Church of God News

Dr. Meredith and I

COGwriter

The Presiding Evangelist of the Living Church of God has an article in the September-October 2010 edition of its Tomorrow’s World Magazine titled “Why is Everything Going Wrong at Once?”.  Here is part of what it says:

Articles after articles now appear in magazines, newspapers and on the Internet, regarding the distrust of the United States government that increasing millions of Americans are feeling. There is a sense that America’s government is “out of control”—that something truly awful is happening—that the nation will never be the same again. Many analysts have described the “two Americas.” They analyze the division between different groups of people in the U.S.—and where this is leading. And a few analysts even note Jesus Christ’s inspired statement, A “house divided against itself will not stand” (Matthew 12:25). In our present circumstances, how long will America stand?

Our world is certainly changing! I remember when, driving from Los Angeles to East Texas back in the 1950s and early 1960s, my wife and I stopped over a couple of times to see the sights in Juarez, Mexico—right across from El Paso, Texas. Right across the Rio Grande, we found Juarez fascinating and heard of an interesting restaurant—with accompanying Mexican music—that was clean and offered excellent food. It was a very enjoyable place to visit, and we always had a good time and felt perfectly safe.

Flash forward—Today, Juarez is a virtual murder capital of the world! Scores of people are routinely slaughtered there by the Mexican drug cartels. This is right on the American border! And thousands of migrant workers are rushing across the border into America each month from this area. As increasing numbers settle illegally, some bringing families and having children in the U.S., we hear more and more about a soon-coming “reconquista“—the reconquest of the American Southwest by peoples of Mexican and Native American descent, who believe this part of America has been “theirs” all along!

Another huge problem now looming just ahead is the massive financial crisis, which is affecting not only the U.S., but also much of the rest of the world. Yet it will affect America more dramatically than most other countries—for the U.S. has become the world’s “biggest debtor”—and is printing money like crazy—creating trillions of dollars of “Monopoly money” backed up by essentially nothing! Other nations to whom America owes increasing hundreds of billions of dollars—especially China—are growing very concerned. They may at any time cut off their massive loans—which would bring down the dollar and the entire U.S. financial system almost overnight! As the eternal God tells us, “The borrower is servant to the lender” (Proverbs 22:7).

Long-time readers of Tomorrow’s World understand that the U.S., the British-descended nations, and the democratic nations of northwestern Europe (along with Judah, the modern state of Israel), are the modern descendants of ancient Israel. Ominously, the Bible foretells that if the descendants of ancient Israel turn aside from God and His laws, “The alien who is among you shall rise higher and higher above you, and you shall come down lower and lower. He shall lend to you, but you shall not lend to him; he shall be the head, and you shall be the tail. Moreover all these curses shall come upon you and pursue and overtake you, until you are destroyed, because you did not obey the voice of the Lord your God, to keep His commandments and His statutes which He commanded you” (Deuteronomy 28:43–45).

Truly, all over the world, America’s power and prestige are being “broken.” As we have noted many times, Scripture prophesies that if America turns away from God’s commandments and His statutes (Leviticus 26:15–16), He would let the nation experience “terror”—or “terrorism,” as it may be translated. Furthermore, as punishment for continued disobedience, God warns, “I will break the pride of your power; I will make your heavens like iron and your earth like bronze. And your strength shall be spent in vain; for your land shall not yield its produce, nor shall the trees of the land yield their fruit” (vv. 19–20)…

Our modern Western nations are increasingly disobedient against the laws and statutes of the Eternal God who made us and who gives us life and breath. Remember, the God of the Bible strictly commands, “Thou shalt not kill” (Exodus 20:13, KJV). That same God also commands, “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination” (Leviticus 18:22). Yet today, because of the incessant onslaught of secular propaganda foisted upon them, millions of young people have been desensitized to right and wrong. They literally do not understand the difference between what the God of the Bible strictly commands and what “Hollywood” and its supporters promote. Their minds have been seared—so they do not grasp the enormity of sin, or what “sin” is even about…

Can we understand that more than 40 million young human beings have had their skulls crushed or their brains vacuumed out in the name of “reproductive rights”?

And now we behold the ludicrous spectacle of men “marrying” men! Such a perverted practice would have brought ridicule and total derision even a few decades ago. It would have been treated like the Pennsylvania farmer who literally came to a preacher with his donkey and asked the minister to “marry” him to his donkey! This was done, tongue-in-cheek, to show this farmer’s utter disgust at the idea that a few homosexuals were, even many years ago, discussing the idea of men “marrying” men. Yet, today, our “educators” and “leaders” often act as if such perverted practices are absolutely “normal.” And they are determined to make them seem “normal”—and will continue until the God of heaven intervenes and stops all of this by sending His Son back to this earth as King of kings!

(Click the following to go to the entire article: Why Is Everything Going Wrong at Once?)

Without national repentance the USA and its Anglo-descended allies are doomed.  Many moral, social, economic, and military news items should give people reason to pause and consider that the destruction of these nations are at hand.

Most will try to rationalize and/or ignore what is happening.  What about you?

To learn more about what prophecy warns as well as the most faithful church, please check out the following articles:

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? 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?
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 after He returns? Is this time near?
Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2018 or 2019?
Abortion, the Bible, and a Woman’s Right to Choose Do you know what the Bible teaches on this? Has the Roman Catholic Church allowed abortions? What about the Living Church of God?
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.

Palace of Westminster in London

COGwriter

Back in July, I posted an article where one prominent Brit, its Defence Secretary Liam Fox, warned that the United Kingdom no longer had “the cash to defend itself from every threat” (Britain Admits it Cannot Afford to Defend Itself).

Now, Britain is taking additional steps to reduce its defense spending:

Defence spending: thousands of troops to be cut

Tens of thousands of soldiers, sailors and airmen face the axe after ministers concluded that reducing the number of uniformed personnel in the Armed Forces was the best way to save money.

Telegraph – Sept 10, 2010 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/defence/7995646/Defence-spending-thousands-of-troops-to-be-cut.html

Catapult system among plans to cut cost of aircraft carriers…

Defence chiefs are considering drastically scaling back plans to build two aircraft carriers, as part of the biggest squeeze on military spending since the cold war.  Guardian – September 12, 2010 http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2010/sep/12/catapult-cut-cost-aircraft-carriers

Not too surprisingly, this has upset the USA:

U.S. worries about UK defense cuts.

The Pentagon has told senior UK officials that the deep cuts planned in the UK to the defense budget could threaten the supposed special relationship between the UK and the U.S. AllVoices – September 13, 2010 http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/6748823-us-worries-about-uk-defense-cuts

Pentagon Warns Britain Not to Cut Military Spending

US Warns Military Cuts Could Harm ‘Special Relationship’

AntiWar.com September 12, 2010 http://news.antiwar.com/2010/09/12/pentagon-warns-britain-not-to-cut-military-spending/

Now, it should be pointed out that the USA also does not have “the cash to defend itself from every threat”, and this is one reason why the British defense cuts are upsetting to the USA.  The USA itself is so strapped for cash that not only does it depends on potential enemies like China to fund its economy, it announced that it would rely on Europe’s upcoming Galileo system for part of its satellite defense (see USA GPS and EU Galileo linking was expected).

The USA’s Defense Secretary, like the UK, has made major proposals to cut the USA’s defense spending (UK Debt to Pass Greece, USA Debt Affecting Military).  Perhaps the USA was planning on the UK not doing that as well, but since both nations are essentially bankrupt (the USA has the most debt of any nation in the history of humankind, while the UK has close to the highest per capita debt of any nation on the planet), what would the USA expect that the UK would do?

The other Anglo-nations also have defense spending quandaries of their own.  Australia concluded years ago that without a connection to the USA that it could not defend itself against potential aggressors in Asia.  New Zealand simply cannot defend itself if even a medium-ranked military power wanted to take it over.  And Canada is so tied to the USA that once the USA falls, Canada will not be far behind.

Without national repentance, the Bible shows that these nations are doomed, will be conquered, no longer be the nations that they were, and have their lands divided.  Weakening of their defense spending positions will simply make this easier for their conquerors.

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?

“I will break the pride of your power” (Leviticus 26:19)

COGwriter

The problems in the USA are severe and economists are started to sound an alarm:

Doomsday warnings of US apocalypse gain ground

AFP – Sept 12, 2010

Economists peddling dire warnings that the world’s number one economy is on the brink of collapse, amid high rates of unemployment and a spiraling public deficit, are flourishing here.

The guru of this doomsday line of thinking may be economist Nouriel Roubini, thrust into the forefront after predicting the chaos wrought by the subprime mortgage crisis and the collapse of the housing bubble.

“The US has run out of bullets,” Roubini told an economic forum in Italy earlier this month. “Any shock at this point can tip you back into recession.”  (http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=CNG.a64b6fa820c23d9ef2058a22276ce3a1.2c1&show_article=1)

The above articles lists other reasons from other economists who believe that the economy of the USA is in worse shape than many believe.

Of course, the American politicians and politically-influenced economists tend to wish to minimize the alarm, but the fact is that the USA is doomed.  Its economy is based too much on debt and too little on productivity.

Eventually when it has a real crisis, such as crop failures, pestilences, natural disasters, and/or major terrorism his it, it will have maxed out its credit so much so that its creditors will have had enough (cf. Habakkuk 2:3-8).

This does not mean that the economy of the USA will not have ups as well as downs.  It mainly means that, overall, the trend is down.

A nation cannot remain the economic and military superpower of the world when it continually consumes more than it produces and lives on borrowed wealth to support its excessively consumptive lifestyle.

Interestingly, more and more nations are getting away from dependence on the USA as the economic engine of the world:

Latin American and Caribbean economies rebounding

When the U.S. economy is mired in deep recession, an economic tsunami generally washes over Latin America and the Caribbean.

But this time the worst recession in seven decades only caused a wave that rippled across the region in 2009, said economist Manuel Lasaga. And, in most cases, the wave wasn’t strong enough to knock anyone down…

“It’s almost like the United States and Latin American switched places,” said Lasaga, president of Miami consulting firm StratInfo. “This time Latin America is the region with the good economic indicators.”

And indeed, this will be a year of growth for Latin America and the Caribbean.  (Miami Herald, 13 September 2010. http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/09/13/1818521/as-the-us-economy-struggles-latin.html#ixzz0zRVBeXzT)

So, it is not just Asian nations that are growing now.

USA residents need to wake up and see that major change is taking place and realize that while the USA and its Anglo-allies were on the top of the old world order, they will end up on the bottom of the coming world order.

To learn more, please check out the following articles:

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? 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?
The Plain Truth About Gold in Prophecy. How Should a Christian View Gold? What do economists and the Bible teach about gold? Gold and silver may drop in value. Inflation/deflation? What do Christians need to know about gold?
Mexico, Central America, South America, and Brazil in Prophecy [Español: México, America Central, Suramérica, y el Brasil en profecíal] [Português: México, América Central, Ámérica do Sul, e Brasil na profecia] What will happen to those of Latin America? Will they have prosperity? Will they cooperate with Europe? Will they suffer in the future? What rule might the various Caribbean nations/territories play?

Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey

COGwriter

As I reported yesterday about its voting yesterday, Turkey’s Impatient with EU.   Interestingly, now that Turkey voted for the changes to its constitution, it appears that the EU is getting impatient with Turkey:

ANKARA, Turkey — The European Union has urged Turkey to implement reforms and to draft a new constitution that would usher in more freedoms after Turks approved sweeping changes to the constitution.

About 58 percent voted in favor of government-proposed amendments to the constitution…Turks voted Sunday on whether to amend a military-era constitution in what the government says is a key step toward EU-style democracy, despite opposition claims that the proposed reforms would shackle the independence of the courts. (Associated Press, September 13, 2010. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iH4nwnlmh4Unb3j6pRogVsOIEsXQD9I6UNA00)

The approval of the constitutional changes in Turkey yesterday, does suggest that it is leaning more towards a Western than Islamic direction.  And that is in contrast to other actions from the Turkish government over the past year that suggest it still intends to strengthen certain Islamic ties.

Yet, ss I pointed out in detail yesterday (see Turkey’s Impatient with EU), there are biblical (Psalm 83) and Catholic prophecies that suggest that the final European Beast/King of the North power will likely cooperate with Turkey, despite whatever set backs these two entities may have.

Turkey is likely to align itself more with Europe in the future when circumstances suggest that it is in its best interest.

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?
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? Might this King be called the Mahdi? 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? What about the Imam Mahdi?
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?
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.

Paris (Photo by Rosss)

COGwriter

Will there be civil war or civil unrest in France?  While this may seem far fetched to many, it was something that was covered in my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect.

In July 2010, it was reported that France Declares War Against Al-Qaida.  France also upset many Muslims related to its position on burqas (see LCG: France Burqa Ban Just Received Cabinet Approval).  France is taking a stand against those it does not want.

Now, an embarrassing document was released about France’s plans on how to remove certain Romanians from its soil (who the press sometimes calls Roma):

French government had earlier denied that there is a specific manual instructing localities on how to expel France’s gypsy population out of the country. However, the manual on how to expel the Roma population was leaked to the press and published in several French newspapers. (Hareyan A. French Newspaper Publishes Government’s Manual On How To Expel Gypsies.  Huliq. 12 September 2010. http://www.huliq.com/1/912-french-newspaper-publishes-governments-manual-how-expel-gypsies)

Now France is apparently taking the steps it has related to Al-Qaeda, burqas, and Romanian gypsies for reasons of safety, economics, and culture.  But its positions often incite opposition.  It may be that enough opposition will rise up and cause civil unrest and possibly civil war in France.

France is facing some opposition from the European Union itself for some of its measures.

Certain Roman Catholics teach something called “the minor chastisement” is coming.  It is supposed to essentially be major civil unrest/civil wars in Europe. And while that has not clearly happened yet, there were riots in Paris, France in the summer of 2005.

Now, Catholic prophecy indicates that there will be civil strife across Europe, and especially involving France:

Desmond Birch (20th century): Civil war breaks out in France and Italy at almost the same time. This is the sign given by many prophets that the Chastisement has begun..(DA. Trial, Tribulation & Triumph: Before During and After Antichrist…The Great King will establish Peace and justice in civil matters on a worldwide basis, and protect the primacy of the Church in spiritual matters. Queenship Publishing Company, Goleta (CA), 1996, p. 554)

The Ecstatic of Tours…The revolution will spread to every French town. Wholesale slaughter will take place. This revolution will last only a few months but it will be frightful; blood will flow everywhere because the malice of the wicked will reach its highest pitch. Victims will be innumerable. Paris will look like a slaughter-house. Persecutions against the Church will be even greater, but it will not last long…Many bishops and priest will be put to death. The archbishop of Paris will be murdered…At this juncture, the French people will turn back to God and implore the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Mary Immaculate…The French people will ask for the good King, he who was chosen by God. He will come, this saviour whom God has spared for France, this King who is not wanted now because he is dear to God’s Heart. He will ascend to the throne; he will free the church and reassert the Pope’s rights… (Dupont Yves. Catholic Prophecy: The Coming Chastisement. TAN Books, Rockford (IL), 1973, p.37)

Foretelling the fall of France and England, the famous Jesuit Father Necton, said in 1772, “When England shall wane in power, the destruction of Paris will be near at hand” (Culligan E. The Last World War and the End of Time. The book was blessed by Pope Paul VI, 1966. TAN Books, Rockford (IL), p. 84).

Pseudo-Methodius (7th century): In France, people of Christians will fight and kill…At that same time the Muslims will be killed and they will know the tribulation…The Lord will give them to the powers of the Christians whose empire will be elevated above all empires…The Roman King (Great Monarch) will show a great indignation against those who will have denied Christ in Egypt or in Arabia (Araujo, Fabio R. Selected Prophecies and Prophets. BookSurge LLC, Charlestown (SC), 2007, pp. 101,103).

Rodolphus Gekner: Before the middle of the nineteenth century seditions shall arise in Europe, especially in France, Switzerland, and Italy. (Rossi G. THE CHRISTIAN TRUMPET, OR, Previsions and Predictions about Impending General Calamities, The Universal Triumph of the Church, The Coming of Antichrist, The Last Judgment, and The End of the World. Compiled by PELLEGRINO [Gaudentius Rossi], A Missionary Priest with Superior’s permission. Boston, THOS. B. NOONAND & CO., 1873,, p. 132)

Blessed Anna Maria Taigi (died 1837): “described to me the great ordeal ahead. Rome would be battered by revolutions…Millions of men would die by the sword in war and civil strife, other millions would perish in unforeseen death. (Bessieres A. Wife, Mother and Mystic (Blessed Anna Maria Taigi). Nihil Obstat: Carlos Davis, S.T.L. Imprimatur: E Morrough Bernard, Westmonasteri, die Februari, 1952. Reprint TAN Books, Rockford (IL), 1982, p. 166)

Birch Tree Prophecy (Old German) “When the world becomes Godless: revolutions will break out against kings; fathers will be against sons and sons against fathers; dogma will be perverted; men will try to overthrow the Catholic Church…A terrible war will find the north fighting against the south. The south will be led by a Prince wearing a white coat with a cross on the front…” (Culleton, R. Gerald. The Prophets and Our Times. Nihil Obstat: L. Arvin. Imprimatur: Philip G. Scher, Bishop of Monterey-Fresno, November 15, 1941. Reprint 1974, TAN Books, Rockford (IL), p. 143).

Jean Paul Richter (d. 1809): Through a terrible purgatory Europe will return to the faith (Culleton, p. 182).

Monk Hilarion (d. 1476): The people of the Peninsula of Europe will suffer by unnecessary wars until the Holy Man comes (Culleton, p. 137).

Brother Louis Rocco (19th century): Terrible wars will rage all over Europe…Russia will witness many outrages. Great cities and small towns alike will be destroyed in a bloody revolution… (Dupont, p.76)

Brother Louis Rocco (19th century): All over Europe there will rage terrible civil wars…The German sections of Austria will join Germany, so will also the commercial cities of Belgium and Switzerland. A Catholic descendant of a German imperial house will rule a united Germany with peace, prosperity and great power, for God will be with this sovereign (the Great Monarch?)…A Great Monarch will arise after a period of terrible wars and persecutions in Europe. He will be a Catholic; he will not be a German (Culleton, p. 195).

Priest Lavinsky (died 1708): The world will be harassed by civil wars…the Cross, to the astonishment of all, will shine in double splendor through many lands because of the great ruler (Connor Edward. Prophecy for Today. Imprimatur + A.J. Willinger, Bishop of Monterey-Fresno; Reprint: Tan Books and Publishers, Rockford (IL), 1984, pp.36-37).

John of the Cleft Rock (1340): The White Eagle (Great Monarch), by order of the Archangel Michael, will drive crescent from Europe where none but Christians will remain–he himself will rule from Constantinople. An era of peace and prosperity will begin for the world. There will no longer be Protestants {there were no “Protestants” then and author Connor of that book suggests that perhaps this word should have been translated as heretics} or schismatics…God will raise up a holy Pope (Connor, pp. 33-34)

Venerable Bartholomew Holzhauser (died 1658):…”When everything has been ruined by war; when Catholics are hard pressed by traitorous co-religionists and heretics; when the Church and her servants are denied their rights, the monarchies have been abolished and their rulers murdered…then the hand of Almighty God will work a marvelous change, something apparently impossible according to human understanding. There will rise a valiant monarch anointed by God. He will be a Catholic, a descendant of Louis IX, (yet) a descendant of an ancient imperial German family, born in exile. He will rule supreme in temporal matters. (Connor, pp.35-36)

If civil war/riots/civil unrest do occur in Europe on a large scale, this likely will set the stage for the rising up of a military leader to resolve this.  Catholic prophecies specifically suggest that this will happen and they tend to refer to this leader as the “Great Monarch” (or the “Great King”).

This “Great Monarch”, however, seems to have a lot in common with the prophesied final King of the North and Beast from the Bible.  So, if there is major civil unrest across Europe, and likely including France, this would seem to indicate that this leader will rise up fairly soon.

Austerity measures in Europe may also cause civil unrest.

Furthermore, it may partially because of civil war/unrest/riots that a de-Islamization of Europe will take place.  The situation in Europe will change and the leader known biblically as the ten-horned Beast or the final King of the North will rise up, irrespective of the accuracy of any other predictions.

Interestingly, at least one German economist has suggested that civil war may soon come to Greece (Civil War in Greece?).   Times are changing.

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?
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.
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. And since it was published, many have already started to come to pass.
2012 y el surgimiento de la secta secreta Nuevo libro del Dr. Thiel en Español.
2012 und das Auftreten der geheimen Sekte (German Edition) 2012 Buch von Dr. Thiel in deutscher Sprache.

Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey

COGwriter

Turkey is getting impatient with the European Union:

Exasperated Turkey slammed its fist on the table this weekend saying Europe is dragging its feet on EU entry talks, while the 27-nation bloc sought to boost ties with a nation whose worldwide weight is on the rise.

After sitting down for talks on Saturday with the 27-nation bloc’s foreign affairs chiefs, Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said: “I expressed our dissatisfaction with the speed of the negotiations, I expressed it clearly.”  (Le Forestier Y. Turkey losing patience with EU. AFP. September 12, 2010.  http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-world/turkey-losing-patience-with-eu-20100912-156te.html)

Today, Turkey voted on constitutional changes which will make it more appealing to Europe:

Istanbul, Turkey (CNN) — Turks voted Sunday in a divisive national referendum over constitutional reform seen as a crucial test for Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government…Torrential rains inundated Istanbul on Sunday, although it was unclear what impact that would have on voter turnout in Turkey’s biggest city…

The proposed reforms also include amendments to the country’s judicial system and curbs on the power of military courts. Other measures would guarantee gender equality and put in place measures to protect children, the elderly and the disabled and allow collective bargaining for workers.  (Watson I. Turks go to the polls in crucial referendum.  CNN, September 12, 2010.  http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/europe/09/12/turkey.referendum/?hpt=T1#fbid=aw-FzJcuNFH&wom=false)

But the big problem that Turkey has is that it is not a European culture.  It is true that a small portion of Turkey lies on the European continent, but the vast majority of its territory is in Asia.

Furthermore, ever since its conquest by Muslims in the 15th century, Turkey has been an Islamic nation.  Even now something like 99% of Turks are Muslims.  And Europeans really do not care for this–and the Turks know this.  Actually, notice a statement made by the EU’s current president, Herman Van Rompuy, a few years ago:

“Turkey is not a part of Europe and will never be part of Europe. An expansion of the EU to include Turkey cannot be considered as just another expansion as in the past,” he said. (EU Apparently Selected Herman Van Rompuy as its President, and He Does Not Welcome Turkey as it is Islamic)

So, the Turks have reasons to be impatient with the EU as it is clear that some of the EU leadership actually does not want Turkey at this time.

From a prophetic standpoint, the Bible suggests that Turkey (Edom) will apparently be part of an end time deal with the Europeans (Assyria) to eliminate the descendants of Israel (Psalm 83).  Thus, while it may not become part of the current European Union, it will apparently have some ties to it.

Interestingly, according to Catholic prophecies, Turkey will ultimately convert and become Catholic:

Dionysius of Luxemberg (died 1682): With divine assistance this ruler will not only lead erring souls back to the true Faith but also deal a heavy blow to the foes of the empire; the Turks, to take away their empire and restore it to Christianity (Connor E. Prophecy for Today. Imprimatur + A.J. Willinger, Bishop of Monterey-Fresno; Reprint: Tan Books and Publishers, Rockford (IL), 1984, p.84).

Blessed Anna Maria Taigi (died 1837): Millions of men would die by the sword in war and civil strife, other millions would perish in unforeseen death. Then entire nations would return to the unity of the Church, and many Turks, Pagans and Jews would be converted and their fervour cover with confusion the original Christians. In one word she told me that our Lord was intending to cleanse the world and His Church… (Bessieres A. Wife, Mother and Mystic (Blessed Anna Maria Taigi). Nihil Obstat: Carlos Davis, S.T.L. Imprimatur: E Morrough Bernard, Westmonasteri, die Februari, 1952. Reprint TAN Books, Rockford (IL), 1982, p. 166).

Old Saxon Prophecy. “The seven-headed city, now more admirable than Jerusalem, shall be a place more desolate than Jerusalem. The Dog shall enter Germany but shall afterwards forsake his master and choose for himself a new man, whereby Scripture shall be fulfilled. This Dog shall signify the Turk which shall forsake his Mohammed and choose unto him the name Christian…But after all these things the end of the world shall approach, and there shall be heavey and pitiful days.”

Comment: The seven-headed city is probably Rome…(the comment is from Dupont personally, Dupont Y. Catholic Prophecy: The Coming Chastisement. TAN Books, Rockford (IL), 1973, pp.23-24)

Venerable Bartholomew Holzhauser: All heresies shall be banished…the Turkish Empire shall be broken up, and all nations shall come to and worship their God in the true Catholic and Roman faith (Rossi, G. THE CHRISTIAN TRUMPET, OR, Previsions and Predictions about Impending General Calamities, The Universal Triumph of the Church, The Coming of Antichrist, The Last Judgment, and The End of the World. Compiled by PELLEGRINO [Gaudentius Rossi], A Missionary Priest with Superior’s permission. Boston, THOS. B. NOONAND & CO., 1873, p. 121)

Brother Louis Rocco (19th century): In Istanbul (Constantinople) the Cross will replace the half-moon of Islamism…the Turks…will subsequently embrace the Catholic faith. (Dupont, p.76)

While many may question that, I would suggest that this could occur.

How you may ask?

Well there are several reasons:

1. Europe is prophesied to take the role of the economic leader of the world (cf. Revelation 18:1-4).  In my view, Turks are pragmatic (I have been to Turkey at least three times) and more economically, than religiously, motivated than some of the peoples of other Islamic nations.
2. The Bible tells of a time that signs and lying wonders will accompany the European Beast power (2 Thessalonians 2:9) that many are expected to believe them (2 Thessalonians 2:11).  Catholic prophecies tell of a time when apparitions of Mary will become fairly public (see Mary, the Mother of Jesus and the Apparitions).  Turkey already holds an annual celebration for Mary (2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect, Arroyo Grande, California, p. 116) and the last house that she may have lived in is in Turkey (2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect, p.116).  Hence, the Turks seem likely to give heed to Marion apparitions who may give them messages to convert.
3. The Bible is clear that the (European) King of the North will overpower the (Islamic) King of the South (Daniel 11:40-43).  Since the final King of the South will likely be an Islamic/Arab/North African power, the elimination of the vast bastion of Islam will send a signal to the Turks that Islam is no match for the European Beast power.

Not that he can be relied on, but it may be of interest to note that Nostradamus apparently felt that Turkey would end up betraying a coming Islamic leader:

Nostradamus: The Great Arab shall progress well forward, But betrayed shall be by the Byzantines. (Turks).

Comment on above from Catholic writer Yves Dupont: Here, we are told that Turkey will break its faith with the rest of the Arab world. (Dupont, p. 107).

I once has a Turk essentially tell me that the Arab world needed to be under Turkish domination as it was incapable of ruling itself otherwise.  This indicates, to me at least, that the Turks will not be that supportive of any Arab leader who rises up, such as one claiming to be the Imam Mahdi (who seems to be the same one that the Bible calls the King of the South).

Now at this time, many in Turkey do not care if Turkey becomes part of the EU or not (see Turkey and the EU).  However, because it has connections with Europe (many Turks work in Europe and many European vacation in Turkey) Turkey is likely to be fairly willing to align itself with Europe in the future when circumstances suggest that it is in its best interest, irrespective of what happens in today’s vote.

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?
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? Might this King be called the Mahdi? 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? What about the Imam Mahdi?
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?
Mary, the Mother of Jesus and the Apparitions Do you know much about Mary? Are the apparitions real? What happened at Fatima? What might they mean for the rise of the ecumenical religion of Antichrist? Are Protestants moving towards Mary? How do the Orthodox view Mary? How might Mary view her adorers?
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.

The Above Map Show the Number of Internet Users By Country

COGwriter

There are many small groups that have came and went that originally had some connection to the old Worldwide Church of God (WCG).

The following I noticed no longer are valid links:

Bakersfield Church of God George Anderson (one couple)
Central Texas Church of God John Hawk (one or two congregations)
Church of God Central PA (one congregation)
Church of God Fellowship, Manila probably Jess Cardona (a mix of semi-independents)
Church of God, Mexico
Church of God, Sabbath Day Tom Justus
Church of God Talents Ministries Ted Phillips
Congregation of YHWH Dennis Martin (a sacred name group)
Cornerstone Evangelical Association Glenn Williams
Great Lakes Church of God John Blanchard (“good Laodiceans”–their term)
little children of Jesus Christ John Q. Adams (quite small)
Saskatoon Sabbatarian Fellowship George Manning
Stedfast Church of God Arlen Berkey Its Not Stedfast (it became affiliated elsewhere)
TWIN CITIES CHURCH OF GOD (CEM supporting)

So, they were all removed from my COGlinks page, which is available at: COGs: Churches of God

Some of these groups may exist with different URLs, but maybe not.

Hi hopes do not necessarily translate into groups that endure.  While it has been claimed that there are 300 groups out there with origins in the old WCG, the reality is that if you do not count the independents (those that are one family or those with 3 or less “congregations”) that there are probably less than 1/4 of that with English-language ties.

The term “Laodicea” can be roughly translated as “people decide” and people have decided on many groups that were not effective in proclaiming the gospel.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include the following:

The Laodicean Church Era has been predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. These are non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG.
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? Is that what Jesus said? What did Paul and Herbert W. Armstrong expect from evangelists?
Attending the Church of Choice This article discusses whose choice is important to worship God; should you attend the church of your choice or the church of God’s choice?
Unity: Which COG for You? Why so many groups? Why is there lack of unity in the Churches of God? Has it always been this way? What can/should be done about it?
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.

Patriarchate of Moscow

COGwriter

While the Russian Orthodox seem to be looking toward the Vatican (see Ecumenism Advancing), there are indications that Russia itself is looking towards Europe economically.

The Wall Street Journal reported:

The severe blow dealt to Russia by the West’s financial crisis is prompting a recalibration of Russia’s foreign policy. Among the ideas now surfacing in Moscow: a much closer relationship between Russia and the European Union…

A draft report prepared by Russian members of the Valdai International Discussion Club, a group of academics and journalists who met over the past week in Russia, spelled out that fear.  Unless Russia and the EU join forces and develop a strategy for co-development, the report said, “their international political influence will most likely be doomed to degradation.” Without that alliance, the report said, Europe would turn into a “monument to its old grandeur,” while Russia would risk becoming a raw-materials backyard for a rising Asia…

One motive for moving closer to Europe, some analysts say, is fear of China’s economic powerhouse and what it will mean for Russia’s increasingly sparsely populated lands. (United Nations projections suggest by 2050 there will be 116 million Russians and 1.4 billion Chinese, compared with 140 million Russians and 1.3 billion Chinese now.)  (Fidler S. Wall Street Journal, September 11, 2010. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704505804575483451995018566.html)

Russia is realizing that perhaps it needs to look West and not East for its future.

Interestingly, the Bible identifies the ancient ancestors of the Russians as traders in the future:

13 Javan, Tubal, and Meshech were your traders. They bartered human lives and vessels of bronze for your merchandise. 14 Those from the house of Togarmah traded for your wares with horses, steeds, and mules (Ezekiel 27:13-14).

Today, Russia is a major trader of commodities such as oil and gold. It also exports copper, which is the major component of bronze. Europe buys commodities, like oil, from Russia.

The Bible does strongly indicate that nations like Russia will benefit economically from the coming European superpower:

3 For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury (Revelation 18:3).

Thus, Russia seems prophesied to attain wealth from the coming restored European Empire, but Russia will not then be leading the most powerful block of nations in the world.

However, even though it will apparently look West for a while, various prophetic books (Daniel 11:44; Ezekiel 38:1-6) suggest that it will unite with powers in the East and turn on Europe, the “daughter of Babylon” (Jeremiah 50:41-43).

But until then, Russia may look towards Europe.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Russia: Its Origins and Prophesied Future Russia in prophecy. 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?
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?

Herman Van Rompuy

COGwriter

The European Union is holding a major meeting on September 16, 2010 in order to expand its role in international politics:

EUOBSERVER / WEEKLY AGENDA (13 – 19 September ) – In what is to be his first major foray in the foreign policy arena, EU council president Herman Van Rompuy will on Thursday (16 September) preside over a meeting of EU leaders and foreign ministers to examine the bloc’s relations with its strategic partners.

The one-day and single-themed meeting is an attempt by an Mr Van Rompuy to ringfence where the EU’s strategic priorities lie, with the 27-nation Union more often in the news for its divisions on external issues and many larger states still content to view certain regions as having particular importance…

The summit comes as the EU is increasingly worrying about its global role. Top politicians regularly warn that the EU risks being marginalised as other more cohesive regional powers rise. (Mahony H.  EU Observer, 10 September 2010.  http://euobserver.com/9/30775)

The reality is that the EU not only does not want to be marginalized, it wants to set foreign policy for as much of the world as possible.  Yet, it recognizes that it is not unified or strong enough to do this as much as it now wants to.  This meeting is intended to remind the Europeans that major international influence is a key objective of the European Union and that it needs to take steps to make it able to fulfill that objective.

Now many recognize that the EU has its own internal squabbles.  Interestingly, the lack of cohesiveness of the European Union was prophesied over 2500 years ago:

41 Whereas you saw the feet and toes, partly of potter’s clay and partly of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; yet the strength of the iron shall be in it, just as you saw the iron mixed with ceramic clay. 42 And as the toes of the feet were partly of iron and partly of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly fragile. 43 As you saw iron mixed with ceramic clay, they will mingle with the seed of men; but they will not adhere to one another, just as iron does not mix with clay.  (Daniel 2:41-43)

Because of the EU’s lack of cohesiveness, many have concluded that it never will amount to being the major world power.  However, according to biblical prophecy, it will succeed despite this. Its role in international affairs and especially war will cause the world to marvel:

1 Then I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name. 2 Now the beast which I saw was like a leopard, his feet were like the feet of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority. 3 And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled and followed the beast. 4 So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?” (Revelation 13:1-4)

It may be of interest to note that one of the symbols of Europe is a beast rising from the sea.  Actually the term Europe comes from the story of a woman named Europa that was somewhat seduced (some stories say raped) by the “god Zeus” who turned himself into an apparently “gentle” beast who more or less supposedly swept her off her feet.  The 2 Euro coin that is used in Greece actually portrays this on it.  Here is a picture of a coin I acquired in Greece that portrays it:

Many doubt that the Europeans can become a major military power, but the Bible indicates otherwise (it even indicates that the Europeans really do not think that they will use the power, but will anyways per Isaiah 10:5-11).  Europe is currently taking steps such as its Galileo satellite system and its Large Hadron Collider (the largest physics project on earth) that will likely help it develop the military abilities that will cause the world to marvel at its future military successes.

Other steps, which I try to report here at the COGwriter news page, are also being taken within the EU to accomplish its objectives for global military (Daniel 11:39-43; Revelation 13:1-4), religious (Revelation 13:11-17), and economic (cf. Revelation 18; 13:16-17) objectives.

It is partially because of its inability to be highly unified that many do not see that the EU is rising and rapidly being set to be the Beast power warned in both the books of Daniel and Revelation.  However, events such as those aimed a ecumenical unity (see Ecumenism Advancing for details) and the September 16th meeting with Herman Van Rompuy demonstrate that steps towards some unity within the EU are happening.  And according to biblical prophecy, even though there will always be some cohesiveness issues in the final European power, it still will have power for at least 3 1/2 years (Revelation 13:5).

Two 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?

Ancient Laodicea

COGwriter

Last night, UCG announced the following:

September 10, 2010

President Luker and Chairman Rhodes have posted two new documents on the member’s Web site in the “Letters from the Chairman and President” section. These are additional explanations concerning the “Resolution to Rescind” that appeared on the May 2008 General Conference of Elders annual meeting ballot.

Essentially the Rescind White Paper explains that although UCG prays and sometimes fasts for God’s will to be done at its conferences, that it has had to change and rescind many of the decisions, and therefore the decision related to moving/not moving to Texas is consistent with its past changes, thus it should not matter (for a report on what happened back then, see UCG Keeps Aaron Dean on Council and Votes to Rescind Texas Move).

On other UCG governance matters, I noticed that it pulled the ministerial credentials of another in Latin America (Arnold Mendez, Sr.) as he was more supportive of Leon Walker’s position on the church in that area.  This suggests that UCG and Leon Walker probably will not reconcile before the Feast of Tabernacles as UCG once indicated may happen.

Those who understand proper church governance better understand how God has worked through the Church throughout the ages and how He plans to work through it in the future.

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.