong delusion will come upon the world around then (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12).

The time for repentance is now:

Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall (1 Corinthians 10:12).

Several articles of possibly related interest may include:

Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel?  Who are the lost tribes of Israel?  Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations?  Why might God allow the Anglo-American nations to be punished first?
Are You Saved? Do You Love Jesus? What is a True Christian? What is the Gospel? Evangelist Richard Ames answers those important questions.
End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something? There is a Mayan calendar prediction for change in 2012. 2012 changes were also centuries ago predicted by the Hopi Native Americans (the Hindus may have some predictions for the next decade as well). Do these Mayan/Hindu/Hopi prophecies have any value? Why might Satan have inspired this date? Does the Dresden codex show destruction of the earth by flood? Can the great tribulation start before 2012?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”. Might Bible prophecy be fulfilled since he is to be the USA president?
Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? When does the six thousand years of human rule end?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2009, 2010, or 2011? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?
What Did Jesus Teach About the Ten Commandments? This article quotes what Jesus actually said about them (His words are in red).
Were the Ten Commandments Nailed to the Cross? Some have said so. This article provides some biblical quotes to answer this important question.
What Did Paul Actually Teach About the Ten Commandments? Many say Paul taught against the ten commandments. Is this true? This article quotes Paul with his words in green.
Are the Ten Commandment Still in Effect? This article quotes the ten commandments and combines some of the previous articles into one article about the ten commandments. The commandments are shown at Mount Sinai, before Mount Sinai, in the teachings of Jesus, after the crucifixion, and in the teachings of Paul. It addresses the most common “traditions of men” regarding them as well.
Were the Pharisees Condemned for Keeping the Law or Reasoning Around it? Many believe that the Pharisees were condemned for keeping the law, but what does your Bible say? If they were not condemned for that, what were they condemned for?
The Ten Commandments Reflect Love, Breaking them is Evil Some feel that the ten commandments are a burden. Is that what Jesus, Paul, Peter, James, and John taught?
Was the Commandment to Love the Only Command? Some have stated that John’s writings teach this, but is that what the Bible really says?
The Ten Commandments and the Early Church Did Jesus and the Early Church keep the ten commandments? What order were they in? Here are quotes from the Bible and early writings.

The Strength of Dollars Have Long Been Part of the “Pride of the Power” of the USA
(which will be broken per Leviticus 26:19)

COGwriter

In his coworker letter, late last night, ICG’s Mark Armstrong wrote:

The economic crises that many now see pales in comparison for what is ahead for the Anglo-American nations.  Our nations have rejected the Ten Commandments and the other laws of God.

Several articles of possibly related interest may include:

Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel?  Who are the lost tribes of Israel?  Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations?  Why might God allow the Anglo-American nations to be punished first?
End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something? There is a Mayan calendar prediction for change in 2012. 2012 changes were also centuries ago predicted by the Hopi Native Americans (the Hindus may have some predictions for the next decade as well). Do these Mayan/Hindu/Hopi prophecies have any value? Why might Satan have inspired this date? Does the Dresden codex show destruction of the earth by flood? Can the great tribulation start before 2012?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”. Might Bible prophecy be fulfilled since he is to be the USA president?
Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? When does the six thousand years of human rule end?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2009, 2010, or 2011? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?
The Ten Commandments Reflect Love, Breaking them is Evil Some feel that the ten commandments are a burden. Is that what Jesus, Paul, Peter, James, and John taught?
The Ten Commandments and the Early Church Did Jesus and the Early Church keep the ten commandments? What order were they in? Here are quotes from the Bible and early writings.

Hillary Rodham Clinton

COGwriter

Women ruling was mentioned in the article Cardinal: Obama Apocalyptic, yesterday.  The following was just announced:

Barack Obama appears all set to name Hillary Clinton Secretary of State

Thus, Hillary Clinton will likely be quite influential in the foreign affairs of the USA.

If she takes the job, she may partially fulfill a prophecy in Isaiah 3:12:

As for My people, children are their oppressors, And women rule over them. O My people! Those who lead you cause you to err, And destroy the way of your paths…

Of course, women are influential in the English-speaking nations and it is not absolutely required that the USA itself have another woman as Secretary of State, but I do feel that getting another woman will continue to be a partial fulfillment of that prophecy.

Some articles/news items of possibly related interest may include:

Barack Obama is Not the Antichrist Some have suggested that he may be, but neither he nor John McCain will be.  Find out why they cannot be.
Some Doctrines of Antichrist Are there any doctrines taught outside the Churches of God which can be considered as doctrines of antichrist? This article suggests at least three. It also provides information on 666 and the identity of “the false prophet”. Plus it shows that several Catholic writers seem to warn about an ecumenical antipope that will support heresy.
Do Certain Catholic Prophecies About Antichrist Warn Against Jesus? Will the final “Anti-Christ” be Jewish, insist on Saturday, be opposed to the trinity, and bring in the millennium? Catholic writings indicate this, but what does the Bible show?
Two Horned Beast of Revelation and 666 This article explains how the LCG views this, and compares this to Ellen White.
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”?
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”. Might Bible prophecy be fulfilled if he is elected president?

Official Galileo Logo

COGwriter

The following news item was of interest:

The British were correct to question what will happen with a militarized Galileo–specifically because it will most likely help the EU destroy the UK.

Also notice something else that was also in the news today:

National Intelligence Council report: sun setting on the American century

The fact is that Galileo, stretched military commitments, Barack Obama (see Cardinal: Obama Apocalyptic), the economic crises, the emergence of a European superstate, and the sins of America will all combine to lead to the destruction of the United States and its Anglo-Allies, probably sometime in the next decade.  Galileo is expected to be operational in 2013 (see EU Approves Galileo For Military Use).

The balance of power in the next decade will shift from domination by the USA to something dominated by blocks in Europe and Asia.  Both Europe and Asia will compete to draw Latin America and Africa into their sphere of influence (but I believe that Europe, from a cultural and biblical perspective, will be more successful).  Even the fact that there may be an alternative for oil is likely to rock the Middle Eastern nations and perhaps be a factor in the temporary unity that the Bible predicts, known as the King of the South.

The world will be a very different place in the next two decades.

To see when and who will be ultimately affected, as well as how, please see the following below:

Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”. Might Bible prophecy be fulfilled since he is to be the USA president?
End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something? There is a Mayan calendar prediction for change in 2012. 2012 changes were also centuries ago predicted by the Hopi Native Americans (the Hindus may have some predictions for the next decade as well). Do these Mayan/Hindu/Hopi prophecies have any value? Why might Satan have inspired this date? Does the Dresden codex show destruction of the earth by flood? Can the great tribulation start before 2012?
Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? When does the six thousand years of human rule end?
Africa: Its Biblical Past and Prophesied Future What does the Bible teach about Africa and its future? Did the early Church reach Africa? Will God call all the Africans?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
The Arab World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam?
Asia in Prophecy What is Ahead for China? Is it a “King of the East”? What will happen to nearly all the Chinese, Russians, and others of Asia? China in prophecy, where?
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? What is ahead for Europe?
India, Its Biblical Past and Future: Any Witness? The Bible discusses the origins of those of Indian heritage and discusses some of the witness to them.
Islands and Bible Prophecy What’s ahead for islands? What does the Bible prophesy about them?
Japan, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 2: Prophecy Japan in prophecy. What is prophesied for Japan. Will God save the Japanese?
Mexico, Central America, South America, and Brazil in Prophecy What will happen to those of Latin America? Will they have prosperity? Will they suffer in the future?
Russia: Its Origins and Prophesied Future Where do the Russians come from? What is prophesied for Russia? What will it do to the Europeans that supported the Beast in the end?

COGwriter

Yesterday was another troubled day in the financial markets:

MARKET SNAPSHOT: U.S. Stocks Blasted By Economy To End At Five year-plus Lows
November 19, 2008

U.S. stocks thudded sharply lower on Wednesday to finish at more than five- years lows, with financial powerhouse Citigroup Inc. pummeled by its greatest ever one-day percentage drop as fears intensified about its fate as well as the U.S. auto industry…

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) slid 427.47 points, or 5.1%, to 7, 997.28, its lowest close since March 31, 2003.

All of the Dow’s 30 of its components finishing lower…

In other trade on the New York Mercantile Exchange, gold futures climbed, with the contract for December up $3.3 to finish at $736 an ounce. .

Demand for gold coins and bars increased in recent months, even as gold futures fell far from record highs above $1,000 an ounce hit in March, according to a industry report. .

Data clouds

Earlier in the day, the Labor Department reported consumer prices dipped a record 1% in October, driven by an 8.6% drop in energy costs. .

“There’s no relief in the beleaguered housing market,” analysts at Action Economics said of the Commerce Department’s estimate that new-home construction fell to a record low in October.

In a related report, the Mortgage Bankers Association said mortgage applications fell a seasonally adjusted 6.2% last week from the prior one, as lower interest rates on fixed-rate mortgages failed to stir prospective home buyers.

In comments early Wednesday, Federal Reserve Vice Chairman Donald Kohn said regulation is the best means of preventing another financial crisis.

European stocks also fell, with banks getting hit for a third straight session.

In Asia, stocks closed mostly lower. .

On Tuesday, U.S. stocks ended higher after a run-up in the final hour of trade, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average striking its third advance in 10 sessions. (http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/djf500/200811191751DOWJONESDJONLINE000897_FORTUNE5.htm)

It is astounding that “regulation” is the proposed solution.  I would suggest that repentance and turning towards God is the only real solution.

Regulation may delay the inevitable, but the continuing of national sins and increased government spending leading to increased debt will ultimately lead to the creditors of the USA destroying it.  Notice what God had Habakkuk record would happen in the end times:

2 Then the LORD answered me and said:

“Write the vision
And make it plain on tablets,
That he may run who reads it.
3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time;
But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie.
Though it tarries, wait for it;
Because it will surely come,
It will not tarry…

6 ‘Woe to him who increases
What is not his–how long?
And to him who loads himself with many pledges’?
7 Will not your creditors rise up suddenly?
Will they not awaken who oppress you?
And you will become their booty.
8 Because you have plundered many nations,
All the remnant of the people shall plunder you (Habakkuk 2:2-3,6-8)

Now here is verse 5, from the NIV, which gives part of the reason why:

Because he is as greedy as the grave and like death is never satisfied (NIV).

Thus, national greed leading to debt will lead to creditors rising up and destroying the United States in the end time.  This is part of the message that God gave to Habakkuk around 2500 years ago.  And these times are just about upon us.

Christianity Today reported:

I imagine you may be paying more attention to the market news. Our 401Ks have turned into a 201Ks! The markets are in transition. Most likely this recession will not be quickly fixed with bailouts and the lowering of interest rates. The unraveling of our security seems to be happening at unprecedented speed, leaving many disoriented and stressed…

Two young men shared with me some temptations they were dealing with. In that moment as they were sharing, I was quickly reminded of what my father-in-law told me twenty years ago before I entered the pastorate. He said, “Dave, be careful of the big three: money, interactions with women, and pride.” As I recalled his words with these two promising leaders whom I deeply love, the words from I John 2:15-17 flooded my soul.

Love not the world. Neither the things in the world. For anyone that loves the world, the love of the Father is not in Him. For all that is in the world,
The Lust of the Flesh.
The Lust of the Eyes.
And the Pride of Life.
Is not of the Father but is of the world.
And the world passes away and the lusts thereof. . . But he that does the will of God abides forever.(Gibbons, Dave. God’s Voice in the Global Market Meltdown. November 18, 2008)

And while I normally disagree with the falsely named Christianity Today, I felt the above comments were appropriate and conveyed the fact that Christians are not to love the world.

The carnal world is passing away, but it will be a rough ride at times, sometimes even worse than that.

Several articles of possibly related interest may include:

Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2009, 2010, or 2011? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be devastated first?
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”. Might Bible prophecy be fulfilled since he is to be the USA president?