Church of God News

COGwriter

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

17:47 

Could Comet ISON be Wormwood of Bible Prophecy?

Comet ISON (ESA/Hubble Telescope Photo)

Comet ISON is now visible and will likely become its brightest during late November 2013.  It is expected to be visible to the unaided human eye until January 2014.  Is it possible that it is a sign that Jesus is returning on December 25, 2013 or perhaps in 2014 or 2015?  Could instead it be Planet X, also called Planet Nibiru, bringing massive devastation and the loss of all human life in January 2014?  You can know the answers for certain. Dr. Thiel provides the answers from not only scientists and others, but from the Bible itself.

Watch: Could Comet ISON be Wormwood of Bible Prophecy?

Symbol of European “Babylon”

COGwriter

The European Union and USA have been engaged in trade talks for some time, and apparently some progress is being made:

A week of trade talks in Brussels have taken the European Union and the United States a little closer to a deal to liberalise bilateral trade.

EU officials say the trade relationship with the US is already the biggest in the world, worth more than 2bn euros (£1.7bn) a day.

But barriers remain, and removing them could make it even bigger.

If it happens, the agreement would be huge, capable of changing the shape of global trade…

A study for the European Commission estimated the combined gains for Europe and the US at more than 300bn euros a year…

Much of what they are discussing is regulation. Up to 80% of the gains could come from this area.  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-24965053

WASHINGTON, Nov. 15, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The EU and US today concluded the second round of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) negotiations.

Continuing from where they left off in the first round in July, negotiators meeting in Brussels discussed investment rules, trade in services, energy and raw materials, as well as a range of regulatory issues, including regulatory coherence, technical barriers to trade and sectoral approaches.

“We are making good and steady progress across the broad range of issues we need to tackle to make our transatlantic business environment more efficient and effective whilst preserving the protections and rights already in place for consumers,” said EU Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht.

Looking ahead to the third round of talks taking place in Washington, D.C. during the week of December 16, EU Ambassador to the U.S. João Vale de Almeida said: “We are going ahead with our talks full speed. We need to keep up the momentum and keep a strong focus on our goal of creating jobs and growth for Americans and Europeans.”  http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/eu-newsbrief-eu-us-conclude-successful-2nd-ttip-round-232129891.html

This deal could strengthen the economies of the European Union and the USA (for a time), while having the effect of reducing China’s growing influence to some degree.  The agreements affects on international trade regulations is one that I believe may be quite important.

Here is a short news item I reported about this agreement in the past:

U.S.-E.U. pact could redefine global trade standards

Recently, the United States and the EU have embarked on an ambitious new venture with the potential to reshape our relationship and redefine the nature of global commerce. The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) aims to eliminate many remaining barriers to trade between America and the EU, and if structured properly will help to spur a new wave of economic growth on both sides of the Atlantic. http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/foreign-policy/312847-us-eu-pact-could-redefine-global-trade-standards#ixzz2cc4jQJ4t

The Bible tells of a time when a European Beast power will control buying and selling:

16 He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, 17 and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

18 Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666. (Revelation 13:16-18)

The Bible also tells that this will make some in the world wealthy (cf. Revelation 18). But that also suggests that the Europeans will have set a lot of the rules and that is what TTIP seems to be intended to do. Could TTIP be a prelude to Revelation 13:16-18? It seems like it very well may be. Economically, the USA is no longer going to be the head, but the tail (cf. Deuteronomy 28:13,44). This new world order will result in the Europeans being on top (but only for a while).

The USA is relatively soon going to find itself in a position that it is more tied to the EU than its citizens want and this will make things difficult for leaders in the USA to be able to deal with the military threat that is starting to rise up in Europe. This combined with the fact that the USA has basically agreed to release most of its espionage tactics and details to the EU and has basically pledged to do less spying on the EU is putting the USA in a position that it will ultimately be able to be taken over by the EU. The Bible is clear that the nation with the strongest fortresses (strongest military) will be taken over by the final European King of the North.

Here are several translations of the passage that shows that in Daniel 11:39:

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. (NKJV)

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)

For at least two decades, I have believed that a split would happen between the USA and the Europeans partially because of how the Europeans will view how the USA handles/mishandles bilateral trade issues (there are also other factors like USA debt, GMOs, etc.).  The Europeans are still very hurt over USA espionage and I believe they will not ever truly get over it–they will make trade deals, but they will no longer trust the USA as they once did.  Since the USA has basically stated that the continental Europeans are NOT close friends, this will not be lost on the leaders in Europe (see also The Snowden Leaks are Leading to the Destruction of the USA).

As far as loss of USA sovereignty goes, I have long warned that the Europeans will insist on setting a lot of international standards which they already have and this will be a negative for the USA as it is less the nation that leads, but is now becoming more one that follows. Having the USA accept more European standards will also increase the world’s acceptance of European standards. This increase acceptance of European standards is something that very well could come from the current trade talks.  Some courts in the USA have indicated that they are willing to accept international standards, even if they seem to conflict with the Constitution of the USA (see US Justice Department allegedly claiming that international treaties surpass US Constitution).

In general, trade agreements benefit both parties involved. Yet as I warned about the current trade talks in the past, ultimately, the deal with the EU will not be good for the United States of America nor the British (nor their Anglo-allies like Canada, Australia, or New Zealand).

I suspect that there will a few areas of major disagreement that will happen in such a trade deal, and that to hide their disappointment, some representing end-time Europe will declare that all is basically fine before they end up taking over the USA, which is prophesied in such scriptures as Daniel 11:39, 8:24-25, etc. The results are more than the loss of normal sovereignty–the USA will be no more.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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.
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? What is ahead for Europe?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, 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?
The Snowden Leaks are Leading to the Destruction of the USA Can what happened with the leaks of what the NSA has done help the USA to be taken over? What does the Bible teach that seems to be related to this? Here is a related YouTube video titled Are the Snowden NSA leaks leading to the destruction of the USA?
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.
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.
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?
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.
Prophecies of Barack Obama? Reasons why Barack Obama is apocalyptic and reasons why Barack Obama is not the Antichrist. This article includes many biblical and non-biblical prophecies, from around the world, that seem to discuss Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist?  Might Barack Obama set the stage for the kings of the North and South as at least one Shiite prophecy suggests?  Read it and decide for yourself if President Obama seems to be fulfilling various prophecies.

Muslim Brotherhood

COGwriter

The situation in Egypt is still tense.  The supporters of the military coup that ousted President Morsi  (who was part of the Muslim Brotherhood) are working on their version of another constitution supporter and the Muslim Brotherhood wants to talk:

November 16, 2013

Cairo, Asharq Al-Awsat—The final version of Egypt’s new draft constitution will be confirmed in a vote taken by the drafting committee and set to begin on November 24, sources in the 50-member constitutional committee told Asharq Al-Awsat.

A member of the 50-member constitution-drafting committee speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat on the condition of anonymity said, “The committee has completed 90 percent of the constitution’s articles,” adding that the final vote on the draft constitution could take place over three or four sessions…

Once the 50-member committee has voted on the final draft of the constitution, it will be confirmed or rejected by the Egyptian people in a national referendum expected to take place in late December or early January.

For his part, head of the International Union of Muslim Scholars, Sheikh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi, called on Egyptians to preserve the 2012 constitution, adding that the 50-member constitution committee tasked with amending the Islamist-drafted 2012 constitution is removing all of its “great” articles.

Speaking during a Friday sermon in Qatar, Qaradawi said: “They want to get rid of all the great articles contained in the 2012 constitution . . . things that promote morals, religion and patriotism.”

“The Egyptian people must preserve their constitution, president, and democratic regime,” Qaradawi added in reference to deposed Islamist president Mohamed Mursi. http://www.aawsat.net/2013/11/article55322535

Egypt Prepares 4th Constitution Since 2010

Egypt is rewriting its constitution, with a small group appointed by the military-backed government overhauling the previous, Islamist driven charter.  http://www.voanews.com/media/video/1790837.html

November 16, 2013

Cairo: An Islamist coalition led by the Muslim Brotherhood on Saturday offered negotiations to end the deadly tumult since Egyptian president Mohammad Mursi’s overthrow, without explicitly insisting on his reinstatement.

The coalition “calls on all revolutionary forces and political parties and patriotic figures to enter a deep dialogue on exiting the current crisis,” it said in a statement.

The coalition, which has organised weekly protests despite a harsh police crackdown, insisted on keeping up “peaceful opposition” but said it wanted a “consensus for the public good of the country.”

It proposed conditions to enter the dialogue, including the release of Islamist prisoners and the reopening of Islamist TV channels shut down after Mursi’s July 3 overthrow by the military.  http://gulfnews.com/news/region/egypt/brotherhood-offers-talks-to-exit-crisis-1.1255777

Egypt will not continue the way the more secular government hopes. The situation in Egypt is more tense than most realize.

On July 3, 2013, the military removed the elected president of Egypt, Dr. Morsi (also spelled Mursi in English).  On September 23, 2013, an Egyptian court outlawed the Muslim Brotherhood (Egyptian court bans Muslim Brotherhood!).

So in July and since, the Muslim Brotherhood has called for protests. The military-backed government decided to not tolerate certain protests and helped kill and/or injure thousands of people, as well as arrest many associated with the Muslim Brotherhood. Now, like it has been for much of its history, the Muslim Brotherhood has been banned.  Dr. Morsi recently referred to his removal as treason (Egypt’s Morsi calls his removal treason).

Notice a translation of what some in the Muslim Brotherhood say they want:

…the Islamic Ummah [nation] can regain its power and be liberated and assume its rightful position which was intended by Allah, as the most exalted nation among men, as the leaders of humanity…

He [Hassan al-Banna] felt the grave danger overshadowing the Muslims and the urgent need and obligation which Islam places on every Muslim, man and woman, to act in order to restore the Islamic Caliphate and to reestablish the Islamic State on strong foundations and to liberate the Muslims and defend them from any attack, and to spread the Da’wa (Islamic missionary activity) of Islam in the world and to establish this great religion, which Allah wanted for his servants…

Some think that Shahada (Martyrdom) causes loss and damages the [Muslim Brotherhood] Society, since it has lost influential people in action and Jihad. This is wrong, since the fall of the Shahid (Martyr) for the sake of Da’wa (Islamic missionary activity) is [seen as] provisions and fuel for the [next] generations, and as a symbol of self sacrifice in the way of the Da’wa until realization of the goals which the [Muslim Brotherhood] Society was established for, that is, establishing the State of Islam, headed by the Islamic Caliphate, in order to establish Allah religion on Allah’s land…(Source: The Muslim Brotherhood – in its own words Translation of “Jihad is the way” by Mustafa Mashhur Leader of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, 1996-2002 by Itamar Marcus and Nan Jacques Zilberdik.  http://www.palwatch.org/STORAGE/special%20reports/Jihad_is_the_way_by_Mustafa_Mashhur.pdf viewed 04/30/11)

The goal of the Muslim Brotherhood is a confederation of states in North Africa and the Middle East with a leader, sometimes called a Caliph and sometimes the Imam Mahdi.  Caliph is a shortened version of the expression “Khalifah rasul Allah” meaning “Successor to the Messenger of God.” To bring enough Arab nations together, I have felt that some type of “strongman” needed to rise up.  One who Arabs would tend to respect.  The title Caliph has been given to the head of state in Muslim-governed countries in the past.

What will biblically happen to Egypt?

The Bible shows that Egypt will end up in some type of end type confederation, there will be a leader of it, and that others will support this confederation:

40 At the time of the end the king of the South shall attack him; and the king of the North shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter the countries, overwhelm them, and pass through. 41 He shall also enter the Glorious Land, and many countries shall be overthrown; but these shall escape from his hand: Edom, Moab, and the prominent people of Ammon. 42 He shall stretch out his hand against the countries, and the land of Egypt shall not escape. (Daniel 11:40-42).

1 The word of the LORD came to me: 2 “Son of man, prophesy and say: ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says:

“‘Wail and say, “Alas for that day!” 3 For the day is near, the day of the LORD is near- a day of clouds, a time of doom for the nations. 4 A sword will come against Egypt, and anguish will come upon Cush. When the slain fall in Egypt, her wealth will be carried away and her foundations torn down.

5 Cush and Put, Lydia and all Arabia, Libya and the people of the covenant land will fall by the sword along with Egypt.

6 “‘This is what the LORD says:

“‘The allies of Egypt will fall and her proud strength will fail. From Migdol to Aswan they will fall by the sword within her, declares the Sovereign LORD. 7 “‘They will be desolate among desolate lands, and their cities will lie among ruined cities. 8 Then they will know that I am the LORD, when I set fire to Egypt and all her helpers are crushed.

9 “‘On that day messengers will go out from me in ships to frighten Cush out of her complacency. Anguish will take hold of them on the day of Egypt’s doom, for it is sure to come (Ezekiel 30:1-9, NIV).

Thus, a confederation will form, Egypt will be part of it, it will be destroyed, and many of the nations that enter into a confederation with Egypt will suffer. Egypt will have involvement with the biblical King of the South.

So, while some in Egypt apparently hope that another constitution may prevent an Islamic confederation from happening, biblically, the lands in North Africa and the Middle East that are currently dominated by Islam will get together.  Despite supporters of the military coup against Egypt’s elected (and currently jailed) President Morsi, it will come to pass (Daniel 11:40-43; Ezekiel 30:1-9).

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Egypt in Prophecy Does Egypt have a special role in end time prophecy? Will Egypt rise up and then be defeated. What does God teach will happen to those in Egypt? Here is a link to a YouTube video titled Egypt and End Time Prophecy.
The Future King of the South is Rising Does the Bible teach that there will be a future King of the South in Daniel 11? Is this kingdom rising up now? Did the old Worldwide Church of God (WCG) teach that there would be another one? And who is the King of the South? How will this involve Egypt? Is the final King of the South some type of Arab-Muslim confederation? Can Iran be involved? Is there a group that seems to be supporting the goals of the King of the South? Has the Obama Administration supported the rise of this power? This sermon video answers those questions.
The Muslim Brotherhood and the Rise of the King of the South The Bible tells of the formation of a power of nations that are in the Middle East and North Africa that are part of the final “King of the South” (Daniel 11:40-43) The Muslim Brotherhood wishes to have an Islamic empire with basically the same nations. This YouTube video explains what to expect from such a confederation.
Is There A Future King of the South? Some no longer believe there needs to be. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? Might this King be called the Mahdi? What does the Bible say?
The Arab and Islamic World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam? What about the Imam Mahdi? What lies ahead for Turkey, Iran, and the other non-Arabic Muslims?
What Should You Know About Turkey in Prophecy Do you know the Turkish people descended from? Did the Ottoman Empire possibly fulfill a promise in Genesis? Will Turkey support the European King of the North or Arabic King of the South? Will it betray one of them? Will Turkey be involved in the encouraging the destruction of Israel? Is Turkey going to become Catholic? Is Turkey mentioned in Psalm 83, Daniel 11, and elsewhere in the Bible? This video provides answers.
Damascus and Syria in Prophecy Will Bashar Assad hold power as he has it? Does the Bible show that Damascus, the capital of Syria, will be destroyed? What will happen to Syria? Will the Syrians support the final King of the South that the Bible tells will rise up? Which scriptures discuss the rise and fall of an Arabic confederation? Does Islamic prophecy predict the destruction of Syria. This is a YouTube video.
Is There an Islamic Antichrist? Is Joel Richardson correct that the final Antichrist will be Islamic and not European? Find out.
Barack Obama in Islamic Prophecy? There is actually a 17th century Shiite prophecy that some believe that Barack Obama will fulfill that will lead to a rising up of Islam.
Arabic Nazarenes May Have Kept Original Christian Practices Were their faithful Arabs who held to original Christianity?
Nazarene Christianity: Were the Original Christians Nazarenes? Should Christians be Nazarenes today? What were the practices of the Nazarenes.

The Continuing Church of God is pleased to announce its latest suggested sermon, Universal Offer of Salvation: God is love, which is at its ContinuingCOG channel.

1:12:03

Universal Offer of Salvation: God is love.

Is God’s plan of salvation fair? Will God offer salvation to everyone? Does the Bible really teach that there will be a universal offer of salvation? Do hundreds of scriptures back this up? What are the ramifications of John 3:17? and Luke 3:6? This is the first part of an intended multi-part sermon series.

Here is another link to the sermon: Universal Offer of Salvation: God is love.

Some items of possibly related interest may include the following:

Universal Offer of Salvation: There Are Hundreds of Verses in the Bible Supporting the Doctrine of True Apocatastasis Do you believe what the Bible actually teaches on this? Will all good things be restored? Will God call everyone? Will everyone have an opportunity for salvation? Does God’s plan of salvation take rebellion and spiritual blindness into account? A related video is Universal Offer of Salvation: God is love.
Did the Early Church Teach Purgatory? Is there a place called purgatory? Does God have a plan to help those who did not become saints in this life?
What is Limbo? Is There Such a Place as Limbo? What Happens to Babies When They Die? When did Limbo start being taught? What is the truth about dead babies?
COGwriter Position on Other Churches and Religions What is the fate of those who do not know Christ? What about those who profess Christ outside the Church of God?
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.
Bible News Prophecy channel. Dr. Thiel has produced several YouTube videos for the BibleNewsProphecy channel.
ContinuingCOG channel. Dr. Thiel has produced YouTube video sermons for this channel. Note: Since these are sermon-length, they can take a little longer to load than other YouTube videos.

COGwriter

A new depiction of the biblical flood made the news:

November 15, 2013 – CINEMA – The first official trailer for “Noah,” Daren Aronofsky’s much talked about follow-up to 2010’s “Black Swan,” hit the Internet Thursday. The latest adaptation of the Book of Genesis narrative stars a grizzly-bearded Russell Crowe as the titular hero, and also features Jennifer Connelly, Emma Watson, Anthony Hopkins and Ray Winstone. With the exception of a leaked trailer that circulated online late last month, the clip is the first real look at the director’s grandiose take on the biblical epic. Despite the release of the trailer, there are reports that the director and Paramount are currently at war over the final cut of the film after test audiences reacted poorly to the movie in New York, Los Angeles and Orange County, Calif. “Noah” is expected to be released on March 28, 2014. http://nypost.com/2013/11/14/darren-aronofskys-action-packed-trailer-for-noah-debuts/

The Bible shows that that particular flood ended nearly all life of the earth:

21 And all flesh died that moved on the earth: birds and cattle and beasts and every creeping thing that creeps on the earth, and every man. 22 All in whose nostrils was the breath of the spirit of life, all that was on the dry land, died. 23 So He destroyed all living things which were on the face of the ground: both man and cattle, creeping thing and bird of the air. They were destroyed from the earth. Only Noah and those who were with him in the ark remained alive. (Genesis 7:21-24)

As far as the things associated with Noah and the flood go, a concern that I have had for many years is that if at least part of the original ark that Noah built was found that this would be used to help not only persuade much of the world of the validity of the Genesis flood account (which is a good thing), but that it would also be used as a tool to recruit people to support the religion of the Beast of Revelation 13:1-8.

Both biblical (e.g. Revelation 13:4,8) and non-biblical prophecy warn of a time when an ecumenical religion will take over much of the world. If the biblical flood is ever truly accepted as having happened, this will likely represent part of a major turning point in getting more of humanity to accept a coming world religion that claims to be Christian.  The movie Noah may get more interest in the ark and finding it.  Since many cultures have a tale of the flood (see 300 Versions of the Flood), this will make the coming ecumenical religion acceptable even to certain cultures that do not normally refer to the Bible for their beliefs.

Jesus warned that the end times would be like the time  PRIOR to the flood of Noah’s time:

36 “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.  37 But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.  38 For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark,  39 and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.  40 Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left.  41 Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left.  42 Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.  43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into.  44 Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.  (Matthew 24:36-44)

While many are excited about the upcoming movie Noah, others are concerned that between now and shortly after Noah is released, there will be various signs in the heavens portending the return of Jesus Christ and/or doom and destruction like the time of Noah’s flood.  Specifically, some are pointing to the recently visible (to the unaided human eye) Comet ISON for that between now and the end of January 2014 (Could Comet ISON be Wormwood of Bible Prophecy?), while others are pointing to the expected appearance of blood moons between April 15, 2014 and September 28, 2015 (Blood Moons and Prophecy).  But those views differ from what the Bible teaches.

Of course, those who truly understand and rely on the Bible “have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place” (2 Peter 1:19, KJV). And we in the Continuing Church of God have the sure word because we believe what the Bible teaches and not opinions of humans that do not agree with the Bible.

We know the great flood happened.  We also know that while Jesus will return and the great tribulation will begin, neither of those will be prior to 2017–see also Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End?  (that article also has information on the approximate date of the biblical flood that Noah was saved from).

Between Comet ISON, the movie Noah, and blood moons, various ones will wonder about the Bible and its prophecies.

Some items of potentially related interest may include:

Have the Turks and Chinese Just Found Noah’s Ark? Some have so claimed. If true, this could change how much of the world views events from the Bible.
The Bible: Fact or Fiction? This is a booklet written by Douglas Winnail that answers if the Bible is just a collection of myths and legends or the inspired word of God.
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.
Blood Moons and Prophecy There are four ‘blood moons’ expected in 2014 and 2015. Do they signal the Day of the Lord or the return of Jesus Christ? A related YouTube video is also available: Blood Moons, Prophecy, 2014, and 2015.
Wormwood and Planet Nibiru Is Comet ISON really Planet X? Will the Earth be devastated by this in 2014? Here is a related YouTube video Could Comet ISON be Wormwood of Bible Prophecy?

COGwriter

The threat of dollar value collapse because of increasing US debt is being used to justify a bill submitted to the legislature in Russia to ban many US dollar transactions:

November 15, 2013 – MOSCOW – To protect Russians against the “collapsing US debt pyramid”, a Russian legislator has filed a draft bill to ban circulation of the currency in Russia. Once a Moscow mayoral hopeful, Mikhail Degtyarev, 32, likens the US dollar to a worldwide ponzi scheme which he says is scheduled to end in 2017. “If US national debt continues to grow at its current rate, the dollar system will collapse in 2017,” the submitted draft legislation says. “In light of this, the fact that confidence in the US dollar is growing among Russian citizens is extremely dangerous,”  Degtyarev wrote in his explanatory note attached to the bill. The bill would impose a ban on dollars within a year of its passage, and any private citizen holding accounts in dollars would either need to spend the money or convert it to another currency.  There is no proposed ban on the euro, British pound, yen, or yuan. If one doesn’t exchange or transfer dollars within a year, the dollars will be seized by officials, and reimbursed in rubles within 30 calendar days. Under the proposed legislation, Russians would still be able to use dollars abroad and have foreign bank accounts, as well as buy goods on the Internet in dollars. The Russian government, Central Bank, Foreign Ministry, Federal Treasury, Federal Security Service, and other state branches would be exempt from the law.  http://rt.com/business/russian-lawmaker-dollar-ban-663/

Various leaders in Russia have pushed for the end of the US dollar as the world’s reserve currency.   As far as 2017 goes, we put together a video sermon a few months ago titled The Great Tribulation Will Not Begin Before 2017.  So, though I do not believe a total collapse of the USA dollar can happen before 2017, 2017 is a possible (not yet certain) year as details are presented in that sermon as to why.

While I do not believe that Russia is currently in a position to ban all US dollar holdings and transactions (and the proposal seems to recognize that), even introducing this proposal may send a signal to other governments to consider the truth about the USA dollar.

Which is?

The USA has been unable to function for the entire 21st century without increasing its debt each year.  The federal government of the USA spends significantly more than it takes in.  The USA imports more than it exports.  On top of all of that, the US Federal Reserve just prints up an extra USD$85 billion per month, in a program called ‘quantitative easing’ (which is essentially a ‘legal’ form of counterfeiting).  And its designated new chairman has said that she will continue to do so after she is is (see Fed’s Yellen again signals her commitment to inflating US currency).

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.  And the legislator in Russia is not the only one who has noticed this.

The Bible itself is clear that the time will come when foreign creditors will rise up against a highly indebted nation in the end times:

3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry…5 Indeed, because he transgresses by wine, He is a proud man… 6 “Will not all these take up a proverb against him, And a taunting riddle against him, and say, ‘Woe to him who increases What is not his–how long? And to him who loads himself with many pledges’? 7 Will not your creditors rise up suddenly? Will they not awaken who oppress you? And you will become their booty. 8 Because you have plundered many nations, All the remnant of the people shall plunder you. Because of men’s blood And the violence of the land and the city, And of all who dwell in it. (Habakkuk 2:3,5,6-8).

The above prophecy will be fulfilled at the time of the end (cf. “The message was true, but the appointed time was long…in the latter days, for the vision refers to many days yet to come,” Daniel 10:1,14). Daniel 8:19, 11:27,29,35 use same the Hebrew term for “appointed time” as Habakkuk 2:3, while Daniel 10, using a different term, ties the latter days to the time in Daniel 8:19. Habakkuk 2 was not fulfilled in its entirety anciently. Also, it makes little sense that Habakkuk would be directed towards the modern nation of Israel as it does not have enemy creditors. It must be a nation or group of nations with some prominence at the appointed time of the end. As far as “violence of the land” as a contributing factor, this would seem to include crime, military missions, and perhaps riots/civil unrest, but might it also include promotion of violent sports?

The USA is the most indebted nation in the history of humankind, Habbakuk 2:6-8 will be fulfilled, and the USA will be destroyed.

Various sins and increasing debt are weakening the USA in many ways, including militarily.

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.

Various ones see what some of what is going on with the economic position of the USA.  Do you?

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.
Russia: Its Origins and Prophesied Future 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?
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?
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.

Coronaviruses

COGwriter

Researchers in Taiwan are telling the world to try to prepare for “unpredictable pandemics”:

The world needs to be prepared for “unpredictable pandemics” from viruses making the leap from animals to people, scientists in Taiwan say…

The report, by the Centres for Disease Control in Taiwan, said: “The occurrence of a human case of H6N1 infection shows the unpredictability of influenza viruses.

“Our report highlights the need for influenza pandemic preparedness , including intensive surveillance for ever evolving avian influenza viruses.”

Prof Wendy Barclay, from Imperial College London, said these infections may have happened in the past but improved technology had meant this one had been discovered.  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-24926835

Of course, it is difficult to fully prepare for the unpredictable.  Nevertheless, there are real viral risks to humans.

The SARs virus originally passed from birds to humans. Having similar viruses that can pass from human to human, and possibly also from birds, makes it dangerous.  Coronaviruses also fall in that category (see Coronavirus: A new risk for humans?).

Parts of the food supply in the USA and Canada are at risk to stink bugs:

AURORA, OREGON — A smelly invasive bug continues to spread across the United States, alarming both farmers and scientists.

The name of this insect is a mouthful: the brown marmorated stink bug. Native to East Asia, the insect is causing crop losses from coast to coast in America.  Researchers are working on control measures, but some of those come with their own worries…

Here’s why this bug invasion raises alarms. A stink bug can transmit that flavor into berries and fruit when it feeds. It can hide in wine grape clusters and then taint the juice when the grapes are crushed.

Early season attacks cause berries and nuts to shrivel. Stink bug bites leave blemishes on vegetables. U.S. Department of Agriculture research entomologist Tracy Leskey, who works on fruit trees in West Virginia, says the greatest crop damage has been reported in the mid-Atlantic region.

“Left untreated it would be a substantial loss,” Leskey said. “In places where we are not controlling the insect for experimental purposes, we easily see 100 percent injury in those fruit.”

North America has more than 200 native stink bug species, but farmers don’t worry about most of them. They are focused on the more voracious variety that comes from East Asia.  Scientists first detected it in the United States in Pennsylvania, in the late 1990’s.

Vaughn Walton says the invasive species has multiplied and spread in all directions from there. “They are really good hitchhikers. They move on cars, on cargo, on trains and stuff like that.”

The Asian stink bug has now been detected in 40 U.S. states and several Canadian provinces. http://www.voanews.com/content/spread-of-asian-stink-bug-threatens-us-crops/1789349.html 

The Bible warns of food shortages and pestilences. Jesus taught:

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

We seem to be in the time Jesus called “the beginning of sorrows.” There have been “earthquakes in various places” this past year.

Notice also the following end time prophecies:

12 One-third of you shall die of the pestilence, and be consumed with famine in your midst; and one-third shall fall by the sword all around you; and I will scatter another third to all the winds, and I will draw out a sword after them. (Ezekiel 5:12)

⁷ When He opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, “Come and see.” ⁸ So I looked, and behold, a pale horse. And the name of him who sat on it was Death, and Hades followed with him. And power was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword, with hunger, with death, and by the beasts of the earth. (Revelation 6:7-8)

Many believe that infectious diseases and possibly bugs are part of the “beasts of the earth” that are prophesied to kill a significant portion of humankind in Revelation 6:7-8, especially in the light of what Jesus taught in Matthew 24:7-8 and what is also recorded in Ezekiel 5:12 and other scriptures.

Notice the following by George Ritter:

Epidemics Of The Future

The world has yet to see the last of widespread disease epidemics. That, in effect, was what Jesus Christ told His disciples in the pivotal Olivet prophecy recorded in Matthew 24 and Luke 21.
Right along with wars and famine came pestilence: “For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places” (Matt. 24:7). These were some of the prophetic signs that Christ listed in answering the question, “What shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world [age]?” (Verse 3.)
Granted, pestilence, famine and war have been ongoing problems that have plagued mankind ever since the dawn of history. But the main thrust of Christ’s message is futuristic. The overall context of the Olivet prophecy readily attests to this fact. In verses 21 and 22 of Matthew 24, Christ referred to a time when the total annihilation of human life would be a distinct possibility. Only with the recent development of multiple-megaton nuclear weaponry could such an event have become a reality.
The book of Revelation also underscores the fact that such tumultuous times are yet in store for the future. John’s apocalyptic scenario centers around the events surrounding the Day of the Lord (Rev.1:10). In the sixth chapter we see war, famine and pestilence (the last three of the four horsemen of John’s vision) riding together at this critical juncture in world history.

The Pale Horseman Rides

With both the black horse of famine and the red horse of war riding roughshod over the earth, it is only natural for the pale horse of pestilence to follow hard on their heels. Ezekiel also described the devastating effect this deadly triad can have: “A third part of thee shall die with the pestilence, and with famine shall they be consumed in the midst of thee: and a third part shall fall by the sword round about thee; and I will scatter a third part in to all the winds, and I will draw out a sword after them” (Ezek. 5:12).
Parallel prophecies found in the Old Testament clearly indicate why man will continue to suffer from the ravages of disease. Notice this cause-and­effect relationship as outlined in the 28th chapter of Deuteronomy: “But if you will not obey the voice of the Lord your God,” warns man’s Creator, “the Lord will make the pestilence cling to you until He has consumed you from off the land, which you go to possess. The Lord will smite you with consumption [wasting, degenerative disease], with fever and inflammation [possibly infectious contagions)…. and the tumors, the scurvy [deficiency disease] and the itch, of which you cannot be healed. The Lord will smite you with madness [mental disorders] and blind-ness and dismay of heart [emotional trauma]” (verses 15, 21-22, 27-28, The Amplified Bible).
Misgovernment, greed and oppression over the course of nearly 6000 years of history have saddled the human race with the unwanted burden of disease. For instance, man’s proclivity to crowd into disease — prone cities is indicative of this problem. And it is interesting to note that Bible prophecy seems to indicate that this crowd-at­all-costs policy will eventually backfire on the human race. Notice Leviticus 26:25: “… And when ye are gathered together within your cities, I will send the pestilence among you… .” Also Ezekiel 7:15: “The sword is without, and the pestilence and the famine within: he that is in the field shall die with the sword; and he that is in the city, famine and pestilence shall devour him.”

“Novel” diseases and/or strains of diseases are happening and may be related to the pestilences that are prophesied to come.  Human engineered crops (GMOs) are also at a great risk of being destroyed by various pests–and more so than many non-engineered foods.

Remember that Jesus said:

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

Three articles of related interest may include:

Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2013 or 2014? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What happens in the “beginning of sorrows”? What is the Day of the Lord?
Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse What do each of the four horseman of the Apocalypse represent? Have they began their ride? Did Jesus discuss the any of this? Might their rides coincide with the “beginning of sorrows? Do they start their ride prior to the Great Tribulation? Did Nostradamus or any other ‘private prophets’ write predictions that may mislead people so that they may not understand the truth of one or more of the four horseman? There is also a related YouTube video titled The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.
Fourth Horseman of the Apocalypse What is the pale horse of death and pestilences? What will it bring and when? Spanish: El cuarto jinete de Apocalipsis, el caballo pálido de muerte y pestilencia.
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.

COGwriter

There is some good news to report, Canadian authorities have made hundreds of arrests involving breaking up a child pornography ring:

November 14, 2013

Police in Canada say 348 people have been arrested and nearly 400 children rescued during a three-year investigation into child pornography.

At the centre of the inquiry was a Toronto-based firm that allegedly sold DVDs and streamed videos of naked children.

Azov Films marketed the footage as “naturist” and claimed it was legal in Canada and the US.

The films were distributed in 94 countries, police said.

In Canada 108 arrests were made, with another 76 in the US and 164 in other countries during the investigation codenamed Project Spade.  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-24944358

Child pornography is wrong and everyone should know that.  My hat’s off to the Canadian authorities for making some progress into this horrible ‘industry.’

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?
British and American Moral Decay Public nudity is becoming more prevalent in the Anglo-lands. What are some of the consequences?
Love, Marriage, and Sex It is important to get them in the right order.
Canada in Prophecy: What Does Bible Prophecy, Catholic Prophecy, and other Predictions Suggest About the Future of Canada? There are prophecies that suggest involvement with Canada. And many are not positive about its future.
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
The Ten Commandments Reflect Love, Breaking them is Evil Some feel that the ten commandments are a burden. Is that what Jesus, Paul, Peter, James, and John taught?

COGwriter

It has taken a little over a century, but the USA FDA has finally decided that trans-fatty acids are not safe:

November 14, 2013

Diabetes kills one person every six seconds and afflicts 382 million people worldwide, according to the International Diabetes Federation…

The number of diabetes cases has climbed 4.4 percent over the past two years and is more than 5 percent of the world’s population, according to new figures the Brussels-based federation released today. The number of people affected by the disease is expected to climb 55 percent to 592 million by 2035 as factors including poor diet, a more sedentary lifestyle, increases in obesity and life expectancy fuel an epidemic, it said…

The spread of the disease has increased faster than the world’s population, which exceeds 7 billion and has increased 2.2 percent in two years, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates.   http://www.businessweek.com/news/2013-11-14/diabetes-kills-one-person-every-six-seconds-new-estimates-show

When our family visited Malaysia in 1996, I was shocked at how much junk food was sold and consumed there.  This observation confirmed that excessive consumption of junk food was not limited to Western societies.  The increased availability and consumption of highly processed carbohydrates is a major factor in the increased incidence of diabetes.  The use of synthetic vitamins and ground up rocks known as mineral salts is generally ineffective in reversing diabetes.

But real foods and real food nutrients can do so.  Sometime in the 1990s, a study involving Australian Aborigines concluded that foregoing the Western diet and lifestyle reversed/cured diabetes for those who did that.  Part of it is exercise and part of it is diet-related.

Some have claimed that artificial sweeteners reduce the risks of diabetes, but others disagree:

The AHA and American Diabetes Association said in July 2012 that artificial or non-nutritive sweeteners could be a good option to help people reduce calories and added sugars from their diets. In turn, you may even lose some pounds with these kinds of sweeteners — as long as you weren’t making up for it later in the day by eating more sweets, which some studies have showed.

However, an opinion article published on July 10 in Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism reveals that artificial sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose and saccharin may not be as good for you as you might have thought.

“It is not uncommon for people to be given messages that artificially-sweetened products are healthy, will help them lose weight or will help prevent weight gain,” author Susan E. Swithers, a professor of behavioral neuroscience at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind., said in a press release. “The data to support those claims are not very strong, and although it seems like common sense that diet sodas would not be as problematic as regular sodas, common sense is not always right.”…

The study, which reviewed recent research papers, revealed that artificial sweeteners were linked to an increased risk of obesity, Type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. Just drinking one diet a drink a day was enough to create a significantly heightened chance of developing one of these disorders, the researchers found.

Artificial sweeteners were also shown to activate different patterns in the brain’s pleasure centers that normally correspond to sweet tastes. This may mean that these products do not satisfy our sweet tooth as much as natural sugar. One study found non-caloric sweeteners made animals eat increased amounts of calorie-rich sweet tasting food. In the end, the animals exposed to artificial sweeteners gained more weight.

Other evidence showed that consuming artificial sweeteners often leads to weight gain. The authors believed the artificial products confused the body’s ability to regulate calories based on tasting something sweet.

Another study revealed a link between diet soda drinking and weight gain over time. For each diet drink the subjects consumed per day, they were 65 percent more likely to become overweight during the next seven to eight years.  http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-204_162-57593133/artificial-sweeteners-could-lead-to-obesity-diabetes/

It may be of interest to note that the amount of people with diabetes has increased right along with the increased consumption of artificial sweeteners.

The Bible itself warns about eating things that are not really food:

2 Why do you spend money for what is not bread,
And your wages for what does not satisfy?
Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good (Isaiah 55:2).

Refined processed “breads,” artificial sweeteners, chemical additives, and some other items commonly associated with junk foods and hydrogenated fats would seem to be consistent with that warning.  The report that someone dies every 6 seconds from diabetes hopefully will give people pause from eating so much that they should not.

People should try to eat real, not artificial, foods.

Some items 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 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? This is a sermonette-length YouTubevideo.
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.
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?

Viktor Yanukovich

COGwriter

Russia is concerned about Ukrainian moves towards the European Union:

November 14, 2013

MOSCOW — President Putin’s advisor on economic integration warns Ukraine a move to the European Union would be “economic suicide.”A close friend of Russia’s president floods Ukraine’s capital with billboards warning EU association is a ticket to gay marriage.

From steel to chocolates, Ukrainian products are held up at the border with Russia, Ukraine’s largest trading partner.

The Kremlin has woken up to the fact that Ukraine, seen for centuries as a cradle of Russian culture and religion, may be on the verge of taking a decisive step out of Moscow’s orbit.

At stake in this increasingly tense East-West tug-of-war, is a nation the size of France with 46 million people, nearly one third the population of Russia.

Maxim Trudolyubov, editorial page editor of Moscow’s Vedemosti newspaper, warns the Kremlin will take reprisals if Ukraine signs an agreement of association with the European Union at a November 28-29 summit meeting in Vilnius, Lithuania.

“On the face of it, it looks like the Kremlin will be very tough on Ukraine, and they can do a lot of things, they can do terrible things,” said Trudolyubov, whose newspaper is politically independent.  “But, on the other hand, from the long perspective, of course, it is not in the Kremlin’s interest to harm Ukraine in any serious way.”

At the Vilnius meeting, four former Soviet republics were expected to sign or initial agreements with the European Union. One, Armenia, folded in face of heavy Russian pressure.  It agreed to join the Eurasian Economic Union, the rival trade group administered by Moscow.

The other three – Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia – are on track, for now.

The big prize

The big prize is Ukraine, the second most populous former Soviet republic, after Russia.

Pro-Kremlin analysts charge that “Polish imperialism” is pushing the European Union to admit Ukraine.  They charge Washington is using the European Union to drive a wedge between Russia and its historic Slavic brother, Ukraine.

Sergei Mikhailov, an analyst at the Russian Institute of Strategic Studies, warns the European Union is too broke to give Ukraine and Moldova the kind of infrastructure support doled out in earlier expansions.

“Bulgaria and Romania are two countries that show the risks,” he said here.

Russia’s pressure is taking its toll.  Ukraine’s parliament has missed three deadlines to pass laws required by the European Union.  The fight is expected to go right down to the wire, the day the meeting opens in Lithuania.

Strong popular support

But public opinion and Ukraine’s political calendar may be on the side of Ukraine choosing Europe.

In a poll last month, 45 percent of Ukrainians favored the association agreement with the European Union.  This is three times greater than the 14 percent who wanted to join the Moscow-led economic bloc.

Dmitri Trenin, director of the Moscow Carnegie Center, sees Ukraine and Moldova’s move to integrate with Europe as a natural, positive evolution.

“This will be an important stimulus to the modernization, not just of their economies, or political and legal systems, but also of societies,” he said in Moscow.  “So I see it as hugely important and, on balance, very positive.”

In 16 months, Ukrainians vote for president.  With polls indicating growing popular support for joining Europe, analysts say President Viktor Yanukovych will win reelection only if he signs the European accession agreement.

Indeed, Yanukovych seems to be preparing alternatives to weather economic blasts from Russia.  This year, China is to become Ukraine’s second largest trading partner.

Last week, Ukraine suspended imports of Russian gas until the end of this year.  This is possible because of warm weather, an expanded gas storage system, and pipeline changes that allow Ukraine to import gas from Europe.

In Moscow, Sergei Mikhailov compares the tension between Russia and Ukraine to the tension between two candidates in days before a close election.  He says much of the tension is psychological.  If a deal is signed in Lithuania, Russia and Ukraine will adjust to the new reality.

Vygaudas Usackas is a Lithuanian living in Moscow.  He is the E.U. ambassador here and says the deal could benefit Russia: “It will also have, I hope, a strong impact towards Russia, which is the most immediate and closest neighbor of Ukraine, benefiting from that pathway towards European values, governance, accountability and economic diversity of the systems we all embrace.”

The coming days will tell: whether Ukraine stays East, or goes West.  http://www.voanews.com/content/will-ukraine-go-west-or-stay-east/1790305.html

In the past, Ukrainian political leaders have indicated that they want to be part of the Europe and be a bridge to Eurasia (see Ukraine apparently wants to be part of EU, but also maintain Eurasian ties).  Russia does not like that idea.  It wants Ukraine as part of its Eurasian Union.

Bring up the homosexual agenda is interesting.  Unlike the European Union which endorses much of the homosexual agenda (and requires its member states to accept much of it), Russia has taken a steps to oppose this agenda.  As most of the Ukrainians tend to have the same or similar religious faith as most of the Russians, it may well be that this could be a factor in Ukraine not entering the European Union.  The dominant religion in Ukraine is some version of Eastern Orthodox.  In Ukraine, this is currently mainly split between three Church bodies: the Ukrainian Orthodox Church autonomous church body under the Patriarch of Moscow, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church – Kiev Patriarchate, and the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church and some smaller groups (Wikipedia).  The connection with the Patriarch of Moscow may be important, but how important compared to hoped for economic benefits from the European Union remains to be seen.

The reality is that economics are important to people and most of the political leaders in Ukraine seem to be leaning more towards the European Union than towards the Eurasian Union.  Russia has indicated that economically, Ukraine is better off dealing with it.

Ukraine itself would like to be a bridge. Russia would prefer it to be a border and not tied to Europe (see ).  As far as Georgia goes, some have expressed limited interest in the Eurasian Union, while others have indicated that it would not be a founding member of it (see Some support in Georgia for Eurasian Union).  Regarding Moldova, it wants European Union membership and has implemented the first three-year Action Plan within the framework of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP); its proximity and certain language ties to Romania suggest that it is a less likely candidate for the Eurasian Union, despite once being a Soviet republic.

Biblically (because of prophecies involving the Medes, some of which are in Ukraine, and some in the “north and east” in Daniel 11:44), it would seem that Russia would be closer to Ukraine, and possibly Georgia and others, in the end than it appears to be right now. Yet it should also be mentioned that Bible prophecy indicates that there will be some type of cooperation between Russia and its allies and Europe for a while after the European Beast power has risen up (Revelation 13:3-4).

However, Bible prophecy shows that ultimately Russia and its allies (likely to include Ukraine at some point) will turn against the European Beast power–for biblical details, see Russia: Its Origins and Prophesied Future.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Russia: Its Origins and Prophesied Future 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?
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?
Some Similarities and Differences Between the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Continuing Church of God Both groups claim to be the original church, but both groups have differing ways to claim it. Both groups have some amazing similarities and some major differences. Do you know what they are?
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe? Here is a link to a video titled: Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European?
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.