Church of God News

Keys at St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City (June 2009)

COGwriter

In the latest issue of its Vision magazine, COGaIC’s David Hulme wrote:

On one occasion, when Jesus spoke of His impending death, “Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. But when He had turned around and looked at His disciples, He rebuked Peter, saying, ‘Get behind Me, Satan! For you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men’” (Mark 8:32–33, New King James Version). Jesus saw Satan behind Peter’s response. Thankfully, the apostle had come to understand many things since those days, including the depth of the archenemy’s work of deceiving humans.

GOD’S ELECTION

Peter had also recognized that Jesus is the living foundation stone for the house God is building from specially called and chosen human beings (1 Peter 2:4–5).

But I want to go into this is a bit more depth than David Hulme did as that article did not quote the verse or go into more detail.

As most know, the Church of Rome claims that Jesus made the Apostle Peter the foundational stone of the church based upon a misunderstanding of Matthew 16:18.  They also teach that they have the “keys to the kingdom” which is why they have the mosaic of keys at the entrance of Saint Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican (shown at the beginning of this post).

Anyway, notice what the Apostle Peter himself taught:

4 Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, 5 you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture,
“Behold, I lay in Zion A chief cornerstone, elect, precious,And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.”
7 Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient,
“The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone,”
8 and
“A stone of stumbling And a rock of offense.” (1 Peter 2:4-8)

The Apostle Peter knew that  Jesus is the chief cornerstone, the foundational rock, of the Church:

10 Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. 11 This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’  12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”  (Acts 4:10-12)

Jesus also referred to Himself as the chief cornerstone in the Gospels (Matthew 21:42; Mark 12:10; Luke 20:17).

Since Jesus and Peter knew that it was Jesus, and not Peter, who was the rock, the chief cornerstone, of the Church, that is what all need to realize today.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Was Peter the Rock Who Alone Received the Keys of the Kingdom? How should Matthew 16:18-19 be understood?
The Apostle Peter He was an original apostle and early Christian leader.
Apostolic Succession What really happened? Did structure and beliefs change? Are many of the widely-held current understandings of this even possible? Did you know that Catholic scholars really do not believe that several of the claimed “apostolic sees” of the Orthodox have apostolic succession–despite the fact that the current pontiff himself seems to wish to ignore this view?  Is there actually a true church that has ties to any of the apostles that is not part of the Catholic or Orthodox churches?  Read this article if you truly are interested in the truth on this matter!
Early Church History: Who Were the Two Major Groups Professed Christ in the Second and Third Centuries? Did you know that many in the second and third centuries felt that there were two major, and separate, professing Christian groups in the second century, but that those in the majority churches tend to now blend the groups together and claim “saints” from both? “Saints” that condemn some of their current beliefs. Who are the two groups?
Which Is Faithful: The Roman Catholic Church or the Living Church of God? Do you know that both groups shared a lot of the earliest teachings? Do you know which church changed? Do you know which group is most faithful to the teachings of the apostolic church? Which group best represents true Christianity? This documented article answers those questions. Português: Qual é fiel: A igreja católica romana ou a igreja viva do deus? Tambien Español: Cuál es fiel: ¿La iglesia católica romana o La Iglesia del Dios Viviente? Auch: Deutsch: Welches zuverlässig ist: Die Römisch-katholische Kirche oder die lebende Kirche von Gott?

COGwriter

The lead article in the June 2009 issue of UCG’s World News & Prophecy contained the following:

Could the Dollar Fall?

…by Darris McNeely

Ending the dollar’s role in the world economy is not an easy matter. The Wall Street Journal wrote, “… Central banks around the world hold more U.S. dollars and dollar securities than they do assets denominated in any other individual foreign currency. Such reserves can be used to stabilize the value of the central banks’ domestic currencies” (“China Takes Aim at Dollar,” March 24, 2009).

Before the dollar, the British pound sterling formed the underpinning of the global economy. It took two world wars and several decades to change from the pound to the dollar as the world standard. Since the end of World War II, the dollar has been king.

Although the current financial problems ignited in America have led to a global meltdown, it will take more than what we have already experienced to topple America from its current role. That is not to say it could not or will not happen. At the current pace of events, it seems it will not happen in the near term.

Creating another world currency requires several factors to be in place. Research analysts at Stratfor Global Intelligence outlined what those factors would be:

“As to a world beyond the dollar, the issue is that a reserve currency is not decided upon; it creates itself. Two things are needed to create a reserve currency. First, there must be sufficient liquidity to support a global system. That requires a central bank with an enormous amount of autonomy from a state government, and the U.S. Federal Reserve is unparalleled on this count. Not even the European Central Bank can compete. Second, the economy upon which the currency is based must be large enough to withstand fluctuations caused by other economies buying and selling its assets in massive amounts. Again, the United States is the only economy that potentially could qualify…”…

What would it mean for you?

What would it mean for the American consumer if the dollar were no longer the world’s reserve currency?

Since the end of World War II, the dollar has been the dominant world currency. For most living Americans this is the world into which they were born. This is all they have known. Americans enjoy one of the world’s highest living standards due to the stability and wealth created by America’s dominant economic role.

Yet the United States is now the world’s largest debtor nation ($10.6 trillion)…

Here is what would happen in the United States if we woke up one morning to find the dollar was no longer the number one world currency.

1. Everything Americans import would cost more—everything.. .

2. The credit market would collapse. Investors would flee toxic assets, further locking up the economy.

3. The U.S. Federal Reserve would print more money to combat the credit squeeze and the likely result would be hyperinflation, meaning higher prices for available goods. Remember the stories of Weimar Germany where it took a wheelbarrow full of money to buy a loaf of bread? Not pretty.

4. American power and influence in the world would seriously decline…

5. Big losers from the fall of the dollar would include Japan and Latin America. Because they hold much of America’s debt, China and the Persian Gulf states would see huge losses. Israel and Egypt would also suffer because of massive amounts of American aid they would lose. What this would mean to the Middle East calculus is unknown, but Egypt could be destabilized as a result.

6. World politics would be altered. The vacuum of power created would be contested. The EU, which would stand to gain from the fall of the dollar, would be among the chief contenders. China would no doubt make a play as well, but a number of factors would hinder its bid. Stability would rise out of the potential period of chaos when another power would became the global economy’s main engine. America’s time in the sun would be over.

7. American lifestyles would change radically…What this would mean to the social fabric of the nation is unknown. But our way of life would dramatically change…

America losing the pride of her power?

Those pushing to create a different world are no doubt working hard to bring about the demise of the dollar and thus America’s role in the world. In this publication we often speak of America losing “the pride of [its] power” (Leviticus 26:19). Military might is what we think of first in this regard; however, nothing would so radically change America’s leading role in the world as the dollar losing its reserve status.

For one, America’s crippling foreign debt would get worse with decreased ability to finance the burden. In time the country would be at the mercy of those holding its obligations, with little room to maneuver. Economic slavery would be on the horizon.

However, it’s unlikely this is going to happen in the near term. China and several Arab states hold too many dollar-denominated instruments to see this change. They would lose too much. Right now the United States is too big, too rich and too powerful to fail. There is too much at stake on the global scene.

That does not mean things couldn’t change—and change quickly—but the proper circumstances have to be in place.

It will not happen until the God of heaven wants it to happen. God has blessed America with its wealth, power and resulting prestige. He will move to change that when it fits His timing for His great plan for all the nations.

The articles makes several good points, but repeatedly very one dangerous one.

UCG is correct that God will decide when the USA dollar will fall.  But the dangerous tone of the article is that it only MAY happen, it will LIKELY NOT happen for a long time, and most likely it will be GRADUAL.

Let me explain several factors that UCG overlooked.

To start with, while some changes will be gradual, ultimately a quick fall will occur.

It should also be pointed out that the economy of the European Union is larger than that of the USA, hence there is in existence currently a potential replacement that will meet all the necessary criteria.  Stratfor Global Intelligence’s claim that only the USA economy could potentially qualify is not true (though the EU needs a little more time to be fully ready–but it certainly is potentially ready).

While acknowledging that the USA is the most indebted nation in the world, UCG’s article apparently ignored the following scriptures:

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 “Will not all these take up a proverb against him, And a taunting riddle against him, and say, ‘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 2:3,6-8).

While UCG”s article makes it sound like things will get worse if the dollar falls, it seems to imply that it would not be an absolute disaster that will quickly result in the takeover of the USA (as well as its Anglo-descended allies).

Additionally, the EU’s euro is even now getting in place to be the replacement reserve currency for the world.  And while most of the world still uses the USA dollar as the reserve currency, the euro has made great strides, which have been very quick by historical standards.  And when various other disasters hit the USA–which WILL COME TO PASS–that did not hit the old British Empire–the change will happen much more quickly.

Another brief point that I wish to mention is that when the USA dollar truly falls, it will be for practical purposes worthless.  This will shake the confidence of people all around the world about ALL paper currencies.  This will cause problems for most of the remaining currencies in the world.  This will cause problems.

But notice the Bible shows that the coming European Beast power, known as the King of the North, will accumulate a lot of gold and silver:

43 He shall have power over the treasures of gold and silver (Daniel 11:43)

This rapid accumulation of precious metals, combined with the Beast power’s military conquests (Daniel 11:39-42; Revelation 13:4), will quickly establish the European currency (which may or may not, but likely will be, the euro) as the premier currency.

UCG’s approach to prophecy still is not “hot”, though its members do not seem to believe that it is “cold” (cf. Revelation 3:15-16).  It remains my contention that many within UCG, even if they are interested in prophecy, will simply not be ready when certain prophetic matters line up if they stay there.

But you, whether you are in any church or not, can be.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Are You Saved? Do You Love Jesus? What is a True Christian? What is the Gospel? Evangelist Richard Ames answers those important questions.
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?
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?
Differences between the Living Church of God and United Church of God This article provides quotes information from the two largest groups which had their origins in WCG as well as commentary.
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?
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?
Prophecies of Barack Obama? Eight reasons why Barack Obama is apocalyptic and eight reasons why Barack Obama is not the Antichrist. This article includes many biblical and non-biblical prophecies, from around the world, that seem to discuss Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist?  Might Barack Obama set the stage for the kings of the North and South as at least one Shiite prophecy suggests?  This is the longest and most complete article on this page on Barack Obama prophecies. Read it and decide for yourself if President Obama seems to be fulfilling various prophecies.
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/GCI members or any interested in supporting the faithful church. It also explains a lot of what the COGs are all about.

VS.

COGwriter

When I posted about Ronald Weinland’s latest letter today, I left out the following:

ideaCity:
A little over a week ago (on Thursday morning) I had interviews with two stations in Toronto, as presenters for ideaCity are being interviewed in the city’s anticipation of this special tenth anniversary event. This is the beginning of a new phase of recognition of God’s two witnesses (although it is only very slight at this time). It is indeed a unique and welcomed experience. Rather than being treated with attitudes that can be challenging, confrontational, disbelieving, irreverent, and at times condescending, there indeed seems to be a shift beginning to take place in which the message (and messenger) are beginning to be treated with greater respect. Of course the other attitudes will always exist, but as God begins to work with larger numbers of people, through a process of drawing them closer to the truth, His message (and messengers) will begin to be treated with greater sobriety and genuine respect.

I later told my family that any respect that Ronald Weinland was paid by journalists was probably simply because he was a speaker at ideaCity and that the journalists probably were unaware of Ronald Weinland’s track record of false and failed prophecies.

But I wondered why Ronald Weinland did not say anything in this morning’s post about what happened at ideaCity.

Well apparently he did today in his sermon.  As I did not take the time to listen to it, I will quote what Dill Weed said about it:

Ron was laughed at Idea City. He was laughed at by ‘prideful, haughty people.’ Yeah, right.

While Ronald Weinland does not deserve the respect that a true prophet should receive, he still apparently fails to realize that his false predictions and comments cast a negative shadow to many concerning the Bible, prophecies, and the true Church of God–all of which I feel that he has problems with.

A major prophecy that I have long been saying that Ronald Weinland fulfills is the following:

2:1 But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. 2 And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. 3 By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber (2 Peter 2:1-3).

Perhaps his followers will realize that they too are assisting him fulfill this and reconsider their situations.

Some articles that will help you, your followers, and others interested in end-time prophecy would include the following:

Concerns About Ronald Weinland’s Church of God-Preparing for the Kingdom of God Ronald Weinland falsely claims to be one of the two witnesses God is raising up and that the end will come in 2008 (first April 17th, then June 2008, now December 14, 2008). Why is he a false prophet? He also has at least one other view that suggests that he is not part of the Church of God.
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 Are The Two Witnesses? What is their job? What does the Bible reveal? What has the Church of God taught on this subject? Might even Roman Catholic prophecies give some clues here?

VS.

COGwriter

Ronald Weinland is a self-appointed “prophet” who claims that he and his wife are the two witnesses.  Today he posted the following:

That which we are experiencing is indeed different than what the Church had once supposed it would, in what was referred to as “the great tribulation.” Because of this, I had even believed that this period of time would begin immediately with great physical destruction.

That destruction is coming, and it will be coming all too soon. It doesn’t need to be rushed! Because of the time that has now been lengthened for the humbling process of the scattered nations of Israel, which will result in more people being saved, many are going to experience increasingly difficult financial trials as companies continue to let go of larger numbers of employees, cut back on salaries and benefits, and reduce the hours people are allowed to work. Although such trials will prove to be difficult, they are meager and nothing compared to the conditions we would now be living through if great destruction had already come by now.

No, Ronald Weinland it is not that the true Church of God has misunderstood what will happen in the Great Tribulation.  The problem is that YOU said certain things would happen and supposedly had happened, which really have not.

YOU claimed that the 1260 days of the Great Tribulation began on April 17, 2008 and the would be USA nuked by June, then July of 2008.  When that didn’t happen, you then changed your date and claimed that the final 1260 days starting the Great Tribulation began on December 14, 2008 .  If that 3 1/2 years had started last year, at least the following would have HAD TO OCCUR:

25 He shall speak pompous words against the Most High,
Shall persecute the saints of the Most High,
And shall intend to change times and law.
Then the saints shall be given into his hand
For a time and times and half a time (Daniel 7:25).

But even though I have repeatedly pointed out to you on this page what the Bible said needed to happen on the various days (1260, 1290, and 1335) of Daniel, you have tried to reason around it by ignoring what the Bible really teaches.

Those who have been misled into following you really need to look to their Bibles and not their or your understanding as it should be clear that the final Beast power, the King of the North, simply has not risen up and the saints have NOT been given into his hand.

You have refused to pay attention to what the Bible teaches but instead rely on your own imaginations and to a large degree your ever revising views of your writings and words.  Your book titled 2008: God’s Final Witness simply was not God’s final witness, but mainly ended up as a marketing piece by you.

Since some of  what the Bible says will happen has not happened yet, instead of repenting this time you just posted:

For the final sermon on the Last Great Day of the Feast, it is planned that a sermon will be given on the subject of “time, times, and half a time.” God is beginning to give a clearer understanding of what He is doing concerning a “new” significance this expression has for this end-time. Due to the special fast held by God’s Church in January this year, some prophetic events have been shifted within the framework of the fulfillment of “time, times, and half a time.”

For some reason, you want to believe that you can change scripture.  That is not true.

Now, you again wish to change your own understandings as well as you also posted the following today:

Beginning in 2009, the United States placed a new government in motion that no longer has any favor and will no longer receive any help from God. Over the past decades and even centuries, God has sustained the many governments of the scattered nations of Israel, due to Him fulfilling His promises of physical prosperity and greatness He was to give, especially to the tribe of Joseph (both Ephraim and Manasseh). Those nations of scattered Israel include the U.S., Israel itself (who is Judah), the U.K. Canada, Australia, New Zealand, France, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, Ireland, Finland, Norway, Iceland, and Sweden. These nations have not only had the favor of greatness and prosperity now taken completely away from them, but these same nations are the first in the world to face prophetic demise. That demise began with the First Trumpet blast of the Seventh Seal that sounded on December 14, 2008.

The demise of the U.S. began on that date, and the removal of God’s favor over the nation is epitomized by the overwhelming response of the country to its new president.

And you should know why that is a change.  Do you not recall that on April 7, 2008, you stated the following in a radio interview with Mike McConnell?

I’ve made many comments on different interviews here that we may be able to scrounge together having elections in November but there will not be a new president take office in January…I wrote the book. And God gave an outline for various things he was very you know there were things very specific there about 2008 dates…

You were wrong then–the USA did get a new president who took the office in January 2009.  Your book was wrong.  And you are wrong now that the 1260 days began on December 17, 2008.

Also, in your The Mystery of God Revealed, Pt. 4. Sermon, March 15, 2008 you stated that the seventh seal would be opened on March 18, 2008, which you had claimed was the beginning of the 1290 days.  You then changed your mind.  So since late summer, an event you had claimed was to start on the 1290 days, you now claim stated on the beginning of the 1260 days, which you then said was 9 months later.

I have been warning people for about four years about you.  So far, you have been wrong about your specific predictions and I have been correct that you would prove to be a false prophet on a variety of specifics.

Do you remember saying the following about April 2008 in a December 15, 2007 radio interview on The Edge?

The proof is coming…

If it doesn’t come to pass…starting in April, then I’m nothing but a false prophet…

Beginning in April, its important that people believe it…

What we’re talking about happening in this country and around the world is a horrendous thing, it really is…

Things do start in 2008….It will be done by 2011…

There’s already been six seals opened up…and the world is ignorant of it…The seventh seal they will know though…

The destruction of the United States, we are the first to suffer…I wouldn’t want to be in Chicago, Los Angeles, or New York…

By the fall of 2011, that’s when Jesus Christ returns…

A little after April…a dollar bill won’t be worth anything…

The abomination of desolation has already happened…

By January 2009, we (the United States) will be down the tubes…

In that interview you also basically said that you would not follow Ellen White (SDA/LCG Differences: Two Horned Beast of Revelation and 666 ) or others and recalculate an excuse or a different date, but that if it does not happen when and how you then said it, you would admit that your are a false prophet.

Perhaps I should remind you what you said you would do if what you said in a late 2007 sermon:

You know, one of the things as well, what if Ron Weinland, what he says doesn’t come to pass in April, what if these things don’t happen in 2008. I think about, you know, what have I said in interviews? There’s really a simple answer. False prophet. You know, I get tons of email, I get email every day from people saying, “Well I guess in 2009,” a lot of sarcasm comes out, “I guess you’re gonna be saying this or saying that or trying to explain to people”, No, I’m done.

But you did the opposite of what YOU promised and changed YOUR dates and refused to publicly state that you were “a false prophet”.

Your followers need to recognize that you are a false prophet as what you claimed would happen in 2008 simply has not come to pass.

Recall what you taught in a sermon given March 29, 2008:

If by Pentecost I’m just going to make this real clear to everyone. If by Pentecost it is not powerfully and abundantly clear that there has been a great deal of destruction that will clearly encompass a third of all plant life in the US and at least the clear results of this mingled with blood the death of very much animal life and the beginning of large numbers of human life then I will stop preaching. Just so all the critics and everyone out there will understand. I am true to my word in these things. OK? And for all the critics if by the end of July and for most likely around Pentecost if nothing has clearly caused great destruction and death I will make it very clear that I was a false prophet. I will do exactly what I said I would do on all of those interviews that I have held; to do less, aah well, would be quite insane. (Weinland R. Three More Weeks–quote from near the 1 hour 28 minute point from the CGPFK website version. Sermon given March 29, 2008).

Since Pentecost in 2008 was June 8th, by mid-June you were to stop preaching according to your own words.

And by mid-July 2008 apologize and publicly admit your error.

Instead on April 19th, you pronounced curses on your critics and  by late June 2008, you changed his dates.  Of course, you never once showed where I made a mistake about your predictions.

The fact that there are economic problems now is NOT because you had any special insight as many (including me) have warned that the Bible shows that USA and its Anglo-Allies will become subservient to a rising European economic power.  The difference between you and those of us in the Living Church of God is that we DID NOT claim that the Great Tribulation would start in 2008 or that the USA would be nuked then–you, however, did.

Perhaps I should remind you and everyone else what you said on a radio interview with James Whale on April 10, 2008:

If things do not by mid-June very clearly so, I will make it clear that I was a false prophet and I will never preach again…

Now you kept preaching and still are.  And I do think that makes it clear that you are a false prophet.

There is a prophecy, however, that you are helping fulfill:

2:1 But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. 2 And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. 3 By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber (2 Peter 2:1-3).

You, to a degree, are causing the way of truth to be blasphemed.  If I have made any error in my reporting of facts, would you please contact me?  If not, I will remain convinced that you are a false prophet that people need to be warned about.

Furthermore, you and your followers need to heed what the Bible says:

21 “And if you say in your heart, ‘How shall we know the word which the LORD has not spoken?’– 22 when a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him (Deuteronomy 18:21-22).

According to your own words as well as the word of God, you are a false prophet.  Nor are you one of the two witnesses.

Will you finally keep your word and stop perpetuating the myth that you are a true prophet and one of God’s two witnesses?

Some articles that will help you, your followers, and others interested in end-time prophecy would include the following:

Concerns About Ronald Weinland’s Church of God-Preparing for the Kingdom of God Ronald Weinland falsely claims to be one of the two witnesses God is raising up and that the end will come in 2008 (first April 17th, then June 2008, now December 14, 2008). Why is he a false prophet? He also has at least one other view that suggests that he is not part of the Church of God.
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 Are The Two Witnesses? What is their job? What does the Bible reveal? What has the Church of God taught on this subject? Might even Roman Catholic prophecies give some clues here?
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?
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?

French President Sarkozy

COGwriter

Once again, the President of France has called for a stronger EU leader:

Sarkozy calls for ‘strong’ EU president

EUobserver – June 19, 2009

ELITSA VUCHEVA

BRUSSELS – European institutions, especially the European Commission, should be given more power, French President Nicolas Sarkozy said on Friday (19 June), in a foretaste of his upcoming EU reform proposals.

“I am really for a strong European Commission, a strong Council [the institution representing EU member states] and a strong European Parliament,” Mr Sarkozy said at a press conference following a two-day meeting of EU leaders in Brussels.

“For the parliament, it’s done. For the council, I hope that with the Lisbon [treaty] it will be done. I really think we can have a win-win system for the three big institutions.”

According to the president, the European Commission at the moment is too weak, mainly due to its size – it has 27 commissioners, one from each member state and a large number of “smaller portfolios.”

The commission president “does not have enough authority over his commissioners,” Mr Sarkozy said, stressing he was not referring to Mr Barroso personally, but rather to the presidential office in the organisation…

Mr Sarkozy declined to put forward any names, but said the person in the new job should be “strong and ambitious [for Europe].”

The candidate’s nationality and political affiliation would also play a part…

Mr Sarkozy also expressed support for Polish ex-premier Jerzy Buzek to become the new European Parliament president. Mr Buzek is competing for the post with Italy’s Mario Mauro, but is believed to have greater support.

“I think he would be an excellent candidate,” the French president said. “[It would] send a very positive signal to our friends from eastern Europe.” http://euobserver.com/9/28343

The Bible tells of a time when a powerful leader, called the King of the North in the Bible will rise up in Europe.  And while most in Europe are not ready for that now, they will ultimately follow the lead of such a man.

Also, perhaps it should be noted that the Irish compromise for Lisbon is now in place and that the Irish seem to be willing to change their last vote against it:

EU agrees Irish treaty compromise

BBC – June 19, 2009

EU leaders have agreed a deal they hope will secure the Lisbon Treaty a “Yes” vote in a second Irish referendum.

Ireland won legally-binding assurances that Lisbon would not affect Irish policies on military neutrality, taxes and abortion, diplomats said.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy said leaders had agreed to Irish demands that the guarantees would be given the status of a treaty “protocol”. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8106300.stm

The Beast of Revelation 13 is continuing to form.

To learn more about it and what it will due to many nations, please see the following articles:

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?
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?
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?
Is There A Future King of the South? Some no longer believe there needs to be. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? What does the Bible say?
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?

Martin Luther

COGwriter

While we in the Living Church of God believe that the overwhelming majority of human beings who ever lived will be saved, Martin Luther and his followers condemned those who held those ideas in the 16th century:

Apocatastasis… Luther, writing on Aug. 18, 1522, to Hans von Rechenberg, who had asked him if there was any salvation for those out of Christ at death, states that a belief in the ultimate salvation of all men, and even of the devil and his angels, was held among the sect of Free Spirits in the Netherlands, one of whom was then in Wittenberg. They based it on Ps. lxxvii. 9, 10 and on I Tim. ii. 4. He then proceeds to refute it. Again Luther warns against this belief when writing to the Christians in Antwerp in 1525 (cf. de Wette’s ed. of Luther’s letters, ii. 453 and iii. 62). The doctrine was held among the Anabaptists…another Anabaptist leader, Jacob Kautz (Cucius), in 1527 at Worms put as the fifth of seven articles he propounded for debate: “All that was lost in the first Adam is and will be found more richly restored in the Second Adam, Christ; yea, in Christ shall all men be quickened and blessed forever” (Zwingli, Opera, viii. 77; cf. S. M. Jackson, Selections from Zwingli, p. 148). (Schaff, Philip. New Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge, Vol. I: Aachen – Basilians, p. 211)

Thus, the idea that the Church of God long has taught that God would offer salvation to all is documented, not only in the pages of the Bible, but through some of the writings of its enemies. And, by using the Bible alone, there is no possible way that Martin Luther could repute it. The fact is that There Are Hundreds of Verses in the Bible Supporting the Doctrine of True Apocatastasis.

Now it was not just some in the Netherlands and Belgium that believed in God’s plan of salvation, many in Germany and Switzerland did as well:

Indeed, while perhaps not universally accepted by Anabaptists, it was held by so many of the party in Switzerland, Upper Germany, and Alsace that in Article xvii. of the Augsburg Confession are these words: ” They [the Lutherans] condemn the Anabaptists, who think that to condemned men and the devils shall be an end of torments.” (Ibid).

So, the response by the Lutherans was to condemn those with that belief.  Here is a little more information on what the Lutherans concluded.

Article XVII: Of Christ’s Return to Judgment … They condemn the Anabaptists, who think that there will be an end to the punishments of condemned men and devils. They condemn also others who are now spreading certain Jewish opinions, that before the resurrection of the dead the godly shall take possession of the kingdom of the world, the ungodly being everywhere suppressed. (The Confession of Faith: Which Was Submitted to His Imperial Majesty Charles V. At the Diet of Augsburg in the Year 1530. by Philip Melanchthon, 1497-1560. Translated by F. Bente and W. H. T. Dau. Published in: Triglot Concordia: The Symbolical Books of the Ev. Lutheran Church. St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, pp. 37-95.)

While there may be some misunderstanding of their doctrines, nearly all the above doctrines are biblical, yet they were condemned by the early Lutherans.  Even many Protestants believe in at least some form of Millenarianism,even though Martin Luther and his associates condemned it.

Furthermore, Anabaptists were also denounced by other 16th century Protestant leaders such as Jacob Würben of Biel because they stated that they got certain doctrines from the Book of Revelation (Guggisberg HR.  Jabob Würben of Biel: A thoughtful admonisher against Ludwig Hätzer and the Anabaptists.  Mennonite Quarterly Review, VOl. XLVI, July 1972, pp. 239-255).

The teachings of the Book of Revelation were NOT popular with the early Protestant Reformers and were often condemned by them (for Martin Luther’s view of the Apocalypse, please see the article Sola Scriptura or Prima Luther? What Did Martin Luther Really Believe About the Bible?).

More recent Protestant writings show a bias against salvation of the masses:

…most will be lost and not find salvation from sin (Price B. Romans Bible Commentary – Living By Faith Published by Brad Price, 2005, p. 96).

…most will not be saved (God’s Plan of Salvation. Manassas Church of Christ, ©Manassas Church of Christ  1997-2003. http://manassaschurch.org/StudySer_Plan.htm viewed 06/11/09).

The Bible says that most believe in God, but most will not be saved. (Andres GS. . Do you have an Opposition to being saved? Up Dated Wednesday, March 18, 2009. G. Steven Andres Copyright – 1999 to 2009. http://andresusa.com/03-salvation/how-to-be-saved/do-you-have-an-objection.htm viewed 06/11/09).

The Bible, of course, does NOT teach that most will not be saved–there is NO scriture that states that. The Bible teaches that only a few are now called, but others will have their opportunity later (see Universal Offer of Salvation: There Are Hundreds of Verses in the Bible Supporting the Doctrine of True Apocatastasis).

God is love (1 John 4:8,16) and certainly has a plan of salvation that works well enough so that most will be saved.  And this is taught in the Bible.

Those interested in learning more should consider studying the following articles:

Hope of Salvation: How the Living Church of God differ from most Protestants How the Living Church of God differs from mainstream/traditional Protestants, is perhaps the question I am asked most by those without a Church of God background.
The Similarities and Dissimilarities between Martin Luther and Herbert W. Armstrong This article clearly shows some of the doctrinal differences between in the two. At this time of doctrinal variety and a tendency by many to accept certain aspects of Protestantism, the article should help clarify why the Living Church of God is NOT Protestant. Do you really know what the Protestant Reformer Martin Luther taught and should you follow his doctrinal example?
Universal Offer of Salvation: There Are Hundreds of Verses in the Bible Supporting the Doctrine of True Apocatastasis Do you believe what the Bible actually teaches on this? Will all good things be restored? Does God’s plan of salvation take rebellion and spiritual blindness into account?
Sola Scriptura or Prima Luther? What Did Martin Luther Really Believe About the Bible? Though he is known for his public sola Scriptura teaching, did Martin Luther’s writings about the Bible suggest he felt that prima Luther was his ultimate authority? Statements from him changing and/or discounting 18 books of the Bible are included. Do you really want to know the truth?
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?
Is There “An Annual Worship Calendar” In the Bible? This paper provides a biblical and historical critique of several articles, including one by WCG which states that this should be a local decision. What do the Holy Days mean? Do they lay out God’s plan of salvation? Also you can click here for the calendar of Holy Days.

COGwriter

In the current (June 2009) issue of its Bible Advocate Magazine, CG7’s former president, Calvin Burrell wrote:

Some say that pornography is the #1 secret problem in the church…

God created sex and called it good. He created the feminine figure and gave men eyes to see and admire. He made the mas-culine physique and persona, and gave women desire for male companionship. God created tes-tosterone and said it is not good for man to be alone. We were engineered as sexual beings, not just for reproductive purposes but also for enriching our lives.

No problem!

We live in a sex-saturated society — that’s a problem!…

See no evil
Given the principle of Jesus, the pledge of Job, and the experience of Jimmy, what is realistic for us in the matter of moral purity for our eyes and minds?
Some people may carry false guilt in this matter, and clear thinking can help free them. The Bible confirms that sexual desire and passion are normal human traits. Between a man and his wife, God affirms and blesses the full-bodied expression of love (Genesis 2:24, 25; Proverbs 5:15-19; Song of Solomon; 1 Corinthians7:1-9).

Even beyond matrimony, thoughts with sexual components are not necessarily sinful thoughts. Since Jesus was tempted in all points, He must have experienced His own sexuality as a natural attraction toward the feminine. Never did He entertain this to the point of sinful lust, however. Thus admiration, appreciation, and attraction toward a person of the opposite sex are natural in the human family and may be free of evil intent.

Though the interest we feel in persons of opposite gender may be innocent enough, too often we cross that border into the land of lust, as Jesus defined it. Temptation, then, has given way to sin. The key to victory is preparation before the test.

Whatever it takes
In this corrupted culture, how can we prepare ourselves to “see no evil”? A severe analogy that our Lord used can teach us more. In the next verse after Matthew 5:28, Christ urges us to ward off lust before it strikes…

• Pluck out porn from your computer with a good filter; cast from you all lewd and obscene materials; cleanse your home! (Romans 13:14b).
• Amputate sexually charged television and movies; instead, integrate the spiritually charged Word (2 Timothy 2:22, for example) to use in times of temptation, as Jesus did.
• Cut clear boundaries; avoid all improper appearances in male-female relationships.
• Choose a personal accountability partner who will ask hard questions that carve away at your use of pornography.
• When your eyes introduce improper thoughts, switch to your heart and to enlightened prayer. Pray for the object of your temptation, her spouse and family, her faith.
• For deeper sexual addictions, seek professional spiritual counsel until the chains are broken…

More on Porn
• Pornography is a $13.3 billion annual industry in the U.S., taking in more than the NFL, NBA, and major league baseball combined.
• The porn industry has larger revenues than the top technology companies combined: Microsoft, Google, Amazon, eBay, Yahoo!, Apple, Netflix, and EarthLink.
• Every second, 28,258 Internet users are viewing pornography and spending $3,075.64 on it.
• Every 39 minutes a new pornographic video is created in the U.S.
• There are 4.2 million pornography Web sites.
• 25 percent of search engine requests are for pornography — 68 million per day.
• 100,000 Web sites offer illegal child pornography.
• Average age of first exposure to Internet porn: eleven years.
• Pornography growth in the last five years: 1800 percent.
• Phone sex is a $4.5 billion industry; “sexting” is the new trend among teens.
Sources: Family Safe Media, Senate testimony by Dr. Mary Anne Layden, Nightline, Crosswalk.com, Home Invasion by Rebecca Hagelin,
Dr. Mark Laaser, and Focus on the Family

Pornography is wrong.

However, it is surprising to see that Calvin Burrell believes it could be as serious and widespread as he implies within CG7.

Any one (male or female) who is addicted to pornography obviously is in a state of sin and needs repentance.

Perhaps this post will give those involved in it, pause to reflect, consider, and repent.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Were the Ten Commandments in Effect Before Mount Sinai? Some have said not. This article provides biblical quotes to answer this important question.
Job and the Ten Commandments Was Job written prior to Mount Sinai? Did Job know about the ten commandments? This article provides biblical answers to those questions.
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 Galileo Logo Contains 12 Stars That Come From an Icon of Mary

COGwriter

As reported previously (USA May Need EU’s Galileo!), the US Global Positioning System is having problems.  However new problems may also be emerging:

GPS Satellite Glitches Fuel Concern on Next Generation

Wall Street Journal – June 17, 2009

By ANDY PASZTOR

Technical problems are degrading the accuracy of signals from the last GPS satellite launched by the Pentagon, sparking concerns among U.S. military and aerospace industry officials that the next generation of the widely used satellites could face similar troubles.

The Air Force’s Southern California space acquisition center on Tuesday announced that a Global Positioning System satellite, manufactured by Lockheed Martin Corp. and launched in March, is experiencing performance problems in orbit. It hasn’t become part of the “operational constellation” of more than two dozen other GPS satellites, and is slated to undergo a battery of tests expected to stretch through October to try to resolve the problems, according to an Air Force news release.

The GPS system, which serves both military and civilian users, provides precise time and location coordinates for everything from military missile launches and “smart” bombs to automated bank-teller machines to aircraft, ships and everyday vehicles. The Lockheed satellite is the first to include a new civilian frequency — dubbed L5 — designed for, among other things, use by future nationwide air-traffic control systems. But that signal, part of test package, apparently is interfering with other signals from the satellite and reducing their accuracy, according to industry and Air Force officials. The degraded signals are accurate only to about 20 feet, versus about two feet for typical GPS signals, industry officials said.

The issue is significant, according to these officials, because it could complicate deployment of a new family of Boeing Co. GPS satellites currently being built that also feature the L5 signal. Already years behind schedule and hundreds of millions of dollars over budget, the 12 satellites, which are scheduled to replace satellites currently in orbit, could face further testing and delays to ensure that they are free of interference problems. The Boeing satellites have a history of quality-control and manufacturing problems unrelated to the latest concerns.

…Air Force brass have begun examining whether Boeing versions of GPS satellites require additional tests and analysis to eliminate concerns, according to industry officials familiar with the details…

In its release, the Air Force said the routine in-orbit checkout of the suspect Lockheed satellite revealed that some signals “were inconsistent” with comparable GPS satellites. The Air Force also said upcoming tests will include simulations and “testing of real-life GPS receiver equipment to the greatest extent possible” to prevent “inadvertent impacts to GPS users.”

The first of Boeing’s GPS IIF satellites, incorporating the new civilian signal, is slated to launch late this year or early 2010, delayed from the summer.

In May 2008, Lockheed bested Boeing to win a contract worth at least $1.8 billion to build the most-advanced navigation satellites yet, dubbed GPS III, scheduled to go into operation around the middle of the next decade…

Concerns over signal quality come barely weeks after a Congressionally-ordered study raised a red flag about potential erosion of GPS accuracy in the next few years due to launch delays and other challenges. If certain launches get delayed up to two years, the General Accountability Office report predicted, the Pentagon could have trouble maintaining the desired fleet of 24 fully-functional GPS satellites in operation. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124520702464422059.html

In 2013, the European Union is to have its competing system, called Galileo:

Contracts give impetus to Galileo

BBC – June 16, 2009

By Jonathan Amos

Europe’s satellite-navigation system has taken a big step forward with the signing of new industrial contracts.

Satellite firms EADS Astrium and OHB have been asked to provide spacecraft components that will be needed for the forthcoming constellation.

And rocket company Arianespace has signed the deal which will loft the system’s first operational platforms…

The European Commission, which is leading the endeavour, has set aside more than two billion euros to build 26 satellites (plus two spares), buy launch rockets and set up the ground control centres.

Its partner on the venture, the European Space Agency (Esa), is running a procurement contest with the aim of having Galileo up and running by 2013…

Galileo is expected to improve substantially the availability and accuracy of timing signals delivered from space…

• A European Commission and European Space Agency project
• 30 satellites to be launched in batches by end of 2013
• Will work alongside US GPS and Russian Glonass systems
• Promises real-time positioning down to less than a metre
• Guaranteed under all but most extreme circumstances
• Suitable for safety-critical roles where lives depend on service

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8102047.stm

The EU went forward with Galileo in order to have the ability to have its own independent positioning system for military applications (EU Approves Galileo For Military Use).  This type of system is critically necessary for the guidance of complex and state of the art missile deployment.

Having a new, more accurate system that works, when the USA will have a less modern, possibly partially failing system, will give the rising European Beast power an edge in military matters.  And the Bible shows that the Beast will have powerful military abilities (Revelation 13:4); hence Galileo may be part of the reason why.

Since the USA and European Union are basically supposedly to be allies, it would not surprise me if the USA agrees to partially rely on some of Galileo’s capabilities for a short time next decade until it gets the bugs worked out of its system.  However, should this come to pass, it is likely that the USA will regret giving a potential enemy the ability to attack it undetected as well as the ability to thwart some USA retaliatory strikes.

This GPS problem, combined with the EU’s upcoming temporal Galileo superiority, may prove to be the final factor in persuading a European power who does not really intend to destroy the USA and its Anglo-powers at this time (cf. Isaiah 10:7a), to go for a rare, perhaps never again available opportunity, to become the world military power and cut-off nations (cf. Isaiah 10:7b).

USA financial problems and government debt will likely make temporary partial reliance on the EU’s Galileo a tempting option for American officials.

While this is not yet certain that the USA must put itself in position for this to happen, it certainly may be a possibility next decade according to news reports and even indirect admissions from the US Air Force.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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”?
Two Horned Beast of Revelation and 666 This article explains how the LCG views this, and compares this to Ellen White.
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? What MUST happen BEFORE the Great Tribulation?
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 and the Hindu Indians (who were not even on the same continent). 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?
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?
Prophecies of Barack Obama? Will Barack Obama lead to the Destruction of the USA? Are there biblical and non-biblical prophecies about Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist?  Might Barack Obama set the stage for the kings of the North and South as his timing and at least one Shiite prophecy suggests?  This is the longest and most detailed of the articles here at COGwriter related to prophecy and Barack Obama.

COGwriter

Continuing to spend money, some of which seems to be intended to be targeted towards those who most strongly supported him, President Obama announced that he wanted to provide various benefits to “same-sex partners” of federal government employees:

6/17/09

(CNN) — President Obama’s decision to grant some benefits to the same-sex partners of federal employees is seen by some as his attempt to extend an olive branch to the gay and lesbian community, but critics say it’s “too little, too late.”…

The memorandum Obama is signing Thursday is not expected to grant health and retirement benefits to same-sex partners, as that is prohibited under the Defense of Marriage Act…

Obama got 70 percent of the vote from those who identified themselves as gay, lesbian or bisexual, according to CNN exit polls.  http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/06/17/obama.gay.critics/index.html?iref=newssearch

Last month, LCG reported:

The Holy Scriptures plainly denounce homosexuality as a sin (Romans 1:24-32) and clearly articulate that marriage is God-ordained to be between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:22-25, 1 Timothy 3:2). Christians are not to condemn anyone (Matthew 7:1), nor are they to be violent against those who sin (Matthew 5:21-22). But God did warn of a time, at the end of the age, when society would call things that are evil and wrong “good,” and condemn as “evil” things that are right (Isaiah 5:20). This is exactly what we are witnessing today.

A relatively recent Catholic prophecy warns that homosexuality (and abortion) will be one of the reasons that the USA will be destroyed:

On November 15, 1990: Mary spoke about the great trial coming to the United States and for all humanity.  The Blessed Mother specifically mentions the United States will know the hour of weakness and of poverty as well as “the hour of suffering and defeat”.  The thunder of God’s justice will have arrived:

…”…Sins of impurity have become ever more widespread, and immorality has spread like a sea which has submerged all things. Homosexuality, a sin of impurity which is against nature, has been justified; recourse to the means of preventing life have become commonplace, while abortions,–these killings of innocent children–have spread and are performed in all areas of your homeland. The momement of divine justice and of great mercy has now arrived. You will know the hour of weakness and poverty; the hour of suffering and defeat; the purifying hour of the great chastisement…” America will know poverty and defeat! Those are strong statements made by the Virgin herself. Never before have we known something like this on a national scale (Flynn, Ted and Maureen. The Thunder of Justice. MaxKol Communications, Inc. Sterling (VA), 1993pp. 341,342).

Since I do not believe that Jesus’ Mother Mary actually said the above (see Mary, the Mother of Jesus and the Apparitions), perhaps I should add that even the demons know that the Bible condemns homosexuality and abortion, as well as the fact that the USA is prophesied to be destroyed.

Of course, the Bible condemns all sexual partnerships outside of the marriage of a male to a female.  But today’s announcement from the White House is also more evidence that the USA government keeps proposing initiatives that will increase USA debt.

The Bible warns of a time that the indebted will be taken over by its creditors.  And while it will not happen before 2012, it may well happen next decade.

Some 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 them to be punished first?
Prophecies of Barack Obama? Are there biblical and non-biblical prophecies about Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist?  Might Barack Obama set the stage for the kings of the North and South as his timing and at least one Shiite prophecy suggests?  This is the longest and most detailed of the articles here at COGwriter related to prophecy and Barack Obama.
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?
Catholic Prophecies: Do They Mirror, Highlight, or Contradict Biblical Prophecies? People of all faiths may be surprised to see what various Roman and Orthodox Catholic prophets have been predicting as many of their predictions will be looked to in the 21st century.
Abortion, the Bible, and a Woman’s Right to Choose Do you know what the Bible teaches on this? Has the Roman Catholic Church allowed abortions? What about the Living Church of God?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2009, 2010, or 2011? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What is the “beginning of sorrows”?  When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?
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. Do Mayan/Hindu/Hopi/Buddhist/New Age/Nostradamus prophecies have any value here? 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?

Dmitry Anatolyevich Medvedev

COGwriter

Russian President Medvedev once again proposed a non-Western currency:

EKATERINBURG, Russia —  Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said Tuesday the world needs new reserve currencies.

Medvedev told a regional summit that the creation of new reserve currencies in addition to the dollar is needed to stabilize global finances.

Medvedev has made the proposal before. It reflects both the Kremlin’s push for greater international clout and a concern shared by other countries that soaring U.S. budget deficits could spur inflation and weaken the dollar.

Airing it at a summit meeting underlined the challenge to U.S. clout.

Medvedev spoke at a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, which includes China and four Central Asian nations.

Later Tuesday he hosts a summit of the BRIC group of leading emerging economies — Brazil, Russia, India and China.

The Kremlin’s top economic adviser said Russia may put part of its currency reserves in bonds issued by Brazil, China and India.

Arkady Dvorkovich said Russia could make the move if the other three nations reciprocate. Brazil, Russia, India and China are the members of the BRIC group of leading emerging economies. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,526541,00.html

Such proposals would have been considered nonsense in the past, but now many nations are considering what to do with a US dollar expected to have major declines.

The Bible strongly suggests that Russia, China, and India will end up cooperating (for a short while at least) on military matters.  It is certainly possible that they may also cooperate more on economic ones.

Brazil, however, seems more likely to ultimately end-up supporting Europe.  There are a lot of cultural, language, and religious ties between Brazil and Europe, that simply do not exist between it and either Russia, China, or India.

But irrespective of type of agreements the “BRIC” nations have, none of them ultimately are expected to support the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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?
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 (including those in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka).
Asia in Prophecy What is Ahead for Asia? Who are the “Kings of the East”? What will happen to nearly all the Chinese, Russians, Indians, and others of Asia? China in prophecy, where? Who has the 200,000,000 man army related to Armageddon?
Mexico, Central America, South America, and Brazil in Prophecy [Español: México, America Central, Suramérica, y el Brasil en profecíal] [Português: México, América Central, Ámérica do Sul, e Brasil na profecia] What will happen to those of Latin America? Will they have prosperity? Will they cooperate with Europe? Will they suffer in the future? What rule might the various Caribbean nations/territories play?
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?
Prophecies of Barack Obama? Are there biblical and non-biblical prophecies about Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist?  Might Barack Obama set the stage for the kings of the North and South as his timing and at least one Shiite prophecy suggests?  This is the longest and most detailed of the articles here at COGwriter related to prophecy and Barack Obama.
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?
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?