Church of God News

Crown of Original “Holy Roman Emperor” Which Contains Both “Iron and Clay”

COGwriter

Two COGs commented about problems in the EU with their latest updates.  Here is what ICG’s Mark Armstrong wrote:

There is now speculation that Europe may end up getting divided into nations that have accepted the euro as their currency, and those that have not. Other news out of Europe indicates that those nations may not continue to follow the lead of the U.S. Fed in their determination of interest rates now that the dollar is falling out of favor. It may mean that our economic circumstances here will be determined by decisions made in Europe at some point.

Frankly, it’s hard to watch! Everything, from economic trends to the world’s balance of power is in a state of flux and we simply have no previous experience with troubles on this scale.

In its update, the Living Church of God had the following:

Is The EU Splitting? For nearly two decades, Euro-skeptics have warned that the euro currency would result in division in Europe. The idea of a “two-speed” EU has been mentioned for years, but now appears to be a definite possibility! The 27-member EU is poised to divide into 10 non-Eurozone members and 17 Eurozone members. This “in” group could shrink further as debtor nations are moved “out” of the inner circle. In early March, the 17 Eurozone members held a “closed” budget meeting from which non-members were intentionally excluded. In response, the Economist magazine stated, “Europe may be embarking on a path that could tilt the union away from economic liberalism, risking a split and, ultimately, even a British exit” (The Economist, March 10, 2011). Last week, billionaire George Soros made the sobering prediction, “The solution to the euro crisis to be put into place this week will set in stone a two-speed Europe. This will generate resentments which will endanger the EU’s political cohesion” (Financial Times, March 21, 2011). Initial results from the EU summit show that Germany relaxed its intentions and measures that would “split” the EU—so the division may have been postponed (EU Observer, March 25, 2011). Bible prophecies indicate that the coming Beast power in Europe will be comprised of ten “kings” or “key players” that will surrender their sovereignty to a supra-European government—that does not include Britain and many other Israelite-descended nations (Daniel 2:42-43; Revelation 17:12-13). The nature of the end-time federation is like “iron and clay”—that aptly describes the fractious relationships between the nations that make up the EU. Current events are fitting into the pattern long-foretold in these remarkable Bible prophecies!

There will be problems in Europe.  Sometimes they will appear to be much worse than the problems in the USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand.  But, while the EU will struggle, something coming out of Europe will be the end time beast power that will over power both the Anglo-nations (Daniel 11:39) and many in the Middle East (Daniel 11:40-43).

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?
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 and Have People Taken as Slaves? 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?
Catholic Prophecies: Do They Mirror, Highlight, or Contradict Biblical Prophecies? People of all faiths may be surprised to see what various Roman and Orthodox Catholic prophets have been predicting as many of their predictions will be looked to in the 21st century.

Parliament Hill, Ottawa, Canada

COGwriter

While Canada’s economy has seemingly fared better than the USA’s lately, there are still debt problems there:

Will we ever pay the debt down?

Winnipeg Free Press – Joel Schlesinger – ‎Apr 2, 2011‎…

For the Manitoba government, that’s about $14 billion or $11,300 per Manitoban.  By comparison, the federal government’s debt is about $559 billion, or roughly $16300 per Canadian.  And it’s only getting worse. Both the federal and provincial governments have run deficits — annual budgetary shortfalls in revenue over expenses — in recent years and admit they will continue to for a few years more.

Canadians trying to reduce debt but not succeeding

Montreal Gazette – ‎Mar 30, 2011‎

Canadian household debt has ballooned in recent years. Collectively, that debt is estimated at more than $1.4 trillion, according to the Certified General Accountants Association of Canada. Statistics Canada says debt as a percentage of after-tax stood at 148.7 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2010, with the average Canadian now owing $44,500.

So, both governmental (federal and provincial) and personal debt remain problems in Canada.  The above figures, using Manitoba, suggest that the average Canadian’s debt is C$ 82,100 EACH!

Although Canada has a more export-oriented economy than the USA (which is a MAJOR Canadian strength), prophetically and militarily it is tied to the USA and is expected to suffer essentially the same fate.

Which is?

Unless there is national repentance, it will ultimately be taken over and probably have its lands divided.

Because of military and political considerations, in several years, the King of the North might give Russia all or parts of Alaska as well as possibly parts of Canada, as well as some people from those lands.

The reality is that the economies of the Anglo-nations will have ups and downs until they finally collapse (cf. Habakkuk 2:3-8) and are taken over (Daniel 11:39).

Three articles of potentially-related interest may include:

Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first? What will happen to the nation of Israel?
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?
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?

Jerusalem

COGwriter

Some believe that Israel is feeling even more pressure to make a peace deal:

In Israel, Time for Peace Offer May Run Out

New York Times – April 2, 2011   excerpt…

JERUSALEM — With revolutionary fervor sweeping the Middle East, Israel is under mounting pressure to make a far-reaching offer to the Palestinians or face a United Nations vote welcoming the State of Palestine as a member whose territory includes all of the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem.

The Palestinian Authority has been steadily building support for such a resolution in September, a move that could place Israel into a diplomatic vise.

“Whatever we put forward has to be grounded in security arrangements because of what is going on regionally,” said Zalman Shoval, one of a handful of Netanyahu aides drawing up the Israeli proposal which may be delivered as a speech to the United States Congress in May. “We are facing the rebirth of the eastern front as Iran grows strong. We have to secure the Jordan Valley. And no Israeli government is going to move tens of thousands of Israelis from their homes quickly.”  http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/03/world/middleeast/03mideast.html

Many events are happening in the Middle East.  And they are setting the stage for the rising up a the final King of the South that Daniel wrote about (Daniel 11:27;40).  Daniel 11:27 and Psalm 83:1-8 suggest that this leader will make some deals with the King of the North.  Bible prophecy suggests a seven-year peace deal will be confirmed by a European leader (for scriptural details, please see Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2011, 2012, or 2013?)

The final King of the North, who appears to be a prince in Daniel 9:26-27, would likely involve the King of the South in a temporary peace deal.  Islamic prophecy, FWIW, is also supportive of this concept.

Israel could possibly feel forced into making a peace deal as soon as this Fall, but unless there is a major military escalation (possibly involving Iran), it would seem the September 2012 may be more likely for any such deal to be confirmed.  It remains my view that wars are normally required for the involved sides to agree to a peace deal.  But, as the prophesied deal is only a temporary one, we will see.

As Jesus said,

35 Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming–in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning– 36 lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping. 37 And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch! (Mark 13:35-37)

And the goings on in Israel and the Middle East are certainly areas that He was referring to (cf. Mark 13:14).

The Bible shows that the USA and Israel will not have too long to survive after the final King of the South will make a deadly deal with the coming King of the North (Daniel 11:27; Psalm 83:1-8)–a deal to cut the USA, Israel, and their Anglo-allies off from being a nation (Psalm 83:3-4; Daniel 11:39).  So despite any peace deal, since the Bible indicates that both the kings of the North and South make deals under false pretenses (Daniel 11:27), Israel, etc. will have their days numbered.

Prophetic events continue to line up.

Some 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?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first? What will happen to the nation of Israel?
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?
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”, based up an early 20th century writing.
Barack Obama in Islamic Prophecy? There is actually a 17th century Shiite prophecy that some believe that Barack Obama will fulfill that will lead to a rising up of Islam.
Prophecies of Barack Obama? Are there biblical and non-biblical prophecies about Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist? This is the longest and most detailed of the articles here related to prophecy and Barack Obama.
Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? When does the six thousand years of human rule end?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 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?  Why do some believe that a seven-year peace deal must come first?

Wheat

COGwriter

In his commentary today, LCG’s Davy Crockett (and yes, he is a descendant of the famous American with that name), had the following:

Long ago, Solomon as well as other wise men in ancient Israel, gave sound advice on this important, but often overlooked subject. For example in Proverbs 22:3 we find, “A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself, but the simple pass on and are punished.”

Whether one’s lack of preparation is from laziness, sloth or just procrastination, the results are the same: Disaster! It is interesting that the writer of these wise sayings refers us to an insect to learn a vital lesson. You find this fascinating analogy in Proverbs 6:6-11: “Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, which, having no captain, overseer or ruler, provides her supplies in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest. How long will you slumber, O sluggard? When will you rise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep – so shall your poverty come on you like a prowler, and your need like an armed man.”

The passage goes on with other details and concludes: “Therefore his calamity shall come suddenly; suddenly he shall be broken without remedy” (v. 15).

What is the lesson? What are we to take from this? If you are industrious, like the lowly ant, you will be prepared for what comes, whether it is the changing of the seasons, or some unexpected disruption in your circumstances.

When ancient Egypt was facing seven years of severe famine in the time of Joseph, son of Jacob, God used Joseph to put together an ambitious plan to store grain for the hard times to come. When the catastrophic famine did come upon the land, Joseph put his inspired plan into action and the people were sustained for seven years.  The preparation wasn’t easy, and I’m certain it wasn’t popular, as the farmers and workers strained under the load of growing and storing the grain under Joseph’s watchful eyes for seven years, but what a payoff!  Disaster was averted and the people were saved. (Genesis 41-47).

Preparation is a godly principle that is emphasized in many of the Proverbs and in other Scripture as well. While preparation for physical challenges is very important, spiritual preparation is also of utmost importance. To lose everything physically would be a tragic circumstance, but to lose out on the tremendous opportunity to be a part of God’s family for eternity, in His Kingdom on this earth would be a much greater, more profound loss.  Read more

In yesterday’s TW News & Prophecy, an E-Zine, the Living Church of God reported:

Endangered wheat supplies.

This winter has been the “driest” in 44 years in Texas–which is America’s second-largest wheat producing state. The drought is also negatively affecting cattle land and thus cattle herds. A March 20 report noted that “More than half the wheat fields and pastures [in Texas] were rated in poor or very poor condition.”

Other wheat producing states in the region–Oklahoma, Colorado and Kansas–are experiencing similar crop conditions. Meanwhile North Dakotan and Canadian wheat crops are being threatened yet again this year by too much moisture. Last week the U.S. cattle herd was recorded as being the smallest since 1958 (Bloomberg, March 24, 2011).

God prophesied that at the time of the end, wheat prices would become exceedingly high (Revelation 6:5-6). Ultimately this and other factors will bring “cleanness of teeth…and lack of bread” -food shortages and starvation–among Israelite-descended nations and other nations around the globe (Amos 4:6). These prophesied events will occur because the “children of Abraham” have departed from God and His way of life!

However, the good news is that the return of Jesus Christ will bring better conditions, “I will send you grain and new wine and oil… The threshing floors shall be full of wheat, and the vats shall overflow with new wine and oil” (Joel 2:19, 24). God speed that day!

National repentance is what is needed (though this looks unlikely for the UK, USA, and their Anglo-allies like Canada, New Zealand, and Australia). Some suspect that food riots may soon hit the United Kingdom (see Food Riots for the UK?).

Yet, there is good news as ultimately, God’s kingdom will come and food shortages will be gone:

16 They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore (Revelation 7:16).

But a terrible hour of trial is coming first (Revelation 3:10; Jeremiah 30:7). But it too will end.

As Jesus said:

37 And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch! (Mark 13:36-37)

Tougher times are coming. And for some parts of the world these tougher time may be here now. People who can prepare, should. Both spiritually and physically. Westerners need to realize that this will not only affect people in places like Africa, Asia, and the Middle East–the Anglo-descended nations of the West will themselves suffer hunger, civil unrest, famine, and worse.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2011 or 2012? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What is the “beginning of sorrows”? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?
Physical Preparation Scriptures for Christians. We all know the Bible prophecies famines. Should we do something?
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God was the Emphasis of Jesus and the Early Church Did you know that? Do you even know what the gospel of the kingdom is all about? True religion should be based upon the true gospel.
Did The Early Church Teach Millenarianism? Was the millennium (sometimes called chiliasm) taught by early Christians? Who condemned it. Will Jesus literally reign for 1000 years on the earth? Is this time near?
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?
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?
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?
Is Tony Blair Apocalyptic? The former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom converted to Catholicism shortly after leaving his office and has been active in European affairs. What role might he play?

VS.

COGwriter

Ronald Weinland of Church of God Preparing for the Kingdom, finally posted a letter (late yesterday) in which he actually wrote the following:

This Sabbath (April 2^nd) ends a very unique time in all history. It is the end of four cycles of “half-a-time” in the period of “time, times and half-a-time” described in Daniel 12. There are only three more periods of “half-a-time” remaining before Jesus Christ returns as King of kings over all government on earth.

Over the centuries, many have tried to comprehend the prophecies given by God concerning the meaning and fulfillment of “time, times, and half-a-time.” But as God told Daniel, the revelation of those things that were given to him to write were not to be revealed at any period except that of the very end-time, when God would “finish” [Heb. – “bring to an end”] the time given to mankind to rule himself and then establish His Kingdom on earth.

As God has revealed to His Church at this end-time, the period of “time, times and half-a-time” is about God’s end-time judgment upon mankind, in which God will bring an end to man’s self-rule…

A “Time” of Judgment

Tomorrow is the beginning of a new period of time for this end-time. It is a “time” of 40 weeks in the “complete judgment” to be executed upon the scattered nations of Israel and upon the Israel of God (the Church) that was scattered. The whole world will suffer during this period, but the focus is upon both physical and spiritual Israel.

In the past, I have not had the need to write much in the postings on this site. That will all begin to change as we are entering a new stage in time. The Thunders will increase in far greater magnitude and frequency and the first few Trumpets will sound with great devastation to follow.

Events that have been held back for two years have already begun to intensify in the form of the escalation of the Thunders.

In his sermon four weeks ago, Ronald Weinland said:

The Thunders don’t mean a thing to people out there who hate the truth. They just mock at that
and they’ll mock it till the end, especially the Thunders first, and then the Trumpets as well; to mock and
make fun of. Think, “How could people do that?” After every one’s been said and the answer only
some can come up with when it’s all said and done, their pride is so great, is, “Well you’re the great false
prophet!” That’s what some are going to say; it’s already written. Incredible! (Weinland R. Sermon, March 5, 2011)

Now, I do not hate the truth, but have been writing for five or six years that Ronald Weinland was (and is) a false prophet.

Is this because I do not believe in the thunders in the Book of Revelation like Ronald Weinland implies?

No, it is because I do believe the prophecies in Revelation, Matthew, and the rest of the Bible.

What is incredible is how often Ronald Weinland has proven to be a false prophet, yet he attempts to put down those that have realized it.

For example, Ronald Weinland claimed in 2008 that if the USA was not nuked by the summer of the same year that he would admit that he was a false prophet. But he did not keep his word then.

Here is what one his other websites stated about some of Ronald Weinland’s prophecies back in November 2006:

From now until the latter part of 2008, many prophecies are going to begin to be fulfilled, especially the Seven Thunders of the Book of Revelation, which the apostle John saw but was restricted from recording. Those thunders are revealed in this book, as well as detailed accounts of the final three and one-half years of man’s self-rule on earth, which are recorded in the account of the Seventh Seal of Revelation.

Some of these prophecies concern the demise of the United States over the next two years, which will be followed by man’s final world war. This last war will be the result of clashing religions and the governments they sway. Billions will die! This time will far exceed even the very worst times in all human history.

As these events unfold, the world will increasingly become aware of the authenticity of the words in this book and realize that Ronald Weinland has been sent by God as His end-time prophet. (http://www.the-end.com/ 11/26/06).

When those events did not unfold, some who followed him became aware that he was false–but sadly not all have understood what this meant.  Notice that back in 2006 he claimed that the seven thunders would be fulfilled in 2008–at least to the extent that he claimed that BILLIONS would die, which they did not.  Now he is claiming that they will be fulfilled between now and the next 40 weeks.

In his 2/25/2011 letter, Ronald Weinland wrote:

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. Because of God’s great mercy, mankind has escaped great worldwide tribulation and suffering for more than two years now. But NOW, time has run out!

But many of the events in Matthew 24 that Jesus told His disciples would precede the Great Tribulation and His second coming have not yet happened.  Events that God inspired Daniel to write about also have not happened.  Jesus cannot return as soon as Ronald Weinland is insisting.

Yet, Ron Weinland, who claims to be one of the two witnesses, now claims that the Great Tribulation began on December 14, 2008 (after originally insisting that it began on April 17, 2008), and is still claiming that Jesus will return on May 27, 2012.  Now, of course, I do believe that Jesus will return.  World events and biblical chronology suggest that it is likely that Jesus will return before the end of this decade (see also Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End?).

Yet, the fact is that the events of the Great Tribulation have still not began, no matter what Ronald Weinland wants to suggest.

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 two 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?
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?

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

COGwriter

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

Middle East events and Muslim prophecy.

The regime in Iran just approved a powerful video, soon to be released throughout the Middle East. The video analyzes regime changes in the region and the declining health of the Iranian enemy, King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia. It concludes that all these events are signs that the return of the 12th Imam/Mahdi or “Islamic messiah” is imminent. The video also predicts that Iranian President Ahmadinejad will conquer Jerusalem prior to the Imam’s coming.

Analyst Joel Rosenberg, author of The Twelfth Imam, made the following comment about the video: “I think it’s a very grave development because it gives you a window into the thinking of the Iranian leadership: that they believe the time for war with Israel may be even sooner than others had imagined” (CBN, March 28, 2011).

End-time Bible prophecies state that Jerusalem will be “surrounded by armies” (Luke 21:20), the city will be taken and that half the city will go into captivity (Zechariah 14:1-2), but that Jesus Christ will return and ultimately set up His government in Jerusalem (Joel 3:17-21). It is sobering to see events developing that could stir the Muslim world to attack Israel and Jerusalem. An attack by Islamists on Jerusalem and Israel could trigger a powerful reaction from “Christian” nations–particularly European nations influenced by the Roman Church (see Daniel 11:40-43).

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.

For more details on the Iranian video, please go to Iran’s Ahmadinejad to Conquer Jerusalem?, which also has a link to the site with a translated (into English) version of the actual video (which I watched a few days ago).

For more details documenting certain aspects of Muslim and biblical prophecy check out:

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 does Islam teach about the Imam Mahdi?
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? Is he the Imam Mahdi? What does the Bible say?

Pope Benedict XVI

COGwriter

Pope Bendict XVI greeted the new archbishop in Ukraine and ecumenism is still a goal:

VATICAN CITY, MARCH 31, 2011 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI is assuring his prayers for the new head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. The Pope greeted the major archbishop at the end of the general audience Wednesday.

Archbishop Sviatoslav Schevchuk, 40, was installed last Sunday. He had been the apostolic administrator of the Eparchy of Santa María del Patrocinio in Argentina…

Representatives of the three Orthodox Churches of Ukraine were at the enthronement service Sunday. The majority of Ukrainians are Orthodox, separated into three Churches, one united to the Russian Orthodox Church, another under the patriarch of Kiev, and a third, the Autocephalous Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

Archbishop Schevchuk greeted each of the representatives and has affirmed his hopes that his ministry will further rapprochement between the Churches, such that “the difficult period in our relationship remains in the past.”

Patriarch Gregorios III Laham, patriarch of the Greek Catholic Melkite Church, was also at the enthronement liturgy.

He noted his belief that his Church and the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church “are both called to carry out a very significant role in ecumenical work, since they are the two biggest Byzantine Rite Churches in full communion with Rome.”  http://www.zenit.org/article-32185?l=english

Pope Benedict has made many making positive overtures towards the Orthodox. His goal remains ecumenical unity and presumably his new Archbishop in Ukraine is expected to be of some assistance with that.

While many in the Church of Rome wish ecumenical unity with the Eastern Orthodox Catholics, Biblical, Catholic, and Orthodox prophecies seem to have parts that warn against such ecumenical unity (though some Catholic/Orthodox prophecies look forward to it).

Notice carefully the following Catholic prophecy:

Frederick William Faber (died 1863):…Antichrist…Many believe in a demonical incarnation—this will not be so—but he will be utterly possessed…His doctrine as apparent contradiction of no religion, yet a new religion…He has an attending pontiff, so separating regal and prophetic office (Edward. Prophecy for Today. Imprimatur + A.J. Willinger, Bishop of Monterey-Fresno; Reprint: Tan Books and Publishers, Rockford (IL), 1984, p. 87).

That prophecy, which is in a book with an official imprimatur from a Catholic bishop (as well as others), suggests that there soon may be a change to the “Catholic” religion that will make it the religion of the final Antichrist.

Also notice the following warning from a Catholic nun:

Anna-Katarina Emmerick (October 1, 1820): The Church is in great danger…The Protestant doctrine and that of the schismatic Greeks are to spread everywhere.  I now see that in this place (Rome) the (Catholic) Church is being so cleverly undermined, that there hardly remain a hundred or so priests who have not been deceived.  They all work for the destruction, even the clergy.  A great destruction is now at hand…

(April 22, 1823): I saw that many pastors allowed themselves to be taken up with ideas that were dangerous to the Church.  They were building a great, strange, and extravagant Church.  Everyone was admitted in it in order to be united and to have equal rights: Evangelicals, Catholics, sects of every description.  Such was to be the new Church (Dupont, pp. 66, 71).

Various events around the globe suggest that people of many faiths are getting to the point where they are likely to accept some type of ecumenical religion.

Here is a warning from a Roman Catholic priest:

Priest Paul Kramer (21st century): The errors of Orthodoxy and of Protestantism will be embraced by that false church, it will be an ecumenical church because the Anti-Pope will be recognized by the world—not by the faithful, but by the world—by the secular world and the secular governments. (Kramer P. The Imminent Chastisement for Not Fulfilling Our Lady’s Request. An edited transcript of a speech given at the Ambassadors of Jesus and Mary Seminar in Glendale, California, September 24, 2004.THE FATIMA CRUSADER Issue 80, Summer 2005, pp. 32-45 http://www.fatimacrusader.com/cr80/cr80pg32.asp viewed 4/15/08)

Some Orthodox look forward to this, but also expect an antipope near then:

Helen Tzima Otto (20th century): We have been told time and time again through the prophets that the Great Monarch and Papa Angelorum…will convene the 8th Ecumenical Council, which will reunify all Christians…The Emperor will spend three years waging wars against the non-Christian nations…{later will be} the end time schism of the Roman Catholic Church of the End Times and the rise of an antipope. (Tzima Otto, pp. xxv, 103, 122)

Apparently the “non-Christian nations” will be those that do not desire to be part of the ecumenical church that is to form.

Notice information from a Roman priest:

Father O’Connor quotes from Holy Scripture, the stunning prophecies of St. Vincent Ferrer, Pope St. Pius X, St. Francis of Assisi, St. John Eudes, Sr. Lucy of Fatima, Pope Pius XII and Bishop Fulton J. Sheen. Father explains how God will and is punishing the world for sin, and that the Fathers of the Church all wrote that the False Prophet would be a Catholic Bishop who will become an invalid anti-pope while the real Pope dies a cruel death in exile. (REIGN OF THE FALSE PROPHET.  Catholic Treasures. Audio ITEM #20104.  http://www.catholictreasures.com/cartdescrip/20104.html 03/02/09)

Now there is an Orthodox understanding of the last false religious power coming from Rome:

Bishop Gerasimos of Abydos (20th century): The army of Antichrist is made up of the worldly powers, mainly the Roman Empire, symbolized by the two beasts and the harlot woman (Rev. 11:7; 13:1-17; cf. Dan. 7:11-12)… The final confrontation with evil is presented in chapters 19 and 20…The war is waged by the beast and the false prophet. Both of these are organs of Satan, representing the political and religious authority of Rome (Rev. 13:1-18). (Gerasimos, Bishop.  At the End of Time: The Eschatological Expectations of the Church.  Holy Cross Orthodox Press. October 5, 2004, pp. 28-29)

So, there are both Roman and Orthodox Catholic writings that warn against some type of future unifying developments.

Some type of global religious unity is prophesied in scripture before Jesus returns (Revelation 13:4,8) and not in a favorable light.  All should be cautious about where current ecumenical hopes and talks will lead.

Some articles of related interest may include:

Why Should American Catholics Should Fear Unity with the Orthodox? Are the current ecumenical meetings a good thing or will they result in disaster?
Orthodox Must Reject Unity with the Roman Catholics The talks for unification involve compromise and the apparent rising up of a changed religion that no one should accept.
Catholic Prophecies: Do They Mirror, Highlight, or Contradict Biblical Prophecies? People of all faiths may be surprised to see what various Roman and Orthodox Catholic prophets have been predicting as many of their predictions will be looked to in the 21st century.
Russia: Its Origins and Prophesied Future Russia in prophecy. Where do the Russians come from? What about those in the Ukraine? What is prophesied for Russia and its allies? What will they do to the Europeans that supported the Beast in the end?

COGwriter

Here are some updates related to Frank McCrady, a former UCG pastor now in the Church of God, a Worldwide Association (COGWA):

This below sent by Don Hooser from Mr. McCrady’s son and our former Dallas Pastor, Frank McCrady III…From Frank McCrady III, pastor, Dayton/Cincinnati North, Ohio:

My father, Frank McCrady, Jr., had a stroke on the night of March 30th. It was pretty bad. His left side is paralyzed at this time – there is slight feeling on the bottom of his left foot when a sharp pencil is dragged across it. His speech is severely slurred.

On Thursday morning, March 31, Charlene McCrady called to say that he had taken a turn for the worse. I am headed to Texas to be with my father.

This additional update via David Evans from Ken Treybig received this afternoon…

Following is an update we received from Ken Treybig, who pastors the congregation Frank and Charlene McCrady attend (East Texas):

Hi everyone,

I was able to spend a little time at the hospital today (Longview Regional) and wanted to update everyone on Mr. McCrady. He is sedated while on the respirator, which is probably good since his body needs rest now as it tries to do whatever repairs it can. The respiratory technician (I think that’s what he’s called) came in to monitor the machine and was very kind to answer any questions we had. He said they have the machine set for a certain amount of breaths per minute, but that he’s breathing on his own beyond that number–and that’s good because it means they may be able to slowly wean him off the respirator. The best guess of the nurse is that his very slow heartbeat is what caused him to stop breathing last night and is the reason they put him on the respirator. He’s told me several times that his normal heart rate is rather low, but apparently that’s contributing to a lack of oxygen getting to all his cells. So they are also bringing in a cardiologist to see what can be done there. He did move his left foot some today–and even moved his left leg. The nurse is cautioning against making too much of it, saying that might be some kind of reflex action, but it is encouraging to see at least some movement on his left side.

Charlene is holding up well, considering the situation, and deeply appreciates all the prayers and well wishes she’s received. She is receiving help taking care of the animals, and that’s a great blessing for her so she can concentrate on being at the hospital at his side. I’ve assured her that many are willing to help in whatever way possible. All she has to do is say the word… I’ve also let her know that many prayers are going up for both of them in this difficult time and we’re praying for God’s will, and for His merciful intervention.