Church of God News

COGwriter

The Chinese are tiring of US politics related to the debt:

Chinese ‘Appalled’ by U.S. Debt Impasse

Bloomberg – July 28, 2011

Senior Chinese officials are “appalled” by the impasse among U.S. politicians on raising the nation’s debt ceiling to avoid a default, said Stephen Roach, non-executive chairman of Morgan Stanley Asia Ltd…

In another sign of concern within the nation that is the biggest foreign owner of Treasuries, the official China Securities Journal said today that the U.S. stand-off signals long-term dollar weakness that will push up commodity prices and pose inflation risks for the world. In Mumbai yesterday, a former central bank adviser, Yu Yongding, repeated his call for China to reduce its Treasury holdings, adding that a default would be “disastrous.”…

China, the owner of $1.16 trillion of Treasuries, is losing confidence in America’s government “and its dysfunctional economic stewardship,” the economist {Roach} said. http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-07-28/roach-says-chinese-officials-appalled-by-impasse-on-raising-debt-ceiling.html

As I have written here many times, the increasing of debt/pledges by the USA will lead to a greater disaster for the USA than almost any imagine per Habakkuk 2.

While the Chinese are upset with the USA, at least one German leader is suggesting that Chinese investments have contributed to the famines in Africa:

Germany blames Chinese land buys for Africa drought

AFP – July 28, 2011

Germany’s Africa policy coordinator on Thursday blamed China’s practice of buying up land in the Horn of Africa for contributing to the devastating drought ravaging the region.Guenter Nooke told the daily Frankfurter Rundschau it was clear that “this catastrophe is also man-made”.

“In the case of Ethiopia there is a suspicion that the large-scale land purchases by foreign companies, or states such as China which want to carry out industrial agriculture there, are very attractive for a small (African) elite,” he said. http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hu9_tN9w_dCvyWeYhfdOJLCn47BA?docId=CNG.f7f7219253feb49f37e24ef89a4ad717.4d1

Whether or not China has anything to do with them, famines and troubles, of course, are biblically expected:

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

8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows. (Mark 13:8)

Despite all the bickering between nations, there is good news as ultimately, God’s kingdom will come and those issues will be gone (Revelation 7:16).  But a terrible hour of trial is coming first (Revelation 3:10).  And it will be worse for Anglo-descended countries, like the USA, than almost anyone seems to believe.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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.
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2010, 2011, or 2012? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before 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?
Physical Preparation Scriptures for Christians. We all know the Bible prophecies famines. Should we do something?
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?
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?
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?
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?

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 to the US to write book

Former Defence Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg, brought down by an academic plagiarism scandal earlier this year, is moving to the United States with his family and will write a book, media reported Thursday.

The Local – July 28, 2011 …

Broadcaster ARD reported Thursday that Guttenberg had bought a house in Connecticut, just north of New York. There, he plans to write a book and hold lectures. Guttenberg is known as a strong trans-Atlanticist who is popular in US political circles. http://www.thelocal.de/politics/20110728-36589.html

Over a year ago, I also posted this about the Baron (June 14, 2010, see Guttenberg Hints of Resigning):

For various reasons, he may be out of the limelight for a while, if he does, in fact, become the final King of the North.

About that time, in my paper, Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North?, I wrote, “As far as being exiled goes, the Baron is not always popular, and he may become unpopular for a time.”  I wrote the following could apply to him:

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)

On February 25, 2011 (see Guttenberg Down, But Not Out), I posted:

And it is possible that he could end up out of the limelight, or even out of a political office, for a while.

And, 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.

For those who are unaware, all the Habsburg line seems to have descended from Charlemagne (King Pepin was the father of Charlemagne), and the Baron’s mother was a Habsburg. 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.

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 while in 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.  If he is the one, his coming stay in the USA will give him better insight into the USA and probably contacts that he may exploit later, perhaps as a subterfuge for an attack on the USA (cf. Daniel 11:39).  If he also ends up on very good terms with Cardinal Koch (see Kurt Koch Made a Cardinal: Might He Become the Antichrist?), this may also be an indicator–and could be a strong indicator.

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.

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?

Philip’s “Martyrion” Hierapolis, Turkey (Photo by Joyce Thiel)

COGwriter

It is believed that the tomb of Philip, one of the original twelve apostles has been found:

Tomb of St. Philip the Apostle Discovered in Turkey

FOX News – July 27, 2011

A tomb believed to be that of St. Philip the Apostle was unearthed during excavations in the ancient Turkish city of Hierapolis.

Italian professor Francesco D’Andria said archeologists found the tomb of the biblical figure — one of the 12 original disciples of Jesus — while working on the ruins of a newly-unearthed church, Turkish news agency Anadolu reported Wednesday.

“We have been looking for Saint Philip’s tomb for years,” d’Andria told the agency.  http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2011/07/27/tomb-st-philip-apostle-discovered-in-turkey/?test=latestnews

Some believe that his remains, as well as those of Philip the evangelist (Acts 21:8)  were moved centuries ago:

The remains of the Philip who was interred in Hieropolis were later translated (as those of the Apostle) to Constantinople and thence to the church of the Dodici Apostoli in Rome. (Kirsch, J.P. (1911). St. Philip the Apostle. In The Catholic Encyclopedia. New York: Robert Appleton Company. Retrieved July 28, 2011 from New Advent: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11799a.htm)

Philip is an interesting apostle from a historical and Church of God perspective as post New Testament records demonstrate.

He was clearly married, had faithful children, and kept Passover on the 14th.  Notice the following account from Polycrates of Ephesus:

We observe the exact day; neither adding, nor taking away. For in Asia also great lights have fallen asleep, which shall rise again on the day of the Lord’s coming, when he shall come with glory from heaven, and shall seek out all the saints. Among these are Philip, one of the twelve apostles, who fell asleep in Hierapolis; and his two aged virgin daughters, and another daughter, who lived in the Holy Spirit and now rests at Ephesus; and, moreover, John, who was both a witness and a teacher, who reclined upon the bosom of the Lord, and, being a priest, wore the sacerdotal plate. He fell asleep at Ephesus. And Polycarp in Smyrna, who was a bishop and martyr; and Thraseas, bishop and martyr from Eumenia, who fell asleep in Smyrna. Why need I mention the bishop and martyr Sagaris who fell asleep in Laodicea, or the blessed Papirius, or Melito, the Eunuch who lived altogether in the Holy Spirit, and who lies in Sardis, awaiting the episcopate from heaven, when he shall rise from the dead ? All these observed the fourteenth day of the passover according to the Gospel, deviating in no respect, but following the rule of faith. And I also, Polycrates, the least of you all, do according to the tradition of my relatives, some of whom I have closely followed. For seven of my relatives were bishops; and I am the eighth. And my relatives always observed the day when the people put away the leaven. I, therefore, brethren, who have lived sixty-five years in the Lord, and have met with the brethren throughout the world, and have gone through every Holy Scripture, am not affrighted by terrifying words. For those greater than I have said ‘ We ought to obey God rather than man’…I could mention the bishops who were present, whom I summoned at your desire; whose names, should I write them, would constitute a great multitude. And they, beholding my littleness, gave their consent to the letter, knowing that I did not bear my gray hairs in vain, but had always governed my life by the Lord Jesus (Eusebius. The History of the Church, Book V, Chapter XXIV, Verses 2-7 . Translated by A. Cushman McGiffert. Digireads.com Publishing, Stilwell (KS), 2005, p. 114).

Perhaps I should add that over a century after Philip died, an apparently faithful successor, Apollinaris of Hierapolis, continued to keep Passover on the 14th.  And although the Catholics, Orthodox, and Protestants all consider that the Apostle Philip was a faithful saint, they tend not to follow his practice of observing Passover.

We in the Living Church of God, however, still do.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

The Apostle Philip He was called directly by Jesus.  Where did he go?  What did he believe and practice?
Apollinaris of Hierapolis He was an early church leader that may have known Melito and Polycarp; he also wrote about the Passover.
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?
The Churches of Revelation 2 & 3 Do they matter? Most say they must, but act like they do not. This article contains some history about the Church of God (sometimes referred to as the continuation of Primitive Christianity) over the past 2000 years. It also discusses the concept of church eras.
What Do Roman Catholic Scholars Actually Teach About Early Church History? Although most believe that the Roman Catholic Church history teaches an unbroken line of succession of bishops beginning with Peter, with stories about most of them, Roman Catholic scholars know the truth of this matter. This eye-opening article is a must-read for any who really wants to know what Roman Catholic history actually admits about the early church.
Nazarene Christianity: Were the Original Christians Nazarenes? Should Christians be Nazarenes today? What were the practices of the Nazarenes.
Location of the Early Church: Another Look at Ephesus, Smyrna, and Rome What actually happened to the primitive Church? And did the Bible tell about this in advance?
Apostolic Succession What really happened? Did structure and beliefs change? Are many of the widely-held current understandings of this even possible? Did you know that Catholic scholars really do not believe that several of the claimed “apostolic sees” of the Orthodox have apostolic succession–despite the fact that the current pontiff himself seems to wish to ignore this view?  Is there actually a true church that has ties to any of the apostles that is not part of the Catholic or Orthodox churches?  Read this article if you truly are interested in the truth on this matter!
Early Church History: Who Were the Two Major Groups Professed Christ in the Second and Third Centuries? Did you know that many in the second and third centuries felt that there were two major, and separate, professing Christian groups in the second century, but that those in the majority churches tend to now blend the groups together and claim “saints” from both? “Saints” that condemn some of their current beliefs. Who are the two groups?
Which Is Faithful: The Roman Catholic Church or the Living Church of God? Do you know that both groups shared a lot of the earliest teachings? Do you know which church changed? Do you know which group is most faithful to the teachings of the apostolic church? Which group best represents true Christianity? This documented article answers those questions. Português: Qual é fiel: A igreja católica romana ou a igreja viva do deus? Tambien Español: Cuál es fiel: ¿La iglesia católica romana o La Iglesia del Dios Viviente? Auch: Deutsch: Welches zuverlässig ist: Die Römisch-katholische Kirche oder die lebende Kirche von Gott?
Why Should American Catholics Should Fear Unity with the Orthodox? Are the current ecumenical meetings a good thing or will they result in disaster?
Some Similarities and Differences Between the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Living Church of God Both groups claim to be the original church, but both groups have differing ways to claim it. Both groups have some amazing similarities and some major differences. Do you know what they are?

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

COGwriter

This is an interesting development because about a month ago, the House agreed to a spending bill that did allow some of the types of abortion funding that it now is trying to restrict:

(CBS) Support for abortion rights is rising in the U.S., a new poll shows.

The Harris Interactive/HealthDay poll showed that 36 percent of adults think women should have access to abortion in “all circumstances. That’s up from 23 percent in 2009.  The percentage of adults opposed to abortion under any circumstances fell from 21 percent in 2009 to 17 percent this year, according to a statement published on the Harris website.  http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-20084272-10391704.html?tag=stack

Abortion is wrong.

Those who support it are also wrong

28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.  (Romans 1:28-32).

The Bible also says:

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

Few consider that the debt and budget problems in USA are related to abortion and other sins.  But I believe that they are.

Since movement in the USA towards the Roe vs. Wade decision in 1973, not only have about 50,000,000 babies been aborted/murdered, the USA has gone from being the world’s largest creditor nation to the world’s largest debtor nation.

According to the Bible, debt is a curse of disobeying God:

43 “The alien who is among you shall rise higher and higher above you, and you shall come down lower and lower. 44 He shall lend to you, but you shall not lend to him; he shall be the head, and you shall be the tail. 45 “Moreover all these curses shall come upon you and pursue and overtake you, until you are destroyed, because you did not obey the voice of the Lord your God, to keep His commandments and His statutes which He commanded you. (Deuteronomy 28:43-46)

The destruction of the USA is coming and abortion in one of the many reasons (see also Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel).

Also notice what has happened to the economy of the United States:

In real terms, as mentioned above, US growth in the 21st century seems to have fallen back to medieval levels. Why?…Because the economy failed to produce real growth. After 1973, wages, for example, adjusted for inflation, went nowhere. (Bonner B. Economic Growth in the Internet Age. Daily Reckoning, June 23, 2011)

Coincidence or curse?

Several articles of possibly related interest may include:

Abortion, the Bible, and a Woman’s Right to Choose Do you know what the Bible teaches on this? What do the Living Church of God and the Church of Rome teach?
The Ten Commandments Reflect Love, Breaking them is Evil Some feel that the ten commandments are a burden. Is that what Jesus, Paul, Peter, James, and John taught?
Prophecies of Barack Obama? This article has eight reasons why Barack Obama is apocalyptic and eight reasons why Barack Obama is not the Antichrist. It includes many biblical and non-biblical prophecies, from around the world, that seem to discuss Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist? Might Barack Obama set the stage for the kings of the North and South as at least one Shiite prophecy suggests? This is the longest and most complete article at the COGwriter website on Barack Obama prophecies. Read it and decide for yourself if President Obama seems to be fulfilling various prophecies.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”. Might Bible prophecy be fulfilled since he is to be the USA president?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Does God Have a 6,000/7,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2018 or 2019?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2011, 2012, or 2013? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?

Greek Riots, 2008

COGwriter

There is a large march from Spain to Brussels to protest financial austerity plans in Europe:

MADRID, July 27 (UPI) — Activists called “the Indignants” are marching from Madrid to Brussels to protest what they say is governments’ ignoring of citizens in the economic crisis.

As they travel to Brussels, the protesters said they would hold meetings, and gather complaints and proposals, the BBC reported Wednesday.

The Indignants said they’re marching because they are upset with how Europe has responded to the economic crisis with spending cuts, job losses and privatization of services, while those the protesters blame for the recession have been unaffected, the BBC said. http://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2011/07/27/Spanish-Indignants-begin-march-to-Brussels/UPI-92711311765937/#ixzz1TJrSEawQ

Spain has imposed stricter restrictions on smoking this year, and with austerity measures in the country also hitting disposable income, tobacco firms have been cutting prices.  http://www.cityam.com/news-and-analysis/imperial-tobacco-sees-sales-dented-price-war-struggling-spanish-market

It may be that others may join the Spanish Indignants in their march on Brussels (the essential capital of the EU).

I essentially warned about this type of problem in December 2010 when I wrote:

Civil unrest in Europe is expected. Places such as France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Eastern Europe have potential for this occurrence.

Expanded civil unrest will have major impacts on the euro and on Europe itself.   It is highly likely to propel a European leader to rise up. The final leader will be the one known as the Beast (Revelation 13:3-4) and final King of the North (Daniel 11:22-44) of Bible prophecy.

Additionally, in my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect, I discussed the possibility of civil unrest and/or civil war breaking out in Europe. Here are a couple of captions from the 2009 book about that:

Some believe that God will punish the nominal Catholics with civil unrest and war in Europe. As there already has been civil unrest in Europe (and according to secular sources, more is expected), it is possible that the following (to some degree) also may come to pass:..

Monk Hilarion (15^th century): “The people of the peninsula of Europe will suffer by needless wars…”

Brother Louis Rocco (19th century): “All over Europe there will rage terrible civil wars…A Great Monarch will arise after a period of terrible wars and persecutions in Europe.”

Some believe this civil unrest will result in the rise of a militaristic leader who will quell that particular violence, establish a new religious order, and reign with a pope who will perform miracles…

One interesting 15^th century Catholic prophecy foretells a time when a “great prince” will rise up. “All Germany” will apparently convert to the ecumenical religion, and then massive conversions in “all countries” “will happen quickly…

The descriptions of the Great Monarch/Prince in many ways parallel the description of one the Bible refers to as the “prince” in Daniel 9:26–27, final “King of the North” in Daniel 11:27–45…

World events are aligning with prophecy.  Some of the protests may turn quite violent and this may be a major trigger for the rise of the prophesied final King of the North.

The Bible is clear that although there will be problems with the unnatural combination that we now call Europe (Daniel 2:42-43), that it still will rise up. And it is likely that because of protests and other forms of civil unrest, that the Europeans will be more willing to accept the type of militaristic leader that the Bible teaches will lead the final beast empire (Revelation 13:1-4).

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe?
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.
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. 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.
2012 e o Surgimento da Seita Secreta (Brazilian Portuguese Edition) 2012 livro do Dr. Thiel.  Edição em português do Brasil. Este livro documenta e explica centenas de profecias. E desde que foi publicado pela primeira vez, pelo menos 16 já começaram a acontecer.

COGwriter

Earlier this month, US President Barack Obama brought up that the USA faced ‘Armageddon’ if it did not raise its debt ceiling (see Obama Says He is Trying to Avert ‘Armageddon’).   He is not the only one to do so, nor is it the only term from the Book of Revelation being used related to this situation:

Debt-ceiling drama: Have politics gone apocalyptic?

Washington Post – July 26, 2011

Have you noticed a trend in some of the terms coming out of the debt-ceiling talks? Things along the lines of “The Pontius Pilate Plan,” in reference to Sen. Mitch McConnell’s, (R-Ky.), plan and the “666 Plan” introduced by the Gang of Six. Have politicians finally taken the old adage “the devil is in the details” to heart?  http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/for-gods-sake/post/debt-ceiling-drama-have-politics-gone-apocalyptic/2011/07/26/gIQA7lRtaI_blog.html

Dollar Will Suffer With or Without Financial Armageddon

Wall Street Journal – July 25, 2011

Financial armageddon will probably be avoided in the U.S.. But, that won’t necessarily be good news for the dollar.

On the contrary, protracted negotiations on raising the U.S. debt ceiling could well increase the threat of a ratings downgrade, and at the same time talk of further U.S. monetary easing is likely to return.  http://blogs.wsj.com/source/2011/07/25/dollar-will-suffer-with-or-without-financial-armageddon/?mod=google_news_blog

As far as 666 goes, even though this really has nothing to do with fulfilling the passage about it in the Book of Revelation, I would like to quote the passage and provide some comments:

16 He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, 17 and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.  18 Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666.  (Revelation 13:16-18)

Although the US debt ceiling issue is not a fulfillment of the above, let’s somewhat pretend that it is.  If it is, then the implication is that without the ‘666 debt ceiling plan’ no one in the USA will be able to buy or sell.  Apparently, once the plan is approved, we would all have to wear something that we acknowledge the power of the ‘666 debt ceiling plan’ to exist financially.   Now, 666 is really the identification of another human (Roman) system (see Two Horned Beast of Revelation and 666), but it is sadly a little humorous that 666 is being brought up in conjunction with the fact that the USA still is convinced that it needs to INCREASE DEBT to continue.  One cannot continue to increase debt into perpetuity, especially if one is dependent upon sometimes unfriendly foreign nations to do so (cf. Habakkuk 2:3,5,6-8).

Interestingly, the Congressional Budget Office found that the two most recent plans will not save as much as the promoters claims:

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office announced Wednesday morning that Senate Democrats’ plan to raise the debt ceiling would save the nation $2.2 trillion over the next ten years — $500 billion less than Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid claimed when he introduced the plan.

The news follows the CBO’s report late Tuesday that the House Republicans’ proposal also fell short of claims: The CBO said that plan, which is broken into two steps, would initially save only $850 billion over a decade, not the $1.2 trillion claimed by House Speaker John Boehner. http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20084159-503544.html

Furthermore, both of the above plans still allow for significant increases in total debt.

Now, back to the term Armageddon.  While US President Obama and others have mainly using the term ‘Armageddon’ for emphasis, there are three problems with that.

The first, and most obvious biblically, is that Armageddon is mainly a military matter and is not directly dependent upon US debt ceiling talks. Biblically, it is clear that Armageddon will not be averted:

12 Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, so that the way of the kings from the east might be prepared. 13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. 14 For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.

15 “Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.”

16 And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon. (Revelation 16:12-16)

The above would not be part of sacred scripture if it was not going to happen.

The second problem with the US President’s statement that I would like to address is that while the USA will likely take steps to get past its current debt ceiling issue, the reality is that every proposal I have seen from the Obama Administration results in an increase of debt for the USA basically in perpetuity (proposals that supposedly balance the budget after he is out-of-office are not credible to me or many others)–thus a financial crisis may be pushed further into the future, but it will be worse because of it.

And the third problem, is that partially because of the debt situation, the USA will not be around by Armageddon (cf. Habakkuk 2:3,5,6-8).  The USA, the land of the “strongest fortresses” (NKJV) will cease to exist nearly 3 1/2 years before troops gather at Armageddon (cf. Daniel 11:39).

Right now, the USA crisis is that it wants and hopes to increase debt and borrow more from its foreign creditors, yet its leaders believe that not increasing debt will be a greater calamity.

The USA is setting itself up for financial ruin, and even worse. Watch (Mark 13, Matthew 24).

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?
SDA/LCG Differences: Two Horned Beast of Revelation and 666 The Living Church of God is NOT part of the Seventh-day Adventists. This article explains two prophetic differences, the trinity, differences in approaching doctrine, including Ellen White. Did Ellen White make prophetic errors? Did Ellen White make false prophecies?
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 15-16 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.
2012 e o Surgimento da Seita Secreta (Brazilian Portuguese Edition) 2012 livro do Dr. Thiel. Edição em português do Brasil. Este livro documenta e explica centenas de profecias. E desde que foi publicado pela primeira vez, pelo menos 16 já começaram a acontecer.

COGwriter

Another archeological find supports the Bible:

Ancient Philistine Dig Supports Biblical Account

CBN – July 25, 2011

TEL ES-SAFI, Israel — Archaeologists in Israel have uncovered an altar in the ancient city of Gath, home to the Israelites’ arch enemy the Philistines.

CBN News was at the dig site when the excavators uncovered the first horn of the altar. The find is revealing a great deal about the culture of Israel’s ancient foe — and the accuracy of the Bible. http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/insideisrael/2011/July/Ancient-Philistine-Dig-Supports-Biblical-Account/

The Bible tells about the Philistines throughout much of the Hebrew scriptures that we commonly refer to as the Old Testament.

This is interesting as we get closer to the end that archeologists continue to find more evidence of biblical peoples, figures, and events.

Of course, for those of us who believe the Bible, no further proof is needed. But for some who have heard statements from pseudo-archaeologists that deny the biblical accounts, it may be helpful for them to realize that as time goes on, more and more archaeological evidence surfaces that supports the Bible.

Bible prophecy has proven trustworthy and will again.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

The Bible: Fact or Fiction? This is a booklet written by Douglas Winnail that answers if the Bible is just a collection of myths and legends or the inspired word of God.
Read the Bible Christians should read and study the Bible. This article gives some rationale for regular bible reading.
Biblical Archaeology This is a website that has more information on biblical archeological as is sometimes known as the Bib Arch site.

Muslim Brotherhood
الإخوان المسلمون
Al-Ikhwān Al-Muslimūn

COGwriter

The Muslim Brotherhood is still risng:

A member of Egypt’s interim military government said unease over threats the Muslim Brotherhood poses to prospects of democracy in the country are exaggerated, and that the Islamist movement has a right to partake in political life…Al-Assar’s comments come amid growing public anger over the slow pace of political reform and of filing indictments against officials linked to ousted president Hosni Mubarak, as well as the army’s growing ties with the Brotherhood…

Raymond Ibrahim, a widely published author on Islamist organizations, wrote Monday that the future promises to bright for the Brotherhood, banned for decades under Egypt’s successive military rulers. “Things are looking good for Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood, the grandfather of all Islamist groups. Despite the organization’s hegemonic aspirations — which include “eliminating and destroying the Western civilization … so that it is eliminated and God’s religion is made victorious over all other religions” — the Obama administration recently announced that it ‘welcomes dialogue’ with the Brotherhood; so did the European Union,” he wrote on the website of the Hudson New York think tank.  http://www.jpost.com/MiddleEast/Article.aspx?id=231067

We in the Living Church of God (LCG) suspect that the Muslim Brotherhood may be part of making end time events happen:

The virtual “tsunami” of Middle East and North African nations overthrowing their secular rulers is coming along day by day even as I write. This—as we have explained—could clear the way for the Muslim Brotherhood and other Islamic extremists to take over much of the Middle East. Such an event would “prepare the way” for the coming “Mahdi”—the Islamist religious/political leader who will no doubt become the biblically prophesied “King of the South” (Daniel 11:40). He will probably lead in the provocation of the “King of the North” described in that same inspired prophecy in Daniel 11. And this will set in motion the final chain of events leading up to “Armageddon,” and then Jesus Christ’s return as King of kings (Revelation 11:15)! (Meredith RC. Tomorrow’s World subscriber letter, May 9, 2011)

Events in the Middle East (and elsewhere) are lining up with LCG’s understanding of biblical prophecy.

To bring enough Arab nations together, I have felt that some type of “strongman” needed to rise up.  One who Arabs would tend to respect–who might use of not use the title Imam Mahdi (which is the title that Shi’ite Muslims tend to use).  The time may be now for him to rise up and the Muslim Brotherhood may play an important role.  The Muslim Brotherhood is looking for an Islamic leader called a caliph to rule a pan-Arabic empire.

As far as timing, some suspect this Mahdi/Caliph may appear in 2012:

As the Koran states the Mahdi will not return in an odd-numbered year, as world chaos is to precipitate his reappearance, as Ahmadinejad claims the Mahdi’s return will occur before his presidency ends in 2013, as a dying Khamenei claims the return will happen before his death, and as Iran stands on the brink of arming itself with nuclear weapons, Khamenei and Ahmadinejad view the planets as all falling into alignment for them.

From the vantage point of these two fanatics, 2012 may be shaping up as the year of the Mahdi’s return.

(Zumwalt J.  Iran’s Dynamic Duo Dedicated to Global Destruction.  August 13, 2010. http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=38528)

A December 1979 Plain Truth article by Keith Stump’s titled The Arab World in Prophecy provides insights into who may be the future king of the South as well as who may be involved in Psalm 83, perhaps in partial fulfillment of Daniel 11:27:

Mahdi, the expected end time messiah who is to cleanse and restore the Islamic faith…to usher in a seven-year golden age just before the end of the world…The expectation of a coming Mahdi (in Arabic, “the divinely guided one”) is prevalent among virtually all Moslem sects, though they often differ in the specifics of the concept…

The prophecy of Daniel 11 details events…But who is the “king of the south”?…Just as there is yet to be a final “king of the north”–called in the Bible symbolism “the beast”–who will arise as superdictator over an end-time European confederation, there may very well emerge in the same manner a final “king of the south”–an overall leader of an Arab-Moslem confederation, possibly bearing the very title Mahdi. And these two individuals will eventually find themselves in a head-to-head confrontation–possibly over oil–which will ultimately lead to devastating war in the Middle East!

King David of ancient Israel in a prophetic psalm (Psalm 83) provides additional insight into the Mideast picture. Germany (Assyria in Bible prophecy) and perhaps the rest of Europe will be in league in the future with a union of Arab nations–a vast confederacy bound together in an effort to crush out the name “Israel” from the face of the earth! This Arab-Moslem confederacy may very well be the previously mentioned “king of the south”–a sphere of power encompassing vast portions of the Islamic world.

“They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance. For they have consulted together with one consent: they are confederate against thee: The tabernacles of Edom [Esau or modern-day Turkey, a non-Arab but Islamic nation], and the Ishmaelites [Saudi Arabia]; of Moab [part of Jordan[, and the Hagarenes [anciently these peoples dwelt in the area known as Syria today]; Gebal [Lebanon], and Ammon [modern Jordan], and Amalek [part of the Turks]; the Philistines [the modern Palestinians] with the inhabitants of Tyre [Lebanon]; Assur [whose descendants, the Assyrians, migrated to Germany] also is joined with them: they have holpen the children of Lot [Jordan and Western Iraq]” (Psalm 83:4-8)…

But in the end, this European-Arab alliance will prove short-lived…And the king of the north shall come against him [the king of the south]…The Arab-Moslem Confederation will, of course, be thrown into chaotic disarray in the fact of invasion.

So Bible prophecy in the books of Daniel and Psalms suggest that there will be some type of strong Arab-based confederation that will make a deal with a future European power for the purposes of eliminating “Israel”. Many Muslims are looking for this type of confederation as well–and it now be somewhat at its infancy of forming.  But that the alliance will not last.

Some articles of 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? 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?
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?
Is There an Islamic Antichrist? Is Joel Richardson correct that the final Antichrist will be Islamic and not European? Find out.
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.
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2011, 2012, or 2013? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? Who are the 144,000?

COGwriter

Got an email this morning from an LCG prayer request site that contained the following:

Jack R. Elliott died peacefully Sunday evening, July 24 with his wife Anne and his family at his side. Mr. Elliott’s life’s work included assisting Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong in the developing the Ambassador College Campus at Pasadena, California, founding Spokesman’s Club, and afterwards serving as an elder in Texas. His legacy includes a fine example of faithfulness to God and striving to do His will in everything.
As his family, we celebrate his physical life and rejoice in Christ’s promise of eternal life to all of God’s faithful children. Thank you for all the love and prayers that have been offered on his and the family’s behalf.
A memorial service will be held at 11 AM on Wednesday, July 27 at the United Church of God hall located at 1007 N Tyler Street (Hwy 55) in Big Sandy, Texas.
Cards of encouragement for Anne Elliott may be sent to 2727 E. Lake Drive; Gladewater, TX 75647

I did not know Jack Elliot, but as far as I can tell he was with the United Church of God in East Texas.  He may be the same Jack Elliot listed at the United Church of God, IA-East Texas/Ruston/Texarkana website.

Handwriting on the Wall (Crespo)

COGwriter

Here is most of today’s commentary from Roger Meyers of the Living Church of God titled Nations rise and fall:

There was at one time a Babylonian Empire. There were Assyrian, Macedonian, Aztec, Mayan and Incan Empires. These, like the empires of Carthage and Parthia, are also history. In more recent centuries, the sun did set on the British Empire. In 1991, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics broke into fifteen countries. Human history is filled with nations and empires that once rose to prominence, flourished—and then fell. Many of these nations have ceased to exist except as archaeological sites and chapters in history books. A quick survey of history shows how many empires have been broken into pieces, divided, regrouped or renamed.

Edward Gibbon, an English historian, wrote the famous book, The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, published in six volumes from 1776 to 1789. His methodology of documenting and footnoting his researched references made his work a model for historians.

Gibbon offered his theories for why the Roman Empire fell. Other historians who followed have offered their own theories to explain the decline of Rome and other nations. Some common reasons for the decline of nations include: constant wars and heavy military spending; over-extending, fighting on too many fronts; political corruption; a divided, factious government; a failing economy; a devalued currency; unemployment due to outsourcing, unrestricted trade and cheap, foreign labor; the working class forced to rely on government subsides; a massive divide between the rich and the poor; the gradual loss of civic virtue; an increase in divorce and the breakdown of the family unit; and promiscuous sexual behavior and a decline in morals.

Some of these reasons sound eerily familiar to our modern-day nations. Indeed, many people have made uncomfortable comparisons of prior nations to our own. These people see the “handwriting on the wall,” a metaphor for impending doom right out of the pages of the Bible. They express serious concern that the Western nations—especially the United States and the other British-descended nations—are in danger of falling, much like ancient Rome.

Like the Roman Empire, the U.S. currently enjoys superior military strength, with bases all around the world. The U.S. has some of the most technologically advanced military equipment available. Ultimately, it is the only remaining superpower—for now. However, just like ancient Rome, the nation’s military budget is enormous. Like Rome, its borders are not secure, and increasing numbers of immigrants are not assimilating into American culture. Much as Rome had its “bread and circuses,” the U.S. has a budget burdened with subsidies for its citizens’ food, medical and other assistance. All of this is causing escalating financial stress. In addition, like Rome, America’s morality continues on a steep downward slide.

It is scary to think about America failing! Can we imagine how our world would change? How quickly would America’s fall cause a “domino effect” leading to the fall of other overstretched nations? Would the “good life” be gone? No more eating out at restaurants or ordering a pizza? No more professional sports and music events? Would we be able to afford groceries? Would gasoline be rationed? Would we be able to afford our mortgage or our rent? Would we face riots in our streets? What kinds of new governments would form—or would anarchy prevail?

The Almighty God in heaven determines which nations will rise and which will fall. We need to know what He says is going to happen. Read our powerful articles “Rise and Fall of Nations” and “The Handwriting Is on the Wall” for further perspective on this sobering topic, and if you have not already done so, request your free copy of our booklet, The United States and Great Britain in Prophecy.

Thousands of years ago, the Prophet Daniel was asked to interpret some handwriting that was written on a wall by only a hand that the king of the area personally witnessed (which is why he ultimately called Daniel to see it). The moral trend in that kingdom was not good according to Daniel (Daniel 5:22-23). After stating that, here is the interpretation that the prophet Daniel gave of that handwriting on the wall:

24 Then the fingers of the hand were sent from Him, and this writing was written.

25 “And this is the inscription that was written:

MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.

26 This is the interpretation of each word. Mene: God has numbered your kingdom, and finished it; 27 Tekel: You have been weighed in the balances, and found wanting; 28 Peres: Your kingdom has been divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.” (Daniel 5:24-28)

That kingdom was taken over that very night (Daniel 5:30-31).

So, let us look at the words from the wall and apply them to the United States.

1. Mene: Your days as being on the top of the world order are numbered.
2. Mene: Despite signs of your decline, instead of repenting, you seem to be taking steps to speed it up–you are soon to be finished.
3. Tekel: Your morality and “conscience” have been weighed in the balances, and found wanting.
4. Peres/Upharsin: Your nation will be divided by the final Beast, the King of the North (Daniel 11:39), and he will make your people slaves as your nation will be finished.

As I have written many times, I doubt that the USA will have national repentance, so it is on the way to destruction.  A lot of what has come out of the White House during the debt ceiling talks has not been real solutions to the problems that the USA is facing.  But that does not preclude individual repentance.

Turning to God is the only answer. And this is something you can do –whether you are American or not. Even a report recently from the Congressional Budget Office warned that the USA is risking a “sudden fiscal crisis” that could have devastating consequences (see CBO Warns of ‘Sudden’ Debt Crisis), and according to the Bible, the consequences will be even worse than the CBO imagined.

Nations rise and fall.

Can you see the handwriting on the wall?

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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?
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? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?
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?
Prophecies of Barack Obama? Eight reasons why Barack Obama is apocalyptic and eight reasons why Barack Obama is not the Antichrist. This article 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 on this page on Barack Obama prophecies. Read it and decide for yourself if President Obama seems to be fulfilling various prophecies.
Are You Saved? Do You Love Jesus? What is a True Christian? What is the Gospel? Evangelist Richard Ames answers those important questions.
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2011, 2012, or 2013? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Gerat 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? When does the six thousand years of human rule end?