Church of God News

COGwriter

Notice the following:

U.S. NATIONAL DEBT CLOCK (note the number below automatically changes, so the amount shown is the amount of debt as of the date you view it live)

On November 17, 2011, the above website stated:

The estimated population of the United States is 311,688,835 so each citizen’s share of this debt is $48,254.20.

The National Debt has continued to increase an average of $3.99 billion per day since September 28, 2007!  Concerned? Then tell Congress and the White House!

Of course, I (COGwriter) do not believe that contacting Congress and the White House is the answer.  National repentance is the answer and no major leader is seriously proposing that in Washington D.C.  At this instant, the so-called “super committee” is supposed come up with a solution:

Crunch time is rapidly approaching for the congressional super-committee, with less than a week to go before the November 23rd deadline. Failure to reach a deal by then will trigger automatic spending cuts of $1.2 trillion over the course of a decade beginning in 2013. Those cuts will be evenly divided between military and non-military spending, and therein lies the rub: Defense Secretary Leon Panetta has warned Congress that such automatic cuts could cripple the American military.   http://frontpagemag.com/2011/11/17/super-committee-vs-the-department-of-defense/

My 2009 book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect warns that the USA will continue to greatly increase its debt:

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).

The USA national debt clock registered $11 trillion in July 2009 when 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect went to press and is now over $15 trillion–this prediction about debt going up has sadly been coming to pass.  2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect also warns:

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.

That too is coming to pass.

Why did I know this?

Partially, because the Bible teaches the following:

12…Those who lead you cause you to err, And destroy the way of your paths.” (Isaiah 3:12)

16 For the leaders of this people cause them to err, And those who are led by them are destroyed (Isaiah 9:16).

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…47 “Because you did not serve the LORD your God with joy and gladness of heart, for the abundance of everything, 48 therefore you shall serve your enemies, whom the LORD will send against you, in hunger, in thirst, in nakedness, and in need of everything; and He will put a yoke of iron on your neck until He has destroyed you. 49 The LORD will bring a nation against you from afar, from the end of the earth, as swift as the eagle flies, a nation whose language you will not understand, 50 a nation of fierce countenance, which does not respect the elderly nor show favor to the young. 51 And they shall eat the increase of your livestock and the produce of your land, until you are destroyed; they shall not leave you grain or new wine or oil, or the increase of your cattle or the offspring of your flocks, until they have destroyed you. 52 They shall besiege you at all your gates until your high and fortified walls, in which you trust, come down throughout all your land; and they shall besiege you at all your gates throughout all your land which the LORD your God has given you (Deuteronomy 28:42-45,47-52)

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 nation with the greatest debt of all time is the United States of America, and on a per capita basis may be the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

It is the the United States and its Anglo-allies that have loaded pledges of debt in these end times that they really do not expect to pay back. In that respect they have recently plundered many nations. And while much is owed to nations such as China, Japan, and the Arab World, the Europeans have trillions of dollars invested in the USA–money they may be disappointed to have devalued. Enough so that they may divide the land among themselves and other creditors.

While your nation probably will not repent (Anglo or otherwise), you can. Do not wait until it is too late.  The fact that the debt clock has exceeded $15 trillion should serve as a wake-up call that the end of the USA will be coming (Habakkuk 2:3,5,6-8; Deuteronomy 28:42-45,47-52)

Several articles of possibly related interest may include:

Prophecies of Barack Obama? This article has eight reasons why Barack Obama is apocalyptic and eight reasons why Barack Obama is not the Antichrist. It includes many biblical and non-biblical prophecies, from around the world, that seem to discuss Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist? Might Barack Obama set the stage for the kings of the North and South as at least one Shiite prophecy suggests? This is the longest and most complete article at the COGwriter website on Barack Obama prophecies. Read it and decide for yourself if President Obama seems to be fulfilling various prophecies.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”. Might Bible prophecy be fulfilled since he is to be the USA president?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
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?
Does God Have a 6,000/7,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2018 or 2019?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2011, 2012, or 2013? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?
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.  Since its release in 2009, world events have aligned with at least 17 predictions in the book.
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 16-17 já começaram a acontecer.

COGwriter

The CERN Large Hadron Collider (LHC) expects to be significantly upgraded by 2020:

GENEVA — Physicists from around the globe launched a major program on Wednesday aimed at converting the LHC “Big Bang” particle collider at CERN near Geneva into a vastly more powerful cosmic research machine by the year 2020.

…after a year-long shutdown at the end of 2012 during which the LHC will be adapted to double its luminosity, CERN researchers will be looking for what they call “New Physics” or phenomena beyond the Standard Model.

These could include insight into what is the “dark matter” making up some 23 percent of the universe, the idea of “super-symmetry” which helps explain the properties of gravity, and what is the “dark energy” driving expansion of the universe.  http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/11/17/us-science-collider-idUSTRE7AF2HF20111117

The CERN project continues to advance, and is apparently the biggest physics project in the world–and of course, it is a European, not American, project. Large physics projects tend to produce military weaponry.  The LHC has already captured antimatter for periods of time thought longer than possible as late as last year (CERN Makes Major Strides with Antimatter).

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

2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect

Bob Thiel
…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)

My book also discusses the destruction of the USA and certain others by the Europeans sometime after 2012.  And now as today’s news announcement confirms, major advances are expected to be implement to the LHC in 2012 and years that follow.  In 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect the Large Hadron Collider is discussed as one of the items that after 2012 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 “impossible” aspects of physics, it is getting more and more technology that could be developed in that direction.

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 the successes and intended expansion of the CERN LHC may assist in the fulfillment of those 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?
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?
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?
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.  Since its release in 2009, world events have aligned with at least 17 predictions in the book.
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 16-17 já começaram a acontecer.

Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Iran

COGwriter

Last week Iran threatened Israel with attack (Iran Threatens to Attack Israel and Wants Syria to Assist), but this week it seems that it does not to want to fight yet:

Iran says missile base blast was not caused by Israeli intelligence

Tehran dismisses reports that Mossad or US was behind the explosion that killed the architect of country’s missile programme…

16 November 2011

On Saturday a huge blast at the Alghadir missile base at Bid Ganeh, 30 miles to the west of Tehran, killed 17 of the country’s elite revolutionary guards, including Major General Hassan Tehrani Moghaddam, a senior commander described as the pioneer of the regime’s missile programme.

A senior Iranian military official on Wednesday denied reports that Israel was linked to the blast.  http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/16/iran-missile-blast-israel-mossad

I suspect that this means that Iran does not quite feel ready to engage Israel and perhaps is waiting until 2012.  There are reports out of Israel that Iran may have 5 nuclear bombs by the Spring of 2012 (Iran will have five nukes by April 2012. Only 2-3 months left for military option); so that might be part of the reason (whether Israel was involved or not in the huge Iranian bomb blast is something I do not have enough information to speculate about).

There are also reports that some believe that Israel may decide that it is safer for it to take preemptive action against Iran in 2012:

16 November 2011

(Reuters) – An Israeli strike on Iran’s nuclear sites may become likelier in 2012 if Israel calculates it has more room to act alone in a U.S. presidential election year, a former U.S. official and nuclear diplomacy expert said…

“The most likely possibility is that Mr Netanyahu calls up Obama and says: ‘I’m not asking for a green light, I’m just telling you that we’ve just launched the planes, don’t shoot them down’,” Fitzpatrick said.

“And in a U.S. presidential election year, I think it’s unlikely that Obama would shoot them down.” Israel enjoys strong support in the United States among politicians and the public.  http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/11/16/us-iran-nuclear-risk-idUSTRE7AF29R20111116

As regular readers of the COGwriter news page are aware, I have been warning for some time that Iran and Syria may be involved together in an attack on Israel whether they attack Israel first or Israel attacks on or both of them. The above news report is confirmation that the Iranians are clearly thinking about the same thing.

My speculation has been based upon current events and situations as well as Bible prophecy. Both Isaiah 17:1 and Daniel 11:40-43 have been factors in that speculation.

Events are moving forward in the Middle East, Iran, and other parts of the world for the fulfillment of Bible prophecy.  Some of this may happen in 2012.

As Jesus said:

37 And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch! (Mark 13:37)

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

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? What does Islam teach about the Imam Mahdi?
Is There A Future King of the South? Some no longer believe there needs to be. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? Is he the Imam Mahdi? What does the Bible say?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-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? 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?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2011, 2012, or 2013? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?
End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something? Are there Mayan calendar predictions for change in 2012? Changes were centuries ago predicted by the Hopi Native Americans. Do Mayan/Hindu/Hopi/Buddhist/New Age/Nostradamus prophecies have any value here? Why might Satan have inspired this date? Does the Dresden codex show destruction of the earth by flood? Can the great tribulation start before 2012? How might Barack Obama be involved in 2012?
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 17 predictions in the book and many more will to come to pass.

Julia Gillard

COGwriter

The USA and Australia officially expanded military ties today by agreeing to have US Marines “permanently” stationed in northern Australia:

US and Australia Seal Expanded Military Ties

By JACKIE CALMES Published: November 16, 2011

CANBERRA, Australia — President Obama and Prime Minister Julia Gillard of Australia made it official on Wednesday: The United States will have an increased and constant military presence on the continent’s north side, symbolizing America’s renewed security interests in the Pacific Rim…

“The United States has no stronger ally” than Australia, Mr. Obama said.

The two leaders on Thursday will travel to the north coast and to the frontier town of Darwin, which will be the center of operations for an American presence that eventually will grow to 2,500 Marines, according to Ms. Gillard and Mr. Obama.

This shows that Australia expects to have even greater dependence upon the declining military might of the USA.

As I reported last week when it looked like this deal would happen (see Obama Putting ‘Permanent’ Troops in Australia Because of China, But…), the real reason for this is concerns by both Australia and the USA about China’s growing influence in the region (including areas north of Australia).

Many think this is a good idea.

The Australians themselves have had various concerns about China, but while they seem to feel that allowing the USA in the country in a bigger way will protect them, I have a different view. The presence of US troops in China may be used as part of its possible future justification for taking the land of Australia. The Chinese may claim something to the effect that Australia is really a military pawn/representative of the USA and thus, since the USA owes them money, taking over Australia will help settle that debt.

China is rising up and the USA is declining militarily relative to it and Europe right now. This does not bode well for the USA nor its allies like Australia. The implication for Australia is more than profound–the implications are disastrous.

The Bible suggests that the land of the Anglo-descended peoples will be conquered and divided (Daniel 11:39; Lamentations 4:16; Joel 3:2-3; Amos 7:17; Ezekiel 5:1-2,12; 6:8; Ezekiel 22:13-15; )

Without national repentance, the Australia is doomed. Period. So is the USA. Details are in the Bible and are more specifically explained in my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect including prophecies that the Chinese may cite as part of their justification for taking over the land of Australia.

Australia, and its close ally New Zealand, ultimately will be taken over.

Many do not wish to accept that, either here, in New Zealand, or in Australia, but it is the truth. These nations will be taken over, and it may be that China will control at least part of the land.

Some articles of related interest may include:

Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? Might military alliances be part of the reason that non-US Anglo-nations get divided? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Prophecies of Barack Obama? Eight reasons why Barack Obama is apocalyptic and eight reasons why Barack Obama is not the Antichrist. This article includes many biblical and non-biblical prophecies, from around the world, that seem to discuss Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist? Might Barack Obama set the stage for the kings of the North and South as at least one Shiite prophecy suggests? This is the longest and most complete article on this page on Barack Obama prophecies. Read it and decide for yourself if President Obama seems to be fulfilling various prophecies.
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.
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?
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 17 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 16-17 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 16-17 já começaram a acontecer.

COGwriter

The November 2011 edition of the United News of the United Church of God (UCG) just came out.  Including “shut-ins” it reports UCG’s attendance at the 2011 Feast of Tabernacles at 12,823.  This is down by 6,839 people (2010 attendance was 19,662), or roughly 35%.  And from 2009’s attendance 20,419, UCG’s 2011 attendance is down by 7,596 people, or roughly 37%.

This is not as bad as it could have been as COGWA, a group that broke away from UCG in 2010 and early 2011, reported “close to 9,500” attendees at their Feast of Tabernacles’ sites in 2011.

The combined total for the two groups for 2011 was 22,323.

Since neither group seems to have attracted much in the way of outside growth, the increase in their combined totals seems to be the result of probably two factors:  1) some people from both groups probably attended at the other’s sites and 2) some people who were not in either group decided for whatever reason (more total Feast sites, proximity, changes in leadership, etc.) to attend.

We will see what the combined totals will be next year as some people are apparently still sorting these groups out.

On another note, I was disappointed that UCG’s audited financial statements were not in the current United News.  UCG used to publish these prior to the Feast of Tabernacles, but in the past several years, they have waited until the November edition.  Either I have missed it or perhaps it will be in the next issue (UCG’s fiscal year ends on the 30th of June and UCG has not published an audited financial statement that I have seen since prior to the COGWA split).

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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?
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 This is 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 Laodicean Church Era has been predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. These are non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG.

Herman Van Rompuy

COGwriter

The EU President Herman van Rompuy has been in Vatican City meeting with the top leaders there:

VATICAN CITY, NOV. 14, 2011 (Zenit.org).- The president of the European Council visited Benedict XVI today in the Vatican.

According to a brief statement released by the Vatican press office, the Pope and Herman Van Rompuy spoke about the contributions that the Church wants to make to the European Union…

Van Rompuy went on to meet with the Holy Father’s secretary of state, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, and the secretary for relations with states, Archbishop Dominique Mamberti.  http://www.zenit.org/article-33829?l=english

The European Union is the biggest economic power in the world (sometimes, depending upon the calculation, the USA is, but the trend is going more towards Europe).  The European Union has about 500,000,000 people living within it.

Some act like the Pope has no real influence in world affairs.  Yet, I would submit that Herman Van Rompuy’s visit with him suggests otherwise.

Some type of a “Catholic” empire will emerge in Europe (though ultimately, it will betray the church on seven hills per Revelation 17).

While some few Protestants are finally starting to wake up to the reality of an emerging European superpower being the revival of the old Roman Empire to represent the Beast of Revelation, the true Church of God has known this since Polycarp.   The “Holy Roman Empire” in the Middle Ages and its many versions were only a foretaste of what will develop.

Even when Europe was still recovering from being devasted in World War II, in the December 1948 issue of The Plain Truth Herbert W. Armstrong predicted a coming “United States of Europe” (Armstrong HW. Now It Can Be Told…The Plain Truth, December 1948, p. 5).  Herbert W. Armstrong’s old church also taught:

These ten nations, or groups of nations, comprising the modern revived Beast, are to fight Christ at His coming. This shows the time for the fulfillment of this prophecy…Remember that there must be TEN NATIONS or groups of nations to comprise the final resurrection of the modern “Holy Roman Empire”! (AMBASSADOR COLLEGE, BIBLE CORRESPONDENCE COURSE. LESSON 32 (1963, 1965, 1967, 1969)

“And in the days of these kings…”–it is here speaking of the ten toes, part of iron and part of brittle clay. This, by connecting the prophecy with Daniel 7, and Revelation 13 and 17, is referring to the new UNITED STATES OF EUROPE that is now forming, out of the European Common Market, before your very eyes! Revelation 17:12 makes plain the detail that it shall be a union of TEN KINGS OR KINGDOMS that (Rev. 17:8) shall resurrect the old ROMAN EMPIRE. So, mark carefully the time element! “In the days of these kings”–in the days of these then nations or groups of nations that shall, IN OUR TIME, resurrect briefly the Roman Empire… (The members of the European Common Market are probably not the same ten that will resurrect the Holy Roman Empire.) (Armstrong HW. Mystery of the Ages. Dood, Mead & Company, New York, 1985, pp. 301,302-303)

Hence an emerging, somewhat united, European power is something we have long taught about, and while it will reorganize into ten kingdoms first, the exact number of nations does not need to be ten.  But it will be somewhat of a type of the old “Holy Roman Empire.”

Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI, interestingly wrote of Europe (the Mediterranean continent):

In the process of replacing boundaries, the conceptual continuity with the preceding Mediterranean continent…was assured by a theological interpretation of history: in connection with the Book of Daniel, the Roman Empire—renewed and transformed by the Christian faith—was considered to be the final and permanent kingdom in the history of the world in general, and therefore the association of peoples and states that was taking shape was defined as the permanent Sacrum Imperium Romanum [Holy Roman Empire]. (Raztinger J. Europe today and tomorrow: addressing the fundamental issues. Translated by Michael Miller. Ignatius Press, 2007, p. 13)

We can consider the rise of the Carolingian Empire, on the one hand, and the continuation of the Roman empire in Byzantium and its mission to the Slavic people, on the other, as the true and proper birth of the continent of Europe…(ibid, p. 17)

Greco-Christian, European culture of Byzantium…one of the two wings of Europe (ibid, p. 18).

Latin [that is, Western] Europe…(ibid, p. 19)

…the Christian idea of empire…the sacred foundation for history…(ibid, p. 20)

The two halves of the old Europe, before the modern era, had known essentially only one opponent that it had to confront in a life-or-death battle, namely, the Islamic world. (ibid, p. 22)

Believing Christians should…contribute to Europe’s recovery of the best of its heritiage and thus to the service of all mankind. (ibid, p. 34)

Dexter Wakefield, of the Living Church of God, made the following insightful comments about Cardinal Ratzinger’s writings in that book:

His analysis, of course, does not express the full meaning of this imagery. Yet in referring to the two iron legs of the Daniel 2 statue, the current pope shows that even the Roman Catholic Church has in the past recognized that the Roman Empire and its successor, the so-called “Holy Roman Empire,” are pictured in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. (Wakefield D. Will Islam Transform Europe? Tomorrow’s World magazine, November-December 2010, p. 17)

So, even the current pope realizes that the “Holy Roman Empire” is part of the image in Daniel 2 and that one leg/wing represents the Roman/Latin Catholic west with the other the Eastern/Greco/Byzantine east. Cardinal Ratzinger also seems to be teaching that the “Holy Roman Empire” is the last part of the image of Daniel 2 and that it is a good thing.

Yet, he seems not to realize that since in the end, God intentionally destroys the image by attacking the last part (striking the feet it stands upon in vs. 34), this indicates that God was not pleased with this image or its so-called “sacred foundation.”  Since the Bible is clear that God will destroy the final formation of that empire (Daniel 2:40-44), the development of a unified “Catholic” Europe to fulfill this is not something that should be encouraged.

Furthermore, I have had my eye on Herman van Rompuy for some time as being supportive of such an empire.  Herman Van Rompuy is Roman (as opposed to Eastern Orthodox) Catholic.  And back in 2009 I suggested that he may fulfill a role in end time prophecy and perhaps raise taxes for the glory of the European empire (Daniel 11:20,, see also Herman Van Rompuy May Fulfill Daniel 11:20, But Did PCG’s Gerald Flurry Predict It?).

But even if Herman Van Rompuy is not specifically prophesied, the trend in Europe is to go for a stronger leader as well as for one that will work with the Vatican.

Ultimately, a major dictator (and I do not anticipate at this time that it will be Herman van Rompuy) will rise up (Revelation 17:12-13), the final King of the North, European Beast power of Bible prophecy.

And each time top Vatican and top European Union leaders meet, this suggests that they have mutual interests.  Like a revived “Holy Roman Empire.”

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?
Which Is Faithful: The Roman Catholic Church or the Living Church of God? Do you know that both groups shared a lot of the earliest teachings? Do you know which church changed? Do you know which group is most faithful to the teachings of the apostolic church? Which group best represents true Christianity? This documented article answers those questions. Português: Qual é fiel: A igreja católica romana ou a igreja viva do deus? Tambien Español: Cuál es fiel: ¿La iglesia católica romana o La Iglesia del Dios Viviente? Auch: Deutsch: Welches zuverlässig ist: Die Römisch-katholische Kirche oder die lebende Kirche von Gott?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect This is a link related to a book by Bob Thiel (COGwriter). This also has YouTube videos related to 2012. The book contains documented prophecies as well as an end time sequence of events that Christians should study and understand. Including the prophesied roles of Europe and the Vatican.
2012 und das Auftreten der geheimen Sekte (German Edition) 2012 Buch von Dr. Thiel in deutscher Sprache.

COGwriter

The Occupy movement seems to have had a set-back and a step-ahead:

The sorrows and troubles are still in the beginning stages (Matthew 24:5-8) and will get much worse (Matthew 24:21-22). I believe that class warfare and other protests will help weaken the USA, Canada, and their other Anglo-nations and may also be a factor in them being vulnerable to real warfare: invasion by the Beast.

As Jesus said:

37 And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch! (Mark 13:36-37)

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2011 or 2012? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What is the “beginning of sorrows”? 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?
Is Third Tithe Still Valid Today? Some in the COGs no longer teach payment of third tithe, is this biblically correct?
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.
Are You Saved? Do You Love Jesus? What is a True Christian? What is the Gospel? Evangelist Richard Ames answers those important questions.
Did The Early Church Teach Millenarianism? Was the millennium (sometimes called chiliasm) taught by early Christians? Who condemned it. Will Jesus literally reign for 1000 years on the earth? Is this time near?
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?
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.
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.
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? If so, what does that really mean for the USA and its Anglo allies.
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?

Angela Merkel

COGwriter

Germany’s Chancellor Merkel continues to push for political union in the EU:

Merkel Risks EU Clash Over Political Union Push

German Chancellor Angela Merkel set out on a collision course with non-euro countries as she called for political union in Europe to end the sovereign-debt crisis.

In her most explicit prescription yet to tackle the crisis, Merkel told an annual congress of her Christian Democratic Union in the eastern German city of Leipzig that it’s time to push for closer political ties and tighter budget rules. http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-11-14/merkel-risks-eu-clash-over-political-union-push-to-end-europe-debt-crisis.html

The Bible is clear that Europe will have to restructure (Revelation 17) and that it will not stick well together (Daniel 2:41-43).

The prophecies in both the books of Daniel (9:26-27; 11:20-44) and Revelation (13;17;18) point to a power to be based out of Europe (there are also European pointed prophecies in other books of the Bible, such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, etc.) that will fulfill many end-time prophecies.

We in LCG do believe that despite problems, Europe will have to reorganize and ultimately fulfill the prophecies in the Bible about being the final Beast power of Revelation, the final King of the North of Daniel 11.

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?
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? Why does Daniel 9:26-27 seem to be referring to a peace deal confirmed by a European leader.

Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad (Source: Agência Brasil, Wikipedia)
بشار الأسد

COGwriter

Ten days ago, I posted:

Syria is still cracking down on protesters and this seems to be setting it up for other problems

Well, now there is more problematic international pressure on Assad’s regime:

Jordan’s King Abdullah calls on Assad to resign

Jerusalem Post – ‎14 November 2011

By JPOST.COM STAFF AND REUTERS Abdullah says if he were in Syrian president’s shoes, he’d “step down, make sure whoever comes after has ability to change status quo”; warns that Assad must first start a new phase of Syrian political life.

Syria’s suspension from the Arab League leaves Assad isolated

‎The Guardian – 14 November 2011…

Everyone acknowledges that the fear is a repeat of a Libyan scenario, where March’s Arab League decision to abandon Gaddafi was crucial in paving the way for a UN resolution and eventual Nato action. Most observers acknowledge that a repeat of this is highly unlikely. So while it remains impossible to predict how the bloody Syrian chapter of the Arab spring will end – it is a better bet than before that Assad will not be running things in Damascus when that moment comes.

European Union Imposes New Sanctions on Syria

Fox News 14 November 2011

Syria’s President Assad has basically four choices:

1. Continue to function as he has and hope that his efforts to quell dissent and all the international sanctions will not hurt Syria’s economy to the point that more will rise up against him and overthrow him.  He may decide that he can make enough deals with Russia, China, and Iran to keep his economy afloat, if he thinks that Russia and China will not yield to international pressure (which would seem to be a risky move as the Arab League was already turned against him).
2. Make deals with those protesting against him, actually keep most of the deals, and hope that this will keep him in power and result in internal and international pressure against him diminishing.
3. Make a deal to resign and perhaps go to another country.
4. Get closer with Iran and conclude that an attack against Israel (no matter who begins a new conflict in the region) will keep his people focused more on Israel and less on removing him.

Which will he do?

Well, I do not believe he wishes to suffer the fate of Libya’s late Colonel Gaddafi, though it could happen to Assad.

I suspect that the pressure from Europe, the USA, Syrian protesters, as well as any inside and outside of Syria who hope to attack him, may push Syria’s President Assad to get closer to Iran and possibly attack Israel somehow in conjunction with Iran.

Yet, if Syria does that, it may regret doing so for the Bible shows that, at some point in time, the Syrian capital of Damascus is doomed:

1 An oracle concerning Damascus:
“See, Damascus will no longer be a city but will become a heap of ruins. 2 The cities of Aroer will be deserted and left to flocks, which will lie down,with no one to make them afraid. 3 The fortified city will disappear from Ephraim,and royal power from Damascus;the remnant of Aram will be like the glory of the Israelites,” declares the LORD Almighty. (Isaiah 17:1-3)

For some time I have felt that Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad may decide that working closer with Iran and supporting its objectives may be the way he feels he can best retain power.

Much is going on in the Middle East.

As Jesus said in Mark 13:37, we all should watch.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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? What does Islam teach about the Imam Mahdi?
Is There A Future King of the South? Some no longer believe there needs to be. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? Is he the Imam Mahdi? What does the Bible say?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies for the Great Monarch point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?

COGwriter

Yes, there are more accusations going on related to the Zambian COGWA vs. UCG’s Victor Kubik cattle battle (the former is basically accused of theft, the latter now of slander).  And no, at this time, I do not plan to go into detail on this as this matter is of questionable consequence.

I hope that both sides will pray about this and resolve this.

Anyway, even if this matter is not closed, I believe that and those in UCG and COGWA should take a look at priorities, including those (which is most) in both groups which have absolutely nothing to do with any of this ‘cattle battle.’

The following scriptures from the Gospel according to Matthew come to mind:

38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’  39 But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.  40 If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also.  41 And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.  42 Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.   43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, (Matthew 5:38-44).

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.  (Matthew 6:33)

18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.  19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.  (Matthew 28:18-20)

Something for those involved, directly or indirectly, to think about.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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?
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 This is 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 Laodicean Church Era has been predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. These are non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG.