Church of God News

Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg

COGwriter

As I reported yesterday, Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg resigned as German Defense Minister because he allegedly plagiarized a lot of his doctoral dissertation.  But even at this stage, he still remains popular:

According to a latest poll by German public television ARD, some 72 percent of respondents thought Guttenberg should make a comeback in the future. http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2011-03/03/c_13758223.htm

“I hope that we keep him as a politician and see his return as soon as possible,” Hans-Peter Uhl, the domestic affairs spokesperson of the conservative Union bloc in parliament, said in the Wednesday edition of the daily Mitteldeutsche Zeitung…

Peter Altmaier, parliamentary chief of the Union bloc, also said he can imagine Guttenberg returning to politics in the foreseeable future.

According to political scientist Gerd Langguth from the University of Bonn, Guttenberg will not likely stay out of the public eye for long. He told the Wednesday edition of the Thüringer Allgemeine newspaper that he sees a comeback in about three years…Langguth said Guttenberg’s “honorable statements” on Tuesday had made such a return feasible. (http://www.thelocal.de/politics/20110302-33437.html)

So, the Baron still has retained much of his popularity.   Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg may end up getting involved, perhaps behind the scenes, in defense and peace matters (cf. Daniel 9:26-27) and other matters involving Germany and the EU.

Even prior to the plagiarism scandal, others have stated that he may need to lead Germany:

Philipp Mißfelder, head of the Junge Union…made it clear that he saw Guttenberg, who belongs to the Bavarian sister party of the CDU, the Christian Social Union, as the best hope for the future. With his modern but clearly conservative orientation, Guttenberg was the “best political guarantee of survival for the union and defence against the Green zeitgeist.” “Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg, with his great credibility, appeals to many non-voters and former voters, so that in a very short time he has become an indispensable bearer of hope,” he said. http://www.thelocal.de/politics/20101014-30485.html

UPDATE March 3, 2011: It is not just political leaders that want Baron Guttenberg to return.  Notice what Time reported on March 3, 2011:

As soon as new broke of his resignation, supporters established a Facebook page “Wir wollen Guttenberg zurueck” (We want Guttenberg back) and by midday Wednesday some 344,262 people were say they “like” the sentiment. A page set up by Guttenberg opponents got just 5,177 “like” clicks.

Read more: http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2056525,00.html#ixzz1FY7621lR

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).

If he eventually establishes a new religious order within Catholicism (cf. Daniel 11:38), promotes European unity, promotes ecumenism, promotes peace in the Middle East, and/or otherwise rises up in European politics, he could be very interesting to watch.  He now may have the time to do some of these things.

On the other hand, Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg could simply be a normal politician, with ups and downs like many others. 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, despite this current setback.

We all should 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?

Flag of Pakistan

COGwriter

A non-Muslim political leader was assassinated in Pakistan today:

March 2, 2011 4:54 AM

2nd reform-minded Pakistani pol assassinated

Posted by Farhan Bokhari

Pakistan’s minister for non-Muslim religious minorities was killed in a bold attack on Wednesday, marking the latest casualty in the country’s growing divide between Islamic hardliners and the mainstream population.

Shehbaz Bhatti, the only Christian in the cabinet of President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani, was shot dead at close range in broad daylight by three apparently-well-armed gunmen who quickly fled the scene.

Pakistani Minister Assassinated

March 02, 2011 Ayaz Gul VOA…

Bhatti had been threatened by Muslim extremists for speaking out against Pakistan’s controversial blasphemy law.

Police are reported to have seized Taliban-linked leaflets from the scene of the attack warning opponents of the Islamic law of blasphemy will meet Bhatti’s fate.  http://www.voanews.com/english/news/asia/Gunmen-Kill-Pakistani-Minorities-Minister-117226408.html

I do not know Shehbaz Bhatti’s specific religious views, but do know that the “blasphemy laws” in certain Islamic nations make it difficult to discuss the truth about religion.

While the situation rages in Libya, and those in Egypt and the rest of the Middle East and North Africa try to decide where they will end up, it certainly seems that with Islamic extremists in the background, that they will ultimately play a bigger role in those countries than they currently do.

Pakistan has nuclear weapons, and ultimately it might provide some of them to help support the coming King of the South.  And while it will likely distance itself from that confederation around the time of the fulfillment of Daniel 11:40-43, as it likely will be part of the the nations involved in Daniel 11:44, it currently is an Islamic state and likely will support other Islamic states for a while.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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).
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?
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

In the today’s issue of its The Bible Advocate, CG7-Denver has the following from its President Whaid Rose:

I’m grateful that CoG7 pioneer Gilbert Cranmer’s conviction of “My Bible and my Bible alone” is still gladly affirmed among us. But the state of the Church and our culture calls for more than verbal ascent. It requires rediscovering the Bible, as in 2 Kings 22, when during Josiah’s reign, the Book of the Law was found while repairing the temple. Its reading and application sparked Israel’s greatest revival. May we get into the Bible until the Bible gets into us, sparking renewal in CoG7 in 2011.

While Whaid Rose and I have long had our differences, I agree with him that all in the Church of God need to get into the Bible and get the word of God into us.

The Apostle Paul wrote:

16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 That the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Since you cannot be thoroughly equipped without knowing all scripture, reading the entire Bible is something that real Christians need to do.

God inspired the writing of the Bible.   Christians should read and heed it.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

The Bible: Fact or Fiction? This is a booklet written by Douglas Winnail that answers if the Bible is just a collection of myths and legends or the inspired word of God.
Read the Bible Christians should read and study the Bible. This article gives some rationale for regular bible reading.
What is the Appropriate Form of Biblical Interpretation? Should the Bible be literally understood? What do the writings of the Bible, Origen, Herbert W. Armstrong, and Augustine show?
Bible and Historical Resources on the Internet Electronic bibles, Two Babylons, early Christian literature, photos, and even links to old Herbert W. Armstrong materials.
Church of God, Seventh Day: History and Teachings Nearly all COG’s I am aware of trace their history through this group. Whaid Rose is the president of the largest CG7 group (Denver). Do you know much about them?
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?

Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg

COGwriter

Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg has resigned as German Defense Minister:

Berlin – German Defence Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg’s resignation Tuesday was a dramatic fall from grace for one of the rising stars of the nation’s political stage.

Regularly voted the country’s most popular politician, the 39-year-old baron was forced to quit Chancellor Angela Merkel’s cabinet amid a deepening political row triggered by allegations that he had plagiarised part of his doctorate thesis.  http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/europe/news/article_1622843.php/PROFILE-Guttenberg-from-chancellor-hopeful-to-Dr-Googleberg

Mr. zu Guttenberg said at the defense ministry that submitting his resignation to Chancellor Angela Merkel was “the most difficult step of my life,” but that outrage from academics and opposition lawmakers had overshadowed his ability to fulfill the duties of his office effectively…Overall support for Mr. zu Guttenberg, a Bavarian baron who was featured with his attractive, young family on newspapers’ society pages as often as he made political headlines, has remained strong even since the plagiarism allegations surfaced two weeks ago.  http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704506004576173970765020528.html

So, despite having retained much of his popularity, the Baron has resigned in a manner that may allow him to rise up again.  Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg may end up getting involved, perhaps behind the scenes, in defense and peace matters (cf. Daniel 9:26-27) and other matters involving Germany and the EU.

As I recently reported about the plagiarism issue (see Guttenberg Down, But Not Out), I have believed for some time that Karl Guttenberg could fall out of favor.  In my paper, Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North?, I have long had the following statement:

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

On a possibly related note, the Eastern Orthodox have long had a prophecy that I have wondered if it might apply to the Baron:

Anonymou Paraphrasis (10th century): The one true King, who is inhabiting a humid place to avoid the heat; whom men have expulsed from his own dwelling and gave a place to live in the islands; who is engaged in navigation and fishing every week; (this King): will be revealed when the time of the power of the Ishmaelites comes to an end. (Tzima Otto H.  The Great Monarch and WWIII in Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Scriptural Prophecies. Verenika Press, Rock City (SC), 2000,, p. 30)

So, we will see if the Baron goes to the islands and perhaps goes fishing and/or gets involved with some type of navigation.

The Catholics of Rome have also had a prophecy that I have wondered if it might apply to Herr Guttenberg:

Josefa von Bourg (d. 1807): God will choose a descendant of Constantine, Pepin, and St. Louis, who has been tried by a long period of exile to rule over Europe. He will have the sign of the cross on his breast…Under him the Catholic religion will spread as never before (Culleton, The Prophets and Our Times, pp. 181-182; Connor, p.37).

So, it is possible that the leader that many Roman and Eastern Orthodox Catholics expect (as the “”Great Monarch/King” who sounds a lot like the biblical King of the North of Daniel 11 or Beast of Revelation 13) will have period of unpopularity before rising up.  Whether or not either of these are accurate or may apply to Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg remains to be seen.

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).

On the other hand, Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg could simply be a normal politician, with ups and downs like many others.  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?

We all should 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?

COGwriter

The Ambassador Cartwright site reported the following on the finances of International Ambassador Outreach:

Q1 & Q2 Total as of 12/31/10

Donations      $358,407

Distributions

Mexico   $124,550

Peru       $9,000

Chile      $9,500

Guatemala      $5,000

El Salvador      $3,600

US Ministry      $2,000

Total Disbursements   $153,650

Administrative Expenses   $3,643

Balance at 12/31/10    $201,114

Subsequent events to our quarter end: In January 2011, IAO received donations of $69,764 and distributed $171,284. Distributions were made to support congregations and Ministry in Latin America, United States, Canada, Philippines, Jordan, South Africa, and Africa. (A more detailed accounting will be produced in our Q3 release expected in late April 2011.)

So, it looks like as of the end of January 2011, IAO had about $100,000 it still had not spent.  IAO was set up last summer (see UCG, Aaron Dean, and IAO) prior to COG-America (which since seems to have gone away) and COGWA (set up December 2010) which is the largest group to break-away from the United Church of God (UCG).   Leon Walker, Larry Salyer, and Ken Giese (all formerly part of UCG) were affiliated with IAO.  And Ken Giese is on one of COGWA’s governing boards, and Larry Salyer is a COGWA minister.

UCG has lost 1/3 of its ministry since June 2010.  It lost most of its ministers in Latin America and slightly more than 1/2 of its paid ministry in the USA.  The greatest bulk of which went to COGWA.  It would seem likely that overtime, IAO may disband.  But perhaps not as it is not a church (I suspect it will see how its donations hold up now that more and more are supporting COGWA in order to decide).  Here is what it reported about itself last July:

Newly formed as a nonprofit 501c3, International Ambassador Outreach has been created to support our international Christian family…Please note a key feature of IAO is that it is “not a church, nor will it become one…Our Board views the most pressing current need to be our Latin American brothers and sisters who have recently suffered significant budget cuts that will undoubtedly affect their ability to pay for church hall rentals, member assistance, scholarships, assistance in enabling members to attend the Feast, and other basic needs.

The above was expanded by IAO to include paying money to ministers in the USA as well.  These disbursements mainly seem to be related to those formerly in or associated with UCG.

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.