Church of God News

220 kg Gold brick

COGwriter

At his Thoughts in Route site, LCG’s Wallace Smith reported the following:

Someone recently sent this to me: “Société Générale tells clients how to prepare for potential ‘global collapse’”

For those who do not think that “doomsday scenarios” are realistic, articles like this should cause them to think again.  Global financial services companies like Société Générale, one of the oldest banks in France, do not waste time and money needlessly scaring their investors with information like this if they did not feel it was important to consider.

Habakkuk 2:6-8 describes the possible ultimate result of taking on too much national debt.  And while Habakkuk 2 does not necessarily prophesy directly of the U.S. and the U.K. (it was written concerning Babylon and the Chaldeans, not Israel or Judah), Deuteronomy 28:43-51 does.  For those who want details, our free booklet is a great place to start: The United States and Great Britain in Prophecy.

And here are a couple of comments reported about that Société Générale report:

In a report entitled “Worst-case debt scenario”, the bank’s asset team said state rescue packages over the last year have merely transferred private liabilities onto sagging sovereign shoulders, creating a fresh set of problems.

Overall debt is still far too high in almost all rich economies as a share of GDP (350pc in the US), whether public or private. It must be reduced by the hard slog of “deleveraging”, for years.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/economics/6599281/Societe-Generale-tells-clients-how-to-prepare-for-global-collapse.html

There will be chaos next decade and ups and downs (and for the USA more downs than ups) the next several years.  The idea of a global collapse of the US dollar is becoming more and more recognized.  And is probably the major reason that gold, an asset that does not pay interest, hit record highs last week (which also means that the price of gold may come way down for a while).

Of course, the possibility of gold confiscation by governments is a very real scenario as it has happened before.  But make no mistake about it, the US dollar will ultimately collapse, but as my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect explains, according to the Bible it will not totally happen prior to 2012.

For more information on what lies ahead for the next decade based upon a biblical perspective, please check out the following:

2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect This is a link related to a book by Bob Thiel (COGwriter). This also has YouTube videos related to 2012. The book is for those truly interested in understanding how prophecies inter-relate and who want to see a real sequence of end time events. It goes into details concerning prophecies that involve the rising up of a European power, including the King of the North/the Beast and the Antichrist that line up with biblical prophecies.  It analyzes others that involve the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, and Asia.
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? 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?
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”, based up an early 20th century writing.
Prophecies of Barack Obama in the eXaminer Since it became obvious that Barack Obama may become the President of the United States, many have claimed certain predictions and prophecies apply to him.  Here are some.
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”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe?

Rowan Williams

COGwriter

The Anglican Archbishop of Canterbury met with Pope Benedict XVI in Rome today:

Pope, Anglican Leader Meet, Agree to Strengthen Relationship

By Chiara Remondini

Nov. 21 (Bloomberg) — Pope Benedict XVI and Rowan Williams, the archbishop of Canterbury, reiterated their wish to strengthen the relationship between the Roman Catholics and the Church of England at a meeting in Rome today.

The two spiritual leaders expressed a “shared will to continue and to consolidate the ecumenical relationship between Catholics and Anglicans,” the Vatican said in a statement on its Web site.

They also discussed in the private audience “the challenges facing all Christian communities” and the need “to promote forms of collaboration,” according to the release.

The visit came at a delicate time for relations between the churches… Benedict last month unveiled a special structure to allow traditionalist Anglican ministers, including married ones, and lay people to join the Catholic Church.  http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601085&sid=al.SP3oVLoP8

The Anglican leader had indicated last week that the Vatican’s plan for accepting Anglicans back to Rome would essentially lead to chaos (see UK Archbishop Foresees Chaos and Uncertainty for Anglicans).

Perhaps he has changed his mind.

One reason might be that the Vatican-based Cardinal Walter Kasper stated that Rome was approached by Anglicans for reunification:

In a Nov. 15 interview with L’Osservatore Romano, the Vatican newspaper, Cardinal Walter Kasper, head of the Holy See’s office for dialogue with other Christians, said that “to think that the Pope made this decision just to ‘expand his empire’ is ridiculous. A group of Anglicans freely and legitimately asked to enter the Catholic Church. It was not our initiative.” http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1941223,00.html

Thus, as I mentioned in my last post about Rowan Williams, he is in a difficult position.

All in the Protestant and Eastern Orthodox worlds will need to decide, probably next decade, if they will stay where they are, support the original Church of God, or will merge into an ecumenical modified form of Catholicism.  The Anglicans are beginning to face that decision now.

Yesterday, Rowan Williams made it clear that since he supports the ordination of women he will not unify will Rome unless the Vatican changes on this–which is not something that the Vatican is prepared to now do:

Dr Rowan Williams told a conference in Rome that the Catholic Church’s refusal to ordain women was a bar to Christian unity.“For many Anglicans, not ordaining women has a possible unwelcome implication about the difference between baptised men and baptised women,” he said…

The ordination of women priests — and the prospect of women bishops — is one of the main reasons why disaffected Anglicans may take up the Pope’s offer of a “Church within a Church” that would enable them to retain traditional Anglican practices within the Catholic faith.

But yesterday the Archbishop made clear that there would be no turning back the clock on women priests in order to appease critics. He dismissed the Pope’s offer to disaffected Anglicans as barely more than a “pastoral response”, which broke little new ground in relations between the two Churches. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/faith/article6923807.ece

Due to Rowan Williams’ insistence on the ordination of women, he and those that follow him will likely remain away from Rome.  Hence, despite the outward appearances of cooperation, this will likely lead to a deep divide between the Anglicans that remain with Canterbury and the Vatican.  This may have profound affects on the UK and others in the future.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Women and the New Testament Church Were women important in the New Testament Church? Which women and how were they involved?  Were they ordained to be presbyters?
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?
Why Should American Catholics Should Fear Unity with the Orthodox? Are the current ecumenical meetings a good thing or will they result in disaster?
Orthodox Must Reject Unity with the Roman Catholics The talks for unification involve compromise and the apparent rising up of a changed religion that no one should accept.
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.
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 Large Hadron Collider was just tested:

Triumph in Geneva! LHC beams up and running again

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/11/21/lhc_beams_back_up/

“Big Bang” experiment advancing fast

Sat Nov 21, 2009By Jonathan Lynn

GENEVA (Reuters) – After a year’s delay, scientists at the world’s biggest accelerator have restarted an experiment to recreate “Big Bang” conditions that had sparked suggestions the earth would be sucked in by millions of black holes…

The next important step in the experiment will be low-energy collisions, expected in about a week from now, CERN said. http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE5AJ3TQ20091121

The Large Hadron Collider is the premier physics project on the planet today.  As major physics projects tend to lead to military applications, I have been warning readers of this page for over a year that I believe that the LHC may be the vehicle which will give the rising European power the ability to fulfill the following prophecy:

“Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?” (Revelation 13:4)

The more that the LHC is tested and used, the more likely that it will help unlock powerful military technologies.  The scientific tide is turning from being based in the Americas to being based in Europe.

Prophetic events are lining up.  Many events will occur next decade that many do not expect.

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?
End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something? Are there Mayan calendar predictions for change in 2012? Changes were 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?
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?

COGwriter

November 26, 2009 is the date for the USA holiday of Thanksgiving this year.  The Smithsonian Institute said the following about it:

The first Thanksgiving service known to be held by Europeans in North America occurred on May 27, 1578 in Newfoundland, although earlier Church-type services were probably held by Spaniards in La Florida. However, for British New England, some historians believe that the Popham Colony in Maine conducted a Thanksgiving service in 1607 (see Sources: Greif, 208-209; Gould, and Hatch). In the same year, Jamestown colonists gave thanks for their safe arrival, and another service was held in 1610 when a supply ship arrived after a harsh winter.

Berkley Hundred settlers held a Thanksgiving service in accordance with their charter which stated that the day of their arrival in Virginia should be observed yearly as a day of Thanksgiving, but within a few years an Indian uprising ended further services (Dabney). Thus British colonists held several Thanksgiving services in America before the Pilgrim’s celebration in 1621.

The Pilgrims, with a puritanical rejection of public religious display, held a non-religious Thanksgiving feast, aside from saying grace. In fact, they seem to have used the three days for feasting, playing games, and even drinking liquor.

In 1623, the Pilgrims at Plymouth Plantation, Massachusetts, held another day of Thanksgiving. As a drought was destroying their crops, colonists prayed and fasted for relief; the rains came a few days later. And not long after, Captain Miles Standish arrived with staples and news that a Dutch supply ship was on its way. Because of all this good fortune, colonists held a day of Thanksgiving and prayer on June 30. This 1623 festival appears to have been the origin of our Thanksgiving Day because it combined a religious and social celebration.

Festivals of Thanksgiving were observed sporadically on a local level for more than 150 years. They tended to be autumn harvest celebrations. But in 1789, Elias Boudinot, Massachusetts, member of the House of Representatives, moved that a day of Thanksgiving be held to thank God for giving the American people the opportunity to create a Constitution to preserve their hard won freedoms. A Congressional Joint Committee approved the motion, and informed President George Washington. On October 3, 1789, the President proclaimed that the people of the United States observe “a day of public thanksgiving and prayer” on Thursday, the 26th of November.

It also had the following proclamation from George Washington:

Transcription of George Washington’s Proclamation:

By the President of the United States of America–

A Proclamation

Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor–and Whereas both Houses of Congress have by their Joint Committee requested me “to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.”

Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be–That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks–for his kind care and protection of the People of this country previous to their becoming a Nation–for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his providence, which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war–for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed–for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted, for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us.

And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions–to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually–to render our national government a blessing to all the People, by constantly being a government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed–to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shown kindness unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord–To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and Us–and generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.

Given under my hand at the City of New York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789.

http://www.si.edu/encyclopedia_si/nmah/thanks.htm#Transcription%20of%20George%20Washington’s%20Proclamation

The Bible often tells that people should give thanks to God.  And while an American holiday should not necessarily be needed for such, people seem to need to be reminded that they should thank God for His many blessings.

Those blessings include not only His creation and our physical blessings, but His loving plan of salvation that will offer salvation to all that ever lived.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Thanksgiving: A Time To Give Thanks and Praise the LORD Is this American holiday appropriate? Why or why not?
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.
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?
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?

COGwriter

Some text on the Shroud of Turin has been claimed to have been translated:

Death certificate is imprinted on the Shroud of Turin, says Vatican scholar

The Times – Nov 20, 2009

A Vatican scholar claims to have deciphered the “death certificate” imprinted on the Shroud of Turin, or Holy Shroud, a linen cloth revered by Christians and held by many to bear the image of the crucified Jesus.

Dr Barbara Frale, a researcher in the Vatican secret archives, said “I think I have managed to read the burial certificate of Jesus the Nazarene, or Jesus of Nazareth.”

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/faith/article6925371.ece

While I will not go into the controversies now associated with the claimed burial cloth of Jesus, I will state that the Bible says that Jesus would “be called a Nazarene” (Matthew 2:23).

Christians were often called Nazarenes in the first (Acts 24:5) through fifth centuries.  Scattered Christians seemed to have been called/considered Nazarenes throughout history.

Those interested in learning more should carefully and prayerfully study the following:

Nazarene Christianity: Were the Original Christians Nazarenes? Should Christians be Nazarenes today? What were the practices of the Nazarenes?
Arabic Nazarenes May Have Kept Original Christian Practices Were their faithful Arabs who held to original Christianity?

COGwriter

LCG reported the following  several hours prior to the announcement of the appointment of the EU’s new president yesterday:

Welcome to the “Fully Functional” European Union. By the time this News and Prophecy item is published, the EU may have its very own President and Foreign Minister. The EU now maintains the world’s largest economy, rivaled only by the combined economies of the U.S. and China. The EU will soon surpass the half-billion mark in population. The EU’s military force abroad (71,000 troops) is second only to the U.S. and the EU’s troop levels will increase as the Lisbon Treaty is fully implemented. EU nations are also emerging from the global economic crisis at a more rapid rate than other nations. A sobering quote from The Sunday Times of London reads, “Britain may not like it, but under the Lisbon treaty the likely emergence of an EU military force will help to expand Europe’s global ‘footprint’. It gives a prophetic ring to a book written four years ago by Mark Leonard, director of the European Council on Foreign Relations: Why Europe Will Run the 21st Century” (November 15, 2009). For decades, we have predicted the rise of a powerful European super-state, based on Bible prophecy. The last two weeks have seen the reality of these predictions come to pass. The EU is now poised to play an even bigger role on the world stage. It is methodically growing and moving forward—just as God prophesied millennia ago. From the current configuration of 27 EU members, we now must look forward to a future organization of ten kingdoms or groupings in Europe that will make up the final Beast power spoken of in Daniel and Revelation.

The European Union is forming and will be some type of foundation for the fulfillment of a militarized “Beast power” that is warned about in Revelation 13.  The final rise of a Babylonian system is warned about in Chapters 17 and 18 as well.  The appointment of new leaders for Europe is an important development.

Yet, in American news, items such as Oprah Winfrey’s announcement that she will tape her last episode of her long-running show in September 2011 seemed to be a much bigger story.  How many Americans heard that Herman Van Rompuy was appointed EU President and Catherine Ashton as Foreign Minister?  It would seem that many more learned about Oprah.

But irrespective of mainstream media attention, the reality is that the Europeans will rise up.  And even though there are likely to be a few setbacks in Europe (and probably at least one or two serious ones), Bible prophecy will be fulfilled and the foundational requirements are appearing (though not emphasized by many) right before our very eyes.

Some links of related interest may include:

2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect This is a link related to a book by Bob Thiel (COGwriter). This also has YouTube videos related to 2012. The book is for those truly interested in understanding how prophecies inter-relate and who want to see a real sequence of end time events. It goes into details concerning prophecies that involve the rising up of a European power, including the King of the North/the Beast and the Antichrist that line up with biblical prophecies.  It analyzes others that involve the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, and Asia.
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?
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”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe?

Herman Van Rompuy

COGwriter

Herman Van Rompuy, the current Prime Minister of Belgium, was apparently selected to become the President of the European Union according to an AP report from CBS:

AP) BRUSSELS (AP) – EU leaders on Thursday handed the European Union’s top new jobs to two little-known compromise figures – Belgium’s prime minister and the EU’s trade commissioner – dashing hopes of those who wanted to raise the continent’s global profile…

Van Rompuy was put forward for the president’s job by Sweden’s Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt who chaired Thursday’s summit, diplomats said.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/11/19/ap/world/main5709978.shtml?tag=contentMain;contentBody

(Note: I said “apparently selected” because some reports state that the decision is NOT final–so this possibly could change.)

Herman Van Rompuy essentially is an economist that supports reducing government deficits and who wants Europe to preserve its “Christian” values.  He is a Catholic and graduated from a Catholic university.

Those in Turkey who wish to be part of the European Union will be less than thrilled about his selection.  Notice what Herman Van Rompuy stated in 2004 and that is part of why he was supported to become EU President now:

“Turkey is not a part of Europe and will never be part of Europe. An expansion of the EU to include Turkey cannot be considered as just another expansion as in the past,” he said.

“The universal values which are in force in Europe, and which are fundamental values of Christianity, will loose vigour with the entry of a large Islamic country such as Turkey.”

Filip Dewinter, a Vlaams Belang leader, said: “We are entirely in agreement with Van Rompuy over this question and are convinced he will defend this point of view as President of the EU. It is for this reason we openly support him.”  http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/eu/6600570/EU-president-Herman-Van-Rompuy-opposes-Turkey-joining.html

So, there may be deepening divide between the EU and Islam.  This does not mean that there will not be cooperation of any kind between Europe and Muslim nations, only that the leadership of the EU is letting the world know that religion will likely be something that separates the EU from others.

This will prove to be more important when a religious military leader will rise up in Europe with signs and lying wonders and who professes to believe in a changed religion that he will claim as ‘Catholic’.

And while I do NOT believe that Herman Van Rompuy (nor Tony Blair nor Catherine Ashton) is likely to be the one that is the final King of the North, he may (inadvertently apparently) help set the stage for that leader to rise up.

Some links of related interest may include:

2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect This is a link related to a book by Bob Thiel (COGwriter). This also has YouTube videos related to 2012. The book is for those truly interested in understanding how prophecies inter-relate and who want to see a real sequence of end time events. It goes into details concerning prophecies that involve the rising up of a European power, including the King of the North/the Beast and the Antichrist that line up with biblical prophecies.  It analyzes others that involve the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, and Asia.
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?
Is Tony Blair Apocalyptic? The former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom converted to Catholicism shortly after leaving his office and has been active in European affairs. What role might he play?
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?
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”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe?

COGwriter

Regular readers of the COGwriter page are aware that I have long taught that the USA (and UK) debt situations will result in an absolute crash of the economy and that the Anglo-descended nations are doomed for destruction without repentance.

The news media is finally starting to realize this as the latest trip to China by USA President Barack Obama has confirmed some fears that many in media apparently have been having:

Time to Quit Using China as Our ATM

http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2009/11/18/elizabeth-factor-mallory-factor-china-debt-obama/

USA and UK policies are right now being affected by their debts to China and other nations.

Most do not realize that over 2600 years ago, the Hebrew Prophet Habakkuk warned that in the end time,  the major debtor would be destroyed after its creditors realized that it had too many pledges (debt):

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 the USA President continues to pledge that the USA will pay back its increasing debts (without national repentance), this does not seem to be consistent with what the Bible teaches (Deuteronomy 28:43-45).  Short of national repentance, the USA, UK, and their Anglo-allies are to be taken over.

Yes, it is that serious.

The Chinese will lose much of their investment if they do not take certain steps to get away from the USA dollar.  And if they lose much of their investment, they will want something (land and labor comes to mind) to help make it up.  There are even Chinese prophecies that hint that China may end up with land that the Chinese do not now possess.

The times are changing for the nations of the world.  This does not bode well for the US, UK, nor their Anglo-descended allies.

Some items of related interest may include:

2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect This is a link related to a book by Bob Thiel (COGwriter). This also has YouTube videos related to 2012. The book is for those truly interested in understanding how prophecies inter-relate and who want to see a real sequence of end time events. It goes into details concerning prophecies that involve Barack Obama and the United States, as well as certain Chinese predictions that line up with biblical prophecies.  As well as others that involve the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Russia, and Asia.
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?
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”, based up an early 20th century writing.
Prophecies of Barack Obama in the eXaminer Since it became obvious that Barack Obama may become the President of the United States, many have claimed certain predictions and prophecies apply to him.  Here are some.
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?
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?

Laodicea Has Many Scattered Structures that Are Relatively Ineffective

COGwriter

The electronic version of UCG’s latest United News reports the following:

United’s Financial Statements Show God’s Continued Blessings

by Jason Lovelady

Each year in the November issue
of United News, we include a copy
of the audited financial statements
of the United Church of God, an
International Association, and the
audit report of our independent
auditors—Clark, Schaefer, Hackett
and Co. of Cincinnati, Ohio.
This year’s report is for the fiscal
year that ended on June 30,
2009…

One item to note on the statements this
year is that the building that the Church
uses for Sabbath services in Big Sandy
was transferred from UCG–East Texas
to United Church of God, an International
Association in November 2008. The
property value was recorded as an asset
at $1,150,000, with an outstanding mortgage
of $350,000 as of November 2008.
The remaining $800,000 was recorded as
income (as a property contribution).
We are thankful for and appreciative
of the faithful and generous members and
others who support the work of the Church
by giving tithes and offerings. Most especially,
we are grateful for and give thanks
to God for blessing the Church with the
financial stability that we currently enjoy
even amidst the difficult financial times
facing this world today.

UCG’s income is essentially flat for the period.  That is to say, that if it did not recognize the property transfer as “income” it would have reported income of $23,935,699 for the fiscal year ending 6/30/09 compared to income of 23,927,074 for the fiscal year ending 6/30/08.  It has been a tough financial year for many.

For its fiscal year ending 6/30/09, UCG claims a gross income of $24,735,699. It spent 5,649,925 (22.8%) for ‘public proclamation’; it spent 4,223,249 for managing its meetings and ‘home office’ (17.1%); and 14,072,730 (56.9%) for the field ministry/local churches/FOT/International support, and increased reserves by 789,795.  For its fiscal year ending 12/31/08, LCG grossed 13,516,604 and spent 6,204,853 on public proclamation, 900,217 on HQ administration, 5,833,128 to ‘feed the flock’ (including Living University) and increased reserves by 525,645.

Last year UCG spent $5,734,800 for ‘public proclamation’ and apparently decided to decrease that even though it indicated that it had planned to increase that portion of the budget.

If you gave $100.00 to the United Church of God in the years ending 6/30/08 and 6/30/09 here is what UCG did with it:

.......................................UCG............06/30/08....06/30/09

1st Commission to Proclaim the Gospel to the World....$23.97........$22.84
2nd Commission to Feed the Flock (and Field Ministry)..55.90.........56.89
Headquarters/Home Office...............................17.67.........17.08
Change in Reserves......................................2.46..........3.19
Total................................................$100.00.......$100.00

If you gave $100.00 to the United Church of God or the Living Church of God, here is where your money went:

.......................................United Church of God....Living Church of God

1st Commission to Proclaim the Gospel to the World....$22.84........$43.53
2nd Commission to Feed the Flock (and Field Ministry)..56.89.........45.92
Headquarters/Home Office...............................17.08..........6.66
Change in Reserves......................................3.19..........3.89
Total................................................$100.00.......$100.00

The above figures are based upon the latest audited financial statements of the respective churches.

Jesus taught:

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Matthew 6:21).

I went with LCG because of Gospel proclamation emphasis and biblical church governance. Even though LCG is much smaller and last much less income, it actually continues to spend more in actual cash on public proclamation than UCG does.  It is also interesting that UCG spent almost 3 times as high a percentage on governance than LCG does (and over 4 times as much in actual cash, UCG spent $4,223,249 vs. LCG’s 900,217).

LCG also produces twice the number of magazines (Tomorrow’s World vs. Good News) on a per member basis than UCG does.  The most recent attendance numbers from the two groups show that UCG reported that 20,419 attended its Feast of Tabernacles’ sites last month compared to the 7,612 who attended LCG’s sites.

Which group is holding fast (Revelation 3:11) to the priorities that Jesus set (Matthew 24:14, 28:19-20) for the Church?

Which group has a work that is neither hot nor cold (Revelation 3:15)?

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

Some articles of related interest may include:

There are Many COGs: Why Support the Living Church of God? This is an article for those who wish to easily sort out the different COGs. It really should be a MUST READ for current and former WCG members or any interested in supporting the faithful church. It also explains a lot of what the COGs are all about.
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.
Polycarp, Herbert W. Armstrong, and Roderick C. Meredith on Church Government What form of governance did the early church have? Which form of governance would one expect to have in the Philadelphia remnant? The people decide and/or committee forms, odd dictatorships, or the same type that the Philadelphia era itself had?
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?
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 was predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. Non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG.

Union for the Mediterranean

Blue: Members of the European Union in the Union for the Mediterranean States
Green: Other members (primarily from the African Union & Arab League)

COGwriter

In addition to attempting to determine a President for the EU tomorrow, the EU Parliament is planning on hosting a seminar discussing the Union for the Mediterranean States:

Union for the Mediterranean: what can we expect?

Edited by Ahmed Gamal Tuesday, 17 November 2009…

One of the decisions taken at the Marseille meeting was to re-name the ‘Barcelona Process: Union for the Mediterranean’ to ‘Union for the Mediterranean’. They also decided that the League of Arab States would participate in all meetings at all levels…

The Paris Summit, co-chaired by French President and rotating President of the European Council, Nicolas Sarkozy, and Egyptian President, Hosni Mubarak, had brought together 43 European and Mediterranean States, the Community institutions and regional organisations.

I have found this union to be of prophetic interest as it includes a “president from the North” (now French President Nicolas Sarkozy) and a “president of the South (now Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak).  Eventually, it may be that these positions could represent the prophesied final King of the North and King of the South (or the Union for the Mediterranean States leaders may simply take direction from these “Kings”).

I strongly suspect that this Union for the Mediterranean States could be the framework for making the prophesied deals between the prophesied final King of the North and King of the South (Daniel 9:27, Psalm 83):

27 Both these kings’ hearts shall be bent on evil, and they shall speak lies at the same table; but it shall not prosper, for the end will still be at the appointed time (Daniel 11:27).

3 They have taken crafty counsel against Your people,
And consulted together against Your sheltered ones.
4 They have said, “Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation,
That the name of Israel may be remembered no more.”

5 For they have consulted together with one consent;
They form a confederacy against You:
6 The tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites;
Moab and the Hagrites;
7 Gebal, Ammon, and Amalek;
Philistia with the inhabitants of Tyre;
8 Assyria also has joined with them;
They have helped the children of Lot (Psalm 83:3-8).

Not only Israel, but those in the Anglo-descended nations need to be concerned about the ramifications of the prophesied deal in Psalm 83 as Assyria represents a significant portion of the modern EU.

Events are happening right now to line up the fulfillment of many end time prophecies.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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?
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”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe?
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?
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?