Church of God News

Sarah Palin, Former Vice Presidential Nominee

COGwriter

Sarah Palin recently stated that she felt that she would beat US President Barack Obama should she run against him in 2012 (see Sarah Palin, 2012, Obama, and prophecy).

Her 11/23/10 released book, America by Heart, suggests that her recent comment was more of a strategic statement than an “off-the-cuff” comment.

Here is one impression of it:

Sarah Palin’s new book…reads like a dress rehearsal for a campaign against Barack Obama for the White House in 2012, making pointed criticism not just of his policies but about his personal life.

In America by Heart: Reflections on Family, Faith and Flag, Palin tackles areas that even Obama’s 2008 Republican challenger, John McCain, regarded as off-limits: race and Obama’s incendiary former pastor, the Rev Jeremiah Wright…

America yearns, she says, for presidents, whether Democratic or Republican, “who are not embarrassed by America, who see our country’s flaws but also its greatness: leaders who are proud to be Americans, and are proud of her every day, not just when their chosen ones are winning elections”.  http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/nov/22/sarah-palin-book-barack-obama

The fact that the US presidential election campaign for 2012 has already possibly started is disturbing, but that is one of the realities of modern democracies.

Now I am not taking sides on the Obama vs. Palin matter.  For different personal reasons, both of them fulfill various aspects of biblical prophecy.  For example, Barack Obama is the first primarily non-continentally raised USA president (Deuteronomy 28:43) and former-governor Sarah Palin being a woman (Isaiah 3:12) seems to align with certain prophecies.

The reality is that whoever is US president, in the term starting in 2013, will likely take steps that will result in the further rising up of the European Beast power as well as the coming Islamic King of the South.  And they will not necessarily do that intentionally.

Sadly, though leaders tend to have a mixture of good and bad ideas, the reality is that the following Bible prophecy seems to be directed towards modern political leaders:

16 For the leaders of this people cause them to err, And those who are led by them are destroyed (Isaiah 9:16).

Short of massive national repentance, which neither Barack Obama nor Sarah Palin have called for, the USA is doomed.   And this destruction could happen during the presidency of whoever wins the 2012 US presidential election.

Several articles of possibly related interest may include:

Should a Christian Vote? This article gives some of the Biblical rationale on this subject.
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.
Prophecies of Barack Obama? This article has eight reasons why Barack Obama is apocalyptic and eight reasons why Barack Obama is not the Antichrist. It 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 at the COGwriter website 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”. Might Bible prophecy be fulfilled since he is to be the USA president?
Several More Reasons American’s Question Obama’s Religion Is Barack Obama a Christian? He claims to be. Others question that.
Many Americans Believe that Barack Obama is Muslim Is Barack Obama Muslim? Many feel that he is?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?

Palace of Westminster in London

COGwriter

Last night, over $100 billion ended up in Ireland:

In Ireland, Call for Election and Warning From Moody’s

By LANDON THOMAS Jr. and MATTHEW SALTMARSH

Published: November 22, 2010

DUBLIN — Ireland’s decision to accept a rescue package worth more than $100 billion prompted a call Monday for early elections and a warning from a major ratings agency that the bailout could prove to be a “credit negative” for the country.  http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/23/business/global/23euro.html?src=mv

Many have believed that if Ireland accepted the bailout, which they just did, that Ireland would lose certain sovereign rights and distinguishing policies.  And that, to a degree, is starting to happen. $100 billion is a lot of money for a relatively small country.

The UK helped with the Irish bailout and one its officials made some interesting comments:

On Monday, the British chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, said Britain’s share would be about 7 billion euros, or $11 billion, via bilateral aid as well as through its I.M.F. commitments.

“We are not part of the euro and don’t want to be part of the euro,” Mr. Osborne told the BBC . “But Ireland is our very closest economic neighbor so I judged it to be in our national interest to be part of the international efforts to help the Irish.”

There are a couple of reasons that the above is interesting, but there is one I would like to point out.

George Osborne stated, “We are not part of the euro and don’t want to be part of the euro.”

Well, according to my understanding of the Lisbon Treaty, which the UK approved, all European Union members must adopt the Euro when their economies are ready for it.  And apparently the UK is publicly telling the rest of Europe that it has no intention to comply with that portion of the Lisbon Treaty.

We in the Living Church of God have long believed that the UK would either pull-out of the European Union or be a marginalized member.  And despite the fact that the UK’s Catherine Ashton is the EU’s Foreign Minister, the UK seems to wish to be marginalized as it seems to resist much of the integration plans that many in Brussels wish to pursue.

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?
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?

Chinese Soldiers

COGwriter

The “Peoples’ Republic of China” has a plan for 2012.  And the plan that I wish to report on is the completion of its first aircraft carrier:

First Chinese aircraft carrier nears completion

The Times – Nov 20, 2010

CHINA’S first aircraft carrier, built on the hull of an abandoned Soviet warship, is nearing completion, according to Western analysts. The arrival of China as a member of the carrier club would be the most potent symbol of the country’s burgeoning military power, even if its first model is based on a rehashed version of a warship that was never finished by its original owners. The Soviet Union collapsed before work could be completed.

The Varyag is expected to make its maiden voyage next year or 2012…

For decades, China had disavowed any ambition to build aircraft carriers…It is believed China is planning to have multiple carriers by 2020.

Beijing is also ramping up production of unmanned aerial vehicles in an apparent bid to catch up with the leaders US and Israel in developing technology that is considered the future of military aviation.

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/first-chinese-aircraft-carrier-nears-completion/story-e6frg6so-1225956776506

While the Chinese said that they had no plans for an aircraft carrier, one is planned by 2012, and others later.

Much of what China itself appears to be doing is consistent with what the late Deng Xiaoping once expressed,

China must hide brightness and nourish obscurity . . . to bide our time and build up our capabilities (Source: Times Online).

Because of a perceived threat from China, the USA increased military cooperation with Europe.  And while that may appear to make economic and possibly military sense, it does not make biblical sense.

China is rising up, and it does have military ambitions.  And the Bible strongly indicates that China will be involved with Armageddon and certain other end time matters (cf.  Revelation 9:16).

Some articles involving the Asian peoples that may be of interest may include the following:

China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 1: Genesis and Chinese Characters Where did the Chinese people come from? This article provides information showing that the Chinese peoples must have known about various accounts in the Book of Genesis up until their dispersion after the Tower of Babel.
China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 2: The Sabbath and Some of God’s Witness in China When did Christianity first come to China? And is there early evidence that they observed the seventh day sabbath?
Asia in Prophecy What is Ahead for Asia? Who are the “Kings of the East”? What will happen to nearly all the Chinese, Russians, Indians, and others of Asia? China in prophecy, where? Who has the 200,000,000 man army related to Armageddon?
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?
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 Libro del Dr. Thiel en Español.
2012 und das Auftreten der geheimen Sekte (German Edition) 2012 Buch von Dr. Thiel in deutscher Sprache.

COGwriter

Today is the first day of something known as National Bible Week.  It is intended to encourage people to read their Bibles.

And while people really should read more of the Bible, many neglect to read the Hebrew scriptures, commonly referred to as the Old Testament.

In his update that was read yesterday in LCG congregations, LCG’s Dr. D. Winnail had the following:

Value of the Old Testament: Jesus taught that Christians should live “by every word of God” (Luke 4:4). The Apostle Paul wrote, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). When these words were written and spoken, the primary Scriptures in existence were the books of the Old Testament—which are often discounted and ignored today by professing Christians. Many assume these Old Testament books have been superseded by the New Covenant and the New Testament. Yet, Paul wrote to Christians in Corinth about events recorded in the Old Testament, “Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come” (1 Corinthians 10:11). According to the Apostle Paul, there is much for us to glean from studying the Old Testament. If we can learn from the examples that have been recorded for us, there will be benefits both now and in the coming Kingdom of God—when we will be able to share these important lessons with all mankind.

And all should not neglect the Old Testament as it helps give a better understanding of the Greek scriptures, commonly known as the New Testament.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include the following:

The Bible: Fact or Fiction? This is a booklet written by Douglas Winnail that answers if the Bible is just a collection of myths and legends or the inspired word of God.
Read the Bible Christians should read and study the Bible. This article gives some rationale for regular bible reading.
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?
Bible and Historical Resources on the Internet Electronic bibles, Two Babylons, early Christian literature, photos, and even links to old Herbert W. Armstrong materials.

Obese Male

COGwriter

Americans are getting both hungrier and fatter:

Eighty-five percent of American households were food secure throughout the entire year in 2009, meaning that they had access at all times to enough food for an active, healthy life for all household members. The remaining households (14.7 percent) were food insecure at least some time during the year, including 5.7 percent with very low food security. In households with very low food security, the food intake of one or more household members was reduced and their  eating patterns were disrupted at times during the year because the household lacked money and other resources for food. (Nord M, et al. Household Food Security in the United States, 2009.  Economic Research Report, 108, November 2010.  http://www.ers.usda.gov/Publications/ERR108/ERR108.pdf)

According to a new report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 17.4 million American families – almost 15 percent of U.S. households – are now “food insecure,” an almost 30 percent increase since 2006. This means that, during any given month, they will be out of money, out of food, and forced to miss meals or seek assistance to feed themselves.

Even those who get three meals a day may be malnourished. Americans increasingly eat cheap, sugary foods whose production is underwritten by government subsidies for the corn and dairy industries. As the New York Times reported this month, the USDA loudly promotes better eating habits while quietly working with Domino’s to develop a new line of pizzas with 40 percent more cheese.

Obesity is related to hunger, too, thanks to our poor food choices and the lack of healthy food options in many communities. Many of us may be packing on the pounds, but they are life-threatening. We are dying not because we aren’t eating, but because we’re eating the wrong things.

(Five myths about hunger in America. Washington Post – Nov 21, 2010 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/11/19/AR2010111902975.html)

Let me add here that according to another study (see Obesity and Prophecy) 26.7% of Americans are obese.  The obesity rate was highest in states like Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Oklahoma, etc.  States like California were in the 20-25% range.

And before going into the aspect of hunger and prophecy, notice some of what Moses and Jeremiah wrote related to obesity:

15 You grew fat, you grew thick,
You are obese!
Then he forsook God who made him,
And scornfully esteemed the Rock of his salvation.
16 They provoked Him to jealousy with foreign gods;
With abominations they provoked Him to anger. (Deuteronomy 32:15-16)

11 “Because you were glad, because you rejoiced,
You destroyers of My heritage,
Because you have grown fat like a heifer threshing grain,
And you bellow like bulls,
12 Your mother shall be deeply ashamed;
She who bore you shall be ashamed.
Behold, the least of the nations shall be a wilderness,
A dry land and a desert. (Jeremiah 50:11-12)

God inspired the prophet Isaiah to write:

2 Why do you spend money for what is not bread,
And your wages for what does not satisfy?
Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good (Isaiah 55:2).

But Americans do not often eat what is good.  And they eat a lot of white bread, which is really not real bread as it has had the wheat germ and other natural components removed.  This makes an inferior product which then is sprayed with synthetic B vitamins and other “nutrients” to “fortify” it.  If you notice “B vitamins” added to “fortify” refined grain products or in so-called “natural” vitamin supplements (like thiamin mononitrate, thiamin HCL, folic acid, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine hydrochloride, cyanocobalamin), realize that these are basically petroleum derivatives and are not the same form of vitamins that are actually found in real, natural, food.

But most Americans consume the synthetics and refined grains.

Despite the 30% rise in hunger, it will get much worse.  Bible prophecy indicates that 1/3 of the American people will die from famine and pestilence (Ezekiel 5:12).

Notice what Jesus and Jeremiah taught:

7…And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.  8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. (Matthew 24:7-8)

19 “Arise, cry out in the night,
At the beginning of the watches;
Pour out your heart like water before the face of the Lord.
Lift your hands toward Him
For the life of your young children,
Who faint from hunger at the head of every street.”  (Lamentations 2:19)

12 They say to their mothers, “Where is grain and wine?” (Lamentations 2:12)

Because of sin, greed, and ignorance America has been into producing genetically-modified foods. These “foods” are genetically identical which makes them susceptible to total elimination via famine causing pestilential organisms.  I have long suspected that the time will come when some type of pestilence will hit America’s genetically-modified grain-crops like corn and wreak havoc on the land.  Enough so, that this may embolden its enemies to attack.

The Bible shows that hunger deaths will also come as a result of war and it will get really bad during the Great Tribulation:

21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. (Matthew 24:21)

12 One-third of you shall die of the pestilence, and be consumed with famine in your midst; and one-third shall fall by the sword all around you; and I will scatter another third to all the winds, and I will draw out a sword after them. (Ezekiel 5:12)

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

9 Those slain by the sword are better off
Than those who die of hunger;
For these pine away,
Stricken for lack of the fruits of the field.

10 The hands of the compassionate women
Have cooked their own children;
They became food for them
In the destruction of the daughter of my people.

11 The Lord has fulfilled His fury,
He has poured out His fierce anger.
He kindled a fire in Zion,
And it has devoured its foundations. (Lamentations 4:9-11)

19 Through the wrath of the LORD of hosts
The land is burned up,
And the people shall be as fuel for the fire; No man shall spare his brother.
20 And he shall snatch on the right hand
And be hungry;
He shall devour on the left hand
And not be satisfied; Every man shall eat the flesh of his own arm. 21 Manasseh shall devour Ephraim, and Ephraim Manasseh; Together they shall be against Judah (Isaiah 9:19-21).

There is hunger in America.  And it will get much, much worse.

Food inflation has already started to begin, and this will increase hunger to those in poverty.  But ultimately, when crops fail and enemies attack, it will be worse than almost any American has ever imagined.

Some prophetic articles of possibly related interest may include:

Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
Prophecies of Barack Obama? Eight reasons why Barack Obama is apocalyptic and eight reasons why Barack Obama is not the Antichrist. This article includes many biblical and non-biblical prophecies, from around the world, that seem to discuss Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist?  Might Barack Obama set the stage for the kings of the North and South as at least one Shiite prophecy suggests?  This is the longest and most complete article on this page on Barack Obama prophecies. Read it and decide for yourself if President Obama seems to be fulfilling various prophecies.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”, based up an early 20th century writing.
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin?  Where is the nation of Israel in all of this?
Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? When does the six thousand years of human rule end?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2010, 2011, or 2012? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?

Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg

COGwriter

In its latest update read yesterday, LCG had the following two news items related to Germany:

Germany Should “Use” Military Force. Speaking at a recent security conference in Berlin, German Defense Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg urged Germany to “be prepared to use its military to defend the country’s economic interests.” Baron Guttenberg noted that the competing demands of nations today for raw materials made it imperative that Germany—a nation whose export-driven economy is heavily dependent upon imported raw materials—should be prepared to use its military forces to secure trade routes for raw materials and exported goods. While his political opponents were quick to challenge these strong statements as contrary to the German constitution, the Defense Minister saw his position as only logical (Der Spiegel, November 10, 2010). Bible prophecies have long foretold the re-emergence of Germany (modern Assyria) as a major player on the world scene (see Isaiah 10:5-14). The words and actions of this popular German Defense Minister, who is also a lawyer and of Habsburg lineage, will be interesting to watch.

Germany Sees America in Decline. A German news magazine, Der Spiegel, recently headlined an article: A Superpower in Decline; Is the American Dream Over? Photos in the article of abandoned American factories, lines of unemployed citizens seeking jobs, houses in foreclosure, and unfinished housing developments project a dreary picture of life in the United States. The article claimed that “Americans have lived beyond their means for decades,” and “everything was paid for (homes, cars, college tuition, etc.) with borrowed money—which has driven the total US household debt to almost $1 trillion, nearly 20 times the figure in 1970.” The article blamed America’s economic problems on the loss of 6 million jobs as the industrial base moved to other countries and on wars in Iraq and Afghanistan that have cost the country over one trillion dollars and ballooned the government debt from 57% of GNP in 2000 to 83% in 2009. As a result of this “perfect storm” of job losses, collapsing real estate markets, spiraling debt, a $2 trillion trade imbalance with China and a widening gap between rich and poor, America appears to the German press as “a confused and fearful country” (Der Spiegel, November 1, 2010). Long ago, God warned the Israelite nations that if they disobeyed His commandments, “I will break the pride of your power” (Leviticus 26:19), you will “come down lower and lower” (Deuteronomy 28:43) and your allies will “despise” you and eventually seek to overthrow you (Jeremiah 4:30). We appear to be witnessing this prophesied demise!

The reality is that Germany is rising up and many there realize that the USA is in decline.

Yet, the vast majority of Americans either do not know that or do not realize how serious this decline is becoming.

Within a relatively few years, the USA as we know it will not exist and a major European power will be the super-power of the world for a short-time.

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?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
Prophecies of Barack Obama? Eight reasons why Barack Obama is apocalyptic and eight reasons why Barack Obama is not the Antichrist. This article includes many biblical and non-biblical prophecies, from around the world, that seem to discuss Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist? Might Barack Obama set the stage for the kings of the North and South as at least one Shiite prophecy suggests? This is the longest and most complete article on this page on Barack Obama prophecies. Read it and decide for yourself if President Obama seems to be fulfilling various prophecies.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”, based up an early 20th century writing.

Pope Benedict XVI

COGwriter

Pope Benedict XVI made a statement this week that I would like to report and comment about.  Here is the news item:

Ecumenism is not compromise, Pope says

Catholic Culture – Nov 18, 2010

Pope Benedict XVI underlined the importance of ecumenical work, yet cautioned that ecumenism cannot be seen as a political effort, in a November 18 address to members of the Pontifical Council for Christian Unity…

For the Catholic Church, the Pontiff continued, the top priority in ecumenical work is dialogue with the “Orthodox churches and the ancient Eastern churches, with which bonds of the closest intimacy exist.” He reminded his audience that in talks with the Orthodox world, “we have reached a crucial point of confrontation and reflection: the role of the Bishop of Rome in the communion of the Church.”

Speaking more generally about the ecumenical process, the Holy Father warned that it is not “a commitment that falls into what could be called political categories, in which negotiating ability or greater capacity to reach compromise come into play.” Ecumenical talks should seek for the truth, he said, and cannot be satisfied with mediated solutions to controversial problems.

http://www.catholicculture.org/news/headlines/index.cfm?storyid=8328

As far my commentary, first notice that the pontiff’s first priority is with the Eastern Orthodox.  And second that he seems to believe that ecumenical unity can come about without compromise.

But how can that be?

There are many doctrinal differences between the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches (see some in the item Orthodox Must Reject Unity with the Roman Catholics).

Furthermore, when I was in Istanbul, I visited the compound of the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople.  And while there, I was specifically told that during Pope Benedict’s earlier visit there that his office told the Eastern Orthodox Patriarch that the Vatican would compromise and accept all the differences between itself and the Eastern Orthodox IF the Eastern Orthodox would accept the primacy of Rome on terms closer to what the Vatican wants (as opposed to how most of the Eastern Orthodox currently see it).

Additionally, perhaps it may be of interest to notice what some Catholic prophecies state along this line:

St. Francis of Assisi (died 1226): There will be an uncanonically elected pope who will cause a great Schism, there will be divers thoughts preached which will cause many, even those in the different orders to doubt, yea even agree with the heretics, which will cause my Order to divide. (Culleton, R. Gerald. The Reign of Antichrist, p. 130)

Priest O’Connor (20^th century?): This final false prophet will be a bishop of the church and will lead all religions into becoming one. (The False Prophet.  Living in the Final Generation. http://www.geocities.com/rebornempowered/ApparitionsofMary.htm 10/12/07)

Priest Paul Kramer (21^st century): The errors of Orthodoxy and of Protestantism will be embraced by that false church, it will be an ecumenical church because the Anti-Pope will be recognized by the world—not by the faithful, but by the world—by the secular world and the secular governments. (Kramer P. The Imminent Chastisement for Not Fulfilling Our Lady’s Request. An edited transcript of a speech given at the Ambassadors of Jesus and Mary Seminar in Glendale, California, September 24, 2004.THE FATIMA CRUSADER Issue 80, Summer 2005, pp. 32-45 http://www.fatimacrusader.com/cr80/cr80pg32.asp viewed 4/15/08)

Saint Brigata (14^th century): Concerning the Greeks, they know that all the Christians need to keep the only Catholic faith and to submit themselves to the Roman Church, they also know that the Sovereign Roman Pontiff, exercises the spiritual power over them…and they reject this spiritual subjection…So, they {sic} will be no mercy neither pardon in my court in their death. (Araujo, Fabio R. Selected Prophecies and Prophets. BookSurge LLC, Charlestown (SC), 2007, p. 68)

Although the Church of Rome has long discounted the legitimacy of the Orthodox sees, it should be understood that the Eastern Orthodox have long taught that the Church of Rome (known sometimes as Latins in Eastern writings) will change doctrines to those of the Orthodox.  A Byzantine document known as the Anonymou Prophecy of 1053 refers to this as the:

Deferring of the Latins to the error-free faith of the Orthodox (Tzima Otto, H.  The Great Monarch and WWIII in Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Scriptural Prophecies. Verenika Press, Rock City (SC), 2000, p. 116).

Notice that according to another Byzantine prophet, the final (the Orthodox recognize seven previous ones) ecumenical council satisfies what “heretics” want:

Saint Nelios the Myrrh-Gusher (died 1592): During that time the Eighth and last Ecumenical Synod will take place, which will satisfy the contentions of the heretics…(Tzima Otto, p. 111)

Any synod that satisfies contentions of heretics means that compromise is involved.

A Catholic prophecy shows that after its church is changed/compromised (referred to as reform below), the Orthodox will come back:

Roger Bacon (died 1294): There shall arise a…priest to reform the Church.  The Greeks will return (to the Church)…there will be one fold, one shepherd. (Culleton, The Prophets and Our Times, p. 149)

All (Catholic or otherwise) should be careful, compare their teachings with the Bible, pray to God, and not accept doctrines that are unbiblical for the sake of this coming ecumenical unity.  Compromise must occur for ecumenical unity to occur.  And most likely by more than one side.

Those who wish to learn why the ecumenical discussions are dangerous may wish to read the following articles:

Why Should American Catholics Should Fear Unity with the Orthodox? Are the current ecumenical meetings a good thing or will they result in disaster?
Orthodox Must Reject Unity with the Roman Catholics The talks for unification involve compromise and the apparent rising up of a changed religion that no one should accept.
Catholic Prophecies: Do They Mirror, Highlight, or Contradict Biblical Prophecies? People of all faiths may be surprised to see what various Roman and Orthodox Catholic prophets have been predicting as many of their predictions will be looked to in the 21st century.

COGwriter

A recent survey found that 39% of Americans believe that marriage in now obsolete:

Is marriage obsolete?: By the numbers

A new study suggests that young people are waiting to tie the knot — if they ever decide to do so. Is a venerable institution coming undone?

posted on November 19, 2010, at 1:07 PM…

Here’s a by-the-numbers look at Pew’s survey, and what it says about an evolving institution:

39 percent
Proportion of the 2,691 people surveyed who think marriage is becoming obsolete

28 percent
U.S. adults who thought marriage was becoming obsolete in 1978

28.2
Median age at which men got married in 2010

26.2
Median age at which women got married in 2010. The age for both genders has inched “about a year every decade since the ’60s.”

72 percent
Adults who were married in 1960. Among 20-somethings, the figure was 68 percent.

52 percent
Adults who were married in 2008. Among 20-somethings, the figure had fallen to 26 percent.  http://theweek.com/article/index/209577/is-marriage-obsolete-by-the-numbers

In 1968, the late Herbert W. Armstrong wrote a booklet titled, Why marriage, soon obsolete? It is sad that many more now do consider that marriage is obsolete or should be between other than a man and woman.

Marriage is a God-ordained institution that humanity seems to really wish to dismiss, desecrate, and foul up in modern times.

A booklet written by LCG’s Roderick C. Meredith on marriage is available both online at God’s Plan for Happy Marriage and in hard copy.

Ancient Laodicea

COGwriter

UCG made two Spanish updates lately.  Here is the one they announced for the membership last night:

Update From the Spanish Media Department

We have been very busy the last couple of months in the Spanish media department and we have some very exciting news to share. As of yesterday, four of the Beyond Today programs have been fully translated into Spanish and they are now available online for anyone to watch.

The above indirectly implies that things are somewhat normal that way in UCG.  Yet, is another Spanish update that I have known about for several days, but was unsure if I wanted to post it until now.  It is from a letter from UCG President Luker to the Spanish ministers (available at Abigail Cartwright’s site):

RE: You affiliation with United Church of God, an international association

Greeting from Dennis Luker, from the Home Office in Cincinnati.

It is evident that there is actually more than one organization that is now operating in what before was one Church of God that was united in the Hispanic area under the name the United Church of God, an international association (UCGia).

The original structure, which continues and is the only one recognized by the UCGia, is the one administered under me as the Director of the Hispanic Region (Director). According to the Rules of Association the subsidies of the UCGia continue to help the elders and member of the congregations that have maintained their association with the UCGia and recognize me as the Director.

During the recent month of June, a new organization was formed under the leadership of an elder that before was part of UCGia and was the Regional Director of the Hispanic Regions, Leon Walker. This separation began about the time that Mr. Walker was removed and no longer employed as the Director, this occurred on June 22, 2010. In spite of the removal of Mr. Walker as the Director, and after the Council of Elders of the UCGia (from here on referred to as the COE) authorized the removal of his ministerial credentials, he continues to claim that he is the Director and he has ministers and members following him, and we understand your are one of those elders…

Under the Ministerial Code of Ethics, all of the elders of UCGia should support the Constitution and the Bylaws of the UCGia, which grant the COE jurisdiction over your ministerial credentials (which includes who can serve as Regional Director—which is a ministerial post) and also which groups or entitles are recognized by UCGia, and can be therefore affiliated.

To refuse to respect these decisions, and continue affiliating with a group that is not recognized as part of the UCGia, you give the COE of the UCGia no other option than to suppose that you do no longer want to be a elder of the UCGia and that you openly defy the decisions of the COE. Since you are listed as an elder of UCGia, when in reality you are not a part of UCGia, this only causes confusion in the church in Latin America and this situation cannot be permitted to continue.

As a result, we advise you that at the next teleconference of the Council of Elders, the agenda will include an item to revoke your UCGia ministerial credentials through the authorization of the COE and also your removal as a member of the General Conference of Elders. You however have the option of resigning as an elder of the UCGia in which case it will not be necessary for the COE to revoke your ministerial credentials.

UCG is having problems with Latin America still.  Here is a response from one of the Latin American ministers:

Bogotá, November 18, 2010

It is with great sadness that I write this letter…

Mr. Luker’s letter of November 11th to all the Latin American ministers, in which he gives them an ultimatum, finally makes his intentions clear and reveals what the Council really thought of this entire process. That letter has nothing to do with what you, the President of the Church and the Council, had told me and had given me to believe would happen regarding Latin America. In fact, it goes completely against everything we supposedly agreed to during my visit to the home office on September 13-15 of this year.

During the last few months I have tried to honor and respect the letter of appeal that 168 ministers sent to the Council, requesting an opportunity for reconciliation with the ministers and members from Latin America…

Today I finally know that no process of reconciliation is possible because there is no desire on the part of the Council and the administration for that to occur…

Sincerely,

Eduardo Hernández

Yes, there is confusion in amongst those who had been part of UCG in Latin America.

Leon Walker made the following statements on 11/19/10:

As you know, Denny Luker sent a letter to the Spanish ministry still credentialed by UCG demanding that they choose between him or me—as though that was the issue. The letter contains many errors regarding this issue—including the concept that I have formed a group in competition with UCG. This is totally false. I have not formed any new group. I have visited with and spoken only before United Church of God congregations in Latin America, pastored by ministers still credentialed by UCG. However, Mario Seiglie has traveled to Latin America and formed groups in competition to the UCG congregations—contrary to the UCG Rules of Association.

This morning Mario began a telephone campaign calling the Spanish ministry and asking what they plan to do regarding Mr. Luker’s letter. Mario attempted to intimidate them by stating that if they reject the Council of Elders they are rejecting the government of God. How arrogant! Did Mario believe that when he rejected the WCG Pastor General in 1995 that he was rejecting the government of God?

The hypocrisy of those who rejected the governance system that they all publicly proclaimed that they supported prior to UCG’s formation in 1995 has long been obvious to me.  And apparently Leon Walker decided to also point it out.

The truth is that “the chickens are coming home to roost”, to cite an American expression.  Or you reap what you sow, as the Bible points out.

Anyway, these are trying times for those in UCG, and I would again suggest that they study and pray about what has been going on.  The foundation of UCG has always been the rejection of the type of governance that nearly all of its original members and initial ministers had claimed to support.  And this has led to many problems, as well as lack of emphasis on proclaiming the gospel to the world as a witness.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Polycarp, Herbert W. Armstrong, and Roderick C. Meredith on Church Government What form of governance did the early church have? Was it hierarchical? Which form of governance would one expect to have in the Philadelphia remnant? The people decide and/or committee forms, odd dictatorships, or the same type that the Philadelphia era itself had?
Unity: Which COG for You? Why so many groups? Why is there lack of unity in the Churches of God? Has it always been this way? What can/should be done about it?
Differences between the Living Church of God and United Church of God This article provides quotes information from the two largest groups which had their origins in WCG as well as commentary.
There are Many COGs: Why Support the Living Church of God? This is an article for those who wish to more easily sort out the different COGs. It really should be a MUST READ for current and former WCG/GCI members or any interested in supporting the faithful church. It also explains a lot of what the COGs are all about.
Should the Church Still Try to Place its Top Priority on Proclaiming the Gospel or Did Herbert W. Armstrong Change that Priority for the Work? Some say the Church should mainly feed the flock now as that is what Herbert W. Armstrong reportedly said. Is that what he said? Is that what the Bible says? What did Paul and Herbert W. Armstrong expect from evangelists?
The Laodicean Church Era has been predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. These are non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG.

COGwriter

US President Barack Obama announced a missile defense system:

Lisbon, Portugal (CNN) — Calling it a significant step forward for the alliance and European security, President Obama announced Friday that NATO will develop a missile defense system to safeguard most of Europe and the United States.

The agreement, according to the president, followed a year of talks to determine the best ways to coordinate efforts to protect members of the 61-year-old alliance.

The system would be “strong enough to cover all NATO European territory and populations, as well as the United States,” Obama told reporters in Lisbon, Portugal.

(Labott E, Lawrence C. NATO agrees on missile defense system for most of Europe, the U.S. CNN November 20, 2010.  http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/europe/11/19/us.nato.summit/?hpt=T1)

A key element expected to be added to NATO’s strategy at Lisbon is a nuclear-missile shield to protect Europe and North America from attack…

German Defense Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg has called the plan “basically a good idea,” (NATO appears on course for new strategic concept. http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,6238542,00.html)

On the surface the idea of a missile defensive system sounds great.

Yet, apparently despite the fact that the USA was involved in two world wars against certain Europeans in the 20th century is distant enough of a memory that the US President and certain of his top military advisors think that we should share the secrets of our own proposed missile defense system with the Europeans.  If there could not ever be a threat from Europe that may not be a risk.  But according to scripture, the risk remains (cf. Isaiah 10:7; Daniel 11:39).

The plain truth is that the USA realizes that it cannot afford to continue to play the same military role in the next two decades that it played in the last few.  It has made an unwise strategic decision to trust in an alliance that will prove to be untrustworthy.  Notice something Isaiah warned about ancient military alliances:

1 Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help,
And rely on horses,
Who trust in chariots because they are many,
And in horsemen because they are very strong,
But who do not look to the Holy One of Israel,
Nor seek the Lord!
2 Yet He also is wise and will bring disaster,
And will not call back His words,
But will arise against the house of evildoers,
And against the help of those who work iniquity.  (Isaiah 31:1-2, NKJV)

The situation is similar today.  Instead of relying on God and repenting of its iniquities, the USA is relying on an alliance with Europe.  It will be a disaster.

Some prophetic articles of possibly related interest may include:

Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
Prophecies of Barack Obama? Eight reasons why Barack Obama is apocalyptic and eight reasons why Barack Obama is not the Antichrist. This article includes many biblical and non-biblical prophecies, from around the world, that seem to discuss Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist? Might Barack Obama set the stage for the kings of the North and South as at least one Shiite prophecy suggests? This is the longest and most complete article on this page on Barack Obama prophecies. Read it and decide for yourself if President Obama seems to be fulfilling various prophecies.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”, based up an early 20th century writing.
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? Where is the nation of Israel in all of this?
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? Does the Bible give any indication about 2018?
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?
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?