Church of God News

The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah

COGwriter

The publication calling itself the Christian Science Monitor (CSM) has the following:

Gay marriage issue: Who does it hurt most, Obama or Romney?

Christian Science Monitor – ‎12 May 2012

Gay marriage is not a campaign subject either Barack Obama or Mitt Romney really needed, and it could present difficulties for both candidates as the election nears.

CSM, and most others reporting about this, however, tend not to have the right focus here.  The increased political acceptance of homosexual-marriage hurts the USA, and not just some politicians.  Whether Barack Obama or Mitt Romney will be able to more energize their supporters or gain more adversaries because of this issue is not really the question.

Satan is often subtle and when I heard Barack Obama attempt to claim his support of “same-sex marriage” was based on his alleged Christian faith, I saw Satan’s subtleties all over that.  Barack Obama basically claimed he did this based on his understanding of the “golden rule.”  Yet, homosexuality hurts the homosexual (cf. 1 Corinthians 6:9, KJV) and doing anything to encourage that activity does not show love (cf. Romans 1:18-32).  And I was not the only one to have problems with what Barack Obama said.

The Protestant leader Franklin Graham, for example, claimed that Barack Obama Has ‘Shaken His Fist’ At God With Support For Same-Sex Marriage.

ICG’s Mark Armstrong, in his latest newsletter, has the following comments:

Does our Christian faith demand that we support something roundly condemned in the Old Testament and New? Nobody has escaped hearing how the president completed “his evolution” on the subject described in politically correct jargon as “gay marriage.” Unbelievably, the sacrifice of Christ was invoked in justification of his “historic announcement,” as was the golden rule, “do unto others…” How either of those references justify actions and behavior God inspired His instruments on Earth to describe as abhorrent is completely lost and overlooked in the whirlwind of rhetoric about “discrimination.”

News anchors tripped all over each other, praising the “evolved” position as “historic,” and “on the right side of history.” But when in all of human history has “marriage” meant anything other than a union of a man and a woman, sanctified by God, in harmony with the laws of nature? What about God’s reaction to the activities that defined Sodom and Gomorrah?…

To have our highest official claiming that Christian belief somehow demands that we embrace something so specifically reviled in God’s word certainly is historic.

In a writing this week, LCG’s Roderick C. Meredith wrote:

Things are moving! Even since our conference, as you know, the state of North Carolina overwhelmingly voted against “same-sex marriage.” Yet, the very next day, our American President came out in favor of men marrying men and women marrying women! As one who has been in the ministry now for about 60 years since my graduation from Ambassador College in 1952—this frankly is astonishing in one sense—though many knew this was in President Obama’s heart all along. Never would we have even dreamed of such a thing back during the years of Presidents Truman, Eisenhower or Kennedy. May God have mercy upon us, and upon the other nations where all of us live. We need to pray for our leaders that they will at least not interfere with our opportunity to worship and to do the Work. But we need to cry out more than ever, “Thy kingdom come”!

The Bible is clear that having leaders promote immorality is not good for a nation.  Notice, for example, that God brought Judah low because of the sins of its leader:

19 For the Lord brought Judah low because of Ahaz king of Israel, for he had encouraged moral decline in Judah and had been continually unfaithful to the Lord. (2 Chronicles 28:19)

Is not the advocacy of moral decline, like homosexual marriage, etc. being done by many of the leaders of the Anglo-nations now?

Notice the also following:

God is not pleased with the moral degradation of the U.S. and other nations that profess to be “Christian” while leading the world in behavior He says He “hates” (Malachi 2:16)!  The Western nations kill unborn babies and call it “family planning” and a matter of “choice.” A majority of Americans now say they support same-sex “marriage” (“Connubial bliss in America,” Economist, July 30, 2011, p. 30) though the Bible—both Old Testament and New Testament—condemn homosexuality as an unnatural sin and abomination (Leviticus 18:22; Romans 1:27)!  Meanwhile, youths riot out of control in London streets, and “flash mobs” across the U.S. prey on retail stores in a disturbing new crime trend. Some 40 million Americans are regularly involved in pornography on-line, destroying their own character and ripping apart the fabric of their marriages and families. As the American Psychological Society reported, “Finding pornography on the Internet is as easy as Googling the word ‘sex,’ as the 40 million Americans who visit porn Web sites each year can attest” (APA Monitor, November 2007, p. 50). Americans are no more disciplined financially, as their nation staggers under skyrocketing debt while its economy stagnates. Many are sensing that something has gone terribly wrong! (McNair R. On Shaky Ground. Tomorrow’s World, Nov-Dec 2011, p. 24)

The Old Testament teaches:

6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.
Because you have rejected knowledge,
I also will reject you from being priest for Me;
Because you have forgotten the law of your God,
I also will forget your children.

7 “The more they increased,
The more they sinned against Me;
I will change their glory into shame.
8 They eat up the sin of My people;
They set their heart on their iniquity.
9 And it shall be: like people, like priest.
So I will punish them for their ways,
And reward them for their deeds (Hosea 4:6-9).

Notice that God promises to turn the glory of a people (like the Anglo-American powers) into shame because they have REJECTED knowledge and the law of God.

The religious and political leaders in the USA and other Anglo nations have by and large failed to warn their followers that they need to keep the law of God.  This is knowledge that the people and the leaders should have as the Anglo-American powers have likely printed up more Bibles than the rest of the world combined.

The Bible is against those who go after “strange flesh” like the homosexuals of Sodom and Gomorrah did:

6 He has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness for the judgment of the great day; 7 as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them in a similar manner to these, having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.  (Jude 6-7)

People who profess to believe they are Christian should not overlook the example that God had recorded.

Furthermore, the Bible defends marriage and only defines it as between a man and a woman (cf. Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:5-10). It repeatedly condemns homosexual acts (for specific scriptures, see LCG: Homosexuals Gaining Ground). Various politicians have opinions at odds with scripture.

The inability to think clearly and thus approve of homosexuality is specifically discussed in the New Testament:

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man — and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.

24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.

28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them. (Romans 1:18-32)

Because many do not wish to retain God in their knowledge, this is part of why much of the leadership of the USA will not come out clearly against homosexual marriage.  And why non-homosexuals politicians (and others) are supporting homosexual causes.

The USA is setting itself up for financial ruin, and even worse. Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed as examples (Jude 7; 2 Peter 2:6). The currently militarily strong USA will not be spared (Daniel 11:39). Watch (Mark 13, Matthew 24).

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Prophecies of Barack Obama? This article has eight reasons why Barack Obama is apocalyptic and eight reasons why Barack Obama is not the Antichrist. It includes many biblical and non-biblical prophecies, from around the world, that seem to discuss Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist? Might Barack Obama set the stage for the kings of the North and South as at least one Shiite prophecy suggests? This is the longest and most complete article at the COGwriter website on Barack Obama prophecies. Read it and decide for yourself if President Obama seems to be fulfilling various prophecies.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”. Might Bible prophecy be fulfilled since he is to be the USA president?
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?
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?
2012 – Ten Fulfilled Barack Obama Prophecies Barack Obama has already helped fulfill 10 predictions in 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect. Here is a YouTube video on ten.
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?
God’s Plan for Happy Marriage This is an LCG booklet by Dr. R. Meredith.
God Created Marriage Some falsely claim that God did not create marriage and that fornication is fine. What does the Bible really teach?
LCG: Homosexuals Gaining Ground “Same-sex marriage” for “gays” and lesbians is becoming more acceptable to many. What does the Bible teach about homosexuality? Can homosexuals change?

Artist Depiction of Pentecost (Cadetgray)

COGwriter

The Day of Pentecost for 2012 is approaching, and is May 27 in 2012.  Unlike other biblical holy days, some version of the Day of Pentecost is observed by a lot of mainstream churches, both Catholic and Protestant.  And of course, since Pentecost is a biblical holy day, it is observed by Church of God groups like the Living Church of God.  Pentecost is the day that the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles in the shape of fire (Acts 2:3-4).

Most groups that profess Christ consider that Pentecost marked the formal beginning of the New Testament church.

The term Pentecost is a Greek term meaning 50th. That term is derived from the following Hebrew description of calculating the date:

And you shall count for yourselves from the day after the Sabbath, from the day that you brought the sheaf of the wave offering: seven Sabbaths shall be completed. Count fifty days to the day after the seventh Sabbath (Leviticus 23:15-16).

Early Christians believed that they were supposed to observe Pentecost. And they probably understood this from the Bible and the practices of the early apostles.

For example, the Apostle Paul continued to keep Pentecost decades after the Pentecost mentioned in the second chapter of the Book of Acts. Notice what he wrote, about 56 A.D.:

For I do not wish to see you now on the way; but I hope to stay a while with you, if the Lord permits. But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost (1 Corinthians 16:8).

This shows that Paul knew when Pentecost was, that he felt that the Corinthians must know when Pentecost was, and that the Ephesians would have known when Pentecost was. Thus, it apparently was being observed by Paul and the Gentiles in Ephesus and Corinth.

In another year, the Apostle Paul also wished to be in Jerusalem for Pentecost, around 60 A.D.:

 For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he would not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hurrying to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 20:16).

Thus, Christians in Jerusalem were still observing Pentecost and Paul was observing it too. Otherwise, there would be no obvious reason why Paul wanted to be in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost.

This was clearly understood by second century writers such as Irenaeus who wrote (circa 180):

Paul taught with simplicity what he knew, not only to those who were [employed] with him, but to those that heard him, he does himself make manifest. For when the bishops and presbyters who came from Ephesus and the other cities adjoining had assembled in Miletus, since he was himself hastening to Jerusalem to observe Pentecost (Irenaeus. Adversus haereses, Book III, Chapter 14, Verse 2). Excerpted from Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume 1. Edited by Alexander Roberts & James Donaldson. American Edition, 1885. Online Edition Copyright © 2004 by K. Knight).

An old document that was probably altered in the 4th century, titled The Life of Polycarp, specifically mentions the Passover, the Days of Unleavened Bread, and Pentecost. And it records that the Apostle Paul said that they should be kept:

In the days of unleavened bread Paul, coming down from Galatia, arrived in Asia, considering the repose among the faithful in Smyrna to be a great refreshment in Christ Jesus after his severe toil, and intending afterwards to depart to Jerusalem. So in Smyrna he went to visit Strataeas, who had been his hearer in Pamphylia, being a son of Eunice the daughter of Lois. These are they of whom he makes mention when writing to Timothy, saying; Of the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois and in thy mother Eunice; whence we find that Strataeas was a brother of Timothy. Paul then, entering his house and gathering together the faithful there, speaks to them concerning the Passover and the Pentecost, reminding them of the New Covenant of the offering of bread and the cup; how that they ought most assuredly to celebrate it during the days of unleavened bread, but to hold fast the new mystery of the Passion and Resurrection. For here the Apostle plainly teaches that we ought neither to keep it outside the season of unleavened bread, as the heretics do, especially the Phrygians…but named the days of unleavened bread, the Passover, and the Pentecost, thus ratifying the Gospel (Pionius. Life of Polycarp, Chapter 2. Translated by J. B. Lightfoot, The Apostolic Fathers, vol. 3.2, 1889, pp.488-506).

Notice that Paul is shown to have taught Gentiles to keep the biblical Holy Days, including Pentecost.  Polycarp, himself, was a faithful early Christian leader who was apparently ordained by the Apostle John and was believed to be a Gentile.

Since the Apostle Paul and other faithful Christians kept Pentecost, shouldn’t you?

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Pentecost: Is it more than Acts 2? Many “Christians” somewhat observe Pentecost. Do they know what it means? It is also called the Feast of Harvest, the Feast of Weeks, and the day of firstfruits. What about “speaking in tongues” and being led by the Holy Spirit?
Pentecost Quiz This is a Pentecost quiz based upon the Old and New Testaments in the Bible.
Is There “An Annual Worship Calendar” In the Bible? This paper provides a biblical and historical critique of several articles, including one by WCG which states that this should be a local decision. What do the Holy Days mean? Also you can click here for the calendar of Holy Days.
Holy Day Calendar This is a listing of the biblical holy days through 2017, with their Roman calendar dates. They are really hard to observe if you do not know when they occur 🙂
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?

COGwriter

Some in the USA and Israel are concerned that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu might strike Iran at any time:

May 11, 2012  U.S. Concerned Netanyahu, Mofaz May Attack Iran

U.S. worried that Israel’s new unity government could result in an attack on Iran at any given moment.

The United States is worried that Shaul Mofaz and his Kadima party’s joining a unity government with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu could result in an attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities at any given moment, according to a report on Channel 10 News on Thursday.

http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/155690

Israeli activists worry that Netanyahu’s new majority will mean new measures against dissent

MiamiHerald.com – ‎11 May 2012 By SHEERA FRENKEL TEL AVIV, Israel — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cemented his power this week with a strategic coalition shift that makes him the most powerful head of government Israel has seen in nearly three decades…Israeli political analysts point out that Netanyahu now also enjoys a consensus on the issue of Iran. Talk of an Israeli strike on Iran has picked up in recent days, as analysts pointed out that instead of busying themselves with a national election, Israeli politicians could now form a consolidated front against Tehran. http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/05/11/2795452/israeli-activists-worry-that-netanyahus.html#storylink=cpy

In my view, Prime Minister Netanyahu has tended to be more focused on a “best case” scenario for an Iranian invasion.

Since Iran is not the prophesied King of the South (Daniel 11:40) so something must change to reduce its Islamic militaristic influence.

Of course, the religious leaders of Iran do not want a regime change that would eliminate their version of an Islamic empire. They may decide that they have no choice but to fight back hard believing that doing so represents their real opportunity to fulfill their view of Iran’s Islamic destiny. Earlier this year, Iran’s “supreme leader” Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stated “In light of the realization of the divine promise by almighty God, the Zionists and the Great Satan (America) will soon be defeated” (for more details see Ayatollah Khamenei Claims America “Will Soon be Defeated”). That would suggest that he might want Iran to fight back hard.

It would seem that such a regional war in the Middle East would possibly get out of control, especially presuming Syria is involved. If so, not only Iran and Syria, but Israel and possibly the USA could incur much greater damage than the better case scenarios that the Israelis would tend to hope for. There are chemical and biological weapons that could affect Israel and the USA, as well emp type bombs, “dirty” bombs, and other nuclear-type bombs that Israel and/or the USA may have underestimated. Terrorist and other attacks are also possible.

If we are near the time that Damascus is prophesied to be destroyed and for a time ceasing being a city (Isaiah 17:1), major problems may soon be upon that area (more than the current uprisings in Syria have been so far).  At this time, it would seem that the destruction of Damascus could happen if opponents to the Syrian Assad regime felt that they had been harmed so much that eliminating Damascus would be necessary.  Since Israel and the USA tend to be sensitive to international opinion, such prophesied destruction of Damascus suggests that somehow Syria will first inflict significant harm to one or more of its enemies. If this is involving outsiders like Israel, it seems that the Bible suggests major complications could occur if Israel does attack Iran and/or Syria and that Iran and Syria strike back.

Whether Israel attacks first or an Iranian/Syrian/Lebanese/Iraq etc. confederation (and not necessarily all of them) attacks first, either way, the somewhat Shit-ite Muslim confederation led by Iran will not succeed with taking over the Middle East.  And while Israel (and possibly also the USA) will suffer from a regional war, Iran will not win or attain its desired objectives.

The situation in the Middle East is tense and could change overnight.  As Jesus said, “37 And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!” (Mark 13:37).

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2012 or 2013? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What is the “beginning of sorrows”? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? Is the deal in Daniel 9:27 a peace deal?
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?
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 ProphecyThe 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

It is time to announce my just released book, Fatima Shock!

For those unfamiliar with Fatima, Fatima was the name of Muhammad’s favorite daughter.  Muslims often name their daughters Fatima (similar to Catholics naming their daughters Mary).  A small town in Portugal was renamed Fatima after a Muslim princess named Fatima converted to Roman Catholicism.  In 1917, three children claimed to have a series of monthly visits from an apparition who finally identified herself with the rosary.  The apparition is known as “Our Lady of Fatima” or “the Virgin of Fatima” (she never referred to herself as Mary).  Hollywood did a movie about this decades ago called The Miracle of Our Lady of Fatima (which I have seen).

The apparition, which many in the Catholic world believe was Jesus’ mother Mary, gave various “secrets,” several of which were not written down until after they had apparently been fulfilled.  Many believe that Fatima holds the key to the future and that the forces of evil can be stopped if various portions of the messages of Fatima are heeded.

Notice two press releases that I recently received from the people behind the publication called the Fatima Crusader:

“Fatima: Your Last Chance!”
Offers Alternative
To One-World Dictatorship

Our Lady told us there is one way to world peace, and it is not through a worldwide political power. It is through obeying Her request: The Pope and the bishops must consecrate Russia to Her Immaculate Heart…

The solution to all our ills is that simple. And there is no other solution…The forces of the New World Order are gathering. We must oppose them NOW with Our Lady of Fatima’s one and only solution!  (Our Lady’s Electronic Press Release: May 4, 2012)

“Fatima: Your Last Chance!”
Says It All:
There Is No Other Option!…

There is only one hope, only one Person who can help the Church now: Our Lady of Fatima…We are going to Rome from May 13-18 for “Fatima: Your Last Chance!” to remind the Pope and the bishops they have but one option to save the Church and the world.  (Our Lady’s Electronic Press Release: May 8, 2012)

But Fatima is not any one’s last chance–Jesus is, but those who misunderstand various aspects of Fatima do not realize the real solution.

Multiple millions of people consider Fatima a very big deal.  The Fatima sanctuary is one of the biggest tourist draws for the entire nation of Portugal–millions visit it each year (my wife Joyce and I visited it last May while researching Fatima Shock!).

There is still a lot of confusion about Fatima and its messages according to a report out several hours ago from the Catholic News Service (Rocca F.  Half a century later, still answering Fatima questions.  Catholic News Service, May 10. 2012. http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1201913.htm).

Yet, if those who follow Fatima knew the truth about what was originally reported in Fatima, the truth about several of the messages (and messengers), etc. they would realize that Fatima is part of the problem, not the solution.

Although most non-Catholics do not think that Fatima can affect them, if they live long enough this century, they will find that this is not the case.  Fatima is a much bigger deal than people realize and seems to tie into a variety of prophecies throughout the Bible (e.g. Isaiah 47, Matthew 24, 2 Thessalonians 2, Revelation 17).

The truth about Fatima, the messages of Fatima, the “secrets” of Fatima, the Vatican’s views of Fatima, and how Fatima is expected to impact the future are all covered in detail in Fatima Shock!

Fatima Shock! also, and mainly from Catholic writings, exposes where the “rosary” came from, where many “dogmas of Mary” came from, and explains how Satan has used apparitions in the past to interfere with the Church of God and to promote non-biblical “Christianity.”  Fatima Shock! also explains what appears to be Satan’s plans for apparitions in the future based upon biblical and other prophecies.

Fatima Shock! is available at www.fatimashock.com; Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/Fatima-Shock-Truth-Future-Apparitions/dp/0984087176/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1336687621&sr=8-3); AmazonKindle (http://www.amazon.com/Fatima-Shock-ebook/dp/B0081APXBC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1336687621&sr=8-1); Barnes & Noble Nook (http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fatima-shock-bob-thiel/1110624059?ean=2940014385640)

Learn the real truth.  Read Fatima Shock!

COGwriter

Another Mayan calendar has been found, and it does not show that the world will end this year:

Earliest Mayan calendar shows no hint of ‘world end’

AFP – May 10, 2012

The earliest known Mayan calendar has been found in an ancient house in Guatemala and it offers no hint that the world’s end is imminent, researchers said Thursday…The hieroglyphs date back to the ninth century, making them hundreds of years older than the calendars in the Maya Codices, which were recorded in bark-paper books from 1300 to 1521.  http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5j3fwGDGGqpnwnuQsHyjh9Ca5Jgtw?docId=CNG.8656ddaa8ac9757117861eb8130e5b32.8f1

.

Nevermind the apocalypse: Earliest Mayan calendar found

A new find in a Guatemalan rain forest shows that the Mayan calendar will ‘keep going for billions, trillions, octillions of years into the future. This ancient “wall calendar” is a major find, because the first known calendar and astronomical tables before this time came from the Dresden Codex, a book that dates to the 11th or 12th centuries. Most likely, Saturno said, the wall calendar and the Dresden Codex both arose from earlier books that long ago rotted away.http://www.mnn.com/green-tech/research-innovations/stories/nevermind-the-apocalypse-earliest-mayan-calendar-found

The world, as we know it, will NOT go on for billions or trillions of years–that Mayan calendar interpretation is in error.  But the world as we know it will go past 2012.

Although none of us in the Living Church of God have ever believed that the world would end on 12/21/2012, there are Mayan artifacts and writings that some believe suggest that at least some Mayans did end up believing the world would end when one of their calendar cycles did.   And, of course, there were various opinions on many matters amongst the Mayans.  And it should be noted that the Mayan Dresden Codex, that some believe pictures a destructive flood, was not produced until after the calendar that was announced.

Perhaps the most specific Mayan statement about the world ending in a flood is from a Mayan writing from the 16th century, called the Chilam Balam:

But when the law of the katun has run its course, the God will bring about a great deluge again which will be the end of the world. When this is over, then our Lord Jesus Christ will descend over the valley of Jehoshaphat beside the town of Jerusalem where he redeemed us with his holy blood (José Hoíl J, Roys R. The Book of Chilam Balam of Chumayel. Roys Publisher, 1933. Reprint Forgotten Books, 1967, p. 62).

The Mayan flood prophecy, presuming that it applies to 2012 (there is debate about that) will be proven false.

And, it may be important to realize that the Bible does show that some type of flooding will occur and eliminate most of the islands of the world (please see Islands and Bible Prophecy), but I do not believe that this can occur until some years after December 21, 2012. Nor does the Bible allow for a worldwide destruction of all flesh through a flood:

8 Then God spoke to Noah and to his sons with him, saying: 9 “And as for Me, behold, I establish My covenant with you and with your descendants after you, 10 and with every living creature that is with you: the birds, the cattle, and every beast of the earth with you, of all that go out of the ark, every beast of the earth. 11 Thus I establish My covenant with you: Never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood; never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.” (Genesis 9:8-11).

However, since the world cannot and will not be destroyed by a flood, I strongly suspect that many will decide that the Mayan prophecies should properly be interpreted to mean that the longed for age of peace is upon us–even though it will not be (Ezekiel 13:10).  And the idea of a new age continuing past 12/21/2012 seems to be consistent with the latest claimed calendar find.

The Bible is clear that there will not be another flood such as Noah experienced (Genesis 9:11-15).  Other scriptures show that the Great Tribulation and the later great earthquake (Revelation 16:18) (Earthquakes Today and Bible Prophecy) will not be that early.

FWIW, world events have aligned with at least 22 biblically-understood predictions in my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect. And more will as well, including the non-end-of-the-world in 2012. Because in my view the Bible clearly teaches that the world will not end in in 2012.

Those interested in the truth should check out the following:

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?
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? What happens before in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? 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 21 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 many of the 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 21 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 21 já começaram a acontecer.

 
European Central Bank, Frankfurt (Eric Chan)

COGwriter

The Telegraph from the UK had the following headlines:

It’s too late for Germany to save the euro

Despite gestures from Berlin, the currency cannot survive if and when Greece leaves it.

Telegraph.co.uk , May 10, 2012

In the USA, the Wall Street Journal just offered a slightly different view:

Euro’s Resilience Has Its Limits

Wall Street Journal – ‎May 10, 2012 By WILLIAM KEMBLE-DIAZ The demise of the euro isn’t being widely forecast just yet, but the convulsions rocking the Continent this week have convinced some analysts and investors that the euro’s recent slippage presages a bigger fall.

My own view has not changed.  Notice what I wrote about three years ago in 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect:

Having the European power acquiring a lot more gold to back the Euro (even if the backing is only implied) or possibly other future European currency (that might potentially replace the Euro) may greatly increase European credibility, prosperity, and influence around the globe.

I felt then, as I do now, that there could be enough economic turmoil in Europe that the Euro could possibly be replaced, but still am not certain that it will be–but it could be and could possibly be part of an international basket of currencies.  We will see.

While it is certain that there are problems with the European confederation, the Bible predicted them (cf. Daniel 2:41-43), so the recent developments are not unexpected (and I still expect more complaints about austerity, more unrest, etc. in Europe).

The Bible reveals that despite weaknesses (Daniel 2:41-43) there will be a reorganization in Europe (Revelation 17:12-13).  The likelihood is that Europe is going to develop some technologies that will propel it into the front of the world economically–more than in the past.  The Bible shows that it will make the world wealthy for a time (Revelation 18).

The Bible also shows that ultimately, a major dictator (and the person I currently suspect for that role currently holds no major government office) will rise up and rule end time European Babylon (Revelation 17:1-13), the final King of the North, European Beast power of Bible prophecy (Daniel 11:40).

While Europe is not yet ready to support the final King of the North, we in the Living Church of God have long taught that it will be.  And that this final European confederation will be much worse for the USA and its Anglo-descended allies (Daniel 11:39) than what a collapse of the Euro could directly bring.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? What MUST happen BEFORE the Great Tribulation?
Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North? Is the German Defense Minister one to watch? What do Catholic, Byzantine, and biblical prophecies suggest?
Resurgent Germany: A Fourth Reich? Who are the German peoples and where did they come from? What is Germany’s role in end time prophecy?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English 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 Do 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.
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.
Is Tony Blair Apocalyptic? The former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom converted to Catholicism shortly after leaving his office and has been active in European affairs. What role might he play?
2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect This is a link related to a book by Bob Thiel (COGwriter). This also has YouTube videos related to 2012. The book contains documented prophecies as well as an end time sequence of events that Christians should study and understand. Including the role of Europe and how it is pivotal to end time biblical prophecy.
2012 und das Auftreten der geheimen Sekte (German Edition) 2012 Buch von Dr. Thiel in deutscher Sprache.

Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Iran

COGwriter

The latest Good News magazine (its 100th issue) by the United Church of God (UCG) has the following from its Chairman Melvin Rhodes:

Will Iran Again Influence a U.S. Presidential Election?…

Iran is not isolated among Islamic nations. The Iranians dominate an arc of countries that extends both northwest of Iran and eastward. It now includes Iraq, which has a majority Shia population—a population previously kept under control by its late president Saddam Hussein, a nominal but mostly irreligious Sunni Arab. The new democratic system established by U.S. and coalition nations resulted in the majority Shia gaining dominance. And they naturally look to fellow Shiites in Iran…

In the other direction, Iran’s influence extends to Afghanistan and Pakistan. Indeed, in February, the leaders of all three countries met. As the latter two are theoretically U.S. allies in the war against radical Islamists, their meeting should be a serious warning to the United States. The meeting was given little attention by American media.

Furthermore, Iran’s influence is not limited to the Middle East…

As detailed in our free Bible study aid booklet The Middle East in Bible Prophecy, the Bible foretells the coming clash of “the king of the South,” from what is today the Islamic world, and “the king of the North,” leader of a revived Roman Empire composed of a union of nations centered in Europe…

The king of the South will “attack” the North or, as the King James Version of the Bible renders this, “push at” the North.The “push” may imply something other than a direct military attack on Europe. It could be terrorist actions. Or it could be an economic threat. Blocking the Strait of Hormuz or otherwise choking off the West’s oil supplies would certainly come into this category. Europe is far more dependent on Middle Eastern oil than the United States. It’s also possible that American reluctance to take needed military action could be a cause leading to European intervention.

This is not meant to identify Iran as the king of the South—for the southern power may well rise from the majority Sunni Arab nations. Yet Iranian actions could be a catalyst for this.

UCG has in the past indicated that Iran could be the King of the South while also indicating that it could be an Arabic power.  The current issue of its Good News magazine has several articles devoted to Iran and the Middle East and seems to hedge both ways (though the current issue seems to be more tilted towards Iran related to being the King of the South).

Here are some past quotes from UCG on this (the fact that many UCG ministers are now in COGWA suggests that COGWA may be hedging on this as well, though all the quotes shown here are from those still in UCG):

Because Iran is, to this point, intractable in its demand to develop nuclear power, and because it produces the second highest amount of oil in OPEC, neither it nor its new president can be ignored.  Back to Daniel’s enigmatic prediction. He spoke of two geopolitical configurations, kings of the south and north. It’s too soon to tell whether Ahmadinejad will become the first “king,” but it is possible that the group backing that king of the south could well be some form of the Islamic ummah (community) (Maranville C.E. Could Ahmadinejad Be Daniel’s “King of the South”? World News & Prophecy, December 2005).

Eventually Israel will become subject to a European-centered superpower (the “king of the North”) who will invade the Holy Land as a result of a “push” by the “king of the South” (possibly an Islamic group of peoples) as explained in Daniel 11:40-45. Schroeder JR. New Middle Eastern Conflicts: A Wake-up Call for Mankind. World News & Prophecy, August 2006).

…Daniel 11:40-45. These verses tell of a “king of the South” doing something so provocative to a “king of the North” that he reacts by taking over the region of Palestine. On the basis of what we can observe today, we anticipate that the king of the South will be an alliance of Muslim nations from northern Africa through the Middle East and that the king of the North will be a core of European nations, smaller than the present EU configuration (Maranville C.E. China Looks to Africa. World News & Prophecy, June 2007).

UCG’s positions are less defined than the stances of groups such as PCG and LCG.  Gerald Flurry of PCG has repeatedly taught that the inaccurate position that Iran will be the King of the South.  Here  are two examples of that:

Notice this prophecy in Daniel 11:40: “And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him: and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over.” Iran leads this “king of the south” (Flurry G. From the Editor: Why You Must Watch Europe. Philadelphia Trumpet. Nov-Dec 2006).

How could I have known so long ago that Iran would be the king of the south and clash with the Holy Roman Empire? Because of what was happening in Iran and the Middle East, coupled with Bible prophecy…

So you need to watch Libya and Ethiopia. They are about to fall under the heavy influence or control of Iran, the king of the south. (Flurry G. Libya and Ethiopia Reveal Iran’s Military Strategy. Philadelphia Trumpet, April 2011)

In contrast, LCG’s Roderick C. Meredith has repeatedly and publicly stated that Iran will not be the King of the South (e.g. Meredith R.C. Last Great Day Sermon. Clearwater, Florida. October 25, 2005).

Dr. Meredith has also specifically stated,

The King of the South is not Iran…The King of the South cannot be Iran. Iran is north of Jerusalem (Meredith RC. Endure with Faith. Sermon, Charlotte (NC), September 10, 2005).

I should probably add here that the Iranians are Persian, and not Arabic. They primarily speak Farsi, which is not an Arabic language. While the Iranians tend to be strict Muslims, they are NOT Arabs ethnically, but could provide some support to the King of the South.

Because I do not believe that it will be the final King of the South of Bible prophecy (cf. Daniel 11:4-43), I have tended to believe that Iran may somehow get “neutralized” before this final king rises up. A serious regional conflict in the Middle East may neutralize Iran and neutralize much of its influence. And Syria (Isaiah 17:1) and parts of Lebanon and others may be involved.

UCG’s hedging on this is not hot, nor is it cold enough that if Iran becomes neutralized (as I and others in LCG believe will happen) that UCG will be proven wrong.  Only proven to not to be sure.

Anyway, despite UCG’s hedging and Gerald Flurry’s insistence, IRAN will NOT be the FINAL King of the South.  The final King of the South will be a confederation of primarily Arabic nations of North Africa and the Middle East (the confederation of the final King of the South may go from around Western Sahara and/or Mauritania to perhaps Afghanistan), with Turkey involved, and with likely some support from Iran,  and perhaps some coordination with further eastern nations like Pakistan and Indonesia.  And if there is a significant regional war in the Middle East this year involving Iran, this may serve as a catalyst for the Islamic confederation to form.

Watch! (Mark 13:37)

On other UCG matters, it posted the following:

Amongst other business, the GCE chose two new members for their Council of Elders: Carmelo Anastasi and Mark Mickelson. They will each serve a three-year term. Two incumbents, Scott Ashley and Melvin Rhodes, were returned for another three year term each, and two councillors decided not to run for office again: Bill Eddington and Roy Holladay.

Roy Holladay has been a past president and past GCE (General Council of Elders) chairman for UCG.  I believe that I met Carmelo Anastasi over twenty years ago at one or two FOT sites (in Italy); I am less familiar with Mark Mickelson.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

The Arab World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam? What does Islam teach about the Imam Mahdi?
Is There A Future King of the South? Some no longer believe there needs to be. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? Is he the Imam Mahdi? What does the Bible say?
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?
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.
Concerns about Church of God, a Worldwide Association Known as COGWA, this seems to be the largest group that came out of the United Church of God.  Here is some history and concerns about it. UCG’s former president Clyde Kilough and UK CEO Peter Hawkins are part of it.
Teachings Unique to the Philadelphia Church of God Simply calling oneself ‘Philadelphia’ does not make one so (see Revelation 3:7-9), nor does Gerald Flurry calling himself “that prophet” make it so. This article provides many quotes from this group which tries to look faithful.
Are the Laodiceans the Modern Sadducees and Pharisees? Discusses similarities of the Sadducees and Pharisees to various COGs in this end-time.
The Philadelphia Church Era was predominant circa 1933 A.D. to 1986 A.D. The old Radio Church of God and old Worldwide Church of God, now basically the Living Church of God.
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

During an interview with ABC today, US President Barack Obama expressed his direct support for homosexual marriage:

“At a certain point I’ve just concluded that for me personally it is important for me to go ahead and affirm that I think same sex couples should be able to get married,” Obama said in an interview with ABC News. The president once opposed same-sex marriage. http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/09/politics/obama-same-sex-marriage/?hpt=hp_c1

The Bible does not share Barack Obama’s views on this.

There were other societies that have had their own issues of openly advocating sins that their residents seemed to view as acceptable. Notice what happened in a couple of such towns between three thousand and four thousand years ago:

24 Then the Lord rained brimstone and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah, from the Lord out of the heavens. 25 So He overthrew those cities, all the plain, all the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew on the ground. (Genesis 19:24-25)

And why did it happen?

7 as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them in a similar manner to these, having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. (Jude 7)

Why mention this in the 21st century? Because God turned:

6…the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly (2 Peter 2:6,
NKJV)

Thus, the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah were to serve as an example to those who would live as they did. The USA, which has lots of Bibles, should know this–but refuses to wish to truly retain God in its knowledge.

Of course, not everyone in Sodom and Gomorrah were homosexuals as those that strictly practice that could not reproduce. Yet, notice that the destruction that hit their cities destroyed all that were there and notice that something like this is to happen again according to Jesus:

26 And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: 27 They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. 28 Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot: They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; 29 but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all. (Luke 17:26-29)

The US president can pretend that “same-sex marriage” is acceptable, but the Bible suggests otherwise.

The following passage, written nearly two thousand years ago, essentially predicts resurgences of amorality, plus explains why this happens:

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man — and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.

24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.

28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them. (Romans 1:18-32)

Many of those in the top governmental positions in the West do not wish to retain the word of God in their knowledge and endorse evolution instead of creation as the origin of life, so it is little wonder that increasing societal acceptance of sin is occurring. Also notice that God warned that many would “also approve of those who practice” various forms of sin. This is what more and more government leaders, like US President Obama are doing.

National repentance is the only real long-term hope for the USA (and it seems to be too late for that), the political leadership in the USA has largely ignored that approach.  The carnal “solutions” offered and agreed to by both political parties in the USA will not get it back on track economically. Its economy may appear to do better for a while, but in the long run, the USA does not have real solutions to its economic woes.

There are carnal solutions that the USA could do now (mainly related to energy production and tariffs) that could help extend the situation, but too many of its leaders have rejected God and have the type of “reprobate mind” that prevents them from seeing even those “convenient” options (cf. Romans 1:18-32, KJV). The debate I have heard from some politicians and pundits on the USA economy strongly suggests to me, at least, that many do not understand production, economics, job-creation, nor the Bible.

Few seem to tie the national legalization of abortions in the U.S.A. in 1973, the increased legalizations of homosexual marriages (though North Carolina moved in the opposite direction yesterday–though ultimately its opposition may be held to be ‘unconstitutional’ or something to that effect later), and the Obama Administration’s earlier decision to want to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (see Obama Announces He Wants to Repeal Defense of Marriage Act and Increase Debt) as important factors in what is happening. But all of those, as well as the promotion of violence in the U.S.A. (including certain sports), as well as other sins, are factors behind what is happening.

Chapter 8 of my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect is titled Barack Obama, Islam, and the End of America. In that chapter I wrote that Barack Obama would cause people to err per Isaiah 3:12 & 9:16, not encourage people to repent of sins, but instead have policies that are focused on not relying on God. Sadly, he is doing so.

Keeping the Ten Commandments reflects love. Breaking them and/or condoning those that do is evil. This should be clear to those who believe the God of the Bible.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

What Did Jesus Teach About the Ten Commandments? This article quotes what Jesus actually said about them (His words are in red).
The Ten Commandments Reflect Love, Breaking them is Evil Some feel that the ten commandments are a burden. Is that what Jesus, Paul, Peter, James, and John taught?
Was the Commandment to Love the Only Command? Some have stated that John’s writings teach this, but is that what the Bible really says?
The Ten Commandments and the Early Church Did Jesus and the Early Church keep the ten commandments? What order were they in? Here are quotes from the Bible and early writings.
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? This article has eight reasons why Barack Obama is apocalyptic and eight reasons why Barack Obama is not the Antichrist. It includes many biblical and non-biblical prophecies, from around the world, that seem to discuss Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist? Might Barack Obama set the stage for the kings of the North and South as at least one Shiite prophecy suggests? This is the longest and most complete article at the COGwriter website on Barack Obama prophecies. Read it and decide for yourself if President Obama seems to be fulfilling various prophecies.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”. Might Bible prophecy be fulfilled since he is to be the USA president?
Several More Reasons American’s Question Obama’s Religion Is Barack Obama a Christian? He claims to be. Others question that.
Many Americans Believe that Barack Obama is Muslim Is Barack Obama Muslim? Many feel that he is?
Who is the King of the West? Why is there no End-Time King of the West in Bible Prophecy? Is the United States the King of the West?
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.
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?

Herman Van Rompuy

COGwriter

Today is considered to be “Europe Day.”  Earlier today, the EU President Herman Van Rompuy made the following statement:

The European Union will never become the United States of Europe…We have a special identity in each of our member states and a very specific situation due to our history but what we have to do is to create every time we can, and a crisis period is a very fruitful period for this. Unfortunately, we have to create more Europe, more European integration.  http://www.euronews.com/2012/05/09/herman-van-rompuy-the-eu-will-never-become-the-united-states-of-europe/

Although I am a little surprised he used the term “Unfortunately,” others seem to think that is the plan.  In an interview published yesterday, notice what a British member of the EU Parliament, Nigel Farage stated:

“It’s astonishing. I mean the European Parliament meets tomorrow, and there is a debate about the emergency. Would you believe it, that Mr. Barroso, the President of the Commission, and my old mate Herman van Rumpuy, the European President, are both not going to be there because they have previous engagements?  Even if they do have previous engagements, surely nothing could be more important than to come before the one representative assembly for half a billion people here in Europe. It looks as though these guys are hiding in their bunkers, pretending it’s not happening.  What these guys in the EU are going to try to do is, as this crisis gets worse and descends, there will be an attempt at some point in the next few months for them to set up something that will be very like a dictatorship. I’m not sure now, with the public mood, that they will get away with it … the similarities (to the 30s) are really rather chilling.”  http://kingworldnews.com/kingworldnews/KWN_DailyWeb/Entries/2012/5/8_Nigel_Farage_-_There_Will_Be_an_Attempt_to_Install_a_Dictatorship.html

So, the EU’s President Herman Van Rompuy claims that the EU will never become a United States of Europe, while British EU Parliament member Nigel Farage claims that the plan is to end up with a type of dictatorship.  I have reported in the past that some have claimed that the EU has plans for a strongman/dictator type of leader (see, for one recent example, EU Plot to Put in Super Leader While Excluding the United Kingdom?).

EU Parliament member Nigel Farage’s assessment is fairly close to scripture–Europe will reorganize and end up with a dictatorial leader (Revelation 13).  And in a sense, if ultimately the EU (it could be called something else by then) accepts a dictatorship, it will not be quite a United States of Europe in the American sense, so in that way Herman Van Rompuy is correct.

The Bible is clear that the someone who sounds like a dictator will rise up in Europe:

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)

And while now is not quite yet the dictator’s time, despite problems (Daniel 2:40-43), a major dictator in Europe (and I do not anticipate at this time that it will be Herman van Rompuy) will rise up (Revelation 13:1-8), Europe will reorganize (Revelation 17:12-13), and become the final King of the North, European Beast power of Bible prophecy (Daniel 11:21-44).

The Bible also warns that ultimately, God will have it that union (Daniel 2:44) and its leader (Daniel 11:45) destroyed.  Many will ignore Nigel Farage’s (as well as the Bible’s) warnings, but a dictatorship/empire will emerge.

And this will not be good for the British (nor the Americans), and ultimately not the Europeans.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe?
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?
2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect This is a link related to a book by Bob Thiel (COGwriter). This also has YouTube videos related to 2012. The book contains documented prophecies as well as an end time sequence of events that Christians should study and understand. Including the prophesied roles of Europe and the Vatican.
2012 und das Auftreten der geheimen Sekte (German Edition) 2012 Buch von Dr. Thiel in deutscher Sprache.
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?

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

COGwriter

William Dankenbring, a self-appointed “apostle” who has a history of inaccurate prophetic speculation, and who runs Triumph Prophetic Ministries, posted the following:

The final day of the Mayan calendar ends on December 21, 2012, and Mayans consider this date as the end of time and possibly the end of the world at which point human history could come to a close…

According to Archbishop Usher’s chronology, Adam and Eve were created in 4,004 B.C. Adam and Eve disobeyed God (sinned and cut themselves off from God) in the Garden of Eden exactly seven years after they were created according to the book of Jubilees which would be year 3,997 B.C.
According to ancient Biblical interpretation, God has given mankind 6,000 years to live on the earth, before the Kingdom of God will arrive – a thousand years for each of the six days of creation (see II Peter 3:8-10)

“Is God Adding 15 Years Till the Coming of the Messiah?” . Counting from Creation in 4,004 B.C., the year 2012 is fifteen years from 1997. Is this then, a year of transition, beginning the transition to the end of this age and the world of tomorrow?

If the Isaiah 38 prophecy about Hezekiah’s added fifteen years refers is based on the 6,000 year period which started from the year of Adam and Eve’s transgression in 3997 B.C., then 15 years added to 2004 A.D. would bring us to 2019 A.D. – exactly seven years from now!

This would make Daniel’s seventieth week, or the final week of years of this age, to be from 2012 to 2019! This means the final Great Tribulation is scheduled to begin THIS VERY YEAR! This year is very likely the beginning of Daniel’s 70th week prophecy!…

With these things in mind, it is very interesting to me that the Mayan calendar does say that the calendar of time ends on December 21, 2012 which is the winter solstice this very year.

Basically, William Dankenbring has tended in the past to rely on the incorrect calculations of James Ussher (normally spelling is not Usher) to determine when the 6,000 years ends (for details about Ussher’s errors, see Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End?).  Since the end did not come 6,000 years after Ussher’s date, William Dankenbring at first essentially declared we were living in overtime.  Now he claims because God granted Hezekiah 15 additional years, that God’s 6,000 plan for humankind to rule itself is 6015 years.  Plus he believes that the Great Tribulation should start around the end of 2012–it cannot and will not.

William Dankenbring was once a writer for the old Worldwide Church of God.  His tendency towards inaccurate and outrageous speculations distanced him from that church and he has been on his own for some time continuing to make inaccurate speculations.  Of course, he has had some many start of the Great Tribulation and return of Jesus dates, that he may accidentally get it right once.

Although he, James Malm (an independent whose inaccurate prophetic speculative dates have also proven wrong), and others suggest otherwise the Great Tribulation will not begin this year.   It will not begin prior to 2015 and most likely later than that.

Why?

Enough of the scriptural signs are simply not there yet.   As far as some specific signs, for one the Europeans are not ready for their King of the North role yet and it is not possible that they will be any time next year either. Matthew 24:14 has still not been fulfilled completely (related to gospel proclamation) and the end cannot come until it has been. We have also not seen the type of wars, famines, and pestilences that Jesus described in Matthew 24:4-8 yet–and those need to happen more PRIOR to the start of the Great Tribulation. Nor have we seen a deal (apparently a peace deal) related to the one in Daniel 9:27.

People need to search the scriptures (cf. Acts 17:11), for if they do, they will realize that there is no possibility that the Great Tribulation can begin in 2012.  Nor did God add 15 years to the 6,000 years as William Dankenbring is currently suggesting.

Perhaps he, James Malm, and others should read and study my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect.  Not only does it have a detailed chronology on the 6,000, thus far world events have aligned with at least 22 biblically-based predictions in it–and it also teaches that the Great Tribulation will not start nor will the world end in 2012.  And it will be right about that.

Some articles of related interest, which contain many scriptures to search to verify what I am saying, include the following:

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?
Teachings of Triumph Prophetic Ministries William Dankenbring’s ministry–incorrectly speculates on various dates and holds to some odd doctrines.
Error-Ridden James Malm Not Doing an Elijah Work James Malm is an ‘independent’ who misunderstands and often improperly maligns.
Should the Church Still Try to Place its Top Priority on Proclaiming the Gospel or Did Herbert W. Armstrong Change that Priority for the Work? Some say the Church should mainly feed the flock now as that is what Herbert W. Armstrong reportedly said. Is that what he said? Is that what the Bible says? What did Paul and Herbert W. Armstrong expect from evangelists?
There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Petra This article discusses a biblical ‘place of safety’ and includes quotes from the Bible and Herbert W. Armstrong on this subject–thus, there is a biblically supported alternative to the rapture theory.
Why Be Concerned About False and Heretical Leaders? There have been many false leaders–here is some of why you should be concerned about them.
Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2018 or 2019?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2012, 2013, or 2014? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?
End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something? Are there Mayan calendar predictions for change in 2012? Changes were centuries ago predicted by the Hopi Native Americans. Do Mayan/Hindu/Hopi/Buddhist/New Age/Nostradamus prophecies have any value here? Why might Satan have inspired this date? Does the Dresden codex show destruction of the earth by flood? Can the great tribulation start before 2012? How might Barack Obama be involved in 2012?
2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect This is a link related to a book by Bob Thiel (COGwriter). This link also has YouTube videos. This book documents and explains hundreds of prophecies. And since it was published, world events have aligned with at least 21 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 many of the 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 21 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 21 já começaram a acontecer.