Church of God News

COGwriter

The latest issue (#151, print date September-October 2012) of The Journal just arrived here electronically a few moments ago. One of the lead articles by Dixon Cartwright has the following:

BIG SANDY, Texas—Christians need to learn to envision a future that includes their enemies. That’s the biblical and the only way to peace, advised a speaker at a Feast of Tabernacles observance sponsored by the Church of God Big Sandy.

Church members look to a returned Jesus inspiring and implementing a system to impose peace. But can there be real peace before the Millennium and the eternity of the Kingdom of God?

Yes, said Reg Killingley of Big Sandy at one of the CGBS’s four Feast sites, during the Oct. 6, 2012, service at the Big Sandy site.

Reg Killingley is right about that.  Eternal peace is part of why Christians face trials and tests in this age.

There was an article about a women’s conference in Tulsa, letters to the editor, speculation about the COGs uniting, one on seven churches (see also The Churches of Revelation 2 & 3), ads, and as usual inappropriate information about unitarianism (for scriptural arguments against that, please see Was Unitarianism the Teaching of the Bible or Early Church?).

There was also a front-page article about a tax protester who lost (perhaps he should read the article Taxes).

There was also an article by Eric Snow of UCG: about the canon of the Bible.  Those truly interested in that subject probably should read the articles The Old Testament Canon and The New Testament Canon – From the Bible and History.

The Journal is available by paid subscription (though Dixon Cartwright says some subscriptions are free to those who cannot afford it) and tends to take a non-Philadelphian era view of church matters.

European Parliament, Strasbourg, France

COGwriter

The latest newsletter from the Fatima Center has the following:

Strasbourg, October 24, 2012 — On October 23, 2012 Father Nicholas Gruner of the Fatima Center in Canada and Catholic attorney and author Christopher A. Ferrara of the United States appeared at the headquarters of the EU in Strasbourg, France to speak in support of a motion for a declaration by the EU Parliament calling upon Pope Benedict XVI to carry out the Consecration of Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

The motion is being sponsored by two members of the Parliament of the European Union, the Honorable Mario Borghezio and the Honorable Lorenzo Fontana, who invited Father Gruner and Mr. Ferrara to speak in its support at the time of its official introduction.

The motion refers to the threat of “great danger at the present time to world peace and the serenity of all European peoples” and notes that “the Blessed Virgin Mary has promised a long period of prosperity and peace, if and only if, the Holy Father will consecrate Russia in a solemn and public manner, as precisely specified by Her in the Message of Fatima.”

The motion provides for a declaration by the EU Parliament formally requesting that “His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI… fulfill the will of the Queen of Heaven” by performing the Consecration in order to address European and world problems.

The above plea was made the day after Vatican News reported about the EU flag having Marian connections (see Vatican News: EU Flag is Marian).  Those who do not believe that certain professed Catholics have a plan for Mary and the EU are in error.  And this plan seems to be consistent with certain aspects of Bible prophecy (cf. Isaiah 10; Revelation 17 & 18; 2 Thessalonians 2).

Of course, it is Jesus, not Mary that the Europeans and everyone else needs, though the Pope of Rome seemed to suggest the opposite a few days ago (see Pope Says Turn to Mary–What About Jesus?).

While the Vatican does not currently agree with what the Fatimists want (and they tend to insult the Vatican and even their pope because of it, see Fatimists Take Shots Against Their Pontiff), the reality is that certain Catholics believe that world peace would be attained, not by the return of Jesus Christ and the establishment of His kingdom, but by prayers made to Mary for her intercession.

Notice what was supposed to have happened (presumably by now) if that consecration to Russia had not been done:

Notice the following from a July 15, 1946 interview that Catholic historian William Thomas Walsh held with Lúcia:

She…said more than once, and with deliberate emphasis: ‘What Our Lady wants is that the Pope and all the bishops in the world shall consecrate Russia to Her Immaculate Heart on one special day. If this is done, she will convert Russia and there will be peace. If it is not done, the errors of Russia will spread through every country in the world.’

“Does this mean, in your opinion, that every country, without exception, will be overcome by Communism?”

‘Yes.‘

…May 2011, Bishop Fortunatus Lukanima claimed:

If Russia is consecrated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and is converted, then a lot of things will, indeed, improve and there will be peace.

Some Fatimists, like Priest Nicholas Gruner, claim that if the consecration is ever done properly it would involve 5,000 bishops who would do a “prayer that would last anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes and that is all that would be required to achieve this goal of peace, harmony, prosperity, and goodwill.  It would make everyone’s eternal salvation easier to achieve…”129    Yet, that position is not biblical as it is the return of Jesus, and not the consecration of Russia, which the Bible teaches would lead to that type of world (cf. Revelation 20:1-6; 22:3-5).  (Thiel B. Fatima Shock! What the Vatican Does Not Want You to Know About Fatima, Dogmas of Mary, and Future Apparitions, 2nd edition.  2012, pp. 49-50)

The fact is the entire world did not get overcome by Communism, yet various Fatimists still hold to the belief that the consecration of Russia to Mary is what the world need.  And there seem to be millions that agree to that to some degree.

Jesus, and not Mary, is who will bring about world peace.  But if apparitions some claim to Mary become public, this may deceive almost everybody (cf. Matthew 24:24).

The fact that the Fatimists and others have already been working to get the EU to accept more and more about their view of “Mary” suggests that Marian heresies will likely influence Europe in the future, and perhaps the entire world.  People with interest in Bible prophecy should pay attention to that and its ramifications.

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?
Mary, the Mother of Jesus and the Apparitions Do you know much about Mary? Are the apparitions real? What happened at Fatima? What might they mean for the rise of the ecumenical religion of Antichrist? Are Protestants moving towards Mary? How do the Orthodox view Mary? How might Mary view her adorers?
Origin of the Marian Dogmas: Where Do Catholic Scholars Say The Four Dogmas of Mary Came From?
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!
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! is a highly documented book by Bob Thiel for those interested in the real truth about Fatima and how future apparitions may affect the future. In addition to the print version, there is a Kindle version of Fatima Shock! which you can acquire in seconds.

COGwriter

Colin Powell’s endorsement of US President Barack Obama is in the news:

By Susan Heavey

WASHINGTON | Thu Oct 25, 2012 9:38am EDT

(Reuters) – Former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell on Thursday endorsed Barack Obama’s bid for re-election, citing the Democratic president’s efforts to wind down the war in Afghanistan and tackle terrorism.

“I think we ought to keep on the track that we are on,” the Republican, who also backed Obama in 2008, told “CBS This Morning,” adding, “I voted for him in 2008 and I plan to stick with him in 2012.”  http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/10/25/us-usa-campaign-powell-idUSBRE89O0RY20121025

Probably the most famous Protestant evangelist in the USA, along with his son Franklin, basically endorsed Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney:

October 21, 2012|By Robin Abcarian

COLUMBUS, Ohio — In the heart of one of the nation’s most contested states, newspaper readers awoke Sunday to a full-page plea from America’s most famous evangelist to vote for Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney. Sort of.

The full-page ad in the Columbus Dispatch featured a black-and-white photo of the Rev. Billy Graham, with a brief text burned into the dark background in white letters over Graham’s signature.

“On Nov. 6, the day before my 94th birthday,” read Graham’s message, “our nation will hold one of the most critical elections in my lifetime. We are at a crossroads and there are profound moral issues at stake. I strongly urge you to vote for candidates who support the biblical definition of marriage between a man and a woman, protect the sanctity of life and defend our religious freedoms. The Bible speaks clearly on these crucial issues. Please join me in praying for America, that we will turn our hearts back toward God.”

It was as close to an endorsement of Romney as Graham could get without explicitly saying so…In September,  Franklin Graham had published an essay in USA Today that heartily endorsed Romney.  http://articles.latimes.com/2012/oct/21/news/la-billy-graham-takes-ohio-newspaper-ad-backing-romney-20121021

Of course, since many Protestants consider that the church that Mitt Romney is an elder in is a cult, this has caused some concerns.  The Grahams’ website removed references to the Mormons being a cult, and are receiving some flack for that:

10/25/12

(RNS) The Rev. Samuel Wynn admired Billy Graham and his evangelistic association for decades, joining its spiritual crusades and urging fellow Christians to do the same. But no more.

“I will never again support anything by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association,” said Wynn, the superintendent of a United Methodist Church district in Fayetteville, N.C.

The source of Wynn’s ire: The BGEA’s recent removal of language on its website calling Mormonism a “cult.”

The scrubbing followed GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney’s pilgrimage to Billy Graham’s mountaintop home in Montreat, N.C. After the Oct. 11 meeting, Graham pledged to “do all I can to help” Romney, according to a campaign aide…”My question to Billy Graham is, What’s more important for the kingdom of God: politics or the message of Jesus Christ?” said Wynn.  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/25/billy-graham-website-mormon-cult-removed-backlash_n_2012209.html

Without discussing if either major USA presidential candidate’s religion is a cult (I do not support the apparent religions of either candidate), I have documented some other evils that both major USA presidential candidates espouse previously (see Romney and Obama on ‘Social Issues’) and have reminded people that Voting for the Lesser of Two Evils is Still not Good.

Like Jesus taught, I pray for God’s kingdom to come and His will to be done (cf. Matthew 6:10).  I do not believe that if Jesus were walking on earth in the flesh in 2012 He would endorse either presidential candidate.  Both candidates, in my view, have taken positions that are often too far from the Bible in terms of morality.

What would Jesus do?

Jesus, in my view, would do basically the same as He did when He was on the earth.  He would proclaim repentance and the good news of the kingdom of God:

17… Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:17)

14…Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:14-15)

42…And the crowd sought Him and came to Him, and tried to keep Him from leaving them; 43 but He said to them, “I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent.” (Luke 4:42-43)

14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.  (Matthew 24:14)

19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. (Revelation 3:19)

Neither the current US President nor Candidate Romney has called for national (nor truly personal) repentance and, even if either did, it is not likely that they would call for repentance for Americans to go to the faith of the original Church of God of the New Testament.

But personal repentance still remains an option–and all should decide that is the direction now to go. As far as secular leaders go, true Christians follow the Apostle Paul’s admonition and pray for them 1 Timothy 2:1-3).

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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.
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.
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.
Some Dissimilarities Between The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and the Genuine Church of God The genuine Church of God is not related to the Mormons and this article explains some differences and a couple of similarities. It also discusses a prophecy that some suspect could be fulfilled by Mitt Romney.
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.)

COGwriter

Earlier today, the ‘Banned by HWA’ site, re-ran something from former WCG Plain Truth writer, Keith Stump, about Halloween:

October is quickly flying by, meaning it’s time for the traditional Christian hand-wringing over that most “demonic” of holidays, Halloween! In anticipation of the usual anti-Halloween propaganda, I offer the following observations about this alleged “satanic festival of evil”:

First, there’s no need to point out that Halloween is not found in Leviticus 23. (Duh.) Leviticus 23 is obsolete and irrelevant anyway. Second, forget the lengthy dissertation about how the papacy (the alleged “image of the beast” and “great whore”) instituted the Roman Catholic celebrations of “All Hallows Eve” and “All Saints Day”. That, too, is irrelevant. Today’s Halloween has nothing to do with honoring Christian saints. For most, Halloween long ago ceased being viewed as a religious observance—and never was, by Americans.The Halloween that many of us know today is largely an American phenomenon. And it’s a purely secular observance.

Yet some of Halloween’s customs do have roots in pre-Christian (“pagan”) practices.

Halloween came from pagan sources, promotes pagan concepts, and is not in any way endorsed by the Bible.  The point that is missed by Keith Stump that I would like to make now is that it is not a Christian holiday and should not be enjoined by Christians.  The fact that Keith Stump believes that Leviticus 23 and other scriptures are no applicable is sad, but happens to many who turn back from professing belief in the biblical faith.

Jesus and Paul did not observe Halloween. They, and the early faithful Christians, observed the biblical Fall holy days such as the Feast of Trumpets, Day of Atonement , and the Feast of Tabernacles, which are also mentioned in Leviticus 23.

Which should a Christian truly support?  Obviously not Halloween.

Several articles of possibly related interest may include:

Is Halloween Holy Time for Christians? This article provides some historical and biblical insight on this question.
Is There “An Annual Worship Calendar” In the Bible? This paper provides a biblical and historical critique of several articles, including one by WCG which states that this should be a local decision. What do the Holy Days mean? Also you can click here for the calendar of Holy Days.
Did Early Christians Observe the Fall Holy Days? Did they? Did Jesus? Did Paul? Should you?

Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (1887 Painting)

COGwriter

In his latest commentary, LCG’s Charles Knowlton wrote the following:

I remember seeing my mother sew a pouch in my father’s long johns with their life’s savings in it, when news of bank failure came many years ago. My father went to work carrying a shotgun. Why was all of this necessary? Are we talking about the good old United States of America?

The peaceful town we lived in had become a place of fear. The reason: we were the subject of jealously and hatred was because my father had one of the few jobs in town. People were suspicious of each other and there was some violence. The situation called for self-preservation. This was the beginning of the Great Depression, which was to last for nearly a decade and would dramatically change our country. During the ensuing years the U.S. was to take a giant step backward when it came to personal behavior, family unity and an honest interest in self-preservation. The interesting thing is, that piece of history is going to be repeated in many of our lifetimes by troubles on the horizon, described by the Bible as the Great Tribulation and the great Day of the Lord.

The Bible reveals this in Matthew 24, in what is called the Olivet Prophecy. Christ gave this prophecy to His disciples, and explained it to them in detail. He talked about the events of the end time—wars, famines, pestilences and earthquakes. These will happen over time and become very intense. Jesus states, “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My Name’s sake” (v. 9). He goes on to explain the effect this will have on human relationships: “And because lawlessness will abound, the love of may will grow cold” (v. 12). Now if this is going to happen to future disciples of Christ, it is going to happen to everyone. The Bible has many references to the coming tribulation and what it will be like—and why.

In Daniel 12:1 we see one of these references: “At that time shall Michael stand up, The great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people; and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation, even to that time. And at that time your people shall be delivered.” There are other references in the Old and New Testaments about a time when everyone is going to experience the hardships of a world in trouble: food shortage, war and ultimately the end of civilization.

However, the Bible also promises a Deliverer (Romans 11:26-27). Jesus Christ will return and not only redeem the remnants of Israel’s descendants (including the English speaking peoples) but will straighten the whole world out (Revelation 19:14-16; Revelation 21:3-5). Jesus Christ and His disciples referred to this time as “the Kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33; Mark 1:14; Luke 4:43; John 3:5; Acts 14:22).

If a person is alert and not too deeply engaged in this present evil society, they might see that distress and upheaval are coming. Many live in denial, and choose not to acknowledge that hard times will become worse times, but one thing is certain from the Bible: it is going to require more to survive than protecting your money and carrying a shotgun (Matthew 24:22).

In Ezekiel chapter 5, the prophet describes how one third of the modern descendants of ancient Israel will die of the troubles, one third will be affected by war, and one third will be scattered—and that God would bring these calamities as part of His wrath on their disobedience. The Great Depression never came close, but it left us with a glimpse of things to come.

If you would like to know more about how to truly prepare, order our free booklet Armageddon and Beyond and Revelation: the Mystery Unveiled! Do not delay—your future depends on understanding God’s plan for the times just ahead.

The current world order with the USA and the Anglo-descended nations will change–and this is starting to happen. Second, a power in Europe will rise up–and some of the steps for this to occur have already happened. And third, after massive devastation, Jesus will return and establish His kingdom.

And Jesus will return relatively soon.

For some items of possibly related interest, please check out the following:

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?
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?
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? What is ahead for Europe?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British-English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo (non-Dutch) Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What about Jerusalem? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
Canada in Prophecy: What Does Bible Prophecy, Catholic Prophecy, and other Predictions Suggest About the Future of Canada? There are prophecies that suggest involvement with Canada. And many are not positive about its future.
Who is the King of the West? Why is there no End-Time King of the West in Bible Prophecy? Is the United States the King of the West?
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.)
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2012, 2013, or 2014? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What 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 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.

Two Women Wearing Burqas

COGwriter

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has proposed what many consider to be at least one anti-Islamic item while increasingly pushing part of the agenda of the Russian Orthodox Church:

24 October 2012

Last Thursday Russian President Vladimir Putin publicly spoke out in favor of a ban on headscarves in Russian schools. To this end he intends to introduce legislation laying down guidelines for school uniforms.

Putin’s announcement came after a months-long official campaign promoting nationalism and orthodox Christianity aimed at diverting attention away from the increasing social tensions in the country. About 20 million of the 143 million people living in Russia are Muslims.  http://www.wsws.org/articles/2012/oct2012/head-o24.shtml

23 October 2012…

“Putin has tapped the aspects of conservatism that seem to be prevalent in society – a certain kind of nationalism, militarism and xenophobia, a kind of macho culture.”

Mr Putin has championed this agenda since coming to office again, with speeches about Orthodox values as the bedrock of a society. He also supported the prison terms handed down to Pussy Riot, the feminist punk rock group jailed for “religiously motivated hatred” after performing a protest song in Moscow’s Christ the Saviour Cathedral. Mr Putin’s United Russia party is pushing legislation through parliament that would prohibit blasphemy.  http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/487f0600-1cf5-11e2-a17f-00144feabdc0.html

Of course, it is not just the Russian President that has taken steps to ban parts of Muslim influence including female garb.  Several European countries have taken steps to reduce Islamic influence; see for example, France Begins Burqa Ban, Burqa Banning in Belgium, Italy, France, and Australia,  Anti-Islamic PVV Gaining in the Netherlands, Netherlands: Wilders Not Guilty of Islamic Defamation, Germany’s Merkel: Multiculturalism a Total Failure, and Switzerland Votes to Ban Minarets.  Probably because of European steps, Vladimir Putin feels that his proposals will not cause much in the way of international outrage.

The divide between Islam and the nominally-Christian Europe and Russia is going to become more and more real. Though there will be apparent cooperation between Islam and Europe (cf. Psalm 83; Daniel 11:27) and possibly Europe and Russia, they will turn on each other.  First with a Muslim force in a failed attempt against Europe (Daniel 11:40-43) and later an apparently Russian-led Asia force will be more successful against Europe (Daniel 11:44, etc.).

But soon thereafter, Jesus will return and these types of problems will be over.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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?
Some Similarities and Differences Between the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Genuine Church of God Both groups claim to be the original church, but both groups have differing ways to claim it. Both groups have some amazing similarities and some major differences. Do you know what they are?
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?
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? What does the Bible say?
The Arab World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam? What role might non-Arab Iran play?
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? What is ahead for Europe?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?
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?

European Central Bank, Frankfurt (Eric Chan)

COGwriter

There is a European tax plan in the news:

Financial transaction tax for 10 EU states

BBC – Oct 23, 2012 excerpts…

The European Commission has backed plans from 10 countries to launch a financial transactions tax to help raise funds to tackle the debt crisis.

The 10 countries include France, Germany, Italy and Spain…The remaining countries that have signed up to the tax are Austria, Belgium, Greece, Portugal, Slovakia and Slovenia.

The nations want to push ahead with the tax after failing to win support from all members of the European Union.http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-20041588

This is similar (if not the same) as the type of tax EU President Herman Van Rompuy had proposed before.  And while the current ten nation proposal is somewhat new, it is somewhat consistent with one partially proposed by EU President Herman von Rompuy in 2011 (see Van Rompuy’s Tax Plan May Get Approved).  And President von Rompuy is one that I have wondered about for several years who might fulfill Daniel 11:20 (see Herman Van Rompuy Takes Office Today: Might He Fulfill Daniel 11:20?), presuming that it has an end time application–and I suspect that it does.

Now, the fact that there are 10 European nations will catch the prophetic attention of many, yet these ten (in my view) do not fully represent the ten kings who will turn their power over to the Beast in the future (Revelation 17:12-13).  But, agreeing to a new European, as opposed to national, tax is consistent with various biblical prophecies.

But even if the tax goes into effect, Europe still faces challenges and problems.  Notice:

Schäuble Warns Worst Is Yet to Come  10/23/12

Europe’s debt crisis seems to have entered a calm phase, but that’s only an illusion, German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schäuble said on Tuesday. The worst is probably still to come, he warned.

http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/german-finance-minister-says-worst-is-yet-to-come-in-euro-crisis-a-862994.html

I have long felt, and still feel, that Europe would experience greater civil unrest than it has so far and economic factors would seem to be a trigger for them.  This is will happen.

Ultimately, a new European “treaty” and probably various taxes will be needed.  The Bible shows that despite weakness (Daniel 11:41-43) there will be a reorganization in Europe that will partially end up causing the world to marvel (Revelation 13:1-4).  The Bible shows that ultimately, a major dictator (and I do not anticipate at this time that it will be Herman van Rompuy) 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).

And while Europe is not yet ready to become the final King of the North, we in the genuine Church of God have long taught that it will be–and that this final European leader will be much worse for the USA and its Anglo-descended allies (Daniel 11:39) than most Europeans (Isaiah 10:5-9) or Americans imagine.

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?
2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect This is a link related to a book by Bob Thiel (COGwriter). This also has YouTube videos related to 2012. The book contains documented prophecies as well as an end time sequence of events that Christians should study and understand. Including the role of Europe and how it is pivotal to end time biblical prophecy.
2012 und das Auftreten der geheimen Sekte (German Edition) 2012 Buch von Dr. Thiel in deutscher Sprache.

Mitt Romney (Gage Skidmore, 2011)

COGwriter

Towards the end of  the third U.S.A. presidential debate that I was watching last night, Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney stated the following:

This nation is the hope of the earth.

Mitt Romney also said in his closing remarks:

We need strong leadership. I’d like to be that leader, with your support. I’ll work with you. I’ll lead you in an open and honest way. And I ask for your vote. I’d like to be the next president of the United States to support and help this great nation, and to make sure that we all together maintain America as the hope of the earth.

This was somewhat shocking to me.  Those who claim to be Christian normally state something to the effect that Jesus is the hope for humankind (cf. Revelation 19:1-2; John 3:16-17), not the U.S.A. (though American politicians sometimes have made similar statements to Mitt Romney, while claiming Christianity).

Other than the fact he is hoping to gain votes, why might Mitt Romney have said what he did?

It may be at least partially because of his own religious background.   Mitt Romney has long been an elder in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS), commonly called the Mormon church.

Mormon prophecy absolutely has a U.S.A. focus. Notice the following, which is from the official Latter Day Saints’ website, that it reports is one of the 13 Articles of Faith for that church:

10. We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.  (Articles of Faith Thirteen basic points of belief to which Mormons subscribe. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. http://mormon.org/articles-of-faith viewed 10/23/12)

This is probably part of why Mitt Romney considers that the U.S.A. is the world’s hope.  Perhaps I should also add that according to a revelation that Joseph Smith Jr. claimed to receive in July 1831, Zion is to be located in the U.S.A. state of Missouri.  Here is part of that ‘revelation’:

1 a.Hearken, O ye elders of my church saith the Lord your God, who have assembled yourselves together according to my commandments, in this land which is the land of Missouri, which is the land which I have appointed and consecrated for the gathering of the saints:

b. wherefore this is the land of promise, and the place of the city of Zion. (Smith J Jr.  Book of Doctrines and Covenants, Section 57. Price Publishing Company, Independence, Missouri, 1996, p. 246)

Furthermore, there is a non-officially endorsed Mormon prophecy that some believe that Mitt Romney may fulfill if he becomes  the President of the United States.  It is called the White Horse Prophecy (for more on that, please see Might the White Horse prophecy affect the U.S. presidential election?).  Here are two reports about of it:

Speaking in general conference in 1961, Mormon Apostle Ezra Taft Benson (he would become Mormonism’s 13th President in 1985) stated, “In connection with attack on the United States, the Lord told the Prophet Joseph Smith there would be an attempt to overthrow the country by destroying the Constitution. Joseph Smith predicted that the time would come when the Constitution would hang, as it were, by a thread, and at that time “this people will step forth and save it from the threatened destruction” (Conference Report, October 1961, p.70).

In 1963 Benson again mentioned this prophecy in a conference message: “The Prophet Joseph Smith said the time would come when the Constitution would hang as it were by a thread. Modern-day prophets for the last thirty years have been warning us that we have been rapidly moving in that direction. Fortunately, the Prophet Joseph Smith saw the part the elders of Israel would play in this crisis. Will there be some of us who won’t care about saving the Constitution, others who will be blinded by the craftiness of men, and some who will knowingly be working to destroy it? He that has ears to hear and eyes to see can discern by the Spirit and through the words of God’s mouthpiece that our liberties are being taken” (Conference Report, April 1963, p.113)…

On January 6, 2010 the LDS Church issued the following statement on its Newsroom blogsite: “The so-called ‘White Horse Prophecy’ is based on accounts that have not been substantiated by historical research and is not embraced as Church doctrine.” The claim that it is not “embraced as Church doctrine” does not explain why so many LDS leaders have referred to it. Would these leaders even bother to speak of the prophecy if they really didn’t believe at least portions were true?  Words like “doctrine” and “official” have little meaning given the fact that many aspects of Mormonism are believed to be true by members even though a particular teaching may never be described as “binding” or “official.” (McKeever B. When the Constitution “Hangs by a Thread” – The White Horse Prophecy in Modern Mormonism. Mormon Research Ministries. http://www.mrm.org/white-horse-prophecy viewed 08/26/12)

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

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

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

This is not what the Bible teaches. And as far as end time prophecy goes, the Bible teaches that the USA will be destroyed (cf. Daniel 11:39) unless it has national repentance soon.

Jesus and His kingdom, not a Mormon or other similar leader, will solve what needs to happen in the USA–even if someone like Mitt Romney becomes USA president.

Watch! (Mark 13:37)

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Some Dissimilarities Between The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS) and the Real Church of God The genuine Church of God is not related to the Mormons and this article explains some differences and a couple of similarities. Also, might certain LDS prophecies apply to Mitt Romney?
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.
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.)

Berlin Reichstag

COGwriter

The Financial Times reported the following:

Welcome to Berlin, Europe’s new capital

Financial Times – Oct 22, 2012

The Bible shows that certain descendants of ancient Assyria dominate part of the world scene and takeover certain descendants of Israel (it is possible that the USA is considered to be Samaria in certain end time prophecies):

5 “Woe to Assyria, the rod of My anger
And the staff in whose hand is My indignation.
6 I will send him against an ungodly nation,
And against the people of My wrath
I will give him charge,
To seize the spoil, to take the prey,
And to tread them down like the mire of the streets.
7 Yet he does not mean so,
Nor does his heart think so;
But it is in his heart to destroy,
And cut off not a few nations.
8 For he says,
‘Are not my princes altogether kings?
9 Is not Calno like Carchemish?
Is not Hamath like Arpad?
Is not Samaria like Damascus?
10 As my hand has found the kingdoms of the idols,
Whose carved images excelled those of Jerusalem and Samaria,
11 As I have done to Samaria and her idols,
Shall I not do also to Jerusalem and her idols?'”  (Isaiah 10:5-11)

So, according to Bible prophecy, an Assyrian-descended power, who does not intend to take over various nations, will do so anyway.  Various historical records suggest that at least some of the Germanic peoples have Assyrian ancestry.

The Bible itself  also shows that despite its fragility (cf. Daniel 2:41-43), a European-based power is destined to temporarily be the most dominant force in the world, ultimately conquer the Anglo-descended nations (Daniel 11:39), and later come to its end (Daniel 11:45).

Germany’s influence is rising and more and more are starting to notice it.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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”?
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies 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? Could He Become “the Beast”? What makes the German Defense Minister a candidate?
Resurgent Germany: A Fourth Reich? Who are the German peoples and where did they come from? What is Germany’s role in end time prophecy?

Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg

COGwriter

The Der Speigel of Germany published an article today about Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg.  As I do not read/speak German, the following was machine translated by Google:

22 October 2012

“Bavaria is the best that there is in Europe,” has Horst Seehofer at the weekend when the party CSU said. Although “not a paradise, but a precursor thereof.” And since you say the CSU can be equated with Bayern, so it must also be the CSU is a little paradise. It is in any case hard. And so you now want to correct a small flaw and bring back a man who them in christian social idyll miss her so much – Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg.

Horst Seehofer played with this idea at the edge of the CSU party congress. You have to be formulated as follows: He was playing with it. He will strive to Guttenberg after the parliamentary elections next year take over a “significant” job in the CSU, Seehofer said, the players, and he himself was certainly a treat. Guttenberg as yet very top of all the surveys, he was the one who wanted to send her political Austragshäusel Seehofer.The announcement of the party leaders would in many of the CSU. And many of them not at all pleased.  http://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/csu-chef-seehofer-will-karl-theodor-zu-guttenberg-zurueckholen-a-862610.html

So in this article, at least one CSU leader is currently promoting Baron Guttenberg’s comeback.

As regular readers know, I have wondered if former German Defense Minister Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg was a candidate to possibly be the final King of the North of Daniel 11 and Beast of Revelation.

He, in my view, remains one to watch.

Of course, Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg could simply be a somewhat politician with many ups and downs. And all his intentions could be fine. We will see.

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?