Church of God News

COGwriter

Is Europe out or rising?

Europe’s prospects brighten as U.S. fades

Reuters – July 25, 2010

What’s odd about this scenario? German business confidence is soaring while U.S. consumer sentiment sinks. http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE66O1P420100725

Europe has a larger population and a larger economy than the USA.  It has major economic potential and some (in and out of the EU) are starting to see this.  And while the American experiment is not over yet, consumer sentiment in many parts of the USA (including here in Southern California) is down.

Europe will still have ups and downs.  Some of the downs will cause people to doubt that it can hold together.  But this lack of cohesion among the Europeans was predicted thousands of years ago in the Bible (Daniel 2:41-43).

Also predicted, was the destruction of the holder of the strongest fortresses (the strongest appearing military, apparently the USA and its Anglo-descended allies) in the world by a European leader (Daniel 11:39) known as the King of the North (Daniel 11:40).  And the taking over over the lands of the strongest fortresses by the King of the North was also prophesied to further prosper the King of the North and his allies (Daniel 11:39).

But while the final European Empire is prophesied to prosper in the last days, this prosperity will also end after a few years (Revelation 18).  Nor will it become a benevolent power during the last 3 1/2 years of its existence (though it starts out believing it is not hostile, cf. Isaiah 10:7).

But world events are aligning for all of this to happen.  And it is happening right before our eyes.

Some articles of 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”? 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? What MUST happen BEFORE the Great Tribulation?
Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
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?  This is the longest and most complete article on this page on Barack Obama prophecies. Read it and decide for yourself if President Obama seems to be fulfilling various prophecies.
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. This book documents and explains hundreds of prophecies that will affect the USA, UK, Europe, the Middle East, India, China, Russia, and the rest of the world. And since it was published, many have already started to come to pass.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

COGwriter

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad somewhat threatened the European Union against imposing sanctions, saying his Iran would cause the EU to “regret” the move (Iran’s President Ahmadinejad warns EU against sanctions. July 25, 2010. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-10755700).

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad seems to want to cause a strong enough crisis to provoke the rise of someone known as the Imam Mahdi  (this is a leader expected by most Shi’a, and some Sunni, Muslims).  Mahmoud Ahmadinejad apparently believes that he is in office for that purpose.  His public comments are not really intended against the Europeans so much as the Iranians (though he still wants various technologies and goods from Europe).

Why?

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad wants prepare them for the war he hopes to provoke.  A war that could come as early as this Autumn.

The Bible foretells of an Islamic leader known as the final King of the South (Daniel 11:27-43).  It is even possible that he will have various signs and wonders with him (cf. Matthew 24:24) as certain Islamic prophecies suggest something like that.  And although this leader will not rise up quite as the regime in Iran seems to hope that he will, this leader may come on the scenes quicker because of actions by Iran.  The King of the South seems to be similar to the leader that the Iranian President wishes to rise up.  One difference, however, is that while Iranian’s tend to feel that this will be an Iranian leader, biblically, it appears that this leader is most likely to be Arabic, or at least from North Africa or the non-Persian portion of the Middle East.  The Bible indicates that the King of the South will be somewhat militaristic, but to his peril (Daniel 11:40-43).

A while back, Iran had information on a government-influenced website about  a Shi’ite prophecy about this expected leader.  Notice something that was published about it in my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect:

Are you aware of a report from Forbes that there is a centuries-old prophecy by Muhammad’s cousin that claims that just before the return of a great Islamic leader, a “tall black man will assume the reins of government in the West” and command “the strongest army on earth”?  And whether or not you feel that this can have anything to do with U.S. President Barack Hussein Obama, if enough Muslims do, then they will be more likely to rally behind a religious leader who is (according to some of them) destined to take over the nations of the West and force all to become Muslim or die.

The writer of the Forbes piece suggested that Barack Obama was probably that leader.  There never had been a “tall black man” would ran the “government in the West” that commanded the “the strongest army on earth” until the USA elected Barack Obama.  Since Barack Obama is in office, it is likely that those who accept the “prophecy” will feel that this is the time for the Islamic leader to rise up.

And it appears that Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad believes Barack Obama is that “tall black man” and the time for the rise up of the Imam Mahdi is soon.

Sending warnings to the EU simply helps tell his people that he feels that any coming war will be the fault of someone other than him.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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 (and Iran) 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?  How might Iran be involved?
Prophecies of Barack Obama? Eight reasons why Barack Obama is apocalyptic and eight reasons why Barack Obama is not the Antichrist. This article includes many biblical and non-biblical prophecies, from around the world, that seem to discuss Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist?  Might Barack Obama set the stage for the kings of the North and South as at least one Shiite prophecy suggests?  This is the longest and most complete article on this page on Barack Obama prophecies. Read it and decide for yourself if President Obama seems to be fulfilling various prophecies.
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.
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?

Richard Ames with a previous telecast award

COGwriter

LCG’s Thomas Baca II wrote:

I am happy to announce that Mr. Richard Ames’ Tomorrow’s World telecast titled, “You Can Understand Prophecy,” has been awarded the Aurora Platinum Best of Show / Competition Award from the 2010 Aurora Film & Television Awards. This is the highest award that the Aurora Awards presents. In fact, according to the numbers from the Aurora Awards, only a very small percentage of the entries received are judged, and awarded at the Platinum level. Congratulations to the presenters of the Tomorrow’s World Television Program—Dr. Meredith, Mr. Ames, Mr. Wallace Smith and Mr. Rod King on their Platinum Aurora win! While we are not doing the Work for human awards, it’s nice to have an independent, professional panel of judges working in the film and television industry, gauge the overall impact and quality of our telecast. The judging committee actually made notes complimenting the effectiveness of the program, calling it “excellent” three times. We know that any excellence with the telecast comes from He who is The Most Excellent—God!  We know that God is guiding His Work through correct government, and the tremendous leadership He has chosen—under Jesus Christ and Dr. Meredith. Time is short brethren, and the time is now—let’s fully surrender to God and His will, and let’s finish the Work while it’s still day!

Speaking of LCG, here are two additional items of interest that were in its latest announcements:

Mr. Rod McNair reports that Church attendance in both the USA and International areas for June was 9-10% higher than a year ago.  Mr. Ruddlesden also reports that the year-to-date income is running just ahead of the projected income—for which we are very thankful.

LCG keeps going forward in proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom to the world as a witness (Matthew 24:14), and some are taking note of that and responding.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

The Gospel of the Kingdom of God was the Emphasis of Jesus and the Early Church Did you know that? Do you even know what the gospel of the kingdom is all about? True religion should be based upon the true gospel.
Are You Saved? Do You Love Jesus? What is a True Christian? What is the Gospel? Evangelist Richard Ames answers those important questions.
Getting the Gospel Out is More than a Local Job Discusses Biblical rationale for doing an international, and not just a local, work.
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?
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?
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.

Handwriting on the Wall (Crespo)

COGwriter

Legacy Institute’s Leon Sexton is based out of Thailand.  Here is what his latest newsletter reports about his view of the United States (bolding mine):

DO WE SEE THE HANDWRITING ON THE WALL?

If we are asleep, it is time to wake up! We are well beyond the eleventh hour.

The U.S. Dollar, long time king of world currencies, will soon be replaced…

The Dollar is not worth the paper it is printed on. The Federal Reserve is bankrupt and the U.S. Treasury just keeps printing more Federal Reserve Notes…

The nations of the world know this, even if the American people do not. Sadly, Americans are blind. The American government propaganda machines are running full speed to create a fog over reality. More and more nations are trying to get away from the Dollar as a reserve currency. All the U.S. dollars they have in their national banks are basically worthless. So they want to shift away from the Dollar BEFORE it collapses completely. The prophetic clock is ticking.

Everyone is climbing on the bandwagon and calling for a dramatic change…

It is only a matter of time before the Dollar is replaced…

Russia and China are both recommending the world go back to gold as a standard. This would benefit their own national currencies…

The banks of the world are getting prepared for a major shift in the worldwide financial order. The Dollar is worthless and IT WILL BE REPLACED!…

Many of the world’s developing countries built up their Dollar reserves to create stability. Then the United States basically betrayed the world by allowing Wall Street banks to rob the U.S. Treasury…

The German Central Bank has the 2nd largest hoard of gold reserves in the world and they are holding onto their gold. China, Russia, India, Korea, and other Asian nations are on a gold buying binge…

The world no longer trusts America. It certainly doesn’t trust America’s money!…

The collapse of the United States is NOT a spectator sport. You will be affected dramatically, no matter where you live…

Get on our knees. We will not get through this without God. If you feel distant from Him – work hard to draw closer to Him.

Well, the world has not yet completely woken up to the reality that the US dollar will soon be worthless.  But, in the past 10 months, much of the world has realized that the US dollar needs to be replaced.  They are still trying to figure out how.  But eventually, according to the Bible, they will wake up.  And the USA and its Anglo-allies will not like what will happen during that appointed time:

3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end…it will surely come, It will not tarry…5 Indeed…He is a proud man… 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 2:3,5,6-8).

The above prophecy will be fulfilled at the time of the end.  The USA is the largest debtor nation in the history of humanity.  When its creditors fully realize that they will not be paid back, they will rise up suddenly.  Do you see the “handwriting on the wall?”

Interestingly, LCG’s Dr. Winnail used the same “handwriting” expression a few weeks ago (see LCG: USA Economy Faces Potential for Sudden Collapse).  Many people, especially in the USA, do not realize how bad all this debt accumulation really is.  And it will be worse for the USA than I have conveyed in this article.

Turning to God is the only answer.  But, even if the whole nation does not do that, you can–whether you are American or not.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Prophecies of Barack Obama? Eight reasons why Barack Obama is apocalyptic and eight reasons why Barack Obama is not the Antichrist. This article includes many biblical and non-biblical prophecies, from around the world, that seem to discuss Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist?  Might Barack Obama set the stage for the kings of the North and South as at least one Shiite prophecy suggests?  This is the longest and most complete article on this page on Barack Obama prophecies. Read it and decide for yourself if President Obama seems to be fulfilling various prophecies.
Are You Saved? Do You Love Jesus? What is a True Christian? What is the Gospel? Evangelist Richard Ames answers those important questions.
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 Gerat Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?
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?

Flag of Korea, 1889

COGwriter

North Korea, blaming USA policy and practices, suggested that it would have some physical response to what is happening.  Now it is hinting that this may involve nuclear deterrence:

N.Korea threatens ‘powerful nuclear deterrence’

Sydney Morning Herald – July 24, 2010

(AFP) – North Korea on Saturday threatened a “powerful nuclear deterrence” in response to joint US-South Korean naval exercises starting this weekend, Pyongyang’s state media said.

North Korea was prepared for a “retaliatory sacred war”, the North’s National Defence Commission (NDC) said in a statement, carried by the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

The United States and South Korea have announced joint naval exercises, beginning on Sunday, in what they have described as a bid to deter North Korea’s “aggressive” behaviour. http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-world/nkorea-threatens-powerful-nuclear-deterrence-20100724-10pbw.html

North Koreans would be so much better off if their government would change its focus from confrontation to cooperation.  People in North Korea are hungry and need our prayers.

The North Korean politicians are playing a dangerous game, and one that they are very likely to lose.  Biblical prophecy seems to suggest cooperation in Korea in the final time just prior to the return of Jesus Christ.  North Korea’s latest statements may inadvertently help fulfill that prophetic understanding.  Hopefully, the Red Horseman of war (Revelation 6:3-4) will not have to visit them first–but something like this may happen later this year.

(I have prepared an article on the Red Horseman that I expect to post on September 18, 2010.)

Two articles of possibly related interest would include the following:

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?
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, Koreans, and others of Asia? China in prophecy, where? Who has the 200,000,000 man army related to Armageddon?

Ancient Laodicea

COGwriter

UCG just posted the following from its new president, Dennis Luker:

There is much evil going on in the Church right now—rumors, gossip, character assassination, confusion and division. This is not of God: “For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints” (1 Corinthians 14:33).

Who is at fault? Satan, of course, but we can sometimes allow him to use us if we are not careful.  Notice these powerful verses:

“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace” (James 3:13-18).

These inspired scriptures in James make it very clear that the true source of our problems is “demonic” influence that produces “confusion and every evil thing.”

Last week (see D. Luker: UCG Being Severely Tested), Dennis Luker also posted what seemed to be relatively negative news about UCG.  Dennis Luker seems to, at least, to understand that Satan is influencing that organization. UCG has lost so many ministers and changed the people in top leadership spots so often since April of this year, that I have lost count.  And, as normally seems to happen, those who left, were replaced, or were put out of the organization tend to believe they were right, while those who remain and/or replaced them feel that they were right.

Last night, the latest issue of UCG’s United News arrived.  There were at least two articles that also reflected a negative trend.  Here is one from the back page:

Feast of Pentecost Offering Reported

The preliminary total for the U.S. offering on the Feast of Pentecost decreased 2.6 percent  over that of 2009 to $830,900.24.  This was accompanied by a 1.6 decrease in attendance, a total of 12,426. Once all offerings individually mailed to the home office are processed, this figure should reach $860,000. Gerald Seelig

So, both UCG’s attendance and offerings are down in the USA.  And this does not include what happened after Pentecost to UCG in Latin America, where they seemed to have lost much of their ministry and membership last month (UCG: Not “United” in Latin America).

Although the back page also has a headline that states, “UCG Web Presence Expands“, the front page paints a somewhat more negative picture:

Web Site Visitor Loyalty
April-June, 2009 and 2010

2009
1,271,925 Total
Unique Visitors

338,614
Repeat Visitors

2010
877,792 Total
Unique Visitors*

310,815
Repeat Visitors

*Due to budget decreases in Web advertising, the number of first-time visitors has decreased.

So, UCG, despite its claims a year or so ago to pump more money into the internet (which appears to be its main way to accomplish its “public proclamation” goals according to certain reports from it), decided to pull back and stop spending as much on the internet.  Perhaps this funding cut was a reason for Larry Salyer’s resignation.  UCG’s internet only attracted 68.69% of unique visitors that it had in the prior comparable period.

Now, while what I posted does indicate a negative trend in UCG, many with UCG remain optimistic. And certainly, UCG does have various programs that are not cold (cf. Revelation 3:15-16).  The main focus of the current issue of United News (by number of pages, by far), though, seems to be its 2010 crop of high school graduates and other similar matters.  However, it does discuss matters such as booklets, international programs, and its new WGN telecast.

My first concern about UCG has long been that its initial leaders rejected the form of church governance that they all had taught prior to the formation of UCG and the fruits of this have not been good.  The Kingdom of God has hierarchical governance, and while UCG leaders recognize this, they have decided a different way is better for them at this time.

My other long-term concern has been that UCG’s focus never really has been on public proclamation of the gospel.  UCG simply does not view the commission in Matthew 24:14 and 28:19-20 the way I think that they should.  This, however, has not seemed to be that big a deal for those who remain and support UCG.  They apparently do not believe that they needed to hold fast to some of the doctrines of the Philadelphia era of the Church of God, nor have the same emphasis on doing the public proclamation portion of the work of God.

I consider that rejection of proper church governance is both a lack of humility and lack of faith issue.

Laodicea is made up of two Greek words that basically mean “people decide”–the implication is that they decide that their own criteria are more important than those in the Bible.  Because of this, they reason around placing the proper emphasis on the public proclamation portion of the work of God.  What about you?  Will you follow the criteria of the Bible or your own?

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?
Unity: Which COG for You? Why so many groups? Why is there lack of unity in the Churches of God? Has it always been this way? What can/should be done about it?
Differences between the Living Church of God and United Church of God This article provides quotes information from the two largest groups which had their origins in WCG as well as commentary.
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.

Palace of Westminster in London

COGwriter

In an unusually candid statement, the UK has admitted that it cannot afford to defend itself from all its potential threats:

Britain no longer has the cash to defend itself from every threat, says Liam Fox

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/defence/7905649/Britain-no-longer-has-the-cash-to-defend-itself-from-every-threat-says-Liam-Fox.html

Perhaps it should be noted that Australia figured this out several years ago, and at that time concluded that meant it needed to keep close defense relations with the United States.  New Zealand, which somewhat relies on goodwill and Australia to defend it, also cannot afford to defend itself.

The USA is in so much debt that it really cannot afford to defend itself either.  It just has not totally figured it out yet.  But it too is making program and other defense cuts.  It also is expected to compromise and let others (like Europe) partially be responsible for parts of its defense (Obama Administration Expected to Confirm Prediction in COGwriter 2012 Book).  The USA and UK will soon learn, in a relatively few years, the dangers of that approach.  As will Australia and New Zealand.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
Prophecies of Barack Obama? Eight reasons why Barack Obama is apocalyptic and eight reasons why Barack Obama is not the Antichrist. This article includes many biblical and non-biblical prophecies, from around the world, that seem to discuss Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist?  Might Barack Obama set the stage for the kings of the North and South as at least one Shiite prophecy suggests?  This is the longest and most complete article on this page on Barack Obama prophecies. Read it and decide for yourself if President Obama seems to be fulfilling various prophecies.
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”?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? What MUST happen BEFORE the Great Tribulation?
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?

Ben Bernanke

COGwriter

The U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman shook up the financial markets some by getting a little closer to the truth:

THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2010

No Answers, New Lows

By RANDALL W. FORSYTH

WHEN BEN BERNANKE TREKKED to Capitol Hill Wednesday, he didn’t have any magic answers to the economy’s malaise…

The U.S. economy faces “unusual uncertainty,” the Federal Reserve chairman admitted to the Senate Banking Committee Wednesday, which meant he had no better idea of what we face than you or I. http://online.barrons.com/article/SB50001424052970204518004575382772617529834.html?mod=googlenews_barrons

World stocks, dollar fall on Bernanke economy view

By ALEX KENNEDY (AP) – July 22, 2010

SINGAPORE — World stock markets slid Thursday and the dollar fell, undermined by worries about the global recovery after Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke warned the U.S. economy faces uncertain prospects…

In currencies, the dollar slipped to 86.60 yen from 86.93 yen in New York late Wednesday. The euro rose to $1.2836 from $1.2763.  http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5h3kgMAkbLwyfxBdjzw8Pc4KZ7DhQD9H40IL80

And what is the truth about what will happen to the USA’s economy?

Without massive national repentance, the economy of the USA will collapse.  The USA economy continues to be propped up by debt and its historical contributions to the international economy.  But while the USA still produces some agricultural, manufactured, and mined/extracted goods, its appetite for more than it produces (covetousness) is not sustainable.  Even US President Obama has said that the debt accumulation is unsustainable.

The Gulf Oil spill is just one more debt stimulating event (see also BP Gulf oil spill has significant prophetic ramifications).  And other troubles are predicted in Bible prophecy (Mark 13:8).

The course of debt accumulation that the USA has undertaken is unprecedented.  The USA is in more debt than any nation in the history of humankind.

The Bible clearly warns that an indebted people (and the UK has possibly the highest per capita debt in the world, with the USA the highest total debt) will be destroyed by people whose language that they do not understand, and that the destruction will be fairly total:

43 The alien who is among you shall rise higher and higher above you, and you shall come down lower and lower. 44 He shall lend to you, but you shall not lend to him; he shall be the head, and you shall be the tail. 45 Moreover all these curses shall come upon you and pursue and overtake you, until you are destroyed…47 “Because you did not serve the LORD your God with joy and gladness of heart, for the abundance of everything, 48 therefore you shall serve your enemies, whom the LORD will send against you, in hunger, in thirst, in nakedness, and in need of everything; and He will put a yoke of iron on your neck until He has destroyed you. 49 The LORD will bring a nation against you from afar, from the end of the earth, as swift as the eagle flies, a nation whose language you will not understand, 50 a nation of fierce countenance, which does not respect the elderly nor show favor to the young. 51 And they shall eat the increase of your livestock and the produce of your land, until you are destroyed; they shall not leave you grain or new wine or oil, or the increase of your cattle or the offspring of your flocks, until they have destroyed you. 52 They shall besiege you at all your gates until your high and fortified walls, in which you trust, come down throughout all your land; and they shall besiege you at all your gates throughout all your land which the LORD your God has given you (Deuteronomy 28:42-45,47-52).

Habakkuk 2:3,6,7  mentions that that destruction will happen to those that increased their debt at the end time:

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…5 Indeed, because he transgresses by wine, He is a proud man… 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 2:3,5,6-8).

The above prophecy will be fulfilled at the time of the end. It makes little sense that it would be directed towards the modern nation of Israel as it does not have enemy creditors. It must be a nation or group of nations with some prominence.  And since the USA has the most debt of any nation of all time, it seems to be a leading (though not only) candidate to be included in it.

The Apostle Paul was clear that sudden destruction will happen among those who are spiritually drunk:

3 For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. 4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. 5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. (1 Thessalonians 5:3-7)

Notice that both Paul and Habakkuk seem to have tied drunkenness in with this sudden calamity (so did Jesus in Luke 21:34-35). Truly the USA is not spiritually sober.

Isaiah 30:12-13 teaches:

12 Therefore thus says the Holy One of Israel:

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

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

Since the Roe vs. Wade pro-abortion decision, the USA has became the greatest debtor nation in the history of humankind.  Since the USA owes alien nations trillions of dollars, it appears that the curse in Deuteronomy 28:44 of having to borrow from aliens is happening to it now.  And as we are getting closer to the end, the related swift destruction that the prophecies mentioned in the Bible will happen.

And according to Daniel 11:39 and other prophecies, after this destruction, its lands will be divided for gain of the conqueror.  Some believe that California, for example, will end up again as part of Mexico with Europe controlling many of the eastern US states (see Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided?).  Scripturally, this cannot happen completely for at least 3 1/2 years, but that does not mean that the economy of the USA will not have ups and serious downs until that time.

So, the financial markets dropped a little because the Fed Chairman mentioned economic uncertainty.  Yet,  without massive national repentance, the Bible is clear that complete destruction of the economy, and even government, of the USA is certain.

Some prophetic articles of possibly related interest may include:

Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
Prophecies of Barack Obama? Eight reasons why Barack Obama is apocalyptic and eight reasons why Barack Obama is not the Antichrist. This article includes many biblical and non-biblical prophecies, from around the world, that seem to discuss Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist?  Might Barack Obama set the stage for the kings of the North and South as at least one Shiite prophecy suggests?  This is the longest and most complete article on this page on Barack Obama prophecies. Read it and decide for yourself if President Obama seems to be fulfilling various prophecies.
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.
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?  Where is the nation of Israel in all of this?
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? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?

Jerusalem

COGwriter

The economic news in most parts of the world has been somewhat dismal lately, but there is some better news today for the nation of Israel:

Commercially sized oil field found in central Israel, firm says

Haaretz – July 21, 2010

http://www.haaretz.com/business/commercially-sized-oil-field-found-in-central-israel-firm-says-1.303288

This is interesting for many reasons, including the fact that last year, gas reserves were found off the coast of Israel (see Some Better Economic News for Israel).

The nation of Israel has had a lot of bad news, and could stand some good news.  But any good news there is not biblically expected to be for very long.

Some prophetic articles of possibly related interest may include:

Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
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?  Where is the nation of Israel in all of this?
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? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?

Bas-relief at Angkor Wat depicting a demon performing an ancient abortion.

COGwriter

In its latest weekly update, LCG had the following two world news items:

Teenagers’ Faith on the Decline. In a recent study of U.S. teenagers, the Barna Group determined that over the last decade, faith among teens has been declining. Small group discussions, Sunday school attendance, prayer, Bible reading, church donations, and personal evangelism all seem to be on the decline. Researchers suggest that many teens have engaged in church-related activities primarily for social opportunities. With new technologies such as texting and computer-based social networking, researchers observed a sobering possibility: “Talking to God may be losing out to Facebook.” The research also indicates that societal pressure against asserting one’s faith may be the reason why fewer teens are willing to talk about their faith with unbelievers (www.barna.org, July 12, 2010). Parents are commanded by God to educate their children throughout the day and make the home an environment where God’s Way is continually practiced (Deuteronomy 6:7-9). As we approach the end of the age, fewer and fewer parents are educating their children about the Bible. At the same time, society is demonizing Bible study and labeling adherence to biblical principles as bigoted and prejudiced. However, other studies show that teens desire truthful and intelligent answers. God’s word is truth (John 17:17) and children need to be taught from it so that when they become teenagers, they have strong faith that will shield them from the fiery darts and lies of the wicked one (Ephesians 6:16).

Views on Abortion. Views on abortion differ widely and an increasing number of Americans are “unsure” how they feel about the issue. Those with the highest levels of income and education, and who are least religious are most likely to support abortion. In fact, the less religious, the more supportive—atheists and agnostics are most in favor of abortion. Interestingly, the baby boomer generation (age 45-63) is most likely to be uncertain of its views on abortion. There is also a relationship between one’s faith in the Bible and opposition to abortion in any circumstance—the more closely aligned with Scripture one’s faith is, the more likely one is to oppose abortion. Another interesting fact is that those in the younger generation (18-44) are far more likely to have a strong belief about abortion when compared to their “uncertain” parents. The younger generations of conservative Christians are just as likely to oppose abortion as the older generation (over age 64) (www.barna.org, June 14, 2010). Research speaks to the importance of Bible-based education. As we educate our children in God’s ways, they will grow up knowing the answers to hard questions and be willing to hold fast to truth. This research also supports the Proverb, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). While critics might say that biblically-oriented children are “indoctrinated,” more objective persons will ask whether those “in favor” of abortion have even been exposed to the reasons against it.

Teens, yound children, and everyone else need to be taught what the Bible teaches.  Evolution as the origin of life makes no scientific sense.  And abortion is murder.  Those who truly understand the scriptures should understand those and other matters.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Is God’s Existence Logical? Some say it is not logical to believe in God. Is that true?
Is Evolution Probable or Impossible or Is God’s Existence Logical? Part II This short article clearly answers what ‘pseudo-scientists’ refuse to acknowledge.
Where Did God Come From? Any ideas? And how has God been able to exist? Who is God?
How is God Omnipotent, Omnipresent, and Omniscient? Here is a biblical article by Wallace Smith which answers what many really wonder about it.
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?
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.
Read the Bible Christians should read and study the Bible. This article gives some rationale for regular bible reading.
Abortion, the Bible, and a Woman’s Right to Choose Do you know what the Bible teaches on this?
The Ten Commandments Reflect Love, Breaking them is Evil Some feel that the ten commandments are a burden. Is that what Jesus, Paul, Peter, James, and John taught?
Successful Parenting: God’s Way This is an LCG booklet by Dr. J. Fall.