Church of God News

Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg (World Economic Forum)

COGwriter

Former German Defense Minister, Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg made the news by co-writing the following that is in the Huffington Post:

During the election campaign, President Obama repeatedly spoke about the need to renew the U.S. global leadership position…recent events in U.S. society may serve as examples. Two incidents that bear the potential to impact the global image and therefore also European perception of the U.S….

The first such event is America’s handling of the fiscal cliff. Yes, markets recorded a massive single-day gain after Congress found a last-minute deal to avoid the ominous cliff. But global trust has not been gained, though. This finding is not only due to the assumption that the agreement has only deferred the most relevant issues. Aside from an inflationary described and yet unresolved debt and budget crisis, the U.S. also faces a general crisis of international understanding. Europeans feel they are hostage to an economic event, which they have zero sway over, but which will continue to effect global markets, thus their economic perspectives. Obviously, there is little understanding why the latest solution didn’t reach further than to the next showdown in Congress…

The other event, entirely different, is the recent wave of gun violence, and the responses to it. The Newtown massacre has sent shivers through the publics in Europe…Many Europeans see the discussion after the terrible shooting in Connecticut as further signs of America and Europe drifting apart.  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/andras-simonyi/explaining-the-fiscal-cli_b_2434139.html

Why could this be of prophetic interest?

There are three to touch on here.

The first is that the world in general, and the Europeans in particular, are starting to see the USA as a power that cannot even take more than the minimum steps towards economic stability and leadership.

The more this concerns the Europeans, the more likely they will turn inwardly.

The second is that Europe is realizing that it has less and less in common with the USA and hence this is another reason to turn inwardly.

And the Bible tells of a power that will again arise out of Europe.

How can you be sure that this will be a European empire?  Well in addition to prophecies in Daniel 9:26-27 (see
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin?), the Bible teaches that this empire has connections to a particular sea. Notice:

1 Then I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name. 2 Now the beast which I saw was like a leopard, his feet were like the feet of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority. 3 And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled and followed the beast. 4 So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?” (Revelation 13:1-4)

2 Daniel spoke, saying, “I saw in my vision by night, and behold, the four winds of heaven were stirring up the Great Sea. 3 And four great beasts came up from the sea, each different from the other. 4 The first was like a lion, and had eagle’s wings. I watched till its wings were plucked off; and it was lifted up from the earth and made to stand on two feet like a man, and a man’s heart was given to it.   5 “And suddenly another beast, a second, like a bear. It was raised up on one side, and had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. And they said thus to it: ‘Arise, devour much flesh!’   6 “After this I looked, and there was another, like a leopard, which had on its back four wings of a bird. The beast also had four heads, and dominion was given to it.  7 “After this I saw in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, exceedingly strong. It had huge iron teeth; it was devouring, breaking in pieces, and trampling the residue with its feet. It was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns.  (Daniel 7:2-8)

The “Great Sea” that bordered the ancient lands of Israel (Joshua 9:1; 23:4; Ezekiel 47:13-16) is the Mediterranean Sea–and that is the sea that Daniel was referring to.  Despite some false claims by some, the Beast power is not a nation like Russia, which does not border the Mediterranean Sea, but Europe which does.  A comparison of the beasts in Revelation 13 and Daniel 7 shows that they share many of the same characteristics.

Europe is the power that will control the “Great Sea.”  And while the southern border of the Mediterranean Sea is currently under Arab control, the Bible shows that the King of the North will take over the Arab powers (Daniel 11:40-43; Ezekiel 30:1-9).

What is the third reason that the news item cited at the beginning of this post has prophetic interest?

The third has to do with the fact that co-writer Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg himself has the potential to lead this upcoming European beast power.  And he is dropping hints about a separation of Europe from the U.S.A.

While most in the media realize that Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg, who was formerly the Economics and then Defense Minister for Germany, was disgraced by a plagiarism scandal that cost him his Ph.D. and persuaded him to leave politics for a time, few are aware that a disgraced individual is apparently one who will become the final King of the North of biblical prophecy.

Bible prophecy warns about a leader who was rejected and seemingly comes out of nowhere who will rise up and lead Europe per Daniel 11:21-44. One verse to focus on is verse 21. Here are four translations of it from Catholic and Protestant sources:

21 And there shall stand up in his place one despised, and the kingly honour shall not be given him: and he shall come privately, and shall obtain the kingdom by fraud. (Daniel 11:21, Douay-Rheims)

21 “‘His place will be taken by a reject, a man spurned and passed over for advancement. He’ll surprise everyone, seemingly coming out of nowhere, and will seize the kingdom. (Daniel 11:21 from THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language © 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. All rights reserved.)

21 And in his place shall stand up a contemptible person, to whom they had not given the honor of the kingdom: but he shall come in time of security, and shall obtain the kingdom by flatteries. (Daniel 11:21, ASV)

21 ‘And stood up on his station hath a despicable one, and they have not given unto him the honour of the kingdom, and he hath come in quietly, and hath strengthened the kingdom by flatteries. (Daniel 11:21, Young’s Literal Translation)

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. The fact that he has had problems, is out of political office, and has been rejected by various ones is consistent with biblical and other predictions. He has confirmed seven speculative predictions after I posted them (for details see Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North?). It should be understood that just because he fulfilled various predictions does not prove that he must be the final King of the North. But they certainly give me reason, combined with biblical and other prophetic sources to consider that he could fulfill that role or at least aid the one who will have it.

So, he 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, despite him being repeatedly insulted. We will see.

Perhaps it should be noted that Europe has a population that is roughly the same size as the USA and Russia combined. Europe has probably the most cutting edge physics and other researchers in the world, and has (on a combined basis) the largest economy in the world (by some measures it is second, but others show it first)–and the final King of the North/Beast power will be a military (Revelation 13:4; Daniel 11:39-43) and economic (Revelation 13:16-18) power.

Might Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg later rise up out of his current state of semi-obscurity and lead it, or at least assist in the process?  And if so, what may this mean for the USA and its Anglo-descended allies?

A conquered and divided land (Daniel 11:39).

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

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 former German Defense Minister (who is also the former German Minister for Economics and Technology) one to watch? What do Catholic, Byzantine, and biblical prophecies suggest?
Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach?
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?

COGwriter

The Continuing Church of God is pleased to announce a new video on our YouTube channel called Bible New Prophecy.

BibleNewsProphecy uploaded:

11:50

The Debt Crisis Will Be Worse Than Most Imagine

What are the ramifications of the various debt crisis issues facing the United States of America. What does the Bible warn about related to an end-time power that is greatly in debt? What does the Bible reveal that most news commentators do not? How will the debt crisis really end?

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The United States simply has not conducted itself like an economic superpower should and the results will be worse than most imagine.

Here is a second post to our new YouTube channel. It will likely take some time before I get more comfortable this type of camera. One more was filmed and should be up next week.

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You can “subscribe” (for free) at the Bible New Prophecy channel to get new ones as they are unloaded and made available.

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Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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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?
Continuing Church of God Striving to be the most faithful to the word of God and love of God.

Jerusalem

COGwriter

Notice the following:

Palestinian Authority Chief Judge: ‘Jerusalem Will Be the Capital of the Caliphate’

Breitbart – Jan 7, 2013

Those who stubbornly insist that the Palestinian Authority represents the voice of moderation among Palestinians need to pay attention to recent comments by a PA official calling for the retaking of Jerusalem.

Palestinian Authority Chief Islamic Judge Tayseer Al-Tamimi uttered these words on Azhari TV on December 31, 2012:

The caliphate will be restored after this tyrannical rule comes to an end… What we are seeing in Egypt are birth pangs. The struggle between Islam and others, and all the conspiracies that aim at stopping the train that has already set out to liberate Jerusalem and to restore Islamic rule. Jerusalem will be the capital of the caliphate, Allah willing… That is why I say that it is imperative to awaken the nation, because it has the capabilities. It is imperative to awaken the nation to its duty to liberate the land of Jerusalem and Palestine – the land of the Prophet Muhammad’s nocturnal journal – using all its capabilities.

http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Peace/2013/01/07/Palestinian-Authority-Chief-Judge-Confirms-Eradicate-Israel-And-Take-Jerusalem

As I reported last month, related to part of this from the Palestinian Authority, a divided Jerusalem seems to be consistent with biblical prophecy (Palestinian Leader Says, ‘Jerusalem is Eternal Capital’).

What caliphate?

The caliphate that the Muslim Brotherhood wants to establish from the western coast of North Africa to the Arab peninsula and beyond (see also The Arab World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy).  Basically an Islamic empire that many Muslims hope will take over the world. Since the Arab Spring two years ago, more and more events have aligned for the possible foundations of this Islamic empire.

Although many associated with the Muslim Brotherhood feel that they need a caliphate first, and many want Jerusalem as its capital.  This makes Jerusalem an item of contention as Israel basically claims it is its eternal and undivided capital (though it is somewhat divided already).

Talking about the end times, Jesus said, “Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.”  This suggests that Israel will no longer have control over all of it.

A division, for a while, appears to be coming.

A divided Jerusalem seems to be consistent with the following biblical prophecy:

2 For I will gather all the nations to battle against Jerusalem;
The city shall be taken,
The houses rifled,
And the women ravished.
Half of the city shall go into captivity,
But the remnant of the people shall not be cut off from the city. (Zechariah 14:2, NKJV)

If half the city is Jewish and the other half not, then there would be a reason for only one half the city to go into captivity. The Bible is clear that Jerusalem will be an issue in the end time:

2 Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of drunkenness to all the surrounding peoples, when they lay siege against Judah and Jerusalem. 3 And it shall happen in that day that I will make Jerusalem a very heavy stone for all peoples; all who would heave it away will surely be cut in pieces, though all nations of the earth are gathered against it. (Zechariah 12:2-4)

World events continue to align with Bible prophecy. An apparent peace deal will come (Daniel 9:27), though it may take a war to persuade some of the parties to make the deal, and it may involve the enforced dividing of Jerusalem. Which is something that Israel currently will not accept–but depending on other events (including possibly the outcome of the current USA presidential election), Israel at some point will agree to some type of division (there is also a de facto division there now, so technically Israel would not necessarily have to agree to anything, but likely will).

While the forming of an Islamic caliphate is consistent with Bible prophecy related to the rise of one called the King of the South (Daniel 11:40), it should be understood that he and his followers will not end up well (Daniel 11:40-43), nor will they control Jerusalem in toto for very long (if they ever do).

Yet the fact that some in the Palestinian Authority and elsewhere are calling for a caliphate, as well as Jerusalem to be its capital, suggest that they will work towards fulfilling at least some biblical prophecies.

But the end is not here, yet.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 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?
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?
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?
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 will happen to the nation of Israel and Jerusalem?

Platinum USA $100 Coin

COGwriter

A new report suggests that the USA will run out of money next month:

If you thought part III of the U.S. fiscal crisis story was going to be released in March, your wait has been cut short by roughly two weeks. We don’t know how unlucky we are.

According to the Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC), a Washington think tank founded by former Republican and Democratic senators, the U.S. will run out of money to meet its obligations around Valentine’s Day.

Mid-afternoon Monday, the BPC released a report saying Washington reached its borrowing limits sooner than later and moved the so-called “X date” to as early as Feb. 15.  http://www.forbes.com/sites/kenrapoza/2013/01/07/u-s-treasury-to-run-out-of-money-by-feb-15-study-says/

It is not money per se that the USA will run out of–it is that its government will hit its debt limit.  And the sad reality is that the US government is NOT in a position to function unless it raises its debt limits. So, somehow it will raise its debts. And it plans to do so for many years.

Various options, such as playing games with retirement accounts, etc. have been proposed to bypass the latest debt ceiling limit.  One of more  the absurd “solutions” to this is to pretend that making one or more platinum coins can fix this:

US ‘seriously’ considering $1 trillion coin to pay off debt

The US is “seriously” considering creating a $1 trillion platinum coin to write down part of its debt to stop the world’s largest economy defaulting as early as next month, according to financial analyst Cullen Roche.  http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9784898/US-seriously-considering-1-trillion-coin-to-pay-off-debt.html

So, the basic proposal is to change the denomination of a $100 coin (the coin shown at the beginning had a face currency value of up to $100 when it was made) to $1,000,000,000,000 and this will pretend to pay down the debt by a trillion dollars–this is a DISHONEST PROFIT.  The reality is that the above and other games (“quantitative easing” comes to mind) may continue to “kick the can down the road” for a while, but not forever.  The USA needs to produce more and spend less.  Producing a coin containing about $2,000 of platinum does not produce a trillion dollars worth of goods/services.  But some in the USA wants to pretend otherwise.

Now, the USA has been able to get away with its financial shenanigans better than many other nations for several reasons. But the major one is probably because the world still accepts the US dollar (for many reasons) as its reserve currency. Increasing debt, however, is increasing increased national investments in gold and currencies other than the US dollar for many countries. Some nations are trying to eliminate the U.S. dollar as the world’s reserve currency, and the United Nations has urged countries to do that. Yet most still use /have a lot of U.S. dollars.

However, when the U.S. dollar is no longer the de facto reserve currency for the world, this will hurt the U.S.A. financially.

Notice how Ezekiel’s writings confirm that those who made profits improper will be punished:

13 “Behold, therefore, I beat My fists at the dishonest profit which you have made, and at the bloodshed which has been in your midst. 14 Can your heart endure, or can your hands remain strong, in the days when I shall deal with you? I, the Lord, have spoken, and will do it. 15 I will scatter you among the nations, disperse you throughout the countries, and remove your filthiness completely from you. (Ezekiel 22:13-15)

Borrowing money that will not be paid back, as well as pretending that less than $2000 worth of platinum is worth $1,000,000,000,000 is a “dishonest profit.”   The American and British peoples have been living on debt and dishonest profits for the past several years–and the “solution” seems to be to continue to do so.

Inflation will eventually hit the U.S.A. extremely hard. As the world becomes less attached to the American dollar, many financial jobs and opportunities will be in places other than the U.S.A. Eventually, and not in Barack Obama’s second term, the U.S.A. dollar will become worthless.

At some point in time, the USA will likely start to experience massive inflation. And afterwards, its creditors will rise up (Habakkuk 2:7).

The Bible warns against the type of moral decline that is occurring in the U.S.A.:

12 Therefore thus says the Holy One of Israel: “Because you despise this word, And trust in oppression and perversity, And rely on them, 13 Therefore this iniquity shall be to you Like a breach ready to fall, A bulge in a high wall, Whose breaking comes suddenly, in an instant. (Isaiah 30:12-13)

But how can this happen to the USA? It will likely happen with a combination of events. Notice the following:

5 “Moreover the multitude of your foes Shall be like fine dust, And the multitude of the terrible ones Like chaff that passes away; Yes, it shall be in an instant, suddenly. 6 You will be punished by the Lord of hosts With thunder and earthquake and great noise, With storm and tempest And the flame of devouring fire. (Isaiah 29:5-6)

The debt situation of the USA is putting it at risk of being unable to recover should it be hit by weather problems, terrorist acts, war, riots, solar flares, severe earthquakes, civil unrest, devastation of their genetically-modified food supplies, food shortages, and/or various pestilences–an intensity of “sorrows” such as Jesus discussed in Matthew 24:4-8 leading up to the time of the Great Tribulation. Disasters, especially if there is an ElectroMagnetic Pulse (emp) attack or a severe solar flare storm, could be part of a so-called “perfect storm” of events that could set the USA for destruction.

Many sorrows that the U.S.A. will face, like severe weather problems, diseases and earthquakes, will happen irrespective of who is in the White House (Amos 4:7-10; Luke 21:11). Bible prophecy shows that the King of the North and King of the South will rise up and the U.S.A. will be ultimately destroyed unless national repentance happens.

Various policies and decisions in Washington, D.C., however, may hasten the day of destruction. The USA is creating the conditions for the upcoming European Beast power to fill the void in economic (and even military) leadership that the USA is in the process of making.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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?
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies for the Great Monarch point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?
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 a Republican choice. 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 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.)

The Catholics of Rome consider January 8th as the day to honor Apollinaris of Hierapolis. This is somewhat odd in that Apollinaris held Church of God, not Church of Rome views.

The Protestant scholars Roberts and Donaldson wrote this:

Apollinaris was bishop of Hierapolis on the Maeander, and, Lightfoot thinks, was probably with Melito and Polycrates, known to Polycarp, and influenced by his example and doctrine.” (Roberts and Donaldson pp. 772-773).

Like Melito, Polycrates, and Polycarp, Apollinaris would be considered a Quartodeciman.  That is, one who held that the date of Passover must remain the 14th of Nisan.  But by this time in history, those associated with the Catholics of Rome and the “Orthodox” in Jerusalem and Alexandria kept Passover on a Sunday instead.

Apollinaris Wrote About the Passover

Anyway, here is nearly all of what is available from what Apollinaris wrote,

There are, then, some who through ignorance raise disputes about these things (though their conduct is pardonable: for ignorance is no subject for blame — it rather needs further instruction), and say that on the fourteenth day the Lord ate the lamb with the disciples, and that on the great day of the feast of unleavened bread He Himself suffered; and they quote Matthew as speaking in accordance with their view. Wherefore their opinion is contrary to the law, and the Gospels seem to be at variance with them…The fourteenth day, the true Passover of the Lord; the great sacrifice, the Son of God instead of the lamb, who was bound, who bound the strong, and who was judged, though Judge of living and dead, and who was delivered into the hands of sinners to be crucified, who was lifted up on the horns of the unicorn, and who was pierced in His holy side, who poured forth from His side the two purifying elements, water and blood, word and spirit, and who was buried on the day of the passover, the stone being placed upon the tomb (Apollinaris. From the Book Concerning Passover. Translated by Alexander Roberts and James Donaldson. Excerpted from Volume I of The Ante-Nicene Fathers. Alexander Roberts and James Donaldson, editors; American Edition copyright © 1885. Copyright © 2001 Peter Kirby).

Apollinaris is showing then the Passover is (Nisan 14) and that it signifies the sacrifice of Christ, both of which are the positions of the Churches of God.

One Anglican scholar commented;

…there is no doubt that Apollinarius was a Quartodeciman…Those who kept Passover in the evening understood it to be a repetition of the Lord’s Supper (Stewart-Sykes A. Melito of Sardis On Pascha. St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press, Crestwood (NY), 2001, p. 81).

Quartodecimans held to the original position of the apostles.

Praised by Serapion of Antioch (called Seraphion of Antioch by the Greek Orthodox Church of Antioch)

Apollinaris was praised by Serapion of Antioch:

I have sent you letters of the most blessed Claudius Apollinarius, who was made bishop of Hierapolis in Asia (Serapion of Antioch. Translated by Alexander Roberts and James Donaldson. From the epistle to Caricus and Ponticus. Excerpted from Volume I of The Ante-Nicene Fathers. Alexander Roberts and James Donaldson, editors; American Edition copyright © 1885. Copyright © 2001 Peter Kirby).

It is likely that this suggests that up until the time of Serapion, that those in Antioch were also Quartodecimans. And this also seems to have been suggested by Polycrates of Ephesus (and the 4th century historian Eusebius), who wrote about the time of Serapion that the Churches in Asia kept the Passover on the 14th of Nisan, like the Jews (Eusebius. Church History. Book V, Chapters 23,25).

Apollinaris Taught the Millenium

Notice the following:

So Epiphanius, speaking on the notion of the millennium maintained by Apollinarius, says, “There is indeed a millennium mentioned by John…” (Panarion of Epiphanius, 77 in Bush G. The Millennium of the Apocalypse. 1842, p. 15).

The doctrines about Passover and the millenium pose severe problems for the Roman and Eastern Orthodox Catholics.  Although both groups claim Apollinaris as one of their saints, the reality is that those groups have both severely criticized both of the those beliefs.

Both groups supported the Council of Constantinople, whose initiator Theodosius decreed the death penalty for any who would keep Passover on the 14th (see Passover and the Early Church and Persecutions by Church and State).  And not only have both groups condemned millenarianism, it is the only supposed “doctrine of Antichrist” listed in the current Catechism of the Catholic Church (#676. Catechism of the Catholic Church. Imprimatur Potest +Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger. Doubleday, NY 1995, p. 194).

Despite any Catholic observance in Apollinaris’ honor day, the reality is that based on what is actually known about Apollinaris, he had Church of God, not Church of Rome views.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include the following:

Apollinaris of Hierapolis He was an early church leader that may have known Melito and Polycarp; he also wrote about the Passover.
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?
Passover and the Early Church Did the early Christians observe Passover? What did Jesus and Paul teach? Why did Jesus die for our sins?
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.
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?
Which Is Faithful: The Roman Catholic Church or the Genuine Church of God? Do you know that both groups shared a lot of the earliest teachings? Do you know which church changed? Do you know which group is most faithful to the teachings of the apostolic church? Which group best represents true Christianity? This documented article answers those questions. Português: Qual é fiel: A igreja católica romana ou a verdadeira igreja do deus? Tambien Español: ¿Que es fiel: La Iglesia Católica Romana o la Iglesia verdadera de Dios? Auch: Deutsch: Welches ist treu: Die römisch-katholische Kirche oder die Kirche Gottes Original?
Tradition and Scripture: From the Bible and Church Writings Are traditions on equal par with scripture? Many believe that is what Peter, John, and Paul taught. But did they?
The History of Early Christianity Are you aware that what most people believe is not what truly happened to the true Christian church? Do you know where the early church was based? Do you know what were the doctrines of the early church? Is your faith really based upon the truth or compromise?

Obese Male

COGwriter

While there was come encouraging news related to other cancers in it, a new study found increases in certain, at least partially, behavioral-related conditions:

Cancers tied to HPV and obesity on the rise in U.S., says report

7 January 2013…

Among men and women, there were reported increases for cancers tied to obesity, such as those of the kidney, pancreas and uterus (the latter, of course, for women only)…

This year’s report contained a special feature section that focused on cancers related to HPV. Human papillomavirus is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the United States, according to the CDC. There are more than 40 types of the virus that can infect the genitals of males and females, and most people who become infected don’t know they have the virus. The virus can be spread via oral, vaginal and anal sex.

The new report found increases in rates for HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer (throat cancer) among white men and women, in addition to rises in anal cancer rates among white and black men and women.  http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-204_162-57562527/cancers-tied-to-hpv-and-obesity-on-the-rise-in-u.s-says-report/

Although there are multiple factors in the increase of obesity, the HPV-increase is almost entirely because of participating in sex out side of marriage (by at least one) and anal intercourse (Leviticus 18:22; 20:13)–both of these are biblically prohibited.

But both of these seem to be on the rise, or least some of the consequences are.

Some prophetic articles of possibly related interest may include:

The Ten Commandments Reflect Love, Breaking them is Evil Some feel that the ten commandments are a burden. Is that what Jesus, Paul, Peter, James, and John taught?
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?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
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.)
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? Where is the nation of Israel in all of this?
Obesity and Prophecy Does the Bible warn about the consequences of being obese? Is overeating dangerous? Is gluttony condemned?
The Bible Condemns Homosexuality “Same-sex marriage” for “gays” and lesbians is becoming more acceptable to many. What does the Bible teach about homosexuality? Can homosexuals change?
Does God Heal Today? What does the Bible teach? Herbert Armstrong tries to explain this.

(Illustration by Camilo Sanchez)

COGwritT

The UK’s Prime Minister David Cameron made a claim about defending one of the UK’s remaining sea gates, the Falkland Islands:

David Cameron: we would fight a Falklands invasion

Britain is prepared to defend the Falkland Islands with military force if Argentina launched another invasion, David Cameron has said.

He can make statements, but I believe that the Bible suggests that the UK will end up losing the Falklands as well as Gilbralar.

The war for the Falkland Islands was from 2 April 1982 – 14 June 1982. The Falkland Islands is one of the old British empire’s remaining “sea gates” and Argentina has tried a variety of tactics to obtain it over the years. And Spain wants another sea gate, the UK’s Gilbraltar:

Both Argentina and Spain petitioned the UN against the UK keeping territorial sea gates last June.

The UK has has controlled the Falkland Islands since the 1830′s and most who live there want to remain under British rule.  What might any of this have to do with the Bible.

Notice a prophecy about what was told to the wife of Isaac:

“Our sister, may you become The mother of thousands of ten thousands; And may your descendants possess The gates of those who hate them” (Genesis 24:60).

We in the Church of God have been teaching for decades that the United Kingdom and USA would ultimately lose many of their sea gates–we believe they possessed them because of blessings from God and would lose them because of blatant disobedience.

And despite British hopes, this will also ultimately include the loss of the Falkland Islands, which the Argentinians refer to as the Malvinas.

For many years, the major sea gates of the world were possessed/controlled by the United States (Panama Canal and certain locations in the Pacific ocean) and the British Empire (Straits of Malacca, Singapore, Suez Canal, Bab el Mandeb, Strait of Hormuz, Simon’s Town/Cape of Good Hope, etc.). And while that is no longer the case for many of them, they seem to have been prophesied to be taken away for disobedience as well (c.f. Deuteronomy 28)—and certainly these nations have disobeyed the God of Abraham, as well as actually have lost many of those gates. Thus, it seems logical to conclude that the remaining “sea gates” that the UK has such as Gibraltar and the Falkland Islands will be separated from UK control. Spain directly, or perhaps, through the EU (or some other European confederation) indirectly, will force out British control over Gilbraltar.

As far as South America itself goes, it is my belief that based upon biblical prophecy that most of South America will ultimately align itself with the rising European power (which will ultimately not be nice to the British). And it would strongly appear that Argentina will be one of the nations that will support the final European power.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Mexico, Central America, South America, Brazil, and the Caribbean in Prophecy [Español: México, America Central, Suramérica, y el Brasil en profecíal] [Português: México, América Central, Ámérica do Sul, e Brasil na profecia] What will happen to those of Latin America? Will they have prosperity? Will they cooperate with Europe? Will they suffer in the future? What rule might the various Caribbean nations/territories play?
Islands and Bible Prophecy What’s ahead for islands? What does the Bible prophesy about them?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English-British, 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?
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?

Herman Van Rompuy

COGwriter

More news sources are noticing some of the influence that EU President Herman Van Rompuy is having on the European Union:

These moves greatly increase the financial power of the European Union. The fact that there is to be a financial transaction tax will help provide a new multi-national tax for the European Union–this will make the EU more and more like the USA and less and less like the original 13 USA colonies.

Steps have been going in that direction for years, but we are not getting closer to seeing how what will become the future beast power will have more control over buying and selling:

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 13:16-18)

Herman Van Rompuy is that same leader that last year claimed that were would not be a “United States of Europe” (see On ‘Europe Day’ Van Rompuy says EU ‘Never to become the United States of Europe,’ Yet Farage Says Dictatorship Planned). Yet, he keeps promoting more unification in Europe and giving more power to central European authorities. And Europe, despite its bumps, is moving towards greater unity (though ultimately, it will be more of a dictatorship than what has typically been seen in the U.S. of A.). And  more and more news reports show that, despite a lot of Euro-skeptics, that Europe is moving in the direction that Bible prophecy indicates that it must.

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

And this will not be good for the United States of America (nor the British), and ultimately not the Europeans (Revelation 18:1-8).

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe?
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.
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?

COGwriter

Half of US states are at near epidemic levels for the flu:

Flu at near ‘epidemic’ levels

More than half the states in the country, including Ohio, are experiencing high levels of flu activity weeks ahead of the pace of a typical flu season, according to the latest flu report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And a disproportionate number of those cases are resulting in hospitalization.

“We actually are in the throes of an epidemic,” said Catherine Bacheller, director of infectious disease prevention at Kettering Medical Center. “In our hospital, we’ve doubled the number of cases each week for the past couple of weeks.”

http://www.daytondailynews.com/news/news/local/flu-at-near-epidemic-levels/nTnH6/

Infections are part of the pestilences that the Bible warned about for the end times. Jesus taught:

7…And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. (Matthew 24:6-8)

We seem to be in the time Jesus called “the beginning of sorrows”. There have been “earthquakes in various places” this year. There are some famines and they may increase soon. Candida, other fungi, bacteria, and viruses are not the only pestilences starting to rise up either.

As Jesus said:

37 And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch! (Mark 13:36-37)

Three articles of related interest may include:

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?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2013 or 2014? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What happens in the “beginning of sorrows”? What is the Day of the Lord?
Fourth Horseman of the Apocalypse What is the pale horse of death and pestilence? What will it bring and when?

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

COGwriter

The Telegraph reported the following:

6 January 2013

Bashar al-Assad has pledged to continue fighting “terrorist” violence and urged foreign countries to end support for his enemies while also offering a national dialogue and a constitutional referendum to end Syria‘s bloody crisis.

The Syrian president used an hour-long speech in Damascus on Sunday to propose what he called a comprehensive plan that included an “expanded government”. But there was no sign he was prepared to step down as the first stage of a political transition – a demand of all opposition groups. “I will go one day, but the country remains,” he said.  http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jan/06/syria-president-assad-public-speech

BEIRUT-—Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, in his first address to the nation in six months, issued a defiant call to war to defend the country and rejected international peace efforts, proposing his own political plan that reforms the government but keeps him in power.  http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323482504578225074251345046.html

Syria’s Assad can make claims, but making them happen is another matter.

Now, the Muslim Brotherhood is mainly a Sunni Muslim group, while Syria’s President Assad is Shi’a Muslim.  In Syria, the Muslim Brotherhood is basically in opposition to the Assad regime there.   Since the Bible suggests that Syria will support the coming final King of the South (Daniel 11:40-43; Ezekiel 30:1-8) and a change in or from the Assad regime will be necessary for this to happen–and it will come to pass.

Now, partially because of the internal civil war in Syria, if it escalates too much more, Syria’s President Assad may decide that attacking Israel, probably in conjunction with support from Iran, is his best carnal option (which could include supporting Iran if it attacks Israel or Israel attacks it). Attacking Israel, however, will not be his best option (he should repent and probably leave office), though he may do that.

More trouble is coming to Damascus (Syria’s capital) as it will be destroyed (Isaiah 17:1). An Islamic confederation that will include the land of Syria is coming (Daniel 11:40-43; Ezekiel 30:1-8; Psalm 83:4-8) is coming. A worsening situation in Syria would seem to be a factor in speeding up this occurrence.

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

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Is There A Future King of the South? Some no longer believe there needs to be. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? Might this King be called the Mahdi? What does the Bible say?
The Arab and Islamic World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam? What about the Imam Mahdi? What lies ahead for Turkey, Iran, and the other non-Arabic Muslims?
Is There an Islamic Antichrist? Is Joel Richardson correct that the final Antichrist will be Islamic and not European? Find out.
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 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?