Church of God News

Greek Riots, 2008

COGwriter

There have been protests in Greece related to the proposed austerity programs there:

After the crisis, a worldwide rise in unrest?

Reuters – Feb 28, 2011

LONDON (Reuters) – With the Middle East in turmoil, other authoritarian states jumpy and post-crisis economic pain prompting protest in western Europe and elsewhere, some suspect a systemic rise in worldwide unrest might just be beginning.  http://af.reuters.com/article/libyaNews/idAFLDE71R0NO20110228?sp=true

For the past couple of months, LCG’s Roderick C. Meredith has been warning that civil unrest would be coming to the USA.  And, perhaps I should add that these messages were mainly in sermons that were taped prior to the unrest in Egypt.

The Book of Revelation tells about the red horseman of war:

3 When He opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, “Come and see.”  4 Another horse, fiery red, went out. And it was granted to the one who sat on it to take peace from the earth, and that people should kill one another; and there was given to him a great sword.  (Revelation 6:3-4)

Is more peace being taken from the earth these days?

Jesus taught that wars and rumors of war, of themselves, meant we were on the way to the end, but that that occurrence was not the end:

6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. (Matthew 24:6)

Currently there is a lot of unrest, rumors, and threats of wars.

The Bible warns about food shortages and nation fighting nation before the end comes (Matthew 24).  Food shortages, food inflation, higher oil prices, ethnic issues, sovereign debt, and governmental plans to reign in costs all will likely be factors in causing unrest.

As far as Europe goes, I warned about how its debt might affect it a while ago (see 5 September 2010 post titled Civil War in Greece?) as I wrote, “Austerity measures in Europe will likely cause civil unrest”.

More civil unrest in Europe is expected. Places such as France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Ireland, and Eastern Europe have potential for this occurrence. In addition to austerity measures, Islamic protests and immigration related issues will also likely be factors in flaming protests and devastating riots. Expanded civil unrest may have major impacts on the euro and on Europe itself. It is highly likely to propel a European leader to rise up. The final leader will be the one known as the Beast (Revelation 13:3-4) and final King of the North (Daniel 11:22-44) of Bible prophecy.

Additionally, in my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect, I discussed the possibility of civil unrest and/or civil war breaking out in Europe. Here are a couple of captions from the 2009 book about that:

Some believe that God will punish the nominal Catholics with civil unrest and war in Europe. As there already has been civil unrest in Europe (and according to secular sources, more is expected), it is possible that the following (to some degree) also may come to pass:..

Monk Hilarion (15^th century): “The people of the peninsula of Europe will suffer by needless wars…”

Brother Louis Rocco (19th century): “All over Europe there will rage terrible civil wars…A Great Monarch will arise after a period of terrible wars and persecutions in Europe.”

Some believe this civil unrest will result in the rise of a militaristic leader who will quell that particular violence, establish a new religious order, and reign with a pope who will perform miracles…

One interesting 15^th century Catholic prophecy foretells a time when a “great prince” will rise up. “All Germany” will apparently convert to the ecumenical religion, and then massive conversions in “all countries” “will happen quickly…

The descriptions of the Great Monarch/Prince in many ways parallel the description of one the Bible refers to as the “prince” in Daniel 9:26–27, final “King of the North” in Daniel 11:27–45…

World events are aligning with prophecy. There will be ups and downs in Europe until the final European beast power rises up. The protests may turn quite violent and this may be a major trigger for the rise of the prophesied final King of the North.

As far as the Middle East goes, this unrest, as I have been reporting, will likely ultimately lead to the rise of the King of the South (my 2012 book also mentions food shortages and the rise of the King of the South).

China, as LCG has long suggested, will likely have its own unrest as well.  And there may be unrest in other parts of Asia and Africa.

The USA will face a series of problems, mainly brought on by itself, as well as its sins and debt.  Civil unrest and real hunger will ultimately hit the USA.  Unrest and hunger will occur in the Great Tribulation, but also likely before it in the “beginning of sorrows”.

The world is changing and unrest will likely worsen.  And partially because of it, the final King of the North will rise up.  If Europe “catches” the unrest from the Middle East, this could happen relatively soon there.

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?
2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect This is a link related to a book by Bob Thiel (COGwriter). This also has YouTube videos. This book documents and explains hundreds of prophecies. And since it was published, many have already started to come to pass.
2012 y el surgimiento de la secta secreta 2012 libro del Dr. Thiel en Español.
2012 und das Auftreten der geheimen Sekte (German Edition) 2012 Buch von Dr. Thiel in deutscher Sprache.
2012 e o Surgimento da Seita Secreta (Portuguese Edition) 2012 livro do Dr. Thiel em Português. Este livro documenta e explica centenas de profecias. E desde que foi publicado pela primeira vez, pelo menos 14 já começaram a acontecer.

COGwriter

What is the purpose of your life?  Does God have a plan for you personally?

Yes, but it is different than many have believed.

Jesus taught:

And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise (Luke 6:31).

Jesus also taught:

It is more blessed to give than to receive. (Acts 20:35)

Since we are to be blessed, this means that we are to be givers.

You may be thinking, “well I have heard some of this before from some religion”, what is MY purpose? Who am I? Why me?

YOU are unique. You are one who can give love in a unique way. Ultimately God has special plans for YOU personally. YOU are not the same as everyone else.

The Bible makes it clear that we are not all the same and are not to contribute the same way, and it uses the analogy of the body in 1 Corinthians 12:12-23 to do so:

For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body–whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free–and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. For in fact the body is not one member but many. If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. And if they were all one member, where would the body be? But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary.

Yes, YOU, whether strong or weak, are necessary. God’s plan includes a plan for YOU! Yes, you.

You are to receive and you to give love.

This is the true Christian meaning of life.

In the Old Testament, Job understood that God had a plan for him when he stated to God, “You shall desire the work of Your hands (Job 14:15). What Job meant was that after he was resurrected (this is discussed in the verses prior) Job knew that God had a meaning of life for him personally.

In the New Testament, Jesus taught the same thing. When He taught,

In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself (John 14:2-3).

Jesus was saying that He would prepare a place for YOU if you were one of the Father’s children.

Furthermore, notice the following:

But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked (1 John 2:5-6)

In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another (1 John 4:9-11).

We are to love and receive love.

Those who are depressed about the suffering in today’s world need to understand that the Bible teaches,

God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away (Revelation 21:3-4).

And the happiness we will experience will be beyond that which humans can imagine (1 Corinthians 2:9).

God’s plan for you is to show you love through the forgiveness of sins, to ultimately reveal His loving plan of salvation to all, to give you more than you can even imagine, and for you to be able to show love to others throughout eternity.  That is God’s purpose for your life.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Is God’s Existence Logical? Some say it is not logical to believe in God. Is that true?
Is Evolution Probable or Impossible or Is God’s Existence Logical? Part II This short article clearly answers what ‘pseudo-scientists’ refuse to acknowledge.
Where Did God Come From? Any ideas? And how has God been able to exist? Who is God?
How is God Omnipotent, Omnipresent, and Omniscient? Here is a biblical article by Wallace Smith which answers what many really wonder about it.
What is the Meaning of Life? Who does God say is happy? What is your ultimate destiny? Do you really know? Does God actually have a plan for YOU personally?
The Bible: Fact or Fiction? This is a booklet written by Douglas Winnail that answers if the Bible is just a collection of myths and legends or the inspired word of God.
Deification: Did the Early Church Teach That Christians Would Become God? What does the Bible teach? Is deification only a weird or cultic idea?

Berlin Reichstag

COGwriter

Germany flexed some of its economic muscle recently and LCG reported the following in its announcements yesterday:

Germany Buying the New York Stock Exchange. In 2007, the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) bought the European Stock operator Euronext. Now, Deutsche Börse, the German Stock market, is in “advanced talks” to purchase the NYSE. This deal will require approval by both the United States government and the European Union. NYSE Euronext’s markets include stock exchanges in the U.S., Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam. A merger with the Deutsche Börse will create the world’s largest stock exchange. The combined group would initially have dual headquarters in New York and Frankfurt (www.thelocal.de, February 9, 2011; Times, February 16, 2011; CNNmoney.com, February 15, 2011). If the deal goes through, Frankfurt will replace London as the world’s “financial center” (Times, February 9, 2011) and give Germany controlling ownership in the stock exchanges in three other European nations and the U.S. It is worth noting that Bible prophecies reveal that the Beast-dominated religious system (Revelation 17 and 18) will also be an economic system that will, for a time, make the nations of the earth rich! God warned through Ezekiel that the Israelite-descended nations will one day be delivered into the hand of the Assyrians/Germans (Ezekiel 23:1-10). German control of the New York Stock Exchange, could lead to the fulfillment of these ancient prophecies. For more information on this subject request or download our free booklet, The Beast of Revelation.

I suspect by buying this, in a sense, Germany may ultimately feel betrayed when the USA collapses and will hold the USA accountable for that collapse.  This may be part of its ultimate” justification” for invasion.

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”?
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?
Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North? Could He Become “the Beast”? What makes the German Defense Minister a candidate?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? 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?

COGwriter

Thraseas was a martyr, as well as Quartodeciman Christian leader, in Asia Minor in the second century.

Quartodecimans kept Passover (please see the article on Passover) on the 14th of Ahib (also known as Nisan), in spite of the preferences of Roman Bishops who preferred a Sunday date which ultimately became Easter Sunday (Did Early Christians Celebrate Easter?).

There is not a lot of information on Thraseas as no clear writings from him seem to be available. But since he was written about by others, we can get some idea of his beliefs.

Apollonius

Thraseas apparently knew Apollonius, a church leader in Ephesus. Eusebius reports:

This same Apollonius states in the same work that, at the time of his writing, it was the fortieth year since Montanus had begun his pretended prophecy. And he says also that Zoticus, who was mentioned by the former writer, when Maximilla was pretending to prophesy in Pepuza, resisted her and endeavored to refute the spirit that was working in her; but was prevented by those who agreed with her. He mentions also a certain Thraseas among the martyrs of that time (Eusebius. Church History, Book V, Chapter 18).

An Anti-Montantist

According to The Catholic Encyclopedia, Thraseas was an anti-Montantist:

…the martyr-Bishop Thraseas, another adversary of Montanism (Grey F.W. Transcribed by Paul-Dominique Masiclat, O.P. Apollonius of Ephesus. The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume I. Copyright © 1907 by Robert Appleton Company. Online Edition Copyright © 2003 by K. Knight. Nihil Obstat, March 1, 1907. Remy Lafort, S.T.D., Censor. Imprimatur. +John Cardinal Farley, Archbishop of New York).

Of the Montanists, according to The Catholic Encyclopedia:

the date of Thraseas is therefore about 160, and the origin of Montanism must be yet earlier…We hear of no false doctrines at first…St. Jerome’s account, written in 384…describes them as Sabellians in their idea of the Trinity (Chapman J. Transcribed by Robert B. Olson. Montanists. The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume X. Copyright © 1911 by Robert Appleton Company. Online Edition Copyright © 2003 by K. Knight. Nihil Obstat, October 1, 1911. Remy Lafort, S.T.D., Censor. Imprimatur. +John Cardinal Farley, Archbishop of New York).

One of the so-called Montanist Oracles was:

“I am the Father and the Son and the Paraclete.” (Didymus, De trinitate iii. 41. 1.) (Assembled in P. de Labriolle, La crise montaniste (1913), 34-105, by Bates College, Lewston (Maine) http://abacus.bates.edu/Faculty/Philosophy%20and%20Religion/rel_241/texts/montanism.html 01/31/06).

This is one of the first references to a trinitarian view of the Godhead (the other earliest one was from the heretic Valentinus). The paraclete is a term used to signify the Holy Spirit (it is from the Greek term parakletos).

Since the true Church of God is binitarian, it is logical that any affiliated with it would have opposed any trinitarian teachings. Roman leaders seemed to be tolerant of the Montanists until sometime after Thraseas and others in Asia Minor condemned them (Rome finally condemned the Montanists, but not for this doctrine).

A Martyr from Eumenia

Thraseas is believed to have been martyred for his faith around 160 A.D. as The Catholic Encyclopedia concluded:

…the martyr Thraseas, mentioned chronologically between Polycarp (155) and Sagaris (under Sergius Paulus, 166-7) in the letter of Polycrates to Pope Victor; the date of Thraseas is therefore about 160 (Chapman J. Transcribed by Robert B. Olson. Montanists. The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume X. Copyright © 1911 by Robert Appleton Company. Online Edition Copyright © 2003 by K. Knight. Nihil Obstat, October 1, 1911. Remy Lafort, S.T.D., Censor. Imprimatur. +John Cardinal Farley, Archbishop of New York).

Here is some of what is recorded about ancient Eumenia:

Eumenia A titular see of Phrygia Pacatiana in Asia Minor, and suffragan to Hierapolis. It was founded by Attalus II Philadelphus (159-138 B.C.) at the sources of the Cludrus and near the Glaucus, on the site of the modern Ishekli, the centre of a nahie in the vilayet of Brusa (1000 inhabitants). The new city was named by its founder after his brother Eumenes. Numerous inscriptions and many coins remain to show that Eumenia was an important and prosperous city under Roman rule. On its coins it boasts of its Achaean origin…Its bishop and martyr, St. Thraseas (Euseb., H.E., V, xxiv) (Petrides S. Transcribed by Gerald M. Knight. Eumenia. The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume V. Copyright © 1909 by Robert Appleton Company. Online Edition Copyright © 2003 by K. Knight. Nihil Obstat, May 1, 1909. Remy Lafort, Censor. Imprimatur. +John M. Farley, Archbishop of New York).

Although he was from Eumenia, Thraseas was, according to Polycrates and Jerome, martyred in Smyrna:

Thraseas of Eumenia also, bishop and martyr, rests in the same Smyrna (Jerome. De Viris Illustribus (On Illustrious Men). Excerpted from Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Second Series, Volume 3. Edited by Philip Schaff and Henry Wace. American Edition, 1892. Online Edition Copyright © 2005 by K. Knight).

There is also a mention of him in a questionable book called The Life of Polycarp (a book that, if it was based on some truths in the second century, it was changed–at least slightly–in the fourth century). Here is the one comment:

So having taken the body of the blessed Bucolus to Smyrna to the cemetery in front of the Ephesian Royal gate, and placed it where recently a myrtle tree sprung up after the burial of the body of Thraseas the martyr, when all was over, they offered bread for Bucolus and the rest (Pionius, Life of Polycarp, Chapter 20. Translated by J. B. Lightfoot, The Apostolic Fathers, vol. 3.2, 1889, pp.488-506).

A Quartodeciman

Polycrates mentions that Thraseas was among those who observed the Passover on the date that was handed down from scriptures and the Apostle John, and thus, that he did not change to Sunday when some in Rome did. The Catholic writer Eusebius recorded that Polycrates of Ephesus, around 195 A.D. wrote the following to the Roman Bishop Victor who wanted all who professed Christ to change Passover from the 14th of Nisan to Sunday:

We observe the exact day; neither adding, nor taking away. For in Asia also great lights have fallen asleep, which shall rise again on the day of the Lord’s coming, when he shall come with glory from heaven, and shall seek out all the saints. Among these are Philip, one of the twelve apostles, who fell asleep in Hierapolis; and his two aged virgin daughters, and another daughter, who lived in the Holy Spirit and now rests at Ephesus; and, moreover, John, who was both a witness and a teacher, who reclined upon the bosom of the Lord, and, being a priest, wore the sacerdotal plate. He fell asleep at Ephesus. And Polycarp in Smyrna, who was a bishop and martyr; and Thraseas, bishop and martyr from Eumenia, who fell asleep in Smyrna. Why need I mention the bishop and martyr Sagaris who fell asleep in Laodicea, or the blessed Papirius, or Melito, the Eunuch who lived altogether in the Holy Spirit, and who lies in Sardis, awaiting the episcopate from heaven, when he shall rise from the dead? All these observed the fourteenth day of the passover according to the Gospel, deviating in no respect, but following the rule of faith. And I also, Polycrates, the least of you all, do according to the tradition of my relatives, some of whom I have closely followed. For seven of my relatives were bishops; and I am the eighth. And my relatives always observed the day when the people put away the leaven. I, therefore, brethren, who have lived sixty-five years in the Lord, and have met with the brethren throughout the world, and have gone through every Holy Scripture, am not affrighted by terrifying words. For those greater than I have said ‘ We ought to obey God rather than man’ (Eusebius. Church History, Book V, Chapter 24. Translated by Arthur Cushman McGiffert. Excerpted from Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Series Two, Volume 1. Edited by Philip Schaff and Henry Wace. American Edition, 1890. Online Edition Copyright © 2004 by K. Knight).

Notice that Polycrates said that he and the other early church leaders (like the Apostles Philip and John, and their successors like Polycarp, Thraseas, Sagaris, Papirius, Melito) would not deviate from the Bible, and that they knew the Bible taught them to keep the Passover on the correct date, and not on a Sunday. Polycrates also reminded the Roman bishop that true followers of Christ “obey God rather than men”.

Hence it is clear that throughout the second century, that Thraseas and the churches in Asia Minor continued to observe the Passover on the 14th of Nisan, unlike the Romans.

In the Hierarchy of the Church

Interestingly, although he is not in the list of Bishops of Rome (since he was not Roman, that is logical), Thraseas is mentioned in the article on titled Hierarchy of the Early Church in The Catholic Encyclopedia:

A. Mention of Bishops by Polycrates

In a synodal letter written by Polycrates of Ephesus about the year 190 this bishop, sixty-five years of age, speaks of seven of his relatives who had been bishops before him. Besides these he mentions Polycarp and Papirius of Smyrna, Thraseas of Eumenea, Sagaris of Laodicea and Melito of Sardes (Eusebius, “Hist. Eccles.”, v, 24, 2 sq.) (Borkowski S. De Dunin. Transcribed by Douglas J. Potter. Hierarchy of the Early Church. The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume VII. Copyright © 1910 by Robert Appleton Company. Online Edition Copyright © 2003 by K. Knight. Nihil Obstat, June 1, 1910. Remy Lafort, S.T.D., Censor. Imprimatur. +John Cardinal Farley, Archbishop of New York).

Furthermore, the historian/theologian of the late 2nd/early 3rd century, Tertullian notes:

Anyhow the heresies are at best novelties, and have no continuity with the teaching of Christ. Perhaps some heretics may claim Apostolic antiquity: we reply: Let them publish the origins of their churches and unroll the catalogue of their bishops till now from the Apostles or from some bishop appointed by the Apostles, as the Smyrnaeans count from Polycarp and John, and the Romans from Clement and Peter; let heretics invent something to match this (Tertullian. Liber de praescriptione haereticorum. Circa 200 A.D. as cited in Chapman J. Transcribed by Lucy Tobin. Tertullian. The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume XIV. Copyright © 1912 by Robert Appleton Company. Online Edition Copyright © 2003 by K. Knight. Nihil Obstat, July 1, 1912. Remy Lafort, S.T.D., Censor. Imprimatur. +John Cardinal Farley, Archbishop of New York).

Since Thraseas died in Smyrna, it appears likely that Tertullian considered Thraseas was one in succession in that region.

These two quotes, suggest, to me at least, that the Roman Catholics at least indirectly acknowledge that there was a hierarchy of apostolic succession in the church in Asia Minor, that included Thraseas.

Concluding Comments

Since Thraseas taught against the Montanist heretics as did Quartodecimans Apollinaris and Apollonius, and apparently believed that one needed to heed scripture, and was apparently approved by the Christian Polycrates wrote, it appears that Thraseas was a true Christian and that he was part of the true Church of God.

But even if he was not, the writings about him suggest a theology closer to that held by the Living Church of God, than the Orthodox or Catholic faiths. And that helps demonstrate that it is the COGs who hold positions most consistent with truly orthodox Christianity, than the majority who now profess Christianity do.

An article of related interest may include:

The History of Early Christianity Are you aware that what most people believe is not what truly happened to the true Christian church? Do you know where the early church was based? Do you know what were the doctrines of the early church? Is your faith really based upon the truth or compromise?

GLONASS Logo

COGwriter

Russia took another step towards increasing power in space:

Russia launches navigation system satellite

Moscow hopes satellite will challenge dominant U.S. Global Positioning System

Reuters – Feb 26, 2011

MOSCOW — Russia launched on Saturday one of the final satellites needed to complete a space-based navigation system, which Moscow hopes will challenge the dominant U.S. Global Positioning System (GPS).

The satellite, Glonass-K…

Moscow is hoping the navigation technology Glonass will create a revolution in domestic consumer technology, with applications expected to be used in mobile telephones and automobiles.

Without Glonass, Russia’s military fears that it is at the mercy of the United States, which it says could block or blur its GPS signal in a time of crisis…http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41796868/ns/technology_and_science-space/

Russia’s Glonass may still have some issues, but it is part of Russia’s plan to remain a major military power. And unlike the USA, it seems more determined to upgrade its space systems in order to do so.

The USA is having trouble with its GPS system and announced that it intends to link up Europe’s upcoming Galileo for part of its defense needs (see USA GPS and EU Galileo linking was expected). By doing so, the USA is making itself vulnerable from hostilities that could arise from the Europeans.   This is something I warned about, prior to it happening, in my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect.  The Europeans could, and likely will, block the USA’s ability to utilize some or all of Galileo/GPS when it needs to counter-attack Europe.

The USA is getting more vulnerable to satellite disruption while the Europeans and Russians are each getting less vulnerable.

Some items of related interest may include:

Russia: Its Origins and Prophesied Future 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?
2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect This is a link related to a book by Bob Thiel (COGwriter) that attempts to explain where many prophetic and world events are leading. This also has YouTube videos related to 2012. World events have aligned with at least 11 predictions in it since it was released in September 2009.

An animal horn trumpet.

COGwriter

In his commentary today, LCG’s Wyatt Ciesielkahas the following:

But what about the rapture, the 144,000, the Great Multitude, etc.?  What is real?  Who should we strive to be?

Nowhere does Scripture teach a “secret rapture.”  Christ will not secretly return to spirit away His servants into heaven before the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord.  This completely contradicts numerous Scriptures, including Matthew 24:26-31.  Notice 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 – both the dead and those alive will be raised incorruptible at the last trumpet! The “last trumpet” is after the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord – not before.

Scripture does reveal a group of 144,000.  Who are they?  Revelation 7:3-4 describes the 144,000 sealed from the physical tribes of Israel.  But, when are they sealed?  First, these physical Israelites endure the Great Tribulation and Satan’s wrath!  They are not counted worthy of God’s protection during the Great Tribulation (v.  14)!  But then, after the Great Tribulation, they are mercifully “sealed” during the Day of the Lord.

Scripture also reveals a “Great Multitude” (Revelation 7:9).  Unlike the 144,000, this “Great Multitude” comes from every nation, every language and every tribe.  But notice that, similar to the 144,000, many of these people also come out of the Great Tribulation.  They complete the martyrdom described in Revelation 6:11.  Just like the 144,000, they did not escape Satan’s wrath.

Must one enter into the Kingdom of God through the Great Tribulation?  Is there another way?

Revelation 3:7-13 describes God’s faithful Church at the end of this age.  These Christians earnestly strive to “imitate Jesus” in how they live and worship (1 Corinthians 11:1).  They are not perfect, but they strive to “walk as He walked” (1 John 2:6).  They practice love, and all the fruits of the Spirit.  And there is something else unique about these Christians.  They are zealous.  They are doing something.

They understand the “key of David” which includes understanding proper godly church government and also what is prophesied for modern Israel (compare Revelation 3:7-8 to Isaiah 22:21-22).  They are not distracted with the cares of this world.  They are not distracted by church politics.  They are focused.

These Christians are zealously doing the work of preaching the gospel (compare the “open door” in Revelation 3:8 with 2 Corinthians 2:12).  Just like Jesus, their “food” is to proclaim the gospel message of the coming Kingdom of God (John 4:34)!  They imitate Christ in this (1 Corinthians 11:1).

These zealous Philadelphian Christians receive God’s protection before the Great Tribulation!  They are also counted worthy to marry Christ and become trusted pillars in His Kingdom (Revelation 3:12).

The end of this age is indeed fast approaching.  Christ will return (John 14:3).  At His return, who and where will we be?

Many misunderstand end time prophecy. In LCG, we try to show people what the Bible teaches.

For more details on several of the subjects in the commentary, please check out the following articles:

Is There A Secret Rapture for the Church? When and Where is the Church Protected? What does the Bible really teach? 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.
The 18 Restored Truths: Do You Know What the First Changes the Tkach Administration Made? Some have said healing, others other subjects, but probably the first change had to do with eliminating being part of the Philadelphia era. This article documents what those changes were and compares the Tkach list of restored truths to Herbert W. Armstrong’s list of restored truths. It contains many quotes from Herbert W. Armstrong.
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?
Do You Believe God Used Herbert W. Armstrong to Raise Up the Philadelphia Era of the Church of God? Nearly everyone while in WCG used to believe this, most do not seem to anymore.
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?
What is a True Philadelphian? Many claim to be part of the Philadelphia era of the Church, but is claiming enough? This article has biblical and historical evidence about who really are the Philadelphians.
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2011, 2012, or 2013? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before 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?
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.

VS.

COGwriter

Today I went to self-appointed prophet & witness Ronald Weinland’s website.  He finally has posted another letter :

February 25, 2011

Seven months have now passed since my last posting. It has been a little over two years since the Seventh Seal of Revelation was opened. More incredible yet is the reality that in about 15 months from now, Jesus Christ is going to return to this earth…

Judgment Can No Longer Be Delayed…

But God’s righteous judgment must NOW be executed in order for His Kingdom to be established at the coming of His Son on May 27, 2012…

Since the beginning of this year, the Thunders of Revelation have become louder and are now overlapping each other…

Total Collapse

The book, 2008—God’s Final Witness, revealed that 2008 was God’s last great warning to mankind. We have now entered the year for total economic collapse, with worldwide tribulation and destruction…

Earthquakes, extremes in weather, destruction of crops, economic turmoil and uncertainty, government uprisings, inflation, terrorism, and many other calamities are about to increase manyfold {sic} over.

While some heard his warning (mainly on the internet) a few years ago, the vast majority of people have never heard of him.

While I used to report about him regularly, Ronald Weinland simply is making little impact these days (and never made the impact that one of God’s two witnesses would be expected to sometimes make). For those who do not know him, Ron Weinland is a former UCG minister who declared himself a prophet, then one of the two witnesses, then an apostle, and also the Elijah to come.

Despite his bold titles and statements, the popularity of his Ronald Weinland website has plummeted.   Today, the Alexa ranking for that website was 1,300,095.  This means that 1,300,094 websites were more popular than his.  It also means that the Ronald Weinland website reaches a fraction of what the COGwriter website reaches (COGwriter.com’s Alexa ranking today was 148,406).  Actually, Alexa suggests that probably at least twice as many people go and read articles at the COGwriter website than Ronald Weinland’s personal site, his church site (CGPFK, Alexa 1,454,526), and his prophecy site (the-end, Alexa 257,916) ALL combined.

Since he is claiming to be one of the two witnesses and claiming that the Great Tribulation began on December 14, 2008 (after originally insisting that it began on April 17, 2008), one who think he would have greater impact.  Sadly, in addition to deluding himself and his followers, Ronald Weinland continues to confuse events that may be associated with the “beginning of sorrows” (Matthew 24:8) with the “great tribulation” (Matthew 24:21) that begins after it.

Notice what Jesus said about the “beginning of sorrows”:

4 And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you.  5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.  6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.  7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.  8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.  (Matthew 24:4-8, NKJV)

It is NOT until after the persecutions, other events, and fleeing shown in Matthew 24:9-20 , that the Great Tribulation begins (vs. 21).  Those following Ronald Weinland should carefully notice that Jesus warned against being deceived by the same type of events that apparently Ronald Weinland has misunderstood.

The fact that the events of the Great Tribulation have still not began has not caused enough of his followers to experience disbelief yet.

Here is some of what one of his books states about the two witnesses:

Notice: “And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth” (Revelation 11:3). The symbolism of “sackcloth” is given because these two will be filled with humility (Weinland, Ronald. 2008 – God’s Final Witness. Copyright © 2006 by the-end.com, inc., Cincinnati. Published October, 2006, pp.21-22).

And if any man will hurt them, fire proceeds out of their mouth and devours their enemies, and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed. They have power to shut heaven so that it does not rain in the days of their prophecy, and they have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will. (Revelation 11:5-6)…

The fire proceeding out of their mouth is symbolic of the power to pronounce exacting judgments upon anyone who would do them harm (2008 – God’s Final Witness, p. 89).

While it is remotely possible that the two witnesses will not wear actual physical sackcloth, Revelation 11:13 is not speaking of just humility, but specifically that the clothing of the two witnesses will not be fancy–probably in contrast to the beast, who is likely to be flashy/wealthy in appearance. And in particular, I also suspect that the two witnesses actually will sometimes wear some literal sackcloth, at least at times. And that they will wear at least some black while they are publicly warning the world. I also believe that they will actually perform miracles, such as fire from them devouring their enemies–I do not believe that the fire mentioned in the Bible is only symbolic.

Yet, Ronald Weinland has no power and has performed none of the miracles that the Bible says that the two witnesses would do. His followers apparently have disbelief in the literal word of God.  Also notice another of his writings:

I am to announce, through God’s direct revelation, that I am one of those two witnesses. The other witness will be revealed to the world during the time of the great tribulation—within the final three and one-half years of man’s era (Weinland, Ronald. 2008 – God’s Final Witness. Copyright © 2006 by the-end.com, inc., Cincinnati. Published October, 2006, p.16).

Well, the above is another false statement and false prophecy. Not only is Ronald Weinland not one of the two witnesses, he “revealed” that his wife was the other of his witnesses on April 17-19, 2008. Yet, since he now insists that the Great Tribulation did not begin until December 14, 2008, his prophecy about the timing of the revealing of the other witness was wrong. Would God allow one of His two witnesses to make that type of mistake through direct revelation?

Of course not.

Most of what Ronald Weinland proclaimed would happen, did not happen (he said George Bush would be the last USA president in office, the US dollar value would stop having value a little after April 2008, and the USA would be nuked in 2008).

The Bible is clear that one whose prophecies do not come to pass does not speak for God:

21 “And if you say in your heart, ‘How shall we know the word which the LORD has not spoken?’– 22 when a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him (Deuteronomy 18:21-22).

Ronald Weinland has often spoken presumptuously.

As I have been writing for years, Ronald Weinland is a false prophet and is NOT one of God’s two witnesses.

I feel sorry for Ronald Weinland and those who follow him. Hopefully now more of them will wake up. Because the main “Great Tribulation” that his followers are experiencing now is continuing to be led by the imaginations of Ronald Weinland.

The biblical Great Tribulation has not yet began and those who believe otherwise have allowed themselves to be deceived.  None should follow Ronald Weinland, nor other false prophets (the followers of Harold Camping will be very disappointed in less than three months when his prediction for the return of Jesus will be shown to be false).

Those following Ronald Weinland should wake up now, and not wait until May 28, 2012 when Jesus does not return by the day before.

Some articles of related interest may include:

Concerns About Ronald Weinland’s Church of God-Preparing for the Kingdom of God Ronald Weinland falsely claims to be one of the two witnesses God is raising up and that the Great Tribulation on December 14, 2008, and that Jesus will return on May 27, 2012. Is he a false prophet? He has at least one other view that suggests that he is not part of the COG.
Who Are The Two Witnesses? What is their job? What does the Bible reveal? What has the Church of God taught on this subject? Might even Roman Catholic prophecies give some clues here?
Harold Camping’s Teachings About the End of the World Do Not Agree with the Bible Harold Camping teaches that the rapture will be on May 21, 2011 and the world will end on October 21, 2011. What does the Bible show?
Why Be Concerned About False and Heretical Leaders? There have been many false leaders–and Ronald Weinland is one of them–here is some of why you should be concerned about them.
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2011, 2012, or 2013? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?

COGwriter

In today’s member letter, COGWA’s Clyde Kilough reported:

I wish everyone could have been with us this past weekend in Branson, Missouri, for the 16th consecutive family weekend held every year over the Presidents’ Day holiday. With a motel facility all to ourselves, we ate together, went to services, seminars and activities together, and basically spent the better part of three days and nights renewing old friendships and forming new ones—building the family. Ask any of the 325 attendees, and I think you would hear the same report…

Since COGWA did not officially form until December 2010 (though UCG formed 16 years ago), it is sounding like the weekend is being portrayed (perhaps correctly) as a continuance of UCG practices.

This information reminded me of a statement that Jim Franks once stated about UCG when he was with it.  Notice the following from 2001:

“Jim Franks of Cypress, Texas, chairman of the UCG’s advisory committee on doctrine…Mr. Franks believes…UCG is ‘not a new church,’ he said. ‘We are a continuation’ ” (Warren, John. UCG tentatively sanctions old-WCG voting doctrine. The Journal. August 31, 2001).

When Jim Franks stated that, it was my opinion that it was not a Philadelphia-era continuation that he was referring to.  Nor do I believe that is what has happened with COGWA (Jim Franks is now with COGWA, serving in Austin, Texas).

On United Church of God specific matters, I have noticed that it still has certain “congregational gaps” when I look at its congregation pages online.  It basically looks like some ministers have been assigned to larger than usual geographic regions and that UCG will ultimately figure out how many members it has and where.  This is especially true in Latin America.

In other UCG news, it announced that it had an ABC party about two weeks ago and that it just accepted four students this week (bringing the total to 22) to its Ambassador Bible Center program.  UCG announced yesterday that the January-April 2011 issue of Bonnes Nouvelles, the French edition of its Good News magazine, was going to press–UCG has tried to catch up in several areas as it has lost at least a third of its ministry since June 2010 in the crisis that led to the formation of COGWA.

This crisis has been a real struggle for many of those in or once part of UCG as many on both sides seem to be offended by the actions of those on the other side. This split is also seems to be causing financial and organizational tensions for the two primary groups affected.

If you are or were part of UCG and are confused about what to do, please pray, fast, and study the Bible about this.

Ask yourself what are the true priorities that the Bible indicates that the church most faithful to the words of Jesus would do and act appropriately.

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.
Concerns about Church of God, a Worldwide Association This seems to be the largest group that came out of the United Church of God. Here is some history and concerns about it.
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.

Jerusalem

COGwriter

At least one Jew in Lithuania believe that the current unrest in the Middle East is a sign that the Messiah will be here soon:

‘Arab unrest signals Messiah’s coming’

Ynet News – Feb 23, 2011

Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky, an unconventional Lithuanian leader who is believed to have mystic powers, offered a different explanation. “It is evident that many unnatural things are happening,” he said. “People have come to me and said that it’s ‘Gog and Magog’. We cannot know. But it’s probable that any unrest that God creates shows that the Messiah is coming, and that we must begin to prepare for it and become stronger.”

Another prominent rabbi, Michel Yehuda Lefkowitz, is certain that God is causing the turmoil in order to put the people in their place. http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4032909,00.html

As I reported earlier (Mahmoud Ahmadinejad: World Order About to Collapse, Mahdi Behind it), the Iran’s President believes that the Shi’ite Messiah (known as the Imam Mahdi) is about to return and is managing what is happening now (apparently behind the scenes):

In his fiery style, Ahmadinejad, showed his messianic beliefs…saying the world was witnessing a revolution managed by Imam Mehdi…who Shiites believe would return on the judgement day.

“The final move has begun. We are in the middle of a world revolution managed by this dear (12th Imam). A great awakening is unfolding. One can witness the hand of Imam in managing it,” said Ahmadinejad (Davari M. US, Israel will soon exit Middle East: Ahmadinejad. AFP – February 11, 2011. http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5j4nERLgb7ILzV-di10ZB5i5GewYg?docId=CNG.680158c3fc877f3521627185c89de338.1f1).

In today’s TW News & Prophecy, LCG reported:

Increasing Arab Unrest with the West.

Libyan leader, Muammar Gaddafi recently urged Palestinian refugees to “capitalize on the wave of popular revolts in the Middle East by massing peacefully on the borders of Israel until it gives in to their demands… Gaddafi also issued a call to Muslim countries to join forces against Western powers.

He said the world was divided into white, denoting the United States, Europe and their allies, and green for the Muslim world” (Reuters Africa, February 13, 2011). Gaddafi’s calls for Arab action are being heard. Last week (February 16), two Iranian military ships passed through the Suez Canal en route to Syria–apparently aiming to put pressure on Israel. This is the first time that an Iranian war ship has been allowed to pass from the Red Sea to the Mediterranean (DEBKA.com, February 16, 2011).

Bible prophecies indicate that Jerusalem and “Judah” will be a “cup of trembling unto all the people round about” (Zechariah 12:2), and that Israel’s enemies would attempt to cut her off from being a nation (Psalm 83:1-4). The Scriptures also warn that all the “lovers” or allies of the Israelite-descended nations will turn on them and become their enemies (Jeremiah 30:14; Ezekiel 23:9 and 22). Events developing in the Middle East are certainly moving in the direction these prophecies have long indicated!

The events in the Middle East are moving in the direction to fulfill many biblical prophecies.

In Libya, there have been a couple of statements from Libya’s leader that I would like to share here:

TRIPOLI, Libya — Government forces opened fire Friday on protesters in Libyan capital Tripoli, as the uprising against Col. Moamar Khadafy that already caused his regime to lose control of swaths of the country reached his stronghold.

Libyan leader Khadafy has told a crowd of his supporters massed in a central Tripoli Square to fight back against protesters and “defend the nation.” http://www.nypost.com/p/news/international/khadafy_forces_fire_on_protesters_ON3P8zJDbz93ofc9VxXdNL#ixzz1F0nVOcaM

“Do not be swayed by Bin Laden,” Muammar Qaddafi declared Thursday, as he blamed the master terrorist for the unrest and violence sweeping Libya. This finger-pointing caught many by surprise…http://www.slate.com/id/2286402/

The situation is Libya is tense and violent.

Jesus said:

6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.  7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.  8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.  (Matthew 24:6-8, NKJV)

The “beginning of sorrows” is around a time of tribulation (Matthew 24:9) that is just before the “great tribulation” (vs. 21).  And Jesus will return after all of that (Matthew 24:29-31).

The situation in the Middle East will, ultimately, lead to Jesus’ return and the fulfillment of Messianic prophecies, though perhaps not quite as certain Jews or Shi’ite Muslims expect.

For more information, please check out the following:

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?
Africa: Its Biblical Past and Prophesied Future What does the Bible teach about Africa and its future? Did the early Church reach Africa? Will God call all the Africans?
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?
Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2018 or 2019?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2011, 2012, or 2013? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?

Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg

COGwriter

Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg got into some trouble for apparently plagiarizing part of his doctoral thesis:

Support for Merkel ally down amid plagiarism row

Los Angeles Times –

BERLIN, Feb 25 (Reuters) – The popularity of Chancellor Angela Merkel’s ally, Defence Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg, fell after he admitted to flaws in his doctorate that is the focus of a plagiarism row, a poll found on Friday.

FWIW, I have believed for some time that Karl Guttenberg could fall out of favor.  Actually this is the second time in the past year  (he had problems related to Afghanistan in 2010.  In my paper, Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North?, I have long had the following:

…the Baron is not always popular, and he may become unpopular for a time.

While Herr Guttenberg is down, currently he is not out:

The Teflon minister

Germany’s popular defence minister may survive a plagiarism scandal. Now he must show he can reform the armed forces

24 Feb 2011

HE IS married to a Bismarck, wears bespoke suits and pays photogenic visits to the troops in Afghanistan. He even held a doctorate. Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg, Germany’s defence minister, is without doubt the country’s coolest politician. But as of February 23rd he is a doctor no longer. He renounced the title days after the discovery that much of his 2006 doctoral thesis was copied from other sources without proper attribution…

His powers of survival seem preternatural…Mr zu Guttenberg’s allies envy his popularity, but they need him. His charisma has lifted the sagging poll ratings of his Christian Social Union (CSU), the Bavarian branch of Mrs Merkel’s Christian Democratic Union…

According to a poll, nearly three-quarters want Mr zu Guttenberg to stay in office.

And it is possible that he could end up out of the limelight, or even out of a political office, for a while.   We will see.

As regular readers of this page are aware, I have had my eye on Karl Guttenberg since late 2009 when I initially reported about him. And he may be one to watch to rise up as the final “King of the North”.  We in the Living Church of God have long taught that a powerful army led by a “strongman” would ultimately arise in Europe. And this will be fulfilled by a single leader, known as the Beast in Revelation 13 & 17 and the final King of the North in Daniel 11. The Bible shows that the other leaders in Europe will give their power to him (Revelation 17:12-14) and that he will lead a military machine that will cause the rest of the world to marvel at (Revelation 13:3-4).

The Living Church of God reported the following related to the Baron:

…German Defense Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg urged Germany to “be prepared to use its military to defend the country’s economic interests.” Baron Guttenberg noted that the competing demands of nations today for raw materials made it imperative that Germany—a nation whose export-driven economy is heavily dependent upon imported raw materials—should be prepared to use its military forces to secure trade routes for raw materials and exported goods. While his political opponents were quick to challenge these strong statements as contrary to the German constitution, the Defense Minister saw his position as only logical (Der Spiegel, November 10, 2010). Bible prophecies have long foretold the re-emergence of Germany (modern Assyria) as a major player on the world scene (see Isaiah 10:5-14). The words and actions of this popular German Defense Minister, who is also a lawyer and of Habsburg lineage, will be interesting to watch. (World Ahead Weekly Update, Living Church of God, November 18, 2010).

And the Baron is certainly one to watch, as he is obviously inclined to be a warrior. He has made several interesting military statements.

As I wrote before, if Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg is part of a major Middle East peace deal, if he establishes armies (or a great army), and if he establishes something like a new religious order within his version of the “Catholic” faith, he likely will get more people’s attention–and even more of mine.

On the other hand, Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg could simply be a rising politician, like many others. And all his intentions could be fine. We will see.

Much is happening in the world, and a leader known as the final King of the North (or Beast) in Bible prophecy, will ultimately become the leader of Europe. And according to the Bible, he will have military abilities (Revelation 13:1-4) and apparently be charismatic (cf. Daniel 7:20,11:21-24,31; Revelation 13:3-5).  Karl Guttenberg fulfills these requirements.  Is he, despite this current setback, going to be the one?

Watch (cf. Mark 13:37).

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”?
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?
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?