Church of God News

Pope Francis (Source: presidencia.gov.ar)

COGwriter

Today, Pope Francis spoke the following as translated by Zenit:

Dear Brothers and Sisters, good morning!

“I believe in One, Holy, Catholic Church …” Today we pause to reflect on this Note of the Church: her catholicity. What does Catholic mean? It comes from the Greek “kath’olon,” which means “according to all,” the totality. In what sense is this totality applied to the Church? In what sense do we say that the Church is Catholic? I would say in three significant fundamentals.

1. The first. The Church is Catholic because it is the area, the house in which the whole faith is proclaimed, in which the salvation Christ brought us is offered to all…

2. A second meaning: the Church is Catholic because she is universal; she is spread throughout the world and proclaims the Gospel to every man and every woman…We feel in communion with all the Churches, with all the small and large Catholic communities of the world!…

3. A third and last thought: the Church is Catholic because it is the “House of harmony” where unity and diversity are able to be combined to be a richness.  http://www.zenit.org/en/articles/on-the-catholicity-of-the-church

Before addressing Pope Francis “three significant” fundamental points, let’s first look a little into the history of the term catholic church.  The term ‘catholic church’ was first found in the literature by a writing from Ignatius of Antioch.  Later it appears to have been used as a description of the Church of God that Polycarp was considered to be the human leader of.

The Catholic Encyclopedia agrees with that and here is something from it about  this:

The combination “the Catholic Church” (he katholike ekklesia) is found for the first time in the letter of St. Ignatius to the Smyrnaeans, written about the year 110. The words run: “Wheresoever the bishop shall appear, there let the people be, even as where Jesus may be, there is the universal [katholike] Church.” However, in view of the context, some difference of opinion prevails as to the precise connotation of the italicized word…by the beginning of the fourth century it seems to have almost entirely supplanted the primitive and more general meaning…The reference (c. 155) to “the bishop of the catholic church in Smyrna” (Letter on the Martyrdom of St. Polycarp, xvi), a phrase which necessarily presupposes a more technical use of the word, is due, some critics think, to interpolation…(Thurston H. Catholic. Transcribed by Gordon A. Jenness. The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume III. Published 1908. New York: Robert Appleton Company. Nihil Obstat, November 1, 1908. Remy Lafort, S.T.D., Censor. Imprimatur. +John Cardinal Farley, Archbishop of New York).

One of the reasons that the Church of Rome and the Eastern Orthodox use the term “Catholic Church” was that the faithful in the Church of God were prohibited from using it after the Council of Constantinople in 381.  Emperor Theodosius forbade the use of the term “catholic church” to any who would not accept his council’s trinitarian definition of the Godhead.  Emperor Theodosius declared:

…let us believe in the one diety of the father, Son and Holy Spirit, in equal majesty and in a holy Trinity. We authorize the followers of this law to assume the title Catholic Christians; but as for the others, since in out judgment they are foolish madmen, we decree that the shall be branded with the ignominious name of heretics, and shall not presume to give their conventicles the name of churches. They will suffer in the first place the chastisement of divine condemnation an the second the punishment of out authority, in accordance with the will of heaven shall decide to inflict…(Theodosian Code XVI.1.2. Cited in Bettenson H, ed., Documents of the Christian Church, London: Oxford University Press, 1943, p. 31).

More details about the trinitarian doctrine is contained in the article Did the True Church Ever Teach a Trinity?

Now, to briefly address Pope Francis’ three points.

1. Pope Francis is suggesting his church proclaims the whole faith.  The Church of Rome does not proclaim the whole Christian faith as it changed it.  This is clearly documented in the article Which Is Faithful: The Roman Catholic Church or the Continuing Church of God?

2. Pope Francis is suggesting his church proclaims the true gospel.  The Church of Rome does not proclaim Christ’s gospel of the kingdom.  Instead, it teaches against that.  This is clearly documented in the article The Gospel of the Kingdom of God was the Emphasis of Jesus and the Early Church.

3. Pope Francis is suggesting his church promotes Christian unity and harmony.  The Church of Rome has a documented history of persecuting others.  This is documented in the article Persecutions by Church and State.  This was not the way Jesus taught Christian unity.

I would also add that it appeared to me that the thrust of what Francis was saying was to set up for more ecumenical dialog with the Eastern Orthodox and some of the Protestant sects. This is something that the Bible warns against (Revelation 13:8,8;14;18:4).

But be that as it may, it should be clear that several of his statements today about the ‘Catholic Church’ do not agree with the Bible or the facts of his church’s history.

Some items of related interest may include:

COGwriter

A 2013 study points out something that some of us have long realized:

Pro athletes such as Peyton Manning and Serena Williams are often paid big fees to endorse a whole range of products. Now, a new study has found that the majority of the foods and drinks such athletes endorse is calorie-laden and unhealthy.

Researchers at the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity at Yale University compiled a list of endorsement deals for the Top 100 athletes in the U.S., based on BusinessWeek’s 2010 Power 100 report. Of the 512 brand endorsements that same year, 122 were for food and beverage brands.

The researchers found that of the 62 food products high-ranking athletes endorsed, 49 were high in calories and low in nutritional value. Of the 46 sports drinks, sodas and beverages the athletes endorsed, for example, the calories in 43 of them came entirely from sugar.

The study, which will appear in the November issue of Pediatrics, also found that teens aged 12 to 17 were the demographic that viewed the greatest number of TV ads for athlete-endorsed food.

Most of the athletes who endorsed food and beverages were from the NBA, followed by the NFL, the study found. http://www.ctvnews.ca/health/health-headlines/study-criticizes-sports-stars-who-endorse-junk-food-1.1486694#ixzz2h8X16sr2

This is not a surprise.  Most people, star athletes or not, will sell out.  This is not good as it is done to increase consumption of junk food, which leads to increased obesity. Recently, I was seeing certain promotions for a well known soda beverage which, to me at least, suggested that many towns, celebrities, organizations, and others are selling out to that particular company.  I also saw some promotions for a particular ‘fast food’ company which, combined with other previous promotions, made me feel the same way–many sell out.

Some commercials for ‘over-the-counter’ medicines are also in this sell-out category, though the endorsers likely have less of the general facts than those endorsing junk foods do.

Models and singers, especially female ones, often feel that they must immodestly expose themselves for money.  So, selling out is not limited to the endorsement of junk food or other potentially harmful goods.

The Bible teaches:

10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.  (1 Timothy 6:10)

14 I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and indeed, all is vanity and grasping for the wind. (Ecclesiastes 1:14

And whether it is for love of money and/or vanity, many do sell out.

Of course, greed is not limited to the entertainment world, junk food promoters, nor pharmaceutical companies.

But all should be careful and not emphasize physical or spiritual junk food for their own lives.

Some prophetic articles of possibly related interest may include:

Obesity, processed foods, and the Bible Does the Bible warn about the consequences of being obese? Is overeating dangerous? Is gluttony condemned?
Eating Right, Eating Too Much, and Prophecy This is a video. Are there disadvantages to being overweight? Is junk food really bad for you? Does the Bible discuss overeating and/or obesity? Is overeating having an effect on the US military? What are the ramifications of personal and national health for overeating? What should you eat?
GMOs and Bible Prophecy What are GMOs? Since they were not in the food supply until 1994, how could they possibly relate to Bible prophecy? Do GMOs put the USA and others at risk? Here is a related YouTube video GMO Risks and the Bible.
Ten Simple Rules that Lead to Health Herbert Armstrong gives his opinions on this.
Pornography: A scourge on society Is pornography harmless fun? Does the Bible teach anything about it? What are the views of some involved with it? Here is a link to a YouTube video Pornography: Harmless Fun or a Scourge on Society?
Does God Heal Today? What does the Bible teach? Herbert Armstrong tries to explain this.
UK Study Supports Daniel Diet Daniel and his companions looked better eating more vegetables and avoiding strange meats. Has modern science confirmed this?
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?

Official Photograph

COGwriter

The USA President and others keep warning about avoiding a possible default:

October 08, 2013

As the U.S. government budget crisis enters a second week, there are concerns that the rivalry between Democrats and Republicans in Congress may bring the United States to default, which would cause domestic and global economic woes. The world is observing developments in the U.S. capital with bewilderment, as well as concern…

One analyst warned that a prolonged shutdown could have harmful effects on the U.S. economy.  But he said the U.S. defaulting on its debt would be worse.

Klaus Larres, a professor of international relations at the University of North Carolina, said the consequences would be disastrous for the world still recovering from a major financial crisis. “I think the Great Recession would be back with a vengeance, and we would be back in severe economic and financial difficulties.  So I can only warn that the debt ceiling problem should not be mixed up with the shutdown of the government,” he stated.

Larres said a default on the U.S. debt would have immediate consequences that would reverberate around the world.  For example, it could undermine the U.S. dollar’s position as the global reserve currency and even the U.S. role as the world’s strongest economy…

China is concerned about more than $1 trillion it has invested in the United States and is urging the United States to raise its debt ceiling.

Larres said much of the world has difficulty understanding this U.S. crisis, especially countries with authoritarian governments, such as China and some other East Asian states.

“What is the debt ceiling, why does the government need to raise the debt ceiling?  These are all questions people are wondering about because apart from the United States and Denmark, a debt ceiling doesn’t need to be raised by any other country in the world, so obviously, no one really understands that,” he said.

Larres said the effects of the U.S. government shutdown are still mild, and that with a timely solution, the situation could be quickly rectified.  But he added a prolonged impasse and a deeper crisis could have a negative effect that could undermine the position of the United States as the world’s top political and economic leader.  http://www.voanews.com/content/analyst-world-watches-us-crisis-with-bewilderment/1765188.html

October 8, 2013

WASHINGTON — Less than two hours after President Barack Obama turned up political pressure on Republicans to reopen the government and raise the debt ceiling, House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) said the president was looking for “unconditional surrender.”

“The president said today if there’s unconditional surrender by Republicans, he’ll sit down and talk to us,” Boehner said Tuesday. “That’s not the way our government works.”

The Ohio Republican addressed reporters just outside his office to rebut Obama’s earlier press conference. His message to the president was clear: The ongoing government shutdown and pending debt ceiling deadline would not be resolved without negotiations.

“It’s time to have that conversation,” Boehner said. “Not next week, not next month — the conversation needs to begin today. The long and short of it is, there’s going to be a negotiation.”…

Boehner said he agreed with the president that the consequences of default would be severe.

“I didn’t come here to shut down the government,” Boehner said. “And I certainly didn’t come here to default on our debt.”  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/08/john-boehner-debt-ceiling_n_4066123.html?&icid=maing-grid7%7Chtmlws-main-bb%7Cdl1%7Csec1_lnk3%26pLid%3D388494

October 8, 2103

President Obama said Tuesday his staff is “exploring all contingencies” to avoid a government default, but stressed that Congress can head off economic calamity by simply raising the debt ceiling.

“There is no magic wand that allows us to wish away the chaos that could result if — for the first time in our history — we don’t pay our bills on time,” Obama said during a news conference at the White House…

A drop in the nation’s credit rating, as happened when the government flirted with default under similar circumstances in 2011, would increase U.S. costs and could plunge the nation back into recession, Obama said.

“We plan for every contingency,” Obama repeated. “So obviously, you know, worst-case scenario, there are things that we will try to do — but I will repeat, I don’t think any option is good.”

Obama mocked other suggestions, saying at one point that he couldn’t just “roll out a big coin” — a reference to a suggestion floated from time-to-time that the government could mint a trillion-dollar coin.  http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2013/10/08/obama-news-conference-oct-8-shutdown-default/2946481/

German commentators describe the situation as a “specifically American problem” with far-reaching consequences.

‘Self-Destruction’ of a Democracy

Munich’s national Süddeutsche Zeitung offers a slightly more depressing take, pointing blame at all sides. “What has already been apparent in America for a few years now is the self-destruction of one of the world’s oldest democracies. And the great tragedy here is that this work of destruction isn’t being wrought by enemies of democracy, greedy lobbyists or sinister major party donors. America’s democracy is bring broken by the very people who are supposed to be carry and preserve it: the voters, the parties and the politicians.”

The argument? The Republicans who have brought Washington to stillstand are repeatedly and democratically elected by voters and given a mandate to block. The parties themselves are fomenting an increasingly radicalized culture that deepens political, societal and geographic divisions in the country, argues the newspaper. And finally, there are few politicians in America who are willing or capable of thinking beyond their own electoral constituencies.

“At the moment, Washington is fighting over the budget and nobody knows if the county will still be solvent in three weeks,” the paper concludes. “What is clear, though, is that America is already politically bankrupt.”

http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-press-review-on-us-government-shutdown-a-925768.html

The USA is not making itself look good.

Leaders in Japan and China, two of the USA’s larger creditor nations, put out their own warnings:

October 8, 2013

Washington’s march toward self-inflicted financial calamity is setting off alarm bells around the world as general befuddlement turns into genuine concern over a possible default by the world’s lone superpower.

China and Japan — which hold a combined $2.4 trillion in U.S. debt — have called for a quick resolution to the crisis and expressed worries over the economic consequences of a default.

In the first official response by China, Vice Finance Minister Zhu Guangyao said that a solution must be found quickly in order to “ensure the safety of Chinese investments” and provide stability for economies around the globe…

A senior Japanese official, speaking to the Financial Times, said that country’s Ministry of Finance is “very worried,” and cited the market turmoil and “chaos” brought on by the failed House vote to authorize bank bailout funds in 2008.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of Singapore, speaking at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, said that Americans “are unable to get their act together” and described the shutdown and debt ceiling imbroglio as “problems you have created for yourself in a game of chicken.”

Washington’s behavior sends a “negative signal which will last much longer that the shutdown,” he said.  http://money.cnn.com/2013/10/08/news/economy/debt-ceiling-world/index.html

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

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? Here is a link to a video titled Will the USA and other Anglo-nations be Divided and Their People Made Slaves?
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?
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?
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? 2021 or 20xx? There is also a video titled The 6000 Year Plan: Is the end of humanity’s reign almost up?
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2013, 2014, or 2015? 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? Here is a version of the article in the Spanish language: ¿Puede comenzar la Gran Tribulación en 2013 o 2014? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? You can also see the English language video The Great Tribulation Will Not Begin Before 2017.
Who is the King of the West? Why is there no Final End-Time King of the West in Bible Prophecy? Is the United States the King of the West? Here is a version in the Spanish language: ¿Quién es el Rey del Occidente? ¿Por qué no hay un Rey del Occidente en la profecía del tiempo del fin?
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? Here is a link to a video titled: The Future King of the North.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Edition for Second Obama Term 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? What About Republican Leaders? Second Edition for Second Obama Term.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Term-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-Second Term-Amazon Kindle edition.

COGwriter

The Noble Prize for physics was awarded today:

October 08, 2013

The 2013 Nobel Prize for physics has been won by Francois Englert of Belgium and Peter Higgs of Britain.

The Nobel Committee announced the winners of the prize Tuesday in Stockholm. Englert and Higgs were chosen for “theoretical discovery of a mechanism that contributes to . . . understanding of the origin of mass of subatomic particles.”  http://www.voanews.com/content/nobel-physics-prize-goes-to-god-particle-theorists/1765106.html

October 08, 2013

Francois Englert of Belgium and Peter Higgs of Britain won the 2013 Nobel Prize in physics on Tuesday for their theoretical discoveries on how subatomic particles acquire mass.

Their theories are key to explaining the building blocks of matter and the origins of the universe. They were confirmed last year by the discovery of the so-called Higgs particle, also known as the Higgs boson, at CERN, the Geneva-based European Organization for Nuclear Research, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences said…

By just awarding the men behind the theoretical discovery of the particle, the prize committee avoided the tricky issue of picking someone at the CERN laboratory in Geneva to share the award. Thousands of scientists were involved in the experiments that confirmed the particle’s existence in experiments last year.

The Nobel award can only be split by three people…

“I’m thrilled that this year’s Nobel Prize has gone to particle physics,” said CERN Director General Rolf Heuer. He said the discovery of the particle at CERN last year “marks the culmination of decades of intellectual effort by many people around the world.”

Finding the particle – often referred to as the “God particle” – required teams of thousands of scientists and mountains of data from trillions of colliding protons in the world’s biggest atom smasher – CERN’s Large Hadron Collider. The device produces energies simulating those 1 trillionth to 2 trillionths of a second after the Big Bang.  http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-205_162-57606461/discoverers-of-higgs-boson-a.k.a–the-god-particle-awarded-nobel-prize-in-physics/

While the 2013 Noble Prize for Physics was not given directly to CERN, as the screen shot (from the Noble committee as displayed by Voice of America) at the beginning of this post shows, it was to a great degree because of the scientists at CERN working with the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) that the prize was awarded.  And while thousands of scientists around the world had some involvement, CERN is in reality a European project intended to provide technology primarily to Europe.  It is one thing to have a theory in physics, but another to prove it as well as to come up with practical applications.  I believe that CERN is setting the stage for practical applications of physics technology, including military ones.

CERN is the European Organization for Nuclear Research. And it keeps coming up with more and more scientific discoveries. This European project continues to advance. It has made a variety of discoveries related to matter, but also to antimatter  Several discoveries at CERN proved that antimatter not only behaves differently than most scientists have believed, but that it can be captured for longer than many believe. It, as well as the related research, may have some military implications.

Since the Beast of Revelation 13 will be European (Europa, the Beast, and Revelation and the YouTube video Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European?), I have long felt that the Large Hadron Collider project had major military potential (see Thiel B. 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect. Nazarene Books, 2009, p. 85).

Notice some of what I wrote in one of my books related to the USA military, European military, the Beast, and technology:

Instead of completely strengthening the U.S. Global Positioning System (GPS), Barack Obama’s Administration instead decided to rely on Europe’s upcoming Galileo “GPS” for part of the U.S.A.’s military defense (U.S. and the EU to collaborate on the usage of Global Navigation Satellite Systems. Wire Update, BNO News, July 31, 2010). This would appear to give the rising European power a unique offensive and defensive capability against the U.S.A. (cf. Daniel 11:39; Revelation 13:3-4). It is dangerous to have a potential enemy control portions of one’s military communications systems.

Instead of increasing the U.S.A.’s role in particle collider technology, similar to some previous administrations, Barack Obama’s Administration has greatly weakened that. So much so, there is only one remaining U.S. particle accelerator and it is at risk of being gutted or shut down (Matson J. Nuclear Decelerator: Last U.S. Particle Collider is on Chopping Block. Scientific American, August 24, 2012). This is an area where Europe has clearly gained the lead over the U.S.A. since Barack Obama became president…

The Bible shows that the Beast will have special help from “unclean spirits” (Revelation 16:13) and will be considered to be unconquerable (Revelation 13:4).

Notice what the Bible says about this:

3…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 13:3-4, NKJV)

Notice that the military power of the Beast was something that the world will marvel, be astonished about. Why? Because no one really thought that the European Beast power had the military ability to defeat the U.S.A. with its Anglo-allies (Daniel 11:39), and then the Islamic King of the South (Daniel 11:40-43). Revelation 13:3-4 also supports the idea that the Beast may rise up because of violent civil unrest in Europe.

Technology may be key to a powerful European military. One aspect could include particle collider research. The number of colliders in the U.S.A. has dwindled down to one under the Obama and Bush Administrations, and the remaining one is facing budget cuts and possible closure. Yet, in Europe, it now has the leading one in the world, CERN’s Large Hadron Collider (LHC) and in 2012, Germany announced that it is planning a possibly even more advanced one called FAIR (FAIR stands for the Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research).

I believe that Germany’s FAIR, along with the LHC and other technology, will help the Europeans produce military weaponry to fulfill certain end time prophecies. Since Revelation 13:4 is discussing what seems to be a unique type of warfare, this warfare likely includes certain high-tech weapons (electromagnetic pulse, neutron, unique delivery systems, etc.) that will be effective for a while (ultimately the Europeans will be overcome by what appears to be a Russian-led, mainly Asian, confederation, cf. Jeremiah 50:41-43 & Daniel 11:44, possibly by exploiting some technological flaw, like creating a software virus, etc., while also amassing troops, etc.). The FAIR and the LHC projects are also likely to spin-off economic benefits that may help propel Europe to be (for a short while) the economic leader of the world (cf. Revelation 18).

While the U.S.A., Australia, and others are currently worried mostly about China, the European developments will not be good for the Anglo-descended lands, including England. (Thiel B. Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Edition for Second Obama Term. Nazarene Books, 2013, pp. 47, 121-122)

Large physics projects tend to produce military weaponry. And by not having the more conventional military equipment like tanks in Germany, the USA itself will not be in a position to as effectively deal with whatever high-tech military equipment that Europe develops.

The power in Europe is starting to rise up. And yes, ultimately, what is likely to come from Europe’s Large Hadron Collider and/or Germany’s FAIR collider, will be used to as part of an attack on American (USA and possibly Canadian) forces.  Additionally, I believe that Europe’s Galileo or similar technology (Galileo is an upcoming competitor to GPS that the USA has said it will partially rely on for its own military needs; see also Europe’s Galileo ‘GPS’ Hits Another Milestone and USA GPS and EU Galileo linking was expected) will help the Europeans when that happens as well as to help prevent counter-strikes by the USA.

Europe is moving forward with its space and military plans and few in the USA seem to realize that when it gets enough power, the USA will lose all of its.  Specifically notice that the Bible shows that this King of the North will destroy those who are perceived to have the strongest military might and apparently divide up their land:

39 Thus he shall act against the strongest fortresses with a foreign god, which he shall acknowledge, and advance its glory; and he shall cause them to rule over many, and divide the land for gain (Daniel 11:39).

The “he” above is referring to a European leader called the King of the North in that chapter (Daniel 11:40) and the Beast from the sea in Revelation 13:1-10).  The strongest fortresses in the world belong to the USA and to a much lessor extent, its English-speaking allies (for a more detailed explanation of why the USA and its Anglo-allies are involved, as well as the dividing of their lands, please see Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel). Daniel 11:24 seems to parallel this as it teaches that the King of the North has plans against the strongholds and succeeds against the prosperous. Catholic translations seem to miss this, but other translations support this idea:

39 He shall deal with the strongest fortresses with the help of a foreign god. Those who acknowledge him he shall load with honor. He shall make them rulers over many and shall divide the land for a price. (ESV)

39 He will take action against the strongest of fortresses with the help of a foreign god; he will give great honor to those who acknowledge him and will cause them to rule over the many, and will parcel out land for a price.. (NASB)

39 Claiming this foreign god’s help, he will attack the strongest fortresses. He will honor those who submit to him, appointing them to positions of authority and dividing the land among them as their reward. (NLT)

39 He will attack the mightiest fortresses with the help of a foreign god and will greatly honor those who acknowledge him. He will make them rulers over many people and will distribute the land at a price. (NIV)

39 He’ll take action against the strongest fortresses. With the help of a foreign god, he’ll recognize those who honor him, making them rule over many, and he’ll parcel out the land for a profit. (ISB of 2012)

This passage about the “strongest fortresses” in Daniel 11:39 cannot be referring to the continental Europeans as they support the King of the North, nor can it be referring to the Russians, Chinese, or other Asians as they do not get involved until verse 44 (see also The Eurasian Union, the Kings of the East, and Bible Prophecy).

10 All the sinners of My people shall die by the sword, Who say, ‘The calamity shall not overtake nor confront us.’ (Amos 9:10)

People who have faith that the USA will continue and get through all of this should ask themselves,  “Why?”   They also may wish to ask themselves since the Bible talks about end time kings of the north (Daniel 11:44-45), south (Daniel 11:40), and east (Revelation 16:12), why does it not mention an end time king of the west? The USA is west of Jerusalem, in a major sense is currently the “King of the West”, and apparently is the Western naval power of Daniel 11:30–yet no King of the West seems to exist after the King of the North eliminates those with the strongest fortresses (Daniel 11:39) (for more information, please also see the article Who is the King of the West?).

Unless the English-speaking peoples repent of their sins the Bible teaches that their nations will be destroyed (see also Hosea 8:1-13). These English-speaking peoples are becoming the most indebted nations of all time and the Bible shows that those who load themselves with pledges will have their creditors rise up against them suddenly and destroyed them (see Habakkuk 2:6-7). For those who disbelieve that the Europeans can do this, I will simply add that the Bible states that the Assyrians (whose descendants are in Europe) will not intend to destroy, but will do it anyway (read about the Assyrians in Isaiah 10:5-7) (see also Europa, the Beast, and Revelation).

The understanding of the Continuing Church of God that the Europeans will be able to attack and takeover the United States and its Anglo-descended allies (cf. Isaiah 10:5-11; Daniel 11:39) is correct and will come to pass. And as I have speculated for years, the Large Hadron Collider and similar projects may be a factor in making that happen.

Even though CERN itself was not given the Noble Prize in 2013, the award today will increase the prestige of CERN and the scientists working there.  European research will continue and this ultimately will not bode well for the USA.

Some items 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”? What is ahead for Europe?
Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European? The Book of Revelation tells of a beast power that will rise up. Some think that this must be Russia or could be Islamic, while others say that this power is European. The Book of Daniel tells of the rise of an end time King of the North that some think must be referring to a Russian leader, while others say that this power is European. How can you be sure? This YouTube video has all the scriptural proofs that you should need to prove that this power must be a European one.
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? Here is a link to a video titled: The Future King of the North.
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? Here is a link to the Spanish version of this article: Anglo-América & las Tribus Perdidas de Israel. A video of possible interest may be Will Will USA Spying Help the Beast Power?
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? Here is a link to a video titled Will the USA and other Anglo-nations be Divided and Their People Made Slaves? Here is a related item in the Spanish language ¿Serán divididas las naciones anglosajonas?
Protestant and Church of God views of the United States in Bible Prophecy Is the USA mentioned in Bible prophecy? Some Protestants say yes, while others say no. What does the Bible really teach? Learn the truth about this. There is also a video available: Is The United States Mentioned In Bible Prophecy?
Who is the King of the West? Why is there no Final End-Time King of the West in Bible Prophecy? Is the United States the King of the West? Here is a version in the Spanish language: ¿Quién es el Rey del Occidente? ¿Por qué no hay un Rey del Occidente en la profecía del tiempo del fin?
Large Hadron Collider may result in military applications The Europeans have the largest physics project on the planet. Some scoff, but might it result in military applications? May the Large Hadron Collider help fulfill Revelation 13:4?
How Old is the Earth and How Long Were the Days of Creation? Does the Bible allow for the creation of the universe and earth billions of years ago? Why do some believe they are no older than 6,000 years old? What is the gap theory? Where the days of creation in Genesis 1:3 through 2:3 24 hours long?
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Edition for Second Obama Term 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? What About Republican Leaders? Second Edition for Second Obama Term.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Term-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-Second Term-Amazon Kindle edition.

COGwriter

A reader sent me the following from the Jewish Press:

There will be a string of four “blood moons” in the year 5775, and one of them will shine over the Passover seder. Whenever this happened in the past, enormous events took place in Jewish history.

It starts with the Book of Joel, Chapter 3:3-4: “And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and terrible day of the Lord come.”

The verse about the sun turning dark and the moon turning to blood, is at the center of a new, hot, Christian bestseller titled “Four Blood Moons,” by Pastor John Hagee.

The science of the “blood moon” phenomenon is fairly simple. It is created by a partial lunar eclipse. When the Earth’s shadow covers the moon completely, we get a total eclipse. A partial lunar eclipse happens wen the Earth’s shadow covers the moon only partially. The earth atmosphere bends light around its edge, and scatters out shorter-wavelength light (green through violet), leaving longer-wavelength light (red, orange, and yellow) in the Earth’s shadow. This is also why sunsets and sunrises generally appear red.

As is the case with most miraculous events that can be explained scientifically, the miracle is not in the natural phenomenon, but rather in its timing. So the Book of Joel describes solar eclipse, followed by a partial lunar eclipse, as precursors of the Day of the Lord…Blitz noticed that “blood moons” result from lunar eclipses.  http://www.jewishpress.com/news/breaking-news/messianic-blood-moon-rising-on-passover-seder/2013/10/06

The Jewish year 5775 begins September 25, 2014 and runs until September 13, 2015.

WND has reported that at least one will be earlier than that:

Have you heard about the “blood moons” coming in 2014 and 2015?

Might they herald an event of prophetic biblical significance?…

On Passover 2014 the first of a series of mysterious astronomical events will occur that will have the whole world looking up at the night skies…

.

When checking the schedule for eclipses, Biltz found two – one on Passover the next on the high holy day of Rosh Hashanah, the first day of the seventh Hebrew month. Two more take place in 2015, also on biblical “feast” days. http://www.wnd.com/2013/10/are-you-ready-for-2014-biblical-blood-moons/#S7jmGXUUVkEO7Yet.99

The above is quite odd because Passover is on or near a night of the full moon, whereas Rosh Hashanah (which is also known as the Feast of Trumpets) is on or near a night of a “new” moon.  I have not read the information from Biltz that presumably tries to explain this; but suspect that someone meant to refer to the Feast of Tabernacles/Sukkot, which starts on or near a night of the full moon, as opposed to the Feast of Trumpets–and a video I watched from John Hagee referred to Sukkot and not Rosh Hoshana as did one I later saw by Mark Biltz.

I probably should add that when I went to a NASA website today to try to validate some of the report (the dates) shown in World News Daily,  the following message appeared:

Due to the lapse in federal government funding, this website is not available.
We sincerely regret this inconvenience.

So, I was unable to find the type of confirmation from NASA I had hoped to.

A while ago, another reader sent me the following old news item (also from WND) suggesting that Jesus will return in 2015 based upon the biblical calendar and data from NASA:

Blood moon eclipses: 2nd Coming in 2015?

Minister uses NASA forecasting to study signals of Jesus’ return

Will Jesus Christ return to Earth in the year 2015?

And can studying NASA’s website provide evidence for such a scenario?

A minister who promotes the Old Testament roots of Christianity suggests a rare string of lunar and solar eclipses said to fall on God’s annual holy days seven years from now could herald what’s come to be known as the “Second Coming” of Jesus.

“God wants us to look at the biblical calendar,” says Mark Biltz, pastor of El Shaddai Ministries in Bonney Lake, Wash. “The reason we need to be watching is [because] He will signal His appearance. But we have to know what to be watching as well. So we need to be watching the biblical holidays.” “There are no more of these for the rest of the century.’ http://www.wnd.com/2008/04/63076/

I actually reported about this a number of years ago, nearer when this story came out.

Despite blood moons, Jesus will not be returning in 2014 or 2015. There are simply too many additional biblically-required signs that Jesus listed in Matthew 24 that cannot occur between now and then. Also, the fact that the “seven-year covenant” of Daniel 9:27 does not seem to have been confirmed, also suggests that it is impossible for Jesus to return prior to 2020, and, even that is too early.  Nor will 2014 signal the final ‘Day of the Lord’ of biblical prophecy.

As far as blood red moons go, the Book of Revelation teaches the following:

12 I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood. 13 And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind. 14 Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place. 15 And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, 16 and said to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! 17 For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?” (Revelation 6:12-17).

So while Jesus would not return with a red moon, notice that the red moon appears just before the Day of the Lord begins–possibly as soon as the evening before (and perhaps up to a month or so before, cf. Revelation 8:1). Notice again that a blood moon is also tied into the Day of the Lord in the Old Testament:

31 The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord. (Joel 2:31)

So if God is intending to use natural phenomena (as opposed to performing a specific and separate miracle, which He certainly could do), then since it is most likely that the Day of the Lord begins on the Feast of Trumpets (as the seven trumpets begin the Day of the Lord, per Revelation 8:2), then the Great Tribulation would begin about 2 1/2 years prior to that.  But the prophesied blood moon, if it is related to a full moon (and it would not seem to have to be), would need to be about two weeks prior to the Feast of Trumpets.

Notice what NASA has reported:

When four consecutive lunar eclipses are all total eclipses, the group is known as a tetrad. The following tetrads occur during this century:

Tetrad (Four Consecutive Total Eclipses): 2003 – 2004
Tetrad (Four Consecutive Total Eclipses): 2014 – 2015
Tetrad (Four Consecutive Total Eclipses): 2032 – 2033
Tetrad (Four Consecutive Total Eclipses): 2043 – 2044
Tetrad (Four Consecutive Total Eclipses): 2050 – 2051
Tetrad (Four Consecutive Total Eclipses): 2061 – 2062
Tetrad (Four Consecutive Total Eclipses): 2072 – 2073
Tetrad (Four Consecutive Total Eclipses): 2090 – 2091 (http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/LEcat/LE2001-2100.html viewed 5/01/08)

At this moment, it would appear that the prophecy in Revelation and Joel about the blood moon will NOT be related to any NASA blood moon prediction (unless NASA comes up with a different table or something else) or if Jesus’ return is not until after 2032. The blood moon of biblical prophecy could be related to some natural phenomena that is unclear to scientists at this time or it could be a miracle from God–or it could be that God will affect some natural phenomena to make it happen.

But either way, while Jesus will return, it will not be in 2014 or 2015. Jesus will not return prior to 2020, and even that is too early.

Some items of possibly 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? 2021 or 20xx? There is also a video titled The 6000 Year Plan: Is the end of humanity’s reign almost up?
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2014, 2015, or 2016? 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? Here is a version of the article in the Spanish language: ¿Puede comenzar la Gran Tribulación en 2013 o 2014? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? You can also see the English language video The Great Tribulation Will Not Begin Before 2017.

COGwriter

While many are concerned whether or not the USA government will default or pay its bills, the USA is introducing it new one hundred dollar bill in a few hours.  The new bill costs about 12.6 cents to make and yet is declared to be worth $100.00.

The new bill was introduced in order to attempt to thwart counterfeiters.  We will see.

Here is information from a .gov website about it:

FAQs about the Redesigned $100 note

How can I determine if the redesigned $100 note is genuine?…
We redesign US currency to make it easier to use, but harder to counterfeit. The new design $100 note includes two new security features: the 3-D Security Ribbon and the Bell in the Inkwell…

When will I start to see the new $100 note in circulation?
The new $100 note will begin circulating on October 8, 2013. Once it is issued, any commercial bank, savings and loan, or credit union that orders $100 notes from the Federal Reserve will have its order filled with the new design. Distance, demand, and the policies of individual financial institutions will be the deciding factors in how quickly redesigned $100 notes reach the public, both in the U.S. and in international markets.

Do I have to trade in my older design notes when a new one begins circulating?
No. It is not necessary to trade in your older design $100 notes when the new ones begin circulating. All U.S. currency remains legal tender, regardless of when it was issued.

Will both older and redesigned $100 notes circulate at the same time?
It’s important that consumers and businesses know that it will not be necessary to trade in their old design $100 notes for new ones. Older designs of Federal Reserve notes remain legal tender, and will not be recalled, demonetized or devalued.

However, beginning on October 8, 2013, Federal Reserve Banks will only be paying new design $100 notes out to financial institutions. As older designs make their way through the banking system, they will eventually get returned to the Federal Reserve, where they will be destroyed.

Whether it has it yet or not, I suspect that the US government also wants to have some type of tracking ability in its money (at least its higher denominated bills).  Cash is much harder to track than electronic transfers and the USA government does not seem to like not being able to track just about everything.

Compared to about one hundred years ago, because of inflation, a new one hundred dollar bill has the purchasing power of about three one dollar bills used to.

As far as counterfeiters go, it is not likely that counterfeiters are adding anything close to US$85 billion per month in the permanent money supply.  Yet, that is what the Federal Reserve is doing.  Additionally, the federal government of the USA is adding about that much per month by spending more than it takes in.

The Bible warns against cheapening the money supply:

And this has been happening for quite some time in the USA and elsewhere.  But it is the USA that has been able to accept the world to accept so much of its cheapened money supply that warnings such as those in Habakkuk 2 will come to pass:

4 Take away the dross from silver (Proverbs 25:4a).

25 I will turn My hand against you, And thoroughly purge away your dross, And take away all your alloy. (Isaiah 1:25)

22 Your silver has become dross, Your wine mixed with water. (Isaiah 1:22)

Dross is a cheaper metal that is normally placed inside a covering of a precious metal like silver. Governments began to do this thousands of years ago when they had financial problems. Putting dross into silver cheapens currency, just like putting water into wine dilutes the wine’s value. In modern times, government spending in excess of revenues and quantitative easing programs (QE1, QE2, and QE3, from the Federal Reserve) are a way to dilute the value of currencies. This is not the biblical solution to US economic problems.  Ultimately, the US dollar, including the new $100 bill, will have no monetary value (it may have some minor value as a fuel source, novelty, or something else).   The fact that the USA continues to inflate the money supply (combined with other events that will happen, a so-called ‘perfect storm’ ) is setting the stage for a time the USA dollar will be worthless.

Although some realize that the USA is a superpower in decline, most do not really understand how bad it will get.

Quantitative easing and debt increases are a form of “dishonest profits” that the U.S.A. is improperly reaping because of its position in the world, but that is not good, and will not last indefinitely:

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. 16 You shall defile yourself in the sight of the nations; then you shall know that I am the Lord. (Ezekiel 22:13-16)

US debt, combined with programs such as the Federal Reserves’ quantitative easing, are sending signals to the rest of the world that the US dollar needs to be replaced as the world’s primary reserve currency.

The new one hundred dollar bill will not change this.

The pride of the USA’s power is being broken. That pride has long been associated with its military and economic strength. Various sins and increasing debt is weakening the USA in many ways.

Without national repentance the USA is doomed. Since the USA seems to be going more into sin nationally, that type of national repentance seems unlikely. Yet, personal repentance is still possible. Do you see the winds of change in the USA and elsewhere?

If so, what do you plan to do about it?

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

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? Here is a link to a video titled Will the USA and other Anglo-nations be Divided and Their People Made Slaves?
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?
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?
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? 2021 or 20xx? There is also a video titled The 6000 Year Plan: Is the end of humanity’s reign almost up?
Will USA Spying Help the Beast Power? Various allegations have surfaced about the United States government spying on its own citizens as well as its supposed allies in the European Union. Whether or not all the espionage allegations are true, and the main ones have not been publicly denied by the government of the USA, the reality is that this does have prophetic ramifications and will help the Beast of Revelation. This video provides quotes from the Bible showing how this is so. The USA is placing itself in a position to be taken over and its response to the allegations will make it easier for the Europeans to do so.
Why Were You Born? Why did God make you? Herbert W. Armstrong wrote this as a booklet on this important subject. You may also wish to read the article What is Your Destiny? or watch the video, also titled What is Your Destiny?
What is the Meaning of Life? Who does God say is happy? What is your ultimate destiny? Do you really know? Does God actually have a plan for YOU personally? There is also a video titled What is the meaning of your life?
Just 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.
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2013, 2014, or 2015? 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? Here is a version of the article in the Spanish language: ¿Puede comenzar la Gran Tribulación en 2013 o 2014? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? You can also see the English language video The Great Tribulation Will Not Begin Before 2017.
Who is the King of the West? Why is there no Final End-Time King of the West in Bible Prophecy? Is the United States the King of the West? Here is a version in the Spanish language: ¿Quién es el Rey del Occidente? ¿Por qué no hay un Rey del Occidente en la profecía del tiempo del fin?
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? Here is a link to a video titled: The Future King of the North.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Edition for Second Obama Term 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? What About Republican Leaders? Second Edition for Second Obama Term.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Term-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-Second Term-Amazon Kindle edition.

COGwriter

The US government began its ‘shutdown.’ Here are some reports about it and reactions in Asia:

October 07, 2013

Leaders of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum have begun a two-day summit on the Indonesian resort island of Bali to discuss trade, economies, security and other issues in the Asia-Pacific…

Twelve APEC members are engaged in negotiations for a free trade area called the Trans-Pacific Partnership. They include Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the United States and Vietnam.

U.S. President Barack Obama had hoped to attend the APEC forum to promote his goal of securing a TPP agreement by the end of this year, but he was forced to skip the forum due to domestic budgetary disputes that led to the partial shutdown of the U.S. federal government.  http://www.voanews.com/content/apec-begins-twoday-summit/1764275.html

With Obama out, Others Take APEC Stage, Sort Of

As some of the world’s heavy-weight leaders stood in the spotlight Monday at a regional economic summit, they still managed to be upstaged by who was missing…

For Obama, the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit was meant to be an opportunity to underline renewed U.S. attention to Asia as a counterbalance to China’s increased economic and military clout. But that message was undermined by the U.S. budget impasse and government shutdown forcing Obama to cancel his trip to Indonesia and three other countries. His absence was perhaps felt most by Indonesians who consider him one of their own after he spent part of his childhood growing up in the capital, Jakarta.  http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/obama-leaders-apec-main-stage-20490287

As I reported earlier (Kerry claims USA still committed to Asia despite shutdown as China takes advantage of Obama’s trip cancellation), it is likely that the USA will decide that it will have to pay Asia greater attention in the future because its President Obama cancelled his appearance at APEC citing budget/shutdown concerns.

Various ones have suggested that the combination of Barack Obama’s non-appearance at APEC, combined with the USA’s debt issues, and China’s financial growth are greatly assisting China and its influence in the region.

In a move not directly related to the APEC meeting, China sent out a message that it probably wanted to drive home to those in APEC:

07 October 2013

A senior Chinese official has warned that the “clock is ticking” to avoid a US default that could hurt China’s interests and the global economy.

China, the US’s largest creditor, is “naturally concerned about developments in the US fiscal cliff”, vice finance minister Zhu Guangyao said.

Washington must agree a deal to raise its borrowing limit by 17 October, or risk not being able to pay its bills.

He asked that “the US earnestly take steps to resolve” the issue.

US Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew has said that unless Congress agrees an increase in the debt ceiling by 17 October, Washington will be left with about $30bn in cash to meet its obligations – about half the $60bn-a-day needed.

For many governments and investors the approaching deadlock over the debt ceiling is far more critical than the current impasse over the federal shutdown caused by Congress’s failure to agree a new budget…

Mr Zhu said…”The executive branch of the US government has to take decisive and credible steps to avoid a default on its Treasury bonds,” he said.  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-24426881

It is interesting that at least one Chinese leader wants the ‘executive branch’ (the portion of the US government that Barack Obama leads) to take decisive and credible steps.  The implication is that Zhu does not believe that it has been doing so.

The Bible warns:

17… Your land shall be divided by survey line; You shall die in a defiled land; And Israel shall surely be led away captive From his own land (Amos 7:17)

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)

By having massive debt that they will not truly pay back, the peoples of the USA make a “dishonest profit” and they will eventually be taken captive and scattered.

The USA has been hurting its credibility throughout 2013 in terms of how it has handled its numerous fiscal ‘crises’ and its so-called ‘debt-ceiling’ (which it keeps raising, despite complaints by some about doing so).  Although more are getting concerned, this is not enough to YET many to totally abandon the USA dollar.  The Chinese themselves have taken steps in the hope that their currency either will replace of the USA dollar or will at least contribute to doing that (e.g. China seems to have taken steps to further dethrone the USA dollar and Rise of ‘PetroYuan’ is a step in the demise of the US dollar)–Russia has tended to support various aspects of this (China and Russia working to dethrone US dollar as world’s international currency). Russia’s developing Eurasian Union seems to also have a role to play in coming up with a way to avoid the US dollar in trade.

And while many want to consider that a USA default on its debt is “unthinkable,” clearly more are noticing that the political gridlock, etc. in the USA is putting the future of the USA dollar at risk. And, I would add, that it is much worse than that. But also is giving nations reasons to think about the “unthinkable,” and some are trying to take steps related to that.  This includes not only the Chinese and others in Asia, European leaders too (see IMF and others have fears about possible USA default) are watching and are concerned.

Some items 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?
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? You can also see a YouTube video sermon The Gospel of the Kingdom.
Protestant and Church of God views of the United States in Bible Prophecy Is the USA mentioned in Bible prophecy? Some Protestants say yes, while others say no. What does the Bible really teach? Learn the truth about this. There is also a video available: Is The United States Mentioned In Bible Prophecy?
Who is the King of the West? Why is there no Final End-Time King of the West in Bible Prophecy? Is the United States the King of the West? Here is a version in the Spanish language: ¿Quién es el Rey del Occidente? ¿Por qué no hay un Rey del Occidente en la profecía del tiempo del fin?
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Edition for Second Obama Term 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? What About Republican Leaders? Second Edition for Second Obama Term.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Term-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-Second Term-Amazon Kindle edition.
India, Its Biblical Past and Future: Any Witness?The Bible discusses the origins of those of Indian heritage. This article quotes the Bible and also discusses some of the witness to India throughout history and what is happening in the 21st century (including those in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka).
Might Hindus Unknowingly Be Looking for the Arrival of the Beast and False Prophet? Do biblical and even Hindu prophecies suggest that many in India will follow, for a while, the Beast and False Prophet/Antichrist?
China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 1: Genesis and Chinese Characters Where did the Chinese people come from? This article provides information showing that the Chinese peoples must have known about various accounts in the Book of Genesis up until their dispersion after the Tower of Babel. Here is a link to a version of this article in Spanish: ¿Prueban los caracteres chinos la exactitud de la Biblia?
China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 2: The Sabbath and Some of God’s Witness in China When did Christianity first come to China? And is there early evidence that they observed the seventh day sabbath?
Asia in Prophecy What is Ahead for Asia? Who are the “Kings of the East”? What will happen to nearly all the Chinese, Russians, Indians, and others of Asia? China in prophecy, where? Who has the 200,000,000 man army related to Armageddon? A YouTube video of interest may be Is China THE Threat to the United States of America?
The Eurasian Union, the Kings of the East, and Bible Prophecy Is there a Eurasian union that will be formed? Is one being formed right now? Are any leaders working on that in the 21st century? Does the Bible teach that there will be a Eurasian union? If some type of Eurasian union is formed, who might it benefit and who will it destroy? A related video would be Is The Eurasian Union Rising?
Korea in Prophecy, Any Witness? Where did the Korean people come from? Does God have a plan for the Koreans? Is Korea mentioned in any prophecies? Will Koreans be among the first in the Kingdom of God? Here is a machine-translated link to that article in Korean: 한국의 언어로 : 한국 예언, 모든 증인에?; here is a link to that article in Mandarin Chinese: 在预言中的韩国：有任何证人吗？
Japan, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 1: Any Witness? Where did the Japanese people come from? Have they had any witness?
Japan, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 2: Prophecy Japan in prophecy. What is prophesied for Japan? Will God save the Japanese?
Russia: Its Origins and Prophesied Future Russia in prophecy. Where do the Russians come from? What about those in the Ukraine? What is prophesied for Russia and its allies? What will they do to the Europeans that supported the Beast in the end?
Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach? Here is a link to a video, also titled Is Russia the King of the North?
Islands and Bible Prophecy What’s ahead for islands? What does the Bible prophesy about them?

Hildegard Allegedly Receiving a Vision

COGwriter

One year ago, on this day, the Catholic saint Hildegard of Bingen (a 12th-century German abbess and mystic) was made a “doctor of the universal church” in Rome.

Catholic “doctors of the universal church” are relatively rare, and there are about three dozen of them. Historically, Catholics tend to put a lot of emphasis on certain statements from many people they declare to have been “doctors of the universal church.”

The mystic Hildegard, who died in 1179, clearly had visions that seem to be opposed to Bible prophecy.

Here is one from her:

Antichrist will make the earth move, level mountains, dry up rivers, produce thunder and lightning and hail… (Culleton, The Reign of Antichrist, p. 129)

Yet, the Bible does not teach that Antichrist “make the earth move, level mountains, dry up rivers, produce thunder and lightnings and hail.” The Bible teaches that God will have this done during the Day of the Lord (Revelation 16:12, 17-21).

Furthermore, she also taught:

Antichrist…His doctrine of faith will be taken from the Jewish religion and seemingly will not differ much from the fundamental beliefs of Christianity, for he will teach that there is one God who created the world, who rewards the obeyers of his commands and trespassers he chastises, who will raise all from the dead in due time. (Culleton, p. 127)

Yet, because the Bible shows that God will resurrect everyone else after the millennium (Revelation 20:5,13), this is certainly something that we would expect Jesus to teach. This is not a doctrine or Antichrist. Jesus, of course, practiced the “Jewish” religion, but the way that God, not certain rabbis, intended for it to be practiced.

Catholics need to understand that some prophets who have called themselves Catholic (such as Hildegard) are really warning against the returning Jesus Christ, and are referring to Him as Antichrist. Please do not be taken in by that.

Furthermore, Hildegard also claimed the following in another vision:

And fly from those who linger in caves and are cloistered supporters of the Devil. Woe to them, woe to them who remain thus! They are the Devil’s very viscera, and the advance guard of the son of perdition.

Therefore, O you My beloved children, avoid them with all devotion and with all the strength of your souls and bodies. For the ancient serpent feeds and clothes them by his arts, and they worship him as God and trust in his false deceptions…Because they are afraid of My people, they do not openly resist these institutions of Mine, but in their hearts and their deeds they hold them as nothing. By devilish illusion, they pretend to have sanctity; but they are deceived by the Devil, for if he were to show himself to them openly they would understand him and flee him…But because the Devil knows he has only a short time for his error, he is not hastening to perfect infidelity in his members; you, you evil deceivers, who labor to subvert the Catholic faith. (Hildegard of Bingen. Scivias. Paulist Press, Mahwah (NJ), pp. 301-302)

The teaching that Christians in something that sounds like the biblical place of safety in the wilderness (Revelation 12:14-16), as well as those that support them, are tools of Satan is something that should concern all who believe Church of God doctrines. And the person who had this vision is today getting exalted as a higher level teacher/doctor.

Notice what my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect points out the following related to Hildegard’s prophecy:

It would appear that the mystic was demonically-influenced as she is actually warning against supporting the true Philadelphian pacifist Christians (something that may happen, as some might try to join them per Isaiah 56:8). It is the Philadelphians who will be protected, yet she seems to be claiming that they are the “supporters of the Devil” (probably because they will oppose the final revised ecumenical church and because that church will have persecuted them). Because she calls them “the advanced guard of the son of perdition,” she apparently refers to a group of people who will be protected in caves just before Christ returns.

Notice also that she specifically warns against religious people in caves who are miraculously fed.

Yet she must not have realized that the Bible indicates that those who receive God’s protection in the wilderness during the end time (Revelation 12:14–16), and are in caves (Jeremiah 48:28), are His people (Isaiah 16:1–4 in Sela/Petra), will be religious (Revelation 14:12), and will be miraculously fed (Isaiah 33:15-16). Hence, the above vision does indicate that even the demons have known about a place of protection where some people will be miraculously fed, for quite some time.

However, those associated with the King of the North will then turn their attention to the rest of her seed, the non-Philadelphian Christians (which will be a “secret sect,” but will try to remain hidden, most likely, to avoid this persecution).

Even a commentator’s note in the Rheims New Testament agrees that the Church goes to a wilderness location:

The Church shall flee as to a desert in Antichrist’s time, but not decay or be unknown, no not for
so short a time.

Early Catholic leaders such as Irenaeus, Hippolytus, and Cyril also believed this. Hence Hildegard is once again not even faithful to Catholic positions on prophetic matters.

Furthermore, notice:

Bishop St. Victorinus (2^nd century): But the woman fled into the wilderness, and there were given to her two great eagle’s wings…to that…church…let them go to that place which they have ready, and let them be supported there for three years and six months from the presence of the devil.

Thus, the idea of true Christians fleeing, being supported, and being away from the devil for 3 ½ years is consistent with both biblical and certain Catholic teachings. No one should rely on Hildegard’s false admonition. The Greek Orthodox tend to believe that the faithful will flee to caves in the desert/wilderness for 3 ½ years.

Yet, Hildegard is being praised as one who is to be a “doctor of the universal church.”

Perhaps I should point out that she wondered if her visions were of demonic source at times. I suspect that many were.

Hildegard professed positions that were apparently opposed to biblical and certain Catholic understandings of end time events. Her promotion will likely increase the “value” of her visions. This is not a positive for those in the truly faithful church.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Which Is Faithful: The Roman Catholic Church or the Continuing 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.
Do Certain Catholic Prophecies About Antichrist Warn Against Jesus? Will the final “Anti-Christ” be Jewish, insist on Saturday, be opposed to the trinity, and bring in the millennium? Certain Catholic writings indicate this, while others take a different view, but what does the Bible show?
Catholic Prophecies: Do They Mirror, Highlight, or Contradict Biblical Prophecies? People of all faiths may be surprised to see what various Roman and Orthodox Catholic prophets have been predicting as many of their predictions will be looked to in the 21st century.
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 32 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

Official Photograph

COGwriter

There are concerns from the US Treasury and others about the possibility of a US default:

October 6, 2013

Congress needs to pass a debt ceiling increase by Oct. 17 or the U.S. will default, said Treasury Secretary Jacob J. Lew.

“Congress is playing with fire,” Lew said on CNN’s “State of the Union” today. “If the United States government, for the first time in its history, chooses not to pay its bills on time, we will be in default, there is no option that prevents us from being in default if we don’t have enough cash to pay our bills…Even getting close to the line is dangerous.” http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-10-06/u-s-to-default-if-debt-ceiling-not-raised-lew-says.html

A Treasury Department report says a default could freeze credit markets, devalue the dollar, send interest rates higher and possibly cause another recession.

That would drive international investors away from the U.S., according to economist Stan Collender. “All they know is, this solid rock of an economy, solid rock of a political system, seems to be shaking. And that has got to drop your confidence. It means that, if they are counting on the money to be repaid at the right time also, they may just say, ‘You know what, it is not worth the risk,’” said Collender.

To avoid a calamity, Congress needs to agree to raise the nation’s debt ceiling. House Speaker John Boehner and other Republicans are demanding concessions from Democrats on spending and health care first.

“I do not believe that we should default on our debt. It is not good for our country. But after 55 years of spending more than what you bring in, something ought to be addressed,” said Boehner.

Obama says he will not even discuss it. “There will be no negotiations over this. The American people are not pawns in some political game.”

The damage from a default could last a long time, said Joseph Minarik at the Committee for Economic Development. “In all likelihood, that will affect the esteem with which lenders perceive the U.S. Treasury for a very long period of time. Trust, once it is lost, is very hard to regain.”

Minarik and others are urging the nation’s leaders to avert a crisis. “Don’t do this,” he said.  http://www.voanews.com/content/us-debt-crisis-likely-to-hurt-world-lenders-borrowers-investors/1763491.html

The United States has never defaulted on its obligations, and the U. S. dollar and Treasury securities are at the center of the international financial system. A default would be unprecedented and has the potential to be catastrophic: credit markets could freeze, the value of the dollar could plummet, U.S. interest rates could skyrocket, the negative spillovers could reverberate around the world, and there might be a financial crisis and recession that could echo the events of 2008 or worse.

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Political brinksmanship that engendgers even the prospect of a default can be disruptive to financial markets and American businesses and families…

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We may be starting to see some tentative signs that the current debate is affecting financial markets . Although the price moves are small and could easily reverse quickly, the fact that yields on Treasury bills that mature at the end of October are higher than bills that mature immediately before or after, might suggest nascent concern s about possible de lays in payments on those bills. I f market participants were to lose confidence in the United States’ willingness to repay its debts, the adverse effects seen in 2011 c ould reappear , and even push up yields on Treasury securities. Such a rise in Treasury yields would also raise the cost of financing the government’s debt and worsen the fiscal position of the government.

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In the event that a debt limit impasse were to lead to a default, it could have a catastrophic effect on not just financial markets but also on job creation, consumer spending and economic growth — with many private – sector analysts believing that it would lead to events of the magnitude of late 2008 or worse, and the result then was a recession more severe than any seen since the Great Depression. Considering the experience of countries around that world that have defaulted on their debt , not only might the economic consequences of default be profound, those consequences , including high interest rates, reduced investment, higher debt payments, and slow economic growth, could last for more than a generation.

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12…Those who lead you cause you to err, And destroy the way of your paths.” (Isaiah 3:12)

16 For the leaders of this people cause them to err, And those who are led by them are destroyed (Isaiah 9:16).

43 The alien who is among you shall rise higher and higher above you, and you shall come down lower and lower. 44 He shall lend to you, but you shall not lend to him; he shall be the head, and you shall be the tail. 45 Moreover all these curses shall come upon you and pursue and overtake you, until you are destroyed because you did not obey the voice of the LORD your God, to keep His commandments and His statutes which He commanded you…47 “Because you did not serve the LORD your God with joy and gladness of heart, for the abundance of everything, 48 therefore you shall serve your enemies, whom the LORD will send against you, in hunger, in thirst, in nakedness, and in need of everything; and He will put a yoke of iron on your neck until He has destroyed you. 49 The LORD will bring a nation against you from afar, from the end of the earth, as swift as the eagle flies, a nation whose language you will not understand, 50 a nation of fierce countenance, which does not respect the elderly nor show favor to the young. 51 And they shall eat the increase of your livestock and the produce of your land, until you are destroyed; they shall not leave you grain or new wine or oil, or the increase of your cattle or the offspring of your flocks, until they have destroyed you. 52 They shall besiege you at all your gates until your high and fortified walls, in which you trust, come down throughout all your land; and they shall besiege you at all your gates throughout all your land which the LORD your God has given you (Deuteronomy 28:42-45,47-52)

Now, I do not believe that the USA will be destroyed this year in fulfillment of the prophecies of Deuteronomy 28:47-52.  Actually, I do not believe that it can happen until after the end of the second Obama term (see also the video The Great Tribulation Will Not Begin Before 2017).

But what the USA is doing does have major ramifications.  More and more creditors are attempting to figure out how to decouple themselves from their dependance upon the USA dollar.  International confederations such as the European Union and the Eurasian Union, as well as some of the Gulf States and China (and others) are actively attempting to decrease the world’s dependance on the USA dollar for international trade.  When the USA dollar loses its dominance in international trade, that too will be inflationary (the price of many goods would likely go up substantially).

The USA keeps playing this dangerous game, even though the Obama Administration’s own Treasury Department is seeing some of its dangers.  These repeated budget ‘crises’ and possible defaults have a cost, and the cost ultimately will exceed what even the Treasury Department is warning of.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

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? Here is a link to a video titled Will the USA and other Anglo-nations be Divided and Their People Made Slaves?
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?
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?
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? 2021 or 20xx? There is also a video titled The 6000 Year Plan: Is the end of humanity’s reign almost up?
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2013, 2014, or 2015? 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? Here is a version of the article in the Spanish language: ¿Puede comenzar la Gran Tribulación en 2013 o 2014? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? You can also see the English language video The Great Tribulation Will Not Begin Before 2017.
Who is the King of the West? Why is there no Final End-Time King of the West in Bible Prophecy? Is the United States the King of the West? Here is a version in the Spanish language: ¿Quién es el Rey del Occidente? ¿Por qué no hay un Rey del Occidente en la profecía del tiempo del fin?
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? Here is a link to a video titled: The Future King of the North.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Edition for Second Obama Term 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? What About Republican Leaders? Second Edition for Second Obama Term.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Term-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-Second Term-Amazon Kindle edition.

COGwriter

Notice the following report from a Catholic writer, Carl E. Olson, who is editor of Catholic World Report and Ignatius Insight:

Francis, on occasion, makes comments that are free-floating, appearing out of nowhere and without much sense of where they come from or where they are headed. A prime example of this, for me, is this remark from the second interview:

Vatican II, inspired by Pope Paul VI and John, decided to look to the future with a modern spirit and to be open to modern culture. The Council Fathers knew that being open to modern culture meant religious ecumenism and dialogue with non-believers. But afterwards very little was done in that direction. I have the humility and ambition to want to do something.

Questions crop up immediately: What is “a modern spirit”? And what is “modern culture”, exactly? Can it be assumed that the meanings of those daunting terms are obvious to all, or even a few? Why the apparent assumption that “modern culture” is all good, an assumption that is not, contrary to rumor, exactly in keeping with Vatican II?…how can Francis say that after the Council there was “very little done” in regards to ecumenism and such? I dare say that is almost an insult to Paul VI, John Paul II, and Benedict XVI, who led the Church through remarkable dialogues and contacts with Lutherans, Anglicans, other Protestants, Eastern Orthodox, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, and even secularists. Could more be done? Sure. Have there been problems and missteps? Absolutely. But, “very little”? And then to say, “I have the humility and ambition to want to do something.” To be honest, this is the most troubling comment of all, because it displays either a remarkable lack of knowledge or a stunning bit of hubris that is, well, quite un-papal and un-Francis-like in character…

I know that many readers, like myself, were baffled that Francis did not pursue the central points of the identity and mission of Christ in his exchange with Scalfari. Was his approach wrong? I’m not willing to say that it was. However, I am willing to say that it was confusing and that it was not, in my estimation, a shining example of substantive, truly challenging dialogue with a non-believer. The bottom line, in many ways, is that the Church is not the pope’s to remake or revise or change. (Olsen CE. Pope Francis: The Good, the Baffling, and the Unclear.  October 5, 2013. http://www.catholicworldreport.com/Item/2622/pope_francis_the_good_the_baffling_and_the_unclear.aspx#.UlF5eBDB9tN).

The reality is that Pope Francis does believe that he is to remake, revise, and change the Church of Rome.  Furthermore, the quote attributed to him above clearly suggests that he is not at all satisfied with the lack of ecumenical unity between his church and other groups.  He wants that changed and in a big way.

Notice some statements from my book The Last Pope: Do Biblical and Catholic Prophecies Point to Pope Francis?:

While there is not yet completely firm proof that Pope Francis I is the last pope, and if he does not perform various signs and wonders, the Bible is clear that he certainly would not be (cf. 2 Thessalonians 2:9; Revelation 13:13-16).

The fact that Pope Francis I studied in Germany, has a connection to Italy, is a Jesuit, has economic interests, and has ecumenical tendencies make him a candidate to consider as the final pope…

As far as ecumenical tendencies, the Bible shows that the False Prophet, who supports the Beast of the Sea (Revelation 13:1-10) and final King of the North (Daniel 11:28-45), will be successful in getting people in the world to worship (Revelation 13:4,8) in a different way (cf. Daniel 11:36-38).   Certain Catholic prophecies suggest that this leader will try to suggest that this way is the original catholic faith, which it will not be.  It will likely call itself Catholic.  Yet, according to biblical and Catholic prophecies, he will betray the city of seven hills (Rome).

Since Pope Francis I has not performed the types of signs and wonders that Revelation 13:13-16 requires (to cite one example) it is not clear that he is the last pope.  But, because of the timing of his election and other factors, if he lives long enough, he could be…

Various Catholic prophecies warn that a major “antipope” and major schism is to come.  Since there has not been an antipope since the 15^th century, for numerous reasons these could be interpreted to mean that a 21^st century pope will be an antipope who will implement changes:

 Anne Catherine Emmerick (May 13, 1820): I saw again a new and odd-looking Church which they were trying to build. There was nothing holy about it…THIS IS BABEL…

Anne Catherine Emmerich (October 22, 1822): I saw in Germany among the worldly-wise ecclesiastics, and enlightened Protestants, plans formed for the blending of all religious creeds…

Anne Catherine Emmerich (April, 1823): They built a large, singular, extravagant church which was to embrace all creeds with equal rights: Evangelicals, Catholics, and all denominations, a true communion of the unholy with one shepherd and one flock.  There was to be a Pope, a salaried Pope without possessions…

Melanie Mathieu (19^th century): Rome will lose faith and become the seat of Antichrist…

Priest Paul Kramer (21^st century): The errors of Orthodoxy and of Protestantism will be embraced by that false church, it will be an ecumenical church because the Anti-Pope will be recognized by the world — not by the faithful, but by the world — by the secular world and the secular governments. The Anti-Pope will be recognized as the legitimate Pope of the “church,” and the legitimate head of the Vatican State. That “church” will be united with all the false religions.

Priest Paul Kramer (21^st century): The counterfeit “Catholic” Church — the counter-church, the anti-church — the mystery of the dragon, whose tail swept down a third of the “stars of Heaven,” i.e. one third of the Catholic hierarchy under the leadership of a heretical antipope…

Laurence Ricci, S.J. (died 1775): At a time when the whole world seems doomed, God will intervene. With His aide a valiant duke will arise from the ancient German house which was humiliated by the French monarch. This great ruler will restore stolen Church property. Protestantism will cease and the Turkish empire will end. This duke will be the most powerful monarch on earth. At a gathering of men noted for piety and wisdom he will, with the aid of the Pope, introduce new rules…

D.A. Birch (20^th century):  “The Pope calls an Ecumenical Council which will be viewed as the greatest in the history of the Church. The world is spiritually and materially prosperous as never before and many Jews, Mohammedans, heathens and heretics will enter the Church”…

So, although certain Catholics are looking to a time that an ecumenical pontiff will appear and their faith spread, this will be more dangerous than most realize.

A compromising “ecumenical” bishop or cardinal is expected to be the False Prophet of Revelation.

Could this be Pope Francis I?…

For years I have believed that the last pope would not truly be Catholic. He would be a different type of “antipope” (most antipopes occurred because of disputed elections, but I have suggested that a pontiff who does not hold too many of the core beliefs of the Church of Rome would also seem to fit the definition of an antipope).

Will Pope Francis I end up being that pontiff?…

The lack of realization by many Protestants that the apparently final pontiff will be an ecumenical False Prophet and the final Antichrist will sadly result in many of them joining to support him and the Beast.  Hopefully, this will be only temporary…

According to Catholic prophecy:

• An antipope will arise.
• A pope will hold an ecumenical council that satisfies heretics and results in a more ecumenical religion being accepted.
• The vast majority of Catholics will accept the antipope.
• A pope that performs miracles will arise.
• People around the world will accept the faith that this miracle-performing pope endorses.
• A pope that supports the “Great Monarch/Prince of the North” will arise.
• The Great Monarch, that the pope supports, will eliminate the Anglo-descended nations.
• The “Great Monarch/Prince of the North,” that the pope supports, will eliminate an Islamic confederation.
• A pope will reign with the Great Monarch for around four years.
• The destruction of Rome comes after tribulations that a pope oversees.
• Armies from lands, including Russia and Asia, will gather in Armageddon
• A great judge comes after Rome is destroyed.

According to certain understandings of the Malachy prophecy, Pope Francis I is the last pope and if other Catholic prophecies are correct, those events will happen under his pontificate.

Thus, if all of those are true, Pope Francis I will be an antipope, he will compromise the religion of the Church of Rome, the vast majority of Catholics will accept this modified faith, the tribulation will begin while he is pontiff, Rome will be destroyed towards the end of his pontificate, and a great judge will come.

On the other hand, if the Malachy list is not complete, then we will need to wait for another pontiff/religious leader to fulfill some or all of the above.

Do these Catholic private prophecies have any relationship to biblical prophecy?

According to Bible prophecy:

• A false religious leader will arise.
• This false leader will encourage an ecumenical faith.
• The vast majority of humankind will accept this improper faith.
• A false religious leader will perform signs and lying wonders.
• Nearly all humankind will be deceived by signs and lying wonders.
• The final Antichrist will promote the final “Beast/King of the North” that the Bible warns against.
• The “Beast/King of the North,” that the Antichrist supports will destroy the Anglo-descended nations.
• The “Beast/King of the North,” will destroy an Arabic confederation.
• The Great Tribulation and Day of the Lord last 3 ½ years.
• A few years after the start of the Great Tribulation, Rome will be destroyed.
• Jesus will come after Rome is destroyed.

While the Bible does not clearly teach that Pope Francis I is that religious leader, the timing of the election of Pope Francis I is consistent with the time period for the end of the age and the rise of the final Antichrist.  Although the final reign of Antichrist with the Beast will not start for at least a few years, the Antichrist leader could be in place now.

We are living in the last days, and the last pope will take steps that will lead to the destruction of the world as we know it.

But the good news is that Jesus will return and establish the Kingdom of God—and ultimately there will be a time with no more pain, sorrow, or suffering (Revelation 21:1-4).  Until then, the Bible teaches that we can expect to face many tribulations (cf. Acts 14:22), some of which will be brought about by the last pope, who may or may not be Francis I.  (Thiel B. The Last Pope: Do Biblical and Catholic Prophecies Point to Pope Francis? Nazarene Books, 2013)

The above book has quotes of many, many, biblical and other prophecies to help you see what to look out for to determine if Pope Francis will be the final Antichrist.

Francis may very well be a pope who will call for an ecumenical council.  Essentially, the one I believe that Catholic prophecies refer to  would involve concurrence of at least some of the patriarchs of the Eastern Orthodox church.  Having visited the offices of the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople (Bartholomew), personally speaking with one of his representatives, and reading some of Patriarch Bartholomew’s comments on ecumenical unity (e.g. ), it appears to me that thus far, Pope Francis has already taken certain steps that will enable various Eastern Orthodox and other leaders to decide to attend such a council.

While the Bible does not specify such a council, since it warns of a time of a worldwide religion (Revelation 13:4,8,14-15; 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12; cf. Daniel 11:36-39), it stands to reason that there would be at least some type of meeting of religious leaders of the world to come together to agree.

Francis, whether he is or is not the last pope, remains one to watch.  He is taking steps consistent with being the final pontiff.  Yet, presuming he is not, he continues to set the stage for the last one.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Why Should American Catholics Should Fear Unity with the Orthodox? Are the current ecumenical meetings a good thing or will they result in disaster? Is doctrinal compromise good? Is the plan to adopt some Protestant teachings and eliminate Protestantism?
Orthodox Must Reject Unity with the Roman Catholics Unity between these groups will put them in position to be part of the final end time Babylon that the Bible warns against as well as require improper compromise.
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?
Hope of Salvation: How the Continuing Church of God differ from most Protestants How the real Church of God differs from mainstream/traditional Protestants, is perhaps the question I am asked most by those without a Church of God background.
The Last Pope Do Biblical and Catholic Prophecies Point to Pope Francis? Why might Pope Francis be the last pope? What happens if he is? Biblical and other prophecies help explain what to expect.
The Last Pope: Do Biblical and Catholic Prophecies Point to Pope Francis? Amazon Book What does the Bible say about a pope near this time? Is the final pope to be an antipope and antichrist? Does Catholic prophecy point to Pope Francis as being the dreaded “Peter the Roman”? This 186 page book provides information and answers.
The Last Pope: Do Biblical and Catholic Prophecies Point to Pope Francis? Kindle This electronic version of the printed book which 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 The Last Pope: Do Biblical and Catholic Prophecies Point to Pope Francis? Kindle.
Pope Francis: Could this Marian Focused Pontiff be Fulfilling Prophecy? Pope Francis has taken many steps to turn people more towards his version of ‘Mary.’ Could this be consistent with biblical and Catholic prophecies? This article documents what has been happening. There is also a video version titled Pope Francis: Could this Marian Focused Pontiff be Fulfilling Prophecy?
Could Pope Francis be the Last Pope and Antichrist? According to some interpretations of the prophecies of the popes by the Catholic saint and Bishop Malachy, Pope Francis I is in the position of “Peter the Roman,” the pontiff who reigns during tribulations until around the time of the destruction of Rome. Do biblical prophecies warn of someone that sounds like Peter the Roman? Could Francis I be the heretical antipope of Catholic private prophecies and the final Antichrist of Bible prophecy? This is a YouTube video.
The Malachy Prophecies and “Peter the Roman” An Irish bishop allegedly predicted something about 112 popes in the 12th century. Pope Benedict XVI was number 111. Francis would seem to be number 112–if he is that one–and if so, he is to reign until Rome is destroyed. May he be an antipope/final Antichrist?
Which Is Faithful: The Roman Catholic Church or the Continuing 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 igreja do deus?]