Church of God News

Two Women Wearing Burqas

COGwriter

Today, France began its new rules intended on banning burqas:

French police say they arrested two women in Islamic veils for protesting today and not for defying a new burqa ban.
The women were demonstrating outside Notre Dame Cathedral.
The controversial ban covers the head-to-toe burqa that features a face screen.
It also bans the niqab, which leaves eye slits.  http://mystateline.com/fulltext-news?nxd_id=244556

Time reported that three were arrested for protests, as opposed to two, but for protesting without a permit and not for wearing the burqa.  So, it remains to be seen how well this ban will be enforced.

LCG reported the following earlier about the intent of the law:

President Sarkozy’s reason for the law is that “We are an old nation united around a certain idea of human dignity, and in particular of a woman’s dignity, around a certain idea of how to live together.” Muslims comprise approximately 7.5% of the French population (AFP, May 19, 2010).

Europe is starting to get fed-up with aspects of Islam (see also Anti-Islamic PVV Gaining in the Netherlands and Switzerland Votes to Ban Minarets), and anti-burqa laws seem to be part of that.

UPDATE 04/12/2011:

Jordan’s Islamist leader says France’s ban on face veil is war on Muslims

The Canadian Press – ‎12 April 2011

AMMAN, Jordan – The head of Jordan’s Muslim Brotherhood says France’s ban on the Islamic face veil is a war against Muslims.  Hammam Saeed claims the move is a violation of French civil liberties and underlines a “new crusader behaviour” against Muslims.

A divide between Islam and the nominally-Christian Europe is going to become more and more real.  Though there will be apparent cooperation (cf. Psalm 83; Daniel 11:27), the two will turn against each other (Daniel 11:40-43).

Four articles of possibly related interest may include:

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? What does the Bible say?
The Arab 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 role might non-Arab Iran play?
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?

جامعة الدول العربية
Jāmaʻat ad-Duwwal al-ʻArabiyya Arab League Flag

COGwriter

The Arab League wants a “no fly zone” over Gaza:

Arab League to appeal for Gaza ‘no-fly zone’

AFP – April 10, 2011

Arab League chief Amr Mussa said on Sunday the organisation will ask the UN Security Council to impose a no-fly zone over Gaza, which Israel has pounded with air strikes in response to rocket fire.Mussa told an emergency meeting of Arab League ambassadors that “the Arab bloc in the United Nations has been directed to ask for the convention of the Security Council to stop the Israeli aggression on Gaza and impose a no-fly zone.”

Israeli and Palestinian officials were on Sunday floating a ceasefire to end fighting in the coastal strip…http://www.france24.com/en/20110410-arab-league-amr-mussa-appeal-no-fly-zone-gaza-israel-air-strikes-libya-un-palestine

As far as I can tell, the Arab League never asked Gaza for a “no rocket zone” before as those in Gaza have long sent rockets into the State of Israel in order to cause destruction and terror.

But the fact that the Arab League is trying to work with the United Nations and wants outside military involvement is reminiscent of Jesus word’s in Luke 21 and Matthew 24:

20 But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near. (Luke 21:20)

15 “Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand), 16 “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. (Matthew 24:15-17)

So the proposal by the Arab League seems consistent with the above.

Now the one who gets the abomination there is the final King of the North and is so identified as such in Daniel 11:31,40.  It is believed by most biblical scholars that when Jesus was referring to Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, He was referring to the same incident that Daniel wrote about above.

And while the Arab League plan is NOT the direct fulfillment of that prophecy, as a “no fly zone” is technically armies surrounding Jerusalem, this request seems to be helping to set the stage of these prophecies to be fulfilled.

The reality is that it is likely that the coming European power will cite outside plans (like those of the Arab League or even the USA’s) as part of its own justification when it does, in fact, surround Jerusalem with armies.  Daniel wrote:

31 And forces shall be mustered by him, and they shall defile the sanctuary fortress; then they shall take away the daily sacrifices, and place there the abomination of desolation. (Daniel 11:31)

World events continue to align with biblical prophecy.  The Arab League may not fully grasp the importance of its recent statements.

Some articles of possibly related interest:

The Arab 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?
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? What does the Bible say?
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?
Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North? Is the former German Defense Minister one to watch? What do Catholic, Byzantine, and biblical prophecies suggest?

Earth cracked by quake in Japan (Danny Choo)

COGwriter

In the update read yesterday in services, LCG reported::

Natural Disasters—A Sign from God? In the wake of Japan’s recent earthquake and tsunami, Tokyo’s governor referred to the events as tembatsu—or “divine judgment.” Mr. Ishihara subsequently apologized for his religious-sounding comments. However, many around the globe agree with Mr. Ishihara’s initial assessment. A recent poll of Americans revealed that about 40% view natural disasters as “a sign from God.”  That number approaches 60% among Evangelicals, and drops significantly among Catholics and non-Evangelical “Christians” (Foxnews.com, March 24, 2011). As we approach the “end of the age”—as the Bible refers to it—students of the Bible understand that natural disasters, on land and at sea, will increase in intensity and frequency (Matthew 24:6-8; Revelation 6:5-8). The Caribbean hurricane season is predicted to be intense again this year and to start earlier in the southern Caribbean and western Gulf of Mexico. AccuWeather predicts “15 named storms from June 1 to November 30, eight of which will become hurricanes, with three major ones (category three or higher)” (www.nationnews.com, March 31, 2011). Although natural disasters will come, God also prophesies that a future time of peace will come when tears and sorrow will no longer exist (Revelation 21:4). God controls the weather and He will use it to punish nations that turn away from His laws. In the long-term, God will use the weather to bring blessings to nations that follow His laws. For more information on this important topic please review our intriguing booklet, Who Controls the Weather?

Earthquakes and disasters were something that Jesus warned about.

8 … And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be…troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows. (Mark 13:8)

We may be at this prophetic point as all the earthquakes and other problems that have happened in the past year or so could be considered as “troubles”.

And while not all earthquakes are a sign of God’s punishment, a great one is coming in a relatively few years that may shake many into realizing that God is sovereign and to fear His wrath:

18 And there were noises and thunderings and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such a mighty and great earthquake as had not occurred since men were on the earth. 19 Now the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell. And great Babylon was remembered before God, to give her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath. 20 Then every island fled away, and the mountains were not found. (Revelation 16:18-20)

Until then earthquake, radiation, and tsunami issues should serve as a wake-up call to all that the world can change very quickly and that the time to repent is now:

30 Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, 31 because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead. (Acts 17:30-31)

There are troubling times and repentance is needed now.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Earthquakes Today and Bible Prophecy This article has cool update of the latest earthquakes from USGS sources. It also explains what Jesus taught about earthquakes. It also show how the Bible describe “the big one”?
Are You Saved? Do You Love Jesus? What is a True Christian? What is the Gospel? Evangelist Richard Ames answers those important questions.
Read the Bible Christians should read and study the Bible. This article gives some rationale for regular bible reading.
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2011, 2012, or 2013? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? What is “the beginning of sorrows”? Have we begun or are we about ready for “the beginning of sorrows” to begin.
Physical Preparation Scriptures for Christians. We all know the Bible prophecies famines. Should we do something?
End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something? Are there Mayan calendar predictions for change in 2012? Changes were centuries ago predicted by the Hopi Native Americans. Do Mayan/Hindu/Hopi/Buddhist/New Age/Nostradamus prophecies have any value here? Why might Satan have inspired this date? Does the Dresden codex show destruction of the earth by flood? Can the great tribulation start before 2012? How might Barack Obama be involved in 2012?
2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect This is a link related to a book by Bob Thiel (COGwriter). This link also has YouTube videos. This book documents and explains hundreds of prophecies. And since it was published, world events have aligned with at least 14 predictions in the book and many more will 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.

جامعة الدول العربية
Jāmaʻat ad-Duwwal al-ʻArabiyya Arab League Flag

COGwriter

The stage seems to be being set between the Sunni and Shi’ite Muslims as Bahrain may be the line in the sand for both sides:

People throughout this Sunni Arab kingdom talk now of their own Cuban missile crisis. Amid the unrest and calls for democracy, their focus is on a regional cold war between Sunni-led nations and the “Shia crescent,’’ the term King Abdullah of Jordan used to describe Iran’s growth as a regional superpower. The test case of this cold war is not in oil-rich Libya, or terrorist-ridden Yemen, or Israel-bordering Syria. The line in the sand has been drawn in Bahrain.

Iran’s Shia hand is seen as a guiding force throughout the Arab uprisings, but especially in the protests against King Khalifa of Bahrain, a Sunni Muslim who leads a country with a Shia Muslim majority. http://articles.boston.com/2011-04-09/bostonglobe/29401270_1_bahrain-cuban-missile-crisis-cold-war

“What is happening in Bahrain is Sunni versus Shia, Saudi Arabia versus Iran. It’s big powers facing off against each other in a small place. It’s really explosive. We share the same concerns with the US and with Russia,” one EU source told this website http://euobserver.com/892/32006

Notice also the following report out of India:

Iran-Pakistan fallout over Bahrain

Hindustan Times – ‎Apr 8, 2011‎

Diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Iran are under a cloud after the Iranian government protested recruitment of Pakistani military officials into the Bahraini police forces…Plans are also being finalised to send regular Pakistan army contingents to Saudi Arabia and possibly Bahrain, officials have said privately.

Essentially, the Sunni (Arabs) are concerned that support by Shia-dominated Iran for the protests in Bahrain could make the problems worse. Yet the Iranians want more influence in the Middle East.  Sunni Pakistan has long had military connections with Sunni Saudi Arabia.  And unlike Saudi Arabia, Pakistan has a lot of ground troops that appear willing to support those in the primarily Sunni Arab League.

Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states are part of the Arab League. It appears to me that Saudi Arabia, with its interventions in Bahrain (and its recruitment of Pakistani soldiers), is telling the Muslim world that Iran is not the only military power and that Sunnis should cooperate amongst themselves militarily. Of course, Iran, according to a recent video, seems to wish to tell the Muslim world that it is the primary military power in the Middle East and it hints that all Muslims should follow it (see Iran’s Ahmadinejad to Conquer Jerusalem?).

Of course, most of the Sunni Arabs do not see it the way that Iran does.

Ultimately the Bible tells of an Arabic confederation that will rise up with a leader that it calls the King of the South (Daniel 11:40-43). And it may be that Iran may be dealt with militarily before all of Daniel 11:40-43 is fulfilled. While I doubt that Iran intends to directly attack any Arab nations at this time–it could.  Additionally, it seems to want to provoke war with Israel in order to get Muslim support for a religious leader, that it calls the Imam Mahdi (who, to a degree, could be the final king of the south) to rise up (see Iran’s Ahmadinejad to Conquer Jerusalem?). Yet, I do not believe Iran will get quite what it wants, based upon my understanding of biblical prophecy. A leader will rise up in the Middle East/North Africa, but the final King of the South will not fill all the predictions from Iran for the Imam Mahdi as some appear to be in conflict with Bible prophecy.

For more information, here are three articles of possibly related interest:

The Arab 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?
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? What does the Bible say?
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 African?
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?

Jerusalem

COGwriter

In the update read today in services, LCG reported:

A Palestinian State by September?

“For years, Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Salam Fayyad has been a technocrat shaping institutions to be ready for a future Palestinian state. Now he is crisscrossing the West Bank like a prophet, telling his people the dream of sovereignty is about to be fulfilled.” Since 2007, Mr. Fayyad has put into place a western-style security force, restoring a semblance of order to the West Bank. Goods now flow more freely between the territory and Israel, and the Israelis have loosened their own security. Last year the reliance on foreign aid decreased by almost half, tax revenue increased, and the territory’s economy grew by almost 9%. Fayyad and Mahmoud Abbas are both working to create a situation where an independent Palestinian State will be seen as a legitimate option by the international community, despite internal opposition by Hamas–the controller of the Gaza Strip. Critics abound, but some say the Israeli president may concede to “provisional statehood” of Palestine this Fall, until a more permanent solution is found (Wall Street Journal, April 2-3). Scripture shows that near the time of the end, Jewish sacrifices on the Temple Mount will resume (Daniel 11:31, 12:11). For this to happen without igniting a war, some type of peace between Israel and the Palestinian territory might be reached. Could that temporary peace happen this September? This situation will be very interesting to watch

A peace deal, likely involving Jerusalem, is expected prior to the start of the Great Tribulation (scriptures on that deal are in the article Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2011, 2012, or 2013?).

The Bible also indicates that Jerusalem will be divided:

2 For I will gather all the nations to battle against Jerusalem;
The city shall be taken,
The houses rifled,
And the women ravished.
Half of the city shall go into captivity,
But the remnant of the people shall not be cut off from the city. (Zechariah 14:2, NKJV)

If half the city is Jewish and the other half not, then there would be a reason for only one half the city to go into captivity.

World events continue to align with Bible prophecy. A peace deal will come (Daniel 9:27) and it may involve the enforced dividing of Jerusalem.

To learn more about what will happen to the descendants of Israel, please check out the first two articles (there is also information on Korea in the articles that follow them):

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 Jerusalem and 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?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What about Jerusalem? 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?
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”? Why do people think the Bible teaches about a peace deal? 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? Who are the 144,000?

COGwriter

In today’s commentary, Adam J. West of the Living Church of God (LCG) wrote:

Are you a man? Are you plagued with battling vivacious visages of semi-clad women so common in modern-day marketing and entertainment? If so, lend me your undivided attention! If you are struggling with the secret seduction of viewing pornography and want help to conquer this societal scourge – read on!

To illustrate the pervasive problem pornography has become, the following are some startling and sobering statistics from the Internet Filter Review in regard to internet pornography:

• U.S. pornography revenue: $13.3 billion
• Pornographic websites: 4.2 million (12% of total websites)
• Pornographic pages: 420 million
• Daily pornographic search engine requests: 68 million (25% of total search engine requests)
• Daily pornographic e-mails: 2.5 billion (8% of total e-mails)
• U.S. adults who regularly visit Internet pornography Web sites: 40 million
• Internet users who view pornography: 42.7%…

One lengthy look and you start storing away mental images. Click after click and soon, you’ve lost track of time and your integrity!…

You want to change, but how to do so eludes you! Yet time after time you face this continual battle to no avail. You may ask yourself, “Why can’t I stop?” Those who are familiar with the Bible understand the reality of a powerful spirit being named Satan. They may blame the Devil for their lack of will power. They employ the old saying, “The Devil made me do it!”

But is this always the case? Is it Satan’s problem, or is it yours? James, the half-brother of Jesus, wrote: “…each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed” (James 1:14). Granted, Satan is called the tempter in scripture (Matthew 4:3; 1 Thessalonians 3:5). However, until a person faces his own desires and addresses what is motivating him to act in certain ways, he will fight a losing battle!

Our desires, put plainly, are what we want. And what we want we do! So, ask yourself these questions: “What is it that I want? What do I feel I gain by doing this?” When a person can ask and answer these questions honestly, then he can begin down the road to victory. He can begin to conquer his wrong desires.

James also states, “Happy is the man who doesn’t give in and do wrong when he is tempted…” (James 1:12, Living Bible Translation). It seems many seek happiness in life, yet the path to happiness, in regard to purity and cleanness, is tied directly with not giving in and doing wrong when temptation rears its ugly head.

The most important question is, “Who’s tempting whom?” We must not tempt God by continuing in sinful ways and habits. Even though scripture is clear that God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone (James 1:13), yet it is still possible to put God to the test, and God does not play that game. We must not test the limits of God’s mercy and long-suffering.

If God is bringing you to understanding that viewing pornography is sin and if He is revealing to your mind, through the powerful messages you find on Tomorrow’s World, that there is a better way of life – a way that leads to real happiness – then continue to read and study and seek God with all your heart. Read the article, “Pornography: Pleasurable Pastime or Toxic Threat?” And above all, make sure it’s not you who is tempting God!  Read more

Pornography is wrong.  Those who provide it, however, often make a lot of money and feel that they are not harming anybody.  But in addition to themselves, they are also harming society–as are their customers/viewers.

Any one (male or female) who is addicted to pornography obviously is in a state of sin and needs repentance.

Perhaps this post will give those involved in it, pause to reflect, consider, and repent.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Were the Ten Commandments in Effect Before Mount Sinai? Some have said not. This article provides biblical quotes to answer this important question.
Job and the Ten Commandments Was Job written prior to Mount Sinai? Did Job know about the ten commandments? This article provides biblical answers to those questions.
What Did Jesus Teach About the Ten Commandments? This article quotes what Jesus actually said about them (His words are in red).
Were the Ten Commandments Nailed to the Cross? Some have said so. This article provides some biblical quotes to answer this important question.
What Did Paul Actually Teach About the Ten Commandments? Many say Paul taught against the ten commandments. Is this true? This article quotes Paul with his words in green.
Are the Ten Commandment Still in Effect? This article quotes the ten commandments and combines some of the previous articles into one article about the ten commandments. The commandments are shown at Mount Sinai, before Mount Sinai, in the teachings of Jesus, after the crucifixion, and in the teachings of Paul. It addresses the most common “traditions of men” regarding them as well.
Were the Pharisees Condemned for Keeping the Law or Reasoning Around it? Many believe that the Pharisees were condemned for keeping the law, but what does your Bible say? If they were not condemned for that, what were they condemned for?
The Ten Commandments Reflect Love, Breaking them is Evil Some feel that the ten commandments are a burden. Is that what Jesus, Paul, Peter, James, and John taught?
Was the Commandment to Love the Only Command? Some have stated that John’s writings teach this, but is that what the Bible really says?
The Ten Commandments and the Early Church Did Jesus and the Early Church keep the ten commandments? What order were they in? Here are quotes from the Bible and early writings.

Bas-relief at Angkor Wat depicting a demon performing an ancient abortion.

COGwriter

A budget deal was made in the USA that both major political parties have claimed victory for.  Here is some information from The Wall Street Journal:

Democrats managed to hold off Republican demands to strip funding for the new health-care law and for a range of other Democratic priorities. GOP provisions to cut all federal funding to Planned Parenthood of America and National Public Radio also were dropped…

Democrats argued that block-granting Title X, which has an annual budget of $317 million, would cripple it and damage Planned Parenthood Federation of America, which receives about one-fourth of Title X money.

Planned Parenthood provides abortions but by law can’t use federal money for that procedure. Instead, Democrats said it uses Title X funds to provide such services as mammograms and cervical cancer screening to low-income women.

Still, many Republicans were upset at the notion of an abortion provider getting any federal money.

The Center for Responsive Politics reports that the Planned Parenthood political action committee donated $286,986 to federal candidates in the 2010 election cycle, 99% of it to Democrats.  http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704503104576250541381308346.html

The above is really not accurate in a sense that I saw that a group made calls to many Planned Parenthood offices and not a single one of the Planned Parenthood offices called did mammograms.  While the government claims that technically the money it gives it do not directly pay for them, the reality is that Planned Parenthood gets much of its income from abortions and would not survive financially except for doing abortion.

It does not surprise me that both parties agreed to this.

One of the reasons that I did not personally comment in my post yesterday (see Abortion Funding is a Major Factor in Lack of USA Budget) about Democrats supporting Planned Parenthood and Republicans wanting to stop funding for it is that I believed that when it came down to it, there were not enough Republican politicians who really would stand by principle.  And, that is what appears to have happened.  And while Republicans plan to bring this up again, only if it is politically-expedient enough do I believe that they will stick by this to the point of actually de-funding.

The Bible says:

1 Cry aloud, spare not;
Lift up your voice like a trumpet;
Tell My people their transgression,
And the house of Jacob their sins. (Isaiah 58:1)

The USA is continuing in its sins.  The relatively small amount of “savings” that both American political parties agreed to for the budget still results in a massive deficit for the USA.  The Bible teaches that debt is a curse for those who disobey and sin against God:

43 The alien who is among you shall rise higher and higher above you, and you shall come down lower and lower. 44 He shall lend to you, but you shall not lend to him; he shall be the head, and you shall be the tail. 45 Moreover all these curses shall come upon you and pursue and overtake you, until you are destroyed, because you did not obey the voice of the LORD your God, to keep His commandments and His statutes which He commanded you (Deuteronomy 28:42-45).

As the Anglo-American nations have not kept God’s commandments, they have become the greatest debtor nations of all time!

The abortion issue is just one more area of the national sins of the USA.

Without massive national repentance the USA is doomed relatively soon (see also Anglo – America in Prophecy).

Several articles of possibly related interest may include:

Abortion, the Bible, and a Woman’s Right to Choose Do you know what the Bible teaches on this? What do the Living Church of God and the Church of Rome teach?
The Ten Commandments Reflect Love, Breaking them is Evil Some feel that the ten commandments are a burden. Is that what Jesus, Paul, Peter, James, and John taught?
Prophecies of Barack Obama? This article has eight reasons why Barack Obama is apocalyptic and eight reasons why Barack Obama is not the Antichrist. It includes many biblical and non-biblical prophecies, from around the world, that seem to discuss Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist? Might Barack Obama set the stage for the kings of the North and South as at least one Shiite prophecy suggests? This is the longest and most complete article at the COGwriter website on Barack Obama prophecies. Read it and decide for yourself if President Obama seems to be fulfilling various prophecies.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”. Might Bible prophecy be fulfilled since he is to be the USA president?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Does God Have a 6,000/7,000 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?

COGwriter

Clyde Kilough, of the Church of God, a Worldwide Association (COGWA), posted the following at COGWA’s website late today:

As Jim Franks mentioned in the April 1 Weekly Update, the meetings in Dallas March 29-31 to discuss our future governmental structure were extremely profitable. Our focus now is on the upcoming feast, but once that is completed we will turn our attention to completing this work and installing a permanent governance as soon as possible. We deeply appreciate your laboring in prayer, seeking God’s direction and His wisdom to help us establish the best structure we can. The organization of the Church is very important, and we are doing our best to consider the pros and cons, advantages and disadvantages, of every aspect of the potential ways of directing the affairs of the Church.

But in the end, the meaning of the Days of Unleavened Bread bring us back to the most essential part of God’s government: God has to govern our hearts and minds! If sin is allowed to govern our thinking, no governmental organization or structure will work.

It was not the structure of government that kept Jesus Christ sinless—it was by the power of the Spirit of God! It was not policies and procedures that kept Him at one with the Father—it was the love of God. While He was governing His mind to perfectly conform to the will of God during the events leading to His crucifixion, all of His beloved disciples were being governed by the pulls of the flesh—greed (Matthew 26:14-16), ambition and rivalry (Luke 22:24-27), self-deception and false bravado (Matthew 26:31-35, 69-75), self-will and anger (Matthew 26:51-54), fear (Matthew 26:56). Only later, after they themselves received the Holy Spirit, did they begin to govern themselves according to the will of God. It was then that the sinful leaven of those works of the flesh could be put out, replaced by the fruits of the Spirit of God working in them.

Now, imagine if Jesus Christ—the perfect Son of God—was living among us, working side by side with all of us as He did the disciples, for the next three-plus years! Would being under the perfect Governor, and under His perfect governmental structure, guarantee our success? Not if our hearts and minds were not being governed by the Holy Spirit! Remember, there was a time when all the angels lived under a perfect governmental structure, with perfect law, perfect organization and perfect rule by God Himself; but that still did not prevent one-third of them from rejecting God and rebelling against everything His government stood for!

For those unaware, COGWA was officially formed in December 2010 and is made of almost entirely of people who once were part of  UCG, including Clyde Kilough who had been UCG’s president.  It still is addressing issues, like governance.  As far as Unleavened Bread goes, I wrote an article titled Should Christians Keep the Days of Unleavened Bread? that some may find of interest.

Other articles of possibly related interest may include:

Attending the Church of Choice This article discusses whose choice is important to worship God; should you attend the church of your choice or the church of God’s choice?
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.
Is There “An Annual Worship Calendar” In the Bible? This paper provides a biblical and historical critique of several articles, including one by the Tkach WCG which states that this should be a local decision. What do the Holy Days mean? Also you can click here for the calendar of Holy Days.
Hebrew Calendar and “Postponements” This John Ogywn writing explains why we in the Living Church of God use the calendar that we do and answers such questions as “Did Jesus Observe the Postponements?”
Passover and the Early Church Did the early Christians observe Passover? What did Jesus and Paul teach? Why did Jesus die for our sins?
Melito’s Homily on the Passover This is one of the earliest Christian writings about the Passover. This also includes what Apollinaris wrote on the Passover as well.
TPM: Passover on the 14th or 15th? While the LCG observes Passover on the 14th, some observe it on the 15th. Why is the 14th correct?
The Night to Be Observed What is the night to be much observed? When is it? Why do Jews keep Passover twice and emphasize the wrong date?
Holy Day Calendar This is a listing of the biblical holy days through 2012, with their Roman calendar dates. They are really hard to observe if you do not know when they occur 🙂

Vaclav Klaus

COGwriter

In today’s edition of its TW News & Prophecy E-Zine, the Living Church of God reported:

The euroskeptic president of the Czech Republic recently warned that adoption of new economic policies proposed at the EU Summit in Brussels would lead to political union–something many EU nations want to avoid. In a scathing article, President Klaus told how he was coerced into signing the Lisbon Treaty with promises that no further integration moves would occur for at least 10 years. Now, just two years later, the poor financial climate across Europe is being used to further erode national sovereignty.

A political union could erode most of the remaining national sovereignty enjoyed by EU nations. At the Brussels Summit last week, the Bulgarian president signed on to the new fiscal policies despite urgings to the contrary from his finance ministry and central bank. Greece and Ireland gave up considerable financial independence when they accepted “bailout” money earlier this year from the EU. Portugal is trying to “hold out” as long as possible, but is having great financial difficulty and may soon suffer the same fate (EUObserver.com, March 31, 2011).

End-time prophecies indicate that a political union will occur in Europe and result in the formation of the final Beast power of Revelation. Ultimately, ten kings (or nations or groups) who are of “one mind” will give their power over to this Beast who will rule it for a short time (Revelation 17:12-13). The financial events currently plaguing Europe could be a powerful tool in building a foundation for this eventual political union.

If you received this E-Zine from a friend and would like to begin receiving your own copy click here to sign up for free.

The Czech President rightly sees that the EU will end up with political union if it keeps coming up with various economic policies for the EU.

The European Beast power is forming right now, yet many simply do not see it.  Yes, there are problems, as critics can point out.  But Bible prophecy indicated that there would be (cf. Daniel 2).  Yet the European empire is forming.  And it may be fully formed in just a relatively few short years.

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”? What is ahead for Europe?

COGwriter

Apparently part of the real reason that the USA currently has no budget is because one side wants to keep funding for abortions as USA Today reported today:

The government runs out of money at midnight unless Obama, Speaker of the House John Boehner, R-Ohio, and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nevada, can resolve differences that appear to be narrow but intense.

Reid and other Democrats said this morning that the big hold-up is Republican insistence on the inclusion of non-budget items in the final bill, particularly a GOP proposal to de-fund Planned Parenthood because of abortion services.  http://content.usatoday.com/communities/theoval/post/2011/04/obama-congress-stare-at-shutdown-deadline/1

The Wall Street Journal noticed the same issue:

Abortion Returns to Center Stage

Wall Street Journal – Laura Meckler ‎

The policy fight threatening to blow up budget negotiations involves an issue that has been on the sidelines in recent months: abortion.

And the Los Angeles Times reported:

Democrats say that Republicans continue to hold up an agreement because they insist on preserving provisions that would restrict abortion services.

“We are on the one-yard line, but Republicans in the House are making a goal-line stand on the issue of women’s health, which has nothing, nothing to do with the budget,” Sen. Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) told MSNBC on Friday.  http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-0409-budget-negotiations-20110409,0,7296387.story

So let’s see.  The USA is broke, but many feel that it needs to fund abortions with money it does not have.  Essentially, the pro-abortion side says that the amount of money associated with abortions is small, so they should be funded.

I do not believe that this pleases God.

Nor the fact that taking steps to fund abortions internationally was one of the first steps that Barack Obama took upon becoming USA president in 1999 (he also, several weeks later, took a position on funding a type of stem cell research that was essentially pro-abortion).

Abortion is wrong (for details see Abortion, the Bible, and a Woman’s Right to Choose).

The USA is in decline and even its military will NOT be able to defend it well enough a few years from now. The USA will be taken over and defeated, and its people made slaves. Yes, it will get that bad (and actually even worse than that).

To solve its real problems, the USA needs national repentance, not federal funding of, nor any promotion of, abortion. The USA needs repentance right now. The USA does not seem to realize that otherwise its days are numbered. US government policies and practices are part of sealing its doom.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Prophecies of Barack Obama? This article has eight reasons why Barack Obama is apocalyptic and eight reasons why Barack Obama is not the Antichrist. It includes many biblical and non-biblical prophecies, from around the world, that seem to discuss Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist? Might Barack Obama set the stage for the kings of the North and South as at least one Shiite prophecy suggests? This is the longest and most complete article at the COGwriter website on Barack Obama prophecies. Read it and decide for yourself if President Obama seems to be fulfilling various prophecies.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”. Might Bible prophecy be fulfilled since he is to be the USA president?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Does God Have a 6,000/7,000 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?
Abortion, the Bible, and a Woman’s Right to Choose Do you know what the Bible teaches on this? Has the Roman Catholic Church allowed abortions? What about the Living Church of God?