Church of God News

COGwriter

The USA has been dropping hints that European Union is not doing enough for NATO:

Is the U.S.-European Relationship Really in Decline?

The Atlantic – June 14, 2011 excerpts…

The blistering farewell speech to NATO by U.S. defense secretary Robert Gates warning of a “dim, if not dismal” future for the Alliance drew the Western public’s attention to a longstanding debate about the state of the transatlantic relationship. With prominent commenters voicing concern about much more than just a two-tiered defensive alliance, questioning whether the U.S.-Europe relationship itself is past its prime, doubts that the Western alliance that has dominated the post-Cold War world are reaching a new high. http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2011/06/is-the-us-european-relationship-really-in-decline/240398/

Beginning of the End for NATO?

New York Times – June 13, 2011 excerpt…

The United States has long encouraged the European Union to develop a security policy so that the Europeans can take care of their own backyards like Bosnia, Moldova, the southern Mediterranean, Belarus, Ukraine and the Caucasus…It might take the gradual withdrawal of the United States to convince the Europeans that they need a long-term security strategy that deserves its name.http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/14/world/europe/14iht-letter14.html

Currently, the Europeans tend to look somewhat powerless and the USA wants the EU to spend more on defense so that the USA can spend less. The reality is that the relationship between the USA and Europe will get so strained that in the future, once the European King of the North is in place, that Europe will invade the people of the strongest fortresses (Daniel 11:39) which will eliminate the USA.

Now, while Europe cannot possibly do that now, pressuring Europe to increase defense spending while it is developing cutting edge physics’ technologies like antimatter that could possibly create some unique military ability (cf. Revelation 13:3-4), combined with having unsustainable American deficits which will lead to decreases in part of USA defense spending, also combined with terrible events that will likely affect the USA like famine and pestilence will make takeover feasible (Ezekiel 5:16-17).

And according to Bible prophecy it will come to pass.

I would like to add that I have long speculated that I believe that the USA itself may get attacked under the cover of a NATO exercise that is to take place with the Europeans in North America.  This would give the element to surprise that the USA military would not sufficiently suspect (though some might).  And this could be done officially under NATO (presuming it still exists then) or under some type of “cooperative agreement” between the USA and Europe.  I have felt that part of the “public” reason to have such an exercise on American soil will be to try to show that the Americans (including Canadians) that Europe is dedicated to American defense despite strains in their relationships (like NATO and/or trade issues).

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”? Using the Tower of Babel and “Beast” images suggests it is not concerned about its role as being part of the future Babylon of Bible prophecy.
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?
Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach?
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?
Canada in Prophecy: What Does Bible Prophecy, Catholic Prophecy, and other Predictions Suggest About the Future of Canada? There are prophecies that suggest involvement with Canada. And many are not positive about its future.
Who is the King of the West? Why is there no End-Time King of the West in Bible Prophecy? Is the United States the King of the West?
2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect This is a link related to a book by Bob Thiel (COGwriter). This also has YouTube videos. This book documents and explains hundreds of prophecies, including information about Europe, the USA, the King of the North, and the King of the South. And since it was published, many have already started to come to pass.
2012 y el surgimiento de la secta secreta 2012 libro del Dr. Thiel en Español.
2012 und das Auftreten der geheimen Sekte (German Edition) 2012 Buch von Dr. Thiel in deutscher Sprache.
2012 e o Surgimento da Seita Secreta (Portuguese Edition) 2012 livro do Dr. Thiel em Português. Este livro documenta e explica centenas de profecias. E desde que foi publicado pela primeira vez, pelo menos 14 já começaram a acontecer.

Chinese Soldiers

COGwriter

The front page of today’s print edition of the The Wall Street Journal reports:

BEIJING—A wave of violent unrest in urban areas of China over the past three weeks is testing the Communist Party’s efforts to maintain control over an increasingly complex and fractious society, forcing it to repeatedly deploy its massive security forces to contain public anger over economic and political grievances.  http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304665904576383142907232726.html

China began censoring news a few months ago (see China Appears Worried About Egypt), but now seems to be having more problems.

Notice what RC Meredith of the Living Church of God wrote years before this current unrest began:

Many publications have suggested that the 21st century will be “China’s century.” Even though the Chinese are fiercely moving forward, and their progress in developing their industries is obvious, these publications are dead wrong for two reasons. First, the inspired word of God describes specifically how a coming European Union will be the dominant force in this world—obviously within the next several years. Therefore, brethren, I would like to focus your mind on this matter so you can more intelligently “watch” world events along this line as they unfold before your very eyes. In the coming years, you will perhaps even see a revolt of the peasants in the outlying Chinese cities, who have lagged far behind the standard of living afforded those who have moved to Beijing and Shanghai. Plus, the tremendous pollution of the water, air and foodstuffs may bring about massive disease epidemics and other problems for the Chinese.

In addition, distracting wars and other events may— as God chooses to guide it—greatly undermine the material progress now being made by the Chinese. Meanwhile, you will soon see the European Union evolve into an absolutely powerful and dynamic force in the world— ultimately to become the “Beast” as revealed in Revelation 17 in your own Bible!

So the 21st century will not be the “Chinese century!” Rather it will appear to become the European century for a few years, until the magnificent return of Jesus Christ as King of kings and Lord of lords. From then on, the 21st century will be, indeed, “Christ’s century!” And all of us who are able to understand the “Big Picture” of world events from God’s point of view should be preparing to help straighten out the appalling degree of suffering, starvation and misconduct we find on this earth today in virtually every nation (Meredith R.C. An Inspiring and Successful Trip. Living Church News. May-June 2007, p. 21).

And while the Chinese government may be able to prevent a massive escalation of protests for a while, it may be that they will end up with it any way.  But the current wave of violent unrest suggests that Dr. Meredith was correct in his assessment of the Chinese situation.

Some articles involving the Asian peoples that may be of interest may include the following:

China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 1: Genesis and Chinese Characters Where did the Chinese people come from? This article provides information showing that the Chinese peoples must have known about various accounts in the Book of Genesis up until their dispersion after the Tower of Babel.
China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 2: The Sabbath and Some of God’s Witness in China When did Christianity first come to China? And is there early evidence that they observed the seventh day sabbath?
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?
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?

COGwriter

In the latest Tomorrow’s World magazine by the Living Church of God is the following by Rod McNair:

Marriage: Good for Husbands and Wives

The Apostle Paul wrote some of the Bible’s most enlightening passages about marriage. Why did God institute marriage? Paul explained: “‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church” (Ephesians 5:31–32). Paul taught that the roles of men and women in marriage are to be a daily reminder—in a small, physical way—of the relationship Jesus Christ will have with His Church for eternity.

Why, then, do some see marriage as an instrument of repression? Practiced God’s way, it was never intended to be that. And modern researchers are discovering what many happily married couples have known intuitively for a long time: “The perceived ‘bondage’ of this historic and honorable institution is not as damaging to all involved as is the ‘freedom’ of our present ethos” (Stanton, p. 12). Research has consistently shown that marriage has a generally positive effect on a husband’s and wife’s well-being. “People who are married not only have higher incomes, and enjoy greater emotional support, they tend to be healthier. Married people live longer than unmarried ones, not only in the United States but abroad” (Wilson, p. 16).

But enjoying the benefits of a successful Christian marriage takes commitment and sacrifice. It requires that both husband and wife accept the responsibilities and fulfill the roles that God outlined for marital success. Paul very plainly commanded the husband’s duty in marriage: “Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself” (Ephesians 5:33).

Husbands, what does “love your own wife” mean to you? Scripture tells a husband to cherish and nourish his wife—to protect, provide for and support her, not to tear her down or belittle her. Of course, this is easy to do when your wife is being kind, thoughtful and supportive, and she looks beautiful—right? But what about when she is having an especially bad day? Paul put no limitations on the command—his instruction is to love and cherish your wife in the bad moments as well as the good. Husbands must endeavor to love their wives, even when they are not easy to love. This is what it takes to achieve the harmony, unity and “oneness” God desires. Love her even when she is brusque with you; even when she is “out of sorts.” After all, “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8), and husbands are to reflect the self-sacrificing nature of Jesus Christ in their own marriage.

Wives, what are your roles and responsibilities? Paul explains, “let the wife see that she respects her husband” (Ephesians 5:33). This may sound old-fashioned and naïve, but Paul insists on it. What does “respect your husband” mean? It means to follow his godly lead. It means to show him honor not just when he is easy to respect and admire, but also when he may be irritable or angry, tired or selfish. It does not mean to be a “doormat” or to accept abuse. But it does mean learning to accept his decisions when they disagree with yours, and supporting rather than undermining him, ridiculing him or insulting him. Notice that, just as for husbands, Paul puts no caveats on his command to wives—the instruction is to respect her husband in his weaker moments as well as in his best. Yes, this is sometimes a challenge! But a wise and thoughtful wife will do everything she can to support her husband and build him up, not tear him down (Proverbs 14:1). She will make it a life goal to help him succeed, and will relate to him with kindness, compassion and mercy (Proverbs 31:26).

Wives, is your husband perfect? Of course not! However, by learning to submit to an imperfect husband now, you will help him learn to be the nurturing and supportive husband you want and need. And, very importantly, you will be showing your perfect Savior that you will also be willing to follow Jesus Christ’s lead, as the “bride, the Lamb’s wife” for all eternity (Revelation 21:9).

You can click the link for the full article, which is titled Solving the Mystery of Marriage.

Muammar al-Gaddafi

COGwriter

Germany has become the 13th country to recognize Libya’s rebels as the nation’s legitimate rulers as opposed to Colonel Muammar al-Gaddafi who has been its top leader for decades:

German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle has made a surprise visit to the Libyan rebel-held town of Benghazi, where he announced that Germany now recognizes the country’s rebel leadership…

Germany becomes the 13th nation to recognize the NTC following Australia, Britain, France, Gambia, Italy, Jordan, Malta, Qatar, Senegal, Spain, the United Arab Emirates and the United States.  http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,15150852,00.html

The situation in Libya is changing and the final King of the South will ultimately rise up. The more chaos there becomes in the world in general, and the Middle East/North Africa in particular, the more the stage is being set for the people there to desire to support such a leader.  The fact that so many Western nations are encouraging this is of passing interest, yet they likely do not realize what they are encouraging to be created in the Middle East.

Yet, as I have written this entire Spring, I suspect that many of the Middle Eastern nations will end up with temporary governments that ultimately will be replaced and/or will become part of an Arab-North Africa-Islamic confederation, that will be led by the one the Bible refers to as the final King of the South.

The final King of the South may rise up relatively soon–and, according to the Bible, this will be a leader that will cooperate with, then turn against the West (Psalm 83; Daniel 11:27, 40).

Watch (cf. Mark 13:33-37).

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?
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?
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?
Africa: Its Biblical Past and Prophesied Future What does the Bible teach about Africa and its future? Did the early Church reach Africa? Will God call all the Africans?

COGwriter

US President Barack Obama has put additional pressure on the small nation of Israel:

Obama Gives Netanyahu Ultimatum on Resuming Talks

The Blaze – June 12, 2011

Israel Radio Reported Sunday that The United States gave Netanyahu an ultimatum on renewing negotiations with the Palestinians.

According to the ultimatum, Netanyahu has to decide within a month whether he agrees to accept US President Obama’s proposal and resume talks based on 1967 lines. http://www.theblaze.com/stories/obama-gives-netanyahu-ultimatum-on-resuming-talks/

This is not really a surprise as Barack Obama has indicated his preference to try to force his ideas (though can you really force real peace?).

A Middle East peace deal seems to be predicted in the Book of Daniel (for detail, please see the article When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2011, 2012, or 2013?).  And it will happen.  Apparently this is one more step in that direction–though a step that will tend to drive Israel toward the Europeans and nations other than the USA.

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?
Canada in Prophecy: What Does Bible Prophecy, Catholic Prophecy, and other Predictions Suggest About the Future of Canada? There are prophecies that suggest involvement with Canada. And many are not positive about its future.
Who is the King of the West? Why is there no End-Time King of the West in Bible Prophecy? Is the United States the King of the West?
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?
Mexico, Central America, South America, and Brazil in Prophecy [Español: México, America Central, Suramérica, y el Brasil en profecíal] [Português: México, América Central, Ámérica do Sul, e Brasil na profecia] What will happen to those of Latin America? Will they have prosperity? Will they cooperate with Europe? Will they suffer in the future? What rule might the various Caribbean nations/territories play?
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 14-15 predictions in the book (including some related to Barak Obama ) 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.

COGwriter

Swine flu again? Notice the following:

Swine Flu Variation Emerges With Power to Resist Drugs, Researchers Say

Bloomberg – June 9, 2011

A novel form of the swine flu virus that swept the globe in 2009 has emerged in Australia and Singapore, carrying a genetic twist that helps it resist Roche Holding AG (ROG)’s Tamiflu and GlaxoSmithKline Plc (GSK)’s Relenza, researchers said.

More than 10 percent of the infections in Singapore and 30 percent of those in northern Australia tested in early 2011 had mildly reduced sensitivity to the two drugs that are the mainstay of influenza treatment, according to a report today from the World Health Organization’s influenza research group in North Melbourne, Australia. http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-06-09/swine-flu-variation-emerges-with-power-to-resist-drugs-researchers-say.html

Relatively soon, serious pestilences are prophesied as they are part of what Jesus called “the beginning of sorrows”:

7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.  8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. (Matthew 24:7-8)

If humans quit eating pigs, the “swine flu” problem would probably go away. But since many still do, it is possible that something more serious may happen.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2011, 2012, or 2013? 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?
The New Testament Church and Unclean Meats Are foods considered to have been unclean in the Old Testament considered to be food in the New Testament? This article discusses this from the perspective of the New Testament. It also has a list of clean and unclean animals. It also answers the question, is pork healthy or is pork dangerous?
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?
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?

Ruins of Smyrna (Izmir, Turkey)

COGwriter

Turkey seems to be moving in a more Islamic direction.

Turkey’s Islamist-based AKP party wins in unofficial election results

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s Justice and Development Party, riding a wave of support from the pious poor and newly emergent Muslim middle class, defeated its opponents to hold a majority of parliamentary seats, setting up a third term for Erdogan.

By Borzou Daragahi, Los Angeles Times June 12, 2011,

Recep Erdogan wins by landslide in Turkey’s general election

The Guardian June 12, 2011

This suggests, for a while a least, that Turkey may move to be a little less of a secular Muslim state.

The Bible indicates that the Turks (who are not Arabs, but seem to be Edom in scripture) will make a deal with the Arabs that will be joined by representatives of the rising European power:

4 They have said, “Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation,
That the name of Israel may be remembered no more.”
5 For they have consulted together with one consent;
They form a confederacy against You:
6 The tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites;
Moab and the Hagrites;
7 Gebal, Ammon, and Amalek;
Philistia with the inhabitants of Tyre;
8 Assyria also has joined with them;
They have helped the children of Lot. (Psalms 83:4-8, NKJV)

But since Edom seems to escape what happens to the King of the South in Daniel 11:40-43, despite a deal with the Arabs, Turkey is apparently not a going to be a strong supporter of the final King of the South for very long.  But apparently it will be for a while.

Perhaps it should be mentioned that there are many Catholic prophecies that indicate that the Turks will become (ecumenical) Catholic:

Dionysius of Luxemberg (died 1682): With divine assistance this ruler will not only lead erring souls back to the true Faith but also deal a heavy blow to the foes of the empire; the Turks, to take away their empire and restore it to Christianity (Connor E. Prophecy for Today. Imprimatur + A.J. Willinger, Bishop of Monterey-Fresno; Reprint: Tan Books and Publishers, Rockford (IL), 1984, p.84).

Blessed Anna Maria Taigi (died 1837): Millions of men would die by the sword in war and civil strife, other millions would perish in unforeseen death. Then entire nations would return to the unity of the Church, and many Turks, Pagans and Jews would be converted and their fervour cover with confusion the original Christians. In one word she told me that our Lord was intending to cleanse the world and His Church… (Bessieres A. Wife, Mother and Mystic (Blessed Anna Maria Taigi). Nihil Obstat: Carlos Davis, S.T.L. Imprimatur: E Morrough Bernard, Westmonasteri, die Februari, 1952. Reprint TAN Books, Rockford (IL), 1982, p. 166).

Old Saxon Prophecy. “The seven-headed city, now more admirable than Jerusalem, shall be a place more desolate than Jerusalem. The Dog shall enter Germany but shall afterwards forsake his master and choose for himself a new man, whereby Scripture shall be fulfilled. This Dog shall signify the Turk which shall forsake his Mohammed and choose unto him the name Christian…But after all these things the end of the world shall approach, and there shall be heavey and pitiful days.”

Comment: The seven-headed city is probably Rome…(the comment is from Dupont personally, Dupont Y. Catholic Prophecy: The Coming Chastisement. TAN Books, Rockford (IL), 1973, pp.23-24)

Venerable Bartholomew Holzhauser: All heresies shall be banished…the Turkish Empire shall be broken up, and all nations shall come to and worship their God in the true Catholic and Roman faith (Rossi, G. THE CHRISTIAN TRUMPET, OR, Previsions and Predictions about Impending General Calamities, The Universal Triumph of the Church, The Coming of Antichrist, The Last Judgment, and The End of the World. Compiled by PELLEGRINO [Gaudentius Rossi], A Missionary Priest with Superior’s permission. Boston, THOS. B. NOONAND & CO., 1873, p. 121)

Brother Louis Rocco (19th century): In Istanbul (Constantinople) the Cross will replace the half-moon of Islamism…the Turks…will subsequently embrace the Catholic faith. (Dupont, p.76)

Thus, even though it may not always have the best relations, Catholic prophecy indicates that Turkey will ultimately align with the coming compromised “Catholic” beast power. This is likely to happen around the time the King of the North, who is a prince first (cf. Daniel 9:26-27; Ezekiel 32:29-30) eliminates the King of the South (Daniel 11:40-43)–as this is when the Islamic “Mahdi’s” forces will apparently be defeated.

25 He shall stir up his power and his courage against the king of the South with a great army. And the king of the South shall be stirred up to battle with a very great and mighty army; but he shall not stand, for they shall devise plans against him. 26 Yes, those who eat of the portion of his delicacies shall destroy him; his army shall be swept away, and many shall fall down slain. (Daniel 11:25-26)

40 At the time of the end the king of the South shall attack him; and the king of the North shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter the countries, overwhelm them, and pass through. 41 He shall also enter the Glorious Land, and many countries shall be overthrown; but these shall escape from his hand: Edom, Moab, and the prominent people of Ammon.  (Daniel 11:40-42)

It may be that the Turks, Moabites, and/or the prominent people of Ammon will somehow support the King of the North.

Interestingly, notice the following Catholic prophecy about betrayal of an Arabic power:

Nostradamus: The Great Arab shall progress well forward, But betrayed shall be by the Byzantines. (Turks).

Comment on above from Catholic writer Yves Dupont: Here, we are told that Turkey will break its faith with the rest of the Arab world. (Dupont, Yves. Catholic Prophecy: The Coming Chastisement. TAN Books, Rockford (IL), 1973, p. 107).

The “Great Arab” is probably supposed to represent the Mahdi/Caliph, the final King of the South. The Turks currently control Bzantium and have for many centuries. Hence, Catholic prophecy indicates that Turkey will betray the Islamic Arabic power. Daniel 11:25-26 is clear that an ally of the King of the South will betray the King of the South. If Daniel 11:25-26 has future fulfillement (and as it seems to parallel Daniel 11:40-43 it may), it would seem that there will be close allies (like Turkey) that will betray the King of the South according to scripture as well.

So, Turkey, while apparently now tilting in a more Islamic direction, will probably not remain that way according to scripture (Daniel 11:41).  Today’s election results will not change that.  Watch (Mark 13:35-37).

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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 (including Iran and Turkey). What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam? What 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? Might this King be called the Mahdi? 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?
Mary, the Mother of Jesus and the Apparitions Do you know much about Mary? Are the apparitions real? What happened at Fatima? What might they mean for the rise of the ecumenical religion of Antichrist? Are Protestants moving towards Mary? How do the Orthodox view Mary? How might Mary view her adorers?
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.

VS.

COGwriter

Self-appointed prophet, apostle, and witness CGPFK’s Ronald Weinland recently wrote the following:

God’s Church will be observing the third annual Sabbath of this year, Pentecost (also called the Feast of Weeks and Feast of Firstfruits). It will be the last Pentecost to be observed in man’s age (the time allotted in God’s plan for mankind to govern himself). (Weinland R. TRUMPETS & the FIFTH THUNDER, May 20, 2011)

Why would we write such nonsense?  Because he erroneously teaches that Jesus will come on the next Pentecost (May 27, 2012).  Notice something from that same writing:

The May 27^th of 2012, will be “the Pentecost” that ushers in the greater fulfillment of what this Holy Day has always foreshadowed…The next great step in the fulfillment of Pentecost is… when Jesus Christ will come as King of kings to rule over this earth.

This is the same Ronald Weinland who 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. Ronald Weinland did not admit that he was a false prophet in 2008 and so will he next year?  It would be nice.  Because he will be so wrong again, maybe less people will listen to him after May 27, 2012.

Yet, the fact that the events of the Great Tribulation have still not began has not caused enough of his followers to experience disbelief yet.  He, like Harold Camping, has tried to spiritualize away physical events that Jesus (Matthew 24) and others (like Daniel) said must happen during that time–and sadly, his followers, like those of Harold Camping, have accepted such non-biblical positions.

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).

1 But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. 2 And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. 3 By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber. (2 Peter 2:1-3).

16 Thus says the Lord of hosts:

“Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you.
They make you worthless;
They speak a vision of their own heart,
Not from the mouth of the Lord.  (Jeremiah 23:16)

26 How long will this be in the heart of the prophets who prophesy lies? Indeed they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart (Jeremiah 23:26).

Ronald Weinland has often spoken presumptuously based upon the opinions of his heart, and has caused the way of truth to be blasphemed.

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

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 (many of the followers of Harold Camping were very disappointed when his prediction for the return of Jesus on May 21, 2011 was proven to be false, and those remaining with him still will be disappointed when his revised October 21, 2011 return date will also 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. It is clearly obvious that Ronald Weinland will be wrong again.

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 taught 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?

Dr. Meredith and I

COGwriter

In the latest LCG World Ahead Weekly Update, Dr. Meredith wrote:

Dear fellow servants of Jesus Christ,

Let’s all truly draw close to God in this Pentecost weekend. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7). We all need to thank God for the wonderful increase in Divine healings we have experienced this past year—there have been so many which we have described to you—also for the 9.2 percent increase in Church attendance here in the U.S., for a continuing excellent response to our Tomorrow’s World telecast. In actual responses, we have by far the greatest number of television responses to our program of any similar program!

So we have much to be thankful for.

With the power of God’s Holy Spirit, we all want to do more—and we will! We all need to constantly remind ourselves, as I do, of Paul’s instruction, “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:23-24). It is genuinely encouraging to realize how God the Father, Jesus Christ and even the elect angels are all “watching” us—protecting us, helping us and working with us. For, as Jesus said, “the very hairs of your head are all numbered” (Matthew 10:30). One of the Bible passages I am becoming more and more “in love with” is found in Psalm 33. Please notice verses 13-15: “The Lord looks from heaven; He sees all the sons of men. From the place of His dwelling He looks on all the inhabitants of the earth. He fashions their hearts individually; He considers all their works.”

Through the wonderful power of His Holy Spirit, God truly is watching over each one of us—working with us—fashioning and molding us to become full sons of the Eternal God! We all understand that He is very patient with us in spite of our mistakes. We also must understand and encourage the brethren to realize how powerful God’s Spirit is—if we cry out to God for it and yield to our Creator with all our heart, strength and mind.

As we observe this Day of Pentecost picturing the “outpouring” of God’s Holy Spirit, let us all encourage the brethren to genuinely “seek” God and the power of His Spirit. Let each of us do all we can to prepare for His Kingdom and to give of ourselves to our Creator. As this confused and deceived world truly begins to wind down, let us be those people who are truly preparing to be the kings and priests whom Christ will soon use to make this world an absolutely glorious place of peace and prosperity. May God bless and guide all of you as the Day of Pentecost approaches. Let us pray fervently for one another—and give God thanks that we can know Him and His Son Jesus Christ and the wonderful purpose for our very lives.

Your brother in Christ,

Roderick C. Meredith

Pentecost is today and we in the Living Church of God are observing it.  Despite the economic problems in the USA and much of the world, LCG has been blessed with higher attendance and higher income during the recession.  We believe that God wants us to more powerfully reach the world with God’s plan for humankind.

To learn more about God’s Holy Days and God’s plan of salvation, please consider studying the following articles:

Pentecost: Is it more than Acts 2? Many “Christians” somewhat observe Pentecost. Do they know what it means? It is also called the Feast of Harvest, the Feast of Weeks, and the day of firstfruits.
Pentecost Quiz This is a Pentecost quiz based upon the Old and New Testaments in the Bible.
Did Early Christians Think the Holy Spirit Was A Separate Person in a Trinity? Or did they have a different view?
What is the Holy Spirit? An article by Rod Reynolds that was published in the Living Church News.
Universal Offer of Salvation: There Are Hundreds of Verses in the Bible Supporting the Doctrine of True Apocatastasis Do you believe what the Bible actually teaches on this? Will all good things be restored? Will God call everyone? Will everyone have an opportunity for salvation? Does God’s plan of salvation take rebellion and spiritual blindness into account?
Did the Early Church Teach Purgatory? Is there a place called purgatory? Does God have a plan to help those who did not become saints in this life?
What is Limbo? Is There Such a Place as Limbo? What Happens to Babies When They Die? When did Limbo start being taught? What is the truth about dead babies?
Hope of Salvation: How the Living Church of God differ from most Protestants How the Living Church of God differs from mainstream/traditional Protestants, is perhaps the question I am asked most by those without a Church of God background.
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?
Is There “An Annual Worship Calendar” In the Bible? This paper provides a biblical and historical critique of several articles, including one by 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.
Holy Day Calendar This is a listing of the biblical holy days through 2017, with their Roman calendar dates. They are really hard to observe if you do not know when they occur 🙂

Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg

COGwriter

As regular readers of this page are aware, I have had my eye on one-time German Defense Minister Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg since late 2009 as one who could possibly fulfill the role of the final King of the North. I have expected that he would likely go abroad for some time, he now has said that he would:

Guttenberg ‘Moving Abroad for At Least Two Years’

Spiegel Online – ‎Jun 10, 2011‎

Guttenberg and his family are reportedly planning a fresh start abroad after his plagiarism scandal. After months of hiding from the spotlight, Germany’s fallen former defense minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg is ready for his next big move — abroad.  The conservative is preparing to leave the country and rethink his career following the plagiarism allegations that stalled his promising political trajectory.

The USA and UK are two places that have been suggested for his sabbatical.

Now, as I have mentioned before, his scandal and exile appears to be consistent with certain Roman and Orthodox Catholic prophecies about a leader commonly referred to as the Great Monarch and possibly biblical prophecy concerning the Beast, the final King of the North. Notice a passage from the Bible (three different translations shown) that seems somewhat supportive of that view:

21 And there shall stand up in his place one despised, and the kingly honour shall not be given him: and he shall come privately, and shall obtain the kingdom by fraud. (Daniel 11:21,
Douay-Rheims)

21 “‘His place will be taken by a reject, a man spurned and passed over for advancement. He’ll surprise everyone, seemingly coming out of nowhere, and will seize the kingdom.
(Daniel 11:21 from THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language © 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. All rights reserved.)

21 And in his place shall stand up a contemptible person, to whom they had not given the honor of the kingdom: but he shall come in time of security, and shall obtain the kingdom by flatteries. (Daniel 11:21, ASV)

Many have ridiculed and rejected the Baron because of the plagiarism and many despise what he did, yet others expect that he may rise up again.

Here are Catholic and Eastern Orthodox prophecies that I have previously stated could apply to the Baron:

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).

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, p. 30)

For those who are unaware, Karl zu Guttenberg descends from the Habsburg line and all the Habsburg line seems to have descended from Charlemagne (King Pepin was the father of Charlemagne). So the idea of one who is to become a ruler who has Baron Guttenberg’s ancestry is supposed to be exiled.

Here is an Eastern Orthodox prophecy about a coming leader:

Monk Leontios (no later than 912): Go hurry to the West of the Seven-Hilled City; you will find there a man who is dear to Me; he is given to prayer, he has dark hair, honey-colored {sun-tanned skin}, he is gentle and noble-minded; he is cognizant of the things of the future; and on his right foot he has a sizable callosity (Tzima Otto, pp. 84,203–p. 203 says sun-tanned was a proper translation for “honey-colored”).

Being a Baron, one who suspect that Baron zu Guttenberg would be “noble-minded” and he does have dark hair. The photographs I have seen of him show him somewhat tanned and not nearly as white-skinned as some others in Germany. It may be of interest to note that if the “Seven-Hilled City” above is Istanbul (which is more likely here) than Rome, that the town of Guttenberg (which is where he lives) is west of it.

It may also be of interest to note that the Baron’s semi-self-imposed exile (he could have stayed in his job as Chancellor Merkel still supported him) bears watching as that prophecy says that the one who will rise up “is cognizant of the things of the future”–could he have decided to resign earlier and now be exiled to partially fulfill the prophecies about the “king” (Great Monarch) who is being pushed out to exile? I do not know, but if he is the one, I would not put it past him.

If Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg eventually establishes a new religious order within Catholicism (cf. Daniel 11:38), promotes European unity, promotes ecumenism, promotes peace in the Middle East (even if he simply makes a statement endorsing it when he is in another land, including possibly the USA), 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?