Church of God News

Coronaviruses

COGwriter

Saudi Arabia has had more deaths due to MERS and the USA has reported its first case of MERS:

May 3 (Reuters) – Saudi Arabia has found 25 more cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) as the rate of infections rises and two more people have died from the new disease, the kingdom’s Health Ministry said.

On Friday seven people were confirmed as having MERS, followed by 18 more on Saturday, the biggest daily increase in new infections so far. The total number of cases in the kingdom is 396, of whom 109 have died.

On Friday the United States said it had discovered its first confirmed case of the disease in a man who had recently been in Saudi Arabia. Egypt said it discovered its first case, also in a man who had been in Saudi Arabia, on Thursday.

Infections of MERS in Saudi Arabia, where it was discovered two years ago, have more than doubled since the start of April, but the total number of deaths has increased at a slower rate.

A higher number of people without symptoms are also being found with the disease, suggesting that the rapid increase in recent weeks is partly due to wider testing of people who have been in close contact with MERS patients.

MERS, a form of coronavirus like the more deadly SARS, can cause fever, coughing, shortness of breath and pneumonia.  http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/05/03/health-saudi-mers-idUSL6N0NP0GM20140503

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

We seem to be in the time Jesus called “the beginning of sorrows.”  However, what will be coming will be worse (see Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2014 or 2015?).

Speaking of what is coming, a reader sent me the following related to Saudi Arabia:

Saudi Arabia’s military for the first time displayed Chinese made intermediate-range missiles during a recent military parade in the kingdom.

The unveiling of the two Chinese DF-3 missiles is the latest sign that the oil-rich kingdom is distancing itself from the United States.

The missiles were shown during a large-scale military parade featuring troops, warplanes and other military hardware. The parade marked the end of a large military exercise known as Abdullah’s Sword that ended April 29 in northeastern region of Hafar al Batan. The DF-3s were purchased by the Saudis in a secret deal with Beijing in 1987 and the sale was the first time intermediate-range missiles had been exported.

The missiles are considered nuclear-capable because their accuracy as conventionally armed weapons is limited. 

Security analysts have speculated that the DF-3s are part of a secret agreement between the kingdom and Pakistan to share some of Islamabad’s nuclear warheads for the missiles in a future crisis or conflict…

Newsweek reported Jan. 29 that China also secretly supplied Saudi Arabia with more advanced DF-21 medium range missiles—among Beijing’s most advanced missiles that have been modified for use in attacking satellites and aircraft carriers at sea.http://freebeacon.com/national-security/saudi-arabia-shows-off-chinese-missiles/

The fact that the missiles are Chinese is basically sending a message to the USA that Saudi Arabia will take the steps it feels it needs as it does not trust the USA to support it like it once did.  Saudi Arabia voiced displeasure over the USA’s nuclear deal with Iran and this public display is sending the USA a message.

Chinese DF-21A missile on transporter launcher

Saudi Arabia is widely believed to have made a deal with Pakistan to receive nuclear warheads upon request.  Saudi Arabia has helped finance Pakistan’s nuclear program and this is the main reason why Saudi Arabia got involved.  The Bible tells of a time when an Arab-based power called the King of the South will rise up (Daniel 11:40).  Since the Bible shows that this King of the South will engage the final King of the North in battle (Daniel 11:40), it is likely that the King of the South will have some type of weapons of mass destruction, such as nuclear ones, to embolden it to fight the final King of the North.

The display by Saudi Arabia is apparently designed to show Iran, the USA, and others that it does not intend to be intimidated by Iran or others.  But final support of the will not end well (Daniel 11:40-43; Ezekiel 30:1-9).  Simply having weapons does not mean one will win battles.

Yet, since a great battle between the King of the South and King of the North is prophesied, both sides having and developing weapons before that battle is consistent with what would be expected.

As Jesus said:

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

Some items of related interest may include:

Fourth Horseman of the Apocalypse What is the pale horse of death and pestilences? What will it bring and when? Spanish: El cuarto jinete de Apocalipsis, el caballo pálido de muerte y pestilencia.
Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse What do each of the four horseman of the Apocalypse represent? Have they began their ride? Did Jesus discuss the any of this? Might their rides coincide with the “beginning of sorrows? Do they start their ride prior to the Great Tribulation? Did Nostradamus or any other ‘private prophets’ write predictions that may mislead people so that they may not understand the truth of one or more of the four horseman? There is also a related YouTube video titled The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.
Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? Does God have 7,000 year plan? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2021 or 20xx? There is also a video titled The 6000 Year Plan: Is the end of humanity’s reign almost up?
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2014, 2015, or 2016? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? Who are the 144,000? Here is a version of the article in the Spanish language: ¿Puede comenzar la Gran Tribulación en 2013 o 2014? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? You can also see the English language sermon video: The Great Tribulation from the Mount of Olives.
Is the Future King of the South Rising Up? Some no longer believe there needs to be a future King of the South. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? Might this King be called the Mahdi or Caliph? What does the Bible say? A YouTube video of related interest may be: The Future King of the South is Rising.
The Muslim Brotherhood and the Rise of the King of the South The Bible tells of the formation of a power of nations that are in the Middle East and North Africa that are part of the final “King of the South” (Daniel 11:40-43) The Muslim Brotherhood wishes to have an Islamic empire with basically the same nations. This YouTube video explains what to expect from such a confederation.
The Arab and Islamic World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam? What about the Imam Mahdi? What lies ahead for Turkey, Iran, and the other non-Arabic Muslims? An item of possibly related interest in the Spanish language would be: Líderes iraníes condenan la hipocresía de Occidente y declaran que ahora es tiempo para prepararse para el Armagedón, la guerra, y el Imán Mahdi.
Damascus and Syria in Prophecy Will Bashar Assad hold power as he has it? Does the Bible show that Damascus, the capital of Syria, will be destroyed? What will happen to Syria? Will the Syrians support the final King of the South that the Bible tells will rise up? Which scriptures discuss the rise and fall of an Arabic confederation? Does Islamic prophecy predict the destruction of Syria. This is a YouTube video.
Egypt in Prophecy Does Egypt have a special role in end time prophecy? Will Egypt rise up and then be defeated. What does God teach will happen to those in Egypt? Here is a link to a YouTube video titled Egypt and End Time Prophecy.
Iran in Prophecy Is Iran in Bible prophecy? If so, what does the Bible teach? What names, other than Persia, may be used to describe Iran? There is also a YouTube video titled Iran in Prophecy. Here is a related video Iran In Prophecy.
World War III: Steps in Progress Are there surprising actions going on now that are leading to WWIII? Might a nuclear attack be expected? Does the Bible promise protection to all or only some Christians? How can you be part of those that will be protected? A related video would be Is World War III About to Begin? Can You Escape?

COGwriter

The Continuing Church of God is pleased to announce its latest suggested sermon: Heaven and Christianity, which is at its ContinuingCOG channel.

1:14:51

Heaven and Christianity

What does the Bible teach about heaven?  if there are three heavens, what are they?  What have Protestant and Catholic scholars and saints taught about heaven?  Are our loved deceased look down from heaven upon us? What about ‘near death, experiences? Do Christians go to heaven upon death?  Can Christians ever go to heaven at any time?  What does heaven have to do with the reward for Christians?

Here is a link to the sermon: Heaven and Christianity.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Did Early Christians Teach They Were Going to Heaven? What do the Bible and scholars teach? What about ‘near-death experiences’? Here is a link to a related sermon: Heaven and Christianity.
What Is the Place that Jesus Is Preparing? Dr. Herman Hoeh wrote this and answered whether the saints go to heaven upon death.
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.
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.

Claimed ‘Tomb of David’

COGwriter

A reader sent me a link to the following:

Is there a deal in the works to hand the Tomb of King David over to the Vatican?

Rumors of such an agreement appear to have enough substance to have prompted Deputy Transportation Minister Tzipi Hotovely (Likud) to write a query to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu.

Hotovely reminded the prime minister of the importance of the tomb of the Biblical monarch, noting its sanctity to the Jewish nation. She warned Netanyahu not to make the same mistake with King David’s Tomb that previous administrations made with the Temple Mount – that is, handing sovereignty over the sacred site to a foreign power…

There has not yet been any announced response to Hotovely’s letter.

Although an Israeli government source has denied any intention of transferring control over the site to the Vatican, other sources have said otherwise – including journalist Gulio Meotti, an editorial contributor to Arutz Sheva, who maintains there is truth to the rumors a deal is still in the works. http://www.jewishpress.com/news/breaking-news/government-plan-to-hand-king-davids-tomb-to-the-vatican/2014/04/30/0/?print

I was able to visit this tomb and the surrounding area last October.  Jews do not wish to give it up.  Although I was told by a rabbi that the Israeli government had promised, decades ago, not to give the general location (which includes a Muslim cemetery and a building) to the Vatican, political considerations often improperly override promises.  It may be given away as part of a peace deal and/or for political and/or economic reasons.

Notice also the following from a Catholic news source:

An Israeli lawmaker claims that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has spoken with Chief Sephardic Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef about the possibility of ceding the Tomb of David— located in an old church building that is also revered by Christians as the site of the Last Supper—to the Vatican.

The report—which has not been confirmed by the Israeli government—comes after earlier rumors that the government was engaged in secret negotiations with the Vatican about future control of the site.

The Tomb of David is on the ground floor of the building in Jerusalem, which dates back to the 4th century. The Cenacle, the site of the Last Supper, is on the upper floor…

Negotiations on the long-awaited juridical pact between the Vatican and Israel are a focus of renewed interest as Pope Francis plans for his visit to the Holy Land later this month. http://www.catholicculture.org/news/headlines/index.cfm?storyid=21272

As mentioned before, I absolutely believe that the time will come when forces associated with the Vatican will gain control of this building. The Vatican has long wanted control of this location.

Notice that the real reason is not because of a claimed location for the tomb of David.  The ‘Cenacle’ building is a claimed location of certain New Testament events.  According to scholars and scholastic sources I have reviewed, it is questionable if certain New Testament events, such as the last Passover, etc. happened here, but some traditions indicate that it was.

As far as this being the location of the tomb of David, the first century Jewish historian Josephus seemed to believe that this Western Hill location was the correct one. He made several references:

1. AS for Herod, he had spent vast sums about the cities, both without and within his own kingdom; and as he had before heard that Hyrcanus, who had been king before him, had opened David’s sepulcher, and taken out of it three thousand talents of silver, and that there was a much greater number left behind, and indeed enough to suffice all his wants, he had a great while an intention to make the attempt; and at this time he opened that sepulcher by night, and went into it, and endeavored that it should not be at all known in the city, but took only his most faithful friends with him. As for any money, he found none, as Hyrcanus had done, but that furniture of gold, and those precious goods that were laid up there; all which he took away. However, he had a great desire to make a more diligent search, and to go farther in, even as far as the very bodies of David and Solomon; where two of his guards were slain, by a flame that burst out upon those that went in, as the report was. So he was terribly aftrighted, and went out, and built a propitiatory monument of that fright he had been in; and this of white stone, at the mouth of the sepulcher, and that at great expense also. And even Nicolaus his historiographer makes mention of this monument built by Herod, though he does not mention his going down into the sepulcher, as knowing that action to be of ill repute; and many other things he treats of in the same manner in his book; for he wrote in Herod’s lifetime, and under his reign, and so as to please him, and as a servant to him, touching upon nothing but what tended to his glory, and openly excusing many of his notorious crimes, and very diligently concealing them. And as he was desirous to put handsome colors on the death of Mariamne and her sons, which were barbarous actions in the king, he tells falsehoods about the incontinence of Mariamne, and the treacherous designs of his sons upon him; and thus he proceeded in his whole work, making a pompous encomium upon what just actions he had done, but earnestly apologizing for his unjust ones. Indeed, a man, as I said, may have a great deal to say by way of excuse for Nicolaus; for he did not so properly write this as a history for others, as somewhat that might be subservient to the king himself. As for ourselves, who come of a family nearly allied to the Asamonean kings, and on that account have an honorable place, which is the priesthood, we think it indecent to say any thing that is false about them, and accordingly we have described their actions after an unblemished and upright manner. And although we reverence many of Herod’s posterity, who still reign, yet do we pay a greater regard to truth than to them, and this though it sometimes happens that we incur their displeasure by so doing. (Josephus. Complete Works: Antiquities, Book 16, Chapter 7. Translated by W. Whiston, Kregel Publications, 1960, pp. 345-346)

In 333 A.D. this building was observed by someone called the Bordeaux pilgrim. Here is an account by a Catholic priest and scholar:

Precisely from the topographical aspects, the Bordeaux pilgrim in 333 wrote, “Within the wall of Sion appears to be a place where David had his place. And of the seven synagogues that were there, there remains only one, the remains of the others they plough and sow as the prophet Isaiah said” (E 729)…

As a positive fact we have it that the Bordeaux pilgrim saw on Sion only one synagogue. To explain the silence on the mother church which certainly was on Sion, we can only identify this synagogue as mentioned by the Bordeaux pilgrim with the church adapted by use by the Judeao-Christians, and therefore called, according to their usage, a synagogue. This is confirmed by St. Cyril, who some half a score of years later…calls the place “a church of the Apostles”…

(Bagatti, Bellarmino.  Translated by Eugene Hoade.  The Church from the Gentiles in Palestine. Nihil obstat: Ignatius Mancini, 1 Februari 1970. Imprimi potest: Herminius Roncari, 26 Februari 1970. Imprimatur: +Albertus Gori, die 28 Februarii 1970.  Franciscan Printing Press, Jerusalem, 1971, p. 64)

Much more on why this location may be the correct one for the tomb of David and the original Church of God in Jerusalem, as well as some prophetic ramifications, is in the article Church of God on Jerusalem’s Western Hill.

Some of what is known about the area is that the oldest part of original wall on the building above the ‘tomb of David’ was part of what appears to have been the first building constructed for Christian worship services in Jerusalem (and possibly anywhere else).  By attempting to control this, the Vatican wishes to imply that it is the continuation of the original Christian church.  But irrespective of what property the Church of Rome may control, its doctrines and practices differ greatly from those that the original Christians in Jerusalem held.  For details, see the article Which Is Faithful: The Roman Catholic Church or the Continuing Church of God? and/or the free booklet Continuing History of the Church of God.

Currently I am doing some research related to the building, its location, and its possible role in end time prophecy. I have attempted to contact various scholars about it and keep updating a paper I am writing on it as I put together more information (see also Church of God on Jerusalem’s Western Hill).

Here is a photo I took of some of the original bricks of the building:

It is believed that the original bricks (the large ones above, also called ashlars) were not only part of the first Christian church building (which was called a synagogue then), but that they also may have come from the second temple in Jerusalem.

Anyway, because of various biblical prophecies, it is possible that this is a location that the prophesied ‘man of sin’ will come to (cf. 2 Thessalonians 2).

The Vatican continues to press for control of this and my investigations are continuing.  Pope Francis is scheduled to conduct Catholic mass in this building later this month.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Church of God on Jerusalem’s Western Hill Could this building, often referred to as the Cenacle, which is located on a Mount Zion, possibly have been the oldest actual Christian church building? There is also a video titled Does the ‘Cenacle’ deal have prophetic ramifications?
Why is a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem Not Required? Although people like Timothy LaHaye teach a third Jewish temple is required, who is ‘the temple of God” in the New Testament? Does the Bible require a rebuilt Jewish Temple? Here is a related item in the Spanish language ¿Por qué no se requiere un templo judío en Jerusalén?
Who is the Man of Sin of 2 Thessalonians 2? Is this the King of the North, the ten-horned beast of Revelation 13:1-11, or the two-horned Beast of Revelation 13:12-16? Some rely on traditions, but what does the Bible teach? Here is a related link in Spanish/español: ¿Quién es el Hombre de Pecado de 2 Tesalonicenses 2? Here is a version in Mandarin: 主编： 谁是’大罪人’？Here is a link to a related YouTube video, in English, titled Who is the Man of Sin?
Jerusalem: Past, Present, and Future What does the Bible say about Jerusalem and its future? Is Jerusalem going to be divided and eliminated? Is Jesus returning to the area of Jerusalem? There is also a related YouTube video you can watch titled Jerusalem To be divided and eliminated.
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?
Continuing History of the Church of God This pdf booklet is a historical overview of the true Church of God and some of its main opponents from c. 31 A.D. to 2014. A related sermon link would be Continuing History of the Church of God: c. 31 to c. 300 A.D.
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?
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.

Sloviansk Barricade, Pre-Raid (Александр Сирота)

COGwriter

Ukraine sent in commandos to eliminate some barricades in Sloviansk, Ukraine:

May 2, 2014

Many pro-Russia rebels have been killed, injured and arrested in the Ukrainian government offensive in the eastern city of Sloviansk, acting President Oleksandr Turchynov has said.

But, in a statement, he said the operation in the rebel-held city was not going as quickly as hoped.

Rebels earlier shot down two Ukrainian army helicopters, killing a pilot and a serviceman.

Russia has called for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.

Moscow has said the use of the Ukrainian army against its own people is “leading Ukraine to catastrophe”.

The situation in Sloviansk remains unclear, with Kiev earlier saying that half the city was “under control” of Ukrainian units.  http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-27259614

Russia had issued a warning earlier today:

May 2, 2014

Russia has warned Kiev of “catastrophic consequences” if it cracks down on pro-Moscow rebels continuing to seize official buildings in eastern regions.

The caution came as Ukraine reintroduced military service for young men, moved to expel a Russian military attaché for alleged spying, and accused anti-government activists of planning explosions during major holiday events next week.

The crisis continues to deepen a rift between Moscow and the West, with Nato’s deputy secretary general Alexander Vershbow saying last night “the Russians have declared Nato as an adversary, so we have to begin to view Russia . . . as more of an adversary than a partner”.

Earlier, Russia’s foreign ministry expressed “extreme concern” at reports that Kiev intended to launch a security operation in eastern areas, where protesters including gunmen have seized administrative buildings in about a dozen locations.

“Such irresponsible and aggressive actions . . . could lead to catastrophic consequences,” the ministry warned, and urged Kiev and its western allies “not to make criminal mistakes” by “using force against the Ukrainian people”.  http://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/europe/russia-warns-ukraine-against-crackdown-on-rebels-1.1780875

In the past, Russia has indicated that it would take steps if military actions escalated and involved the government in Kiev against ‘ethnic Russians” in Ukraine.

The Kiev government has apparently decided to take that risk.  For many reasons, Russia may be motivated to act more decisively now.

This is not going well for the people of Ukraine.

After posting the above, the following was in the news:

May 2, 2014

At least 31 people were killed in a fire that broke out amid clashes between pro-Russia demonstrators and government supporters in the southern Ukrainian city of Odessa.

The port city has not been a deadly flashpoint in the unrest that has plagued the eastern section of Ukraine during the tug-of-war between Russia and the West.

But violence erupted when protesters calling for a united Ukraine marched through the streets and were met by pro-Russian activists, Kiev-based UNIAN news agency and the Ukrainian online newspaper Ukrainskaya Pravda reported.  http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/ukraine-crisis/ukraine-clashes-turn-deadly-dozens-killed-fire-n95916

There is violence in the land, and will be more in the prophesied future.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Wars, rumors of wars, and the Apocalypse Jesus foretold a time before the end where there would be wars and rumors of wars. The Apocalypse (the Book of Revelation) warns of the red horseman of war. Now, even secular writers, like Larry Edelson, are worried that wars and rumors of war are the most menacing problem that now haunts the earth? Are they right? What is the solution?  This is a video.
World War III: Steps in Progress Are there surprising actions going on now that are leading to WWIII? Might a nuclear attack be expected? Does the Bible promise protection to all or only some Christians? How can you be part of those that will be protected? Here is a link to a related video titled Is World War III About to Begin? Can You Escape?
Russia and Ukraine: Their Origins and Prophesied Future Where do the Russians come from? What about those in the Ukraine? What is prophesied for Russia and its allies? What will they do to the Europeans that supported the Beast in the end? Here is a link to a video sermon titled Russia in the Bible and in Prophecy.
Ukraine in Prophecy? What is happening in Ukraine? What is known and what is unsure about its future? What is the origin of those who live in Ukraine? What does the Bible teach about the role of the Medes in the end times? Will Ukraine split? Why might part of Ukraine end up in the European Union? Why might part of Ukraine end up in the Eurasian Union? Is war in the prophesied future for Ukraine? What is the ultimate destiny for nearly all Ukrainians?
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?
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?
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?
Wars, rumors of wars, and the Apocalypse Jesus foretold a time before the end where there would be wars and rumors of wars. The Apocalypse (the Book of Revelation) warns of the red horseman of war. Now, even secular writers, like Larry Edelson, are worried that wars and rumors of war are the most menacing problem that now haunts the earth? Are they right? What is the solution? This is a video.
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 sermon video: The Great Tribulation from the Mount of Olives.
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.
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

German Chancellor Angela Merkel is to meet US President Barack Obama today:

May 02, 2014

German Chancellor Angela Merkel is in Washington Friday for talks with President Barack Obama…As the crisis in Ukraine has escalated, Merkel has spoken with Putin perhaps more frequently than any other European leader. The United States sees her as a critical channel of communication with the unpredictable Russian leader, and a key player in preventing other European Union members from relaxing sanctions.

The two leaders also will discuss the National Security Agency’s spy program, which targeted Merkel’s phone conversations and caused tension between the two allies.  http://www.voanews.com/content/obama-merkel-to-discuss-ukraine/1906029.html

May 2, 2014

The uncomfortable issue of NSA spying on America’s allies is sure to come up when Germany’s Angela Merkel and Obama meet Friday…

German Chancellor Angela Merkel will still be smarting from last year’s revelations of US eavesdropping on her cellphone when she visits the White House Friday for lunch and several hours of talks with President Obama…

Yet even as Ukraine receives top billing in Merkel’s visit, the outrage she – and indeed much of Germany – felt upon learning last year of NSA spying on German leaders, including Merkel, will not be far below the surface.

When Obama invited Merkel to Washington earlier this year, she said pointedly that the process of reestablishing trust would take “more than one trip.” Germany has pressed for a “no-spy” accord with the US like the one the US has with Britain and a few other English-speaking allies, but the US has made it clear it is not prepared to take that step, and Merkel is not expected to insist on that point.

This willingness to downplay an important issue that risks getting in the way of addressing another will put Merkel’s pragmatism on full display. It also provides a stark contrast with the response of another world leader who found her country embroiled in the NSA spying controversy.

Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff had been invited for what would have been the only state visit to the Obama White House last year. But with Brazilians still furious over revelations of US spying in their country, Ms. Rousseff called off the visit. US-Brazilian relations have not recovered since.

Merkel also faces heightened anti-American sentiments at home, German experts note.  http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Foreign-Policy/2014/0502/Merkel-s-White-House-test-suppress-anger-over-NSA-to-show-unity-on-Ukraine

Barack Obama desperately wants Angela Merkel to support his plans to apply more pressure against Russia related to Ukraine.  However, as Germany has major economic ties to Russia, Germany will keep those ties in mind.

Many Germans, including Angela Merkel, have been outraged about how the USA has spied on Germany and how it has treated its Anglo-allies much better.  Specifically, according to an NSA document, the only close friends that the USA has are Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand.

Despite whatever public statements are released in a planned press conference about this meeting, the reality is that Germany is upset with the USA and is taking steps behind the scenes that some day the USA will truly regret.

Until that time, the crisis in Ukraine will give the appearance of some unity between the USA and Germany as neither wants Russia to dominate Ukraine.  However, even the Ukrainian crisis is showing Germany that it needs to be able to take military and diplomatic steps much more independent of the USA than it does now.  This will also not turn out well for the USA in the long run (cf. Daniel 11:39).

That being said, German businesses do not want sanctions on Russia according to the following from the Wall Street Journal:

May 2, 2014

BERLIN— Angela Merkel is carrying a clear message from Germany’s business lobby to the White House: No more sanctions.

Several of the biggest names in German business—including chemical giant BASF BAS.XE +0.70% SE, engineering group Siemens AG SIE.XE -0.96% , Volkswagen AG VOW3.XE -1.70% , Adidas AG ADS.XE +0.27% and Deutsche Bank AG DBK.XE -0.49% —have made their opposition to broader economic sanctions against Russia clear in recent weeks, both in public and in private. (Read the latest updates on the crisis in Ukraine.)

As a result, Germany’s position on additional, tougher sanctions is unlikely to shift, barring a dramatic escalation of the conflict in Ukraine—a message Ms. Merkel is expected to deliver to President Barack Obama when they meet in Washington on Friday, officials in Berlin say. http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702303948104579535983960826054?mg=reno64-wsj&url=http%3A%2F%2Fonline.wsj.com%2Farticle%2FSB10001424052702303948104579535983960826054.html

But as the situation in Ukraine is now involving military action, Angela Merkel may decide she needs to do something to support the USA’s position.

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?
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? 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.
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.
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?
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?
Russia and Ukraine: Their Origins and Prophesied Future Russia in prophecy. Where do the Russians come from? What about those in the Ukraine? What is prophesied for Russia and its allies? What will they do to the Europeans that supported the Beast in the end? There is also a video sermon available: Russia in the Bible and in Prophecy.
Ukraine in Prophecy? What is happening in Ukraine? What is known and what is unsure about its future? What is the origin of those who live in Ukraine? What does the Bible teach about the role of the Medes in the end times? Will Ukraine split? Why might part of Ukraine end up in the European Union? Why might part of Ukraine end up in the Eurasian Union? Is war in the prophesied future for Ukraine? What is the ultimate destiny for nearly all Ukrainians?
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

Today is World Press Freedom Day.  Here is something that the United Nations has stated related to it:

United Nations officials today issued a call to action to ensure the safety of journalists in every country, echoing Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon who declared; “When it is safe to speak, the whole world benefits”.

“Every day, freedom of expression faces new threats. Because they help ensure transparency and accountability in public affairs, journalists are frequent targets of violence,” said Secretary-General Ban and Irina Bokova, Director-General of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), in a joint message for World Press Freedom Day…

Mr. Ban and Ms. Bokova emphasized that press freedom “does not happen automatically,” but requires the creation of a safe environment for dialogue, where they can execute their jobs without fear of reprisal.

They also noted that action must encompass both traditional media as well as digital mediums, where news is increasingly produced and consumed.

“Bloggers, citizen reporters and social media producers, as well as their sources, face increasing threats to their safety,” they said. “In addition to physical dangers, they are being targeted with psychological and emotional violence through cyber-attacks, data breaches, intimidation, undue surveillance and invasions of privacy.

“Such assaults not only limit the right to freedom of expression and threaten the safety of online journalists and their sources – they undermine the ability of all people to benefit from a free and open Internet.”

According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Afghanistan is one of the top ten countries where crimes against journalists go unpunished. Iraq, Somalia and the Philippines top the list.

The United Nations notes that in Somalia, journalists risk not just death on a daily basis but also arbitrary arrests, as happened earlier this year when a reporter was accused of fabricating a rape story based on an interview which was never published.

In related activities, UNESCO is organizing a series of events in San José, Costa Rica, over three days, focusing on securing freedom of expression in all media. http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=44809&Cr=&Cr1=#.UYLE7UpJRrQ

Here are a list of countries that certain journalists believe have the least press freedom:

Only two countries ranked worse than the Philippines on the CPJ’s impunity index: Iraq, and Somalia.

Other countries in the list include:

4. Sri Lanka (ranked fourth in 2012)
5. Colombia (ranked fifth in 2012)
6. Afghanistan (ranked seventh in 2012)
7. Mexico (ranked eighth in 2012)
8. Pakistan (ranked 10th in 2012)
9. Russia (ranked ninth in 2012)
10. Brazil (ranked 11th in 2012)
11. Nigeria (not in 2012 index)
12. India (ranked 12th in 2012)

CPJ said its 2013 index “examines journalist murders that occurred from January 1, 2003, through December 31, 2012, and remain unsolved.” http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/306573/news/nation/phl-still-3rd-on-global-media-impunity-list-falls-in-press-freedom-index

But it not only those countries that have issues. Actually, because of a phenomena called “political correctness” many journalists in Western societies either self-censor or do not pursue reporting about subjects that could upset their peers, governments, or certain others.

It is not just the bloggers and the press that face problems.

Even those who speak out on certain are subject to ridicule. Last year, someone was chastised who publicly stated that as a Christian he could not support the homosexuality of a US basketball star. He was essentially told that those type of comments are not acceptable in the “tolerant” society of the USA.  Earlier this year the CEO of Mozilla felt compelled to step down because of pressures for him making a donation years ago that the homosexual lobby opposed.

Liberal Western societies are not as open as many seem to pretend.

The Bible tells of a time, which to a degree we are now in, when a certain amount of self-censorship will be needed:

2 For I know your manifold transgressions
And your mighty sins:
Afflicting the just and taking bribes;
Diverting the poor from justice at the gate.
13 Therefore the prudent keep silent at that time,
For it is an evil time. (Amos 5:12-13)

And while some COG groups overly “keep silent,” hence pull-punches in proclamation, the reality is that there is not truly full freedom of truthful speech in countries like the USA without consequences.

However, the work will be done and it will trigger persecution.

Yet, other restrictions are coming.

The Bible talks about the fact that God will finish the work and cut it short (Roman 9:28). Notice also the following which could be related to that:

11 “Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord God,
“That I will send a famine on the land,
Not a famine of bread,
Nor a thirst for water,
But of hearing the words of the Lord.
12 They shall wander from sea to sea,
And from north to east;
They shall run to and fro, seeking the word of the Lord,
But shall not find it. (Amos 8:11-12)

The above could only happen in the 21st century if the internet was down and/or internet content related to the truth of God was no longer permitted. Governments are taking steps, including cyber warfare research, which could bring that about.

In my article on the King of the North, I have the following quote from the late Herbert W. Armstrong:

And the abomination that maketh desolate set up.” What is this abomination? This refers to Daniel 11:31 and Matthew 24:15…From this time (Daniel 12:11) to Christ’s coming will be 1290 days. Now, verse 12, “Blessed is he that waiteth, and comes to the 1335 days.” Never before have we understood these periods of 1260, 1290. and 1335 days. But it seems evident, now, a blessing is pronounced on us–GOD”S CHURCH–who wait and endure until the 1335 days–approximately 1335 days prior to Christ’s coming. But since no one can know the day or hour of His coming, we probably shall not be able to know the exact day this 1335 days begins. But apparently that is the time when OUR WORK SHALL END. That will be a time when the UNITED Europe shall appear–the revival of the medieval “Holy Roman Empire.” (Armstrong HW. Personal. Good News magazine January 1980).

As the above shows, Herbert W. Armstrong clearly wrote that there would be a future fulfillment of Daniel 11:31 and other verses in Daniel. And as the above shows, he taught that something would stop the work forty-five days prior to Daniel 11:31. A portion of the final phase of the work will be finished (Matthew 24:14) by Daniel 11:31. And there will be persecution (Revelation 12:13-17).

Even the Catholic Jerome indirectly understood some of this concerning these passages in Daniel 11 as he wrote:

Verses 27—-30…”And his heart shall be against the holy covenant, and he shall succeed and return into his own land. At the time appointed he shall return and shall come to the South; but the latter time shall not be like the former. And the galleys shall come upon him…But these events were typically prefigured under Antiochus Epiphanes, so that this abominable king who persecuted God’s people foreshadows the Antichrist, who is to persecute the people of Christ (Jerome. Commentary on Daniel, Chapter 11. Translated by Gleason L. Archer. (1958). http://www.tertullian.org/fathers/jerome_daniel_02_text.htm viewed 12/20/08).

The work may be stopped by government officials (like on the internet, radio, etc.) and persecutions began because people of the holy covenant are warning the world of the results of their sins (which they will not want pointed out) and teaching that the King of the North is fulfilling these prophecies in Daniel 11. The faithful may be saying things that are not “politically correct” to the point that one or more governments will take action.

Jesus clearly taught that persecution would affect His people just prior to the Great Tribulation beginning:

7 And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. 9 Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. 10 And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another (Matthew 24:7-10).

21 For then there will be great tribulation (Matthew 24:21).

So notice that after “the beginning of sorrows,” the true Christians will be delivered up and many killed and many will be betrayed by those pretending to be Christians. And then the Great Tribulation will come shortly thereafter. This clearly ties in with the events of Daniel 11.

The USA itself has engaged in massive espionage which also can be expected to limit certain forms of expression.

Despite it being World Press Freedom Day, the US government and others are now taking steps that are helping to set the stage for this.

Some items with more related details include the following:

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?
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.
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?
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.
What Does the Bible teach about the Antichrist? This video quotes all scriptures that mention the terms Antichrist or antichrists. It also gives examples of the type of deceptions, signs, and results of the time of the final Antichrist. It mentions certain Catholic prophecies and provides some disturbing quotes about Pope Francis. It discusses Antichrist’s role in Armageddon. It quotes Jesus about the coming deception and what Christians should do. This is a video.
Persecutions by Church and State This article documents some that have occurred against those associated with the COGs and some prophesied to occur. Will those with the cross be the persecutors or the persecuted–this article has the shocking answer. There is also a YouTube video sermon you can watch: The Coming Persecution of the Church. Here is information in the Spanish language: Persecuciones de la Iglesia y el Estado.

Benghazi Statements and Investigations

COGwriter

The Benghazi scandal is again in the news:

May 1, 2014

A retired military official who served at U.S. Africa Command in Germany during the time of the Benghazi attack says that the United States “should have tried” to send help to Americans under fire there.

“There are accounts of time, space and capability discussions of the question, could we have gotten there in time to make a difference,” Air Force Brigadier General Robert Lovell (Ret.) told the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. “Well, the discussion is not in the ‘could or could not’ in relation to time, space and capability. The point is we should have tried.”

Lovell also told the panel that U.S. officials knew at the outset of the attack that it was “hostile action” and not a spontaneous reaction to an anti-Islam video. But as the military weighed its reaction, he said, “there was a lot of looking to the State Department for what it was that they wanted.”

The hearing before the GOP-led committee comes after the White House denied that a top aide’s email sent three days after the attack indicates that the Obama administration aimed to steer attention away from the assault by extremists.  http://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/official-we-should-have-tried-help-during-benghazi-attack-n94796

It is believed by many that what various ones in the Obama Administration said about the Benghazi attack was not true, and various others said that the USA should have directly intervened.  Many seem to believe that political considerations exceeded concern for lives at the time.  Hillary Clinton was US Secretary of State during the time of the Benghazi attack and some feel her office was not responsive enough to the then US Ambassador to Libya Christopher Steven’s requests for security.

Here is some brief information about Benghazi:

On the night of September 11, 2012, a heavily armed group of between 125 and 150 gunmen attacked the American diplomatic mission at Benghazi, in Libya, killing U.S. Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens and another diplomat. Several hours later in the early morning of the next day, a second assault targeted a nearby CIA annex in a different compound about one mile away, killing two embassy security personnel. Ten others were injured in the attacks which were condemned by the governments of Libya, the United States, and many other countries throughout the world. (2012 Benghazi Attack.  Wikipedia, viewed 05/01/2014)

A video seemed to be officially blamed as the cause by the Obama Administration, and that claimed cause has been discredited as political spin by many.  Notice also the following:

Initially, it was reported that the Benghazi attack emerged from a spontaneous protest against a video, Innocence of Muslims. Subsequent investigations by the U.S. State Department; by the House of Representatives committees on Armed Services, Foreign Affairs, Intelligence, the Judiciary, and Oversight and Government Reform; and by the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence determined that there was no protest and that the attack was a planned terrorist attack launched by Islamist militants. (Ibid)

Now, many are concerned that there will be more political considerations related to Benghazi (see also Scandals in the US government).

Notice also the following:

Republican National Committee chairman Reince Priebus wants to know if the Obama administration is “stonewalling” on releasing more documents related to the 2012 attacks in Benghazi in order to protect Hillary Clinton, a likely 2016 presidential candidate.

His comments come after the group Judicial Watch — through a Freedom of Information Act request — obtained an email indicating the White House was directly involved in crafting the now-debunked talking points on Benghazi.

Priebus wants to know if there are more documents that could reveal new information on the events surrounding the attacks – and if so – what is keeping the Obama administration from sharing them.

“If the White House felt this talking points memo was classified, what else don’t we know about Benghazi and is all of this stonewalling just to protect Hillary?”  Priebus said in a statement released Wednesday. http://dailycaller.com/2014/04/30/rnc-chairman-is-the-white-house-trying-to-protect-hillary-on-benghazi/#ixzz30UUteQsd

WASHINGTON — The next U.S. presidential election is still more than two years away, but any discussion of possible contenders among Democrats begins (and for some ends) with former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Clinton has a huge lead in public opinion polls and is expected to decide on a White House run by the end of this year…

Republicans are sure to continue to hammer away at her handling of the 2012 terrorist attack on the U.S. mission in Benghazi, Libya. House Speaker John Boehner says to expect more hearings on the issue in the months ahead: “When it comes to Benghazi, we’ve got four Americans who are dead and their families deserve the truth about what happened and the administration refuses to tell them the truth.”

Despite the potential problems, most analysts see Hillary Clinton as a very strong presidential candidate.  http://www.voanews.com/content/waiting-for-hillary/1904519.html

Integrity used to matter more in American politics.  The Benghazi situation is one that could derail Hillary Clinton’s chances to become USA president.  However, as various politicians, including Hillary Clinton, have survived political scandals in the past, she could again.

Presuming her direct responsibilities and involvement on this are limited, she should survive this.  However, it certainly will have some negative effects on her public approval.

The truth is that Americans died in Benghazi who had hoped for more protection than the US government provided at the time and some information that Americans were given about it were more political spin than facts.

Several items of possibly related interest may include:

Hillary Clinton in Prophecy Are there prophecies that Hillary Clinton may fulfill? Are there any prophecies that she has already helped fulfill? Could Hillary Clinton be apocalyptic? Could Hillary Clinton be the final Antichrist?
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?
Can you see the ‘Handwriting on the Wall’? Thousands of years ago, King Belshazzar saw a hand appear at a big party he was hosting. The hand wrote Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin. Shortly after the Prophet Daniel explained it, his empire was taken over and King Belshazzar died. Is this applicable today? Are there signs right before our eyes that show that the end is coming to the United States and its Anglo-descended allies. Do abortions, sexual immorality, celebrity pornography, and increased debt mean anything? What does the Bible show?
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 sermon video: The Great Tribulation from the Mount of Olives.
Should a Christian Vote? This article gives some of the Biblical rationale on this subject.
Women and the New Testament Church Were women important in the New Testament Church? Which women and how were they involved?
Barack Obama and the State of the Apocalypse Is Barack Obama apocalyptic? Could he be the final Antichrist? Dr. Thiel has been writing about this since 2008 and covers this in this 2014 video. Dr. Thiel quotes statements that Barack Obama made in his 2014 State of the Union address and tied several in with events that are aligning with the warnings in the Book of Revelation also known as the Apocalypse. Is the US “alliance with Europe remains the strongest the world has ever known” as Barack Obama’s State of Union message claims true or very dangerous? This is a video.
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.

Russian Flag

COGwriter

The interim Ukrainian government in Kiev has recognized losing control in eastern Ukraine:

May 1, 2014

Thousands of protesters carrying Russian flags filled the street of Donetsk on Friday…

It comes amid growing tensions between Kiev and Moscow following the annexation of Crimea in March.  http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-27241740

Ukraine’s acting president says that the Kyiv government has effectively lost control over the situation in the country’s eastern Luhansk and Donetsk regions where a number of government buildings have been taken over by pro-Russia separatists.

Oleksandr Turchynov says that Russia is now eyeing six more regions in the country’s east and south. A takeover by Russia of two such regions, if it were to take full control of Donetsk, would secure Russia’s land connection with Crimea, which it annexed last month.

The takeover of two more regions along the Black Sea coast would connect Russian mainland with Moldova’s Russian-speaking Transdniestria enclave…

Bracing for a possible invasion by Russian troops massed on the border, Turchynov says Ukraine’s military has been put “on full combat alert.” http://www.voanews.com/content/ukraines-acting-president-military-on-full-combat-alert-against-possible-russian-invasion/1904230.html

A writer for the UK’s Guardian had the following to say about the cause of the crisis:

It’s not Russia that’s pushed Ukraine to the brink of war

The attempt to lever Kiev into the western camp by ousting an elected leader made conflict certain…

The threat of war in Ukraine is growing. As the unelected government in Kiev declares itself unable to control the rebellion in the country’s east…

When the Ukrainian president was replaced by a US-selected administration, in an entirely unconstitutional takeover, politicians such as William Hague brazenly misled parliament about the legality of what had taken place: the imposition of a pro-western government on Russia’s most neuralgic and politically divided neighbour.

Putin bit back, taking a leaf out of the US street-protest playbook – even though, as in Kiev, the protests that spread from Crimea to eastern Ukraine evidently have mass support. But what had been a glorious cry for freedom in Kiev became infiltration and insatiable aggression in Sevastopol and Luhansk.

After Crimeans voted overwhelmingly to join Russia, the bulk of the western media abandoned any hint of even-handed coverage. So Putin is now routinely compared to Hitler, while the role of the fascistic right on the streets and in the new Ukrainian regime has been airbrushed out of most reporting as Putinist propaganda.

So you don’t hear much about the Ukrainian government’s veneration of wartime Nazi collaborators and pogromists, or the arson attacks on the homes and offices of elected communist leaders, or the integration of the extreme Right Sector into the national guard, while the anti-semitism and white supremacism of the government’s ultra-nationalists is assiduously played down, and false identifications of Russian special forces are relayed as fact.

The reality is that, after two decades of eastward Nato expansion, this crisis was triggered by the west’s attempt to pull Ukraine decisively into its orbit and defence structure, via an explicitly anti-Moscow EU association agreement. Its rejection led to the Maidan protests and the installation of an anti-Russian administration – rejected by half the country – that went on to sign the EU and International Monetary Fund agreements regardless.

No Russian government could have acquiesced in such a threat from territory that was at the heart of both Russia and the Soviet Union.

I would add that the IMF announced that it would loan Ukraine $17 billion, and today Kiev announced it arrested and plans to deport a Russian spy.  The West has taken a lot of steps that it hoped would put Ukraine under its dominance.  Even the IMF loan is related to that.

Irrespective of the actual causes of the crisis, Ukraine’s economy has problems and various sides believe that they have a better solution.  The real solution is the return of Jesus Christ and the establishment of the Kingdom of God.

Until then, I expect conflict in this region and ultimately war is in the future for many of those in Ukraine and Russia.

The Bible tells of a time a Eurasian confederation will devastate the final European Beast power:

50:41 “Behold, a people shall come from the north,
And a great nation and many kings
Shall be raised up from the ends of the earth.
42 They shall hold the bow and the lance;
They are cruel and shall not show mercy.
Their voice shall roar like the sea;
They shall ride on horses,
Set in array, like a man for the battle,
Against you, O daughter of Babylon.

43 “The king of Babylon has heard the report about them,
And his hands grow feeble;
Anguish has taken hold of him,
Pangs as of a woman in childbirth…”(Jeremiah 50:41-43).

1 Thus says the Lord:
“Behold, I will raise up against Babylon, Against those who dwell in Leb Kamai, A destroying wind. 2 And I will send winnowers to Babylon, Who shall winnow her and empty her land.For in the day of doom They shall be against her all around. 3 Against her let the archer bend his bow,And lift himself up against her in his armor.Do not spare her young men; Utterly destroy all her army. 4 Thus the slain shall fall in the land of the Chaldeans, And those thrust through in her streets. 5 For Israel is not forsaken, nor Judah,By his God, the Lord of hosts, Though their land was filled with sin against the Holy One of Israel.”

6 Flee from the midst of Babylon,And every one save his life!Do not be cut off in her iniquity, For this is the time of the Lord’s vengeance; He shall recompense her. 7 Babylon was a golden cup in the Lord’s hand, That made all the earth drunk.The nations drank her wine; Therefore the nations are deranged. 8 Babylon has suddenly fallen and been destroyed.Wail for her!Take balm for her pain; Perhaps she may be healed.

9 We would have healed Babylon, But she is not healed.Forsake her, and let us go everyone to his own country; For her judgment reaches to heaven and is lifted up to the skies. 10 The Lord has revealed our righteousness. Come and let us declare in Zion the work of the Lord our God.

11 Make the arrows bright!Gather the shields!The Lord has raised up the spirit of the kings of the Medes.For His plan is against Babylon to destroy it,Because it is the vengeance of the Lord, The vengeance for His temple. 12 Set up the standard on the walls of Babylon;Make the guard strong, Set up the watchmen, Prepare the ambushes.For the Lord has both devised and done What He spoke against the inhabitants of Babylon. 13 O you who dwell by many waters,Abundant in treasures,Your end has come, The measure of your covetousness. 14 The Lord of hosts has sworn by Himself: “Surely I will fill you with men, as with locusts, And they shall lift up a shout against you.”

15 He has made the earth by His power; He has established the world by His wisdom, And stretched out the heaven by His understanding. 16 When He utters His voice — There is a multitude of waters in the heavens:”He causes the vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth;He makes lightnings for the rain; He brings the wind out of His treasuries.”

17 Everyone is dull-hearted, without knowledge; Every metalsmith is put to shame by the carved image;For his molded image is falsehood, And there is no breath in them. 18 They are futile, a work of errors;In the time of their punishment they shall perish. 19 The Portion of Jacob is not like them, For He is the Maker of all things; And Israel is the tribe of His inheritance. The Lord of hosts is His name.

20 “You are My battle-ax and weapons of war: For with you I will break the nation in pieces;With you I will destroy kingdoms; 21 With you I will break in pieces the horse and its rider;With you I will break in pieces the chariot and its rider; 22 With you also I will break in pieces man and woman;With you I will break in pieces old and young;With you I will break in pieces the young man and the maiden; 23 With you also I will break in pieces the shepherd and his flock;With you I will break in pieces the farmer and his yoke of oxen;And with you I will break in pieces governors and rulers.

24 “And I will repay Babylon And all the inhabitants of Chaldea For all the evil they have done In Zion in your sight,” says the Lord.

25 “Behold, I am against you, O destroying mountain,Who destroys all the earth,” says the Lord.”And I will stretch out My hand against you,Roll you down from the rocks,And make you a burnt mountain. 26 They shall not take from you a stone for a corner Nor a stone for a foundation,But you shall be desolate forever,” says the Lord.

27 Set up a banner in the land,Blow the trumpet among the nations! Prepare the nations against her, Call the kingdoms together against her: Ararat, Minni, and Ashkenaz. Appoint a general against her; Cause the horses to come up like the bristling locusts. 28 Prepare against her the nations, With the kings of the Medes, Its governors and all its rulers, All the land of his dominion. 29 And the land will tremble and sorrow; For every purpose of the Lord shall be performed against Babylon, To make the land of Babylon a desolation without inhabitant. 30 The mighty men of Babylon have ceased fighting, hey have remained in their strongholds; Their might has failed, They became like women; They have burned her dwelling places, The bars of her gate are broken. 31 One runner will run to meet another,And one messenger to meet another, To show the king of Babylon that his city is taken on all sides; 32 The passages are blocked,The reeds they have burned with fire,And the men of war are terrified.

33 For thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel:
“The daughter of Babylon is like a threshing floor When it is time to thresh her; (Jeremiah 51:1-33)

Various “Medes” reside in the current lands of Ukraine and Russia.

The crisis in Ukraine is motivating to Europe to militarize itself, but as the Bible shows it will not end up well for that end time, ‘daughter of Babylon.’

Much is at stake in Ukraine, and it will align with biblical prophecy.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Russia in the Bible and in Prophecy Is Russia mentioned in the Bible? It it is where is it? Is there any evidence of a people moving to the land that the Russians now occupy? What do Catholic and other prophecies say about Russia? What does the Bible teach? How are Protestants often in error on this? Is there more in biblical prophecy for Russia than war? Does God have a plan to save Russia and her allies? Does Russia have a history involving Sabbath keepers? Does scripture tie Russia in with Armageddon? Will Russia help defeat the end time Babylonian power? What did the Apostle John, and the prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Daniel, write about Russia? This is a sermon-length video.
World War III: Steps in Progress Are there surprising actions going on now that are leading to WWIII? Might a nuclear attack be expected? Does the Bible promise protection to all or only some Christians? How can you be part of those that will be protected?
Wars, rumors of wars, and the Apocalypse Jesus foretold a time before the end where there would be wars and rumors of wars. The Apocalypse (the Book of Revelation) warns of the red horseman of war. Now, even secular writers, like Larry Edelson, are worried that wars and rumors of war are the most menacing problem that now haunts the earth? Are they right? What is the solution? This is a sermonette-length video.
Russia and Ukraine: Origins and Prophesied Future Where do the Russians come from? What about those in the Ukraine? What is prophesied for Russia and its allies? What will they do to the Europeans that supported the Beast in the end? You can also watch the new video Ukraine in Prophecy?
Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach? Here is a link to a video, also titled Is Russia the King of the North?
The 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.
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?
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?
European Technology and the Beast of Revelation Will the coming European Beast power would use and develop technology that will result in the taking over of the USA and its Anglo-Saxon allies? Is this possible? What does the Bible teach?
Military Technology and the Beast of Revelation Will the coming Beast power use technology to fulfill passages in Revelation 13? What will this mean for the USA, its Anglo-Saxon allies, as well as a coming Arabic-Turkish confederation? What will Russia, China, and others do about this? Who is developing ‘Beast’ military technology now? What might Galileo, ELI, and supercolliders have to do with this?
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.
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

May is a month that the Church of Rome dedicates to their version of Mary.  A version that differs from what the Bible teaches.  A version that needs to be warned against.

The Continuing Church of God is pleased to suggest video on our YouTube channel called Bible New Prophecy which explains some of the risks;