Church of God News

Pope Francis (Source: presidencia.gov.ar)

COGwriter

Pope Francis’ statements and decisions are concerning various Roman Catholics:

December 15, 2013

(VATICAN CITY) — Pope Francis may have been named Time magazine’s Person of the Year, but he has come under scathing criticism from a growing number of traditionalist Catholics for cracking down on a religious order that celebrates the old Latin Mass. The case has become a flashpoint in the ideological tug-of-war going on in the Catholic Church over Francis’ revolutionary agenda, which has thrilled progressives and alarmed some conservatives…

The Vatican in July named the Rev. Fidenzio Volpi, a Franciscan Capuchin friar, as a special commissioner to run the order with a mandate to quell the dissent that had erupted over the liturgy, improve unity within its ranks and get a handle on its finances. In the same decree appointing Volpi, Francis forbade the friars from celebrating the old Latin Mass unless they got special permission, a clear rollback from Benedict’s 2007 decision…

And on Dec. 8, he took action, issuing a series of sanctions in the name of the pope that have stunned observers for their seeming severity: He closed the friars’ seminary and sent its students to other religious universities in Rome. He suspended the activities of the friars’ lay movement. He suspended ordinations of new priests for a year and required future priests to formally accept the teachings of the Second Vatican Council and its new liturgy or be kicked out. And he decreed that current priests must commit themselves in writing to following the existing mission of the order.

In a letter detailing the new measures, Volpi accused friars loyal to Manelli of seeking to undermine him and accused some of embezzlement. He denounced a cult of personality that had grown around Manelli, saying it “reveals a great spiritual poverty and psychological dependence that is incompatible with” the life in a religious community.

The sanctions seem harsh when compared to recent actions taken by the Vatican against other much larger religious orders or groups found to have doctrinal or other problems…

Traditionalists have charged that a double standard is at play, with a conservative, tradition-minded order being targeted for particular sanction on ideological grounds by a pope with a progressive bent. Pope’s Crackdown on Order Alarms Traditionalists | TIME.com http://world.time.com/2013/12/15/popes-crackdown-on-order-alarms-traditionalists/#ixzz2nYdXd83L

December 15, 2013

VATICAN CITY, – Pope Francis, responding to conservative criticisms that his economic and social ideas smack of communism, said in an Italian newspaper interview on Sunday that he is not a Marxist but that even Marxists can be good people…

Asked about the accusations, which sparked a debate in the media and blogosphere last month, Francis, a member of the all-male Jesuit order associated with progressive social policies, said, “Marxist ideology is wrong. But in my life I have known many Marxists who are good people, so I don’t feel offended.”

He has also been criticized by other conservatives.

In last month’s document, seen as a platform for his papacy, Francis attacked unfettered capitalism as “a new tyranny” said an “economy of exclusion and inequality” had proven to be deadly for many people around the world.

In his response to the critics, Francis said he was not speaking “as a technician but according to the social doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church, and this does not mean being Marxist”. He said he was just trying to present a “snapshot of what is happening” in the world today.

In another document last week, Francis said huge salaries and bonuses were symptoms of an economy based on greed and called again for nations to narrow the wealth gap.

Conservatives in the 1.2 billion member Church have expressed concern and disappointment about some of the pope’s pronouncements, such as when he said he was not in a position to judge homosexuals who are people of good will sincerely seeking God.  http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/12/15/21909041-im-no-marxist-pope-francis-tells-conservative-critics?lite

Do I believe that ‘conservative Catholics’ should be concerned?

Absolutely.

Both biblical and Catholic prophecy warn about a religious leader, who sounds like a pope, who will betray the Church of Rome (cf. Revelation 17) and mislead the world.

If Pope Francis is truly the last pope, and that is not clear yet, he would not truly be Catholic.  Notice some statements from my book The Last Pope: Do Biblical and Catholic Prophecies Point to Pope Francis?:

Is the Pope Catholic or Will He Betray Rome?

In some households, the expression, “Is the Pope Catholic?,” is asked with the intent of suggesting a “yes” or “obviously yes” response to a question.  Since the fourth century, the popes have all claimed to be Catholic (they were not called “pontifex maximus” prior to then) and the vast majority have been Roman Catholic in their faith.  Some were more hypocritical, etc. and thus this author would be hesitant to claim that all the Bishops of Rome have truly held to the faith of that church.

But is it possible that the last pope, who could be Pope Francis I, will not be Roman Catholic?  On the surface this seems absurd.

As discussed in chapter 2, prior to becoming Pope Francis I, Jorge Mario Bergoglio went to Catholic seminary, became a Catholic priest, then a bishop, then a cardinal, and then on March 13, 2013, the Bishop of Rome.  So, to most he clearly is a Catholic.  And Pope Francis I may well truly be.

But if he is the last and final pope, then the Bible shows that he will allow compromise mightily and allow the Catholic Church of Rome to be betrayed, hence suggesting that he would not then be true to the Catholic faith.

Connecting the Dots

As cited earlier, the Bible tells of a religious leader who will rise up and support the final European Beast power to the point of attempting to force people to worship that Beast (Revelation 13:11-17).

Although some have suggested that the ten-horned Beast of the Sea (Revelation 13:1-4) will turn against and burn the two-horned Beast of the Earth (Revelation 13:11), based upon the teachings of Revelation 17:16-17, since this two-horned Beast is the False Prophet of Revelation 16:13 and he gets burnt by Jesus and His angels (Revelation 19:15-21, someone or something else must get destroyed in Revelation 17.

The Bible specifies that the someone/something is a city that rules over the world.  Since the time of Jesus, what are the only organizations that ruled over much of the old Roman Empire from a seven-hilled city?

They would include the old Roman Empire, the Church of Rome, and to a lessor degree, the Eastern Orthodox Church (Constantinople/ Istanbul is on seven-hills, similar to Rome and had a certain prominence for about 1,000 years).  They have had relations with world rulers that have not always lived up to New Testament ideals and actually are the only ones that could possibly fit the historical record.

Now since parts of both Roman and Orthodox Catholic prophecy show that Rome wins out between the two in the end in terms of final top leader, this is consistent with the historical understanding within the Church of God that Rome is the unfaithful woman in Revelation 17.  Presuming that is the case, then if one connects-the-dots, it is the Church of Rome that gets betrayed by supporters of the ten-horned Beast in Revelation 17. And since the two-horned Beast is a major supporter of the ten-horned Beast, he then has at least some responsibility in this end time destruction of the Church of Rome (for more dots to connect, see also chapters 5 and 12).

Since it should be almost inconceivable that a pope that was truly Roman Catholic in the sense of the Catechism of the Catholic Church would totally betray his church, this is why I am suggesting that the last pope will not truly be Catholic.

This destruction of Rome is consistent with various Catholic private prophecies that suggest that a top Roman clergy member (like a pope) would betray their church and oversee the destruction of Rome…

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?

(Thiel B.  The Last Pope: Do Biblical and Catholic Prophecies Point to Pope Francis?  Nazarene Books, 2013, pp. 86-89)

Pope Francis has taken steps that many Catholics do not believe are appropriate for the Bishop of Rome.  Yet, they act like other than protest, they cannot go anywhere else as they improperly believe that the Church of Rome is the original church that Jesus founded through His apostles.  Those interested in learning which church actually is faithful and has proper succession from the original church that Jesus founded, should carefully study the article Which Is Faithful: The Roman Catholic Church or the Continuing Church of God?

Conservative Catholics also may wish to consider the following Catholic private prophecies, which are shown below as cited in my book The Last Pope: Do Biblical and Catholic Prophecies Point to Pope Francis?:

Catholic Prophets/Writers Have Warned that a Major “Antipope” is to Come

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.

Yves Dupont {writer interpreting A. Emmerick}: They wanted to make a new Church, a Church of human manufacture, but God had other designs…The Holy Father shall have to leave Rome, and he shall die a cruel death. An anti-pope shall be set up in Rome.

Anne Catherine Emmerich (January 12, 1820):  There is now some question of Protestants sharing in the government of the Catholic clergy.

Anne Catherine Emmerich (July 1820):  I came to the church of Peter and Paul (Rome) and saw a dark world of distress, confusion, and corruption…

Anne Catherine Emmerich (January 27, 1822):  I saw many Christians returning to the bosom of the Church, entering through the walls.  That Pope will be strict, he will remove the lukewarm, tepid Bishops—but it will be a long time before this happens.

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.

Jeanne le Royer (died 1798): I see that when the Second Coming of Christ approaches a bad priest will do much harm to the Church.

St. Gregory the Great, Pope (d. 604): In those days, near the end…an army of priests and two-thirds of the Christians will join the Schism.

Yves Dupont {reader and collector of Catholic prophecies}: “prophecies are quite explicit about the election of an anti-pope…Many prophecies predict an anti-pope and a schism “.

Catholic priest and writer R. Gerald Culleton (20^th century): A schism of short duration is destined to break out…An antipope, of German origin, is to be set up, and finally Rome itself will be destroyed”.

Frederick William Faber (died 1863): Antichrist…Many believe in a demonical incarnation–this will not be so–but he will be utterly possessed…His doctrine as apparent contradiction of no religion, yet a new religion…He has an attending pontiff, so separating regal and prophetic office.

Blessed Joachim (died 1202): Towards the end of the world Antichrist will overthrow the Pope and usurp his See.

Merlin (7^th century): There will come a German Anti-Pope. Italy and Germany will be sorely troubled. A French King will restore the true Pope.

St. Francis of Assisi (died 1226): There will be an uncanonically elected pope who will cause a great Schism, there will be divers thoughts preached which will cause many, even those in the different orders, to doubt, yea even agree with those heretics which will cause My order to divide, then will there be such universal dissentions and persecutions that if these days were not shortened even the elect would be lost.

Capuchin Friar (18^th century): During these calamities the Pope shall die…three popes shall be simultaneously elected…the third…by force of arms, shall be placed on the throne.

Priest E. Sylvester Berry (published 1920):  It has been a matter of history that the most disastrous periods for the Church were times when the Papal throne was vacant or when anti-popes contended with the legitimate head of the Church.  Thus shall it be in those evil days to come.

Catholic writer and priest P. Huchedé (19^th century): …the false prophet…will not be a king, nor a general of an army, but a clever apostate, fallen from episcopal dignity.  From being an apostle of the Gospel he will become the first preacher of the false messiah…

Priest Herman Kramer (20^th century): This false prophet possibly at the behest of Antichrist usurps the papal supremacy.

Catholic writers Ted and Maureen Flynn (1993): Catholic prophecy warns us of severe problems threatening the papacy in these end times…An Antipope will seize papal authority…It will be those who hold fast to the truths of the faith who will be labelled as the perpetuators of this horrible schism, according to some visionaries.

Priest Paul Kramer reported: In 1999…Malachi Martin stated…that Our Lady’s words were very dry and specific and they foretold of a future “pope” (not the true Pope, but a heretical antipope) who would be completely under the control of the devil.

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.

Priest Herman Kramer (20^th century): In accord with the text this is unmistakably a PAPAL ELECTION . . . But at this time the great powers may take a menacing attitude to hinder the election of the logical and expected candidate by threats of a general apostasy, assassination or imprisonment of this candidate if elected. This would suppose an extremely hostile mind in the governments of Europe towards the Church, because an extended interregnum in the papacy is always disastrous and more so in a time of universal persecution. If Satan would contrive to hinder a papal election, the Church would suffer great travail… one…destined for the papacy at the time will institute the needed reforms. A general council may decree the reforms…The lax clergy at the time will extol the conditions then existing…The dragon is a symbolic term for the evil world powers…They will try to make the Church a “state church” everywhere. This is only possible if they can subject the pope to their wills and compel him to teach and rule as they direct. That would be literally devouring the papacy.

Catholic author and collector of prophecies D. Birch (20^th century): Many, many, of the prophecies refer to an Antipope for sometime in the future during which great calamities occur to the Church.

Even the Catholic saint “Pope Gregory the Great” warned that he believed that the time would come when most Catholics would fall for a changed church (which he called a “schism”) in the time of the end.  Would this not take a leader that would be, or at least be like, an antipope or the final Antichrist?

As the list above shows, there are many Catholic writers/saints who have warned of some type of an antipope, maybe even the False Prophet, who could be ecumenical, would lead a compromised church, and may listen to the powers of governments in Europe and, possibly, elsewhere.

The Bible, itself, warns of a time when a European Beast will make some type of deal with an ecumenical Roman religious leader (the False Prophet) and later turn on a compromised church (cf. Revelation 17:15-18; 19:20).

(Thiel B.  The Last Pope: Do Biblical and Catholic Prophecies Point to Pope Francis?  Nazarene Books, 2013, pp. 26-32)

The Bible warns that the world will follow and worship the final Beast power in Revelation 13:4,8.  The Bible warns that a false religious leader who looks like a lamb, but has the words of a dragon will encourage this to happen in Revelation 13:11.

The Bible also warns that God’s people need to not be part of that system (Revelation 14:9-12; 16:2; 18:4).  Jesus warned that most people would be deceived (Matthew 24:24).

Furthermore, notice three Catholic writings/prophecies about the final Antichrist:

Saint Mechtilda (died 1299): Antichrist will, through base and false strategem, and with presents of gold and gems, attain influence over the worldly princes. They will look up to him as their Lord and God (Culleton, The Reign of Antichrist, pp. 133-134).

Saint Ephrem (died 375): Antichrist will use worldly goods as bait. He will entice many Christians with money and goods to apostatize…The devil will help him find all the hidden treasures of the world, even those at the bottom of the ocean. With those treasures he will attain greater success for the reign of Satan than at any other time in past centuries (Connor, pp.73.74).

Saint Jerome (died 420): Antichrist…will gain support with many gifts and money. He will sell himself to the devil…(Connor E. Prophecy for Today. Imprimatur + A.J. Willinger, Bishop of Monterey-Fresno; Reprint: Tan Books and Publishers, Rockford (IL), 1984, p. 74).

The Bible, by the way, does mention that the King of the North will end up with a lot of gold, silver, and precious stones (Daniel 11:38,43) and that a seven-hilled/mountain-based power will have “gold and precious stones and pearls” (Revelation 17:4).  But is it possible that before the Beast rises up that the Antichrist will use material items for bait? The more Pope Francis proposes wealth distribution, the closer the time may come when the Vatican takes concrete action.

Might the Antichrist use some of the wealth of the Vatican to support certain European nations/leaders? What if there is a financial crisis that truly threatens Europe?  Would not the Vatican perhaps be willing to extend its hand and increase its influence?  I expect this is likely, as it seems to be likely and consistent with the following scriptures:

1…”Come, I will show you the judgment of the great harlot who sits on many waters, 2 with whom the kings of the earth committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth were made drunk with the wine of her fornication.”…9 “Here is the mind which has wisdom: The seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman sits…18:3 For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury.” (Revelation 17:1-2,9; 18:3)

Nor do I believe it will limit its support to Europe. The Church of Rome has a lot of worldly wealth–it is a version of that church that is being discussed above in Revelation.

While he may not be the last pope, at minimum, Pope Francis has made various statements that the final Antichrist (which may not be him as that is not certain yet), will point to as justification for doctrinal compromise and possible wealth distribution.

Jesus said:

36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.”  (Luke 21:36)

I, and others, are watching actions and statements that Pope Francis has been making.  Conservative Catholics have a right to be concerned.

Some items of related interest may include:

Last Page of the Dresden Codex (also known as the Codex Dresdensis)

COGwriter

Someone from New Jersey sent me some emails that stated the following concerning the Mayan calendar and December 16, 2013:

Millions, if not billions will be thrust back to the stone age. Unfortunately, few know how to live that way anymore. Wildlife will be fine. Modern civilization, not so much!!!

Prepare your family and flock as best you can, we’re in for some very hard times.

CONFIRMATION:

MAY 2012: The Mayan’s Dresden Codex predicted a Solar eclipse on May 20, 2012, and it happened. The Codex also indicates the Earth would be struck by a mild geomagnetic storm on the same day, and it happened (proof below). CONFIRMED!!!

NOVEMBER 2012: The Codex predicted a Solar eclipse on November 13, 2012, and it happened. The Codex also indicates the Earth would be struck by a mild geomagnetic storm on the same day, and it happened (proof below). CONFIRMED!

DECEMBER 2013: The Codex predicts the Earth will be struck by something December 16, 2013. It appears to be a MASSIVE geomagnetic event of some kind. After that, the Time Line Ends, The Great Cycle is Complete!!!

Biblicaly, I’m guessing this is the beginning of the Great Tribulation. Without modern technology, life on Earth will descend into chaos in a matter of a few days, or even hours.

————————————————————————

REAL Mayan End Date is December 16, 2013

100% SOLID PROOF!!!…COMET ISON & THE 13th AHAU CYCLE
The True “End-Time” of the Mayan Calendar (Dec. 16th, 2013)

————————————————————————

Earth, Venus, & Comet ISON form a perfect triangle on December 16, 2013…ISON Could Trigger Massive Solar Flares!!! ISON is a “Sun-Grazing Comet”.

Of course, Comet ISON came too close to the sun and was declared ‘dead’, so it should be safe to conclude that the Comet ISON predictions for tomorrow are false.

Now as far as any accuracy in the emails, as one who studied the Mayan Dresden Codex, I can say that it appeared to me that some of the astronomical events it seemed to predict in 2012, like the transit of Venus, to cite one event (2012′s rare ‘Transit of Venus’ is coming), was correct.  I will also add that NASA scientists have indicated the sun’s magnetic field could reverse in by the end of 2013 (see NASA expects serious solar event this year: Magnetic field is about to reverse polarity.).

I also believe that much of the world is highly dependent upon electricity and electrical interference from the sun, a comet, and or an emp type bomb could possibly bring civilization to its knees.  In the future, there are real electrical risks for the USA, Canada, UK, and other nations. But most ignore warning signs.

That being said, the ‘great tribulation’ itself will not start on December 16, 2013.  Perhaps I should mention that world events also aligned with at least 32 predictions in my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect (a list can be found at the beginning of the old article End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something?).  My previous posts that Comet ISON would not destroy the earth have also been proven to be correct (a related YouTube video is Could Comet ISON be Wormwood of Bible Prophecy?).  And yes, I do believe my biblically-understood prophetic views about the start of the ‘great tribulation’ will also be correct.

Even if there is a massive electrical event tomorrow, at most this would be part of what Jesus called troubles associated with the ‘beginning of sorrows’:

8…And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows.  (Mark 13:8)

4 “Take heed that no one deceives you.  5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.  6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.  7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.  8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. (Matthew 24:4-8)

The ‘great tribulation’ does not happen (Matthew 24:21) until after other events (Matthew 24:14-20) which are not possible to happen in 2013.

There very well may be earthquakes, storms, and other troubles this week. But tomorrow is not the end of the world nor will Jesus return on December 25, 2013 as someone else has claimed. The Mayan flood prophecy will be proven false, whether it related to tomorrow or not or the Dresden Codex or not. Other scriptures show that the Great Tribulation and the later great earthquake (Revelation 16:18) cannot be that early (see Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2013, 2014, or 2015? for more details).

Whatever the Dresden Codex may be trying to portray (my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect discusses certain views), it is not possible that the end of the world will occur in 2013.

But the Great Tribulation will eventually come and Jesus will eventually return. Although some have falsely claimed that the Great Tribulation has already started, they seem to overlook the fact that Jesus said there would be a time called “the beginning of sorrows” (Matthew 24:4-8)–which is a time that has apparently began. Jesus said that this period has “troubles’ (Mark 13:8), would precede the Great Tribulation (Matthew cf. 24:4-8,21) and that during this time of sorrows, “See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet” (Matthew 24:6). But the end will come later (Matthew 24:19-44).

Yet, because many have made false predictions about 2012, many will likely use 2012 as an excuse to scoff at and discount all prophecy. According to the Bible, that will be a mistake (2 Peter 3:1-13).

Notice something I had published about the Mayan calendar date over four years ago in 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect:

But What About the Mayan December 21, 2012 Date?

The Mayan 2012 calendar date correctly predicts an astronomical event. That is part of its value. And there may be a bit more to it.

There are basically four possibilities that most have considered about December 21, 2012:

1. 2012 is or is not an astronomical event and nothing else. It means nothing. This is a real possibility.
2. 2012 is an astronomical event that accelerates climatic changes—another real possibility.
3. 2012 marks the end of civilization and the destruction of the world by flood. Biblically, that is not a possibility. The world will not end by flooding in 2012.
4. 2012 marks the beginning of a new age of peace. While not an age of true peace, it could mark the time when the following prophecy is fulfilled:

“Because, indeed, because they have seduced My people, saying, ‘Peace!’ when there is no peace” (Ezekiel 13:10).

While some type of an astronomical event will occur (even if it is not a true alignment), weather patterns often change. Some will likely claim 2012 is the dawn of a time of peace, as highlighted in point four. The 2012 prophecies may also be part of a spiritual deception.

Of course, the Bible shows that even people like King David (1 Chronicles 21:1) and Apostle Peter (Matthew 16:23) can be moved by Satan.

While this book is not accusing the Mayans (nor most of the others cited in this book) of intentionally trying to serve evil demons (the Mayans were simply the world’s leading calendar experts), the Dresden Codex and various writings may have been inadvertently produced to add further confusion to end-time prophecies just prior to the Great Tribulation.

There are many age-of-peace prophecies from others, such as the Hopis, some of the Hindus, some of the Buddhists, and certain Catholic sources. Some might refer to this as collective thought. However, even the often-accurate Catholic Malachy’s prophecies contain some false elements. Hence, caution is advised with regard to putting full faith in these private prophecies.

While a true age of peace is coming, some might erroneously conclude that it starts in 2012 or 2013 or shortly later—but it will not. It cannot.

When the world does not end in a flood in 2012, many will likely discount not only the Mayan prophecies, but any that seem to be predicting any type of a “doomsday” scenario. Because of that, many will discount the warnings that will come from “the secret sect.”

On the other hand, it is likely that leaders of various religious persuasions will point to signs, wonders, the stars, etcetera, as reasons to believe that the age of peace has arrived. They will use these as justification for ignoring the warnings from the secret sect.

But people will ignore the warnings at their own peril.

In the next decade, the small Nazarene “secret sect” will rise up more and more in effectiveness to fulfill the prophecy Jesus gave, as recorded in Matthew 24:14. Ultimately, the world will hear the message of the good news of the coming Kingdom of God on earth, under the rule of Jesus Christ and His saints (which is the ultimate rising up of “the secret sect”).

The world will then also be more clearly told the message that a new ecumenical religion, one that is destined to temporarily take over the earth, is in the process of rising up.

The small sect will point out the instigator of this new order of religion (the King of the North, 666). The sect will likely explain that he will ultimately plunge the planet into the Great Tribulation, destroy the U.S.A. and its Anglo-allies, will invade the Middle East, will attempt to destroy/takeover all other religions (Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, etc.), and that he will want only his ecumenical religion served.

Because he will not like the Nazarene sect warning about his identity and his plan, he will develop a strategy to destroy that “secret sect,” and eventually, also those whom it had successfully influenced.

Whether you believe any of this or not, you will be affected. Much of your nation will be destroyed, or there will be such devastation in your land, that you will wish you would have listened to the messages from the “secret sect.” Times will get so bad that the Bible warns:

⁶ In those days men will seek death and will not find it; they will desire to die, and death will flee from them (Revelation 9:5–6).

We are living in times of major historical interest, as both the “secret” Nazarene sect and the coming anti-Nazarene ecumenical religion will soon face one another. The “secret sect” truly has been faithful to the practices of the original apostles, while the other religion will apparently become quite distanced from those beliefs, as God warns His people to come out of that other religious system (Revelation 18:4).

For a while, this great ecumenical “Beast power” (666) will to some extent take over the whole world.

It has long been my view that “2012” and other Mayan predictions have been part of a Satanic plan to get people to discount biblical prophecy and chose to believe the lie (cf. John 8:44; 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10) that a golden age of peace is about to descend upon the earth. Instead, a time of destruction is going to happen (1 Thessalonians 5:3), and partially because of misinformation  from non-biblical prophecies many will not believe the truth about the coming destruction.

Though troubles can occur (Mark 13:8), December 16, 2013 does not mark the start of the Great Tribulation.

Some items that might be of assistance in understanding end-time events may include:

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?
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.
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2013 or 2014? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What is the “beginning of sorrows”? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?
End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something? Are there Mayan calendar predictions for change in 2012? Changes were centuries ago predicted by the Hopi Native Americans. Do Mayan/Hindu/Hopi/Buddhist/New Age/Nostradamus prophecies have any value here? Why might Satan have inspired this date? Does the Dresden codex show destruction of the earth by flood? Can the great tribulation start before 2012? What are the 32 predictions in the book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect that were at least partially confirmed by news sources by 12/22/2012?
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. La lista de 32 predicciones en el libro 2012 y el Surgimiento de la Secta.
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 32 já começaram a acontecer.
2012 e o Surgimento da Seita Secreta (2 ª Edição em português do Brasil): Um Guia Revolucionário de Sobrevivência Espiritual e Física para 2012-2020 (Portuguese Edition) 2012 livro do Dr. Thiel. 2 ª edição em português do Brasil. Este livro documenta e explica centenas de profecias. E desde que foi publicado pela primeira vez, pelo menos 32 já começaram a acontecer.2012 e o Surgimento da Seita Secreta (KINDLE Edição em português do Brasil) 2 ª edição.-Kindle.
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.
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 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?
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.
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.

COGwriter

Angela Merkel’s party has gotten a deal through that should insure she will remain in power:

December 14, 2013

(Reuters) – Germany’s Social Democrats voted overwhelmingly in favor of joining a “grand coalition” with Chancellor Angela Merkel’s conservatives on Saturday, clearing the way for a new right-left government that will take office on Tuesday.

Merkel’s Christian Democrats (CDU) and their Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), won the September 22 election but fell short of a majority. They needed a partner and spent much of the last three months negotiating a coalition deal with the arch rival SPD, which came a distant second.

A “no” vote could have plunged Germany into crisis and complicated European Union efforts for a banking union reform that would see the European Central bank police the sector with a new agency to shut down weak lenders.  http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/12/14/us-germany-coalition-idUSBRE9BD03X20131214

Many leaders in Europe are pushing for a ‘banking union’ to be agreed to this month (see BlackRock cautioning against USA stocks; European finance ministers meeting and Spain expects European banking union by the end of the month).  This vote suggests that it could happen that soon.

Cooperation can be good.

Yet, Bible prophecy warns about a power that that will have a tremendous amount of control, including economic:

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

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

Germany is the main economic engine of Europe and one of the leading exporting nations of the world. Actually, Germany is number three, just below the USA.

Unlike the USA, Germany has a trade surplus, not a deficit. This not only helps keep Germans working, it also builds Germany’s wealth and international influence. The political agreement that Angela Merkel’s side made is intended to increase Germany’s wealth and influence. And although the EU in general and Germany in particular will have problems (including civil unrest, political, and economic ones; cf. Daniel 2:41-43), the biblical reality is that the Bible shows that a European power with German influence will take over as the leading economic power for a time (Revelation 13:15-18).

And right now, we are seeing some of this rise and plans to rise further.

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”? 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? In the Spanish language check out ¿Quién es el Rey del Norte? Here is a link to a video titled: The Future King of the North.
Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North? Could He Become “the Beast”? What makes the German Defense Minister a candidate?
Germany’s Assyrian Roots Throughout History Are the Germanic peoples descended from Asshur of the Bible? Have there been real Christians in Germanic history? What about the “Holy Roman Empire”?
Germany in Biblical and Catholic Prophecy Does Assyria in the Bible equate to an end time power inhabiting the area of the old Roman Empire? What does prophecy say Germany will do and what does it say will happen to most of the German people?
WTO/TTIP and the Babylonian Beast Will international trade agreements like WTO/TTIP/CETA lead to the fulfillment of end time prophecies concerning the Babylonian Beast power that the Book of Revelation warns against? What does the Bible teach? A related video would be WTO Trade Deal and the Rise of the European Beast Power.
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Saxon (non-Dutch) Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Saxon 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?
Will the UK Lose Gibraltar and the Falkland Islands? Spain wants Gibraltar and Argentina wants the Falklands (also known as the Malvinas). Does the Bible give clues as to what will happen with these ‘sea gates’? A related video would be Will the UK Lose Gibraltar and the Falkland Islands? A version in Spanish is ¿Perderá el Reino Unido a Gibraltar y las Islas Falkland (Malvinas)?
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.
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?

(Photo by Gebruiker:Ellywa)

COGwriter

The head of the European Union made statements that many believe has slowed down or may stop the drive for Scottish independence:

14 December 2013

THE SNP’s plans to fast-track an independent Scotland’s EU membership have become untenable, it has been claimed, after the President of the European Council said new states would have to apply in the usual way.

Herman Van Rompuy said a newly independent state, breaking away from an existing EU member, would be classed as a “third country” and would have to apply using “the known accession procedures”.

He was responding to the announcement of an independence referendum in Catalonia.

Labour and Conservative MSPs said his comments “blew away” SNP proposals to fast-track an independent Scotland’s EU membership. The Scottish Government insisted the remarks did not apply to Scotland.

The SNP’s White Paper on independence argues that in the event of a Yes vote in next year’s referendum Scotland would become a full EU member seamlessly, under Article 48 of the Treaty on European Union.

Joining the EU is usually done under a process – sometimes lengthy – detailed in Article 49 of the union’s key treaty.

Mr van Rompuy said: “If a part of the territory of a member state ceases to be a part of that state because that territory becomes a new independent state, the treaties will no longer apply to that territory.

“In other words, a new independent state would, by the fact of its independence, become a third country with respect to the Union and the treaties would, from the day of its independence, not apply any more on its territory.”  http://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/referendum-news/van-rompuy-torpedoes-snp-claims-on-eu-membership.22950437

December 14, 2013

Herman Van Rompuy made it clear that the creation of a “new independent state” would mean that EU treaties no longer apply to it.

The SNP Government has insisted that it would remain inside the EU after a Yes vote and renegotiate it’s membership from within.

Mr Van Rompuoy is President of the European Council which is made up of all 27 members states which has a key influence over European policy and expension…

Alex Salmond was accused of misleading voters on the issue this week over a letter he read out in parliament last month from the EC indicating that Scotland could renegotiate its membership from inside the EC. The letter had been sent to an SNP activist.

Tory leader Ruth Davidson revealed yesterday that the Scottish Parliament had received a letter from EC indicating its position had not changed and a new independent country would find itself outside the EU.

Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie said: “The SNP naively argue that an independent Scotland would smoothly move to be a fully-fledged member of the European Union with all the benefits that the UK has secured over many years.

“That includes the rebate, the currency, immigration and no Spanish fishing rights in the North Sea. But the President is making clear it won’t be that easy. The big question for the nationalists is just what are they prepared to give up in order for us to remain the European Union?”

Patricia Ferguson, Scottish Labour’s external affairs spokesperson, said: “Alex Salmond’s position on an independent Scotland’s membership of the European Union is no longer tenable.

“The most senior officials in the European Union are contradicting his assertions yet he just sticks his fingers in his ears and asks people to ignore the facts.”  http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/top-stories/independent-scotland-would-have-to-reapply-to-eu-1-3232221

(Note: The European Union has 28 member states, not 27 as the above reports.)

The SNP is the Scottish National Party, and it is the largest political party in Scotland itself (Alex Salmond is its leader).  Yet, it appears that EU membership is so important to many of the Scottish that not attaining it quickly is considered perhaps fatal to its independence movement.  This is interesting, as the Bible warns of the rise of a European power which will not treat the English-speaking peoples well a well as warns of not remaining part of it (Revelation 18:4).  Despite biblical warning, apparently many in Scotland have a different view.

As I have mentioned in the past, the United Kingdom is not so united that Scotland could not possibly leave.  As far as Scotland goes, even if it gets independence, I expect that it will normally cooperate with England and the rest of the remaining UK. But I do believe that if it gains independence that this will not be good for the rest of the UK.

Furthermore, both biblical and Catholic prophecy tell of a time to come when the USA and its Anglo-Saxon allies will be taken over and have their land divided.  First, here are a couple from the Bible, the first of which refers to the USA as it currently has the ‘strongest fortresses’ (its Anglo-Saxon allies would also be affected):

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, NKJV).

16 The anger of the LORD hath divided them; he will no more regard them (Lamentations 4:16, KJV).

2 And I will enter into judgment with them there On account of My people, My heritage Israel, Whom they have scattered among the nations; They have also divided up My land. They have also cast lots for my people…(Joel 3:2-3, NKJV).

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, NKJV)

I used the KJV for Lamentations 4:16 as it correctly translated the Hebrew word as divided. The is term translated as “scattered them” by the NKJV in Lamentations, but it is the same Hebrew word (Strong’s 2505) used in Daniel 11:39 translated as “divide.”  These are prophecies related to the dividing of the USA and the lands of its Anglo-Saxon allies (see also Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves?).

Notice also why:

10 “And it shall be, when you show this people all these words, and they say to you, ‘Why has the Lord pronounced all this great disaster against us? Or what is our iniquity? Or what is our sin that we have committed against the Lord our God?’ 11 then you shall say to them, ‘Because your fathers have forsaken Me,’ says the Lord; ‘they have walked after other gods and have served them and worshiped them, and have forsaken Me and not kept My law. 12 And you have done worse than your fathers, for behold, each one follows the dictates of his own evil heart, so that no one listens to Me. 13 Therefore I will cast you out of this land into a land that you do not know, neither you nor your fathers; and there you shall serve other gods day and night, where I will not show you favor.’ (Jeremiah 16:10-13)

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 28:47-52).

Notice now some from Catholic sources:

Mother Shipton (d. 1551) “The time will come when England shall tremble and quake…London shall be destroyed forever after . . . and then York shall be London and the Kingdom governed by three Lords appointed by a Royal Great monarch…who will set England right and drive out heresy (Culleton, R. Gerald.  The Prophets and Our Times. Nihil Obstat: L. Arvin.  Imprimatur: Philip G. Scher, Bishop of Monterey-Fresno, November 15, 1941.  Reprint 1974, TAN Books, Rockford (IL), p. 163).

Saint Cataldus of Tarentino (c. 500): “The Great Monarch will be in war till he is forty years of age….he will assemble great armies and expel tyrants from his empire. He will conquer England and other island empires” (Connor, p.30).

St. Columbine (d. 597): …the English shall be defeated…After the English shall be defeated…they shall be harassed by every quarter; like a fawn surrounded by a pack of voracious hounds, shall be the position of the English amidst their enemies. The English afterwards shall dwindle down to a disreputable people (Culleton, pp. 131,132).

Zachary the Armenian (published 1854 and summarized in 2010): And then there would be the war that the prophecy refers to as “the struggle of the strong, against the strong”. This empire of the north…will go to war against North America and North America will be fall and be conquered and brought into bondage. The next phase is the most frightful thing of all. It is then that Zachary says this text published in 1854, “and then the whole world fell under the dominion of the first born of hell.” (Originally by Priest Fattecelli, Day of Anger: The Hand of God Upon an Empire, 1854, as paraphrased by Priest P. Kramer, What are the missing contents of the third secret? Fatima Crusader, 95, Summer 2010, pp. 45-46)

St. Senanus (d. 560): They (English) themselves will betray each other: in consequence their sovereignty will be broken…One monarch will rule in Ireland over the English (Culleton, p. 128).

Hence, at least one Catholic prophecy shows that the United Kingdom will be divided up (among Europe) and another that the English shall be harassed all over. Notice that they are to be taken over by a “Great Monarch” (who seems to be the same person as the King of the North of the Bible) and possibly be under Irish domination. According to Catholic prophecy the Great Monarch will be the leader of the revived European “Holy Roman Empire.” Perhaps it should be mentioned that the nation was not known as “England” when two the above prophecies were given–hence they seem to be a reference to the Anglo-derived peoples as opposed to only the area known now as the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (which also includes Wales and Scotland).

I have believed for some time that many will rely on Catholic prophecies for their justification for what they will do the USA and its Anglo-Saxon allies.  I also believe that those prophecies are part of Satan’s plan to deceive (see also Satan’s Plan and/or watch the video Satan’s Plan A Brief Introduction).

Whether or not Scotland achieves temporary ‘independence’ from the UK or not, it will have problems with the continental Europeans (as well as likely the Irish).

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Saxon (non-Dutch) Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Saxon 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?
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? In the Spanish language check out ¿Quién es el Rey del Norte? 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”? 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?
Prophecy Obama: 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.
Will You Be Deceived by Antichrist? 1964 article by David Jon Hill, originally published in the old Good News magazine.
Satan’s Plan Does Satan have a plan? What is it? Has it already been successful? Will it be successful in the future? Here is a link to a related video: Satan’s Plan A Brief Introduction.
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.

The Continuing Church of God is pleased to announce its latest suggested sermon: Universal Offer of Salvation IV: Will the Guilty be Pardoned?, which is at its ContinuingCOG channel.

1:12:32

Universal Offer of Salvation: Will the Guilty be Pardoned?

The Bible teaches that all are guilty of sin. Yet, most of humanity has never truly repented of those sins.  Will “mercy triumph over judgment?” (James 2:13)? This is the fourth part of a scripture-based intended five-part series of sermons by Dr. Thiel that reveal various points related to salvation that most who claim to be Christian simply do not understand.

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? Related sermon videos include Universal Offer of Salvation I: God is love  and Universal Offer of Salvation II: The Age to Come and the ‘Little Flock’ and Universal Offer of Salvation: All Are to Know Jesus, But When? and Universal Offer of Salvation IV: Will the Guilty be Pardoned?
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

In his newsletter today, ICG’s Mark Armstrong had the following about Pope Francis:

Greetings from Tyler,

Except for Easter greetings and the occasional foreign trip, popes ordinarily keep a relatively low profile.  That is certainly not the case with the current pope, who has dubbed himself Francis.  This pope, in addition to numerous statements against wealth and money, seems to be making a break with traditional Catholic positions on a host of subjects.

He’s said atheists can “go to heaven” as long as they follow their consciences and are good people.  He has said basically the same thing in regard to homosexuality and “gay priests” with the now famous quote, “Who am I to judge?”  He’s also exchanging as we’ve said before, it is not his judgment to make.  These judgments were made long before this fellow came along.

It’s true, Catholics have never been encouraged to read or study the Bible, for obvious reasons.  But surely the pope should know what’s in there, wouldn’t you think?  He has also become pen pals with the so called LGBT community in Italy, and said that the church shouldn’t interfere with these people’s “spirituality.”  Much has been made of the fact that this humbly flamboyant pope has not officially changed any doctrines, such as the ones that condemn the behavior of his new acquaintances.  Besides, the Catholic church hid its eyes and covered up crimes of homosexual pedophilia committed  by its priests over a period of decades, paying literally hundreds of millions in legal settlements to prevent the statements of victims from being transcribed into the public record.

But never has a modern pope put out personal opinions that appear to conflict with the church’s official doctrines, until now.  He has also adopted an unorthodox approach to gay marriage and to abortion, saying the church just can’t be railing on against these practices.  If these statements sound out of place and alarming to the casual spectator, imagine how devout Catholics must feel.

Now he’s been named Time’s Man of the Year.  That designation has not always been intended as a great compliment, but this time it seems to be.  Rather than play the part expected, this pope appears to have greater regard for his own opinions and his own personality rather than fulfilling perfunctory duties and Catholic expectations.

Perhaps his statements against the very existence of money should be the most concerning.  He seems to lean toward socialism, maybe communism in his constant derision of the affluent and his great compassion for the poor.  Just what he does want, he hasn’t rightly said.

Several of the matters that Mark Armstrong commented about I have also.  Notice the following links to news posts:

• Pope Francis’ ecumenism includes atheists!

• Is Pope Francis Catholic?

• Pope Francis speaks against current economic order and proposes changes

• Time names Pope Francis ‘Person of the Year’

One of my concerns is that since he is so willing to violate certain Roman Catholic traditions, that he or a possible successor could be the final Antichrist of biblical prophecy.  I have long felt that the one who will fill that role will pretend to be Roman Catholic, yet truly not believe it himself.

And as far as wealth issues go, I wonder if Francis may distribute some of the Vatican’s vast wealth (see Will Pope Francis use some of the wealth of the Vatican to support the Beast and lure people to his faith?).  This might draw more people in to him as well as make him more of a darling of certain areas of the press.

Mark Armstrong did not seem to directly mention it, but Francis’ devotion and public encouragement of Marian veneration exceeds his predecessors (Pope Francis: Could this Marian Focused Pontiff be Fulfilling Prophecy?).  This, in my view, is setting the world up for the end and to accept signs and lying wonders (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12).

He is one to watch as he is either the last pope (though his age seems to be a factor against that) or he is setting the stage for the last pope.

Some items of related interest may include:

COGwriter

Notice the following:

December 13, 2013

The Obama administration on Friday said it will keep one person in charge of both the National Security Agency spy agency and the military’s Cyber Command, despite growing calls for splitting the roles in the wake of revelations about the vast U.S. electronic surveillance operations.

The White House had considered splitting up the two agencies, possibly giving the NSA a civilian leader for the first time in its 61-year history to dampen controversy over its programs revealed by former contractor Edward Snowden.

Both the NSA and Cyber Command, which conducts cyber warfare, are now headed by the same man, Army General Keith Alexander, who is retiring in March.

Given that the head of Cyber Command must be a military officer, the White House decision means that Alexander’s successor will be from the military as well.

“Following a thorough interagency review, the Administration has decided that keeping the positions of NSA Director and Cyber Command Commander together as one, dual-hatted position is the most effective approach to accomplishing both agencies’ missions,” said Caitlin Hayden, spokeswoman for the White House’s National Security Council.

“Without the dual-hat arrangement, elaborate procedures would have to be put in place to ensure that effective coordination continued and avoid creating duplicative capabilities in each organization.”  http://www.voanews.com/content/reu-nsa-cyber-command-administrative-structure-to-remain-intact/1809737.html

It is easier to spy on more if the same person runs both entities.  I believe that this is something that the Europeans will learn from the USA.  Perhaps it should be mentioned that Keith Alexander’s agency, the NSA, illegally and unconstitutionally collected data on US residents.

In my opinion, continuing to give the military power over internet content will allow it to someday conclude that the at least part of the message of the Continuing Church of God is a military and/or other type of security threat (see also Who is the King of the North?).  This will likely be a factor in the coming famine of the word (Amos 8:11-12; cf. Romans 10:14-15).

By the way, the one I am watching as the potential King of the North, Karl Guttenberg has a position in the European Union related to the internet:

Digital Agenda: Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg invited by Kroes to promote internet freedom globally Brussels, 12 December 2011 – European Commission Vice-President Neelie Kroes has invited Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg, a former Federal Minister of Defence, and of Economics and Technology, in Germany, to advise on how to provide ongoing support to Internet users, bloggers and cyber-activists living under authoritarian regimes. http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/11/1525&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

Thus, Baron Guttenberg has, and apparently will develop more, expertise in computers and surveillance. The Baron’s appointment should sound out potential alarms to all who understand Bible prophecy, as the final Beast power will develop frightening economic control, probably using 21st century technology.

Notice something from the Bible:

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

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

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

The US government and others are now taking steps that are helping to set the stage for this.  The USA has already basically agreed to share all of this with the Europeans, who also have demanded it.

Some items with more related details include the following:

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.
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?
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.
Two Horned Beast of Revelation and 666 Who is 666? This article explains how the COG views this, and compares this to Ellen White.
Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North? Is the German Defense Minister one to watch? What do Catholic, Byzantine, and biblical prophecies suggest?
Leading the Final Phase of the Work Matthew 24:14 will be fulfilled and RCG is not the group doing this. Who is leading the final phase of the work? What did Herbert Armstrong and the old WCG teach about that and about prophets? Does Bob Thiel meet the criteria that the Bible and the old WCG set? What is the proof? What has the Continuing Church of God been doing?
The Final Phase of the Work What is the final phase of the work? Who will lead it? Do you have the courage to support it? Here is a related YouTube video titled The Final Phase of the Work. The written article has been translated into Spanish La Fase Final de la Obra.
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.

Bas-relief at Angkor Wat depicting a demon performing an ancient abortion.

COGwriter

In a move that sadly no longer shocks, the Belgian Senate voted to continue to allow the killing of children:

December 13, 2013

The Belgian Senate has voted in favour of extending its euthanasia law to terminally-ill children.

The Senate voted 50-17 in favour of the legislation, which is opposed by religious leaders in Belgium.

The bill seeks to allow children to ask for euthanasia if their illness is terminal, they are in great pain and there is no available treatment.

It will now go before the lower house of parliament, where correspondents say it is likely to be approved.  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-25364745

Let me first state that I believe that euthanasia is wrong.  Secondarily, I would like to state that there is ALWAYS treatment that could be available–it is the proven effectiveness that may be an issue, but some treatment is available for pretty much everything.

Euthanasia itself has been legal in Belgium for adults since 2002.   Active euthanasia (where something is intentionally done to cause someone to die) is also legal in the Netherlands and Luxembourg.  Doctor-assisted suicide is (or has been) ‘legal’ in Switzerland and the U.S. states of Oregon, Washington, Vermont, and Montana.  Of course, it violates the portion of the Hippocratic oath about not harming patients.  It also violates the Bible’s commands against murder (Exodus 20:13; Deuteronomy 5:17).

Notice what the Bible warns about the type of leadership that encourages sin:

¹²…O My people! 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).

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

Although it always needed to be modified because of its initial swearing to pagan gods, abortion and acts like assisted suicide were prohibited to doctors who took what is known as the Hippocratic oath.  Here is part of an English translation of the original Hippocratic oath:

I will prescribe regimens for the good of my patients according to my ability and my judgment and never do harm to anyone.

I will give no deadly medicine to any one if asked, nor suggest any such counsel; and similarly I will not give a woman a pessary to cause an abortion.

But I will preserve the purity of my life and my arts.

I will not cut for stone, even for patients in whom the disease is manifest; I will leave this operation to be performed by practitioners, specialists in this art.

In every house where I come I will enter only for the good of my patients, keeping myself far from all intentional ill-doing and all seduction and especially from the pleasures of love with women or men, be they free or slaves.

All that may come to my knowledge in the exercise of my profession or in daily commerce with men, which ought not to be spread abroad, I will keep secret and will never reveal.

If I keep this oath faithfully, may I enjoy my life and practise my art, respected by all humanity and in all times; but if I swerve from it or violate it, may the reverse be my life.  (Wikipedia, viewed 12/13/13)

Reportedly, though there is currently no legal obligation for medical students to swear an oath upon graduating, 98% of American medical students ‘swear to some form of oath.’  The version that most doctors ‘swear to’ no longer mentions abortion, but if they understood their history better, they would realize that their profession is supposed to be against abortion and assisted suicide.  Irrespective of that, the Bible teaches that one is not to murder (Exodus 20:13).  And that includes murdering oneself.

Notice also the following:

Is suicide a crime?…

God commands: “THOU SHALT NOT KILL” (the sixth commandment). Webster defines the word kill as “to deprive of life.” To commit suicide, then, is breaking one of the Ten Commandments -and is definitely condemned by God. Paul admonishes us saying, “Know you not that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

If any man DESTROY (KJV margin) the temple of God, him shall God DESTROY; for the temple of God is holy, which temple you are” (1 Cor. 3 : 16, 17 ) . “What, know you not that your BODY is the temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which you have of God, and you are not your own?” (I Cor. 6: 19). No murderer-or suicide-has eternal life abiding in him (I John 3: 15). He has no hope unless and until in the general resurrection after the millennium he repents of his sin (Matthew 11 :20-24). (Plain Truth.  January 1960, pp. 15-16)

The Great Tribulation is coming as is the Day of the Lord’s vengeance.  Euthanasia, abortion, and suicide is wrong.  They should not be legal nor encouraged by any governments.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Abortion, the Bible, and a Woman’s Right to Choose Do you know what the Bible teaches on this? Has the Roman Catholic Church allowed abortions? What about the real Church of God? Some may also, or instead, wish to view the YouTube video Abortion, the Bible, and US Debt.
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?
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.

COGwriter

John Chrysostom a ‘doctor’ of the the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches.  The improperly named Protestant publication Christianity Today went so far as to claim he was the “Early church’s greatest preacher.”

In the late fourth century he made various comments about paganism, Christmas, and biblical Holy Days.  Since many of them were in the Fall and Winter of the year, this seemed to be an appropriate time to report about some of them.

John Chrysostom wrote the following in the fourth century:

And what, pray you, is that Minerva of theirs, and Apollo, and Juno? They are different kinds of demons among them. (Chrysostom J. The homilies of S. John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople: on the Acts of the Apostles, Volume 1, Homily IV. John Henry Parker, 1851. Original from Harvard University. Digitized, Apr 12, 2008, p. 66)

So, on the surface it appears that John Chrysostom condemned pagan gods, yet he ended up endorsing a holiday originally for the sun god Mithra.

How?

It was John Chrysostom got the Orthodox in Constantinople to observe Christmas on December 25:

We may take it as certain that the feast of Christ’s Nativity was kept in Rome on 25 December…It was introduced by St. John Chrysostum into Constantinople and definitively adopted in 395 (Thurston. H. Transcribed by Rick McCarty. Christian Calendar. 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).

John Chrysostom admitted Christmas was not part of his church’s tradition in a sermon:

St. Chrysostom in a Christmas sermon, delivered at Antioch in the year 386, says, ” it is not ten years since this day [Christmas Day on December 25] was clearly known to us, but it has been familiar from the beginning to those who dwell in the West.” “The Romans who have celebrated it for a long time, and from ancient tradition, and have transmitted the knowledge of it to us.” (Addis WE, Arnold T. A Catholic Dictionary: Containing Some Account of the Doctrine, Discipline, Rites, Ceremonies, Councils, and Religious Orders of the Catholic Church. Benziger Brothers, 1893. Original from Columbia University, Digitized Sep 15, 2009, p. 178)

His claim that Rome or the West knew it from the beginning is blatantly false. The knowledge of December 25th does not come from any ancient actual Christian tradition.

As pretty much everyone who has looked into the history of Christmas knows, December 25th was selected because it was the birthday of the sun-god Mithras–it was not an original practice of true Christians in Rome or any part of the West. John Chrysostom should have known that and taught against it.

Why?

Notice also that the The Catholic Encyclopedia freely admits that Christmas on December 25 was not celebrated by the early church and that it was Mithra whose birthday was observed anciently on Devember 25th:

Mithraism A pagan religion consisting mainly of the cult of the ancient Indo-Iranian Sun-god Mithra…Sunday was kept holy in honour of Mithra, and the sixteenth of each month was sacred to him as mediator. The 25 December was observed as his birthday, the natalis invicti, the rebirth of the winter-sun, unconquered by the rigours of the season (Arendzen. J.P. Transcribed by John Looby. Mithraism. The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume X. Published 1911. New York: Robert Appleton Company. Nihil Obstat, October 1, 1911. Remy Lafort, S.T.D., Censor. Imprimatur. +John Cardinal Farley, Archbishop of New York).

Christmas was not among the earliest festivals of the Church (Martindale C. Transcribed by Susanti A. Suastika. Christmas. The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume III. Copyright © 1908 by Robert Appleton Company. Online Edition Copyright © 2003 by K. Knight. Nihil Obstat, November 1, 1908. Remy Lafort, S.T.D., Censor. Imprimatur. +John Cardinal Farley, Archbishop of New York).

(For more information on this, please see the article What Does the Catholic Church Teach About Christmas and the Holy Days?)

Anyway, mainstream Christianity will continue to try to overlook the fact that it adopted pagan practices, condemned biblical ones, and still prefers traditions of men over the Bible.

Another Roman Catholic supporter wrote this about the Council of Nicea a few decades later:

Three hundred Fathers or even more gathered together in the land of Bithynia and ordained this by law; yet you disdain their decrees. You must choose one of two courses: either you charge them with ignorance for their want of exact knowledge on this matter, or you charge them with cowardice because they were not ignorant, but played the hypocrite and betrayed the truth. When you do not abide by what they decreed, this is exactly the choice you must make. But all the events of the Council make it clear that they showed great wisdom and courage at that time. The article of faith they set forth at the Council show how wise they were…At that time the whole synodal gathering, welded together from these champions, along with their definition of what Christians must believe, also passed a decree that they celebrate the paschal feast in harmony together. They refused to betray their faith in those most difficult times [of persecution]; would they sink to pretense and deceit on the question of the Easter observance? (5) Look what you do when you condemn Fathers so great, so courageous, so wise (John Chrysostom. Homily III Against the Jews, III:3,4-5. Preached at Antioch, Syria in September, 386 AD).

So it is an article of faith that Roman Catholic bishops had the authority to change the scriptural date of Passover and make it an Easter celebration, even though Constantine said part of why he wanted it to have nothing in common with those he called the detestable Jewish crowd?

But this was simply not the faith of the true second century Christians in Asia Minor as Polycrates testified. The last words of his response to Roman bishop Victor about changing the date of Passover to Easter Sunday was:

I, therefore, brethren, who have lived sixty-five years in the Lord, and have met with the brethren throughout the world, and have gone through every Holy Scripture, am not affrighted by terrifying words. For those greater than I have said ‘ We ought to obey God rather than man.’ (Polycrates. Letter to Victor. As quoted by Eusebius. Church History. Book V, Chapter 24) .

So, those who held to the original faith and traditions from the Bible would not accept the change of Passover, but John Chrysostom did.

Notice also the following:

ALL SAINTS. As early as the fourth century, the Greeks kept on the first Sunday after Pentecost the feast of all martyrs and saints, and we still possess a sermon of St. Chrysostom de-livered on that day. In the West, the feast was introduced by Pope Boniface the Fourth after he had dedicated, as the Church of the Blessed Virgin and the Martyrs, the Pantheon, which had been made over to him by the Emperor Phocas. The feast of the dedication was kept on the thirteenth of May. About 731 Gregory III. consecrated a chapel in St. Peter’s Church in honour of all the saints, from which time All Saints’ Day has been kept in Rome, as now, on the first of November. From about the middle of the ninth century, the feast came into general observance throughout the West. (Addis W, Arnold T. Catholic Dictionary, 6th ed. The Catholic Publication Society Co, 1887. Nihil Obstat. EDUARDUS S. KEOGH, CONG. ORAT., Censor Deputatu Imprimatur. HENRICUS EDUARDUS, CARD. ARCHIEP. WESTMONAST. Die 18 Dec., 1883. Imprimatur. John Card. McCloskey, Archbishop of New York. Feb. 14, 1884. Copyright, Lawrence Kehoe, 1884/1887. p20).

All Saints’ Day

In the fourth century, neighbouring dioceses began to interchange feasts, to transfer relics, to divide them, and to join in a common feast; as is shown by the invitation of St. Basil of Caesarea (397) to the bishops of the province of Pontus. Frequently groups of martyrs suffered on the same day, which naturally led to a joint commemoration. In the persecution of Diocletian the number of martyrs became so great that a separate day could not be assigned to each. But the Church, feeling that every martyr should be venerated, appointed a common day for all. The first trace of this we find in Antioch on the Sunday after Pentecost. We also find mention of a common day in a sermon of St. Ephrem the Syrian (373), and in the 74th homily of St. John Chrysostom (407). (Mershman, Francis. “All Saints’ Day.” The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 1. Nihil Obstat. March 1, 1907. Remy Lafort, S.T.D., Censor. Imprimatur. +John Cardinal Farley, Archbishop of New York. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1907. 11 Aug. 2013 <http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01315a.htm>)

So, John Chrysostom is credit for observing another holiday that did not come from the Bible (see also All Saints’ Day, the Day of the Dead, and All Souls’ Day).

A few decades after Christmas was adopted by Rome, the Roman Catholic saint John Chrysostom preached the following in 387 A.D.:

The festivals of the pitiful and miserable Jews are soon to march upon us one after the other and in quick succession: the feast of Trumpets, the feast of Tabernacles, the fasts. There are many in our ranks who say they think as we do. Yet some of these are going to watch the festivals and others will join the Jews in keeping their feasts and observing their fasts. I wish to drive this perverse custom from the Church right now…If the Jewish ceremonies are venerable and great, ours are lies…Does God hate their festivals and do you share in them? He did not say this or that festival, but all of them together. (John Chrysostom. Homily I Against the Jews I:5;VI:5;VII:2. Preached at Antioch, Syria in the Fall of 387 AD. Medieval Sourcebook: Saint John Chrysostom (c.347-407) : Eight Homilies Against the Jews. Fordham University. http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/chrysostom-jews6.html 12/10/05).

The wicked and unclean fast of the Jews is now at our doors. Thought it is a fast, do not wonder that I have called it unclean…But now that the devil summons your wives to the feast of the Trumpets and they turn a ready ear to this call, you do not restrain them. You let them entangle themselves in accusations of ungodliness, you let them be dragged off into licentious ways. (John Chrysostom. Homily II Against the Jews I:1; III:4. Preached at Antioch, Syria on Sunday, September 5, 387 A.D.).

So also the Law fixed the feast of Tabernacles (John Chrysostom. Homily IV Against the Jews IV:3. Catholic Christians of Antioch Turning to Sabbath and The New Moon Day and Other Holy Days. 387 A.D.).

John Chrysostom preached against the Fall holy days, because some who professed Christ were observing them.

Yet, John Chrysostom wrote in favor about another “festival of the Jews”:

When, it says, the day of Pentecost was fully come: that is, when at the Pentecost, while about it, in short. For it was essential that the present events likewise should take place during the feast, that those who had witnessed the crucifixion of Christ, might also behold these…And, it says, there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men. The fact of their dwelling there was a sign of piety: that being of so many nations they should have left country, and home, and relations, and be abiding there…for it was Pentecost. (Chrysostom J. The homilies of S. John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople: on the Acts of the Apostles, Volume 1, Homily IV. John Henry Parker, 1851. Original from Harvard University. Digitized, Apr 12, 2008, pp. 53, 55, 56).

So, he admitted that after the resurrection, the faithful needed to be present at what was then considered to be a “Jewish feast.” If God was opposed to all of them, why would the apostles have kept it? The obvious reason is that they were following Jesus’ example and had no reason to believe that they were somehow done away. (For more on Pentecost and what John Chrysostom and others wrote about it, please see the article Pentecost: Is it more than Acts 2?

Furthermore, notice that the New Testament calls one of the so-called “Jewish” holy days “great.” Notice the following from both a Protestant and a Catholic translation:

On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out (John 7:37, NKJV)

And in the last, the great day of the festivity JESUS stood, and cried (John 7:37, Rheims New Testament).

So who is right?

Those who follow Jesus’ practices or those who condemn them?

Recall that John Chrysostom, in this case, somewhat correctly stated,

“If the Jewish ceremonies are venerable and great, ours are lies.“

So which days should be observed? Which have a “great day” according to the Bible? Which days are lies?

John Chrysostom supported days with pagan ties such as Christmas and Easter.  His logic for Christmas on December 25th is clearly wrong and based upon lies and misinformation that he spread. So, it should be obvious that God’s days are not lies, but his (and those of churches who adopted those days that he promoted) were clearly lies.

John Chrysostom was not faithful to the scriptures and no one should follow his false traditions above the word of God.

Several items of possibly related interest may include:

John Chrysostom, Bishop of Constantinople and Antisemite This late fourth/early fifth century Bishop of Constantinople is considered to be a ‘saint’ and ‘doctor’ by the Church of Rome, Church of England, and the Eastern Orthodox, but he did not teach Christ’s love.
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?
Tradition and Scripture: From the Bible and Church Writings Are traditions on equal par with scripture? Many believe that is what Peter, John, and Paul taught. But did they?
Was Jesus Born in the Grotto of the Nativity? Was Jesus born in a below ground cave? Was Jesus born below the “Church of the Nativity”? Were the wise men there?
How did December 25th become Christmas? Was Jesus born then? If not, why December 25? Here is the article translated into Mandarin Chinese 12月25日最后是怎么被许多基督的信仰者采纳的.
Is Keeping Christmas a Sin? Is keeping Christmas acceptable for true Christians? What are some scriptures to consider?
What Does the Catholic Church Teach About Christmas and the Holy Days? Do you know what the Catholic Church says were the original Christian holy days? Was Christmas among them? Is December 25th Jesus’ birthday or that of the sun god?
Did Early Christians Celebrate Birthdays? Did biblical era Jews celebrate birthdays? Who originally celebrated birthdays? When did many that profess Christ begin birthday celebrations?
Did Early Christians Observe the Fall Holy Days? The ‘Fall’ Holy Days come every year in September and/or October on the Roman calendar. Some call them Jewish holidays, but they were kept by Jesus, the apostles, and their early faithful followers. Should you keep them? What does the Bible teach? What do records of church history teach? What does the Bible teach about the Feasts of Trumpets, Atonement, Tabernacles, and the Last Great Day? Here is a link to a related sermon: Should you keep the Fall Holy Days?
Holy Day Calendar This is a listing of the biblical holy days through 2024, with their Roman calendar dates. They are really hard to observe if you do not know when they occur 🙂 In the Spanish/Español/Castellano language: Calendario de los Días Santos.
The History of Early Christianity Are you aware that what most people believe is not what truly happened to the true Christian church? Do you know where the early church was based? Do you know what were the doctrines of the early church? Is your faith really based upon the truth or compromise?

Statue Intended to be Habakkuk by Donatello (15th century)

COGwriter

The US House of Representative approved a new debt-containing budget:

December 12, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House has given sweeping bipartisan approval to a budget bill backed by both President Barack Obama, his Democratic allies and a big majority of the chamber’s Republicans.

The 332-94 vote sends the measure to the Senate, where Republicans are more skeptical. But the Democratic-led chamber appears sure to adopt the measure next week and send it to Obama for his signature.  http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/2013/12/12/house-easily-passes-bipartisan-budget-easing-spending-cuts-pentagon-domestic-agencies/zlK5LXGGsfMJeYsIQ8bUSI/story.html

And what will really happen in 2014 if what is in the budget happens?

The debt will go up.

At the beginning of the year, I said essentially the same thing in a video (The Debt Crisis Will Be Worse Than Most Imagine).

Part of the reason why is that the politicians in the USA no longer have a biblical attitude towards debt. Many politicians see debt for the USA as a good thing and they want to continue to live on borrowed money for as long as possible. That is simply not good.

It was also warned about in the Bible.

Around 605-625 B.C., God inspired Habakkuk to write a short book of the Bible. He wrote a prophecy for the appointed time of the end. I know I keep quoting this, but the following is a prophecy for our time:

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 2:5-8)

The USA has increased pledges more than any nation in the history of the planet–and it hopes to continue to increase them for a long time to come. And on a per capita basis, the United Kingdom is one of the most indebted nations on the earth itself.

And Habakkuk was not the only prophet to make end time warnings. Debt increases, which is what the USA expects to continue, 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)

The end result, according to the Bible, of what will happen when creditors believe that the USA will not truly repay its debts is much worse than the secular analysts tend to believe. The USA will be taken over and plundered. The creditors will not be satisfied with less. And despite the USA having a strong military, the Bible shows it will be taken over (Daniel 11:39).

Do you believe the words that God inspired Habakkuk and Ezekiel to write? If so, do you really understand what is going to happen to the USA, UK, and their Anglo-descended allies relatively soon?

Deciding to increase debt so this can again be addressed in a few months is not a real solution. It is one that ultimately will contribute to the destruction of the USA.

To learn more, please, with your Bible, check out the following:

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?
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”? 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?
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.