Church of God News

Abdel Fatah Al-Sisi

COGwriter

Egypt took military action against the Islamic State:

February 16, 2015

Egypt carried out a second round of airstrikes in eastern Libya Monday, in swift retaliation for the massacre of 21 Egyptian Coptic Christians by Islamic State militants in Libya.

The bombings killed dozens of militants and several civilians in the Islamic State stronghold of Darna, according to Libyan military officials, 1,300 kilometers east of where the executions were reportedly carried out.

Libyan warplanes joined the strikes, which targeted weapons caches and training camps.

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi had pledged an immediate response in a televised speech, calling the killings an “abhorrent act of terrorism.”

“Egypt reserves the right of retaliation, and with the methods and timing it sees fit for retribution from those murderers and criminals who are without the slightest humanity,” Sissi said.

Backed by Libya’s internationally recognized government, the Libyan air force joined the strikes, which targeted militant weapons caches and training camps. …

Militants Threaten Rome

Speaking in English, the only militant dressed differently from his black-clad comrades, wearing a yellow face mask and camouflage, threatens to expand the Islamic State group’s reach to Rome, capital of Libya’s former colonial overlord and home to the Vatican, as the waves of the Mediterranean lap in the background.

“All crusaders: safety for you will be only wishes, especially when you are fighting us all together. Therefore we will fight you all together,” he tells the camera. “We will conquer Rome by Allah’s permission.”

The Coptic Church, based in Egypt, is distinct from the Roman Catholic Church and answers to the Pope of Alexandria, Tawadros II.

http://www.voanews.com/content/sissi-pledges-response-after-video-showing-beheading-of-egyptians/2645587.html

The killing of the Copts in Egypt by those associated with the Muslim Brotherhood in the past, and the Islamic State now is wrong.

While I do not believe that Abdel Fatah Al-Sisi will be the final  King of the South of Bible prophecy (Daniel 11:40-43), he is showing some leadership from Egypt.  The final King of the South may well be Egyptian.

As far as being ‘crusaders’ goes, Roman and Eastern Orthodox Catholic forces used to where crosses when they fought against Islamic soldiers in the wars now called the Crusades.  Crusaders means ‘cross-bearers’ and the crusaders (following the example of the fourth century Roman Emperor Constantine) placed crosses on their shields.

As far as making threats against Rome goes, the Islamic State has done that in the past.

Rome may itself be attacked by Islamists.  The Bible prophecies a war between a confederation of nations from North Africa and the Middle East and the final European King of the North Beast power, and that the Europeans will defeat the confederation and Egypt will not do well (Daniel 11:40-43; Ezekiel 30:2-8).

Several items of possibly related interest may include:

Egypt in Prophecy Does Egypt have a special role in end time prophecy? Will Egypt rise up and then be defeated. What does God teach will happen to those in Egypt? Here is a link to a YouTube video titled Egypt and End Time Prophecy.
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?
Libya, Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia in Prophecy What is ahead for North Africa? What does the Bible teach?
Iraq, the King of the South, Armageddon, and Prophecy What will happen to Iraq? Is it the prophesied Mystery Babylon? What is Armageddon and how does that have to do with Iraq? Here is a related video Iraq, Armageddon, & Prophecy.
Jordan in Bible Prophecy What does the Bible show will happen to the inhabitants of Jordan? Will they escape and then be punished? A related video is titled Jordan, Petra, and Armaggedon.
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.
Is the Future King of the South Rising Up? Some no longer believe there needs to be a future King of the South. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? Might this King be called the Mahdi or Caliph? What does the Bible say? A YouTube video of related interest may be: The Future King of the South is Rising.
The Muslim Brotherhood and the Rise of the King of the South The Bible tells of the formation of a power of nations that are in the Middle East and North Africa that are part of the final “King of the South” (Daniel 11:40-43) The Muslim Brotherhood wishes to have an Islamic empire with basically the same nations. This YouTube video explains what to expect from such a confederation.
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.
Obama Administration Pushing for an Islamic Empire? Because of the rise of groups such as the Islamic State, the Obama Administration and others are pushing for a coalition of Arab nations along with Turkey. Does this resemble the final King of the South of Bible prophecy? Is there an Islamic antichrist? Does the Bible teach that terrorism and the sword will affect the USA and some of its allies? What does the Bible teach in Ezekiel about a confederation involving Egypt? Will an Arabic confederation end in destruction for those who strongly support it? Are the 10 nations in the Arab coalition the ten kings of Revelation 17:12-13? Are the 10 nations including the USA and Turkey the ten nations of Revelation 17:12-13? Who is? Was the pushing of the Obama Administration to do this predicted by in 2009 in a writing by Dr. Thiel? What does the Bible show?
How Will Middle East Peace be Brought About? Can humans bring peace to the Middle East? Here is a link to a related video: Middle East Peace? When?
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? Here is a link to a related sermon video Daniel 9:27 and the Start of the Great Tribulation.
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? Here is a link to the article in Spanish: ¿Tiene Dios un plan de 6,000 años?
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2015, 2016, or 2017? 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.

Large Hadron Collider CMS Particle Detector (Tighef)

COGwriter

Scientists in Europe and the USA are excited about the upgraded Large Hadron Collider (LHC):

February 16, 2015

The newly revved-up Large Hadron Collider could discover a particle that’s even more exciting than the Higgs boson this year – the first supersymmetric particle.

The particle accelerator has been shut down for the last two years while scientists, engineers and technicians work on upping the power by 60 per cent, from 8 trillion electron volts (teraelectronvolt or TeV) to 13 TeV.

CERN researchers are hoping to turn the power back on at the collider at the end of March, when the accelerator will be capable of smashing particles together at 6.5 TeV per beam, instead of 4 TeV.

The surge of power will allow scientists working on the range of experiments at CERN, including ATLAS, CMS, ALICE and LHCb, to confirm earlier discoveries by hopefully spotting more Higgs in action and find new particles that may answer questions about what’s beyond the Standard Model of Physics.

Beate Heinemann of the University of California and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, a spokesperson for the ATLAS experiment, told reporters at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science at the weekend that the new energies could lead to the discovery of the first supersymmetric particle.

“It could be as early as this year. Summer may be a bit hard but late summer maybe, if we’re really lucky,” she said, according to the BBC, NBC and others.

“We hope that we’re just now at this threshold that we’re finding another world, like antimatter for instance. We found antimatter in the beginning of the last century. Maybe we’ll find now supersymmetric matter.”

The Standard Model of Physics describes the fundamental particles and forces of the Universe, but scientists have found that it doesn’t cover every aspect that modern particle physicists are discovering. A number of competing theories, including supersymmetry and string theory, have emerged to try to describe the actions that aren’t covered by the Standard Model.

Supporters of supersymmetry, nicknamed SUSY, theorise that each of the elementary particles we know about has a superpartner, so an electron has a boson partner called a selectron and a gluon has a partner known as a gluino. It is this latter supersymmetric particle that the researchers reckon they might spot first.  http://www.forbes.com/sites/bridaineparnell/2015/02/16/upgraded-atom-smasher-could-go-beyond-higgs-to-dark-matter-and-the-first-supersymmetry-particle/

This European project has been heavily focused on antimatter.

When the Large Hadron Collider was in its infancy, many scientists doubted that antimatter could be produced and captured.  But the LHC disproved that as it was able to produce and store antimatter.

As far as antimatter goes, here are some comments from NASA:

Antimatter is real stuff, not just science fiction. Antimatter is firmly in the realm of science with some aspects even entering the technology realm. There is also a lot of speculation about what one might do with antimatter.

What is Antimatter?

Antimatter is matter with its electrical charge reversed. Anti-electrons, called “positrons,” are like an electron but with a positive charge. Antiprotons are like protons with a negative charge. Positron, antiprotons and other antiparticles can be routinely created at particle accelerator labs, such as CERN in Europe, and can even be trapped and stored for days or weeks at a time. And… they made antihydrogen for the first time. It didn’t last long, but they did it.

It costs far more energy to create antimatter than the energy one could get back from an antimatter reaction. … Something to keep in mind, too, is that antimatter reactions – where antimatter and normal matter collide and release energy, require the same safety precautions as needed with nuclear reactions. http://www.nasa.gov/centers/glenn/technology/warp/antistat.html

So NASA acknowledges that CERN with its LHC has produced and stored antimatter, that antimatter collection is expensive, and that antimatter is dangerous. And it is something that Europe has decided to continue to research and produce.

Here is something from a CERN-related website:

In 1928, British physicist Paul Dirac wrote down an equation that combined quantum theory and special relativity to describe the behaviour of an electron moving at a relativistic speed. The equation – which won Dirac the Nobel prize in 1933 …

Dirac interpreted the equation to mean that for every particle there exists a corresponding antiparticle, exactly matching the particle but with opposite charge. For the electron there should be an “antielectron”, for example, identical in every way but with a positive electric charge. The insight opened the possibility of entire galaxies and universes made of antimatter.

But when matter and antimatter come into contact, they annihilate – disappearing in a flash of energy. …

At CERN, physicists make antimatter to study in experiments. The starting point is the Antiproton Decelerator, which slows down antiprotons so that physicists can investigate their properties. http://home.web.cern.ch/topics/antimatter

Now if the Large Hadron Collider does have military potential, which I have long indicated that it does, all should understand that it is likely that the Europeans and not the Americans will benefit from it.

Large physics projects tend to produce military weaponry. And by not having the more conventional military equipment like tanks in Germany, the USA itself will not be in a position to as effectively deal with whatever high-tech military equipment that Europe develops.

The power in Europe is starting to rise up. And yes, ultimately, what is likely to come from Europe’s Large Hadron Collider and/or Germany’s FAIR collider, will be used to as part of an attack on American (USA and possibly Canadian) forces. Additionally, I believe that Europe’s Galileo or similar technology (Galileo is an upcoming competitor to GPS that the USA has said it will partially rely on for its own military needs; see also Europe’s Galileo ‘GPS’ Hits Another Milestone and USA GPS and EU Galileo linking was expected) will help the Europeans when that happens as well as to help prevent counter-strikes by the USA.

The world order is changing, European technology is rising, and the USA will not be able to remain on top indefinitely.

Some wish to believe otherwise, but the USA’s debt and budget issues will help insure that. The USA has also decided it needs to trust the Europeans, while at the same time it realizes that it cannot maintain the massive military advantage it has held for so long. This will result in disaster for the USA and its Anglo-Saxon allies.

While modern warfare involves technology, why would it seem from the Bible that technology may be the key to the Beast’s military success?

Notice the following:

1 Then I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name. 2 Now the beast which I saw was like a leopard, his feet were like the feet of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority. 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’ the Beast rises out of is the Mediterranean Sea (cf. Joshua 9:1; 23:4; Ezekiel 47:13-16); see also Europa, the Beast, and the Book of Revelation and/or watch Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European? Notice that the military power of the Beast was something that the world will marvel, be astonished about. Why? Because no one really thought that the European Beast power had the military ability to do what it did.

The King in Isaiah 10 and the Beast of the sea in Revelation 13 is referred to as the King of the North in Daniel 11.

What will he do? Notice the following that the King of the North does:

39 Thus he shall act against the strongest fortresses with a foreign god, which he shall acknowledge, and advance its glory; and he shall cause them to rule over many, and divide the land for gain. (Daniel 11:39)

Notice that the King was able to defeat defeat the ‘strongest fortresses.’ That is, the King was able to defeat what was considered to be the most powerful military force in the world. Isn’t it the U.S.A. that is the land with the strongest fortresses in the 21st century?

The world will marvel because it did not believe that U.S.A. along with its Anglo-Saxon allies could be defeated (see also Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel).

This King of the North will also make a deal with another, called the King of the South, which will not last:

27 Both these kings’ hearts shall be bent on evil, and they shall speak lies at the same table; but it shall not prosper, for the end will still be at the appointed time. (Daniel 11:27)

This deal may involve the destruction of the USA and its allies as discussed in Psalm 83:

3 They have taken crafty counsel against Your people,
And consulted together against Your sheltered ones.
4 They have said, “Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation,
That the name of Israel may be remembered no more.”

5 For they have consulted together with one consent;
They form a confederacy against You:
6 The tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites;
Moab and the Hagrites;
7 Gebal, Ammon, and Amalek;
Philistia with the inhabitants of Tyre;
8 Assyria also has joined with them;
They have helped the children of Lot. (Psalms 83:3-8)

The Assyrians (based in Europe), who join with the peoples who currently are in Islamic lands, are led by the King of the North. I believe the above deal will involve the use of terrorism and not exclusively employ the latest in technology. But that, combined with troops perhaps from Mexico and something under the guise of a NATO exercise will throw the USA off and set it up for the type of sudden destruction the Bible warns of (1 Thessalonians 5:3).

The progress of the Large Hadron Collider is a strong proof that Europe is advancing its technologies. Technologies that I believe it will ultimately use to eliminate the USA and its Anglo-Saxon allies.

Scientists are excited, but those in the USA, UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand should be concerned.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

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.
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe? Here is a link to a video titled: Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies for the Great Monarch point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States? In the Spanish language check out ¿Quién es el Rey del Norte? Here is a link to a video titled: The Future King of the North.
Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North? 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?
Large Hadron Collider may result in military applications The Europeans have the largest physics project on the planet. Some scoff, but might it result in military applications? May the Large Hadron Collider help fulfill Revelation 13:4?
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2015, 2016, or 2017? 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.
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2015? When will the Great Tribulation begin? Can it begin in 2015 as some have indicated? What are the biblical requirements that precede the Great Tribulation? What did Jesus teach would happen prior to the Great Tribulation. Are there definite clues in the Book of Daniel that Christians should look out for? Is there a King of the North or a King of the South yet? Where does the ‘prince’ of Daniel 9:26-27 come from? What about ‘blood moons’? Dr. Thiel videoed this on the Mount of Olives where Jesus specifically discussed events leading up to the Great Tribulation in Matthew 24.
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

The movie based on the horrifying book, Fifty Shades of Grey, is a box office sensation:

February 16, 2015

Fifty Shades of Gilded Cages: The Luxury Branding of Domestic Abuse

Strip Christian Grey of his wealth and trappings of nobility and he’s just a misogynistic jerk who beats his girlfriends. …

It’s lifestyle porn as much as it is actual porn—it’s just another entry in the long, long history of films and TV shows that serve as one long commercial for the American Dream of achieving one-percenter-hood.Nor is Fifty Shades of Grey particularly subtle about it—E.L. James is, again, as open about her drooling consumer lust as her actual lust.  http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/02/16/fifty-shades-of-gilded-cages-the-luxury-branding-of-domestic-abuse.html

LOS ANGELES — Moviegoers turned out en masse to see the sadomasochistic love story “Fifty Shades of Grey” over the Presidents’ Day weekend, delivering a triumph for Universal Pictures and potentially altering Hollywood’s approach to sex.

“Fifty Shades of Grey,” capitalizing on the fall of Valentine’s Day on a Saturday, will take in about $90.7 million between Thursday night and Monday, according to Rentrak, which compiles ticketing data. The movie, which cost $40 million, attracted an audience that was 68 percent female, Universal said.

The film, directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson and based on the erotic novel by E. L. James, played in 3,646 theaters in North America, the largest release in history for an R-rated movie, according to Nick Carpou, Universal’s president of domestic distribution. “Theater owners added screens in response to a clamor from their patrons,” Mr. Carpou said on Sunday.

Female fans of the best-selling book — apparently dragging along a lot of reluctant husbands and boyfriends to theaters — created a wave of interest that pushed past reviewers, who gave the film terrible notices. Also drowned out were those calling for a boycott, among them the feminist group Stop Porn Culture, several domestic abuse organizations and the Roman Catholic archbishop of Cincinnati.

There were also small protests overseas, where the film took in an additional $158 million through Sunday. (Sample placard in London: “50 Shades of Nay!”) The movie was banned in some countries, including Indonesia, Kenya and Malaysia.  http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/16/movies/fifty-shades-of-grey-leads-weekend-box-office-stirring-reflection-on-sex-films.html?_r=0

Fifty Shades of Grey is that it promotes semi-rape and fornication. Perhaps it should have been called Fifty Shades of Sin.

The term “Grey” while the main character’s name, suggests something that is not good or bad, but in-between.  The movie and what it depicts is bad.

Notice some passages from the Bible:

18 Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. (1 Corinthians 6:18)

24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.

28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them. (Romans 1:24-32)

A movie whose entire message is basically fornication and semi-rape is not to be applauded.

Of course, it has long been said that “sex sells.”  It is just sadistic sex used to be only something that a few were involved in.

Notice also the following prophetic warning:

3 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God  (2 Timothy 3:1-4)

Now, we have a movie sensation that is promoting brutality around the world and people are paying to encourage it.

Flowers Placed in front of the ‘Great Synagogue’ in Copenhagen (Kim Bach)

COGwriter

Danish authorities are detaining two suspects related to the recent shootings there:

February 16, 2015

Danish police said they have detained two men suspected of helping a gunman who killed two people in separate shootings in Copenhagen Saturday.

Police said on Monday the two men are suspected of aiding and abetting the 22-year-old alleged gunman in carrying out shootings at a free-speech event and at Copenhagen’s main synagogue.

On Monday, Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt said, “As soon as the attack happened at the speech event, Danish police immediately increased security at the synagogue. If security had not been in place, the situation could have been much worse than it was.”

Thorning-Schmidt added, “This is not a conflict between Islam and the West, but between the core values of our society and violent extremism.” …

Motivation

Danish intelligence chief Jens Madsen said investigators believe the gunman was inspired by Islamic radicalism.

In the first attack, a gunman with an automatic weapon killed one person and wounded three police officers at a cafe. Danish media identified the deceased as film director Finn Norgaard, 55. …

Hours later, volunteer Dan Uzan was guarding a bat mitzvah ceremony when he was killed in the synagogue shooting, which wounded two police officers.

In light of the violence, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged Jewish people in Europe to immigrate to Israel, as he did following a deadly attack on a kosher supermarket in Paris last month.

French officials drew parallels between the acts of violence in Copenhagen and those in Paris.

Speaking from the Danish capital on Sunday, French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve observed the similar reactions in both countries.

“I saw this morning the same sadness I saw in the terrified gaze of Parisians in the month of January. The same sadness, the same fright, the same dignity, the same contemplation and the same sorrow,” he said at a news conference.  http://www.voanews.com/content/danish-police-detain-2-men-suspected-of-ties-to-copenhagen-attacks/2645656.html

February 16, 2015Two men suspected of helping the gunman behind the deadly attacks in Copenhagen were jailed for 10 days Monday as Danes mourned the victims of a shooting spree that authorities said may have been inspired by last month’s terror attacks in Paris.

They were accused of helping the gunman evade authorities and get rid of a weapon during the manhunt that ended early Sunday when the attacker was killed in a shootout with police, said Michael Juul Eriksen, the defence attorney for one of the two suspects.

Prosecutors had asked a judge to place them in four weeks of solitary confinement and the relatively short period of detention suggests the case against the men is “thin,” added Juul Eriksen’s assistant, Anders Rohde.

Rohde was speaking to reporters after a four-hour custody hearing held behind closed doors for the men, who were not named.

Two people were killed in the weekend attacks, including a Danish filmmaker attending a free speech event and a Jewish security guard shot in the head outside a synagogue in Copenhagen. Five police officers were wounded in the attacks. Police said Monday they are in good condition and are expected to be released from hospital this week. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/two-men-jailed-on-suspicion-of-aiding-copenhagen-gunman/article23011436/

When Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt said, “This is not a conflict between Islam and the West,” I believe her position is consistent with those of other politicians who prefer not to see Islam as a problem, but only elements of it.  And, of course, all Muslims are not committing such atrocities.

Yet, the carnal ‘solution’ that will ultimately happen is that Islamic-dominated nations in the Middle East and North Africa will end up being in a coalition and lead by one the Bible refers to as the final King of the South (Daniel 11:40-43).  Various world leaders have indicated that the Islamic world needs to handle its problem with terrorism and some have suggested a stronger coalition between Islamic nations to do so.  While a version of that will happen according to Bible prophecy, it will not end well for many of those nations that will participate according to Ezekiel 30:2-8 and Daniel 11:40-43.

As far as the Danes themselves go, the late Dr. Herman Hoeh wrote this related to their ancestry:

Dan was originally divided into two parts, one about Joppa, a seaport, and the other in the north of Palestine. Dan refused to fight along side the other tribes against the Gentiles (Judges 5:17). Dan would judge, or stand up to rule, his own people as one of the separate tribes of Israel indicating he would gain self-government in the following manner: “Dan shall be a serpent in the way, a horned snake in the part, that biteth the horse’s heels, so that his rider falleth, backward.”  Ireland has done just that to England. In fact, the symbol of the illegal Irish Republican Army was the coiled snake!

Dan would also be like a young lion leaping forth, an apt description of Denmark, which acquired the Virgin Islands, Greenland, Iceland and other islands in her heyday. Especially unique is the fact that of all the tribes Northern Dan still preserves their father’s name the Danes! (LOCATION OF THE TRIBES OF ISRAEL by Herman L Hoeh, ca. 1950s)

As far as some of the prophetic possibilities for the Dane, consider checking out the article Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel.

There is danger in the world, even for some in places like Denmark. Problems will not truly go away until Jesus comes and establishes the millennial kingdom of God.

Several items of possibly related interest may include:

Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe? Here is a link to a video titled: Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European?
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. A related sermon is titled Ten Kings of Revelation and the Great Tribulation.
Jerusalem: Past, Present, and Future What does the Bible say about Jerusalem and its future? Is Jerusalem going to be divided and eliminated? Is Jesus returning to the area of Jerusalem? There is also a related YouTube video you can watch titled Jerusalem To be divided and eliminated.
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.
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 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?
Obama Administration Pushing for an Islamic Empire? Because of the rise of groups such as the Islamic State, the Obama Administration and others are pushing for a coalition of Arab nations along with Turkey. Does this resemble the final King of the South of Bible prophecy? Is there an Islamic antichrist? Does the Bible teach that terrorism and the sword will affect the USA and some of its allies? What does the Bible teach in Ezekiel about a confederation involving Egypt? Will an Arabic confederation end in destruction for those who strongly support it? Are the 10 nations in the Arab coalition the ten kings of Revelation 17:12-13? Are the 10 nations including the USA and Turkey the ten nations of Revelation 17:12-13? Who is? Was the pushing of the Obama Administration to do this predicted by in 2009 in a writing by Dr. Thiel? What does the Bible show?
Iraq, the King of the South, Armageddon, and Prophecy What will happen to Iraq? Is it the prophesied Mystery Babylon? What is Armageddon and how does that have to do with Iraq? Here is a related video Iraq, Armageddon, & Prophecy.
How Will Middle East Peace be Brought About? Can humans bring peace to the Middle East? Here is a link to a related video: Middle East Peace? When?
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? Here is a link to a related sermon video Daniel 9:27 and the Start of the Great Tribulation.
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.
The ‘Lost Tribe’ of Reuben: France in Prophecy? What is the origin of this in France? What is prophesied to happen to them? A two-part sermon related to history and prophecy is available online: The ‘Lost Tribe’ of Reuben and France and Prophecy.
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2015, 2016, or 2017? 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.
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.

Medjugorje Icon at Podbrdo, place of apparition (Beemwej)

COGWriter

It has been over a year since Vatican Radio announced that a special commission has completed its report on Medjugorje:

January 18, 2014

Commission to submit study on Medjugorje

(Vatican Radio) The Director of the Holy See Press Office, Fr. Federico Lombardi, confirmed on Saturday that the international commission investigating the events in Medjugorje held its last meeting on 17 January. The commission, created by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, is presided by Cardinal Camillo Ruini.

The commission has reportedly completed its work and will submit the outcomes of its study to the Congregation. http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2014/01/18/commission_to_submit_study_on_medjugorje/en1-765219

Notice also:

“Still no papal decision: The Provincial of the Franciscan Order in Hercegovina denies that Pope Francis has told him to pray that he has made the right decision on Medjugorje, and expresses surprise that an American priest residing in Medjugorje gave this impression on June 25.” http://www.medjugorjetoday.tv/news-archive-2014/

For those unfamiliar with Medjugorje, it is a town located in the Herzegovina region of western Bosnia and Herzegovina where false messages and claimed miracles related to an alleged ‘Marian apparition.’ ‘She’ is often referred to as “Our Lady of Medjugorje” and “Our Lady Queen of Peace” by those who believe that she has been appearing since 24 June 1981 to six children in Medjugorje. This apparition allegedly has been giving daily messages to three or so people ever since.

While the findings of commission report have not been released, many Catholics believe this apparition is false. Because of the ‘daily message’ aspects, many believe that Pope Francis was condemning Medjugorje when he made the following statement on November 14, 2013:

Curiosity impels us to want to feel that the Lord is here or rather there, or leads us to say: “But I know a visionary, who receives letters from Our Lady, messages from Our Lady.” But look, Our Lady is the Mother of everyone! And she loves all of us. She is not a postmaster, sending messages every day. http://www.catholicismusa.com/instead-of-curiosity-and-seeking-novelities-listen-to-the-breeze-of-wisdom/

We will how this Marian-focused pontiff will deal with this–so far I have not seen him comment on the report. He could embrace parts or all of it, condemn parts or all of it, or continue to say little or nothing about it. But no matter how Pope Francis handles it, Medjugorje apparition is false.

Also, is not just my view that this apparition is false. Notice the following reports, mainly from Catholic leaders, as cited on Wikipedia:

On 10 April 1991, the Yugoslav Episcopal Conference issued at Zadar a declaration that states: “It cannot be affirmed that these matters concern supernatural apparitions or revelations.” (Biskupije Mostar-Duvno Trebinje-Mrkan”. Cbismo.com. 2009-06-06. Retrieved 2013-04-01)

On 2 October 1997, Bishop Ratko Perić of the diocese of Mostar-Duvno, in which Medjugorje is situated, wrote: “On the basis of the serious study of the case by 30 of our ‘studiosi’, on my episcopal experience of five years in the Diocese, on the scandalous disobedience that surrounds the phenomenon, on the lies that are at times put into the mouth of the ‘Madonna’, on the unusual repetition of “messages” of over 16 years, on the strange way that the ‘spiritual directors’ of the so-called ‘visionaries’ accompany them through the world making propaganda of them, on the practice that the ‘Madonna’ appears at the ‘fiat’ of the ‘visionaries’, my conviction and position is not only non constat de supernaturalitate [the supernaturality is not proven] but also the other formula constat de non supernaturalitate [the non-supernaturality is proven] of the apparitions or revelations of Medjugorje.” (Ratko Perić, Bishop of Mostar (2 October 1997). “Letter to Thierry Boutet, editor of Famille Chrétienne“. Retrieved 2 December 2013)

On 21 October 2013, the Apostolic Nunciature to the United States communicated, on behalf of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, that, in the light of the 1991 Zadar declaration about the Medjugorje events, Catholics, whether clergy or laypeople, “are not permitted to participate in meetings, conferences or public celebrations during which the credibility of such ‘apparitions’ would be taken for granted” (http://medjugorjedocuments.blogspot.com/2013/11/2013-cdf-twice-to-us-bishops-on.html)

Here is a report claiming that Pope Francis has blessed a Medjugorje medal:

When Alicia Italiani from Erie, PA, wrote to Pope Francis to ask if her devotion to the Medjugorje message was was acceptable to the Church, the response was different from what she had expected. She received a Medjugorje medal, and a note that the Pontiff had personally blessed it.

The envelope Alicia Italiani received from the Pope, and its contents: The medal to the right has the word Medjugorje inscribed, and has been for sale in Medjugorje for years

Pope Francis is in agreement with the Medjugorje message, even if he is still to raise his voice on the authenticity of the apparitions. In early May the Pope personally blessed a Medjugorje medal and had it sent to an American woman who had asked him if following the Medjugorje message was okay with the Catholic Church.

“Several months ago, I wrote a letter to Pope Francis asking his blessing and prayer for my family and for myself. I have a devotion to Our Lady of Medugorje, and I understand that whether the alleged apparitions in Medugorje are approved or not, that prayer and fasting and any devotion to the Blessed Mother is good and pleasing to God. But I still felt like I needed to know if it was OK to follow those particular messages (just because there’s been so much confusion regarding the devotion within the Church)” Alicia Italiani from Erie, PA, tells the newsletter The Spirit of Medjugorje.

“On May 6, I received a response back. The response was from the Papal Nuncio to the United States from Pope Francis. Included in the envelope were a medal from Medugorje, a medal of St. Michael the Archangel and two holy cards – one with a picture of Pope Francis and the other a picture of St. Francis with his prayer for peace. The note said that the medals were blessed by Pope Francis! I felt so comforted and I just wanted to share the story” Alicia Italiani tells.

With some believing it to happen this year, Pope Francis is expected to issue a verdict on Medjugorje at some point. In January an international Vatican Commission ended four years of investigations by passing on its final report to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. Both its contents, the further procedure, and the time-table have remained under lock.  http://ourladyprays.com/pope-francis-blessed-medjugorje-medal/

I have seen no statement in the past year from Pope Francis endorsing Medjugorje, despite the fact that he is a Marian-focused pontiff, and may have ‘blessed’ a medal.

Notice something I reported about Medjugorje and related matters (such as the alleged Marian apparitions in Fatima, Portugal) in 2012:

What About the Healings?

Are claimed healings associated with Fatima proof that the messages were from God? There are several reasons to consider that they are not proof.

The first is that there have been hundreds of claimed healings from those going to discredited sites like Medjugorje. According to Msgr. Pavao Zanic, Bishop of Mostar, the “seers” claimed messages from the “Marian” apparition that were clearly false and the facts he laid out prove this…

Ecumenical Private Revelations and Medjugorje

Some Fatima supporters are afraid that “a politically correct and ‘ecumenical’ revisionist ‘interpretation’ of the Message of Fatima” is being adopted by certain members of the Catholic clergy.

Some also believe that the messages of Medjugorje are “heresy after heresy” and encourage ecumenism that many Fatimists oppose.

The “Lady” in Medjugorje allegedly said:

All religions are equal before God…In God there are no divisions or religions; it is you in the world that created divisions…God directs all denominations as a king directs his subjects…It is you who are divided on the earth. The Muslims and the Orthodox, like the Catholics, are equal before my Son and before me, for you are all my children. (Ferrara C.  Setting the Record Straight.  The Fatima Crusader, 98, Spring 2011, pp. 19-20)

Since the Fatimists can (correctly) denounce Medjugorje as heresy because of some of the messages, all should realize that the same is true with many of the messages of Fatima.

Msgr. Pavao Zanic, the former Bishop of Mostar (which includes Medjugorje), in 1990 wrote:

For even a short description of the falsehoods about Medjugorje we would need 200 pages… Presbitero Rodriguez Teofilo…asked me for the reasons why I do not believe in the “apparitions”… I told him about the case of the ex-Franciscan priest Ivica Vego. Due to his disobedience, by an order of the Holy Father the Pope, he was thrown out of his Franciscan religious order OFM by his General, dispensed from his vows and suspended “a divinis.” He did not obey this order and he continued to celebrate Mass, distribute the sacraments and pass the time with his mistress. It is unpleasant to write about this, yet it is necessary in order to see who Our Lady is speaking of. According to the diary of Vicka and the statements of the “seers,” Our Lady mentioned 13 times that he is innocent and that the bishop is wrong. When his mistress, sister Leopolda, a nun, became pregnant, both of them left Medjugorje and the religious life and began to live together near Medjugorje where their child was born. Now they have two children. His prayerbook is still sold in Medjugorje and beyond in hundreds of thousands of copies.

Yet, many still believe in Medjugorje.

In 1985, Cardinal Ratzinger “banned pilgrimages to the site. But this has been widely ignored. Instead the seers have grown wealthy as a result of their claims.”

The banning was ignored because many believe that because some of the messages seem fine (the devil is subtle enough not to make all the messages clearly false), some are curious, and others believe that various claimed healings at Medjugorje are proof that it is valid anyway. But obviously Mary of the Bible would not have made false statements justifying a fornicating priest nor would she have endorsed all religions as equal as was claimed.

Notice that in 1985, Cardinal Ratzinger, who later became Pope Benedict XVI, also condemned Medjugorje.

Yet, because of signs, personal feelings, and allegedly healings, many within Roman Catholicism as well as some without (someone lent me a book of Medjugorje a few months ago written by a Protestant who became convinced the messages are genuinely from Mary), consider these signs to be miraculous proof that Mary is present in Medjugorje and is now speaking to us. Despite the fact that parts of what is said are clearly blasphemous and against scripture.

Why should anyone care about this?

Although most non-Catholics do not think that reports of apparitions can affect them, if they live long enough this century, they will find that this is not the case. Claimed Marian apparitions are a much bigger deal than people realize and seems to tie in with a variety of prophecies throughout the Bible (e.g. Isaiah 47, Matthew 24, 2 Thessalonians 2, Revelation 17).

Furthermore, did you know that apparitions that some believe to be Mary were partially responsible for how the Greco-Roman churches gained influence over the Church of God in Asia Minor in the third century and Europe in the Middle Ages? Did you know that basically because of apparitions in Mexico and Russia that nearly all of Latin America became “Catholic” and Russia became accepting of icons? Did you know that Satan has many in Asia and elsewhere looking to female apparitions and apparently has had his seers prophesy that one or more future “Marian” apparitions will help the Beast/Great Monarch rise up?

Jesus warned that nearly everyone would be deceived in the end (Matthew 24:24) and apparitions seem likely to be part of why.

Partially what Medjugorje itself shows is that despite facts, truth, and warnings, people often want to believe what they think they see as opposed to the truth. This will become a bigger problem later as well.

The Bible specifically warns of a “virgin” that uses enchantments who is also called the Lady of Kingdoms. Notice the following as shown in a Catholic version of the Bible:

1 Come down, sit in the dust, O virgin daughter of Babylon, sit on the ground: there is no throne for the daughter of the Chaldeans, for thou shalt no more be called delicate and tender…4 Our redeemer, the Lord of hosts is his name, the Holy One of Israel. 5 Sit thou silent, and get thee into darkness, O daughter of the Chaldeans: for thou shalt no more be called the lady of kingdoms. 6 I was angry with my people, I have polluted my inheritance, and have given them into thy bend: thou hast shown no mercy to them: upon the ancient thou hast laid thy yoke exceeding heavy.

7 And thou hast said: I shall be a lady forever: thou hast not laid these things to thy heart, neither hast thou remembered thy latter end.

8 And now hear these things, thou that art delicate, and dwellest confidently, that sayest in thy heart: I am, and there is none else besides me: I shall not sit as a widow, and I shall not know barrenness.

9 These two things shall come upon thee suddenly in one day, barrenness and widowhood. All things are come upon thee, because of the multitude of thy sorceries, and for the great hardness of thy enchanters. 10 And thou best trusted in thy wickedness, and hast said: There is none that seeth me. Thy wisdom, and thy knowledge, this hath deceived thee. And thou best said in thy heart: I am, and besides me there is no other. 11 Evil shall come upon thee, and then shalt not know the rising thereof: and calamity shall fall violently upon thee, which thou canst not keep off: misery shall come upon thee suddenly, which thou shalt not know. 12 Stand now with thy enchanters, and with the multitude of thy sorceries, in which thou hast laboured from thy youth, if so be it may profit thee any thing, or if thou mayst become stronger. 13 Thou hast failed in the multitude or thy counsels: let now the astrologers stand and save thee, they that gazed at the stars, and counted the months, that from them they might tell the things that shall come to thee. (Isaiah 47:1, 4-7, 11-13, DRB)

In the New Testament, notice what the Apostle Paul warned:

9 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, 10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, 12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12)

Deception must be clever to work, and multitudes have already been deceived by signs and wonders coming from statues and alleged apparitions of Mary.

As far as the Bible goes, all should realize that there is nothing in the Bible, or even in early church writings, that supports the view that God wanted to use weeping statues, apparitions, etc. of Mary. Sadly, however, multiple millions are not willing to truly accept that–and more will be deceived in the future.

For more information, please check out the following:

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.
Satan’s Plan Does Satan have a plan? What is it? Has it already been successful? Will it be successful in the future? Here is a link to a related video: Satan’s Plan A Brief Introduction.
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?
Feast of the Immaculate Conception? Did early Christians teach Mary had an immaculate conception and led a sinless life?
Origin of the Marian Dogmas: Where Do Catholic Scholars Say The Four Dogmas of Mary Came From?
Assumption of Mary Did Mary die? Was she taken to heaven on August 15th? What is known? What does the Bible show?
Do you understand the ramifications of the ‘Lady of Guadalupe’? It is claimed that a female apparition appeared near Mexico City on December 12, 1531. How has it affected the world? What might it suggest about the future?
What Did the Early Church Teach About Idols and Icons? Did Catholic and Orthodox “saints” endorse or condemn idols and icons for Christians?
Which Is Faithful: The Roman Catholic Church or the Continuing Church of God? Do you know that both groups shared a lot of the earliest teachings? Do you know which church changed? Do you know which group is most faithful to the teachings of the apostolic church? Which group best represents true Christianity? This documented article answers those questions.
The 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?
Where is the True Christian Church Today? This free online pdf booklet answers that question and includes 18 proofs, clues, and signs to identify the true vs. false Christian church. Plus 7 proofs, clues, and signs to help identify Laodicean churches. A related sermon is also available: Where is the True Christian Church? Here is a link to the booklet in the Spanish language: ¿Dónde está la verdadera Iglesia cristiana de hoy?
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.

Alta Gracia Image (Original © Franco Farias; above cropped and reformatted)

COGwriter

A reader sent me an article in Italian, that I machine-translated into English (and the original article was written in Spanish):

The statue of the Madonna is not there, but people see it

t may sound unbelievable, but it’s true. In the niche of the altarpiece of a chapel of the sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes to Alta Gracia (Argentina) there is no statue of the Virgin, but in fact you can see the image, even if it has been verified that the site is empty.

The image is not flat but in relief, three-dimensional; you may feel the folds of her dress. Resembles holography. It is not the result of a psychological illusion exalted devotion of some pilgrims.

All those who go to the shrine – believers or not – they see it, and remains recorded in the photographs that are taken.

The picture looks very good from the front door and vanishes approaching the altar.

When did this begin to happen?

The chapel was built and consecrated in 1927, and for many years the center of the altar there was a statue of Our Lady of Lourdes. In August 2011, the statue was removed from the niche to be restored. One of the priests of the sanctuary was about to close the chapel and the main door has seen an image that seemed to chalk the place that was previously occupied by the statue. He approached and as he did so he saw that the image vanished. The statue was not there, but where it had been placed.

In front of the phenomenon, visible to anyone coming in place, the Discalced Carmelite friars of the shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes have issued a statement in which they said: “The event of the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary has so far not a rational explanation. Must be interpreted by the people of God as a sign to increase and deepen the Christian faith and stir the hearts of men the conversion to love of God and participation in the life of the Church. ”

History

The chapel is located in a large building located in a park of several hectares which in 1916 was inaugurated a replica of the grotto of Massabielle in Lourdes, where the Virgin Mary appeared to St. Bernadette Soubirous in 1858. …

Since it was built in the cave, the place has become a pilgrimage destination with growing manifestations of love for the Mother of God. In 1922 a committee was formed to build a chapel next to the cave, the cornerstone of which was placed in the in 1924 and that has been blessed by the then Bishop of Córdoba, Monsignor Jose Anselmo Luque, in 1927. (Here is a link to the article in Italian: http://www.aleteia.org/it/religione/articolo/la-statua-della-madonna-non-ce-ma-la-gente-la-vede-5786008402526208)

Thus far, I have seen no comment from the Vatican about this.

There are also two videos about this, which I watched today here is a link to one: https://vimeo.com/39901679.  Both of the narrators of the videos said the image appeared to be three-dimensional.

Here is also more I found when I tried to look into the Alta Gracia matter today:

Lourdes’ Grotto. This is a very popular site for prayer among the faithful and it has become well-known because an apparition of the Virgin is said to have taken place there in 2011. http://www.welcomeargentina.com/altagracia/citytour-in-alta-gracia.html

In Alta Gracia, a small city south of Córdoba, Argentina, a rare phenomenon is happening. In August of 2011 a statue of Our Lady of Lourdes was removed from the altar to be restored and while the statue was gone, a mysterious image has replaced it. You can only see the image from the back of the church and the lights have to be off and doors closed to see it. When you get close to it, you can see that there is nothing there. It appears like a white light illuminating a statue of Our Lady of Lourdes, and many scientists and artists have come to try to figure out what it is, and no one can explain it. The Priests of the chapel have announced that there is no explanation for it. When it was made public that there was an image of Mary appearing without explanation, within 48 hours 50,000 people came to see it. Since August thousands and thousands of people have come to see this phenomenon. When we got close to the image, we felt a presence and a peace, we were both very moved and stayed there a long time praying with the volunteers of the chapel. We think that the image is the presence of Mary calling us all to her son, Jesus. https://vimeo.com/39848141

The above link is to a video as well.  The narrator indicates that seeing this image is changing people’s faith.  Whether it is a fraud, a natural phenomena, or a demonic manifestation, it is impacting people.  The two videos I watched both said that the image was appearing after the initial appearance in August (most sources) or September (one source) 2011.

In my book, Fatima Shock! there are warnings that apparitions of ‘Mary’ may be public in the future.  I actually went to hire an editor for it around the time the ‘image’ started appearing in Alta Gracia, and did not learn of the Alta Gracia matter until today.  Here is something I wrote before the image appeared:

The Bible warns that signs and lying wonders will appear which will deceive almost everyone until God stops it.  Might public appearances of a Lady that performs wonders be a factor? (p. 201)

Vatican reporter Giuseppe De Carli wrote that because of Fatima, “John Paul II elevated Marian devotion to a new status.”

That is part of what is so dangerous about Fatima. Misunderstandings of Fatima have helped elevate the concept of Marian devotion to be so pervasive that if a public apparition appears shortly many people will be willing to overlook the unbiblical flaws associated with Fatima to embrace the messages the apparition will be advocating. These alleged Marian apparitions have been, and will be unbiblical.  It is not that they will not get anything right, but they have often had and likely will have again, parts of their message that are false and/or in contradiction to sacred scripture. (p. 227)

Apparitions claiming to be Mary are very likely to make public appearances — the one apparently currently restraining  these  things  is  prophesied  to  move  out  of the  way  (2  Thessalonians  2:7,  NJB).    Partially,  because of Fatima, many more may take “Marian” apparitions seriously—especially if they are highly public.

It will take signs and wonders, including possibly claimed Marian Apparitions, for the Europeans and many others to be less secular—and while some believe this is good, biblically it will be bad (2 Thessalonians 2:8-12). The Bible warns that a certain virgin, lady, city, mother, and harlot, all make the same type of statements and all are condemned (Isaiah 47:1-14; Zephaniah 2:15; Revelation 17:1-18; 18:7-8), despite “miraculous signs” called sorceries (Isaiah 47:9, 12; Nahum 23:4; Revelation 18:23) being involved—do not fall for them or their Babylonian system.

All should realize that Mary of the Bible is NOT prophesied in sacred scripture to return, be seen, or to help save humankind.  If some apparition appears that does so, please do not believe it.  God has limited Satan’s power such that His faithful people will not be deceived (1 Corinthians 10:13; Matthew 24:24) if they truly love the truth (2 Thessalonians 2:10).  There is a way of escape for people who love God, love His word, and who love the truth (1 Corinthians 10:13).

1 My dearest, believe not every spirit, but prove the spirits if they be of God, because many false prophets are gone out into the world. (1 John 4:1, Original DRB)

Please believe what is taught in your Bible and do not be taken in by the massive deception that the Bible warns will be coming to the earth (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12; Mark 13:22; Revelation 13:2-18). (pp. 232-233)

Religious deception, in a more direct and public form, is  coming.    Signs,  “lying  wonders,”  and  sorceries  are expected to increase before Jesus returns and deceive many (2 Thessalonians 2:9; Matthew 24:24; Revelation 13:2-15; 18:23). (p. 253)

Presuming what is happening in Alta Gracia is not a fraud or has no actual physical explanation, then this is demonic deception.  Expect much, much more.

Here is some of what my book Fatima Shock! said about the Lourdes apparition and message:

In the 19th century, there was a female apparition in France, known as the Lady of Lourdes. One of the statements she reportedly stated in 1858 was, “I am the Immaculate Conception!”

Now this is an unusual and biblically contradictory idea as the Bible teaches that all have sinned (Roman 3:23) except Jesus (Hebrews 4:15), as He is the only one who had a biblically immaculate conception, but not the Marian kind.

For non-Catholics, let me explain that what became an extra-biblical Catholic doctrine was that Mary was conceived unlike all other humans and free of what many refer to as “original sin.” Specifically this “dogma” has been explained in Dr. Ludwig Ott’s 20th century book Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma as:

“Mary’s freedom of original sin was an unmerited gift of God, and an exception from the law that was vouchsafed to her only.”

His book also teaches:

The doctrine of the Immaculate Conception of Mary is not explicitly revealed in scripture… Neither the Greek nor the Latin Fathers explicitly (explicite) teach the Immaculate Conception of Mary.

So where did it come from?…Jumping forward to the 12th century, a British monk Eadmer began to promote the idea of an Immaculate Conception of Mary. When he did so, “St. Bernard of Clairvaux… (about 1140), warned the faithful that this was an unfounded innovation…”

So was the Catholic saint Bernard wrong in condemning Monk Eadmer’s heresy here?

Of course not!

Others, at least as late as the 17th century supported Bernard’s position on this. (Fatima Shock! pp. 85-86)

Mary is not one to pray to or to entrust oneself to.

The Bible is clear that massive deception is coming (Matthew 24:24; 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12). Pope Francis has been encouraging Marian devotion through his words and actions.

It remains my position that it is very likely that apparitions that people will claim will be Mary, the mother of Jesus, will be part of the signs and lying wonders that are mentioned in 2 Thessalonians 2:9 and Matthew 24:24 (cf. Isaiah 47; Nahum 3:4-5).

The current Marian focused Argentinian Pope Francis, as well as somewhat like-minded bishops, will likely be a factor in this.  The visits by Pope Francis to various Marian shrines is encouraging people to look to his version of Mary.

The Alta Gracia image is being used to promote ecumenical unity with the Church of Rome.

Here is something I warned about ecumenical unity, in Fatima Shock!:

All people, whether they profess Christ or not, need to take heed and NOT support the coming ecumenical unity even if it is supported by signs and apparent miracles (2 Thessalonians 2:7-12).  Despite denials by many who now oppose ecumenical unity, the Bible warns that nearly all, however, will end up being deceived (Mark 13:22; 2 Thessalonians 2:7-12; Revelation 13:1-4,8).

Only the elect, those who truly will “walk by faith, not by sight“(2 Corinthians 5:7) and who received “the love of the truth“(2 Thessalonians 2:10) will not fall for this (Matthew 24:24). (p. 173)

Expect more religious deception.  This is part of Satan’s Plan.

UPDATE 3/08/15: Here is a link to a new video: Marian wonder in Argentina?

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

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.
Satan’s Plan Does Satan have a plan? What is it? Has it already been successful? Will it be successful in the future? Here are links to a two-part sermon series: What are Some of the Parts of Satan’s Plan? and Satan’s Plan is More Dramatic than Many Realize.
Mystery of Civilization Why is civilization like it is? How will it end? What will replace it?Here is a link to a related sermon titled: Mystery of Civilization and How it Will End.
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? See also World Council of Churches Peace Plan.
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? A video of related interest could be Do You Know That Babylon is Forming?
Satan’s Plan Does Satan have a plan? What is it? Has it already been successful? Will it be successful in the future? Here is a link to a related sermon: What are Some of the Parts of Satan’s Plan?
Pope Francis and the Devil’s Unity Pope Francis has spoken about unity and his ecumenical agenda. He has also claimed the devil is “the father of division. He is the one who always divides.” Is that true? Pope Francis prayed for ‘Mary’ to unite Christians–is that something that the Bible teaches? Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople has called those opposed to his ecumenical efforts “unacceptably fanatical.” Does the Bible teach that true Christian unity comes before or after Jesus returns? Is there a Babylonian unity that the Bible warns against? What is the Devil’s unity? Might ‘Mary’ be used to set up the time of the final Antichrist? This is a video.
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?
Feast of the Immaculate Conception? Did early Christians teach Mary had an immaculate conception and led a sinless life?
Origin of the Marian Dogmas: Where Do Catholic Scholars Say The Four Dogmas of Mary Came From?
Assumption of Mary Did Mary die? Was she taken to heaven on August 15th? What is known? What does the Bible show?
What Did the Early Church Teach About Idols and Icons? Did Catholic and Orthodox “saints” endorse or condemn idols and icons for Christians?
Fatima Shock! What the Vatican Does Not Want You to Know About Fatima, Dogmas of Mary, and Future Apparitions. Whether or not you believe anything happened at Fatima, if you live long enough, you will be affected by its ramifications (cf. Isaiah 47; Revelation 17). Fatima Shock! provides concerned Christians with enough Catholic-documented facts to effectively counter every false Marian argument. In addition to the print version, there is a Kindle version of Fatima Shock! which you can acquire in seconds.

Police Blockade Synagogue After Shooting (FunkMonk)

COGwriter

Denmark was hit by terror and officials believe that they killed the only shooter:

February 15, 2015

Danish police said a man they shot dead early Sunday was likely behind the two shooting attacks Saturday in Copenhagen that killed two civilians and wounded five police officers.

Officials said no evidence suggests other gunmen were involved in the shootings, one of which took place at a free-speech event at a cafe and the other outside Copenhagen’s main synagogue.

Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt said on Sunday that two innocent people lost their lives due to a “cynical act of terror against Denmark.”

Thorning-Schmidt said nobody should get away with attacking the “open, free and democratic Danish society.”

The free-speech event was attended by Swedish cartoonist Lars Vilks, who is known for provocative satiric drawings, including a 2007 cartoon of the Prophet Muhammad with the body of a dog. He was not harmed in the incident.

In the first attack, a gunman with an automatic weapon killed one person and wounded three police officers at the free-speech event.  A volunteer guard was killed and two police officers wounded in the synagogue shooting a few hours later. Sources said the guard was Jewish.

Early Sunday, police said they had shot dead a man who opened fire on officers near a train station in an area where police had put a building under observation. Authorities later linked that man to the two deadly incidents on Saturday.

“We are still faced with a huge investigation. We need to make sure that our theory is in fact correct. A number of things indicate that we did get the right man, but we still have to investigate whether he acted alone, but at the moment there is nothing to suggest that any other perpetrators were involved,” police investigator Joegen Skov said Sunday.

In light of the violence, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged Jewish people in Europe to immigrate to Israel. He said at his Cabinet meeting Sunday that Jews were killed on European soil just because they are Jews.

Netanyahu said this wave of attacks will continue.

Lars Vilks was the apparent target of the first shooting.

Vilks cartoon of the Prophet Muhammad was deeply offensive to many Muslims, and the 68-year-old cartoonist has been threatened many times since it was published.  http://www.voanews.com/content/copenhagen-cafe-shooting/2644266.html

February 15, 2015

“Denmark has been hit by terror,” Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt said. “We do not know the motive for the alleged perpetrator’s actions, but we know that there are forces that want to hurt Denmark. They want to rebuke our freedom of speech.”

Jens Madsen, head of the Danish intelligence agency PET, said investigators believe the gunman was inspired by Islamic radicalism.

“PET is working on a theory that the perpetrator could have been inspired by the events in Paris. He could also have been inspired by material sent out by (the Islamic State group) and others,” Madsen said. http://www.mercurynews.com/nation-world/ci_27531927/denmark-attack-police-kill-suspect-islamic-link-investigated

Apparently believing that there is safety in numbers, notice more about Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s appeal:

February 15, 2015

JERUSALEM—Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for “massive” Jewish immigration to Israel in the wake of the shooting at a synagogue in Copenhagen that left a 37-year-old Jewish security guard dead in the attack.Speaking Sunday at the weekly Cabinet meeting in Jerusalem, Netanyahu said Jews deserve to live in security in every country, but he questioned whether Europe could provide it.He said anti-Semitic attacks “are expected to continue in Europe… where Jews are being murdered because they are Jews.”The prime minister blamed the attacks on Islamic extremists.

Addressing the Jews of Europe as “our brothers and sisters,” Netanyahu said, “Israel is your home.”

Appeal after France attacks

Netanyahu made a similar appeal to French Jewry in January after the terrorist attack on a kosher supermarket in Paris. And many French Jews are responding, saying they no longer feel safe amid a growing wave of anti-Semitism.

About 7,000 Jews from France immigrated to Israel in 2014 and officials said that number is expected to rise to 10,000 this year.

But Israel’s appeals for the immigration of European Jews have not been well received by their host countries. Leaders in France said Jews are an integral part of French society and history and they should remain in the country.

In Denmark, the chief rabbi expressed disappointment with Netanyahu’s remarks. The rabbi said that “terror is not a reason to move to Israel.”

Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt vowed her country will “do everything we can to protect the Jewish community.”  http://www.voanews.com/content/israel-calls-for-mass-jewish-immigration-after-denmark-attacks/2644862.html

There is a lot of antisemitism in France and parts of Europe.  While there is antisemitism in Denmark, it has not been as widespread as in certain other countries. However, notice the following:

February 15, 2015

The attacks in Denmark come just a month after the local Jewish community reportedly expressed concern about their safety.
http://www.9news.com.au/world/2015/02/15/03/46/gunfire-otuside-copenhagen-building-where-debate-on-islam-and-free-speech-taking-place#XVBQJp4YDphLi1et.99

Whether or not many Jews in Denmark will go to Israel will be seen, yet this incident may get more to Jews to leave France.

But that will not stop war, antisemitism, nor terrorism.  The Bible shows that terrorism is prophesied:

14 ‘But if you do not obey Me, and do not observe all these commandments, 15 and if you despise My statutes, or if your soul abhors My judgments, so that you do not perform all My commandments, but break My covenant, 16 I also will do this to you: I will even appoint terror over you, wasting disease and fever which shall consume the eyes and cause sorrow of heart. And you shall sow your seed in vain, for your enemies shall eat it. 17 I will set My face against you, and you shall be defeated by your enemies. Those who hate you shall reign over you, and you shall flee when no one pursues you. (Leviticus 26:14-17)

25 The sword shall destroy outside; There shall be terror within (Deuteronomy 32:25)

12 “Cry and wail, son of man; For it will be against My people, Against all the princes of Israel. Terrors including the sword will be against My people; Therefore strike your thigh. (Ezekiel 21:12)

12 Behold, these are the ungodly,Who are always at ease; They increase in riches…19 Oh, how they are brought to desolation, as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors. (Psalms 73:12,19)

25 Because you disdained all my counsel, And would have none of my rebuke, 26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your terror comes, 27 When your terror comes like a storm, And your destruction comes like a whirlwind, When distress and anguish come upon you. (Proverbs 1:25-27)

5 Also they are afraid of height, And of terrors in the way (Ecclesiastes 12:5).

The Bible also shows that a confederation against the USA, its Anglo-Saxon allies, and Israel involving Arab and European forces is coming (Psalm 83:3-8). And I have long believed that terrorism will have to be part of this. The USA, its Anglo-Saxon allies, and Israel will end up being hit by massive terrorism (at least partially from Islamic-related sources) combined with destruction (Deuteronomy 32:25) from the King of the North (Daniel 11:39).

There is danger in the world, even for some in places like Denmark.  Problems will not truly go away until Jesus comes and establishes the millennial kingdom of God.

Several items of possibly related interest may include:

Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe? Here is a link to a video titled: Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European?
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. A related sermon is titled Ten Kings of Revelation and the Great Tribulation.
Jerusalem: Past, Present, and Future What does the Bible say about Jerusalem and its future? Is Jerusalem going to be divided and eliminated? Is Jesus returning to the area of Jerusalem? There is also a related YouTube video you can watch titled Jerusalem To be divided and eliminated.
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.
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 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?
Obama Administration Pushing for an Islamic Empire? Because of the rise of groups such as the Islamic State, the Obama Administration and others are pushing for a coalition of Arab nations along with Turkey. Does this resemble the final King of the South of Bible prophecy? Is there an Islamic antichrist? Does the Bible teach that terrorism and the sword will affect the USA and some of its allies? What does the Bible teach in Ezekiel about a confederation involving Egypt? Will an Arabic confederation end in destruction for those who strongly support it? Are the 10 nations in the Arab coalition the ten kings of Revelation 17:12-13? Are the 10 nations including the USA and Turkey the ten nations of Revelation 17:12-13? Who is? Was the pushing of the Obama Administration to do this predicted by in 2009 in a writing by Dr. Thiel? What does the Bible show?
Iraq, the King of the South, Armageddon, and Prophecy What will happen to Iraq? Is it the prophesied Mystery Babylon? What is Armageddon and how does that have to do with Iraq? Here is a related video Iraq, Armageddon, & Prophecy.
How Will Middle East Peace be Brought About? Can humans bring peace to the Middle East? Here is a link to a related video: Middle East Peace? When?
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? Here is a link to a related sermon video Daniel 9:27 and the Start of the Great Tribulation.
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.
The ‘Lost Tribe’ of Reuben: France in Prophecy? What is the origin of this in France? What is prophesied to happen to them? A two-part sermon related to history and prophecy is available online: The ‘Lost Tribe’ of Reuben and France and Prophecy.
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2015, 2016, or 2017? 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.
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.

COGwriter

The Continuing Church of God is pleased to announce our latest video on our Bible New Prophecy YouTube channel:

24:13

Jordan, Petra, and Armageddon

Dr. Thiel explains from the Bible where the people in Jordan came from as well as several prophecies related to them. Are those in Jordan going to betray the USA and Israel? Will Jordan more closely ally with the coming European Beast power than an Islamic one? Are Christians possibly going to be protected for 3 1/2 years in Jordan? How might ‘Armageddon’ and the drying of the Euphrates affect Jordan? Will Jordan be taken over? Dr. Thiel gives answers from the Bible to these questions and more.

A written article of related interest is: Jordan in Bible Prophecy.

Here is a link to our video: Jordan, Petra, and Armageddon.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Jordan in Bible Prophecy What does the Bible show will happen to the inhabitants of Jordan? Will they escape and then be punished? A related video is titled Jordan, Petra, and Armaggedon.
There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Petra This article discusses a biblical ‘place of safety’ and includes quotes from the Bible and Herbert W. Armstrong on this subject–thus, there is a biblically supported alternative to the rapture theory. There is also a video on the subject: Might Petra be the Place of Safety?  Here is something related in the Spanish language: Hay un lugar de seguridad para los Filadelfinos. ¿Puede ser Petra?
This is PETRA! This is a 1962 Good News article by the late Dr. Hoeh.
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2015, 2016, or 2017? 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.
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.
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 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?
Obama Administration Pushing for an Islamic Empire? Because of the rise of groups such as the Islamic State, the Obama Administration and others are pushing for a coalition of Arab nations along with Turkey. Does this resemble the final King of the South of Bible prophecy? Is there an Islamic antichrist? Does the Bible teach that terrorism and the sword will affect the USA and some of its allies? What does the Bible teach in Ezekiel about a confederation involving Egypt? Will an Arabic confederation end in destruction for those who strongly support it? Are the 10 nations in the Arab coalition the ten kings of Revelation 17:12-13? Are the 10 nations including the USA and Turkey the ten nations of Revelation 17:12-13? Who is? Was the pushing of the Obama Administration to do this predicted by in 2009 in a writing by Dr. Thiel? What does the Bible show?
Iraq, the King of the South, Armageddon, and Prophecy What will happen to Iraq? Is it the prophesied Mystery Babylon? What is Armageddon and how does that have to do with Iraq? Here is a related video Iraq, Armageddon, & Prophecy.
How Will Middle East Peace be Brought About? Can humans bring peace to the Middle East? Here is a link to a related video: Middle East Peace? When?
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? Here is a link to a related sermon video Daniel 9:27 and the Start of the Great Tribulation.
Where is the True Christian Church Today? This free online pdf booklet answers that question and includes 18 proofs, clues, and signs to identify the true vs. false Christian church. Plus 7 proofs, clues, and signs to help identify Laodicean churches. A related sermon is also available: Where is the True Christian Church? Here is a link to the booklet in the Spanish language: ¿Dónde está la verdadera Iglesia cristiana de hoy?
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. Two related sermon links would include Continuing History of the Church of God: c. 31 to c. 300 A.D. and Continuing History of the Church of God: 4th-16th Centuries. In Spanish: Marque aquí para ver el pdf folleto: Continuación de la Historia de la Iglesia de Dios.
CCOG.ORG Continuing Church of God The group striving to be most faithful amongst all real Christian groups to the word of God.
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。 Here 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.
CCOG.NZ This is a website targeted towards New Zealand and other British-descended dominated lands.
CDLIDD.ES La Continuación de la Iglesia de Dios. This is the Spanish language website for the Continuing Church of God and has articles in español/castellano.
PNIND.PH Patuloy na Iglesya ng Diyos. This is the Philippines website Continuing Church of God. It has information in English and Tagalog.
Bible News Prophecy channel. Dr. Thiel has produced many YouTube videos for the BibleNewsProphecy channel. And you can find them at that channel.

Guttenberg Family Castle (PeterBraun74)

COGwriter

Karl-Theodore zu Guttenberg is back in politics.  The following was essentially machine-translated by Google and is followed by the original in German:

February 14, 2015

Fuss about Ex-CSU Crown Prince Guttenberg

The CSU is wondering: What is behind meeting to which load Guttenberg, EPP Group Chief Weber and Savings man driving at?

By Christine cupping, MZ

Munich Ex-CSU Crown Prince Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg, who has been ​​comparatively rare in Germany, is back with a bang from the “US asylum.” The former Minister of Defense is one of a trio of CSU politicians, the selected fellow party receives in a week’s illustrious exam at the Schlosshotel Neufahrn. The invitations, Manfred Weber sent, the influential head of the conservative EPP Group in the European Parliament. The third man is the former Bavarian Finance Minister Georg driving Yeah, now president of the German Savings Banks and Giro Association. The two-day meeting, which is declared as a time to “discuss and think,” provides for explosives. Party friends suspect the trio Socialize cliques – with a view to items that are to be awarded after the election in 2017 and the 2018 state election. Attention is being focused on who is charged in the Lower Bavarian Neufahrn – and who is not.

Wirbel um Ex-CSU-Kronprinz Guttenberg

Die CSU rätselt: Was steckt hinter Treffen, zu dem Guttenberg, EVP-Fraktionschef Weber und Sparkassenmann Fahrenschon laden?

Von Christine Schröpf, MZ

München Ex-CSU-Kronprinz Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg, der sich in Deutschland vergleichsweise rar gemacht hat, meldet sich mit einem Paukenschlag aus dem „US-Asyl“ zurück. Der frühere Bundesverteidigungsminister zählt zum Trio aus CSU-Politikern, das in einer Woche ausgewählte Parteifreunde zur illustren Klausur im Schlosshotel Neufahrn empfängt. Die Einladungen hat Manfred Weber verschickt, der einflussreiche Chef der konservativen EVP-Fraktion im Europaparlament. Dritter im Bunde ist der frühere bayerische Finanzminister Georg Fahrenschon, inzwischen Präsident des Deutschen Sparkassen- und Giroverbandes. Das zweitägige Treffen, das als Zeit zum „Diskutieren und Nachdenken“ deklariert ist, sorgt für Zündstoff. Parteifreunde argwöhnen, das Trio knüpfe Seilschaften – mit Blick auf Posten, die nach der Bundestagswahl 2017 und der Landtagswahl 2018 zu vergeben sind. Aufmerksam wird registriert, wer ins niederbayerische Neufahrn geladen ist – und wer nicht.  http://www.mittelbayerische.de/nachrichten/oberpfalz-bayern/artikel/wirbel-um-ex-csu-kronprinz-guttenberg/1191351/wirbel-um-ex-csu-kronprinz-guttenberg.html

The CSU is an abbreviation for the Christian Social Union in Bavaria (German: Christlich-Soziale Union in Bayern).  It is a major political party in Germany and is based in in Bavaria. (Note: Information on the Bible, doctrinal, and prophetic matters in the German language is available at the Continuing Church of God: Deutsche page.)

Why the fuss about Karl-Theodore zu Guttenberg?

He was an upcoming star for the CSU.  So much so, Karl-Theodore zu Guttenberg was once considered to be a likely replacement for German Chancellor Angela Merkel, until he resigned in disgrace after being accused of plagiarizing substantial parts of his doctrinal dissertation.

I have been warning since that time that he would be expected to re-emerge in European politics.  His positions and the public disgrace he has suffered seem consistent with certain prophesies related to the final King of the North of Daniel 11 and others about the Beast of the Sea in Revelation 13.

Notice three translations of Daniel 11:21:

21 And there shall stand up in his place one despised, and the kingly honour shall not be given him: and he shall come privately, and shall obtain the kingdom by fraud. (Daniel 11:21, Douay-Rheims)

21 “‘His place will be taken by a reject, a man spurned and passed over for advancement. He’ll surprise everyone, seemingly coming out of nowhere, and will seize the kingdom. (Daniel 11:21 from THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language © 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. All rights reserved.)

21 And in his place shall stand up a contemptible person, to whom they had not given the honor of the kingdom: but he shall come in time of security, and shall obtain the kingdom by flatteries. (Daniel 11:21, ASV)

As mentioned, the Baron was considered to have had a major chance to become Chancellor of Germany before the plagiarism scandal. That is why the German press just referred to him as the “ex-CSU Crown Prince.”  So in a real sense, Karl-Theodore zu Guttenberg was “a man spurned and passed over for advancement” as THE MESSAGE version of Daniel 11:21 indicates.

I would add that if he ever establishes a claimed ‘Catholic’ religious order, he will have confirmed various biblical and Catholic prophecies about a leader of Europe.

Since I first wrote about him in late 2009, there have been at least seven speculative predictions that I posted online that Baron Guttenberg has somewhat fulfilled.

On June 3, 2010, also at my Los Angeles Church History and End Time Prophecy Examiner column, I posted an article titled Baron Karl Guttenberg and defense cuts. Might he be the Catholic Great Monarch? which explained why various Catholic prophecies about the “Great Monarch,” including one about being exiled, might point to Herr Guttenberg.  The same article also stated:

If Karl Guttenberg is part of a major Middle East peace deal, if he later establishes armies (or a great army), and if he establishes something like a new religious order within his version of the “Catholic” faith, he hopefully will get more people’s attention.  And if Karl Guttenberg ultimately does gain the top job in a restructured Europe (especially if there are various signs and wonders at and after that time, cf. 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 ), all would be wise to realize that he pretty much is the one who will be the final King of the North (despite the type of denials that would be expected).

Related to the above, on December 12, 2010, at the Los Angeles Church History and End Time Prophecy Examiner column, I posted an article titled Guttenberg to fulfill warning from Los Angeles End Time Prophecy Examiner? that included the following:

Well, late Thursday Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg announced that he {is} taking steps that seemed to fulfill one of those warnings:

German defense minister seeks more European military cooperation

Deutsche Welle – Dec 9, 2010

So, he took at least an initial step in trying to come up with a multi-national great European army (which would also be multi-lingual).

On June 14, 2010, when he caught some flack about some of his statements related to Afghanistan, I posted (see Guttenberg Hints of Resigning):

If he does resign, this would not be a surprise.  For various reasons, he may be out of the limelight for a while, if he does, in fact, become the final King of the North.

And of course, while the Baron did not resign in 2010, he did end up 2011 resigning for other reasons.  The fact that he indicated he might resign in 2010 was another factor that got me to consider that he might be the final King of the North. As far as being out of the limelight, on December 23, 2012, Der Speigel ran an article pointing out the fact that he was staying away from publicity, etc. (see Karl-Theodor Guttenberg working in secret?), hence providing further confirmation to my speculation.

Also, in June 2010, in my article Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North?, I posted the following:

As far as being exiled goes, the Baron is not always popular, and he may become unpopular for a time.

And not only did the plagiarism charge reduce his popularity, shortly thereafter he did go into a self-imposed exile.  Even the German press has referred to his later move to the USA as “Exil” (TV-Kolumne: „Maybrit Illner“: Das Guttenberg-Rätsel – weiter lesen auf FOCUS Online: http://www.focus.de/kultur/kino_tv/focus-fernsehclub/tv-kolumne-maybrit-illner-das-guttenberg-raetsel_aid_687881.html) which is “Exile” in English.

On August 6, 2010, at my Los Angeles Church History and End Time Prophecy Examiner column, I posted (Karl Guttenberg most popular German politician. Might he rise further?):

Even if he temporarily loses popularity again, ultimately he may rise much further.

And the plagiarism scandal has, temporarily in a sense in my view, caused him to lose popularity.

On October 21, 2010, at my Los Angeles Church History and End Time Prophecy Examiner column, I posted (Guttenbergs rising: Might Europe turn to Karl Guttenberg?):

Despite the Guttenbergs rising popularity, Karl Guttenberg is virtually unknown to those I have spoken to about him in Southern California (the American media tends to spend less time on foreign affairs than they do to American celebrities).

I have been one of relatively few to regularly post prophetic articles about him, and seem to be the first newswriter to specify that Karl zu  Guttenberg may become the final King of the North of Bible prophecy and Great Monarch of Catholic and Byzantine (Eastern/Greek Orthodox) prophecy.

On February 25, 2011, I posted (Guttenberg Down, But Not Out):

And it is possible that he could end up out of the limelight, or even out of a political office, for a while.

And although Angela Merkel had wanted him to remain as Defense Minister at that time, he resigned from political office shortly after (March 1, 2011, see Guttenberg Resigns!) a few days after I posted that he might.

On March 4, 2011, I posted the following (bolding added):

And the Baron is certainly one to watch…I have had my eye on Karl Guttenberg since late 2009 when I initially reported about him. And he may be one to watch to rise up as the final “King of the North”…If Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg eventually establishes a new religious order within Catholicism (cf. Daniel 11:38), promotes European unity, promotes ecumenism, promotes peace in the Middle East, and/or otherwise rises up in European politics, he could be very interesting to watch. He now may have the time to do some of these things…As I reported before, certain Roman and Orthodox Catholic prophecies seem to suggest that a certain leader will arise in Europe after being exiled for something…

The fact that he is now “otherwise” trying to rise “up in European politics” and specifically involved with CSU matters is consistent with that speculation on my part, and makes him one to watch.  Also in March 2011, in my article Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North?, I posted:

If he becomes more involved in issues with the Vatican, a religious order, and/or the EU, watch out!

And this last item has began to happen as Karl zu Guttenberg on 12/12/11 was appointed to a position in the EU (Guttenberg Criticized, But…). This is not the final role I suspect that he may have. (I also posted that back on 1/4/12, see COGwriter Speculations on Karl zu Guttenberg Shown Correct.)

On May 10, 2011, I posted the following in an article titled Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg Out But…:

Here are Catholic and Eastern Orthodox prophecies that could apply to the Baron:

Josefa von Bourg (d. 1807): God will choose a descendant of Constantine, Pepin, and St. Louis, who has been tried by a long period of exile to rule over Europe. He will have the sign of the cross on his breast…Under him the Catholic religion will spread as never before (Culleton, The Prophets and Our Times, pp. 181-182; Connor, p.37).

Anonymou Paraphrasis (10th century): The one true King, who is inhabiting a humid place to avoid the heat; whom men have expulsed from his own dwelling and gave a place to live in the islands; who is engaged in navigation and fishing every week; (this King): will be revealed when the time of the power of the Ishmaelites comes to an end. (Tzima Otto, p. 30)

For those who are unaware, Karl zu Guttenberg descends from the Habsburg line and all the Habsburg line seems to have descended from Charlemagne (King Pepin was the father of Charlemagne).  So the idea of one who is to become a ruler who has Baron Guttenberg’s ancestry is supposed to be exiled.

So, before he announced his exile, I suspected that he may fulfill exile prophecies.

A month later, on June 10, 2011, it was reported that the Baron would perhaps leave Germany for a couple of years (Karl Guttenberg Plans Two-Year Sabbatical Abroad).  On July 28, 2011, it was reported that he was moving to Connecticut (Baron Karl zu Guttenberg Moving to USA).

Why was that location of importance?

Well, on August 25, 2011, in the post Baron Guttenberg’s House May Fulfill a Prophecy (and is in a Celebrity Neighborhood) I re-posted one of the old Eastern Orthodox prophecies about the Great Monarch (who seems to be the same person as the final King of the North in Bible prophecy) and then commented about how his new location may fit the prophecy:

Anonymou Paraphrasis (10th century): The one true King, who is inhabiting a humid place to avoid the heat; whom men have expulsed from his own dwelling and gave a place to live in the islands; who is engaged in navigation and fishing every week; (this King): will be revealed when the time of the power of the Ishmaelites comes to an end. (Tzima Otto, p. 30)

The coastal portion of Connecticut, where he now owns a house near other celebrities, has been described as a humid subtropical climate.  Whether the Baron goes to islands, navigates, or fishes much, will be seen.

The fact that he moved to a location that somewhat fits that prophecy was of interest to me.

Interestingly, Karl zu Guttenberg’s first major speech after moving to the USA was actually in Canada, and he called for a stronger leadership in Europe.  This is something that I covered at this National Church History and End Time Prophecy column on November 21, 2011 (see Baron Guttenberg back on public stage and is advocating stronger EU leadership for details).  In that article I mentioned “23 items to consider as to why Karl zu Guttenberg could possibly fill the role that he now seems to be advocating,”  thus I felt that part of the purpose of his speech was to tell the world that he might be interested in providing Europe the strong leadership he was advocating.

I wrote back in March of 2011 that Herr Guttenberg should be watched for possible re-emergence in the political arena. And this is one more step by him confirming those speculations.  Notice something that I posted on December 9, 2011 (see Guttenberg Makes Return to EU Politics in Brussels):

If Karl zu Guttenberg is the one to become the final King of the North of Daniel 11, he will further re-emerge as a force in European politics–this is something that I am now, and have been for some time, watching for. And yes, I also suspect that he will have some disappointments on the way, but that does not change what I feel may happen with him.

The final Beast will ultimately become the political leader of Europe. And according to the Bible, he will have military abilities (Revelation 13:1-4) and apparently be popular and charismatic (cf. Daniel 7:20,11:21-24,31; Revelation 13:3-5).

The Baron did officially reemerge in EU politics (the article below is google translated):

12/12/2011

New Job for Guttenberg

Advisor to the EU Commission

In summary, here are seven speculative predictions that Baron Guttenberg fulfilled after I wrote about them:

1. He has advocated more European military cooperation.
2. He became unpopular for a time (and still is among many).
3. He ended up, for a time, outside of political office.
4. He went out of the limelight for a while.
5. He went into exile (self-imposed).
6. His exile was to a humid location.
7. He has partially re-emerged in European politics.

Now just because he at least partially fulfilled those does not prove that he must be the final King of the North. But they certainly give me reason, combined with biblical and other prophetic sources to consider that he could fulfill that role or at least aid the one who will have it.

If Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg is involved with a future Middle East peace deal and he establishes some type of new religious “Catholic” order, then it could very well be that he could be the final King of the North.  But even if he is not, we are certainly living in times where a powerful leader in Europe will rise up.

Valentine Card, 1909, Shows Pagan Ties

COGwriter

Since many observe Valentine’s Day, this post will cover some of the traditions of it around the world and where some came from. Notice the following:

February 14, 2014
Many countries have their own particular traditions and customs on February 14 and here’s a selection:

Italy

Originally, Italians celebrated Valentine’s Day as the Spring Festival…Also, there is a traditionof giving chocolate to loved ones and Italians believe that in this case, size does matter- the bigger the chocolate, the stronger the love you will have.

France

The French like to think of themselves as the most romantic people in the world, and it’s often claimed on Gallic shores that the first Valentine’s Day card originated in France when Charles, Duke of Orleans, sent love letters to his life while imprisoned in the Tower of London in 1415.

United Kingdom

Valentine’s cards are often sent anonymously in the UK, a tradition dating back to Victorian times…

Estonia

Valentine’s Day celebrations in Estonia have their own twist: February 14 is called “Friend’s Day”, so single, lovelorn people don’t feel left out. http://www.euronews.com/2014/02/14/valentines-day-traditions-around-the-world/

China

…couples in China rushed to make their marriages official, as Friday marked both Valentine’s Day and the Chinese Lantern Festival. The two celebrations fall on the same day only once every 19 years. http://www.voanews.com/content/valentines-day-around-the-world/1851556.html

United States

In the United States, the National Retail Federation expects people to spend more than $17 billion this year on candy, cards, flowers and other mementos marking the occasion. http://www.voanews.com/content/valentines-day-around-the-world/1851556.html

Valentine’s Day is banned in Saudi Arabia and discouraged in other Islam-dominated lands.

February 14, 2014

In Pakistan, Malaysia and other mainly-Muslim countries, many consider Valentine’s Day to be un-Islamic and discourage the celebration of it. In Iran and Saudi Arabia, Valentine’s Day is banned. Hindu extremists in India have also opposed the day. http://www.voanews.com/content/valentines-day-around-the-world/1851556.html

But, some still observe it in the Islamic-dominated lands–which is why some have taken steps to reduce the influence of this essentially pagan holiday.

Notice something from NPR:

Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate romance and love and kissy-face fealty. But the origins of this festival of candy and cupids are actually dark, bloody — and a bit muddled…

From Feb. 13 to 15, the Romans celebrated the feast of Lupercalia. The men sacrificed a goat and a dog, then whipped women with the hides of the animals they had just slain.

The Roman romantics “were drunk. They were naked,” says Noel Lenski, a historian at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Young women would actually line up for the men to hit them, Lenski says. They believed this would make them fertile.

The brutal fete included a matchmaking lottery, in which young men drew the names of women from a jar. The couple would then be, um, coupled up for the duration of the festival — or longer, if the match was right…

Later, Pope Gelasius I muddled things in the 5th century by combining St. Valentine’s Day with Lupercalia to expel the pagan rituals. But the festival was more of a theatrical interpretation of what it had once been. Lenski adds, “It was a little more of a drunken revel, but the Christians put clothes back on it. That didn’t stop it from being a day of fertility and love.”

Around the same time, the Normans celebrated Galatin’s Day. Galatin meant “lover of women.” That was likely confused with St. Valentine’s Day at some point, in part because they sound alike. http://www.npr.org/2011/02/14/133693152/the-dark-origins-of-valentines-day

While I am glad women are no longer subject to public whipping on this day, the holiday still is not on Christian origin.

The Catholic Encyclopedia states:

The popular customs associated with Saint Valentine’s Day undoubtedly had their origin in a conventional belief generally received in England and France during the Middle Ages, that on 14 February, i.e. half way through the second month of the year, the birds began to pair. Thus in Chaucer’s Parliament of Foules we read:

For this was sent on Seynt Valentyne’s day
Whan every foul cometh ther to choose his mate.

For this reason the day was looked upon as specially consecrated to lovers and as a proper occasion for writing love letters and sending lovers’ tokens. (Thurston, Herbert. “St. Valentine.” The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 15. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1912. 14 Feb. 2014 <http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/15254a.htm>.)

The Catholic Encyclopediaessentially admits this did not come from the Bible.  I would add that the practices began earlier than the Middle Ages with origins in a pagan sexual lottery.  Notice what else the Roman Catholics teach:

The roots of St. Valentine’s Day lie in the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia, which was celebrated on Feb. 15. For 800 years the Romans had dedicated this day to the god Lupercus. On Lupercalia, a young man would draw the name of a young woman in a lottery and would then keep the woman as a sexual companion for the year (The Origins of St. Valentine’s Day. http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/ValentinesDay/, January 31, 2004).

The Apostle Jude warned that people claiming to be Christian leaders would turn towards behaviors like sexual license:

4 For there have been some intruders, who long ago were designated for this condemnation, godless persons, who pervert the grace of our God into licentiousness and who deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. (Jude 4, New American Bible of the United States Conference Catholic Bishops)

As alluded to earlier, in countries like the USA, Valentine’s traditions include giving cards, flowers, and chocolate, often with symbols that are supposed to represent Cupid or some type of love. Food and alcohol are sometimes also involved.

Here is more information on some of the origins of a few of the traditions:

Your Valentine’s Day checklist probably includes chocolates, cards and a dozen red roses. So how did all this start?…Ancient Romans celebrated the feast of Lupercalia on Feb. 13-15. The feast involved animal sacrifices and whipping women, thought to make them more fertile…

But the first direct connection between St. Valentine’s and the idea of love comes much later, in the poetry of Geoffrey Chaucer, says Andy Kelly, an English professor at the University of California-Los Angeles, who wrote the book “Chaucer and the Cult of St. Valentine.”

Chaucer, best known for “The Canterbury Tales,” wrote a poem called “Parliament of Foules (Fowls)” in 1381 to honor Richard II’s engagement, Kelly said.

In the poem, St. Valentine’s Day is celebrated on May 3 — not Feb. 14 — and represents “the day when all the birds choose their mates for the year,” Kelly told USA TODAY Network.

“Quickly afterwards, within a generation, people took the idea of celebrating of St. Valentine’s as a day of love,” Kelly said.

The St. Valentine whom Chaucer was probably referencing was St. Valentine of Genoa, who died on May 3 and whose feast day was celebrated on May 2, according to Kelly’s book…

Cards

The British Museum in London has a Valentine dated from the 15th century, but it wasn’t until the mid-19th century when Valentine-giving became popular in England, said Ann C. Colley, a distinguished professor of English at SUNY-Buffalo State…

Chocolate

Chocolate has long been considered an aphrodisiac, said Alexandra Leaf, a culinary educator and founder of Chocolate Tours of New York City, in an interview with USA TODAY Network.

Starting in the 17th century, when cacao beans were first brought to Europe from Mexico and Central America, Europeans associated the food with stories about Montezuma and his many wives, Leaf said…

“There’s a carryover of the aphrodisiac notion that would make it appropriate for Valentine’s Day,” Leaf said…

Cupid

The cherub-faced Cupid we recognize today was originally something quite different.

In the 5th century, the Greek version of Cupid, Eros (the inspiration for the word “erotic”), was depicted as a tall young man, who was “athletic, heroic and had wings,” according to Angeline Chiu…Chiu said Cupid’s transformation into a baby can be credited to Renaissance art…

Red roses

In the 18th century, Charles II of Sweden introduced the idea of flowers symbolizing emotions or messages carrying non-verbal messages, according to ProFlowers.com.

Today, red roses stand for passionate love, pink roses for friendship, white for purity, and both red and white mean unity, said Jennifer Sparks, spokeswoman for the Society of American Florists, in an e-mail to USA TODAY Network. http://www.freep.com/article/20140214/FEATURES01/302140053/Valentine-s-Day-traditions-explained

Valentine’s Day is not an actual Christian holiday, even the Church of Rome no longer officially honors it, see Valentine’s Day: Its Real Origins, though Pope Francis promoted it today. Actually, in the photo of him encouraging Valentine’s Day at http://www.voanews.com/content/valentines-day-around-the-world/1851556.html, Francis was holding a red rose.

It comes from paganism and the Bible warns against engaging in pagan practices. Notice:

29 When the LORD your God cuts off from before you the nations which you go to dispossess, and you displace them and dwell in their land, 30 take heed to yourself that you are not ensnared to follow them, after they are destroyed from before you, and that you do not inquire after their gods, saying, ‘How did these nations serve their gods? I also will do likewise.’ 31 “You shall not worship the LORD your God in that way; for every abomination to the LORD which He hates they have done to their gods; for they burn even their sons and daughters in the fire to their gods. 32 Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it (Deuteronomy 12:29-32, NKJV).

2 Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. 3 For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe (Jeremiah 10:2-3, KJV).

29 …abstain from things offered to idols (Acts 15:29, NKJV).

14 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? 15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. (2 Corinthians 6:14-16)

9 What am I saying then? That an idol is anything, or what is offered to idols is anything? 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. (1 Corinthians 10:19-21)

While there are many traditions and practices, none who profess Christ should observe this February 14th “holiday”–it simply is not a Christian holiday.

For more information, please consider studying the following:

Valentine’s Day: Its Real Origins Christianity Today suggests that Valentine’s Day is good for Christians to observe. Is this true? There is also a YouTube sermon available titled Valentine’s Day, Christianity, and Islam.
Should Christians Observe Valentine’s Day? This is a shorter YouTube video about the origins of Valentine’s Day and why real Christians should not observe it.
Is There “An Annual Worship Calendar” In the Bible? This paper provides a biblical and historical critique of several articles, including one by 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.
Are the Ten Commandment Still in Effect? This article quotes the ten commandments and combines some of the previous articles into one article about the ten commandments. The commandments are shown at Mount Sinai, before Mount Sinai, in the teachings of Jesus, after the crucifixion, and in the teachings of Paul. It addresses the most common “traditions of men” regarding them as well.
Were the Pharisees Condemned for Keeping the Law or Reasoning Around it? Many believe that the Pharisees were condemned for keeping the law, but what does your Bible say? If they were not condemned for that, what were they condemned for?
The Ten Commandments Reflect Love, Breaking them is Evil Some feel that the ten commandments are a burden. Is that what Jesus, Paul, Peter, James, and John taught?
Was the Commandment to Love the Only Command? Some have stated that John’s writings teach this, but is that what the Bible really says?
The Ten Commandments and the Early Church Did Jesus and the Early Church keep the ten commandments? What order were they in? Here are quotes from the Bible and early writings.
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?
Where is the True Christian Church Today? This free online pdf booklet answers that question and includes 18 proofs, clues, and signs to identify the true vs. false Christian church. Plus 7 proofs, clues, and signs to help identify Laodicean churches. A related sermon is also available: Where is the True Christian Church? Here is a link to the booklet in the Spanish language: ¿Dónde está la verdadera Iglesia cristiana de hoy?
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. Two related sermon links would include Continuing History of the Church of God: c. 31 to c. 300 A.D. and Continuing History of the Church of God: 4th-16th Centuries. In Spanish: Marque aquí para ver el pdf folleto: Continuación de la Historia de la Iglesia de Dios.