Church of God News

COGwriter

The August 2011 edition of the United Church of God’s publication United News has the following from its Scott Ashley:

Is the Council Planning to
Change Doctrine? No.

Despite persistent rumors and insinuations to the contrary, UCG continues to strongly defend the doctrines we’ve always held…

One Internet message stated that the home office had already changed the Sabbath and Holy Days. Another stated that United was going to be adopting the Trinity doctrine. Various other
rumors circulated stated that we are “watering down” our doctrines. Most of these, in some form or another, accuse United’s leadership of having a secret plan to change UCG doctrines…

Is UCG adopting the Trinity belief?…

The fact is…we had long been at work researching material to produce a booklet disproving the Trinity doctrine!

Much of the above seems to be directed towards some supporters of COGWA (a group formed by many UCG ministers that broke away in 2010) and James Malm.  James Malm has a blog where he often posts rumors and his speculations–and despite his hints that UCG was trying to become trinitarian, I never reported such rumors at COGwriter as I did not believe that the facts supported UCG attempting to adopt the trinity.

Scott Ashley also wrote:

It was precisely because of our commitment to truth that in 1995 the ministry approved a constitution for the United Church of God that states that our fundamental beliefs can only be  changed by a three-fourths majority of all the ministry of the United Church of God. As a further safeguard, each member of the Council of Elders signs a statement that affirms his commitment to our fundamental beliefs.

These safeguards mean that neither the Council nor administration have the power to change

Now the above statements are interesting as they do allow for changes that it has not defined as fundamental.  The reality is that it has made many changes.  Here is a list of some changes (as well as simply differences from the Living Church of God) I put together that are in the article Differences between the Living Church of God and United Church of God:

1. Broadcast Media and Doing a Work
2. Handling Income Surpluses in 2001
3. Size: Elders, Churches, and Feast Sites
4. Gospel
5. Third Tithe
6. Church Eras
7. Laodicea
8. Philadelphia
9. Petra
10. Who Will Be Protected?
11. Iran: Possible King of the South
12. Herbert W. Armstrong–Elijah
13. Birthdays
14. Born Again
15. Disasters
16. Miracles
17. Voting
18. Jury Duty
19. 18 Truths
20. Last Great Day
21. Unleavened Bread
22. Holidays
23. Catholic or Moslem Europe?
24. Doctrinal Changes
25. Approaches to Prophecy: When is the End? Should it be a major concern?
26. Collapse of US Dollar
27. Governance
28. Mission/Why Are They There
29. Brief Financial Comparison of US Income

Now I will grant that UCG made changes to government at the time of its formation in 1995, but the many of the other changes basically show how it differs from those taught when much of its leadership was part of  Herbert W. Armstrong’s old Worldwide Church of God as well as how UCG differs from the current Living Church of God.

Quotes from UCG on each of the 29 is in the article Differences between the Living Church of God and United Church of God.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Attending the Church of Choice This article discusses whose choice is important to worship God; should you attend the church of your choice or the church of God’s choice?
Polycarp, Herbert W. Armstrong, and Roderick C. Meredith on Church Government What form of governance did the early church have? Was it hierarchical? Which form of governance would one expect to have in the Philadelphia remnant? The people decide and/or committee forms, odd dictatorships, or the same type that the Philadelphia era itself had?
Should a Christian Vote? This article gives some of the Biblical rationale on this subject. Would Jesus vote for president/prime minister? Is voting in the Bible? This is a subject Christians need to understand.
Unity: Which COG for You? Why so many groups? Why is there lack of unity in the Churches of God? Has it always been this way? What can/should be done about it?
Differences between the Living Church of God and United Church of God This article provides quotes information from the two largest groups which had their origins in WCG as well as commentary.
There are Many COGs: Why Support the Living Church of God? This is an article for those who wish to more easily sort out the different COGs. It really should be a MUST READ for current and former WCG/GCI members or any interested in supporting the faithful church. It also explains a lot of what the COGs are all about.
Concerns about Church of God, a Worldwide Association (COGWA) This seems to be the largest group that came out of the United Church of God. Here is some history and concerns about it.
Should the Church Still Try to Place its Top Priority on Proclaiming the Gospel or Did Herbert W. Armstrong Change that Priority for the Work? Some say the Church should mainly feed the flock now as that is what Herbert W. Armstrong reportedly said. Is that what he said? Is that what the Bible says? What did Paul and Herbert W. Armstrong expect from evangelists?
The Philadelphia Church Era was predominant circa 1933 A.D. to 1986 A.D. and is the subject of Revelation 3:7-13. The old Radio Church of God and old Worldwide Church of God, now basically the Living Church of God.
The Laodicean Church Era has been predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. These are non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG.

World Currencies

COGwriter

In his latest update, ICG’s Mark Armstrong had the following line:

But Europe, and the euro is poised for collapse now that Italy has joined the insolvent ranks of Greece, Portugal and Spain.

Europe may have civil unrest and civil war (see pages 79-81 of my 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect book), but ultimately it will reorganize and become a powerful force (Revelation 17:12-13; 13:1-4; Daniel 11:39-43).

I read a report from a secular source Friday that forecasted the end of the Euro by the end of 2011.  On the other hand, I read a report from Switzerland that it may tie the value of its currency to the Euro to stop the Swiss Franc from going up so much.  So, apparently the Swiss are not convinced that the Euro is about to be history.

In its announcements yesterday, LCG the following news item:

“Bring Back the Deutschemark!” A highly successful German businessman, Hans-Olaf Henkel, recently called for the eurozone to split in two. The monetarily strong “northern zone” would comprise Germany, Austria, the Benelux nations, Finland, and possibly Ireland. He also asked the question: “German industry’s success was for decades tied to a strong and stable currency with low inflation. Seventeen currency appreciations not only strengthened the deutschemark, it kept the export industry on its toes. For how much longer will German industry allow itself to be seduced by the sweet-smelling poison of a devalued euro?” (see Guardian.co.uk, March 13, 2011). This week another writer, Holman Jenkins Jr. suggested that “Germany and its solvent neighbors should leave the eurozone in favor of a new currency”—the D-mark! Citing both Hans-Olaf Henkel and the turmoil in the southern eurozone nations, Jenkins made a strong case for the re-emergence of the deutschemark (Wall Street Journal, August, 10, 2011). Bible prophecy describes a Beast power that will arise in Europe in the last days (Revelation 17:7-13). This Beast power will very likely be led by a monetarily strong Germany—a nation that we have for more than 60 years said would rise again! This Beast power will bring temporary peace and prosperity to much of the world, yet its downfall will come suddenly (Revelation 18). It is sobering to see these ancient prophecies taking shape today!

As far as the Euro goes, here is some of what I wrote in 2009 in my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect:

Daniel 11:…43:…

43 He shall have power over the treasures of gold and silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt; also the Libyans and Ethiopians shall follow at his heels.

The “he” is the King of the North.

It would seem that once the U.S. dollar totally collapses people all around the world will consider that even if the Euro is strong, having a more gold-backed currency would be safer.  Having the European power acquiring a lot more gold to back the Euro (even if the backing is only implied) or possibly other future European currency (that might potentially replace the Euro) may greatly increase European credibility, prosperity, and influence around the globe.

Eventually, despite Europe’s problems (cf. Daniel 2:42-43), Bible prophecy shows that Europe will be THE major economic superpower for a short time. And as I have written many times at COGwriter, I expect the euro to drop in value from time to time, and even to plummet should major civil unrest occur, until the euro (or whatever replacement currency Europe would have should the euro be dropped, including a possible world currency) becomes the actual world reserve currency essentially replacing the US dollar.

So, I have long felt that there is a possibility that the Euro may be replaced and I am still convinced that the US dollar will NOT remain the world’s primary reserve currency.

We in LCG do believe that despite problems (cf. Daniel 2:41-43) the EU will have to reorganize, and ultimately fulfill the prophecies in the Bible about being the final Beast power of Revelation, the final King of the North of Daniel 11.

Some items of possibly related interest may include the following:

Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? What is ahead for Europe?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?
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?
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”, based up an early 20th century writing.
Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? When does the six thousand years of human rule end?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2011, 2012, or 2013? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?
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 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 16 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.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

COGwriter

Iranian President Ahmadinejad threatened the USA and Israel if, for example, they attack one or more Iranian nuclear facilities:

14 August 2011

Ahmadinejad: Iran will respond ‘decisively’ to U.S., Israel attacks

Iranian president tells Russia Today news network that although Iran would retaliate harshly in the event of attack, there is no reason to launch a strike against the Islamic republic…

Ahmadinejad told the Russian news network that the U.S. and Israel “wish to do it (launch an attack against Iran), they want to do it, but they know about our power. They know that we are going to give them a decisive response.” http://www.haaretz.com/news/middle-east/ahmadinejad-iran-will-respond-decisively-to-u-s-israel-attacks-1.378562

While the Iranian President seems to wish to brag that attacks have not been done because of Iran’s military power, it seems that mainly that the USA and Israel have not yet attacked because of political considerations.  And those considerations can change.

The President of Iran himself does not wish to promote peace, as that is not his agenda (see Iran’s Ahmadinejad Does Not Want Peace).

Perhaps it should be mentioned that the President of Iran believes that it is his special calling to create enough chaos in order to stimulate the arrival of an Islamic leader that he and others refer to as the Imam Mahdi. This leader is supposed to unite Islam and root out problems within its religion.

For various reasons, the Imam Mahdi sounds a lot like the final King of the South that the Bible foretells (Daniel 11:40-43). And he may be part of a deal that will affect the USA and its Anglo-allies (Psalm 83). And this will not be good.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

The Arab and Islamic World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the Arab and Persian world in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam? What does Islam teach about the Imam Mahdi?
Is There A Future King of the South? Some no longer believe there needs to be. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? Is he the Imam Mahdi? What does the Bible say?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo (non-Dutch) 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?
Russia: Its Origins and Prophesied Future Russia in prophecy. Where do the Russians come from? What about those in the Ukraine? What is prophesied for Russia and its allies? What will they do to the Europeans that supported the Beast in the end?
Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach?

View in Vatican City (photo by Joyce Thiel)

COGwriter

The Vatican is going to put more pronouncements on public display:

AFP – Aug 11, 2011

The Vatican will display the papal ruling to excommunicate Germany’s Martin Luther dated January 3, 1521 in an exhibition of hundreds of priceless documents from its secret archives…Among the displays will be Gregory VII’s “Dictatus Papae” from the 11th century in which the pontiff affirmed the supremacy of popes over any power on earth as well as documents linked to Pius XII’s pontificate during World War II.  The exhibition will run for seven months in the Capitoline Museums. http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iwmKFl-PfuZPUHc2bd81tBrUMh3A?docId=CNG.69a031d0d1e11d0b429c6e5dad5c9d34.a1

Of course, most know that Martin Luther claimed that the pope was antichrist, but he was not the first as the Paulicians and Waldensians taught this centuries earlier.  Yet what most do not seem to realize that various Catholic writings somewhat support the view that the final Antichrist will be a compromised cleric, sometimes referred to as an antipope.

Notice the following Catholic writings:

Oba Prophecy: It will come when the Church authorities issue directives to support a new cult, when priests are forbidden to celebrate in any other, when the highest positions in the Church are given to perjurers and hypocrites, when only the renegades are admitted to occupy those positions.

Nun Anna-Katarina Emmerick (19th century): I saw again a new and odd-looking Church which they were trying to build. There was nothing holy about it…

Yves Dupont (writer interpreting A. Emmerick above), They wanted to make a new Church, a Church of human manufacture, but God had other designs…The Holy Father shall have to leave Rome, and he shall die a cruel death. An anti-pope shall be set up in Rome. (Dupont, pp. 115,116)

Jeanne le Royer (died 1978): I see that when the Second Coming of Christ approaches a bad priest will do much harm to the Church. (Culligan, E. The Last World War and the End of Time. The book was blessed by Pope Paul VI, 1966. TAN Books, Rockford (IL), p. 128)

Yves Dupont (reader and reporter of Catholic prophecies): prophecies are quite explicit about the election of an anti-pope…Many prophecies predict an anti-pope and a schism. (Dupont, pp. 34,60-61)

Blessed Joachim (died 1202): Towards the end of the world Antichrist will overthrow the Pope and usurp his See. (Connor, Edward. Prophecy for Today. Imprimatur + A.J. Willinger, Bishop of Monterey-Fresno; Reprint: Tan Books and Publishers, Rockford (IL), 1984, p. 76)

Bl. Anna-Maria Taigi (19th century): After the three days of darkness…a new Pope…Christianity, then, will spread throughout the world…At the end, he will have the gift of miracles, and his name shall be praised over the whole earth. (Dupont, p.45)

Ted and Maureen Flynn (20th century): Catholic prophecy warns us of severe problems facing the papacy in these end times…chaos will be within our midst. An Antipope will seize papal authority…It will be those who hold fast to the truths of the faith who will be labeled as the perpetrators of this horrible schism, according to some visionaries. (Flynn Ted and Maureen. The Thunder of Justice. MaxKol Communications, Inc. Sterling (VA), 1993, p. 255)

Merlin (7th century): There will come a German Anti-Pope. Italy and Germany will be sorely troubled. (Culleton, R. Gerald. The Prophets and Our Times. Nihil Obstat: L. Arvin. Imprimatur: Philip G. Scher, Bishop of Monterey-Fresno, November 15, 1941. Reprint 1974, TAN Books, Rockford (IL), p. 132)

St. Hildegard (died 1179): But now you see her from the waist down; for you see her in her full dignity as the Church…And from her waist to the place that denotes the female, she has various scaly blemishes… … And thus in the place where the female is recognized is a black and monstrous head. For the son of perdition will come raging with the arts he first used to seduce…causing people to deny God and tainting their minds and tearing the Church with the greed of rapine. (Hildegard of Bingen. Scivias. Paulist Press, Mahwah (NJ), pp. 497,498)

Comment by Barbara Newman (1998): But as early as Scivias, Hildegard shockingly portrayed Ecclesia {the Catholic Church} as giving birth to Antichrist himself…Some other early works of Hildegard’s, written before 1159, show a similar sourness of tone with respect to the institutional church. (Newman, Barbara. Voice of the Living Light: Hildegard of Bingen and Her World. Published by University of California Press, 1998, p. 83)

Abbott Joachim (died 1202): A man of remarkable sanctity will be his successor in the Pontifical chair. Through him God will work so many prodigies that all men shall revere him. (Connor, pp. 31-32)

Saint Zenobius (died 285): Antichrist will work a thousand prodigies on earth. (Connor, p. 73)

St. Hildegard (died 1179): When the great ruler exterminates the Turks almost entirely, one of the remaining Mohammedans will be converted…will kill the pope before he is crowned, through jealousy, he wishing to be pope himself; then when the other cardinals elect the next pope this cardinal will proclaim himself Anti-Pope, and two thirds of the Christians will go with him. He, also well as Antichrist, are descendants of Dan. (Culleton, The Reign of Antichrist, p. 128)

Pope Gregory the Great (died 604): In those days, near the end, hardly a Bishop, but an army of priests and two-thirds of the Christians will join the Schism. (Culleton, R. Gerald. The Reign of Antichrist, Reprint TAN Books, Rockford, IL, 1974, p. 122)

Catechism of the Catholic Church (20th century): Before Christ’s second coming the Church must pass through a trial that will shake the faith of many believers. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, #675, Imprimatur Potest +Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger. Doubleday, NY 1995, pp. 193-194)

St. Francis of Assisi (died 1226): There will be an uncanonically elected pope who will cause a great Schism, there will be divers thoughts preached which will cause many, even those in the different orders to doubt, yea even agree with the heretics, which will cause my Order to divide. (Culleton, R. Gerald. The Reign of Antichrist, p. 130)

Priest Gaudentius Rossi (19th century): According to St. Malachy, then, only ten, or at most eleven, popes remain to be in future more or less legitimately elected. We say more or less legitimately elected, because out of those future popes it is to be feared that one or two will be unlawfully elected as anti-popes. (Rossi, Gaudentius. The Christian Trumpet: Or, Previsions and Predictions about Impending General Calamities, the Universal Triumph of the Church, the Coming of the Anti-Christ, the Last Judgment, and the End of the World; Divided Into Three Parts, 4th edition. Patrick Donahoe, 1875. Original from Oxford University. Digitized Sep 1, 2006, p. 203)

Priest O’Connor (20th century?): This final false prophet will be a bishop of the church and will lead all religions into becoming one. (The False Prophet. Living in the Final Generation. http://www.geocities.com/rebornempowered/ApparitionsofMary.htm 10/12/07)

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

Thus many Catholic writers have indicated that a new type of “Catholicism” will be false to that religion. And that the ecumenical religion will be seemingly Catholic.  The Bible warns of a seemingly ecumenical religion that will affect the world soon (Revelation 13:4-11).

It would seem that the Antichrist/antipope may be inclined to claim that Gregory VII’s “Dictatus Papae” gives him supremacy over any power on earth.

There is an unusual throne in St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.  Since first seeing it, I considered it to be  “Satan’s Throne”.   In 1987, I and dozens of others were told by a Worldwide Church of God minister that Joseph Tkach, Sr. had visited it and stated that he felt that this was Satan’s throne. This particular throne is black and the bottom of its legs is at least 5 feet off of the ground (the first time I saw it you could go up to it–the last time, in 2010–the area was roped off at least 50 feet). Despite odd claims (like one I saw at Wikipedia concerning Peter) no one allegedly has ever sat in it.  Some believe that the final pope on Malachy’s list, Peter the Roman, will sit on it (this would seem to be an antipope/Antichrist, a major henchman for Satan).

Now while I do not believe that the current Pope Benedict XVI is the final Antichrist any more than Martin Luther was, Catholic prophecy indicates that the next pope will be the antipope if certain Catholic prophecies are correct (this is explained in detail in my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect).  The fact that we are getting closer to the end of humanity’s 6,000 years to rule itself apart from God on this planet is getting very close, suggests that it is possible that there may only be one more pope.

Those who wish to learn why the ecumenical discussions are dangerous may wish to read the following articles:

Who Were the Paulicians? Were any Paulicians faithful Christians? What happened to them? Why might they have developed the papal-antichrist theory?
Some Doctrines of Antichrist Are there any doctrines taught outside the Churches of God which can be considered as doctrines of antichrist? This article suggests at least three. It also provides information on 666 and the identity of “the false prophet”. Plus it shows that several Catholic writers seem to warn about an ecumenical antipope that will support heresy.
Is There an Islamic Antichrist?Is Joel Richardson correct that the final Antichrist will be Islamic and not European? Find out.
Waldensian Treatise on Antichrist These are translated extracts from a likely 13th/14th century paper titled A Treatise concerning Antichrist, Purgatory, the Invocation of Saints, and the Sacraments.
The Similarities and Dissimilarities between Martin Luther and Herbert W. Armstrong This article clearly shows some of the doctrinal differences between in the two. At this time of doctrinal variety and a tendency by many to accept certain aspects of Protestantism, the article should help clarify why the Living Church of God is NOT Protestant. Do you really know what the Protestant Reformer Martin Luther taught and should you follow his doctrinal example?
Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2018 or 2019?
Why Should American Catholics Should Fear Unity with the Orthodox? Are the current ecumenical meetings a good thing or will they result in disaster?
Orthodox Must Reject Unity with the Roman Catholics The talks for unification involve compromise and the apparent rising up of a changed religion that no one should accept.
Sola Scriptura or Prima Luther? What Did Martin Luther Really Believe About the Bible? Though he is known for his public sola Scriptura teaching, did Martin Luther’s writings about the Bible suggest he felt that prima Luther was his ultimate authority? Statements from him changing and/or discounting 18 books of the Bible are included. Do you really want to know the truth?
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.

COGwriter

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

Tragedy of famine.

The Associated Press recently announced, “Hundreds of thousands of Somali children could die in East Africa’s famine unless more help arrives, a top U.S. official warned Monday in the starkest death toll prediction yet… drought has turned into famine because little aid can reach militant-controlled south-central Somalia, forcing tens of thousands of Somalis who have exhausted all the region’s food to walk to camps in Kenya, Ethiopia and the Somali capital of Mogadishu… More than 29,000 children under the age of 5 have died in the last 90 days in southern Somalia alone, according to U.S. estimates. The U.N. says 640,000 Somali children are acutely malnourished, suggesting the death toll of small children will rise” (Associated Press, August, 9, 2011).This humanitarian tragedy is occurring while the affluent western world worries about losing money in the stock market.

However, there is a God who cares, and He instructed the prophet Ezekiel to write concerning the people of Jerusalem, “put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and cry over all the abominations that are done within it” (Ezekiel 9:4)–God notices those who are saddened by atrocities they see around the globe! He is not pleased with people who squabble and “feed themselves,” while other human beings suffer. Jesus Christ also prophesied that one of the signs of the end of the age would be famines in various places that would kill many people (Matthew 24:7, Revelation 6:5-8).

This is why Jesus Christ is going to return and establish the Kingdom of God to bring peace and justice to the earth (Isaiah 9:6-7).

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Many parts of Africa are suffering from drought as are parts of other lands.

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)

I suspect that we may start to see an increase in famine as well as food prices starting in October 2011 (Revelation 6:5-8).  Of course, for parts of Africa, sadly it is already there.

Now there is good news as ultimately, God’s kingdom will come and those issues will be gone:

16 They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; 17 for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. (Revelation 7:16-17)

And while that is true, a terrible hour of trial is coming first (Revelation 3:10), and the USA itself (as well as Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand also) will experience significant starvation in its land (cf. Ezekiel 5:15-17).

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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?
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 2011, 2012, or 2013? 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?
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.
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?

Berlin Wall, 1989

COGwriter

The Berlin Wall was constructed 50 years ago:

Fifty years after the Berlin Wall was literally built overnight on Aug. 13, 1961, very little of it is left to look at.  http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Europe/2011/0813/Berlin-Wall-turns-50-and-some-want-to-rebuild-it-barbed-wire-and-all

The Berlin Wall’s construction 50 years ago must be a constant reminder to citizens today to stand up for freedom and democracy, the city’s mayor said Saturday as a united Germany commemorated the bitter anniversary…The division ended on Nov. 9, 1989 — after communist East Germany opened the Berlin Wall amid pressure from massive demonstrations and a softening of the Soviet Union’s political stance championed by then-leader Mikhail Gorbachev.  http://www.boston.com/news/world/europe/articles/2011/08/13/germany_marks_construction_of_the_berlin_wall/?rss_id=Boston.com+%2F+Boston+Globe+–+World+News

I do not see the Berlin Wall as a reminder of freedom and democracy as much as a symbol of hate and repression.  I also see the fall of the Berlin Wall prophetic significance.

I remember listening to a sermon by the late Dr. Hoeh at the Feast of Tabernacles in Tuscon, Arizona in October 1979 where he explained that Herbert W. Armstrong believed that the two legs of the Beast in Daniel 2, with its two feet (vs. 33), represented both West and East Europe (including specifically Germany). He taught that this meant that the nations in Eastern Europe would ultimately not be under the power of the Soviet Union, but would become independent of it, and ultimately be part of a supranational European state.

About that time, I remember reading an article in TV Guide (which then had the highest circulation of any periodical in the USA) basically teaching that the prophetic positions of Herbert W. Armstrong “bordered on lunacy”.  Why?  Because, amongst other things, we taught that East and West Europe would unite, Europe would have its own currency, and that the USA would fall from its position in the world.

About thirty years later, supranational state was approved by the last of the European Union members, when the Czech Republic signed the Lisbon Treaty on November 2, 2009. The state formed officially on December 1, 2009. Thus, the position of Herman Hoeh on this point has been shown to have been correct.  World events also show that the position about the decline of the USA is also happening.

Right after the Berlin wall fell in November 1989, I was asked to give the closing prayer at church services in Fresno, California. In that prayer, I mentioned that we were witnessing prophecy being fulfilled right before our eyes. One of the reasons that I stated that was because many in that congregation seemed to be losing their zeal and belief about Bible prophecy. Many who once were believers, no longer love the law of God and became scorners (Psalm 1).

Sadly, this has afflicted many throughout history. The prophecies of the Bible are coming to pass right before our eyes today. Jesus taught:

34 But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. 35 For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man. (Luke 21:34-36)

Will you be a zealous believer in them or will you let the cares of this world overtake you as Jesus warned against?

World events continue to line up with the understanding of biblical prophecy that we in the Living Church of God have.  Will you now pay attention?

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”? What is ahead for Europe?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first? What will happen to the nation of Israel?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided 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?
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?
Prophecies of Barack Obama? Are there biblical and non-biblical prophecies about Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist? This is the longest and most detailed of the articles here related to prophecy and Barack Obama.
Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? When does the six thousand years of human rule end?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2011, 2012, or 2013? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? What will happen?

COGwriter

Today’s TW News & Prophecy from the Living Church of God has the following:

London riots spread.

This week’s London riots have spread menacingly across the nation to Birmingham, Manchester and Liverpool. Youthful rioters burned vehicles and buildings and looted shops and businesses. More than 100 police were injured and more than 1,000 youths were arrested–some as young as age 11!

While some attribute the riots to race and class issues, sociologists say the youthful rioters are “unoccupied–and therefore more likely to loiter on the streets and in shopping centers, and to get wrapped up in the madness of rebellion” (Time, August 10, 2011; Telegraph, August 9, 2011). Although many youths may have “nothing to do,” the question remains, “Where are the parents in all of this?” Young people today are not being taught to respect people or property and they are not properly supervised. As a result, many people lost their homes, autos and businesses to the destructive mobs.

Isaiah prophesied of the end of the age, “As for My people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O My people! Those who lead you cause you to err, and destroy the way of your paths” (Isaiah 3:12). Society today is reaping the results of children left to raise themselves and parents who are often absent. God speed the day when the hearts of fathers are turned to their children and the hearts of children are turned to their fathers (Malachi 4:6)!

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The press reported the following today:

London riots rat pack face justice from Ealing murder to Facebook bragger

Daily Mail – ‎12 August 2011

Four of the most notorious faces of the riots were behind bars last night in a victory for the law-abiding majority. Detectives suspect they are responsible for violent and brazen crimes that shocked the nation during four days of mayhem.

UK Voters Oppose Cuts To Police Budget In Wake Of Riots

‎Wall Street Journal – Paul Hannon – 12 August 2011

LONDON (Dow Jones)–Most Britons oppose cuts to the police budget in the wake of widespread rioting and looting, and believe Prime Minister David Cameron failed to act quickly enough to control the disorder, according to an opinion poll published Friday.

“Troubles” were predicted by Jesus (Mark 13:8). The Bible also warns that lawlessness would abound (Matthew 24:12)–and this is happening in direct and public ways.  While more police may have helped, it is not the lack of police that cause riots.  Criminal riots are caused by lawlessness.  More riots for the UK (and USA) are expected in the future, before the start of the Great Tribulation.

Many involved in the London riots seem to be engaged in class warfare.  Class warfare is something that I have seen many in Washington D.C. fan the flames for.  Unlike the riots in the UK this week, I am anticipating much more massive riots and civil unrest in the USA’s future.  Think about it, what will happen when the USA cannot provide food for the vast amount of its citizens that are already on food stamps and other government social welfare programs?

The time of Jacob’s trouble (Jeremiah 30:7) is getting closer, and other troubles (Mark 13:8) will happen for a few years before it gets really bad.  And then it will be even worse for the people in the Great Tribulation (Mark 13:19, Matthew 24:21).  National repentance seems close to impossible, even though turning to God is the only answer to change the path that the Anglo-nations are on.

God will eventually intervene (Jeremiah 30:8; Matthew 24:22), but not until it gets worse than most people have imagined (Matthew 24:21-22).  The riots in the UK this week are barely a taste of what is to come.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Are You Saved? Do You Love Jesus? What is a True Christian? What is the Gospel? Evangelist Richard Ames answers those important questions.
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.
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?
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?

Herman Van Rompuy

COGwriter

The EU more or less has two presidents, a rotating one and a “permanent” one.  The permanent one is Herman van Rompuy.  A reader sent me a translation and link to the following:

Diesen selbstkritischen Punkt haben die Staats- und Regierungschefs der Euro-Zone vor zwei Wochen ganz ans Ende ihrer Gipfelerklärung geschrieben. Jetzt zeichnet sich eine erste Konsequenz ab: EU-Ratspräsident Herman Van Rompuy wird aufgewertet und bekommt auch formal den Titel eines Präsidenten der Euro-Zone.

For those of us who do not read German, basically the article indicates, “the EU Council President Herman Van Rompuy will be upgraded and also gets the formal title of President of the Euro-zone.”   Those who do read German can see the entire article at http://www.ftd.de/politik/europa/:waehrungsunion-euro-zone-soll-praesidenten-bekommen/60087184.html (those who would like to read the machine translated version can go to Translator, put in a copy of the article’s URL, select translation from German to another language like English, and hit the Auto-Translate button–which is what I did today).

I have had my eye on Herman van Rompuy (the van/von is spelled differently by some in the media) for some time.  And back in 2009 I suggested that he may fulfill a role in end time prophecy (see Herman Van Rompuy May Fulfill Daniel 11:20, But Did PCG’s Gerald Flurry Predict It?).

Perhaps as he adds a stronger title, and gains more influence, he will be able to directly fulfill Daniel 11:20 (especially if he dies shortly after raising taxes).  But even if he is not specifically prophesied, the trend in Europe is to go for a stronger leader.  And ultimately, a major dictator (and I do not anticipate at this time that it will be Herman van Rompuy) will rise up (Revelation 17:12-13), the final King of the North, European Beast power of Bible prophecy.

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?
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?
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?
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 related to 2012. The book contains documented prophecies as well as an end time sequence of events that Christians should study and understand. Including the role of Europe and how it is pivotal to end time biblical prophecy.
2012 und das Auftreten der geheimen Sekte (German Edition) 2012 Buch von Dr. Thiel in deutscher Sprache.

Parliament Hill, Ottawa, Canada

COGwriter

Canada is having some trade issues:

Canada’s trade deficit swells to $1.6B

‎Montreal Gazette – Mark KennedyThe trade deficit for June was $1.6 billion, up from $1 billion a month before.

Exports were down 1.7 per cent to $36.5 billion, with declines led by energy products and automotive parts. Imports declined 0.2 per cent to $38 billion in June, and energy products played a key role in this drop as well.

Gloomy Canada trade figures likely to hit growth

‎Reuters – David Ljunggren – Alex Leff –
OTTAWA, Aug 11 (Reuters) – Slumping exports propelled Canada to a much larger trade deficit than expected in June, most likely slashing second-quarter growth figures to well below already modest predictions.

So, the USA is not the only Anglo-nation in North America with economic concerns–and increased trade deficits tend to be linked to increased debt.  Decreased imports and exports suggest a slowing of growth and perhaps a contraction in the Canadian economy.  Unlike the USA, however, Canada is in a better position to increase its exports relative to its GDP without having to massively devalue its currency.

Yet, despite having natural resources and many overseas international trading partners, because of its geographic location, its economic history, and what is recorded in biblical prophecy, Canada is tied in with the United States of America.

To a great degree, Canada is expected to share the fate of the USA, which ultimately will not be good (Daniel 11:39; Jeremiah 30:7) until after Jesus returns, when problems like slavery, which will have been imposed, will end (Jeremiah 30:8).

Some articles of possibly related biblical interest may include:

Canada in Prophecy: What do Bible prophecy, Catholic prophecy, and other predictions suggest about the future of Canada?   Many are not positive about its future.
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first? What will happen to the nation of Israel?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided 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?
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?
Prophecies of Barack Obama? Are there biblical and non-biblical prophecies about Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist? This is the longest and most detailed of the articles here related to prophecy and Barack Obama.
Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? When does the six thousand years of human rule end?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2011, 2012, or 2013? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? What will happen?

Chinese Soldiers

COGwriter

There is more direct military cooperation going on between China and Pakistan:

Chinese Troops Join Pakistan Exercise

Defense News – Aug 10, 2011

The Pakistan Army has included Chinese troops for the first time in exercises that were conducted along the border with the Indian states of Punjab and Rajasthan, Indian Defence Ministry sources said.  http://defensenews.com/story.php?i=7354302&c=ASI&s=LAN

China and Pakistan have long had cooperation (enough so that the above article mentioned that India believes it needs a military strategy that will allow it to battle both China and Pakistan simultaneously).  With the current situation with the USA, Pakistan also seems to have reached out to China a bit more lately than in the past.

Prophetically, I believe that to a degree, Pakistan will support the coming Islamic King of the South for a while.  But later, when there is no more King of the South, Pakistan will perhaps increase its trade with the European King of the North.

Yet, when much of Asia turns against the King of the North (cf. Daniel 11:44), it is likely that Pakistan would support the Kings of the East (Revelation 16:12), including China, in the two hundred million man army against the European power that the Bible says will happen (Revelation 9:13-20).

The current military cooperation between China and Pakistan is supportive of that belief.  And even though India has major reservations about both China and Pakistan, I suspect that when the King of the North will appear vulnerable, India will also be one of the Kings of the East that support the 200,000,000 man army to oppose the European Beast power.

Some articles of possible 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?
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?
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?
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?
India, Its Biblical Past and Future: Any Witness? The Bible discusses the origins of those of Indian heritage and discusses some of the witness to them (including those in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka).