Church of God News

Cow with BSE

COGwriter

A traveling Texan has died from ‘mad cow’ disease:

Mad cow disease has caused a fourth death in the United States, health officials say.Lab tests have confirmed that a patient in Texas who recently died had Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease. Variant CJD is a fatal brain disorder linked to eating beef from cattle with mad cow disease, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a press release.

Variant CJD was first identified in the United Kingdom in 1996, according to the CDC. Worldwide more than 220 cases have been reported, the majority in Europe…

Variant CJD is different than what the CDC calls classic CJD, which is not related to mad cow disease. Classic CJD strikes less than 400 Americans each year. It is also fatal.

Case of CJD confirmed in New Hampshire

Mad cow disease is officially called bovine spongiform encephalopathy, or BSE. Animals with BSE have infectious prions in their brain, spinal cord and some parts of the central nervous system.  http://www.cnn.com/2014/06/05/health/mad-cow-disease-texas/

Here is some background information on BSE:

The disease may be most easily transmitted to human beings by eating food contaminated with the brain, spinal cord or digestive tract of infected carcasses. However, it should also be noted that the infectious agent, although most highly concentrated in nervous tissue, can be found in virtually all tissues throughout the body, including blood. In humans, it is known as new variant Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (vCJD or nvCJD), and by October 2009, it had killed 166 people in the United Kingdom, and 44 elsewhere. Between 460,000 and 482,000 BSE-infected animals had entered the human food chain before controls on high-risk offal were introduced in 1989.

A British inquiry into BSE concluded that the epizootic was caused by cattle, who are normally herbivores, being fed the remains of other cattle in the form of meat and bone meal (MBM), which caused the infectious agent to spread. (Bovine spongiform encephalopathy. Wikipedia, viewed 04/25/12).

Notice one step the USDA took AFTER both the USA and UK had BSE:

Effective December 30, 2003, USDA will not allow any non-ambulatory disabled cattle to be slaughtered for human food. Non-ambulatory disabled cattle are animals that cannot rise from a recumbent position or that are disabled (e.g., have a broken appendage).

The above step should have happened right after, if not before, the UK had its first BSE case (around 1989). But no, greed (in my opinion) allowed improper and unsafe practices for 14 more years.

The first carnal thing that the USA should have done when the first case of BSE showed up in the UK was to ban giving sheep and cows any feed containing any meat. But due to political and lobbying pressures, the “experts” mainly only decided that as long as sick cows and sick sheep were not to be in the food supply and that cows and sheep could still be fed ground up animals such as pigs and chicken feathers, that this would stop the USA from getting “mad cow disease” (BSE). At the time this happened, I knew that it was inadequate and took certain steps related to my business in 1998 to greatly reduce the BSE risk as I was convinced that BSE would come to the USA–and, sadly, I was later proven correct.

Some countries, like New Zealand, took physically proper steps, and have avoided having problems with BSE.  The USA should have taken lessons from New Zealand, but did not.

BSE is dangerous in even very in small quantities. Problems like BSE affect the food supply.

Jesus warned that the “signs” of the end of the age would be include pestilences and famine:

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

BSE is certainly a type of pestilence and can contribute to food shortages.

Between the widespread and growing use of genetically modified (GMO) “foods,” pesticides, herbicides,synthetic vitamins, environmental pollution, improper meat production practices, and synthesized sweeteners, countries like the USA are putting themselves at risk for the famines which are certain to come.

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.
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?
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.
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. Information is also in the YouTube sermons titled Where are the Ten Lost Tribes? Why does it matter? and British are the Covenant People. A short YouTube of prophetic interest may be Barack Obama and the State of the Apocalypse.
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.

COGwriter

The latest issue (#162, print date May 31, 2014) of The Journal was sent out electronically and just received.

Its lead articles had to do with UCG, CBCG, CG7, and Harry Sneider.

Here is some UCG information that Dixon Cartwright put together for the front page of The Journal:

As reported by Milan Bizic and Mitchell Moss in the May-June 2014 issue of United News, elders of the United Church of God met and collectively made decisions at their 2014 general conference in Cincinnati, Ohio, May 3-4…

Four council seats

According to the church’s member newsletter the elders voted to approve the yearly budget (of $16.4 million), its strategic (long-range) plan, its operation (fiscal 2014-15) plan and the proposed (minor procedural) revisions to the constitution. They also decided who would sit on four seats of the council of elders.

Aaron Dean is back

Three of the four seats up for election or reelection on the 12-man council remain the same after the conference: those occupied by Robin Webber, Donald Ward and Bill Bradford. One changed: Aaron Dean (a former council member) took the seat previously held by Darris McNeely. Here is a list of the 12 council members: Carmelo Anastasi, Scott Ashley, Bill Bradford, Roc Corbett, Aaron Dean, John Elliott, Mark Mickelson, Rainer Salomaa, Mario Seiglie, Rex Sexton, Donald Ward and Robin Webber.

8,000 Feast attendance

The article didn’t mention membership figures for the church but did report that attendance of the late festivals in 2013 and the early ones in 2014 was “over 8,000” on each high day.

UCG used to report a Feast attendance in excess of 20,000.  Peter Eddington of UCG sent me a report today that shows that UCG had a Feast of Tabernacles’ attendance of 13,391 in 2013.

Here is another front page article, this time related to CBCG:

Christian Biblical Church of God overseer Frederick R. “Fred” Coulter, during an April 5, 2014, visit with congregants in Pasadena, Calif., denounced THE JOURNAL as a newspaper that introduces heresies to the faithful.

“I’m going to cover some things out of this latest THE JOURNAL: NEWS OF THE CHURCHES OF GOD,” said Mr. Coulter, 79, during his sermon titled “Passover Questions and John 17.” Trying to be faithful While speaking, he waved a copy of the newspaper published by Dixon and Linda Cartwright of Big Sandy, Texas, before his audience. “I think he [Mr. Cartwright] needs to retitle it Heresies to Deceive Those Who Are Trying to Be Faithful.”

Moments later Mr. Coulter made another reference to THE JOURNAL.

While I have long had a positive relationship with Dixon Cartwright, I agree with Fred Coulter that The Journal publishes too much clear heresy in its articles and in its advertisements.  I have told this repeatedly to Dixon Cartwright.

Another front page article had to do with the death of Harry Sneider:

Harry Sneider dies ARCADIA, Calif.—World-class trainer of athletes and former Ambassador College faculty member Harry Sneider died May 9, 2014. Mr. Sneider, 73, was a worldchampion powerlifter, bench-pressing 451 pounds at age 61. “But even more he was a champion person!” his wife, Sarah, wrote. “So thankful he will live on in our children and grandchildren. He fought the fight, kept the faith, and there is a crown laid up for him…

Harry Sneider, who was employed by Ambassador College on the Pasadena campus for 23 years as head of the weight-lifting area of the physical-fitness department.

Although I do not recall meeting Harry Sneider, I was aware of his role and association with the old Worldwide Church of God.

Another front page article had to do with a new book on church history related to CG7 by its former President Robert Coutler:

The Journey: A History of the Church of God (Seventh Day) by Robert Coulter is available from the CG7’s Web-site bookstore at cog7.org. Robert Coulter, 83, has been associated with the Church of God (Seventh Day) (or CG7) for more than 75 years and served in its ministry for 58 years. He served as chairman of the board of the General Conference, based in Denver, Colo., and president of the church for 24 years.

CG7 is selling the book for USD25.00.  It originally was supposed to come out over a year ago, but there were editing delays.

While I personally like Robert Coulter and have been able to discuss many aspects of church history with him over the years, I disagree with him on church eras (The Churches of Revelation 2 & 3) and many aspects of prophecy (Church of God, (Seventh Day): History and Teachings).  Those interested in a history of the Church of God more consistent with what CG7 used to teach, is the following free booklet: Continuing History of the Church of God.

Speaking of advertisements, there was a repeated advertisement in The Journal that tried to indicate that Matthew 28:19 was not authentic. However, it is. Those interested in this may wish to study the article Is Matthew 28:19 in the Bible?

There was also an advertisement in support of unitarianism.  This is something I have specifically complained to Dixon Cartwright about as I do not believe that heresy should be promoted.  Those interested in that claim about the Godhead may wish to read the article Was Unitarianism the Teaching of the Bible or Early Church?

The Journal began to list some Feast of Tabernacles’ sites for 2014. For information on those affiliated with the Continuing Church of God check out Feast of Tabernacles’ Sites for 2014.

Also in The Journal there were the usual letters to the editor and other 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.

COGwriter

The USA released a report about China’s military spending and possible ambitions:

June 6, 2014

China has rejected a report by the U.S. Defense Department that suggested Beijing significantly underestimated the amount it spent on defense last year.

The annual Pentagon report to Congress Thursday said Chinese military spending was about $145 billion in 2013. That figure is about 20 percent higher than the $119.5 billion China said it spent.

The Defense Department document also noted Beijing is expanding its ability to project power overseas. It cited advances in China’s navy and air force, as well as in missile technology, drone technology and cyber warfare.

China’s Defense Ministry on Friday said it “resolutely opposes” the report, saying it “makes pointless accusations, exaggerates the ‘Chinese military threat’ and is a completely wrong course of action.”

U.S. officials have long suspected China is not telling the truth about its military spending, both because of a lack of transparency and other factors such as corruption.

Washington and its allies accuse China of using its rising military strength to bully neighbors in the East and South China Seas with which Beijing has territorial disputes.  http://www.voanews.com/content/china-rejects-us-report-on-military-spending/1930912.html

Many consider that China is going to be the major threat to the USA, both economically and militarily.  But although China is affecting the USA in both of those ways, China has its own problems and will not really become the leader of the world in the 21st century:  that will be a European-based power (watch Is China THE Threat to the United States of America? and Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European?).

Because of China’s growth and certain political stances, the USA is more and more convinced it needs to prepare militarily for issues that could involve China.  This is contributing to the USA not seeing the real threat which is developing against it in Europe (see Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European?).

Now, it is true that the Bible does tell of the rise of a confederation of ‘kings of the east” (Revelation 16:12), which would include China.  But the prophecies relate to this happen AFTER the USA is eliminated.  Daniel 11:39 shows the elimination of the USA, while Daniel 11:44 tells of the later threat “from the east and the north” that will affect the European power.

The powers from the north and east include China and Russia.  Japan, Korea, India, and others are also expected to support a Russian-led power (Jeremiah 50:41-43).

Speaking of Russia, like China, there are anti-American sentiments coming from it:

June 6, 2014

MOSCOW — Anti-American sentiment here is growing as Russia responds to Western sanctions over Ukraine, and that is worrying expats and foreigners in this country…

An opinion survey published Thursday by the Levada Center, an independent pollster, shows 71% of Russians view the United States “badly” or “very badly” — the highest in more than 20 years, with more positive attitudes registered during the Soviet era.

While that hasn’t translated into outright aggression, it is sparking some additional curiosity toward foreigners in the street.

“My husband … recently had the experience of running into a man in a store who didn’t like that our son was communicating in English,” said Natalia Antonova, a Ukrainian-American journalist and playwright who lives in Moscow.

The man, Antonova said, told them their son “shouldn’t be” bilingual. ” ‘Just teach him Russian. It’s for the best.’ The man wasn’t aggressive or anything, he just explained that he’s a patriot and it’s important to encourage patriotic feelings.”  http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2014/06/06/putin-foreigners-russia/10003575/

Despite the thaw in relations between China and the USA since its President Nixon first visited there, and the ‘reset’ that then Secretary of State Hillary Clinton attempted with Russia, the reality is that the Chinese and Russian governments do not trust the USA and do not have the same world view.

We are in the process of seeing two major Gentile military alliances building up.  One, a Eurasian power, that will ultimately include more than Russia and China (cf. Jeremiah 50:41-43).  The other, a European power (Revelation 13:1-4) that is destined to takeover the USA (cf. Daniel 11:39).

Because of the fact that USA political and and military leaders do not rely on Bible prophecy, they will take steps to prepare for war with China and/or Russia, while ignoring the threat that is arising in Europe.  Instead of seeing the threat in Europe, partially because of its own debt and partially because of China, the USA is encouraging Europe to increase its military spending (see Obama tries to provide assurances to Europe while pushing for increased European military spending).

While the USA is warning against Chinese military spending, it is European military technology which will prove to be the real military threat to the USA.

Some items of related interest may include the following:

China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 1: Genesis and Chinese Characters Where did the Chinese people come from? This article provides information showing that the Chinese peoples must have known about various accounts in the Book of Genesis up until their dispersion after the Tower of Babel. Here is a link to a version of this article in Spanish: ¿Prueban los caracteres chinos la exactitud de la Biblia?
China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 2: The Sabbath and Some of God’s Witness in China When did Christianity first come to China? And is there early evidence that they observed the seventh day sabbath?
Asia in Prophecy What is Ahead for Asia? Who are the “Kings of the East”? What will happen to nearly all the Chinese, Russians, Indians, and others of Asia? China in prophecy, where? Who has the 200,000,000 man army related to Armageddon? A YouTube video of interest may be Is China THE Threat to the United States of America?
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 and a video sermonette available: 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?
India, Its Biblical Past and Future: Any Witness? The Bible discusses the origins of those of Indian heritage.  This article quotes the Bible and also discusses some of the witness to India throughout history and what is happening in the 21st century (including those in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka).
India and the Beast of Revelation 13 Do biblical, Catholic, and even Hindu prophecies suggest that many in India will follow, for a while, the Beast and False Prophet/Antichrist? Here is link to a related YouTube video Will People in India Worship the Beast of Revelation 13?
Korea in Prophecy, Any Witness? Where did the Korean people come from? Does God have a plan for the Koreans? Is Korea mentioned in any prophecies? Will Koreans be among the first in the Kingdom of God? Here is a machine-translated link to that article in Korean: 한국의 언어로 : 한국 예언, 모든 증인에?; here is a link to that article in Mandarin Chinese: 在预言中的韩国：有任何证人吗？
Japan, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 1: Any Witness? Where did the Japanese people come from? Have they had any witness?
Japan, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 2: Prophecy Japan in prophecy. What is prophesied for Japan? Will God save the Japanese?
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? Here is a related YouTube video: Military Technology and the Beast of Revelation.
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. Information is also in the YouTube sermons titled Where are the Ten Lost Tribes? Why does it matter? and British are the Covenant People. A short YouTube of prophetic interest may be Barack Obama and the State of the Apocalypse.
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?
Hillary Clinton in Prophecy  Prophecy, Hillary Clinton? 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?
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

Is alcohol a blessing or a curse? Or perhaps both? What does the Bible teach?

Here are some excerpts from an article titled Alcohol: Blessing or Curse? in the old Good News magazine:

Alcohol can be either a blessing or a curse, depending on how it is used. Most people who drink alcoholic beverages find them to be a blessing. On the other hand, sadly, there are a few who find through abuse of such beverages – that alcohol can be a curse. This group includes the approximately 10 percent of drinkers who develop the malady of alcoholism, which destroys them physically, mentally and spiritually.

It doesn’t matter whether the alcohol is consumed in beer, wine, whiskey, gin, vodka, vanilla extract or mouthwash – they all contain the same ethyl alcohol or ethanol (C2 H 50H), and people need to be aware of the proper – and improper – uses of this chemical.

Religious uses of alcohol

In the Old Testament alcoholic beverages were important in various aspects of religious observance.

God’s people, Israel, were commanded to include drink offerings they made to God (e.g. Num. 15: 5, 7, 10). Wine was among those blessings of which the Israelites payed tithes and gave offerings to their Creator (Neh. 10:39, 13:5)…

Alcohol as medicine

The medicinal value of alcohol is in its ability to act as an anesthetic (painkiller) and an antiseptic (prevents infection).

The good Samaritan poured oil and wine into the wounds of the man he befriended on the road to Jericho (Luke I 0:30-37); undoubtedly the purpose of the wine was to deaden some of the pain and to prevent infection. Today we have more advanced drugs for anesthesia, such as novocaine, which dentists use to deaden nerves when they pull teeth. Alcohol, though now generally mixed with other patent medicines, is still recognized and used as an antiseptic for minor scratches and cuts.

The apostle Paul suggested that Timothy use a little wine for his stomach’s sake (I Tim. 5:23). The Bible does not indicate the nature of Timothy’s stomach problem or what his “often infirmities” were, but per­ haps there was some difficulty with the drinking water or Timothy had a digestive impairment. However, whatever it was, note that Paul said to use a little, not copious amounts, of wine…

Drinking for pleasure

In addition to the religious and medicinal uses of alcohol, God also approves of drinking to add pleasure to social occasions such as weddings and parties. Wine and other alcoholic beverages can make people more cheerful and give greater enjoyment to already happy gatherings. They “gladden the heart of man” (Ps. 104:15, Revised Standard Version).

Christians should always exercise caution when using alcohol for pleasure, however, because of the ever-present danger of overuse, which will utterly destroy any enjoyment that could have been derived from a social occasion. Nobody likes a drunk, including the drunk himself…

Alcohol abuse…

Christ Himself warned His followers not to be drunken (Luke 21:34). Paul told the Corinthian church to “put away from among yourselves” any member who was a drunkard – to have no fellowship with such a person (1 Cor. 5: 11-13). No person who is unable to use alcohol properly is fit to be a minister (1 Tim. 3:3, 8, Titus 1:7). Paul taught the Ephesians to “be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess,” but rather to be filled with the Spirit of God (Eph. 5:18).

Have you ever been guilty of drunkenness?…

The Bible nowhere commands Christians to drink alcohol, with the exception of about a tablespoonful during the Passover service. Alcohol should be seen as a blessing that God has given human beings to honor Him, to help heal our bodies, to cheer us up when needed and to add pleasure to meals and social occasions. As Christians, we should be aware of the benefits and dangers of alcohol and use it properly, so we can truly consider alcohol to be the blessing God meant it to be.

In certain areas, however, excessive drinking and ‘binge drinking’ are serious problems.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Fact Sheet on Binge Drinking states:

According to national surveys

• Approximately 92% of U.S. adults who drink excessively report binge drinking in the past 30 days.²
• Although college students commonly binge drink, 70% of binge drinking episodes involve adults age 26 years and older.³
• The prevalence of binge drinking among men is higher than the prevalence among women.⁴
• Binge drinkers are 14 times more likely to report alcohol-impaired driving than non-binge drinkers.³
• About 90% of the alcohol consumed by youth under the age of 21 in the United States is in the form of binge drinks.⁵
• About 75% of the alcohol consumed by adults in the United States is in the form of binge drinks.⁵
• The proportion of current drinkers that binge is highest in the 18- to 20-year-old group (51%).³

Binge drinking is associated with many health problems, including—

• Unintentional injuries (e.g., car crashes, falls, burns, drowning).
• Intentional injuries (e.g., firearm injuries, sexual assault, domestic violence).
• Alcohol poisoning.
• Sexually transmitted diseases.
• Unintended pregnancy.
• Children born with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders.
• High blood pressure, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases.
• Liver disease.
• Neurological damage.
• Sexual dysfunction.
• Poor control of diabetes. (http://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/binge-drinking.htm)

While light alcohol consumption (no more than one drink in a day for most people) has health benefits, excessive consumption of alcohol is dangerous.

Notice the following:

1 Wine is a mocker, Strong drink is a brawler, And whoever is led astray by it is not wise. (Proverbs 20:1)

20 Do not mix with winebibbers, Or with gluttonous eaters of meat; 21 For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, And drowsiness will clothe a man with rags. (Proverbs 23:20-21)

1 Woe to the crown of pride, to the drunkards of Ephraim, Whose glorious beauty is a fading flower Which is at the head of the verdant valleys, To those who are overcome with wine! 2 Behold, the Lord has a mighty and strong one, Like a tempest of hail and a destroying storm, Like a flood of mighty waters overflowing, Who will bring them down to the earth with His hand. 3 The crown of pride, the drunkards of Ephraim, Will be trampled underfoot; (Isaiah 28:1-3)

18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation (Ephesians 5:18)

The partying drunkard is also specifically condemned as part of those that will not inherit the kingdom of God:

9 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God. (1 Corinthians 6:9-11)

19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:19-21)

The fact that the average college binge drinker is defined as one who gets drunk doing this at least twice per month shows the lack of concern for biblical morality.

The Bible also condemns those who encourage others to drink excessively:

5 “Woe to him who gives drink to his neighbor,
Pressing him to your bottle,
Even to make him drunk,
That you may look on his nakedness!
16 You are filled with shame instead of glory.
You also — drink!
And be exposed as uncircumcised!
The cup of the Lord’s right hand will be turned against you,
And utter shame will be on your glory. (Habakkuk 2:15-16)

If you, or a loved one, has a problem with binge drinking or anything else to do with alcohol, pray about it and seek counsel.

In addition to contacting the ministry, secular sources can also be of assistance. A list of sources from the CDC can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/resources.htm Furthermore, there are groups like Alcoholics Anonymous in many other nations. People with alcohol problems can be helped. And the Bible encourages people to leave the “binge drinking” lifestyle.

Excessive binging on alcohol is serious problem in many societies. And is one that needs to be repented of–whether by males or females.

So while alcohol can and should be a blessing, overindulgence for many can turn into a curse.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Alcohol: Blessing or Curse? This is an article from the old Good News magazine that attempts to answer this question.
Binge Alcohol Drinking and the Bible Many college students and others overindulge in alcohol. Are there health risks? What does the Bible teach?
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.
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.
Why Were You Born? Why did God make you? Herbert W. Armstrong wrote this as a booklet on this important subject. You may also wish to read the article What is Your Destiny? or watch the video, also titled What is Your Destiny?
Building Character: Going on to Perfection Once you have accepted Jesus, do you need to strive for perfection and build character? A related video sermon is available: Going on to perfection and building character.
What is the Meaning of Life? Who does God say is happy? What is your ultimate destiny? Do you really know? Does God actually have a plan for YOU personally? There is also a video titled What is the meaning of your life?

COGwriter

A reader sent me a link to the following related to an interview of the author of the new book America: Imagine a World Without Her:

Dinesh D’Souza’s dire warning: Americans ‘are being prepared for a political and financial shakedown’

June 5, 2014

You talk about the prospect of a Hillary presidency, and obviously, as you know, Hillary follows the same playbook – she wrote her thesis on Alinsky. If Hillary were to be elected, that would potentially mean 16 years of an Alinsky-ite practitioner in the White House. What does that mean for the American who is at the bottom?

D’Souza: Well it took 200 years to build America, and it’s not easy to unmake America, even in two presidential terms. You need more time, and you also need a powerful movement behind you. Now, Obama I believe is a global redistributionist. Most Democrats think he’s a domestic redistributionist, and he is. But he also wants to redistribute wealth away from America and to the rest of the world.

Now, to answer your question – what does this mean for the little guy – well, remember that the little guy in America is rich by world standards. If you made a global division of wealth, the guy at the bottom in America would be in the top quintile, the top fifth of affluent people in the world. So if you’re a global redistributionist, you recognize, or you believe that even the poor guy in America has got to pay because if we’re going to have global redistribution, wealth has to be transferred even away from the American poor toward even poorer people in other countries.

And so I think what we’re going to see under progressive rule is the impoverishment of America across the board. And as for the guy a the bottom, he’s going to discover that there are floors below the ground floor in America – there’s a basement that he hasn’t yet experienced and that will not be pleasant to live in…

I think that with Obama, we’re seeing new lows and new aberrations that did not occur before. I mean it’s to me inconceivable that the Bush administration would go after Michael Moore in that way, or even that Clinton would unleash the IRS against his opponents. Carter certainly would never dream of doing such a thing.

http://www.theblaze.com/blog/2014/06/05/dinesh-dsouza-americans-are-being-prepared-for-a-political-and-financial-shakedown/

A post USA world?  The Bible tells of it.  And the post-USA world will be much worse than D’Souza thinks. Jeremiah warned about the time of Jacob’s trouble (Jeremiah 30:7) which will befall the USA and its Anglo-Saxon allies.  This will coincide with the final time of the Gentiles that Jesus warned about in Luke 21:20-24.

Now some believe other factors are building up in the USA to cause destruction.  A different reader sent the following to me also today which I did not write:

Do you really think that an economic collapse will happen in the next 6 months?

Yes. Look at the data and hard facts and tell me what alternatives there are. The middle class is holding up the rest of society, they pay the overwhelming majority of taxes, and without them the government will collapse. ObamaCare will put the average middle class family into a debt of $5,147 per year. They’ll be unable to buy anything, bankrupting business both small and large. As companies close their doors, unemployment rates will skyrocket. Those same 86 million working adults will now find themselves out of jobs, meaning they won’t have money for anything – even to pay the government. And when that happens, the government will suddenly be unable to perform even the most basic functions, or bailout Americans who are suddenly homeless and jobless because of the collapse.

Now, while the USA will be destroyed, Jesus warned about a coming Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21), it is not in the next six months.  That will be the time when the USA is taken over and destroyed.  That will not be before 2018, in my view, at the earliest, but that does not mean that sorrows (Matthew 24:4-8) will not increase prior to that, and affect the USA.  Sorrows may well increase.

The Bible clearly warns that the one who was “great among the nations” has “become a slave” and was “dealt treacherously” by “her friends” (Lamentations 1:1-2).  The moral decay of the USA and its Anglo-Saxon allies, combined with various financial policies and practices are not in accordance to how God would have them.

This will not end up well for the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Now, however, there is good news coming.  After Jesus returns, the world ruled by Him and His saints will be much better than the world order that we now have.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Saxon (non-Dutch) Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo-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. Information is also in the YouTube sermons titled Where are the Ten Lost Tribes? Why does it matter? and British are the Covenant People. A short YouTube of prophetic interest may be Barack Obama and the State of the Apocalypse.
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?
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? Here is a related YouTube video: Military Technology and the Beast of Revelation.
Must the Ten Kings of Revelation 17:12 Rule over Ten Currently Existing Nations? Some claim that these passages refer to a gathering of 10 currently existing nations together, while one group teaches that this is referring to 11 nations getting together. Is that what Revelation 17:12-13 refers to? The ramifications of misunderstanding this are enormous.
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.
Did The Early Church Teach Millenarianism? Was the millennium (sometimes called chiliasm) taught by early Christians? Who condemned it? Will Jesus literally reign for 1000 years on the earth? Is this time near? A related sermon is titled The Millennium.
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

Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew is planning on coming to Rome to be part of Pope Francis’ call for a Middle East peace prayer to be joined by the Muslim Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and the Jewish Israeli President Shimon Peres:

June 5, 2014

The Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew I, will be in Rome on Sunday, June 8, to take part in the prayer for peace in the Holy Land – a Sunday in which, in the West, the Gregorian calendar celebrates the feast of Pentecost.

During the Mass in Bethlehem on Sunday, May 25, Pope Francis invited Presidents Mahmoud Abbas and Shimon Peres to pray with him at the Vatican for peace in the Holy Land. He renewed the invitation the following day, receiving immediately a “yes” from the Palestinian President and the Israeli President…

“The meeting of prayer for peace, to which the Holy Father invited the Presidents of Israel, Shimon Peres, and of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, will take place in the Vatican on Sunday afternoon, June 8. This date, in fact, was accepted by the two parties,” stated the Holy See… http://www.zenit.org/en/articles/peace-in-the-holy-land-patriarch-bartholomew-in-rome

A joint prayer session with two major religious leaders and two political leaders of four different faiths (though there is not as much difference between the faith of the two major religious leaders) is a major show of ecumenical and inter-faith cooperation–the type of cooperation that Pope Francis, US President Obama, and the United Nations have been calling for.

The ecumenical and inter-faith movements are moving ahead, yet they WILL NOT RESULT IN REAL AND LASTING PEACE. Protestants are also part of this and are falling for it (see Beware: Protestants Going Towards Ecumenical Destruction! and Pope Francis speaks of ecumenism to 52,000 Pentecostals and others).

That being said, the Bible does tell of a deal, which is likely a peace deal, that will come to pass (Daniel 9:27). But that deal will end in destruction. The breaking of the deal in Daniel 9:27 will usher in the start of the Great Tribulation, and the end of the USA (Daniel 11:39). And shortly thereafter (Daniel 11:40), War is Coming Between Europeans and Arabs!

The Bible also tells that the ecumenical/inter-faith movement will also end in destruction (Revelation 18 & 19).

Pentecost marked the beginning of the New Testament church (Acts 2), but the Vatican is attempting to use this as another step in its ecumenical plans–plans that both the Bible (Revelation 13:4,8; 17; 18:4) and even certain Catholic prophecies warn against.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

United Nations: Humankind’s Last Hope or New World Order? Is the UN the last hope for humanity? Or might its goals end up with sinister results? A related video would be United Nations and Vatican Are Planning the New World Order.
The ‘Peace Deal’ of Daniel 9:27 This prophecy could give up to 3 1/2 years advance notice of the coming Great Tribulation. Will most ignore or misunderstand its fulfillment?
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.
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?
Beware: Protestants Going Towards Ecumenical Destruction! What is going on in the Protestant world? Are Protestants turning back to their ‘mother church’ in Rome? Does the Bible warn about this? What are Catholic plans and prophecies related to this? Is Protestantism doomed? watch the video Charismatic Kenneth Copeland and Anglican Tony Palmer: Protestants Beware!
Some Similarities and Differences Between the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Continuing Church of God Both groups claim to be the original church, but both groups have differing ways to claim it. Both groups have some amazing similarities and some major differences. Do you know what they are?
Orthodox Must Reject Unity with the Roman Catholics Unity between these groups will put them in position to be part of the final end time Babylon that the Bible warns against as well as require improper compromise.
Jerusalem To be divided and eliminated Many want Jerusalem. Who does the Bible teach will control Jerusalem? Will the Jews be forced out of Jerusalem and many made captive? What did Jesus teach about this? Are nations even now considering providing the prophesied armies to surround Jerusalem? What is Jerusalem Day? What is Nakba Day? What events should Christians watch in Jerusalem as signs that the Great Tribulation will begin? What is the solution to Jerusalem? This is a video.
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?
Could Pope Francis be the Last Pope and Antichrist? Former Argentinian Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio is now Pope Francis. According to some interpretations of the prophecies of the popes by the Catholic saint and Bishop Malachy, Pope Francis 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 be the heretical antipope of Catholic private prophecies and the final Antichrist of Bible prophecy? Could a Jesuit be “the black pope”?
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?
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?
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.
Pentecost: Is it more than Acts 2? Many “Christians” somewhat observe Pentecost. Do they know what it means? It is also called the Feast of Harvest, the Feast of Weeks, and the day of firstfruits. What about “speaking in tongues” and led by the Holy Spirit? (Here is a related link in Spanish/español: Pentecostés: ¿Es más que Hechos 2? plus one by Herbert Armstrong HWA sobre Pentecostés). Here is a YouTube sermon titled Pentecost: Feast of Firstfruits.

Supporters of Donetsk Republic (Andrew Butko)

COGwriter

The tensions in Ukraine continue and the G7 condemn Russian actions:

June 5, 2014

Donetsk, a city of more than a million people, is in limbo: caught in the middle of a bitter and bloody conflict. This is the heart of eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk Region. But it is also now the capital of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic: a breakaway state which has asked to join Russia. Moscow has yet to respond…

There have been clashes, too, in Luhansk region. On Wednesday insurgents there seized two bases: one belonging to the Ukrainian National Guard, the other to the Border Guards…

Alexander Borodai, the self-styled prime minister of the Donetsk People’s Republic…”May I remind you that the Ukrainian military’s initial plan was to finish their operation by May 1st. Then by May 9th. Then it shifted to even later. They made so many promises about completing their so-called “anti-terrorist operation” with grandiose success and without casualties. All these declarations are rubbish. They mean nothing.”

Mr Borodai, who describes himself as a “crisis manager”, says he is one of many volunteers who have come to Ukraine from Russia to protect Russian-speakers.

“The volunteers have come from all over Russia,” he explains. “Some of them have taken up arms. Others, like me, have got involved in civilian activities.”

Kiev accuses Moscow of funding and fuelling the separatist movement in eastern Ukraine. It has labelled the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics “terrorist organisations” and has vowed to defeat the militants. Mr Borodai is confident that Kiev’s military operation will fail.  http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-27705117

June 5, 2014

Leaders from the Group of Seven industrialized economies gathered Thursday in Brussels for a second day of meetings, focusing discussions on Russia’s involvement in the Ukraine crisis.

After a morning group meeting, U.S. President Barack Obama will hold separate talks with British Prime Minister David Cameron…

Late Wednesday, G7 leaders urged Moscow to respect the results of Ukraine’s presidential election, stop the flow of fighters and weapons to the eastern part of the country, and completely withdraw troops from its border with Ukraine.

The joint statement threatened to “intensify targeted sanctions and to implement significant additional restrictive measures to impose further costs on Russia, should events so require.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin was not invited to the summit, a move that came in response to Moscow’s incursion into and annexation of the Crimean Peninsula in March.

Putin on Wednesday played down the boycott, but insisted he was open to dialogue with Ukraine President-elect Petro Poroshenko.  http://www.voanews.com/content/g7-leaders-focus-on-russia-ukraine-in-second-day-of-talks/1929954.html

The G7 is trying to isolate Russia over Ukraine, while various Russians are supporting separatist actions in Eastern Ukraine.

If Vladimir Putin’s plan was to divide Ukraine so all of it would not end up in the European Union and/or NATO, he is seemingly being successful.

The situation in Ukraine is tense and difficult. However, what is going on in Ukraine is NOT the start of WWIII as some, including various Protestants (who tend to point to certain prophecies in Ezekiel 38), have suggested (at least not the way they seem to intend those statements).

The USA and European Union do not want Russia to end up with any additional Ukrainian territory, but that, of itself, has not stopped Russian plans. The situation in Ukraine remains tense.

From a prophetic perspective, we appear to be seeing a separation between some of the peoples that live within the borders of Ukraine.  Those that appear to have descended from the ancient Medes will ultimately align with Russia, and some of them (like those in Crimea) already have.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

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 video Ukraine in Prophecy?
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? A related video would be Is World War III About to Begin? Can You Escape?
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.
Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach? Here is a link to a video, also titled Is Russia the King of the North?
The Eurasian Union, the Kings of the East, and Bible Prophecy Is there a Eurasian union that will be formed? Is one being formed right now? Are any leaders working on that in the 21st century? Does the Bible teach that there will be a Eurasian union? If some type of Eurasian union is formed, who might it benefit and who will it destroy? A related video would be Is The Eurasian Union Rising?
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.

Pope Boniface VIII in the Vatican (May 2004)

COGwriter

The Catholic saint Boniface (Latin: Bonifacius; c. 680 – June 5, 754), is known as the Apostle of the Germans. He was born Winfrid, Wynfrith, or Wynfryth possibly at Crediton in the kingdom of Wessex (now in Devon, England). He is the patron saint of Germany and the first archbishop of Mainz.

His “feast day” is celebrated on June 5 in the Roman Catholic Church, the Lutheran Church, and the Anglican Communion but on December 19 in the Eastern Orthodox Church.

But on “his day”, I would like to focus on one of his namesakes, Pope Boniface VIII. I first became familiar with this pontiff upon a trip to the Vatican in 2004. My wife took a photo of his casket, and that got me to look more into his background.

Partially because of political problems in Europe with French King Philip, Pope Boniface VIII took a bizarre and highly overreaching step. In 1302, he issued what is known as the bull Unam Sanctum that claimed:

We are obliged by the faith to believe and to hold—and we do firmly believe and sincerely confess—that there is one Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church and that outside this Church there is neither salvation nor remission of sins…

Therefore, if the Greeks or others say that they are not committed to Peter and his successors, they necessarily confess that they are not Christ’s sheep…

…in this Church and in her power are two swords…Both are in the power of the Church, the spiritual sword and the material. But the latter is to be used for the Church, the former by her; the former by the priest, the latter by kings and captains but at the will of the priest…

Furthermore, we declare, state, define, and pronounce that it is altogether necessary for salvation for every human creature to be subject to the Roman Pontiff. (As cited in Bettenson H, ed., Documents of the Christian Church. London: Oxford University Press, 1943, pp. 126-127).

Notice that his position was quite definite. I mention that because I believe that many within the Vatican now have a different view and will compromise in many, many ways, to ultimately entice most of the Orthodox (called the Greeks above) and others into a revised ecumenical faith that will call itself “Catholic.”

As his pronouncement was made as a matter of “faith” was Pope Boniface VIII infallible when he published it? If so, then this seems to disagree with positions take by some of the later popes, as well as the Bible (cf. Acts 4:10,12).

Notice what the Catholic writer E. Duffy wrote:

Boniface is a mysterious man, proud, ambitious fierce…It was Boniface who declared the first Jubilee or Holy Year in 1300, when tens of thousands of pilgrims converged on Rome to gain indulgences, adding enormously to the prestige of the papacy…(and in the process enriching the Roman basilicas, where the sacristans were said to have had to scoop in pilgrim offerings with rakes). This promise of ‘full and copious pardon’ to all who visited Peter and the Lateran after confessing their sins was the most spectacular exercise of power of the keys since Urban II issued the first Crusade Indulgence…

Boniface…displayed some of the worst traits of clerical careerism, enriching his relatives at the expense of the Church, and waging a relentless was against family’s traditional rivals. (Duffy, Eamon. Saints & Sinners: A History of the Popes. Yale University Press, New Haven (CT), 2002, p. 160)

Other writers have also mentioned his less than saintly behavior.

A former Catholic priest wrote:

Few popes ever enriched their kin as much as Boniface did…A libertine, he once had a married woman and her daughter as his mistresses. (De Rosa P. Vicars of Christ: The Dark Side of the Papacy. Poolberg Press, Dublin, 2000, p. 75)

A current Catholic priest and scholar wrote:

Boniface VIII…Other popes were more inept and more corrupt, but none made claims for the papacy that were further removed from the spirit of the Apostle Peter, not to mention the Lord himself. (McBrien, Richard P. Lives of the Popes: The Pontiffs from St. Peter to Benedict XVI. Harper, San Francisco, 2005 updated ed., p. 232)

Boniface certainly sounds like one more driven by his own lusts that one who was a true apostolic successor, but he is claimed to be “Peter’s successor” for nearly a decade (1293-1303). Interestingly, Boniface VIII also was confined to eternal torment by Dante in his Divine Comedy while he was still alive.

There were others of ill fame who also took the name Boniface, but my point today is that one of the so-called successors (who certainly did not follow him morally) of Peter made a pronouncement that sounded like it was supposed to be one on faith and morals and many within the Vatican are currently taking a different position (for example, the position that they took with the Anglicans violated a statement made by the late 19th century Pope–see More Anglican Leaders Considering Defecting to Rome).

Compromise has often occurred within the Vatican, and I am concerned that both biblical and even Catholic prophecy point to a time when more compromise will be made for the sake of “unity.”

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Attending the Church of Choice This article discusses whose choice is important to worship God; should you attend the church of your choice or the church of God’s choice?
Unity: Which COG for You? Why so many groups? Why is there lack of unity in the Churches of God? Has it always been this way? What can/should be done about it?
Why Should American Catholics Should Fear Unity with the Orthodox? Are the current ecumenical meetings a good thing or will they result in disaster?
Orthodox Must Reject Unity with the Roman Catholics The talks for unification involve compromise and the apparent rising up of a changed religion that no one should accept.
Which Is Faithful: The Roman Catholic Church or the Continuing Church of God? Do you know that both groups shared a lot of the earliest teachings? Do you know which church changed? Do you know which group is most faithful to the teachings of the apostolic church? Which group best represents true Christianity? This documented article answers those questions. [Português: Qual é fiel: A igreja católica romana ou a igreja do deus?]
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?

Hillary Rodham Clinton (Kai Moerk 2012)

COGwriter

Vladmir Putin comments about Hillary Clinton and one of her comments about him:

June 4, 2014

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday said Hillary Clinton’s recent comments comparing his actions to those of Adolf Hitler are a sign of weakness, saying she “has never been too graceful” in her public statements.

“It’s better not to argue with women. But Ms. Clinton has never been too graceful in her statements,” Putin said…

At a private fundraiser in March, Clinton reportedly compared Putin’s move to issue Russian passports to those with Russian connections outside the country to Hitler’s efforts to protect German’s outside of Germany.

“Now if this sounds familiar, it’s what Hitler did back in the ’30s,” Clinton said…

Putin said, “Someday I will indulge myself and we will laugh together at some good joke. But when I hear such extreme statements, to me it only means that they don’t have any valid arguments.”  …

Putin was asked if he thought “it would be worse if you were meeting with Hillary Clinton” given the former secretary of state’s rhetoric.

“I think even in this case we could reach an agreement,” Putin said. “When people push boundaries too far, it’s not because they are strong but because they are weak. But maybe weakness is not the worst quality for a woman.  http://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/putin-hillary-clinton-has-never-been-too-graceful-statements-n122776

Vladimir Putin does not appreciate the Hitler comments that Hillary Clinton and others have sometimes brought up.  But they do not seem to have affected him too much.  He still is working on his agenda, which includes increasing the influence of Russia throughout Eurasia at minimum.

Hillary Clinton herself made the news today for not committing to whether or not she will run for president:

Hillary Clinton for the umpteenth time is coyly chewing over the possibility of a 2016 White House run.

“I know I have a decision to make,” the former secretary of state recently told People magazine about her status as early frontrunner for the Democratic presidential nomination. “But part of what I’ve been thinking about is everything I’m interested in, and everything I enjoy doing. And with the extra added joy of, ‘I’m about to be a grandmother,’ I want to live in the moment; at the same time, I am concerned about what I see happening in the country and in the world.”…

he’s spent that past 16 months spearheading projects with the Clinton Foundation, delivering weighty speeches across the country, and gearing up to launch a book tour next week for her memoir “Hard Choices.” Her continued public presence has only stoked the rampant speculation that she’ll reprise her 2008 presidential bid in 2016.

On Wednesday, the “Ready for Hillary” Super PAC announced the undraping of “The Hillary Bus,” which “will travel from coast to coast, channeling the enthusiasm around a potential Hillary 2016 candidacy to activate supporters in the 2014 midterms, while further building a grassroots army of supporters who are encouraging her to run and ready to help her win.”

Still, just as clamorous as the calls for her to throw her hat in the ring are the mounting criticisms arguing she shouldn’t. http://www.cbsnews.com/news/hillary-clinton-on-2016-i-have-a-decision-to-make/

If she is not planning on running, then her comments, at minimum, would seem to increase the sale of her upcoming book.

She remains one to watch.  But for other reasons, so is Vladimir Putin.

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.
Women and the New Testament Church Were women important in the New Testament Church? Which women and how were they involved?
Abortion, the Bible, and a Woman’s Right to Choose Do you know what the Bible teaches on this? Has the Roman Catholic Church allowed abortions? What about the real Church of God? Some may also, or instead, wish to view the YouTube video Abortion, the Bible, and US Debt.
Cross-dressing and other assaults against your children. What should you do? Is there an agenda to turn your children and/or grandchildren away from biblical morality and towards practices promoted by homosexuals? What does the Bible teach about cross-dressing? What should parents do? If there is an agenda, what has been going on? There is also a YouTube video on this, titled Cross dressing and Other Assaults Against Your Children.
The Bible Condemns Homosexuality “Same-sex marriage” for “gays” and lesbians is becoming more acceptable to many. What does the Bible teach about homosexuality? Can homosexuals change?
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? A related video would be Is World War III About to Begin? Can You Escape?
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 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?
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.

COGwriter

Is evolution scientific?  Or can you quickly disprove evolution as the cause of life on planet Earth?

The Continuing Church of God has a video on our YouTube channel called Bible New Prophecy that will you do so:

11:22

Quickly Disprove Evolution as the Origin of Life