Church of God News

Peter’s Claimed Burial Site in St. Peter’s Basilica (photo by Joyce Thiel)

COGwriter

Was Peter buried in Rome?  Did Peter live in Rome?  Is his body in the basilica that bears his name in Vatican City?

Many have wondered about these matters.

Well, Peter traveled extensively, so he probably did not live in any area very long.

Peter originally lived near Galilee (Matthew 4:18). He was in or near Magdala of Galilee (Matthew 15:39;16:5) when Jesus spoke to him the famous passages in Matthew 16:16-19, where Jesus discussed building His church. So should this make Magdala the capital of the Christian church? Notice that Peter was not in Rome, and even if he ever was in Rome, it would have been over three decades later. After leaving Judea, Peter was busy helping build the church in Antioch and Asia Minor. He spent nearly all of his remaining time in the area from Judea to Asia Minor. And most of the time, he was shown to be with the Apostle John (Acts 3:1-11; 4:13; 8:14; Galatians 2:9; 2 Peter 1:17).

As shown before, Peter often came back and visited Jerusalem. He also preached in Samaria (Acts 10:14-15), in Joppa (Acts 10:5) and Caesarea (Acts 10:24).

He did visit Antioch as Paul in Galatians 2:11 stated:

And when Cephas was come to Antioch, I resisted him in face, because he was reprehensible.

Peter at a minimum, visited people from a church in Babylon:

The Church saluteth you, that is in Babylon, coelect: and Mark my son I Peter 5:13.

The ANNOTATIONS from Chapter 5 of the Rheims New Testament of 1582 on pages 513-514 states:

Oecumenius upon this place: and many more agree, that Rome is meant by the word Babylon, here also as in the 16 and 17 of the Apocalypse…Yet our Adversaries fearing hereby the sequel of Peters or the Popes supremacy at Rome, deny that ever he was there, or that this Epistle was written there, or that Babylon doth ere signify Rome. But they say that Peter wrote this Epistle at Babylon in Chaldea, though they never read either in Scriptures or other holy or profane history, that this Apostle was ever in that town.

Thus, many Roman Catholic scholars believe that the statement in I Peter 5:13 is proof that Peter was in Rome, though others are not convinced:

Horne, in his Introduction, vol. 4:p. 425, mentions four opinions on this subject. According to Bishop Pearson, Mill, and Le Clerc, it was Babylon in Egypt; according to Erasmus, Drusius, Beza, Dr. Lightfoot, Basnage, Beausobre, Dr. Cave, Wetstein, Drs. Benson and A. Clarke, it was Babylon in Assyria; according to Michaelis, it was Babylon in Mesopotamia; and according to Grotius, Drs. Whitby, Lardner, Macknight, and Hales, Bishop Tomline, and all the learned of the Romish communion, it is to be taken figuratively for Rome, according to what was done by John in Revelation 17:and 18:What renders the last opinion very improbable is, that to date an epistle at a place to which a figurative name is given, is without another instance in Scripture, and the thing itself seems quite absurd. The language of prophecy is quite a different matter. Paul wrote several of his epistles at Rome, and in no instance did he do anything of this kind. Such an opinion would have never gained ground, had there not been from early times a foolish attempt to connect Peter with Rome. (http://www.ccel.org/c/calvin/comment3/comm_vol45/htm/iv.htm 01/27/06)

Part of the reason for the confusion is that there were two-three towns named Babylon at that time, and that Roman Catholics believe that the Babylon in the Book of Revelation/Apocalypse refers to Rome, so the verse in 1 Peter probably does as well.

However, Catholics are correct that the Babylon in the Book of Revelation is Rome, as the following Catholic scholar wrote:

There was a strong anti-Roman tradition in the early Church. Rome was the harlot city soaked in the blood of the saints, the centre from which spread out wave after wave of persecution. The Book of Revelations’ gloating vision of the coming ruin of Rome, ‘Fallen, fallen, is Babylon the great’ (Revelations 14:8), remained a persistent strand so long as the empire continued to persecute the church, and survived even into the Middle Ages (Duffy, Eamon. Saints & Sinners: A History of the Popes. Yale University Press, New Haven (CT), 2002, pp.2,6).

But notice that there is a difference in the name of the Babylon in 1 Peter and Revelation. While 1 Peter 5:13 uses the term Babylon, which could obviously refer to the city with that name, Revelation 14:18 calls it “Babylon the Great” while Revelation 17:5 refers to it as “Mystery Babylon the Great”–hence in Revelation we clearly are seeing a reference to a city other than one name Babylon–and throughout history, most who professed Christ and looked into these passages in Revelation understood that Rome was “Babylon the Great” (the Bible, in Revelation 17:9, shows that Babylon the Great also sits on seven hills–and so does the city of Rome).

What about Peter’s death? Notice what the Rheims New Testament records that Peter wrote just prior to it:

14. Being certain that the laying away of my tabernacle is at hand, according as our Lord
JESUS Christ also signified to me.
15. And I will do my diligence, you to have often after my decease also, that you may keep
a memory of these things.
16. For, not having followed unlearned fables, have we made the power and ‘presence’
of our Lord JESUS Christ known to you: but c made beholders of his greatness.
17. For, he receiving from God his father honour and glory, this manner of voice coming
down to him from the magnifical glory, This is my beloved son in whom I have pleased
myself, hear him.
18. And this voice we heard brought from heaven, when we were with him in the holy
mount. (II Peter 1:14-18).

This is problematic as far as Rome is concerned. The reason is that the above passage seems to be teaching that John was still with Peter (John was part of the “we heard”). This is indirectly acknowledged by the ANNOTATIONS from Chapter 1 of I Peter from the Rheims New Testament of 1582 on page 515 as it states:

c By this it is plain, that either John, James, or Peter must be the author of this epistle, for these three only
were present at the Transfiguration. Matt. 17:1

Since the particular above James is believed to have been killed by 39 A.D. in Judea (Acts 12:1), either Peter died near then (which he did not, he died around three or so decades later) or the Apostle John must have still been with Peter. And since there is no evidence that the Apostle John went to Rome in the 60s A.D. (the available evidence, including from Roman Catholic sources) suggests that John was in Jerusalem or Asia Minor at that time. Plus, if John was in Jerusalem or Asia Minor then, since Peter seems to be claiming that John was with him, then Peter would have been in Jerusalem or Asia Minor just prior to his death. Hence, to claim that Peter spent much time in Rome or died in Rome seems to be inconsistent with the biblical record.

Some Catholic sources report that Clement allegedly was appointed to take over from Peter then:

St. Clement in his Epistles to St. James, our Lord’s brother, witnesseth, that St. Peter encouraging him to take after his decease the charge of the Apostolic Roman See, promised that after his departure he would not cease to pray for him and his flock, thereby to ease him of his Pastoral burden (Annotations, Rheims New Testament, p. 516).

However, the Vatican no longer truly accepts that Clement wrote that letter and instead claims that Peter somehow put Linus in charge (although other sources state that Paul did that) and thus it has various contradiction involving Peter, his sojourn, and his alleged “apostolic succession” (it would seem that if any one succeeded Peter, it would be the Apostle John as he outlived Peter for perhaps three decades or so.)

The place of Peter’s burial is also controversial.

Essentially according to the Quo Vadis legend, Peter was buried in Rome. However, that account was not written until over a century after Peter died.

But there was something else that some have pointed to:

It is not before around 160 CE that we see some kind of interest by Roman Christians in the site by the construction a simple monument that consisted of a niche and a courtyard (the Tropaion Gaii). The monument was probably used for gatherings, but not as a marker as an individual grave, since memory of Peter’s original buring place was lost by the time the Tropaion was erected. The existence of the Tropaion did not result in the development of a Christian burial site, but was integrated into a middle-class non-Christian burial street. Only in the age of Constantine the site was firmly and finally taken over by Christians, thereby obliterating all earlier traces of burial activity apart from the immediate space around the Tropaion. ( Zangenberg, Jürgen; Labahn, Michael. Christians as a religious minority in a multicultural city: modes of interaction and identity formation in early Imperial Rome : studies on the basis of a seminar at the second conference of the European Association for Biblical Studies (EABS) from July 8-12, 2001, in Rome. Volume 243 of Journal for the study of the New Testament Library of New Testament Studies, the Series European studies on Christian origins. Continuum International Publishing Group, 2004, p. 132)

Furthermore that site must not have been accepted originally as , according to the Liber Pontificalis (the Book of Popes) it was Roman bishop Cornelius who supposedly moved the body of Peter to its present location (nearly two centuries after Peter died). Here is one written account:

XXII Cornelius (Pope 251-253)…He during his pontificate at the request of a certain matron Lucina, took up the bodies of the apostles, blessed Peter and Paul up out of the catacombs by night; first the body of blessed Paul was received by the blessed Lucina] and laid in her own garden on the Via Ostiensis, near the place where he was beheaded; the body of the blessed Peter was received by the blessed Cornelius, the bishop, and laid near to the place where he was crucified, among the bodies of the holy bishops, in the shrine of Apollo, on the Mons Aureus, in the Batican, by the palace of Nero, on June 29. (Translated by Louise Ropes Loomis. The Book of the Popes (Liber Pontificalis. Originally published by Columbia University Press, NY 1916. 2006 edition by Evolution Publishing, Merchantville (NJ), pp. 25-26).

Hence, one of the earliest Catholic writings attempting to demonstrate that Rome had a series of early bishops/popes states that Peter was NOT originally buried in Vatican hill, but in catacombs in the vicinity of Rome. There would be no point in moving Peter’s body if people actually had believed that the Tropaion Gaii marked the spot.

Interestingly the conclusion of the one who supposedly identified the body of Peter in Vatican Hill was that he was not convinced it was Peter:

Antonio Ferrua …was the Jesuit archaeologist responsible for uncovering what is believed to be the tomb of St Peter in the grottoes under St Peter’s Basilica in Rome…Ferrua’s discovery came, however, quite by chance. In 1939 Pope Pius XI died and plans were made to bury him beside Pius X in the crypt below the basilica. But when workmen began to dig under St Peter’s they came upon the floor of Constantine’s original basilica, beneath which was a necropolis, a street of Roman tombs dating from the 2nd century AD…Under the supervision of Monsignor Ludwig Kaas, the Administrator of St Peter’s, the Vatican appointed four archaeologists, including Ferrua, to investigate the tombs…Ferrua’s discovery was shrouded in controversy; in 1953, after the death of Monsignor Kaas, it was revealed by a workman that he had discovered some other bones which Kaas had ordered to be removed from the repository and stored at the Vatican. When these were later identified as the remains of an elderly man, it was concluded that these were the bones of the saint. “The relics of St Peter,” announced Pope Paul VI on June 26 1968, “have been identified in a manner which we believe convincing”; the following day, after a ceremony in front of the aedicula, the remains were restored to the repository.

Ferrua was more circumspect. Aware of the scepticism that surrounded even the analysis of the Greek fragment – which others had read as Petros endei or “Peter is not here” – he recently told the Italian Catholic newspaper L’Avvenire that he was “not convinced” that the saint’s bones had been found…A man of deep faith, Ferrua was a rigorous scholar, much admired for his refusal to allow his beliefs to compromise his work (The Rev Antonio Ferrua.  Telegraph, London – May 29, 2003 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/1431338/The-Rev-Antonio-Ferrua.html viewed 07/20/09).

Thus, the one credited for finding Peter’s body was unconvinced by the evidence he had investigated.

It should be noted that there is also the view that Peter died in Judea and was interred in the Mount of Olives—an ossuary box bearing the inscription “Shimon Bar Jonah” has been found and some believe it may be referring to the Simon Bar-Jonah (Fingegan J. The Archaeology of the New Testament. Princeton: Princeton University Press, reprt 1979, pp. 359-375) that became the Apostle Peter as per Matthew 16:17—and although that is inconclusive, it is probably stronger contemporary “evidence” than Rome seems to have as Peter’s original burial site.

Here is some limited information about it written by F. Paul Peterson in 1960, edited by James Tabor, and somewhat shortened by me:

While visiting a friend in Switzerland, I heard of what seemed to me, one of the greatest discoveries since the time of Christ—that Peter was buried in Jerusalem and not in Rome…After talking to many priests and investigating various sources of information, I finally was greatly rewarded by learning where I could buy the only known book on the subject, which was also written in Italian. It is called, “Gli Scavi del Dominus Flevit”, printed in 1958 at the Tipografia del PP. Francescani, in Jerusalem. It was written by P. B. Bagatti and J. T. Milik, both Roman Catholic priests…

In Jerusalem I spoke to many Franciscan priests who all read, finally, though reluctantly, that the bones of Simon Bar Jona (St. Peter) were found in Jerusalem, on the Franciscan monastery site called, “Dominus Flevit” (where Jesus was supposed to have wept over Jerusalem), on the Mount of Olives…the names of Christian Biblical characters were found on the ossuaries (bone boxes). The names of Mary and Martha were found on one box and right next to it was one with the name of Lazarus, their brother. Other names of early Christians were found on other boxes. Of greatest interest, however, was that which was found within twelve feet from the place where the remains of Mary, Martha and Lazarus were found—the remains of St. Peter. They were found in an ossuary, on the outside of which was clearly and beautifully written in Aramaic, “Simon Bar Jona”…

Then I asked, “Does Father Bagatti (co-writer of the book in Italian on the subject, and archaeologist) really believe that those are the bones of St. Peter?” “Yes, he does,” was the reply. Then I asked, “But what does the Pope think of all this?” That was a thousand dollar question and he gave me a million dollar answer. “Well,” he confidentially answered in a hushed voice, “Father Bagatti told me personally that three years ago he went to the Pope (Pius XII) in Rome and showed him the evidence and the Pope said to him, ‘Well, we will have to make some changes, but for the time being, keep this thing quiet’.” In awe I asked also in a subdued voice, “So the Pope really believes that those are the bones of St. Peter?” “Yes,” was his answer. “The documentary evidence is there, he could not help but believe.” …

I did not have the opportunity to see priest Bagatti while in Jerusalem. I wrote to him, however, on March 15, 1960, as follows: “I have spoken with a number of Franciscan priests and monks and they have told me about you and the book of which you are a co-writer. I had hoped to see you and to compliment you on such a great discovery, but time would not permit. Having heard so much about you and that you are an archaeologist (with the evidence in hand), I was convinced, with you, concerning the ancient burial ground that the remains found in the ossuary with the name on it, ‘Simon Bar Jona’, written in Aramaic, were those of St. Peter.” It is remarkable that in his reply he did not contradict my statement, which he certainly would have done if he honestly could have done so. “I was very much convinced with you – … that the remains found in the ossuary … were those of St. Peter.” This confirms the talk I had with the Franciscan monk in Bethlehem and the story he told me of Priest Bagatti’s going to the Pope with the evidence concerning the bones of St. Peter in Jerusalem. In his letter one can see that he is careful because of the Pope’s admonition to keep this discovery quiet.  (Peterson F. Paul.  Saint Peter’s Tomb: The Discovery of Peter’s Tomb in Jerusalem in 1953.  http://www.jesusdynasty.com/blog/2007/04/03/has-the-ossuary-of-simon-peter-aka-simeon-son-of-jonah-been-found/ viewed 02/17/11)

The Jerusalem burial of Peter is not currently taught by the Church of Rome.

Thus, it appears to me, at least, that scholars (including Catholic ones) tend to understand that it is questionable if Peter was buried in Rome and if his body is actually in St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include the following:

The Apostle Peter He was an original apostle and early Christian leader. Where was Peter buried? Where did Peter die?
Was Peter the Rock Who Alone Received the Keys of the Kingdom? How should Matthew 16:18-19 be understood?
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?
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?

World Currencies

COGwriter

World financial leaders are worried about the fallout from increased US debt and the recent USA government credit downgrade by S&P:

(AP) TOKYO – The world’s leading economies on Sunday urgently discussed the stability of financial markets after a historic U.S. credit downgrade rattled investors already worried about European debt crises.Deputies from the Group of 20 advanced and emerging economies talked by telephone Sunday about proposals to minimize market shocks, South Korea’s central bank said. And the financial ministers from the Group of Seven economies planned talks before Asian markets open Monday.  http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/08/07/501364/main20089184.shtml?tag=stack

Dollar to Be ‘Discarded’ by World: China Rating Agency

In comments emailed to CNBC, Guan Jianzhong, chairman of Dagong Global Credit Rating, said the currency is “gradually discarded by the world,” and the “process will be irreversible.”  http://www.cnbc.com/id/44050325

As I reported yesterday, the stock market in Saudi Arabia dropped yesterday in an apparent reaction to the USA debt situation (see Saudi Arabia and China React to U.S. Credit Rating Drop).  However, it is one of few markets that is actually open on Saturday, so the rest of the world is wondering if much can be done to prevent drops in Asian markets which will be open relatively soon (while it is Sunday in the USA, it turns Monday in Asia).

In other parts of the Persian Gulf, financial markets opened on Sunday, and have not done well:

Most Gulf Stocks Tumble

Wall Street Journal – Tim Falconer – 7 August 2011
DUBAI—Stock markets in the Persian Gulf region tumbled Sunday as a downgrade of US government debt by ratings firm Standard & Poor’s

The massive accumulation of trillions of dollars of US government debt in the past few years is frightening investors as well as world leaders.  Many are now staring to realize that this cannot continue and that the days of the US dollar being the world’s reserve currency are now numbered.

Here is some of what I wrote in 2009 in my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect:

Barack Obama has…indicated that he will need to pursue policies that will increase that debt during at least his first administration, although he ultimately hopes to change that, as even he claims that the U.S. debt is “unsustainable.”

However, he and others may not realize that the Bible strongly warns about what will happen to a huge debtor in the end time.  Notice what the seer Habakkuk wrote over 2,600 years ago:

³ For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry…
⁶ “Will not all these take up a proverb against him, And a taunting riddle against him, and say, ‘Woe to him who increases
What is not his—how long?
And to him who loads himself with many pledges’?
⁷ Will not your creditors rise up suddenly? Will they not awaken who oppress you? And you will become their booty. ⁸ Because you have plundered many nations, All the remnant of the people shall plunder you…” (Habakkuk 2:3,6–8).

Hence, Barack Obama seems to currently be fulfilling the part of that prophecy of increasing pledges/debt. And, of course, it is possible that the rest of the above prophecy might be fulfilled while he is U.S.A. president.  This prophecy, if it is applicable to the U.S.A, also suggests that American dollars will ultimately be of no value to creditors by then (or to probably anyone else)…

Since 1973, the U.S.A. switched from being a creditor nation and instead has become the greatest debtor nation in the history of humankind.   Because the U.S.A. owes alien nations trillions of dollars, it appears that the curse in Deuteronomy 28:44 of having to borrow from aliens is happening to it now. President Barack Obama has put forth economic policies that will (for at least several years) greatly increase that debt.  Yet, increasing national debt like this will lead to destruction at the appointed time of the end (Habakkuk 2:3, 6–8)…

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.

Thus, I have been warning for years that the USA would face a crisis like it currently is and that it ultimately will get much worse.  The fact that a Chinese financial leader stated that the US dollar is being “gradually discarded by the world,” and the “process will be irreversible” should tell skeptics that the basic position that we in the Living Church of God have had about the US dollar is being confirmed by secular sources.

The current budget/debt/borrowing problems in the USA are telling the world that the USA really does not intend to pay down its debt–and the world is starting to realize this.   This is dangerous. While the USA will somehow muddle through for a while, it has not made itself look like a first-rate financial power during the past few weeks of public debate on its federal budget.  And foreigners will remember this for a long time.

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.

For details on those prophecies, check out 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?
The Plain Truth About Gold in Prophecy. How Should a Christian View Gold? What do economists and the Bible teach about gold? Gold and silver may drop in value. Inflation/deflation? What do Christians need to know about gold?
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?
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?
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.
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.

Greek Riots, 2008

COGwriter

Riots are becoming more and more of a problem in Europe.  Notice today’s news from London where a “peaceful protest” turned violent:

London Rioters Clash With Police, Loot in Tottenham After Shooting Death

Bloomberg – ‎7 August 2011

Police in London are in the process of “restoring calm” to an area of the UK capital after rioting led to 26 officers being injured and 42 arrests.

Notice Spain:

Spanish riot police charge ‘indignant‘ protesters

AFP – ‎Aug 4, 2011‎

MADRID — Spanish riot police late Thursday charged hundreds of ‘indignant‘ demonstrators who rallied at the interior ministry to protest the closure of Madrid’s main square, leaving a number of injured, witnesses said. It was the most serious incident since the ‘indignant’ movement began in mid-May against Spain’s economic crisis, soaring unemployment and political corruption.…Over 200 police were deployed Thursday for the third straight day to close the Puerta del Sol square and prevent demonstrators from occupying it again.

There is a large march from Spain to Brussels to protest financial austerity plans in Europe, and the marchers are called “indignants”.  The situation with the indignants may worsen as their march continues or even after it ends.

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.

I have previously warned of civil unrest and riots in Anglo-dominated lands like the USA and UK–and I still expect more in the USA and UK.  Specifically, I expect violent protests in the USA, UK, and Canada (though it may be different there).  I also warned that protests like the indignants could turn violent last month when I first reported about them (see Spanish Marching to Brussels to Protest Austerity).

As far as Europe goes, 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 and may be a factor in the UK leaving the EU.

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?
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? 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

The latest edition of the United Church of God’s publication World News & Prophecy has the following in its lead article titled Is Democracy the Answer?:  It author, Frank Dunkle, writes:

First of all, straight democracy or majority rule is itself a form of tyranny…Secondly, even where democratic government has been more successful—limited to choosing representation and referendums on key issues—there have still been serious consequences…

California voters have often used ballot initiatives to overrule or bypass their state legislature, taking government into their own hands. This exercise of direct democracy on the surface sounds positive, but the results have brought the state to the brink of financial disaster…

The Bible, while it stresses many principles of personal freedom, individual initiative and collective responsibility, does not teach democracy—though it also does not condemn democratic rule itself. Rather, it reveals that a world government ruled by Jesus Christ at His return is the real solution to governmental problems.

It always amazes me that UCG realizes that the Bible does not endorse democracy and that the Kingdom of God will not be a democracy, yet it is basically governed as an aristocratic democracy (UCG has a presbyterian form of governance).  BTW, I believe that the article’s comment that the Bible does not condemn democracy is misleading–for details, please see the article Should a Christian Vote?.

COGWA (Church of God, a Worldwide Association) formed by ministers breaking away from UCG in 2010.  It choose a similar governance style to UCG (see COGWA Chooses Balloting).  A few days back it posted its new bylaws.  Here is some of what it says about balloting:

Balloting.  While the term “balloting” is technically synonymous with the term “voting,” for ecclesiastical reasons the Corporation endorses and prefers the term “balloting.”

In other words, its seems COGWA is saying that it endorses presbyterian voting (representative democracy with the elders/presbyters/ministers voting) for its form of governance, but is concerned that many in the church may be offended by the term voting, so it (like UCG) prefers to use the term “balloting” to obfuscate the fact that they endorse a form of democracy.

As far as the presbyterian form of church governance that both UCG and COGWA have adopted, notice what the late Herbert W. Armstrong wrote about that:

The government of God is of necessity government from the top down. It cannot be ‘government by the consent of the governed’ …

The Presbyterian Church is organized with the presbyters or ministers in control. The Congregational Church delegates top authority to the congregation–“government by the consent of the governed.”

And so it goes. The churches of this world of Satan are organized according to humanly devised patterns. But the Bible gives explicit directions in regard to Church government. Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church. God’s form of government is, indeed, hierarchical. God the Father is head over Christ–the sole Lawgiver and supreme authority…

We have just covered the truth that GOD set officials to serve on the human level under Christ, in the Church. Members do not elect them. Yet in the churches of this world some believe in government by the entire congregation–“democracy”–and call themselves “Congregational.” Others have organized themselves into government by ministers or presbytery and call themselves “Presbyterian.” ” (Mystery of the Ages, Dodd & Mead, 1985, pp.49, 242, 244, 246-247)

Part of the reason that Herbert W. Armstrong’s comments are relevant here is because the majority of ministers in both COGWA and UCG claimed to once be loyal to his ecclesiastical teachings.  But they have tended to not follow him (nor the Bible) on that as well as other ecclesiastical priorities he (and I believe Jesus) set for the most faithful church in Revelation 3:7-13.

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.

Berlin Reichstag

COGwriter

In its latest TW News & Prophecy, the Living Church of God (LCG) reported:

Growing German power in Europe

“The euro crisis will give Germany the empire it’s always dreamed of,” so wrote the Chief Political Correspondent Peter Oborne in his Telegraph-supported blog. Oborne referred to the recent agreement by EU leaders to a German-led plan to continue “bailout” funding for Greece and Portugal–a decision that is likely to impact Spain, Italy and Ireland as well. What this means is that Germany, with Europe’s strongest economy, will be footing most of the bill–with German tax money going to support Greece and Portugal, while these nations work to pay off their debt. In some cases the debt payback periods have been extended to 40 years!On the flip side, this opens up tremendous market potential for the sale of German manufactured goods well into the future.

Mr. Oborne also states, “By authorizing a huge expansion in the bail-out fund that is propping up the EU’s peripheral members (largely in order to stop the contagion spreading to Italy and Spain), the eurozone has taken the decisive step to becoming a fiscal union. So long as the settlement is accepted by national parliaments, yesterday [July 20, 2011] will come to be seen as the witching hour after which Europe will cease to be, except vestigially, a collection of nation states. It will have one economic government, one currency, one foreign policy. This integration will be so complete that taxpayers in the more prosperous countries will be expected to pay for the welfare systems and pension plans of failing EU states… Yesterday’s witching hour of the European Union means that Germany has come very close to realizing Bismarck’s dream of an economic empire stretching from central Europe to the Eastern Mediterranean” (Telegraph, July 21, 2011; EU Observer, July 26, 2011).

According to one conservative source, “Germany is on the verge of once again becoming a great power… The French nightmare scenario of an unrestrained Germany is now possible” (Stratfor, July 26, 2011).

Oborne’s comments are particularly sobering in light of God’s end-time prophecies about a future European Beast power that will comprise ten kingdoms or nations (Revelation 17:7-13). This group of kingdoms will give their power over to the Beast. We are witnessing a situation in Europe where these debtor nations will be forced into fiscal subservience to rich European nations, particularly Germany, for many years to come. Exactly how this all plays into Revelation 17 will be very interesting to watch.

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Germany will have some ups and even some downs, but it will be a major force behind the coming final European Beast power.  Increasing European debt, combined with German wealth, means increasing German influence.

Individuals that I am looking at to be the final King of the North and the final Antichrist are Bavarian and Swiss German respectively, though there are some others I am looking at who are not German.

Here is what LCG published about one of them:

Germany Should “Use” Military Force. Speaking at a recent security conference in Berlin, German Defense Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg urged Germany to “be prepared to use its military to defend the country’s economic interests.” Baron Guttenberg noted that the competing demands of nations today for raw materials made it imperative that Germany—a nation whose export-driven economy is heavily dependent upon imported raw materials—should be prepared to use its military forces to secure trade routes for raw materials and exported goods. While his political opponents were quick to challenge these strong statements as contrary to the German constitution, the Defense Minister saw his position as only logical (Der Spiegel, November 10, 2010). Bible prophecies have long foretold the re-emergence of Germany (modern Assyria) as a major player on the world scene (see Isaiah 10:5-14). The words and actions of this popular German Defense Minister, who is also a lawyer and of Habsburg lineage, will be interesting to watch. (World Ahead Weekly Update, Living Church of God, November 18, 2010).

Even though plagiarism appears to be a “minor” sin in relation to other horrendous abuses by public officials, it breaks the 8th and 9th commandments and results in consequences. Mr. zu Guttenberg may reemerge in politics in the future (and this bears watching), yet his actions and their ramifications reinforce the biblical principle, “be sure your sin will find you out” (Numbers 32:23). (TW News & Prophecy, LCG, March 4, 2011).

I have also written about the German Baron (Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North?) as well as a Swiss German (Kurt Koch Made a Cardinal: Might He Become the Antichrist?) who I believe may have end time roles.

And even if those individuals are not specifically involved (though if they live, to at least some degree, I believe that they will be), Germany is rising up and will have major influence in the formation and power of the final European Beast power.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? What MUST happen BEFORE the Great Tribulation?
Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North? Could He Become “the Beast”? What makes the German Defense Minister a candidate?
Kurt Koch Made a Cardinal: Might He Become the Antichrist? Catholic, as well as biblical prophecy, point to an antipope who could be the final Antichrist.  Catholic Bishop Kurt Koch became president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity effective July 1, 2010, and was elevated to the rank of cardinal in October 2010.  Could Kurt Koch be the, or will he support, the final Antichrist?

“I will break the pride of your power” (Leviticus 26:19)

COGwriter

The US credit rating drop seems to have triggered negative reactions in Saudi Arabia and China:

Saudi stock market first to plunge on S&P downgrade

Saudi Arabia’s stock market dropped 5.46pc on Saturday as it became the first exchange to react to the historic US credit downgrade.

Telegraph – Aug 6, 2011  http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/8686045/Saudi-stock-market-first-to-plunge-on-SandP-downgrade.html

China attacks US debt ‘addiction’ after America loses AAA credit rating

China has rebuked the United States for its “addiction” debt and warned of further turmoil in financial markets after Standard & Poor’s stripped the world’s biggest economy of its AAA credit rating for the first time.

Telegraph – Aug 6, 2011 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/8685968/China-attacks-US-debt-addiction-after-America-loses-AAA-credit-rating.html

China is correct about the U.S.A.’s debt addiction.  The pride of power of the US dollar is starting to be broken (cf. Leviticus 26:19).

National repentance is the only real long-term hope for the USA (and it seems to be too late for that), the political leadership in the USA has largely ignored that approach. The carnal “solutions” offered and agreed to by both political parties in the USA will not get it back on track economically. Its economy may appear to do better for a while, but in the long run, the USA does not have real solutions to its economic woes. There are carnal solutions that the USA could do now (mainly related to energy production) that could help extend the situation, but too many of its leaders have rejected God and have the type of “reprobate mind” that prevents them from seeing even those “convenient” options (cf. Romans 1:18-32, KJV).  The debate I have heard from some politicians and pundits on the whole debt ceiling matter strongly suggests to me, at least, that many do not understand production, economics, job-creation, nor the Bible.

Few seem to tie the national legalization of abortions in the U.S.A. in 1973, the increased legalizations of homosexual marriages (e.g. NY Approves ‘Homosexual Marriage’ Law, but Does Not See the Handwriting on the Wall), and the Obama Administration’s decision to want to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (see Obama Announces He Wants to Repeal Defense of Marriage Act and Increase Debt) as important factors in what is happening.  But all of those, as well as the promotion of violence in the U.S.A. (including certain sports), as well as other sins, are factors behind what is happening.

Recession and debt are only symptoms:

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 28:42-45).

Notice specifically the following about the USA:

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?

Now, although these things are troubling, the end is not yet:

5 And Jesus, answering them, began to say: “Take heed that no one deceives you. 6 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and will deceive many. 7 But when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be troubled; for such things must happen, but the end is not yet. 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 13:5-8)

At most, we are in what Jesus referred to as “the beginning of sorrows”, which precede the Great Tribulation (which will not start before 2015 and more likely a later year than that).

According to Bible prophecy, the end of the Anglo-dominance of the world is coming (Jeremiah 30:7), and the final age of the Gentiles (Luke 21:24) will be here in a relatively few years. The debt and other financial issues in the USA are indicators that not too many more years are left.

To learn more, please check out the following articles:

Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What 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? Are there biblical and non-biblical prophecies about Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist? This is a lengthy article with many prophecies that Barack Obama may end up fulfilling.
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 by him?
Abortion, the Bible, and a Woman’s Right to Choose Do you know what the Bible teaches on this? Has the Roman Catholic Church allowed abortions? What about the Living Church of God?
The Plain Truth About Gold in Prophecy. How Should a Christian View Gold? What do economists and the Bible teach about gold? Gold and silver may drop in value. Inflation/deflation? What do Christians need to know about gold?
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?
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?
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?

Depiction of solar particles interacting with Earth’s magnetosphere

COGwriter

A massive solar flare, that was released Tuesday may have ramifications:

Solar flares may impact communications this weekend

Aug 5, 2011

Energy released from solar plasma blasts will reach Earth throughout Friday and Saturday, potentially disrupting communications and electrical grids, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The explosion on the sun’s surface could affect precision satellite systems such as GPS and high-frequency radio waves, which airlines use for communication.

“High-precision GPS navigation systems may not work as well today,” said Joseph Kunches, a space scientist for the NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center.  http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0811/60756.html

While this flare-up may cause a little disruption, in the future solar problems will most definitely affect the earth.

The Bible itself warns of a time of scorching solar heat (Revelation 16: 8-9).

Here is what Revelation 16 teaches:

8 Then the fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and power was given to him to scorch men with fire. 9 And men were scorched with great heat, and they blasphemed the name of God who has power over these plagues; and they did not repent and give Him glory. (Revelation 16:8-9)

It may be that God is warning people about that now with various changes in sunspot patterns and this current flare up. But most ignore warning signs. Will you?

Some articles that might be of assistance in understanding end-time events may include:

End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something?There is a Mayan calendar prediction for change in 2012. 2012 changes were also centuries ago predicted by the Hopi Native Americans. Do Mayan/Hindu/Hopi/Buddhist/New Age/Nostradaumus prophecies have any value here? Why might Satan have inspired this date? Does the Dresden codex show destruction of the earth by flood? Can the great tribulation start before 2012?
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?

“I will break the pride of your power” (Leviticus 26:19)

COGwriter

In a move that I thought should have happened long ago, Standards & Poors finally downgraded the credit worthiness of the USA:

US Suffers First Downgrade in History

A major credit agency announces it has officially downgraded America’s perfect AAA debt rating for the first time in history…

S&P downgrades U.S. credit rating to AA+ with negative outlook, Reuters reports.

This should have happened a long time ago, and in my opinion, even AA+ is too good.  The USA WILL ULTIMATELY DEFAULT ON ITS DEBT either directly or through the equivalent via decreasing the value of its dollar.  Credit rating downgrades tend to lead to increased interest rates–and this is something that the USA will find it really cannot afford.

Now, contrary to the “First Downgrade” headline, this is not the first downgrade for the USA (see earlier post from November 2010 Chinese Downgrade US Government Credit Rating!), but the first one considered by many to be of significant importance.  And one that could lead to higher interest rates to be paid by the US government.  (Egan Jones, a less influential rater than S&P downgraded downgraded the US rating a couple of weeks ago from AAA to AA+ http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/07/18/rating-bonds-eganjones-idUSN1E76H0ZH20110718; while a newsletter writer, Weiss Ratings downgraded its US rating to C-minus — approximately equivalent to a BBB- rating by S&P http://www.moneyandmarkets.com/weiss-downgrades-u-s-debt-what-to-do-46017.)

The Bible warns that the pride of power will be broken (Leviticus 26:19), and for the USA this apparently is not only referring to its military might, but its economic pride, its dollar. Now as I have been saying, the USA dollar will NOT totally collapse (become worth a small fraction of its purchasing value) until shortly before the start of the Great Tribulation (Jeremiah 30:7; Matthew 24:21).  But what is happening now is dangerous and fits in with the following prophecy:

3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry…5 Indeed, because he transgresses by wine, He is a proud man… 6 “Will not all these take up a proverb against him, And a taunting riddle against him, and say, ‘Woe to him who increases What is not his–how long? And to him who loads himself with many pledges’? 7 Will not your creditors rise up suddenly? Will they not awaken who oppress you? And you will become their booty. 8 Because you have plundered many nations, All the remnant of the people shall plunder you (Habakkuk 2:3,5,6-8).

The above prophecy will be fulfilled at the time of the end (cf. “The message was true, but the appointed time was long…in the latter days, for the vision refers to many days yet to come”, Daniel 10:1,14). Daniel 8:19, 11:27,29,35 use same the Hebrew term for “appointed time” as Habakkuk 2:3, while Daniel 10, using a different term, ties the latter days to the time in Daniel 8:19. Habakkuk 2 was not fulfilled in its entirety anciently. Also, it makes little sense that Habakkuk would be directed towards the modern nation of Israel as it does not have enemy creditors. It must be a nation or group of nations with some prominence at the appointed time of the end.  The USA is prominent and is the most indebted nation of all time and I strongly believe it (along with the UK, for another example) will fulfill Habakkuk 2.

Now that S&P has joined the Chinese Dagong rating agency in lowering the USA’s credit-worthiness, this will likely help set the stage for foreign creditors to realize that the USA is loading up too many pledges.  And the rest of that prophecy in Habakkuk 2 will be fulfilled.

According to Bible prophecy, the end of the Anglo-dominance of the world is coming, and the final age of the Gentiles will be here in a relatively few years. The debt and other financial issues in the USA are indicators that not too many more years are left before the start of the Great Tribulation.

To learn more, please check out the following articles:

Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What 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? Are there biblical and non-biblical prophecies about Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist? This is a lengthy article with many prophecies that Barack Obama may end up fulfilling.
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 by him?
The Plain Truth About Gold in Prophecy. How Should a Christian View Gold? What do economists and the Bible teach about gold? Gold and silver may drop in value. Inflation/deflation? What do Christians need to know about gold?
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

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

Starvation in America?

On July 8, U.S. budget statistics revealed a slight increase in the official unemployment rate, to 9.2%. For many of these people and others, the U.S. offers a “food stamp” program designed to provide minimal subsistence. During the recent recession, participation in this program has soared. As of April 2011, nearly 45 million, or one in seven Americans (14%) was participating in the food stamp program.From 2008 to 2010, the annual cost of funding this program almost doubled, from $35 billion to $65 billion. The administrator of the program, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, estimates that only two-thirds of those eligible for food stamps are using the program currently.

The concern now is what might happen to the program if the U.S. bond rating is downgraded. Many suggest that if this occurs, unemployment will rise and there will be greater demand on the program. Simultaneously, the funding for the program may be cut in order to help “balance the budget” (The Economist, July 14, 2011).

It is sobering to see so many people dependent on a failing government for their food. As time goes on and the U.S. government is plagued with greater debt problems and a dollar continuing to decline in value, the situation could become dangerous.

God prophesied long ago that troublous times would come on the Israelite-descended nations because of their rejection of Him and His ways. “‘I gave you cleanness of teeth in all your cities. And lack of bread in all your places; yet you have not returned to Me,’ says the LORD” (Amos 4:6). The future is predicted to be difficult if our nations do not return to God.

However, a time of abundance is also predicted for the world, “‘Behold, the days are coming,’ says the LORD, ‘when the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the treader of grapes him who sows seed; the mountains shall drip with sweet wine, and all the hills shall flow with it'” (Amos 9:13). No more hunger! God speed this wonderful time of peace and abundance that the world cries out for so desperately (Romans 8:19-23).

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Many parts of the USA are suffering from drought as are parts of Africa and 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)

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:

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?

COGwriter

Were early Christians communists?  Was Jesus a socialist?  In the current issues of its Good News Magazine, UCG says no:

by Don Hooser, Tom Robinson

A common misunderstanding is that the early Church practiced communal socialism, which some believe based on what they read in the beginning chapters of Acts.

Note Acts:2:44-45: “Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.”

But this was a unique situation that didn’t last very long. We later see that elderly widows were to be financially provided for by a common church fund only if they had no family members in the Church who could privately support them (1 Timothy:5:3-16). Obviously, all members of the Church’s congregations at this later time were not being provided for out of a common fund—only a select number in real need…

However, keep in mind that they could not sell what they did not own. They were voluntarily selling some of their privately owned property so they could help others. This was charity, not communism. No one was compelled to sell his property, nor did anyone confiscate one’s property or income to give it to others, as many governments do today.

Acts:4:32-35, which follows shortly after in time order, shows that the pooling of resources was still going on. The account of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts:5:1-11 adds further clarity. God did not execute judgment on these two for their refusing to share, but for their telling a lie to make themselves look good.

The apostle Peter asked Ananias, “While it [their possession] remained [unsold], was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control?” The couple was not obligated either to sell their land or to give away the proceeds. Again, this was not communism or socialism.

The words of Jesus Himself should make it even clearer. In His parables of the workers in the vineyard in Matthew 20, He portrayed God as a vineyard owner paying different employees the same agreed-on amount even if they worked for less time.

The employees who worked longer thought it unfair. But the owner, representing God, replies to one: “Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? Take what is yours and go your way. I wish to give to this last man the same as to you. Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things?” (verses 13-15).

To the final question here, communists and socialists, and those with such leanings, would answer no—since in those systems the community or state decides. Jesus’ statement, while figurative of spiritual principles, is nevertheless a ringing endorsement of both private ownership and free market exchange without wage control. He was certainly no communist—and neither were His followers.

Regarding Jesus, He also taught many parables that demonstrated that He endorsed private ownership and other aspects considered to be capitalistic.  Notice a couple of His parables:

24 Then He said to them, “Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given.  25 For whoever has, to him more will be given; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.” (Mark 4:24-25)

14 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them.  15 And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey.  16 Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents.  17 And likewise he who had received two gained two more also.  18 But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord’s money.  19 After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them.

20 “So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.’  21 His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’  22 He also who had received two talents came and said, ‘Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.’  23 His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’

24 “Then he who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed.  25 And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.’

26 “But his lord answered and said to him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed.  27 So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest.  28 So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents.

29 ‘For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. (Matthew 25:14-29)

Notice in the the last above parable, the wealthiest, most productive, individual was given even that which the poorest had, not because Jesus does not love the poor, but because He expects His people to do the work.  And notice that He rewarded those that did the biggest work much more than those who did less, or thought that enough work had already been done.

Now, not being communist or socialist does not mean that Christians were not generous.  Tithing, the giving of 10% of one’s income, as well as offerings (giving even more) were also practices (see Tithing Questions and Some Answers).  And every three years, a special tithe for the poor was given by the Jews as well as Christians who continued those practices (see Is Third Tithe Still Valid Today?).

Jesus taught, “Freely you have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:8 ).

Do you follow the practices of the early faithful Christians?  Do you try to be productive and financially support the work of proclaiming the gospel as well as helping those in need?

Some articles to assist in your studies may include:

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 Laodicean Church Era has been predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. These are non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG.
Tithing Questions and Some Answers Addresses some non-biblical arguments against tithing. Should people tithe?
Is Third Tithe Still Valid Today? Some in the COGs no longer teach payment of third tithe, is this biblically correct?
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?
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?