Church of God News

People Who Make Predictions Need to Be Sure that the Bible Supports those Predictions

COGwriter

This week, I received the following in an email from James Malm:

Dear Robert
Because I had told you in the past that no changes had been made to the  70 Weeks Prophecy article, I feel responsible to inform you that the article has been expanded and edited…

I have stated that If this is the year, the Final False Prophet will be set up 1,335 days prior to the day BEFORE Pentecost in 2013.  I have said that this date will be 3 Oct, if my calculations are correct.  It turns out that the calculation was not correct.  I had made an error which has been pointed out to me and I have since rechecked this calculation.  The date should be 19 Oct 09; NOT 3 Oct 09.  This is based on the Biblical Calendar…(Malm J. Email, July 19, 2009).

Here was my response:

Dear James:

You know that I disagree with you.  I will post some of the following and once again explain part of why I feel that your dates are in error.

Eventually, perhaps you will relook into your situation and realize that God wants the Philadelphians together and those who make themselves independent are leaning to their own understanding too much.

Regards,

Bob Thiel

As I have mentioned in many posts (including one last night titled Europeans Pressure Israel), because the deal in Daniel 9:27 has not yet occurred, it is not possible for the 1335 days to begin prior to the year 2013.  Furthermore, as there still is NO King of the North, NO King of the South, AND Europe does not have the military might it needs yet, etc., it is simply not biblically possible for the 1335 days to begin this year.  Furthermore, Matthew 24:14 has not, in my opinion, been fulfilled enough for the end to come.  And while events to fulfill those biblical requirements are in progress, they are simply not far enough along for James Malm to possibly be right.  His predictions are false.

Long time readers of this page may recall that I disagreed with James Malm in December 2007 (At Least Two Wrongly Claim Great Tribulation Will Begin in 2008) and also in 2008 (One More Pope?), when he claimed:

While the timing of this Festival is determined by the observance of the New Moon, the sixth day of this Festival is expected on 12 Apr 2012. Counting back from then, 1290 days, means that; the final false prophet we are awaiting, should be revealed around 30 Sep 2008 (Malm J. November 7, 2007 article titled “2008 in Prophecy).

Please, do not confuse me with R Weinland. I strongly disagree with most of what he says. For one thing I endeavour to provide scriptural backing for everything that I say. However I do say that 2008 is a critical year. As stated on the website I expect the Abomination (the man of sin) to be set up at the end of Sep and to go to the Holy Place within 75 days, triggering the occupation of Jerusalem. We shall know soon enough if I am correct! (Malm J. Email, December 2007)

In August 2008, in response to my posts related to him, James Malm contacted me and issued me a challenge (see James Malm Challenges COGwriter).  He then later admitted that he was in error, but then claimed:

The only possible years for the 1335 days to begin in the forseeable future are 2008 or 2009…

In short the last day of the 1335 days may occur on the day before Pentecost, making the Feast of Pentecost representative of a NEW BEGINNING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD. If this is true, and I shall study it further; the final False Prophet will be set up on 3 Oct 2009! (Malm. J. 2008 and Prophecy, 30 SEP 08).

I will go on record once again and state that the 1335 days cannot begin in 2009 nor prior to 2013. The Bible and world events simply do not allow for this. Do not be misled by him or anyone else on this (Why Be Concerned About False and Heretical Leaders?).  For James Malm to claim that “only possible years for the 1335 days to begin in the forseeable future are 2008 or 2009” is irresponsible and false.

I have probably pointed out several times this year that the predictions of many related to 2009 were in error. This is based upon checking the predictions with the Bible and world events.  People need to check what the Bible teaches and not be misled.  That is actually part of the reason that God has provided a ministry in His Church:

11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head–Christ– 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love (Ephesians 4:11-16).

We in the Living Church of God believe what God inspired the Apostle Paul to write.

As I have written many times, however, while the end will come, the Great Tribulation (nor the 1335 days that precede it by 75 days) CANNOT BEGIN BEFORE 2013.

Those interested in learning more about why may wish to read the following articles:

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?
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?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2009, 2010, or 2011? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? 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 (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?
Polycarp, Herbert W. Armstrong, and Roderick C. Meredith on Church Government What form of governance did the early church have? Was it hierarchical? 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?
Independent Members of the COG: Herbert W. Armstrong Comments, Plus Questions and Answers What did Herbert W. Armstrong teach about being independent of the organized Church? Should independents who claim to accept Herbert W. Armstrong’s teachings be part of LCG?
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.
The Laodicean Church Era has been predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. These are 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/GCI members or any interested in supporting the faithful church. It also explains a lot of what the COGs are all about.

Jerusalem

COGwriter

Many in Europe are trying to pressure Israel regarding settlements and Jerusalem:

Europe raises pressure on Israel to stop settlements

Tue Jul 21, 2009 2:10pm EDT

By Allyn Fisher-Ilan

JERUSALEM (Reuters) – Germany, France and Sweden on Tuesday joined a widening group of Western nations pressing Israel to stop building settlements in East Jerusalem and the West Bank under a U.S.-led effort to resume stalled peace talks.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has resisted international calls to freeze building in occupied territory, seemed to show a sign of flexibility as a newspaper reported a secret plan to remove two dozen unauthorized settler outposts.

Israel has long pledged to dismantle hilltop outposts that it never approved, but has continued building larger settlements in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, land it captured in a 1967 war, and where Palestinians want to build a future state.

Western-backed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has said he would not resume peace talks with Israel, stalled since Israel elected Netanyahu, a right-wing settler champion in February, unless all settlement construction stopped.

In Berlin, Ruprecht Polenz, a senior member of German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s conservative party, was quoted as saying Israel ran the risk “of gradually committing suicide as a democratic state” if it did not stop the construction.

Polenz, head of the German parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, further told the Rheinische Post daily that “Israel is overlooking the fact that neither Palestinians nor Arab states will agree to a solution without East Jerusalem.”

The French Foreign Ministry summoned Israel’s ambassador, Daniel Shek, in Paris, to protest against a planned Israeli housing project for East Jerusalem, which Israel considers part of its capital and which Palestinians also seek to make their capital.

Now although Israel has declared that Jerusalem will not be divided, biblical prophecy suggests otherwise (cf. Zechariah 12:3; 14:2).

Furthermore, the Bible shows that a time is coming when the nation of Israel will apparently be part of a seven-year peace agreement confirmed by a European leader. http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSLL69662120090721

Notice that in the book of Daniel there is a prophecy related to the end times that states:

26 And the people of the prince who is to come
Shall destroy the city and the sanctuary.
The end of it shall be with a flood,
And till the end of the war desolations are determined.
27 Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week;
But in the middle of the week
He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering.
And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate,
Even until the consummation, which is determined,
Is poured out on the desolate (Daniel 9:26-27).

There are several reasons that this “prince” is referring to the leader of the developing European empire (see King of the North and Europa, the Beast, and the Book of Revelation). But perhaps the main one is that it was the people of the Roman Empire of the 1st century that fulfilled the portion of Daniel 9:26 as they destroyed the city (Jerusalem) in 70 A.D. And it is the “prince” coming from that people that verse 27 is referring to. Hence, this prophecy tells us that a leader will start to rise up about 3 1/2 years before the great tribulation.

Since this deal has not been made (at least not publicly), then we are not yet to the part that a “prince of the north” (who will later be known as “the king of the north”) has come on the scene in any major way.

The fact that European leaders appear so publicly to believe that they can tell Israel what they think it should do certainly suggests that Europe would like to possibly broker a peace deal.

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”? 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?
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? What happens before in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?

COGwriter

A solar eclipse, claimed to be the longest for the 21st century, will be seen by many in Asia.  Some are concerned that it means doom:

Asia will witness 21st century’s longest eclipse

Associated Press – July 20, 2009 by MICHAEL CASEY

BANGKOK — Millions of people across Asia will witness the longest total solar eclipse that will happen this century, as vast swaths of India and China, the entire city of Shanghai and southern Japanese islands are plunged into darkness Wednesday for about five minutes…

The eclipse will appear first at dawn in India’s Gulf of Khambhat just north of the metropolis of Mumbai.

It will move east across India, Nepal, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Bhutan and China before hitting the Pacific. The eclipse will cross some southern Japanese islands and be last visible from land at Nikumaroro Island in the South Pacific nation of Kiribati.

Elsewhere, a partial eclipse will be visible in much of Asia.

For astronomers, it will be a chance for a prolonged view of the sun’s corona, a white ring 600,000 miles (1 million kilometers) from the sun’s surface. The previous total eclipse, in August 2008, was two minutes and 27 seconds. This one will last 6 minutes and 39 seconds at its maximum point…

One astrologer in Myanmar, also known as Burma, predicted in a magazine that the eclipse would trigger wars, instability and natural disasters for the next several months. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/20/AR2009072001168.html

Solar eclipse pits superstition against science

AFP – July 20, 2009

MUMBAI — Indian astrologers are predicting violence and turmoil across the world as a result of this week’s total solar eclipse, which the superstitious and religious view as a sign of potential doom.

But astronomers, scientists and secularists are trying to play down claims of evil portent in connection with Wednesday’s natural spectacle, when the moon will come between the Earth and the sun, completely obscuring the sun.

In Hindu mythology, the two demons Rahu and Ketu are said to “swallow” the sun during eclipses, snuffing out its life-giving light and causing food to become inedible and water undrinkable.

Pregnant women are advised to stay indoors to prevent their babies developing birth defects, while prayers, fasting and ritual bathing, particularly in holy rivers, are encouraged.

Shivani Sachdev Gour, a gynaecologist at the Fortis Hospital in New Delhi, said a number of expectant mothers scheduled for caesarian deliveries on July 22 had asked to change the date.

“This is a belief deeply rooted in Indian society. Couples are willing to do anything to ensure that the baby is not born on that day,” Gour said.

Astrologers have predicted a rise in communal and regional violence in the days following the eclipse, particularly in India, China and other Southeast Asian nations where it can be seen on Wednesday morning.

Mumbai astrologer Raj Kumar Sharma predicted “some sort of attack by (Kashmiri separatists) Jaish-e-Mohammad or Al-Qaeda on Indian soil” and a devastating natural disaster in Southeast Asia.

An Indian political leader could be killed, he said, and tension between the West and Iran is likely to increase, escalating into possible US military action after September 9, when fiery Saturn moves from Leo into Virgo.

“The last 200 years, whenever Saturn has gone into Virgo there has been either a world war or a mini world war,” he told AFP.

It is not just in India that some are uneasy about what will transpire because of the eclipse.

In ancient China they were often associated with disasters, the death of an emperor or other dark events, and similar superstitions persist.

“The probability for unrest or war to take place in years when a solar eclipse happens is 95 percent,” announced an article that attracted a lot of hits on the popular Chinese web portal Baidu.com. http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iJ9tZh4R3FEusQ1C_UQ7jxAyAU4g

While some may react to the solar eclipse, this one simply means almost nothing (unless some people riot or otherwise change their behavior and blame it on the eclipse).

The Bible does tell of a time, just before the return of Jesus, when something that sounds like a much longer solar eclipse is expected.  And it will probably also be in the 21st century:

29 “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30 Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other (Matthew 24:29-31).

The biblical “eclipse” will be much more frightening for many.  The way the sun will be darkened is not specified.  But it apparently will not be a solar eclipse in the conventional sense.  But it will come to pass.   Jesus will return.  And His Kingdom will be established.

Peace will later reign on the earth.  Including throughout all Asia.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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).
China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 1: Genesis and Chinese Characters This article provides information showing that the Chinese peoples must have known about various accounts in the Book of Genesis up until their dispersion after the Tower of Babel.
China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 2: The Sabbath and Some of God’s Witness in China When did Christianity first come to China? And is there early evidence that they observed the seventh day sabbath?
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?
Japan, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 1: Any Witness? This is a brief article about Japan. Have they had any witness?
Japan, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 2: Prophecy Japan in prophecy. What is prophesied for Japan? Will God save the Japanese?
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?
Islands and Bible Prophecy What’s ahead for islands? What does the Bible prophesy about them?
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.
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?
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? What happens before in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?

COGwriter

The following was in the news this afternoon:

Jimmy Carter Leaves Church Over Treatment of Women

Posted: 07/20/09

After more than 60 years together, Jimmy Carter has announced himself at odds with the Southern Baptist Church — and he’s decided it’s time they go their separate ways. Via Feministing, the former president called the decision “unavoidable” after church leaders prohibited women from being ordained and insisted women be “subservient to their husbands.”

Said Carter…

The truth is that male religious leaders have had — and still have — an option to interpret holy teachings either to exalt or subjugate women…

http://www.politicsdaily.com/2009/07/20/jimmy-carter-leaves-church-over-treatment-of-women/?icid=main|htmlws-main|dl1|link3|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.politicsdaily.com%2F2009%2F07%2F20%2Fjimmy-carter-leaves-church-over-treatment-of-women%2F

While the above statement from former USA President Carter is true, the full truth is that, other than possibly serving as deaconesses and sometimes having a prophetic role, women are not supposed to be part of the ordained ministry according to the Bible.

The Apostle Paul wrote:

Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says. And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in church. (1 Corinthians 14:34-35).

Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence. (1 Timothy 2:11-12).

Thus, the New Testament does not support the concept of women preaching sermons in, or to be a pastor over, a church.

But it needs to be understood that the Bible does not prevent women from having important roles in the church.  Actually, they should.

For proof, please study the article Women and the New Testament Church

COGwriter

Even though it is now late July 2009, the latest issue (May 31, 2009) of The Journal just came out.

This issue discusses United Church of God governance and its council meetings, CGI’s Ian Boyne, musician and hymnist Ross Jutsum, “Pastor” Dianne McDonnell challenging an article related to an interview from WCG/GCI’s Sheila Graham concerning biblical interpretation, Feast of Tabernacles’ sites, complaints, letters, and sadly as usual various points of view that sometimes differ from historical COG doctrine (like unitarianism and military service).

While The Journal is available only by paid subscription (though some subscriptions are free to those who cannot afford it), you can view the pdf. of its front and back page is available at: www.thejournal.org/issues/issue135/jf053109.pdf

Some articles at the COGwriter site that discuss those issues include the following:

Polycarp, Herbert W. Armstrong, and Roderick C. Meredith on Church Government What form of governance did the early church have? Was it hierarchical? 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?
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.
Teachings of the Church of God, International This article focuses on where CGI differs from the old WCG.
Praises to Jesus Christ or Biblical Hymns: Which Should Christians Primarily Sing? This biblical article on music is in response to an advertisement critical of WCG’s 1974 The Bible Hymnal. It also address early church practices here.
What is the Appropriate Form of Biblical Interpretation? Should the Bible be literally understood? What do the writings of the Bible, Origen, Herbert W. Armstrong, and Augustine show?
Women and the New Testament Church Were women important in the New Testament Church? Which women and how were they involved?
The Feast of Tabernacles: A Time for Christians? Is this pilgrimage holy day still valid? Does it teach anything relevant for today’s Christians? What is the Last Great Day? What do these days teach?
LCG 2009 Feast of Tabernacles’ Information Here is information on many Feast of Tabernacles locations for this year.
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.
The Laodicean Church Era has been predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. These are non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG.
Was Unitarianism the Teaching of the Bible or Early Church? Many, including Jehovah’s Witnesses and some once part of WCG, claim it was, but was it?
Military Service and the Churches of God: Do Real Christians Participate in Carnal Warfare? Here are current and historical perspectives on a matter which show the beliefs of the true church on military participation. Is war proper for Christians?

The focus, however, in the May 31st issue was clearly UCG and its May council meetings.  And while their council meetings were covered here in early May (see UCG Council Highlights), here is additional information that The Journal reported from a couple of different articles:

Micromanagement happens

Clyde Kilough, a council member who also serves as church president, read a question: “It appears the council is beginning to micromanage through the media and strategic-planning committees. Do you feel this is occurring? Please explain your point of view.” Mr. Kilough replied: “Well, it’s a pretty direct question. How do I feel? Well, yeah, I believe so. That’s my feeling. “I believe there is a change in direction [of the council] in certain ways. There is written into our governing documents a word called oversight . . . The council has the prerogative to interpret [the concept of oversight] and apply it . . . “My feeling about that: I think I offer that opinion without being adversarial . . . If the degree of involvement in that aspect of oversight is more hands-on at one time than at other times, these things will happen . . .”…

What about the move to Texas?

Back to the UCG elders’ Q&A in 2009 in Cincinnati: Council members next fielded several questions asked orally by elders in the audience. Elder Mark Mickelson of Spokane, Wash., wondered about the proposed, and controversial, move of church headquarters from Ohio to Texas, which
would make available an expanded and improved “facility for training” church leaders, including ministers. Mr. Mickelson wanted to know what he could tell his congregation back in Washington about the move. “What can I say we did as compared to this is what we hoped to do?” he asked. “We’ve lost 21⁄2 years. We can’t lose 21⁄2 more . . . “Can these decisions be made so that I can go home or at least say that in a process we’re going to decide these things, we’re going to go forward in this way, that is what we’re going to do?” Mr. Dick responded: “Thank you, Mark . . . Comments from the table, gentlemen? My dog is no longer in this race.” (Mr. Dick’s mention of his dog apparently meant that, because he had declined to run for reelection to the council, immediately after this general conference he would no longer be a member of the council or its chairman.)

Votes to move and not to move

Mr. Holladay responded to Mr. Mickelson’s question about the proposed office move: “This is a topic that was remanded to the strategicplanning
committee: Where do we go from here?” Mr. Holladay (who a few days after the Q&A assumed the office of council chairman, replacing Mr. Dick) recounted the history of the office-move discussion. The general conference of elders in 2007 narrowly voted to begin preparing for the move to Texas. But in 2008, because of a measure brought up by elders who disagreed with the move, the elders as a body voted again. At that time they narrowly decided not to move, throwing the discussion and plans into confusion and disarray. “We as a committee have come up with six or seven various suggestions on how to proceed,” Mr. Holladay said. “Those have not yet been discussed with the council, although the paperwork has been submitted to the whole council.”…

Efforts in many countries

Council member Bob Berendt of Edmonton, Alta., Canada, said he disagreed with Mr. Mickelson that the council has done nothing on the matter
of the move for 21⁄2 years. Mr. Berendt said Richard Pinelli, who works with leadership training, has been “very busy,” and “efforts have been made in every nation, every country, including the United States, for the selection and development of the ministry.” Facilities, plural Paul Kieffer of Troisdorf, Germany, one of three international council members, noted that Mr. Mickelson had asked about a “facility,” using the singular rather than plural form of the word. One of the plans on the table, Mr. Kieffer said, would be to “develop a comprehensive program for ministerial candidates, including facilities”—plural—“to be made available to achieve this purpose.”

Does God vote?

Herchial Fisher, an elder from Jamaica, asked three questions of the council. “Will there be another vote [on]whether we relocate or not by the general conference?” he first asked…His second question: “Are you gentlemen satisfied with the growth of the church for 15 years?…Mr. Fisher’s third and last question concerned “the vote to rescind the move last year.” How could it be that, with God inspiring two votes after much praying and fasting on the part of elders, the votes contradicted each other? “Have we now created a situation where there is doubt as to whether the praying and fasting is inspired by God,” Mr. Fisher continued, “and, if we believe it is, did God change His mind about relocating and rescinding the vote? “I want some answers to determine if prayer and fasting does matter, or [if] it’s really our decision.”

Unsatisfactory growth

Mr. Dick invited his fellow council members to reply to Mr. Fisher’s questions. After a pause he quipped: “Nobody wants to answer your question…

Contention and disharmony

As Mr. Dick mentioned, many elders in the mid-’90s wanted to move the UCG’s headquarters away from Southern California. But there was little
agreement on where the office should end up. Some wanted to move to Ohio, but others were rooting for Texas or Georgia or even Oregon.  Mr. Dick said the various versions of the “relocation issue” have “raised the most contention” and “caused the most disharmony throughout the church” since its founding 14 years ago…

Ohio move a fluke

“But it’s a fluke that we’re here” in Ohio, he said. Speaking “as the keeper of the records, as the person who had all the internal documentation,” he characterized the location discussion as “the biggest brouhaha in this organization since 1998.” (That year was one of controversy and tense moments for the UCG that saw the council’s firing of the president, David Hulme, which in turn prompted several elders and other members to leave the UCG at about the same time. (Along with friends, Mr. Hulme then helped start up the Church of God an International Community. See “Why Would Council of Elders of United Remove David Hulme From Presidency?” and “Two Council Members Report on Arcadia Meetings, Firing,” THE JOURNAL, Jan. 30, 1998.) “I don’t think it’s a mystery to you that the [Hulme] administration between ’95 and ’98 had absolutely no desire to leave Southern California, zero desire, nada,” Mr. Dick continued. “As we moved structurally up to the place where we had finished all the haggling over whose survey was the survey—[some said] the first survey that came out . . . was so rigged there was no way we will accept that—the council threw it in the wastebasket and said we’ll assign our own surveyor.” After surveys and discussions and interminable meetings, the elders finally decided that “now it’s time to vote,” Mr. Dick said…

Budget information

The annual budget, calculated by treasurer Jason Lovelady, listed the expense amounts for the more than $24 million allocated for fiscal year
2009-10 as follows: Salaries and related expense, $8,726,072 (36 percent of the budget); grants and charitable support, $6,292,543 (26 percent); travel and lodging, $2,477,259 (10 percent); contracted services and fees, $2,349,805 (9.7 percent); printing, media, advertising, $2,166,750 (9 percent); postage and shipping, $1,097,724 (4.5 percent); supplies and miscellaneous, $630,130 (2.6 percent); telephone and utilities,
$183,318 (0.76 percent); rentals, $146,400 (0.6 percent); facilities fund, $130,000 (0.54 percent); and u n a l l o c a t e d , $50,000 (0.21
percent).  The total budget amount for the year: $24,250,000 (a decrease of $250,000 from last year’s figure).

UCG’s has long had governance issues and seems to spend a lot of time on that.  Public proclamation of the Gospel has never been its top financial priority.

Some articles of related interest may include:

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?
Polycarp, Herbert W. Armstrong, and Roderick C. Meredith on Church Government What form of governance did the early church have? Was it hierarchical? 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?
Should a Christian Vote? This article gives some of the Biblical rationale on this subject. Would Jesus vote for president? Is voting in the Bible? This is a subject Christians need to understand.
Church of God, an International Community (COG aic) This is the group led by David Hulme. It seems to minimize parts of biblical prophecy.
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.

COGwriter

India and Pakistan are resuming peace talks:

India, Pakistan, Lack Trust in Their Relations, Gilani Says

By Jay Shankar

July 19 (Bloomberg) — India and Pakistan lack trust in their relations, so talks are the only way forward in improving ties between the nuclear-armed South Asian rivals, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said.

“At present we have some trust deficit,” Gilani said late yesterday in the capital, Islamabad, after having met with his Indian counterpart, Manmohan Singh, in Egypt on June 16, according to the official Associated Press of Pakistan. “If we have more interactions like these, then it will be taken care of.”

Five years of peace talks stalled after India blamed Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba for last year’s terrorist attack on Mumbai that killed 166 people, including six Americans. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, in India to showcase trade and security ties and seek common ground on climate change and arms control, yesterday condemned the terrorists.

Gilani said relations between the two countries have remained shaky for 60 years. “When trust-building starts, then we can say we are not threatened,” he said, according to APP.

India will start peace talks when Pakistan upholds pledges not to allow terrorist activity on its soil, Singh told parliament on July 17.

The prime ministers “agreed that the two countries will share real-time, credible and actionable information on any future terrorist threats,” according to the joint statement issued June 16. They said their foreign secretaries should meet “as often as necessary.”

India presented evidence on the Mumbai attack to Pakistan in January. The government in Islamabad acknowledged the attacks were planned on its soil and said it had made some arrests. http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601091&sid=a2KDs9w_m4zs

While there is still a lack of trust between them, both nations share a common ancestry and share certain common cultural customs.  And they often will take similar actions.

Both biblical and Catholic prophecies suggest that most of those in India and Pakistan will temporarily support the future ecumenical religion that the coming European Beast power will advocate.  Notice those from Catholic mystics and leaders:

St. Bridget (14th century): Before Antichrist comes, the portals of Faith will be opened to great numbers of pagans (Birch, DA. Trial, Tribulation & Triumph: Before During and After Antichrist. Queenship Publishing Company, Goleta (CA), 1996, p. 449)

Venerable Magdalene Porzat (died 1850) (Great Monarch)…shall…restore to their dominions the legitimate kings. A just and pious man born in Galacia shall be the Supreme Pontiff: then the whole world will be united and prosperous. One faith only and one emperor shall reign over the whole earth (Connor, Edward. Prophecy for Today. Imprimatur + A.J. Willinger, Bishop of Monterey-Fresno; Reprint: Tan Books and Publishers, Rockford (IL), 1984, p. 38).

Cardinal La Roque (c. 18th century): A regeneration of Faith will appear in Asia (R. Gerald Culleton. The Prophets and Our Times. Nihil Obstat: L. Arvin. Imprimatur: Philip G. Scher, Bishop of Monterey-Fresno, November 15, 1941. Reprint 1974, TAN Books, Rockford (IL), p. 193).

Elizabeth Canori-Mora (died 1825):…Such is the glorious triumph reserved for the Catholic Church; she shall be praised, honored and esteemed by all men. All men shall become Catholics, and shall acknowledge the Pope as Vicar of Jesus Christ.” (Connor,  p.24).

Alphonse Eppinger (1867): “After God has purified the world faith and peace will return. Whole nations will adhere to the teachings of the Catholic Church.” (Connor, p.25)

Pope Leo XIII (1893): The Orient, courageously and successfully explored by the Portuguese, is coveted by many today for its lucrative trade. We, however, have a more noble purpose in mind…To take care, therefore, of the preservation and propagation of the Catholic religion among the Hindus, a Hindu clergy has to be formed that could administer the sacraments and govern the Christian people properly, no matter how menacing the times…Be sure that the role of Christianity in such remote regions becomes well known. Make your people understand that something must be done for the Hindus (AD EXTREMAS ON SEMINARIES FOR NATIVE CLERGY.  Encyclical of Pope Leo XIII promulgated on June 24, 1893. http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/leo_xiii/encyclicals/documents/hf_l-xiii_enc_24061893_ad-extremas_en.html viewed 07/19/09).

But this acceptance of the “Catholic” leaders will not last by those of Indian heritage will not last.

Perhaps I should mention that even many Catholic writers have warned that one that they call an “antipope” will lead a changed church calling itself “Catholic” that will be an ecumenical world religion that many all over the world will follow, but should not follow (see also Catholic Prophecies: Do They Mirror, Highlight, or Contradict Biblical Prophecies?)–but many will still follow this false power for a while.

The Bible teaches:

3b And all the world marveled and followed the beast. 4 So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast (Revelation 13:3-4).

However this worship of the coming beast power will not last.  According to the Bible, those from India and Pakistan will likely rebel.  Even some Catholic writings seem to support that:

Countess Francesca de Brillante (20th Century). “I see yellow warriors and red warriors marching against Europe. Europe will be completely covered with a yellow fog that will kill the cattle in the fields. Those nations that rebelled against the law of Christ will perish by fire. Europe will then be too large for them who survive (Dupont, Yves. Catholic Prophecy: The Coming Chastisement. TAN Books, Rockford (IL), 1973, p. 78).

Nostradamus (16th century): Meanwhile the great Asiatic Empire will spread across the sea and continents to destroy the Christian world (Culleton, p. 168).

It seems likely that to fulfill Daniel 11:44 and Revelation 16:12, that India and probably Pakistan will actually cooperate militarily against the future European Beast power.

However, war is not their ultimate destiny.

The ultimate destiny for those in India and Pakistan will be to be called into the kingdom of God.

Yes, the God of love will ultimately save nearly all from India and Pakistan.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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?
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.
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?
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.
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? Will God call everyone? Does God’s plan of salvation take rebellion and spiritual blindness into account?

Laodicea is Composed of Many Ineffective Structures

COGwriter

In its latest update, CGOM (UK)’s James McBride wrote the following:

Where Is ‘the True Church’?

For some it is an all-consuming quest, a life-long pursuit to find it. And what spiritually-aware individual would not want to be a part of that desirable end. Jesus asserted that he would build his church and we need not doubt that it exists somewhere. But where?

No Christian would like to think that his or her own denomination is not so represented. For who would want to belong to the opposite—a ‘false church’!

Yet the choice is virtually infinite, with thousands of options—like some vast spiritual hypermarket, accessible via the internet. You don’t  even have to stir from your couch, and somewhere there will be one  that takes your fancy.

The bottom line, however,  is that no one such option is the sole representative of the church that Jesus is building. And that is despite the claims made by an array of self-styled ‘apostles’ and ‘witnesses’ and ‘prophets’.

We may, certainly, learn from  a charismatic preacher or skilled Bible exponent. (The two, note, are not always the same!) But if he or she claims to be ‘God’s only representative’ or the one who alone ‘has it right’ – you can be sure you are in the presence of a purveyor of spiritual snake oil. Be wary—run!.

Simply, the ‘one true church’ is composed of everyone in whom   the holy Spirit is living and acting. That means that the Father and Jesus are residing in and guiding them. And they are scattered worldwide—not solely in a particular denomination.

Don’t Jump Ship

Even a superficial analysis of the New Testament makes clear that no church of God was doctrinally perfect. Some even bordered on the heretical, yet were accepted by Jesus (eg Revelation 2-3) as his church.

Now I would like to take this a step further and explain that Jesus actually had the most praise for the churches of Smyrna and Philadelphia in Revelation 2 & 3.

In my opinion, in these latter days, those who wish to be truly faithful will try to be true Philadelphians and support the Living Church of God–the group that now best represents the Philadelphia Church in these end times.

Jesus taught:

22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches (Revelation 3:22).

It is not “jumping ship” to heed Jesus’ warnings to the Churches.

Some articles of related interest may include:

The Churches of Revelation 2 & 3 from 31 A.D. to present: information on all of the seven churches of Revelation 2 & 3.
1. The Ephesus Church Era was predominant from 31 A.D. to circa 135 A.D. The Church of James, Peter, Paul, and John, etc.
2. The Smyrna Church Era was predominant circa 135 A.D. to circa 450 A.D. The Church led by Polycarp, Melito, Polycrates, etc.
3. The Pergamos Church Era was predominant circa 450 A.D. to circa 1050 A.D. An especially persecuted Church.
4. The Thyatira Church Era was predominant circa 1050 A.D. to circa 1600 A.D. The Church during the Inquisition.
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 has been predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. These are non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG.
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?
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?
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.
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.

COGwriter

Thailand-based Legacy Institute’s Leon Sexton latest newsletter reports about BRIC, Argentina, and an emerging New World Order:

I wrote to you about the financial crisis and the prophecies of the Bible that describe a “new financial world order” that is quickly emerging on the scene. The move to bring this about is ratcheting up, and more and more world leaders are actively adding their voices to the clamor. It is no longer just the major Western economic powers that are working toward a new order. Countries such as China, Russia, Argentina, Brazil, and India are getting involved. There is a powerful worldwide momentum building…

I periodically scan the Internet news services…Let me share some quotes with you.

“At the conclusion of the first BRIC summit on Tuesday, Brazil, Russia, India and China issued a joint statement calling for increased economic reform. The four nations, representing emerging economic powers, demanded that developing economies have a ‘greater voice and representation in international financial institutions.’ ”1

The nature of the world is shifting away from Western dominance. Here is one headline, again discussing the BRIC summit. “BRIC Summit calls for new global financial system.”2 The article goes on to say: “BRIC nations (Brazil, Russia, India and China) yesterday ended their historic 1st summit saying the world needs a more diversified international monetary system that is less dependent on the dollar.”3

Did you get that? The cry for a new world currency to replace the US dollar is growing. More and more of the world’s nations and leaders are weighing in and making their voices heard.

A recent headline in the MercoPress announced: “Mrs. Kirchner will call at G20 for a new world financial order.”4 The article goes on to say: “Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner said on Sunday before Congress that the global financial crisis should provide momentum to change how the international financial system works . . . .”5

Even the Pope is adding his voice to the din. (Just before I sent this letter off to you, I received this Reuters news bulletin sent in by Teeka Glasgow, one of our editors.) “Pope Benedict called on Tuesday for a ‘world political authority’ to manage the global economy and for more government regulation of national economies to pull the world out of the current crisis and avoid a repeat.”6 The Pope made this call in an encyclical, the highest level of Papal writing, which indicates the importance of this issue to the Vatican…

The scriptures foretell a time coming soon when a New World Order will birth a New World Dictator! History will repeat itself.

The Bible indicates that the “New World Dictator” known scripturally as the future King of the North, 666, the Beast of Revelation 13 will be European as he is pictured as coming out of the Babylonian-Greco-Roman system.  But the Bible also indicates that many nations (other than the USA and its Anglo-allies) will prosper from this “New World Order”.

As far as Leon Sexton’s comment about history repeating itself, while there is a certain truth there, there are also differences.  Notice what Daniel was inspired to write and what Jesus stated:

19 “Then I wished to know the truth about the fourth beast, which was different from all the others, exceedingly dreadful, with its teeth of iron and its nails of bronze, which devoured, broke in pieces, and trampled the residue with its feet; 20 and the ten horns that were on its head, and the other horn which came up, before which three fell, namely, that horn which had eyes and a mouth which spoke pompous words, whose appearance was greater than his fellows. 21 I was watching; and the same horn was making war against the saints, and prevailing against them, 22 until the Ancient of Days came, and a judgment was made in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came for the saints to possess the kingdom (Daniel 7:19-22).

21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened (Matthew 24:21-22).

The situation in the world and the reaction of many world leaders shows that the seeds for this system are being sown and soon it will rise up.

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?
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?
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?
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?
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).
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2009, 2010, or 2011? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Gerat Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?
Two Horned Beast of Revelation and 666 The Living Church of God is NOT part of the Seventh-day Adventists. This article explains two prophetic differences, the trinity, differences in approaching doctrine, including Ellen White.  It also explains who is 666.
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.
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?
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?

Tony Blair, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

COGwriter

Today, a reader of this page asked, “Is Tony Blair Apocalyptic?” after reading the following from the Tony Blair Faith Foundation:

Mission Statement

The Tony Blair Faith Foundation aims to promote respect and understanding about the world’s major religions and show how faith is a powerful force for good in the modern world.

Faith is vitally important to hundreds of millions of people. It underpins systems of thought and of behaviour. It underpins many of the world’s great movements for change or reform, including many charities. And the values of respect, justice and compassion that our great religions share have never been more relevant or important to bring people together to build a better world.

But religious faith can also be used to divide. We have seen throughout history and today we still see how it can be distorted to fan the flames of hatred and extremism.

The Tony Blair Faith Foundation is a response to these opportunities and challenges. We will use the full power of modern communications to support and step up efforts at every level to educate, inform and develop understanding about the different faiths and between them.  http://www.tonyblairfaithfoundation.org/about-us/mission-statement.html

Tony Blair made the news about two years ago when he became a Roman Catholic (see also Tony Blair a Catholic EU Leader?).  His name has been promoted by several (both years ago and this month) who wish to see him become the first real President of the European Union.  And if his foundation helps lead to the world religion that Revelation 13 and Daniel 11 allude to, that would be a reason Tony Blair could be Apocalyptic (pertaining to the Apocalypse, also known as the Book of Revelation).

While the reader probably has concerns about Tony Blair supporting the rise of a worldwide ecumenical religion that will likely call itself  “Catholic”, I should add that I tend to doubt that Tony Blair can become the future King of the North, 666, the Beast of Revelation 13 as he is has represented the tribe of Ephraim (see Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel).

Yet, because of his EU ties, I have long suspected that if Tony Blair survives part of the Great Tribulation, he might partially fulfill the following verses in the Bible in trying to get help from the Assyrians (modern Germany with its allies) after they have destroyed the U.S.A. and its Anglo-Allies:

1 “Ephraim also is like a silly dove, without sense–They call to Egypt, They go to Assyria. 12 Wherever they go, I will spread My net on them; I will bring them down like birds of the air;
I will chastise them According to what their congregation has heard (Hosea 7:11-12).

8 Israel is swallowed up; Now they are among the Gentiles
Like a vessel in which is no pleasure. 9 For they have gone up to Assyria, Like a wild donkey alone by itself; Ephraim has hired lovers (Hosea 8:8-9).

1 Ephraim feeds on the wind, And pursues the east wind; He daily increases lies and desolation. Also they make a covenant with the Assyrians, And oil is carried to Egypt (
Hosea 12:1).

It would seem that perhaps Tony Blair would try to use his contacts at the European power in order to try to improve the lot of the British at that time since he currently has many contacts within the EU.

Since I tend to believe that these verses in Hosea will be fulfilled after the start of the Great Tribulation and before the return of Jesus Christ and the establishment of the Kingdom of God, if Tony Blair is involved in the above fulfillment, in that specific way he might personally also be Apocalyptic.  Time will tell.

UPDATE October 26, 2010.  It has been reported that Tony Blair’s sister-in-law publicly converted to Islam (http://www.jpost.com/International/Article.aspx?id=192572).  This being the case, this may give Tony Blair some credibility if he needs to assist in future negotiations with Islamic leaders (cf. Daniel 11:27).

Despite not becoming the first permanent EU president, there remains a strong possibility that Tony Blair will play some end time role.

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?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2009, 2010, or 2011? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Gerat Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?
Two Horned Beast of Revelation and 666 The Living Church of God is NOT part of the Seventh-day Adventists. This article explains two prophetic differences, the trinity, differences in approaching doctrine, including Ellen White.  It also explains who is 666.
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.
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?
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?
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.
Which Is Faithful: The Roman Catholic Church or the Genuine 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?

Beijing After Rain                  Beijing on a Normal Sunny Day

COGwriter

In its latest update, LCG reported the following:

Ethnic Unrest in China. China is experiencing civil unrest with bloody clashes between the Han Chinese and the Muslim Uighurs. China’s security forces are involved and some Uighurs have died. In addition, China has drawn negative attention on the world stage. Turkey’s Prime Minister, in an apparent attempt to internationalize the crackdowns, has accused Beijing of “genocide” against the Muslim minority (Stratfor.com, July 10 and 11, 2009). Jesus Christ warned that one sign of the end of the age would be “nation” rising against “nation” (Matthew 24:7). The Greek word for nation here is “ethnos,” from which we derive our English word “ethnic.” As we look around the world at the confrontations taking place, it is nearly always violence between ethnic groups within the boundaries of existing nations. Ethnic conflicts have always existed, but in the context of Christ’s warning, these ethnic conflicts will increase as the end of the age approaches. In fact, they are referred to as just “the beginning of sorrows” (verse 8). Although ethnic conflicts around the globe are discouraging and appear to be increasing to the point where they could be seen as normal, we must not grow weary or callous to hearing about them. True Christians will earnestly pray for those who are suffering (Matthew 6:10) and they will also be alert to the reality of the approaching end of the age.

All is simply not  well in China.

After visiting China two years ago, LCG’s Dr. Meredith wrote the following:

Many publications have suggested that the 21st century will be “China’s century.” Even though the Chinese are fiercely moving forward, and their progress in developing their industries is obvious, these publications are dead wrong for two reasons. First, the inspired word of God describes specifically how a coming European Union will be the dominant force in this world—obviously within the next several years. Therefore, brethren, I would like to focus your mind on this matter so you can more intelligently “watch” world events along this line as they unfold before your very eyes. In the coming years, you will perhaps even see a revolt of the peasants in the outlying Chinese cities, who have lagged far behind the standard of living afforded those who have moved to Beijing and Shanghai. Plus, the tremendous pollution of the water, air and foodstuffs may bring about massive disease epidemics and other problems for the Chinese.

In addition, distracting wars and other events may— as God chooses to guide it—greatly undermine the material progress now being made by the Chinese…

So the 21st century will not be the “Chinese century!” (Meredith R.C. An Inspiring and Successful Trip. Living Church News. May-June 2007, p. 21).

China’s pollution, potential for significant social unrest, and how it is discussed in biblical prophecy demonstrate that the 21st century will not belong to China.  But China will be a major player in a variety of events.  Even after the “beginning of sorrows”, a time that is the prelude to the Great Tribulation .

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 1: Genesis and Chinese Characters This article provides information showing that the Chinese peoples must have known about various accounts in the Book of Genesis up until their dispersion after the Tower of Babel.
China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 2: The Sabbath and Some of God’s Witness in China When did Christianity first come to China? And is there early evidence that they observed the seventh day sabbath?
The Dramatic Story of Chinese Sabbathkeepers This reformatted Good News article from 1955 discusses Sabbath-keeping in China in the 1800s.
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? Who has the 200,000,000 man army related to Armageddon?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2009, 2010, or 2011? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What is the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Gerat Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?