Church of God News

Artist Depiction of 666

COGwriter

The US House of Representative passed a cyber-spying cooperation bill:

 WASHINGTON — Defying a veto threat from President Obama, the House on Thursday passed a bill that encourages intelligence agencies and businesses to share information about threats to computer systems…

Under the bill, the federal government can share classified information with private companies to help them protect their computer networks. Companies, in turn, could voluntarily share information about cyberthreats with the government and would generally be protected against lawsuits for doing so if they acted in good faith.

The White House opposed the bill, saying it could “undermine the public’s trust in the government as well as in the Internet by undermining fundamental privacy, confidentiality, civil liberties and consumer protections.”  http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/27/us/politics/house-defies-veto-threat-on-hacking-bill.html

House Passes Slightly Less Creepy CISPA BillNew York Magazine

Fortunately, it appears that US President Barack Obama will veto CISPA, if it clears the US Senate.  But it would not surprise me if something similar ends up happening through executive order, other laws, and/or simply pressure from government agencies.

I have never been a fan of the improperly named “Patriot Act” and many other steps that the US government has taken since 9/11 (two of our sons both wrote papers in school against the falsely named Patriot Act some time ago).

Here are a couple of comments from LCG’s Dexter Wakefield on those type of matters:

War on Terror

COGwriter

A couple of days ago, at the News of those Once Affiliated with the Global Church of God page, I posted some comments related to a 04/23/12 sermon from RCG’s David Pack.  It has probably been over four years ago since I listened to an entire David Pack sermon (for information on the last one I probably heard see David Pack of the Restored Church of God Declares: “Go get those assets and get them here”).

But in order to get this first hand, I listened to it tonight.  It is long and is titled: The “Synagogue of Satan” Identified—and Marked!

Although David Pack admits that the old Worldwide Church of God/Radio Church of God taught that the “Synagogue of Satan” had to do with the compromised Catholic Church, he has a different view.  Here are some of his comments about who he considers to be “Synagogue of Satan”  (note: I have tried to get his quotes verbatim, but as this is not from a written transcript, some specific words may be approximate):

The Synagogue of Satan…A blaspheming group of liars…that belong to Satan…it is really an evil, murderous group…They are utterly of the Devil…This is not talking about the Catholics affecting our time…This is not talking about the Catholics like we taught in the 60s…they are against Christ…they are antichrist.

Basically to justify this, David Pack states:

For Smyrna…the Synagogue of Satan meant death…to that group…The Smyrnaeans knew what was coming…The Smyrnaeans were absolutely unique.

He says the term “Jew” (which is mentioned in the two “synagogue of Satan” scriptures in Revelation 2:9; 3:9) does not now mean Catholics, but in modern times those in the COGs (which differs from what he believes happened to Smyrna).

He then mentioned some false apostles:

We do have some today who falsely claim to be apostles.  Gerald Flurry and Ronald Weinland would be two.

I would add that it was more than PCG’s Gerald Flurry and CGPFKG’s Ronald Weinland.  RCG’s David Pack and TPM’s William Dankenbring also come to mind for fulfilling the following scripture:

13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. (2 Corinthians 11:13)

He then railed against minister who left the old WCG after 1993.  He then claimed they (and others), “Rejected the truth that the truth only enters to the Church from the apostles.”  He basically stated that twice, but neglected to mention that the late Herbert W. Armstrong also said that it also comes through prophets.  Since David Pack is pretending to be faithful to what HWA taught, he should try to be more accurate.

After blasting UCG’s third tithe position, he inaccurately claimed LCG teaches a seven-year tribulation like the Protestants, which is false.  He also stated “Clyde Kilough…absolutely taught a false God for 90 minutes” and changed his views two years later (when he went to UCG, Clyde K. was UCG president and now is a major factor in COGWA, a UCG split).   He then blasted putting Jesus in the gospel and tries to claim that is because other COGs believe in a false Jesus (RCG , sadly, does not understand the true Gospel).

David Pack, indicating RCG, said “There is one group doing the work.”  But RCG changed its priorities on this and never has been the group (for details, please see the article Why Not the Restored Church of God? ).

He railed more about money and essentially his desire for it–he blames the leaders of the other COGs from directing tithes away from him.  He has long had money greed (see David Pack of the Restored Church of God Declares: “Go get those assets and get them here”) and I have long believed David Pack has long been one who partially fulfilled the following:

1 But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. 2 And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. 3 By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber. (2 Peter 2:1-3).

David Pack’s covetousness seems to include money and ego, and those who follow him tend to follow him because of their own covetousness, and often ego, problems.

David Pack hints, improperly, that LCG is interested in getting close to COGWA because of a meeting between Richard Ames and COGWA.  Richard Ames and I communicated about this right after it happened and it is not the way that David Pack or James Malm has hinted.

David Pack basically indicated that it was because he communicated information with HWA about the late Garner Ted Armstrong that HWA put GTA out of the old WCG (while David Pack probably did pass on some information, he seems to have overhinted about his role in that).

He states that groups like LCG, UCG, COGaIC, and COGWA are led by men who for over 20 years were “actively working against Christ..these men are not of God.”  David Pack also claims that leaders lie about him, but without stating what is said about him that is false.

I again challenge him and any RCG followers to show me where any of my statements about David Pack are lies.  David Pack knows full well that the real problem he has with me is that I report facts about his group and do not agree that he is a real apostle or otherwise God’s chosen leader, etc.

Later, he also took some shots against one or two of the anti-COG websites.

David Pack then stated about those who rail against him:

 They are not doing it against you.  They are doing it against me…They are railing against me…There are a lot of attacks.

He then denied he wanted his current job (self-appointed “apostle” and head of RCG) and essentially also indicated that he is fulfilling an Ezekiel role.  David Pack indicated that he is keeping the office of “sent” in Ezekiel which he says means apostle even though Ezekiel was a prophet because, as he explains, there were no apostles in the Old Testament.

David Pack seemed focused on supposed attacks against him (which he seems to be encouraging).  He also indicated, correctly, that some leaders outside of RCG will do miracles–apparently he believes that he does not want his people to follow those who do miracles.

Thousands are looking at us…The building are doing it..television is doing it…We are in the center of the splinter group’s attention.

RCG keeps trying to be the center of attention, but really is not the center of attention for most who are outside of RCG.  David Pack has long claimed that he wanted buildings to impress those he claims are in the “splinter” groups.

David Pack also warned people not to consults with COG minister about asking about being part of RCG.

He then decided to mark various ones:

For spewing mass heresy..the following are formerly and officially marked:

First Roderick Meredith, Richard Ames, Douglas Winnail, Melvin Rhodes, Victor Kubik, Jimmie Franks, Clyde Kilough, Richard Pinelli, David Hulme, Gerald Flurry.  There are others.

He then claimed the following about other COG ministers:

If ministers do not come with us in the next two years, they are not of God.

He then apparently could not resist and added:

COGwriter {is} part of the synagogue of Satan.

David Pack himself had been marked by Dr. Meredith years ago.  Also, David Pack got a confused old man to “mark” me once, who then later  turned against David Pack (so, perhaps that is why he did not “mark” me personally this time, with other than the improper Synagogue of Satan title).

He then said he was going to give the COG ministry a chance to come with him, before he decides to answer various accusations  against him.  But that he does plan to do address some accusations against himself.  He then stated:

The counter-attack against this sermon will be ferocious–it has to be.

Of course, I have long warned against RCG, never believed that David Pack was an apostle, and even question whether RCG is actually a COG (though it most likely has quite a few confused members who are).

Hopefully, people in RCG will wake up.  Historically, that has been a long process.  But after time, some see through the ego and the smokescreen of his attacks.

Some articles of related interest could include:

Why Not the Restored Church of God? This group, led by David Pack, claims to be the most faithful. The information in this article suggests otherwise.
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?
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.

NASA Photo

COGwriter

Mathematicians from Tufts University are challenging some anti-biblical models of the origin of the universe:

24 April 2012…For instance, one idea is that the universe is cyclical with big bangs followed by big crunches followed by big bangs in an infinite cycle.

Another is the notion of eternal inflation in which different parts of the universe expand and contract at different rates. These regions can be thought of as different universes in a giant multiverse.

So although we seem to live in an inflating cosmos,  other universes may be very different. And while our universe may look as if it has a beginning, the multiverse need not have a beginning…

Audrey Mithani and Alexander Vilenkin at Tufts University in Massachusetts say that these models are mathematically incompatible with an eternal past. Indeed, their analysis suggests that these three models of the universe must have had a beginning too.

Their argument focuses on the mathematical properties of eternity–a universe with no beginning and no end. Such a universe must contain trajectories that stretch infinitely into the past.

However, Mithani and Vilenkin point to a proof dating from 2003 that these kind of past trajectories cannot be infinite if they are part of a universe that expands in a specific way.

They go on to show that cyclical universes and universes of eternal inflation both expand in this way. So they cannot be eternal in the past and must therefore have had a beginning. “Although inflation may be eternal in the future, it cannot be extended indefinitely to the past,” they say.

They treat the emergent model of the universe differently, showing that although it may seem stable from a classical point of view, it is unstable from a quantum mechanical point of view. “A simple emergent universe model…cannot escape quantum collapse,” they say.

The conclusion is inescapable. “None of these scenarios can actually be past-eternal,” say Mithani and Vilenkin.  http://www.technologyreview.com/blog/arxiv/27793/?ref=rss

And if the physical universe had to have a beginning, then something that was not physical must have started it.  And that leads to the logical conclusion that a non-physical being, like God, must have done so.  And that is what the Bible teaches:

1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

3 Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. 4 And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. So the evening and the morning were the first day.  (Genesis 1:1-5)

And while the mathematicians at Tufts did not go into biblical detail, their conclusion that the physical universe must have had a beginning is correct.

As far as the future role of resurrected human beings in the universe, notice the following passage from Hebrews:

6 But one testified in a certain place, saying: “What is man that You are mindful of him, Or the son of man that You take care of him? 7 You have made him a little lower than the angels; You have crowned him with glory and honor, And set him over the works of Your hands. 8 You have put all things in subjection under his feet.”

For in that He put all in subjection under him, He left nothing that is not put under him. But now we do not yet see all things put under him. 9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.

10 For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. (Hebrews 2:6-10)

So, the entire universe was made for humankind, but is not yet under human subjection, but will be first under Jesus. And then, later under humankind.

But there is more. Notice something else that the Bible teaches:

33 And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end. (Luke 1:33)

6 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end…(Isaiah 9:6-7)

This seems to mean that either the physical dimensions of Christ’s kingdom will always be increasing (hence perhaps more and more planets, stars, and galaxies) and/or their will a continual increase in the number of beings in Christ’s kingdom.

Interestingly, the same mathematicians at Tufts agree with this concept as they stated that the universe can, according to their mathematical model, continue to expand into the future, consistent with scripture (which, no, they did not cite).

As I have written here for some time, scripture and properly understood science are compatible (and I am not declaring that there cannot be any flaws in the Tufts’ mathematical model, though I agree with their conclusions that the physical universe had to have a beginning and that it can continue to expand forever).  (Speaking of science, sometimes it is misunderstood–today’s commentary from the Living Church of God points out one area of scientific misunderstanding that lasted for around a century–for details, please check out Commentary: What Happened to Brontosaurus?)

While humans now are fairly insignificant in certain physical ways, God has a plan to involve humanity in ruling the universe.  A universe that He began (Genesis 1:1).

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Where Did God Come From? Any ideas? And how has God been able to exist? Who is God?
How is God Omnipotent, Omnipresent, and Omniscient? Here is a biblical article by Wallace Smith which answers what many really wonder about it.
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?
Is God’s Existence Logical? Some say it is not logical to believe in God. Is that true?
Is Evolution Probable or Impossible or Is God’s Existence Logical? Part II This short article clearly answers what ‘pseudo-scientists’ refuse to acknowledge.
The Bible: Fact or Fiction? This is a booklet written by Douglas Winnail that answers if the Bible is just a collection of myths and legends or the inspired word of God.
Read the Bible Christians should read and study the Bible. This article gives some rationale for regular bible reading.
What is the Appropriate Form of Biblical Interpretation? Should the Bible be literally understood? What do the writings of the Bible, Origen, Herbert W. Armstrong, and Augustine show?
Bible and Historical Resources on the Internet Electronic bibles, Two Babylons, early Christian literature, photos, and even links to old Herbert W. Armstrong materials.

  Palace of Westminster in London

COGwriter Many no longer consider Britain to be “Great” and its influence around the world is decreasing:

25 April 2012

Longest slump in peacetime as Britain slides into recession

Britain is suffering the longest peacetime slump in a century, economists said on Wednesday as figures confirmed a double-dip recession.

Double-Dip Recession In Britain

New York Times – ‎25 April 2012 LONDON – Britain has fallen into its first double-dip recession since the 1970s, according to official figures released Wednesday, a development that raised more questions about whether government belt-tightening in Europe has gone too far.

Many in the EU are complaining that the austerity/belt-tightening has gone too far.  France and the Netherlands have been dealing with related issues this week, as have been other nations in the EU. As far as the United Kingdom goes, Britain’s place as an economic power has been declining, in at least relative terms, around the world for decades. Many other steps are taking place in Europe and the world that are further going to reduce Britain’s place as a major financial capital of the world.  And there still are likely to be major problems in Europe (Daniel 2:41-43) leading to a prophesied restructuring (Revelation 17:12-13). Another financial system starting to arise in Europe and the Anglo-descended nations will not like what will replace Anglo-capitalism in that new world order. But ultimately, Jesus will come and establish His kingdom with, amongst other things, a proper economic system. But until then, overall, Britain will see that it has less influence on the world scene than it did in its glory days or even as it did a decade or so ago. Over in the Western Hemisphere, although Canada has done better than many industrialized nations in the recession, Canadians still have concerns as the following suggest:

Teranet index shows Canadian home prices cooling

* Resale index falls 0.2 pct in Feb from Jan * Six of 11 metropolitan markets see drops * Prices up 6.1 pct from year earlier * Pace of year-over-year growth slowing By Jennifer Kwan

Reuters – ‎25 April 2012

The frothy housing market, and rising debt levels to finance home purchases, are two of the biggest concerns for Canadian policymakers as the domestic economy recovers from recession.

Canadians‘ faith in police has plunged, poll finds

Canada.com – ‎25 April 2012

OTTAWA — Canadians’ faith in their police has plunged by more than 50 per cent in the past 15 years, and British Columbians have by far, the least confidence among Canadians in local and provincial policing, according to the findings of a new poll…

Among the results: – The poll found that just eight per cent of Canadians and Americans, and 12 per cent of Brits, feel that crime, violence and gangs represented the biggest problem in their communities. Respondents in the U.S. and Britain, countries hit far harder by the 2008 global recession, were more likely than Canadians to cite bread-and-butter issues, with 71 per cent of Americans and 67 per cent of Brits naming either “unemployment” or “the economy” as their top concerns. Just 44 per cent of Canadians mentioned those two issues… – Just 27 per cent of Canadians said they fear being a crime victim, compared to 35 per cent of Americans and 39 per cent of Brits. – Roughly the same number of respondents (13 per cent of Canadians, 12 per cent of Americans) said they’d been a victim of a crime in the past two years that involved the police. In Britain it was 18 per cent.

So, there are some similarities and differences among the Anglo-descended nations. Yet, despite the recession differences, the commodity exporting nations such as Canada and Australia will not ultimately bypass the problems that will come up the UK and USA.  All need repentance before it is too late. Some articles of possibly related interest may include: 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? Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What about Jerusalem? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people? Canada in Prophecy: What Does Bible Prophecy, Catholic Prophecy, and other Predictions Suggest About the Future of Canada? There are prophecies that suggest involvement with Canada. And many are not positive about its future. Who is the King of the West? Why is there no End-Time King of the West in Bible Prophecy? Is the United States the King of the West? Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? 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? 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? 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. id The Early Church Teach Millenarianism? Was the millennium (sometimes called chiliasm) taught by early Christians? Who condemned it? Will Jesus literally reign for 1000 years on the earth? Is this time near? Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? Does God have 7,000 year plan? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2019 or 202x?

COGwriter

Unless somehow changed, it appears the US Marine who criticized US President Barack Obama on Facebook will be discharged for doing so:

25 April 2012

SAN DIEGO (AP) – A sergeant will be discharged for criticizing President Barack Obama on Facebook in a case that called into question the Pentagon’s policies about social media and its limits on the speech of active duty military personnel, the Marine Corps said Wednesday.

Sgt. Gary Stein will get an other-than-honorable discharge and lose most of his benefits for violating the policies, the Corps said.

The San Diego-area Marine who has served nearly 10 years in the Corps said he was disappointed by the decision. He has argued that he was exercising his free-speech rights.  http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57421223/marines-discharge-sergeant-for-anti-obama-facebook-posts/?tag=stack

The USA has tended to be proud of is its “bill of rights” which supposedly protect “freedom of speech,” yet this ‘freedom’ has more and more restrictions and apparently penalties.

This punishment would seem to be a Constitutional outrage. The members of the US military all take an oath to defend the Constitution of the USA, yet many apparently have the opinion that freedom of speech and/or expression is lost if one is a member of the armed forces. I should also add that more and more, citizens of the USA are losing more of their constitutional rights and freedoms, but most simply do not realize that this is happening pretty much every day.

More and more “freedoms’ are being curtailed as the government continues to expand its role.  The days of the USA are numbered.  The only hope for Americans (including Canadians) is national repentance that probably will not happen, but personal repentance still can.

Some items 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.
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.
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? Does God have 7,000 year plan? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2019 or 202x?
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?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What about Jerusalem? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
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?
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.
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?

Cow with BSE

COGwriter

The USA again is starting to reap see some negative results because of improper agricultural practices:

Mad cow disease in California: Should humans be worried?

CBS News – ‎25 April 2012

(CBS News) A cow’s positive test for mad cow disease has prompted health officials to alert a concerned public that humans are not at risk for contracting the deadly human variant of the disease.  A dairy cow in California tested positive for mad cow disease, or bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), the first case since 2006, CBS News reported on Tuesday. If a human eats meat contaminated with BSE, they can contract a form of the degenerative brain disease called variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) that rapidly decreases a person’s mental health and movement ability…

.

“The beef and dairy in the American food supply is safe and USDA remains confident in the health of U.S. cattle,” Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a statement.

Safe?

Only 40,000 cows per year are tested for this, which is a very low percentage of the cattle slaughtered in the USA.  The fact that another BSE case was found disproves the notion that the food supply in the USA is safe.  Instead of making misleading statements, the USA government should realize that the so-called “firewalls” it has put in place twice (first when BSE became a problem in the UK and the second time after the USA had its first case of BSE) as well as certain other policies and practices simply were not sufficient.

Here is some background information on BSE:

The disease may be most easily transmitted to human beings by eating food contaminated with the brain, spinal cord or digestive tract of infected carcasses. However, it should also be noted that the infectious agent, although most highly concentrated in nervous tissue, can be found in virtually all tissues throughout the body, including blood. In humans, it is known as new variant Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (vCJD or nvCJD), and by October 2009, it had killed 166 people in the United Kingdom, and 44 elsewhere.   Between 460,000 and 482,000 BSE-infected animals had entered the human food chain before controls on high-risk offal were introduced in 1989.

A British inquiry into BSE concluded that the epizootic was caused by cattle, who are normally herbivores, being fed the remains of other cattle in the form of meat and bone meal (MBM), which caused the infectious agent to spread. (Bovine spongiform encephalopathy.  Wikipedia, viewed 04/25/12).

Notice one step the USDA took AFTER both the USA and UK had BSE:

Effective December 30, 2003, USDA will not allow any non-ambulatory disabled cattle to be slaughtered for human food. Non-ambulatory disabled cattle are animals that cannot rise from a recumbent position or that are disabled (e.g., have a broken appendage).

The above step should have happened right after, if not before, the UK had its first BSE case (around 1989).  But no, greed (in my opinion) allowed improper and unsafe practices for 14 more years.

The first carnal thing that the USA should have done when the first case of BSE showed up in the UK was to ban giving sheep and cows any feed containing any meat.  But due to political and lobbying pressures, the “experts” mainly only decided that as long as sick cows and sick sheep were not to be in the food supply and that cows and sheep could still be fed ground up animals such as pigs and chicken feathers, that this would stop the USA from getting “mad cow disease” (BSE).  At the time this happened, I knew that it was inadequate and took certain steps related to my business in 1998 to greatly reduce the BSE risk as I was convinced that BSE would come to the USA–and, sadly, I was later proven correct.

BSE is dangerous in even very in small quantities and it seems unlikely that there is only one cow with it in the USA.  Problems like BSE affect the food supply.

Jesus warned that the “signs” of the end of the age would be include pestilences and famine:

7…And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. (Matthew 24:6-8)

BSE is certainly a type of pestilence and can contribute to food shortages.

Between the widespread and growing use of genetically modified (GMO) “foods,” pesticides, herbicides,synthetic vitamins, environmental pollution, improper meat production practices, and synthesized sweeteners, countries like the USA are putting themselves at risk for the famines which are certain to come.

As Jesus said:

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

Three articles of 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? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
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 happens in the “beginning of sorrows”? What is the Day of the Lord?
Fourth Horseman of the Apocalypse What is the pale horse of death and pestilence? What will it bring and when?

COGwriter

Notice the following:

United States of Europe? More Like the Confederacy

Barron’s – April 24, 2012…

The restive nations of Europe also see themselves under the thumb of the EU. Having made a pact with what they see as the Devil in Brussels (or Berlin), they want out. Their Faustian choice was to adopt the cloak of the deutsche mark in the form of the euro and gain the advantage of being able to borrow profligately within a few basis points of low German interest rates.

As a result, they have given up sovereignty and have ceded their escape clause — to devalue their currencies to reduce the real value of their debts. It used to be their choice to devalue their drachma, or francs, or guilders or punts. The adjustment would be not so wrenching, but it would be on their own terms, not through Draconian actions dictated from afar.

Investors who thought this rift could be papered over by a trillion euros from the ECB are finding they are sadly mistaken. The European crisis is far from resolved, and the financial fallout is apparent. http://online.barrons.com/article/SB50001424053111903591504577363501643217404.html?mod=BOL_mp_emailed_today

Additional fiscal union (cf. Revelation 13:16-17) is prophesied for the end time Babylonian beast power. And having problems  is consistent with other aspects of Bible prophecy related to end time Europe (Daniel 2:41-43; Revelation 17:12-13).  As far as a deal with the Devil goes, the end time leader of this power will be involved with him (cf. Revelation 16:13-14).

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 (cf. Revelation 17).

There is another biblical reference to the EU that some in the United Kingdom are wondering about:

The mark of the EU: £666 cost to every British family for being part of Europe

Daily Mail, UK– April 21, 2012Taxpayers could end up having to fork out another £900 million to the European Union next year, costing each family in the UK an extra £666. A draft budget for 2013 is believed to propose a seven per cent increase, £7.4 billion, of spending on this year’s budget of £107 billion or around 129.1 billion euros.  http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2133044/The-mark-EU–666-cost-British-family-Europe.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

Now, I should mention that according to early interpretations of biblical prophecy, that some believe originally came from Polycarp of Smyrna, 666 is referring to a Latin man or Roman system, not that unlike the confederation that is now forming in Europe, though it will get a bit more unified for a while (Revelation 17:12-13).

At some point in time, the UK will leave the EU, either voluntarily or involuntarily, as the leader of the final revival of the Beast empire is prophesied to take over the UK and its Anglo-allies like the USA (Jeremiah 30:7; Isaiah 10:5-11; Daniel 11:39).  And after that, all will need to decide if they will accept the mark of the beast or the number of his name:

15 He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed. 16 He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, 17 and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. 18 Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666. (Revelation 13:15-18)

9 Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, 10 he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. 11 And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.”  12 Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. (Revelation 14:9-12)

According to Bible prophecy, a European power, despite its fragility (Daniel 2:41-43), 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 17 & 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 Europe 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?
Two Horned Beast of Revelation and 666 Who is 666? This article explains how the COG has tended to views this, and compares this to an explanation from SDA founder Ellen White.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

COGwriter

Iran’s “supreme leader” Ayatollah Khamenei long ago wanted nuclear weapons to help the arrival of an Islamic leader known as the Imam Mahdi or 12th Imam and some wonder if that is his current view:

24 April 2012

In a pre-Super Bowl interview, President Obama urged Iranian leaders to renounce nuclear weapons, which Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei did, labeling them a “grave sin.” But Khamenei’s fatwa against nukes was not new, just widely ignored by Official Washington…

Senior Obama administration officials have decided to cite the fatwa as an Iranian claim to be tested in negotiations, posing a new challenge to the news media to report accurately on the background to the issue. But the April 13 New York Times article by James Risen rehashed old arguments by Iran’s adversaries and even added some new ones…

Risen also cited unnamed “analysts” who argued that Khamenei’s recent statements that Iran had not and would not develop nuclear weapons were contradicted by remarks he had made last year “that it was a mistake for Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi of Libya to give up his nuclear weapons program.”

But the quote from Khamenei complained that “this gentleman wrapped up all his nuclear facilities, packed them on a ship and delivered them to the West and said, ‘Take them!’” Khamenei then added, “Look where we are, and in what position they are now.”  http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=51885

Joby Warrick of the  Washington Post points out that Khamenei himself has justified the development of nuclear weapons in the past, calling them essential not only to preserve the regime but also highlighting their role in perhaps bringing about an apocalypse that would lead to the return of the 12^th, or “Missing” Imam:

According to an internal U.N. document, Khamenei embraced the concept of an Iranian nuclear bomb during a meeting of the country’s top leadership more than two decades ago, saying nuclear weapons were essential for preserving Iran’s Islamic Revolution.

The 2009 document, prepared for the International Atomic Energy Agency, is a collection of statements made by Iranian leaders about nuclear weapons, as gleaned from the nuclear watchdog’s intelligence sources. It cites an April 1984 meeting in which Khamenei allegedly endorsed a decision by then-leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini to launch a secret nuclear weapons program.

“According to Ayatollah Khamenei, this was the only way to secure the very essence of the Islamic Revolution from the schemes of its enemies … and to prepare it for the emergence of Imam Mahdi,” states the IAEA document, which was obtained by the Institute for Science and International Security, a Washington-based nonprofit group that analyzes nuclear weapons programs. In Shiite Islam, “Imam Mahdi” is the prophesied 12th Imam who will purge the world of evil in humanity’s last days

http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2012/04/hillary_clinton_embraces_fake_fatwa.html#ixzz1szDxw5pH

What Ayatollah Khamenei’s personal view of nuclear weapons truly is can be debated, but few in Israel and elsewhere have a lot of trust in his words.

According to Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the purpose of the Iranian revolution in the 1970s to present was to prepare the way for the arrival of this leader.   Earlier this year, Ayatollah Khamenei told some of his best troops that the Imam Mahdi would be on their side in the event of a war involving Israel and/or the USA (see Iran’s Leader Preparing for ‘Armageddon’ and the Imam Mahdi).

Though a more significant Islamic power will rise up for a short while in the 21st century, this power will not not be Iranian and will not last (Daniel 11:40-43).  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.

Yet, also ignoring certain portions of scripture, Iran’s current president 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.  With Ayatollah Khamenei aging, it could be soon that Iran takes additional steps that outsiders will consider to be provocative (especially if certain public charges against its still President Ahmadinejad were, at least partially, staged to through the world off about Iran’s intentions).

Until the King of the South rises finally up, 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 involving Iran 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?

Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill

COGwriter

There have been protests for and against the Russian Orthodox Church and Russia’s President-elect Vladimir Putin wants those who protested against it to stop:

Putin spokesman condemns protests against Russian Orthodox Church

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Reuters Blogs (blog) – 24 April 2012

REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov) Vladimir Putin’s spokesman has called for an end to attacks on the Russian Orthodox Church after a protest in a in a cathedral by a women’s punk rock band that the leader of the church has called part of a campaign against it.

Tens of Thousands Protest in Moscow In Support of the Orthodox Church …

Forbes – ‎24 April 2012

After an outcry from conservative Orthodox believers and clergy, particularly after the politically-influential Patriarch Kirill weighed in with an angry and rather un-Christian denunciation of their conduct, three members of Pussy Riot were arrested .

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Russians show support for Orthodox Church, Patriarch KirillLos Angeles Times

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Is Russia’s Orthodox Church privileged or persecuted?MinnPost.com…

Kirill told the huge crowd that the church had to respond to a spate of sacrilegious challenges that began in February when a women’s punk rock group entered the same cathedral — which was almost empty at the time — and performed an obscenity-laced “punk prayer” to protest the church’s alleged support for the electoral campaign of Vladimir Putin.

“We are under attack by persecutors,” Kirill said…

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Liberal critics say the punk band, provocatively named Pussy Riot, violated no laws at all, and that the only reason the women now face stiff jail sentences is because the church is able to get its way in Russian courts and wants a tough example set in order to deter any repetition…

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Critics allege that religious leaders are really upset about growing public criticism of the church and recent scrutiny of the lavish lifestyles of top church officials, including Kirill…Perhaps most painful — because it was largely self-inflicted — was a blogger’s allegation that Kirill owned a $40,000 Breguet watch, a claim that the Patriarch initially denied. Then bloggers found a photo of Kirill wearing the watch on an official church website. The timepiece was subsequently airbrushed out of the photo by a church technician. It was a sloppy job —  while Kirill’s wrist appeared clean, a clear reflection of the watch remained in the polished oak table and the retouched picture went viral.

Vladimir Putin received support from Orthodox Patriarch Kirill at a key time when he needed it a couple of months ago (see Russian Patriarch Supports Putin) and has tended to assist the Russian Orthodox in the past.  The fact that the Russian Patriarch apparently got caught giving out incorrect information has not stop many from supporting him.

While obviously I do not support obscenity-laced prayers (the group did the “prayer” in a basically empty Orthodox Church), I would mention that other faiths in Russia, including many of the Roman Catholic and Protestant varieties have complained that the Russian Orthodox Church has taken steps with the Russian government to interfere with, if not somewhat persecute, them.

Though the Eastern Orthodox tend to act like the Church of Rome and not the Orthodox have been historical persecutors, they have tended to overlook parts of their history (see also Persecutions by Church and State).  Here is a report related to the Russian Orthodox Church centuries ago:

One crisis developed as of the year 1492 approached.  Byzantine and Russian society had been taught that the world would end 7,000 years after the time of creation.  The year 7000 in the Orthodox calendar corresponded to the year AD 1492.

Anticipation of the apocalypse was mixed with confusion, dread, and doubts about the veracity of Orthodox teachings.  In this atmosphere a group of religious dissidents known in the historical literature as Judaizers, gained momentum and new adherents, especially among the clergy of Novgorod… From Novgorod they spread to Moscow when Ivan III having annexed Novgorod in 1478, transferred two Novgorodian priests who had espoused the heretical views…to Moscow…Ivan’s daughter-in-law, the mother of his grandson Dmitry, and the state secretary (d’iak) and the diplomat, Feder Kuritsyn, were among those influenced by their beliefs.

In 1487, Gennadii (Gennadius), the second archbishop to be appointed by Moscow to lead the still discontented Novgorodian church, launched an aggressive campaign to root out dissidents, whom he labeled as heretics for their alleged iconoclasm, anti-Trinitarianism, Sabbatarianism (i.e., observing the Sabbath on Saturday rathern than Sunday), and rejection of the year 7000 (1492) as the date of earthly destruction.  Using torture among other inquisitorial techniques, he identified the heretics and convinced the grand prince and the new metropolitan, Zosima (1490-94), to convene a Church council to suppress their movement.  The council of 1490 found nine accused Novgorodians guilty. (Martin J.  Medieval Russia: 980-1584, 2nd edition.  Cambridge University Press, 2007, pp. 290-291)

Ivan Kuritsin a prominent Russian theologian, and a leader of the religious uprising was arrested and locked in a cage. The tsar – Ivan the Great – found this movement already well established in Novgorod when he seized control of that city around 1480. Gennadii, Russian Orthodox archbishop of Novgorod was a zealous, even fanatical, enemy of the Sabbath-keeping reformers. He calls for extreme measures. In some of his letters addressed to the Russian tsar, Gennadii venerates the methods of Spanish Inquisition and insisted that the Russian Orthodox Church and the Russian state should apply these methods towards the Russian Sabbath-keeping movement. Russian Orthodox church leaders met at the Council of Moscow and condemned the reformers as heretics. The Sentence of the Council details the charges: “… some of you said blasphemy against many holy icons, and some of you cut the holy icons and burned them with fire… And you have all honored the Sabbath more than the Resurrection Day of Christ.” Council of Moscow, 1490. (Sabbath Rest for Weary Russia. Light of Hope International Television Ministry, Copyright 2011  http://www.lightofhopetv.com/sabbath.shtml viewed 03/31/12)

…1503…the leader of the Possessors was Abbot Joseph of Volokolamsk…a rather severe ascetic who imposed…the burning at the stake…the sect of the Judaizers…Judaizers…in Russia in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries…denied the Trinity (Fanning S. Mystics of the Christian Tradition. Routeldge, New York. 2001, reprinted 2006, pp. 49, 255).

So, the Russian Orthodox have had problems with other religions, especially those faithful to the Sabbath, etc. in its past, and may have similar issues in the future.

Perhaps I should mention that although I believe that the Russian Orthodox, for a time, will cooperate highly closely with the Church of Rome and shortly probably Europe, ultimately the Russian Orthodox will end up supporting the coming Eurasian union to the detriment to the powers that will in the end be in Europe.

In the 21st century, it continues to look like the Russian Orthodox Church will wield power in Russia and that the Russian government will often try to assist it.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Russia: Its Origins and Prophesied Future Where do the Russians come from? What is prophesied for Russia? What will it do to the Europeans that supported the Beast in the end?
Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the sameEuropean 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?
Orthodox Must Reject Unity with the Roman Catholics There are many problems that will happen if they unify, including make them part of end time Babylon.
Why Should American Catholics Should Fear Unity with the Orthodox? Are the current ecumenical meetings a good thing or will they result in disaster?
Some Similarities and Differences Between the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Living Church of God Both groups claim to be the original church, but both groups have differing ways to claim it. Both groups have some amazing similarities and some major differences. Do you know what they are?

 
Geert Wilders

COGwriter

The Dutch are having significant political problems.  And, Geert Wilders, who heads an anti-Islamic Netherlands political party, seems to be hoping this will help him:

23 April 2012

Dutch prime minister, Cabinet resign Atlanta Journal Constitution

By TOBY STERLING

The Associated Press

THE HAGUE, Netherlands — The Dutch government, one of the most vocal critics of European countries failing to rein in their budgets, quit Monday after failing to agree on a plan to bring its own deficit in line with EU rules.

The government information service announced Queen Beatrix had accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Mark Rutte and his Cabinet after a meeting in which Rutte told her talks on a new austerity package had failed over the weekend… the prime minister said, laying the blame squarely with anti-EU lawmaker Geert Wilders.

Dutch populist Wilders bets on anti-euro vote

Reuters – ‎23 April 2012

By Anthony Deutsch | AMSTERDAM (Reuters) – Dutch populist Geert Wilders, who gained prominence denouncing Islam and railing against immigrants, is betting his political future on the anti-euro vote.

Wilders pulled out of critical budget austerity talks with the government on Saturday, saying the Netherlands should not bow to Brussels’ directives.

Wilders, 48, was kingmaker when the last government was formed in 2010; his Freedom Party is the third-largest in parliament and provided the coalition with a majority.

Dutch government quits after austerity talks fail

WTOP – ‎23 April 2012

By MIKE CORDER and TOBY STERLING
Associated Press THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) – The Dutch government, one of the most vocal critics of European countries failing to rein in their budgets, quit Monday after failing to agree on a plan to bring its own deficit in line with EU rules…Rutte’s hopes to clinch a deal to cut the target below the EU’s 3 percent target evaporated on Saturday, when his most important political ally, populist euroskeptic Geert Wilders walked out of the talks, saying a slavish adherence to European rules was foolish and would harm the Dutch economy.

As I have been writing for some time now, I have long felt that the Europeans were going to protest some of the austerity programs from the EU.  This is likely to lead to more political turmoil, civil unrest, and even possibly civil wars in some parts of Europe.

Notice also the following:

European Stocks Drop On France, Netherlands Worries

Wall Street Journal – April 23, 2012

By Ishaq Siddiqi and Sara Sjolin European stock markets and the euro tumbled Monday, as political uncertainty in two key euro-zone countries, France and the Netherlands, pushed investors into the traditional haven of German government bonds.

Netherlands PM Rutte to speak at 2pm Tuesday

FXstreet.com – ‎23 April 2012 Netherlands outgoing PM Rutte to speak at 2pm Tuesday in the Hague after tendering govt resignation; while Moody’s says gov collapse is credit negative.

Dutch government falls in skirmish over austerity measures

Washington Post – 23 April 2012 A

‎backlash against proposed austerity measures upended the government of the Netherlands on Monday, highlighting the growing peril facing efforts across Europe to tame the region’s financial crisis.

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The collapse of Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s governing coalition came after the populist Freedom Party, led by euro-opponent Geert Wilders, abandoned negotiations over ways to meet deficit targets. National elections are now expected to be held in June.

Though Geert Wilders is a force there, outgoing Prime Minister Rutte may have broader appeal to many within the Netherlands.  Yet, the fact that some of the Dutch leadership, like Geert Wilders, are protesting this EU plan will likely give people in other European nations comfort if they protest in more direct ways.  The Dutch are not immune to problems related to credit, austerity, civil unrest, etc.

Since no later than August 2009 (see Muslims: European Wake-Up Call) I have been following some of the actions and statements of Geert Wilders.  While I do not believe at this time (nor did I years ago) that Geert Wilders will be the “king of the north,” the fact that he keeps having influence in Dutch politics suggests that at least some of the Europeans are inclined, even in the 21st century, to accept a more radical top leader than many would have thought possible.

As far as the Euro goes, I have been writing for years that, although it does not have to be, that it could be replaced (see  2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect).   We will see what happens to the Euro and possibly soon how the Dutch feel about it as Geert Wilders may not represent the majority view there on that subject.

Yet, there are changes happening in Europe.  And according to the Bible, more economic (Revelation 13: 14-17)  and political ones must come to pass (Revelation 17:12-13).  A currency change from the Euro  is a possible, but not biblically-required, change.

As far as the anti-Islamists go, the Bible shows that a European military leader will line up with a religious leader from the city of seven hills (Revelation 17) and ultimately defeat the forces of Islam (Daniel 11:40-43), despite having earlier made one of more deals with the Islamists (cf. Psalm 83:3-8; Daniel 9:27; Daniel 11:27).

Irrespective of one or more temporary political deals with those of the Islamic faith, the anti-Islamic sentiment that Geert Wilders and others have tapped into in Europe is real.  And according to the Bible, it will be resolved in ways differently  than Geert Wilders and others like him publicly state (Daniel 11:40-42).

For more on what is expected to happen, please see the following:

Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? What is ahead for Europe?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half
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?
Is There an Islamic Antichrist? Is Joel Richardson correct that the final Antichrist will be Islamic and not European? Find out.