Church of God News

COGwriter

The Obama Administration has taken at least ten steps that are leading to the rise of the Beast of the Sea of Revelation 13 and the final King of the North of Daniel 11.

Before getting those ten, let’s look a little about what the Bible teaches about the Beast leader:

1 Then I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea…

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

4 So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?” (Revelation 13:1-4)

The “sea” is the Mediterranean sea (Joshua 9:1; 23:4; Ezekiel 47:13-16; cf. Daniel 7:2) and this is the rise of a final European (Daniel 9:26-27) Beast power. This power will be unexpected by most.

This leader is also known as the King of the North.  Notice that the land of the strongest fortresses will be destroyed by him:

39 Thus he shall act against the strongest fortresses with a foreign god, which he shall acknowledge, and advance its glory; and he shall cause them to rule over many, and divide the land for gain…40 “At the time of the end the king of the South shall attack him; and the king of the North shall come against him (Daniel 11:39-40)

The ‘he’ above is the European King of the North as verse 40 tells us. Is not that land of the strongest fortress, the strongest military, the USA, and to a lessor degree its Anglo-Saxon allies, in the 21st century?

Because I concluded that, back in the Summer of 2009, I had a book published that warned:

Barack Obama has pledged increased cooperation with the Europeans.  And while cooperation is normally a good thing, this particular cooperation is likely to lead to the rise of the prophesied King of the North, who is to be the final leader of the Beast of Revelation (Revelation 13:1).  Unlike previous U.S. administrations, President Obama’s administration has declared that it will encourage and support increases in Europe’s own military, far beyond what Presidents Bush or Clinton were willing to consider. (Thiel B. 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect. Nazarene Books, 2009, pp. 131-132, 147)

Has that been happening?

Here is a list of ten steps that the Obama Administration has taken that is leading to the rise of the Beast of the sea, the final King of the North of Bible prophecy:

1. Encouraged the Final Approval of the Lisbon Treaty. On October 15, 2009 it was reported that Czech President Vaclav Klaus was the lone EU leader still opposed to the Lisbon Treaty (Waterfield B. Czech President Vaclav Klaus ‘to continue’ lone resistance to Lisbon Treaty.  Telegraph, October 15, 2009.  http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/czechrepublic/6329690/Czech-President-Vaclav-Klaus-to-continue-lone-resistance-to-Lisbon-Treaty.html).The Obama administration worked to get the Lisbon Treaty approved as President Obama “wants a strong and united Europe” (Source: Baldwin T, Reid T., Coates S. Obama Administration worried about Cameron effect in Europe.  The Times, October 21, 2009. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article6883075.ece#cid=OTC-RSS&attr=797093).On October 23, 2009, the USA sent Vice President Joseph Biden to the Czech Republic in order to apply provide secutiry assurances as well as to apply pressure to the Czech government to sign the agreement for a European empire to form (U.S. foreign policy aware of threats – Havel after meeting Biden.  CTK, October 23, 2009. http://www.ceskenoviny.cz/news/zpravy/u-s-foreign-policy-aware-of-threats-havel-after-meeting-biden/404375).  This could have had some limited influence on some of the Czech leadership.

   Once its then President Klaus signed it, he announced with disappointment that he had just signed away the sovereignty of the Czech Republic. The Czech Republic was the only hold-out for the agreement and if the Czech Republic had not then signed it, the agreement would have expired. Instead the USA applied pressure to form a more complete European government that will ultimately change and become the Beast power of Revelation 13:1-10 and will take over the USA as prophesied in Daniel 11:39.

   On November 3, 2009, Agence France Presse (AFP) reported that USA President Barack Obama publicly expressed his support for the Czech President’s signing of the Lisbon Treaty and for now having a  ’strengthened’ EU (Obama welcomes ‘strengthened’ EU. AFP, November 3, 2009.  http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hJ8OzJSh0xfKow8z47RGCYQu1nsg).

   The European nations became part of the new empire called for the European Union on December 1, 2009 with Herman Von Rompuy as its “first permanent president” (EU Constitution Comes into Force.  Voice of America,  December 1, 2009. http://www1.voanews.com/english/news/europe/EU-Constitution-78224062-01DEC09-.html).

2. Encouraged German Funding of Greece. When the new agreement was a risk of falling apart because of problems with Greece. The New York Times reported that on May 10, 2010, President Obama called German Chancellor Merkel and told her that Europe needed an overwhelming financial rescue for the sake of its unity, and she apparently heeded that suggestion. (Erlanger S, Benhold K, Sanger D. Debt Aid Package for Europe Took Nudge From Washington. The New York Times, May 10, 2010.   (http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/11/business/global/11reconstruct.html). This kept the union of Europeans, dominated by Germany, together.On November 10, 2010, EU President Herman van Rompuy declared that in Europe the “time of the homogeneous nation state is over” (Johnson D. The end of Britain as a nation state? Not on your life, Mr Van Rompuy.  Daily Mail, November 11, 2010. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-1328579/Herman-Van-Rompuy-The-end-Britain-nation-state.html).  Full political union is expected in the next decade by many leaders (Willis A.  Germany predicts EU ‘political union’ in 10 years.  EU Observer, December 13, 2010.  http://euobserver.com/9/31485) and some want it much  sooner (Czuczka T. Parker B.  Merkel Risks EU Clash Over Political Union Push.  Blommberg, November 14, 2011.  http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-11-14/merkel-risks-eu-clash-over-political-union-push-to-end-europe-debt-crisis.html).  It has been reported that the “EU is an empire” (Baudet T.  The EU is an empire, and empires mean war. NRC Handelsblad, Press Europ, July 9, 2012.  http://www.presseurop.eu/en/content/article/2300601-eu-empire-and-empires-mean-war).This is an empire the Barack Obama has been supporting.In December 2010, it was announced USA made “an extra commitment of money” to support the EU and it was also reported that the “United States, has committed 250 billion euros to the EFSF” (European Financial Stability Facility) to support the euro and economic structure of the European Union (US Ready to Back Bigger EU Stability Fund: Official.  Reuters, December 1, 2010.  http://www.reuters.com/article/2010/12/01/eu-us-efsf-idUSLDE6B023Z20101201).  “US believes it’s time Germany stepped up and started acting like a regional and even a global leader” and Barack Obama publicly stated, “The world today does not fear a strong Germany”  (DJW.  Media roundup: Barack gives Angie a push.  The Local, June 8, 2011 http://www.thelocal.de/opinion/20110608-35537.html).
3. To Rely on Europe’s GPS for Defense. Back in 2009, I warned that the USA was having problems with its GPS system and may decide it needed to rely on Europe’s upcoming Galileo system for its own military defense:
   

   “the Europeans are planning on having their own global positioning system (GPS), called Galileo, available for military applications. This will allow the Europeans to track the world and attack others without relying on the U.S.A.’s GPS. This will be the first time in the 21st century that Europeans will be able to have that type of independent military capability. Furthermore, according to a 2009 report from the U.S. government, the U.S. Air Force may have to start relying on the European Galileo system (at least to a degree) beginning in 2013, as the U.S. GPS capabilities are expected to deteriorate by then (other problems are also appearing in the newer U.S. satellites). Because the Europeans will be able to control Galileo, they will also likely be capable of derailing certain sophisticated U.S. military applications.  This will give the Europeans a unique defensive (as well as offensive) capability that no others on the planet will have.  (Thiel B. 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect. Nazarene Books, 2009, p. 85)

   Because of concerns about China, Reuters reported on February 4, 2010, “The U.S. Defense Department is linking its Global Positioning System with Europe’s Galileo, another space-based global navigation satellite system. GPS will feature a new military signal called M-code to boost anti-jamming, facilitate secure access and increase the local signal strength.” (Wolf J. US, wary of China, mulls satellite substitutes.  Reuters, February 4, 2010. http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN0411054720100205).

   This linking will essentially guarantee that the USA will have a portion of their military response ability controlled by the Europeans.  Galileo initially had critics as there were “early objections from the Americans who thought a rival system to GPS might be used to attack its armed forces” (Amos J. EU awards Galileo satellite-navigation contracts.  BBC, Jan 7, 2010. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi /science/nature/8442090.stm).

   The “brain” of the Galileo satellite system was shipped to Rome on April 26, 2010 (First EU Navigation Satellite Payload Shipped.  Red Orbit, 26 April 2010. http://www.redorbit.com/news/space/1855166/first_eu_ navigation_satellite_payload_shipped/ /science/nature/8442090.stm).  On July 31, 2010, it was announced that the USA would, indeed, do this (see USA GPS and EU Galileo linking was expected ). This is all the more astounding because the USA was initially opposed to Europe developing Galileo because it felt this could be used against the USA. Now, the USA is partially-dependent upon it, and in the event of war with Europe, the USA will not be able to effectively communicate or counter-strike because of this.

4. Pivoting Away from Defending Europe. The ‘pivot’ that the USA and its ally Canada have been doing towards defending Asia as it has been called since at least 2012 (see Canadian and USA Shifting Military Power to Asia), has resulted in a pivot away from Europe. The Germans and others in Europe are realizing that the USA is not intending to defend them as before, hence the USA is pushing them to arm themselves.
5. Pushing the Europeans to Develop Their Military. In 2012, US Defense Secretary Panetta made public calls for the Europeans to increase their military strength and spending (Carmichael L. Europe Needs To Invest In Defense, Too: U.S..  Defense News, February 4, 2012. http://www.defensenews.com/article/20120204/DEFREG02/302040001/Europe-Needs-Invest-Defense-Too-U-S-?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|FRONTPAGE|p).  In the Spring of 2014, the Obama Administration again called for Europe (meaning to a great degree Germany) to increase their military spending (see Obama tries to provide assurances to Europe while pushing for increased European military spending). Increasing military spending will turn out to be the destructive to the USA (cf. Daniel 11:39). This is very dangerous.
6. Removal of Tanks from Germany. In 2013, the USA removed the last of its tanks from Germany (see There are no longer USA tanks in Germany: Do Americans understand this is a serious risk?). By having no tanks on the ground, this means that the USA will not have the ground-force power to fight against Germany in the event of a war against the USA, should some elements of the US Army attempt to do that.
7. Agreement to Share Espionage and Techniques. Because of the Snowden leaks in 2013, US President Barack Obama promised to turn over to Germany all of its espionage techiques etc., as well as to reduce espionage against Germany (see Germany most upset by USA espionage). This will give the Germans a major advantage over the USA. If you know how your enemy spies and what it spies on, you can take steps to protect secrets.
8. Cessation of Chancellor Merkel’s Cellular Telephone Conversations. Barack Obama agreed to no longer allow listening in on the cell phone of German Chancellor Angela Merkel after she complained (Merkel angered by USA allegedly listening in on her cell phone and EU summit to discuss USA spying), and presumably will not do this for her replacement (s). This will reduce the ability of the USA to understand what is going on when Germany is coordinating an attack in the future. While this may not seem to be important, it could prove disastrous.
9. Allowing the Loss of Crimea. While Barack Obama did make stronger statements than some European leaders related to Crimea (e.g. Russia controls Crimea; Obama talks to Putin–Putin defiant; Obama dissed by many), the reality is that they did not stop Russia. Although Barack Obama and Germany’s Angela Merkel called the annexation “unacceptable” (Merkel, Obama call Crimea grab ‘unacceptable’ Agence France-Presse, March 18, 2014. http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/afp/140318/merkel-obama-call-crimea-grab-unacceptable) it is clear to the Germans that the USA has accepted it (Germany still wants Crimea back). Europe and the Germans are concluding that they will need their own military deterrents to Russia to stop further incursions into territories that they want to be part of the European Union. The Europeans are moving ahead with military technology (see European Technology and the Beast of Revelation ), and this will give them further motivation.
10. Giving Europeans Control Over More of the USA Military. As far as control of the military, the first non-American, French General  Stéphane Abrial became the “Commander of the Allied Command Transformation” of NATO in Europe in September, 2009 (French General Takes Over Key NATO Command In U.S.  RTT News, September 10, 2009.http://www.rttnews.com/ArticleView. aspx?Id=1062869; http://www.nato.int/cps/
    en/natolive/topics_50114.htm). He was replaced by another French General, Jean-Paul Paloméros. So, this is another part of the military no longer under USA control.In the Summer of 2014, the Obama Administration placed a German general over the entire US Army in Europe (see German general now commands the US Army in Europe).In August 2014, the Obama Administration placed a German general, Brig. Gen. Markus Laubenthal (formerly commander of the 12th Armored Brigade in Amberg and chief of staff for the international security assistance force regional command north in Afghanistan), the chief of staff for U.S. Army Europe. This means that the Europeans will have much more control over the military over the USA than most have imagined.

Interestingly, the above are steps that are publicly known. These steps will help Europe when it finally decides to start WWIII. There may also be other steps that have not been publicly revealed. This will not end well for the USA.

We in the Church of God have long taught that Germany/Europe would rise again. In the Continuing Church of God, we have specifically taught that because of the USA espionage issues (like Snowden) that the USA would try to appease Germany.

The power in Europe is starting to rise up.  The USA is more and more putting itself in harm’s way with Europe and Germany.

It has long been my view, based upon biblical prophecy, that the Europeans will be surprised how relatively easy it will be to take over the USA when it is time.  The ten steps listed here are only some that will help cause this.

The USA is being naive about Europe. But as its political and military leaders do not really believe and understand biblical prophecy, they think their ways to peace will work. The Bible teaches otherwise (cf. Isaiah 59:8).

Some items of related interest may include:

World War III: Steps in Progress Are there surprising actions going on now that are leading to WWIII? What steps has the Obama Administration taken with Germany to assist thie? 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?
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?
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.
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.
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? Here is a link to a video Is the USA Pushing Germany to Start WWIII?
2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect This is a link related to a book by Bob Thiel (COGwriter). This link also has YouTube videos. This book documents and explains hundreds of prophecies. And since it was published, world events have aligned with at least 32 predictions in the book and many more will to come to pass.  Those who purchase the book at the www.thesecretsect.com website receive a lengthy bonus report documenting world events that aligned with the book.
2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect (English Kindle edition).  This is the 2nd edition of the book, released in January 2012, and includes a summary of many of the predictions that world events have aligned with since the book originally came out in September 2009.

COGwriter

The Churches of God normally have over one hundred Feast of Tabernacles’ sites in various places around the world every year.  The Continuing Church of God has official sites in Africa, North America, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

As many who are readers of this page at this time are not at the Feast of Tabernacles now, I thought a series on the sites we attended might be of interest.

I first began to attend the Feast of Tabernacles in 1977. My first feast was at Squaw Valley, California, with an attendance of around 10,000 (all attendance figures will be from my memory of estimated attendance), and this was when I saw Garner Ted Armstrong in person. In 1978, I went to Fresno, California, with an attendance of around 7,000. In 1979, I went to Tucson, Arizona for the feast, with an attendance of nearly 12,000 and this is when I saw Herbert W. Armstrong in person and met Stan Radar. In 1980, I attended the feast in Big Sandy, Texas and slept in a small tent–it rained a lot and this was quite wet–about 7,000 may have attended there that year.

In 1981, this was the first feast I did not drive to, it was Lihue, Hawaii, It had about 1,500 in attendance–this was the first time my wife and I were married and attended the same Feast site. In 1982, we went to Anchorage, Alaska with about 500 in attendance.

1983 was the first feast for either of us outside of the USA, as well as the first feast that we began to take slide pictures. We went to Hoogeveen, Netherlands (all of my wife’s grandparents came to the USA from the Netherlands). About 500 attended there that year. We wrote a list of things that were different there compared to the USA. Here are two photos from that feast:

Windmill and canal near Hoogeveen, Netherlands, 1983

In 1984, we went to Sri Lanka for the feast. About 100 or so attended. Sri Lanka was so different from the USA that we thought that perhaps we should write a list of what was the same as in the USA as that would have been a fairly short list. Here are two photos taken at that feast:

Below is the Riverina hotel where church services for the Feast of Tabernacles in 1984 was held:

In 1985, we went to Durban, South Africa. About 1,000 were there. Below is a South African village and a picture of the building services met at in Durban:

In 1986, we went to Pasadena, California for the Feast. We did not take slides, but should we find the photos taken, perhaps they will be added. One thing that puzzled me in 1986, was the fact that I learned that J. Tkach (Sr.) generally did not go anywhere for the Feast of Tabernacles. Later, of course, he and his administration minimized the necessity to observe God’s festivals.

In 1987, we went to Rotorua, New Zealand for the Feast. About 1200 of so attended there that year. We stayed at the Geyserland Hotel where we saw geysers and boiling mud everyday. The city has a sulfur smell, which when you are there a while, you get used to. Below is the view from our hotel room as well as a countryside photo taken:

In 1989, we went to the south Pacific nation of Fiji. About 200 or so attended that year:

In the 1980s, there were over 100 feast sites pretty much every year, and thus we tended to have a lot of choices about where to attend. Even now there are probably over 100 sites in total, though many are quite small. Back in the 1980s, upwards of 150,000 WCG people reportedly kept the Feast of Tabernacles. In the 21st century, it appears that less than 50,000 attend each year.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Did Early Christians Observe the Fall Holy Days? The ‘Fall’ Holy Days come every year in September and/or October on the Roman calendar. Some call them Jewish holidays, but they were kept by Jesus, the apostles, and their early faithful followers. Should you keep them? What does the Bible teach? What do records of church history teach? What does the Bible teach about the Feasts of Trumpets, Atonement, Tabernacles, and the Last Great Day? Here is a link to a related sermon: Should you keep the Fall Holy Days?
The Feast of Tabernacles: A Time to Learn the Law The Bible teaches that every seven years that the law should be read at the Feast of Tabernacles. This is what I did at the first Feast site where I gave an actual sermon (as opposed to a sermonette) in 2006 and that is also what I did in 2014.
The Feast of Tabernacles: A Time for Christians? Is this pilgrimage holy day still valid? Does it teach anything relevant for today’s Christians?
Is There “An Annual Worship Calendar” In the Bible? This paper provides a biblical and historical critique of several articles, including one by the Tkach WCG which states that this should be a local decision. What do the Holy Days mean? Also you can click here for the calendar of Holy Days. (Here is a related link in Spanish/español: Calendario Anual de Adoración –Una crítica basada en la Biblia y en la Historia: ¿Hay un Calendario Anual de Adoración en la Biblia?
Pagan Holidays or God’s Holy Days Which? Herbert W. Armstrong explains what the days the Bible endorses.
Holy Day Calendar This is a listing of the biblical holy days through 2024, with their Roman calendar dates. They are really hard to observe if you do not know when they occur 🙂 In the Spanish/Español/Castellano language: Calendario de los Días Santos. In Mandarin Chinese: 何日是神的圣日？ 这里是一份神的圣日日历从2013年至2024年。.

COGwriter

Notice the following:

Gods, floods – and global warming

By Steve Jones

The new science of geomythology sets out to tie such tales to ancient disasters. Often, geology and legend fit remarkably well…

The greatest tale of all is that of the Flood. Noah finds his roots in older legends. Three hundred Flood narratives are known, from the Americas to Australia (from whence comes the tale of the frog that swallowed the world’s water only to spew it out when the other animals made him laugh). http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/steve-jones/7887202/Gods-floods-and-global-warming.html

While I have long known that there were many accounts of the great flood in Noah’s time, the above piece mentions a few details that seem interesting.

Of course, the account that we in the genuine Church of God rely on is the biblical account.

But the fact that there are hundreds of flood accounts all across the world should demonstrate to any who are willing to think that a worldwide flood did occur.

I have long suspected that some will claim that Noah’s ark will be found in the last days. And some have claimed that it in the past (see Have the Turks and Chinese Just Found Noah’s Ark?). If it is truly found and widely believed, this will rock the view many of the less religious, and likely strengthen the faith of those that are religious.

Hollywood has made several movies about Noah and the flood (including one earlier this year, see ‘Noah’ movie being released–any prophetic ramifications?)–and while several associated with those films likely did not believe in it, if the ark has truly been found, then they and others are likely to change their views.

And while most Catholics, Protestants, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Latter Day Saints (Mormons), Seventh-day Adventists, and Eastern Orthodox probably think that this “find” would be a great recruiting tool, there are reasons to be cautious, if it ever was truly accepted as being found.

Both biblical (Revelation 13) and non-biblical prophecy warn of a time when an ecumenical religion will take over the world. If Noah’s ark is ever truly accepted as having been found, this will likely represent part of a major turning point in getting more of humanity to accept a coming world religion that claims to be Christian.

Since many cultures have a tale of the flood, this will make the coming ecumenical religion acceptable even to certain cultures that do not normally refer to the Bible for their beliefs. Thus a real “find” of Noah’s ark could be important for that unity.

The end of this age is fast approaching, so more information on the flood and possibly even an identification of the Ark certainly seems possible.

Some items of potentially related interest may include:

Have the Turks and Chinese Just Found Noah’s Ark? Some have so claimed. If true, this could change how much of the world views events from the Bible.
How Old is the Earth and How Long Were the Days of Creation? Does the Bible allow for the creation of the universe and earth billions of years ago? Why do some believe they are no older than 6,000 years old? What is the gap theory? Where the days of creation in Genesis 1:3 through 2:3 24 hours long?
Study the Bible Course Want to learn more about the Bible? This new course is for you! It is also available in French (Leçon 1 En francés), Kiswahili (Somo 1 Katika Kiswahili), Mandarin Chinese (首页 › 中国), Tagalog (KURSO SA PAG-ARAL NG BIBLYA), and Spanish (Lección 1 En castellano).
Read the Bible Christians should read and study the Bible. This article gives some rationale for regular bible reading. Here is a link in Mandarin Chinese: 读圣经 Here is a link in the Spanish language: Lea la Biblia.
Bible: Superstition or Authority? Should you rely on the Bible? Is it reliable? Herbert W. Armstrong wrote this as a booklet on this important subject.
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? 2022 or 20xx? There is also a video titled The 6000 Year Plan: Is the end of humanity’s reign almost up?

Pope Francis Wearing Hat of Fish Deity (Emiliovillegas24)

COGwriter

Pope Francis said the devil opposed Greco-Roman attempts at ‘Christian’ unity:

Divisions among Christians “hurt the Church and they wound Christ,” Pope Francis said to tens of thousands of visitors gathered in Saint Peter’s Square Wednesday morning.

A few years ago, the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople made statements against those opposing Greco-Roman unity:

Patriarch of Constantinople’s new encyclical defends Catholic-Orthodox dialogue

Istanbul, Turkey, Feb 20, 2010 / 06:14 pm (CNA).- Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople’s newest encyclical encourages dialogue between the Orthodox Church and other Christian churches and laments those who are “unacceptably fanatical” in challenging such dialogue…“They disseminate false rumors that union between the Roman Catholic and Orthodox Churches is imminent, while they know well that the differences discussed in these theological dialogues remain numerous and require lengthy debate; moreover, union is not decided by theological commissions but by Church Synods,” Bartholomew wrote. (Patriarch of Constantinople’s new encyclical defends Catholic-Orthodox dialogue. February 20, 2010. http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/patriarch_of_constantinoples_new_encyclical_defends_catholic-orthodox_dialogue/ viewed 11/22/11).

COGwriter has been one of the few non-Roman, non-Orthodox sites to warn against the coming unity for years.

Now I actually agree with the Orthodox Patriarch that the Orthodox will likely need to have a church synod for unity.  But what he did not mention is that Orthodox prophets have expected such a meeting to take place and result it unity. According to an Eastern Orthodox, Byzantine, prophet the final (the Orthodox recognize seven previous ones) ecumenical synod council satisfies what “heretics” want:

Saint Neilos the Myrrh-Gusher (died 1592): During that time the Eighth and last Ecumenical Synod will take place, which will satisfy the contentions of the heretics…(Tzima Otto, p. 111).

By satisfying “heretics”, clearly this council compromises and changes the religion, which will be called “Catholic.”  If heretics are truly heretics, should their complaints be satisfied?

It was announced that the Eastern Orthodox have called for such an Ecumenical Council in 2016 (Afanasieva D, Heneghan T. Orthodox Patriarchs urge peace in Ukraine, agree on council! (Ecumenical News, March 10, 2014. http://www.ecumenicalnews.com/article/orthodox-patriarchs-urge-peace-in-ukraine-agree-on-council-22801; see Orthodox agree to eighth ecumenical council: If Orthodox prophecy is correct on it, this council marks a major step towards the end!). We are getting closer to the time of the end.

Now there are other possible meetings/synods that could accomplish this goal of unity. Pope Francis and Patriarch Bartholomew, for example, have called for a meeting in Nicea in 2025 to commemorate the 1700 year anniversary of Emperor Constantine’s first Council of Nicea in 325 which helped change/define some of the doctrines and practices of the Roman and Orthodox Catholics in the fourth century (other councils did as well). Some details about the 325 and 2025 meetings are in the news post titled Ecumenical meeting in Nicea planned for 2025: What happened in 325 and what could happen in/by 2025?and/or watch the video 3rd Council of Nicea in 2025?

Getting back to Pope Francis, the ‘communion’ that he Francis advocates was considered to be demonic according to the Apostle Paul:

20 Rather, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice they sacrifice to demons and not to God, and I do not want you to have fellowship with demons. 21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord’s table and of the table of demons. 22 Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than He?  (1 Corinthians 10:20-22)

What the Greco-Roman churches teach and advocate differs from original Christianity.  For proof related to ‘communion’ see
Marcus, the Marcosians, & Mithraism: Developers of the Eucharist?

As far as the work of the Devil, the Devil wants the type of unity that Pope Francis is endorsing (Revelation 13,17,18).

However the Bible warns against it.

The true unity of the faith will NOT come until after the return of Jesus Christ and the establishment of His kingdom.

Jesus did NOT come to bring worldwide unity in this age:

51 Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division. (Luke 12:51)

The Bible shows that a false ecumenical unity will come (Revelation 13:4-8).

Notice also:

6 “Up, up! Flee from the land of the north,” says the Lord; “for I have spread you abroad like the four winds of heaven,” says the Lord. 7 “Up, Zion! Escape, you who dwell with the daughter of Babylon.” (Zechariah 2:6-7)

Notice that even true believers are warned to get away from this.

While the true Christian faith will continue (Matthew 16:18), Protestantism as most understand it is doomed. Please, if you are Protestant, Catholic, or Eastern Orthodox and wish to believe what the Bible actually teaches, turn to God, and resist the coming, more powerful, ecumenical appeals which will deceive all but the very elect (Matthew 24:24).

Notice also the following:

10 “Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion! For behold, I am coming and I will dwell in your midst,” says the Lord. 11 “Many nations shall be joined to the Lord in that day, and they shall become My people. And I will dwell in your midst. Then you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent Me to you. 12 And the Lord will take possession of Judah as His inheritance in the Holy Land, and will again choose Jerusalem. 13 Be silent, all flesh, before the Lord, for He is aroused from His holy habitation!” (Zechariah 2:10-13)

It is after Babylon falls and Jesus returns that true Christian unity will occur (Zechariah 2:10-11). Do not be deceived by the Babylonian ecumenical movement. The Bible warns that nearly all on the earth in the final end times will be deceived (2 Thessalonian 2:9-12). Have the ‘love of the truth’ so that you will not fall for this.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Why Should American Catholics Fear Unity with the Orthodox? Are the current ecumenical meetings a good thing or will they result in disaster? Is doctrinal compromise good? Here is a link to a related video Should you be concerned about the ecumenical movement?
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.
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?
Mary, the Mother of Jesus and the Apparitions Do you know much about Mary? Are the apparitions real? What happened at Fatima? What might they mean for the rise of the ecumenical religion of Antichrist? Are Protestants moving towards Mary? How do the Eastern/Greek Orthodox view Mary? How might Mary view her adorers? Here is a link to a YouTube video Marian Apparitions May Fulfill Prophecy. Here is a link to a sermon video: Why Learn About Fatima?
Were the Early Duties of Elders/Pastors Mainly Sacramental? What was there Dress? Were the duties of the clergy primarily pastoral or sacramental? Did the clergy dress with special liturgical vestments? Can “bishops” be disqualified as ministers of Christ based on their head coverings?
Marcus, the Marcosians, & Mithraism: Developers of the Eucharist? Marcus was a second century heretic condemned for having a ceremony similar to one still practiced by many who profess Christ. Might he also be in the apostolic succession list of the Orthodox Church of Alexandria? Where did the eucharistic host and IHS come from?
Simon Magus, What Did He Teach? Sometimes called “the father early heretics” or the “father of heresies”, do you know what early writers claimed that Simon Magus taught? Sadly, most who profess Christ still hold to versions of his teachings.
Will the Interfaith Movement Lead to Peace or Sudden Destruction? Is the interfaith movement going to lead to lasting peace or is it warned against?
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?
Do You Know That Babylon is Forming? How is the final Babylon forming? Are Protestants such as Joel Osteen and Kenneth Copeland are endorsing something dangerous? Could Pope Francis be the ‘False Prophet’ that the Bible warns against? Is an antipope expected to endorse a one-world religion? Here is a link to a related written article In Vatican City: New Babylon more openly forming!
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?
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.
Could Pope Francis be the Last Pope and Antichrist? According to some interpretations of the prophecies of the popes by the Catholic saint and Bishop Malachy, Pope Francis I is in the position of “Peter the Roman,” the pontiff who reigns during tribulations until around the time of the destruction of Rome. Do biblical prophecies warn of someone that sounds like Peter the Roman? Could Francis I be the heretical antipope of Catholic private prophecies and the final Antichrist of Bible prophecy? This is a YouTube video.

COGwriter

The Feast of Tabernacles has begun around the world.

What should you do if you wish to obey God?

If you are at or near one of the Feast of Tabernacles’ Sites for 2014 you should attend church services every day.

But if you are not able to physically attend those locations, what should you do?

The Bible teaches that the children of Israel were to have offerings for every day of the Feast (Leviticus 23:36. And while we in the Continuing Church of God do take up offerings on the First Day of the Feast and the Last Great Day, we do not take up financial offerings on the other days. But one way for you to fulfill what God expects is for you to attend or at least watch church services each day. Notice something that the Apostle Paul wrote:

1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:1-2)

Viewing services each day is a way for you to offer yourself as a living sacrifice which is your reasonable service. We have sermons posted at the www.ccog.org website. If you are not able to physically attend, hopefully you will be able to watch at least one sermon and other message every day.

While there are many things that we should learn from the Feast, this year I plan like to focus on the law, as well as also teaching about the millennium.

Here is something that Herbert Armstrong wrote in his Pagan Holidays or God’s Holy Days Which? booklet:

When Christ Returns

Then it is that God shall set His hand again the second time to recover the remnant of His people Israel (Isaiah 11:11)…

Then it is that “living waters shall go out from Jerusalem,” and the Gentile nations that have not heard previously “shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles“! (Zechariah 14:16.)

Then it is that many nations “shall come and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain [nation] of the Lord . . . and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares . . . neither shall they learn war any more. . . . In that day, saith the Lord . . . the Lord shall reign over them in mount Zion from henceforth, even for ever” (Micah 4:2-7). This does not apply to God’s Church now but to the glorious time of the Kingdom, after Christ returns. What a wonderful plan of redemption!

For opening night, you could watch the short message that was prepared for those attending in New Zealand and Africa: Feast of Tabernacles’ Opening Night Message.

Here is a link to a sermon on the millennium: Did The Early Church Teach Millenarianism?

Other sermons are also available at the ContinuingCOG channel. Some from 2014 are also expected to be uploaded to the ContinuingCOG channel throughout the Feast of Tabernacles.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

The Feast of Tabernacles: A Time for Christians? Is this pilgrimage holy day still valid? Does it teach anything relevant for today’s Christians? What is the Last Great Day? What do these days teach?
Tabernacles Offertory: Sojourning Now for the Kingdom to Come Are Christians pilgrims and sojourners? What is the pilgrim feast? Are Christians to worry or seek first the kingdom? Should an offering be taken up on the first day of the Feast of Tabernacles? What does the Bible seem to teach about that? Dr. Thiel goes over scriptures and facts related to this.
The Feast of Tabernacles: A Time to Learn the Law The Bible teaches that every seven years that the law should be read at the Feast of Tabernacles. This is what I did at the first Feast site were I gave an actual sermon (as opposed to a sermonette) in 2006.
Feast of Tabernacles’ Sites for 2014 This is information on the expected Feast of Tabernacles’ sites for the Continuing Church of God for 2014.
Is Second Tithe and Third Tithe Still Valid Today? Should you save and use second tithe? Some in the COGs no longer teach payment of third tithe, is this biblically correct?
Is There “An Annual Worship Calendar” In the Bible? This paper provides a biblical and historical critique of several articles, including one by the Tkach WCG which states that this should be a local decision. What do the Holy Days mean? Also you can click here for the calendar of Holy Days. (Here is a related link in Spanish/español: Calendario Anual de Adoración –Una crítica basada en la Biblia y en la Historia: ¿Hay un Calendario Anual de Adoración en la Biblia?
Holy Day Calendar This is a listing of the biblical holy days through 2024, with their Roman calendar dates. They are really hard to observe if you do not know when they occur 🙂 In the Spanish/Español/Castellano language: Calendario de los Días Santos. In Mandarin Chinese: 何日是神的圣日？ 这里是一份神的圣日日历从2013年至2024年。.

Someone (perhaps the False Prophet) Bowing Before the Kalki

COGwriter

Will eastern nations, us as India, at least cooperate with the coming European Beast power?

There are over 1.2 billion people who live in India, and most of them are Hindus. Does the Bible teach that they will likely support the Beast and False Prophet/Antichrist? What do some Hindu writings suggest?

Bible prophecy strongly suggests that they will as the following points out:

4 So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?”

5 And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for forty-two months. 6 Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven. 7 It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation. 8 All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

9 If anyone has an ear, let him hear. 10 He who leads into captivity shall go into captivity; he who kills with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.

11 Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon. 12 And he exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence, and causes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. 13 He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men. 14 And he deceives those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived. 15 He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed. (Revelation 13:4-15)

Now, you may wondering why the Hindus and others may follow these leaders, who will be European. There are several reasons, including of signs and wonders (Revelation 13:14; 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12; Matthew 24:24), economic motivation (Revelation 13:16-18; Revelation 18), etc.

But there also may be a theological one.

Within Hinduism there is the belief that a leader called the Kalki who is to rise up with the promise of bring peace–and while most views suggest he is Indian, that could be a matter of interpretation–Hinduism mainly is looking for a leader to rise up. Related to that, here is a section of my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect that would like to quote:

A Hindu from India named Vijay Kumar (he refers to himself as “The Man who Realized God In 1993”) makes the following claims…:

For the society to climb back to its pristine glory of the golden era… even the meek would handle metal (pick arms). Whatever the poor and the downtrodden lay their hands upon would become their weapon. In the last phase of the Kali Yuga we are passing through… the complete society has been taken to ransom by about 6% corrupt population comprising of politicians, bureaucrats, judiciary and police force…people await with abated breath the coming of Bhagwan Kalki…one who delivers the mankind from the existing ills of today. Bhagwan Kalki would be a spiritual master of the highest order with the deadly combination of a wise dictator (Chanakya of the modern era)…(Kumar, Vijay. End of the World 2012. http://www.godrealized.com/2012.html)

Notice that Vijay Kumar’s writings support a warring power—something the Bible warns against in Revelation 13:3–10. This type of warring power will not bring in a true age of peace, even though many may proclaim that it will (cf. Ezekiel 13:10-16; 1 Thessalonians 5:3).

Also notice the following about the Avatar/Bhagwan Kalki:

Whenever there is a withering of the law
and an uprising of lawlessness on all sides,
then I manifest Myself.

For the salvation of the righteous
and the destruction of such as do evil,
for the firm establishing of the Law,
I come to birth, age after age.—Bhagavad Gita, Book IV, Sutra 5, 7, 8…

In all, the Hindu text of Kalki Purana is comprised of 6100 verses describing … Kalki, who is considered the last Avtar or incarnation of Vishnu or the Supreme Being, who will establish the Age of Truth or Age of Purity on Earth.… As agreed by all the religious prophecies, the Awaited One will not be a man of peace like Jesus Christ or Buddha, but a man of war who will destroy evil and establish righteousness on the earth. (Hindu Prophecies: The Kalki Purana. http://ww-iii.tripod.com/hindu.htm)

If views like these become predominant in the future, it may be that they will help lead to Hindus at least temporarily accepting a new religion of the coming False Prophet and the authority of the coming militaristic dictator known as Beast that the Bible warns will rise up at the end. (Thiel B. 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect. Nazarene Books, 2009, p. )

Some of the prophecies involving the Kalki also discuss a “White horse.” The Bible warns of a rider of the white horse (the first of the four horsemen of the apocalypse) who is a deceptive religious leader, and at the end representing the False Prophet, the final Antichrist:

1 Now I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals; and I heard one of the four living creatures saying with a voice like thunder, “Come and see.” 2 And I looked, and behold, a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer. (Revelation 6:1-2)

The above rider is generally considered to be the first of the four horseman of the Apocalypse. He will be a false religious leader and the final Antichrist.

Around 1765, the illustration shown at the beginning of this article was put together. Notice that it has a person with a white horse who is bowing down before the Kalki. This is consistent with biblical prophecy that the false prophet will try to cause all to worship the Beast (who will be a European man, also called the King of the North in the Hebrew scriptures). Other Hindu prophecies have the Kalki himself riding the white horse. The Bible itself shows that the Beast and the False Prophet work together and more so after the final ride of the White Horseman of Revelation 6:2 who goes forth to conquer.

Notice also the following which one from India suggests could happen in 2014:

Some persons are skeptical that the earth was not destroyed on 21-12-12. I had written in an article published in Hindustan Times on 18-12-2012 that 21-12-12 is not end of world but a new chapter to be opened…

Nostradamus, who was guided by a cosmic power, had written in his prophecy 2/19:

For nine years the thin man will keep a peaceful rule,

Then he will fall into such a bloody thirst,

That a great people shall die without faith or law,

Killed by a much better natured man.

If we examine all the rulers of big countries who ruled after these prophecies were written, hardly we will find a ruler thinner than our P.M. Dr. Manmohan Singh…If the above mentioned prophecy is about our present P.M.; he is destined to have a peaceful rule for nine years. His nine years end in May 2013; he may rule for few more months. Then he will fall into such a bloody thirst of someone that a great number of people would die in his country. This may mean that he would fall in a trap of someone’s thirst and would have to relinquish his post. The circumstances, thereafter, would take such a turn that many such people shall die who would not have faith in law. After all that, the person / persons responsible for this turmoil would be killed by a much better natured (noble) man. Is this noble man the ‘Tenth Incarnation of Lord Vishnu’ who has been described in SRIMADBHAGWAT as KLAKI AVATAR? According to this scripture, his presence would be known to everyone by 27^th July 2014 (conjunction of Sun, Moon, and Jupiter in Cancer)…

One who for a long time will pacify the earth can only be the said incarnation or the ruler who was designated by the God for this purpose. He has been described as MAITREYA in Buddhist scriptures and as RIDER OF WHITE HORSE in Christian scriptures…

It is recalled that few months back tears started rolling out from the statue of Brahmendra Swami in his temple in Andhra Pradesh. All this indicates that time for his reappearance as KALKI AVATAR has come.

The Mantra:

OM HREEM KLEEM SHREEM SHIVAAY SHRI VEER BRAHNENDRA SWAMINE NAMAH

KALKI VICHAR MANCH, http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/PositiveThinkingAndMeditation/conversations/topics/15379 (viewed 09/05/13)

While 2014 is likely too early, Satan knows God’s plan and has planted ideas throughout various “mystics” throughout history to confuse and deceive human kind (cf. Revelation 12:9). And even though those of India will be among those who will rebel against the final Beast power, it appears that they too will, for a while, somewhat accept him and what he advocates. And this appears to be consistent with both biblical and Hindu prophecy.

Also, the rider of the White Horse in biblical prophecy is NOT one that Christians should follow.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

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?
Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse What is the Book of Revelation trying to tell us about them? Does the first one deceive many? There is also a related YouTube video titled The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.
Fourth Horseman of the Apocalypse What is the pale horse of death and pestilences? What will it bring and when? Spanish: El cuarto jinete de Apocalipsis, el caballo pálido de muerte y pestilencia…..
CCOG.IN This is a website targeted towards those of Indian heritage. It has a link to an edited Hindi translation of The Mystery of the Ages and is expected to have more non-English language materials in the future.
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?
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?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies for the Great Monarch point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States? Here is a link to a video titled: The Future King of the North.
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.
Some Doctrines of Antichrist Are there any doctrines taught outside the Churches of God which can be considered as doctrines of antichrist? This article suggests at least three. It also provides information on 666 and the identity of “the false prophet.” Plus it shows that several Catholic writers seem to warn about an ecumenical antipope that will support heresy. You can also watch a video titled What Does the Bible teach about the Antichrist?

White Horseman Related to “Antichrist”

COGwriter

The late Seventh-day Adventist scholar Samuele Bacchiocchi reported the following not too long before he died, quoting a Calvinistic leader named Jonathan Edwards:

Luther and Calvin’s Understanding of Islam and the Papacy

In the last newsletter we reviewed Luther and Calvin’s understanding of Islam and of the Papacy as being the two aspects of the power of the Antichrist predicted in Daniel and Revelation. We saw that this interpretation was defended even by Jonathan Edwards, the first President of Princeton University and one of the most respected American theologian,

In his book A History of the Work of Redemption, Edwards wrote: “The two great works of the devil which he wrought against the Kingdom of Christ are . . . his Anti-Christian (Romish or Papal) and Mahometan (Muslim or Islamic) kingdoms, which have been, and still are, two kingdoms of great extent and strength. Both together swallow up the Ancient Roman Empire; the (Papal) kingdom of the Antichrist swallowing up the Western Empire; and Satan’s Mahometan kingdom the Eastern Empire . . . In the Book of Revelation (chapter 16-20) . . . it is in the destruction of these that the glorious victory of Christ at the introduction of the glorious times of the Church, will mainly consists.”

I feel that this historical interpretation deserves serious consideration. Thus in the last newsletter I examined the identifying marks of the prophetic Antichrist. We found that both the Papacy and Islam fulfill the distinctive characteristics of the Antichrist presented in 1 John, Daniel and Revelation.

While an Islamic leader would be considered as an “antichrist,” the way that Dr. Bacchiocchi and the others he referred to presumably meant this is that both the false Papal leader (I, and many Catholics, believe that the final “Antichrist” will be a false or “antipope”) and the Islamic leader (probably who will be known as the Imam Mahdi) will both be the “Antichrist.”

There are several reasons that this is in error. But in certain respects, this is slight. There will be a false Papal and apparently major Islamic leader at the time of the end. And both are likely to be influenced by the rider of the White Horse of Revelation 6 (which represents a surging in ecumenical and false religions).

The Book of Daniel clearly refers to two end time leaders. One called the ten-horned Beast in Revelation, who is supported by the Antichrist (the two-horned Beast of Revelation 13), and is known as the King of the North. And the other who is the leader of an Islamic confederation known as the King of the South. But the Islamic leader is NOT really one of two Antichrists–though again he would be “anti-Christ” as Islamic leaders do not accept that Jesus’ deity, etc.

The Islamic leader, biblically referred to as the final King of the South does NOT last very long into the Great Tribulation. While the precise time-period is hard to accurately determine, it seems to be a matter of months from the start of the Great Tribulation (Daniel 11:39) until the elimination of the King of the South by the King of the North (Daniel 11:40-43).

Even according to Islamic prophecy, the Roman Catholic military leader who will betray a seven-year deal made with the Islamic leader (such deals are consistent with Daniel 9:27; Psalm 83) will reign until Jesus comes.

Here are some Islamic sources about some of this:

Rasaullah [Muhammed] said: “There will be four peace agreements between you and the Romans [Christians]. The fourth agreement will be mediated through a person who will be the progeny of Hadrat Haroon [Honorable Aaron — Moses’ brother] and will be upheld for seven years. (As cited in Richardson J. Antichrist: Islam’s Awaited Messiah. Pleasant Word, 2006, p. 48)

…a life of peace as a result of a peace agreement between you and the Banil Asfaar (Romans) which they will break and attack you. (Ibn Zubair Ali, Mohammed Ali. The minor signs of Last Days from: The Signs of Qiyamah. http://www.islamawareness.net/Prophecies/minor.html viewed 06/21/09)

Here is what how The New Encyclopedia of Islam describes the end of it:

The reign of the Mahdi will be followed by that of the Antichrist… once the Antichrist has led away his followers, Jesus will then come to destroy the Antichrist in the closing moments of the cosmic drama.

Anyway, there are two leaders, but the Islamic one will not really be the final Antichrist. Though, he and the final Antichrist will be around for a while, together.

Those interested in learning more about these leaders and the sequence of certain end time events may find the following of interest:

Is There an Islamic Antichrist? Is Joel Richardson correct that the final Antichrist will be Islamic and not European? Find out.
SDA/CCOG Differences: Two Horned Beast of Revelation and 666 The genuine Church of God is NOT part of the Seventh-day Adventists. This article explains two prophetic differences, the trinity, differences in approaching doctrine, including Ellen White. Did Ellen White make prophetic errors? Did Ellen White make false prophecies? Here is a version in the Spanish language: SDA/COG Diferencias: La bestia de dos cuernos de Apocalipsis y 666. Here is a sermon in the English language: CCOG and SDA differences and similarities.
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?
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.
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 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.
The Prophesied ‘Islamic’ Confederation Where is an Islamic caliphate prophesied? Will one happen? Should you be concerned about it? A related video is Will an Arabic Calphiphate Destroy the West?
Some Doctrines of Antichrist Are there any doctrines taught outside the Churches of God which can be considered as doctrines of antichrist? This article suggests at least three. It also provides information on 666 and the identity of “the false prophet.” Plus it shows that several Catholic writers seem to warn about an ecumenical antipope that will support heresy. You can also watch a video titled What Does the Bible teach about the Antichrist?
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 2014 o 2015? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? You can also see the English language sermon video: The Great Tribulation from the Mount of Olives.

COGwriter

Tonight, October 8 after sunset, the faithful who are able will be observing the biblical Feast of Tabernacles in various locations around the world. The “Feast of Tabernacles” along with the “The Last Great Day” is an 8-day Biblical pilgrimage festival, also known as the “Feast of Booths,” the “Feast of Tabernacles,” or simply “Tabernacles.”

In 7th day Church of God groups like the Continuing Church of God, it is one of the most important festivals as it lasts the longest and normally requires a great deal of preparation and travel to be able to attend. But it is normally the physical and spiritual highlight of the year for those that do observe it.

Christians point out that Jesus kept the Feast of Tabernacles. This is discussed in detail in John chapter 7:10-26:

But when His brothers had gone up, then He also went up to the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret. Then the Jews sought Him at the feast, and said, “Where is He?” And there was much complaining among the people concerning Him. Some said, “He is good”; others said, “No, on the contrary, He deceives the people.” However, no one spoke openly of Him for fear of the Jews. Now about the middle of the feast Jesus went up into the temple and taught. And the Jews marveled, saying, “How does this Man know letters, having never studied?” 16 Jesus answered them and said, “My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me. If anyone wants to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority. He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him. Did not Moses give you the law, yet none of you keeps the law? Why do you seek to kill Me?” The people answered and said, “You have a demon. Who is seeking to kill You?” Jesus answered and said to them, “I did one work, and you all marvel. Moses therefore gave you circumcision (not that it is from Moses, but from the fathers), and you circumcise a man on the Sabbath. If a man receives circumcision on the Sabbath, so that the law of Moses should not be broken, are you angry with Me because I made a man completely well on the Sabbath? Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” Now some of them from Jerusalem said, “Is this not He whom they seek to kill? But look! He speaks boldly, and they say nothing to Him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is truly the Christ?

The Apostle Paul, after the Christ’s death and resurrection indicated that it was important to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. As it is noted in Acts 18:21,

21 I must by all means keep this coming feast in Jerusalem; but I will return again to you, God willing.

Paul taught Gentiles to follow him as he followed Jesus:

1 Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1).

Jesus and Paul kept the Feast of Tabernacles. Are you following their example?

Notice that Paul does commend those in Thessalonica for initiating the church in Judea:

For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe. For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 2:13-14).

The church in Judea kept the Feast of Tabernacles, etc. And those in Thessalonica were commended for receiving the word of God and imitating the practices of the church in Judea. People considered saints by the Greco-Roman churches, such as Polycarp of Smyrna, kept the Feast of Tabernacles in the second century.

The Feast of Tabernacles is significant for Christians. It pictures the reality of Christ’s reign on the earth and that this current world is simply temporal.

Perhaps it might be helpful to realize that Catholic scholars do admit that early Christians did observe the Feast:

St. Jerome (PL 25, 1529 & 1536-7) speaking of how the Judaeo-Christians celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles…tells us that they gave the feast a millenarian significance (Bagatti, Bellarmino. Translated by Eugene Hoade. The Church from the Circumcision. Nihil obstat: Marcus Adinolfi. Imprimi potest: Herminius Roncari. Imprimatur: +Albertus Gori, die 26 Junii 1970. Franciscan Printing Press, Jerusalem, p.202).

The faithful in the Continuing Church of God in the 21st century also believe that this Feast foreshadows the coming millennium. Millenarianism (a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth, often called the millennium) was taught by the early Christians.

Related to the Feast of Tabernacles, here is something from the Statement of Beliefs of the Continuing Church of God :

The Feast of Tabernacles, which shows a time of abundance, helps picture the millennial reign (Revelation 20:4-5) of Jesus Christ and His saints on the earth (Zechariah 14; Matthew 9:37-38; 13:1-30; Luke 12:32; John 7:6-14; Acts 17:31; Revelation 5:10, 12:9). This future paradise, following the near total destruction that humanity will have brought upon itself through its activities and the Great Tribulation and Day of the Lord (Matthew 24:21-31), will help show humanity the advantages of God’s way of life. Every seven years, the law is to be read during this festival (Deuteronomy 31:10-13).

Of course, it is not only those in COG groups like the Continuing Church of God that try to keep the Feast of Tabernacles as the following news item, apparently mainly referring to Protestant groups, shows:

As we approach the festival of Succot, thousands of Christians are already gathering in Jerusalem for the annual Feast of Tabernacles celebration. John Black examines the significance of Succot for the gentiles – Succot being the only Jewish festival in which gentiles were also invited to participate – and traces how Tabernacles was celebrated throughout history.

http://www.jpost.com/Features/MagazineFeatures/Article.aspx?id=286307

Out family is observing the Feast of Tabernacles in Orlando, Florida this year.  To see 2014 sites around the world, check out Feast of Tabernacles’ Sites for 2014).

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

The Feast of Tabernacles: A Time for Christians? Is this pilgrimage holy day still valid? Does it teach anything relevant for today’s Christians? What is the Last Great Day? What do these days teach?
Tabernacles Offertory: Sojourning Now for the Kingdom to Come Are Christians pilgrims and sojourners? What is the pilgrim feast? Are Christians to worry or seek first the kingdom? Should an offering be taken up on the first day of the Feast of Tabernacles? What does the Bible seem to teach about that? Dr. Thiel goes over scriptures and facts related to this.
The Feast of Tabernacles: A Time to Learn the Law The Bible teaches that every seven years that the law should be read at the Feast of Tabernacles. This is what I did at the first Feast site were I gave an actual sermon (as opposed to a sermonette) in 2006.
Feast of Tabernacles’ Sites for 2014 This is information on the expected Feast of Tabernacles’ sites for the Continuing Church of God for 2014.
Is Second Tithe and Third Tithe Still Valid Today? Should you save and use second tithe? Some in the COGs no longer teach payment of third tithe, is this biblically correct?
Is There “An Annual Worship Calendar” In the Bible? This paper provides a biblical and historical critique of several articles, including one by the Tkach WCG which states that this should be a local decision. What do the Holy Days mean? Also you can click here for the calendar of Holy Days. (Here is a related link in Spanish/español: Calendario Anual de Adoración –Una crítica basada en la Biblia y en la Historia: ¿Hay un Calendario Anual de Adoración en la Biblia?
Holy Day Calendar This is a listing of the biblical holy days through 2024, with their Roman calendar dates. They are really hard to observe if you do not know when they occur 🙂 In the Spanish/Español/Castellano language: Calendario de los Días Santos. In Mandarin Chinese: 何日是神的圣日？ 这里是一份神的圣日日历从2013年至2024年。.

COGwriter

The Continuing Church of God continues to get additional materials translated into the Spanish language.

Here are links to some of recent news items and articles that were received here today:

Netanyahu in UN: Blasts Islamic State, Hamas, and Iran, but what will happen in Israel?
Netanyahu en la ONU: Condena al Estado Islámico, Hamas, e Irán, pero ¿Qué sucederá en Israel?
http://www.cdlidd.es/netanyahu-en-la-onu-condena-al-estado-islamico-hamas-e-iran-pero-que-sucedera-en-israel/

PCG on Iran and the ‘Whirlwind’ Prophecy
La PCG sobre Irán y la profecía del ‘torbellino’
http://www.cdlidd.es/la-pcg-sobre-iran-y-la-profecia-del-torbellino/

COGaIC’s David Hulme, FAO, and Bible on ‘Food Insecurity’
COGaIC de David Hulme, FAO, y la Biblia sobre ‘Inseguridad Alimentaria’
http://www.cdlidd.es/cogaic-de-david-hulme-fao-y-la-biblia-sobre-inseguridad-alimentaria/

Political leader plans comeback for Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg in December?
Planes de líder político regresan para Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg en diciembre?
http://www.cdlidd.es/planes-de-lider-politico-regresan-para-karl-theodor-zu-guttenberg-en-diciembre/

Hong Kong protests continue: What will be the result?
Continúan las protestas en Hong Kong: ¿Cuál será el resultado?
http://www.cdlidd.es/continuan-las-protestas-en-hong-kong-cual-sera-el-resultado/

Palestinians say Israel occupies their lands, Jordanian Muslim says Koran teaches the lands belong to Israel
Los palestinos dicen que Israel ocupa sus tierras, musulmanes jordanos dicen que el Corán en seña que las tierras pertenecen a Israel
http://www.cdlidd.es/los-palestinos-dicen-que-israel-ocupa-sus-tierras-musulmanes-jordanos-dicen-que-el-coran-ensena-que-las-tierras-pertenecen-a-israel/

Use of the Dalmatic?
Uso de la Dalmática?
http://www.cdlidd.es/uso-de-la-dalmatica/

British vote to leave EU is feared by some, encouraged by others
Voto británico para dejar la UE es temido por algunos, pero alentado por otros
http://www.cdlidd.es/voto-britanico-para-dejar-la-ue-es-temido-por-algunos-pero-alentado-por-otros/

The Book of Life and the Feast of Trumpets?
El Libro de la Vida y la Fiesta de Trompetas?
http://www.cdlidd.es/el-libro-de-la-vida-y-la-fiesta-de-trompetas/

Ebola in USA–Officials say USA is NOT prepared for a pandemic
Ébola en los EE.UU. –oficiales dicen que EE.UU. no está preparado para una pandemia
http://www.cdlidd.es/ebola-en-los-ee-uu-oficiales-dicen-que-los-ee-uu-no-estan-preparados-para-una-pandemia/

GCI’s John Halford is quite ill
John Halford de GCI está completamente enfermo
http://www.cdlidd.es/john-halford-de-gci-esta-completamente-enfermo/

2014 Feast of Tabernacles is coming soon
La Fiesta de Tabernácuos 2014 va a llegar pronto
http://www.cdlidd.es/la-fiesta-de-tabernaculos-2014-va-a-llegar-pronto/

China’s announced largest particle collider; CERN’s Hadron Collider is back
Anunciado mayor colisionador de partículas de China; Colisionador Hadron de CERN está de regreso
http://www.cdlidd.es/anunciado-mayor-colisonador-de-particulas-de-china-colisionador-hadron-de-cern-esta-de-regreso/

Irish Puck Fair and Atonement?
Feria Puck Irlandesa y Expiación?
http://www.cdlidd.es/feria-puck-irlandesa-y-expiacion/

Is the new ‘extraordinary synod’ Vatican III?
¿Es el nuevo ‘sínodo extraordinario’ el Vaticano III?
http://www.cdlidd.es/es-el-nuevo-sinodo-extraordinario-el-vaticano-iii/

White House says USA is prepared for Ebola, others disagree
La Casa Blanca dice que los EE.UU. están preparados para el Ébola, otros están en desacuerdo
http://www.cdlidd.es/la-casa-blanca-dice-que-los-ee-uu-estan-preparados-para-el-ebola-otros-estan-en-desacuerdo/

The Continuing Church of God has a separate Spanish language website http://www.cdlidd.es. The term Continuing Church of God translates into La Continuación de la Iglesia de Dios in the Spanish language, also called Castellano or Español.

The Continuing Church of God is reaching people around the world in multiple languages via the internet, printed literature, and human church leads around the world. We also reach people over the radio and through videos in the English language.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Mexico, Central America, South America, Brazil, and the Caribbean in Prophecy [Español: México, América central, Suramérica, Brasil y el Caribe en la profecía] [Português: México, América Central, Ámérica do Sul, e Brasil na profecia] What will happen to those of Latin America? Will they have prosperity? Will they cooperate with Europe? Will they suffer in the future? What role might the various Caribbean nations/territories play?
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. Marque aquí para ver el pdf folleto: Continuación de la Historia de la Iglesia de Dios.
Faith for those God has Called and Chosen What is faith? Can faith be increased? Are you saved by faith? What about works? Do Christians need to keep the Ten Commandments? What is the ‘faith chapter’? How do the just live by faith? Is faith one of the weightier matters of the law? How does faith come? Here is a link to a pdf. booklet titled Faith for Those God has Called and Chosen. Marque aquí para ver el pdf folleto: Fe para aquellos que Dios ha llamado y escogido.Here is a link to a related sermon titled: Faith for the Called and Chosen. Here is a link to shorter version of the written article in Mandarin Chinese 一篇关于信仰的小文章
Continuing Church of God The group striving to be most faithful amongst all real Christian groups to the word of God. And the one that is leading the final phase of the work. That written article has also been translated into Spanish La Fase Final de la Obra.
CCOG.ASIA We in the Continuing Church of God also have the url www.ccog.asia which has a focus on Asia and has various articles in Mandarin Chinese as well as some in English, plus some items in other Asian languages. 我们在继续神的教会也提供此网址 www.ccog.asia, 关注于亚洲并且有各种各样的中英文文章，其中一些用菲律宾语翻译的文章也正在进行中，准备添加到这个网站中。 HHere is a link to our Statement of Beliefs in Mandarin Chinese 继续神的教会的信仰声明.
CCOG.IN This is a website targeted towards those of Indian heritage. It has a link to an edited Hindi translation of The Mystery of the Ages and is expected to have more non-English language materials in the future.
CCOG.EU This is a website targeted toward Europe. It has materials in more than one language (currently it has English, Dutch, and Serbian, with links also to Spanish) and it is intended to have additional language materials added.
PNIND.PH Patuloy na Iglesya ng Diyos. This is the Philippines website Continuing Church of God. It has information in English and Tagalog.
CDLIDD.ES La Continuación de la Iglesia de Dios. This is the Spanish language website for the Continuing Church of God.