Church of God News

Harold Egbert Camping

COGwriter

While this page tends to focus more on those once affiliated with the Church of God, there are some other religious leaders that can impact it.  One of those may be Harold Camping.

According to Harold Camping, Jesus will return on Pentecost May 21, 2011 and the world will end on October 21, 2011.  So, based on his proclamations, the world has less than one year to exist.

Oddly, the Santa Barbara Independent had the following to say about him yesterday:

Harold Camping’s Open Forum, carried on Santa Maria’s KHFR, 89.7. Whatever your spiritual or sectarian persuasions, the vet preacher broadcaster’s cadence and timbre are hypnotic sound sources. Call me crazy.  (Woodward J. Left of the dial radio.  Santa Barbara Independent, October 21, 2011.  http://www.independent.com/news/2010/oct/21/left-dial-radio/)

FWIW, I do not find Harold Camping’s timbre hypnotic, nor his sources sound.  Now, also oddly, the above was the only news item I could find about Harold Camping yesterday–and it did not mention his end of the world predictions.  Because of Harold Camping’s apparently “millions” of listeners, I had felt that other news sources would announce that Harold Camping’s final year countdown for the end of the world had began.  But because of end of the world hype that will happen because of “2012” and the fact that Harold Camping will be proven wrong again on his predictions, ultimately, I suspect he will get some media coverage.

Here is some of the predictions Harold Camping wrote in his We are Almost There! book:

The church age embraced, to the very day, exactly 1,955 years in that it began on Pentecost day, May 22, A.D. 33, and ended the day before Pentecost on May 21, 1988 (A.D.). (p. 29)

As we have noted, God further solidifies or locks in this date, May 21, 2011, by placing the day of shutting the door, when the rapture will occur, on the 17th day of the second month of the Biblical calendar. Significantly, the number 17 links perfectly to the fact of the rapture because spiritually, the number 17 signifies heaven. Moreover, the number 2 (second month) spiritually identifies with those who have been commissioned to bring the Gospel. Is it not amazing that they will be raptured on the 17th day of the second month? Is that coincidental? We also have learned that the last day of the earth’s existence, October 21, 2011, is the 23rd day of the seventh month of the Biblical calendar. The number 23 normally signifies God’s wrath being poured out. The number 7 (seventh month) signifies the perfect fulfillment of God’s purposes. Could this also be coincidental, that the final completion of God’s punishment on the unsaved occurs in the seventh month on a day that features the number 23, which is a number that completely identifies with God’s wrath, thus signifying God’s perfect wrath on the unsaved?  (p. 61-62)

Now what is all that based upon?

In that particular booklet, Harold Camping never explains why 1955 years–he just asserts based on his calculations.  And those of us who rely on the Bible realize that his assertions do not count.  33 A.D. is also wrong for the crucifixion, and even it were correct, the 1955 years is simply not a biblical time period for the age of the church (no matter what type of calculation he may show for it).  Furthermore, he comes up with his own meaning of 17, 23, and many other numbers, and then based upon his meaning, then suggests that this “proof” is not coincidental.  It is not coincidental, he appears to intentionally manipulate numbers and calculations when plain numbers do not work, in order to try to force his conclusions upon people.  Also notice that when he makes statements such as “The number 23 normally signifies God’s wrath”, this means that he can decide that the number 23 does not have to mean that if this interferes with any of his other calculations (and it seems that he is very selective that way).  Sadly, his followers do not seem to see this.

Furthermore, PENTECOST IS ON JUNE 12, 2011 AND NOT MAY 21, 2011 (see Holy Day Calendar). Harold Camping does not even understand what Pentecost is all about (to learn more, see Pentecost: Is it more than Acts 2?). Because he prefers his own imaginations to the truth of the Bible, Harold Camping seems to load one misleading calculation onto other misleading information to get to the wrong answer. He should not be listened to by those that actually believe the Bible.

So why cover him?

It remains my view that when Jesus does not come on May 21, 2011 and the world does not end on October 21, 2011 nor December 21, 2012, scoffers will point to Harold Camping, as well as those who insisted upon the Mayan date, as proof that there have been many who falsely believed to know when the world would end.  And while they will be correct about that, they also will tend to discount all prophecy, including biblical prophecy (which is supposedly what Harold Camping claims to base his own imaginative and allegorical predictions upon).  As Jesus said,

The iniquity of false prophets such as Harold Camping, Ronald Weinland (who claims that Jesus will come on May 27, 2012), and others will turn various people off about prophecy.  More will feel comfortable being scoffers.  And this rise of scoffers who will not believe in prophecy is also foretold in the Bible by the Apostle Peter:

1 Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), 2 that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior, 3 knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, 4 and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.” 5 For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, 6 by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. 7 But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

8 But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.  11 Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.

14 Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless; 15 and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation — as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, 16 as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.  (2 Peter 3:1-16, NKJV)

So, despite false predictions, Mayan prophecies, scoffers, and the assertions of many, Jesus will return.  And we are to look forward to His return as the Apostle Peter wrote.  Jesus will return no earlier than 2017 (and likely later) as certain biblically-required steps have not yet happened (Daniel 9:27; cf. Matthew 24:15,21,29-30).

Those who are interested in the truth about Harold Camping, Ronald Weinland (who also claims to be one of the two witnesses), Mayan prophecies, and when the Bible shows that Jesus can return, may wish to study the following articles:

Harold Camping’s Teachings About the End of the World Do Not Agree with the Bible Harold Camping teaches that the rapture will be on May 21, 2011 and the world will end on October 21, 2011. What does the Bible show?
What is the Appropriate Form of Biblical Interpretation? Should the Bible be literally understood? What do the writings of the Bible, Origen, Herbert W. Armstrong, and Augustine show?
Why Be Concerned About False and Heretical Leaders? There have been many false leaders–here is some of why you should be concerned about them.
Concerns About Ronald Weinland’s Church of God-Preparing for the Kingdom of God Ronald Weinland falsely claims to be one of the two witnesses God is raising up and that the end will come in 2008 (first April 17th, then June 2008, now December 14, 2008). Why does the Bible show that Ron Weinland is a false prophet? He also has at least one other view that suggests that he is not part of the Church of God.
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?
End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something? Are there Mayan calendar predictions for change in 2012? Changes were centuries ago predicted by the Hopi Native Americans. Do Mayan/Hindu/Hopi/Buddhist/New Age/Nostradamus prophecies have any value here? Why might Satan have inspired this date? Does the Dresden codex show destruction of the earth by flood? Can the great tribulation start before 2012? How might the next pope be involved in 2012?
Who Are The Two Witnesses? What is their job? What does the Bible reveal? What has the Church of God taught on this subject? Might even Roman Catholic prophecies give some clues here?

COGwriter

The front cover of the latest Der Spiegel features Stephanie zu Guttenberg and her husband Karl.  The Guttenbergs are gaining popularity in Germany.  Notice the following:

Yesterday Mr zu Guttenberg and his glamorous wife Stephanie were pictured on the front cover of Der Spiegel magazine as “The fabulous zu Guttenbergs“. (Independent, UK – Oct 18, 2010. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/weak-merkel-stokes-xenophobia-as-she-fights-for-political-survival-2109433.html)

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“The CSU leader and premier of Bavaria state, Horst Seehofer, said last week that reports that Guttenberg might be after his job were ‘mush.’  Officials quickly pointed out that the Bavarian constitution reserves the premiership to persons 40 or older.  Guttenberg’s 40th birthday is not till November 3 next year.” (M&C – Oct 19, 2010.

http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/europe/features/article_1592559.php/Glam-Guttenbergs-are-hyped-to-lead-Germany-one-day-News-Feature)

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Nearly a quarter of voters believe the conservative rising star Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg would make a better chancellor than the embattled Angela Merkel, a poll published Wednesday found…The poll comes amid growing speculation that Defence Minister Guttenberg, a member of the Bavarian Christian Social Union (CSU), is likely to become leader of his party and has a strong chance to become the nation’s chancellor….Guttenberg, 38, is easily the country’s most popular politician at the moment – a title long held by Merkel. In a recent poll, his approval rating of 70 percent positively dwarfed her 40 percent. (The Local – Oct 20, 2010. http://www.thelocal.de/politics/20101020-30625.html)

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Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg, 38, is the current defense minister and a rising star in the Christian Social Union (CSU), the Bavarian sister party to Merkel’s CDU. The generally well-sourced FAZ wrote that he is “at the center of the speculation” about a possible successor to Merkel as chancellor. Guttenberg is not just young but also well-groomed and popular among female voters…Guttenberg has proved to be a flexible, ambitious politician. He comes from an old, upper-crust southern German family. (Spiegel – Oct 13, 2010. http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,722997,00.html)

I started reporting about Karl Guttenberg late last year when I noticed that a Canadian reporter suggested that he could be the man the Europe would turn to to lead it.  And while that has not happened yet, if it does, Baron Karl Guttenberg could very well become the final King of the North, the Beast of Revelation 13.

Here are 20 items to consider:

1. Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg is a leader from middle Europe and has a Franco-German bloodline.
2. He has a military background.  The Beast of Revelation 13 is shown to be a military political leader.
3. He is considered to have some economic expertise.
4. He is an extremely popular politician (he was the most popular in Germany in early and late 2010).
5. He is considered an expert on foreign policy.
6. He is currently “Minister of Defence” for Germany.
7. He is some type of Catholic.
8. Because he is married to a Lutheran (and she apparently did not convert prior to marriage), he apparently is not super strict about being Catholic (some other news reports I have seen also seem to confirm this in other ways as well).
9. His wife also has political connections, and has made several public  “morality statements”.  Hence suggesting that the Guttenbergs represent the moral high ground in Germany.
10. He seems to have ecumenical tendencies, and that is what the “Great Monarch” of Catholic prophecies and the final Beast of Revelation would likely have.
11. He is a descendant of the Habsburg line of rulers (the Emperors of the Holy Roman Empire were from the Habsburg line).
12. Charlemagne was a Frank-German leader and “Holy Roman Emperor”.  Certain Catholic prophecies indicate that the “Great Monarch” will be a descendant of Charlemagne.
13. His blood line crosses into various countries in Europe (at least Germany, France, Austria, Liechtenstein, and Croatia).
14. He has the right to select the priest for his parish.  Hence, the idea that political leaders should be involved with religion is something he was raised up believing. A leader combining church and state is prophesied in Daniel 11:37-38 and Revelation 13.
15. The understanding that his title means “Baron of the Holy Roman Empire” is interesting as the Book of Revelation describes a power that would resemble a re-emergence of “the Holy Roman Empire” and Catholic prophecy specifically tells of a time when “The Great King will be crowned Holy Roman Emperor by the reigning Pope” (Birch DA. Trial, Tribulation & Triumph: Before During and After Antichrist. Queenship Publishing Company, Goleta (CA), 1996,, p. 555).
16. The fact that he is the most popular political leader in Germany suggests that he has a certain charisma that would be consistent with that which is expected for the final Beast leader.
17. Because one of his relatives was involved in a plot against Hitler in 1944, he may be perceived as less of a threat than others with a German background.
18. He is considered to be a smooth talking attractive leader.
19. Some of his entertainment actions suggest that beneath his exterior he may have certain “vile” tendencies (cf. Daniel 11:21).
20. He has risen to powerful positions quite quickly.  And may do that again.

To slightly expand on point 14, notice the following news account that suggests his wife’s attitude is that the state is above the Catholic church:

…Stephanie zu Guttenberg, the head of a leading child protection group and wife of Defence Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg, who called on the state to get tougher on abuse rather than leave it to the Church…Guttenberg, who is the German president of the anti-abuse group Innocence in Danger, said the state could not leave it to the Church alone to pursue abuse.

“Priests and clergymen are citizens of the Federeral Republic of Germany. And if a citizen here commits a crime, then that must be punished through the institutions of the state,” she told reporters at a fundraising event Monday evening. (Minister calls for abuse compensation. The Local: German News in English, 9 Mar 10. http://www.thelocal.de/national/20100309-25745.html viewed 03/09/10)

So, if Baron Guttenberg has a similar attitude to his wife, he may feel that the state has the obligation to be above the Catholic church–a view that seems consistent with one that the King of the North has (cf. Daniel 11:36-38).

As I have stated before, if Karl Guttenberg is part of a major Middle East peace deal, if he establishes armies (or a great army with a strong military capacity), and if he establishes something like a new religious order within his version of the “Catholic” faith, he should be looked at as fulfilling prophecies related to the final King of the North.

Of course, if Karl Guttenberg ultimately does gain the top job in a restructured Europe AND if there are various signs and wonders at and after that time, cf. 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12, all would be wise to realize that he pretty much is the one who will likely be the final King of the North (despite the type of denials that would be expected).

On the other hand, Karl Guttenberg could simply be a rising politician, like many others.  We will see.  But Karl Guttenberg does seem, for now at least, to be rising (and he could fall and still rise to the top job) and is one to watch.

Some items for further related study may include:

Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North? Could He Become “the Beast”? What makes the German Defense Minister a candidate?
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?

COGwriter

Pope Benedict XVI just elevated 25 bishops to the office of cardinal today, including Kurt Koch:

Pope names 24 new cardinals

AP – Oct 20, 2010

VATICAN CITY — Pope Benedict XVI named 24 new cardinals Wednesday, putting his mark on the body that will elect his successor and giving a boost to Italian hopes to regain the papacy…

Many of the new cardinals head Vatican offices, including Archbishop Kurt Koch, a Swiss in charge of the Vatican’s relations with other Christians and Jews.

Cardinals are close advisers to a pope, but their key job is to elect the pontiff. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39755433/ns/world_news-europe/

Pope Benedict XVI named Kurt Koch president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity effective July 1, 2010, replacing the retiring Walter Kasper.  Cardinal Koch’s job is to try to bring as many of the Eastern Orthodox and those in “the churches of the Reformation” to the Vatican (see Pope Benedict’s 30 Year Plan).  This is elevation to cardinal is an important move, if Kurt Koch is to be considered in line as a possible successor to Benedict XVI.

When Kurt Koch took over from Walter Kasper, I warned that because of biblical and Catholic prophecies, that is was possible that Kurt Koch could possibly be the last pope, and an antipope.

I also specifically warned (see July 2, 2010 post Swiss Bishop Appointed as Ecumenical Head: Antichrist Role?) about then Archbishop Koch:

And if he elevated to the rank of Cardinal, he may have further elevation in his future.

Now that he has been elevated to the rank of cardinal, I definitely consider him one to watch.

For those somewhat unfamiliar with him, here are some reasons that he is one to watch.

everal specific reasons for watching him.

1. Cardinal Koch was born in Switzerland.  Catholic prophecies suggest that Switzerland will be part of the final revived “Holy Roman Empire” (there are at least two, please see Catholic Prophecies).  Having a high level Swiss-born leader in the Vatican may make this a little more palatable for the Swiss people (though I believe an economic or other crisis in Switzerland will likely also be involved).
2. Cardinal Koch’s previous minaret stance means that he will have some credibility with the Islamic community, which may help fulfill biblical prophecies in Daniel 9:27 and 11:27.
3. Both Roman and Eastern Orthodox Catholic prophecies tell of a time when a major ecumenical council will take place. This council is supposed to result in Catholic-Orthodox unity with much compromise on Rome’s side.  As the president of Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, he would be expected to have involvement (even if he is moved or promoted out of that position by then) in such a council
4. Cardinal Koch is both young enough and old enough to be a candidate to either be the next pope or to support the next pope.
5. Catholic and biblical prophecies warn of a leader who will not truly support the Christian faith, though he may look like he is among the “ministers of righteousness” (2 Corinthians 11:15). Ecumenical leaders historically have tended to compromise for the sake of unity (for some biblical, Catholic, and other related prophecies, see Why Should American Catholics Should Fear Unity with the Orthodox?; Orthodox may wish to read the article Orthodox Must Reject Unity with the Roman Catholics).  Ecumenical leaders often seem to support what is politically expedient above being true to their professed faith.
6. According to the prophecies of the Catholic Bishop and Saint Malachy in the 12th century, only one pope remains.  Since other Catholic prophecies foretell the rising up of an antipope who may betray that faith, and since there has not been an “antipope” since Felix V 1439-1449 (and many of the Catholic prophecies warning about a future antipope tend to be more recent than that),  IF these sets of Catholic prophecies are correct, the next pope will be  an “antipope” and betray the Church of Rome.  This “pontiff” will have accomplices.
7. Based upon biblical writings, various Christian and professing Christian leaders have believed that God had a six-thousand year plan for humankind to rule before Jesus would return (for details, see Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End?).  According to biblical chronology, this time period is likely to end while Kurt Koch is alive.
8. At least one Catholic prophecy specifically warns of a German antipope.  Kurt Koch appears to be Swiss-German.  Again this does not mean it will be him, but this may suggest another reason he may be one to watch.
9. Pretty much all modern pontiffs held the rank of cardinal prior to their elevation.  Kurt Koch is now at the rank of cardinal.

Now, as I do not know Kurt Koch, I am not saying that he is necessarily anything other than a loyal Catholic bishop and cardinal.  But historically, those in ecumenical leaderships make statements that suggest compromise.

If Cardinal Kurt Koch lives and remains in office, he is likely to be supportive of, if not the, the final “ecumenical” Antichrist.

And this leader is warned about in both biblical and Catholic prophecies.  Now I am not saying that Kurt Koch must become the final Antichrist, but since prophecies are clear that the final Antichrist will be an ecumenical leader that sounds an awful lot like an “antipope”, he is one to watch for his involvement in end time matters.

As mentioned in my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect, Catholics need to be careful of ecumenical leaders who may wish to compromise to attain unity with the Eastern Orthodox and others.  And Cardinal Koch is an ecumenical leader.

While he may not become the “antipope” Antichrist (and there are others that I have in mind as possible), Cardinal Koch would likely be supportive of the next pontiff if he remains ecumenical.  And if Cardinal Koch gains more influence, he may have further elevation in his future.  He is one to watch.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

The Antichrist Quiz Do you really know much about the Antichrist?
Some Doctrines of Antichrist Are there any doctrines taught outside the Churches of God which can be considered as doctrines of antichrist? This article suggests at least three. It also provides information on 666 and the identity of “the false prophet”. Plus it shows that several Catholic writers seem to warn about an ecumenical antipope that will support heresy.
Is There an Islamic Antichrist?Is Joel Richardson correct that the final Antichrist will be Islamic and not European? Find out.
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.
End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something? Are there Mayan calendar predictions for change in 2012? Changes were centuries ago predicted by the Hopi Native Americans. Do Mayan/Hindu/Hopi/Buddhist/New Age/Nostradamus prophecies have any value here? Why might Satan have inspired this date? Does the Dresden codex show destruction of the earth by flood? Can the great tribulation start before 2012? How might the next pope be involved in 2012?
2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect This is a link related to a book by Bob Thiel (COGwriter). This also has YouTube videos. This book documents and explains hundreds of prophecies. And since it was published, many have already started to come to pass.
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?

Mayan Dresden Codex Picturing a Flood

COGwriter

A Santa Barbara researcher has concluded that the end of the Mayan calendar may not be December 21, 2012:

(Santa Barbara, Calif.) For nearly half a century, Maya scholars have relied on a fixed numerical value called the GMT constant as a means of correlating the dates on the ancient Maya calendar with those on the Gregorian or modern calendar. Now, however, research conducted by Gerardo Aldana, associate professor of Chicana and Chicano Studies at UC Santa Barbara, suggests that the GMT constant which has never actually been proved conclusively could be inaccurate by 50 to 100 years, or more. Aldana’s findings challenge the accepted Gregorian dates of all Classic Mayan historical events, as well as the end-of-the-world-as-we-know-it 2012 prophecies. His research is included in “Calendars and Years II: Astronomy and Time in the Ancient and Medieval World” (Oxbow Books, 2010), the second in a series edited by John Steele, associate professor of Egyptology and Ancient West Asian Studies at Brown University. http://www.ia.ucsb.edu/pa/display.aspx?pkey=2317

And, it is possible that the Santa Barbara researcher might be correct. The main reason that I say possible is that there is other evidence that at least part of the Mayan calendar was supposed to end on December 21, 2012 based upon certain interpreted events, such as the so-called “galactic alignment”.

But does it matter?

No, the precise date and the debates concerning it are of little consequence as Mayan prophecy was not inspired by the Holy Spirit.

But there is importance associated with the December 2012 date.

Let me make this perfectly clear, when the world does not end in a worldwide flood on December 21, 2012, many of those associated with portions of the New Age Movement will conclude that their understanding of end time events is correct.  On December 22, 2012, some of them will undoubtedly proclaim that humankind is dawning towards a golden age of peace.  They will base this on Tibetan, New Age, and astrological prophecies, as well as their own thoughts and imaginations.

Yet, it is possible that as they proclaim that a new age of peace is beginning to dawn for humanity, that they will help fulfill the following biblical prophecy:

3 Thus says the Lord God: “Woe to the foolish prophets, who follow their own spirit and have seen nothing! 4 O Israel, your prophets are like foxes in the deserts. 5 You have not gone up into the gaps to build a wall for the house of Israel to stand in battle on the day of the Lord. 6 They have envisioned futility and false divination, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord!’ But the Lord has not sent them; yet they hope that the word may be confirmed. 7 Have you not seen a futile vision, and have you not spoken false divination? You say, ‘The Lord says,’ but I have not spoken.”

8 Therefore thus says the Lord God: “Because you have spoken nonsense and envisioned lies, therefore I am indeed against you,” says the Lord God. 9 “My hand will be against the prophets who envision futility and who divine lies; they shall not be in the assembly of My people, nor be written in the record of the house of Israel, nor shall they enter into the land of Israel. Then you shall know that I am the Lord God.

10 “Because, indeed, because they have seduced My people, saying, ‘Peace!’ when there is no peace (Ezekiel 13:3-10, NKJV).

The Bible is clear that a disastrous age will precede an extended age of worldwide peace.  And the disasters are much worse than what has been experienced the last several years.

Speaking of disasters, certain professed “experts” on the 2012 matter keep proclaiming that the Mayans did not predict a doomsday end of the world:

According to all the ridiculous hype surrounding Dec. 21, 2012, the Mayans “predicted” the end of the world with one of their calendars…

And now, according to a recent study by an associate professor at UC Santa Barbara, this fundamental “end date” may also be inaccurate. It could be at least 60 days out of whack.

The Mayans Never Predicted Doomsday

Before we continue, it’s worth emphasizing that this mesoamerican calendar (as used by several cultures — including the Maya — in Central and South America before European colonization) does not predict an apocalypse.  (O’Neill I. 2012 Mayan Calendar ‘Doomsday’ Date Might Be Wrong.  Discovery News, October 19, 2010.  http://news.discovery.com/space/the-2012-mayan-calendar-doomsday-date-might-be-wrong.html)

The truth is that there are Mayan documents, as well as their first modern writings, that do predict a disastrous end of the world.

My book, 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect, documents the truth on this.  Here are some quotes:

There are also nine writings called Chilam Balam (meaning “oracular priest” “jaguar”) that seem to combine Mayan and Spanish beliefs that were written in the early 16^th century after some Mayans learned a character writing system from the Spaniards.  Notice what it says about a flood coming at the end of Mayan time (“when the law of the katun has run its course”):

“But when the law of the katun has run its course, the God will bring about a great deluge again which will be the end of the world…”

However, since the Chilam Balam shows Spanish and biblical influence, many prefer to focus on the Mayan documents that pre-date the Spaniards (like the Dresden Codex).

The last page of the Dresden Codex depicts large quantities of water coming out of the mouth of some type of possibly demonic serpent entity (snakes have been considered a symbol of the devil since Genesis 3:1).

Thus, for any to indicate that the Mayans “never” predicted a doomsday or end of the world associated with the end of any of their calendars is in error.

The truth is that according to biblical prophecies, the Great Tribulation, Day of the Lord, and Armageddon will occur.  There will be disasters and “doomsday” until Jesus Christ returns to establish His kingdom.  It is only then that peace will reign on the planet.

However, because some misunderstand biblical prophecy, and scoff at such prophecies (2 Peter 3:3-4), many will simply be misled by false interpretations, false prophets. and false declarations of peace and experience the coming disasters (2 Peter 3:5-7).  But you do not have to be misled like they will be (2 Peter 3:8-9).

Those who wish to learn more, and not be deceived, should pray and should consider studying the following materials:

End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something? Are there Mayan calendar predictions for change in 2012? Changes were centuries ago predicted by the Hopi Native Americans. Do Mayan/Hindu/Hopi/Buddhist/New Age/Nostradamus prophecies have any value here? Why might Satan have inspired this date? Does the Dresden codex show destruction of the earth by flood? Can the great tribulation start before 2012? How might Barack Obama be involved in 2012?
2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect This is a link related to a book by Bob Thiel (COGwriter). This also has YouTube videos. 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.
Did The Early Church Teach Millenarianism? Was the millennium (sometimes called chiliasm) taught by early Christians? Who condemned it. Will Jesus literally reign for 1000 years on the earth? Is this time near?
Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2018 or 2019?
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?

Ancient Laodicea

COGwriter

Abigail Cartwright posted the following letter allegedly from UCG’s Victor Kubik:

Dear fellow ministers and employees,

We are sad to inform you that we have relieved Larry Salyer of his ministerial duties. He was suspended after he held meetings in the congregations he pastors after services in which he openly criticized the leadership of the Church. This is unacceptable conduct by a minister and the action is what has always been taken against anyone who openly speaks to our brethren in such a manner.

Roy Holladay, regional pastor, was sent to Texarkana, Texas and Ruston, Louisiana to speak to the congregations and let the brethren know of Larry Salyer?s suspension. Roy Holladay mistakenly announced, though, that Larry Salyer?s ministerial credentials were removed. While Ministerial Services can relieve someone of their duties, it is only the Council of Elders that can remove credentials. Roy realized he made a mistake in wording and apologized to Larry Salyer. He also contacted the elders in both congregations and asked them to notify the brethren of this error.

She also posted the following response from Larry Salyer:

In the midst of great confusion in the United Church of God and especially in the small congregations of Texarkana, Texas and Ruston, Louisiana, it seems appropriate to share the latest events of which I am a witness and a participant. Let me give you a little history before you try to make sense of the message copied below.

On Sabbath, October 9, I chose to bring the brethren up to date on what is going on in the Church. Actually, I had committed to them before the Feast that I would discuss the latest information coming out of the Home Office when we got home from the Feast…

On Thursday evening I returned home to find a message from Denny and Vic asking me to call. When I returned the call Friday morning, I got Denny only. Just let me add that during that phone call Denny said, (very nearly verbatim quote here) “Larry, you have put me in an awkward position. I have to suspend you from ministerial duties until you have talked with Roy Holladay. Roy will come back and write up a report.” He indicated that after that it would be determined what comes next.

For the record I will add here, that I said to Denny ( a long time friend and fellow evangelist in WCG), “Denny, you said I had put you in an awkward position. Let me state here, as one evangelist to another, that I believe you and Roy and others have put me in an awkward position. As a shepherd, I have a responsibility to my flock to help them discern truth and error.”

At that point Denny expressed again that he would have to suspend me until I had talked to Roy.

“Denny” would be Dennis Luker, UCG’s current president.

Larry Salyer was once part of WCG and then GCG.  While in GCG he helped organize what I consider to be an improper takeover of that organization.  The takeover essentially resulted in GCG filing for a type of bankruptcy.  And about that time, Larry Salyer and some of his supporters ended up going to the United Church of God.  He was responsible for certain aspects of UCG’s public proclamation programs until the Spring of 2010 when Council of UCG had issues with him, the then UCG president (Clyde Killough), and others.

UCG has always had governance issues, but more since the Spring of 2010 than almost any other period since its formation in 1995.  UCG was formed by WCG ministers who decided against continuing with the form of governance they had publicly advocated prior to forming UCG.

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.

COGwriter

A federal judge recently ruled that the US military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy concerning homosexuals was unconstitutional.

As far as being “unconstitutional”, I will simply mention that when all states were admitted in to the USA, the military always prohibited homosexuals.  Hence the idea of homosexuals not being able to proclaim “gayness” in the military being “unconstitutional” is certainly a 21st century concept–not one originally embraced in the US Constitution.

Because of the judge’s ruling (and the fact that the Obama Administration has indicated that they wanted to repeal “don’t ask, don’t tell”) the USA’s military will be taking application from openly homosexual service people:

Military recruiters told they can accept openly gay applicants

From Adam Levine, CNN

October 19, 2010 4:05 p.m. EDT

Washington (CNN) — The Pentagon has advised recruiting commands that they can accept openly gay and lesbian recruit candidates, given the recent federal court decision that bars the military from expelling openly gay service members, according to a Pentagon spokeswoman.

The guidance from the Personnel and Readiness office was sent to recruiting commands on Friday, according to spokeswoman Cynthia Smith.

The recruiters were told that if a candidate admits he or she is openly gay, and qualify under normal recruiting guidelines, their application can be processed.  http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/10/19/pentagon.gays.recruiting/?hpt=Sbin

This change is not a surprise as the USA no longer bases hardly anything on the type of morality as taught in the Bible.  While the military may keep/reinstate “don’t ask, don’t tell”, even if it does, the trend in the USA is to increase homosexual access almost everywhere.

I believe that there will ultimately be disastrous consequences of this policy for the USA.  But I believe that God will protect the Philadelphia portion of His church prior to the worst of those disasters occurring (see There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Petra).

More and more in the USA do not consider homosexuality evil–more and more endorse all types of fornication (all of which, including involving heterosexuals, are evil from a biblical perspective).

The Prophet Isaiah wrote:

20 Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil (Isaiah 5:20)

We live in perilous times (2 Timothy 3:1-9).  Short of national repentance, the USA is completely doomed.  And steps like what the Pentagon just took are in the wrong direction for national repentance.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

What Did Jesus Teach About the Ten Commandments? This article quotes what Jesus actually said about them (His words are in red).
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?
Was the Commandment to Love the Only Command? Some have stated that John’s writings teach this, but is that what the Bible really says?
The Ten Commandments and the Early Church Did Jesus and the Early Church keep the ten commandments? What order were they in? Here are quotes from the Bible and early writings.
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.
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?

Angela Merkel………..and……………. Nicolas Sarkozy

COGwriter

The leaders of Germany and France have called for a new treaty for the European Union:

Sarkozy and Merkel: We need a new EU treaty

The coalition government faces the prospect of a referendum on Europe and the outbreak of political warfare between the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats after Nicolas Sarkozy and Angela Merkel demanded a new EU treaty within two years.

Telegraph – Oct 18, 2010  http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/eu/8072012/Sarkozy-and-Merkel-We-need-a-new-EU-treaty.html

France and Germany believe that such a treaty would help with the debt crisis in Europe, as well as potentially deal with other matters where cooperation has been somewhat limited.

David Cameron

Britain’s Prime Minister Davn Cameron has essentially already gone on record that the EU should not gain additional institutional power.  And now, specifically, his party is opposing this expansion:

Cameron opposed to EU power transfer

(AFP) – 19 October 2010

BRUSSELS — Prime Minister David Cameron “will not support” a London-Brussels power transfer, a government spokesperson said Tuesday after France and Germany called for EU treaty change.

“We will look closely at what is being proposed, but as the prime minister has made clear, we will not support anything that involves a transfer of powers from Westminster to Brussels,” the spokesperson said after President Nicolas Sarkozy and Chancellor Angela Merkel called for new legal arrangements to allow tighter economic governance…

The government would only sign up to a “transfer of powers between other nations,” essentially eurozone states. It fears moves to extend EU economic governance powers beyond the eurozone would ultimately affect parliamentary sovereignty in London.  http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hJvyHd0yI-HCSbJ9nmXZ73nW6vXA?docId=CNG.187f08033fe68c98d16032a3c93790a9.351

The government in London has already had its parliamentary sovereignty affected because of the current Lisbon Treaty (which went into force on 1 December 2009).  But the UK is concerned that more and more power will end up with the European parliament.

We in the Living Church of God have long predicted that the Europeans would get closer and closer together and that the United Kingdom would resist such attempts, based upon our understanding of Bible prophecy.

And as far as the Europeans go, notice that there is a prophecy in the Book of Revelation that ten leaders (probably each representing groups including parts of one of more European nations) will turn their power over to a dictator that the Bible refers to as the Beast:

12 “The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast. 13 These are of one mind, and they will give their power and authority to the beast. (Revelation 17:12-13)

Now, I am NOT saying that the proposed new European treaty fulfills the above scripture.  But what I am saying is that world events continue to go down the path that will lead to its fulfillment.  The current proposed expansion of European Union power and authority is one such event, as was the adoption of the Lisbon Treaty in late 2009.  Power is accumulating in the Europe that ultimately will always trump national power there.

And Europe will ultimately not allow Britain to exist as it now does.  It will get that serious.

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?
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?

,

Paris (Photo by Rosss)

COGwriter

Will there be civil war or civil unrest in France?  I asked that question last month at this page (see Civil Unrest in France?).

Now, some unrest is happening, and it is turning violent:

PARIS — Airlines flying into France were ordered to slash schedules — and to bring enough fuel for the trip out. Gas stations ran short or dry, while truckers jammed highway traffic Monday by driving at a snail’s pace, a tactic known in French as “operation escargot.”

Strikes over the government’s plans to raise the retirement age to 62 from 60 disrupted daily life and a wide swath of industry — from oil refining to travel to shipping — as protesters fought a proposal they say tampers with the near-sacred French social contract.

Teens, who usually don’t worry about old age, joined in the protests, with at least 261 high schools blocked or disrupted Monday. Some turned violent and 290 youths were arrested, the Interior Ministry said. Students set cars and tires on fire, toppled a telephone booth and hurled debris at police in the Paris suburb of Nanterre, as well as in Lyon and elsewhere. At least five police officers were injured.

Street demonstrations were planned in more than 200 cities across France on Tuesday — the sixth nationwide day of protest marches since early September. (ANGELA DOLAND and GREG KELLER. French strikes hit airlines, trains, gas pumps. Seattle Times, October 18, 2010 http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/trave/2013195203_webstrikes18.html)

As I have repeatedly mentioned, the idea that there would be unrest in France is foretold by many Catholic private prophecies.   And it consistent with certain biblical ones as well.  (I go into this in more detail in my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect).

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, real and/or perceived , are starting to cause the beginnings of civil unrest.

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.

Angela Merkel

COGwriter

Germany is starting to decide that it wants all its residents to assimilate into a Judeo-Christian culture:

BERLIN—German Chancellor Angela Merkel joined her country’s increasingly acrimonious debate about immigration over the weekend, declaring that multiculturalism in Germany had been a “total failure.”…

Ms. Merkel’s party has railed against multiculturalism for years, arguing for the primacy of German Leitkultur, a term that evokes the country’s Judeo-Christian traditions, as well as the principles of the age of the enlightenment.

Yet the timing of Ms. Merkel’s comments, which come in the midst of a public debate over what Germany can do to better integrate immigrants, many of whom are Muslim, has drawn attention. Polls indicate that a growing number of Germans believe that too many of the country’s foreigners live in what are often referred to as “parallel communities” with little or no connection with German culture…

Though immigration has been a hot political topic in Germany for years, the latest debate began in August after the publication of a book by Bundesbank official Thilo Sarrazin in which he warned against the growing Islamization of Germany…

Last week, Horst Seehofer, the leader of the Christian Democrats Bavarian sister party, said Germany should consider cutting off immigration from Turkey and Arab countries altogether, an idea Ms. Merkel has opposed.

The balancing act Ms. Merkel is trying to pull off by trying to appeal to both conservative and mainstream voters was apparent in her weekend speech. Even as she attacked multiculturalism, Ms. Merkel endorsed a recent speech Germany’s president in which he said that Islam is “a part of Germany.”  http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304250404575558583224907168.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

The reality is that most Germans do not consider that Islam is part of Germany.  The stage is being set for a more forceful German leader (perhaps Karl Guttenberg) to rise up and take this to the next level.  If, as German Chancellor Angela Merkel declared, multiculturalism is a total failure and those from Islamic countries will not totally integrate, the next step may be to insist they integrate or leave.  Of course, to do this, the Germans may follow the lead of others in Europe such as France that banned burqas, and Switzerland that banned the construction of Islamic minarets.

Now, a nation cannot simply be against something, it is also helpful to be for something.  As the article above indicates Judeo-Christian traditions are one such idea.  And the Vatican is working on that:

Pope Benedict XVI signed a “motu proprio” that officially promulgated the mission of a pontifical council dedicated to preaching the Gospel anew and restoring the Catholic way of life to societies which have turned against their sacred heritage. Through this document — “Ubicumque et semper” — the Holy Father is declaring a spiritual campaign to restore the heart of Christendom. Unlike the other wings of the Holy See, which are dedicated to missionary work in the developing nations or to evangelization in a general sense, the Pontifical Council for Promoting the New Evangelization will focus largely on Europe and the United States…As the Holy Father’s writings and trips have made clear, he is thinking of the cultural and spiritual rot that besets Europe and the Americas. (Fahey WE.  New Pontifical Council to Combat Spiritual Decay in the West.  “Holy Father Calls for the Faithful to Support This New Work”. MERRIMACK, New Hampshire, OCT. 17, 2010.  Zenit.org http://www.zenit.org/article-30678?l=english)

I should point out that it is Europe, and not the United States, that really is the focus of the Pontifical Council for Promoting the New Evangelization.  Notice the following:

The president of the new Pontifical Council for Promoting the New Evangelization says that Europe will have to be the dicastery’s first priority, since that is the continent suffering the most aggressive process of dechristianization.

Archbishop Salvatore Fisichella said this today at a press conference to announce Benedict XVI’s “Ubicumque et Semper,” a decree issued “motu proprio,” which officially establishes the new council. (Villa CE.  Work Gets Under Way in Curia’s Newest Council.  President Says Europe Must Be 1st Priority. VATICAN CITY, OCT. 12, 2010. Zenit.org http://www.zenit.org/article-30623?l=english)

It is an interesting “coincidence” that right after the Vatican declares that it needs to re-evangelize Europe, that the Chancellor of Germany admits that “multiculturalism”, really meaning Islamic incursions to Germany, is a “total failure”.

Events for end time prophecies to be fulfilled are lining up.

The final European beast power is in the process of re-emerging and it will have many indications of its German connections.

The time for the final European leader, known as the King of the North, to emerge is getting closer.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? What is ahead for Europe?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?
Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North? Is the German Defense Minister one to watch? What do Catholic, Byzantine, and biblical prophecies suggest?
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?

Flag of the Taliban

COGwriter

About two years ago, the Al-Qaeda linked Taliban threatened France with an attack (see Taliban Threatens France).  Now, the Saudis are warning France that they have learned that Al-Qaeda is planning to attack Europe, and possibly France itself:

PARIS — Saudi intelligence officials have informed France that Al Qaeda’s affiliate in Yemen may be planning an attack in France or Europe, the French interior minister said Sunday.  http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/18/world/europe/18france.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

One area that many Protestant prophecy watchers have overlooked is the fact that the Bible indicates that the end-time Muslim and European powers will cooperate for a while (Daniel 11:27).

Islamic prophecy also tells of a similar deal–a deal that the Europeans will apparently break (cf. Daniel 9:27) .

So, events where the Muslims cooperate with the Europeans are consistent with such prophecies.  And we may expect to see more such cooperation.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? What is ahead for Europe?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?
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 and Islamic 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? What lies ahead for Turkey, Iran, and the other non-Arabic Muslims?
End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something? There is a Mayan calendar prediction for change in 2012. 2012 changes were also centuries ago predicted by the Hopi Native Americans (the Hindus may have some predictions for the next decade as well). Do these Mayan/Hindu/Hopi prophecies have any value? Why might Satan have inspired this date? Does the Dresden codex show destruction of the earth by flood? Can the great tribulation start before 2012?
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?