Church of God News

Archbishop Fulton Sheen

COGwriter

The late Fulton Sheen has been in the news:

Venerable Fulton and Our Families…

Archbishop Sheen is one step closer to sainthood.

For a 1950s TV Evangelist, a Step Toward SainthoodNew York Times

Famed American Archbishop Fulton Sheen moves closer to sainthood

Fulton Sheen was known for his preaching and especially his work on television and radio.

I mentioned Fulton Sheen in a couple of articles at COGwriter. Here is a quote from him:

Archbishop Fulton Sheen (1950) We are living in the days of the Apocalypse–the last days of our era…. The two great forces of the Mystical Body of Christ and the Mystical Body of Antichrist are beginning to draw up the battle lines for the catastrophic contest. (Flynn T & L. The Thunder of Justice. Maxkol Communications, Sterling (VA), 1993, p. 20)

When he stated that, the Philadelphia era of the Church of God had started to rise up (the most faithful representation of “body of Christ”), the Vatican officially came out against the millennial doctrine, and the one who is likely to be the final Antichrist may have been born (and one who was going to, in a major way, support a doctrine of Antichrist had certainly been). The stages for the final confrontation, which should occur in the 21st century, had taken place.

Fulton Sheen was a big believer in Mary being a factor in uniting the world to follow an ecumenical religion that would call itself Catholic in the end times.  Here are some of his comments related to followers of Islam:

It is our firm belief that…Islam…will be converted to Christianity…It is our belief that this will not happen through direct teaching of Christianity, but through a summoning of the Muslims to a veneration of the Mother of God. (Sheen, Fulton Archbishop. The World’s First Love. Reprint, Ignatius Press, 1996, p. 201)

 …chose to be known as “Our Lady of Fatima” as a pledge and sign of hope for the Muslim people… so that they one day would accept…(Ibid, p. 203)

Archbishop Sheen felt that a Marian “miracle” would be a factor in Muslims and others together and become end time Catholics in the Day of Wrath (Dies Irae):

And as Mary revealed herself in that first Miracle of the Sun, so may we look forward to another revelation of her power when the world has its next rehearsal for the Dies Irae. (Ibid, p. 274)

I would caution all as apparitions, like Fatima (the site of the claims “Miracle of the Sun”), were not actually appearances of Mary.

Presuming Fulton Sheen does get the designation of sainthood by the Church of Rome, more will expect that a “Marian miracle” will be real, presuming some related apparition many will claim to be Mary shows up.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Fatima Shock! What the Vatican Does Not Want You to Know About Fatima, Dogmas of Mary, and Future Apparitions. Whether or not you believe anything happened at Fatima, if you live long enough, you will be affected by its ramifications (cf. Isaiah 47; Revelation 17). Fatima Shock! provides concerned Christians with enough Catholic-documented facts to effectively counter every false Marian argument.
Fatima Shock! YouTube Dr. Thiel highlights a few points of why no one would support Fatima, etc. as discussed in the documented book Fatima Shock!
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?
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 essentially exists as a remnant.

COGwriter

Here is the latest commentary from the Living Church of God:

Commentary: Positively!

By Roger Meyer (guest columnist) | Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Scan the news headlines or talk to your friends and neighbors, and there is little doubt that the world is filled with troubles. How can we be positive in such a negative environment? Can we find reasons to be optimistic when modern life is filled with so many troubles?

The news headlines are about international conflicts, wars, earthquakes, fires, failing debt-ridden economies, drug and gang violence, crime, murders, rapes, disease, starvation, poverty and moral decline. People struggle with bad finances, unemployment, health difficulties and family problems. These situations can put us into a negative and pessimistic frame of mind.

Scientific studies show that being positive and optimistic can lower a person’s risk for having a stroke. Other studies show that being positive is a secret to aging successfully, is effective treatment for those suffering depression and helps us cope with failures.

Many of us have heard admonitions from parents, teachers and coaches encouraging us to have a positive attitude. One well-known motivational speaker and author of success books said, “Positive thinking will let you do everything better than negative thinking will.” Winston Churchill said, “A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.”

But how can we maintain a positive attitude when there is so much that is negative?

God’s Word offers good advice. One step we can take is to quit holding on to the past. The Apostle Paul said, “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14). Forgetting the past and working toward positive goals are two important principles for positive thinking. Practicing these will not leave us much time for being negative.

Another principle is found in Matthew 6. Worrying is negative thinking, and it accomplishes nothing. “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on…. Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? So why do you worry about clothing?… Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’… For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Matthew 6:25-34).

With such clear instructions, it might be said that excessive worrying is denying the power of Christ to uphold, which in its own way is a kind of sin (Matthew 10:33).  On the other hand, researchers have found that those who believe in God worry less. So, believe in God and stop worrying!

Similar advice is found in Philippians 4:6-8: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” Being thankful and praying to the Almighty God will help you stay positive.

Believing in the God of the Bible and His promises is the best way to stay positive. To learn more, read our booklet, The Real God: Proofs and Promises. You can read it online, download it, or order your own printed copy absolutely free of charge.

It is not always easy being positive with bad world/political/economic news, but the GOSPEL IS THE GOOD NEWS!  Not only does Jesus love all and gave His life for all, He will return and fix the problems on this earth.  Yet, the world will have more sorrows and the Great Tribulation first.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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?
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?
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? Does God have 7,000 year plan? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2019 or 202x?
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2012, 2013, or 2014? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? Who are the 144,000?
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.

The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah

COGwriter

In a move, even further away from biblical morality, the main Episcopal Church in the USA has put its blessing on homosexual marriage:

Episcopal bishops OK trial gay blessing prayer

Huffington Post – ‎10 July 2012

Episcopal bishops approved an official prayer service for blessing same-sex couples Monday at a national convention that also cleared the way for transgender ordination.  At the Episcopal General Convention in Indianapolis, the House of Bishops voted 111-41, with three abstentions, to authorize a provisional rite for same-sex unions for the next three years.

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Episcopal Church considers same-sex blessing serviceCNN

Worldwide, the 77 million-member Anglican Communion, which has its roots in the Church of England, has been splintering ever since. Anglican leaders had asked Episcopalians for a moratorium on electing gay or lesbian bishops as the communion struggled to stay together. However, after a few years, Episcopalians voted to lift the temporary ban.

On Monday, several Episcopal bishops who spoke against the same-sex unions trial liturgy warned about the repercussions overseas.

“I believe it will put us, put the Episcopal Church, out of the Christian mainstream,” said Bishop Edward Little of the Diocese of Northern Indiana. “They will interpret that the Episcopal Church has endorsed same-sex marriage.”

However, Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde argued that an official service was needed to honor and bless the “lifelong same-sex couples” who she said “have served Christ and Christ’s mission in ways incalculable to measure.”

The Bible does not support provisions to ‘bless’ or ‘honor’ homosexual marriage.

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 do not wish to retain the word of God in their knowledge.  Also notice that God warned that many would “also approve of those who practice” various forms of sin. This is what more and more leaders are doing.

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)

National repentance is the only real long-term hope for the USA (and it seems to be too late for that).  It is sad that a so-called “Christian” church would provide its ‘blessing’ on homosexual marriage, etc.

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:

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?
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?
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?
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.
Who is the King of the West? Why is there no End-Time King of the West in Bible Prophecy? Is the United States the King of the West?

The US Bill of Rights

COGwriter

The City of Phoenix apparently does not believe what the US Constitution states:

9 July 2012

The war on home Bible studies and house churches is heating up again. Down in Phoenix, Arizona a man has been sentenced to 60 days in prison and has been fined $12,180 for hosting a Bible study in his home.
Since 2005, Michael Salman and his wife have been hosting gatherings of about 15 or 20 people where they share food, fellowship and discuss the Bible.

Unfortunately, that kind of thing is against the law in Phoenix, Arizona apparently.

At one point, nearly a dozen armed police officers raided their home and “evidence” of their “crimes” was gathered. Michael Salman was found guilty of 67 “code violations”, and now he is going to be ripped away from his family and put in prison for two months.   In addition, the assistant city prosecutor is asking the court to “revoke his probation and convert it into a 2 1/2 year jail sentence since he continues to hold worship gatherings on his property despite court orders.”    http://www.activistpost.com/2012/07/60-days-in-prison-and-12180-fine-for.html

• First Amendment – Establishment Clause, Free Exercise Clause; freedom of speech, of the press, and of assembly; right to petition

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

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.
Some Dissimilarities Between The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS) 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. Might Mitt Romney fulfill one or more Mormon prophecies?
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.

David Cameron

COGwriter

A German leader called for the UK to stop “fence sitting” in regards to the EU:

9 July 2012

(Reuters) – Germany’s ambassador to Britain, Georg Boomgaarden, took a swipe at Britain’s attitude to the European Union on Monday, saying its politicians should stop ‘fence-sitting’ and clarify its future in the 27-nation bloc.

“We want Britain to be a strong and committed full member of the EU and not sitting on the fence,” Boomgaarden said at a seminar on Germany’s economy organized by news provider Bloomberg in London.

Prime Minister David Cameron faces increasing pressure from right-wing rebels in his Conservative Party to let Britons vote on whether they want Britain to remain in the EU, which is struggling to contain a three-year-old debt crisis.  http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/07/09/us-eu-germany-britain-idUSBRE86812G20120709

Although the time will likely come when the UK go to try to make a deal with Germany (Hosea 7:11-12; Hosea 8:8-9), right now it looks like Germany is giving the UK a warning.  And the reality is that the EU simply will not work out well for the UK.

Last month, UK Prime Minister David Cameron emphasized how Britain will be separated from a eurozone superstate and that he would protect the UK from it (Telegraph: “Britain Must Go Its Separate Way” from a European Superstate).

Yet, I just received an email about a news item from a few days ago that was interesting:

Britain to have smallest Army since Napoleonic Wars

July 5, 2012

British Defense Secretary Philip Hammond confirmed in a statement to parliament today that the British Army will be slashed by 20,000 troops over the next decade as part of a new strategic plan called Army 2020. Nearly one-fifth of standing forces will be relieved of their duties as 17 major units are culled and many others shrunk in the effort to limit the army’s force numbers to 82,000, its lowest level since the Napoleonic Wars. http://blog.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2012/07/05/british_defense_secretary_announces_major_force_cuts

The UK is no longer a major military superpower.  It has some strength, but relative to the other big players, not much.

The UK will ultimately find that the EU is a beast that will do them in.  Yet, relying on the USA, instead of God, will not work for the UK or any of its other Anglo-allies.

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?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first? What happens to the highly indebted nations?
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?

 
Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad (Source: Agência Brasil, Wikipedia)

COGwriter

In a move I have long expected, Russia has announced that it, for now at least, halt arms sales to Syria:

9 June 2102

Russia Halts Arms Shipments to Syria

Voice of America – A senior Russian defense official said Moscow will no longer sell any weapons to Syria until the situation there calms down, as a Syrian activist group said the death toll from the Syrian conflict has surpassed 17000.

Vyacheslav Dzirkaln, the deputy chief of the Russian military and technical cooperation agency, said Monday that Russia will not sign any more arms deals, deliver any more weapons or ship any spare parts for weapons delivered earlier.

The United States and other world leaders have pushed Russia to stop helping Damascus crackdown on the opposition there.

In Moscow, President Vladimir Putin said the Syrian government and the opposition groups should be forced to enter negotiations.

“I am convinced that we must do everything possible to force the conflicting sides to find a peaceful political solution to all the disputed issues,” Putin told a group of Russian and foreign diplomats in televised remarks.

His comments came hours after his foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, met with a senior Syrian opposition leader, Michel Kilo, in Moscow.

Heavy toll of conflict

Russia’s announcement that it will no longer send weapons to Syria comes as the head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says more than 17,000 people have died in the Syrian conflict since it began in March of last year.

Rami Abdelrahman said Monday that 31 died across Syria, including 11 Syrian army troops and 20 civilians and rebels.

He said there was heavy fighting and army shelling in the provinces of Homs, Idlib, Daraa and Deir Ezzor, and near Damascus.

“There is fighting everyday. It doesn’t ever stop,” Abdelrahman said.

As regular readers of this new page are aware, I have been warning since last year that Russia and China do not need Syria as much as Syria needs them.   Russia is attempting to have a diplomatic role here and its latest statements increase its credibility among many (this does not mean that Russia will not resume arms’ sales to Syria, only that its announcement is consistent with what Russia perceives is in its own current best interest).

Even when the upcoming war games between Russia and Syria were announced last month (see Iran, Russia, and China to Conduct War Games in Syria), notice what I posted:

Although Russia’s Putin wants to teach the West several lessons, as does China, the reality is that Russia and China will back away from Syria and Iran if they feel it is in their best interest.

The Bible shows that Syria’s capital city Damascus (Isaiah 7:8) will be destroyed (Isaiah 17:1). Whether this will happen because of internal civil war or an attack involving Israel remains to be seen–it is not likely to directly involve Russia.  Syria’s Assad remains a close ally to Iran and Iran keeps taking steps that may provoke a regional (with Israel) or larger war (the USA itself could sustain damage).  But whether it is involved in a war involving Israel or not, eventually, Damascus has to be destroyed, and probably relatively soon.

What may happen is a regional war,  that somewhat gets out of control  and may involve Syria (Syria could also change because of its own internal war) and others (including many based in Lebanon) beyond Iran and Israel, is something I have warned could happen for some time now and really could be a factor that ultimately leads to the fulfillment of Daniel 9:27.

“And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!” (Mark 13:37).

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Is There A Future King of the South? Some no longer believe there needs to be. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? Might this King be called the Mahdi? What does the Bible say?
The Arab and Islamic World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam? What about the Imam Mahdi? What lies ahead for Turkey, Iran, and the other non-Arabic Muslims?
Russia: Its Origins and Prophesied Future Russia in prophecy. Where do the Russians come from? What about those in the Ukraine? What is prophesied for Russia and its allies? What will they do to the Europeans that supported the Beast in the end?
Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach?

COGwriter

US President Obama announced another plan to increase taxes on those that already pay the most taxes in that country.  Some are accusing him of class warfare and some are accusing his Republican opponent, Mitt Romney, of the same:

Morning Examiner: Obama pivots to class warfare

Washington Examiner – ‎9 July 2012

President…Obama “is changing the subject to tax fairness” by calling for tax hikes on all Americans who make more than $250,000 a year. According to the Times, Obama “hopes to deepen the contrast with his challenger, Mitt Romney. On Friday, the president said Mr. Romney would ‘give $5 trillion of new tax cuts on top of the Bush tax cuts, most of them going to the wealthiest Americans.’” Class warfare it is then…Obama seems to have resigned himself to a weak economy this fall, and he knows he can’t win on that. Instead, he will run on tax hikes and class warfare, hoping to redistribute wealth instead of creating it.

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Obama’s Desperate Class Warfare AttackThe Right Sphere

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Mike Barnicle Asks: Are Obama’s Successful Attacks On Romney ‘Class Warfare‘?Mediaite

Obama pushing for tax hike on top earners, extension of Bush-era rates for others

Fox News – ‎9 July 2012

President Obama, amid charges of waging class warfare, is expected to push Monday for a tax hike on families earning more than $250000 — and an extension of the Bush-era tax rates for families making less than that.

Obama to Call for Bush Tax Cut Extension for Middle Class

Businessweek – ‎9 July 2012

By Hans Nichols on July 09, 2012 President Barack Obama will call today for a one-year extension of Bush-era tax cuts for families making less than $250000 a year as he seeks to sharpen differences with congressional Republicans and their presumptive presidential candidate, Mitt Romney.

The GOP’s Class–Warfare Hypocrisy, From Nixon to Romney

Daily Beast 9 July 2012

…why have Republicans used class resentment so effectively for the last 60 years? Joseph McCarthy, the man whose specter terrified Democrats for a generation, was all about class warfare.

Should a Christian Vote? This article gives some of the Biblical rationale on this subject. Would Jesus vote for president/prime minister? Is voting in the Bible? This is a subject Christians need to understand.
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?
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.
Some Dissimilarities Between The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS) 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.  Might Mitt Romney fulfill one or more Mormon prophecies?
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.

Japanese Ministry of Defense (本屋)

COGwriter

Some in South Korea are apparently getting concerned enough about China and North Korea that it is considering closer military ties to Japan:

 S. Korea-Japan military pact can create leverage against China: researcher

SEOUL, July 8 (Yonhap) — South Korea should push ahead with a military pact with Japan to gain diplomatic leverage against China’s foreign policy that is lopsided toward North Korea, a researcher said Sunday.

“The gains from signing a pact (with Japan) are evident,” said Park Jae-jeok of the state-run Korea Institute for National Unification in a report, referring to information on North Korea as a possible gain from the pact.

While many in the West will consider the above to perhaps be “common-sense,” the reality is that South Korea has long had major concerns about Japan itself.  As the following news items show, it may take Koreans a while to accept this:

A Lost Deal for South Korea and JapanNew York Times

8 July 2012

Nearly 70 years after World War II, old animosities are still making it difficult for South Korea and Japan to establish a reliably productive relationship. The result is self-defeating for both countries and for regional security.

COMMENTARY: Japan’s acts still haunt Koreans

The Register-Guard 8 July 2012

The June 29 Register-Guard reported from Tokyo that Japan and South Korea signed a military pact.

“Japan and South Korea,” the news report said, “have agreed to share intelligence in their first joint military pact since World War II. …

“The pact reflects mutual concerns that more cooperation is needed to enhance security readiness (against North Korea in particular), and is seen as a breakthrough in ties between the two neighbors.”

The pact also is an integral part of America’s security policy in the Pacific region, involving a U.S., Japanese and South Korean defense and security alliance.

But it never happened.

When South Koreans learned that their government had decided secretly to sign the pact, they exploded in rage, condemning and accusing their leaders of engaging in a “clandestine, traitorous act” and ignoring the ethos of the Korean people — namely Koreans’ deep-seated distrust of the Japanese…

Korean animosity toward Japan was born more than 400 years ago, from 1592 to 1597, when Japan’s military ruler, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, in his grandiose dream of becoming “the emperor of all Asia,” sent 160,000 sword-swinging troops to Korea (then the Kingdom of Joseon).

Wikipedia notes, “In 1910, Korea was invaded by Japan and remained occupied until the end of World War II in August 1945.” The Koreans have not forgotten this.  But eventually, they will change.

Despite historical concerns across the region (the Chinese, for example, were attacked by Japan in WWII), the reality is that Japan, China, and Korea (likely both what is now North and South) will cooperate together militarily for a while as they are all likely part of the prophesied “kings of the sunrise” (Revelation 16:12, literal translation) of Bible prophecy.

The fact that many in South Korea have historical problems with Japan will not change the fact that biblical prophecy will be fulfilled.  As long as some in South Korea bring up cooperation publicly, the time will come when the South Koreans will decide that they want to cooperate.

To learn more, please check out the following articles:

Asia in Prophecy What is Ahead for Asia? Who are the “Kings of the East”? What will happen to nearly all the Chinese, Russians, Indians, and others of Asia? China in prophecy, where? Who has the 200,000,000 man army related to Armageddon?
Korea in Prophecy, Any Witness? Where did the Korean people come from? Does God have a plan for the Koreans? Is Korea mentioned in any prophecies? Will Koreans be among the first in the Kingdom of God? 한국의 언어로 : 한국 예언, 모든 증인에?
Japan, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 1: Any Witness? Where did the Japanese people come from? Have they had any witness?
Japan, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 2: Prophecy Japan in prophecy. What is prophesied for Japan? Will God save the Japanese?

The Above Map Show the Number of Internet Users By Country

COGwriter

Because of the hate of some, thousands may lose internet access on Monday, July 9, 2012:

I have received a couple of emails from readers of this page about that and felt that.  Here is information from one of those emails:

Website to check if your computer is okay http://www.dcwg.org/and has further instructions if yours is infected.

Quick check at http://www.dns-ok.us/ will state if you are or are not infected

I checked a couple of our computers, including a moment ago the one I am typing this on with the links above, and they were both fine.  It is too bad that such threats are out there.

The Bible warns:

1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.  (2 Timothy 3:1-4)

Destructive software is about people who love themselves and money, who are brutal as they care not how they may hurt others.

Two articles of possibly related interest may include the following:

The Two Faces of Technology Technology can be used for good and for evil.

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?

COGwriter

Weather extremes are in the news today:

Temps cool slightly, but US still roasting

CBS News – ‎8 July 2012

(CBS/AP) Americans in much of the country will be getting a slight break from the oppressive heat on Sunday, one day after temperatures rose to above 100 degrees from the central states to the mid-Atlantic…The heat has been blamed for more than 30 deaths across the country, mostly among the elderly…Temperatures in Philadelphia, Washington, and Indianapolis will fall to the low 90s or upper 80s on Sunday after crossing the 100 mark on Saturday. Residents in Louisville, Ky., can expect a high of 95, one day after 105-degree temperatures.

For many areas, the cooler temperatures were ushered in by thunderstorms that knocked out power to thousands.

In New Jersey, a line of strong, fast-moving storms knocked out power to nearly 70,000 in Ocean and Monmouth counties on Saturday night. By Sunday morning, Jersey Central Power & Light’s website reports that more than 23,000 customers were still without electricity.

Russian floods kill 150 after a foot of rain falls in a day

Christian Science Monitor 8 July 2012 –

Moscow

The death toll rose to 150 on Sunday from severe flooding in the Black Sea region of southern Russia that turned streets into rivers, swept away bridges and inundated thousands of homes as many residents were sleeping…Across the region, more than 5,000 homes were flooded.

‎

The following was in the announcements in church services yesterday from the Living Church of God:

America’s Weather Woes: As 2012 unfolds, erratic weather conditions are jolting the United States. A sudden, severe storm with 90-mile an hour winds left three million homes in the eastern U.S. without power. Downed trees cut power lines, stopped air conditioners during 100-degree temperatures, stopped gas pumps and shut off traffic signals, snarling traffic. In Florida, drenching rains from a tropical storm caused major flooding. Fires across the western United States have burned thousands of acres in this tinder-dry region. In Colorado, one fire destroyed 350 homes near Colorado Springs and forced 30,000 to flee the most destructive fire in the state’s history. A year after extensive flooding in much of the Midwest, drought conditions are expanding and intensifying across the country. One report notes, &ldq uo;Last year, about a third of the country was in drought. Now nearly three-quarters is” (CharlotteObserver, July 1, 2012). Few today understand or remember that God promised the Israelite people they would be blessed if they obeyed His laws, but would be punished if they turned away from Him. God specifically warned “if you do not obey the voice of the LORD… your heavens… shall be bronze, and the earth… shall be iron…. The LORD will change the rain… to powder and dust” (Deuteronomy 28:15-24). God also said He would cause it to rain on one city and not on another (Amos 4:7). As America turns away from God—promoting homosexuality, same-sex marriage, abortion, divorce and pornography—we can expect to see more of the curses that God said He would bring on a backsliding nation. See our free booklet, The United States and Great Britain in Prophecy.

The sorrows and troubles are just beginning and will get much worse.

Back in 2009, my book, 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect mentioned the following was about to happen:

Odd weather patterns result in food shortages and natural disasters.

Matthew 24:7

The world is actually in a berserk transition, as the real age of peace is not yet here. It may be a period of chaos. It is the beginning of sorrows

Matthew 24:8

Jesus taught:

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

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

Severe weather is consistent with the troubles that Jesus spoke of.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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?
Physical Preparation Scriptures for Christians. We all know the Bible prophecies famines. Should we do something?
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?
Russia: Its Origins and Prophesied Future Russia in prophecy. Where do the Russians come from? What about those in the Ukraine? What is prophesied for Russia and its allies? What will they do to the Europeans that supported the Beast in the end?
Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach?