Church of God News

COGwriter

Europe’s Galileo navigational system is moving ahead:

EU says satellite navigation system expected to be partly operational by the end of 2014

The EU’s industry and entrepreneurship commissioner says the bloc’s long-delayed satellite navigation program is expected to be partly operational by the end of 2014.Antonio Tajani — speaking at the official opening of the new Galileo system’s headquarters in the Czech capital, Prague on Thursday — said that two satellites will be launched next month, and from next year four more will go up every six months until a network of 30 is completed.After years of delays, the first two Galileo satellites were placed into orbit last year…The system should be fully operational by 2020.  The EU says the system is more precise and more reliable than the U.S. GPS.  http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/eu-says-satellite-navigation-system-expected-to-be-partly-operational-by-the-end-of-2014/2012/09/06/7bf89012-f82b-11e1-a93b-7185e3f88849_story.html

Countdown: a month to go to Galileo’s next launch

Paris (ESA) Sep 14, 2012

After arriving at the launch site last month, the second pair of Galileo navigation satellites is being prepared for launch from Europe’s Spaceport in October. This week will see the third Galileo satellite having its propellant tank filled with hydrazine fuel. The fourth recently had its final multilayer thermal insulation added, with its own propellant tank due to be filled next week…The first four Galileo satellites were built by a consortium led by EADS Astrium, Germany…http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Countdown_a_month_to_go_to_Galileos_next_launch_999.html

GPS, Galileo Launches Near; GSA Opens Prague Office

The twin Galileo satellites flight model (FM) 3 and 4, will be launched from the Euroopean spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, on board a Soyuz ST-B launcher, joining the first two Galileo IOVs that have been orbiting since October 2011.

This is a significant milestone for Europe’s Galileo program because four is the minimum number required for navigational fixes, enabling full system testing whenever they are all visible in the sky…

GSA will take over responsibility for EGNOS program management from January 2014 and Galileo from 2016 under the terms of a new EU GNSS regulation expected to be issued in the near future. “Our aim is to become an efficient organization capable of mastering the complexities of a large-scale operational space program, while effectively leveraging the decision making/regulatory context of a European machine driven by 27 member states,” GSA Executive Director Carlo des Dorides said during comments at the Prague event.  http://www.insidegnss.com/node/3195

Europe’s Galileo satellite program continues to advance, despite some occasional delayes.  Galileo is Europe’s answer to the USA’s Global Positioning System (GPS). It is more accurate and is intended to cover more area of the planet (though it would not surprise me that area coverage could be reduced for budgetary concerns). Galileo represents a new era in the sense that it is a major EU project that improves on what the USA has and shows that the Europeans have the potential to become a modern military power (though Galileo is only one of the needed pieces).

Because of various problems, the USA announced in mid-2010 that it would link to Europe’s Galileo for some of its military needs.

This, as I reported at the time (see USA GPS and EU Galileo linking was expected), was dangerous, and remains so. But I expected it, and so warned about it in 2009. Notice something I published over three years ago:

In 2013, the Europeans are planning on having their own global positioning system (GPS), called Galileo, available for military applications. This will allow the Europeans to track the world and attack others without relying on the U.S.A.’s GPS. This will be the first time in the 21^st century that Europeans will be able to have that type of independent military capability.

Furthermore, according to a 2009 report from the U.S. government, the U.S. Air Force may have to start relying on the European Galileo system (at least to a degree) beginning in 2013, as the U.S. GPS capabilities are expected to deteriorate by then (other problems are also appearing in the newer U.S. satellites). Because the Europeans will be able to control Galileo, they will also likely be capable of derailing certain sophisticated U.S. military applications. This will give the Europeans a unique defensive (as well as offensive) capability that no others on the planet will have.

When I wrote that in May of 2009, the U.S. Air Force denied that there was such a problem.

Sadly, this is happening right now. The power in Europe is starting to rise up.  And yes, ultimately, I believe that Galileo (or similar technology) will be used to as part of an attack on American (USA and possibly Canadian) forces, as well as to help prevent counter-strikes.

Interestingly, Europe’s Galileo satellite system initially had US critics as there were “early objections from the Americans who thought a rival system to GPS might be used to attack its armed forces” (Amos J. EU awards Galileo satellite-navigation contracts.  BBC, Jan 7, 2010. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8442090.stm).  So when Galileo was first proposed, American leaders opposed it as they felt it could be used militarily against the USA–thus my conclusions are not far-fetched.  Now that the USA expects to partially rely on it, the risks are even greater.

A while back, the BBC reported an unusual comment about Galileo:

Wikileaks: ‘Galileo boss’ Smutny removed over cable row

BBC – Jan 17, 2011

OHB-System’s Berry Smutny was reported in a cable to have told US diplomats that…“I think Galileo is a stupid idea that primarily serves French interests”, and, in particular, French military interests.  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-12212525

I would add that it is more than the French military that is interested in Galileo.  In the middle of 2008, the European Union funded Galileo for its military applications (EU Approves Galileo For Military Use), and not just for the French.  And there is a lot of German technology behind it.

Europe is moving forward with its space plans and few in the USA seem to realize that when it gets enough power, the USA will lose all of its.

Linking up with Galileo (which the USA has publicly stated that it will do; see USA GPS and EU Galileo linking was expected) specifically puts the USA at major risk of not being able to launch an effective counter-strike if the EU attacks the USA. Do Americans not remember that the wars in Kuwait and Iraq were waged first by the USA having vastly superior air/space systems? And now the USA’s financial mess is leading the USA to rely on other nations for part of this capability. The world is changing and the USA is losing its vast military supremacy. And top powers that lose their military supremacy have historically been taken over by others. Yes, this satellite matter is that serious.

Europe, despite its problems, is starting to rise up.  Galileo, and the partial apparent USA dependance upon it, gives the Europeans a unique type of military power.  This is something all should be concerned about.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? What MUST happen BEFORE the Great Tribulation?
Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North? Is the German Defense Minister one to watch? What do Catholic, Byzantine, and biblical prophecies suggest?
Germany’s Assyrian Roots Throughout History Are the Germanic peoples descended from Asshur of the Bible? Have there been real Christians in Germanic history? What about the “Holy Roman Empire”?

COGwriter

Sunset Sunday, September 16, 2012, will begin the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar.

Tom Roberts, who at the time he produced this was part of CG7 Meridian (not to be confused with the vastly larger CG7-Denver) wrote:

In 1858, Gilbert Cramer from the Marion Party, founded eight churches which would ultimately become the Church of God Seventh Day. Out of this ministry arose the Remnant of Israel under the leadership of G. G. Rupert who definitely advocated the meaning of Holy Day observance. (“Remnant of Israel”, G. G. Rupert, Vol 10, No. 11, September, 1929) Some today are suggesting that G. G. Rupert was a delegate at the 1888 Seventh Day Adventist Conference which began the change of direction of the SDA Church from its founders with the departure of Wagner and Jones.This conference was very significant because its theme was “Righteousness by Faith” and was needed to free Sabbatarians from legalism.Unfortunately, as the years passed, many of the founding voices of Adventism who once gave support to the Seventh Month Movement were no longer influential.Ellen White even stated that the Adventist camp meetings should replicate the Feast of Tabernacles…

As the years progressed, Adventist scholars such N. L. Andreason, Raymond Cottrell, Ken Richards, Desmond Ford, and many others began to question the classical Adventist positions taught about the history of their beginnings and the direction the church was taking. There were those who wanted to go back to the non-trinitarian, Holy Day, Kingdom of God on earth positions of the church. Others such as Desmond Ford, wanted the church to move in an evangelical direction while some at La Sierra University have tried to place the church on a more progressive path. Once again, the church is beginning to denounce all feast day keepers. Angel Rodriguez, PhD, and others have denounced the entire feast day movement. In spite of this, the ethos of feast day movements are still are behind the thinking of much of Seventh Day Adventist theology. One such example is Leslie Hardinge’s In the Shadow of His Sacrifice. He does an absolutely brilliant job of teaching Christianity the meaning of the Holy Days and the lessons that should impact their thinking about the Messiah.

Today there is a growing but small number of small groups of Adventist Holy Day Keepers who are attempting to resurrect the Seventh Month Movement in the Adventist Church. Dr. John Vandenberg is leading the charge along with a few other scholars and pastors by showing the Seventh Month Movement should never have been buried in Adventist history but instead modified to exclude its theological errors. It should have retained the spirit of Holy Day keeping in the worship and the life of the church.

Let us all pray and support this movement and fellowship with them as offer our love and service.

Gilbert Cranmer helped form a group that was called Church of God, Adventist.  Eventually, various changes occurred to that group and it became, in the 20th century, the Church of God, Seventh-day (CG7).

The reasons for the term “Seventh Month Movement” include the fact that the seventh month in the Hebrew calendar is called Tishri, the first day of it is the Feast of Trumpets, and all the Fall Holy Days occur in the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar. Hence “Seventh Month Movement” connotes observance (to some degree) of the biblical Fall Holy Days.

Most Sabbath-keeping Church of God groups observe and endorse the biblical Fall Holy Days of the seventh month (the Church of God, Seventh-day Denver does not, but it now does allow its members to do so).

There are also some within the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) movement that endorse the holy days, but they are a minority.

The late SDA scholar Samuele Bacchiochi not only endorsed the biblical holy days late in his life, he also wrote books about them (which I purchased and read) explaining why he felt that they had biblical and historical support for their observances, as well as even some statements from Ellen White hinting that she supported their observance.

Every now and then, I hear from some associated with the SDA movement who recognize that doctrinal compromise has occurred within it and that they lean more towards Church of God doctrines in certain areas.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Did Early Christians Observe the Fall Holy Days? Did they? Did Jesus? Should you?
The Book of Life and the Feast of Trumpets? Are they related? Is so how? If not, where not?
The Day of Atonement–Its Christian Significance The Jews call it Yom Kippur, Christians “The Day of Atonement”. Does it have any relevance for Christians today?
The Feast of Tabernacles: A Time for Christians? Is this pilgrimage holy day still valid? Does it teach anything relevant for today’s Christians? What is the Last Great Day? What do these days teach?
What Does the Catholic Church Teach About Christmas and the Holy Days? Do you know what the Catholic Church says were the original Christian holy days? Was Christmas among them?
Holy Day Calendar This is a listing of the biblical holy days through 2012, with their Roman calendar dates. They are really hard to observe if you do not know when they occur
SDA/COG Differences: Two Horned Beast of Revelation and 666 The real Church of God is NOT part of the Seventh-day Adventists. This article explains two prophetic differences, the trinity, and differences in approaching doctrine, including Ellen White. It also answers the question, “Did Ellen White make clear prophetic errors?”

COGwriter

The USA and some other nations are trying to increase security because of waves of Islamic protests:

One dead as Egyptian protesters battle police near US Embassy

Reuters – ‎14 September 2012

* Authorities build concrete wall to protect embassy * Egypt’s Islamist president faces tough balancing act * Mursi condemns film, pledges to protect embassies * Protester killed in clash with police near embassy * United States is major aid donor to Egypt…Many Muslims regard any depiction of the Prophet Mohammad as blasphemous and the low-budget film – produced in California – that portrayed him as a womanizer and religious fake has provoked outrage across the Middle East and led to the storming of several U.S. missions in the region.Mursi, an Islamist and Egypt’s first freely elected leader, has to strike a delicate balance, fulfilling a pledge to protect the embassy of a major aid donor but also delivering a robust line against the film to satisfy his Islamist backers.

Protests Escalate in CairoWall Street Journal

Can the US Stop the Wave of Muslim Protest Targeting Its Embassies?  14 September 2012

The furor over a provocative video has obscured the deep anger at U.S. foreign policy that has long existed in the Middle East…

Is there anything America can do to stop the wave of often violent demonstrations targeting its embassies, and those of its allies, across the Muslim world this week? The short answer is no; it will have to ride out the rage stoked by opportunists in Muslim capitals looking to profit politically from genuine popular outrage at a film insulting the Prophet Muhammad — and hope that no more diplomats or protesters are killed, further escalating the confrontation.

Friday saw protests in countries as far-flung as Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Nigeria and Khartoum, as well as deadly confrontations in Tunis, where three people were killed after the U.S. embassy compound was breached, and in Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, where one was killed after a similar breach.

German Embassy in Sudan Stormed, Rioting in Jerusalem

http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/159996

The protests and violence are allegedly related to a film that many Muslims find insulting.  The American Ambassador to Libya, along with some others, was killed earlier this week (on 9/11/12, and most do not consider the date to be a coincidence).

Will this type of thing have prophetic ramifications?

Probably yes.  And this type of thing might end up be a factor in unifying many Muslims behind an Egyptian-included confederation (Ezekiel 30:10-8) which will be the final King of the South of biblical prophecy (Daniel 11:40-43).

But the current violence is the most immediate concern.

Here is a section of prophetic scripture I would like to quote:

23 ‘Make a chain,
For the land is filled with crimes of blood,
And the city is full of violence.
24 Therefore I will bring the worst of the Gentiles,
And they will possess their houses;
I will cause the pomp of the strong to cease,
And their holy places shall be defiled.
25 Destruction comes;
They will seek peace, but there shall be none. (Ezekiel 7:23-25)

Violence often leads to violence.  Genuine Christians will strive to resist the temptation to be violent back.  One thing that Christians should do is pray:

1 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.  (1 Timothy 2:1-4)

A quiet and peaceable life is one without violence.  Prayers for “all men” should also include Muslim leaders.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Christian Soldiers How are Christians to be like soldiers? How are they to be different?
Military Service and the Churches of God: Do Real Christians Participate in Carnal Warfare? Here are current and historical perspectives on a matter which show the beliefs of the true church on military participation. Is war proper for Christians?
What Do You Mean — Repentance? Do you know what repentance is? Have you truly repented? Repented of what? Herbert W. Armstrong wrote this as a booklet on this important subject.
Is There A Future King of the South? Some no longer believe there needs to be. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? Might this King be called the Mahdi? What does the Bible say?
The Arab and Islamic World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam? What about the Imam Mahdi? What lies ahead for Turkey, Iran, and the other non-Arabic Muslims?
Is There an Islamic Antichrist? Is Joel Richardson correct that the final Antichrist will be Islamic and not European? Find out.

Roderick C. Meredith (Photo by Joyce Thiel)

COGwriter

Roderick C. Meredith, the Presiding Evangelist of the Living Church of God (LCG) informed me yesterday that rumors on the internet related to alleged merger talks with the Church of God a Worldwide Association (COGWA) or the United Church of God (UCG) are not true.

I did not ask Dr. Meredith about this matter, he without any question from me, brought it up.   FWIW, all prior discussions that I have had with the Charlotte-based evangelists of LCG have always resulted in them stating basically the same thing.

Which is?

Although all the Charlotte-based evangelists of LCG have long known, and often worked with, many of the top leaders in COGWA and UCG, that keeping somewhat cordial relations with them should not be interpreted as some type of merger plan.  Dr. Meredith reiterated that none of them at any time talked seriously about any kind of “merger” or getting together more than simply having a certain degree of brotherly love and mutual cooperation regarding the brethren helping one another during national or weather related tragedies, outside attacks, etc.

Dr. Meredith took exception to those who claim otherwise.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

There are Many COGs: What About the Living Church of God? This is an article for those who wish to more easily sort out the different COGs. It also explains a lot of what the COGs are all about.
Differences between the Living Church of God and United Church of God This article provides quotes information from the two of the largest groups which had their origins in WCG as well as commentary.
Concerns about Church of God, a Worldwide Association Known as COGWA, this is the largest group that came out of the United Church of God.  Here is some history and concerns about it. UCG’s former president Clyde Kilough and UK CEO Peter Hawkins are part of it.
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?

Last Page of the Dresden Codex

COGwriter

The Philadelphia Inquirer reported the following:

100 days till Mayan apocalypse?

Philadelphia Inquirer – Sept 12, 2012

Of course, it is simply not possible according to the Bible for the end happen in 2012 (please also see Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End?). Those who think it will, simply have been misled. Many modern scholars question exactly what the Mayans were predicting.

The most common view held by scholars is that it is not clear that the 7th century Mayans believed that the world would end on December 21/22/23, 2012.

Yet, while the 7th century Mayans may not have predicted the end of the world, later ones clearly did (though the date or dates they allude to is a matter of debate).

Some believe that the Dresden Codex, from 11th/12th century (and shown above) is pointing to the world ending in a flood in December 2012 (the 2012 date is based upon some small markings pointing to 2012 events, like the “transit of Venus” and a so-called “galactic alignment”). Others believe that the Dresden Codex is pointing instead to a new age after the world is somehow cleansed.

Now, the most specific Mayan prophecy about a flood is from the 16th century document known as the Chilam Balim. It possibly may have had some relationship to the Dresden Codex. Notice what it states:

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

Yet, the above is biblically, a false claim. Of course, 2012 is not the end of the world nor will Jesus return in 2012. 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.

Other scriptures show that the Great Tribulation and the later great earthquake (Revelation 16:18) cannot be that early (see Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2012, 2013, or 2014? for more details).

Whatever the Dresden Codex may be trying to portray (my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect discusses certain views).

But the Great tribulation will eventually come and Jesus will eventually return–irrespective of what any Mayans or interpreters of Mayan prophecy may conclude.

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 24 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 24 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 24 já começaram a acontecer.

New Zealand Naval Frigate (Benchill)

COGwriter

Here is the latest commentary from the Living Church of God (LCG):

Need To Be Towed?

By Charles Knowlton

In my younger years, I served aboard a ship of the United States Navy. Navy ships were always in one of three conditions—they were either underway, anchored, or in need of assistance in the form of a push or tow. This is true of any working vessel. In the commercial world, a ship under power is productive. If it is anchored, it is doing nothing. If it needs assistance, it is usually helpless. Have you ever felt like you were in any of these conditions?

We often find this pattern in people’s lives. Some seem to be underway and productive—working hard, getting things together, making progress. Others seem to be anchored and “resting” in place. Finally, some appear to need a push or shove. Many in this last category are unaware of their need, but others are searching desperately, crying out their “S.O.S.” This is especially painful to see, especially when it involves people’s spiritual lives.

What can we say about productive people who are like moving ships? God clearly expects His people to reach this point in their lives. We read: “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1). The instruction here is to move forward in Christian life with power and strength. God’s calling requires Christians to be “under power” to fulfill their calling.

What about those who are anchored in place? Notice how Christ described people who become unproductive: “Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful” (Matthew 13:22). When the water gets rough, they quickly “drop anchor”—as did the lazy servant in Christ’s parable of the talents: “But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord’s money” (Matthew 25:18). Far from being productive, some people simply quit willfully—they stop working, or in their spiritual lives stop praying, studying or attending church. Some even give up on God completely.

Then, we have what appears to be a very large group—the ones who only seem able to move under the assistance of another. In the book of Acts, we find a powerful example of one such person. When the Ethiopian came reading about Isaiah, the Lord sent Philip to him (Acts 8:26). Asked if he understood, the Ethiopian replied, to Philip, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” (v. 31). When Philip preached the gospel, the Ethiopian was quickly baptized, and he set out on a new course in life: one that brought him great joy and purpose (vv. 38-40). And all it took was a little nudge.

The Apostle Paul wrote, “Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way” (Romans 14:13). Do you heed this advice? Do you go out of your way to assist and encourage others? Or, if you are in need, has anyone helped you in a meaningful way? It is no shame to ask for help, but it is a shame to quit dead in the water. Pridefulness is not a Christian quality, as Paul reminds us: “For you see your calling brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble are called” (1 Corinthians 1:26). We are not so great as to be above asking for help, nor should we ever be above giving help to those who need us.

A little help goes a long way—especially when we feel weak or helpless. And by the power of God’s Spirit—the ultimate help (John 14:16)—even the weak may plot a course toward eternal life. Read our eye-opening booklet Your Ultimate Destiny, and start moving forward today!

An article of related interest may include:

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?

220 kg Gold brick displayed in Taiwan

COGwriter

Gold went up a lot today apparently because of concerns that the US Federal Reserve will further dilute the money supply with its third round of “quantitative easing” (QE3):

Gold Bugs Rejoice: QE3 Is Here!

Wall Street Journal – Sept 13, 2012

Gold futures, the purest QE play out there, are surging this afternoon after Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke unveiled another big asset-purchase program. Gold recently traded up $35.10, or 2%, at $1768.90, the highest level since February.

A scenario where surging gold prices coincide with more Fed stimulus has become commonplace. Gold tends to benefit from easy-money policies as investors utilize the precious metal as a hedge against potential inflation that could ultimately result from the Fed’s policies.  http://blogs.wsj.com/marketbeat/2012/09/13/gold-bugs-rejoice-qe3-is-here/

Fed Undertakes QE3 With $40 Billion MBS Purchases Per Month

The Federal Reserve said it will expand its holdings of long-term securities with open-ended purchases of $40 billion of mortgage debt a month in a third round of quantitative easing as it seeks to boost growth and reduce unemployment.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-09-13/fed-plans-to-buy-40-billion-in-mortgage-securities-each-month.html

QE3 is an abbreviation for the third round of something called “quantitative easing.”  Basically, the Federal Reserve pretends to by real assets for producing US dollars.  Really, what is purchased is US debt (plus some mortgages) that is really backed by nothing (although there is some backing for the mortgages).  This inflates the money supply and tends to make commodities and goods of many types, including gold, more valuable (silver, for example, went up a lot today as well).

The price of stocks and gold will fluctuate (for more current gold quotes, check out the Financial Information link, which also has links to stocks, currencies, and other financial valuations). Many are going for gold as a type of reserve currency.

The idea of gold could be accumulated to support a new currency, while the US dollar tanks, is discussed on page 333 of my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect. as well as page 133 my book Barack Obama, Islam, and the Destruction of the United States.  And this appears to be what will happen, as well is what is we see sometimes happening now.

The financial world is somewhat starting to understand some of this–but few really know how bad it will get. While Europe will have problems and ultimately must restructure (Revelation 17:11-13), the biblical reality is that US dollar will ultimately be worthless and the USA ultimately taken over because of its sins and debt. Increased interest gold (and silver) suggest decreased interest in the US dollar. Of course, with the rapid rise in the price of gold in the past few weeks, it may go down–though I believe that after the US dollar is worthless, gold still will have value (Daniel 11; Revelation 18).

Of course, gold and an improved economy will not save humanity, only Jesus can do that, but it may be prudent for people to consider the signs of the times.

For additional information, check out the following articles:

The Plain Truth About Gold in Prophecy. How Should a Christian View Gold? What do economists and the Bible teach about gold?  Gold and silver may drop in value, but they also have carnal value.  Inflation/deflation?  What do Christians need to know about gold (and silver)?
Are You Saved? Do You Love Jesus? What is a True Christian? What is the Gospel? Evangelist Richard Ames answers those important questions.
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 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? 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 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.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States This is a 160 page book for people truly interested in prophecies related to Barack Obama and the United States, including learning about many that have already been fulfilled (which the book documents in detail) and those that will be fulfilled in the future. It also has a chapter about Mitt Romney. This book is available to order at www.barackobamaprophecy.com. The physical book can also be purchased at Amazon from the following link:  Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States: Is Barack Obama Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic, Catholic, Kenyan, and other America-Related Prophecies? What About Mitt Romney?
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States–Amazon Kindle edition. This electronic version is available for only US$2.99. And you do not need an actual Kindle device to read it. Why? Amazon will allow you to download it to almost any device: Please click HERE to download one of Amazon’s Free Reader Apps.  After you go to for your free Kindle reader and then go to Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States–Amazon Kindle edition.)

Windmill and canal near Hoogeveen, Netherlands, 1983

COGwriter

The Dutch have spoken via their election yesterday.  The results show that they support European unity:

13 September 2012

Netherlands election analysis: Dutch show faith in Europe...

These elections were always going to be seen as the first real test of Dutch public opinion on the Netherlands’ future relationship with Europe…

Dutch dissatisfaction with Europe dominated the pre-election debate.

But ultimately, when voters stood alone in polling booths, facing the choice of where the Netherlands would have the best hope of emerging from the crisis, they placed their faith in Europe.  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-19587525

This vote shows that, despite a lot of Euro-skeptics, that Europe is moving in the direction that Bible prophecy indicates that it must.

Europe will become a significant world power per Revelation 13:1-8!

Notice something from my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect:

Millennia ago, Daniel wrote a prophecy that discussed a little horn that would mainly expand to the south and east:

⁸And out of one of them came a little horn which grew exceedingly great toward the south, toward the east, and toward the Glorious Land. ¹⁰ And it grew up to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the host and some of the stars to the ground, and trampled them. ¹¹ He even exalted himself as high as the Prince of the host; and by him the daily sacrifices were taken away, and the place of His sanctuary was cast down. ¹² Because of transgression, an army was given over to the horn to oppose the daily sacrifices; and he cast truth down to the ground. He did all this and prospered (Daniel 8:9-12).

And while the above has had a past fulfillment, this prophecy seems to be dual (compare with Daniel 11:27-–39)—and seems to be for our time.

What is now the EU began as a small organization involving three small countries located in the northern and western regions of Europe (Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg, called the Benelux nations)—they then helped form the European Economic Community. This European Economic Community expanded mainly south and east of the Benelux nations, into what had become the expanded European Union.  Now, about 500 million people are under a new (though not completely united) government headquartered in Brussels, Belgium.

Notice also the following scriptures, which have European (cf. Daniel 7:2-7, Joshua 9:1, 23:4; Ezekiel 47:15) end time prophetic connections:

41 Whereas you saw the feet and toes, partly of potter’s clay and partly of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; yet the strength of the iron shall be in it, just as you saw the iron mixed with ceramic clay. 42 And as the toes of the feet were partly of iron and partly of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly fragile. 43 As you saw iron mixed with ceramic clay, they will mingle with the seed of men; but they will not adhere to one another, just as iron does not mix with clay.  (Daniel 2:41-43)

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)

They show a fragile coalition that will have to likely reorganize at least two more times according to the Bible.   Europe ultimately will have ten major leaders who will then turn their power over to a single leader.   And there seem to be a lot of reorganization steps on the way before those two reorganizations take place.

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

And this will not be good for the United States of America (nor the British), and ultimately not the Europeans, including the Dutch (cf. Ezekiel 5:4).

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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

COGwriter

Jesus taught:

20 If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you (John 15:20).

29… Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel’s, 30 who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time–houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions–and in the age to come, eternal life (Mark 10:29-30).

10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you (Matthew 5:10-12).

The Apostle Paul taught:

12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. (2 Timothy 3:12)

Notice what sometimes has happened to those that are persecuted:

56…Then all the disciples forsook Him and fled…75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” So he went out and wept bitterly.  (Matthew 26:56, 75)

50 Then they all forsook Him and fled. (Mark 14:50)

5 My enemies speak evil of me: “When will he die, and his name perish?”  6 And if he comes to see me, he speaks lies;
His heart gathers iniquity to itself; When he goes out, he tells it.  7 All who hate me whisper together against me;
Against me they devise my hurt.  8 “An evil disease,” they say, “clings to him. And now that he lies down, he will rise up no more.”  9 Even my own familiar friend in whom I trusted, Who ate my bread, Has lifted up his heel against me.  (Psalms 41:5-9)

16 At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them. (2 Timothy 4:16)

What should a Christian do when persecuted?

43 You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you (Matthew 5:43-44).

23 When they persecute you in this city, flee to another. For assuredly, I say to you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes (Matthew 10:23).

10 But You, O Lord, be merciful to me, and raise me up, That I may repay them. 11 By this I know that You are well pleased with me, Because my enemy does not triumph over me.  12 As for me, You uphold me in my integrity, And set me before Your face forever.  13 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel From everlasting to everlasting!  Amen and Amen. (Psalms 41:10-13)

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. (Romans 12:14)

10 We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ!  We are weak, but you are strong!  You are distinguished, but we are dishonored! 11 To the present hour we both hunger and thirst, and we are poorly clothed, and beaten, and homeless. 12 And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure; 13 being defamed, we entreat. We have been made as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things until now.  14 I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you.  (1 Corinthians 4:10-14)

1 Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1).

21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: 22 “Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth”; 23 who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously (1 Peter 2:21-23).

59 Now the chief priests, the elders, and all the council sought false testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, 60 but found none. Even though many false witnesses came forward, they found none. But at last two false witnesses came forward 61 and said, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and to build it in three days.'”   62 And the high priest arose and said to Him, “Do You answer nothing? What is it these men testify against You?” 63 But Jesus kept silent.  (Matthew 26:59-63)

12 And while He was being accused by the chief priests and elders, He answered nothing.  13 Then Pilate said to Him, “Do You not hear how many things they testify against You?” 14 But He answered him not one word, so that the governor marveled greatly.  (Matthew 27:12-14)

Notice also the following related to the Apostle Paul:

2 And when he was called upon, Tertullus began his accusation, saying: “Seeing that through you we enjoy great peace, and prosperity is being brought to this nation by your foresight, 3 we accept it always and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness. 4 Nevertheless, not to be tedious to you any further, I beg you to hear, by your courtesy, a few words from us. 5 For we have found this man a plague, a creator of dissension among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. 6 He even tried to profane the temple, and we seized him, and wanted to judge him according to our law. 7 But the commander Lysias came by and with great violence took him out of our hands, 8 commanding his accusers to come to you. By examining him yourself you may ascertain all these things of which we accuse him.” 9 And the Jews also assented, maintaining that these things were so.

10 Then Paul, after the governor had nodded to him to speak, answered: “Inasmuch as I know that you have been for many years a judge of this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself, 11 because you may ascertain that it is no more than twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem to worship. 12 And they neither found me in the temple disputing with anyone nor inciting the crowd, either in the synagogues or in the city. 13 Nor can they prove the things of which they now accuse me. 14 But this I confess to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect, so I worship the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the Law and in the Prophets. 15 I have hope in God, which they themselves also accept, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust. 16 This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men.   (Acts 24:2-16)

The most faithful to the word of God often are amongst the most persecuted.

Remember also that Jesus said:

32 “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.  (Luke 12:32)

10 Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer (Revelation 2:10).

Persecution is not fun, but it is expected.

Those now truly in the Church of God should understand that the only doctrine listed in the current Catechism of the Catholic Church that it claims is associated with the final Antichrist is teaching about the millennial reign of Christ (though they have other claimed “antichrist” doctrines in other literature, including Sabbath-keeping!).   And proclaiming this millennial kingdom is something that the Philadelphia remnant of the Church of God does.  Will you be faithful despite persecution or not?  Will you scatter?  How will you feel when people scatter away from you?

The Bible teaches that end time persecution will come:

17 And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. (Revelation 12:17)

Notice that even Catholic “saints” believe a coming “Roman” leader will persecute (and while this would include those in the true Church of God, this would also seem to include non-believers as well):

Methodius (circa 385): A time will come when the enemies of Christ will boast…Then a Roman emperor will arise in great fury against them . . . Drawing his sword, he will fall on the foes of Christianity and crush them. (Culleton, p. 110)

Francis of Paola (Born in Italy, 15th century). “By the grace of the Almighty, the Great Monarch will annihilate heretics and unbelievers. He will have a great army, and angels will fight at his side. He will be like the sun among the stars. His influence will spread over the whole earth. All in all, there will be on earth twelve Kings, one Emperor, one Pope and a few Princes. They will all lead holy lives.” (Dupont, p.38).

That “Roman emperor/Great Monarch” seems to be the same one as the Beast of Revelation 13, who is also warned against as a persecutor in Daniel 7:25.  The end-time ecumenical power that will likely at first call itself Catholic will point to pronouncements from their “saints” as justification for this persecution.  And this would seem to be part of Satan’s plan as the dragon and Beast are tied together in scripture (e.g. Revelation 16:13).

All the faithful will be subject to persecution and being betrayed by professing believers (Matthew 24:9-13, Mark 13:12-13; Luke 21:16-18; Daniel 11:32-35).   Persecution has taken many forms throughout history and a deadly time of persecution is coming.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Persecutions by Church and State This article documents some that have occurred against those associated with the COGs and some prophesied to occur. Will those with the cross be the persecutors or the persecuted–this article has the shocking answer.
Is the Genuine Church of God a Cult? There are misleading statements on the internet that this article tries to address.
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?
The Philadelphia Church Era was predominant circa 1933 A.D. to 1986 A.D. The old Radio Church of God and old Worldwide Church of God, now basically the most faithful in the Church of God.
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?  Will teaching this doctrine bring about persecution?

European Central Bank, Frankfurt (Eric Chan)

COGwriter

Today, a German court ruled in favor of supporting the Euro and the creation of a “stability mechanism”:

12 September 2012

Germany’s Federal Constitutional Court ruled that Chancellor Angela Merkel can sign a bill into law that will create a mechanism to support the common currency. The court did attach some restrictions—Germany can only provide the agreed sum of $240 billion without parliamentary approval. Nonetheless, it now allows the euro zone to create the European Stability Mechanism, an important step toward bolstering faltering economies in Spain, Portugal, Ireland and Greece.

The mechanism will oversee the bailouts and work with the European Central Bank to buy bonds and lower the prohibitively high borrowing costs that threaten to choke access to financial markets.  http://www.forbes.com/sites/abrambrown/2012/09/12/german-courts-approval-of-euro-rescue-fund-ignites-rally/

So, another step towards supporting the Euro and greater economic cooperation in Europe in the interest of “stability” (and the formation of a European Stability Mechanism) has been approved.  More and more, however, individual nations are losing their sovereignty.  And that, by-the-way, seems to be consistent with what the EU’s first, and current, “permanent president” Herman Van Rompuy publicly suggested in 2010 that would be necessary (see EU President Declares End of Nation State, Britain Skeptical and Herman Van Rompuy: EU Integration is the Answer for Peace and Stability).  Notice also the following:

Sept 12, 2012

The European Union needs to evolve into a “democratic federation of nation states” as a long-term solution to its economic and political crises, European Commission President José Manuel Barroso said today.  http://www.publicserviceeurope.com/article/2438/barroso-calls-for-eu-federation-of-nation-states

There certainly there are problems with the European confederation, yet the Bible predicted them (cf. Daniel 2:41-43). The Bible also tells of a major economic power that exerts control over buying and selling (Revelation 13:1-4,16-18) will arise out of Europe.

The Bible shows that despite weakness (Daniel 2:41-43) there will be at least one (most likely more) reorganization in Europe–where, basically, whatever remaining national or regional sovereignty will be given up (Revelation 17:12-13). The Bible also shows that ultimately, a major dictator (and the person I currently suspect for that role currently holds no major official government office) will rise up and rule end time Babylon (Revelation 17:1-13), the final King of the North, European Beast power of Bible prophecy (Daniel 11:40).

While Europe is not yet ready to support the final King of the North, we in the Philadelphia remnant of the Church of God have long taught that it will be.  And steps in that direction continue to be taken in Europe.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? What MUST happen BEFORE the Great Tribulation?
Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North? Is the German Defense Minister one to watch? What do Catholic, Byzantine, and biblical prophecies suggest?
Germany’s Assyrian Roots Throughout History Are the Germanic peoples descended from Asshur of the Bible? Have there been real Christians in Germanic history? What about the “Holy Roman Empire”?
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?