Church of God News

European Parliament, Strasbourg, France

COGwriter

The European Union is advancing its technology:

A world wide web for robots to learn from each other and share information is being shown off for the first time. The system has been developed by research scientists from Philips and five European universities including Eindhoven.  It is the culmination of a four-year project, funded by the European Union. The eventual aim is that both robots and humans will be able to upload information to the cloud-based database, which would act as a kind of common brain for machines.  “At its core RoboEarth is a world wide web for robots: a giant network and database repository where robots can share information and learn from each other,” said Rene van de Molengraft, the RoboEarth project leader. James Barrat, who has written extensively about the dangers of robots gaining their own intelligence, thinks there need to be safeguards: “The consequences of sharing that capability [to evolve or otherwise improve their own software] with the central ‘mind’ should be explored before it happens.”  http://www.blacklistednews.com/Skynet_Has_Arrived%3F_European_Union_Unveils_RoboEarth%2C_An_Internet_Just_For_Robots/32612/0/0/0/Y/M.html

“With ELI, we enter a new era, pioneering the use of structural funds for an international research infrastructure,” says Wolfgang Sandner, who heads a consortium set up by the three countries and Italy to manage ELI.

As the ELI trio takes the stage, a fourth ELI project waits in the wings: a facility for relativistic physics, underpinned by an even mightier laser that would reach 200 petawatts of power. This titan’s beam would be strong enough to distort empty space — enabling researchers to test the idea that a vacuum can behave like a crystal and bend light. The powerful beam could probe the nature of virtual particles as they pop in and out of the void and search for radiation that is thought to be given off by an object accelerating through a vacuum. http://www.nature.com/news/europe-sets-sights-on-lasers-1.13551

The main goal of ELI is to create the latest laser equipment in the world. There will be accomplished and implemented research projects covering the interaction of light with matter at intensity being 10 times higher than currently achievable values. ELI will provide ultra-short laser pulses of a few femtoseconds (10-15 fs) duration and give performance up to 10 PW.

ELI will bring new techniques for medical image-display and diagnostics, radiotherapy, tools for new materials developing and testing, latest in X-ray optics, etc.

ELI will also be an attractive platform for educating a new generation of PhD. students, scientists and engineers. The Czech Republic will become the host country for the top international research, which may attract further investment in advanced technologies with high added value.  http://www.eli-beams.eu/about/

Europe is making technological progress that many do not realize.  It may be of interest to note that one of the projects inside the EU is named “ELI”. “Eli” is Hebrew for “My God” (Strong’s # 2241), see Matthew 27:46.   But I do not believe that the EU intends to appeal to the true God.  The ELI project may allow the Europeans to develop a type of laser weapon beyond that which the world has ever seen.

Here is one older report about it:

On the coattails of CERN’s success with the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), Europeans and the world at large have another grand science project to be excited about: the Extreme Light Infrastructure (ELI) project involving 40 research and academic institutions. The project’s goal is to build powerful lasers — two in Romania and the Czech Republic and a third in Hungary. These lasers will progressively serve as prototypes for a fourth more powerful laser — the Ultra-High Field Laser — whose location hasn’t been decided yet, though the UK is the likely candidate.

The expected date for the first laser facility to become operational is sometime in 2017.

These lasers will be intense enough to perform electron dynamics experiments at very short time scales or venture into relativistic optics, opening up an entirely new field of physics for study. Additionally, the lasers could be combined to generate a super laser that would shoot into space, similar to the combined laser effect of the Death Star in the Star Wars trilogy, though the goal is to study particles in space, not annihilate planets…

It seems that Europe is the heir apparent of high-end experimental physics research.

It’s also noteworthy that the location for the facilities are in Eastern Europe. One of the goals of the project is to encourage academics in these countries to stay and build active research groups rather than leaving for Western European institutions. This would also encourage international researchers to visit these countries, a long-term approach to spur growth to build larger, active science communities.  http://singularityhub.com/2012/11/18/european-union-to-spend-900m-building-super-lasers-more-powerful-than-any-yet-constructed/

While I also am not convinced that it will be used to annihilate distant planets, I do believe the ELI is likely to generate potential military technology and/or weaponry.   I also agree that Europe is becoming the heir of high-end experimental physics research in many areas.

The Bible, itself, prophesies the rise of Europe and that it will dominate the world economic scene. The Bible teaches that this Babylonian European Beast will causes the world to prosper (Revelation 18).

As I have written before (it is discussed in two books I have written as well), I believe that part of why this will happen will more be because of technological developments in Europe (see European technology plans). Europe is on the leading edge of various technological projects for the world (GALIEO, LHC, FAIR), and has a highly educated work force.

Notice something that the Bible says about this:

3…And all the world marveled and followed the beast. 4 So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?” (Revelation 13:3-4, NKJV)

Notice that the military power of the Beast was something that the world will marvel, be astonished about. Why? Because no one really thought that the European Beast power had the military ability to defeat the U.S.A. with its Anglo-allies (Daniel 11:39), and then the Islamic King of the South (Daniel 11:40-43).

Technology would seem to be the key to a powerful European military, as well as likely its future economic dominance. One aspect could include particle collider research. The number of colliders in the U.S.A. has dwindled down to one under the Obama and Bush Administrations, and the remaining one is facing budget cuts and possible closure. Yet, in Europe, it now has the leading one in the world, CERN’s Large Hadron Collider (LHC) and in 2012, Germany announced that it is planning a possibly even more advanced one called FAIR (FAIR stands for the Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research).  ELI seems to be a project to take CERN’s research another step or so forward.

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

While the U.S.A., Australia, and others are currently worried mostly about China (see video Is China THE Threat to the United States of America?), the European developments will not be good for the Anglo-descended lands, including England.

Europe is moving forward with its research, space, and military plans and few in the USA seem to realize that when it gets enough power, the USA will lose all of its.

Speaking of the USA, one of its diplomats was overheard (spied on probably) disses the EU to Ukraine, and Germany’s Merkel is not pleased with this:

Germany’s Angela Merkel has said a US official’s apparent insult of the EU’s efforts to mediate in the Ukraine crisis is “totally unacceptable”.

Victoria Nuland has apologised after she referred disparagingly to the EU’s role during a conversation said to be with the US ambassador to Ukraine.

A recording of the exchange was posted online, with the US hinting at Russia’s involvement in bugging and leaking it.  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26080715

Victoria Nuland essentially said that Ukraine should ignore the ‘expletive’ EU and work with the USA and the UN.  This shows the European Union that the USA still does not consider it to be much of a partner.

This is at least the third time in the past year that Angela Merkel has expressed public outrage towards the USA.  The first I am referring to was the Snowden leaks which showed that the USA spied on Germany more than almost any other nation.  The second time was when it was leaked that the USA spied on Angela Merkel’s cell phone, and now this.  The Germans do not like this and will take steps (and already are, see for example yesterday’s post ).

The Bible warns of a time of trouble for the Anglo-nations (Jeremiah 30:7) and that they will be taken over by a European power (Daniel 11:39; Isaiah 10:5-11). Many events are lining up for this to happen.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? What is ahead for Europe?
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?
Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse What do each of the four horseman of the Apocalypse represent? Have they began their ride? Did Jesus discuss the any of this? Might their rides coincide with the “beginning of sorrows? Do they start their ride prior to the Great Tribulation? Did Nostradamus or any other ‘private prophets’ write predictions that may mislead people so that they may not understand the truth of one or more of the four horseman which has ties to Europe? There is also a related YouTube video titled The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.
The Eurasian Union, the Kings of the East, and Bible Prophecy Is there a Eurasian union that will be formed? Is one being formed right now? Are any leaders working on that in the 21st century? Does the Bible teach that there will be a Eurasian union? If some type of Eurasian union is formed, who might it benefit and who will it destroy? A related video would be Is The Eurasian Union Rising?
Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European? The Book of Revelation tells of a beast power that will rise up. Some think that this must be Russia or could be Islamic, while others say that this power is European. The Book of Daniel tells of the rise of an end time King of the North that some think must be referring to a Russian leader, while others say that this power is European. How can you be sure? This YouTube video has all the scriptural proofs that you should need to prove that this power must be a European one.
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies for the Great Monarch point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States? Here is a link to a video titled: The Future King of the North.
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided 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?
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 ver¿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?
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.

Non-GMO and GMO-Breeding for Plants

COGwriter

A reader sent me the following news items:

A group of Russian MPs have prepared a bill severely restricting imports of genetically modified agricultural produce, and completely banning its domestic production.  The initiative is backed by Evgeny Fyodorov of the parliamentary majority United Russia and a group called Russian Sovereignty, which unites MPs from various parties and parliamentary factions.

The politicians want to amend the existing law On Safety and Quality of Alimentary Products with a norm set for the maximum allowed content of transgenic and genetically modified components. The powers to establish that norm go to the government and products with excessive content of GMO components should be banned for turnover and imports.  http://www.thesleuthjournal.com/total-ban-gm-food-production-mulled-russia/#

.

297 Scientists, Experts Sign Statement: GMOs Not Proven Safe

The statement was drawn up by the European Network of Scientists for Social and Environmental Responsibility. It was released on October 21, 2013. Since then, 297 scientists and experts have signed it. Thus exploding the myth that “the science is settled.”  Exploding the claim that a consensus about GMOs has been reached.  http://beforeitsnews.com/agriculture/2014/02/297-scientists-experts-sign-statement-gmos-not-proven-safe-2448992.html

European Network of Scientists for Social and Environmental Responsibility, 10 Dec 2013

The number of scientists and experts who have signed a joint statement[1] saying that GM foods have not been proven safe and that existing research raises concerns has climbed to 297 since the statement was released on 21 October.  http://www.ensser.org/media/0713/

I hope that the Russians do ban GMO ‘foods.’  GMOs are dangerous.  Notice also the following:

(CNN) — Most people like to know what they are eating. However, labeling for genetically modified organisms is not required in any state. This is largely because of the money expended by GM seed producers toward blocking food-labeling laws.

A common claim made by this group is that GM foods have been proved safe to eat and that there is a global scientific consensus to support this statement; therefore, no labeling is needed.

However, an examination of the scientific data, along with discussions on this topic in other countries, show that both claims are blatantly false…

With the promise of reducing the use of agricultural chemicals, most of the current GM crops are supposedly either insect or herbicide resistant. In reality, GM crops have fostered an epidemic of herbicide resistant weeds and insects that are no longer killed by the built-in toxins.

The result is a massive increase in herbicide use — an additional 527 million pounds over the past 16 years…An Associated Press story in October documented the large increase in cancer and birth defects in commercial farming areas of Argentina since the introduction of GM crops. These data confirm recent animal studies showing that GM corn and the herbicides sprayed on it caused a dramatic increase in cancer in the same strain of rats used in FDA drug safety tests…

In reality, there is no evidence that GM food is safe for human consumption, nor is there any consensus on this topic within the scientific community.

It is critical for the public to educate itself about the realities of GMOs and not be fooled by the rhetoric from companies that sell it.

Most of the world has studied this issue and concluded that GMOs are not worth the risk.  http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/03/opinion/schubert-gmo-labeling/

And there are more issues than just food safety risks, cancer rates, and increased herbicide uses because of genetic-modification , there are also serious ethical ones.

Back on January 31, 2006, then US President George W. Bush proposed banning genetic experiments involving humans with animals.  Here is what he said to Congress in his State of the Union address:

Tonight I ask you to pass legislation to prohibit the most egregious abuses of medical research — human cloning in all its forms, creating or implanting embryos for experiments, creating human-animal hybrids, and buying, selling, or patenting human embryos. Human life is a gift from our Creator – and that gift should never be discarded, devalued, or put up for sale.  https://www.nrlc.org/federal/killingembryos/sotu2006bancloning/

That ban never happened in the USA.  Now more and more experiments are happening to produce what are called chimeras. 

Notice the following from the University of Minnesota:

Chimeras are animals composed of cells that originate from two (or more) different species. In the research lab, chimeras are created by introducing cells from one species into the developing embryo or fetus of another. Now, researchers are developing human-animal chimeras to study disease processes, test new drugs, and develop organs for future transplant patients. The chimeras are produced by introducing human stem cells into developing animal embryos…Hybrids and chimeras are biologically different. A cell from a chimera contains the genetic material of either one parent species or the other. While each cell from a hybrid animal,such as a mule, contains genetic material from both parent species…Because human-animal chimeras contain human cells—or even tissues or organs that are primarilyhuman—ethical concerns surround the question of just what or who chimeras are. Because they were created under laboratory conditions for research purposes, are chimeras lab animals? Or, will chimeras eventually be developed that are too human to be considered otherwise?  http://www.ahc.umn.edu/img/assets/25857/chimeras.pdf

February 6, 2014

Humans may be the next GMO frontier, thanks to Chinese scientists and their mutant monkeys

Something major just happened in China: Government-backed researchers turned two macaque monkey embryos into adorable newborn mutants.

It’s the first time anyone’s pulled off this kind of gene-editing in primates using Crispr, a technology that has been used on mice, rats and zebrafish. And it means scientists can use Crispr to program monkeys with the gene sequences of human illnesses…That’s a big deal. But the really huge implication isn’t about watching sickened monkeys. It’s about what this means for genome-editing in humans.  http://qz.com/173827/humans-may-be-the-next-gmo-frontier-thanks-to-chinese-scientists-and-their-mutant-monkeys/

Scientists all over the world are creating extremely bizarre human-animal chimeras. Over the past decade, there have been some absolutely stunning advances in the field of genetic modification. Today, it is literally possible for college students to create new lifeforms in their basements…According to LifeNews.com, researchers at the University of Wisconsin have successfully transferred cells from human embryos into the brains of mice…

Can you imagine what kind of sick, mad and twisted experiments are taking place in the dark corners of secret labs that nobody knows about? This is the stuff sci-fi movies are made from and what happens if these creatures get out into the wild and starting mating? At that point, it would be nearly impossible to “put the genie back into the bottle”. Scientists seem very eager to test the limits of what is possible, but what they are unleashing may have consequences that none of us ever dreamed possible.  http://www.riseearth.com/2014/02/pandoras-box-has-been-opened-dangerous.html#.UvQ4ZPldWO4

Transhuman species are apparently in progress.  The GMO field is going in the wrong direction and there will be a price to pay.  Frightening, franko-monsters, are apparently being worked on in labs (see also Chimeras: Has Science Crossed the Line?).  Yet, God made everything to reproduce after its own kind (Genesis 1).

Of course, those of us who believe the Bible should not be surprised that humans are going the wrong way with aspects of genetic research.  Notice that the Bible warned about human knowledge increasing and problems in the end time:

6 And the Lord said, “Indeed the people are one and they all have one language, and this is what they begin to do; now nothing that they propose to do will be withheld from them. 7 Come, let Us go down and there confuse their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech.” (Genesis 11:6-7)

4 “But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.”  (Daniel 12:4)

1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!  (2 Timothy 3:1-6)

How much ‘love’ do scientists have for the inter-spliced animal-human entities they are sometimes creating?  Do they not brutally experiment and then destroy most of what they are currently creating that way?

This is going the wrong direction.  We need to turn away from such.

Perhaps I should mention that both US President Barack Obama and his last Republican challenger for the presidency, Mitt Romney, both have been backers of GMOs.  GMOs are not what the world needs.  Jesus, repentance, and the Kingdom of God is.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

GMOs and Bible Prophecy What are GMOs? Since they were not in the food supply until 1994, how could they possibly relate to Bible prophecy? Do GMOs put the USA and others at risk? Here is a related YouTube video GMO Risks and the Bible.
Chimeras: Has Science Crossed the Line? What are chimeras?  Has science crossed the line? Does the Bible give any clues?
Jesus: The Son of God and Saviour Who was Jesus? Why did He come to earth? What message did He bring? Is there evidence outside the Bible that He existed? Here is a YouTube sermon titled Jesus: Son of God and Saviour.
Just What Do You Mean — Repentance? Do you know what repentance is? Have you truly repented? Repented of what? Herbert W. Armstrong wrote this as a booklet on this important subject.
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God was the Emphasis of Jesus and the Early Church Did you know that? Do you even know what the gospel of the kingdom is all about? You can also see a YouTube video sermon The Gospel of the Kingdom.
Just What Do You Mean the Kingdom of God? A booklet that was written by Herbert Armstrong answers questions about the Kingdom.
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?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe?
Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European? The Book of Revelation tells of a beast power that will rise up. Some think that this must be Russia or could be Islamic, while others say that this power is European. The Book of Daniel tells of the rise of an end time King of the North that some think must be referring to a Russian leader, while others say that this power is European. How can you be sure? This YouTube video has all the scriptural proofs that you should need to prove that this power must be a European one.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Edition for Second Obama Term This is a 160 page book for people truly interested in prophecies related to Barack Obama and the United States, including learning about many that have already been fulfilled (which the book documents in detail) and those that will be fulfilled in the future. It also has a chapter about a Republican choice. This book is available to order at www.barackobamaprophecy.com. The physical book can also be purchased at Amazon from the following link: Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States: Is Barack Obama Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic Catholic, Kenyan, and other America-Related Prophecies? What About Republican Leaders? Second Edition for Second Obama Term.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Term-Amazon Kindle edition. This electronic version is available for only US$2.99. And you do not need an actual Kindle device to read it. Why? Amazon will allow you to download it to almost any device: Please click HERE to download one of Amazon s Free Reader Apps. After you go to for your free Kindle reader and then go to Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Term-Amazon Kindle edition.

COGwriter

Should Christians observe Valentine’s Day?  The Continuing Church of God has a video on our Bible New Prophecy YouTube channel:

COGwriter

The latest issue (#158, print date January 31, 2013) of The Journal was sent out electronically and just received.  Some items about it are in this post in the order they appeared in the issue.

One item reported about is the that CEM is trying to start something up again, plus it had this to say about the health of its founder, Ronald Dart”

Mrs. Dart said she sees improvements in Mr. Dart’s condition virtually every day. He fell and injured his head four years ago. (See “Ron Dart Recovering After Injury,” THE JOURNAL, issue No. 138, dated June 17, 2010.) Mr. Dart’s memory is on the mend, she said.

There was an article on Leroy Neff, who died recently (see also eport of Leroy Neff’s death and Leroy Neff death and funeral announcement):

Lester Leroy Neff, 90, died after a long illness. Mr. Neff had retired after a long career as an employee of the Radio/Worldwide Church of God and Ambassador College. He graduated from Ambassador College, Pasadena, in 1959. He served as an evangelist, church pastor and treasurer in the WCG and taught Bible classes, including Survey of the Old Testament, at Ambassador College, Big Sandy. He was a member of the WCG, United Church of God and most recently Church of God a Worldwide Association. He was a cellist. He wrote a book that is still in use by some Churches of God, Basic Principles of Song Leading (available from the Intercontinental Church of God at tinyurl. com/neffsongs). Mr. Neff’s friend Steve McNeely of Hawkins, Texas, said Mr. Neff was anything but ‘flamboyant.” He was a “quiet leader” who “possessed the most beautiful, deep, resonant and unmistakable speaking voice.” He was “a plodder who moved in a purposeful straight line until the job was done.” Read more of Mr. McNeely’s memories of Mr. Neff at tinyurl.com/ leroyneff. Mr. Neff is survived by sons Larry Neff of Denver, Colo., and Don Neff of San Jose, Calif., daughter Carol Hegar of Big Sandy; seven grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Mr. Neff’s wife, Maxine, died in 2010.

An article related to David Hulme’s COGaIC by Wade Fransson had the following:

I first met Mr. Hulme in 1982. My close friend Jay Brothers and I were Ambassador College students and roommates when Jay shared that he had met with David, who had just been promoted to evangelist and head of communications and public affairs…

Around 2004 David gave a sermon titled “Government, Gospel and Godliness” in which it was evident that his Church of God an International Community (CGIC) supported the old WCG government-of-God-from-thetop- down doctrine. And he was clearly at the top. Yes, it appears to be the same sermon that recently inspired Steve Andrews to challenge David’s approach, and apparently led to Steve’s disfellowshipping. (See two related articles including “David Hulme Disfellowships S. Andrews; P. Nathan Quits” in issue No. 157 of THE JOURNAL, dated Dec. 31, 2013.)

The drop of a pin

Others have followed. Some were cast out. Still others resigned in protest. In 2004, however, I was pretty much the only minister who complained. I responded with a sermon, “Change, the Church, and the Comforter,” in which I read scriptures not covered in David’s sermon. The ones I chose emphasized the dramatic transformation of the New Testament church as Paul focused it outwardly. He prepared the church for the coming destruction of the temple by highlighting the Holy Spirit as the teacher, with decisions made by people who, under its influence, come together and agree. Naturally I was not invited to speak again for some time, and, when I was, I chose to speak about the arrogance of claiming one’s own organization to be the work of God.

There was a split of COGaIC in late 2013 (see Shake-ups at COGaIC and the bigger vision and COGaIC shake-up leading to another group? and Former COGaIC leaders to have Bible Study today, Sabbath services tomorrow).  I do not have confidence that the split will result in either COGaIC or the main split being particularly Philadelphian.

Dixon Cartwright and I spoke on the telephone last week, and he put this also in The Journal:

Multiple languages

ARROYO GRANDE, Calif.— Bob Thiel, founder and overseer of the Continuing Church of God, announced the CCG’s magazine is going out in multiple languages: English, Spanish, Tagalog, Mandarin Chinese and Kishahili. “We also have a partial translation of the January–March 2014 edition of our Bible News Prophecy magazine into the Telugu and French languages,” Dr. Thiel told THE JOURNAL. An area of particular influence for Dr. Thiel’s ministry is China. “Chinese television has frequently linked to our Web sites the last few months,” he said.

Here is a link to the Kiswahili announcement, which also has a link to the magazine: Bible News Prophecy Magazine: Blood Moons: Will Jesus Return in 2014? Now also in Kiswahili!

Rod Reynolds, who left LCG in 2013 and formed his own group was also mentioned:

Rod Reynolds and members of his family founded a church fellowship in August 2013 called Church of God Messenger.

Also in The Journal there were the usual letters to the editor and advertisements, various comments, and opinion articles.

The Journal itself is available by paid subscription (though Dixon Cartwright says some subscriptions are free to those who cannot afford it) and often tends to take a non-Philadelphian era view of certain church matters.

Berlin Reichstag

COGwriter

Germany is getting more involved in international matters that it used to shy away from.  Stratfor reports:

The Ukrainian crisis is important in itself, but the behavior it has elicited from Germany is perhaps more important. Berlin directly challenged Ukraine’s elected president for refusing to tighten relations with the European Union and for mistreating Ukrainians who protested his decision. In challenging President Viktor Yanukovich, Berlin also challenged Russia, a reflection of Germany’s recent brazen foreign policy.  Since the end of World War II, Germany has pursued a relatively tame foreign policy. But over the past week, Berlin appeared to have acknowledged the need for a fairly dramatic change. German leaders, including the chancellor, the president, the foreign minister and the defense minister, have called for a new framework that contravenes the restraint Germany has practiced for so long. They want Germany to assume a greater international role by becoming more involved outside its borders politically and militarily. For Berlin, the announcement of this high-level strategic shift comes amid a maelstrom of geopolitical currents. As the de facto leader of the European Union, Germany has to contend with and correct the slow failure of the European project. It has to adjust to the U.S. policy of global disengagement, and it must manage a complex, necessary and dangerous relationship with Russia. A meek foreign policy is not well suited to confront the situation in which Germany now finds itself. If Germany doesn’t act, then who will?

.

Germany and Japan have pursued relatively unassertive foreign policies since the end of World War II, but the vagaries of geopolitics are forcing them to change course in dramatic ways. On Thursday, German leaders announced that Berlin would try to play a larger global role politically and militarily. Meanwhile, Japan has already been gradually normalizing its military and strengthening its regional and global role, but its transformation has accelerated under the premiership of Shinzo Abe. Though nearly 9,000 kilometers apart, Germany and Japan still share many of the geopolitical constraints that dictated their actions in the first half of the 1900s, culminating for each in defeat, ruin and eventual rebirth. Both emerged en force at the turn of the 20th century, taking established regional and global powers by surprise.  http://www.stratfor.com/sample/geopolitical-diary/shared-geopolitical-challenges-germany-and-japan

The world abhors a military vacuum and Germany and others are trying to figure out who should fill it.  Notice also the following:

The announcement by the new grand coalition government in Germany that the country’s previous policy of military restraint is at an end marks a historic turning point. It heralds a new stage of aggressive imperialist foreign policy. For the first time since the end of World War II and the monstrous crimes of the Nazi dictatorship, Berlin’s leading politicians have clearly stated that Germany will in the future intervene in crisis areas and global hot spots more strongly and independently than before, including by military means. The days when Germany was obliged to practice military abstinence are finally over, they insist. Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier (Social Democratic Party—SPD) first announced the new policy last week in the Bundestag (parliament). He said Germany was “too big and too important” to confine itself any longer “to commenting on world politics from the sidelines.”http://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2014/02/06/pers-f06.html

While many do not think that much will happen with Germany’s military, as I wrote last week (see In Munich ‘Guttenberg dares comeback’ and German leaders push for stronger military role), the recent events in Ukraine, Russian military matters, and the relative decline of the US military are all motivating various ones in Europe in general and Germany in particular to want to step up the military presence in Europe.

The Bible warns of a strong leader who will rise up who will have had problems (Daniel 11:21). This leader will be from an area north of Jerusalem (like Europe; see also (see also Jerusalem: Past, Present, and Future). He will apparently be charismatic (cf. Daniel 7:20,11:21-24,31; Revelation 13:3-5) and lead a confederation that does not stick well together (Daniel 2:42-43), like many of the nations of the European Union. The Bible talks about a beast of the sea that had a deadly wound to one of its heads that was healed:

3 And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled and followed the beast. (Revelation 13:3)

Germany may have appeared to have died, militarily for a time, but it is not dead.  A significant military power will arise in Europe according to Revelation 13:4 and Daniel 11:39-43, and it would appear to have German involvement per Isaiah 10:5-11.

I would also add that in addition to its old ally Japan, Germany has been involved in selling military equipment to various nations in the Middle East and North Africa, including Egypt.  The Bible also tells of a time that there will be a temporary military alliance between Arabic nations and the modern Germans (Psalm 83:4-8).  Germany is starting to assert itself more and more and take steps which align with those biblical prophecies.

Speaking of alliances, the European Union is an alliance highly dependent on Germany.  Notice that the EU President basically is calling for the world to recognized that Europe can be a military force:

In his opening statement to the Saturday program of the Munich Security Conference on Feb. 1, European Union Council President Herman Van Rompuy, after expressing his full support and sympathy for the Ukrainian demonstrators, underlined that “Some people think Europeans are naïve; that we prefer carrots over sticks. Now, I am not saying that we cannot sometimes play our hand more strongly.

“I know the EU is sometimes looked at as somewhat of a Florence Nightingale — after all, we are the world’s biggest donor of development and humanitarian aid. But we do not just send nurses and nutritionists, we also send judges and policemen, soldiers and marines. In fact, we just decided to send in principle around 600 troops to Bangui. They will work side by side with those of France ….”

This would be the first time since their creation in 2007, that a military unit of the EU Battlegroup (EUBG) would be deployed under direct command of the Council of the European Union.http://larouchepac.com/node/29732

Changes in Europe and Germany are taking place.  Europe will not remain a peaceful entity forever (Revelation 13:4; Daniel 11:40-43).

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?
Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North? Is the former German Defense Minister (who is also the former German Minister for Economics and Technology) one to watch? What do Catholic, Byzantine, and biblical prophecies suggest?
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”? There is also a You-Tube video sermon on this titled Germany’s Biblical Origins.
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?
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.
Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach? Here is a link to a video, also titled Is Russia the King of the North?
Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European? The Book of Revelation tells of a beast power that will rise up. Some think that this must be Russia or could be Islamic, while others say that this power is European. The Book of Daniel tells of the rise of an end time King of the North that some think must be referring to a Russian leader, while others say that this power is European. How can you be sure? This YouTube video has all the scriptural proofs that you should need to prove that this power must be a European one.

COGwriter

US President Obama made an ecumenical appeal today:

February 6, 2014

Obama said Thursday at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C. “In contrast to those who wield religion to divide us, lets do more to nurture the dialogue between faiths.”  http://www.cbsnews.com/news/obama-lets-nurture-the-dialogue-between-faiths/

This is something that Pope Francis most likely will be pleased to learn about.

Barack Obama is also scheduled to meet with Pope Francis on March 27, 2014 (see Barack Obama to meet Pope Francis in March).  The two leaders, while different, have some things in common in terms of economic outlook.  Now,with this ecumenical statement, Barack Obama is advancing, knowingly or unknowingly, that which is one of Pope Francis’ major objectives, which is to increase ecumenical dialogue (with the goal of an ecumenical religion).

I have mentioned before that their apparent ecumenical bent could be something that Pope Francis and President Obama have in common (see Barack Obama to meet Pope Francis in March).  Barack Obama’s statement today has confirmed that.

Pope Francis, himself, has an ecumenical agenda that includes atheists and non-Catholics (see Why Should American Catholics Fear Unity with the Orthodox?).  Whereas Barack Obama, who claims Christianity, calls the Koran holy, carries a Hindu monkey god, and has taken certain steps inconsistent with a true Christian profession (for details and links see the article Prophecies of Barack Obama?).

Since the two leaders seemingly have a worldly agenda, perhaps they will agree at their planned meeting to work toward steps to support each other to try to make that agenda take place.

As far as Barack Obama himself goes, I warned back in 2009 (in my book 2012 And the Rise of the Secret Sect) that he would take steps to support the objectives of the final Antichrist.  In my view, his ecumenical statements today are consistent with that.

Pope Francis took another ecumenical step today:

February 6, 2014

Tens of thousands of young people have converged the eastern French city of Starbourg for the yearly ecumenical meeting of the Taizé community with Pope Francis calling in a message for Christian unity.

Pope Francis’ message was issued through his secretary of State, Archbishop Pietro Parolin.

He addressed to more than 25,000 young adults at the 36th annual European encounter of the Taizé community, a key pilgrimage for seekers of Christian unity.

Archbishop Parolin spoke of the region where the meeting is taking place close to the German-France border as “a land lacerated by wars, which had innumerable victims, but a land that also brings great hope, that of the building of the European family.” http://www.ecumenicalnews.com/article/thousands-of-young-christians-meet-on-french-german-border-for-unity-pilgrimage-22652

Notice that a “European family” is the Archbishop’s specific hope (though they are interested in others as well),

Of course, President Obama and Pope Francis (and their more immediate followers) are not the only ones promoting an ecumenical agenda.  Ecumenical News reported the following:

Lisbon’s (Anglican) Lusitanian Church Cathedral of St. Paul has hosted a ceremony marking the mutual recognition of baptism among Christian faith traditions in mainly Roman Catholic Portugal.  http://www.ecumenicalnews.com/article/portugal-churches-officially-recognize-each-others-baptism-22716

Considering that the Anglicans and Roman Catholics each basically declared that the other no longer had ecclesiastical authority a long while ago, this is a shift.  But what has now happened is consistent with various pronouncements from the Anglicans and Vatican, and is another ecumenical step.

Major ecumenical unity will occur in Europe.  Some steps have already been taken, and bigger steps will happen in the future.  While many push this agenda, the Bible shows that while it will be fairly successful (Revelation 13:1-4,8), it should not be something that Christians are part of (Revelation 14:12, Revelation 18:4).  And that God will eliminate it around when Jesus returns (cf. Revelation 11:15).

Some items of related interest may include:

Why Should American Catholics Fear Unity with the Orthodox? Are the current ecumenical meetings a good thing or will they result in disaster? Is doctrinal compromise good? Here is a link to a related video Should you be concerned about the ecumenical movement?
Europa, the Beast, and the Book of Revelation discusses the largest church since the second/third century, which in a real sense is the eighth church mentioned in the Book of Revelation (it also endorses “eighth day” worship). What church would support the Beast? Here is a link to a video titled: Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European?
Some Doctrines of Antichrist Are there any doctrines taught outside the Churches of God which can be considered as doctrines of antichrist? This article suggests at least three. It also provides information on 666 and the identity of “the false prophet.” Plus it shows that several Catholic writers seem to warn about an ecumenical antipope that will support heresy. You can also watch a video titled What Does the Bible teach about the Antichrist?
Could Pope Francis be the Last Pope and Antichrist? According to some interpretations of the prophecies of the popes by the Catholic saint and Bishop Malachy, Pope Francis I is in the position of “Peter the Roman,” the pontiff who reigns during tribulations until around the time of the destruction of Rome. Do biblical prophecies warn of someone that sounds like Peter the Roman? Could Francis I be the heretical antipope of Catholic private prophecies and the final Antichrist of Bible prophecy? This is a YouTube video.
The Malachy Prophecies and “Peter the Roman” An Irish bishop allegedly predicted something about 112 popes in the 12th century. Pope Benedict XVI was number 111. Francis would seem to be number 112–if he is that one–and if so, he is to reign until Rome is destroyed. May he be an antipope/final Antichrist?
Which Is Faithful: The Roman Catholic Church or the Continuing Church of God? Do you know that both groups shared a lot of the earliest teachings? Do you know which church changed? Do you know which group is most faithful to the teachings of the apostolic church? Which group best represents true Christianity? This documented article answers those questions.
The Last Pope: Do Biblical and Catholic Prophecies Point to Pope Francis? Amazon Book What does the Bible say about a pope near this time? Is the final pope to be an antipope and antichrist? Does Catholic prophecy point to Pope Francis as being the dreaded “Peter the Roman”? This 186 page book provides information and answers.
The Last Pope: Do Biblical and Catholic Prophecies Point to Pope Francis? Kindle This electronic version of the printed book which is available for only US$2.99. And you do not need an actual Kindle device to read it. Why? Amazon will allow you to download it to almost any device: Please click HERE to download one of Amazon s Free Reader Apps. After you go to for your free Kindle reader and then go to The Last Pope: Do Biblical and Catholic Prophecies Point to Pope Francis? Kindle.
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.
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-Saxon 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?
Pope Francis: Could this Marian Focused Pontiff be Fulfilling Prophecy? Pope Francis has taken many steps to turn people more towards his version of ‘Mary.’ Could this be consistent with biblical and Catholic prophecies? This article documents what has been happening. There is also a video version titled Pope Francis: Could this Marian Focused Pontiff be Fulfilling Prophecy?

Chemical Weapons Canisters

COGwriter

Syria reportedly still has 96% of its chemical weapons and has missed various agreed upon deadlines:

SYRIAN dictator Bashar al-Assad’s contemptuous failure to meet another key deadline for the dismantling of his chemical weapons arsenal is a reminder of the imperative for the international community to be uncompromising in the pressure it exerts on him to fulfil his obligations. Clearly, as US President Barack Obama’s top intelligence official, James Clapper, has told a congressional committee, Assad feels his hold on power has been significantly strengthened as a result of the chemical weapons agreement brokered by Russia, which has obviated any immediate threat of US cruise missile strikes being launched…

Assad has so far handed over a meagre 59 tonnes of chemical weapons surrendered (out of an arsenal of 1433 tonnes). And that is just what he has admitted to; US intelligence suspicions are he has declared only 32 of 50 chemical sites. ..

Not only is Assad slow-walking his chemical weapons for delivery, he is also now reneging on promises to destroy seven hardened aircraft hangars and five underground structures where he has been producing the weapons — facilities that can be rapidly reactivated. More than Assad’s recalcitrance is the belief he is secretly stockpiling weapons, including biological and chemical, in the heartland of his heterodox Shia Alawite sect for use if Syria is partitioned.  http://www.theaustralian.com.au/opinion/editorials/syrias-chemical-intransigence/story-e6frg71x-1226820049293

As the final deadline for the removal of all chemical weapons (CW) from Syria, February 5, 2014, comes and goes with 96% still in country, the International Community (IC) and UN/OPCW seem apprehensive about looking at alternative plans.  http://2paragraphs.com/2014/02/chemical-weapons-destroyed-in-libya-why-not-syria/

In a closed-door meeting, two senators say, the Secretary of State admitted to them that he no longer believes the administration’s approach to the crisis in Syria is working. Peace talks have failed, he conceded, and now it’s time to arm the moderate opposition—before local al Qaeda fighters try to attack the United States.

Secretary of State John Kerry has lost faith in his own administration’s Syria policy, he told fifteen U.S. Congressmen in a private, off-the-record meeting, according to two of the senators who were in the room.

Kerry also said he believes the regime of Bashar al Assad is failing to uphold its promise to give up its chemical weapons according to schedule…http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/02/03/senators-kerry-admits-obama-s-syria-policy-is-failing.html

The USA knows that what it hoped to have happen in Syria, simply has not.  In addition to the Assad regime holding on to nearly all of its chemical weapons, the USA has been concerned that many of those that it backed in Syria against the Assad government have turned out to be Islamic ‘extremists.’  Of course, the fact that the USA did not bomb Syria like many of the rebels thought it might last Summer essentially told the more ‘moderate’ factions that they could not rely on the USA.  Hence, many decided there was no point in acting like they shared certain USA interests in Syria.  It probably also should be mentioned that many of the atrocities done against professing Christians in Syria have come from forces in opposition to the Assad regime.

Despite what the USA might hope for, there really is no major ‘good side’ in this conflict.  A variety of interim deals and battles will likely occur, but not result in what the USA claims it wants.

The reality is that ultimately, the Bible shows that Syria’s capital Damascus will be destroyed:

7 thus says the Lord God: “It shall not stand, Nor shall it come to pass. 8 For the head of Syria is Damascus (Isaiah 7:7-8)

3 Thus says the Lord: “For three transgressions of Damascus, and for four, I will not turn away its punishment, Because they have threshed Gilead with implements of iron. (Amos 1:3)

1 The burden against Damascus. “Behold, Damascus will cease from being a city, And it will be a ruinous heap. (Isaiah 17:1)

23 Against Damascus. “Hamath and Arpad are shamed, For they have heard bad news. They are fainthearted; There is trouble on the sea; It cannot be quiet. 24 Damascus has grown feeble; She turns to flee, And fear has seized her. Anguish and sorrows have taken her like a woman in labor. 25 Why is the city of praise not deserted, the city of My joy? 26 Therefore her young men shall fall in her streets, And all the men of war shall be cut off in that day,” says the Lord of hosts. 27 “I will kindle a fire in the wall of Damascus, And it shall consume the palaces of Ben-Hadad.” (Jeremiah 49:23-27)

While this destruction could come as the result of the current civil war (and that is likely to be a factor), the reality is that the Syrian rebel forces at this instant may not have the military ability to do so. The Bible also suggests that Syria will be involved in a confederation of North African and Middle Eastern nations (Ezekiel 30:1-8; Psalm 83:4-8) who will support a leader that the Bible refers to as the final King of the South (Daniel 11:40-43).

Partially because of the internal civil war in Syria, Syria’s President Assad may decide that attacking Israel, probably in conjunction with support from Iran, is his best carnal option (which could include supporting Iran if it attacks Israel or Israel attacks it). Attacking Israel, however, will not be his best option (he should repent and probably leave office), though he may do that. The Bible suggests that Syria will support the coming final King of the South (Daniel 11:40-43; Ezekiel 30:1-8) and a change in or from the Assad regime will be necessary for this to happen–and it will come to pass.

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

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

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Evans Ochieng

COGwriter

The Continuing Church of God recently placed Evans Ochieng in charge of its congregations in Kenya.

I asked Evans Ochieng Kisiengo, to provide some information about himself to share.  He once was part of the Global, then Living, Church of God.

Today, he sent me the following:

I was born into the family of Prisila Oloo and Christopher Kisiengo. My parents were Catholics who were keeping Sunday. this is where I grow since it was the only denomination which was common in My area. Funny thing that I was not baptized in the Catholic religion.

I tried several times when my elder sister and my age mates were going for baptism, but I was always failing. The reason I can’t tell because it happened in such a way that is impossible to tell…

I met a pentecostal preacher when he was teaching about baptism and was explaining how baptism can only be done in the river or a lake not by a small water in the glass or any container.  I was surprised because he was explaining how Jesus was baptized in the river not by sprinkling water or poring in the face. And he read the books of 1 John 2:6 (Anyone who says he is a Christian should live as Christ did) Psalms 119:105( your words are a flashlight to light the path a head of me, and keep me from stumbling. Verse 106 (I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again and again: I will obey these wonderful laws of yours).

I was shocked when I heard all these verses and turned my mind from being a catholic and changed to be a pentecostal where I was baptized in water…

Every time I was studying the bible, I found that the bible is guiding us to keep  the sabbath not Sunday, since it is one of God’s ten commandments (Exodus 20:8-11;-Remember to observe the sabbath  as a holy day.Six days a week are for your daily duties and your regular works, but the seventh day is a day of sabbath rest before the lord your God. On that day you are to do no work of any kind, nor shall your son, daughter, or slaves-whether men or women-or your cattle or your house guests. For in six days, the lord made the heaven, earth and sea, and everything in them, and rested the seventh day and set it a side for rest).  And it is a sign between God and Mankind.( Ezekiel 20:11;- There I gave them my laws so they could live by keeping them. If anyone keeps them, he shall live. And I gave them the sabbath- a day of rest every seventh day-as a symbol between them and me, to remind them that is is I, the Lord, who sanctifies them, that they are truly my people).

Even though I was studying God’s sabbath I was still keeping Sunday but under  pressure, because when I was asking my pastors questions about sabbath, they  were giving me negative answers and were ready to fight me because they were considering me as a person who is bringing division in the church.

Many people accepted my teachings about sabbath but before the pastor most of them turned away from me and siding with the pastor simply because of fear. So it was a big problem to me till one sabbath day
morning when I made a decision in my mind to trace a place where I can get those who are keeping God’s sabbath. On my way I met SDA members who were moving for sabbath services. When I talked with about which day they are keeping, they told me that they are keeping sabbath. That is how I became a SDA  member…

I stayed in SDA till I became a preacher who can move every place to preach. One day when we went to open a new sabbath school, I was the guest speaker for that occasion. It was a wonderful preaching and many turned to be SDA members and it was a total success to the church.  At late hours we were in bible study, but among us was a man who had been a co-worker to WORLDWIDE CHURCH OF GOD. This man started to go against our teachings like:

1;- How we are keeping passover. In SDA we were partaking passover 4 times a year. And the bible says ones year. (Leviticus 23:5)

2;- How we were preaching about going to heaven after resurrection for 1000 years. The bible says no going in heaven for 1000 years but instead Christ is coming back to rule on earth for 1000 years…

He had two booklets in his hand. And since I was wondering if he was biblical, I received those booklets from him to study them. They were titled “God’s Holy Days or Pagans Holidays?” another one was “The Gospel of the Kingdom” by Armstrong.”

This is how I was called in God’s church where  there is a whole truth and is a pillar of the truth. 1 Timothy 3:14.

I was baptized in WCG where I stayed till Tkach brought apostasy in God’s church. This was the time I decided to walk out from WCG. We stayed for some period before we joined any group.

It later happened when I was reading the book of Ten Commandments by Dr. Roderick Meredith. I decided myself to place where Meredith was.   Because I knew that according to the book he wrote, he could not follow false doctrine of Tkach. This is why I joined Global Church of God.  We kept the feast of Tabernacles with them that year. Again after the feast we got a massage again that Global is divided, when Larry Salyer and his team went one way and Meredith and his team also one way. It was a sad story actually. I decided to join Living church of God with Meredith.  In LCG I hosted five different groups.  Because of character issues with a minister there that LCG would not resolve, I refused an ordination from him and decided to affiliate with another group.  Later I had hands laid upon me and was ordained.

I have been serving as a Church of God minister in Kenya for more than 10 years.

In 2013, I contacted Pastor Dr. Bob Thiel of the Continuing Church of God (CCOG).  I knew of him back when I was part of the Global and Living Church of God.  I was interested because of the zeal to do the work that CCOG had. I contacted him as wanted to learn more about the work that the Continuing Church of God has been doing.

After reviewing many CCOG articles, looking over CCOG literature, sending many emails, meeting with others here, and having conversations with Dr. Thiel, I asked to represent the Continuing Church of God as a minister here.

At present I am overseeing 20 congregations in Kenya and one in Tanzania and now do so as a minister for the Continuing Church of God.  There are also others in Tanzania that I hope to meet with who are affiliated with the Continuing Church of God.

Evans Ochieng sent more information than this about himself, and I hope to have that included in the next edition of our Bible News Prophecy magazine.

(As far as the character matter of the LCG minister when Evans Ochieng left, let me state that I heard something about it back then and prayed about it, but at the time was not convinced I (or LCG) knew all the details (I learned more about it later, which confirmed what I heard).  I agree with Evans Ochieng’s decision to refuse the ordination then and understand why he left LCG at that time.  Others there also have had other character issues, which is why I had to leave when I did.)

Evans Ochieng is able to visit the congregations so that congregations can get direct messages and other information.  Few in his area there can watch our videos over the internet as most do not have computers nor regular internet access.  He also is able to directly supply literature, some of which we are now printing in Kenya, in both English and Kiswahili.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Continuing Church of God The group striving to be most faithful amongst all real Christian groups to the word of God. To see how CCOG has done so far, here is a sermon Continuing Church of God (CCOG) first year anniversary: What has been accomplished? Here is a written link to a version of that sermon in the Spanish language: Aniversario del primer año de la Continuación de la Iglesia de Dios: ¿Qué se ha cumplido?
CCOG.ASIA We in the Continuing Church of God also have the url www.ccog.asia which has a focus on Asia and has various articles in Mandarin Chinese as well as some in English, plus some items in other Asian languages. 我们在继续神的教会也提供此网址 www.ccog.asia, 关注于亚洲并且有各种各样的中英文文章，其中一些用菲律宾语翻译的文章也正在进行中，准备添加到这个网站中。
CCOG.IN This is a website targeted towards those of Indian heritage. It has a link to an edited Hindi translation of The Mystery of the Ages and is expected to have more non-English language materials in the future.
CCOG.EU This is a website targeted toward Europe. It has materials in more than one language (currently it has English, Dutch, and Serbian, with links also to Spanish) and it is intended to have additional language materials added.
CDLIDD.ES La Continuación de la Iglesia de Dios. This is the Spanish language website for the Continuing Church of God.
PNIND.PH Patuloy na Iglesya ng Diyos. This is the Philippines website Continuing Church of God. It has information in English and Tagalog.
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.
Leading the Final Phase of the Work Matthew 24:14 teaches “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come ” 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?  This is a sermonette length video.
Why Bob Thiel Left the Living Church of God Several have speculated reasons, but here is the truth. (En el idioma español: ¿Por qué Bob Thiel dejó la Iglesia del Dios Viviente?)
The Bible, Peter, Paul, John, Polycarp, Herbert W. Armstrong, Roderick C. Meredith, and Bob Thiel on Church Government What form of governance did the early church have? Was it hierarchical? Which form of governance would one expect to have in the Philadelphia remnant? The people decide and/or committee forms, odd dictatorships, or the same type that the Philadelphia era itself had? What are some of the scriptural limits on ecclesiastical authority? Do some commit organizational idolatry? Here is a Spanish language version La Biblia, Policarpo, Herbert W. Armstrong, y Roderick C. Meredith sobre el gobierno de la Iglesia. Here is a link to a sermon titled Church Governance.

COGwriter

A reader sent me a report today about gambling:

February 5, 2014

The gambling industry around the world is huge, but the biggest market is the United States, where gamblers lost a staggering $119 billion in 2013…

Some gamblers believe they are lucky or special and will beat the odds and win — it is untrue for the overwhelming majority of players. Inexperienced gamblers (and investors) may fall victim to the Dunning-Kruger Effect — the tendency for unskilled individuals to overrate their skill and ability, and underrate the difficulty of the task at hand. They may also create narrative fallacies and rationalizations to justify their belief that they can beat the odds and win.

So that covers the behavior of many casual gamblers, but for problem bettors, the issue is often addiction.

http://theweek.com/article/index/255982/how-did-americans-manage-to-lose-119-billion-gambling-last-year

The article showed a chart of gambling losses per adult by nation, the biggest losers were those in Australia.  Here is a listing of the nations whose people lost the most money per adult:

1. Australia
2. Singapore
3. Finland
4. New Zealand
5. United States
6. Italy
7. Ireland
8. Norway
9. Canada
10. Sweden
11. Britain

The Australians lost over USD$1000 per adult in 2013, whereas the Brits lost just under $400 per adult.   It was interesting to note that the American and Anglo-Saxon nations had six of the eleven top biggest gambling losing nations in the world.

Since Australia was listed as first, I thought the following in the July-August 1983 edition of the old Plain Truth magazine would be of interest to some:

  Commenting about the state of the nation, Australian teacher, writer and critic Bill Broderick is quoted in Time, September 22, 1980, as saying of modern Australia, “God is dead. Only in sport, gambling and sex is there hope of salvation. Nothing can shake the country of this cynicism except some catastrophe on a national scale.”
In Hosea 5:14 God says, “For I will be unto Ephraim as a lion… I, even I, will tear and go away; I will take away, and NONE SHALL RESCUE HIM.”

Placing their confidence in gambling and not God is not new for many Australians, or others for that matter.

Many governments are looking at extending the legality of gambling.  I consider lotteries and similar programs as a tax on the poor.  I believe it often demotivates people to improve themselves financially and often gets people to be focused on getting something for nothing.

Some items of possibly related interest include:

Living as a Christian: How and Why? In what ways do Christians live differently than others. What about praying, fasting, tithing, holy days, and the world? There is also a YouTube video related to that also called: Living as a Christian: How and Why?
The Seven Laws of Success Herbert W. Armstrong had seven laws that he felt could help people become successful.
Christian Success Does the Bible teach that Christians are to be successful? Are there at least seven laws of success that Christians should follow? How does the Bible teach we are to become successfully spiritually? Does the Bible really teach that Christians should be successful physically? This video answers these questions and more from the Bible. An outline of some of the scriptures used is here: Christian Success Outline.
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-Saxon 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-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?

COGwriter

Yesterday, a reader sent me a link today of an interview on CBN by Pat Robertson of a Messianic Jewish Rabbi named Jonathan Cahn that was first broadcast 02/05/2013, that I decided to watch.  Jonathan Cahn is probably most well know for a novel he wrote called The Harbinger.  He has since wrote other books.

In the interview with Pat Robertson, Jonathan Cahn brought out some interesting points, and some of which may be correct.

For example, he and Pat Robertson referred to the events of 9/11/2001 and tied them in with Isaiah 9:10 and the USA.  There may be ties.  I would like to quote this in Isaiah, but start with the verse before:

9 All the people will know —
Ephraim and the inhabitant of Samaria —
Who say in pride and arrogance of heart:
10 ‘The bricks have fallen down,
But we will rebuild with hewn stones;
The sycamores are cut down,
But we will replace them with cedars.”  (Isaiah 9:9-10)

Essentially the leaders of ancient Ephraim and Manasseh declared that they would rebuild.  Jonathan Cahn stated that this seemed to be related to what happened in the USA because of the 9/11/2001 attack.

Jonathan Cahn then referred to statements by various US politicians that were consistent with the “we will rebuild” declaration.  The screen showed the following quote that then Senator Tom Daschle made to Congress on 9/12/2001 related to the 9/11/2001 attack:

We will rebuild, we will recover.

Jonathan Cahn and Pat Robinson said that this is what the leaders of ancient Israel said in Isaiah 9:10, but that God later punished them.  Jonathan Cahn then added that God later punished Israel and that God punished the USA with the economic crisis seven years later.

Now, I do agree that the Isaiah 9:10 statement has had a type of fulfillment by USA leaders.  I would take it a step further and specifically state that since certain prophecies about Samaria appear to be directed towards the USA of the 21st century (Isaiah 9 was and still is, quoted in my article Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel), that this makes those ties stronger (Isaiah 9:9, that mentions Samaria, was not quoted in the interview; Isaiah 9:21 then seems to tie that to Manasseh, whose descendants have been important in the USA).

Jonathan Cahn, however, then took Isaiah 9:10 in a step or two in the wrong direction.  He said that since the ancient Septuagint (a sometimes corrupted translation of the Hebrew scriptures into the Greek language) specifically suggests that a ‘tower’ would be rebuilt and that something related to Babel was found at the 9/11 site, that this suggests the new tower built at ‘ground zero’ had connections to the Tower of Babel of Genesis 11:4.  If he was hinting that the USA is the representative of the end time Mystery Babylon the Great of Revelation 17 (which he seemed to possibly hint at), he is in error.  The Bible shows that Revelation 17 has to do with a seven-hilled city in Europe and its relationship with a Roman/European power there.

Jonathan Cahn brought up interesting side notes about a tree of hope planted where a sycamore tree at the edge of ground zero stood, and that despite efforts to keep the tree growing, it, like the USA was withering.  And I would agree with the statement that the USA is withering.  Barack Obama was brought up a couple of times, essentially indicating that he was acting like the leaders of ancient Israel and that he, like other US politicians, did not seem to see the biblical significance/warning about some of what he has been doing.

Two Slides

The interview screen later showed something that resembled two Power Point slides, apparently from Jonathan Cahn or one of his books.  The first had the following information:

PARTIAL SOLAR ECLIPSE   2015 Sep 13

ELLUL 29   SEPTEMBER 13, 2015

GLOBAL COLLAPSE?

The second had the following information:

TETRAD
4 BLOOD MOONS

ELLUL 29

THIS SOLAR ECLIPSE IS WITHIN THE TRIBULATION TETRAD

Now if by tribulation, Jonathan Cahn meant the Great Tribulation, then it is not at all possible to begin then.  I have gone over this before in various articles and videos, and I have directly debunked the ‘Blood Moon’ hypotheses of the Great Tribulation beginning in 2014 or 2015 (see Blood Moons and Prophecy and/or watch Blood Moons, Prophecy, 2014, and 2015).

On the other hand, if the seven-year deal of Daniel 9:27 is confirmed then, then the seven-year period some Protestants call the ‘tribulation,’ with the “Great Tribulation” starting 3 1/2 years later, it is possible for September or October of 2014 or 2015.

Pat Robertson Calls Jonathan Cahn God’s Prophet

Near the end of the interview Pat Robertson said:

God…has ordained this young man as His prophet…Jonathan…

Is Jonathan Cahn God’s prophet as Pat Robertson stated?

No, he is not.

Jonathan Cahn does not meet the New Testament criteria, plus his misunderstanding of various matters disqualifies him (to learn more about prophets, please see the article How To Determine If Someone is a True Prophet of God and/or watch the video also titled How to determine if someone is a true prophet of God).

Blood moons are not a sign that the Great Tribulation can begin in 2014 or 2015. There are simply too many additional biblically-required signs that Jesus listed in Matthew 24 that cannot occur between now and then.  But that does not mean that the seven-year deal referred to in Daniel 9:27 could not be confirmed in 2014 or 2015 and a major biblical countdown could begin.

It remains my view that most will not actually recognize the deal that will be associated with Daniel 9:27, and hence will not take proper steps to be protected from the Great Tribulation that will start 3 1/2 years later.  This does not just include Protestants, but also most who claim to be part of the Church of God.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Blood Moons and Prophecy There are four ‘blood moons’ expected in 2014 and 2015. Do they signal the Day of the Lord or the return of Jesus Christ? A related YouTube video is also available: Blood Moons, Prophecy, 2014, and 2015.
Wormwood and Planet Nibiru  Will the Earth be devastated by a comet in 2014?  What about Wormwood? Here is a related YouTube video Could Comet ISON be Wormwood of Bible Prophecy?
Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? When does the six thousand years of human rule end?
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-Saxon 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?
How To Determine If Someone is a True Prophet of God There are many false prophets. How can Christians determine who is a true prophet? There is also a sermon-length video titled How to determine if someone is a true prophet of God. Here is a related link in Spanish/español: ¿Cómo determinar si alguien es un verdadero profeta de Dios?
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.
There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Petra This article discusses a biblical ‘place of safety’ and includes quotes from the Bible and Herbert W. Armstrong on this subject–thus, there is a biblically supported alternative to the rapture theory. There is also a video on the subject: Might Petra be the Place of Safety?  Here is something related in the Spanish language: Hay un lugar de seguridad para los Filadelfinos. ¿Puede ser Petra?
This is PETRA! This is a 1962 Good News article by the late Dr. Hoeh.
Is There A Secret Rapture for the Church? When and Where is the Church Protected? What does the Bible really teach? Does the Church flee or is it taken up just prior to the great tribulation? Who really is left behind? There is also a YouTube video with information Did Jesus Teach a Pre-tribulation Rapture?
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2014, 2015, or 2016? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? Who are the 144,000? Here is a version of the article in the Spanish language: ¿Puede comenzar la Gran Tribulación en 2013 o 2014? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? You can also see the English language video The Great Tribulation Will Not Begin Before 2017.
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.