Church of God News

Mohamed Morsi, Official Photograph

COGwriter

Multiple thousands in Egypt are not pleased that its President Mohamed Morsi made decrees that many consider to be dictatorial:

November 24, 2012

Egypt’s most senior judges have condemned President Mohamed Morsi for granting himself sweeping new powers which they say amount to an “unprecedented assault” on the independence of the judiciary.

The supreme judicial council said work would be suspended in all courts and prosecution offices until the decree passed by the president earlier this week was reversed.

The announcement by the top judges, most of whom were appointed by former President Hosni Mubarak, came after tens of thousands of Egyptians took to the streets on Friday to protest against Morsi’s decree.  http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/nov/24/egypt-judges-condemn-mohamed-morsi-powers

November 23, 2102

“It’s unprecedented, it’s unimaginable, it’s more (power) than Mr. Mubarak ever had,” Mohamed ElBaradei, a Nobel laureate and head of Egypt’s Constitution Party, told CNN. “This is the language of a dictator.”

ElBaradei, a one-time head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, estimated there were “millions in the street … revolting” Friday. Urging “civil disobedience,” he and others who unsuccessfully ran for president signaled that they were unified in their opposition to Morsy.  http://www.cnn.com/2012/11/23/world/meast/egypt-protests/?hpt=hp_t1

Mr. Morsi says his diktat will merely last as long as it takes the country to adopt a new constitution, which is what authoritarians always say. They claim to be a necessary step on the way to democracy, but democracy never arrives. Mr. Morsi’s rationalization is that he must have this power to “protect the revolution,” as if the demonstrators who deposed Hosni Mubarak in 2011 merely wanted another Mubarak with a beard and prayer rug. Mr. Morsi is claiming more power than Mr. Mubarak ever had.

Egyptians took to the street on Friday in protest, sometimes violently, and nearly every other major political leader denounced the putsch.  http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324851704578137253727025648.html

On the other hand, a protest against the protests has been called for by the Muslim Brotherhood:

Nov 24 (Reuters) – Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood called for a mass demonstration in Cairo on Tuesday to show support for President Mohamed Mursi, who is facing a storm of protest for issuing a decree that expanded his powers.  http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/24/egypt-decree-brotherhood-idUSL5E8MO0YG20121124

More on Dr. Morsi’s decrees can be found in the news post Egypt Emerging as Leader in Middle East: What Are the Prophetic Ramifications?.

At its English language website, the Muslim Brotherhood has post articles in support of its Dr. Morsi’s announcements.  Here are excerpts from two:

Mahmoud Hussein, Muslim Brotherhood Secretary-General, denounced violent clashes in Mohamed Mahmoud Street (near the Egyptian Ministry of Interior), and the demonstrators’ departure from the peaceful tradition that must govern civilized protests.  http://www.ikhwanweb.com/article.php?id=30408

Justice Walid Sharabi, spokesman for the ‘Coalition of Judges for Egypt’, praised President Morsi’s resolutions Thursday evening, particularly the dismissal of the Public Prosecutor, who put to waste the pure blood of honorable martyrs and declared innocent killers of unarmed revolutionaries.  http://www.ikhwanweb.com/article.php?id=30411

Dr. Morsi’s party, which is part of the confederacy known as the Muslim Brotherhood, is gaining influence in the Middle East and North Africa.  For those unfamiliar with it, the Muslim Brotherhood is a group that wants to re-establish a pan-national confederation known as a Caliphate, ruled by a strong man called a Caliph that will enforce Sharia (a type of Islamic) law):

What is the Muslim Brotherhood?…
“The Islamic nation,” its charter states, “must be fully prepared to fight the tyrants and the enemies of Allah as a prelude to establishing an Islamic state”—ideally a re-established caliphate, stretching from Spain across the Middle East and Central Asia to Indonesia, to be governed according to Islamic sharia law…(Understanding the Muslim Brotherhood. February 14, 2011. © The Muslim Brotherhood. http://www.ikhwanweb.com/article.php?id=28019 viewed 11/21/2011)

Bible prophecy suggests that something like what the Muslim Brotherhood wants will form and Egypt will end up not doing well (Ezekiel 30:2-8).  The Bible refers to the leader of this confederation as the final King of the South (Daniel 11:40), but shows that, ultimately, he and his real supporters will not do well (Daniel 11:40-43).

The powers that Dr. Morsi declared are consistent with the type of decrees that one would expect from a Caliph or the final King of the South.  If any survive, they will probably be cited as a precedent by the final King of the South once he is in power.

While there will be protests for and against such a leader in Egypt and other Arab lands, the reality is that such a leader will rise up.  It may be that the protests in Egypt will slow down the process.  But they also have the potential to speed it up.

Jesus said:

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

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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?
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?
Arabic Nazarenes May Have Kept Original Christian Practices Were their faithful Arabs who held to original Christianity?
Nazarene Christianity: Were the Original Christians Nazarenes? Should Christians be Nazarenes today? What were the practices of the Nazarenes.

David Cameron

COGwriter

Notice the following:

Britain’s Cameron angers Europe in budget battle

Nov 23, 2012

British Prime Minister David Cameron was locked in a new Brussels battle Friday as angry EU diplomats claimed his “virulent” demands for austerity were blocking a deal on a new budget for the bloc.Nearly a year after he enraged his European counterparts by vetoing a pact to resolve the eurozone crisis, Cameron was winding them up again on Thursday by demanding cuts to the perks enjoyed by so-called ” eurocrats”…pessimistic European officials said Cameron was hamstrung by the domestic pressures he faces from anti-Europe members of his Conservative party…”If there is no deal on Friday it will deprive the British of the victory they had hoped for as far as securing their rebate,” the diplomat said on condition of anonymity.

The diplomat said the main obstacle was Cameron’s demand for cuts…http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international-business/britains-cameron-angers-europe-in-budget-battle/articleshow/17333231.cms

David Cameron Demands EU Officials Take Pay CutHuffington Post

Nov 23, 2012 6:59am EST

(Reuters) – Britain is calling for billions of euros in cuts to European Union officials’ pay and pensions, a move that has support in Britain and other northern European countries but risks blocking attempts to reach a long-term EU budget deal.

Prime Minister David Cameron, who wants a real-terms freeze in EU spending between 2014 and 2020, is pushing for the EU to cut its wage bill by 10 percent, push officials’ retirement age up to 68 from 63 and reduce generous pensions benefits…Cameron’s demand for more cuts, coupled with a pledge to protect Britain’s cherished annual EU rebate, has upset the European Commission, the EU’s executive, and some leaders as they struggle to narrow divisions and reach a deal.  http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/23/us-eu-budget-pay-idUSBRE8AM0BM20121123

Earlier this year, UK Prime Minister David Cameron emphasized how Britain will be separated from a eurozone superstate and that he would protect the UK from it (Telegraph: “Britain Must Go Its Separate Way” from a European Superstate).  Presumably, that is what he thinks that he is now doing.

Notice a prophecy that God inspired about Ephraim (Britain):

8 “Ephraim has mixed himself among the peoples; Ephraim is a cake unturned.
9 Aliens have devoured his strength, But he does not know it; Yes, gray hairs are here and there on him, Yet he does not know it.  (Hosea 7:8-9)

In addition to immigration and other policies, when Britain signed the Lisbon Treaty a few years back it has caused the United Kingdom to mix itself among the peoples of Europe and surrender much of its sovereignty (the others who signed the Lisbon Treaty also lost sovereignty, but at least most of them are expected to be satisfied with that).

The idea that the UK would be on the outs with the EU has long been taught by those of us in the Church of God.  Notice:

Interestingly, the Bible indicates that Britain will NOT be part of this final Roman system. Even now, there are misgivings among the British leadership and among the population at large about the approach to a complete union with Europe. (Meredith RC. Is the “Beast” Awakening? Tomorrow’s World Magazine, September-October, 2000, p. 8 )

The English-speaking nations will not prosper for long in connection with this system, however. In fact, they will ultimately be overpowered and destroyed by it militarily. Prior to military attack and occupation, devastating weather problems, combined with internal civil strife (“tumults in the midst” cf. Amos 3:9) will bring our nations to the point of internal collapse. (Ogywn J. The United States and Great Britain in Prophecy. LCG Booklet, Charlotte, NC).

Ephraim (modern Great Britain) will not be part of the “Beast” power, so we can expect some significant change that will push the British out of the EU. (Davis. D. Ireland says “No!” to EU power grab. LCG Commentary, July, 1 2008)

Perhaps it should be mentioned that the general position within the Churches of God is that Britain will not remain in the EU and will pull out at some point. (Thiel B. Tony Blair a Catholic EU Leader? Church of God News, June 26, 2007. https://www.cogwriter.com/news/prophecy/tony-blair-a-catholic-eu-leader/)

It should be understood that ultimately, Britain will NOT thrive as part of the EU but will be taken over by the final European Beast power–yet its former Prime Minister is promoting something that will not help the peoples of the UK. (Thiel B. Tony Blair Calls for a Strong, Elected, EU President Church of God News, June 9, 2007. https://www.cogwriter.com/news/prophecy/tony-blair-calls-for-a-strong-elected-eu-president/)

Bible prophecy clearly shows that Britain will not be one of the TEN NATIONS comprising the final United States of Europe (McNair R. A Strong United Europe. Tomorrow’s World, February 1970, p. 17).

As cries for the euro to become the world currency increase, the European Central Bank just declared that Britain is “unfit” to enter the Eurozone because of its current financial crisis (Telegraph, January 8, 2009). The stage is being set for a strong nation or group of nations to take the world stage in an attempt to lead the world into a new era of apparent peace and relative prosperity (Revelation 13:1-7, 18:9-15). (World Ahead Weekly Update. Living Church of God, January 22, 2009)

The UK will ultimately find that the EU is a beast that will do them in.  (Thiel B. UK Slammed for EU Stance and its Army is at a Historical Low.  Church of God News, July 9, 2012.  https://www.cogwriter.com/news/prophecy/uk-slammed-for-eu-stance-and-its-army-is-at-a-historical-low/)

Britain is not so linked to continental Europe that it will do well in a union with those there.  In the long run, the rising European Beast power will do Britain in.  The reality is that the EU simply will not work out well for the UK.

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?
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”?
Resurgent Germany: A Fourth Reich? Who are the German peoples and where did they come from? What is Germany’s role in end time prophecy?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first? What happens to the highly indebted nations?
Is Tony Blair Apocalyptic? The former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom converted to Catholicism shortly after leaving his office and has been active in European affairs. What role might he play?

COGwriter

Got an email link to the following:

November 23, 2012

Russia Warns Of Catastrophic 21 December 2012 “Event Horizon”

By: Sorcha Faal, and as reported to her Western Subscribers

A startling report prepared by the Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) states that evidenced uncovered by France’s General Directorate for External Security (DGSE), during their investigation into the hacking of former President Nicolas Sarkozy’s computers by the United States and Israel, is revealing that our world is about to experience a “technological singularity,” which is seen as an intellectual “event horizon,” beyond which events cannot be predicted or understood…

SVR analysts, however, warn that the creation of a greater-than-human super-intelligence through technological means would show it having capabilities that would be difficult for an unaided human mind to comprehend and have consequences that cannot be predicted or understood…

And important to note in this report is the date the SVR is estimating when this SyNAPSE will become “aware”….21 December 2012… and date that has reached phenomenon status as it comprises a range of eschatological beliefs according to which cataclysmic or transformative events will occur on this date.

To if our world will awaken on 22 December 2012 to world taken over by computers it is not in our knowing. What is in our knowing though, and as history has long proved, those who play with fire more often than not get burned.  http://www.whatdoesitmean.com/index1632.htm

Since I do not believe that the world will awaken on December 22, 2012 to find out that it has been taken over by computers, why report about this?

Well, it just so happened that I had received another email that reported something on a somewhat related topic:

The National Security Agency has refused to release details of a secret presidential directive which experts believe could allow the military and intelligence agencies to operate on the networks of private companies, such as Google and Facebook.

As we reported last week, an article in the Washington Post, cited several US officials saying that Obama signed off on the secret cybersecurity order, believed to widely expand NSA’s spying authorities, in mid-October.

“The new directive is the most extensive White House effort to date to wrestle with what constitutes an “offensive” and a “defensive” action in the rapidly evolving world of cyberwar and cyberterrorism.” the report states. http://www.infowars.com/nsa-refuses-to-release-secret-obama-directive-on-cybersecurity/

I do believe that cyber spying is being allowed to increase by many governments and that this is dangerous. By the way, there really is a United States Cyber Command and the picture shown at the beginning of this post is its official logo.

Notice something from the Bible:

15 He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed. 16 He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, 17 and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

18 Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666.   (Revelation 13:15-18)

It will likely take computers aided with artificial intelligence to aid in the fulfillment of the above scriptures.  Thus, even though I do not believe that there can possibly be a computer takeover of the world coming next month, I do believe that cyber monitoring will be used by the European Beast, King of the North, 666 power.

The US government and others are now taking steps that are helping to set the stage for this.

Some articles with more related details include the following:

The Two Faces of Technology Technology can be used for good and for evil.
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 and Julia Gillard be involved in 2012?  Have predictions written by Bob Thiel related to Barack Obama and Julia Gillard began to come to pass?
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?
Two Horned Beast of Revelation and 666 Who is 666? This article explains how the COG views this, and compares this to Ellen White.
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?
Some Doctrines of Antichrist Are there any doctrines taught outside the Churches of God which can be considered as doctrines of antichrist? This article suggests at least three. It also provides information on 666 and the identity of “the false prophet”. Plus it shows that several Catholic writers seem to warn about an ecumenical antipope that will support heresy.
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.

220 kg Gold brick displayed in Taiwan

COGwriter

Received several emails related to gold today.  There is an increased international interest in the shiny metal, mainly because of international currency and economic concerns.   The situation in the USA with its pending “fiscal cliff,” its latest round of “quantitative easing” (QE3), and its debt are all factors:

11/23/12 — Gold stocks surged Wednesday as gold futures gained nearly $20 an ounce to settle at a 1-month high on optimism that lawmakers could make a deal which would avoid the upcoming “fiscal cliff”…

The “fiscal cliff” is a combination of government spending cuts and tax increases set to take effect at the beginning of 2013 unless lawmakers reach a compromise on a new budget deal. The Treasury Department has recently reported that the October deficit, which is the first month of the new fiscal year, grew 22 percent to $120 billion. Gold historically has gained in times of economic uncertainty as investors look to it as a safe haven.  http://www.stockhouse.com/news/canadianreleasesdetail.aspx?n=8676237

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.  Notice that many are increasing their holdings of it:

Brazil raised its gold reserves for a second month in October to the highest level in more than 11 years as emerging nations from Kazakhstan to Russia boosted holdings by more than 40 metric tons…Central banks have been expanding reserves as the metal heads for a 12th straight annual gain…

“The IMF figures showed continued strong buying by central banks,” said Dan Smith, a commodities analyst at Standard Chartered Plc in London. “This continues the trend of recent months and we expect this to support gold prices.” http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-11-21/brazil-boosts-gold-reserves-to-the-highest-in-more-than-11-years.html

Gold’s 12-year rally, the longest in at least nine decades, is poised to continue in 2013 as central bank stimulus spurs investors from John Paulson to George Soros to accumulate the highest combined bullion holdings ever…Central banks from Europe to China are pledging more steps to boost growth, raising concern about inflation and currency devaluation…

“We see gold as a hedge against the follies of politicians,” said Michael Mullaney, who helps manage $9.5 billion of assets as chief investment officer at Fiduciary Trust in Boston…

Gold rallied 70 percent as the Fed bought $2.3 trillion of debt in two rounds of quantitative easing from December 2008 through June 2011. Investors buying bullion as a hedge against inflation and a weaker dollar generally earn returns only through price gains, increasing its allure as interest rates decline…

“It looks as though global monetary stimulus is likely to continue, particularly in the wake of growing fiscal austerity,” said Alan Gayle, a senior strategist at RidgeWorth Capital Management in Richmond, Virginia, which oversees about $47 billion of assets. “That puts pressure on the monetary authorities to stimulate the economy and that will debase the currencies and put a bid under gold.”  http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-11-20/soros-buying-gold-as-record-prices-seen-on-stimulus-commodities.html

Now there is a campaign under way in Germany to bring the metal back home — and it is gathering strength all the time…What does the campaign tell us about the state of the global economy?…trust in financial institutions is dwindling all the time.  http://www.marketwatch.com/story/why-do-the-germans-want-their-gold-back-2012-10-31

Call to bring Austrian gold back home from the UK

Austrian Times – Nov 22, 2012

There is heated debate in Austria after it was revealed that the country’s National bank (OeNB) is storing its gold reserves in England.  http://austriantimes.at/news/Business/2012-11-22/45593/Call_to_bring_Austrian_gold_back_home_from_the_UK

In 2010, China became the world’s biggest gold producer, mining 340 tonnes…Chinese gold imports are increasing as well. Most come through Hong Kong. Between 2010 and 2011 they tripled…If gold was a meaningless, antiquated metal whose only use is for jewellery, why would China be doing all this? http://www.moneyweek.com/investments/precious-metals-and-gems/gold/chinese-demand-could-send-gold-price-soaring-61500

World banks are increasingly concerned about US debt, political problems, and the ultimate value of the USA dollar.  That is one of the reasons that the central banks of many countries have been increasing gold reserves (their own debt and political goals are also reasons).

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:

It seems since many are now questioning the role of the U.S. dollar as the world’s reserve currency, more are looking into other currencies as well as gold. Gold will set records in U.S. dollar terms. When the U.S. dollar totally collapses people all around the world will consider that even if the Euro (or something similar) is strong, having a more gold-backed currency would be safer. The collapse of the U.S.A. dollar will shake a lot of the world’s confidence in non-gold backed currencies.

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

The financial policies of the Obama Administration (which are a massive acceleration of the previous policies of the Bush Administration) are heading the world into the direction that something other than the U.S. dollar will be valued as its reserve currency. (Thiel B. Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States.  2012 Edition 1.1, p. 133)

Having the European power acquiring a lot more gold to back the Euro (even if the backing is only implied) or possibly other future European currency (that might potentially replace the Euro) may greatly increase European credibility, prosperity, and influence around the globe. (Thiel B. 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect.  2009, p. 333)

The Bible is clear that the final King of the North and his revived Babylonian empire will accumulate and use gold (Daniel 11:38,43; Revelation 18:12,16; cf. 17:4).  And I have long believed that part of the reason for this would be because of devaluation of the USA dollar.  The devaluation of the USA dollar has begun and gold has been regularly increasing in value relative to the USA dollar.

Does this mean that gold will go up higher next year?  No, it does not.  How USA taxes and debt are dealt with, food stocks, international matters, energy production, etc. all play a role.  And the role may raise or lower the value of gold in USA dollar terms in the short run.  But in the long run, the USA dollar will be worthless and for a while gold valuable–though even it will be considered less than worthless for a while per scripture (cf. Ezekiel 7:19).

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 years, it may go down–though I believe that after the US dollar is worthless, gold still will have value (Daniel 11; Revelation 18).

The fact that Germany and Austria keep talking about taking their gold out of the UK, and for Germany also out of the USA, may also be of prophetic interest–they will probably prefer to have their gold out before the USA and UK are taken over, which according to various scriptures, such as Daniel 11:39, they will be.  The King of the North will accumulate gold (cf. Daniel 11:43), possibly as part of a move to increase confidence in the new economy that he and the false prophet will promote (Revelation 13:16-17; 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.)

Richard Ames and Bob Thiel, October 8, 2012

COGwriter

In his latest commentary Living Church of God Evangelist Richard Ames has the following:

We, as a nation under God, must get back to reading the Bible and the word spoken to us by our Savior. We need to be living by the Bible. As Jesus said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God’” (Luke 4:4). Are we indeed living that way of life?

The Tenth Commandment from God Almighty states: “You shall not covet” (Deuteronomy 5:21). Our greed, our covetousness and our licentiousness will lead to irreversible penalties. As the Apostle Paul stated, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap!” (Galatians 6:7). And what a nation sows, it will also reap!

We need to repent of our greed and covetousness…

The world desperately needs the truth of God. It needs the gospel Jesus of Nazareth preached, the gospel of the Kingdom of God. Pray that the gospel will go out in greater power around the world. As Jesus said, “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).  http://www.lcg.org/cgi-bin/tw/commentary/tw-comm.cgi?category=Commentary1&item=1353508705#read_more

The USA, and other nations, needs repentance.

But because many do not wish to “retain God in their knowledge”, God has allowed many to do that which they should not:

20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man — and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.

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

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

28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.   (Romans 1:20-32)

And notice that even approving of acts such as homosexual relations, without participating, is condemned by God as worthy of death.  Did not the USA have three states that voted in favor of homosexual marriage, with a fourth voting against prohibiting it, just a few weeks ago?

Also, does not the USA produce massive amounts of sexually-provocative “entertainment”?  Many female singers, to cite one group, simply act like that they cannot succeed unless they publicly expose more and more flesh.  Yet the Bible teaches:

27 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’  28 But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.  (Matthew 5:27-28)

8 I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting; 9 in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation…(1 Timothy 2:8-9)

The Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21) is coming. It will be the time of Jacob’s trouble (Jeremiah 30:7) and repentance is the answer.

Some articles of related interest may include:

Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? Does God have 7,000 year plan? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2019 or 202x?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
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?
What is the Gospel? True religion should be based upon the true gospel. What are some of the different gospels and where did they come from? Do you believe the true or a false gospel?
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God was the Emphasis of Jesus and the Early Church Did you know that? Do you even know what the gospel of the kingdom is all about?
What 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.
British and American Moral Decay Public nudity is becoming more prevalent in the Anglo-lands. What are some of the consequences?
LCG: Pornography, Who’s Tempting Whom? This is some information about the prevalence and dangers of pornography from the Living Church of God.
CG7 on Pornography This is an article excerpt from the Church of God, 7th Day-Denver about pornography.
Abortion, the Bible, and a Woman’s Right to Choose Do you know what the Bible teaches on this? Has the Roman Catholic Church allowed abortions? What about the Living Church of God?
LCG: Homosexuals Gaining Ground “Same-sex marriage” is becoming more acceptable to many. What does the Bible teach about homosexuality?
Is Smoking a Sin? What does the Bible teach? What have COG leaders written? Can smokers change?
Binge Alcohol Drinking and the Bible Many college students and others overindulge in alcohol. Are there health risks? What does the Bible teach?
Obesity and Prophecy Does the Bible warn about the consequences of being obese? Is overeating dangerous? Is gluttony condemned?
Is American Football Evil? Is the most popular spectator sport in the USA something that Christians should watch? What do the Bible and early writings show?
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God was the Emphasis of Jesus and the Early Church Did you know that? Do you even know what the gospel of the kingdom is all about?
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.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States This is a new 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. 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?
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: 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.

Mohamed Morsi, Official Photograph

COGwriter

Now that there has been a cease-fire agreement between Israel and Gaza, Egypt is emerging as the major leader in the Middle East. Here are some news reports:

November 22, 2012

Palestinians and Israelis went about their day blanketed in relative calm Thursday, after a cease-fire brokered hours before gave citizens in the volatile area their first quiet night in more than a week.

If Israel and the Hamas militants who run the Gaza Strip can maintain peace until 9:00 p.m. local time (1900 GMT), border areas from Gaza will be opened, allowing people and goods to move in and out of the territory…

The truce brokered by Egypt took effect at 9:00 p.m. local time Wednesday.  Egyptian Foreign Minister Mohammed Kamel Amr made the truce announcement in Cairo…

Al Sharq Center’s el Labbad believes Israel also has an interest in cultivating Morsi, or rather, the group from which he rose, as the wave of the future. “The strategic atmosphere and environment around Israel is shifting.  You have Hamas on its border, you have Egypt under the Muslim Brotherhood, you have an active Muslim Brotherhood in Jordan and one of the alternatives for Bashar al-Assad in Syria also would be the Muslim Brotherhood,” he said. http://www.voanews.com/content/gaza-israel-calm-as-cease-fire-holds/1550875.html

CAIRO The Gaza cease-fire deal reached Thursday marks a startling trajectory for Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi: an Islamist leader who refuses to talk to Israelis or even say the country’s name mediated for it and finally turned himself into Israel’s de facto protector.

The accord inserts Egypt to an unprecedented degree into the conflict between Israel and Hamas, establishing it as the arbiter ensuring that militant rocket fire into Israel stops and that Israel allows the opening of the long-blockaded Gaza Strip and stops its own attacks against Hamas…In return, Morsi emerged as a major regional player…

Morsi hails from the fundamentalist Muslim Brotherhood, Egypt’s most powerful political group and Hamas’ own parent organization. Brotherhood leaders, including Morsi, refuse to speak to Israeli officials. Morsi hasn’t even said the name of the country publicly since he was inaugurated in late June, though he has referred to its people as “Israelis.”

In ideology, the Brotherhood supports the use of force against Israel to liberate “Muslim lands.” Only two months ago, Brotherhood supreme leader Mohammed Badie proclaimed that regaining Jerusalem can “only come through holy jihad.” The group opposes Egypt’s 1979 peace treaty with Israel.  http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-202_162-57553446/egypt-emerges-as-major-middle-east-mediator-with-israel-gaza-cease-fire/

CAIRO — With his mediation in the Israeli Gaza aerial conflict, Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi has faced a high profile test of his presidency.

Egypt’s first Islamist president has been carrying out a delicate balancing act, showing solidarity with the Muslim Brotherhood’s religious and political offspring, the Hamas leaders of Gaza, while portraying himself as a reliable broker for Israel and the West.

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In the five months since his election, Morsi has tried to present a reinvigorated Egypt to the world, traveling around the region and as far afield as China and the United States.

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Now, the world has come to Cairo, with officials from the United Nations, United States and other nations supporting Egyptian mediation efforts in the Israel-Gaza crisis…Al Sharq Center’s el Labbad believes Israel also has an interest in cultivating Morsi, or rather, the group from which he rose, as the wave of the future.”

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The strategic atmosphere and environment around Israel is shifting.  You have Hamas on its border, you have Egypt under the Muslim Brotherhood, you have an active Muslim Brotherhood in Jordan and one of the alternatives for Bashar al-Assad in Syria also would be the Muslim Brotherhood,” he said.  http://www.voanews.com/content/egypt-president-morsi-faces-test-with-gaza-israel-conflict/1550496.html

Dr. Morsi’s party, which is part of the confederacy known as the Muslim Brotherhood, is gaining influence in the Middle East and North Africa.

When Dr. Morsi was responsible for the website of the Muslim Brotherhood, it had an article posted that said:

What is the Muslim Brotherhood?…
“The Islamic nation,” its charter states, “must be fully prepared to fight the tyrants and the enemies of Allah as a prelude to establishing an Islamic state”—ideally a re-established caliphate, stretching from Spain across the Middle East and Central Asia to Indonesia, to be governed according to Islamic sharia law…

What is its stance toward Israel and the U.S.?
Unremittingly negative.  (Understanding the Muslim Brotherhood. February 14, 2011. © The Muslim Brotherhood. http://www.ikhwanweb.com/article.php?id=28019 viewed 11/21/2011)

Anyway, the final Islamic Caliphate will not end up with Spain if I understand certain aspects of Bible prophecy correctly, but the confederation of the final King of the South may go from around Western Sahara and/or Mauritania to the tip of the Arab Peninsula and perhaps extending to Afghanistan, with possible coordination with Pakistan and/or Indonesia. (plus or minus)–and it wants the land that Israel currently holds (though the Europeans will likely control at least parts of it eventually).

The Muslim Brotherhood was originally established in Egypt (though some claim the UK is where it originally came from) and seems to have the most adherents currently there (though it has branches in most of the Arab nations, if not all of them) and has made major political inroads in Egypt (as well as Gaza, Syria, Libya, Jordan, Tunisia, Morocco, and elsewhere).

Bible prophecy suggests that something like what the Muslim Brotherhood wants will form and Egypt will end up not doing well:

2 “Son of man, prophesy and say, ‘Thus says the Lord God:  “Wail, ‘Woe to the day!’  3 For the day is near, Even the day of the Lord is near; It will be a day of clouds, the time of the Gentiles.  4 The sword shall come upon Egypt,  And great anguish shall be in Ethiopia, When the slain fall in Egypt, And they take away her wealth, And her foundations are broken down.  5 “Ethiopia, Libya, Lydia, all the mingled people, Chub, and the men of the lands who are allied, shall fall with them by the sword.”  6 ‘Thus says the Lord: “Those who uphold Egypt shall fall, And the pride of her power shall come down. From Migdol to Syene Those within her shall fall by the sword,” Says the Lord God.  7 “They shall be desolate in the midst of the desolate countries, And her cities shall be in the midst of the cities that are laid waste.  8 Then they will know that I am the Lord, When I have set a fire in Egypt And all her helpers are destroyed.  (Ezekiel 30:2-8)

4 And the Egyptians I will give Into the hand of a cruel master, And a fierce king will rule over them, Says the Lord, the Lord of hosts. (Isaiah 19:4)

40 “At the time of the end the king of the South shall attack him; and the king of the North shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter the countries, overwhelm them, and pass through. 41 He shall also enter the Glorious Land, and many countries shall be overthrown; but these shall escape from his hand: Edom, Moab, and the prominent people of Ammon. 42 He shall stretch out his hand against the countries, and the land of Egypt shall not escape. 43 He shall have power over the treasures of gold and silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt; also the Libyans and Ethiopians shall follow at his heels.   (Daniel 11:40-44)

And notice that Egypt is mentioned in all the above passages.  A confederacy of primarily Islamic nations of North Africa, the Middle East, and Arab peninsula will form and is in the process of emerging.

Interestingly, the President of Egypt gave himself more powers today:

22 November 2012

CAIRO (AP) — Egypt’s president on Thursday issued constitutional amendments that placed him above judicial oversight…

Mohammed Morsi also decreed immunity for the Islamist-dominated panel drafting a new constitution from any possible court decisions to dissolve it, a threat that had been hanging over the controversial assembly.

Liberal and Christian members withdrew from the assembly during the past week to protest what they say is the hijacking of the process by Morsi’s allies, who they saw are trying to push through a document that will have an Islamist slant…

The Egyptian leader also decreed that all decisions he has made since taking office in June and until a new constitution is adopted and a new parliament is elected – which is not expected before next spring – are not subject to appeal in court or by any other authority. He also barred any court from dissolving the Islamist-led upper house of parliament, a largely toothless body that has also faced court cases.

The moves effectively remove any oversight on Morsi, the longtime Muslim Brotherhood figure who became Egypt’s first freely elected president last summer after the Feb. 11, 2011 fall of autocrat Hosni Mubarak…

“Morsi today usurped all state powers & appointed himself Egypt’s new pharaoh,” pro-reform leader Mohamed ElBaradei wrote on his Twitter account. “A major blow to the revolution that could have dire consequences.”  http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/M/ML_EGYPT?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2012-11-22-11-27-48

The stage is being set up for the rise of the King of the South of Bible prophecy and the Caliph that the Muslim Brotherhood wants.

While part of the world recognizes that Egypt and the Muslim Brotherhood are increasing their influence, relatively few seem to be able to see where this will lead.

And it will lead to something that ultimately will not be good for Egypt and its allies or the nation called Israel.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

The Arab World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam?
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?
Arabic Nazarenes May Have Kept Original Christian Practices Were their faithful Arabs who held to original Christianity?
Nazarene Christianity: Were the Original Christians Nazarenes? Should Christians be Nazarenes today? What were the practices of the Nazarenes.
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies for the Great Monarch point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?
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?

COGwriter

Today is national holiday in the USA called Thanksgiving.  And despite certain claims, its specific origins are not pagan.  But, of course, no Christian needs to celebrate national holidays like it.

Yet, whether on this day or others, the Bible teaches that God’s people should give thanks:

4 Sing praise to the LORD, You saints of His, And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name (Psalm 30:4).

The Bible is full of admonitions to give thanks to God. In the NKJV the term “give thanks” is used 40 times and the term “giving thanks” is used 5 times–and nearly all of these verses are discussing giving thanks to God.

One thing that I have noticed, on the day called Thanksgiving by those in the USA, is when I have been at many places than the home I lived in, American football has been playing on television.

For many, other than food and family, football is a major focus of the Thanksgiving holiday.

Should Christians support violent sports like American football?

The late Herbert W. Armstrong wrote:

Hostility toward the other is sin…Boxing at Ambassador College is definitely banned. God did not create the human brain and head to be pummeled and knocked senseless by an antagonist.

Wherever a game in sports involves antagonists–in hostile attitude to harm the other and/or to “get” from the other–to get the best of the other then a harmful, satanic and evil attitude enters in, and the sport is evil, not good…

Football (American football) is a violent body-contact sport. It is often played with an attitude of hostility and is dangerous and is fraught with physical injury. (Plain Truth, July-August 1984)

While I have even heard some people thank God for football, it is not a sport that I believe that the God of love would condone.

“Love does no harm to a neighbor” (Romans 13:9), yet what do sports like American football and boxing do?

This is something that Christians, and others, should think about.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Thanksgiving: A Time To Give Thanks and Praise the LORD Is this American holiday appropriate? Why or why not?
Is American Football Evil? Is the most popular spectator sport in the USA something that Christians should watch? What do the Bible and early writings show? This is the first time I have announced this article on this new page and it contains not only my views, but many quotes that Christians, as well as people who claim to be, should think about. Do you really want to know the answer to the question the title asks? If not, why not?
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?

Representation of Cave Grotto, Vatican City, January 2010

COGwriter

The latest book from Pope Benedict XVI questions a couple of Christmas traditions:

‘Jesus Of Nazareth:” Pope’s Final Book On Jesus Claims No Animals In Manger; Virgin Birth Was Historical Truth

Religion News Service | By Alessandro Speciale Posted: 11/21/2012…

In his book, Benedict sidesteps the extrabiblical legends and focuses solely on what’s contained in the Gospel accounts of the New Testament.

The three wise men from the Christmas story, Benedict concedes, could be inspired by a “theological idea” rather than by a “historical event,” though he says he prefers a more literal interpretation of the biblical account…

Benedict also recalls that, according to the Gospels, there are no animals in the Bethlehem stable to warm the newborn Jesus. But, he adds, no Nativity scene would be complete without them.

Benedict remains convinced that the Gospel narrative of Jesus’ birth and infancy is not just a symbolical account or mere “meditation.”  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/21/jesus-of-nazareth-pope-benedict-book_n_2167994.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-bb%7Cdl6%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D237006

Killjoy Pope crushes Christmas nativity traditions: New Jesus book reveals there were no donkeys beside crib, no lowing oxen and definitely no carols November 21, 2012…St Peter’s Square itself regularly has a giant scene at Christmas and has displayed an array of animals at the heart of the Vatican, but the Pontiff is certain that is wrong…

And he also admits that Jesus would have been born years earlier than the Christian calendar states.

For years, many historians have said Jesus would have been born around 4BC, but for the Pope to admit a flaw in something so fundamental to Catholic faith is surprising. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2236195/New-Jesus-book-reveals-donkeys-crib-lowing-oxen-definitely-carols-Christmas.html#ixzz2CtxHN2To

I agree that the Gospel narratives of Jesus’ virgin birth and infancy are not just symbolic, but are literal accounts.  And I also agree that the number of “wise men” who came to see Jesus is not limited to three according to scripture (Matthew 2:1-16).  Also, it is nice that the Pope admits that Jesus was born several years B.C., because He was.

But there are many other traditions associated with Christ’s birth, including the fact that it is seems impossible that He could have been born in the Winter or in a below ground cave that it is not clear if the Pope addressed.  And, of course, symbols that many now associate with His birth, like Santa Claus and Christmas trees were not related to Jesus’ actual birth by any of the early Christians either.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include the following:

Was Jesus Born in the Grotto of the Nativity? Was Jesus born in a below ground cave? Was Jesus born below the “Church of the Nativity”? Were the wise men there?
Virgin Birth: Does the Bible Teach It? What does the Bible teach? What is claimed in The Da Vinci Code?
Is Keeping Christmas a Sin? Is keeping Christmas acceptable for true Christians? What are some scriptures to consider?
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? Is December 25th Jesus’ birthday or that of the sun god?
Did Early Christians Celebrate Birthdays? Did biblical era Jews celebrate birthdays? Who originally celebrated birthdays? When did many that profess Christ begin birthday celebrations?

(Isiah 24:15 Quoted in Hebrew)

COGwriter

Europe and the United Kingdom continue to look in going their separate ways:

As Europe plots closer ties, Britain mulls split

AP – Nov 20, 2012

Goodbye Britain?

For the European Union, a once-unthinkable question is looking more like a real possibility with each new grinding week of economic crisis. The reason is that bad times are forcing the 17 EU nations that use the euro currency to move ever closer toward some kind of United States of Europe — one that could make decisions about how much member countries spend and how much tax they collect.

If ever Britain had a nightmare, that’s it.

The British public shows no interest in moving closer to the rest of Europe, and most can’t even seem to stomach the status quo. The real question these days appears to be whether to drift away or break away abruptly.

After a 2015 election, Britain — among 10 of the 27 EU nations that don’t use the euro — is likely to hold a referendum on whether to leave the EU. Even if it doesn’t hold a vote, the country is already unpicking its ties with Europe, a movement that has unsettled Germany, which is eager to retain the U.K. as an important economic driver of the bloc.  http://news.yahoo.com/europe-plots-closer-ties-britain-mulls-split-114142957–finance.html

Europe wants more unity, more UK money, and more control.  Britain wants less unity, more of its own money, and less control/regulation from the continent.

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland will not be an equal part of the European Union.  As we in the Church of God have written for decades, Britain will either pull out or be forced out or at least truly lose its sovereignty.  The final European King of the North (Daniel 11:27-40) will take over the UK, USA, and their Anglo-allies according to Bible prophecy (cf. Daniel 11:39). While more people in the UK are starting to realize that the EU poses dangers to it, most have no idea how dangerous the rising Beast power in Europe will become (cf. Revelation 13:1-4; Daniel 11:39). Britain will ultimately NOT thrive as part of the EU but will be taken over by the final European Beast power.

The fact is that the EU and UK both are looking in different directions and while they will cooperate off and on for a while, it will not end well for the UK.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Using the Tower of Babel and “Beast” images suggests it is not concerned about its role as being part of the future Babylon of Bible prophecy.
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? What MUST happen BEFORE the Great Tribulation?
Is Tony Blair Apocalyptic? The former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom converted to Catholicism shortly after leaving his office and has been active in European affairs. What role might he play?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo (non-Dutch) Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What about Jerusalem? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
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 information about what will happen to the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. 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?
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.)

I Ching Coins

COGwriter

The world possibly should have come to its end a few days ago based upon an initial calculation supposedly based upon the Chinese I Ching.  However, later the date was shifted and is believed by some to be consistent with the Mayan December 21/22, 2012 date.

Here is what I reported about it in my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect:

The I Ching, or Book of Changes, is a common source for both Confucianist and Taoist philosophy.  It is believed to have been put together between four thousand and five thousand years ago.  The book contains a symbol system used to identify order in chance events, rules for manipulating these symbols, poems, and commentary.

The I Ching originated in China and is used by some as a relatively quick way of performing divination or making a prediction for the future.  It is still commonly used today.

Using the I Ching for predictions is sort of like throwing three dice (though they are not dice, they are small coin-like discs) and coming up with a prediction based upon several outcomes.  Each time the discs are thrown, a series of lines (either full, called Yang, or broken, called Yin) is written out based upon the discs.  Sixty-four possible outcomes/hexagrams can be obtained by throwing the three discs.  The alleged meaning of the series of full or broken lines obtained from the tossing is essentially explained in the I Ching.

While the I Ching does not seem to have been intended to make massive long-term predictions using it the normal way, there have been some calculations made based upon looking at all sixty-four possible combinations and plotting the associated full and broken lines that seem to point to something happening around 2012.  Although those predictions related to the I Ching slightly remind me of the so-called “Bible Code,” some believe that it may be indicating a change in the early 21^st century.

Robert Blast has reported:

Fractal time and the I Ching—Ethnobotanists and fractal time experts Terrence and Dennis McKenna… Their studies began with the I Ching, which is composed of 64 hexagrams, or six-line figures.  It struck them that 6 x 64 = 384, which is exceptionally close to the number of days in 13 lunar months (29.5306 x 13 = 383.8978), and that maybe the I Ching was originally an ancient Chinese calendar…

The McKenna brothers arrived at the 2012 end date by using fractals. Starting from a table of differences between one hexagram and the next, they developed a Mandelbrot fractal in which each level is 64 times greater then the one below it. They then laid this fractal pattern on top of a time scale. The peaks and troughs of the pattern relate to the level of connectedness or novelty in any span of time, whether it covers a day, millennia or even since the beginning of time. By matching the levels of the pattern with key periods in history, they determined it would fit best if the end of the time scale was December 22, 2012…and everything that happens is new.

So, some believe that December 22, 2012 has long been considered to have been the date for the world as we know it to change (note: others believe that the McKenna brother’s “I Ching”date was originally November 17, 2012).

The McKenna brothers basically felt that there would be one of two likely outcomes at the end of their I Ching calculations.  Here is what they wrote:

“Achievement of the zero state can be imagined to arrive in one of two forms. One is the dissolution of the cosmos in an actual cessation and unravelling of the natural laws, a literal apocalypse. The other possibility. the culmination of a human process, a process of toolmaking, which comes to completion in the perfect artefact: the monadic self, exteriorised, condensed, and visible in three dimensions; in alchemical terms, the dream of a union of spirit and matter”  (Dennis J. McKenna and Terence K. McKenna, Invisible Landscape (1993), Harper Collins, p.188, http://survive2012.com/index.php/fractal-ching.html#ixzz2CrvPug9V)

Well, the cosmos did not end on November 17, 2012.  While the world is changing, nothing of high enough relevance happened on November 17, 2012 that I am aware to have been highly monumental in the context that the McKenna brothers seemed to be writing of (humankind is not close to attaining perfection and cannot on its own).

And, of course, there will not be a dissolution of the cosmos nor will the world end on December 21/22, 2012.

However, I have long suspected that people would say that the Mayan calendar date, the I Ching calculations, and other non-biblical predictions would be used to declare that a time of peaceful change would begin on or near December 22, 2012.

And so, I believe that those predictions will give people false comfort when the world does not end next month and make people falsely believe that humankind is entering an age of peace.  And that is consistent with what the Bible teaches in Ezekiel 13:

3This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Woe to the foolish^a prophets who follow their own spirit and have seen nothing! 4Your prophets, O Israel, are like jackals among ruins. 5You have not gone up to the breaks in the wall to repair it for the house of Israel so that it will stand firm in the battle on the day of the Lord. 6Their visions are false and their divinations a lie. They say, “The Lord declares,” when the Lord has not sent them; yet they expect their words to be fulfilled. 7Have you not seen false visions and uttered lying divinations when you say, “The Lord declares,” though I have not spoken?

8“‘Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: Because of your false words and lying visions, I am against you, declares the Sovereign Lord. 9My hand will be against the prophets who see false visions and utter lying divinations. They will not belong to the council of my people or be listed in the records of the house of Israel, nor will they enter the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am the Sovereign Lord.

10“‘Because they lead my people astray, saying, “Peace,” when there is no peace, and because, when a flimsy wall is built, they cover it with whitewash, 11therefore tell those who cover it with whitewash that it is going to fall. Rain will come in torrents, and I will send hailstones hurtling down, and violent winds will burst forth. 12When the wall collapses, will people not ask you, “Where is the whitewash you covered it with?”

13“‘Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: In my wrath I will unleash a violent wind, and in my anger hailstones and torrents of rain will fall with destructive fury. 14I will tear down the wall you have covered with whitewash and will level it to the ground so that its foundation will be laid bare. When it^b falls, you will be destroyed in it; and you will know that I am the Lord. (Ezekiel 13:3-14, NIV)

While there is a time of peace coming, it truly will not dawn in 2012/2013.  Nor will the end of the world come a month from now–that too is clear from the Bible.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include the following:

End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something? Are there Mayan calendar predictions for change in 2012? Changes were centuries ago predicted by the Hopi Native Americans. Do Mayan/Hindu/Hopi/Buddhist/New Age/Nostradamus prophecies have any value here? Why might Satan have inspired this date? Does the Dresden codex show destruction of the earth by flood? Can the great tribulation start before 2012? How might Barack Obama be involved in 2012?
2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect This is a link related to a book. This also has YouTube videos related to 2012.
Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? When does the six thousand years of human rule end?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2012, 2013, or 2014? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?
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?
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.)