Church of God News

“Orthodox” 16th Century Representation of the “Apocalypse”

No matter where you look or listen, you’re constantly reminded of those forecasting doom in 2012. But really, what could go wrong? Other than the fact that vital oil supplies come from the world’s most volatile region and must traverse along the Iranian coast; Iran has threatened and “practiced” closing the Straits of Hormuz; Israel is half expected to strike Iran’s nuclear facilities most any time now; protesters are threatening to “shut down capitalism” this summer with the prospect that law and order could break down; the Arab spring has left every country in its wake in a state of anarchy with the most important being Egypt. We hear that the Syrian government is engaged in wholesale slaughter, and the “international community” (primarily the United States) will surely have to intervene, but other than that…

Note, the above, including with the … is how Mark Armstrong wrote that.  So, tongue-in-cheek, he is commenting that 2012 seems to have a lot of potential for chaos.

In a “must play” sermon that we watched on 2/11/12, Dr. Roderick C. Meredith of the Living Church of God repeated his previous position that he feels that there is a good chance that the demons know certain things that may happen in 2012 and that 2012 may have some significant impacts.

World events are continuing to align with properly understood biblical prophecy–and the year 2012 is a relatively close one to the end of the 6,000 years in God’s plan.  There remains at least two-three biblical prophecies that I feel will be fulfilled, at least to a degree, by the end of 2012, as well as many others that are likely to at least have world events align with them.  And so far in 2012, there have already been many world events that are consistent with end time biblical prophecy.

Hong Kong Skyline

COGwriter

In its latest announcements read at services earlier today, the Living Church of God reported:

Tomorrow’s World Hong Kong

2011 was truly an exciting year for the Work in Hong Kong. On June 4 the first program of Tomorrow’s World Hong Kong edition aired on HKTVB Pearl. A total of 2,351 responses came in over 31 weeks for an average response of 76 per program. The highest response totals to date have come from a two-part series on the Seven Laws of Success, with program 1 receiving 135 responses and the second installment receiving a record 161! With construction completed on a television studio at the Mississauga, Ontario, office, we have filmed 5 new programs, including a series on how the birthright blessings have impacted Hong Kong.

On a recent trip to Hong Kong, Mr. Gerald Weston, Mr. Jonathan Riley (Canadian Office Manager) and I were able to visit several publishers to explore the possibilities of having booklets printed containing both English and Chinese versions of the text. We were also able to meet with several contacts there and made progress toward setting up a registered charity and opening a bank account. Please pray that God will continue to lead us through this door and that we will be able to get physical copies of Church literature into the hands of viewers.—Mike Heykoop

New Radio Station in Colombia

God opened a door in Medellin for proclaiming the Gospel on the radio station Ondas de la Montaña AM 1350. We began broadcasting on Sabbath February 11 at 8:30 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. This station has a potential audience of 4.5 million people in the metro area of Medellin and nearby cities.—Armando Orrego

It is always good to hear that the gospel is going to other lands.  Jesus Himself taught:

14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. (Matthew 24:14)

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. (Matthew 28:19-20)

Matthew 24:14 will be fulfilled and we in the Living Church of God are trying to help fulfill it.

In the USA, LCG had the following announcements:

This week Dr. Meredith added a new TV station in Denver, Colorado—KCDO-TV, channel 3 (or 23 on some systems). KCDO-TV will begin broadcasting the Tomorrow’s World television program on Sunday, March 4, at 8:00 am. This station reaches 1.1 million TV households. This is the Church’s first commercial-grade TV station in Denver, and we hope everyone in the Denver area will earnestly pray for its success in reaching viewers and moving them to respond.—Wayne Pyle

Columbus, Mississippi: On Sabbath, February 11, in Columbus, Mississippi, nineteen people attended the follow-up Tomorrow’s World Special Presentation given by Mr. Ed Breaux, entitled “Where Is God’s Church Today?” There were twelve members and seven guests present. Six of the guests had attended last week’s presentation; one was a first-time visitor. Two guests attended Sabbath services that morning. Five guests stated they would be back again.—Ed Breaux

I will be traveling to Braselton and Atlanta, Georgia, for services and a Tomorrow’s World Special Presentation in Braselton on Sunday.—DSW

LCG reaches millions through television and the internet, and thousands through personal contact.  We strive to fulfill Matthew 24:14 and Matthew 28:19-20.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include the following:

China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 1: Genesis and Chinese Characters Where did the Chinese people come from? This article provides information showing that the Chinese peoples must have known about various accounts in the Book of Genesis up until their dispersion after the Tower of Babel.
China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 2: The Sabbath and Some of God’s Witness in China When did Christianity first come to China? And is there early evidence that they observed the seventh day sabbath?
Asia in Prophecy What is Ahead for Asia? Who are the “Kings of the East”? What will happen to nearly all the Chinese, Russians, Indians, and others of Asia? China in prophecy, where? Who has the 200,000,000 man army related to Armageddon?
Mexico, Central America, South America, Brazil, and the Caribbean in Prophecy [Español: México, America Central, Suramérica, y el Brasil en profecíal] [Português: México, América Central, Ámérica do Sul, e Brasil na profecia] What will happen to those of Latin America? Will they have prosperity? Will they cooperate with Europe? Will they suffer in the future? What role might the various Caribbean nations/territories play?
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.
Getting the Gospel Out is More than a Local Job Discusses Biblical rationale for doing an international, and not just a local, work.
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?
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.

2007 Carnival at Pátio de São Pedro square, in Recife, Brazil (Wiki Photo)

COGwriter

Carnaval is becoming more popular in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and elsewhere:

Rio Street Party Breaks Attendance Record18 February 2012…

2.2 million people who attended a huge Carnaval street party downtown Rio de Janeiro, along Avenida Rio Branco. Rio’s Carnaval kicked off Friday night…

Rio celebrates as Carnival opens in Brazil

…In addition to the elaborate two-day samba group parade and the high-dollar costumed balls where the rich spend a lot to wear very little in the most exclusive company, Rio’s free, open-to-all street Carnival is bigger than ever.

Carnaval vs Mardi Gras in Los Angeles

Travel Agent – ‎Feb 16, 201

This year Long Beach Mardi Gras is expanding from its N’awlins roots. The event will kick off with Carnival…

Goodbye Valentine’s Day, hello Mardi Gras‎ Baltimore Sun (blog) 15 February 2012

Valentine’s Day is history, moving on to Mardi Gras. For some folks, Mardi Gras means a one-day celebration on Fat Tuesday itself; for others, that day is just the end of a revelry period that began on thethe Epiphany. And some folks call it Carnival.

Booze and flesh exposure does not seem to fit with the Bible’s comments about modesty and avoiding drunkenness, but the party is expanding in popularity.

Here are three reports about the version of carnaval in Bolivia (the first was machine translated from Spanish):

He seized the carnival!

The Carnival was born of pagan festivals. In the Christian era is celebrated on the eve of Lent.

By Daniel Rojas Grove | Posted on February 18, 2012

Costumes. Extras. Masks. Fiesta. Rampage. These days, just before the Christian Lent, millions of people worldwide forget cares and worries jump to the streets and make their lives a carnival. Amid the bustle, drums, trumpets are the contemporary version of ancient pagan festivals like the Roman Saturnalia and Lupercalia.

Experts say the Carnival tradition dates back over 5000 years, the festivals held in honor of the Apis bull in Egypt.

In the world there are celebrations of Carnival in places as diverse as remote and Venice (Italy), Lucerne (Switzerland), Cologne (Germany) and this side of the world in New Orleans and Latin America in Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Uruguay, Venezuela, Panama and Bolivia…

Carnival is so important that Unesco for its historical value and aesthetic beauty declared Intangible Heritage of Humanity those of Oruro, Bolivia, the Barranquilla, Colombia, that of Binche, in Belgium, the Makishi, Zambia , and the Drametze in Buthan.

Oruro is considered the folklore capital of Bolivia and its carnivals are the heritage since 2001. They originate in the Andean invocations to Pachamama (Mother Earth), Uncle Supay (devil) and the Virgen de la Candelaria (Virgin of the Tunnel). http://www.elcolombiano.com/BancoConocimiento/S/se_prendieron_los_carnavales/se_prendieron_los_carnavales.asp

Devil’s Carnival (La Diablada)

Frommer’s

When: 19 – 23 Feb 2009 (annual), Where: Oruro

Every spring, Oruro goes into carnival mode. The costumes on show are phenomenal and include anything from llama herders to Amazonian Indians sporting feathered head-dresses. The combination of colour, outlandish masks, music, dance and fireworks is bound to leave you wide-eyed.

One of the highlights are the devil dancers, the tradition of which derives from a peculiar kind of devil worship. Oruro is a mining town and the locals, spending so much time underground, decided to adopt a god of the underworld. Christian tradition dictates that this must be the devil and the Oruro faithful thus adopted Satan, or Supay, as their god.

They would perform sacrifices to the devil on a regular basis to ensure their safety in the mines and the devil dancing in the carnival derives from their belief in Satan as their protector underground. http://events.frommers.com/sisp/index.htm?fx=event&event_id=5769

Festivals To Get You Going

FF, UK – Feb 18, 2009..

La Diablada – The Dance Of The Devil.

The 4km long procession takes place on the Sunday before Ash Wednesday and features so many entertainers that it can actually last up to 20 hours. The whole debacle follows a brightly costumes San Miguel character, and behind him come the more famous devils and a whole host of other beings.

The chief devil, Lucifer, get’s treated to the best costume, obviously, and swans around in a velvet cape and ornate mask, naturally. The rest of the procession follows and is drenched in jewels and precious metals with offerings for the owner of the underground minerals, El Tio. http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/music/events/Festivals+To+Get+You+Going+Next+Week-7201.html

Festivals involving the devil like the above were not observed by early Christians.  It is obviously a pagan celebration that many enjoy and that appears to be growing in popularity.

Of course, not only is carnival not in the Bible, neither are Ash Wednesday or Lent (they did not come until centuries after the original apostles died) as none of them are original practices of the true Church. Nor are any practices of the Living Church of God today.

Wikipedia states:

Carnival is a festival traditionally held in Roman Catholic and, to a lesser extent, Eastern Orthodox societies. Protestant areas usually do not have carnival celebrations or have modified traditions, such as the Danish Carnival. The Brazilian Carnaval is the longest celebration today, but many cities and regions worldwide celebrate with large, popular events. These include the Carnevale of Venice, Italy, of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands; of Torres Vedras, Portugal; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Rijeka, Croatia; Barranquilla, Colombia; and Trinidad and Tobago. In the United States, the famous Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans, Louisiana, and Mobile, Alabama, date back to French and Spanish colonial times…

An inspiration for the carnival traditionally was that it marked the last time for celebration and special foods before Lent. The Lenten period was marked by practices of fasting, restricted food, and pious practices. Traditionally, no parties were held and people refrained from eating rich foods, such as meat, and in some cases, dairy, fats and sugar. The forty days of Lent serve to mark an annual time of turning to God and religious discipline.

While it is an integral part of the Christian calendar, parts of the carnival traditions likely reach back to pre-Christian times. The ancient Roman festivals of the Saturnalia and Bacchanalia may have been absorbed in the Italian Carnival. The Saturnalia, in turn, may be based on the Greek Dionysia and Oriental festivals. While medieval pageants and festivals such as Corpus Christi were church-sanctioned celebrations, carnival was also a manifestation of medieval folk culture. Many local carnival customs are based on local pre-Christian rituals, for example the elaborate rites involving masked figures in the Swabian-Alemannic carnival.

Yes, many Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, and others will participate in the revelries associated with carnival. And many will also observe Lent.

Even though the practices associated with all of them have “pre-Christian origins,” are not endorsed in the Bible, and result in people not understanding God’s plan of salvation for them.

Perhaps those who profess Christ should follow His example and observe the same days that He did, such as Passover.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Is Lent a Christian Holiday? When did it originate? What about Ash Wednesday? If you observe them, do you know why?

Hope of Salvation: How the Living Church of God differ from most Protestants How the Living Church of God differs from mainstream/traditional Protestants, is perhaps the question I am asked most by those without a Church of God background.

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 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?

Is There “An Annual Worship Calendar” In the Bible? This paper provides a biblical and historical critique of several articles, including one by WCG which states that this should be a local decision. What do the Holy Days mean? Also you can click here for the calendar of Holy Days.

Passover and the Early Church Did the early Christians observe Passover? What did Jesus and Paul teach? Why did Jesus die for our sins?

Melito’s Homily on the Passover This is one of the earliest Christian writings about the Passover. This also includes what Apollinaris wrote on the Passover as well.

Should Christians Keep the Days of Unleavened Bread? Do they have any use or meaning now? What is leaven? This article supplies some biblical answers.

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

COGwriter

Notice the following:

Thousands of Israeli Arabs rally against Assad

Reuters AlertNet – JERUSALEM, Feb 17 (Reuters) – Thousands of Israeli Arabs demonstrated against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Friday, calling for him to step down and end his violent suppression of a nationwide revolt.

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IDF fears Syria attack as pressure builds on AssadJerusalem Post

Feb 16, 2012

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Concern is mounting within the IDF over the possibility that Syria will attack Israel as pressure mounts on President Bashar Assad to step down. The move is seen as part of a potential effort by Damascus to deter Arab countries from dispatching military support to opposition forces… Israel fears that Assad, under pressure, could turn the military force – that he has been using in an attempt to quell the ongoing uprising against his regime – against Israel.

So, even Arabs in Israel are protesting against Syria’s Assad and the Israel Defense Force (IDF) believes that Assad may decide he needs to attack Israel to stop Arabs and others from bringing his administration down.

The Syrian government is getting more desperate and increasingly isolated on the world scene.  The sanctions against it, combined with internal dissent must be providing a lot of pressure against its President Assad and his supporters.  And one of his closest international supporters is Iran.

Something will have to change in the region.  And while Iran acts like it wants to cooperate to get out of sanctions against it, some believe this is simply a delay tactic by Iran (e.g. US, EU welcome Iran nuclear letter, suggest talks)–Iran has stated that the elimination of the nation of Israel is one of its goals.  Notice a somewhat related item:

US officials believe Iran sanctions will fail, making military action likely

• Growing view that strike, by Israel or US, will happen
• ‘Sweet spot’ for Israeli action identified as September-October
• White House remains determined to give sanctions time

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/feb/17/us-officials-iran-sanctions-military-action

A war with Iran and Israel will most likely involve Syria.

I have been warning for some time that Syria’s President Assad might decide his personal best option is to more closely support Iran and perhaps be involved in an invasion of Jerusalem and Israel. If so, this might be how certain scriptures involving Syria/Damascus is fulfilled.

Notice what the Bible shows will happen to to Syria’s capital Damascus:

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)

3 Thus says the Lord:
“For three transgressions of Damascus, and for four,
I will not turn away its punishment…5 I will also break the gate bar of Damascus,
And cut off the inhabitant from the Valley of Aven,
And the one who holds the scepter from Beth Eden.
The people of Syria shall go captive to Kir,”
Says the Lord. (Amos 1:3, 5)

Of course technically, Syria is still at war with Israel as it never did sign a peace deal with Israel. So an actual war involving Syria and Israel is quite feasible. If so, Israel may hit back so hard that it might eliminate Damascus as Isaiah 17:1 says will happen.  Iran may also get “neutralized” in such a regional conflict (either militarily and/or politically) as it is not shown to have an important direct role in scripture until after the King of the South is eliminated (Daniel 11:40-43), and that King has not risen yet (nor will he be Iranian).

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?

Greek Riots, 2008

COGwriter

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

Sobering Situation in Greece.

Since 2009, 25% of Greek businesses have ceased operation, “and half of all small businesses in the country say they are unable to meet payroll.” In addition, “the suicide rate increased by 40 percent in the first half of 2011.” On a recent visit to Greece a journalist observed, “It’s not uncommon to see decently dressed Greeks discreetly rummaging through garbage bins for food. A new book about how the country survived the Nazi occupation—“Starvation Recipes”—has become a surprise hit.” As Greek austerity measures increase, pensions and minimum wage decrease, tax rates rise, and personal budgets contract (New York Times, February 13, 2012). The EU pushes for greater control of Greek finances and many view this as a direct attack on Greek sovereignty. But are Greece’s financial woes unique? Portugal has already experienced one EU bailout. Italy may follow suit. Many around the globe are coming to realize that the lavish “Western” lifestyles that so many have grown accustomed to in the last few decades are not guaranteed to last forever. Bible prophecy reveals that due to the rejection of God and His laws, the Israelite nations will experience a similar cycle of poverty and want in the not-too-distant future. Moses foretold, “A nation whom you have not known shall eat the fruit of your land and the produce of your labor, and you shall be only oppressed and crushed continually” (Deuteronomy 28:33). Jeremiah warned, “they shall eat up your harvest and your bread, which your sons and daughters should eat” (Jeremiah 5:17). Serious financial difficulties will spread beyond Southern Europe! For information on the sobering times ahead, see our free booklet, The United States and Great Britain in Prophecy.

Many in Greece are not happy about how their national debt situation has been handled. And some outside of Greece believes that it shows that the EU does not really believe in democracy.  Notice also the following:

The German flag was burnt in Athens last week as fury over further austerity measures boiled over. Harriet Alexander travelled to a town that bears the scars of hatred between nations, and found a town both angry at German demands and frightened for the future.

“I hate Germany,” said Efi Sfountouri, 42, who had travelled from Athens to visit her hometown of Distomo – now grown to 4,000 inhabitants – with her two daughters. Her eyes flashing with anger, she declared in heavily-accented English that Angela Merkel was “a monster”.

“If there was a vote tomorrow, I would be the first in line to veto Germany sending an observer here,” she said. “They killed Distomo; they stole our gold; they belittled Greece.”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9076124/Greece-will-pay-its-debts-back-if-you-let-us.-But-not-with-a-German-knife-held-to-our-throats.html

When my wife and I were in Greece last (May 2011), we were surprised at how resentful the Greeks were then of the Germans–and the situation seems to have worsened since then.

Although Athens, Greece is known as the cradle of democracy, democracy is not something that the Bible sanctions (Should a Christian Vote?)–and democracy is not the solution for Greece. The Bible also indicates that Europe will reorganize and that reorganization does not appear to be democratic (Revelation 17:12-13).

Prior to that there will apparently be a variety of problems as scripture indicates (Daniel 2:41-43).  On September 5, 2010, I warned at this news page, “Austerity measures in Europe will likely cause civil unrest” (see Civil War in Greece?). And we are likely to see more severe unrest and actions that resemble civil wars.  At least 45,000 protested in Greece within the last week.

And we have seen civil unrest already in Greece, Romania, and other parts of Europe. It may partially because of civil war/unrest/riots that a reorganization of Europe, as well as a “de-Islamization of Europe” will take place.

As far as Germany goes, it is criticized if it helps and is criticized if it does not.  Notice also the following news item:

Since the euro crisis began in 2009, Germany has grown from reluctant bailout paymaster to a position of such influence that its unbending drive for austerity helped bring about the exit of Silvio Berlusconi in Italy and George Papandreou in Greece. It has also imposed a “fiscal compact” for EU budget discipline….With a stream of foreign leaders coming for enlightenment on how the economy has defied gravity, Berlin feels like Europe’s new capital. But Merkel gets conflicting messages. She must lead the euro zone out of crisis, but in acting she may find the cartoonist’s pen too often straying toward images of the overbearing Nazi or a beckoning “Fourth Reich.”…

Germans have grown skeptical of the benefits of spending taxpayers’ money on bailouts for euro zone states like Greece – or of staying in the EU at all…The question of how much influence it is appropriate for Germany to assume in Europe and on the global stage has dogged post-war statesmen. Henry Kissinger put it succinctly when he said Germany was “too big for Europe, too small for the world.”   http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/08/us-germany-leadership-idUSTRE8171F220120208

Despite its complaints, much of Europe continues to learn that it seems to need Germany.  And Germany wants influence for its backing.   And that influence will include much more control than it currently has.

The situation in Europe will change and the leader known biblically as the ten-horned Beast or the final King of the North will rise up–and he will likely be at least part German ethnically.

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?
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.
Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North? Is the German Defense Minister one to watch? What do Catholic, Byzantine, and biblical prophecies suggest?
Resurgent Germany: A Fourth Reich? Who are the German peoples and where did they come from? What is Germany’s role in end time prophecy?

Living Church of God Evangelist Richard Ames

COGwriter

Evangelist Richard Ames reported the following in his latest co-worker letter of the Living Church of God:

German leaders have even pressed for the right to manage Greece’s national budget, evoking cries of protest that Greek sovereignty was at risk. We all need to realize, individually and nationally, that “The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender” (Proverbs 22:7). As the EU struggles, the U.S. continues to print more and more currency without any material backing. Our Tomorrow’s World magazine cover article, “The Debt Bomb”—written by Mr. Dexter Wakefield, our Director of Business Operations—warned: “Estimates suggest that the total federal budget deficit in 2011 will reach $1.6 trillion! Along with this sobering news, the International Monetary Fund projects that total U.S. debt will exceed the nation’s annual output of goods and services sometime in 2012!” (July-August, 2011). In fact, as of February 2012, the Congressional Budget Office was reporting the U.S. federal budget deficit for 2011 as having reached 1.6 trillion, while by the end of 2011 the total federal debt had already exceeded 100 percent of Gross Domestic Product! Unless our Western nations repent of their serious financial irresponsibility, these dangerous trends will continue and intensify!

In its Winter 2012 issue, The Wilson Quarterly featured a series of eye-opening articles titled “Lessons of the Great Depression.” The cover photo, from 1930, shows an unemployed man in front of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, DC, selling an apple to a congressman for five cents. How serious are Western financial troubles? “The recession of 2008-09 and its aftermath more closely resemble the Great Depression than any of the other Post-World War II recessions. Indeed, this episode might aptly be called the Mini-Depression of 2008-2009. Both economic declines involved the interplay among the collapse of real estate values, the decline of banks’ capital and their willingness to lend, and the desire of households to rebuild financial wealth” (“Great Recession or Mini-Depression?,” Robert Z. Aliber, p. 56).

What were the causes? “In both the 1920s and the mid-2000s, economic euphoria was pervasive as bubbles in asset prices led to surges in spending—and those spending increases further inflated the bubbles that had fostered them in the first place. Then asset prices imploded, household wealth shrank, and banks suffered large losses when borrowers were unable to repay their loans” (ibid.).

Will we individually and nationally learn our lesson? The Creator and Governor of the universe gave ancient Israel a prophetic warning that also applies to us today, “The alien who is among you shall rise higher and higher above you, and you shall come down lower and lower. He shall lend to you, but you shall not lend to him; he shall be the head, and you shall be the tail. 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. And they shall be upon you for a sign and a wonder, and on your descendants forever” (Deuteronomy 28:43-46).

Unless the Western nations repent of their increasing transgressions and rebellion against God, we will not see a reversal of the dangerous downward financial trends we have been experiencing! The U.S., once the world’s greatest creditor, seems bent in solidifying its status as the world’s greatest debtor nation! The nation of China alone currently holds about $1.1 trillion of U.S. national debt, followed by Japan with $1.0 trillion—each overshadowing the third-place creditor nation, the United Kingdom, which holds $429 billion.

My friends, in what can we have confidence in these difficult times? In our wealth? No! We need to draw closer than ever to God as the end of this present age comes ever nearer. God has given His people many comforting promises, such as Philippians 4:19, “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Jesus Himself promised us the gift of faith, as well as our physical needs, if we commit ourselves to the greatest goal ever given to human beings: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).

We can have faith as we zealously strive to fulfill the Great Commission to preach the gospel to the whole world. Jesus stated, “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come” (Matthew 24:14). In the previous verses, He gave us prophetic warning signs leading up to the Great Tribulation. As Dr. Meredith reported in last month’s co-worker letter, “The Doomsday Clock, a symbolic gauge of nuclear danger, has moved one minute closer to midnight because of ‘inadequate progress’ on nuclear and climate issues. The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists (BAS) announced the move—to five minutes before midnight—on Tuesday. The clock last moved one minute back in 2010.”

Yes, it is symbolically only five minutes to midnight! Will we soon experience the “midnight” doomsday? The Bulletin announcement concluded with this sobering warning: “The clock is ticking.” Yes, the time is growing shorter and shorter. But God promises protection for His spiritually alert people in the dangerous times ahead. Jesus exhorts us, “Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man” (Luke 21:36).

Some financial planners recognize that the clock is ticking. Barron’s: The Dow Jones Business and Financial Weekly assembled a “2012 Roundtable” consisting of ten investment experts, and asked them to analyze and discuss the financial “big picture.” How can investors profit in the unpredictable and unstable world financial condition? One analyst, Mark Faber, stated: “On another optimistic note, World War III will occur in the next five years. That means the Middle East will blow up. New regimes there will be less Western-friendly. The West has also figured out it can’t contain China, which is rising rapidly and will have more military and naval power in Southeast Asia. The only way for the West to contain China is to control the oil tap in the Middle East” (January 16, 2012, p. 35).

Faber also commented on the price of oil: “Oil is around $100 a barrel now. How high it goes depends on how much [Federal Reserve Chairman Ben] Bernanke prints. If there is a disturbance in the Middle East, the sky is the limit” (ibid., p. 36). These factors affect the profit of cagey speculative investors. By the way, if you have not read our insightful booklet, The Middle East in Prophecy, be sure to request your free copy.

Many economists and financial experts know the challenges of our changing global economic realities. They are focused on how to profit from times of crisis. But what they do not know is that Bible prophecy reveals not only the amazing sequence of world events actually leading up to World War III and Armageddon, but also how God’s most faithful people will be protected through these difficult times, and will receive God’s blessings far beyond what today’s financial planners can begin to understand. Our Tomorrow’s World magazine and our weekly telecasts document these vital truths of Bible prophecy. Watch for my upcoming Tomorrow’s World program, currently scheduled for April 12-18, titled “2012 and the Apocalypse.” And do not miss Dr. Meredith’s powerful program, “How to Watch World Events,” scheduled to air April 5-11.

Even though “the clock is ticking,” God does not want us to be fearful. Our Father in heaven expects His servants not only to do their part in supporting His Work, but also to grow personally in the grace and knowledge of Christ (2 Peter 3:18). One way we grow is through earnest Bible study and seeking God’s precious truth…

Brethren and co-workers, in order to meet the many challenges of these end-times in which we now live, we must go forward in faith in completing the Great Commission, and we must continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. Jesus gave this encouraging truth: “Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes” (Luke 12:43). Let us all work while it is day in preparing the world, the Church and ourselves for the coming of the King of kings. Jesus said, “I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work” (John 9:4).

May God bless you all as we individually and collectively serve our Lord and Savior in completing His Work while it is day!

With love, in Jesus’ name,

Richard F. Ames

The debt situations in Europe, the USA, and UK are serious.  They are starting to result in changes in those societies, and many of those changes will ultimately not be good. Notice also the following:

The United States has the largest debt in the world…

US News & World Report – Jan 28, 2011  http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2011/01/28/the-10-countries-with-the-most-debt

Americans do not realize that for the last four decades that they have been spending their assets and getting into debt to finance their lifestyles–and that nation has even if not all individuals have.  But as that nation continues to print currency, eventually all who continue to depend on the USA dollar will suffer when it becomes worthless; and the same can be said of the British pound.  And the value of the euro is likely to continue to fluctuate as debt, austerity, and more civil unrest are likely to shake investors confidence in that partially fragile union (cf. Daniel 2:41-43).

We in the Living Church of God believe that we must strive to fulfill Jesus’ statements He made about gospel proclamation in scriptural passages such as Matthew 24:14; 28:19-20.  And we believe that now is the time for people to take spiritual and physical action as time is getting shorter.

(The rest of the latest co-worker letter, including the portions related to Living University and LCG income, etc., is available at the News of the Living Church of God page.)

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

The Gospel of the Kingdom of God was the Emphasis of Jesus and the Early Church Did you know that? Do you even know what the gospel of the kingdom is all about? True religion should be based upon the true gospel.
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.
There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Petra This article discusses a biblical ‘place of safety’ and includes quotes from the Bible and Herbert W. Armstrong on this subject–thus, there is a biblically supported alternative to the rapture theory.
Getting the Gospel Out is More than a Local Job Discusses Biblical rationale for doing an international, and not just a local, work.
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?
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 members or any interested in supporting the faithful church. It also explains a lot of what the COGs are all about.
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo (non-Dutch) Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What about Jerusalem? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
Canada in Prophecy: What Does Bible Prophecy, Catholic Prophecy, and other Predictions Suggest About the Future of Canada? There are prophecies that suggest involvement with Canada. And many are not positive about its future.
Who is the King of the West? Why is there no End-Time King of the West in Bible Prophecy? Is the United States the King of the West?
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?
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?
Physical Preparation Scriptures for Christians. We all know the Bible prophecies famines. Should we do something?
The Plain Truth About Gold in Prophecy. How Should a Christian View Gold? What do economists and the Bible teach about gold? Gold and silver may drop in value. Inflation/deflation? What do Christians need to know about gold?
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 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?

Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg

COGwriter

The former German Defense Minister Baron Karl zu Guttenberg  is to speak in Georgia next week:

Karl Theodor zu Guttenberg will join F. William Smullen III, chief of staff to former Secretary of State Colin Powell for the keynote addresses at the Feb. 23-24 event. The symposium will focus on the role of conflict management and peace building in the United States’ security strategy.

It will feature panel discussions with experts from the military, academic institutions and international policy organizations.

Guttenberg will speak at 6 p.m. on Feb. 23 at the Embassy Suites in Kennesaw. Smullen will speak at noon on Feb. 24 at The Commons on the campus.

Both speeches are free and open to the public.  http://www.wrcbtv.com/story/16928431/german-defense-minister-to-speak-at-kennesaw

As regular readers know, I have long had my eye on former German Defense Minister Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg as one to watch as a possible candidate to be the final King of the North of Daniel 11 and Beast of Revelation.  I believe that he is making political and military contacts in the USA and elsewhere that he may be able to use later.

Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg could simply be a somewhat politician with many ups and downs. And all his intentions could be fine. But Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg does seem, to me at least, to be taking the types of steps that one who could possibly be the final King of the North would actually take.

We will see.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? What MUST happen BEFORE the Great Tribulation?
Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North? Is the German Defense Minister one to watch? What do Catholic, Byzantine, and biblical prophecies suggest?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo (non-Dutch) Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first? How will Europeans be involved in this?

Devil	= Secret	+ Person	+ Garden

COGwriter

China is securing food and gold:

China’s Xi, US officials talk food trade in Iowa

Reuters –  By Carey Gillam DES MOINES, Feb 16 (Reuters) – China’sleader-in-waiting,Xi Jinping, gathered with U.S. agricultural officials in America’s grainbelt on Thursday and stressed their shared interests in fostering increased trade in farm goods.

Extending his visit to the top U.S. soybean- and corn-growing state of Iowa, Xi and Chinese Minister of Agriculture Han Changfu met with U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack in Des Moines to kick off what was billed as the first-ever U.S.-China Agricultural Symposium.

US, China to Sign 5-Year Accord on Agriculture Cooperation

‎

BusinessWeek – 16 February 2012

16 (Bloomberg) — The US and China plan to sign a five-year accord to cooperate on agriculture trade, production and food security…

China has been going around the world to attempt to secure food supplies for its vast population (China has the highest population of any nation).

It seems to believe that securing multiple sources is safer for it in case of weather problems, trade embargoes, and crop failures that could happen in one or more countries at the same time.

The USA, which owes China over $1 trillion, is anxious to try to sell the Chinese as much as possible.  Yet, this could cause the USA problems in times when it has its own food shortages.  Not immediately, but perhaps not too long from now, that will happen and the time may come when the USA will have to fulfill some of its obligations to export food when Americans need it.  Although this would be a political problem, it may happen and may be the trigger for other problems to hit the USA (cf. Habakkuk 2).

Notice something I posted three years ago (see Drought, Wheat, & China):

No country is immune to the effects of tightening food supplies, not even the United States.

If China turns to the world market for massive quantities of grain, as it recently has done for soybeans, it will undoubtedly look to the United States, which dominates world grain exports. For US consumers, the prospect of competing for the US grain harvest with 1.3 billion Chinese consumers with fast-rising incomes is a nightmare scenario. It would be tempting for the United States to restrict exports, but this is not an option with China which now holds well over one trillion US dollars. Like it or not, US consumers will share their grain with Chinese consumers regardless of how high food prices rise.

If the food crisis worsens, national restrictions on grain exports coupled with various bilateral arrangements could tie down much of the exportable supply of grain, making it increasingly difficult if not impossible for weaker, less affluent countries to find grain to import. Many countries heavily dependent on imports could be left out, and the result would be hundreds of millions of desperate people. Desperate people do desperate things: They riot, they fight over food, they overthrow governments, and they mass migrate to more food-secure countries.

(The Geopolitics of Food Scarcity. Spiegel – Feb 11, 2009 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,606937,00.html).

One of the many problems of going into debt is that the creditors expect to be paid back.

The more wheat that China buys, the higher the cost to American consumers.  Furthermore, China has the potential to buy up all the wheat that the USA produces–and while politically I do not believe this will be allowed to happen–if it did, we could have starvation in the USA.  And if the politicians stop China from making those purchases, the entire USA economy could massively collapse if China dumped its USA dollar (including treasury bills and even stocks) holdings in retaliation.

The USA has embarked on slippery and very dangerous path with its borrow our way out of this crisis mentality.  And while I believe it may work for a while, it is setting the USA up for sudden destruction.

The USA is entering into agreements that its residents might regret within the next five years.  The selling of food is fine when there is an abundance, the fulfilling of food export agreements is dangerous in times of food shortages.  The USA is not immune to food shortages and it may have the “perfect storm” of weather problems, gmo problems (genetically-modified or engineered “foods), pestilences, one or more “dirty bombs”, emps, and/or other disasters that few expect, but that Jesus seemed to predict (Matthew 24:4-8).

China has concerns about its US dollar holdings and has taken steps to try to spend/invest what it can for resources such as food and energy, and items that tend to support financial stability like gold.

The reality is that much of what China itself appears to be doing is consistent with what the late Deng Xiaoping once expressed,

China must hide brightness and nourish obscurity . . . to bide our time and build up our capabilities (Source: Times Online).

China is moving forward while the USA is not.  And while China will have problems, the USA will have even more in the end time.  Selling food is fine, but getting involved in contracts and debt, like the USA is doing, is dangerous.  Americans will likely realize this later.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 1: Genesis and Chinese Characters 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 China? Is it a “King of the East”? What will happen to nearly all the Chinese, Russians, and others of Asia? China in prophecy, where?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What about Jerusalem? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
The Plain Truth About Gold in Prophecy. How Should a Christian View Gold? What do economists and the Bible teach about gold? Gold and silver may drop in value. Inflation/deflation? What do Christians need to know about gold?

Tribal Girls in Thailand

COGwriter

Certain Iranians were reportedly targeting Israelis according to a leader in Thailand:

16 February 2012

BANGKOK– Three Iranians detained after accidentally setting off explosives in Bangkok were planning to attack Israeli diplomats, Thailand’s top policeman said Thursday in the first confirmation by local officials that the group was plotting attacks in Thailand.

The allegation came after days of strong accusations by Israel that Iran was behind the botched plot as well as two others in India and the former Soviet republic of Georgia this week. Iran has denied the charges.

Citing the similarity of bombs used in New Delhi and Tbilisi, national police chief Gen. Prewpan Dhamapong said that Thai authorities now “know for certain that (the target) was Israeli diplomats.”http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/02/16/iranians-arrested-in-thai-explosions-were-planning-on-attacking-israeli/#ixzz1mYU1s51P

As regular readers of the COGwriter news page are aware, I have been warning for some time that a regional war involving Iran and Israel seems likely, and Israel will likely consider the above as further justification for an attack (although it is widely rumored that Israel assassinated one or more Iranian officials/scientists recently, so some may find that type of justification to be hypocritical).

Iran was in the news for its claims of nuclear advancement:

16 February 2012

JERUSALEM –  Israel’s defense minister said Thursday that Iran’s latest claim of dramatic advancements in its nuclear program is exaggerated, but that Tehran’s nuclear pursuits remain a threat…Israel considers a nuclear-armed Iran to be a threat to its very existence, citing Ahmadinejad’s repeated calls for Israel’s destruction and Iran’s support for anti-Israel militant groups.  http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/02/16/israeli-official-iran-embellishing-nuclear-gains/#ixzz1mYUy1tJe

15 February 2012

TEHRAN, Iran

In defiant swipes at its foes, Iran said Wednesday it is dramatically closer to mastering the production of nuclear fuel even as the U.S. weighs tougher pressures and Tehran’s suspected shadow war with Israel brings probes far beyond the Middle East.  http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9SU26C80.htm

While many think that Iran has exaggerated its nuclear progress, more and more believe that Israel will attack Iran.

Israel will strike Iran: Bergman

ABC Online 16 February 2012

Israelis prepare for war with Iran

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Salon – 16 February 2012

Drums of war beat louder as Israel steps up rhetoric against Iran

‎

Middle East Online – 16 February 2012

Any regional war involving Israel would also likely involve allies of Iran such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and/or Syria.  Syria seems to be in a near civil war:

Much of northern Syria in ‘open revolt’ CNN – 16 February 2012

By the CNN Wire Staff (CNN) — Syrian security forces resumed their fierce shelling of opposition targets in Homs Thursday but appeared to be losing their tight grip in the northern region, CNN journalists said.

If Israel attacks Iran (or even if it does not strike first), Syria may decide that the best way to control its own internal problems it to divert attention away from the Assad regime and instead to a war against Israel–though Syria might not do well (cf. Isaiah 17:1).

The situation in the Middle East is tense. Since Iran, however, is NOT really south of Jerusalem, we in the Living Church of God do not believe that it will be the final King of the South of Bible prophecy (cf. Daniel 11:4-43). Because of that, I have tended to believe that Iran may somehow get “neutralized” before this final king rises up. A serious attack by Israel may neutralize Iran and neutralize much of its influence.

It may take a regional war for the seven-year confirmation of the apparent peace deal in Daniel 9:27 to come about.

We will watch and see (Mark 13:37).

Some articles (and books) of possibly related interest may include:

Is There A Future King of the South? Some no longer believe there needs to be. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? What does the Bible say?
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?
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?
India, Its Biblical Past and Future: Any Witness? The Bible discusses the origins of those of Indian heritage and discusses some of the witness to them (including those in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka).
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 is the seven-year deal? 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?
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 20 predictions in the book and many more will to come to pass.

COGwriter

US President Obama’s likes the extending of social security payroll tax cut:

2012-02-15

Obama praises prospective payroll tax cut dealUSA TODAY

Barack Obama has done as U.S.A. president is to sign into to a law a bill that will greatly increase the debt of the U.S.A.  He has also indicated that he will need to pursue policies that will increase that debt during at least his first administration, although he ultimately hopes to change that, as even he claims that the U.S. debt is “unsustainable.”

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

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

Hence, Barack Obama seems to currently be fulfilling the part of that prophecy of increasing pledges/debt. And, of course, it is possible that the rest of the above prophecy might be fulfilled while he is U.S.A. president…

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)…

.

Because of domestic economic concerns and international pressures, Barack Obama is shifting priorities away from defense spending, while encouraging the Europeans to increase their military might.  This will help lead to the destruction of the United States, when the Europeans are ready and the U.S.A. is not.

More and more debt is accumulating, more and more cuts are being made to the US military.  The USA is placing itself at risk.

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?
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, released in January 2012, and includes a summary of the 20 predictions that world events have aligned with since the book originally came out in September 2009.
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.