Church of God News

Greek Riots, 2008

COGwriter

Last night, ICG’s Mark Armstrong reported the following

“Protesters” are going absolutely wild in London. “The crowd was baying for blood. At one point 40 or 50 protesters were chasing the car… It was completely out of control,” according to witnesses quoted by the London Evening Standard. This is but a part of the description of the incident that played out when Prince Charles and Camilla were driven through a vicious gauntlet of “protesters” in downtown London. As eyewitnesses describe the incident, the violent mob might well have killed the Royal couple had the vehicle not been sufficiently armored. What if they’d been killed by the mob, clearly heard to be chanting “off with their heads”? What if the Royal Security dispatch had sprayed the mob with bullets? How might the resulting “protest” have played out?

These protests have been going on ever since the British government was forced to announce that they could no longer subsidize higher education to the degree they had previously. In fact tuition fees are going up 300 percent. According to police who were assigned to monitor the events, thugs began to take advantage of the cover the big crowd afforded and turned the whole affair into a rampaging riot. Does it not give all of us pause to ponder what’s going on?

The incident illustrates several lessons that are important for us to understand. What we see in London is another example of the same kind of breakdown in law and order that continues to plague Greece, and has resulted in all kinds of (lightly reported) mob violence in France. Socialist policies (and nations) are inherently doomed. At some point the free money runs out, and hard realities must be confronted. When the recipients of government largess learn that their subsidies will have to be curtailed, at least in Europe, and in London, they take to the streets in “peaceful” demonstration, hoping to persuade their government to reconsider with an implicit “or else” guaranteed by the sheer size of the event.

But there are obviously wild eyed anti-capitalist anarchists waiting to take advantage of a crowd that might otherwise only have been unruly. In London the mobs literally breached the bullet proof limo Charles and Camilla were in. They set fires and damaged a statue of Winston Churchill. Ugly as it is, it could have been much worse. And it will be. The die is already caste in Europe. Socialist nanny states across Europe are in big financial trouble, and the crowds will assemble to voice their protest when they learn they won’t be receiving the subsidies they’ve expected. And the wild eyed anarchist thugs will exploit the turmoil until things become dangerous.

It’s just heartbreaking to see this go on in London, and sickening what we’ve seen in Greece, and in France. The trouble is, the phenomenon is all but guaranteed to be repeated here in the U.S.

Mark Armstrong is correct that violence and civil unrest will likely also eventually hit the USA.  And that may be one reason why the federal government in the USA continues to amass more debt that any nation in the history of humanity.  But instead of stopping the decline of the USA, that will, according to the Bible (see Habakkuk 2) pretty much guarantee the elimination of the USA and its Anglo-descended allies.

As far as Europe and civil unrest goes, I believe that we have not seen how bad it really is going to get.  It will get so bad that Europe will accept a super-dictator known as the final Beast, the final King of the North (Daniel 11:21-44).

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe?
Catholic Prophecies: Do They Mirror, Highlight, or Contradict Biblical Prophecies? People of all faiths may be surprised to see what various Roman and Orthodox Catholic prophets have been predicting as many of their predictions will be looked to in the 21st century.

Ancient Laodicea

COGwriter

Abigail Cartwright’s site reported a letter that UCG supporter John Carmack suspects is real that has 110 elders on the list, with others supposedly supporting it after the fact.  Here is some of it:

Dear President Luker,

This open letter is being sent to you as the chief executive officer of the United Church of God (UCG) from current pastors, former pastors and otherwise employed elders in good standing of the General Conference of Elders of the United Church of God, an International Association. We write with deep concern over the conduct of the current administration and the Council of Elders, a concern shared by numerous non salaried elders, many of whom would readily add their names to this letter.

We have supported the governmental system agreed upon in 1995 and this letter is a confirmation of working within that system. Our deepest hope is the complete healing and the effective continuation of the UCG…
No one doubts that the UCG is in a dire crisis…

Your letter of November 4, 2010 attacks the ministry in general and contains a number of misleading and false accusations. Among them are attempts to link ministers and members who have sincere disagreements with the administration to a handful of people posting extreme or ungodly views on Internet sites. Less than two decades ago, most of us were accused of being divisive, rebellious and satanic in our previous association, and it deeply grieves us to find ourselves in a similar toxic environment in the UCG…

At the heart of our immediate concern is a pattern of wrongly equating loyalty to God’s government with submission to human organizational authority and then labeling as disloyal or rebellious any who express concerns over leadership’s decisions and methods. Recent home office documents, letters and recorded sermons have repeatedly contained negative accusations about supposed plots to sabotage our governing documents, to start a new church and that there is a spirit of rebellion in our ministers. This barrage of accusation and inaccuracy is disheartening the members; it is wearing down the church and it is causing increasing frustration among the ministry and the membership.

Unknown to many members, the administration has engaged in punitive action against certain pastors, accusing them of disloyalty to Christ, when what they have done—conscientiously and respectfully—is voice disagreement with doctrinal statements that they deemed unsound. Or, they expressed concern over administrative decisions that these ministers believed to be outside the bounds of our governing documents or Christ-like management. This pattern of punitive behavior does not follow the biblical or organizational standards.

I would have posted about this yesterday, but I have waited to see if there was an available official response by UCG’s COE, but as of a few moments ago, I have not found any.

It is interesting that both those who apparently support the above letter and those that are on the UCG Council recognize the problem is governance.

As I have written for well over a decade, UCG’s form of governance is not biblical and has caused it problems.  People in UCG can pretend otherwise, but there is really only one sanctioned form of governance in scripture.  And that is from the top down.

While the Bible encourages that leaders receive counsel and true Christian leaders must be servant leaders, the Bible clearly teaches a hierarchical form of governance (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:28-30; Ephesians 4:11-16).  Pretending otherwise is a biblical mistake.

A hierarchical form of governance was what the early first and second century church had. UCG seems to want to overlook this.  And it has had governance and administration issues as a result

The “chickens are coming home to roost” (to cite an American cliche) as far as UCG’s governance is concerned.

I would add that while not all the fruits of UCG’s governance have been particularly good, not all the fruits have always appeared bad.  Others may disagree, but a more important point is that UCG simply has not had the fruits from its public proclamation of the gospel (including its telecast) that LCG has had.  In UCG’s entire 15 1/2 years of existence has gotten about the same number of respondents to its telecast as LCG gets every four months.  Considering that UCG has more money, more members, and more ministers, this should set off alarms in the minds of those who believe that the focus of the Church of God should be to fulfill Matthew 24:14 as well as follow the order of priorities that Jesus listed in Matthew 28:19-20:

14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. (Matthew 24:14)

19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:19-20)

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 with a form of governance that has been relatively ineffective in that mission?

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

Any interested in supporting the remnant of the Philadelphia era of the COG should prayerfully check out LCG.

Those not interested will either remain part of UCG (or where ever they are), go with one of the former UCG break-away ministers/groups, go somewhere else, or drop out. God will hold all accountable for what they do and do not 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?
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.

World Currencies

COGwriter

In a WSJ article transcribed today into English, another German leader states that Germany will defend the euro:

German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schäuble spoke Thursday to The Wall Street Journal’s Marcus Walker and Matthew Karnitschnig about his country’s political will to defend the euro, amid the deepest crisis of confidence in Europe’s single currency since its creation in 1999.  http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704457604576011400013653100.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

While it is possible that another European currency could possibly replace the euro and/or that the euro could become part of a basket of international currencies, I suspect that the Germans have concluded that despite the problems in the eurozone that continuing with the euro is a step forward and that replacing it with something else might be a few steps back.

As reported here earlier, Germany wants a strong euro.

And again it seems to be trying to tell the world that it will back up its words.

As I have written many times, THE EURO WILL HAVE PROBLEMS.  I suspect that the austerity programs combined with Islamic discontent in Europe will lead to civil unrest and more rioting (e.g. Civil Unrest in Europe and Civil War in Greece?) and that will at some point make the euro drop perhaps substantially again for a while.

Yet, Bible prophecy is clear that a beast power will emerge (Revelation 13).

The prophecies in both the books of Daniel (9:26-27; 11:20-44) and Revelation (13;17;18) point to this power to be based out of Europe (there are also European pointed prophecies in other books of the Bible, such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, etc.).

For details on those prophecies, check out the following:

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?

Dibar Apartian shown sitting between COGwriter and my wife Joyce (his wife Shirley is to my right)

COGwriter

Checked with LCG in Charlotte, NC, to post the following information:

In Memoriam

Dibar Apartian (1916-2010)

Another mighty oak has fallen. Our beloved friend and brother, Evangelist Dibar Krikor Apartian, has gone to a well-earned rest. Mr. Apartian lived to 94 years of age—24 years beyond King David who died “old and full of days” at age 70. The Eternal God used Mr. Apartian to raise up the Work of God in the French language and to oversee and guide that Work for many decades. Through his ministry in the French language, through his sermons and articles in English, and through his well-known personal love and graciousness, Mr. Apartian had a wonderful impact on the lives of many thousands of people around the world.

I first met Mr. Apartian in August 1955. Richard David Armstrong had just hired him as the professor of French at Ambassador College in Pasadena, California. A short time earlier, Mr. Apartian had answered an advertisement for a “French Instructor” in an educational journal. Before he was offered the position, he was interviewed by the college president, Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong. Mr. Apartian often recalled that he was powerfully impressed with the understanding and sincerity he saw in Mr. Armstrong. He told me a number of times, “Rod, all I was doing was applying for a position on the college faculty to teach French. But Mr. Armstrong seemed to want me to understand what the college and the Work were really all about. So, he spent two-and-one-half hours telling me about the whole purpose of human existence! At the time, I didn’t fully understand any of this [he was not yet converted], though I was mightily impressed and was glad to become part of an institution headed by such an understanding man as Herbert W. Armstrong.”

Through the following decades, Mr. Apartian and his wife, Shirley, became good friends of both Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong. For they both reflected a degree of culture and grace that Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong appreciated. As a couple, they hosted scores of elegant dinners for many members of the faculty and friends in the Church. A few times, Mr. Apartian traveled with Mr. Armstrong to see various dignitaries, and was always a kind and interesting companion to any of us who interacted with him. God blessed him with a wonderful wife, two sons, and, finally, one grandson who is deeply loved.

Dibar Apartian lived a most unusual and eventful life. He was born of Armenian parents in Turkey just as a series of the infamous “Armenian genocide” massacres began. Friends of his parents warned them of what was coming, and they were able to send him overseas on a ship to save his life. As a young boy of only four to six years old, he was sent by way of Marseille, in southern France, to stay with relatives in Switzerland. They eventually put him in an orphanage where he spent the next several years of his life and received much of his education. Later, he was able to get a very good education in Switzerland, and he excelled in many studies. During World War II, he ended up working for the United States Embassy in Bern, Switzerland. Because of his intelligence, his diplomacy and his graciousness, he became the highest-ranking non-Swiss employee of the United States Embassy in Bern.

Mr. Apartian found favor in the sight of a leading American diplomat who visited the Embassy and helped him—right after World War II—to immigrate to the United States. At first, he worked in New York as a French language tutor. After leaving New York for Los Angeles, with the hope of tutoring Hollywood “stars” in the French language, he eventually decided to apply for a position as a college instructor in French. This is how he met Richard David Armstrong and came to Ambassador College. At that point, he became my friend and ended up being my oldest and longest personal friend for the next 55 years!

Dibar Apartian, Richard David Armstrong, Benjamin Rea (formerly head of the Spanish Department and Dean of Ambassador College at Bricket Wood) and I were—for a few years—the “four bachelors” on the Ambassador College faculty. We shared many meals, mountain hikes and interesting trips together. Though Mr. Apartian was the oldest, he outlived all except me, the youngest of the four. He traveled all over the Western Hemisphere, throughout much of Europe and elsewhere—especially in the service of God. His dedication to teaching and practicing the way of God became a hallmark of his life.

His warmth, his loving personality and his enthusiasm for building the French Work—and for serving all of God’s people—will be greatly missed. I will personally miss the advice and the encouragement of one of my best friends on this earth.

Yes, a “mighty oak” has fallen. But although we will greatly miss him, we truly should rejoice that God gave his servant, Dibar Apartian, 94 years of eventful and productive life. And we can rejoice that it was such an interesting life in the service of the great God. We look forward with enthusiasm to seeing our friend, Dibar, in the soon-coming resurrection. We have every assurance that he will be there and greet us, once again, with his warm smile. God speed that day!—Roderick C. Meredith

Dibar Apartian died late on Wednesday, December 8, 2010.  His funeral is scheduled for 12/19/10 in the Charlotte, NC area.

Jerusalem

COGwriter

LCG sent out the following as part of its TW News and Prophecy this morning:

German support of Israel.

President Wulff of Germany recently became the fifth German leader to visit the state of Israel. During his visit, he voiced Germany’s support for Israel and also spoke out in support of the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He stated, “Germany considers that it has a responsibility concerning Israel’s right to exist and to security.”

In response, Israeli President Shimon Peres commented, “Relations with Germany are as important such as relations can ever be” (Deutsche Welle, November 28, 2010). Mr. Wulff also observed, “In this official visit, I see a sign of our responsibility towards the existence of Israel and the very relationship between our two countries” (Agence France Presse, November 27, 2010). In the guest book at the Holocaust Memorial, Mr. Wulff wrote, “The incomprehensible crimes of the Shoah [holocaust] have made the defense of Israel’s right to exist a permanent duty for Germany and Germans” (Haaretz.com, November 29, 2010). Mr. Wulff’s comments send a strong message to Israel’s neighbors and also indicate a potential future path.

Will Germany continue to support peace in Jerusalem while also supporting a separate Palestinian state? Time will tell. Bible prophecies speak of a confederation that links Assyria (Germany) with Arab/Muslim nations that make a short-lived agreement (3½ years) to promote peace with Jews in Jerusalem (see Psalm 83:5-8 and Daniel 9:27). During this period the Temple Mount sacrifices will apparently begin once again. The budding Germany-Israel relationship may be setting the stage for future prophetic events.

The Bible tells of a leader who will be a “prince” that will make what appears to be a seven-year peace deal involving Israel (Daniel 9:26-27).  This same leader apparently breaks the peace deal after 3 1/2 years (Daniel 9:27) and invades Israel (Daniel 9:27; 11:31).

Since the final Beast power will have German support (and perhaps be headed by a German), it makes sense that Germany would at least make some outward moves towards Israel as that will help it be part of some type of peace arrangement in the Middle East that Israel will apparently decide that it has to accept.

And last month, Germany also indicated that it wanted to be part of a peace arrangement in the Middle East (see Germany Wants Middle East Peace Deal).

Many events continue to align with end time prophecy.

To learn more how Europe fits into all of this, the following articles may be of assistance:

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?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2010, 2011, or 2012? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? Why is Daniel 9:26-27 talking about a European leader? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?

COGwriter

The Indians and EU are working towards greater cooperation:

EU-India relations in the spotlight Pallavi Aiyar / Brussels December 10, 2010, 0:45 IST Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh arrived in Brussels today, ahead of the 11th European Union (EU)-India summit on Friday. The summit will be the first one to be held since the Lisbon Treaty came into effect. The Lisbon Treaty was a series of changes to the European Union’s rule book, meant in part to enhance the bloc’s foreign policy and global strategic heft. As a result, EU is keen to leverage the summit as a means of broadening its relationship with India beyond the largely one-dimensional economic focus it has thus far had. Although the ongoing India-EU free trade negotiations continue to be the cornerstone of ties, talks between Singh and his counterparts, European Council President Herman Van Rompuy and President of the European Commission, Jose Manuel Barroso, will thus focus on a range of bilateral and regional issues of strategic relevance.  http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/eu-india-relations-inspotlight/417762/

This type of cooperation may end up reducing British influence in India, despite the fact that Britain is in the EU.

Prophetically, it appears that India will cooperate with the final European power.  But at some point, it will realize that the final European beast power is not what it will pretend to be. It seems that India will likely become closer to Russia and China, militarily, and ultimately support their prophesied attack on Europe.  But that will not happen for at least seven years.  Until then, the increased intended cooperation between India and the EU will likely help both powers.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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?
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).
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe?

Ancient Laodicea

COGwriter

UCG reported the following in a letter from its current Council members late today:

December 9, 2010

Dear Fellow Brethren,

Some are saying that the Council of Elders has refused to discuss current issues and concerns, trying to create the impression that the Council is recalcitrant and unwilling to pursue reconciliation. The question is whether the Council has or has not been willing to meet to discuss the issues of the relocation to Texas, bloc voting, ethics, governing documents, alternate forums, etc.

The facts are that the Council of Elders has met repeatedly, no fewer than six times over the last three years, to discuss these issues with involved parties…

In Christ’s service,

The Council of Elders—[Scott Ashley, Bob Berendt, Aaron Dean, William Eddington, Roy Holladay, Victor Kubik, Darris McNeely, Melvin Rhodes (chairman), Mario Seiglie and Robin Webber] and Dennis Luker—president

The Council seems agitated to me (or at least whoever drafted that letter).

It also sent out something stating:

December 9, 2010

Dear Fellow Brethren,

In its Dec. 9 letter to ministers and members about there being only one UCGIA–affiliated church organization in Latin America, the Council of Elders noted that it continues to seek resolution of the situation in Latin America regarding former ministers and members.

UCG has issues. And governance and administration have long been part of them.

Any interested in supporting the remnant of the Philadelphia era of the COG should prayerfully check out LCG.

Those not interested will either remain part of UCG (or where ever they are), go with one of the former UCG break-away ministers/groups, go somewhere else, or drop out. God will hold all accountable for what they do and do not 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?
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.

,

Dibar Apartian shown sitting between COGwriter and my wife Joyce (his wife Shirley is to my right)

COGwriter

I just confirmed with LCG in Charlotte, NC,  that long-time evangelist Dibar Apartian died last night.

I also received an email from unofficial sources that included the following:

Another mighty oak has fallen. Our beloved friend and brother, Evangelist Dibar Krikor Apartian, has gone to a well-earned rest. Mr. Apartian lived to 94 years of age—24 years beyond King David who died “old and full of days” at age 70. The Eternal God used Mr. Apartian to raise up the Work of God in the French language and to oversee and guide that Work for many decades. Through his ministry in the French language, through his sermons and articles in English, and through his well-known personal love and graciousness, Mr. Apartian had a wonderful impact on the lives of many thousands of people around the world.—Roderick C. Meredith

Dibar Apartian lived into his mid-90s.  As many know, he was responsible for the French language work in the old WCG, the old GCG, and the current Living Church of God.  He also handled other aspects of Church Administration in and out of the USA for LCG.

For decades, he also taught French at the old Ambassador College (Pasadena, California campus).

His voice was well known throughout much of the French-speaking world as he did a radio program for decades in the French-language that was heard in several French-speaking nations.  His radio program for the Living Church of God was titled Le Monde Demain (Tomorrow’s World).  His last foreign trip was for the Feast of Tabernacles to the French-speaking island of Martinique.

Dibar Apartian and I have known each other for a long time and we counted each other as friends.  In one of our last conversations, he concluded with the words, “I love you”.  I was emotionally touched.

I, and countless others, will miss him.

Flag of the Taliban

COGwriter

A little over two years ago, the Al-Qaeda linked Taliban threatened France with an attack (see Taliban Threatens France).  Now, others expect some type of attack in Europe, by what some are calling Islamists:

The majority of Muslims are not Islamists, who believe in a society based on Islamic law, and not all of the latter are seeking world domination or are willing to use violence.

But fear of another Islamist-inspired atrocity after Madrid in 2004 — 191 dead — and London in 2005 — 53 dead — remains high.

Rightly so, according to Dr. John J. Le Beau, a former CIA officer and now professor of strategy and security studies at Germany’s George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies.

“It’s a mathematical certainty there will be a successful attack in Europe at some point,” he told msnbc.com. “The amount of attempted plots we see is not decreasing. I think what we have seen is a … strengthening of attempted attacks that in some cases have come pretty close.”

Le Beau, who cautioned that putting a figure on the number of Islamists was a “soft science,” estimated there were between 5,000 and 10,000 people in Europe “willing to engage in violence.”

In 2007, the German Central Institute Islam Archive said there were 53.7 million Muslims living in Europe.

A backlash is growing. Support for the far-right in normally liberal countries like Sweden and the Netherlands is on the rise. French lawmakers voted for a ban on full face veils…

Le Beau warned of “an incipient clash of cultures…I could see that leading to a spontaneous violent reaction on the part of others. Could this spin out of control? Sure,” he said…

Ghaffar Hussain once counted himself among London’s Islamists…Fears of a terrorist attack may have recently gripped Germany , but Hussain said authorities there had not done enough to minimize the risk.   http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40336911/ns/world_news-europe/

The reality is that it is likely that some on the fringes of Islam will attack parts of Europe.  These attacks will tend to galvanize the majority population against Islam in a greater way than has already been begun.  It will also likely help turn much of Europe to embrace a religion that will oppose Islam.  All of this might be part of what will set the stage for the peace deal in Daniel 9:27 that both biblical and Islamic prophecy seems to tell of.

I have been warning for some time that it was likely that civil unrest, riots, etc. of a significant nature will occur in Europe.  According to various prophecies, this type of unrest will apparently result in a strong military leader rising up (Revelation 13:1-4), and eventually be given power over the final European Beast power (Revelation 1712-13).

Now although Europe is considered to be secular, there are many trying to change that:

The Roman Catholic church has a special position, as the Vatican is at the same time a state. The EU has diplomatic relations with the Vatican, including an EU embassy. In past centuries, worldly and ecclesiastical powers were closely linked, and worldly rules sought divine legitimation of their reign.

Despite the official separation of church and state, in many Member States we still find traces of this century long cooperation. In contrast, the EU institutions have been purely secular from their inception. Attempts to insert a reference to the Judaeo-Christian roots in the EU Treaty failed. But the leaders of the EU institutions are seeking to create special ties between the EU and religion. Within the office of EU Commission President Barroso, a special unit has been set up for the “Relations with religion, churches and communities of conviction”. Barroso stages annual “Summits” with religious leaders.  http://www.neurope.eu/articles/The-need-for-a-secular-voice-in-the-European-Union/103690.php

Attacks by Islamists may be a factor in the EU deciding that it has not gone far enough to adopt various Vatican positions.

It may also be of interest to note that certain Catholic writers/mystics, in apparent denial of scripture, appear to look forward to to a time that a military leader that resembles the final biblical King of the North and Beast power rise up and fights Islam.  Notice the following:

Jean Paul Richter (died 1809): Through a terrible purgatory Europe will return to the faith. (Culleton, Nihil Obstat: L. Arvin.  Imprimatur: Philip G. Scher, Bishop of Monterey-Fresno, November 15, 1941.  Reprint 1974, TAN Books, Rockford (IL), p. 182)

Monk Hilarion (15th century): The people of the peninsula of Europe will suffer by needless wars until the Holy Man comes.  The Lion will come from a high mountain in the enlightened nation. (Dupont, Yves. Catholic Prophecy: The Coming Chastisement. TAN Books, Rockford (IL), 1973, pp. 21-22)

Rudolph Gekner (died 1675). A great prince of the North with a most powerful army will traverse all Europe, uproot all republics, and exterminate all rebels. His sword moved by Divine power will most valiantly defend the Church of Jesus Christ. He will combat on behalf of the true orthodox faith, and shall subdue to his dominion the Mahometan Empire. A new pastor of the universal church will come from the shore (of Dalmatia) through a celestial prodigy… (Cited in Connor, Edward. Prophecy for Today. Imprimatur + A.J. Willinger, Bishop of Monterey-Fresno; Reprint: Tan Books and Publishers, Rockford (IL), 1984, p.36).

Pseudo-Methodius (7th century): This new Muslim invasion will be a punishment without limit and mercy…In France, people of Christians will fight and kill them…At that same time the Muslims will be killed and they will know the tribulation…The Lord will give them to the powers of the Christians whose empire will be elevated above all empires…The Roman King (Great Monarch) will show a great indignation against those who will have denied Christ in Egypt or in Arabia (Araujo, Fabio R. Selected Prophecies and Prophets. BookSurge LLC, Charlestown (SC), 2007, pp. 101,103).

The Ecstatic of Tours…”The revolution will spread to every French town. Wholesale slaughter will take place. This revolution will last only a few months but it will be frightful; blood will flow everywhere because the malice of the wicked will reach its highest pitch. Victims will be inumerable. Paris will look like a slaughter-house. Persecutions against the Church will be even greater, but it will not last long…The French people will ask for the good King, he who was chosen by God. He will come, this saviour whom God has spared for France, this King who is not wanted now because he is dear to God’s Heart. He will ascend to the throne..” (Dupont, p.37)

Prophecy of Mayence Woe to thee, great city (Paris); woe to thee, city of vice! Fire and sword shall succeed fire and famine. Courage faithful souls! The reign of the dark shadow shall not have time to execute all its schemes. But the time of mercy approaches. A prince of the nation is in your midst. He is the man of salvation, the wise, the invincible, he shall count his enterprises by his victories. He shall drive the enemy out of France, he shall march from victory to victory, until the day of divine justice. (Tzima Otto, H.  The Great Monarch and WWIII in Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Scriptural Prophecies. Verenika Press, Rock City (SC), 2000, pp. 156-147)

Melanie Calvat (The Seeress of La Salette, 19th century). “After a frightful war a Great King will arise and his reign will be marked by a wonderful peace and a great religious revival.” (Dupont, p.13)

Brother Louis Rocco (19th century): All over Europe there will rage terrible civil wars…The German sections of Austria will join Germany, so will also the commercial cities of Belgium and Switzerland. A Catholic descendant of a German imperial house will rule a united Germany with peace, prosperity and great power, for God will be with this sovereign (the Great Monarch?)…A Great Monarch will arise after a period of terrible wars and persecutions in Europe. He will be a Catholic… (Culleton, The Prophets and Our Times, p. 195).

When such a military leader rises up, I am concerned that instead of looking at the warnings of sacred scripture (including those that warns against  a prince, Daniel 9:26-27, who becomes the king of the north invading the south in Daniel 11:40), many will overlook them for the statements of various mystics.  While we are not quite to the point of having such large scale riots and terrorism in Europe yet, we are getting close.

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?
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.
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?
Is There A Future King of the South? Some no longer believe there needs to be. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? Might this King be called the Mahdi? What does the Bible say?
The Arab and Islamic World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam? What about the Imam Mahdi? What lies ahead for Turkey, Iran, and the other non-Arabic Muslims?

COGwriter

US President Barack Obama tried to defend his latest tax and spend bill:

Obama tries to quell Dem rebellion on tax cut deal

By Lisa Mascaro…

WASHINGTON — President Obama mounted a hard sell Tuesday for his proposed tax cut compromise, moving to quell a growing rebellion among congressional Democrats while appealing directly to the American people about the economic urgency of a deal that mostly pleases Republicans.

Congressional Democrats have yet to embrace the nearly $900 billion deal, and opposition within the president’s own party could force the administration to try to enact the tax cuts package with a bipartisan coalition made up mostly of Republicans…

“It’s very troubling for all of us,” said Rep. John Larson (D-Conn.), the No. 4 in party leadership. The deal would extend the Bush-era tax cuts across the board, even for the wealthiest earners, which angered liberals.

“I think a ransom was paid and it was a very high price,” said Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.), among the wealthiest members of Congress...

The bulk of the package is not offset by revenues or spending cuts elsewhere, presenting another obstacle to deficit-weary lawmakers battered in mid-term elections by voters concerned over spending and debt.  http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/wire/sc-dc-1208-democrats-taxcuts-20101207,0,7476688.story

The bill basically will stop many (but not all) tax increases from going into effect in 2011, will provide lower payroll taxes for all on payrolls, and extend unemployment benefits for many.

And it may  increase the deficit.  $900 billion is the number guessed (I suspect that this number is too high, though it will have a cost) here and $600-900 billion for QE2 (quantitative easing by the Fed announced a few weeks ago).   After a while it adds up to a lot of money.  Money that will somehow have to be borrowed/pledged (directly or indirectly).   The more the government borrows, the more pressure will ultimately be placed on interest rates which will eventually create havoc for the USA.  And of course, inflation tends to be caused by increasing the money supply without a proportionate increase in productive goods and services.

The Bible warns about an end time people that borrows too much:

3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry…5 Indeed, because he transgresses by wine, He is a proud man… 6 “Will not all these take up a proverb against him, And a taunting riddle against him, and say, ‘Woe to him who increases What is not his–how long? And to him who loads himself with many pledges’? 7 Will not your creditors rise up suddenly? Will they not awaken who oppress you? And you will become their booty. 8 Because you have plundered many nations, All the remnant of the people shall plunder you (Habakkuk 2:3,5,6-8).

The above prophecy will be fulfilled at the time of the end (cf. “The message was true, but the appointed time was long…in the latter days, for the vision refers to many days yet to come”, Daniel 10:1,14). Daniel 8:19, 11:27,29,35 use same the Hebrew term for “appointed time” as Habakkuk 2:3, while Daniel 10, using a different term, ties the latter days to the time in Daniel 8:19. Habakkuk 2 was not fulfilled in its entirety anciently. Also, it makes little sense that Habakkuk would be directed towards the modern nation of Israel as it does not have enemy creditors. It must be a nation or group of nations with some prominence at the appointed time of the end.

This problem will cause sudden destruction among those who are spiritually drunk:

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

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

Notice how Ezekiel’s writings confirm that those who made profits improper will be punished:

13 “Behold, therefore, I beat My fists at the dishonest profit which you have made, and at the bloodshed which has been in your midst. 14 Can your heart endure, or can your hands remain strong, in the days when I shall deal with you? I, the Lord, have spoken, and will do it. 15 I will scatter you among the nations, disperse you throughout the countries, and remove your filthiness completely from you. (Ezekiel 22:13-15)

Borrowing money that will not be paid back is a “dishonest profit” which the American and British peoples (who are also in debt, nearly the highest per capita debt in the world) have been living on for the past several years. They will be scattered for this and their filthiness (see also Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided?). Sexual immorality and abortion are simply some outward signs of this filthiness.

Evangelist Dr. D. Winnail of the Living Church of God wrote about the suddenness of what will happen:

Handwriting on the Wall! On July 4, the United States, currently the most powerful nation in the world, celebrated 234 years of independence. The following day, on Monday, July 5, British-born Harvard professor and economic historian Niall Ferguson opened the 2010 Aspen Ideas Festival with a stark warning that the American “empire” could suddenly collapse—possibly within the next two years—due to the country’s rising debt! (Winnail W. LCG World Ahead Weekly Update, July 8, 2010)

The U.S. and the British-descended peoples have enjoyed living off the resources of the world, but the prophet Habakkuk warns: “… Will not your creditors rise up suddenly? Will they not awaken who oppress you? And you will become their booty. Because you have plundered many nations, all the remnant of the people shall plunder you” (Habakkuk 2:7–8). (Winnail D. Sudden Calamities Ahead! Tomorrows’ World, Volume 10, Issue 5. Sept-Oct, 2008)

Hebrew prophets also warned repeatedly that the future demise of God’s chosen Israelite peoples would come “suddenly” and unexpectedly (Isaiah 9:14–15; 29:5; 30:13; Jeremiah 6:26; 15:8). Modern financial analysts realize this could happen if the nations lending to America decide to dump the dollar and call their loans. The prophet Habakkuk’s warning…, “Will not your creditors rise up suddenly?” (Habakkuk 2:7)—may also ring true for debt-plagued nations like America and its Israelite cousins. Prophetic scripture contains a sobering message: debt and disobedience lead to the demise of nations! (Winnail, D. Debt, Disobedience and Demise of Nations. Tomorrows’ World, Volume 12, Issue 2. March-April 2010, p. 27)

Yet it is the the United States and its Anglo-allies that have loaded pledges of debt in these end times that they really do not expect to pay back. In that respect they have recently plundered many nations. And while much is owed to nations such as China, Japan, and the Arab World, the Europeans have trillions of dollars invested in the USA–money they may be disappointed to have devalued. Enough so that they may divide the land among themselves and other creditors.

No nation in the history of the world has had as much total debt as the USA and it appears that this debt will increase.  A while back, President Obama properly stated that the USA debt was “unsustainable”, yet it has increased dramatically in the past  2 1/2 years or so (and yes, this increased debt rate began BEFORE Barack Obama was elected).  And the rate of debt increase seems to have accelerated in the past 1 1/2 years even more than it did prior.

Now, I suspect that one of the reasons that President Obama did this tax and unemployment deal was to assist him should he run for re-election in 2012 (the “tax cuts” only last until the end of that year).  Because of this deal, he will legitimately be able to claim that he cut taxes for nearly every American (the reinstatement of a new death tax, which this bill also contains, will raise taxes for some), and perhaps distance himself from the “tax and spend” label some have tagged him with.  He also will likely claim that he is compassionate because of his support of extending unemployment benefits for many without jobs.

All of this,  however, may come with a cost.  A cost that he and the bulk of the Republican politicians and Democratic politicians simply do not imagine is possible.  Turning to God by way of national repentance is the only way to prevent this, and it does not appear that the leaders of the USA understand that (cf. Isaiah 9:16).

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.