Church of God News

Berlin Reichstag

COGwriter

In its latest TW News & Prophecy E-zine, the Living Church of God reported the following::

Germany’s Rising Star.

A recent Wall Street Journal article observed, “Germany is sitting on top of the world. But the rest of the world thinks it’s getting too comfortable up there… What is Germany’s place in the world?” John Kornblum, former U.S. ambassador to Berlin recently asked the question: “Germany is rising in a Europe that’s coming apart at the seams… How is this country–the only major economy in Europe that can keep up with globalization–going to fit into this Europe?”According to the article, “Germany’s traditional allies even fret that the country is losing interest in Europe and the West. After all, when you’ve carved out a lucrative niche selling precision machinery and luxury cars to fast-growing emerging economies such as China, who needs stodgy old Europe?” Critics are also asking “whether Germany is becoming an unpredictable country and an awkward partner.” At the same time, German leaders reassure the West that they are very much a part of it (Wall Street Journal, June 27, 2011).

While many wonder where Germany is headed, Bible prophecy notes a powerful Germany at the end of the age–it will become a tool that God uses to humble the Israelite-descended nations (Isaiah 10:5-11). The Bible indicates this nation will lead the final European Beast power (see Revelation 17). Ultimately, Germany will be a leading nation for peace in God’s Kingdom (Isaiah 19:23-25). Events are now taking place in Europe that will propel Germany forward on the world stage–an exciting series of events to watch. For more information on this fascinating topic, read or request our reprint article, “Resurgent Germany: A Fourth Reich?“

We in the Living Church of God have long taught that Germany (Assyria in end time prophecy) would be the driving force in the end-time European Beast power as well as having a future role in God’s kingdom.

Increasing German wealth means increasing German influence.  But this will ultimately not be good for the Anglo-nations descended from Israel (cf. Isaiah 10:5-11), even though apparently the UK and/or Canada/Australia/New Zealand (Ephraim in end time prophecy) will try to turn towards Germany:

1 “Ephraim also is like a silly dove, without sense–They call to Egypt, They go to Assyria. 12 Wherever they go, I will spread My net on them; I will bring them down like birds of the air;
I will chastise them According to what their congregation has heard (Hosea 7:11-12).

8 Israel is swallowed up; Now they are among the Gentiles
Like a vessel in which is no pleasure. 9 For they have gone up to Assyria, Like a wild donkey alone by itself; Ephraim has hired lovers (Hosea 8:8-9).

1 Ephraim feeds on the wind, And pursues the east wind; He daily increases lies and desolation. Also they make a covenant with the Assyrians, And oil is carried to Egypt (
Hosea 12:1)

But notice, that the Bible considers this to be senseless.  Notice one reason:

5 “Woe to Assyria, the rod of My anger
And the staff in whose hand is My indignation.
6 I will send him against an ungodly nation,
And against the people of My wrath
I will give him charge,
To seize the spoil, to take the prey,
And to tread them down like the mire of the streets.
7 Yet he does not mean so,
Nor does his heart think so;
But it is in his heart to destroy,
And cut off not a few nations. (Isaiah 10:5-7)

Notice that even though Assyria (modern Germany) does not think it means to, it is in the national character to destroy and cut off nations.  And this will happen.  Germany is getting the wealth and influence that ultimately will allow it to fulfill that prophecy.

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 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?
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?

Muammar al-Gaddafi

COGwriter

The head of Libya is getting upset by airstrikes:

(CBS/AP) 1 July 2011
TRIPOLI, Libya – A defiant Muammar Qaddafi threatened Friday to carry out attacks in Europe against “homes, offices, families,” unless NATO halts its campaign of airstrikes against his regime in Libya.

While Libya might attack some spots in Europe, I suspect that even  Qaddafi realizes that that type pf retaliation against Europe would guarantee a fairly quick exit for him.  He still is likely to exit, but even if he does not for a while the situation in Libya will change.

The final King of the South will ultimately rise up and control his land, and Libya will not end up well (Daniel 11:40-43).  Of course, 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 the rebel groups in Libya and throughout the Middle East is of passing interest, yet they likely do not realize what they are encouraging to be created in the Middle East.

As I have written most of this year, 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.  And I have never thought it would be Qaddafi.

UPDATE 9 July 2011: Check out what he just said at the following link:

Qaddafi Now Threatens Europe with ‘Martyr Attacks’

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?
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?
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?

Jerusalem

COGwriter

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

Do-or-Die Moment for Israel?

The Jerusalem Post recently ran a powerful Opinion/Editorial article highlighting the unrest throughout North Africa and the Middle East. It noted the instability and the bloody intents of regional leaders. It highlighted the continued “rise to power” of extremist groups like Hamas, al Qaida, the Muslim Brotherhood and Hezbollah and the rapid nuclear and space-technology advancements of Iran. The article ended by linking the current situation with Israel’s: “What this means is that–as was the case in May 1967, when the combined Arab armies gathered with the express purpose of wiping the Jewish state off the map–today again, Israel is alone at its hour of greatest peril. All of the lesser threats now gathering from Egypt, the Palestinian Authority, Syria, Lebanon and Turkey will become insurmountable if Iran becomes a nuclear power. As was the case in May 1967, Israel has arrived at a do-or-die moment. And we should all pray for the strength and courage of our leaders, our soldiers and our nation at this time” ( www.jpost.com , June 17, 2011).Bible prophecy predicts that Jerusalem will be overtaken by “gentiles” again one day–“But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near” (Luke 21:20). Importantly, Arabs will not eventually take control of Jerusalem, a European Beast power will! (Daniel 11:40-43). This is made more interesting by Germany’s recent promises to support and protect Israel. For more information about this, review our free booklet: The Middle East in Prophecy.

When the European Beast power takes over Jerusalem, it will likely give the Arabs the impression that they intend to turn it over to them over time.

Perhaps when the Arabs later realize that this is not the real plan, this may be part of why a coming Arab-Islamic confederation (which will be the final King of the South) will push at the final European King of the North (Daniel 11:40) which will cause a battle that the Arab power will lose (Daniel 11:41-43).

To learn more about what will happen to the descendants of Israel and the Arabic peoples, please check out the first four articles:

Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What about Jerusalem? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
Is There A Future King of the South? Some no longer believe there needs to be. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? Might this King be called the Mahdi? What does the Bible say?
The Arab and Islamic World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam? What about the Imam Mahdi? What lies ahead for Turkey, Iran, and the other non-Arabic Muslims?
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe?
Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North? Is the German Defense Minister one to watch? What do Catholic, Byzantine, and biblical prophecies suggest?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies for the Great Monarch 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 does he do in the Middle East and Jerusalem? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2011, 2012, or 2013? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? Why do people think the Bible teaches about a peace deal? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? Who are the 144,000?

Harold Egbert Camping

COGwriter

Harold Camping, a false teacher and proven false prophet for quite some time, is now in a nursing home.  Harold Camping predicted that Jesus would return in 1994 and also claimed the same thing for May 21, 2011, and when that was wrong, switched the return to October 21, 2011.  He misled many.  One of the scriptures I quoted related to him was as follows:

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).

Now there are recent two letters at his Family Radio website, and I would like to just quote the first line of one of them:

Mr. Camping has been moved to a Skilled Nursing Facility, where he is undergoing rehabilitation to regain his strength.

Here are a few statements from the other letter (bolding mine):

What really happened this past May 21st ? What really happened is that God accomplished exactly what He wanted to happen…Thus we can be sure that the whole world, with the exception of those who are presently saved (the elect), are under the judgment of God, and will be annihilated together with the whole physical world on October 21, 2011, on the last day of the present five months period. On that day the true believers (the elect) will be raptured.

The idea that perhaps Harold Camping has received part of God’s judgment does not seem to be something that he (at least publicly) has indicated.

Harold Camping viewed (and still seems to view) his opinions above the plain teachings of the Bible.  And that has been a problem with heretics, false prophets, and false leaders since the time of Simon Magus in the Book of Acts (Acts 8:5-25).

No one should accept traditions of men, including prophetic ones, that are in conflict with scripture.  Harold Camping’s prophetic teachings were (and still are) in blatant contradiction to scripture.  Please, do not listen to him as he is not teaching all that God would have one of His prophets teach.

The iniquity of false prophets such as Harold Camping and others (like some with the Mayan 2012 date) will turn various people off about prophecy (CGPFK’s Ronald Weinland also comes to mind). More will feel comfortable being scoffers. And this rise of scoffers who will not believe in prophecy is also foretold in the Bible by the Apostle Peter:

1 Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), 2 that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior, 3 knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, 4 and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.” 5 For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, 6 by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. 7 But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

8 But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. 11 Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.

14 Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless; 15 and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation — as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, 16 as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures. (2 Peter 3:1-16, NKJV)

Harold Camping’s current prediction of Jesus returning on October 21, 2011 will also soon be shown to be false.

Yet, despite false predictions, Mayan prophecies, scoffers, and the assertions of many, Jesus will return. And we are to look forward to His return as the Apostle Peter wrote. Jesus will return no earlier than 2018 (and probably later) as certain biblically-required steps have not yet happened (Daniel 9:27; cf. Matthew 24:15,21,29-30).

Those who are interested in the truth about Harold Camping, Ronald Weinland (who even claims to be one of the two witnesses), Mayan prophecies, and when the Bible shows that Jesus can return, may wish to study the following articles:

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?
What is the Appropriate Form of Biblical Interpretation? Should the Bible be literally understood? What do the writings of the Bible, Origen, Herbert W. Armstrong, and Augustine show?
Why Be Concerned About False and Heretical Leaders? There have been many false leaders–here is some of why you should be concerned about them.
There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Petra This article discusses a biblical ‘place of safety’ and includes quotes from the Bible and Herbert W. Armstrong on this subject–thus, there is a biblically supported alternative to the rapture theory.
Is There A Secret Rapture for the Church? When and Where is the Church Protected? What does the Bible really teach? Does the Church flee or is it taken up just prior to the great tribulation? Who really is left behind?
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 end will come in 2008 (first April 17th, then June 2008, now December 14, 2008). Why does the Bible show that Ron Weinland is a false prophet? He also has at least one other view that suggests that he is not part of the Church of God.
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?
End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something? Are there Mayan calendar predictions for change in 2012? Changes were centuries ago predicted by the Hopi Native Americans. Do Mayan/Hindu/Hopi/Buddhist/New Age/Nostradamus prophecies have any value here? Why might Satan have inspired this date? Does the Dresden codex show destruction of the earth by flood? Can the great tribulation start before 2012? How might the next pope be involved in 2012?
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?