Archive for September, 2011

Karl zu Guttenberg Now at US Think Tank

Friday, September 30th, 2011

Karl-Theodor von und zu Guttenberg
Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg

COGwriter

Baron Karl zu Guttenberg now has been appointed to be part of a US ‘think tank’:

The Local – Sept 30, 2011

The Washington-based Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) announced Thursday that Guttenberg was joining the organization as a “distinguished statesman.”

Guttenberg would “lead a new transatlantic dialogue initiative at CSIS which will bring European and American thought-leaders, practitioners and officials together,” the CSIS said in a statement.

This would allow them to develop “a bold, new strategic vision to reinvigorate the transatlantic relationship and prevent strategic drift.” …

The unpaid position at the CSIS is an advisory post also held by Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak.  http://www.thelocal.de/national/20110930-37919.html

The above is interesting for several reasons, including something I posted about related to him in July 2011:

As regular readers of this page are aware, I have had my eye on one-time German Defense Minister Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg since late 2009 as one who could possibly fulfill the role of the final King of the North…If he is the one, his coming stay in the USA will give him better insight into the USA and probably contacts that he may exploit later, perhaps as a subterfuge for an attack on the USA (cf. Daniel 11:39).

By becoming part of the Washington-based Centre for Strategic and International Studies, Baron Guttenberg will have contacts in the USA that he is likely to use politically in future.  And since there is at least one major Israeli leader in the same think tank, this may influence him enough so that he possibly can fulfill the prophecies Daniel 9:26-27 (which he may do directly, or perhaps only through confirmation indirectly).

Whether he is the one or not, I believe that the Baron’s scandal earlier this year and his current self-imposed ‘exile’ appear to be consistent with certain non-biblical prophecies about a leader commonly referred to as the Great Monarch and possibly biblical prophecies concerning the Beast, the final King of the North.

On the other hand, it is possible that Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg could simply be a normal politician, with ups and downs like many others. We will see.

Much is happening in the world, and a leader known as the final King of the North (or Beast) in Bible prophecy, will ultimately become the leader of Europe. And according to the Bible, he will have military abilities (Revelation 13:1-4) and apparently be popular and charismatic (cf. Daniel 7:20,11:21-24,31; Revelation 13:3-5).

Karl Guttenberg fulfills these requirements.

We all should watch (cf. Mark 13:37).

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? What MUST happen BEFORE the Great Tribulation?
Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North? Is the German Defense Minister one to watch? What do Catholic, Byzantine, and biblical prophecies suggest?

USA’s Tevatron Shutting Down as Finances Weaken, While Europe’s LHC Makes Important Discoveries

Friday, September 30th, 2011

COGwriter

What seems to be the USA’s premier atom-smashing project is shutting down today:

Tevatron atom smasher shuts after more than 25 years

By Paul Rincon Science editor, BBC News website 30 September 2011

One of the world’s most powerful “atom smashers”, at the leading edge of scientific discovery for a quarter of a century, is about to shut down.

The Tevatron facility near Chicago will fire its last particle beams on Friday after federal funding ran out…But the Tevatron has been superseded by the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) – located on the French-Swiss border – which is capable of getting to much higher energies than the US machine. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-15079119

Notice also an indirectly related news item:

The Strengths of Europe
The Globalist – Sept 29, 2011
The United States has become the greatest debtor nation in world history, with the worst annual balance of payments deficits ever recorded by any nation. In contrast, the eurozone posted a €4.3 billion external trade surplus in July 2011. http://www.theglobalist.com/StoryId.aspx?StoryId=8845

My book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect pointed out the following:

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. (2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect. Nazarene Books, 2009, p. 131)

Because of domestic economic concerns and international pressures, Barack Obama is shifting priorities away from defense spending… This will help lead to the destruction of the United States, when the Europeans are ready and the U.S.A. is not. (2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect. Nazarene Books, 2009, p. 147)

The, at least temporary, shutdown of Tevatron is another item that is consistent with the military decline of the USA and its increasing debt.

Over in Europe, CERN’s Large Hadron Collider seems to be making great strides and has often been in the news for its records and scientific breakthroughs (see CERN’s Large Hadron Collider Particles Faster than the Speed of Light?, CERN Announces Progress, But Prohibits Its Scientists From Making Public Conclusions, and CERN Makes Major Strides with Antimatter).

My book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect also points out that the Large Hadron Collider may be used to give the future European military power that the entire world will marvel at:

…the Large Hadron Collider…is apt to provide the Europeans with unique military capabilities in several years…The Bible is clear that the final “Beast power” (which will be primarily European) will have such unique military capabilities that the entire world will marvel (Revelation 13:3-4). (2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect. Nazarene Books, 2009, p. 85)

the Rise of the European King of the North…the Bible foretells the rising up of a great economic power (Revelation 13:17; 18:3)…the King of the North…(2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect. Nazarene Books, 2009, pp. 76,123)

My book also discusses the destruction of the USA and certain others by the Europeans sometime after 2012. The Large Hadron Collider is discussed as one of the items that may provide the Europeans with the ability to overcome the USA’s military might. And while many think that this would be impossible, as the Europeans continue to uncover previously unattainable aspects of physics, it is getting more and more technology that could be developed in that direction.  CERN is the European Organization for Nuclear Research.

The understanding of the Living Church of God that the Europeans will be able to attack and takeover the United States and its Anglo-descended allies (cf. Isaiah 10:5-11; Daniel 11:39) is correct and will come to pass. And it appears, to me at least, possible that CERN”s recent successes and the at least temporary losing of Tevatron in the USA are consistent with biblical prophecies.

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? 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?
Large Hadron Collider may result in military applications The Europeans have the largest physics project on the planet. Some scoff, but might it result in military applications? May the Large Hadron Collider help fulfill Revelation 13:4?
2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect This page contains some concepts and prophecies related to 2012 and a book. This also has YouTube videos related to 2012 and beyond.  World events have thus far aligned with at least 17 predictions in the book.  Would you like to know about more that will also come to pass?
2012 y el surgimiento de la secta secreta Nuevo 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 17 já começaram a acontecer.

95% of Texas in Drought

Friday, September 30th, 2011

COGwriter

Sorrows are happening and the drought in Texas is covering nearly all of that state:

Grim predictions say 9 more years of Texas drought possible
Reuters – Sept 29, 2011…

Some 95 percent of the state is listed as being in either “severe” or “exceptional” drought by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Drought Monitor, and Nielson-Gammon said the last 12 months have been the driest one-year period on record in the Lone Star State.   http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44725170/ns/weather/

Many parts of the USA are suffering from drought (see also TW Reports on Oklahoma Drought) as are parts of Africa and other lands. Droughts contribute to food shortages, higher food prices, and sometimes famines.

My 2009 book, 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect mentioned the following was about to happen:

Odd weather patterns result in food shortages and natural disasters. Matthew 24:7
The world is actually in a berserk transition, as the real age of peace is not yet here. It may be a period of chaos. It is the beginning of sorrows Matthew 24:8

Perhaps the record weather problems can serve as another wake-up call. As my book indicated, weather-related troubles with their related food issues, 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).  Sadly, will also include Texas.  And prior to that, we should expect to see higher food prices (cf. Revelation 6:5-6).

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?

EU Supporting Palestine State and Brainwashing?

Thursday, September 29th, 2011

European Union Tower of Babel Poster

COGwriter

The European Union wants to make it clear where it stands on the issue of statehood for Palestine:

Europe supports Palestinian statehood

UPI – Sept 29, 2011
The right of Palestinians to advance in the international community as an independent state is “unquestionable,” the European Parliament declared…The European Parliament, in a resolution passed Thursday, said lawmakers viewed the Palestinian bid for statehood as legitimate. http://www.upi.com/Top_News/Special/2011/09/29/Europe-supports-Palestinian-statehood/UPI-26251317302802/

Hence, presuming that the USA vetoes the Palestinian bid for recognition at the United Nations, the EU apparently hopes that it will not be blamed.  Interestingly, Canada (a USA ally) was in the news today for supporting Israel earlier this week:

Canada used its United Nations speaking slot Monday to lambaste opponents of Israel as no better than the appeasers who allowed fascism and communism to flourish before the Second World War.
“Canada will not accept or stay silent while the Jewish state is attacked for defending its territory and its citizens. The Second World War taught us all the tragic price of ‘going along’ just to ‘get along.”

Canada is expected to be an ally of the USA until both nations are no more (cf. Jeremiah 30:7; Daniel 11:39) (for more detail, see Canada in Prophecy).

The Bible teaches that a European leader (called a “prince” that came from the empire that invaded Jerusalem–which was Rome) will at least confirm some type of peace deal in the Middle East (Daniel 9:26-27).  The fact that the EU is continuing to back the idea of Palestinian statehood (and emphasized that again today) suggests that the Palestinians are likely to at least slightly somewhat respect the EU in future negotiations which will lead to this.

The Bible is clear that the EU will affect the Middle East (Daniel 11:31-43).

The EU wants to encourage people in Europe to think more like Europeans.  The British press seems to consider that this is a form of brainwashing according to another news item from today:

FURY AT ‘BRAINWASHING’ PLAN FOR EU CITIZENSHIP LESSONS IN EVERY SCHOOL
Daily Express, UK – Sept 29, 2011 by Macer Hall, Political Editor

CHILDREN could be forced to attend compulsory lessons in “European citizenship” under draconian plans drawn up by Euro-MPs in Brussels, it emerged last night.

In a move likened to Nazi indoctrination, the European Parliament wants pupils as young as five to be taught about EU “benefits” and encouraged to behave as “good Europeans”…

“This is a proposal for more EU propaganda in our schools and the sort of indoctrination of children that was carried out by the Third Reich. It must be kept out of our schools.”  http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/274330/Fury-at-brainwashing-plan-for-EU-citizenship-lessons-in-every-school/

Of course, despite human efforts, the Bible is clear that the final European Beast power will not actually be highly unified as it will basically be a combination of strong and weak, or as the Bible more literally states, iron and clay:

41 Whereas you saw the feet and toes, partly of potter’s clay and partly of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; yet the strength of the iron shall be in it, just as you saw the iron mixed with ceramic clay. 42 And as the toes of the feet were partly of iron and partly of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly fragile. 43 As you saw iron mixed with ceramic clay, they will mingle with the seed of men; but they will not adhere to one another, just as iron does not mix with clay. (Daniel 2:41-43)

According to Bible prophecy, a European power, despite its fragility, is destined to temporarily be the most dominant force in the world, ultimately conquer the Anglo-descended nations (Daniel 11:39), and later come to its end (Daniel 11:45).

But before it is destroyed (Daniel 11:21-44), the final European Beast power must come together and get to the place where it has major economic influence.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Using the Tower of Babel and “Beast” images suggests it is not concerned about its role as being part of the future Babylon of Bible prophecy.
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? What MUST happen BEFORE the Great Tribulation?
Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North?
Is the German Defense Minister one to watch? What do Catholic, Byzantine, and biblical prophecies suggest?
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?

Violence Continuing in Middle East, Yemen Again Violent

Thursday, September 29th, 2011

جامعة الدول العربية
Jāmaʻat ad-Duwwal al-ʻArabiyya Arab League Flag

COGwriter

Headlines continue to show violence in portions of the Middle East and North Africa:

Reuters – ‎29 September 2011

1 of 3. Anti-Gaddafi fighters fire from an armoured personnel carrier during clashes with pro-Gaddafi forces, about 1 km (0.6 miles) from the entrance of Sirte…

Christian Science Monitor – 29 September 2011

The dynamic in Yemen’s long-simmering uprising has significantly changed, with factions of the armed forces battling each other – threatening to turn the largely peaceful uprising into civil war.

Syria Forces Kill 17 Protesters as US Envoy’s Car Attacked


BusinessWeek – Massoud A. Derhally – 29 September 2011
The protests in Syria are part of the wave of unrest across the Middle East and North Africa that unseated governments in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya.  Assad’s crackdown has left more than 3,600 civilians dead since the unrest began in March, according to Ammar Qurabi of the National Organization for Human Rights in Syria.

Violence is not the answer for these primarily Muslims lands.

However, all of this violence is paving the way for an Islamic leader to rise up, called the King of the South, who will have militaristic tendencies (Daniel 11:40).

Yet the Holy Bible, which is supposedly what the Islamic Koran is somewhat based on, is about love, not hate.

As a general rule, the Muslims have not understood real Christianity (though there have been faithful Arab Christians in history, see Arabic Nazarenes May Have Kept Original Christian Practices) and few modern Muslims have ever encountered any truly faithful Christians (of course, this is true for many in Europe, Asia, the Western Hemisphere, etc.).  Sadly, people of many faiths do not understand the Bible or the meaning of life.

But good news is coming.  Notice today’s commentary from the Living Church of God:

By Charles Knowlton | Thursday, September 29, 2011
“Wanted: Someone to walk with me”. This want ad appeared in a Ohio newspaper a few years ago. When I read it, I assumed it was a joke, and I made an inquiry. What I found was an old person wanting someone to take him for a walk–not because he needed physical help, but because he was afraid…

In the book of Zechariah, we find a prophecy describing what life will be like under the Millennial rule of Jesus Christ here on planet Earth. “Thus says the Lord of hosts: Old men and women shall again sit in the streets of Jerusalem, and each one with his staff in his hand because of great age. The streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in the street” (Zechariah 8:4-5).

Yes, old and young will mix together with mutual love and respect. Finally, the gulf will be bridged and there will be harmony among people of all ages…For an inspiring overview of Jesus Christ’s soon-coming Millennial rule over planet Earth, read our booklet, The World Ahead: What Will It Be Like? And read our article, “Hope for the Future.

Read more

The Holy Days of the Bible, including the Feast of Trumpets today, highlight several of the steps that will lead to a better world.

A better world is coming, but sadly, the Bible shows that more violence will affect the Middle East (Daniel 11:40-43) before that time.

While the Bible also shows a temporary peace deal will be made first (Daniel 9:26-27), it also shows that deal will be violated (Daniel 9:27), and violence will break out again (Daniel 11:39-45).  Yet it also shows that Jesus will return (Matthew 24:30-31) and God’s kingdom of peace will be established (Revelation 21:1-4).

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.
What is the Meaning of Life? Who does God say is happy? What is your ultimate destiny? Do you really know? Does God actually have a plan for YOU personally?
Christian Soldiers How are Christians to be like soldiers? How are they to be different?
Military Service and the Churches of God: Do Real Christians Participate in Carnal Warfare?
Here are current and historical perspectives on a matter which show the beliefs of the true church on military participation. Is war proper for Christians?
The Ten Commandments Reflect Love, Breaking them is Evil Some feel that the ten commandments are a burden. Is that what Jesus, Paul, Peter, James, and John taught?
The Arab World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy
The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam?
Is There A Future King of the South? Some no longer believe there needs to be. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? What does the Bible say?
Arabic Nazarenes May Have Kept Original Christian Practices Were their faithful Arabs who held to original Christianity?
Nazarene Christianity: Were the Original Christians Nazarenes? Should Christians be Nazarenes today? What were the practices of the Nazarenes.
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 is the “peace deal” of Daniel 9?  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?

Place of Trumpeting in Jerusalem

Wednesday, September 28th, 2011

Blowing of a Shofar

COGwriter

The Feast of Trumpets began with the sunset of September 28, 2011.  Notice what the Old Testament said would happen then:

23 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 24 “Speak to the children of Israel, saying: ‘In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall have a sabbath-rest, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation. 25 You shall do no customary work on it; and you shall offer an offering made by fire to the Lord.'”   (Leviticus 23:23-25)

It has been reported that the place where the trumpeting used to happen in Jerusalem is somewhat marked:

Whenever I visit the Jerusalem Archaeological Park, I always walk to the southwest corner of the Temple Mount…Beneath the ground of the Kotel, Jerusalem’s Central Valley has been filled in with the rubble of the Second Temple’s destruction in A.D. 70. As a result, the beautiful modern plaza stands about nine meters above the first-century street uncovered at the southwestern corner.

The excavations near the corner came about through the generosity of a distinguished member of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit…One of the main reasons I continually return to this corner of the Temple Mount is because of one particular stone that lies on the street far below where it originally stood. Shaped as a corner, the stone bears the Hebrew inscription: “To the place of trumpeting.”

This stone represented the pinnacle of the southwestern corner of the Temple Mount, the place where priests would stand and overlook Jerusalem as they blew trumpets to announce the Sabbath and the start of festival days. The Feast of Trumpets especially relates to this act  http://www.jpost.com/Travel/AroundIsrael/Article.aspx?id=239595

In our family, we normally have our youngest child blow on some type of trumpet to mark the beginning of the Feast of Trumpets, as well as to blow the trumpet off and on throughout the Holy Day.  And although the Bible does not specify where the trumpet blowing should take place (hence I believe it should happen throughout the lands where the faithful live), I did find it interesting to learn that there was a specific place in Jerusalem that trumpeting was designated.

Sabbath-keepers, by the way, kept the Feast of Trumpets throughout history.  Notice for example, that the Sabbath-keepers in Transylvania in the 1500s (and probably later) kept the Fall Holy Days such as the Day of Atonement and the Feast of Trumpets (called Day of Remembrance below):

The Sabbatarians viewed themselves as converted Gentiles..They held to the biblical holidays…The Day of Atonement was a day of fasting, although they emphasized that pentinence is more easily acheived by a peaceful and quiet meditation on the law and one’s life than by fasting. The Day of Remembrance (New Year, which they celebrated in the Fall of the year) was the day on which they thanked God especially for the creation of the universe.  (Liechty D. Sabbatarianism in the Sixteenth Century. Andrews University Press, Berrien Springs (MI), 1993, pp. 61-62).

Some of the Jewish teachers taught that the creation was most likely in the Fall, rather than in the Spring because in Genesis 1:11 when God states, “Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb that yields seed, and the fruit tree that yields fruit”, this would be the Fall, for that is when there is both grass and fruit on trees), that the Feast of Trumpets symbolized the beginning of creation, and hence by, inference, life.   The creation was likely in the Fall and various scriptures imply it (though this is not specified verbatim in scripture).

And, of course, if those in Transylvania blew trumpets (and I would think one or more of them did) that was in a location other than Jerusalem.

People attempting to be faithful to the Bible have observed the Feast of Trumpets throughout history and we in the Living Church of God continue to do so in the 21st century.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Did Early Christians Observe the Fall Holy Days? Did they? Did Jesus? Should you?
The Book of Life and the Feast of Trumpets? Are they related? Is so how? If not, where not?
The Day of Atonement–Its Christian Significance The Jews call it Yom Kippur, Christians “The Day of Atonement”. Does it have any relevance for Christians today?
The Feast of Tabernacles: A Time for Christians? Is this pilgrimage holy day still valid? Does it teach anything relevant for today’s Christians? What is the Last Great Day? What do these days teach?
LCG 2011 Feast of Tabernacles’ Information Here is information on many Feast of Tabernacles locations for this year.
What Does the Catholic Church Teach About Christmas and the Holy Days? Do you know what the Catholic Church says were the original Christian holy days? Was Christmas among them?
Holy Day Calendar This is a listing of the biblical holy days through 2012, with their Roman calendar dates. They are really hard to observe if you do not know when they occur :)

Germany’s Finance Minister Calls USA Advice ‘Stupid’

Wednesday, September 28th, 2011


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

COGwriter

Germans are not real excited by the wisdom of financial advice from the USA:

Germany slams ‘stupid’ US plans to boost EU rescue fund
Germany and America were on a collision course on Tuesday night over the handling of Europe’s debt crisis after Berlin savaged plans to boost the EU rescue fund as a “stupid idea” and told the White House to sort out its own mess before giving gratuitous advice to others.

GERMANY: US Plans To Intervene In Europe Are “Stupid”

German finance minister Wolfgang Schauble has hit out against plans to boost the EFSF bailout fund…  http://www.businessinsider.com/germany-us-plans-to-intervene-in-europe-are-stupid-2011-9#ixzz1ZH9cqgxv

Germany’s Finance Minister, Wolfgang Schauble specifically called the  financial advice from the USA for Europe to inflate its currency, the Euro, stupid.  The USA itself has engaged in “stimulous” spending, “quantitative easing,” and other inflationary methods to attempt to improve the USA’s economy the past couple of years and has advised the Europeans to follow suit.

They are not particularly interested.

As I have mentioned before, it is not that the Euro has to be a perfect currency (and in fact, as I have written, could possibly be replaced), it is that the Euro only needs to be perceived as safer/stronger than the USA dollar for the Euro (or some other currency with European backing) to become the new reserve currency for much of the world.

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 and agricultural production, 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).

Yet what is happening now to the USA dollar 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.

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.

The Bible shows that a European power (the final King of the North) will rise up at the end.  It will control much of the world’s economy (Revelation 13,17,18), and it will eliminate the nation with the strongest fortresses (Daniel 11:39), which happens to be the USA (as well as its Anglo-allies.

By resisting repeated suggestions from the USA to inflate its currency, Europe is telling the world that it does not intend to destroy its currency as the USA has been doing to its dollar.  And according to Bible prophecy, the world will ultimately agree with Europe over the highly indebted USA.

To learn more, please check out the following articles:

Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe?
Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North? Is the German Defense Minister one to watch? What do Catholic, Byzantine, and biblical prophecies suggest?
Resurgent Germany: A Fourth Reich? Who are the German peoples and where did they come from? What is Germany’s role in end time prophecy?
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?
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?
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?

The Feast of Trumpets Begins Tonight at Sunset

Wednesday, September 28th, 2011

A shofar made from the horn of a Greater kudu

An animal horn trumpet.

COGwriter

The Fall holy day season is almost upon us. Tonight, Wednesday at sunset, begins the month of Tishri, and the first day of this month is observed by the Living Church of God as the Feast of Trumpets.

Jews also have an observation, but they normally use the term Rosh Hoshanah or Rosh Hashanah.  (Note there are some who disagree on the date of this Holy Day.  Let me suffice it to say here that Jesus kept the Holy Days based upon the same calendar that the bulk of the Jews did in His day, which is the same calendar that the Jews mainly use now, as we also use in the Living Church of God–those interested in learning more about the calendar should study the article Hebrew Calendar and “Postponements.”)

We in the Living Church of God believe that the holy days in the Old Testament all have applications for Christians in the New Testament.

There is partial agreement of this even amongst Catholic and Protestant theologians as they accept that Christ was the Passover lamb and that Christians are to be unleavened (which is what the Bible teaches in 1 Corinthians 5:7). They also accept that God gave the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4).

These dates occur in the Spring.

However, many of Catholic and Protestant theologians seem to have a different view of the Fall holy days. And most fail to grasp the prophetic significance of them.

But all do realize that the New Testament is full of references to trumpets being blown.

We in the Living Church of God believe that two of the many things that the Feast of Trumpets pictures is the return of Jesus Christ and the resurrection of His people when the last trumpet is blown.

Notice the following scriptures:

16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words
(1 Thessalonians 4:16-18).

51 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed– 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed (1 Corinthians 15:50-52).

These verses will be fulfilled. And they reflect doctrines that the Christian observance of the Feast of Trumpets teaches.

Although his writings are not part of the New Testament, Polycarp was a disciple of the Apostle John and looked forward to the fulfillment of this trumpet as he wrote:

Wherefore, girding up your loins,” “serve the Lord in fear” and truth, as those who have forsaken the vain, empty talk and error of the multitude, and “believed in Him who raised up our Lord Jesus Christ from the dead, and gave Him glory,” and a throne at His right hand. To Him all things” in heaven and on earth are subject. Him every spirit serves. He comes as the Judge of the living and the dead. His blood will God require of those who do not believe in Him. But He who raised Him up from the dead will raise up us also, if we do His will, and walk in His commandments, and love what He loved (Polycarp. Letter to the Philippians, chapter II. Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume 1 as edited by Alexander Roberts & James Donaldson. American Edition, 1885.)

Also notice this about Polycarp:

I will give the narration in order, thus coming down to the history of the blessed Polycarp…

So also he pursued the reading of the Scriptures from childhood to old age, himself reading in church; and he recommended it to others, saying that the reading of the law and the prophets was the forerunner of grace, preparing and making straight the ways of the Lord, that is the hearts…So also he thought that the hearts of the hearers ought to be softened and yield to the impress of the Word. For he said that it unfolded and opened, like closed doors, the minds of recent comers; and accordingly the prophet was bidden by God, Cry out mightily and spare not, Raise thy voice as a trumpet. (Pionius, Life of Polycarp (1889) from J. B. Lightfoot, The Apostolic Fathers, vol. 3.2, pp.488-506.)

We in the Living Church of God try to lift our voices like a trumpet to proclaim the truth about God’s plan of salvation, which not only was believed by the original faithful Christians, but can also still be better understood by those who actually will observe God’s Holy Days.

It should be mentioned that there are other teachings related to the biblical book of life (e.g. Psalm 69:27-28 NIV; in NT in Philippians 4:3 NKJV) that many have tied in with tonight’s Holy Day (see The Book of Life and the Feast of Trumpets?).

For more on the Feast of Trumpets and the Fall holy days, please check out the following articles:

Did Early Christians Observe the Fall Holy Days? Did they? Did Jesus? Should you?
The Book of Life and the Feast of Trumpets? Are they related? Is so how? If not, where not?
The Day of Atonement–Its Christian Significance The Jews call it Yom Kippur, Christians “The Day of Atonement”. Does it have any relevance for Christians today?
The Feast of Tabernacles: A Time for Christians? Is this pilgrimage holy day still valid? Does it teach anything relevant for today’s Christians? What is the Last Great Day? What do these days teach?
LCG 2011 Feast of Tabernacles’ Information Here is information on many Feast of Tabernacles locations for this year’s October feast.
What Does the Catholic Church Teach About Christmas and the Holy Days? Do you know what the Catholic Church says were the original Christian holy days? Was Christmas among them?
Is There “An Annual Worship Calendar” In the Bible? This paper provides a biblical and historical critique of several articles, including one by the Tkach WCG which states that this should be a local decision. What do the Holy Days mean? Also you can click here for the calendar of Holy Days.
Hebrew Calendar and “Postponements” This John Ogywn writing explains why we in the Living Church of God use the calendar that we do and answers such questions as “Did Jesus Observe the Postponements?”
Hope of Salvation: How the Living Church of God differ from most Protestants How the Living Church of God differs from mainstream/traditional Protestants, is perhaps the question I am asked most by those without a Church of God background.
Universal Offer of Salvation: There Are Hundreds of Verses in the Bible Supporting the Doctrine of True Apocatastasis Do you believe what the Bible actually teaches on this? Will all good things be restored? Will God call everyone? Will everyone have an opportunity for salvation? Does God’s plan of salvation take rebellion and spiritual blindness into account?
Did the Early Church Teach Purgatory? Is there a place called purgatory? Does God have a plan to help those who did not become saints in this life?
Holy Day Calendar This is a listing of the biblical holy days through 2012, with their Roman calendar dates. They are really hard to observe if you do not know when they occur 🙂

Islamists in Libya Want Real Power

Tuesday, September 27th, 2011


Muammar al-Gaddafi

COGwriter

While the civil war in Libya is not quite over and its leader Colonel Qaddafi (it is spelled various ways) is still in hiding, Islamists in Libya want to be heard:

The Guardian – ‎27 September 2011

Libyan Islamists must not be marginalised, says Abdel Hakim Belhaj, leader of the Tripoli Military Council. Photograph: Francois Mori/AP Libya’s Islamist groups “will not allow” secular politicians to exclude or marginalise them in the intensifying battle for power in the post-Gaddafi era, the country’s most powerful Islamist leader has said.

The situation in Libya is changing.  The Islamists want real power as they do not wish to be marginalized.  And, ultimately, the Bible shows in that region that the final King of the South will rise up. The more chaos there becomes in the world in general, and the Middle East/North Africa in particular, the more the stage is being set for the people there to desire to support such a leader.

While many of the nations affected by the Arab Spring are hinting towards secular governments, ultimately, it is much more likely that a type of imam (religious leader) promoting a certain brand of Islam will end up being the primary leader of many of the Arab nations.

Libyans in particular should pay careful attention to what happens to the King of the South as well as Libya itself according to Bible prophecy:

40 “At the time of the end the king of the South shall attack him; and the king of the North shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter the countries, overwhelm them, and pass through. 41 He shall also enter the Glorious Land, and many countries shall be overthrown; but these shall escape from his hand: Edom, Moab, and the prominent people of Ammon. 42 He shall stretch out his hand against the countries, and the land of Egypt shall not escape. 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. (Daniel 11:40-43)

Libya is going to be specifically involved. Calling for Islamists to be part of the next government in Libya may be another step in that future involvement.

Perhaps I should also mention that the Obama Administration sent a paper to Congress in June 2011 explaining part of why the USA should talk with what some hope is a moderate Islamist group in Libya, the Muslim Brotherhood (Muslim Brotherhood is Increasing its Influence).  The goal of the Muslim Brotherhood is to unite the Arabs into a multi-national confederation/empire called a caliphate to be ruled by an Islamic imam.  Something like this will happen.

The result of the Arab uprisings, as Daniel 11:40-43 shows, will be an unsuccessful attack on Europe and the elimination of any Islamic empire.

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

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Is There A Future King of the South? Some no longer believe there needs to be. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? What does the Bible say?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?
The Arab World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam?
Africa: Its Biblical Past and Prophesied Future What does the Bible teach about Africa and its future? Did the early Church reach Africa? Will God call all the Africans?
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.
Barack Obama in Islamic Prophecy? There is actually a 17th century Shiite prophecy that some believe that Barack Obama will fulfill that will lead to a rising up of Islam.
End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something? Are there Mayan calendar predictions for change in 2012? Changes were centuries ago predicted by the Hopi Native Americans. Do Mayan/Hindu/Hopi/Buddhist/New Age/Nostradamus prophecies have any value here? Why might Satan have inspired this date? Does the Dresden codex show destruction of the earth by flood? Can the great tribulation start before 2012? How might Barack Obama be involved in 2012?
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?
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?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2011, 2012, or 2013? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?

No Ronald Weinland, the 5th Trumpet of the Seventh Seal is Not About to Be Blown

Tuesday, September 27th, 2011

VS.

COGwriter

Ronald Weinland of Church of God Preparing for the Kingdom, posted a letter yesterday which had the following:

Since they know that ten nations of a United States of Europe are prophesied to come on the scene, when they see this happen “within” the next few months, they will have to confront the reality of where we are in time. Even then, pride will be an obsticle to acknowledging that the 5th Trumpet of the 7th Seal has just been blown.

In his August 7, 2011 letter Ron Weinland wrote:

The truth is—God’s truth is—there are now 42 weeks remaining to the return of Jesus Christ as King of kings and the establishment of God’s government over all nations.

God’s truth is that JESUS WILL NOT RETURN 42 weeks from August 7, 2011 (May 27, 2012 is Ronald Weinland’s current false return date for Jesus).  Nor are we only a “few months” away for the 5th trumpet of the 7th seal being blown as he posted yesterday.

The sixth seal of Revelation, for example, has not been opened.  If it had, notice what the Bible shows would have occurred:

12 I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood. 13 And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind. 14 Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place. 15 And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, 16 and said to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! 17 For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?”  (Revelation 6:12-17)

Cannot his followers see that this has not happened?

Notice also what the BIBLE shows happens with the first 4 trumpets of the seventh seal:

6 So the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound.

7 The first angel sounded: And hail and fire followed, mingled with blood, and they were thrown to the earth. And a third of the trees were burned up, and all green grass was burned up.

8 Then the second angel sounded: And something like a great mountain burning with fire was thrown into the sea, and a third of the sea became blood. 9 And a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.

10 Then the third angel sounded: And a great star fell from heaven, burning like a torch, and it fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water. 11 The name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the waters became wormwood, and many men died from the water, because it was made bitter.

12 Then the fourth angel sounded: And a third of the sun was struck, a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of them were darkened. A third of the day did not shine, and likewise the night.  (Revelation 8:6-12)

None of those events have happened either, thus we are not only a few months away from the 5th trumpet of the 7th seal.

Furthermore, we still have not seen the opening of the fifth seal of Revelation (which cannot happen before 2015, and probably not before 2016).

The opening of fifth seal in Revelation 6:9 begins the Great Tribulation, and it was not opened on December 14, 2008 as Ronald Weinland claimed in 2008.  What is going on now IS NOT THE GREAT TRIBULATION. At most, we are in a time that Jesus described as the “beginning of sorrows” (Matthew 24:4-8).  And sadly, Ron Weinland’s followers do not seem to realize that.  They need to open up their Bibles and believe it above the interpretations of Ronald Weinland and his proven unreliable 2008 book (and many of his messages since his book came out).

In his letter of September 26, 2011, Ronald Weinland also wrote the following:

God’s Church has long known that at the end-time God would send two witnesses to complete His work on earth before His Son would come as King of kings. The two are “clothed in sackcloth,” which is a prophetic expression of being clothed in humility to do the job set before them, for the world and especially the scattered Church mocks and ridicules them once they come on the scene.

Of course, God will have two witnesses (Revelation 11:2-12), but not they will not be false witnesses like Ronald and Laura Weinland.  The fact that Ron Weinland has repeatedly been proven wrong and that his word cannot be trusted should tell his followers to stop following him–and though many have stopped, he still, sadly, has people who believe him.

For those unfamiliar with him, Ronald Weinland used to be a minister in the United Church of God, started to come to odd doctrinal conclusions and left UCG, declared himself a prophet, became unitarian, declared himself one of the two witnesses, in April 2008 declared his wife Laura the other of the two witnesses, and declared the following in a radio interview on December 17, 2007 (which I listened to personally):

A little after April…a dollar bill won’t be worth anything…We’re going to be brought down the tubes, very quickly, starting in April…What happens when a nuclear weapon goes off in New York and Chicago?…

If we come to the point in time where what I’ve said doesn’t come to pass, the reality is that I’m just a false prophet.  That’s the bottom line…

The reality is if it doesn’t happen, then you’re just false…I’ll acknowledge my error, my wrong, if I’m wrong…

Notice what he said in a later interview on April 7, 2008:

And by the time you get to the second trumpet it’s even gonna be more devastating and at that point in time there it uh definitely seem to indicate there’s gonna be nuclear weapons go off but I I really some of these things as far as the four seals exactly what they are uh specifically when the nuclear weapons go off…Uh there’s a period of forty-five days uh that takes us up to about uh the beginning of June and the second trumpet could go at that time or it could take us up to uh a little bit later. Mid-July or even later than that.

Notice what Ronald Weinland taught in a sermon given March 29, 2008:

If by Pentecost I’m just going to make this real clear to everyone. If by Pentecost it is not powerfully and abundantly clear that there has been a great deal of destruction that will clearly encompass a third of all plant life in the US and at least the clear results of this mingled with blood the death of very much animal life and the beginning of large numbers of human life then I will stop preaching. Just so all the critics and everyone out there will understand. I am true to my word in these things. OK? And for all the critics if by the end of July and for most likely around Pentecost if nothing has clearly caused great destruction and death I will make it very clear that I was a false prophet. I will do exactly what I said I would do on all of those interviews that I have held; to do less, aah well, would be quite insane. (Weinland R. Three More Weeks–quote from near the 1 hour 28 minute point from the CGPFK website version. Sermon given March 29, 2008).

Since Pentecost in 2008 was June 8th, by mid-June Ronald Weinland was to stop preaching according to his own words. And by mid-July 2008 apologize and publicly admit his error.  Instead on April 19th, 2008 he pronounced curses on his critics and by April 26th, he changed one date. And by late June 2008, he changed some of his other dates.

Yet, he did not stop preaching.  Instead, he has changed both his dates and his interpretation of events.

The fact is that the events of the Great Tribulation have still not began, no matter what Ronald Weinland wants to suggest.

The Bible is clear that one whose prophecies do not come to pass does not speak for God:

21 “And if you say in your heart, ‘How shall we know the word which the LORD has not spoken?’– 22 when a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him (Deuteronomy 18:21-22).

Ronald Weinland has often spoken presumptuously:

12 Now the man who acts presumptuously and will not heed the priest who stands to minister there before the Lord your God, or the judge, that man shall die. So you shall put away the evil from Israel. 13 And all the people shall hear and fear, and no longer act presumptuously. (Deuteronomy 17:12-13)

26 For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries. 28 Anyone who has rejected Moses’ law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29 Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. And again, “The Lord will judge His people.” 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. (Hebrews 10:26-31)

A few months ago, in his sermon March 12, 2011, Ronald Weinland stated the following:

So, if I’m not a prophet I’ll reason with you accordingly and be open with you about it…

So often for those who do not believe that I’m a prophet, the question is asked, “What will you do if these things do not come to pass?” And I’m going to answer that more fully in this particular sermon today…

So again, some cannot wait for me to say that I am not a prophet, or to say that I am a false prophet. Indeed, no one has long to wait do they? Isn’t that amazing? May 27, 2012 is not too far away and if Europe hasn’t risen by early 2012 and if China does not begin destroying the earth before that date, then the reality would be manifest much sooner, obviously. You don’t have to wait until 2012.

As far as the question they ask; what would I do? Well, first I’d repent before God and the Church. I’d acknowledge my sin and pray that God have mercy upon me for being so horribly presumptuous. Candidly (and some are going to really hate hearing this), I’d deeply repent of all those things that concern prophecies that I have given in the office of a prophet BUT I’d seek to hold fast to all that I believe with all my being to be true concerning the word of God. I would begin to go back through all 57 Truths (and I’d hope others would do exactly the same thing), IF… just to be open about it. I’d go back through all 57 Truths and eliminate those that are shown to be untrue, repenting as I did so; but I would hold fast to all that I believed to be true. (Weinland R. A Final Plea, With Judgment – Pt. 1. March 12, 2011)

We will see if Ronald Weinland publicly repents by the end of May in 2012. He did not keep his word before when he so stated, thus he seems to be one who sins willfully–and since he claims to have the truth of the Bible, he should have real fear (cf. Hebrews 10:26-31).

I feel sorry for Ronald Weinland and those who follow him. Hopefully now more of them will wake up. Because the main “Great Tribulation” that his followers are experiencing now is continuing to be led by the imaginations of Ronald Weinland. I believe that he has been able to confuse his followers as sorrows and troubles are hitting that perhaps he is right–but he is not.

The biblical Great Tribulation has not yet began and those who believe otherwise have allowed themselves to be deceived. None should follow Ronald Weinland, nor other false prophets (the followers of Harold Camping will be very disappointed in 3 1/2 weeks when his third prediction for the return of Jesus will be shown to be false).

Ronald Weinland should publicly repent now and tells his followers that he has been wrong and has never been one of God’s two witnesses.

Some articles of related interest may include:

Concerns About Ronald Weinland’s Church of God-Preparing for the Kingdom of God Ronald Weinland falsely claims to be one of the two witnesses God is raising up and that the Great Tribulation on December 14, 2008, and that Jesus will return on May 27, 2012. Is he a false prophet? He has at least one other view that suggests that he is not part of the COG.
Who Are The Two Witnesses? What is their job? What does the Bible reveal? What has the Church of God taught on this subject? Might even Roman Catholic prophecies give some clues here?
Harold Camping’s Teachings About the End of the World Do Not Agree with the Bible Harold Camping taught that the rapture would be on May 21, 2011 and now it and the world will end on October 21, 2011. What does the Bible show?
Why Be Concerned About False and Heretical Leaders? There have been many false leaders–and Ronald Weinland is one of them–here is some of why you should be concerned about them.
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2011, 2012, or 2013? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?
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?