Church of God News

Herman Van Rompuy

COGwriter

The Greek financial crisis and its impact on the Euro remains in the news:

	
APRIL 30, 2010, 12:23 P.M. ET

UPDATE:Euro-Zone Finance Mins To Meet On Greece In Brussels Sunday
http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20100430-713180.html?mod=WSJ_latestheadlines

April 29, 2010

As Greek Drama Plays Out, Where Is Europe?

By STEVEN ERLANGER

A French member of the European Parliament, Philippe Juvin, vented to Agence France-Presse: “Where is the president of the European Council? What is the president of the Commission doing? Is there a European pilot in the Greek crisis? Or are they waiting for the collapse of the euro?”But the Lisbon Treaty that created Mr. Van Rompuy’s position, and which was intended to make the enlarged European Union more agile and coherent, deliberately left out powers for coordinating fiscal policies, which are the fiercely guarded prerogative of the separate nations.  http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/30/world/europe/30europe.html

So, because of the Greek crisis, the Iceland volcano, and other issues, the Europeans are starting to look for stronger leadership.

Where might all this lead?

1. Herman van Rompuy will likely take a more public role.
2. Taxes will be raised and some government spending cut/changed in Europe to deal with a  lot of issues (Daniel 11:20).
3. There ultimately will be civil unrest (and likely worse) in Europe.
4. The Euro will likely be faced with at least one more crisis.
5. There will be calls for a “strong man” type leader for Europe, who will rise up (Daniel 11:21-30) (and become militaristic per Daniel 11:31-44).
6. The structure of the European Union will change (Revelation 17:12-13).
7. The Beast power will ultimately rise (Revelation 13).  And there will persecution (Daniel 11:29-35; 7:25).

Watch and see (cf. Mark 13:9, 33-37).

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe?
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?
Persecutions by Church and State This article documents some that have occurred against those associated with the COGs and some prophesied to occur. Will those with the cross be the persecutors or the persecuted–this article has the shocking answer.
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 contains documented prophecies as well as an end time sequence of events that Christians should study and understand.  Including the role of Europe and how it is pivotal to end time biblical prophecy.

COGwriter

US President Obama is determined to get some type of peace deal in the Middle East:

Obama to call summit if Mideast peace talks fail

Haaretz – April 30, 2010

U.S. President Barack Obama has told several European leaders that if Israeli-Palestinian talks remain stalemated into September or October, he will convene an international summit on achieving Mideast peace…

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1166413.html

The article essentially says that the EU will agree to almost any deal and hints that US President Obama does not expect the initial talks to work.

Notice what two commentators somewhat correctly state (bolding/italics in source) about Daniel 9:26-27:

Shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself (or, and shall have nothing, ASV): and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. It is agreed by almost all evangelical interpreters that these two events, the cutting off of the Messiah (Anointed One) and the destruction of the sanctuary refer to the crucifixion of Christ and the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans…And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week (make a firm covenant, ASV). The language higbir from gabar, “be strong”) …. And he shall cause to prevail is an excellent translation. The most natural antecedent for he, the subject of the clause, is the wicked “prince” of verse 26. This is the nearest noun in grammatical agreement, and it fits the sense. (from The Wycliffe Bible Commentary, Electronic Database. Copyright (c) 1962 by Moody Press).

The final revelation in Daniel 9:27 states, “He will confirm a covenant with many for one ‘seven,’ but in the middle of the ‘seven’ he will put an end to the sacrifice and offering…”…the covenant of Daniel 9:27 is not the covenant of grace…this refers to the coming world ruler at the beginning of the last seven years…He will make a covenant with Israel for a seven-year period. As Daniel 9:27 indicates, in the middle of the seven years he will break the covenant, stop the sacrifices offered…and become their persecutor instead of their protector (Walvoord JF. The Prophecy Knowledge Handbook. Victor Books/SP Publications, Wheaton (IL), 1990, pp. 256,257).

Essentially, since the Roman empire’s destruction of Jerusalem seemed to fulfill part of Daniel 9:26, the “prince” who is coming will also be part of a Roman empire (like what is now emerging in Europe).  The Hebrew that the Wycliffe Commentary says means “And he shall cause to prevail” is consistent with Europe working publicly and behind the scenes to get the deal accepted.

Now I specifically believe that the Europeans will give Israel some type of assurance(s) that they will interpret differently than some in Israel will as that is consistent with Daniel 9:27.  A peace deal for the Middle East is coming.  And as reported here earlier (EU Peace Deal this Autumn?), we in LCG it may be this year, next year, or shortly thereafter, but it is coming.

Notice comments from my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect.:

Now, in the book of Daniel there is another 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).

Notice that there is a “prince to come” from the people who destroy “the city” (probably Jerusalem; cf. Revelation 11:2) and that he will stop sacrifices and be related to an abomination that brings desolation. This leader will apparently change from a peaceful one to a militaristic one (cf. Isaiah 10:5–11).

There are several reasons for referring to a future top leader from a developing superpower rising in Europe. (cf. Isaiah 10:5-11).   The Roman Empire, however, offers the most compelling reason  to suspect that this leader will arise in Europe. Much of the current European Union (EU) covers areas once controlled by the old Roman Empire.  The people of the Roman Empire fulfilled the portion of Daniel 9:26 in the 1^st century as they destroyed the city (Jerusalem) in 70 A.D. And verse 27 refers to the “prince” coming from the people who had destroyed that city.  Hence, this prophecy tells us that a leader will start to rise up about 3 1/2 years before the great tribulation…

Of course for the daily sacrifices to stop, they will have had to start—thus this is a prophetic event that one can watch for (cf. Matthew 24:15; Luke 21:20).

The time for a peace deal is getting closer.

For more information, please check out the following:

Prophecies of Barack Obama? Are there biblical and non-biblical prophecies about Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist?  This is a lengthy article with many prophecies that Barack Obama may end up fulfilling.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”. Might Bible prophecy be fulfilled by him?
Barack Obama in Islamic Prophecy? There is actually a 17th century Shiite prophecy that some believe that Barack Obama will fulfill that will lead to a rising up of 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?

Jerusalem

COGwriter

Last week, I reported that if a specific election was held, and Moshe Feiglin gained more power, that he supported animal sacrifices in Jerusalem (see Israeli Political Candidate Wants Sacrifices).  Now, that election has been pushed out:

Netanyahu appeals Likud decision to Supreme Court

Jerusalem Post – March 9, 2010

“Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu asked the Supreme Court on Tuesday to allow him to delay an election for a new Likud central committee from April 28 to 2012, appealing a decision last week by the Tel Aviv District Court.” http://new.jpost.com/Headlines/Article.aspx?id=170580

Netanyahu Wins Vote to Delay Party Elections

Israel National News – April 29, 2010

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has won a critical vote in the Likud, giving him the right to postpone party primaries for 20 months.

Over three-quarters, 77%, of Likud Central Committee voters were reported to have voted for his proposal postponing party primaries until 2011.

The vote represented a significant, possibly fatal loss for the Manhigut Yehudit (Jewish Leadership) faction, headed by Moshe Feiglin, which had attempted to convince voters that postponing the elections would lead to the division of Jerusalem…http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/137298

If Likud does not support the idea of sacrifices in the future, it matters little.  Some party in Israel is likely to ultimately make a deal to allow them according to prophecy in Daniel 9:26-27; 11:31.

Now, it is NOT absolutely necessary that Moshe Feiglin must actually win anything for animal sacrifices to begin (and there is always the possibility that some will happen without official sanction of the Israeli government prior to 2012 or later).  However, Moshe Feiglin has been among the most powerful political figures advocating them.  Notice the following:

Moshe Feiglin’s speech…

“The fate of Israel is tied to party elections this month. If Moshe Feiglin’s Manhigut Yehudit (Jewish Leadership) group, the largest faction in the Likud, comes into power, Israel will be “a Jewish state” instead of “a state for Jews.”

“Soon, with God’s help, we will establish Jewish leadership for Israel,” writes Feiglin. “Please be forewarned that when that happens, our familiar, comfortable Pesach holiday will be radically changed…When we establish Jewish leadership for Israel…the prime minister and his Cabinet will ascend to the Temple Mount with their sacrificial lambs. The entire national mentality will change.”Instead of sitting in the comfort of living rooms and chewing on matzah that symbolizes the Pesach offering, Israelis will “joyously sit in the streets and alleys surrounding the Temple Mount,” eating roasted sacrificial lamb.

“The international uproar will be deafening,” he writes.  Get ready.

The Hill, Washington DC – April 19, 2010  (also April 7)

http://thehill.com/blogs/pundits-blog/religion/90925-temple-mount-next-year-in-jerusalem
http://thehill.com/blogs/pundits-blog/international-affairs/92989-crisis-in-jerusalem-israel-moshe-feiglin-and-the-ipad

The sacrifices will happen.  When they do, it will likely cause an “international uproar” like Moshe Feiglin claimed.  And then they will be stopped by the final European beast power led by the King of the North

And in 30 days from the stopping, the great tribulation will begin.  And according to the Bible (Ezra 3:6) and many Jewish leaders, the sacrifices can begin without a rebuilt temple.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Why is a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem Not Required? Although people like Timothy LaHaye teach a third Jewish temple is required for end-time prophecies to be fulfilled, who is ‘the temple of God” in the New Testament?  What does the Bible teach about the temple in the end-times?  The Bible teaches that the sacrifices will be stopped (Daniel 9:27; 11:31), but do Jewish sources or the Bible mandate a completed temple for those sacrifices?  What did Ezra do when there was no temple?
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?
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 2010, 2011, or 2012? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?

COGwriter

Later today, I am scheduled to be on radio in New Jersey.  Here is my current guest schedule for radio:

1. Tim Sexton and Curtis Jenkins. The Tim Sexton Show, WNJC 1360am in the Philadelphia/South Jersey area, April 29, 2010  7:00pm EDT/4:00pm PDT (I should be on about one hour).
2. Dr. Bill and Michelle Deagle.  The Nutrimedical Report. Genesis Communications Network, also including WCER 900am Canton, Ohio and WBGR am.  May 11, 2010—3:00pm EDT/Noon PDT (perhaps one hour).
3. Jonathan Downey. The Late Start, KKSM 1320 AM, simulcasting on Cox Digital Cable Channel 957, and worldwide at http://www.palomar.edu/kksm/live.html. San Marcos, California.  May 17, 2010 3:15 pm EDT/12:15 pm PDT until about 2:00pm PDT.

Some of you have asked for an advanced schedule, and the above is the current one.

The interviews so far have been related to 2012, prophecy, and my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect. In the book, I basically explain how certain predictions line up with (or are opposed to) biblical prophecies. The book provides a sequence of events which readers can check out for themselves to see if future events are coming to pass.

And, many world events have aligned themselves up with what my biblically-based book shows.

Two links of essentially related interest could include:

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? Can the great tribulation start before 2012? How might Barack Obama be involved in 2012?
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.

COGwriter

Leaders from India and Pakistan met today:

India, Pakistan had very good talks: foreign secretary

Krittivas Mukherjee

THIMPHU, Bhutan

Thu Apr 29, 2010(Reuters) – The prime ministers of India and Pakistan had “very good talks” Thursday and have asked their officials to take steps as soon as possible to normalize relations, India’s top diplomat said.

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE63S17H20100429

Both nations will have differences from years.

But, let me try to briefly explain what may be ahead for these countries militarily.

At some point in time, Pakistan may provide some type of additional nuclear support to Saudi Arabia (see Pakistan’s Nuclear Weapons, Saudi Arabia, and the King of the South) and/or the group which will be led by the final, and Islamic, King of the South.  This could happen fairly quickly.

Shortly after the King of the South rises up, his forces will be defeated by the final King of the North (Daniel 11:40-43).  Because of this, Islamic Pakistan is likely to be on the sidelines wondering what to do–it will likely trade with the King of the North but be quite distrustful that power.  About three years or so later, Russia, China, and India will apparently get together militarily (Daniel 11:44; Revelation 9:16; 16:12) to deal with the King of the North themselves.  Pakistan would seem to perhaps support this effort–and other powers such as Japan and Korea probably will as well.

And while war is not the answer, Jesus will return shortly thereafter and bring peace.  Peace that those in India and Pakistan (and everywhere else) should truly desire.

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? Who has the 200,000,000 man army related to Armageddon?
Russia: Its Origins and Prophesied Future Where do the Russians come from? What about those in the Ukraine? What is prophesied for Russia and its allies? What will they do to the Europeans that supported the Beast in the end?
Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach?
Korea in Prophecy, Any Witness? Does God have a plan for the Koreans? Is Korea mentioned in any prophecies? Will Koreans be among the first in the Kingdom of God? 한국의 언어로 : 한국 예언, 모든 증인에?
Japan, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 2: Prophecy Japan in prophecy. What is prophesied for Japan? Will God save the Japanese?
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?
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?
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 of peace near?

COGwriter

The African nation of Niger is facing nearly total crop failure:

Niger – UN warning over total crop failure

BBC – April 28, 2010

Niger is threatened with total crop failure in some areas and the situation is worse than the 2005 crisis, the UN humanitarian chief has told the BBC.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8648215.stm

The situation in Southern China is also bad:

Southern China is currently experiencing its worst drought in nearly a century. http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jMICA8mmPlE_ZHXSY_-58Tm_bnyw

China debates whether human activity or nature is to blame for drought

An unusually long dry season, along with deforestation, pollution and dam-building, leaves farmers struggling. In some areas, people cannot even wash their hair regularly.

Los Angeles Times – April 26, 2010

Reporting from Beijing — The images are heart-rending, farmers kneeling over the cracked earth that looks to be straight out of a post-apocalyptic movie, the dust swirling in the wind.

http://articles.latimes.com/2010/apr/26/world/la-fg-china-drought-20100426

Now, at least the Chinese have resources.  But notice also the following:

Corn Rises on Speculation China Will Boost U.S. Grain Imports

Bloomberg – April 26, 2010

“China, the second-biggest consumer of corn and the largest buyer of soybeans, has been increasing purchases of U.S. dried distiller’s grain, a byproduct of ethanol production from corn that is used in animal feed, Schultz said. Corn futures on China’s Dalian Commodity Exchange have gained 14 percent in the past year on speculation that a 2008 drought may have cut output by more than the government’s official estimate.”

http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-04-26/corn-rises-on-speculation-china-will-boost-u-s-grain-imports.html

Niger will hope for UN and international aid.  China will be able to buy whatever food it needs.

But, let me make this perfectly clear, the time will come that the USA will export food while its people start to starve to death.  The USA owes China and others so much money, the time will come when American politicians decide that they will sell food while Americans starve.  Americans should not think that famine is limited to Africa and other areas less developed than itself.

Those interested in learning more about what prophecy says about these matters should consider reading and studying the following:

Africa: Its Biblical Past and Prophesied Future What does the Bible teach about Africa and its future? Did the early Church reach Africa? Will God call all the Africans?
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?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2010, 2011, or 2012? 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

Some news reports suggests that explorers may have found Noah’s ark:

Turkish and Chinese explorers claim to have found Noah’s Ark

National Turk – April 27, 2010

A group of Turkish and Chinese explorers belonging to the “Noah’s Ark Ministries International” have announced in Hong Kong that they have found Noah’s Ark, 4000m up, in the famous Agri (Ararat) mountain in East Turkey. The team of Evangelists who went up the Agri (Ararat) mountain in East Turkey have even claimed that they have entered the Noah’s Ark and have pictures and specimens to prove it…

.http://www.nationalturk.com/en/turkish-and-chinese-explorers-claim-to-have-found-noahs-ark-57235622

Noah’s Ark remains found? AFP – April 27, 2010

HONG KONG – A GROUP of Chinese and Turkish evangelical explorers said Monday they believe they may have found Noah’s Ark – four thousand metres up a mountain in Turkey.

The team say they recovered wooden specimens from a structure on Mount Ararat in eastern Turkey that carbon dating proved was 4,800 years old, around the same time the ark is said to have been afloat…

http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/TechandScience/Story/STIStory_519658.html

Now, while I have no idea if Noah’s ark has actually been found, I have long suspected that some will claim it was found in the last days.  If it is truly been found, this will rock the view many of the less religious, and likely strengthen the faith of those that are religious.

Hollywood has made several movies about Noah’s ark–and while several associated with those films likely did not believe in it, if the ark has truly been found, then they and others are likely to change their views.

And while most Catholics, Protestants, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Latter Day Saints (Mormons), Seventh-day Adventists, and Eastern Orthodox probably think that this “find” will be a great recruiting tool, there are reasons to be cautious here.

Both biblical (Revelation 13) and non-biblical prophecy warn of a time when an ecumenical religion will take over the world.  Both Catholic and Chinese prophecies suggest that the Chinese, for one example, will follow the teachings from the West (Rome).  It seems logical that if the Chinese did actually help find the ark, then they would be much more willing to listen to other teachings that biblically-involved religions profess.  Even Hindus and others would likely be as well if this is proven scientifically.

If Noah’s ark truly has been found, this will likely represent a major turning point in getting more of humanity to accept a coming world religion that claims to be Christian.  This “find” could be that important.  The end of this age is fast approaching, so a find like this certainly seems possible.

Some articles of potentially related interest may include:

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.
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?
The Bible: Fact or Fiction? This is a booklet written by Douglas Winnail that answers if the Bible is just a collection of myths and legends or the inspired word of God.
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?

COGwriter

The following may raise some eyebrows for some practicing Catholics:

Vatican’s No. 2 Says Celibacy Not ‘Untouchable,’ TV3 Reports

Bloomberg – April 27, 2010

The Roman Catholic Church is open to discussing whether priests must remain celibate, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Vatican’s second-in-command, told Spain’s channel TV3 in an interview.Celibacy is not “untouchable” and some Catholic priests in the church’s Greek-rite tradition lead married lives, the Vatican secretary of state told the Catalan-language station in an interview posted on its Web site today. http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-04-27/vatican-s-no-2-says-celibacy-not-untouchable-tv3-reports.html

However, for several reasons I have long expected that the Vatican would consider allowing priests to be married (and yes, it is listed in my 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect book as something that I believed would happen).

The first is that the Vatican itself is aware that celibacy was not a biblical requirement.  Most of the apostles, including Peter, were married.

The Bible shows that bishops and presbyters/elders were supposed to have a wife and children.  This was partially to demonstrate they could handle a church as Paul wrote per the Roman Catholic approved Rheims New Testament:

1.FAITHFUL saying. If a man desire a Bishops office, he desireth a good work.
2. It behoveth therefore a Bishop to be irreprehensible, the husband of one wife,
sober, wise, comely, chaste, a man of hospitality, a teacher,
3. Not given to wine, no fighter, but modest, no quarreler, not covetous,
4. Well ruling his own house, chaving his children subject with all charity.
5. But if a man know not to rule his own house: how shall he have care of the Church of
God? (1 Timothy 3:1-5).

5. For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest reform the things that are
wanting, and shouldst ordain priests by cities, as I also appointed thee:
6. If any be without crime, the husband of one wife, having faithful children, not in the
accusations of riot, or not obedient.
7. For a Bishop must be without crime, as the steward of God: not proud, not angry, nor
given to wine, no striker, nor covetous of filthy lucre (Titus 1:5-7).

Note that the term translated as priest in verse 4, presbyter, simply means elder. Also notice that the Bishop is also allowed to be married. In Eastern Orthodox circles, while their priests are allowed to be married, their bishops are not.

The second is that even The Catholic Encyclopedia acknowledges that from the beginning, celibacy was not a requirement for church leaders:

Turning now to the historical development of the present law of celibacy, we must necessarily begin with St. Paul’s direction (1 Timothy 3:2, 12, and Titus 1:6) that a bishop or a deacon should be “the husband of one wife”. These passages seem fatal to any contention that celibacy was made obligatory upon the clergy from the beginning (Thurston H. Transcribed by Christine J. Murray. Celibacy of the Clergy. The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume III. Copyright © 1908 by Robert Appleton Company. Online Edition Copyright © 2003 by K. Knight. Nihil Obstat, November 1, 1908. Remy Lafort, S.T.D., Censor. Imprimatur. +John Cardinal Farley, Archbishop of New York).

Celibacy became an ideal for the clergy in the East gradually, as it did in the West. In the fourth century we still find St. Gregory Nazianzen’s father, who was Bishop of Nanzianzos, living with his wife, without scandal. But very soon after that the present Eastern rule obtained. It is less strict than in the West. No one can marry after he has been ordained priest (Paphnutius at the first Council of Nicaea maintains this; the first Canon of the Synod of Neocaesarea in 314 or 325, and Can. Apost., xxvi. The Synod of Elvira about 300 had decreed absolute celibacy for all clerks in the West, Can. xxxiii, ib., pp. 238-239); priests already married may keep their wives (the same law applied to deacons and subdeacons: Can. vi of the Synod in Trullo, 692), but bishops must be celibate. As nearly all secular priests were married this meant that, as a general rule, bishops were chosen from the monasteries, and so these became, as they still are, the road through advancement may be attained (Fortesque A. Transcribed by Marie Jutras. Eastern Monasticism. The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume X. Copyright © 1911 by Robert Appleton Company. Online Edition Copyright © 2003 by K. Knight. Nihil Obstat, October 1, 1911. Remy Lafort, S.T.D., Censor. Imprimatur. +John Cardinal Farley, Archbishop of New York).

Thus the celibacy requirement for clergy did not occur until the fourth century. It, however, contradicts the biblical teaching on this matter.

When the subject came up in the fourth century, a Greco-Roman bishop denounced it:

Paphnutius then was bishop of one of the cities in Upper Thebes: he was a man of such eminent piety, that extraordinary miraclas were done by him. In the time of the persecution he had been deprived of one of his eyes. The emperor honoured this man exceedingly, and often sent for him to the palace, and kissed the part where the eye had been torn out. So devout was the emperor Constantine. Having noticed this circumstance respecting Paphnutius, I shall explain. another thing which was wisely ordered in consequence of his advice, both for the good of the church and the honour of the clergy. It seemed fit to the bishops to introduce a new law into the church, that those who were in holy orders, I speak of bishops, presbyters, and deacons, should have no conjugal intercourse with the wives which they had married prior to their ordination. And when it was proposed to deliberate on this matter, Paphnutius having arisen in the midst of the assembly of bishops, earnestly entreated them not to impose so heavy a yoke on the ministers of religion: asserting that ” marriage is honourable among all, and the nuptial bed undefiled;” so that they ought not to injure the church by too stringent restrictions. ” For all men,” said he, ” cannot bear the practice of rigid continence ; neither perhaps would the chastity of each of their wives be preserved.” He termed the intercourse of a man with his lawful wife chastity. It would be sufficient, he thought, that such as had previously entered on their sacred calling should abjure matrimony, according to the ancient tradition of the church: but that none should be separated from her to whom, while yet unordained, he had been legally united…The whole assembly of the clergy assented to the reasoning of Paphnutius (Socrates Scholasticus.  Book 1, Chapter XI. A History of the Church in Seven Books: From the Accession of Constantine, A.D. 305, to the 38th Year of Theodosius II, Inluding a Period of 140 Years. Published by S. Bagster, 1844.  Original from Harvard University, pp. 53-54)

So as late as the early fourth century, the idea of required celibacy was opposed by most of the clergy.

The third reason to look into the celibacy issue is that the recent sex-pedophile scandals involving Roman Catholic priests are causing nearly one quarter of German Catholics (see http://www.thelocal.de/society/20100423-26739.html) and some elsewhere to wish to leave the Church of Rome.  Thus, being willing to look at this matter may help if many do leave, so that this would give them a reason to return to Rome.

But the fourth reason, and perhaps major reason, that I have believed that celibacy requirements could be loosened is because it is a major goal of the Vatican to have the Eastern Orthodox, and as many of the Protestants as possible, unify with Rome.  Although both biblical and certain Catholic prophecies warn against this, they both indicate that an ecumenical religion will be adopted by nearly all the world.  And, based upon my understanding of biblical and Catholic prophecies, I believe that this will be a religion that calls itself “Catholic” but which changes many doctrines.  And celibacy may be one of them.  Especially, since the celibacy requirement was waived for the Anglicans last year who wanted to become part of the Church of Rome (see Some Anglicans Starting to Accept Pope’s Offer of Unification).

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Was Celibacy Required for Early Bishops or Presbyters? Some religions suggest this, but what does the Bible teach? What was the practice of the early church?
Did the Early Christian Church Practice Monasticism? Does God expect or endorse living in a monastery or nunnery?
Were the Early Duties of Elders/Pastors Mainly Sacramental? What was there Dress? Were the duties of the clergy primarily pastoral or sacramental? Did the clergy dress with special liturgical vestments? Can “bishops” be disqualified as ministers of Christ based on their head coverings?
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?
Why Should American Catholics Should Fear Unity with the Orthodox? Are the current ecumenical meetings a good thing or will they result in disaster?

The 220 kg Gold brick displayed in Taiwan

COGwriter

A reader forwarded me the following today:

Gold Rebounds on Demand for Alternative to Holding Currency

Bloomberg – April 27, 2010

Gold futures rebounded in New York, heading for the third-straight gain on demand for an alternative to holding currencies…

Gold priced in the euro and the Swiss Franc rose to records, while the metal priced in sterling neared an all-time high.

“Gold is trading more like its own currency,” said Matt Zeman, a metals trader at LaSalle Futures Group in Chicago. “Every time there is a dip in prices, jittery investors come in and buy gold.” http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2010/04/26/bloomberg1376-L1JKYI1A74E9-2.DTL

Gold is mentioned in one of the earliest chapters of the Bible (Genesis 2:11) and as part of the wealth of Abraham (Genesis 13:2).

Both biblical and Catholic prophecy suggest that gold will be valuable in the latter days.

First notice what the Bible teaches about the end time King of the North:

³⁸—he {the King of the North} shall honor a god of fortresses; and a god which his fathers did not know he shall honor with gold and silver, with precious stones and pleasant things. ³⁹ Thus he shall act against the strongest fortresses with a foreign god, which he shall acknowledge, and advance its glory…43 He shall have power over the treasures of gold and silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt; also the Libyans and Ethiopians shall follow at his heels (Daniel 11:38–39a,43).

The fact that the King of the North will accumulate gold is consistent with several Byzantine (“Greek” Orthodox Catholic) prophecies of their expected Great Monarch:

Emperor Leo the Philosopher (died 912): You will amass gold…And you will be the leader of the surrounding nations…

Addressed to Emperor Manuel II Palaeogous (died 1425): The Emperor…will discover gold and silver…

Saint Andrew Fool-for-Christ (c. 4^th century): God will reveal to this king all the gold wherever it happen to lay concealed from view…(Tzima Otto H. The Great Monarch and WWIII in Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Scriptural Prophecies. Verenikia Press, Rock Hill (SC), 2000, pp. 76, 102, 114)

Roman Catholics (and others) may wish to consider that those last three predictions sound a lot like a prophecy from one of their saints about Antichrist:

Saint Ephrem (died 375): Antichrist will use worldly goods as bait. He will entice many Christians with money and goods to apostatize…The devil will help him find all the hidden treasures of the world, even those at the bottom of the ocean. With those treasures he will attain greater success for the reign of Satan than at any other time in past centuries (Connor, Edward. Prophecy for Today. Imprimatur + A.J. Willinger, Bishop of Monterey-Fresno; Reprint: Tan Books and Publishers, Rockford (IL), 1984, pp.73.74).

So does the Great Monarch amass gold with God’s help like Orthodox prophecies suggest or does he amass gold with the help of Satan that one Catholic prophecy and certain biblical prophecies (Daniel 11:43; Revelation 18) indicate?

The answer should be obvious to all who wish to believe the God of the Bible. Also notice what a Catholic priest declared:

Priest S. Berry (20th Century): The great harlot sitting upon many waters is Rome holding sway over many nations that share in her corruption and infidelity to God…The harlot wears a mantle of purple and gold, an emblem of the imperial power possessed by Rome as capital of the world…Through her power and riches, Rome leads other nations to worship Antichrist and imitate her own immoralities...(From Interpretation of the Apocalypse, quoted in Culleton, The Reign of Antichrist, pp. 207,208).

Thus, many realize that gold will be valuable in the end-times and that it will likely be used by the Beast and Antichrist powers (666) to corrupt humans.

Lest any feel that gold is a completely safe and permanent investment, it needs to be understood that at some point in time it will be considered less than worthless. It also has had major pricing variations and can go down in value (as it has many times). Furthermore, governments (including that of the USA) have be known to confiscate gold in times of crisis.

And while the prophecies about the King of the North support the idea that gold will be valuable towards the beginning of the great tribulation (and Revelation 18:12 shows that it will be valuable throughout most of the great tribulation), the following verse shows that sometime towards the end of that (during the Day of the Lord), gold (and silver) will be less than worthless:

They will throw their silver into the streets,
And their gold will be like refuse;
Their silver and their gold will not be able to deliver them
In the day of the wrath of the LORD;
They will not satisfy their souls,
Nor fill their stomachs,
Because it became their stumbling block of iniquity (Ezekiel 7:19).

This may be because gold and silver can store nuclear radiation better than many other substances. Hence after nuclear attacks they may be so unsafe to hold that people will get rid of them. Plus even if that is or is not the case, food will be a such a premium in certain places that so-called precious metals will not be precious enough to exchange for something to eat.

There will be more problems, but it is not gold or silver that will ultimately deliver humans:

16 How much better to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil; He who keeps his way preserves his soul (Proverbs 16:16-17).

¹ Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you! ² Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. ³ Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped up treasure in the last days (James 5:1-3).

We need to understand that we should be striving for the kingdom of God:

19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

22 “The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!

24 “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.

25 “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?…

32 “For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble (Matthew 6:19-26,32-34).

It is not gold or riches, but Jesus who can save us from the wrath to come:

…wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come (1 Thessalonians 1:10).

And while gold will ultimately outlast the US dollar as valuable (and will be accumulated by the coming European power), right now it is likely to have ups and downs. But it will not go down as much as the US dollar will by the start of the Great Tribulation.

Several articles of related interest may include:

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 2010, 2011, or 2012? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?
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.
The Antichrist Quiz Do you really know much about the Antichrist?
Two Horned Beast of Revelation and 666 Who is 666? This article explains how the LCG views this, and compares this to Ellen White.
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? 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.
Are You Saved? Do You Love Jesus? What is a True Christian? What is the Gospel? Evangelist Richard Ames answers those important questions.

Ancient Laodicea

COGwriter

The following is from Roy Holladay, UCG’s Chairman and interim president, and was recently posted by UCG:

Dear Fellow Ministers,

Are we today properly prioritizing the work that God has directed His Church to do? If not, how can we refocus our efforts to better achieve this?

Since the Council of Elders effected a change in the Church’s administration a few weeks ago, I and other Council members have received numerous letters, e-mails and phone calls…

As the Council of Elders moves to achieve the dual objectives of the Church—preaching the gospel and preparing a people—the answers to those questions are paramount. In providing those answers, I’ll touch on a number of points here, both past and present.

Some people and administrators in the past have thought that we ought to essentially reverse the order of our dual stated purposes…

But what’s most important? Preaching the gospel to all nations or constructing buildings to train new ministers and young people? Toward what objectives should the Church devote its physical resources now in order to quickly achieve results?

These are complex questions. Over the past 15 years the Council has tried to balance the means to advance on both fronts, all with a fraction of the physical and financial resources that we had in our former fellowship. It’s a classic dilemma, and one that Council members since 1995 have sought answers to urgently.

If we use the New Testament and the first-century Church as a guide, we quickly see that the preaching of the gospel is first and foremost. There is virtually no mention of building programs or physical church construction in any of the activities recorded about the early Church…

The leadership of the Church is committed to seeking the best balance in which to apply our resources, both physical and—most importantly—spiritual. To achieve this, we daily seek a multitude of counselors. We lay our plans before God that we may be in alignment with His divine will. Even as God told the Jewish captives in Babylon, the same holds true for us today: “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’” (Jeremiah:29:11For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end., New International Version).

Fellow ministers, let us not frustrate those plans. We are doing the work of the living God! Let us now go forward, actively seeking His will and the plans that He has in store for us.

The above is interesting, but what does it mean?

Is Roy Holladay implying that the three officers/adminstrators who resigned this month–Clyde Kilough (its president until earlier this month), Larry Salyer (who pledged to increase UCG’s gospel proclamation reach), and Jim Franks–did not agree on the priority of gospel proclamation?

This is quite curious as from the beginning, this has simply never been UCG’s top priority.  And Roy Holladay has held important positions in UCG for most of its existence.

It seems, since it is the UCG eldership/ministry that votes in the Council of Elders and approves the budget for UCG, that the letter from Roy Holladay is part of a campaign intended to gain the support of UCG’s elders (and yes, I know that officially, UCG says that campaigning is not allowed).  But that is how the above letter struck me.  But my position on governance (Polycarp, Herbert W. Armstrong, and Roderick C. Meredith on Church Government) has remained the same and I have seen various forms of “campaigning” by top officials in UCG before.

In its first full year of operation, UCG clearly showed that “public proclamation of the gospel” was not a “priority” for it at all.  Notice what UCG published the following back then:

“Broadcast Media and Advertising. No budget is projected in this area at this time. The new Council of Elders will develop strategic and operating plans. Broadcast media and advertising will be addressed at that time.” (Notes to Proposed Fiscal Budget. New Beginnings. December 18, 1995; p:11)

“Israel sat on the bottom of Mount Sinai for nearly a year (Exodus 19:1, Numbers 10:11). Why? Because this is how God decided to start a church…God took time to teach Israel how to worship Him. He took time to organize and train their ministry and to write their ministerial manuals. He took time to teach them how to conduct worship services. All this was done in Exodus. God then dedicated the entire book of Leviticus to teaching Israel how to worship and walk with Him–a repetition and expansion of the book of Exodus. Is there a lesson in it for us? Yes. Some get overly anxious about doing a work…Some would like to see us do it right this time.” (Dick, Bob. From the Chairman: How Would God Start a Church? New Beginnings. March 4, 1996).

UCG’s top financial priority has always been the ministry and administration of UCG.  And this is based upon what UCG has reported each year in its published financial statements.  And while the trend has been to increase funding of “public proclamation”, to suggest that this is, or ever has been, the top financial priority for UCG simply does not square with its spending priorities.

Notice the following (based upon the last received audited financial statements from UCG and LCG):

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

Thus, $73.27 of every 100.00 that UCG received (56.89+17.08) went for the ministry and administration of UCG.  Do people in UCG really realize what this means?

Recall that Jesus taught:

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

And based upon that, those in UCG really should ask themselves if the top priority for UCG is public proclamation of the gospel, why does it spends so relatively little to do it?  And why it simply has not obtained the quantity of quality result (fruits) from its efforts (especially in television) to date?  To put this into perspective, LCG recently reported about its weekly telecast responses:

Responses to Tomorrow’s World television programs during the month of April ranged from 3,100 to 5,294 per program.

Although UCG is nearly three times the size of LCG, its telecast responses are only a small fraction of what LCG’s are (I believe that LCG’s television responses for 2010 alone, exceed all that UCG has brought in throughout its 15 years of existence).

It has been my opinion for nearly 15 years now that UCG’s form of governance was always going to be an impediment in its ability to make public proclamation its top priority.  Furthermore, even if some day UCG pours more money into it for some time, I have long had concerns that it will hold back on covering various areas of public proclamation.  But since most UCG members have stayed with UCG for this long, most will probably continue with a group whose public proclamation focus never has been “hot” (cf. Revelation 3:15-16).

Some, however, may wish to re-examine the scriptures as hopefully the crisis affecting UCG this month will wake some up to the reality that UCG has really not been “united” and never has made public proclamation its top financial priority.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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.
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.
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 Laodicean Church Era has been predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. These are non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG.