Church of God News

COGwriter and Dr. Douglas Winnail (Glenwood Springs, CO, 10/2011)

COGwriter

The current edition of LCG’s Tomorrow’s World magazine has the following from Evangelist Douglas Winnail:

The Demise of the West

For the last few centuries, nations in Europe and North America dominated the world and exported their “Christian” culture around the globe. Yet, in recent years—and accelerating in this 21st century—these once-powerful countries have begun to crumble from within!

Nations that had taken for granted a common culture, history and values have been challenged by huge waves of immigration bringing ideas and practices that challenge the assumptions and the dominance of their host cultures. Across Europe and the Americas, this trend is increasing. Yet, few today realize that Bible prophecies foretold that this would happen and reveal why. These ancient prophecies are coming alive today!

Crumbling Foundations

The philosopher George Santayana famously said, “Those who fail to learn the lessons of history are bound to repeat them.” Today, most people perceive isolated events that cause problems, but only a few recognize the “big picture”! More than 200 years ago, the distinguished English historian Edward Gibbon pointed out key causes of the demise of the ancient Roman Empire: a love of pomp and luxury, a growing gap between rich and poor, an obsession with sex, freakishness in art and an increasing desire to receive government payments and live at state expense. In the last half-century, these same phenomena have become increasingly visible in the Western nations.

Other historians and analysts have generated similar lists, noting the parallel conditions that lead to national decline. Jim Nelson Black, in a book entitled When Nations Die, describes trends found in empires that declined and disappeared from the world stage: increasing lawlessness, loss of economic discipline (rising debt), increasing bureaucracy, decline in the quality of education, decay of religious belief, increasing materialism, rising immorality (pornography, sex outside of traditional marriage), weakening cultural foundations, disrespect of government, the devaluation of human life (abortion, euthanasia, violent crime) and loss of respect for traditional values and institutions. Tragically, all these trends have appeared and spread during the last 50 years in the “Christian” nations of the West.

Drawing a lesson from history, commentator Russell Kirk observed, “No nation endures forever: of those that have vanished… most have expired due to internal decay” (America’s British Culture, p. 90). Samuel Huntington, a noted Harvard University historian, discussed stages that civilizations go through and progressive signs of decay, “when the civilization, no longer able to defend itself, because it is no longer willing to defend itself, lies open to barbarian invaders” (The Clash of Civilizations, p. 303). Sadly, this describes the conditions in many Western nations today!

Emerging Threats

The historically “Christian” nations of the West face growing threats from within and without. For more than a century, the secularist threat from within has been chipping away at fundamental biblical values, and in recent decades this attack has been particularly successful among intellectuals and academics, who regularly mock the idea that God exists and intervenes in human affairs. Scholars and critics openly challenge the long-held notion that the Bible is the inspired word of God. Today, biblical ideas about marriage, gender roles and moral values are increasingly rejected as “old-fashioned” and “outmoded.” Yet it is these same “outmoded” ideas that have undergirded the foundations of Western civilization for centuries. Huntington asserts that this rejection “means the end of the United States of America as we have known it. It also means effectively the end of Western civilization” (ibid., pp. 306–307). Sadly, very few today seem to grasp this fact!

Western civilization also faces external threats to its continued health and dominance. One major challenge is the re-emergence of Islam as a force to be reckoned with. The stated goal of many radical Islamists is the destruction of the corrupt “Christian” West and the establishment of a Caliphate based on the Koran and sharia law. This poses a direct challenge to the basic biblical values of Western civilization. Muslims blame Jews and Christians for “corrupting” the Scriptures that God originally gave them. Islam considers Jesus Christ a prophet, not the divine Son of God. Sharia proponents reject democratic governance that allows modern preferences to overrule centuries-old traditions of Muslim jurists. Under strict Islamic law, non-believers who do not convert to Islam must pay a tax to maintain second-class status in society, or else face death.

Though for several hundred years the armies of Islam sought unsuccessfully to conquer all of Europe—reaching into Spain to the west and the gates of Vienna to the east—a new attack is underway, this time carried out through immigration and birth rates. Families with centuries of ancestry in Europe are seeing their birth rates drop below replacement levels, yet their countries are experiencing growth because of Muslim immigrants who come to Europe and rear large families. Watch for intensifying polarization of Europe, as Muslims gain increasing political power in formerly “Christian”-dominated nations. The time may soon come when a backlash against immigrants brings greater unity among European countries “re-claiming” their Roman Catholic heritage as a bulwark against Islam, which in turn would inflame hostilities with Muslim nations to the south and east of Europe.

The rising economic and military power of China, India and other countries that formerly were not “players” on the world geopolitical scene is coming at a time when the formerly dominant power of the U.S. and Great Britain is fading. Additionally, the major Western powers are increasingly dependent on economic loans and energy supplies from foreign nations. This does not bode well for nations that are also crumbling from within! But, why is this happening to the “Christian” nations of the West today?

Ancient Prophecies

The Bible reveals that God made a covenant with the ancient twelve-tribed nation of Israel. The modern nations of America, Canada and Great Britain, as well as the northwest European countries, are descended from the ancient Israelites (for more on this topic, read our booklet The United States and Great Britain in Prophecy). The terms of the covenant were simple: obey God and His laws and be blessed, or disobey God and His laws and suffer the consequences (Leviticus 26; Deuteronomy 28). God gave His laws to His chosen people, so they could be an example to the world (Deuteronomy 4:1–9; 7:6–11). Sadly, despite warnings from God’s prophets, the Israelites turned away from His laws and instead followed the practices of pagan nations around them—suffering terrible punishments as a result.

Few today realize that many of the prophecies in the Bible are dual—that there was an initial fulfillment in ancient times, but the ultimate fulfillment of these prophecies will be in the last days just before the return of Jesus Christ. Long ago, God instructed Moses to warn the Israelites that if they “do not obey Me… if you despise My statutes… I will even appoint terror over you… Those who hate you shall reign over you… I will break the pride of your power” (Leviticus 26:14–19) and that “if you do not obey the voice of the Lord… cursed shall you be in the city, and cursed shall you be in the country…. The alien who is among you shall rise higher and higher above you, and you shall come down lower and lower. He shall lend to you, but you shall not lend to him; he shall be the head, and you shall be the tail. Moreover all these curses shall come upon you… until you are destroyed, because you did not obey the voice of the Lord your God” (Deuteronomy 28:15–45). Our nations are witnessing these prophecies coming alive today—because the modern Israelite nations have turned away from the God of the Bible!

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?
Physical Preparation Scriptures for Christians. We all know the Bible prophecies famines. Should we do something?
Is Third Tithe Still Valid Today? Some in the COGs no longer teach payment of third tithe, is this biblically correct?
LCG: Pornography, Who’s Tempting Whom? This is some information about the prevalence and dangers of pornography from the Living Church of God.
CG7 on Pornography This is an article excerpt from the Church of God, 7th Day-Denver about pornography.
Abortion, the Bible, and a Woman’s Right to Choose Do you know what the Bible teaches on this? Has the Roman Catholic Church allowed abortions? What about the Living Church of God?
LCG: Homosexuals Gaining Ground “Same-sex marriage” is becoming more acceptable to many. What does the Bible teach about homosexuality?
Is American Football Evil? Is the most popular spectator sport in the USA something that Christians should watch? What do the Bible and early writings show?
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.
Did The Early Church Teach Millenarianism? Was the millennium (sometimes called chiliasm) taught by early Christians? Who condemned it. Will Jesus literally reign for 1000 years on the earth? Is this time near?
Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2018 or 2019?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
Prophecies of Barack Obama? Eight reasons why Barack Obama is apocalyptic and eight reasons why Barack Obama is not the Antichrist. This article includes many biblical and non-biblical prophecies, from around the world, that seem to discuss Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist? Might Barack Obama set the stage for the kings of the North and South as at least one Shiite prophecy suggests? This is the longest and most complete article on this page on Barack Obama prophecies. Read it and decide for yourself if President Obama seems to be fulfilling various prophecies.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”, based up an early 20th century writing.
Canada in Prophecy: What Does Bible Prophecy, Catholic Prophecy, and other Predictions Suggest About the Future of Canada? There are prophecies that suggest involvement with Canada. And many are not positive about its future.
Who is the King of the West? Why is there no End-Time King of the West in Bible Prophecy? Is the United States the King of the West? If so, what does that really mean for the USA and its Anglo allies.
Is Tony Blair Apocalyptic? The former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom converted to Catholicism shortly after leaving his office and has been active in European affairs. What role might he play?
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?
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?

COGwriter

Did early Christians teach the same doctrines that the Protestant and Catholic churches now teach?

Here is some of what Ignatius of Antioch wrote in the early second century:

Ignatius, who is also called Theophorus, to the Church of God the Father, and of the beloved Jesus Christ, which has through mercy obtained every kind of gift, which is filled with faith and love, and is deficient in no gift, most worthy of God, and adorned with holiness: the Church which is at Smyrna, in Asia, wishes abundance of happiness, through the immaculate Spirit and word of God (Ignatius. Letter to the Smyrnaeans, 0.0.).

Notice what the Church of Rome has written about the Church of God in Smyrna:

Smyrna…Christianity was preached to the inhabitants at an early date. As early as the year 93, there existed a Christian community directed by a bishop for whom St. John in the Apocalypse (i, II; ii, 8-11) has only words of praise…There were other Christians in the vicinity of the city and dependent on it to whom St. Polycarp wrote letters (Eusebius, “Hist. Eccl.”, V, xxiv). When Polycarp was martyred…the Church of Smyrna sent an encyclical concerning his death to the Church of Philomelium and others (Vailhe’ S. Transcribed by Lucia Tobin. Smyrna. The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume XIV. Copyright © 1912 by Robert Appleton Company. Online Edition Copyright © 2003 by Kevin Knight. Nihil Obstat, July 1, 1912. Remy Lafort, S.T.D., Censor. Imprimatur. +John Cardinal Farley, Archbishop of New York).

In the late 2nd century, the Catholic historian Irenaeus recorded that the Church in Smyrna was faithful, and had faithful leaders such as Polycarp:

But Polycarp also was not only instructed by apostles, and conversed with many who had seen Christ, but was also, by apostles in Asia, appointed bishop of the Church in Smyrna…always taught the things which he had learned from the apostles, and which the Church has handed down, and which alone are true. To these things all the Asiatic Churches testify, as do also those men who have succeeded Polycarp down to the present time — a man who was of much greater weight, and a more stedfast witness of truth, than Valentinus, and Marcion, and the rest of the heretics. He it was who, coming to Rome in the time of Anicetus caused many to turn away from the aforesaid heretics to the Church of God, proclaiming that he had received this one and sole truth from the apostles… John, the disciple of the Lord…exclaiming, “Let us fly, lest even the bath-house fall down, because Cerinthus, the enemy of the truth, is within.” And Polycarp himself replied to Marcion, who met him on one occasion, and said, “Dost thou know me?” “I do know thee, the first-born of Satan” (Irenaeus. Adversus Haeres. Book III, Chapter 4, Verse 3 and Chapter 3, Verse 4).

So if Smyrna was faithful, how was early Christianity practiced?

While scholars have a variety of opinions, this page itself will simply mention the following beliefs held by true Christians in the second century of Asia Minor (including Smyrna), with links to highly documented articles on each subject (which are primarily based on the Bible and early historical writings).

Amazingly, a leading Protestant scholar (H. Brown) has admitted:

It is impossible to document what we now call orthodoxy in the first two centuries of Christianity (Brown HOJ. Heresies: Heresy and Orthodoxy in the History of the Church. Hendrickson Publishers, Peabody (MA), 1988, p. 5).

In other words, much of what now passes for “orthodox Christianity” did not exist in the first two centuries after Jesus was crucified and resurrected. This is basically because while there was only one original church, another major group emerged in the second century who changed certain original Christian practices and became what most now seem to feel represent “orthodoxy” (for details, please see Early Church History: Who Were the Two Major Groups Professed Christ in the Second and Third Centuries?).

Simply put, many of the doctrines that now are considered to be heresy were held by the early church and many doctrines now considered to be mainstream were condemned as heresy by those associated with the early church.

Here is a listing of many such doctrines:

Baptism was by immersion and did not include infants.
A Binitarian view was held by the apostolic and post-apostolic true Christian leaders.
Birthdays were not celebrated by early Christians.
Born-Again meant being born at the resurrection, not at the time of conversion.
Celibacy for Bishops/Presbyters/Elders was not a requirement.
Christmas was not observed by any professing Christ prior to the third century, or ever by those holding to early teachings.
Duties of Elders/Pastors were pastoral and theological, not predominantly sacramental.
Easter was not observed by the apostolic church.
The Fall Holy Days were observed by true early Christians.
The Gospel was known and preached.
Holy Spirit was not referred to as God or as a person by any early true Christians in Smyrna or Asia Minor.
Hymns were mainly psalms, not praises to Christ.
Idols were taught against, including the use of the cross.
Immortality of the soul or humans was not taught.
The Kingdom of God was preached.
Lent was not observed by the primitive church.
Military Service was not allowed for true early Christians.
Millenarianism (a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth, often called the millennium) was taught by the early Christians.
Monasticism was unheard of in the early Christian church.
Passover was kept on the 14th of Nisan by apostolic and second century Christians, like Polycarp, in Smyrna.
The Resurrection of the dead was taught by all early Christians.
The Sabbath was observed on Saturday by the apostolic and post-apostolic Church.
Salvation was believed to be offered to the chosen now by the early Church, with others being called later, though not all that taught that (or other doctrines) practiced “the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3).
Sunday was not observed by the apostolic and true post-apostolic Christians.
The Ten Commandments were observed by the apostolic and true post-apostolic Christians–and in the order that the Living Church of God claims they are in.
Tradition had some impact on the second century Christians, but was never supposed to supercede the Bible.
The Trinity was not a word used to describe the Godhead by the apostolic or second century Christians in Smyrna or Asia Minor.
Unclean Meats were eaten by the early allegorists, but not by true Christians.

The early true Church of God simply had many doctrines and practices that do not resemble today’s “mainstream Christianity.”

Those interested in more information should consider visiting the History of Early Christianity page.

Lest anyone feel that the Roman or Orthodox Catholics can tie their beliefs and continuity to the original church better than the Church of God can, if they are truly interested in learning the truth, they should read the following articles:

What Do Roman Catholic Scholars Actually Teach About Early Church History? Although most believe that the Roman Catholic Church history teaches an unbroken line of succession of bishops beginning with Peter, with stories about most of them, Roman Catholic scholars know the truth of this matter. This eye-opening article is a must-read for any who really wants to know what Roman Catholic history actually admits about the early church.
Nazarene Christianity: Were the Original Christians Nazarenes? Should Christians be Nazarenes today? What were the practices of the Nazarenes.
Early Church History: Who Were the Two Major Groups Professed Christ in the Second and Third Centuries? Did you know that many in the second and third centuries felt that there were two major, and separate, professing Christian groups in the second century, but that those in the majority churches tend to now blend the groups together and claim “saints” from both? “Saints” that condemn some of their current beliefs. Who are the two groups?
Do You Practice Mithraism? Many practices and doctrines that mainstream so-called Christian groups have are the same or similar to those of the sun-god Mithras. Do you follow Mithraism combined with the Bible or original Christianity?
Location of the Early Church: Another Look at Ephesus, Smyrna, and Rome What actually happened to the primitive Church? And did the Bible tell about this in advance?
Apostolic Succession What really happened? Did structure and beliefs change? Are many of the widely-held current understandings of this even possible? Did you know that Catholic scholars really do not believe that several of the claimed “apostolic sees” of the Orthodox have apostolic succession–despite the fact that the current pontiff himself seems to wish to ignore this view? Is there actually a true church that has ties to any of the apostles that is not part of the Catholic or Orthodox churches? Read this article if you truly are interested in the truth on this matter!
Which Is Faithful: The Roman Catholic Church or the Church of God? Do you know that both groups shared a lot of the earliest teachings? Do you know which church changed? Do you know which group is most faithful to the teachings of the apostolic church? Which group best represents true Christianity? This documented article answers those questions.
Some Similarities and Differences Between the Orthodox Church and the Churches of God Both groups have some amazing similarities and some major differences. Do you know what they are?

COGwriter

World events continue to align with properly understood biblical prophecy.

Since many like to see YouTube videos, we put together a new one that was uploaded Friday where I briefly go over 23 predictions in my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect which have been at least partially fulfilled since the book went to press in the Summer of 2009.

Here is the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNEMSPLcLUQ&lr=1&feature=results_video

When I wrote the book , 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect, my primary focus was on what would likely happen during the years 2012 through 2020. But of course, for many of the events to occur, other world events need to align themselves for them to come to pass. Since it came out in late 2009, as mentioned world events have aligned with at least 23 predictions in it. Many more will in 2012, and more for the period after 2012.

If you believe the Bible (or wonder how many of its prophecies are expected to be fulfilled) and/or wonder how non-biblical prophecy has been planted to mislead many, 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect lays out a well-referenced roadmap with specific events to expect and to watch out for.

If you have not already done so, you should consider acquiring the book, 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect. It is available in several languages, as well as through Kindle and Barnes&Noble.com.

2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect is available in multiple languages and from multiple sources:

2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect This is a link related to a book by Bob Thiel (COGwriter). This link also has some YouTube videos. This book documents and explains hundreds of prophecies. And since it was published, world events have aligned with at least 23 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 23 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 23 já começaram a acontecer.

COGwriter

No matter what the rhetoric has been about debt reduction, the reality is that the USA debt continues to rise and break its record.

U.S. NATIONAL DEBT CLOCK (note the number below automatically changes, so the amount shown is the amount of debt as of the date you view it live)

My 2009 book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect warns that the USA will continue to greatly increase its debt:

Because the U.S.A. owes alien nations trillions of dollars, it appears that the curse in Deuteronomy 28:44 of having to borrow from aliens is happening to it now. President Barack Obama has put forth economic policies that will (for at least several years) greatly increase that debt. Yet, increasing national debt like this will lead to destruction at the appointed time of the end (Habakkuk 2:3, 6–8).

The USA national debt clock registered $11 trillion in July 2009 when 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect went to press and is now closer to $16 trillion–this prediction about debt going up has sadly been coming to pass. 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect also warns:

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

That too is coming to pass.

Why did I know this?

Partially, because the Bible teaches the following:

12…Those who lead you cause you to err, And destroy the way of your paths.” (Isaiah 3:12)

16 For the leaders of this people cause them to err, And those who are led by them are destroyed (Isaiah 9:16).

43 The alien who is among you shall rise higher and higher above you, and you shall come down lower and lower. 44 He shall lend to you, but you shall not lend to him; he shall be the head, and you shall be the tail. 45 Moreover all these curses shall come upon you and pursue and overtake you, until you are destroyed because you did not obey the voice of the LORD your God, to keep His commandments and His statutes which He commanded you…47 “Because you did not serve the LORD your God with joy and gladness of heart, for the abundance of everything, 48 therefore you shall serve your enemies, whom the LORD will send against you, in hunger, in thirst, in nakedness, and in need of everything; and He will put a yoke of iron on your neck until He has destroyed you. 49 The LORD will bring a nation against you from afar, from the end of the earth, as swift as the eagle flies, a nation whose language you will not understand, 50 a nation of fierce countenance, which does not respect the elderly nor show favor to the young. 51 And they shall eat the increase of your livestock and the produce of your land, until you are destroyed; they shall not leave you grain or new wine or oil, or the increase of your cattle or the offspring of your flocks, until they have destroyed you. 52 They shall besiege you at all your gates until your high and fortified walls, in which you trust, come down throughout all your land; and they shall besiege you at all your gates throughout all your land which the LORD your God has given you (Deuteronomy 28:42-45,47-52)

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

The above prophecy will be fulfilled at the time of the end (cf. “The message was true, but the appointed time was long…in the latter days, for the vision refers to many days yet to come”, Daniel 10:1,14). Daniel 8:19, 11:27,29,35 use same the Hebrew term for “appointed time” as Habakkuk 2:3, while Daniel 10, using a different term, ties the latter days to the time in Daniel 8:19. Habakkuk 2 was not fulfilled in its entirety anciently. Also, it makes little sense that Habakkuk would be directed towards the modern nation of Israel as it does not have enemy creditors. It must be a nation or group of nations with some prominence at the appointed time of the end.

The nation with the greatest debt of all time is the United States of America, and on a per capita basis may be the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

It is the the United States and its Anglo-allies that have loaded pledges of debt in these end times that they really do not expect to pay back. In that respect they have recently plundered many nations. And while much is owed to nations such as China, Japan, and the Arab World, the Europeans have trillions of dollars invested in the USA–money they may be disappointed to have devalued. Enough so that they may divide the land among themselves and other creditors.

While your nation probably will not repent (Anglo or otherwise), you can. Do not wait until it is too late. The fact that the debt clock has exceeded $15 trillion should serve as a wake-up call that the end of the USA will be coming (Habakkuk 2:3,5,6-8; Deuteronomy 28:42-45,47-52)

Several 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?
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?
Does God Have a 6,000/7,000 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 2011, 2012, or 2013? 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?
2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect This is a link related to a book by Bob Thiel (COGwriter). This link also has YouTube videos. This book documents and explains hundreds of prophecies. And since it was published, world events have aligned with at least 20 predictions in the book and many more will to come to pass.  Those who purchase the book at the www.thesecretsect.com website receive a lengthy bonus report documenting world events that aligned with the book.
2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect (English Kindle edition).  This is the 2nd edition of the book, released in January 2012, and includes a summary of the 20 predictions that world events have aligned with since the book originally came out in September 2009.
2012 y el surgimiento de la secta secreta 2012 libro del Dr. Thiel en Español.
2012 und das Auftreten der geheimen Sekte (German Edition) 2012 Buch von Dr. Thiel in deutscher Sprache. 2012 und das Auftreten der geheimen Sekte (German Kindle Edition)
2012 e o Surgimento da Seita Secreta (Portuguese Edition) 2012 livro do Dr. Thiel em português. Este livro documenta e explica centenas de profecias. E desde que foi publicado pela primeira vez, pelo menos 20 já começaram a acontecer.
2012 e o Surgimento da Seita Secreta (Brazilian Portuguese Edition) 2012 livro do Dr. Thiel.  Edição em português do Brasil. Este livro documenta e explica centenas de profecias. E desde que foi publicado pela primeira vez, pelo menos 20 já começaram a acontecer.

The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah

COGwriter By Michael

In 2008, 52% of Californian voters approved Proposition 8 ban on homosexual marriage. Even though a majority of Californians do not want to change the definition of marriage, a judge opposed that decision.

Gay Marriage Foes Lose Bid for Review of Ruling Voiding Ban

June 5 (Bloomberg) — A judge’s ruling striking down California’s Proposition 8 ban on gay marriage as unconstitutional will stand after a federal appeals court in San Francisco refused to reconsider the decision….

A majority of the 25 active judges at the U.S. Court of Appeals in San Francisco voted against rehearing the case. In February, a three-judge panel of the court voted 2-1 to uphold a federal judge’s 2010 ruling that Proposition 8 violates equal protection rights of gay and lesbian couples. Three judges dissented from the majority’s decision today.

 http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2012/06/05/bloomberg_articlesM55LL76S972801-M55RT.DTL

Circuit Judge Diarmuid O’Scannlain stated: “We have overruled the will of 7 million California Proposition 8 voters…. We should not have so roundly trumped California’s democratic process.”

As written on COGwriter recently, regarding North Carolina’s ban on homosexual marriage, these state decisions on banning homosexual marriage are likely be changed:

Of course, no matter how the voters in NC decide this issue tomorrow, there is always the possibility that the US Supreme Court or some other government institution will decide something differently.

This is not a matter of homosexuals having less “rights.” Already, everyone has equal marriage rights; everyone has the right to marry the opposite sex. Marriage has had the same definition in countless cultures for thousands of years. God only states that a man and a woman should be together:

⁵ and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? ⁶ So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.” (Matthew 19:5-6)

God never endorses homosexuality. In fact, homosexuals will not inherit the kingdom of God:

⁹ Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, ¹⁰ nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. ¹¹ And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God. (1 Corinthians 6:9-11)

Read more Bible Scriptures against homosexuality in this article.

Most homosexuals do not feel they should change. Instead, they would rather redefine marriage to be considered “normal.” We live in a society that wants to feel that every decision they make is morally right.

Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil;
Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness;
Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! (Isaiah 5:20)

There are countless reasons why homosexuality is wrong and why God is against it. Homosexuality is not a good family unit, they cannot reproduce more people to be in God’s family, and homosexuals have an extremely high promiscuity rate. Encouraging a promiscuous lifestyle is wrong.

In a study of 2,583 older homosexuals published in the Journal of Sex Research, Paul Van de Ven et al. found that “the modal range for number of sexual partners ever [of homosexuals] was 101-500.” In addition, 10.2 percent to 15.7 percent had between 501 and 1,000 partners. A further 10.2 percent to 15.7 percent reported having had more than one thousand lifetime sexual partners. (From FRC.org)

There are health reasons to consider also. According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, MSM (homosexual and bisexual men) have significant health problems. Here’s just a few facts from CDC.gov:

• By the end of 2009, an estimated 296,222 MSM with an AIDS diagnosis had died in the US since the beginning of the epidemic.
• In 2007, MSM were 44 to 86 times as likely to be diagnosed with HIV compared with other men, and 40 to 77 times as likely as women.

The amount of deaths that are caused by homosexual practices is horrendous. How can this be a “happy” lifestyle when it’s filled with promiscuity, poor health, and death?

There has been research into helping homosexuals become straight again — through therapy. There’s been successful cases of this. However, California even wants to ban this type of therapy. Now, this banning would actually infringe on many Californian’s rights.

Supporting homosexual marriage is harmful. Encouraging people to repent and change is God’s will. God has a plan for people to be part of His family. His commandments teach a way of love and commitment to one another. Obedience to God leads to blessings.

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.
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?

Pope Boniface VIII in the Vatican (May 2004)

COGwriter

The Catholic saint Boniface (Latin: Bonifacius; c. 680 – June 5, 754), is known as the Apostle of the Germans. He was born Winfrid, Wynfrith, or Wynfryth possibly at Crediton in the kingdom of Wessex (now in Devon, England). He is the patron saint of Germany and the first archbishop of Mainz.

His “feast day” is celebrated on June 5 in the Roman Catholic Church, the Lutheran Church, and the Anglican Communion but on December 19 in the Eastern Orthodox Church.

But on “his day”, I would like to focus on one of his namesakes, Pope Boniface VIII. I first became familiar with this pontiff upon a trip to the Vatican in 2004.  My wife took a photo of his casket, and that got me to look more into his background.

Partially because of political problems in Europe with French King Philip, Pope Boniface VIII took a bizarre and highly overreaching step. In 1302, he issued what is known as the bull Unam Sanctum that claimed:

We are obliged by the faith to believe and to hold—and we do firmly believe and sincerely confess—that there is one Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church and that outside this Church there is neither salvation nor remission of sins…

Therefore, if the Greeks or others say that they are not committed to Peter and his successors, they necessarily confess that they are not Christ’s sheep…

…in this Church and in her power are two swords…Both are in the power of the Church, the spiritual sword and the material. But the latter is to be used for the Church, the former by her; the former by the priest, the latter by kings and captains but at the will of the priest…

Furthermore, we declare, state, define, and pronounce that it is altogether necessary for salvation for every human creature to be subject to the Roman Pontiff. (As cited in Bettenson H, ed., Documents of the Christian Church. London: Oxford University Press, 1943, pp. 126-127).

Notice that his position was quite definite. I mention that because I believe that many within the Vatican now have a different view and will compromise in many, many ways, to ultimately entice most of the Orthodox (called the Greeks above) and others into a revised ecumenical faith that will call itself “Catholic.”

As his pronouncement was made as a matter of “faith” was Pope Boniface VIII infallible when he published it? If so, then this seems to disagree with positions take by some of the later popes, as well as the Bible (cf. Acts 4:10,12).

Notice what the Catholic writer E. Duffy wrote:

Boniface is a mysterious man, proud, ambitious fierce…It was Boniface who declared the first Jubilee or Holy Year in 1300, when tens of thousands of pilgrims converged on Rome to gain indulgences, adding enormously to the prestige of the papacy…(and in the process enriching the Roman basilicas, where the sacristans were said to have had to scoop in pilgrim offerings with rakes). This promise of ‘full and copious pardon’ to all who visited Peter and the Lateran after confessing their sins was the most spectacular exercise of power of the keys since Urban II issued the first Crusade Indulgence…

Boniface…displayed some of the worst traits of clerical careerism, enriching his relatives at the expense of the Church, and waging a relentless was against family’s traditional rivals. (Duffy, Eamon. Saints & Sinners: A History of the Popes. Yale University Press, New Haven (CT), 2002, p. 160)

Other writers have also mentioned his less than saintly behavior.

A former Catholic priest wrote:

Few popes ever enriched their kin as much as Boniface did…A libertine, he once had a married woman and her daughter as his mistresses. (De Rosa P. Vicars of Christ: The Dark Side of the Papacy.  Poolberg Press, Dublin, 2000, p. 75)

A current Catholic priest and scholar wrote:

Boniface VIII…Other popes were more inept and more corrupt, but none made claims for the papacy that were further removed from the spirit of the Apostle Peter, not to mention the Lord himself. (McBrien, Richard P. Lives of the Popes: The Pontiffs from St. Peter to Benedict XVI. Harper, San Francisco, 2005 updated ed., p. 232)

Boniface certainly sounds like one more driven by his own lusts that one who was a true apostolic successor, but he is claimed to be “Peter’s successor” for nearly a decade (1293-1303). Interestingly, Boniface VIII also was confined to eternal torment by Dante in his Divine Comedy while he was still alive.

There were others of ill fame who also took the name Boniface, but my point today is that one of the so-called successors (who certainly did not follow him morally) of Peter made a pronouncement that sounded like it was supposed to be one on faith and morals and many within the Vatican are currently taking a different position (for example, the position that they took with the Anglicans violated a statement made by the late 19th century Pope–see More Anglican Leaders Considering Defecting to Rome).

Compromise has often occurred within the Vatican, and I am concerned that both biblical and even Catholic prophecy point to a time when more compromise will be made for the sake of “unity”.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Attending the Church of Choice This article discusses whose choice is important to worship God; should you attend the church of your choice or the church of God’s choice?
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?
Why Should American Catholics Should Fear Unity with the Orthodox? Are the current ecumenical meetings a good thing or will they result in disaster?
Orthodox Must Reject Unity with the Roman Catholics The talks for unification involve compromise and the apparent rising up of a changed religion that no one should accept.
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?

Transit of Venus in 2004 (Benutzer:Klingon)

COGwriter

A phenomena called the “transit of Venus” is about to occur:

NASA – 2012 Transit of Venus

The last Venus transit was in 2004 so the second event of the pair will occur on Wednesday, June 6 (Tuesday, June 5 from the Western Hemisphere). The entire event will be widely visible from the western Pacific, eastern Asia and eastern Australia as shown in Figure 1. Most of North and Central America, and northern South America will witness the beginning of the transit (on June 5) but the Sun will set before the event ends. Similarly, observers in Europe, western and central Asia, eastern Africa and western Australia will see the end of the event since the transit will already be in progress at sunrise from those locations.

Heavenly Spectacle: Transit of Venus

ABC News -Watch with care. Tuesday afternoon, US time, we earthlings will be treated to the rare spectacle of a transit of Venus — the heavens aligning so that the small black disc of the planet Venus marches slowly across the face of the sun.

Wikipedia reports, “Transits of Venus are among the rarest of predictable astronomical phenomena. They occur in a pattern that repeats every 243 years, with pairs of transits eight years apart separated by long gaps of 121.5 years and 105.5 years.”  NASA reports:

Transits of Venus are only possible during early December and early June when Venus’s orbital nodes pass across the Sun. If Venus reaches inferior conjunction at this time, a transit will occur. Transits show a clear pattern of recurrence at intervals of 8, 121.5, 8 and 105.5 years. The next pair of Venus transits occur over a century from now on 2117 Dec 11 and 2125 Dec 08.  http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/transit/venus0412.html

Some believe that the transit of Venus is a step signalling the end of the world this year.  It is not.

Part of the reason is that the last page of the Mayan Dresden Codex is believed to picture the transit of Venus.  Partially because it is such a rare occurrence and there is a transit of Venus in 2012, some have concluded that the Mayan Dresden Codex is pointing something happening in 2012:

The most important of these was what is now called the “Dresden Codex”, named after the town in whose library it was lodged. This strange book, inscribed with unknown hieroglyphs, was written by Maya Indians who once ruled over much of Central America, the ruins of their once grand civilization littering the jungle. In 1880 a brilliant, German scholar, who was working as a librarian in Dresden at the time, turned his attention to this codex. By a process of extraordinary detective work he cracked the code of the Mayan calendar making it possible for other scholars and explorers to translate the many dated inscriptions to be found on buildings, stelae and other ancient Mayan artefacts. He discovered that the Dresden Codex itself was concerned with astronomy providing detailed tables of lunar eclipses and other phenomenon. These were so accurate that they put our own calendar to shame. He also found evidence for a curious “magic number”- 1,366,560 days, which could be factorised in a number of ways and which harmonised the cycles of Venus and Mars with two “yearly” cycles also used by the Maya: the sacred tzolkin of 260 days and the Haab of 365 days. However, he also found that they had another system of counting the days relative to a starting date, called the Birth of Venus and now known to be 13 August 3114 BC.  This calendar was divided into “months” or uinals of twenty days, “years” or tuns of 360 days and longer periods of 7200 days, (the katun) and 144,000 days, (the baktun). The number 13 was magically important to the Mayans and they believed that, starting from the Birth of Venus, after 13 of these longest periods, or baktuns, the world would come to an end. This means that working from their start date for the present age of 13 August 3114 BC, this Mayan Prophecy points to a date for the end of the age which is in our own time: 22 December 2012…(http://www.adriangilbert.co.uk/docus/books/mayan.html).

Ahau Sequence: The sequence of five day-signs related in the Dresden Codex which are used to predict the morningstar risings of Venus: Ahau, Kan, Lamat, Eb and Cib. This sequence also occurs in the same context in the Popol Vuh. (Jenkins JM. What is the Galactic Alignment? http://alignment2012.com/fap7.html viewed 12/27/11)

Notice what Mark Van Stone at the website of the Foundation for the Advancement of MesoAmerican Studies, Inc. states:

In any case, p. 74 of the Dresden does indeed appear to be a Flood, maybe even the one described in the Popol Vuh…Except there are no people being washed away, nor other indications of destruction, except the black warrior God L, who also presided at the 4 Ajaw 3 Kumk’u Creation (3114 BC) on the Vases of the 7 Gods and of the 11 Gods…

The Dresden does contain some astronomical tables –:notably Venus cycle and Eclipse Tables, for example–: and some mysterious tables such as the Serpent-Numbers (those dealing with 37,000 BCE), but most of them are auguries, based on cycles of the Tzolk’in divided by 5, or 6, or 7, or 18, or other numbers of days. (Questions and answers http://www.famsi.org/research/vanstone/2012/comments.html viewed 12/27/11)

Some have indicated that one or more of the small astronomical tables (which are very difficult to read on the last page of the Dresden Codex) point to some type of “galactic alignment,” perhaps involving Venus (others say not possible–though others say that the over six month gap between the transit and the alignment on the Dresden Codex are trying to portray a sequence of 2012 events) and/or the Milky Way (others dispute that). But these are mainly modern Western interpretations of the Dresden Codex.  To see the Dresden Codex, check out the article End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something?

The History Channel reported:

The last page of the Dresden codex actually shows the destruction of the world via water…

This graphic illustration depicts the destruction of the earth by flood…Others see it as a day of rebirth…Others see it literally, with very severe consequences (Mayan Doomsday Prophecy, Decoding the Past. Original air date 08/03/06).

Since the world cannot and will not be destroyed by a flood (cf. Genesis 9), I strongly suspect that some 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).

Of course, 2012 is not the end of the world. That Mayan prediction is wrong. The Mayan flood prophecy will be proven false, whether it related to 2012 or not or the Dresden Codex or not.

Whatever the Dresden Codex may be trying to portray (my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect discusses certain views), it is not possible that the end of the world will occur in 2012, Jesus will not return in 2012 (Ronald Weinland was wrong about that for May 27, 2012, see CG-PKG’s Weinland’s Four Month Countdown to Jesus’ Return Wrong), nor can the Great Tribulation begin that early, see Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2012 or 2013?; “Growing in Grace International is also wrong, ‘Growing in Grace International’ Wrong: 666 is Not Going to Be Established on July 1, 2012;James Malm is also wrong, see James Malm’s 70% Great Tribulation Chance in 2012 is 100% Wrong).

But the Great tribulation will eventually come and Jesus will eventually return.

Yet, because many have made false predictions about 2012, many will likely use 2012 as an excuse to scoff at and discount all prophecy. According to the Bible, that will be a mistake (2 Peter 3:1-13).

Those who wish to learn more about 2012 may wish to check out the following articles:

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 23 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 23 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 23 já começaram a acontecer.

Mitt Romney (Gage Skidmore, 2011)

COGwriter

Other than the fact that Mitt Romney is a member of the LDS church, there are other reasons that Mormons are often quite interested in him possibly becoming the President of the United States:

Mitt is a high priest in the Church priesthood hierarchy…Not many Americans know that LDS founder Joseph Smith had himself crowned king over America (soon before he was shot at the Carthage jail by a mob). It is believed that all LDS prophets since him believe themselves to be sovereigns as well…

…the “White Horse Prophecy” or the prophecy of the “One mighty and strong.” Now, this is not public, formal LDS doctrine, but it was taught by many leaders of the Church and is still taught today. It is said by LDS leadership that when the Constitution is in dire peril, one will come who is mighty and strong. He will come riding (figuratively perhaps) on a white horse and will wield awesome political and spiritual power.

This mysterious priesthood elder would somehow seize control of the US government to prevent the total abrogation of the Constitution. He would assume total power and create an LDS “Kingdom” in America. At that time, this “one mighty and strong” would be proclaimed the new “Prophet “ (First President) of the LDS church and would also be president of the United States. Thus, he would wield both supreme political power of the most powerful nation on earth and also be the “Prophet, Seer and Revelator” (12) of the LDS Church.  http://www.cuttingedge.org/news/n2226.cfm

Apparently there is a Mormon prophecy that when the US CONSTITUTION IS HANGING BY A THREAD, that a Mormon or American would come along and probably be President or a leader to help the nation so that the US CONSTITUTION would not be destroyed. Apparently a lot of Mormons consider Barack Obama to be the anti-christ.  http://www.dailypaul.com/221808/is-romney-fulfilling-the-mormon-white-horse-prophecy

White Horse Prophecy,” … describes as “a belief ingrained in Mormon culture and passed down through generations by church leaders.”

Former candidate for Nevada governor Michael Moody writes in his memoir that the prophecy “motivated me to seek a career in government and politics” because he felt he had been divinely directed to “expand our kingdom” and help Romney “lead the world into the Millennium.” Now a critic of the Mormon church, Moody says he was indoctrinated with the White Horse Prophecy.

“We were taught that America is the Promised Land,” he said in an interview.”The Mormons are the Chosen People. And the time is now for a Mormon leader to usher in the second coming of Christ and install the political Kingdom of God in Washington, D.C.” http://blog.beliefnet.com/news/2012/05/are-unacceptable-religions-fatal-for-u-s-presidential-candidates.php#ixzz1wDiR2U6g

While it could be argued that the US Constitution is hanging by a thread, there is no way that US President Barack Obama is the final Antichrist.

As far as this “White Horse” LDS prophecy, we will likely hear more about it this year.  Although it is questioned as whether or not LDS founder Josef Smith said it or not, the reality is that parts of it are found in various LDS records.

Here is some of Wikipedia reported:

Though there are doubts about the authenticity of the White Horse Prophecy as a whole, several sources attribute to Smith the idea that the United States Constitution would one day hang by the thread, and LDS Church leaders have issued similar warnings with regard to the Constitution.

In 1855, Brigham Young reportedly wrote that “when the Constitution of the United States hangs, as it were, upon a single thread, they will have to call for the ‘Mormon’ Elders to save it from utter destruction; and they will step forth and do it.”

In 1858, Orson Hyde (another contemporary of Smith) wrote that Smith believed “the time would come when the Constitution and the country would be in danger of an overthrow; and … if the Constitution be saved at all, it will be by the elders of [the LDS] Church”.

In 1922, the LDS Church’s fifth presiding bishop, Charles W. Nibley, stated that “the day would come when there would be so much of disorder, of secret combinations taking the law into their own hands, tramping [sic] upon Constitutional rights and the liberties of the people, that the Constitution would hang as by a thread. Yes, but it will still hang, and there will be enough of good people, many who may not belong to our Church at all, people who have respect for law and for order, and for Constitutional rights, who will rally around with us and save the Constitution.”

In 1928, the LDS apostle Melvin J. Ballard remarked that “the prophet Joseph Smith said the time will come when, through secret organizations taking the law into their own hands … the Constitution of the United States would be so torn and rent asunder, and life and property and peace and security would be held of so little value, that the Constitution would, as it were, hang by a thread. This Constitution will be preserved, but it will be preserved very largely in consequence of what the Lord has revealed and what [the Mormons], through listening to the Lord and being obedient, will help to bring about, to stabilize and give permanency and effect to the Constitution itself. That also is our mission.”

Of course, I do not intend to endorse any USA presidential candidate (see Should a Christian Vote?), and thus do not believe that an LDS leader will somehow save the USA.

So, why report about it?

Several reasons including the fact that aspects of Mormon domination of the USA is part of Mormon history and Mormon belief.  This is likely to have an effect on the election in the USA.

I, also, of course, do not consider that the Protestant nor LDS faiths are representatives of the original Christian faith of the Bible.  Both groups have compromised and have too many non-biblical doctrines.

And as far as end time prophecy goes, the USA will be destroyed unless it has national repentance soon.  Jesus and His kingdom, not a Mormon or other similar leader, will solve what needs to happen in the USA.

Neither the current US President nor Candidate Romney have called for national repentance, and even if either did, it is not likely that they would call for repentance for Americans to go to the original Church of God.  But personal repentance still remains an option–and all should decide that is the direction now to go.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Some Dissimilarities Between The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and the Living Church of God The Living Church of God is not related to the Mormons and this article explains some differences and a couple of similarities.
What is the Gospel? True religion should be based upon the true gospel. What are some of the different gospels and where did they come from? Do you believe the true or a false gospel?
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?
Are You Saved? Do You Love Jesus? What is a True Christian? What is the Gospel? Evangelist Richard Ames answers those important questions.
True vs. False Conversion Are you really converted or willing to be? What is true conversion? What is false conversion? What are the dangers of false conversion? Evangelist Roderick Meredith provides information on those important questions.
What Do Roman Catholic Scholars Actually Teach About Early Church History? Although most believe that the Roman Catholic Church history teaches an unbroken line of succession of bishops beginning with Peter, with stories about most of them, Roman Catholic scholars know the truth of this matter. This eye-opening article is a must-read for any who really wants to know what Roman Catholic history actually admits about the early church.
Hope of Salvation: How the Living Church of God differ from most Protestants How the Living Church of God differs from mainstream/traditional Protestants, is perhaps the question I am asked most by those without a Church of God background.
The Similarities and Dissimilarities between Martin Luther and Herbert W. Armstrong This article clearly shows some of the doctrinal differences between in the two. At this time of doctrinal variety and a tendency by many to accept certain aspects of Protestantism, the article should help clarify why the Living Church of God is NOT Protestant. Do you really know what the Protestant Reformer Martin Luther taught and should you follow his doctrinal example?
Nazarene Christianity: Were the Original Christians Nazarenes? Should Christians be Nazarenes today? What were the practices of the Nazarenes.
Location of the Early Church: Another Look at Ephesus, Smyrna, and Rome What actually happened to the primitive Church? And did the Bible tell about this in advance?
Early Church History: Who Were the Two Major Groups Professed Christ in the Second and Third Centuries? Did you know that many in the second and third centuries felt that there were two major, and separate, professing Christian groups in the second century, but that those in the majority churches tend to now blend the groups together and claim “saints” from both? “Saints” that condemn some of their current beliefs. Who are the two groups?
Do You Practice Mithraism? Many practices and doctrines that mainstream so-called Christian groups have are the same or similar to those of the sun-god Mithras. Do you follow Mithraism combined with the Bible or original Christianity?
The History of Early Christianity Are you aware that what most people believe is not what truly happened to the true Christian church? Do you know where the early church was based? Do you know what were the doctrines of the early church? Is your faith really based upon the truth or compromise?
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?
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?
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.
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.
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.

Without national repentance, we in the Living Church of God believe that the USA is doomed.

COGwriter

One of the more popular articles at the COGwriter.com main page is titled Did Early Christians Celebrate Birthdays?

Many simply do not realize where the practice of birthday celebrations came from or how they are viewed by certain Satanists.

Back in 1969 Anton Lavey wrote The Satanic Bible. On page 96 (in the 1976 version) it mentions birthdays:

THE highest of all holidays in the Satanic religion is the date of one’s own birth. This is in direct contradiction to the holy of holy days of other religions, which deify a particular god who has been created in an anthropomorphic form of their own image, thereby showing that the ego is not really buried.

The Satanist feels: “Why not really be honest and if you are going to create a god in your image, why not create that god as yourself.” Every man is a god if he chooses to recognize himself as one. So, the Satanist celebrates his own birthday as the most important holiday of the year. After all, aren’t you happier about the fact that you were born than you are about the birth of someone you have never even met? Or for that matter, aside from religious holidays, why pay higher tribute to the birthday of a president or to a date in history than we do to the day we were brought into this greatest of all worlds?

After one’s own birthday, the two major Satanic holidays are Walpurgisnacht and Halloween (or All Hallows’ Eve). (Lavey A, Gilmore P. The Satanic Bible. Avon, September 1, 1976, p. 96–note it is on page 53 of an online version I found also).

It is interesting that birthdays are considered one of the three the most important holiday to these Satan worshipers (the founding of their “church”, called Walpurgisnacht, and Halloween are the other ones of importance to them).

The Bible never encourages the celebration of birthdays. Instead, it tends to speak in a negative manner concerning them (cf. Matthew 14:6-11; Jeremiah 20:14-18).

Of course, early Christians did not celebrate birthdays nor did the early Jews. Nor have real Christians ever celebrated Halloween. As far as the Jews, notice what the first century Jewish historian Josephus noted that Jewish families did not celebrate birthdays:

Nay, indeed, the law does not permit us to make festivals at the birth of our children, and thereby afford occasion of drinking to excess (Josephus. Translated by W. Whiston. Against Apion, Book II, Chapter 26. Extracted from Josephus Complete Works, Kregel Publications, Grand Rapids (MI), 14th printing, 1977, p. 632).

Now although there is no specific command against the celebration of birthdays in the Bible, the Jewish custom in those days was apparently based on the negative occurrences in the Bible surrounding birthdays, as well as the astrological implications of the celebration of birthdays (pagan practices, like astrology, were specifically prohibited in the law).

No early religious/church writing from the second century that I have seen (and I have read most that are available) seems to endorse (or even suggest) the celebration of birthdays by any who professed Christ either.

Astrology also seems to play a role:

Since it was believed that the positions of the stars at the time of birth influenced a child’s future, astrological horoscopes came into being, purporting to foretell the future, based on the time of birth. “Birthdays are intimately linked with the stars, since without the calendar, no one could tell when to celebrate his birthday. They are also indebted to the stars in another way, for in early days the chief importance of birthday records was to enable the astrologers to chart horoscopes” (The Lore of Birthdays, p. 53). Rawlinson’s translation of Herodotus includes the following footnote: “Horoscopes were of very early use in Egypt… and Cicero speaks of the Egyptians and Chaldees predicting… a man’s destiny at his birth”…

When we examine the principles of God’s law closely, as they relate to birthday celebrations, we can understand why neither Christ, nor His Apostles, nor their true followers, observed their birthdays. As noted earlier, the practice has its origin in idolatry and the worship of the sun, moon and stars…Some may view birthday customs as purely secular, lacking any religious significance. Yet we need to be aware of the broader perspective of their origins, and the religious significance they have had—and still have—for vast multitudes of people. (Reynolds, Rod. Should Christians Celebrate Birthdays? Living Church News, May-June 2002. pp.16-18).

The Bible condemns practices associated with astrology:

You are wearied in the multitude of your counsels; Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, And the monthly prognosticators Stand up and save you From what shall come upon you. Behold, they shall be as stubble, The fire shall burn them; They shall not deliver themselves From the power of the flame (Isaiah 47:13-14).

Although he was not part of the Church of God, the writings of the early third century Catholic theologian Origen of Alexandria show that, even that late, Orthodox Catholics were against the celebration of birthdays. The Catholic Encyclopedia states:

Origen, glancing perhaps at the discreditable imperial Natalitia, asserts (in Lev. Hom. viii in Migne, P.G., XII, 495) that in the Scriptures sinners alone, not saints, celebrate their birthday (Martindale C. Christmas, 1908).

Here is some of what Origen wrote:

…of all the holy people in the Scriptures, no one is recorded to have kept a feast or held a great banquet on his birthday. It is only sinners (like Pharaoh and Herod) who make great rejoicings over the day on which they were born into this world below (Origen, in Levit., Hom. VIII, in Migne P.G., XII, 495) (Thurston H. Natal Day. Transcribed by Thomas M. Barrett. Dedicated to Margaret Johanna Albertina Behling Barrett. The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume X. Copyright © 1911 by Robert Appleton Company. Online Edition Copyright © 2003 by K. Knight. Nihil Obstat, October 1, 1911. Remy Lafort, S.T.D., Censor. Imprimatur. +John Cardinal Farley, Archbishop of New York).

The writings of the late third century Catholic theologian Arnobius show that, even that late, Catholics objected to the celebration of birthdays as he wrote:

…you worship with couches, altars, temples, and other service, and by celebrating their games and birthdays, those whom it was fitting that you should assail with keenest hatred. (Arnobius. Against the Heathen (Book I), Chapter 64. Excerpted from Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume 6. Edited by Alexander Roberts & James Donaldson. American Edition, 1886. Online Edition Copyright © 2005 by K. Knight).

Thus birthday celebrations, even of gods and leaders, were condemned as far as the late third century by even Roman Catholic leaders. But like many practices associated with non-biblical “Christianity”, this changed in the fourth century.

Essentially birthdays became celebrated later because of compromises with the pagan cult of Mithraism (see Did Early Christians Celebrate Birthdays? and Do You Practice Mithraism?)

And for four decades now, Satanists claim that birthdays are their highest holiday. Do you observe them too?

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Did Early Christians Celebrate Birthdays? Did biblical era Jews celebrate birthdays? Who originally celebrated birthdays? When did many that profess Christ begin birthday celebrations?
Is Halloween Holy Time for Christians? This article provides some historical and biblical insight on this question.
Do You Practice Mithraism? Many practices and doctrines that mainstream so-called Christian groups have are the same or similar to those of the sun-god Mithras. Do you follow Mithraism combined with the Bible or original Christianity?
Is God Unreasonable? Some have suggested that if God requires Sabbath-keeping He is unreasonable. Is that true?
Is There “An Annual Worship Calendar” In the Bible? This paper provides a biblical and historical critique of several articles, including one by WCG which states that this should be a local decision. What do the Holy Days mean? Also you can click here for the calendar of Holy Days.
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 By Michael

The BBC hypothesizes how the eurozone could reorganize or have some nations leave. While AFP and others report EU nations coming much closer together.

EU, ECB working up eurozone ‘master plan’
(AFP) June 3, 2012

The proposals being considered would include European institutions having more power over national budgets; a European supervisory body for the banking sector with new powers; harmonised fiscal, tax, foreign and security policies; and reform of social welfare programmes.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iNNUPriCTgCLenu-GmH1PBVaa4DA?docId=CNG.b7dce36355e4938d9b295fc7dc549e81.de1

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)

Giving the EU more over budgets, banking, taxes, security and social programs is how we see nations giving “…their power and authority to the beast.”

AFP reported that these changes will be applied to the 17 nation-eurozone first, most likely. It will be interesting to see how 10 major powers (10 kings) will be reorganized as Europe has more meetings to work on their ‘master plan.’

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?
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?
Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North? Could He Become “the Beast”? What makes the German Defense Minister a candidate?