Church of God News

COGwriter

Those responsible for US parks in Washington D.C. are getting frustrated by the Occupy movement:

Occupy Protesters Are Told They Can’t Camp in Parks

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Published: January 28, 2012

The United States Park Police is warning Occupy DC protesters that they must stop camping at two parks by noon on Monday or risk arrest. The National Park Service distributed warning fliers to protesters on Friday at McPherson Square on K Street and at Freedom Plaza on Pennsylvania Avenue.  http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/28/us/occupy-protesters-are-told-they-cant-camp-in-parks.html

It would not surprise me if more restrictions like this pop up.

This may tend to upset protesters who may decide on other tactics or simply to ignore what the governmental authorities rule.

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.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2012 or 2013? 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, English, 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?

Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Iran

COGwriter

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

Iran raises threat level.

Recently, when a U.S. aircraft carrier passed through the Strait of Hormuz, an Iranian top commander “stated that Iran’s submarines are able to ambush and hit enemy vessels specially US Aircraft carriers from the seabed throughout the Persian Gulf.” This could be done using its Russian-made, sonar-evading, diesel-electric submarines. A Major General followed up by threatening, “We are not in the habit of repeating the warning and we warn only once” (TheBlaze.com, January 18, 2012). Now with oil sanctions imposed on Iran, a U.S. aircraft carrier, flanked by French and British warships, passed through the Strait of Hormuz, in open defiance of Iran’s threats.

There are also “clear statements coming from Saudi Arabia and the UAE (United Arab Emirates) saying, indirectly, that they will replace Iran’s oil” (Reuters, January 25, 2012). In response, Iran is threatening to close the Strait to all ship traffic (msnbc.com, January 23, 2012). Iran’s actions appear to be causing the nations of the Middle East to coalesce, but not around Iran. Instead, Iran’s threatening actions appear to be pushing them together, “away from” Iran.

Bible prophecies indicate at the end of the age, a King of the South will arise and “push” against a European Beast power, or King of the North (Daniel 11:40, KJV). God uses different peoples and nations to bring about His will (Daniel 2:21), and it appears that Iran may be used by God to bring together nations that will make up the King of the South.

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?
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 in 2012? How might Barack Obama be involved in 2012?

Pope Benedictus XVI

COGwriter

Zenit, a pro-Vatican news source, has two reports related to ecumenism in the news:

Pope’s Advice on Ecumenism: Be Patient, Don’t Miss a Single Opportunity

Says Christian Unity Is Important for Whole Human Family
ROME, JAN. 26, 2012 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI says that despite our divisions, Christians must look to the future with hope, accepting that victory happens in “God’s timeframes.'”

The Pope offered this invitation Wednesday as he closed the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity with vespers at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls…Benedict XVI declared that the goal of complete unity among Christians “has importance for the good of the human family” and is not a “secondary victory.”  http://www.zenit.org/article-34198?l=english

Romanian Orthodox Bishop: Dialogue Gaining Ground

On How ‘Domestic Faith’ Is Building Relationships

By H. Sergio Mora

ROME, JAN. 26, 2012 (Zenit.org).- A Romanian Orthodox bishop ministering in Italy says that ecumenical dialogue is taking great steps forward, particularly at the grassroots level…

ZENIT: What is the situation of ecumenical dialogue between Catholics and Orthodox?

Bishop Siluan: I believe, despite voices that say that the ecumenical dialogue is in crisis, that in the last 15 years Christians of Eastern Europe — we are talking of Romania Bulgaria, Russia, but in particular of the countries that are in the European Union — having the possibility and the willingness to leave, made contact with the reality of all the Western countries. We must say that the Catholic Church in Italy, Spain and other countries manifested an openness and willingness to help, which was much appreciated by the Churches of the East, by the Orthodox Church.  http://www.zenit.org/article-34197?l=english

While many want ecumenical unity, I would suggest that Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, and also Protestants should open up their Bibles and see the warnings about a coming ecumenical religion (cf. Revelation 13:4-8).

Catholic, Byzantine, and biblical prophecy all have warnings about where this will lead.  And although some of the Catholic and Byzantine ones have a positive view towards this ecumenism, others are negative, and the Bible clearly is negative.

Ecumenism will require change.

But will it be the Romans or the Orthodox who will change?  Or will it be both (plus the Protestants who end up supporting this as well)?

When I was in Istanbul in May 2008, I was specifically told by a representative of the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople that when Pope Benedict XVI visited there, a papal representative of Benedict XVI told the Patriarch (Bartholomew I) that Rome would change all doctrines necessary to attain full unity with the Orthodox, if the Orthodox would accept papal authority.  And this definitely included changing Rome’s position on the Filioque clause.  Hence, those associated with the Church of Rome need to understand that this means that the Vatican’s current (and likely future) leadership is willing to compromise on something that it has long held as being of “great dogmatic and historical importance.”

Thus, this strongly suggests that those leading the Church of Rome have embarked on an ecumenical program of change such as the Bible and various Catholic prophecies have warned about.

It also needs to be understood that while some of the Eastern Orthodox are looking forward to a Roman Catholic Great Monarch to be the “King of the Romans and the Greeks,”(Tzima Otto, H.  The Great Monarch and WWIII in Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Scriptural Prophecies.  Verenikia Press, Rock Hill (SC), 2000, pp. 5-6) other Greek Orthodox (The Voice of the Fathers) believe that they only should follow a Greek Orthodox future monarch (The Voice of the Fathers is apparently a Greek Orthodox publication that opposes a Roman Catholic, as opposed to Greek Orthodox, Great Monarch, see Tzima Otto, pp, 34-38).  The Orthodox should definitely not follow a Roman Catholic Great Monarch if they wish to follow the teachings of the Bible.

Since Vatican II (a major Catholic ecumenical council that ran from 1962–1965), many Catholics have been justifiably concerned that doctrinal compromise for the sake of ecumenical unity with those outside of fellowship of Rome was inevitable.

The Orthodox have long taught that the Church of Rome (known sometimes as Latins) will change doctrines to those of the Orthodox.  A document known as the Anonymou Prophecy of 1053 refers to this as the “Deferring of the Latins to the error-free faith of the Orthodox”, it then claims “The Orthodox Faith will expand from East to West” (Tzima Otto, p. 116).

Here is an explanation from Orthodox scholar H. Tzima-Otto (bolding in original):

Many Catholic prophecies speak of the victory of the ‘true Catholic faith’, while Orthodox prophecies, although they agree on everything else, predict a victory of the ‘true Orthodox faith’…When we speak of the future Council, it is bound to be ecumenical…there will come a true re-unification of the Christian Churches…This Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church is not going to be Roman Catholic as understood today…

The error-free Orthodox faith…The Orthodox did not experience a Vatican II, they did not begin to rewrite Scriptures…Hence, error-free in the sense that it has not been contaminated by satan…(Tzima Otto, pp. 120-122)

Thus, the Orthodox expect Rome to change its doctrines, because they feel that the Roman Catholic Church adopted errors from satan.

Bartholomew I, Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, has encouraged Catholic-Orthodox ecumenical dialogue and has stated that to finalize this will take a “synod” (Patriarch of Constantinople’s new encyclical defends Catholic-Orthodox dialogue. February 20, 2010. http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/patriarch_of_constantinoples_new_encyclical_defends_catholic-orthodox_dialogue/ viewed 11/22/11).

Yet, notice that according to an Eastern Orthodox, Byzantine prophet, the final (the Orthodox recognize seven previous ones) ecumenical synod council satisfies what “heretics” want:

Saint Nelios the Myrrh-Gusher (died 1592): During that time the Eighth and last Ecumenical Synod will take place, which will satisfy the contentions of the heretics…(Tzima Otto, p. 111).

By satisfying “heretics”, clearly this council compromises and changes the religion, which will be called “Catholic.”  If heretics are truly heretics (which would likely include a variety of compromising Protestant sects), should their complaints be satisfied?

The Bible warns about a leader who “he shall think himself able to change times and laws” (Daniel 7:25, Douay-Rheims). The Catholic saint Jerome wrote that this leader was the King of the North (in his commentary on Daniel 11) and Antichrist (in his commentary on Daniel 7 as he, like many, confused the two):

“. . .And he shall crush the saints of the Most High, and will suppose himself to be able to alter times and laws.” The Antichrist will wage war against the saints and will overcome them; and he shall exalt himself to such a height of arrogance as to attempt changing the very laws of God and the sacred rites as well…” (Jerome. Commentary on Daniel, Chapter 7. Translated by Gleason L. Archer. (1958). http://www.tertullian.org/fathers/jerome_daniel_02_text.htm viewed 07/30/11)

(The Beast/King of the North is primarily a political-military leader who will persecute the saints, per Daniel 11:30-35, while the final Antichrist is primarily a religious leader per 1 John 4:1-3 who will support that Beast per Revelation 13:12.)

But if an antipope convened/attended an ecumenical synod that satisfied heretics, would he not also be supportive of changing laws? Many Catholic prophecies warn about an antipope who will arise and who could be the final Antichrist (see the book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect for more details).

The ecumenical movement continues to go forward and this is not about to bring real peace to the earth.

Those interested in learning more about ecumenical issues as well as early Christianity of the original eastern churches as well as changes that many have adopted may wish to carefully study the following articles:

Why Should American Catholics Should Fear Unity with the Orthodox? Are the current ecumenical meetings a good thing or will they result in disaster?
Orthodox Must Reject Unity with the Roman Catholics Will unification make the Orthodox better?  What about end time Babylon?  What are the issues?  Why should such unity be rejected?
Early Church History: Who Were the Two Major Groups Professed Christ in the Second and Third Centuries? Did you know that many in the second and third centuries felt that there were two major, and separate, professing Christian groups in the second century, but that those in the majority churches tend to now blend the groups together and claim “saints” from both? “Saints” that condemn some of their current beliefs. Who are the two groups?
The History of Early Christianity Are you aware that what most people believe is not what truly happened to the true Christian church? Do you know where the early church was based? Do you know what were the doctrines of the early church? Is your faith really based upon the truth or compromise?
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?
Some Similarities and Differences Between the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Living Church of God Both groups claim to be the original church, but both groups have differing ways to claim it. Both groups have some amazing similarities and some major differences. Do you know what they are?
The Churches of Revelation 2 & 3 from 31 A.D. to present: information on all of the seven churches of Revelation 2 & 3.

VS.

COGwriter

According to CGPFK/CGPKG’s Ronald Weinland Jesus is to return four months from today:

And so because of the 50th Truth and the understanding that God has given us of Christ’s return on Pentecost, May 27, 2012 we also came to understand the true date for the sealing of the 144,000 that was to precede Christ’s reign by 1335 days – which again is covered in the book of Daniel at the end of those verses that we were reading earlier. And we understand that was a point in time; September 30,  2008 which was the Feast, again, here talking about Trumpets of 2008. What an incredible thing that God uses the same moment in time to go backward – something to do with Satan; and to go forward. I don’t know about you but I find that a very powerful, awesome sign – I truly do! It’s very motivating, very stirring if we understand…

And so from this God revealed that the opening of the 7th Seal was about Daniel’s 1290 days making this great occasion to be November 14, 2008 – when the 7th Seal was opened…

So the 1st Trumpet sounded on December 14, 2008 and no immediate evidence was given to the world that the 1st Trumpet had sounded and for some that caused some consternation.   (Weinland R.  More Time, Pt. 1 Sermon, June 26, 2010)

1260 Days: The blowing of the first Trumpet will occur/occurred on the 14th of December, 2008. This is the beginning of the Great Tribulation and 3 1/2 years until the return of Jesus Christ on the day of Pentecost. The beginning of the fall of the USA and other Israelite countries begins from the start of the 1260 days. God will reveal this period of time for the first Four Trumpets of 6 to 12 months. God will reveal this information to His two end-time prophets (and two end-time witnesses) whose job begins on this same date.

The only way a person can understand this timeline is by revelation given by God. The Church of God knows the date of Jesus Christ’s return because of the timing of the opening of the seals and the revealed truths contained in the annual Holy Days. (http://www.cog-pkg.org/faq/topics.aspx viewed 11/11/08)

But God’s righteous judgment must NOW be executed in order for His Kingdom to be established at the coming of His Son on May 27, 2012 (Weinland R.  Online letter, February 25, 2011)

Jesus will not be returning four months from today.  At least unlike Harold Camping’s prediction of Jesus returning on Pentecost in 2011, at least Ron Weinland does know the date of Pentecost (Harold Camping was off a couple of weeks).  But just knowing the date of Pentecost is not enough.

It is not possible for Jesus to return that soon, nor did the 1335 days begin on September 30, 2008, the 7th seal beginning the 1290 days, or the 1st Trumpet (which for him started the 1260 days of the Great Tribulation) begin on December 14, 2008.

Notice what Jesus said:

15 “Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand), 16 “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.  17 Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house.  18 And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes.  19 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days!  20 And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath.  21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.  22 And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened. (Matthew 24:15-22)

When will Ronald Weinland’s followers realize that the period since December 14, 2008 has not met Jesus’ criteria as Ronald Weinland has falsely claimed.

In his March 12, 2011 sermon, he claimed.

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)

Europe has not risen up and China is not destroying the earth (beyond pollution, etc.), thus according to Ronald Weinland, he should: ” acknowledge my sin and pray that God have mercy upon me for being so horribly  presumptuous.”  Instead, a couple of weeks ago he posted:

As a matter of other dates that God revealed to me, through Jesus Christ, it was given earlier that Trumpets of 2008 was the beginning of the 1335 day count in the Book of Daniel that leads up to the return of Jesus Christ on May 27, 2012. The day of Christ’s return is on Pentecost which pictures the 144,000 who will return with him to reign on earth, and the beginning of this announcement to the Church was on Trumpets (2008) which announces the coming of the Messiah as King of kings. How awesome is that to understand?   (Weinland R.  Seventy Weeks Prophecy.  Online letter, January 12, 2012)

Cannot his followers see his blatant errors and refusal to again publicly repent?

Of course, the facts have not stopped those who still follow him (they have stopped some from following him in the past and hopefully when Jesus does not return on May 27, 2012, most of his current followers will wake up to the truth). Ronald Weinland either will publicly repent near then or claim that God has been merciful and given more time–perhaps he will claim one or more new “truths.”   But no matter what he says, Ronald Weinland is not God’s prophet nor one of the two witnesses.

I have been warning about Ronald Weinland for over six years now and have been correct about him being wrong every time I have posted about that.  Perhaps his remaining followers will wake up and realize the truth here?

Ronald Weinland was a minister in the old old Worldwide Church of God, then he was in the United Church of God for a while. Since then, he has been on his own.

The Bible teaches:

20 But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in My name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die.’ 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 18:19-22).

Ronald Weinland will also, no later that May 28, 2012 be proven wrong that Jesus, according to him, is supposed to return on May, 27, 2012.

Jesus will NOT return in 2012.

A few articles of possible interest related to prophecy 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, that the Great Tribulation began on December 14, 2008, and that Jesus will return on May 27, 2012. Why does the Bible show that Ron Weinland is a false prophet? Why do Ronald Weinland’s own statements prove that he is a false prophet? Additionally, he has other views which show he is not truly part of the Church of God.?
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2012, 2013, or 2014? 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?
Why Be Concerned About False and Heretical Leaders? There have been many false leaders–here is some of why you should be concerned about them.
Harold Camping’s Teachings About the End of the World Do Not Agree with the Bible Harold Camping taught that the rapture will be on May 21, 2011 and the world would end on October 21, 2011. What does the Bible show?
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.
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 and Julia Gillard be involved in 2012?

Angela Merkel

COGwriter

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

Merkel: Transfer more powers to EU, not more money to bail-out fund

EUobserver – Jan 26, 2012

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has said transferring more powers to EU institutions rather than increasing the size of the eurozone’s future bail-out fund is the way to overcome the euro crisis…her solution is more ‘integration’, by transferring more powers from a national level to EU institutions such as the European Court of Justice, so that the continent is “turned into a Europe that works.”  http://euobserver.com/19/115022

Giving more power to EU institutions is a type of restructure.

The Bible itself is clear that Europe will have to have a major restructure  and that despite certain appearances of unity it will not stick well together:

12 “The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast. 13 These are of one mind, and they will give their power and authority to the beast.  (Revelation 17:12-13)

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)

The prophecies in both the books of Daniel (9:26-27; 11:20-44) and Revelation (13;17;18) point to a power that is 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 the Living Church of God 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 2012, 2013, or 2014? 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.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

COGwriter

Iranian President Ahmadinejad is discounting the effectiveness of trade sanctions against his nation:

26 January 2012

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Thursday that his country’s economy would not be damaged by newly imposed Western sanctions, AFP reported. “At one point our trade with Europe was around 90 percent but now it is only approximately 10%, and even this 10% we don’t need… History has shown that the Iranian nation can not be hurt [by Western sanctions],” Ahmadinejad said.

Ahmadinejad’s comment came just one day after he agreed to increase bank interest rates on bank deposits up to 21%, hoping to halt a spiraling currency crisis intensified by the new sanctions.  http://www.jpost.com/IranianThreat/News/Article.aspx?id=255250

While the Iranian President seems to wish to brag that Iran’s economy will not be harmed, the reality of a 21% rate of interest suggests otherwise.  Furthermore, one of Iran’s major trading partners is Syria, another nation subject to European and other sanctions, these sanctions will affect Iran as well.  While China is a large trading partner and is opposed to the sanctions, Iran is not such a needed partner for China that it will not consider switching sides if the international cost of trade with Iran gets too high.

The President of Iran seems himself to want to calm Iranians for the time being.  But he does not actually wish to promote peace, as that is not his agenda (see Iran’s Ahmadinejad Does Not Want Peace).

Perhaps it should be mentioned that the President of Iran believes that ultimately it is his special calling to create enough chaos in order to stimulate the arrival of an Islamic leader that he and others refer to as the Imam Mahdi. This leader is supposed to unite Islam and root out problems within its religion.  But Iran is not quite ready for that yet, though its leadership believes that the Iman Mahdi has made his presence known (Mahmoud Ahmadinejad: World Order About to Collapse, Mahdi Behind it) and it hopes that he will become publicly known soon (see Iran’s Leader Preparing for ‘Armageddon’ and the Imam Mahdi).

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

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

The Arab and Islamic World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the Arab and Persian world in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam? What does Islam teach about the Imam Mahdi?
Is There A Future King of the South? Some no longer believe there needs to be. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? Is he the Imam Mahdi? What does the Bible say?
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?

Julia Gillard

COGwriter

Some protesters have affected the Prime Minister of Australia today:

Australia’s Gillard dragged away from Aboriginal rights protest

CANBERRA — Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard was dragged away by security guards Thursday after she was trapped in a restaurant by rowdy protesters demonstrating for indigenous rights following a ceremony to mark Australia’s national day.

Some 200 supporters of Aboriginal rights surrounded a Canberra restaurant and banged on its windows while Gillard and opposition leader Tony Abbott were inside officiating at an award ceremony…

The protesters were marching at the nearby Aboriginal Tent Embassy to mark 40 years since its establishment and rushed the restaurant in response to comments by Abbott earlier in the day…

Protesters chanted “shame” and “racist” outside the restaurant…

One of the Tent Embassy’s founders, Michael Anderson, said after the incident that Abbott’s remarks were “madness,” the Herald reported.

“What he said amounts to inciting racial riots,” he said.

This shows that Australia seems likely to have additional protests and civil unrest in the future as I have indicated before.  It has also had its own “Occupy Movement” (see Occupy Australia, New Zealand, Frankfurt, London, Rome, & Wall Street).

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)–and this includes Australia.  It is NOT that the Aboriginal peoples will do it, but that internal division and strife may be part of the trigger for this to happen (though the biggest trigger will likely be the nation’s natural resources combined with its military alliance with the USA).

Without national repentance, the Australia is doomed. Period. So is the USA.

Although national repentance for the Anglo-nations is not likely, personal repentance still is.

The Prime Minister herself seems to be unharmed from today’s incident.  Interestingly, Julia Gillard has taken one or more steps that have aligned with one or more predictions made about her at this website (see End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something?)–and she may take other steps that align with prophecy.  Her lack of advocating biblical morality also will affect her country.

Some articles of 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.
Are You Saved? Do You Love Jesus? What is a True Christian? What is the Gospel? Evangelist Richard Ames answers those important questions.
True vs. False Conversion Are you really converted or willing to be? What is true conversion? What is false conversion? What are the dangers of false conversion? Evangelist Roderick Meredith provides information on those important questions.
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.
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 and Julia Gillard be involved in 2012?  Have predictions at COGwriter related to Barack Obama and Julia Gillard began to come to pass?

Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Iran

COGwriter

Iran is awaiting to see the Imam Mahdi and apparently is taking related steps:

Iran preparing now for Armageddon

24 January 2012

Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei… has been heard to say that the coming of the last Islamic Messiah, the Shiites’ 12th Imam Mahdi, is near and that specific actions need to be taken to protect the Islamic regime for upcoming events.

Mahdi, according to Shiite belief, will reappear at the time of Armageddon.

Selected forces within the Revolutionary Guards and Basij reportedly have been trained under a task force called “Soldiers of Imam Mahdi” and they will bear the responsibility of security and protecting the regime against uprisings. Many in the Guards and Basij have been told that the 12th Imam is on earth, facilitated the victory of Hezbollah over Israel in the 2006 war and soon will announce publicly his presence after the needed environment is created.

http://www.wnd.com/2012/01/iran-preparing-now-for-armageddon/

Iran wants to lead the Islamic world and its leaders tend to believe that they needs to trigger enough upheaval for the Imam Mahdi publicly to rise up.

As I have written before, some feel that this triggering would be between now and late 2012 (this Mahdi, according to certain Shi’ite tradition cannot rise up prior to November 2012).  Perhaps the leadership in Iran is figuring out that an oil embargo may actually hurt the country so that the time to prepare for war and/or other conflict is now.

Also notice something that Forbes reported years ago:

According to the tradition, Imam Ali Ibn Abi-Talib (the prophet’s cousin and son-in-law) prophesied that at the End of Times and just before the return of the Mahdi, the Ultimate Saviour, a “tall black man will assume the reins of government in the West.” Commanding “the strongest army on earth,” the new ruler in the West will carry “a clear sign” from the third imam, whose name was Hussein Ibn Ali. The tradition concludes: “Shiites should have no doubt that he is with us.”

In a curious coincidence Obama’s first and second names–Barack Hussein–mean “the blessing of Hussein” in Arabic and Persian. His family name, Obama, written in the Persian alphabet, reads O Ba Ma, which means “he is with us,” the magic formula in Majlisi’s tradition (Taheri A. Obama and Ahmadinejad. Forbes – Oct 26, 2008 http://www.forbes.com/2008/10/26/obama-iran-ahmadinejad-oped-cx_at_1026taheri_print.html viewed 11/14/08).

So, the timing for such a leader to rise up is soon (and if the above is believed to be correct and US President Obama is not re-elected, the Iranian Mahdi would seem to have to publicly rise between now and January 20, 2013).

Thus, it is possible that the government of Iran may more directly provoke something that it hopes will trigger the rise of a leader, they call the Imam Mahdi, who seems to be the person that the Bible calls the King of the South, very soon. There is a video, which I viewed that came out in the first quarter of 2011, which has clips of Iran’s President Ahmadinejad that essentially shows that Iran wishes to militarily take-over Jerusalem as a prelude to the Imam Mahdi rising up, and that it hopes that the rest of the Islamic world will follow Iran if it takes this step (see Iran’s Ahmadinejad to Conquer Jerusalem?). In it, Iran tries to imply that since it is such a massive military power, that the Arab states should want to support it in its quest for Middle East dominance.

Since the Arabs tend to be Sunni Muslims and the Iranians Shi’ites, many of the Arabs do not completely share Iran’s view of prophecy or world events.  While many Muslims are looking for a caliph or Imam Mahdi to rise up, not all believe that the individual that Iran currently refers to is the one–and in that way they are correct for many reasons.

Yet, events are moving forward in the Middle East, Iran, and other parts of the world for the fulfillment of Bible prophecy. Some of these events may happen in 2012. There could be regional war in the Middle East.

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?
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 in 2012? How might Barack Obama be involved in 2012?

COGwriter

Because of the internet book tour for 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect I was asked if I could provide an updated edition for Amazon Kindle.

Since the first edition of the book was originally released in 2009, world events have aligned with at least twenty predictions in it.  This second edition includes a summary of 20 predictions that world events have already aligned with:

1. The replacement of the US dollar as the world’s reserve currency by many nations is happening.
2. The Vatican amended its constitution to compromise.
3. A major European Empire has officially formed.
4. Barack Obama has encouraged the above formation.
5. European leaders have called for a Middle East peace deal that they want to confirm.
6. More look to gold to back up paper currencies.
7. The Large Hadron Collider has discovered technologies that could have military ramifications.
8. The USA has greatly increased its debt.
9. USA budget priorities have shifted from defense.
10. An altar for sacrifices has been finished in Israel.
11. The leadership of the Eastern Orthodox Church has indicated that there could be an ecumenical council.
12. The U.S. military agreed to rely on Europe’s upcoming Galileo for part of American defense.
13. Civil unrest has started to develop in Europe.
14. Vatican Fatima changes support the position that Marian apparitions will be used ecumenically.
15. Foreign creditors have started to question US debt.
16. Barack Obama has encouraged sinful practices.
17. China indicated it could take-over Australia.
18. Odd weather patterns are occurring.
19. Barack Obama has encouraged a multi-national power in the Islamic world.
20. An Islamic confederation in the Arab world has began to form–and it will get larger come together for a time.

Additionally, the strong solar flare up yesterday (see Strongest Solar Storm in Seven Years Expected Tuesday) is also consistent with what the 2009 edition of 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect indicated would happen, as well as what the new second edition which is now being announced shows.

World events seem to be aligning with more and more predictions in 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect.

Many more also will in 2012.

If world prophecies made over the past 3,000 years are coming to pass, perhaps all may wish to understand them and the aligning world events. Those who know can better help themselves and their loved ones.

The book itself is available in several languages, as well as through Kindle and Barnes&Noble.com.

Here is a recent review of it by reviewer Theresa D. “Tweezle”:

My Thoughts:

I almost passed up the chance to review this book, as most books on End-Times Prophecy seems to be unsubstantiated and with much opinion from the author(s). I’m not sure what made me agree to review this book, but when it arrived, I was very impressed with the amount of research that went into it.

I found that Dr. Thiel had a great many resources that he drew from, including different religions and history. Seeing this, I wasn’t sure how dry the reading was going to be, but was pleased to discover that Dr. Thiel had written a very easy to read and understand book that laid out proof for the reader to draw their own conclusions on. Mind you, he does have is own opinions, and I won’t say I agree with everything, but he has some very valid points.

I found that many interesting facts that show that although there are different religions, we really seem to believe much of the same things. This really was an eye-opener for me! I’m looking forward to really spending more time studying this book. I really didn’t have the time to dig as deeply as I’d like because of my time frame to read for this tour. There is a wealth of information between the covers of this fascinating book!

I would recommend 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect to anyone that is interested in End-Times Prophecy or just to those interested in a well researched book about the ideas and prophecies of different religions/religious beliefs.

If you have interested in what is happening now and what will happen, consider getting the book at one of the following:

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 20 predictions in the book and many more will to come to pass. Those who purchase the book at the www.thesecretsect.com website receive a lengthy bonus report documenting world events that aligned with the book.
2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect (English Kindle edition). This is the 2nd edition of the book and includes a summary of the 20 predictions that world events have aligned with since the book originally came out.
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 und das Auftreten der geheimen Sekte (German Kindle Edition)
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 20 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 20 já começaram a acontecer.

COGwriter

Caught some of US President Obama’s re-election campaign speech last night, which officially was called the State of the Union address.  Here are a few quotes of what he said:

The state of our union is getting stronger, and we’ve come too far to turn back now… I intend to fight obstruction with action, and I will oppose any effort to return to the very same policies that brought on this economic crisis in the first place.

No, we will not go back to an economy weakened by outsourcing, bad debt, and phony financial profits…From now on, every multinational company should have to pay a basic minimum tax…

And I will not go back to the days when Wall Street was allowed to play by its own set of rules…So if you are a big bank or financial institution, you’re no longer allowed to make risky bets with your customers’ deposits. You’re required to write out a living will that details exactly how you’ll pay the bills if you fail, because the rest of us are not bailing you out ever again…We’ll also establish a Financial Crimes Unit of highly trained investigators to crack down on large-scale fraud and protect people’s investments…

Do we want to keep these tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans?…

Now, you can call this class warfare all you want.

(Complete transcript is available at http://www.cnn.com/2012/01/24/politics/sotu-transcript/index.html)

We are living in the last days.  The London riots and the flash mobs in the USA this past summer also brought these verses to mind. The sorrows and troubles are just beginning (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 and other Anglo-nations and may also be a factor in them being vulnerable to real warfare: invasion by the Beast. (I also suspect that protests and civil unrest in Europe will be factors in the actual rise the Beast, as he will be a militaristic leader cf. Revelation 13:4.)

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 2012 or 2013? 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?
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?