Church of God News

COGwriter

The following was part of yesterday’s weekly announcements in Living Church of God church services:

Ethnic violence on the rise in Europe.

“The net result of human rights developments in Europe causes great concern… Without concerted government action, the next generation of Europeans may see human rights as an optional extra rather than a core value,” wrote a reporter for the EU Observer.

A recent study by Human Rights Watch pins the blame for a recent wave of extreme human rights violations throughout Europe, on “bad leadership by EU governments.” “The report named and shamed nine EU member states–France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain and the UK–as displaying a swing toward right-wing politics… It accused the EU institutions of not doing enough to stop the trend.” Human rights violations have also occurred in recent months against Muslims and Roma/gypsies (EU Observer, January 23, 2012).

Christ warned that at the end of the age, ethnic group would rise against ethnic group–“nation will rise against nation” (Matthew 24:6-7). He also predicted through Paul that “perilous times will come” when people will be: “unloving… without self-control, brutal… lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God” (2 Timothy 3:1-4).

Very few realize that all of mankind is made in God’s image (Genesis 1:26), with the potential to become members of the family of God one day (John 3:16; 2 Peter 3:9; 1 John 3:2). Until Christ returns and all minds are opened to understand this fact, ethnic violence will sadly remain–it is the way of Satan’s world!

For more information on the motivation behind today’s society, read our booklet Who or What Is The Antichrist?

Many in Europe are not happy about immigration policies or the various austerity programs designed to deal with their national budget issues.

But this is not unexpected. Back on September 5, 2010 (see Civil War in Greece?), I warned:

Austerity measures in Europe will likely cause civil unrest.   And places other than Greece are likely to be affected. Furthermore, it may partially because of civil war/unrest/riots that a de-Islamization of Europe will take place.

Also, in my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect, I discuss the possibility of civil unrest and/or civil war breaking out in Europe. Here are a couple of captions from the book about that:

Some believe that God will punish the nominal Catholics with civil unrest and war in Europe. As there already has been civil unrest in Europe (and according to secular sources, more is expected), it is possible that the following (to some degree) also may come to pass:..

Monk Hilarion (15^th century): “The people of the peninsula of Europe will suffer by needless wars…”…

Brother Louis Rocco (19th century): “All over Europe there will rage terrible civil wars…A Great Monarch will arise after a period of terrible wars and persecutions in Europe.”…

The Ecstatic of Tours…The revolution will spread to every French town. Wholesale slaughter will take place. This revolution will last only a few months but it will be frightful; blood will flow everywhere because the malice of the wicked will reach its highest pitch. Victims will be innumerable. Paris will look like a slaughter-house…

Some believe this civil unrest will result in the rise of a militaristic leader who will quell that particular violence, establish a new religious order, and reign with a pope who will perform miracles…

One interesting 15^th century Catholic prophecy foretells a time when a “great prince” will rise up. “All Germany” will apparently convert to the ecumenical religion, and then massive conversions in “all countries” “will happen quickly…

The descriptions of the Great Monarch/Prince in many ways parallel the description of one the Bible refers to as the “prince” in Daniel 9:26–27, final “King of the North” in Daniel 11:27–45…

The Apostle Paul warned:

¹ But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: ² For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, ³ unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, ⁴ traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, ⁵ having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! (2 Timothy 3:1–5)

And we certainly do appear to be in a period of perilous times.  There will be a generation that will experience end-time events, beginning with “sorrows”… Notice what Jesus taught would happen just prior to the end:

^…7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom…

Matthew 24:6–8 “Beginning of sorrows:” Famines, earthquakes, troubles—but the end is not yet…:

⁷ But when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be troubled; for such things must happen, but the end is not yet. ⁸ For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom…(Mark 13…)…

Notice that in Mark’s account he uses the term troubles.  Troubles would seem to include economic and political problems…

Violent civil unrest, and the violent destruction of Paris and other parts of Europe, certainly falls under the category of “troubles.”

Eventually, more seriously issues with Islam will occur in Europe and many Muslims will move out of Europe and/or convert.  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. Specifically, I 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)

Troubling ethnic and religious violence are items to watch.

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?
Catholic Prophecies: Do They Mirror, Highlight, or Contradict Biblical Prophecies? People of all faiths may be surprised to see what various Roman and Orthodox Catholic prophets have been predicting as many of their predictions will be looked to in the 21st century.
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.
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

Today is known as “Superbowl Sunday” in the USA.  Most years, the American football (which is not the same as the sport called soccer in the USA) contest known as the Superbowl is the most watched television program in the USA.  Between 100,000,000-200,000,000 are expected to intentionally (as opposed to perhaps seeing a news item about it) watch at least some of it today according to various reports.

Since most people in the USA have, at one time or another, made some hint of professing following Jesus, a relevant question may be:

Would Jesus watch the Superbowl?

Jesus, of course, taught “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39), while the Apostle Paul wrote “no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it” (Ephesians 5:29).

After seeing the injuries that some of my high school football-playing colleagues suffered, I could not reconcile the scriptures with American football. There are better ways for Christians to learn principles like teamwork from other sports or activities than watching actual violence such occurs in American tackle football.

Also, notice what John the Baptist taught soldiers:

14 And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages. (Luke 3:14, KJV)

I could not reconcile loving my neighbor as myself and cherishing my flesh and not doing violence to any man by watching others do it in a football game. Nor the following:

9…You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. (Romans 13:9-10, NKJV)

The Superbowl will do harm to participants in it.

The New Testament also warns Christians against being violent or approving of those that are (Romans 1:28-32), while history records that early Christians would not watch violent sports.  Notice one such report from Theophilus of Antioch perhaps written about 180 A.D.:

Consider, therefore, whether those who teach such things can possibly live indifferently, and be commingled in unlawful intercourse, or, most impious of all, eat human flesh, especially when we are forbidden so much as to witness shows of gladiators, lest we become partakers and abettors of murders. But neither may we see the other spectacles, lest our eyes and ears be defiled, participating in the utterances there sung. (Theophilus of Antioch. To Autolycus, Book III, Chapter XV. Translated by Marcus Dods, A.M. Excerpted from Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume 2. Edited by Alexander Roberts & James Donaldson. American Edition, 1885. Online Edition)

So, Christians did not believe that they were to watch the violent sports so popular in the second century.

In the 20th century, the late Herbert W. Armstrong wrote:

Competition and not cooperation, is the attitude which Satan inculcates human minds. But that does not mean that all sports are wrong or to be banned. The law of God is based on the way of righteousness…The basic law is love, out flowing toward God above all else, and secondarily, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.”

To harm the other fellow and to gain by doing so for self is a kind of competition that is wrong. Hostility toward the other is sin…

Wherever a game in sports involves antagonists–in hostile attitude to harm the other and/or to “get” from the other–to get the best of the other then a harmful, satanic and evil attitude enters in, and the sport is evil, not good…

Football (American football) is a violent body-contact sport. It is often played with an attitude of hostility and is dangerous and is fraught with physical injury…Soccer does not embody the same evils. (Plain Truth, July-August 1984)

Years ago, Dr. Roderick C. Meredith, presiding evangelist of the Living Church of God, wrote that avoiding bodily harm was an important health law (Seven Laws of Radiant Health). Since it is best to avoid bodily injury, should Christians encourage others to put themselves in harm’s way?

Notice comments from two Living Church of God ministers about leisure activities:

If our leisure is spent watching, reading about, or “playing” fighting, war or murder, then are we focused on “turning the other cheek”? If our pleasure is to dwell on bloodshed or violence, if we want to “get inside the mind of the killer” as one popular television show promotes, then are we aligning our minds with God, or with Satan who was a “murderer from the beginning” (John 8:44)?

No Christian can deny the Bible’s condemnation of hatred, which is the spirit of murder. Those who immerse themselves in media violence are being flooded with that ungodly spirit.

Some will attempt to justify violent entertainment as simply an enjoyable pastime. Do they consider the sobering warning of Isaiah 33:15, where God describes the person He will protect in times of danger: “He who walks righteously and speaks uprightly, he who despises the gain of oppressions, who gestures with his hands, refusing bribes, who stops his ears from hearing of bloodshed, and shuts his eyes from seeing evil.” (Ciesielka W. Violence. LCG Commentary. http://www.tomorrowsworld.org/commentary/violence)

One unique aspect of our modern society is its proliferation of violent entertainment. Of course, other societies have reveled in violent amusements, as did the ancient Romans in their Coliseum. However, such entertainment is now widely available, in many more forms, than ever before.

Sociologists have estimated that by the time the average U.S. child starts elementary school, he or she will have seen 8,000 murders and 100,000 acts of violence on television…As long as people fail to control their selfish desires, violence will continue. Anyone can break this pattern, but first there must be a change on the inside. (Sena P. Break the Pattern of Violence! Tomorrow’s World magazine. Mar-Apr 2008)

While many do not interpret those writings and scriptures as I do, perhaps they should consider the realities of the sport of American football.

CNN (01/29/2012) had a report that the average American high school football player received 650 sub-concussion hits per season which increased risk for brain damage of various types.

Since I do not actually watch American football, I do not know how many violent acts are likely at today’s Superbowl, but the number is likely to be very high, and maybe even a lot more if thoughts of violence are included (cf. Matthew 5:21-22).

In my view, the tackle version of the sport of American football is evil (touch football I would not consider to be inherently evil–though attitude is still a possible factor there).  Also, no Christian can really defend how professional football cheerleading females are publicly dressed and displayed–and presumably some of how they will be displayed at today’s Superbowl game.

As far as violence goes, the Bible shows that God is against violence:

23 ‘Make a chain,
For the land is filled with crimes of blood,
And the city is full of violence.
24 Therefore I will bring the worst of the Gentiles,
And they will possess their houses;
I will cause the pomp of the strong to cease,
And their holy places shall be defiled.  (Ezekiel 7:23-24)

28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality…30…violent, proud, boasters,…31…unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.  (Romans 1:28-32)

Do you approve those who practice violence?

Since American football games, like the Superbowl, intentionally inflict various hurts, the following scripture supports the idea that American football will not be allowed in the Millennium:

9 They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain,
For the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord
As the waters cover the sea. (Isaiah 11:9, NKJV)

While “love does no harm to a neighbor” (Romans 13:9), what do sports like American football do?

Would Jesus watch the Superbowl?

Perhaps, some might say.  And some may ridicule and/or dismiss what I have written.

Yet if Jesus did watch the Superbowl, would He watch it and hope that one team would tackle and crash into members of the other team?  Or might He watch it, if He did, so He could make social commentary against the violence and/or distorted priorities of the land?

This is something that Christians, and others, should think about.

For more scriptures, as well as the position of early Christians and others on watching violent sports or participating in other violent pursuits, please see the following:

Is American Football Evil? Is the most popular spectator sport in the USA something that Christians should watch? What do the Bible and early writings show? This is the first time I have announced this article on this new page and it contains not only my views, but many quotes that Christians, as well as people who claim to be, should think about. Do you really want to know the answer to the question the title asks? If not, why not?
Military Service and the Churches of God: Do Real Christians Participate in Carnal Warfare? Here are current and historical perspectives on a matter which show the beliefs of the true church on military participation. Is war proper for Christians?

COGwriter

Should you celebrate Valentine’s Day?

Christians who may be tempted to compromise need to ask themselves if the origins of Valentine’s Day are biblical or pagan.

Notice what the Roman Catholics teach,

The roots of St. Valentine’s Day lie in the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia, which was celebrated on Feb. 15. For 800 years the Romans had dedicated this day to the god Lupercus. On Lupercalia, a young man would draw the name of a young woman in a lottery and would then keep the woman as a sexual companion for the year (The Origins of St. Valentine’s Day. http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/ValentinesDay/, January 31, 2004).

It is of interest to note that the same Catholic source states,

The Catholic Church no longer officially honors St. Valentine, but the holiday has both Roman and Catholic roots.

It is good that the Church of Rome no longer officially honors Valentine or the holiday.

Look at some of what the Muslims say about Valentine’s Day,

Celebrating the Valentine Day is not permissible because: Firstly, it is an innovated holiday that has no basis in the Sharee`ah…Christians were aware of the Pagan roots of Valentine’s Day. The way the Christians adopted St. Valentine’s Day should be a lesson for Muslims. In fact, the failure to fully separate Valentine’s Day from its pagan roots explains why Islamic scholars and a number of Muslims avoid adopting traditions of non-Muslims, even though they could possibly be Islamicized…We should avoid anything associated with pagan immoral practices -…- Islam does not encourage flirting or suggestions of romantic relationships before marriage – Love between families, friends and married people does not need to be celebrated on a day with such un-Islamic origins (Ruling on Celebrating Valentine’s Day. http://www.contactpakistan.com/news/news144.htm, January 31, 2004).

What is the ruling on Valentine’s Day?…Firstly: Valentine’s Day is a jaahili Roman festival, which continued to be celebrated until after the Romans became Christian. This festival became connected with the saint known as Valentine who was sentenced to death on 14 February 270 CE. The kuffaar still celebrate this festival, during which immorality and evil are practised widely…Secondly: It is not permissible for a Muslim to celebrate any of the festivals of the kuffaar, because festivals come under the heading of shar’i issues which are to be based on the sound texts…Partially joining in, at the very least, is disobedience and sin…it is not permissible to celebrate the festivals of the ignorant and the mushrikeen (polytheists). (fatwa No. 73007. What is the ruling on Valentine’s Day? http://islamqa.info/en/ref/73007 viewed 02/04/12)

So, according to Muslims, it is improper to celebrate pagan holidays and the so-called “Christians” clearly adopted a pagan holiday.

Last year, the primarily Islamic nation of Malaysia decided to crack down on Valentine’s Day sins:

Malaysian States Crack Down on Valentine’s Day

TIME – Feb 9, 2011 excerpts…

A handful of Malaysian states plan to carry out “immorality checks” on February 14 to ensure that the country’s lovers don’t get carried away.

Nasrudin Hasan Tantawi, head of the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) youth wing, announced Wednesday that serious measures would be taken to quell “immoral acts” during the annual Western celebration of affection. The crackdown is part of a PAS campaign to promote sin-free living, and will feature a series of searches by local authorities and the police and distribution of pamphlets on elements of Muslim morality.

Participating are those four states—Kedah, Penang, Kelantan and Selangor—that are controlled by an opposition coalition of which PAS is a member. “We have identified spots in these states which are used by lovers and we are deploying local religious department officials as well as party members to stop such sinful acts as casual sex, which violates Islam,” Nasrudin told the AFP. http://newsfeed.time.com/2011/02/09/moral-amour-malaysian-states-crack-down-on-valentine%E2%80%99s-day/

Move on Valentine’s Day ‘sins’

Malaysia Star – Feb 8, 2011 excerpts…

PAS Youth chief Nasrudin Hasan Tantawi said the Kedah, Kelantan and Selangor governments have directed all local authorities to work closely with police and Rela in order to carry out operations to check immoral activities during Valentine’s Day...He said the National Fatwa Council forbids Muslims from celebrating Valentine’s Day because of elements of Christianity and sin.

“We are not against love. We are merely raising awareness on self-dignity and moral values,” he said.

In Penang, PAS youth is working closely with the Islamic Religious Department to check immoral activities among Muslims, he said.

Nasrudin added that PAS youth in every state had also been directed to launch campaigns to promote sin-free lifestyle.

“We have identified favourite spots in every state where lovebirds mingle.

“We are deploying our members to preach and to distribute pamphlets promoting healthy sin-free lifestyle. http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/2/9/nation/8024821&sec=nation also:http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5j6M0sZ21MDSUVipeFjbBXxnD4BRQ?docId=CNG.b0bd9634a7d95d37ca7220a20828e2b0.5d1

Notice that the Muslims associate Valentine’s Day with Christianity (obviously the false compromising kind) and sin.  Even the Muslims can see that the hypocrisy in observing Valentine’s day.

Valentine’s Day causes the name of Christ (through the term ‘Christianity’) to be blasphemed among the Gentiles–which is something that the Bible warns against doing:

24 For “the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you,” as it is written. (Romans 2:24)

How does this pagan holiday help get the true gospel out?

It does not.

And that is the point.

Of course, Valentine’s Day is NOT a real Christian holiday and does have its basis in sinful pagan practices.

Jesus did not observe Valentine’s Day or anything close to it.

Valentine’s Day is not a biblical holiday.

It is essentially based upon lawlessness and does not edify Christ. 13 years ago, an article in Christianity Today stated:

There are more tales of the “origins” of Valentine’s Day than arrows in Cupid’s quiver. As expected, most have something to do with pagan ritual (pretty much every holiday—from Christmas to Mother’s Day—has something to do with pagan ritual). Four centuries before Christ, Romans had a day called Lupercalia. Without going too much into it, I’ll sum it up as a sexual lottery. Pull names out of a box at random and couple with a young member of the opposite sex. After a year, you get to pick another name (Olsen T. Then Again Maybe Don’t Be My Valentine. Christianity Today. February 12, 1999).

The modern practice of giving cards to ask/tell someone to “be my Valentine” seems to be a holdover from the ancient sexual lottery.

None who profess Christ should observe this February “holiday”–it simply is not a Christian holiday. It began as a sexual lottery and still has sexual ramifications, even in the 21st century.  Modern Muslims and modern Catholics realize this, shouldn’t you?

For more information, please consider studying the following articles:

Valentine’s Day: Its Real Origins Christianity Today suggests that Valentine’s Day is good for Christians to observe. Is this true?
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.
Are the Ten Commandment Still in Effect? This article quotes the ten commandments and combines some of the previous articles into one article about the ten commandments. The commandments are shown at Mount Sinai, before Mount Sinai, in the teachings of Jesus, after the crucifixion, and in the teachings of Paul. It addresses the most common “traditions of men” regarding them as well.
Were the Pharisees Condemned for Keeping the Law or Reasoning Around it? Many believe that the Pharisees were condemned for keeping the law, but what does your Bible say? If they were not condemned for that, what were they condemned for?
The Ten Commandments Reflect Love, Breaking them is Evil Some feel that the ten commandments are a burden. Is that what Jesus, Paul, Peter, James, and John taught?
Was the Commandment to Love the Only Command? Some have stated that John’s writings teach this, but is that what the Bible really says?
The Ten Commandments and the Early Church Did Jesus and the Early Church keep the ten commandments? What order were they in? Here are quotes from the Bible and early writings.
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?

Berlin Reichstag

COGwriter

Will Germany emerge further as the leader of Europe in 2012?  Notice the following:

World Bank chief: Germany could emerge as European leader or stumble in 2012

AP – Feb 3, 2012

Germany could emerge as Europe’s leader in 2012 by offering Italy and Spain a way out of the debt crisis — or stumble and draw the continent’s anger if other Europeans come to associate it only with an unpopular drive for austerity, the head of the World Bank warned Friday.

Robert Zoellick spoke as the annual Munich Security Conference opened with a discussion of economic heavyweight Germany’s role in Europe and beyond — a reflection of the fact that, as conference organizer Wolfgang Ischinger put it, “more than ever, nonmilitary issues are critical to our security.”

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle-east/mideast-unrest-financial-crisis-loom-large-as-security-and-defense-officials-meet-in-munich/2012/02/03/gIQANsjJmQ_story.html

Well, to a major degree Germany already has emerged as the major leader of Europe.  France tried, but has not had enough financial resources to truly have the type of leadership influence that Germany has attained in Europe.

Notice also:

De Maizière urges more military might in Europe

German Defence Minister Thomas de Maizière said Europe should not fear a renewed US focus on Asia and must increasingly look after its own backyard militarily, in remarks made during the 48th annual Munich Security Conference.

Feb 4, 2012

“We have to be able to do more, and we have to be able to do more together,” he said.

With a view to the withdrawal of US troops from Germany and Europe, de Maizière said the continent must assume military responsibility for its own security and for the broader region. http://www.thelocal.de/national/20120204-40543.html

It is interesting that Germany publicly admits that it and its European allies need more military power.

Late last year in an edition of  TW News & Prophecy, the Living Church of God had the following:

Cries for Germany to lead Europe.

With the ongoing debt crisis in Europe, the specter of an EU break-up looms ominously over the continent. Many nations now see the negative repercussions of such a breakup and are calling for action to prevent it. This week Poland’s Foreign Affairs Minister made a sobering appeal from Berlin: “I will probably be the first Polish foreign minister in history to say so, but here it is. I fear German power less than I am beginning to fear German inactivity. You have become Europe’s indispensable nation.” He went on to say, “The biggest threat to the security and prosperity of Poland would be the collapse of the eurozone. And I demand of Germany that, for your own sake and for ours, you help it survive and prosper. You know full well that nobody else can do it” (Associated Press, November 29, 2011; EUObserver.com, November 28, 2011).

Not every European feels as the Polish Foreign Minister does. However, it is significant to see the increasing power and influence of Germany, and the increasing willingness of certain nations to “give their power” and much of their national sovereignty over to Germany–despite its history over the last 100 years.

Revelation 17 clearly states that ten kings will give their “power and authority” to the Beast for a short time (verses 13-14). It is remarkable to see the “prophetic stage” being set–Poland, a nation that was subjugated by Nazi Germany in World War II, now requesting that modern Germany come to their rescue. And… just as God prophesied, prophecy IS coming alive before our eyes!

And this request for German power is consistent with some requests from Germany (see Germany’s Merkel Says Restructure with ‘More Europe’ Needed and German Finance Minister Calls for EU to Have More Power). Notice also something from the Washington Post:

Only Germany can save the euro zone, therefore Germany must — such is the refrain heard around the world. For non-Germans, it is increasingly hard to understand why the country is not moving forcefully to stop the debt crisis…A global call for the use of German power was not what anybody thought they would ever hear again. And Germans themselves are only slowly waking up to the fact that they are now seen as Europe’s “indispensable power,” as the historian Timothy Garton Ash wrote…

But the Germans have discovered a contradiction: Europeans may call for German leadership, but they don’t want to be led by Germany…If the euro fails, it will be seen as Germany’s fault, not Greece’s or even Italy’s. To avoid the blame as well as the economic fallout, Berlin has little time left to act. http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/in-euro-zone-crisis-germany-is-the-reluctant-savior/2011/12/01/gIQA4rJ8LO_story.html

The Bible, in Revelation 17, is clear that the Europeans will reorganize in the future and given more of their power to a central authority (who, according to Revelation 13:4 is a military leader):

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)

More and more we are hearing calls that are consistent with that prophecy. Steps towards this happening are continuing as we in the Living Church of God have long taught–and there will be bumps in the road and problems (major civil unrest, or worse, may occur and Europe will always have unity issues per Daniel 2:41-43).

In fact, earlier this week, Germany’s Angela Merkel was able to get 25 of the 27 EU nations to support another step towards that unity (see Europe Agrees to Closer Fiscal Union).

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

We in the Living Church of God have long taught that Germany (Assyria in end time prophecy) would be the driving force in the end-time European Beast power as well as having a future role in God’s kingdom. Germany has been the main economic engine behind the EU (the Netherlands is also a major, but sometimes overlooked, major economic power there as well).

We believe that over time, Germany will get more and more powerful and that an even stronger union will form in Europe. More leaders are starting to advocate a stronger Germany for the sake of European union publicly.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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

COGwriter

Today’s edition of LCG’s TW News & Prophecy e-zine has the following:

The UK’s integrity crisis.

“The portrait of a nation increasingly relaxed about ‘low-level dishonesty’ emerges in a major study” conducted by the University of Essex. The report “suggests that the ‘integrity problem’ is likely to get worse because young people are more tolerant of dishonest behaviour than the older generation.”

According to the study, “… in 2000, 70 per cent of people believed an extramarital affair could never be justified; today, the proportion is about 50 per cent. The proportion of people who say picking up money found in the street is never justified fell from 40 per cent to 20 per cent. Lying and breaking the speed limit have also become an accepted part of life.” The report highlights the generation gap’s effect on integrity, “… younger people are far more likely to tolerate dishonesty. Only 33 per cent of under-25s think lying on a job application is never justified, compared with 41 per cent of middle-aged people and 55 per cent of those over 65” (The Independent, January 25, 2012).

The Bible prophesies of an integrity crisis at the end of the age, “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness… and take away justice from the righteous man!” (Isaiah 5:20-23). It is God’s Ten Commandments that provide the moral foundation upon which society must base its values. As that code is buried deeper in the pages of history and replaced by the “situation ethics” of a post-modern era (Judges 17:6), we should expect, and not be surprised by, an unethical pandemic!

Dishonesty does not truly show love towards one neighbor.  Nor is it the only problem of integrity in the UK.  And of course, the UK is not the only country with such problems.

Various forms of “entertainment” are contributing to the moral degradation there and elsewhere.  As well as many lifestyle choices.

Since the Bible indicates that the Great Tribulation begins as the time of Jacob’s trouble (Jeremiah 30:7), it is the Anglo-descended nations, like the UK, Canada, USA, Australia, and New Zealand that will experience that first.

And while those nations probably will not repent before its too late, you can. You can be spared from the hour of trial that Jesus spoke of the happens (Revelation 3:10) before His Kingdom comes.

Several 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.
What is the Meaning of Life? Who does God say is happy? What is your ultimate destiny? Do you really know? Does God actually have a plan for YOU personally?
There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Petra This article discusses a biblical ‘place of safety’ from the ‘hour of trial”. It includes quotes from the Bible and Herbert W. Armstrong on this subject–thus, showing that there is a biblically supported alternative to the rapture theory.
LCG: Pornography, Who’s Tempting Whom? This is some information about the prevalence and dangers of pornography from the Living Church of God.
CG7 on Pornography This is an article excerpt from the Church of God, 7th Day-Denver about pornography.
Abortion, the Bible, and a Woman’s Right to Choose Do you know what the Bible teaches on this? Has the Roman Catholic Church allowed abortions? What about the Living Church of God?
LCG: Homosexuals Gaining Ground “Same-sex marriage” is becoming more acceptable to many. What does the Bible teach about homosexuality?
Is American Football Evil? Is the most popular spectator sport in the USA something that Christians should watch? What do the Bible and early writings show?
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?
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?
Prophecies of Barack Obama? This article has eight reasons why Barack Obama is apocalyptic and eight reasons why Barack Obama is not the Antichrist. It includes many biblical and non-biblical prophecies, from around the world, that seem to discuss Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist? Might Barack Obama set the stage for the kings of the North and South as at least one Shiite prophecy suggests? This is the longest and most complete article at the COGwriter website on Barack Obama prophecies. Read it and decide for yourself if President Obama seems to be fulfilling various prophecies.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”. Might Bible prophecy be fulfilled since he is to be the USA president?
Several More Reasons American’s Question Obama’s Religion Is Barack Obama a Christian? He claims to be. Others question that.
Many Americans Believe that Barack Obama is Muslim Is Barack Obama Muslim? Many feel that he is?
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?
The Ten Commandments Reflect Love, Breaking them is Evil Some feel that the ten commandments are a burden. Is that what Jesus, Paul, Peter, James, and John taught?
Was the Commandment to Love the Only Command? Some have stated that John’s writings teach this, but is that what the Bible really says?
The Ten Commandments and the Early Church Did Jesus and the Early Church keep the ten commandments? What order were they in? Here are quotes from the Bible and early writings.

Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg

COGwriter

Today’s German press, in English, reported the following:

Cake in the face for ‘Baron Cut-and-Paste’

Published: 3 Feb 12

Critics of disgraced former German Defence Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg hit him in the face with a big cake on Thursday night, while he was meeting a Pirate Party politician in a Berlin café.

…But on his Facebook site Guttenberg responded with good humour. “Hooray, a pie attack!” he wrote. “I thought I would starve in Friedrichshain.”

The Local/DPA/mdm http://www.thelocal.de/politics/20120203-40519.html

His response was amusing and consistent with that of a polished politician.

Notice that even the problems Karl zu Guttenberg is having seem consistent with Daniel 11:21. Here are two translations of that:

21 And there shall stand up in his place one despised, and the kingly honour shall not be given him: and he shall come privately, and shall obtain the kingdom by fraud. (Daniel 11:21, Douay-Rheims)

21 “‘His place will be taken by a reject, a man spurned and passed over for advancement. He’ll surprise everyone, seemingly coming out of nowhere, and will seize the kingdom. (Daniel 11:21 from THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language © 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. All rights reserved.)

Resigning in disgrace because of the plagiarism scandal, combined with other criticisms (and a cake in the face), is consistent with one who may be considered as “despised” or a “reject.”

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.

Baron Guttenberg was in Germany discussing internet matters with a politician known for his an anti-survelliance views (Stephan Urbach), when the cake hit his face .  He has long been involved in technology as one would suspect that the final Beast (Revelation 13:1-10,15-17) and King of the North (Daniel 1121-45) might be.

On the other hand, 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, make statements as well as 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?

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

COGwriter

Iran’s “supreme leader” seems to be sounding the war drum:

“In light of the realization of the divine promise by almighty God, the Zionists and the Great Satan (America) will soon be defeated,” Ayatollah Khamenei, the Iranian supreme leader, is warning.

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Khamenei, speaking to hundreds of youths from more than 70 countries attending a world conference on the Arab Spring just days ago, told a cheering crowd in Tehran that “Allah’s promises will be delivered and Islam will be victorious.”

…Khamenei advised the youths to…remain united in opposing the “evil hegemony of the Zionists and the Americans.”

Khamenei then claimed the current century as the century of Islam and promised that human history is on the verge of a great event and that soon the world will realize the power of Allah…

.

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.   http://www.wnd.com/2012/02/iran-warns-world-of-coming-great-event/

(CBS/AP)TEHRAN, Iran – Iran’s Supreme Leader warned Friday that any attack on the Islamic Republic would have negative consequences for the United States.Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s rhetoric, which was forceful but familiar, came a day after U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta suggested Israel could strike Iran as soon as April if international sanctions remain insufficient impetus to coax Iran away from its clandestine nuclear work.

“Threatening Iran and attacking Iran will harm America,” Ayatollah Khamenei told worshipers in Tehran after Friday prayers, according to the Reuters news agency. “Sanctions will not have any impact on our determination to continue our nuclear course.”  http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-202_162-57370978/khamenei-attack-on-iran-would-harm-u.s/?tag=cbsnewsSectionContent.2

Though a more significant Islamic power will rise up for a short while in the 21st century, this power will not last (Daniel 11:40-43)–so the 21st century will not really be the century of Islam–though it appears it will be Islams last century to exist.  While relatively speaking America “will soon be defeated” (cf. Daniel 11:39; Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? ), Ayatollah Khamenei should consider more of what the Bible says as Iran is not the going to be the primary instrument to truly make that happen.

Perhaps I should mention that Iran made the news today for two other reasons:

Reports: Iran successfully launches small Earth-watching satelliteChristian Science Monitor

Khamenei: Iran will back ‘any nations, any groups’ fighting Israel

Washington Post (blog) – ‎3 February 2012

TEHRAN – A fiery anti-Israel speech by Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, delivered shortly after a successful Iranian satellite launch, added to growing global tensions Friday, as Israel warned that it might mount a preemptive strike against  the Islamic republic’s nuclear facilities despite U.S. objections.

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“From now onward, we will support and help any nations, any groups fighting against the Zionist regime across the world, and we are not afraid of declaring this,” Khamenei said during a rare Friday prayer lecture at Tehran University.

Iran does not have enough military power to win an actual war with the USA if such a war were to happen (though it could damage the USA and also have its surrogates cause damage).  It could, however, severely damage Israel, and since Israel knows that, it may decide it has to hit Iran quite hard if it does attack it or respond to an attack from it.  (But if it was able to set off some type of EMP, electromagnetic pulse, bomb or nuclear device in the USA it could cause some real damage.)

Various Western analysts are convinced that if there is a war of some type between Iran and Israel that Iran will try to strike at what it perceives to be US targets/allies, both within the USA and outside of it.  Specifically, perhaps in Iraq and Saudi Arabia, elsewhere, and/or within the USA itself through various “cells” (possibly also involving al Qaeda).   This may well happen, but if so, Iran will likely find it has overestimated its power and underestimated what Israel and/or the USA may do in retaliation.

Also, notice:

Israel Warns US Jews: Iran Could Strike Here

ABC News

Israeli facilities in North America — and around the world — are on high alert, according to an internal security document obtained by ABC News that predicted the threat from Iran against Jewish targets will increase.

“We predict that the threat on our sites around the world will increase … on both our guarded sites and ‘soft’ sites,” stated a letter circulated by the head of security for the Consul General for the Mid-Atlantic States. Guarded sites refers to government facilities like embassies and consulates, while ‘soft sites’ means Jewish synagogues, and schools, as well as community centers like the one hit by a terrorist bombing in Buenos Aires in 1994 that killed 85 people…http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/israel-warns-us-jews-iran-strike/story?id=15506257

The USA would not tend to react well to “Jewish targets” being hit, especially if they are in, or associated with, the USA.

But right now, Iran may not care too much about that.

Iran’s current president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, has publicly stated that the purpose of the Iranian revolution was to prepare the way for an Islamic leader, the 12th Imam, also called the Imam Mahdi, to rise up (this was several years ago, but he still seems to believe it). This Imam Mahdi sounds a lot like the final King of the South that the Bible warns against (though the actual one that many Shi’ites expect from “suspended animation” is not likely to be that King, but a Mahdi belief will likely be a factor in getting the final King of the South).  Last year, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad claimed that it was the Imam Mahdi who was behind the revolutions in the various Arab lands as well as other events in the world (see Mahmoud Ahmadinejad: World Order About to Collapse, Mahdi Behind it). He also was part of a video last year that indicated that Iran intended to relatively soon invade and takeover Jerusalem so that the Imam Mahdi would rise up. The video hinted that Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was somehow prophesied within Islam as a particular leader that would do that (see Iran’s Ahmadinejad to Conquer Jerusalem?).

Various prophecies of the Mahdi state that he would return in an even numbered year, like the end 2012 (the Islamic calendar runs differently than the Roman calendar, we are currently in Islamic year 1433). The Mahdi is supposed to be recognized in an even numbered year, and since Ahmadinejad’s term ends in 2013 (Islamic year 1434 runs from November 15, 2012 to November 3, 2013), and he indicated he wanted to cause the Mahdi to arrive before he leaves office, he and others in Iran may cause enough chaos to try to cause this to happen soon.

To bring enough Arab nations together, I have felt that some type of “strongman” needed to rise up. One who Arabs would tend to respect–who might use the title Imam Mahdi and/or Caliph. This is also consistent with the historical positions of various Church of God writers in the past. Notice a few examples:

The prophecy of Daniel 11 details events…But who is the “king of the south”?…Just as there is yet to be a final “king of the north”–called in the Bible symbolism “the beast”–who will arise as superdictator over an end-time European confederation, there may very well emerge in the same manner a final “king of the south”–an overall leader of an Arab-Moslem confederation, possibly bearing the very title Mahdi. And these two individuals will eventually find themselves in a head-to-head confrontation–possibly over oil–which will ultimately lead to devastating war in the Middle East!…

The supreme office of caliph, originally elective, became hereditary…Eventually…caliphs became figurehead or “puppet” leaders…Many Arabs…seek to re-create the political and theological unity of the early Islamic caliphate (Stump K. The Arab World in Prophecy. Plain Truth, December 1979, pp. 9-10).

Al Qaeda named its Internet newscast, which debuted in September, ‘The Voice of the Caliphate.’…Kerem Acar, a tailor in central Istanbul {said} ‘…one day maybe my children’s children will see someone declare himself the caliph, like the pope, and have an impact’” (January 14, 2006). Indeed, a coming “Mahdi” whose arrival Muslims are expecting—in Bible prophecy known as the “King of the South” (Daniel 11:40–45)—will soon arise and have a dramatic impact on world events. This powerful Muslim religious leader will unite many of the more than one billion Muslims. He will pose a genuine threat to the coming European Empire, which will have to crush that threat in order to continue exploiting Middle Eastern oil to further its military ambitions. (Meredith RC. Prophecy Fulfilled: God’s Hand in World Affairs. LCG Booklet, 2007, pp. 16-17)

Opinion polls show that significant majorities in many Arab countries favor the establishment of Sharia law, derived from the Qur’an and centuries of Muslim jurisprudence. Several nations, such as Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Yemen already have Sharia law in some form. Others, such as Egypt, Morocco, Jordan, Pakistan, Syria, Qatar and United Arab Emirates, mix Sharia with other systems. To the great surprise of many Western analysts, University of Maryland researchers polled Arab nations and found that substantial majorities in Pakistan, Egypt and Morocco favored the establishment of the Caliphate—which would mean autocratic Islamist rule!…(Daniel 11:40–45…This “king of the South” will be a great leader, likely the head of a Muslim coalition, who will attack or challenge a great northern power in Europe. Europeans are well aware of the threat of Islam. (Wakefield D. Nine-Eleven Plus Ten. Tomorrow’s World magazine, September-October 2011, p. 24).

As the above shows, we in the Church of God have long taught that a pan-Islamic leader will rise up in the Middle East and become the final King of the South in Bible prophecy (Daniel 11:40). Iran wants to make this happen–but will not succeed as it currently seems to hope.  Yet, Iran’s inflammatory rhetoric may get it and/or its close allies leveled (cf. Isaiah 17:1) to the point that the rest of the Arab Islamic world will decide it to needs to unite against the USA and Israel.  Notice what the Bible teaches:

They have said, “Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation, That the name of Israel may be remembered no more.” For they have consulted together with one consent; They form a confederacy against You: The tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites; Moab and the Hagrites; Gebal, Ammon, and Amalek; Philistia with the inhabitants of Tyre; Assyria also has joined with them; They have helped the children of Lot. (Psalm 83:4-8).

So, an Islamic confederation apparently consisting of Arabs and Turks (Edom) will decide to eliminate “Israel” and will receive European support (Assyria) which may also be related, at least indirectly, to a lying deal between the final King of the North and the King of the South.

Iran’s “supreme leader’s” latest warnings are apparently intended to fan the flames of pro-Islamic and anti-Western sentiment in the Arab lands and to encourage them to install even less secular governments than they have had.  And ultimately, the Arabs will do more of that, though currently they oppose Iran itself and few are likely to support Iran at this time.

In the meantime, however, I would not be surprised if Iran, Hezbollah, and Syria get together to cause trouble (including possible war) with Israel as a means of hoping to provoke the rise of the Imam Mahdi, as well as to hope to get the Arab states to support the Iranian version of Shi’ite Islam (most of the Arab nations are mainly Sunni Islam).  And while that latter item won’t happen as Iran seems to envision, it certainly may get the Arab states in more of a mood to cooperate closer (which, with the “Arab Spring” and the rise of groups like the Muslim Brotherhood is already beginning to happen–and a regional war might accelerate the process).

Watch (Mark 13:37).

Some articles of 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? Might this King be called the Mahdi? What does the Bible say?
The Arab and Islamic World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam? What about the Imam Mahdi? What lies ahead for Turkey, Iran, and the other non-Arabic Muslims?
Is There an Islamic Antichrist? Is Joel Richardson correct that the final Antichrist will be Islamic and not European? Find out.
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies for the Great Monarch point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British-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 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? 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?
Barack Obama in Islamic Prophecy? There is actually a 17th century Shiite prophecy that some believe that Barack Obama will fulfill that will lead to a rising up of Islam.
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?

COGwriter

The Shining Light blog had the following related to the United Church of God:

From Financial Operations:

Our income for January 2012 was a positive 8.7% compared to January one year ago, the first month after separation. When you add the deposits made in January but dated December 2011 for tax purposes, we were up 14.86% (these have always been added to January’s count at the end of the month, but not in the January daily totals). We anticipate positive income comparisons each month for the rest of the year, even though our year-to-date income will remain negative. Our year-to-date income is tracking 17% better than we anticipated when building our budget last May.    The administration has filled gaps in several congregations with additional pastoral hires, which have made expenses a little higher than anticipated. God knows this and has rewarded our faith accordingly. Keep praying for more qualified men to help in whatever capacity they are able and also for the faithful tithes and offerings that support the cost to serve our members. Pray also for relief for our ministers who have extended themselves to fill the gaps.

We have received many responses to our building proposal survey. Most responses have been positive, to step out on faith, but with concerns about financing so much of it. The members responding mention they are glad to be included in this decision. We are family and this exercise has helped to increase unity.  Although the determination will be up to the Council of Elders, with the needs of our church areas and members, I don’t see at the present time how we as an administration would suggest adding this expansion into the upcoming budget. That being said, I believe we should have a contingency that would allow us to move forward with building it IF our Texas property sells or enough money is raised during the year to make it viable. We want what is best for the church, as God shows us, and at the moment we do not plan to put these building expansion plans into the May budget. We will not cut our service to God’s people to force an agenda.

Thank you for your prayers and service. — Aaron Dean

Aaron Dean is the treasurer for UCG.

The proposed delay is not particularly surprising as UCG lost about 1/2 of its ministry since the Spring of 2010, when a former president and certain other leaders left to form a group known as Church of God a Worldwide Association (COGWA).  The loss also included thousands of members, and hence has affected UCG’s income compared to the time prior to the COGWA-related losses.  UCG has had two major (and several minor) defections in it history, the first major one involving former UCG President David Hulme’s COGaIC in 1998 and then the COGWA split.  Both the COGaIC and COGWA splits were claimed to be related to issues of church governance and direction.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Polycarp, Herbert W. Armstrong, and Roderick C. Meredith on Church Government What form of governance did the early church have? Was it hierarchical? Which form of governance would one expect to have in the Philadelphia remnant? The people decide and/or committee forms, odd dictatorships, or the same type that the Philadelphia era itself had?
Unity: Which COG for You? Why so many groups? Why is there lack of unity in the Churches of God? Has it always been this way? What can/should be done about it?
Differences between the Living Church of God and United Church of God This article provides quotes information from the two largest groups which had their origins in WCG as well as commentary.
There are Many COGs: Why Support the Living Church of God? This is an article for those who wish to more easily sort out the different COGs. It really should be a MUST READ for current and former WCG/GCI members or any interested in supporting the faithful church. It also explains a lot of what the COGs are all about.
Concerns about Church of God, a Worldwide Association This seems to be the largest group that came out of the United Church of God. Here is some history and concerns about it.
Should the Church Still Try to Place its Top Priority on Proclaiming the Gospel or Did Herbert W. Armstrong Change that Priority for the Work? Some say the Church should mainly feed the flock now as that is what Herbert W. Armstrong reportedly said. Is that what he said? Is that what the Bible says? What did Paul and Herbert W. Armstrong expect from evangelists?
The Laodicean Church Era has been predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. These are non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG.

Bas-relief at Angkor Wat depicting a demon performing an ancient abortion.

COGwriter

Tonight, the pro-Vatican news agency Zenit had the following:

Permalink: http://www.zenit.org/article-34228?l=english

Not Ready to Give Up on Down Syndrome

People With Trisomy 21 Are Charming Even a Society Eager to Abort Them
ROME, FEB. 2, 2012 (Zenit.org).- The subject of Down syndrome has appeared many times in this column, much to do with the fact my son has Trisomy 21. The stories have rarely been cheerful, mostly because the prognosis for the future of people with Trisomy 21 is poor. With an 80% abortion rate for children detected with the condition in the womb, it seems that the modern world believes it can eradicate Down syndrome as if it were small pox or the bubonic plague…by Elizabeth Lev

The abortion rate for those with Down syndrome is even higher in places like Japan.  Not only are they “charming,” as Elizabeth Lev put it, most with Down syndrome are also sweet and loving.

Abortion kills an unborn person.  And yes, it now intentionally happens more for those who happen to have 47 chromosomes (like those with Down syndrome) than those with 46 (most everyone else).  But that does not make it right.

There is a price to pay for sins like abortion.

Unborn humans, including those with Down syndrome, still are people. Abortion is wrong.

Several articles of possibly related interest may include:

Abortion, the Bible, and a Woman’s Right to Choose Do you know what the Bible teaches on this? What do the Living Church of God and the Church of Rome teach?
The Ten Commandments Reflect Love, Breaking them is Evil Some feel that the ten commandments are a burden. Is that what Jesus, Paul, Peter, James, and John taught?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 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?

Jerusalem

COGwriter

The USA’s Secretary of Defense apparently made an astounding public admission:

By YAAKOV KATZ 02/02/2012 20:40

US secretary of defense is concerned Israel will launch an attack before Iran enters so-called “immunity zone” when military strike won’t bust Iran’s nuclear facilities, ‘Washington Post’ reports.

United States Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta believes that Israel will attack Iran in April, May or June, the Washington Post reported Thursday.  http://www.jpost.com/IranianThreat/News/Article.aspx?id=256262

His position is consistent with those of certain other analysts as well as some positions speculated here.  Of course, there are many reasons he might have said that.  Also notice the following news items:

Israel Warns Iranian Missiles Might Threaten US

New York Times – ‎2 February 2012

JERUSALEM – A senior Israeli official said Thursday that the missile testing site near Tehran that was destroyed in a huge explosion three months ago was developing missiles with a range of some 6000 miles aimed at the United States.

U.S. officials see increasing threat of domestic attack from Iran

1/31/12

WASHINGTON — Even as al-Qaida’s ability to attack the United States continues to diminish, Iran is more willing to attack the United States and American interests overseas, the top U.S. intelligence official told Congress on Tuesday.

Director of National Intelligence James R. Clapper said that a failed 2011 plot to assassinate the Saudi ambassador to the United States in Washington has convinced U.S. intelligence officials that the leaders of the Iranian government are increasingly likely to support attacks on U.S. soil.

“Some Iranian officials — probably including Supreme Leader Ali Khameni — have changed their calculus and are now willing to conduct an attack in the United States,” said Clapper in written testimony submitted to Senate Select Committee on Intelligence…

If the USA really believes that Iran may attack it, the USA may be more willing to publicly somewhat support Israel in its efforts.  Perhaps that is what Secretary Panetta is starting to do.  Israel and the USA will likely remain at least partial allies for a while (cf. Daniel 11:27-39), though the relationship has been strained tremendously since Barack Obama became US President.

World events continue to align with Bible prophecy.  The Bible also shows that a reshuffling of the powers currently in the Middle East needs to occur as the King of the South still needs to rise up (Daniel 11:40).

However, a few years before that leader and his European counterpart (the King of the North) reach the maximums of their power, an apparent peace deal will come (Daniel 9:27).  Of course, it may take a war and/or economic pressure to persuade some of the parties to make this type of deal.  A regional war, that somewhat gets out of control and may involve Syria and others (including many based in Lebanon), beyond Iran and Israel is something I have warned could happen for some time now and really could be a factor that ultimately leads to the fulfillment of Daniel 9:27.

If Iran believes it is going to be attacked, this may encourage Iran to first attack Israel or at least more directly provoke Israel to attack.

If there is a regional war and Syria is highly involved, then there is a chance its capital will be destroyed as ultimately Damascus will be (Isaiah 17:1).

Events are heating up in the Middle East.  “And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!” (Mark 13:37).

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided? 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?
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 written by Bob Thiel related to Barack Obama and Julia Gillard began to come to pass?
Is There A Future King of the South? Some no longer believe there needs to be. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? Might this King be called the Mahdi? What does the Bible say?
The Arab and Islamic World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam? What about the Imam Mahdi? What lies ahead for Turkey, Iran, and the other non-Arabic Muslims?