Church of God News

COGwriter

The IMF had some words for the Europeans:

IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn urges leaders to cede more sovereignty to EU

European nations need to cede more of their sovereignty and hand greater powers to the centre to avoid future crises, the head of the International Monetary Fund has said.

Telegraph – Nov 19, 2010 http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/peteroborne/100064330/margaret-thatcher-knew-the-single-currency-would-devastate-europe/

The European nations actually already lost much of their sovereignty under the Lisbon Treaty.  The IMF chief seems to wish to accelerate the process.

In a sermon on July 7, 1984, the late COG leader Herbert W. Armstrong stated:

And I can see now, the event that is going to trigger the formation of the reunification in Europe; the resurrection of the medieval Holy Roman Empire that we’ve been looking forward to that is prophesied to come…

But I believe that some event is going to happen suddenly just like out a blue sky that is going to shock the whole world and is going to cause the nations in Europe to realize they must unite! … Well now I think I can see what may be the very event that is going to trigger…that is the economic situation in the world…

Now when the financial structure breaks down, all civilization is going to break down…

So, the IMF seems to be following Herbert Armstrong’s prediction that it will be an economic crisis that will lead to more European unity.

Despite grumblings from some other modern observers, Europe is actually more and more uniting because of the economic crisis.

Ultimately, the Europeans will restructure and turn their power over to one known in the Bible as the end time Beast:

16 And the ten horns which you saw on the beast, these will hate the harlot, make her desolate and naked, eat her flesh and burn her with fire. 17 For God has put it into their hearts to fulfill His purpose, to be of one mind, and to give their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled. (Revelation 17:16-17)

Every loss of sovereignty will lead towards that direction.

Two 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”?
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?

COGwriter

In May of 2009, Dan Brown’s movie, Angels & Demons, had antimatter captured from part of CERN ‘s Large Hadron Collider.  Now it has happened in real life:

Antimatter captured by CERN scientists in dramatic physics breakthrough

Antimatter has been captured by scientists for the first time in a physics breakthrough that echoes the hit Hollywood movie Angels & Demons.

Physicists at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) in Geneva have created the stuff of “Star Trek” for the first time ever: genuine antimatter.

A 17-member team announced the production and preservation of 38 antihydrogen atoms. Physicists Emilio Segre and Owen Chamberlain of the University California, Berkeley, earned the 1959 Nobel Prize for producing part of an antihydrogen atom, antiprotons. (Martin M. Antimatter captured by CERN scientists in dramatic physics breakthrough. TechNews World, November 18, 2010. http://www.technewsworld.com/story/CERN-Physicists-Create-Antimatter-and-Could-Build-a-Bomb-in-a-Billion-Years-71269.html?wlc=1290143968)

In the movie, which I saw in Arroyo Grande (California), antimatter played an important role.   In Angels & Demons. someone stole captured antimatter from CERN’s Large Hadron Collider on the behalf of one trying to be an antipope.  Many considered antimatter only existing in science fiction.  Yet, apparently it is science fact.

CERN is the “European Organization for Nuclear Research”. The Large Hadron Collider project is the biggest physics project in the world.   And it is developing technology to help Europe, not America.  The New York Times essentially confirmed that when it reported that with its results late year that CERN’s Large Hadron Collider “spinoffs will invigorate the careers and labs in Europe, not the United States (Overbye D. Collider Sets Record, and Europe Takes U.S.’s Lead.  New York Times, December 9, 2009.  http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/10/science/10collide.html).

I have long believed that CERN’s Large Hadron Collider would help develop military and other technology for the rising European Beast power (cf. Revelation 13:3-4).  I also suspect that some technology developed directly or indirectly because of  it may be used in the future for Europe to locate quantities of gold and other precious metals in order to bolster its currency one the USA’s dollar is totally discredited.

I also specifically warned about the military potential of CERN’s Large Hadron Collider in my 2012 book (2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect.  Nazarene Books, Arroyo Grande, 2009, p. 85).  And events in Europe seem to be lining up with my concerns.

CERN is running the largest physics project in the world and the Europeans expect more benefits from it than some theories about the universe.

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?
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?
The Da Vinci Code: Some Good, Most Bad Does Dan Brown’s bestseller The Da Vinci Code properly discuss Christianity? What does it have right and what does it have wrong about early Christianity and other gospel accounts?
Large Hadron Collider may result in military applications The Europeans have the largest physics project on the planet. Some scoff, but might it result in military applications? May the Large Hadron Collider help fulfill Revelation 13:4?

Sarah Palin, Former Vice Presidential Nominee

COGwriter

Sarah Palin claims that she would beat US President Barack Obama if she ran against him in 2012.  USA Today reported the following this morning:

Palin says she can beat Obama

Republicans are talking openly about President Obama’s vulnerability for re-election in 2012, and one of them is Sarah Palin.

When ABC’s Barbara Walters asked the former Alaska governor, “if you ran for president, could you beat Barack Obama?,” Palin replied: “I believe so.”  http://content.usatoday.com/communities/theoval/post/2010/11/palin-says-she-can-beat-obama/1

Since those of us in groups like the Living Church of God do not vote in these elections, why am I mentioning the possibility of a woman president?

If she runs and wins (which is not a certainty, as she also said in another part of that article), she will partially fulfill a prophecy in Isaiah 3:12:

As for My people, children are their oppressors, And women rule over them. O My people! Those who lead you cause you to err, And destroy the way of your paths…

Of course, women are influential in the English-speaking nations and it is not absolutely required that the USA itself have a woman president, but I do feel that if we do get one, that this will be a partial, but significant, fulfillment of that prophecy.  Having Hillary Clinton currently as Secretary of State, as well as Condoleezza Rice previously, also point to that prophecy.

Both biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies indicate the destruction of the English-speaking peoples and I would not be surprised if a major attack by the European Beast power will occur during a female presidency.

Is Sarah Palin the Antichrist? According to the Bible, no she cannot be (the reasons and scriptures are given in my previous post Barack Obama is Not the Antichrist, nor is Joe Biden, Democratic vice president).

As far as Sarah Palin goes, her religious views most likely will affect her political decisions.  And she believes in things like a pre-tribulation rapture (see Might Sarah Palin Fulfill Prophecy?).  And since there is no pre-tribulation rapture (please see Is There A Secret Rapture for the Church? When and Where is the Church Protected?), she may make some decisions based upon biblical misinterpretation.

We seem to be in turbulent times, whether she runs or not.

Jesus said,

37 And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch! (Mark 13:37).

Several articles of possibly related interest may include:

Should a Christian Vote? This article gives some of the Biblical rationale on this subject.
Do Catholic Prophecies About Antichrist Warn Against Jesus? Will the final “Anti-Christ” be Jewish, insist on Saturday, be opposed to the trinity, and bring in the millennium? Catholic writings indicate this, but what does the Bible show?
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?
Is There A Secret Rapture for the Church? When and Where is the Church Protected? What does the Bible really teach? Does the Church flee or is it taken up just prior to the great tribulation? Who really is left behind?
There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Petra This article discusses a biblical ‘place of safety’ and includes quotes from the Bible and Herbert W. Armstrong on this subject–thus, there is a biblically supported alternative to the rapture theory.

Gerald Flurry

COGwriter

Apparently, like CGPFK’s Ronald Weinland did in November 2009, PCG’s Gerald Flurry has declared himself to be an apostle in November 2010.  Here is what he wrote recently (11/08/10):

In the Old Testament, the leading ministers were the prophets.  But in the New Testament they were the apostles…

If you check the list of booklets I have written with new revelation, you have one small book and 41 booklets with new revelation from God…Isn’t it logical to think that God would have another apostle crying out to this world…?…

There have been a few people from the beginning of the Philadelphia Church of God who have said to me from time to time, “I think you are an apostle.”  I never believed that  because I didn’t see it in the Scriptures.. but we are here to search out God’s truth…

“An apostle must be called by Jesus Christ without the intervention of another man.. his authority does not depend on recognition.”…

So here’s the point: If Christ established and office, we’d better be aware of it…

Genesis 49:10 says that a lawgiver will not depart from Judah’s feet until Shiloh come. Does that indicate that this man, this lawgiver, will be alive when Christ returns? I don’t know, but it could indicate that…

Does the work of Eliakim sound like a prophet, or more like an apostle?…

I believe only an apostle can ordain an evangelist…

I MUST SAY HONESTLY THAT I BELIEVE THE FRUITS OF AN APOSTLE ARE HERE.

I think God didn’t want us to understand this until now, when everybody could see the fruits…

I think the office of an apostle is a sign that God wants us to do a still GREATER WORK than what we have done…

This is almost funny if it were not so pathetic.  So, apparently PCG hopes to ordain some as evangelists now.

RCG’s David Pack made some similar sounding comments when he proclaimed himself to be an apostle several years ago (in his “21st century apostle” sermons).  TPM’s William Dankenbring later made an apostolic proclamation for himself.  There are also a couple of lessor known individuals who have made similar inaccurate declarations.

The Apostle Paul wrote:

12 But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast. 13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. (2 Corinthians 11:12-13, NKJV)

And I do not consider any of those who declared themselves apostles this century are true apostles.  And Paul warned that there would be false apostles.

The Apostle Paul also wrote:

1 Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord? 2 If I am not an apostle to others, yet doubtless I am to you. For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 9:1-2, NKJV)

I do not agree that those who declared themselves apostles this century have the seal or signs of being God’s apostles.

None of the four individuals shows the “fruits” that one would expect from being an apostle.  And their declarations of apostleship will not change that.  But I suspect that they all use their self-proclaimed titles in order to try to attain more power and authority for themselves.

Gerald Flurry has a history of declaring multiple titles for himself, and now has added one more that I do not accept as valid.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include the following:

Teachings Unique to the Philadelphia Church of God Simply calling oneself ‘Philadelphia’ does not make one so (see Revelation 3:7-9), nor does Gerald Flurry calling himself “that prophet” or a variety of other titles make it so. This article provides many quotes from this group which tries to look faithful.
Why Not the Restored Church of God? This group, led by David Pack, claims to be the most faithful. The information in this article suggests otherwise.
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, that the Great Tribulation began on December 14, 2008, and that Jesus will return on May 27, 2012. Why does the Bible show that Ron Weinland is a false prophet? He has other views which show he is not part of the Church of God.
Teachings of Triumph Prophetic Ministries William Dankenbring’s ministry–incorrectly speculates on various dates and holds to some odd doctrines.
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?
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.

“Orthodox” 16th Century Representation of the “Apocalypse”

COGwriter

The Greek Orthodox are raising concerns about the possible use of 666 on citizen identification cards:

Greek Church takes on ‘antichrist’ in ID card row

AFP – Nov 17, 2010

Senior clerics in Greece have told the state in no uncertain terms that vigilance is required to prevent the antichrist from making a manifestation on new ID cards to be issued next year. The authorities must ensure that the cards contain no mention of the number 666, which in Greek Orthodox tradition is associated with the antichrist, the Church of Greece said in a statement.

“In no way should the ‘citizen card’ contain the number 666, either in visible or invisible manner,” the Holy Synod, governing council of the Church of Greece, said after a meeting between canon scholars, legal experts, computer specialists and government officials…

Frequently criticised as backward and superstitious by liberal circles, Orthodox custodians strongly adhere to tradition surrounding the number 666, which appears in the biblical Book of Revelation, believed to have been written by the Apostle John in the first century AD.

Also known as the figure of the Beast, the number has led ultra orthodox clerics to oppose the use of bar codes on goods, as well as electronic checks carried out under the border-free Schengen Area of which Greece is a member. http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=CNG.fdbb7c4f77a7e27e62fcb703b7e9f08a.5c1&show_article=1

Now it is good that certain Greek Orthodox leaders realize that we may be close to the time that the Beast, 666, of Revelation 13 may be rising up.

Revelation 13 teaches the following:

16 He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, 17 and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.   18 Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666. (Revelation 13:16-18).

Like some leaders in Greece, some in the USA have raised similar concerns (Mark of the Beast Fears in Virginia and Americans Distrust Their Government and Certain Microchips).

And the above passage in Revelation will come to pass no matter what legislation people try to enact.  Yet, the Bible warns that the coming Beast power does need to be resisted.

Two articles of possibly related interest may include:

SDA/LCG Differences: Two Horned Beast of Revelation and 666 The Living Church of God is NOT part of the Seventh-day Adventists. This article explains two prophetic differences, the trinity, differences in approaching doctrine, including Ellen White. Did Ellen White make prophetic errors? Did Ellen White make false prophecies?
Some Similarities and Differences Between the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Living Church of God Both groups claim to be the original church, but both groups have differing ways to claim it. Both groups have some amazing similarities and some major differences. Do you know what they are?

10 Euro Silvercoin “Charlemagne in the Untersberg.  Source: Austrian Mint

COGwriter

A reader forwarded me information on the fact that Austria recently issued a new coin as part of its “Tales and Legends” series. The silver image to the right, is supposed to depict (on its left side) as sleeping Emperor Charlemagne.

Now although the Bible shows that, along with gold, silver will have some value into the Great Tribulation (Daniel 11:40-43; Revelation 9:20), that is not why I reported about it.

It is the story associated with the coin that is of interest.  Here is one version of it:

“The story tells that Charlemagne and his army dwell under the Untersberg, a mountain between Salzburg and Bavaria, where he rules over princes, warriors and dwarfs. Charlemagne and his court have fallen into a deep sleep over the centuries and the emperor’s beard has continued to grow, winding itself twice around a great stone table before him. When the beard has wound itself around the table three times and the ravens have ceased to circle over the Untersberg, Charlemagne and his soldier will awake and return to the world of men to fight a final battle on the Walser Field near Salzburg. In another version of the tale, the emperor awakes every hundred years and sends to find out if the ravens are still flying over the mountain, in which case he falls back into his sleep for another hundred years.”  http://eurocollections.com/store/product.asp?id=6189&tid=blg

Why is that story of interest?

Essentially, because Charlemagne was known as the first “Holy Roman Emperor” as he helped unite Europe in support of Roman Catholicism.  Many see Europe uniting as a revival of the old “Holy Roman Empire”.  There are also Catholic prophecies that proclaim that there will be a new, and militaristic Holy Roman Emperor, also known as the Great Monarch.  Notice the following:

Several private prophecies of canonized Saints specifically state that there will be a latter restoration of the Holy Roman Empire and that there will be at least one last Holy Roman Emperor. The authenticity of the authorship of such prophecies of canonized Saints (e.g., St. Hildegard, St. Vincent Ferrer, St. Francis of Paula, and St. John Vianney) at least over the last eight hundred years is scholastically unquestionable. (Birch, DA. Trial, Tribulation & Triumph: Before During and After Antichrist. Queenship Publishing Company, Goleta (CA), 1996, p. 281)

Saint Cataldus of Tarentino (c. 500): “The Great Monarch will be in war till he is forty years of age…he will assemble great armies and expel tyrants from his empire. He will conquer England and other island empires” (Connor, Edward. Prophecy for Today. Imprimatur + A.J. Willinger, Bishop of Monterey-Fresno; Reprint: Tan Books and Publishers, Rockford (IL), 1984, p.30).

It may be of interest to note that Charlemagne, an apparent ancestor of the 38 year old German Defense Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg, was considered to be of Franco-German descent.  Charlemagne remains a hero for much of Europe, and especially the Vatican.  After Charlemagne conquered Italy he was crowned Imperator Augustus by Pope Leo III on 25 December 800.  Charlemagne is widely known as the first “Holy Roman Emperor”.

He is an important figure in world, and especially European, history.

Currently in Europe, both Austria and Germany are moving to have a professional military:

“Neutral Austria mulls changeover to a professional army“

Irish Times – Nov 1, 2010  http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/world/2010/1102/1224282483150.html

Final Blow for Conscription in Germany

Defense News – Nov 16, 2010

KARLSRUHE, Germany – Probably next summer, the last conscripts will get drafted in Germany. A clear majority at the conservative Christian Democratic Union’s (CDU’s) party conference approved a motion Nov. 15 to end the draft.

German Defense Secretary Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg, a member of the smaller conservative Christian Socialist Union (CSU), campaigned at the conference here to win official approval from the 1,000 delegates.  http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=5055786&c=EUR&s=TOP

A professional military can tend to be better trained than a conscripted one.  A professional military also tends to be able to better handle sophisticated weaponry–which I suspect is being developed in Europe as German Defense Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg called for this in August 2010 (Guttenberg Proposes Major Modernization of Germany’s Military).

The silver coin is a reminder to peoples in Europe that they have a legend that a military leader will again rise up and conquer.  And this is consistent with what the Bible teaches (Revelation 13:3-4; Daniel 11:39-43).

More and more, Europeans are being reminded that their history involves them militaristically supporting a political leader who claims religious objectives.  The production of the coin in Austria is just one more reminder, which I believe is helping to set the Europeans up for what will happen in the future.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Catholic Prophecies: Do They Mirror, Highlight, or Contradict Biblical Prophecies? People of all faiths may be surprised to see what various Roman and Orthodox Catholic prophets have been predicting as many of their predictions will be looked to in the 21st century.
The Plain Truth About Gold in Prophecy. How Should a Christian View Gold? What do economists and the Bible teach about gold? Gold and silver may drop in value. Inflation/deflation? What do Christians need to know about gold?
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?
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?
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?

Angela Merkel

COGwriter

Germany’s Chancellor made some interesting comments:

Chancellor Angela Merkel urged Germans debating Muslim integration to stand up more for Christian values, saying Monday…

“We don’t have too much Islam, we have too little Christianity. We have too few discussions about the Christian view of mankind,” she said to applause from the hall.

Germany needs more public discussion “about the values that guide us (and) about our Judeo-Christian tradition,” she said. “We have to stress this again with confidence, then we will also be able to bring about cohesion in our society.” (http://blogs.reuters.com/faithworld/2010/11/15/merkel-germany-doesnt-have-too-much-islam-but-too-little-christianity/)

Europe certainly would benefit from more real Christians.  And those were interesting public statements for Germany’s Chancellor to make.

The Vatican made calls recently for re-evangelizing Europe, and the German Chancellor seems to be making statements that support the Vatican’s mission (see also Germany’s Merkel: Multiculturalism a Total Failure for what she and the Vatican also recently said).

As regular readers of this page are aware, we in the Living Church of God believe that a compromised religion claiming to be Christian will eventually takeover much of Europe, Germany included.

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.  The Bible is clear that this power will involve religion (cf. Daniel 11:36-38; Revelation 13).

And while many consider that most Europeans are irreligious, this is in the process of changing.  And it will dramatically change after various signs and wonders, which are prophesied to happen (cf. 2 Thessalonians 2:8-9), most publicly occur.

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?

Herman Van Rompuy

COGwriter

EU President Herman Van Rompuy declared that there are financial problems facing the EU:

EU can’t ‘throw money’ at debt crisis

Excerpt…

EU President Herman Van Rompuy warned early that the 27-nation bloc’s very future could be at stake.

“If we don’t survive with the eurozone we will not survive with the European Union,” he said.

http://www.thelocal.de/money/20101116-31215.html

So, essentially the EU President is saying that if the Euro does not survive the EU will not survive.  Last week he warned EU states that they essentially could not survive outside the union (see EU President Declares End of Nation State, Britain Skeptical).

Now whether or not the Euro will be the final currency of the Beast power is not clear yet.  The Bible is clear, however, that the political form in Europe will change, probably shortly prior to the start of the great tribulation:

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 17:12-14, NKJV)

I, and others in the Living Church of God, have long believed that it is likely that God would allow the US economy to hobble along until very close to the end so that Matthew 24:14 could be fulfilled, as US dollars support most of that effort at this time.

In the UK, there is some concern that the Euro problem could affect it:

Britain needs to prepare for an economic dark age next door

The crisis in the eurozone shows why this country must widen its horizons

Telegraph – Nov 16, 2010

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/columnists/simonheffer/8138669/Britain-needs-to-prepare-for-an-economic-dark-age-next-door.html

There is concern in Britain about what is now going on.  If the Euro crisis gets too severe, this could give the UK a reason to pull out of the EU.  But we will see.

The Bible itself warned that the final beast would not be highly cohesive:

41 Whereas you saw the feet and toes, partly of potter’s clay and partly of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; yet the strength of the iron shall be in it, just as you saw the iron mixed with ceramic clay. 42 And as the toes of the feet were partly of iron and partly of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly fragile. 43 As you saw iron mixed with ceramic clay, they will mingle with the seed of men; but they will not adhere to one another, just as iron does not mix with clay. (Daniel 2:41-44)

Because of this prophesied lack of cohesiveness, I have believed that this would help depress the value of Euro so that it would not overly depress the purchase value of the US dollar until we are nearer to time of the end of the USA.

There continue to be events in the Eurozone nations that show the fragility of that union.

To learn more, please check out the following articles:

Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
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.
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?
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?
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 Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach?

Chinese Soldiers

COGwriter

The biggest powers in Asia keep taking steps to cooperate with each other:

China, India, Russia vow to deepen cooperation

AFP – Nov 15, 2010

The foreign ministers of developing giants China, India and Russia pledged on Monday to step up cooperation in trade, energy and geopolitical affairs including climate change. The pledges were made in a joint communique after two days of meetings in the central Chinese city of Wuhan by Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and his Russian and Indian counterparts Sergei Lavrov and S.M. Krishna.

The communique also said China, India and Russia had deepened cooperation on international and regional issues during the talks, but stressed that such cooperation would not target “any other country”.  http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=CNG.c3a7214bcfe6083ee696ade4d9402691.b51&show_article=1

And while they claim that they are not currently targeting any other country, the reality is that they currently are looking at ways to eliminate the US dollar as the world’s reserve currency.  And being more unified will help them do that.  And furthermore, the Bible tells of the time of the Gentiles rising up (Luke 21:23-24; Jeremiah 10:25) as well as a time when the powers of Asia will invade and become involved what is commonly referred to as the “battle of Armageddon” (though the armies are only staged there as that is not the actual primary location of the battle).

The Bible indicates that the “kings of the sunrise” (literal translation) will get together and support a 200 million man army.  Related to that, LCG recently made the following statements:

Russia Territory Expansion Continues. Russia continues to expand its territory and influence into satellite states of the former Soviet Union. It now maintains four separate air bases within Tajikistan and is planning for a fifth. Negotiations are underway between the Russian and Tajik governments to allow Russia “an open military contract with Tajikistan giving the Russian military the ability to move as if it were a domestic force—much like the relationship between Russia and Armenia.” In exchange, the Tajik government wants Russian protection for a new hydroelectric plant opposed by neighboring nations, which Tajikistan cannot protect by itself. This plant could cause a “water war” and ignite conflict with neighboring Uzbekistan (Stratfor, November 1, 2010). Bible prophecy predicts a major military offensive that will be launched towards the Holy Land from lands “north and east” of Jerusalem, immediately prior to Christ’s return (Daniel 11:44-45). This offensive will consist of the largest military force in human history—200 million men (Revelation 9:13-18). As for the nations that will make up this massive force, we should consider not only the most populous nations “north and east” of Jerusalem (China and India), but also those with the military capacity to pull off such an attack. Russia’s expanding military potential may contribute to the fulfillment of this sobering prophecy.

The expansion of Russia into move parts of Asia is consistent with various end time prophecies.  China has had various meetings itself with other Asian powers lately such as the Koreans and Japanese.

Major shifts in international alliances are taking place.  Russia, China, and India are cooperating more, and hence setting the stage for their roles in end time prophecy.  Additionally, cooperation amongst European countries is being implemented through various agreements (like the Lisbon Treaty) and the current financial crisis.  A “new world order” is developing.  And as the Gentiles rise up this will not be good for the Anglo-descended peoples of Jacob.

The Bible shows that the Great Tribulation will initially mainly be directed to those who are descended from Jacob/Israel:

6 Ask now, and see,
Whether a man is ever in labor with child?
So why do I see every man with his hands on his loins
Like a woman in labor,
And all faces turned pale?
7 Alas! For that day is great,
So that none is like it;
And it is the time of Jacob’s trouble,
But he shall be saved out of it. (Jeremiah 30:6-7)

13 And the Lord said, “Because they have forsaken My law which I set before them, and have not obeyed My voice, nor walked according to it, 14 but they have walked according to the dictates of their own hearts and after the Baals, which their fathers taught them,” 15 therefore thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: “Behold, I will feed them, this people, with wormwood, and give them water of gall to drink. 16 I will scatter them also among the Gentiles, whom neither they nor their fathers have known. And I will send a sword after them until I have consumed them.” (Jeremiah 9:13-16)

25… Gentiles, who do not know You…they have eaten up Jacob, Devoured him and consumed him,
And made his dwelling place desolate. (Jeremiah 10:25)

23 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! For there will be great distress in the land and wrath upon this people. 24 And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. (Luke 21:23-24)

2 But leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Gentiles. And they will tread the holy city underfoot for forty-two months. (Revelation 11:2)

Notice that Jeremiah, Jesus (whose words are recorded in Luke), and John (who penned Revelation) are talking about the same time. Also notice that “it is the time of Jacob’s trouble” and that the “Gentiles” are dominating. This means those that are descended from Israel or have the name of Jacob (cf. Genesis 48:14-16) will be mainly be trampled. One of the peoples that God says He will use to punish the descendants of Israel, Assyria (Isaiah 10:5-11), are a Gentile people.  And I believe that other prophecies support the idea that the Asian Gentile powers will end up with some of the lands of some of the Anglo-nations (see Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided?).

And while the Gentile powers are not yet ready for this now, this time is getting closer.  And while the European Beast power will, for a while, have more power than the Asians, the Asians will ultimately turn against them as well.

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

India, Its Biblical Past and Future: Any Witness? The Bible discusses the origins of those of Indian heritage and discusses some of the witness to them (including those in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka).
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?
Korea in Prophecy, Any Witness? Where did the Korean people come from? Does God have a plan for the Koreans? Is Korea mentioned in any prophecies? Will Koreans be among the first in the Kingdom of God? 한국의 언어로 : 한국 예언, 모든 증인에?
Japan, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 1: Any Witness? Where did the Japanese people come from? Have they had any witness?
Japan, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 2: Prophecy Japan in prophecy. What is prophesied for Japan? Will God save the Japanese?
Russia: Its Origins and Prophesied Future Russia in prophecy. Where do the Russians come from? What about those in the Ukraine? What is prophesied for Russia and its allies? What will they do to the Europeans that supported the Beast in the end?
Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach?
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?
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?
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?

Ancient Laodicea

COGwriter

David Hulme of COGaIC was once UCG’s president, and he left when he was not re-elected to that position.  COGaIC seems to be the fourth largest group (in terms of attendees) that came out of the old Worldwide Church of God.

Someone that I know personally told me that one of the reasons that he supported David Hulme was that he felt that David Hulme would be able to make better use of the internet than the older Roderick C. Meredith (who is the presiding evangelist of the Living Church of God).

One of the reasons that I report little about what goes on with that group is that they have taken the position that they do not want to make news of their group publicly available.  Specifically, shortly after I first wrote the article, Teachings of Church of God, an International Community, COGaic’s Church of God News was removed from public access on the internet and requires a login, etc. procedure for that group to approve one seeing that information.  And even though years ago one or more in COGaIC (and not any who became LCG members as far as I know) offered to give me login information, I decided that if COGaIC did not want me to see their news, I would not go around their security system.

Now, the part of their public information that I have tended to report about is occasionally something from two blogs on COGaIC’s Vision site (their public site).  Yet, I have reported little, because they have reported relatively little.

And while there are four blogs on that site, most of them simply are not updated very often.  Thus, my headline about a blogless vision.

As far as internet impact goes, COGaIC simply does not do well.

FWIW, LCG’s Tomorrows World telecast was put on YouTube by an individual member and has had over 1,000,000 views in the past 18 months.  Plus, as of 11/14/10 COGwriter.com (another unofficial LCG’s supporting website) has an Alexa popularity ranking of 230,513 which is much better than Vision.org’s 372,205–essentially this means that COGwriter is probably twice as popular as Vision.

And as far as David Hulme being better able to utilize the internet than Roderick C. Meredith, let me simply state that LCG’s official websites reach more people than I do.  And if you combine LCG’s official website numbers, with mine, and the youtube videos of LCG’s official telecast, LCG has possibly the highest or possibly the second highest, internet reach of any of the COGs.

Hence, as far as effectiveness on the internet or television, David Hulme’s vision has not been nearly as effective as LCG’s. And this proportionally worsens further if YouTube and COGwriter are counted. Overall, LCG probably reaches 5 or 10 times as many as COGaIC does on the internet (and of course, LCG receives more television responses than all of the groups once part of the old WCG have combined).

I felt 15 years ago that Roderick Meredith would be more successful in public proclamation of Christ’s gospel of the kingdom to the world as a witness than David Hulme.  And this has proven true, not only on the internet, but also in print media and the telecast.  Perhaps those in COGaIC may wish to consider what all that means.

What about you?  Do you believe that you should support the group better fulfilling Matthew 24:14 in proclaiming the gospel of the world as a witness or a group that has been relatively ineffective in that mission?

Will you follow the criteria of the Bible or your own?  Please look at the fruits, look at what the Bible teaches, and pray and ask what God would have you do.

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?
Church of God, an International Community (COG aic) This is the group led by David Hulme. It seems to minimize parts of biblical prophecy and have limited gospel proclamation effectiveness.
In Their Own Words: Doctrinal Differences Between the old United Church of God and the old Global Church of God Older quotes from the leadership and some of the membership of these two organizations are included without added commentary (until the end and the 7/31/98 update) which highlighted some of the differences between them.  David Hulme was UCG president when much of this article was written.
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.