Church of God News

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

COGwriter

Many of us have questioned the official inflation rate in the USA.  CBS has reported the following:

Forget the modest 3.1 percent rise in the Consumer Price Index, the government’s widely used measure of inflation. Everyday prices are up some 8 percent over the past year, according to the American Institute for Economic Research…The institute contends that to get a good read on inflation’s “sticker shock” effect, you must look at the cost of goods that the average household buys at least once a month and factor in only the kinds of expenses that are subject to change…

And, largely as the result of the recent run-up in gas prices, this “everyday price index” (EPI) suggests that Americans are being pinched far more tightly than the official inflation measure would have you believe.

Over the past year, the EPI is up just over 8 percent, according to the economics group. The biggest factor: Motor fuel and transportation costs are up 21.06 percent from year-ago levels.

I have seen other inflation estimates higher than that.  An online source that analyzes such matters puts it at 10.5% from January 2011-January 2012 (http://www.shadowstats.com/).  With the recent major increases in the price of gasoline (the absolute cheapest around here is $4.32.9 per gallon), it is likely that these inflation rate numbers will rise soon.  Of course, by using lower official inflation rates, the US government does not have to increase social security and other related pensions as much as it has effectively promised to.  Lower numbers also keep the voters less agitated, though many are agitated anyway.

The Bible warns that the pride of power will be broken (Leviticus 26:19), and for the USA this apparently is not only referring to its military might, but its economic pride, its dollar. Now as I have been saying, the USA dollar will NOT totally collapse (become worth a small fraction of its purchasing value) until shortly before the start of the Great Tribulation (Jeremiah 30:7; Matthew 24:21).

The USA is the most indebted nation of all time.  Inflation will ultimately be a major problem for the USA as its foreign creditors will realize that the dollars they hold are becoming worth less and less.  Eventually, they will demand much higher rates of interest for holding USA dollars, which is something that the USA cannot currently afford.  And eventually, inflation will get them to realize that it is all over for the USA and its dollar.

Interestingly, after I wrote the above, I noticed the following on the front page of Friday’s edition of the Wall Street Journal as well as something from the Australian version:

Beijing Diversifies Away From US Dollar

Wall Street Journal – ‎BEIJING—Fresh data suggest China is moderating its appetite for investing in US securities, a trend that could mean lower flows of cheap capital from Beijing and a possible rise in borrowing costs across the American economy.

China moves out of $US, world doesn’t end

China is shifting sharply away from US dollars and the world hasn’t ended-yet… In the 12 months to June 2011, dollar purchases accounted for just 15 per cent of additions to China’s reserves.  That confirms hints from Beijing and Europe over the past year that China has ramped up purchases of European debt.

As far as the USA goes, “yet” is the operative word.

Notice the following prophecy:

3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry…5 Indeed, because he transgresses by wine, He is a proud man… 6 “Will not all these take up a proverb against him, And a taunting riddle against him, and say, ‘Woe to him who increases What is not his–how long? And to him who loads himself with many pledges’? 7 Will not your creditors rise up suddenly? Will they not awaken who oppress you? And you will become their booty. 8 Because you have plundered many nations, All the remnant of the people shall plunder you (Habakkuk 2:3,5,6-8).

LCG Evangelist Dr. D. Winnail wrote about the suddenness of what will happen:

Handwriting on the Wall! On July 4, the United States, currently the most powerful nation in the world, celebrated 234 years of independence. The following day, on Monday, July 5, British-born Harvard professor and economic historian Niall Ferguson opened the 2010 Aspen Ideas Festival with a stark warning that the American “empire” could suddenly collapse—possibly within the next two years—due to the country’s rising debt! (Winnail W. LCG World Ahead Weekly Update, July 8, 2010)

The U.S. and the British-descended peoples have enjoyed living off the resources of the world, but the prophet Habakkuk warns: “… Will not your creditors rise up suddenly? Will they not awaken who oppress you? And you will become their booty. Because you have plundered many nations, all the remnant of the people shall plunder you” (Habakkuk 2:7–8). (Winnail D. Sudden Calamities Ahead! Tomorrows’ World, Volume 10, Issue 5. Sept-Oct, 2008)

Hebrew prophets also warned repeatedly that the future demise of God’s chosen Israelite peoples would come “suddenly” and unexpectedly (Isaiah 9:14–15; 29:5; 30:13; Jeremiah 6:26; 15:8). Modern financial analysts realize this could happen if the nations lending to America decide to dump the dollar and call their loans. The prophet Habakkuk’s warning to the ancient Babylonians, “Will not your creditors rise up suddenly?” (Habakkuk 2:7)—may also ring true for debt-plagued nations like America and its Israelite cousins. Prophetic scripture contains a sobering message: debt and disobedience lead to the demise of nations! (Winnail, D. Debt, Disobedience and Demise of Nations. Tomorrows’ World, Volume 12, Issue 2. March-April 2010, p. 27)

It is the the United States and its Anglo-allies that have loaded pledges of debt in these end times that they really do not expect to pay back. In that respect they have recently plundered many nations.  The change is lending from China is not yet enough of a factor–but even when it cannot borrow from others directly, the Federal Reserve simply prints up more electronic currency (with terms like “quantitative easing”) that creates both a credit and inflation risk.

And while I do not believe that 2012 is the year for total monetary collapse (though problems are happening and will happen in 2012), according to Bible prophecy, the end of the Anglo-dominance of the world is coming, and the final age of the Gentiles will be here in a relatively few years. The debt and other financial issues in the USA are indicators that not too many more years are left before the start of the Great Tribulation.

It is not that Europe and other areas will not have their own issues, it just is that since they have not quite followed the USA into the debt creation machine to the same degree, they completely will fall apart later than the USA does.  Investors will not necessarily seek perfection, just something that they consider a safer investment than the USA dollar.

And the Bible shows that the final King of the North of Europe will apparently secure gold (cf. Daniel 11:40-43) that will for a while, partially hold its collapse off (Revelation 18:11-16).  And hence, Europe looks like it will be the place that many investors will choose over the USA, and its close allies, such as the UK and Canada.

To learn more, please check out the following articles:

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? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
Prophecies of Barack Obama? Are there biblical and non-biblical prophecies about Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist? This is a lengthy article with many prophecies that Barack Obama may end up fulfilling.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”. Might Bible prophecy be fulfilled by him?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?

Parliament Hill, Ottawa, Canada

COGwriter

In its latest TW News and Prophecy, the Living Church of God has the following:

Biblical Key to U.S. Relationships

A recent Gallup poll revealed that “Nearly all Americans, a full 96 per cent, have a favourable view of Canada… That’s the loftiest ranking for any foreign country since Gallup began the poll two decades ago… But the survey suggests Canada better keep its eye on the Aussies–Australia is right behind us in second place at 93 per cent. Great Britain is in third at 90 per cent” (www.ca.news.yahoo.com, February 16, 2012). Historically, the U.S. has also had close ties with Israel.

The article cites reasons for the “love affair” between the U.S. and Canada, including strong diplomatic ties, a common border, long-lasting peace, Canada’s strong economy, and many joint ventures–including being comrades-in-arms in conflicts around the globe. But there are biblical reasons for these close relationships.

What few realize today is that the U.S., Canada, the U.K. and even Israel are literally “brothers” of common parents. The Bible reveals that the sons of Joseph, Ephraim and Manasseh, were to become a great nation and a company of nations–the U.S. and the British-descended people. Jews in Israel today are descended from the Israelite tribe of Judah–which makes these people also “brothers.” Thus, the modern relationships between these nations are not unique, nor are they new.

The biblical identities of these modern nations provide important insights into end-time Bible prophecies aimed at the “houses” of Israel and Judah. For more information on this fascinating subject, see our booklet The United States and Great Britain in Prophecy.

The Bible ties the Anglo-descended nation of the USA, Canada, Great Britain, Australia, and New Zealand together.  With the exception of New Zealand, these nations tend to fight many of the same actual battles and work closely together militarily (New Zealand, though sometimes isolating itself from USA military conflicts, does work closely together with Australia).

These nations will all fall towards the beginning of the Great Tribulation.

Some articles of possibly related biblical interest may include:

Canada in Prophecy: What do Bible prophecy, Catholic prophecy, and other predictions suggest about the future of Canada? Many are not positive about its future.
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? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first? What will happen to the nation of Israel?
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?
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?
Prophecies of Barack Obama? Are there biblical and non-biblical prophecies about Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist? This is the longest and most detailed of the articles here related to prophecy and Barack Obama.
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?
Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? When does the six thousand years of human rule end?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2012, 2013, or 2014? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? What will happen?

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

COGwriter

In its latest TW News and Prophecy, the Living Church of God has the following:

Iran, Israel and War?

In early February, Iran touted its newest-generation nuclear centrifuges and increased capacity for producing higher grade uranium (Agence France Presse, February 15, 2012). Now, the U.N.’s nuclear watchdog agency has released its latest report citing Iran for obstructing its investigative work and stating that Iran had not answered questions about possible military aspects of its nuclear programs. However Iran’s envoy to the agency insists that Iran desires to “keep talking” to the IAEA (BBC, February 24, 2012).This week, Israel’s President and Defense Minister held high level meetings in Washington related to the escalating situation in Iran. While the U.S. continues to push for restraint and time to let international sanctions take their toll in Iran, Israel views the situation as a growing threat to its survival (www.salon.com, February 27, 2012). Iran has also threatened pre-emptive strikes should it feel “backed into a corner” (BBC, February 21, 2012). In a recent interview, former U.S. National Security Advisor, Zbigniew Brzezinski, warned that a nuclear Iran would be more predictable than a war started by Israel, because a nuclear Iran would be easy to “isolate” on the world stage. He also noted that a war between Israel and Iran would further destabilize an already unstable region (Deutsche Welle, February 27, 20 12).

Bible prophecies foretell that prior to the return of Jesus Christ, Jerusalem will be surrounded by armies and trampled by Gentiles, that half the city will go into captivity and that daily sacrifices begun by the Jews will be stopped (Luke 21:20; Zechariah 14:1-2; Daniel 8:11-12). The growing turmoil in the Middle East may prepare the way for these prophesied events.

Here are some other news report related to the situation with Iran and Israel:

US urges Israeli patience on Iran

Ynetnews -3 March 2012

Ahead of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s meeting with US President Barack Obama in Washington next week, White House officials said that the US’ stance on a possible Israeli strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities is clear. “We’re trying to make the decision to attack Iran as hard as possible for Israel,” an administration official, speaking anonymously, told the Washington Post…”At a time when there is not a lot of sympathy for Iran and its only real ally (Syria) is on the ropes, do we want a distraction in which suddenly Iran can portray itself as the victim?” Obama said in the interview.

Iran is centre of moral corruption: Peres

‎Hindustan Times – 3 March 2012PTI Israeli President Shimon Peres has said that the international community should wary of Iran acquiring nuclear weapons as the country was riddled by moral corruption among top leadership. “I do believe that Iran is today the centre of moral corruption of our time. They kill people. They support terror. They are highly ambitious, so it’s a problem not just for Israel. Israel is just part of it. And I think the leaders of the world understand it. They take it seriously,” Peres told the Charlie Rose Show in an interview…Peres said Israel and US are having the highest level of cooperation on security.

Amid fresh violence in Syria, Turkey calls on Iran to cut support for Assad regime

Haaretz – ‎3 March 2012: AP Turkey, which could serve as an effective conduit of arms to the rebels, is preventing arms transfers until a decision is made by the UN, and is trying to convince Russia and Iran to change their position. Turkish President Abdullah Gul said on Friday that ultimately Iran and Russia will realize they have no choice but to join international efforts against the Assad regime.

The current situation seems to be the Israel believes it has little choice but to plan to attack or somehow try to neutralize Iran.  Syria is realizing that it is being cut off from much of the world and Iran is one of its few reliable allies.  Iran and Syria may well team up against Israel–and this could include using biological and chemical weapons against Israel.  This could be something that Syria may regret (cf. Isaiah 17:1).

Iran had an election that does not look that good for its current president:

Ahamdinejad top loser in Iranian parliamentary elections

Iran Independent News Service – ‎March 3 – The Iranian President is the mail loser of the parliamentary election held on Friday in Iran. Unconfirmed reports say that only 11 of his supporters could win the elections in their constituencies.

Iran touts high turnout in election |

‎Reuters – 3 March 2012

By Parisa Hafezi and Mitra Amiri | TEHRAN (Reuters) – Iran, under intense Western pressure over its disputed nuclear program, on Saturday declared an initial turnout of 64 percent in a parliamentary election shunned by most reformists as a sham…. Ahmadinejad, 56, cannot run for a third term.

So, the President of Iran may feel that he has limited options.  A cornered beast sometimes simply fights despite the odds.

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

For various reasons, the Imam Mahdi sounds a lot like the final King of the South that the Bible foretells (Daniel 11:40-43). And he may be part of a deal that will affect the USA and its Anglo-allies (Psalm 83:4-8). And this will not be good.

Yet, the final King of the South will not be Iran (Iran is basically east of Jerusalem), but apparently Arabic (which includes those of Egypt, Libya, etc.).  Yet, Iran’s actions and rhetoric (as well as rhetoric from the USA, Syria, and Israel) continue to stir up the situation in the Middle East.

The situation in the Middle East is tense. Regional war involving Israel, Iran, Syria, and others this year is a real possibility. Damascus, the capital of Syria, could become a ruinous heap (Isaiah 17:1).  But this does not mean that the USA and Israel would get off without troubles and cost.  Just like Afghanistan was a major problem for the old Soviet Union, Iran could be a major drain on the USA (and at minimum would raise terrorist issues).

It may take a regional war in the Middle East and perhaps terrorist attacks on USA-related targets for the apparent peace deal of Daniel 9:27 to take place.  The situation in Syria, Iran, and Israel will change–and military conflict may well be one of those changes.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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

COGwriter

In its announcement dated 03/02/12 the United Church of God (UCG) had the following from its Chairman, Melvin Rhodes:

There are 12 men on the Council and they have 12 different opinions…

After a great deal of discussion we were able to agree on the Strategic and Operation Plans that will be presented to the General Conference of Elders (GCE) in May.

We spent considerable time on the proposed Budget for the coming fiscal year—2012-2013…Our new budget for the coming fiscal year includes a “faith line” like last year. When it is presented, you will see that 30.5 percent of our income is now devoted to preaching the gospel. In spite of suffering a loss in income just over a year ago, we have been able to do more—going through doors as God has opened them. We do not want to let up on these efforts. While our current income will not supply all our needs, we are asking God to call new people into the Church to help finance further efforts.

UCG held its Council of Elders meetings this week with its 12 council members.  Presuming that UCG does spend 30.5% of its income on gospel proclamation like its Chairman has indicated, that is a major shift in how UCG has historically operated.

UCG spent almost nothing on that when it began in 1995 as the following demonstrates:

“Broadcast Media and Advertising. No budget is projected in this area at this time. The new Council of Elders will develop strategic and operating plans. Broadcast media and advertising will be addressed at that time.” (Notes to Proposed Fiscal Budget. New Beginnings. December 18, 1995; p:11)

“Israel sat on the bottom of Mount Sinai for nearly a year (Exodus 19:1, Numbers 10:11). Why? Because this is how God decided to start a church…God took time to teach Israel how to worship Him. He took time to organize and train their ministry and to write their ministerial manuals. He took time to teach them how to conduct worship services. All this was done in Exodus. God then dedicated the entire book of Leviticus to teaching Israel how to worship and walk with Him–a repetition and expansion of the book of Exodus. Is there a lesson in it for us? Yes. Some get overly anxious about doing a work…Some would like to see us do it right this time.” (Dick, Bob. From the Chairman: How Would God Start a Church? New Beginnings. March 4, 1996).

Does anyone believe that the disciples thought that Jesus taught to wait a year in Matthew 28:19-20? 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?

But that is what UCG did.  And most years of its existence, it has spent more on its home office and governance than it has on gospel proclamation.  UCG, however, lost much of its paid ministry in 2010 and 2011 to a break off group that now calls itself COGWA.  This has resulted in reassessments of UCG’s mission and priorities.

As far other statistics, UCG posted some videos related to its conference this week, and Shining Light summarized some of UCG’s statistics as follows:

Number of elders (Total)  333:

Number of elders (U.S.)   263:

Number of elders (International) 70…

Ordinations since Jan 1 2011 (Total)   39:

Ordinations since Jan 1 2011 (U.S.)   30:

Ordinations since Jan 1 2011 (International)  9:

Churches and Bible Studies (U.S.)   197

A high priority for UCG has been to add more elders since it lost so many in the past two years.  It appears that UCG’s current Council of Elders wants to show its membership that it is committed to supporting them and to change the direction of its past leadership more towards gospel proclamation.  If it actually does this, then this would be a positive for UCG.

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.

COGwriter

In today’s TW News & Prophecy, LCG reported:

This week some 16 tornadoes spawned by a powerful storm system tore through parts of Kansas, Illinois and Missouri, killing and injuring dozens of people. The resort town of Branson, Missouri, was hard hit with hotels and theaters losing roofs, having windows shattered and losing power. Branson is about 100 miles southeast of Joplin, Missouri, which was “devastated by a monstrous twister last May that killed 161 people” (onenewsnow.com, Feb.29, 2012). Several small communities in the region were literally leveled. Alabama reported that in January, 95 tornadoes struck the state–before the tornado season even officially began in March!Today, few make any connection between these weather-related disasters and what is going on in our nations–the acceptance and promotion of homosexuality, pornography, rampant divorce, abortion, etc. However, the Bible clearly states that God will bring “disaster upon disaster” upon His disobedient people because they have turned their backs on Him and ignored His laws (Ezekiel 1-7). Unless the Israelite people repent and change, these disasters will only increase–see our booklet Who Controls the Weather?

Since the above was written, there have been other tornadoes.  Notice:

3 killed as storms roar across Midwest, South

USA TODAY – ‎2 March 2012

ATHENS, Ala. (AP) – Powerful storms stretching from the Gulf Coast to the Great Lakes flattened buildings in several states, wrecked a small Indiana town and bred anxiety across a wide swath of the country in the second powerful tornado outbreak this week.  Indiana authorities say at least three people have been killed by tornadoes raking the southern portion of the state…Dozens of houses were also damaged in Alabama and Tennessee two days after storms killed 13 people in the Midwest and South.Thousands of schoolchildren in several states were sent home as a precaution, and several Kentucky universities were closed. The Huntsville, Ala., mayor said students in area schools sheltered in hallways as severe weather passed in the morning.

‘Enormous outbreak’ of apparent tornadoes tears through US

‎CNN – 2 March 2012 By the CNN Wire Staff (CNN) — A powerful severe storm system moved across the United States on Friday, causing at least three apparent tornadoes from Alabama to Indiana and threatening even more destruction as the day wore on. National Weather Service meteorologist John Gordon reported Friday afternoon the agency has about “half a dozen reports of tornadoes on the ground,” as well as reports of “significant damage” — stressing all the while that the worst may still be to come…One of the hardest hit Indiana communities was Marysville, which Moore said he’d heard from a county police officer is “gone” — an assessment repeated by Clark County Sheriff’s Department Maj. Chuck Adams to CNN’s Louisville-based affiliate WDRB.

Aerial footage from CNN affiliate WLKY showed structures seemingly torn to shred and large swaths of trees knocked down in Henryville, about 20 miles north of Louisville, Kentucky.

In Tennessee, severe weather was responsible for critical injuries of as many as eight people in the cities of Harrison and Oolteweh, officials there said.

Tornadoes Destroy Homes Across U.S. Midwest, South, Killing Three People  Bloomberg 2 March 2012

Dozens of tornadoes cut a path across parts of the U.S. Midwest and South, smashing houses, closing Cincinnati’s airport and killing at least three people.The storms, the second swarm this week, left a trail of destruction across five states, hitting hardest in southern Indiana, northern Kentucky and northern Alabama.

In Clark County, Indiana, a high school was “extensively damaged,” said Major Chuck Adams of the sheriff’s office.

Weather problems and disasters were something that Jesus warned about.

8 … And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows. (Mark 13:8)

We may be at this prophetic point as all the earthquakes and other weather problems that have happened in the past year or so could be considered as “troubles”.

Weather related issues should serve as a wake-up call that the world can change very quickly and that the time to repent is now:

30 Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, 31 because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead. (Acts 17:30-31)

There are troubles and repentance is needed.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Are You Saved? Do You Love Jesus? What is a True Christian? What is the Gospel? Evangelist Richard Ames answers those important questions.
Read the Bible Christians should read and study the Bible. This article gives some rationale for regular bible reading.
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2011, 2012, or 2013? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? What is “the beginning of sorrows”? Have we begun or are we about ready for “the beginning of sorrows” to begin.
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What about Jerusalem? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
Physical Preparation Scriptures for Christians. We all know the Bible prophecies famines. Should we do something?
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?
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?

COGwriter

The Wall Street Journal just reported the following:

BRUSSELS—European Union leaders Friday signed the region’s new fiscal pact, adopting strict new rules on deficits and debts, even as some members warned a tougher economic environment is challenging their fiscal commitments.

The accord…calls for sanctions on those member states that fail to meet targets, was signed by 25 member states. The U.K. and the Czech Republic opted out.

After a two-day summit Friday, EU leaders also recommitted to economic growth initiatives that several countries have been holding up, such as deepening the 27-member bloc’s single market and creating a common energy market by 2014.  http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203986604577256862951941608.html

Additional fiscal union (cf. Revelation 13:16-17) is prophesied for the end time Babylonian beast power.  And having a common energy market by 2014 is consistent with that.

Europe has tended to have similarities to the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11 (see EU’s Fragile Tower of Babel) and sometimes has used it as a reference as the poster at the beginning of this article shows.  The term Babylon seems to derive from Babel and the Bible indicates that the end time Babylon will be European.

Interestingly, even Roman Catholic scholars often teach that the Apostle John’s references to Babylon in the Book of Revelation (circa 95 A.D.) are references to Rome and/or its empire. Notice what the commentary in the Rheims’ New Testament, the Catholic accepted translation of the Latin Vulgate into English, states:

The author of the Commentaries upon the Apocalypse set forth in St. Ambrose name, writeth thus: This…sometime signifieth Rome, specially which at that time when the Apostle wrote this, did persecute the Church of God. But otherwise it signifieth the whole city of the Devil, that is, the universal corps of the reprobate. Tertullian also taketh it for Rome, thus, Babylon (saith he) in St. John is a figure of the city of Rome, being so great, so proud of the Empire, and the destroyer of the saints. Which is plainly spoken of that city, when it was heathen, the head of the terrene dominion of the world, the persecutor of the Apostles and their successors, the seat of Nero, Domitian, and the like, Christ’s special enemies, the sink of idolatry, and false worship of the Pagan gods (Annotations on Chapter 17 of the Apocalypse. The Original And True Rheims New Testament Of Anno Domini 1582. Prepared and Edited by Dr. William G. von Peters. Ph.D. 2004, copyright assigned to VSC Corp. Page 583).

Thus Roman Catholic scholars often realize that it was commonly understood from the earliest times that Apostle John’s biblical references to Babylon are referring to a Roman empire.  It should probably also be mentioned since “Mystery Babylon” of Revelation 17:9 sits on seven hills/mountains, yet the Babylon of Mesopotamia was on a plain, that obviously, this is a changed location from the Babylon of Old Testament times.  The Babylon near the Euphrates was not to arise again according to scripture (Jeremiah 51:64).  However, the coming final Babylon is a northern power also referred to as “the daughter of Babylon” in the end times in Jeremiah 50:41-42 and apparently Zechariah 2:6-7, hence it comes from a different geographical location. (Ancient Babylon was NOT a northern power, but end time Babylon is.)

Europe, itself, will still need to reorganize.  The Bible, in Revelation 17, is clear that the Europeans will give their power to a coming 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)

According to Bible prophecy, a European power, despite its fragility (Daniel 2:42-44), is destined to temporarily be the most dominant force in the world, ultimately conquer the Anglo-descended nations (it is the USA and its Anglo-allies like the UK that have the strongest fortresses of Daniel 11:39), and later come to its end (Daniel 11:45). This power will be affiliated with”Babylon” (Revelation 18).

But before it is destroyed (Daniel 11:21-44), the final Beast power must come together and get to the place where it has major military and economic influence (Revelation 13). Almost daily, including today, there are news items that suggest that it is on its way to fulfill various biblical prophecies.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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

COGwriter

US President Obama has made some comments related to Israel and Iran:

Obama on Iran: ‘I don’t bluff’

Los Angeles Times   By Christi Parsons  March 2, 2012

Obama said he plans to tell Netanyahu that he will order military strikes against Iran’s nuclear program if the current international sanctions are not successful in deterring its pursuit of nuclear weapons. The possibility of an American strike against Iran is a serious one, Goldberg reported.

“I think that the Israeli government recognizes that, as president of the United States, I don’t bluff,” Obama said, according to the report. “I also don’t, as a matter of sound policy, go around advertising exactly what our intentions are. But I think both the Iranian and the Israeli governments recognize that when the United States says it is unacceptable for Iran to have a nuclear weapon, we mean what we say.”

In interview, Obama says he’s not bluffing on Iran

By ANNE GEARAN, Associated Press March 2, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama warned that he is not bluffing about attacking Iran if it builds a nuclear weapon, but in an interview published Friday, Obama also warned U.S. ally Israel that a premature attack on Iran would do more harm than good.

So, the USA President is hinting that at some point in time (and perhaps during this election year) that the USA may support Israel in an attack against Iran (the UK, Australia, and Canada could also get involved).  This would have devastating effects on Iran and would also cause the USA debt, terrorist, and other problems.  It could eliminate Iran as a major force in the Islamic world.

Notice that the Bible lists the following nations involved in an end time plot:

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.

Note that this passage of scripture is suggesting that the descendants of Israel (which not only includes the modern state of Israel, but also much of the English-speaking world, cf. Genesis 48:13-16–see a discussion of this in Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel) will be bothered by a confederation of basically Arabic/Islamic peoples from the Middle East (not Ethiopians).

Notice that neither Persia nor Elam are listed above (Elam was an ancient civilization located in what is now southwest Iran)–and these seem to be the primary terms that the Bible uses to refer to what we now call Iran.  Hence, Iran is apparently not a significant part of the confederation of Psalm 83.

Because of that, I have tended to feel that Iran will be somehow neutralized by either a regional war and/or internal political unrest.  Such as regional war would likely directly involve Israel and at least indirectly, the USA.

While the USA President likely hopes for “surgical” conflict, I suspect that such a regional war could get out of control, espeically presuming Syria is involved.   This may result in so much damage to Damascus (Isaiah 17:1) and/or Iran that it could spur massive outrage in the Islamic world.  Enough so that the primarily Sunni Arabs will likely decide that they need closer unity and will support some type of caliph/Mahdi and that the biblical King of the South will rise up.

According to the Bible, the King of the South (Daniel 11:40) will rise up and we will see if this happens sometime after a conflict with Iran.

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?
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?

COGwriter

In its announcement dated 03/01/12 COGWA has the following from Jim Franks:

I am happy to report that we are moving forward with a great deal of enthusiasm and encouragement. We are currently within days of opening our office in Allen, Texas. I can announce to everyone that our first official day in the office will be Monday, March 5. We will be “open for business” with phones set up and computers up and running. It has been a long time coming, but we are finally there!…

This coming Sabbath, March 3, I will officially relinquish my position as the pastor of the Austin congregation…

We will move into the office in Allen on March 5 and begin working from a central place;…we will be holding an international ministerial conference in June, at which we will launch several new programs for preaching the gospel. After one full year of building an infrastructure, we now have the ability to implement strategies for moving forward with a degree of confidence that wasn’t possible a year ago.

Some have hinted that part of the reason for the COGWA split from UCG was because of the differences of opinion (and vote results) about whether or not UCG should have moved its headquarters to Texas.  While UCG ultimately did not, COGWA now officially is.

Officially, COGWA formed in December 2010.  Its main five accomplishments since that time seem to have been:

1. Getting much of the paid US based ministry of the United Church of God to leave and support it.
2. Holding the Feast of Tabernacles 2011 in many locations.
3. Accumulating 1.3 million dollars as an extra reserve.
4. Finding an office in Texas.
5. Not falling into the type of apostasy that happened in the Tkach WCG/GCI.

Although COGWA has claimed that public gospel proclamation was to be its top priority, it still has not been particularly effective with that. However, it looks like it is making some effort, on the internet, at least. Yet, I do not believe that COGWA has displayed the type of Philadelphia-era fruits that a Philadelphian Church of God should have demonstrated by this time.

A year and one half from its official formation (and about two years from its unofficial formation) suggests that its priorities are elsewhere.  Of course, that is similar to what UCG itself did when it began in 1995 as the following demonstrates:

“Broadcast Media and Advertising. No budget is projected in this area at this time. The new Council of Elders will develop strategic and operating plans. Broadcast media and advertising will be addressed at that time.” (Notes to Proposed Fiscal Budget. New Beginnings. December 18, 1995; p:11)

“Israel sat on the bottom of Mount Sinai for nearly a year (Exodus 19:1, Numbers 10:11). Why? Because this is how God decided to start a church…God took time to teach Israel how to worship Him. He took time to organize and train their ministry and to write their ministerial manuals. He took time to teach them how to conduct worship services. All this was done in Exodus. God then dedicated the entire book of Leviticus to teaching Israel how to worship and walk with Him–a repetition and expansion of the book of Exodus. Is there a lesson in it for us? Yes. Some get overly anxious about doing a work…Some would like to see us do it right this time.” (Dick, Bob. From the Chairman: How Would God Start a Church? New Beginnings. March 4, 1996).

Does anyone believe that the disciples thought that Jesus taught to wait a year in Matthew 28:19-20?  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 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.

Depiction of solar particles interacting with Earth’s magnetosphere

COGwriter

There is a new calculation about the odds of having a devastating solar storm by 2020:

1 in 8 Chance of Catastrophic Solar Megastorm by 2020

 Feb 29, 2012

The Earth has a roughly 12 percent chance of experiencing an enormous megaflare erupting from the sun in the next decade. This event could potentially cause trillions of dollars’ worth of damage and take up to a decade to recover from.

Such an extreme event is considered to be relatively rare. The last gigantic solar storm, known as the Carrington Event, occurred more than 150 years ago and was the most powerful such event in recorded history.  http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2012/02/massive-solar-flare/

I personally suspect that the USA itself is liable to be hit by a significant solar storn and/or some type of electronic magnetic pulse bomb (emp bomb) before it is gone.  And this could well be before 2020.

How bad could one be?  Notice some of what is mentioned about solar storms in my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect:

Solar outbursts have been proposed that could essentially wipe out modern civilization.

Notice a scenario that is based on a report from the U.S. National Academy of Scientists (although the precise date seems to be speculative):

IT IS midnight on 22 September 2012 and the skies above Manhattan are filled with a flickering curtain of colourful light…Within 90 seconds, the entire eastern half of the US is without power.

A year later and millions of Americans are dead and the nation’s infrastructure lies in tatters. The World Bank declares America a developing nation. Europe, Scandinavia, China and Japan are also struggling to recover from the same fateful event – a violent storm, 150 million kilometres away on the surface of the sun…

According to the NAS report, a severe space weather event in the US could induce ground currents that would knock out 300 key transformers within about 90 seconds, cutting off the power for more than 130 million people…

First to go – immediately for some people – is drinkable water…With no electricity to pump water from reservoirs, there is no more…

There is simply no electrically powered transport: no trains, underground or overground…For hospitals, that would mean about 72 hours of running a bare-bones, essential care only, service. After that, no more modern healthcare.

The truly shocking finding is that this whole situation would not improve for months, maybe years…

A solar flare (or effective emp weapon) could dramatically affect the USA and weaken it significantly.  Enough so, that this could be a factor in the USA finally receiving a world-changing attack.

After the USA itself is no more, the Bible shows that strong solar activity flares will also happen (Revelation 16: 8-9).

But as dependent as the USA is on computers, etc., it seems possible that it could get hit by a devastating solar flare and/or emp bomb as one of many “troubles” (Mark 13:8) that it may experience.  And the odds probably significantly exceed 1:8.

Some articles that might be of assistance in understanding end-time events may include:

End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something?There is a Mayan calendar prediction for change in 2012. 2012 changes were also centuries ago predicted by the Hopi Native Americans. Do Mayan/Hindu/Hopi/Buddhist/New Age/Nostradaumus 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?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, 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?
Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? When does the six thousand years of human rule end?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2012, 2013, or 2014? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?
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.

Mitt Romney (Gage Skidmore, 2011)

COGwriter

A major Baptist leader is somewhat comparing LDS beliefs beliefs to Islam:

SBC’s Richard Land: Romney Not a Christian, Compares Mormonism to Islam

Dr. Richard Land, a leading figure in the influential Southern Baptist Convention, tells Newsmax.TV he does not consider Mitt Romney and other Mormons to be Christians — and likens Mormonism to Islam…

Land declares: “No. Mormonism is not an orthodox, Trinitarian, Christian faith. They do not believe the same thing about God the Father, God the Son, or God the Holy Spirit that we believe.

“Perhaps the best way to describe Mormonism, perhaps the most charitable way to describe Mormonism, is that it’s a fourth Abrahamic religion, with Joseph Smith playing the role that Muhammad plays in Islam and the Book of Mormon playing the role that the Quran plays in Islam. It’s based upon the Christian faith and the Jewish faith but it goes beyond them and it contradicts them.

“Islam is not a Christian faith. Mormonism is not a Christian faith,” he said with emphasis.

The Rev. Franklin Graham, president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, expressed a similar view about Romney and his Mormon faith in a recent interview with MSNBC.

Asked whether Romney was a Christian, Graham said no.

Now it is true that Islam accepts the Quran and the LDS the Book of Mormon as inspired and faithful Christians do not do so (for more on the canon, see The Old Testament Canon and The New Testament Canon – From the Bible Itself).  Franklin Graham recently also commented against President Obama’s faith being truly Christian (see Franklin Graham on Obama’s ‘Christianity’).

And while I do not consider that either Mitt Romney nor Barack Obama are faithful Christians, I also do not consider that Richard Land or Franklin Graham are either.

Of course, Dr. Land should be aware that the idea of trinitarianism was not part of the Christian faith, but something that did not get formally adopted until the late fourth century (381 A.D.).  Yet, he is insisting on that as a type of litmus test of Christianity.  Well, by doing so, all the original apostles and their faithful followers are also eliminated from Dr. Land’s definition of Christian as they simply were not trinitarian.

And while I do not intend to endorse any USA presidential candidate (see Should a Christian Vote?), I do not believe that Mitt Romney being a Mormon should be a disqualifying factor any more than Barack Obama’s religion should be.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

COGwriter Position on Other Churches and Religions What is the fate of those who do not know Christ? What about those who profess Christ outside the Church of God?
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.
Some Dissimilarities Between The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and the Living Church of God The Living Church of God is not related to the Mormons and this article explains some differences and a couple of similarities.
What Do Roman Catholic Scholars Actually Teach About Early Church History? Although most believe that the Roman Catholic Church history teaches an unbroken line of succession of bishops beginning with Peter, with stories about most of them, Roman Catholic scholars know the truth of this matter. This eye-opening article is a must-read for any who really wants to know what Roman Catholic history actually admits about the early church.
Nazarene Christianity: Were the Original Christians Nazarenes? Should Christians be Nazarenes today? What were the practices of the Nazarenes.
Location of the Early Church: Another Look at Ephesus, Smyrna, and Rome What actually happened to the primitive Church? And did the Bible tell about this in advance?
Apostolic Succession What really happened? Did structure and beliefs change? Are many of the widely-held current understandings of this even possible? Did you know that Catholic scholars really do not believe that several of the claimed “apostolic sees” of the Orthodox have apostolic succession–despite the fact that the current pontiff himself seems to wish to ignore this view? Is there actually a true church that has ties to any of the apostles that is not part of the Catholic or Orthodox churches? Read this article if you truly are interested in the truth on this matter!
Early Church History: Who Were the Two Major Groups Professed Christ in the Second and Third Centuries? Did you know that many in the second and third centuries felt that there were two major, and separate, professing Christian groups in the second century, but that those in the majority churches tend to now blend the groups together and claim “saints” from both? “Saints” that condemn some of their current beliefs. Who are the two groups?
What Was the Original Apostles’ Creed? What is the Nicene Creed? Did the original apostles write a creed? When was the first creed written? Are the creeds commonly used by the Eastern Orthodox or Roman Catholics original?
Do You Practice Mithraism? Many practices and doctrines that mainstream so-called Christian groups have are the same or similar to those of the sun-god Mithras. Do you follow Mithraism combined with the Bible or original Christianity?
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?
Binitarian View: One God, Two Beings Before the Beginning Is binitarianism the correct position? What about unitarianism or trinitarianism?
Is The Father God? What is the view of the Bible? What was the view of the early church?
Jesus is God, But Was Made Man Was Jesus fully human and fully God or what?
Virgin Birth: Does the Bible Teach It? What does the Bible teach? What is claimed in The Da Vinci Code?
Did Early Christians Think the Holy Spirit Was A Separate Person in a Trinity? Or did they have a different view?
What is the Holy Spirit? An article by Rod Reynolds that was published in the Living Church News.
Did the True Church Ever Teach a Trinity? Most act like this is so, but is it?
Was Unitarianism the Teaching of the Bible or Early Church? Many, including Jehovah’s Witnesses, claim it was, but was it?
Binitarianism: One God, Two Beings Before the Beginning This is a shorter article than the Binitarian View article, but has a little more information on binitarianism.