Church of God News

Jews in Poland had to Wear the Above Badge After Germany Invaded in WWII (Daniel Ullrich, Threedots)

COGwriter

A reader sent me a link to the following in a Jewish publication:

May 14, 2015

It is since 2012 that the Vatican, under Pope Benedict XVI, spoke of the “State of Palestine” in its official documents. So the decision of the Holy See to recognize this non-existent state should not be a surprise. But the treaty is the first legal and bilateral document in which the Vatican speaks of the “State of Palestine” and no more of the “Organization for the Liberation of Palestine” (PLO): it is, in fact, an official recognition. A symbolic and historic breakthrough. …

For over forty years after the Jewish State won independence in 1948, the Vatican adopted a diplomatic policy copying that of Israel’s enemies: total non-recognition of the Jewish statehood. Despite the acceptance by all Western nations, including, at the beginning, the Communist bloc, theVatican’s recognition of Israel occurred only in 1993.The same Church that didn’t recognize Israel opened diplomatic relations with the PLO, a terror organization whose goal is the “liberation” of the Holy Land from the Jews who live between the Mediterranean and the Jordan River. The Church formally recognized Israel’s existence only two decades after Israel’s foe, Egypt, signed a peace treaty with the Jewish State.

And the Vatican had diplomatic relations with over 130 states. It acknowledged their legitimacy even as it disputed, in some cases, their borders.

Why has such a different standard been applied to Israel? Because of anti-Semitism and the aversion they felt upon seeing Israel again among the family of nations. For the Vatican, an independent Jewish State bearing the name “Israel,” with Jerusalem as its capital, and a renewal of life in the land of the Bible, has been the most complex theological Christian problem and a total contradiction to Church dogma.

And now, because of the same anti-Semitism, the Vatican has hurried to recognize the “State of Palestine”, this Trojan horse against the Jewish people, a tool to dismantle the State of Israel and a proto-Nazi entity from which all the Jews are to be cleansed.

We note in shock Pope Francis’ eagerness to recognize the “State of Palestine” before it has even yet arisen and we recall the eagerness of another Pope to recognize the Nazi regime just four months after it was established.  http://www.israelnationalnews.com/Articles/Article.aspx/16922#!

Here is something related to certain evangelical Protestants:

The diplomatic recognition of the “state of Palestine” by the Vatican will open the door to a new wave of anti-Semitism and endanger millions of Israeli Jews and Arabs, charge several leading evangelicals who have written about the end times.

And the controversial decision by Pope Francis is even leading to allegations the Roman Catholic Church will be an adversary to Christians and the state of Israel during those times.

New York Times bestselling author and filmmaker Joel Richardson slammed the decision as “an act of profound hatred toward the Jewish people globally.”

In an interview with WND, the author of “When a Jew Rules the World: What the Bible Really Says About Israel in the Plan of God,” observed: “To the uninformed, from the outside, recognizing ‘Palestine’ might seem to be reasonable. Certainly, the God of Heaven loves the Palestinian people as much as the Jew.

“But not to those who have a better grasp of the various political, religious and security related realities on the ground. None who are informed will deny that the establishment of a Palestinian state will compromise the security of the millions of Israeli Jews and Arabs in a profound way.”  …

Talk-show host, pastor and author Carl Gallups agrees that the impact of the Vatican’s decision will be catastrophic. However, the author of “Final Warning: Understanding the Trumpet Days of Revelation” says he isn’t surprised.

Gallups told WND: “This really should come as no huge shock to the world, especially to the Christian world, because this pope has made similar statements supporting the Palestinian cause. As far as I know, this is the first time he’s called for a Palestinian state explicitly, however. And this is disturbing prophetically and geopolitically, because it will fuel the current wave of anti-Semitism that is sweeping the globe.

“It is important to remember there has never been a nation state in that area except Israel. So some kind of ‘Palestinian nation’ is only going to be used to fuel this fire by the leftists and godless who are mobilized by hatred of Israel and Jews. Though I’m an evangelical, I find it so tragic that this statement is coming from the pope, who so many believe should be a bastion of Christianity. But this pope is a leftist theologically speaking and politically speaking,” he said.  …

Tom Horn … says the Vatican has never intended for Jerusalem to belong to one state…Horn alleges: “Rome ostensibly pleads the case of Palestinians and Catholics who want to make pilgrimage, but in truth, there is a wealth of evidence that the Vatican wants to possess Jerusalem as its own. Even more, there are high-level Jewish officials waiting in the wings to hand it over.” http://www.wnd.com/2015/05/israelis-security-compromised-by-vatican-recognizing-palestine/#QCLxf8ATKuKUSL1L.99

While I am not convinced that the official reference to the ‘state of Palestine’ was intended to be anti-semitism by the Vatican, there has long been anti-semitism in the Church of Rome, but not only Rome.

Throughout history, well known Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Protestant leaders have made anti-semitic statements and encouraged hatred against the Jews.

I believe one reason for this is to discourage people from considering that the predominant churches that call themselves Christian do not want their members to consider that the true Christian church had more religious practices in common with the Jews that their churches.

Scholars recognize that the original Church of God in Jerusalem was led by circumcised Jews, who were faithful to Christian teachings, yet had practices that the Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholics, and Protestants have condemned.

Some improperly believe that the fourth-century sun-god worshiping Emperor Constantine implemented, and believed in, true religious freedom for Christians in his “Edict of Milan” decree in 313:

When I, Constantine Augustus, as well as I, Licinius Augustus, fortunately met near Mediolanurn (Milan), and were considering everything that pertained to the public welfare and security, we thought, among other things which we saw would be for the good of many, those regulations pertaining to the reverence of the Divinity ought certainly to be made first, so that we might grant to the Christians and others full authority to observe that religion which each preferred; whence any Divinity whatsoever in the seat of the heavens may be propitious and kindly disposed to us and all who are placed under our rule. And thus, by this wholesome counsel and most upright provision we thought to arrange that no one should be denied the opportunity to give his heart for the observance of the Christian religion, of that religion that he should think best for himself, so that the Supreme Deity, to whose worship we freely yield our hearts, may show in all things His usual favor and benevolence. …

Therefore, your Worship should know that it has pleased us to remove all conditions whatsoever, which were in the rescripts formerly given to you officially, concerning the Christians and now any one of these who wishes to observe Christian religion may do so freely and openly, without molestation. We thought it fit to commend these things most fully to your care that you may know that we have given to those Christians free and unrestricted opportunity of religious worship. When you see that this has been granted to them by us, your Worship will know that we have also conceded to other religions the right of open and free observance of their worship for the sake of the peace of our times, that each one may have the free opportunity to worship as he pleases ; this regulation is made we that we may not seem to detract from any dignity or any religion. (Goldstein N. Religion and State. Infobase Publishing, 2010, p. 190)

Instead actually believing that, the Emperor authorized persecution. Around 332, Constantine issued what is known as the Edict Against the Heretics:

Victor Constantinus, Maximus Augustus, to the heretics. “Understand now, by this present statute, ye Novatians, Valentinians, Marcionites, Paulians, ye who are called Cataphrygians, and all ye who devise and support heresies by means of your private assemblies, with what a tissue of falsehood and vanity, with what destructive and venomous errors, your doctrines are inseparably interwoven; so that through you the healthy soul is stricken with disease, and the living becomes the prey of everlasting death. Ye haters and enemies of truth and life, in league with destruction! All your counsels are opposed to the truth, but familiar with deeds of baseness; full of absurdities and fictions: and by these ye frame falsehoods, oppress the innocent, and withhold the light from them that believe. Ever trespassing under the mask of godliness, ye fill all things with defilement: ye pierce the pure and guileless conscience with deadly wounds, while ye withdraw, one may almost say, the very light of day from the eyes of men. But why should I particularize, when to speak of your criminality as it deserves demands more time and leisure than I can give? For so long and unmeasured is the catalogue of your offenses, so hateful and altogether atrocious are they, that a single day would not suffice to recount them all. And, indeed, it is well to turn one’s ears and eyes from such a subject, lest by a description of each particular evil, the pure sincerity and freshness of one’s own faith be impaired. Why then do I still bear with such abounding evil; especially since this protracted clemency is the cause that some who were sound are become tainted with this pestilent disease? Why not at once strike, as it were, at the root of so great a mischief by a public manifestation of displeasure? (Chapter LXIV.—Constantine’s Edict against the Heretics.)

“FORASMUCH, then, as it is no longer possible to bear with your pernicious errors, we give warning by this present statute that none of you henceforth presume to assemble yourselves together. We have directed, accordingly, that you be deprived of all the houses in which you are accustomed to hold your assemblies: and our care in this respect extends so far as to forbid the holding of your superstitious and senseless meetings, not in public merely, but in any private house or place whatsoever. …

And in order that this remedy may be applied with effectual power, we have commanded, as before said, that you be positively deprived of every gathering point for your superstitious meetings, I mean all the houses of prayer, if such be worthy of the name, which belong to heretics, and that these be made over without delay to the catholic Church; that any other places be confiscated to the public service, and no facility whatever be left for any future gathering; in order that from this day forward none of your unlawful assemblies may presume to appear in any public or private place. Let this edict be made public.” (Chapter LXV.—Constantine’s Edict against the Heretics.)

Some of those referred to as Paulians (Paulicians) and Cataphrygians were part of the true Church of God; thus they would have rejected Sunday , kept the Sabbath on Saturday (like the Jews and like what early Christians did; see The Sabbath in the Early Church and Abroad) and would have rejected many other doctrines that Emperor Constantine endorsed. And like some other persecutions, the Edict included those truly in the Church of God and those not in the true church.

According to Eusebius’ Life of Constantine, Book III chapter 18, in the fourth century, the sun-god worshiping Roman emperor Constantine stated concerning the date of Passover:

Let us then have nothing in common with the detestable Jewish crowd; for we have received from our Saviour a different way.

Jesus never stated that the Jews were detestable (He was a Jew) nor that He wanted to change the date of Passover. Constantine endorsed changing the date of Passover to a Sunday, whereas the original Christians kept it on the 14th of Nisan, the same date as the Jews.  This was one of the reasons that Constantine initiated persecution against Christians.

And is was not just Emperor Constantine.

Orthodox seers and writers have also taken positions against those with original Judeo-Christian practices.  One example would be a 1249 A.D. vision of “Blessed Hieronymus Agathaghelos” which claimed that “the blasphemies of the Sabbatians have stained and soiled for many centuries” (Cited in Tzima Otto, p. 135; Dr. Otto herself refers to those with Nazarene/Judeo-Christian beliefs as “Christian traitors” on p. 240)–Hieronymus Agathaghelos also predicted their public execution (Tzima Otto, 134,135,240).

There is a long history of Greco-Roman church leaders attempting to eliminate those part of, or sympathetic to, the Church of God.

The Albigneses were condemned by various councils. And one, the Council of Albi (sometimes spelled Alby) in 1254 apparently stated:

They savour of Judaism…they observe the Jewish sabbath, but say that the holy Dominical day is no better than any other day; let them be accursed (Quoted in Davis, Tamar. A General History of the Sabbatarian Churches. 1851; Reprinted 1995 by Commonwealth Publishing, Salt Lake City, p. 64).

Notice what a former Roman Catholic priest reported:

It has been reckoned that in the last and most savage persecution under Emperor Diocletian about two thousand Christians perished, worldwide. In the first incident of Pope Innocent’s Crusade ten times that number of people were slaughtered. Not all were Albigensians. It comes as a shock to discover that, at a stroke, a pope killed far more Christians than Diocletian (De Rosa, Peter. Vicars of Christ. Poolberg Press, Dublin, 2000, pp. 160-161).

(The entire persecution that Roman Emperor Diocletian unleashed lasted from 303-313 A.D; the inquisition-persecution that Innocent III unleashed lasted hundreds of years.)

It perhaps show be pointed out that sometimes those in the true Church of God have been considered to be secretly Jews by some in Greco-Roman faiths:

In the Middle Ages, the Popes and the Councils were successful in destroying the Jewish revolutionary movements which appeared within Christianity in the form of false teaching and which were introduced by those who were Christians in appearance but Jews in secret. The latter then recruited upright and good Christians for the arising heretical movement by persuading the latter in a crafty way.

The secret Jews organised and controlled in secret manner the movements, which were the creative and driving force of wicked false teachings, such as those of the Iconoclasts, the Cathars, the Patarines, the Albigensians, the Hussites, the Alumbrados and others. (Pinay, Maurice. The Plot Against the Church, Part Four Chapter One. Translated from the German and Spanish editions of the same work. 1962)

The above book is still recommended by and for many Catholics (though some others distance themselves from it).  Hence, some of the Greco-Romans have considered some of whom we in the Continuing Church of God include in our tracing of our spiritual ancestors (like some of the Cathars and Albigenses) to have been a secret Jewish group that only professed Christ.

Now, of course, from time to time, some leaders distance themselves from antisemitism.  Notice the following:

May 11, 2015

The Catholic and Protestant churches in Austria have apologized for their anti-Semitism during and prior to the Holocaust.  …

The Catholic Church “must acknowledge its share of responsibility for the creation of a climate of disdain and hatred” for Jews before the Nazi period and the lack of “pity and solidarity with our Jewish fellow citizens” during the Holocaust, said Cardinal Christoph Schoenborn, the Associated Press reported.

The Austrian Protestant Council of Churches also expressed “particular shame” for “complicity against Jews and other groups … that were considered ‘unfit to live.'”

As far as being “unfit to live,” that is consistent with an antisemitic teaching of Protestant reformer Martin Luther. Sadly, millions of Jews were killed with Catholic and Protestant complicity during WWII.  The apology, which of itself should have been done, will not bring them back, nor stop some persecutions that the Bible teaches will occur in the future.

By promoting anti-semitism, those associated with the Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholics, and Protestants have often feared to have anything in common with the Jews, and have been afraid to practice the original Christian faith, which did have a few practices in common with the Jews.

Furthermore, as I mentioned yesterday, Rome has long wanted Jerusalem and wrest control away from the Jews.  And no one should think that it really wants to give that control to the Muslims.  Recall it was pope who started the Crusades in the Middle Ages to take control of Jerusalem from the Muslims.

The Vatican basically believes that to show that it represents the universal religion of the world that it needs sovereign territory in Jerusalem to better project that image to the world.

The Vatican wants the Church of God on Jerusalem’s Western Hill and it wants a more important role in Jerusalem.

But, perhaps it should again be pointed out that some Catholic writers have indicated that an antipope will be established in Jerusalem:

Priest E. Sylvester Berry (published 1920):  The two horns denote a twofold authority – spiritual and temporal.  As indicated by the resemblance to a lamb, the prophet will probably set himself up in Rome as a sort of anti-pope…Antichrist will establish himself in Jerusalem…with his ‘lying wonders’… (Berry ES.  The Apocalypse of St. John, 1920.  Quoted in Culleton RG.  The Reign of Antichrist.  Reprint 1974, TAN Books, Rockford (IL), pp. 199-200).

Much of the above teaching is consistent with certain scriptures.

The recognition of the state of Palestine is mainly a step to get the Vatican closer to its real goal.

Whether or not anti-semitism was behind the recognition of ‘the state of Palestine’ by the Vatican yesterday,Rome wants Jerusalem.  And the historical reality is that the Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholics, and Protestants have long had anti-Semitic practices and have condemned Christians who held to the same practices that Jesus and His early faithful followers have.

(Isiah 24:15 Quoted Above in Hebrew)

COGwriter

The BBC reported what some UK business leaders feel about a possible British exit (Brexit) from the European Union:

14 May 2015

Prime Minister David Cameron has promised an in-out referendum on the UK’s membership of the European Union before the end of 2017.

Most business lobby groups seem to be broadly in favour of staying in a reformed EU, and their member surveys reflect this view. …

What effect could a Brexit – the inelegant short-hand for Britain leaving Europe – have on UK businesses?The BBC canvassed a variety of businesses for their views. …

Tony Attard, boss of a 30-year-old company making textiles for hotels, hospitals and offices. … “It’s a ridiculous thing to say that being out of Europe would make us more competitive and nimble. We shouldn’t take if for granted that we would have access to an open market if we pulled out.”

“We really need a referendum to make up our minds once and for all whether we’re going to be in Europe and make a go of it, or go our separate ways,” says John Mills, founder of global consumer products company JML Group.

The Labour party donor and co-chairman of lobby group, Business for Britain, says: “I don’t think it would make much difference economically if we were in or out, but I’m quite open minded on the issue.

“I just think we need to change our terms of membership and repatriate some powers from Brussels to Westminster. I don’t think Britain wants to be part of a ‘United States of Europe’.”

The costs of membership, at £14bn-£15bn a year, are too high, he adds, while some of the regulations coming from Europe “can make business less competitive”. …

“I want to have my cake and eat it,” admits Lesley Moody, boss of a digital media company developing software for local government and the food and beverage industry.

“I favour being involved in Europe, but I don’t want to be drawn further in,” she says. … She fears being “drowned in red tape” and that the proposed Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership being negotiated between the EU and the US could put some UK businesses at a competitive disadvantage.  http://www.bbc.com/news/business-32689167

The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) is something that the USA and EU have been negotiating for some time (see WTO/TTIP and the Babylonian Beast).  It was supposed to be finished by the end of 2015, but few expect that at this stage.

As far as a possible “United States of Europe” goes, this is something Church of God writers and European leaders have written about for some time.  A dictatorial “United States of Europe” will form.

when Europe was still recovering from being devastated in World War II, after attending a conference related to the start of the UN, in the December 1948 issue of The Plain Truth Herbert W. Armstrong predicted a coming “United States of Europe” when he wrote:

It was the SERMON that shot forth that spark, impregnating the minds of world leaders in attendance. This amazing sermon was delivered by a foremost radio speaker of the Catholic Church, Bishop Duane G. Hunt of Salt Lake City…Without the guidance, supervision, authority of the Catholic Church, he told these men, they were laboring in vain…

This was the Roman Catholic bid to resurrect the so-called “HOLY ROMAN EMPIRE” ! And PROPHECY says they will succeed!…At the psychological time, the pope will step in… Thru this political movement, he will UNIFY…nations in Europe. It will be a “The UNITED STATES OF EUROPE,” but that probably will never become its official name.  (Armstrong HW. Now It Can Be Told…The Plain Truth,December 1948, pp. 2,5).

In 1965, the late Herbert W. Armstrong wrote:

…European countries urgently want political union, the very UNITED STATES OF EUROPE I have been assuring PLAIN TRUTH readers for 31 years is definitely coming. It will unite them into a giant third World Power…

There is a definite German “Kultur! There is a French culture that is in many respects quite different. Then there is a still different Italian culture, a Spanish culture, a Scandinavian culture, a Swiss culture–and all are different! European nations speak different languages, have different aspirations, different customs, different traditions. Europe is often called a “crazy-quilt” of nations.

HOW, THEN, CAN THEY AGREE TOGETHER AND UNITE? For years The PLAIN TRUTH has said these nations are going to have to realize their inability to unite themselves politically-to choose a common political-military Leader that all can trust. They are going to finally face the fact they must look to a Supreme Authority they can all trust! That Supreme Authority cannot be a politician, or a general (De Gaulle is both). The only possible answer is a Religious Leader! (Armstrong HW. Personal. Plain Truth, November 1965, pp.1-2)

Notice also something else Herbert Armstrong wrote:

“And in the days of these kings…”–it is here speaking of the ten toes, part of iron and part of brittle clay. This, by connecting the prophecy with Daniel 7, and Revelation 13 and 17, is referring to the new UNITED STATES OF EUROPE that is now forming, out of the European Common Market, before your very eyes! Revelation 17:12 makes plain the detail that it shall be a union of TEN KINGS OR KINGDOMS that (Rev. 17:8) shall resurrect the old ROMAN EMPIRE. So, mark carefully the time element! “In the days of these kings”–in the days of these then nations or groups of nations that shall, IN OUR TIME, resurrect briefly the Roman Empire… (The members of the European Common Market are probably not the same ten that will resurrect the Holy Roman Empire.) (Armstrong HW. Mystery of the Ages. Dood, Mead & Company, New York, 1985, pp. 301,302-303)

These ten nations, or groups of nations, comprising the modern revived Beast, are to fight Christ at His coming. This shows the time for the fulfillment of this prophecy…Remember that there must be TEN NATIONS or groups of nations to comprise the final resurrection of the modern “Holy Roman Empire”! (AMBASSADOR COLLEGE, BIBLE CORRESPONDENCE COURSE. LESSON 32 (1963, 1965, 1967, 1969)

So, back as far as at least 1969, those of us in the Church of God did not limit the final coming European power to the ten nations that were in the old European Common Market. Since Revelation 17:12 says the kings of Europe did not have a kingdom until that time, this suggests some type of restructure in Europe needs to happen before the Beast truly rises up. The European power could contain a lot of nations (see also Must the Ten Kings of Revelation 17:12 Rule over Ten Currently Existing Nations?).

Notice something from 1971:

Bible prophecy clearly shows that Britain will not be one of the … NATIONS comprising the final United States of Europe (McNair R. A Strong United Europe. Tomorrow’s World, February 1970, p. 17).

Back in 1971, the old WCG had the following in an article titled Rising World Colossus by Gene Hogberg:

Envision the startling future of Western Europe… A “United States of Europe” possessing one single currency – a currency so strong that it will replace the U.S. dollar as the kingpin currency of world trade.

The Europeans do have their own currency, and while it has not yet replaced the dollar, the time will come when the world will NOT keep the US dollar as its primary reserve currency.

Interestingly in October 2002, French politician Valery Giscard d’Estaing suggested that the name of the European Community should be changed to United States of Europe. Furthermore, the European Parliament had a conference entitled “The United States of Europe – Towards a Transnational Society?” And in September 2011, ex-Chancellor Gerhard Schröder of Germany called for a ‘United States of Europe’ (see Telegraph: Former German Chancellor Demands ‘United States of Europe’, Be Afraid) and others called for a ‘United States of Europe’ in June 2012 (see TW, Guido Westerwelle, HWA, and Alan Greenspan on Europe’s Future)–and while that precise name is not necessary, it does show that the Church of God’s basic view has long been correct. The Continuing Church of God, of course, continues to warn about this emerging European Beast power.  I have reported about a coming the “United States of Europe” in posts on this Church of God News page since 2007 and stated its formation was happening in 2010 (see EU President Declares End of Nation State, Britain Skeptical).

In 2014, it was reported by a secular source:

There are powerful forces in the EU pushing for a dictatorship, which is what political union would ultimately mean.

Democracy in Europe is a fragile thing, just a couple of decades old in the continent’s centre and east; only a few decades more than that in most of the rest. Only a fool with no sense of history would dismiss the possibility that authoritarianism could reassert itself, or that European soil is anything other than fertile ground for it to grow in. …

Without coming within a million miles of being explicit about it, that was what European Commission Vice President Viviane Reding was on about yesterday in Cambridge.

“There is a strong case for a true fiscal and ultimately political union. In my personal view, the eurozone should become the United States of Europe,” she said, while acknowledging Britain would not be part of it.

Political union must mean a form of dictatorship since power would be removed from the nation state — the only political construct with a meaningful demos — and placed in a no man’s land dominated by the bureaucracy. This point surfaces now and again, but is rarely internalised. It needs to be. (The EU dictatorship they want but won’t get. The Commentator, 18 February 2014. http://www.thecommentator.com/article/4735/the_eu_dictatorship_they_want_but_won_t_get viewed 11/08/14)

Let me add that after Europe ultimately accepts a dictatorship (cf. Revelation 17:12-13), it will not be quite a United States of Europe in the American sense.  But it will be a dictatorial empire.

Some in the UK suspect that Europe is moving towards a direction that they will not like.

But, the reality is that it will be worse for the UK, and the USA for that matter, than nearly everyone currently believes.

Some items of related interest may include:

British are the Covenant People What do ‘British’ and ‘Britain’ mean in Hebrew? Are the descendants of the Anglo-Saxons people of the covenant? Does the British royal family connect to the throne of David? What does the Bible teach? What does history show us? Is there any DNA evidence related to British-Israelism? When did Christianity make it to the British Isles? Could Jeremiah have made it to the British Isles? What type of Christians made it to the British Isles? Did the last King of England believe in British Israelism?
WTO/TTIP and the Babylonian Beast Will international trade agreements like WTO/TTIP/CETA lead to the fulfillment of end time prophecies concerning the Babylonian Beast power that the Book of Revelation warns against? What does the Bible teach? A related video would be WTO Trade Deal and the Rise of the European Beast Power.
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.
Just What Do You Mean — Repentance? Do you know what repentance is? Have you truly repented? Repented of what? Herbert W. Armstrong wrote this as a booklet on this important subject.
When You Sin: Do You Really Repent? This is an article by Charles F. Hunting. A related sermon is Confess to God and truly repent.
Catholic Prophecies: Do They Mirror, Highlight, or Contradict Biblical Prophecies? People of all faiths may be surprised to see what various Roman and Orthodox Catholic prophets have been predicting as many of their predictions will be looked to in the 21st century.
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Saxon (non-Dutch) Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo-Saxon nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first? Here is a link to the Spanish version of this article: Anglo-América & las Tribus Perdidas de Israel. A video of possible interest may be Will Will USA Spying Help the Beast Power?.
Will the Anglo-Saxon Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What about Jerusalem? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people? Here is a link to a video titled Will the USA and other Anglo-nations be Divided and Their People Made Slaves? Here is a related item in the Spanish language ¿Serán divididas las naciones anglosajonas?
Hillary Clinton, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States This is a 188 page book for people truly interested in prophecies related to Hillary Clinton and the United States, including learning about many that have already been fulfilled and those that will be fulfilled in the future. It also discusses Republicans. The physical book can be purchased at Amazon from the following link: Hillary Clinton, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States: Is Hillary Clinton Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic Catholic, Hopi, and other America-Related Prophecies? $11.99.
Hillary Clinton, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Amazon Kindle edition. This electronic version of the 188 page print edition is available for only US$3.99. 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 Hillary Clinton, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Amazon Kindle edition.
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

Several hours ago, I saw something from Time that seemed interesting.  It was partially in response to the PEW survey showing that less in the USA identify themselves as Protestants or Roman Catholics (see PEW: Declines in USA Catholics and Protestants).  Anyway, here is part of the Time article:

If America Became a Christian Nation

They probably wouldn’t like what it looks like

With political season kicking off again, so is the season where folks begin to use the term “Christian nation.” Some claim we were one, some claim we are one, and some say we need to become one. Yet, each time I hear that phrase I have an inner Princess Bride moment where I say to myself, “you keep using that word, but it doesn’t mean what you think it means.”

So, what if we became a Christian nation? Well, a few things would have to change… drastically. Here’s a few quick examples:Because truth be told, if America actually were to become a Christian nation, I don’t think the people who advocated for it would be too happy with the end product.  …

We’d Have To Abolish the 2nd Amendment.

The 2nd Amendment is so beloved by American Christians that this alone would likely be the sticking point preventing us from ever becoming a Christian nation. Jesus taught his disciples that they were to never use violence to respond to evil (Matthew 5:39) and that they were to actively love their enemies. He also lived a life of nonviolent enemy love as a model for us to follow– and living our lives patterned after how he lived his is the ultimate proof that we belong to God (1John 2:6). A Christian nation would have no room for the 2nd Amendment.

No, the USA would not have to get rid of the 2nd amendment (cf. Luke 22:36).  But it would have to cease being a warlike nation (see Military Service and the Churches of God: Do Real Christians Participate in Carnal Warfare or Encourage Violence?) and also its love of violent sports (see Is American Football Evil?).

Early Christians would NOT participate in carnal warfare nor watch violent sports (see Military Service and the Churches of God: Do Real Christians Participate in Carnal Warfare or Encourage Violence?).

Most who claim to be Christian in the USA would condemn the original Christian faith as a cult (see also Is the Genuine Church of God a Cult?) and not be willing to accept it.  This is despite the fact that Jude wrote “to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3).

Most do not understand original Christianity and do not want to.  You can learn about it if you are interested in the truth:

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? Here is a link in the German language: WO IST DIE WAHRE CHRISTLICHE KIRCHE HEUTE?

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 Acts 2 in the first century to the 21st century. 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.

Let me also add that if the USA were a Christian nation, there would not be crosses associated with churches (see What is the Origin of the Cross as a ‘Christian’ Symbol?), the religious holidays would change (see Is There “An Annual Worship Calendar” In the Bible?), people would finally really keep the Ten Commandments (see The Ten Commandments and the Early Church), and there would be many blessings that most cannot conceive out truly happening today.

But because the USA is not Christian, but is ‘an hypocritical nation’ (Isaiah 10:6, KJV), punishment will be coming (Isaiah 10:5-11; Romans 1:18-32; Daniel 11:39) and some of the prophesied sorrows (Matthew 24:4-8) are already here.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Military Service and the Churches of God: Do Real Christians Participate in Carnal Warfare or Encourage Violence? Here are current and historical perspectives on a matter which show the beliefs of the true church on military participation. Is war proper for Christians? A related sermon would be: Christians, Violence, and Military Service.
Is American Football Evil? Is the most popular spectator sport in the USA something that Christians should watch? What do the Bible and early writings show? There is also a YouTube video available titled Should Christians watch American football?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Saxon (non-Dutch) Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo-Saxon nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first? Here is a link to the Spanish version of this article: Anglo-América & las Tribus Perdidas de Israel. Information is also in the YouTube sermons titled Where are the Ten Lost Tribes? Why does it matter? and British are the Covenant People. A short YouTube of prophetic interest may be Barack Obama and the State of the Apocalypse.
Will the Anglo-Saxon Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What about Jerusalem? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people? Here is a link to a video titled Will the USA and other Anglo-nations be Divided and Their People Made Slaves? Here is a related item in the Spanish language ¿Serán divididas las naciones anglosajonas?
Is There “An Annual Worship Calendar” In the Bible? This paper provides a biblical and historical critique of several articles, including one by the Tkach WCG which states that this should be a local decision. What do the Holy Days mean? Also you can click here for the calendar of Holy Days. (Here is a related link in Spanish/español: Calendario Anual de Adoración –Una crítica basada en la Biblia y en la Historia: ¿Hay un Calendario Anual de Adoración en la Biblia?
What is the Origin of the Cross as a ‘Christian’ Symbol? Was the cross used as a venerated symbol by the early Church? A related YouTube video would be Origin of the Cross.
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. A related sermon is titled: Christians and the Ten Commandments.

Palestinian State Coat of Arms

COGwriter

The Vatican announced its recognition of the State of Palestine today:

May 13, 2015

The Vatican has officially recognized Palestine in a new treaty that switches the Holy See’s diplomatic relations from the Palestine Liberation Organization to the state of Palestine.

NPR’s Sylvia Poggioli tells our Newscast unit the document still has to be signed.

The Vatican, in a statement, said the agreement had been concluded and will be “submitted to the respective authorities for approval ahead of setting a date in the near future for the signing.”

“Yes, it’s a recognition that the state exists,” said the Rev. Federico Lombardi, the Vatican spokesman.

The Vatican has referred to the state of Palestine since at least 2012. …

Israel said it was “disappointed” by the Vatican’s announcement and was seeking clarification.  http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2015/05/13/406476253/vatican-officially-recognizes-state-of-palestine

May 14 (Australia), 2015

THE Vatican has officially recognised the state of Palestine in a new treaty.

THE treaty, which was finalised on Wednesday but still has to be signed, makes clear that the Holy See has switched its diplomatic relations from the Palestinian Liberation Organisation to the state of Palestine.

The Vatican had welcomed the decision by the UN General Assembly in 2012 to recognise a Palestinian state. But the treaty is the first legal document negotiated between the Holy See and the Palestinian state and constitutes an official recognition. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is due to see Pope Francis on Saturday before the canonisation of two new saints from the Holy Land a day later.  http://www.news.com.au/world/breaking-news/vatican-recognises-state-of-palestine/story-e6frfkui-1227354166941

This is no surprise.

The Vatican wants more influence in Jerusalem and one way to get it is to be among the early ‘nations’ to recognize the state of Palestine.  I believe that the Vatican did this for at least two other reasons as well.

One is to provide support for its interfaith agenda.  Last June, Pope Francis had an interfaith prayer meeting with the Presidents of Israel, Shimon Peres, and of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas at the Vatican.  Eastern Orthodox and Lutherans leaders were also part of this (see also Will the Interfaith Movement Lead to Peace or Sudden Destruction?).

The second is that the interfaith meeting came shortly after Pope Francis was not given a particular property in Jerusalem that he wanted to trade Israel for.  It was my understanding that the Vatican told Israel that if Israel would make the trade that the Vatican would be more supportive of its objectives, implying that opposite if Israel would not acquiesce. Israel did not make the trade and said it would not transfer sovereignty of the building the Vatican.

That building in known as the Cenacle and is sometimes called the Church of God on Jerusalem’s Western Hill.  It is believed to have been the original Christian church building constructed in Jerusalem.  The Christians who built it held Church of God, not Church of Rome, beliefs and practices (see also Where is the True Christian Church Today?).

Anyway, the Vatican wants the Church of God on Jerusalem’s Western Hill and it wants a more important role in Jerusalem.

But, perhaps it should also be pointed out that some Catholic writers have indicated that an antipope will be established in Jerusalem:

Priest E. Sylvester Berry (published 1920):  The two horns denote a twofold authority – spiritual and temporal.  As indicated by the resemblance to a lamb, the prophet will probably set himself up in Rome as a sort of anti-pope…Antichrist will establish himself in Jerusalem…with his ‘lying wonders’… (Berry ES.  The Apocalypse of St. John, 1920.  Quoted in Culleton RG.  The Reign of Antichrist.  Reprint 1974, TAN Books, Rockford (IL), pp. 199-200).

Much of the above teaching is consistent with certain scriptures.

Now, let me add here that the Vatican wants to wrest control of Jerusalem away for the Jews.  And no one should think that it really wants to give that control to the Muslims.  Recall it was pope who started the Crusades in the Middle Ages to take control of Jerusalem from the Muslims.

The Vatican basically believes that to show that it represents the universal religion of the world that it needs sovereign territory in Jerusalem to better project that image to the world.

The recognition of the state of Palestine is mainly a step to get the Vatican closer to its real goal.

Perhaps, I should also add that a variety of Catholic writings state that a Catholic leader (sometimes called the ‘Great Monarch’ who seems to be the one the Bible warns against as the final King of the North in Daniel 11) will help make this happen in the future.

The Bible itself shows that a European power will get into Jerusalem. Notice some passages from the Book of Daniel:

26… And the people of the prince who is to come
Shall destroy the city and the sanctuary.
The end of it shall be with a flood,
And till the end of the war desolations are determined.
27 Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week;
But in the middle of the week
He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering.
And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate,
Even until the consummation, which is determined,
Is poured out on the desolate. (Daniel 9:26-27)

Since General Titus of the old Roman Empire destroyed the city of Jerusalem and the sanctuary in 70 A.D., Daniel 9:27 is talking about someone from the area of the old Roman Empire–a European.

This is further confirmed by the following:

31 And forces shall be mustered by him, and they shall defile the sanctuary fortress; then they shall take away the daily sacrifices, and place there the abomination of desolation. (Daniel 11:31)

The “him” above is identified in the Bible as the final King of the North (Daniel 11:29,40) (see also the video Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European?)–he is also called the ‘man of sin’ in 2 Thessalonians 2 (see also Who is the Man of Sin of 2 Thessalonians 2?). (This ‘man of sin’ could possibly sit on something that has been called “Satan’s throne” if it is relocated to Jerusalem.)

Jesus taught that this would involve Jerusalem and that Jerusalem would be surrounded by armies just before it is time flee:

20 But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near. 21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those who are in the midst of her depart, and let not those who are in the country enter her. 22 For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. 23 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! For there will be great distress in the land and wrath upon this people. 24 And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. (Luke 21:20-24)

15 “Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand), 16 “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 17 Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. 18 And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. 19 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! 20 And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath. 21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. (Matthew 24:15-21)

Notice that in Luke 21, Jesus referred to armies–plural–suggesting that Jerusalem would have more than one army–perhaps armies from many nations, such as an international army of some sort.

The Vatican’s recognition of the state of Palestine will lead to a European multinational force coming to Jerusalem in the future.

Several items of possibly related interest may include:

Gaza and the Palestinians in Bible Prophecy What does the Bible teach about Gaza and the fate of the Palestinians? Here is a link to a related video: Gaza and Palestine in Prophecy.
Church of God on Jerusalem’s Western Hill Could this building, often referred to as the Cenacle, which is located on a Mount Zion, possibly have been the oldest actual Christian church building? There is also a video titled Might the oldest church building have prophetic ramifications?
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.
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?
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?
Some Similarities and Differences Between the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Continuing Church of God Both groups claim to be the original church, but both groups have differing ways to claim it. Both groups have some amazing similarities and some major differences. Do you know what they are?
Orthodox Must Reject Unity with the Roman Catholics Unity between these groups will put them in position to be part of the final end time Babylon that the Bible warns against as well as require improper compromise.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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? Here is a link in the German language: WO IST DIE WAHRE CHRISTLICHE KIRCHE HEUTE?
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 Acts 2 in the first century to the 21st century. 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.

French owned cargo ship (Simon Greter)

COGwriter

US President Barack Obama would like to finalize two international trade deals, but had a setback:

Setback for TTIP as Congress holds on to trade powers

May 13, 2015

WASHINGTON—The Obama administration is pressing hard to win approval of controversial trade legislation in Congress, as

A fast conclusion to talks between the EU and US on a trade deal became less likely Tuesday, after US senators refused to give president Barack Obama the power to negotiate on their behalf.

Obama had wanted the green-light to fasttrack negotiations and needed the support of 60 out of 100 senators.

But the Trade Promotion Authority bill failed to pass with 52 senators voting in favour, and 45 against.

If the bill had been passed, Congress would have given away its right to amend international trade deals for the next five years and limited the legislature’s influence to a yes/no vote.

Remarkably, Obama’s support came mostly from Republicans, with only one Democrat voting in favour.

The vote means the US Congress keeps its power to amend or filibuster any trade deals the president agrees on, including the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP).

The European Commission, for its part, has been promoting the trade deal, which would remove custom duties and harmonise EU-US regulations and standards.

It expects TTIP to increase EU economic growth by €119 billion a year. https://euobserver.com/economic/128695

The powers that be in the European Union want a deal and are not thrilled by how the USA has been handling this.

As far as what TTIP is, here is more information on it from the BBC:

May 13, 2015

What is TTIP and what is it for?

The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, or it will be if the negotiations are completed. The aim is to boost the economies of the EU and the US by removing or reducing barriers to trade and foreign investment.

President Obama said, when the talks were launched, that TTIP would promote “new growth and jobs on both sides of the Atlantic”. Critics reject that claim…

How would TTIP work?

By eliminating almost all tariffs (taxes applied only to imported goods) on trade between the US and the EU.

But the tariffs imposed by the US and EU are already relatively low for the most part, although there are some exceptions in, for example, farm produce and textiles.

The bigger gains envisaged would come from reducing what are called non-tariff barriers. In particular the two sides think they can promote trade through what they call regulatory co-operation. …

Why is TTIP controversial?

Regulation

Much of the concern is about the regulatory aspect: that it would lead to lower standards of consumer and environmental protection and safety at work. A group of 170 European civil society organisations said in a statement that regulatory co-operation as envisaged in TTIP would result in “downward harmonisation”. …

What is the timetable?

A summit of European leaders in December called for a comprehensive agreement by the end of 2015.

That will be challenging, given the technical complexity and the vigorous opposition. It would then have to be approved by the US Congress, European Trade Ministers (voting by what is called qualified majority) and the European Parliament.  http://www.bbc.com/news/business-32691589

Presuming that TTIP does get approved eventually, it is my view that the Europeans will be the ones to force more of their standards on the USA as opposed to the other way around.  This will be necessary to reduce opposition from various ones in Europe.  In the USA, the objection is NOT that Europe would impose its standards, but basically that jobs will be lost because of it.

In general, trade agreements benefit both parties involved. Yet as I warned about trade talks in the past, ultimately, some of the deals will not be good for the United States of America nor the British (nor their Anglo-allies like Canada, Australia, or New Zealand).

Anyway, notice the following from Newsweek about the limited support for trade agreements by certain USA politicians:

May 12, 2015

One of President Barack Obama’s top policy priorities is on life support, and he has his own party to thank for it.

Democrats on Tuesday blocked a preliminary vote to grant the president the authority to negotiate trade deals without Congress amending them later. Under this trade promotion authority (TPA), the Hill would instead get an up or down vote on any deal. …

“Essentially, what the Democrats are doing today, by trying to block us even getting onto this legislation, is throwing their own president under the bus,” Republican Senator John Thune of South Dakota told reporters before the vote. The final tally was 52 to 45, below the 60-vote threshold needed to begin debate on the bill.

Free trade is one agenda item where Obama has Republican support, an issue both sides can cite to underscore their bipartisan cooperation. The White House hoped there’d be a big enough coalition of pro-trade Republicans and Democrats to move ahead on TPA, the first step in considering one and perhaps two far-reaching multinational trade agreements before Obama’s second term ends.

The only good news for Obama is that the defeat was largely over procedural matters, leaving open the possibility that the vote could go the president’s way at a later date. …

Democrats wanted Senate Republicans to bring the fast track bill to a vote along with legislation providing so-called trade adjustment assistance—aid for those who lose their jobs because of trade. They also wanted to move legislation to promote trade with Africa and a bill to enforce customs laws, including currency manipulation.  …

The trade question is part of the 2016 discussion, with dark horse Democratic hopefuls like Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders and former Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley lambasting the potential deal and pressing front-runner Hillary Clinton, who supported it during her time in the Obama administration. Clinton has taken a more wait-and-see approach since declaring her candidacy.

For the White House, the TPP is a key part of its long-running effort to “rebalance” American foreign policy toward Asia (which Clinton herself launched, in a 2011 Foreign Policy article written when she was secretary of state)—a policy that has been long on rhetoric but light on action. With doubts about American leadership and commitment already rising in the region, new domestic obstacles are bound to make foreign partners jumpy.

It also casts a shadow on a trade deal the United States is trying to reach with the European Union: the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, or TTIP. Negotiations were launched in 2014; the ninth round of talks was just completed in April.  http://www.newsweek.com/dems-whack-obama-trade-deal-331198

The Europeans are getting frustrated by how the USA is handling all of this.

Various European leaders have gone on record that Europe will not compromise its standards for TTIP.  Notice something from a couple of days ago:

May 11, 2015

In a speech made to the European Association of Livestock Marts’ AGM in Athlone, EU Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan said TTIP will not compromise on EU food quality or traceability standards.

In the course of discussing new export markets, Commissioner Hogan took the opportunity to reassure those present at the European Association of Livestock Marts’ AGM in Athlone on Saturday about the ongoing Transatlantic Trade and Partnership Investment (TTIP) talks with the United States.

He said he is “aware that this is the subject of continued debate and some concern among agri-food organisations throughout Europe, including the European Association of Livestock Marts.”

However, he said he wished to convey the message that a “balanced deal will see huge benefits for EU agriculture and society as a whole.”

The Commissioner said that while he would be “proactive in promoting the opening of this important market to high quality EU product,” he would not “compromise on EU food quality or traceability standards.

“I can assure you that this principle will be upheld across the Commission and will be fully reflected in our negotiations with the US,” he said.

“EU standards will not be sacrificed on the altar of this, or any other, trade deal,” he continued. “The increased protection of European geographical indications food products is one of our key priorities in the TTIP negotiations. In recent years, the EU has been very successful in obtaining increased protection for hundreds of its famous geographical indications. We are very confident that we will obtain a positive outcome in TTIP as well.” …

“We will be diligent in exploring and pursuing a TTIP outcome which delivers adequate protection for our beef producers while at the same time providing reasonable market access to US exporters. I also strongly encourage producers to avail of the increasing export opportunities available through already concluded trade agreements.”  http://www.farmersjournal.ie/hogan-ttip-will-not-compromise-eu-food-quality-and-traceability-standards-180757/

Europe does NOT want USA GMOs (see GMOs and Bible Prophecy) nor excessive amounts of antibiotic tainted beef (watch Are Americans & Asians setting themselves up for destruction from antibiotic use?).

So, if Europe will not compromise and compromise must happen, does not that leave the USA as the one to compromise or no deal?

Of course, TTIP does not have to become law.  The Europeans will end up with trade agreements via WHO or other ways irrespective of what the USA does. The Bible itself tells of a time when a European power will enrich the Gentile-world mightily and that this will involve trade (cf. Revelation 18).

Anyway, the Europeans and other nations are working on a broader, more international, trade agreements.  BBC also reported the following about the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) that the World Trade Organization (WTO) has been working on:

May 13, 2015

There is a global trade negotiation under way in the World Trade Organization (WTO). It’s known as the Doha Round, because that is where it was launched – back in 2001.

It has been very slow. At the end of 2013 the WTO members finally agreed a part of that agenda. It’s called the Trade Facilitation Agreement and it’s about the mechanics of international commerce – customs procedures, for example. The really hard stuff is still not agreed. Trade Facilitation is sometimes called the Doha Round’s “low-hanging fruit”, yet it still took 12 years to pick. http://www.bbc.com/news/business-32691589

So, part of TFA is in effect, but more is planned.  More, whether it is called TFA or not a change to international trade is coming.

Biblically, world trade agreements are expected.  The Bible tells that many will become rich by the coming daughter of Babylon system, but that it will eventually end, and many will mourn:

11 “And the merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, for no one buys their merchandise anymore: 12 merchandise of gold and silver, precious stones and pearls, fine linen and purple, silk and scarlet, every kind of citron wood, every kind of object of ivory, every kind of object of most precious wood, bronze, iron, and marble; 13 and cinnamon and incense, fragrant oil and frankincense, wine and oil, fine flour and wheat, cattle and sheep, horses and chariots, and bodies and souls of men. 14 The fruit that your soul longed for has gone from you, and all the things which are rich and splendid have gone from you, and you shall find them no more at all. 15 The merchants of these things, who became rich by her, will stand at a distance for fear of her torment, weeping and wailing, 16 and saying, ‘Alas, alas, that great city that was clothed in fine linen, purple, and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls! 17 For in one hour such great riches came to nothing.’ Every shipmaster, all who travel by ship, sailors, and as many as trade on the sea, stood at a distance 18 and cried out when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, ‘What is like this great city?’

19 “They threw dust on their heads and cried out, weeping and wailing, and saying, ‘Alas, alas, that great city, in which all who had ships on the sea became rich by her wealth! For in one hour she is made desolate.’  (Revelation 18:11-19)

A massive trading system, also involving human trafficking is discussed in the Hebrew scriptures as well:

12 “Tarshish was your merchant because of your many luxury goods. They gave you silver, iron, tin, and lead for your goods. 13 Javan, Tubal, and Meshech were your traders. They bartered human lives and vessels of bronze for your merchandise. 14 Those from the house of Togarmah traded for your wares with horses, steeds, and mules. 15 The men of Dedan were your traders; many isles were the market of your hand. They brought you ivory tusks and ebony as payment. 16 Syria was your merchant because of the abundance of goods you made. They gave you for your wares emeralds, purple, embroidery, fine linen, corals, and rubies. (Ezekiel 27:12-16)

Human trafficking is again going to become ‘legal.’ Many will be shocked to learn that the USA and its Anglo-Saxon allies are to be among those that will be bought and sold (see the article Will the Anglo-Saxon Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? and/or watch the video Will the USA and other Anglo-nations be Divided and Their People Made Slaves?).

A world trading combine led by Europe is in the process of forming. Possible WTO and other agreements are helping to set the stage–but so are frustrations in Europe over how USA politicians are handling some of this.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe? Here is a link to a video titled: Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European?
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.
World War III: Steps in Progress Are there surprising actions going on now that are leading to WWIII? Might a nuclear attack be expected? Does the Bible promise protection to all or only some Christians? How can you be part of those that will be protected? A related video would be Is World War III About to Begin? Can You Escape?
WTO/TTIP and the Babylonian Beast Will international trade agreements like WTO/TTIP/CETA lead to the fulfillment of end time prophecies concerning the Babylonian Beast power that the Book of Revelation warns against? What does the Bible teach? A related video would be WTO Trade Deal and the Rise of the European Beast Power.
GMOs and Bible Prophecy What are GMOs? Since they were not in the food supply until 1994, how could they possibly relate to Bible prophecy? Do GMOs put the USA and others at risk? Here is a related YouTube video GMO Risks and the Bible.
Chimeras: Has Science Crossed the Line? What are chimeras? Has science crossed the line? Does the Bible give any clues?
The Snowden Leaks are Leading to the Destruction of the USA Can what happened with the leaks of what the NSA has done help the USA to be taken over? What does the Bible teach that seems to be related to this? Here is a related YouTube video titled Are the Snowden NSA leaks leading to the destruction of the USA?
Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach? Here is a link to a video, also titled Is Russia the King of the North?
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.
Germany’s Assyrian Roots Throughout History Are the Germanic peoples descended from Asshur of the Bible? Have there been real Christians in Germanic history? What about the “Holy Roman Empire”? There is also a You-Tube video sermon on this titled Germany’s Biblical Origins.
Germany in Biblical and Catholic Prophecy Does Assyria in the Bible equate to an end time power inhabiting the area of the old Roman Empire? What does prophecy say Germany will do and what does it say will happen to most of the German people? Here are links to two sermon videos Germany in Bible Prophecy and The Rise of the Germanic Beast Power of Prophecy.
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.
Who is the King of the West? Why is there no Final End-Time King of the West in Bible Prophecy? Is the United States the King of the West? Here is a version in the Spanish language: ¿Quién es el Rey del Occidente? ¿Por qué no hay un Rey del Occidente en la profecía del tiempo del fin?
Hillary Clinton, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States This is a 188 page book for people truly interested in prophecies related to Hillary Clinton and the United States, including learning about many that have already been fulfilled and those that will be fulfilled in the future. It also discusses Republicans. The physical book can be purchased at Amazon from the following link: Hillary Clinton, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States: Is Hillary Clinton Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic Catholic, Hopi, and other America-Related Prophecies? $11.99.
Hillary Clinton, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Amazon Kindle edition. This electronic version of the 188 page print edition is available for only US$3.99. 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 Hillary Clinton, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Amazon Kindle edition.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Edition for Second Obama Term This is a 160 page book for people truly interested in prophecies related to Barack Obama and the United States, including learning about many that have already been fulfilled (which the book documents in detail) and those that will be fulfilled in the future. It also has a chapter about a Republican choice. This book is available to order at www.barackobamaprophecy.com. The physical book can also be purchased at Amazon from the following link: Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States: Is Barack Obama Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic Catholic, Kenyan, and other America-Related Prophecies? What About Republican Leaders? Second Edition for Second Obama Term.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Term-Amazon Kindle edition. This electronic version is available for only US$2.99. And you do not need an actual Kindle device to read it. Why? Amazon will allow you to download it to almost any device: Please click HERE to download one of Amazon s Free Reader Apps. After you go to for your free Kindle reader and then go to Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Term-Amazon Kindle edition.

COGwriter

Today is known as ‘Fatima Day.’  On this date in 1917, three young children claimed to see a female wearing a short skirt near Fatima, Portugal that many later declared was Mary, the mother of Jesus.

Per Pope Francis’ request, Cardinal Policarpo consecrated the pontificate of Francis to the Lady of Fatima on this a couple of years ago (the following item was machine-translated from Portuguese):

May 13, 2013

D. José Policarpo maintained that the Church has to assert itself as a “place of conversion and forgiveness, because it expresses the truth always in charity.”

“So you consecrate Lady, you who are the Mother of the Church, the ministry of the new Pope: fill your heart the tenderness of God, that you have experienced as anyone, so that it can embrace all men and women of this time with the love of your Son Jesus Christ, “he said…

After the moment of consecration of the pontificate, at the end of Mass, the bishop of Leiria-Fatima, D. António Marto, read a message sent by the Apostolic Nunciature in Portugal.

“The Holy Father expressed his satisfaction for the initiative and deep appreciation for the satisfaction of his desire in union of prayer with all the pilgrims of Fatima, which, at heart, gives apostolic blessing as a pledge of all goods,” referring text. http://www.agencia.ecclesia.pt/cgi-bin/noticia.pl?id=95487

Pope Francis has taken this even further as he consecrated the world before a statue that was flown to the Vatican from Fatima in October of 2013 (see Francis consecrated world to the ‘immaculate heart’ of an alleged ‘Fatima’ statue). Pope Francis takes this Fatima matter serious and it is part of his ecumenical agenda. Since Pope Francis values this day so highly, his actions will affect many, not just now, but later.

It should be noted that although many Catholics believe that Mary, the mother of Jesus, appeared in Fatima, the “Lady” that appeared did not call herself Mary, and according to the only physical descriptions of the three witnesses, could not have possibly been Mary of the Bible.

I wrote a book titled Fatima Shock! to warn people that in the future apparitions that most people will think are Mary will likely be part of the signs and lying wonders that the Bible warns will deceive the world (it also gives more information of what the Fatimists really think of their previous pope as well as their view of what the so-called undisclosed portion of the “third secret”) contains.

Although most non-Catholics do not think that Fatima can affect them, if they live long enough this century, they will find that this is not the case. Fatima is a much bigger deal than people realize and seems to tie into a variety of prophecies throughout the Bible (e.g. Isaiah 47, Matthew 24, 2 Thessalonians 2, Revelation 17). How apparitions are likely to affect the world at the end seems to be a missing dimension in understanding prophecy by most who profess Christ (see also the video Marian Apparitions May Fulfill Prophecy).

A r4eader sent me this later on 5/13/15:

Bishop of Fátima: The Pope has personally told me he will visit

2015-05-13

The shrine of Fátima is one of the most popular sites for pilgrims in the world. Each year it has more than five million visitors. May 13, 2017 will mark 100 years since the apparitions of Our Lady in Cova da Iria. Pope Francis has expressed his intention to attend the centenary.

MSGR. ANTÓNIO AUGUSTO DOS SANTOS MARTO

Bishop of Leiria-Fátima

“Pope Francis has personally told me that he is going to go.”

In 2000, Pope John Paul II authorized the beatification of Francisco and Jacinta, the first children to become beatified without being martyrs. The bishop of Leiria-Fátima said that their canonization process is moving along.

MSGR. ANTÓNIO AUGUSTO DOS SANTOS MARTO

Bishop of Leiria-Fátima

“We ask God and Our Lady that they be canonized in 2017. It would be a great joy for all because the little shepherds, Francisco and Jacinta, are the most beautiful fruits from the message of Fátima.”

Pope Francis has personally taken several steps since becoming pope in March to direct people to Mary (see, for example, Pope Francis continues to direct his followers towards “Mary”). A lot of Catholic prophecy indicates that “Mary” will be a major factor in bringing people to the Catholic faith–which will be a changed faith. This changed faith is warned against in the Bible, yet steps are being taken to implement it.

The “Lady of Fatima” is NOT the answer to humanity’s ills, despite many Catholics believing otherwise. We need the return of Jesus Christ and the establishment of His kingdom to eliminate war, implement peace, and bring in true prosperity. Pope Francis’ emphasis on his version of Mary is a deviation from scripture.

Sign at a homosexual rally (Andrew Ciscel)

COGwriter

A PEW survey reported a decline in the number of those in the USA who consider themselves to be Roman Catholic or Protestant:

May 12, 2015

A major new survey of religious life in the United States reveals a growing shift between the numbers of declared Christians and those who choose not to belong to any organized religion.

In its report, “America’s Changing Religious Landscape”  the Pew Research Center says the U.S. is still the most dominant Christian nation in the world, with just over 70 percent of adults, or 173 million Americans, identifying themselves as followers of Jesus Christ. That figure, however, has dropped dramatically since 2007, when just over 78 percent of adults, or 178 million Americans, called themselves Christians.  During the same period, the number of people who declared themselves as either atheist, agnostic (someone who is unsure or unconcerned about the existence of God) or of no particular faith rose from 16 percent to nearly 23 percent.

The number of Americans unaffiliated with any religious faith – a group that researchers have dubbed “nones” – is widespread across age, race, gender and income level, but is especially pronounced among young adults.

Among particular Christian faiths, Roman Catholicism has suffered the most losses among its ranks, dropping from 54 million members in 2007 to 51 million last year, while the number of mainline, or liberal, Protestants fell from 51 percent to around 46 percent during that time period.

Meanwhile, the survey found growing diversity within the U.S. religious population, with non-Christian faiths rising from nearly 5 percent in 2007 to nearly 6 percent in 2014, especially among Muslims and Hindus, although their overall numbers remain small. http://www.voanews.com/content/survey-finds-shift-in-number-of-non-religious-americans/2764252.html

The amount of people vehemently opposed to biblical morality has also increased, which is why I included the particular photo seen at the beginning of this post.

Despite that, the population of the USA is still one of the largest in terms of being Protestant/Catholic.  Yet, those who claim those faiths are more and more accepting behaviors that the Bible condemns, and that is not good (cf. Romans 1:18-32).

Although Europe is often considered to be irreligious, the time will come when the less Protestant/Catholic Europeans will embrace a revised faith that will call itself ‘Catholic.’  Both the Bible and Catholic writings agree on that. While various Catholic writings point out some of the dangers of the ecumenical movement, others see the dangers in a faith that will claim to be Catholic in the future (see also Why Should American Catholics Fear Unity with the Orthodox?).

Even though the ecumenical movement will succeed in Europe and elsewhere (cf. Revelation 13:4,8), it will not meet with as much success in the USA.

Despite massive moral compromise that is going on in the USA, the clinging to various types of Protestantism in the USA will be perceived as a threat to what will arise in Europe.  And steps will be taken by the Europeans that will not end well for the USA (cf. Daniel 11:39).

National repentance is the only hope that the USA has at this time and the trends, including what the PEW report indicates, suggest that this is not going to happen.  Moral decline, including hypocrisy, will accelerate destruction of the USA (cf. Isaiah 10:5-11; Romans 1:18-32).

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

United Nations: Humankind’s Last Hope or New World Order? Is the UN the last hope for humanity? Or might its goals end up with sinister results? A related video would be United Nations and Vatican Are Planning the New World Order.
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?
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?
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.
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.
Just What Do You Mean — Repentance? Do you know what repentance is? Have you truly repented? Repented of what? Herbert W. Armstrong wrote this as a booklet on this important subject.
When You Sin: Do You Really Repent? This is an article by Charles F. Hunting. A related sermon is Confess to God and truly repent.
Abortion, the Bible, and a Woman’s Right to Choose Do you know what the Bible teaches on this? Has the Roman Catholic Church allowed abortions? What about the real Church of God? Some may also, or instead, wish to view the YouTube video Abortion, the Bible, and US Debt.
The Bible Condemns Homosexuality “Same-sex marriage” for “gays” and lesbians is becoming more acceptable to many. What does the Bible teach about homosexuality? Can homosexuals change?
Pornography: A scourge on society Is pornography harmless fun? Does the Bible teach anything about it? What are the views of some involved with it? Here is a link to a YouTube video Pornography: Harmless Fun or a Scourge on Society?
British and American Moral Decay Public nudity is becoming more prevalent in the Anglo-Saxon lands. What are some of the consequences?
Can those in the USA/UK see the Handwriting on the Wall? Is everything fine in the USA/UK or is it like the days of Noah? Can we learn from the handwriting that appeared on a wall thousands of years ago? Here is a link to a related YouTube video Can you see the ‘Handwriting on the Wall’?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Saxon (non-Dutch) Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo-Saxon nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first? Here is a link to the Spanish version of this article: Anglo-América & las Tribus Perdidas de Israel. Information is also in the YouTube sermons titled Where are the Ten Lost Tribes? Why does it matter? and British are the Covenant People. A short YouTube of prophetic interest may be Barack Obama and the State of the Apocalypse.
Will the Anglo-Saxon Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What about Jerusalem? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people? Here is a link to a video titled Will the USA and other Anglo-nations be Divided and Their People Made Slaves? Here is a related item in the Spanish language ¿Serán divididas las naciones anglosajonas?
British are the Covenant People What do ‘British’ and ‘Britain’ mean in Hebrew? Are the descendants of the Anglo-Saxons people of the covenant? Does the British royal family connect to the throne of David? What does the Bible teach? What does history show us? Is there any DNA evidence related to British-Israelism? When did Christianity make it to the British Isles? Could Jeremiah have made it to the British Isles? What type of Christians made it to the British Isles? Did the last King of England believe in British Israelism?
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.
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.
Hillary Clinton, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States This is a 188 page book for people truly interested in prophecies related to Hillary Clinton and the United States, including learning about many that have already been fulfilled and those that will be fulfilled in the future. It also discusses Republicans. The physical book can be purchased at Amazon from the following link: Hillary Clinton, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States: Is Hillary Clinton Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic Catholic, Hopi, and other America-Related Prophecies? $11.99.
Hillary Clinton, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Amazon Kindle edition. This electronic version of the 188 page print edition is available for only US$3.99. 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 Hillary Clinton, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Amazon Kindle edition.

Blackberry Z10 (Romazur)

COGwriter

Some in Berkley, as well as 190 international scientists, indicate that cellular telephones are more dangerous than many believe:

May 12, 2015

On Tuesday, the city council of Berkeley, California, will vote on a cellphone “right to know” law that would be the first safety ordinance of its kind in the country. It would require cellphone retailers to include a city-prepared notice along with the purchase of a cellphone, informing consumers of the minimum separation distance a cellphone should be held from the body.

The Federal Communication Commission recommends keeping your phone 5 to 25 millimeters away, depending on the model, to limit radio frequency (RF) exposure to safe levels.

“If you carry or use your phone in a pants or shirt pocket or tucked into a bra when the phone is ON and connected to a wireless network, you may exceed the federal guidelines for exposure to RF [radio frequency] radiation,” is part of the proposed language. Retailers would be prohibited from selling phones that do not bear the warning: “This potential risk is greater for children. Refer to the instructions in your phone or user manual for information about how to use your phone safely.”  …

Hawaii, New Mexico, California, Oregon and Pennsylvania have also considered warnings to address cellphone radiation concerns.  …

Berkeley’s vote comes the day after the release of a letter signed by 190 scientists from 39 countries calling on the United Nations, the World Health Organization, and national governments to develop stricter controls on cellphones and other products that emit RF or electromagnetic fields (EMF). The letter states, “The various agencies setting safety standards have failed to impose sufficient guidelines to protect the general public, particularly children who are more vulnerable to the effects of EMF.”

Other respected medical groups have also suggested action is needed. In 2013, the American Academy of Pediatrics urged the FCC to adopt cellphone radiation standards that are more protective for children, and to require more meaningful disclosure for consumers.  http://www.cbsnews.com/news/cellphone-safety-right-to-know/

Here is what was in the press release that the 190 scientists sent to the United Nations:

PRESS RELEASE

International Scientists Appeal to U.N. to Protect Humans and Wildlife from Electromagnetic Fields and Wireless Technology

WHO’s conflicting stance on risk needs strengthening , says 190 scientists New York, NY , May 11, 2015.

Today 190 scientists from 39 nations submitted an appeal to the United Nations, UN member states and the World Health Organization (WHO) requesting they adopt more protective exposure guidelines for electromagnetic fields (EMF) and wireless technology in the face of increasing evidence of risk. These exposures are a rapidly growing form of environmental pollution worldwide.

The “International EMF Scientist Appeal ” asks the Secretary General and UN affiliated bodies to encourage precautionary measures, to limit EMF exposures, and to educate the public about health risks, particularly to children and pregnant women. The Appeal highlights WHO’s conflicting positions about EMF risk. WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer classified Radio frequency radiation as a Group 2B “ Possible Carcinogen ” in 2011, and Extremely Low Frequency fields in 2001. Nonetheless, WHO continues to ignore its own agency’s recommendations and favor s guidelines recommended by t he International Commission on Non – Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). These guidelines, developed by a self – selected group of industry insiders, have long been criticized as non -protective.

The Appeal calls on the UN to strengthen its advisories on EMF risk for humans and to assess the potential impact on wildlife and other living organisms under the auspices of the UN Environmental Programme, in line with the science demonstrating risk, thereby resolving this inconsistency.

Martin Blank, PhD , of Columbia University, says, “ International exposure guidelines for electromagnetic fields must be strengthened to reflect the reality of their impact on our bodies , especially on our DNA. The time to deal with the harmful biological and health effects is long overdue. We must reduce exposure by establishing more protective guidelines.”

Joel Moskowitz, PhD , of University of California, Berkeley , says, “ICNIRP guidelines set exposure standards for high – intensity, short-term , tissue-heating thresholds. These do not protect us from the low-intensity, chronic exposures common today. Scientists signing the Appeal request that the UN and member nations protect the global human population and wildlife from EMF exposures. http://emfscientist.org/images/docs/EMF_Scientist_Press_Release.pdf

There is massive use of cellular telephones around the world.  The first time I noticed widespread public use of them was while in Singapore back in 1996.  I have seen massive use of them around the world since.  Not only are cellular telephones highly popular in the USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, they are also highly popular in South America and Africa.

Speaking of technology around the world, I read a report yesterday that someone hopes to put out a computer that only costs $US9 (Chip, The $9 Computer, Could Fuel An Explosion Of New Applications).  A nine-dollar computer makes computers affordable for perhaps one more billion people.  This type of technology could possibly make cellular telephones less expensive and more available.

I actually do not have a cell phone.  I sometimes joke that I am the only person in the world without one.  But it is not because of health reasons.  Basically, I do not have much of a need for one as I have sufficient land-line telephones at my home and office, so I prefer not to bother with carrying and charging a cell phone.

Now, despite potential health dangers associated cell phones, there are some prophetic ramifications of them.

The following scriptures could potentially involve cellular telephones:

15 He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed. 16 He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, 17 and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

18 Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666. (Revelation 13:15-18, NKJV)

The above was written over 1900 years ago.  At the time it was written it would seem that there would be no way to stop/monitor buying and selling that Revelation 13:17 foretells.  Now, as more and more financial transactions are electronic, we are at the point that the vast majority of financial transactions can be monitored/controlled in some nations, like those in Europe. The Bible teaches that it will be a European power that is 666 and will enforce what is prophesied in Revelation 13:16-18.

How could this involve cellular telephones?

Well, there have been news reports that certain nations are considering doing away with cash completely (e.g. see Sweden becoming cashless? A prelude to 666?).  And there are more and more ways to pay electronically with cellular telephones (e.g. see Could Apple Pay be a step towards 666?).

Now, lest anyone get the wrong impression, I did not post this to tell people that they should not have a cellular telephone nor to imply that cellular telephones are 666 nor the Mark of the Beast.

I posted about all of this to warn cellular telephone users that the health risks associated with them should not be ignored.  And I posted this so prophecy watchers would consider that the technology that is needed to fulfill the buying and selling prophecy in Revelation 13 already exists and possibly may involve cellular telephones.

That being said, there will be a place for more than electronic currencies.  The time will come that problems and debt of the USA will trigger its economic collapse (Habakkuk 2:6-8) and military conquest (Daniel 11:39).

Because much of the world has used the USA dollar for decades as the international/trading/reserve currency, after the USA dollar collapses people will be hesitant to accept another ‘fiat’ currency (one with no real backing).  This may be one of the reasons that the Bible prophecies that the European Beast King of the North power (Daniel 11:40) will take “the treasures of gold and silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt” (Daniel 11:43).

But as more and more people use cellular telephones, it may well be that some version of them (such as what might become part of a national identification/bank card) will be part of how the Beast power will be able to control buying and selling.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Mark of the Beast What is the mark of the Beast? Who is the Beast? What have various ones claimed the mark is? What is the ‘Mark of the Beast’?
Two Horned Beast of Revelation and 666 Who is 666? This article explains how the COG views this, and compares this to Ellen White. Here is a link to a prophetic video Six Financial Steps Leading to 666?
The Plain Truth About Gold in Prophecy. How Should a Christian View Gold? What do economists and the Bible teach about gold? Gold and silver may drop in value. Inflation/deflation? What do Christians need to know about gold?
The Mark of Antichrist What is the mark of Antichrist? What have various ones claimed? Here is a link to a related sermon What is the ‘Mark of Antichrist’?
The Snowden Leaks are Leading to the Destruction of the USA Can what happened with the leaks of what the NSA has done help the USA to be taken over? What does the Bible teach that seems to be related to this? Here is a related YouTube video titled Are the Snowden NSA leaks leading to the destruction of the USA?
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.
WTO/TTIP and the Babylonian Beast Will international trade agreements like WTO/TTIP/CETA lead to the fulfillment of end time prophecies concerning the Babylonian Beast power that the Book of Revelation warns against? What does the Bible teach? A related video would be WTO Trade Deal and the Rise of the European Beast Power.
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.
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?
Who Are The Two Witnesses? What is their job? What does the Bible reveal? What has the Church of God taught on this subject? Might even Roman Catholic prophecies give some clues here? Here is a related link in Spanish/español:¿Quiénes son los dos testigos?
Hillary Clinton, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States This is a 188 page book for people truly interested in prophecies related to Hillary Clinton and the United States, including learning about many that have already been fulfilled and those that will be fulfilled in the future. It also discusses Republicans. The physical book can be purchased at Amazon from the following link: Hillary Clinton, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States: Is Hillary Clinton Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic Catholic, Hopi, and other America-Related Prophecies? $11.99.
Hillary Clinton, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Amazon Kindle edition. This electronic version of the 188 page print edition is available for only US$3.99. 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 Hillary Clinton, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Amazon Kindle edition.
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.

Colosseum of Rome (Photo by Joyce Thiel)

COGwriter

Abortion is wrong and it is good that many Catholics now realize this.

But not all of them.  I recall hearing former Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, mention that the Church of Rome was not always opposed to abortion.  And on that point, Nancy Pelosi was correct.

Most Catholics would generally be surprised to hear that in the third century, Callistus Bishop of Rome, openly allowed abortion.

In circa 217 A.D., Callistus became bishop of Rome. The Roman Catholic saint Hippolytus reported:

Callistus…a man cunning in wickedness, and subtle where deceit was concerned, (and) who was impelled by restless ambition to mount the episcopal throne…Whence women, reputed believers, began to resort to drugs for producing sterility, and to gird themselves round, so to expel what was being conceived on account of their not wishing to have a child either by a slave or by any paltry fellow, for the sake of their family and excessive wealth. Behold, into how great impiety that lawless one has proceeded, by inculcating adultery and murder at the same time! And withal, after such audacious acts, they, lost to all shame, attempt to call themselves a Catholic Church! And some, under the supposition that they will attain prosperity, concur with them. (Hippolytus. Refutation of All Heresies, Book IX, Chapter VII)

Notice that Callistus allowed (or at least permitted) abortion and adultery.

Note what The Catholic Encyclopedia admitted this about Callistus:

Callistus…permitted noble ladies to marry low persons and slaves, which by the Roman law was forbidden; he had thus given occasion for infanticide. (Chapman , Pope Callistus I)

Yet, the following is the official position of the Roman Catholic Church on abortion and was approved by the late Pope John Paul II and the current Pope Benedict XVI (when Benedict XVI was still known as Cardinal Ratzinger):

Since the first century the Church has affirmed the moral evil of every procured abortion. This teaching has not changed and remains unchangeable. Direct abortion, that is to say, abortion willed either as an end or a means, is gravely contrary to moral law (Catechism of the Catholic Church, #2271. Imprimatur Potest +Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger. Doubleday, NY 1995, p. 606).

However, they seem to be ignoring the Roman Bishop Callistus (as well as later Popes and others) who did allow abortion.

Furthermore notice what one Protestant scholar wrote about other Roman Catholic Popes:

Most Catholics are not aware that the infallible Church and popes have changed their minds several times on this topic–unthinkable from today’s perspective.

From the fifth century onward, Aristotle’s view that the embryo goes through stages from vegetable to animal to spiritual was accepted. Only in the final stage was it human. Thus Gregory VI (1045-6) said, “He is not a murderer who brings about abortion before the soul is in the body.” Gregory XIII (1572-85) said it was not homicide to kill an embryo of less than 40 days since it wasn’t yet human. His successor, Sixtus V, who rewrote the Bible, disagreed. His Bull of 1588 made all abortions for any reason homicide and cause for excommunication. His successor, Gregory XIV, reversed that decree. In 1621 the Vatican issued another pastoral directive permitting abortion up to 40 days (Hunt D. A Women Rides the BeastHarvest House Publishers, Eugene (OR), 1994, pp. 519-520).

Quite similarly notice what one former Roman Catholic priest wrote:

Most Catholics assume that the soul is infused at conception…For fourteen hundred years until the late nineteenth century, all Catholics, including the popes, took it for granted that the soul is not infused at conception…

From the fifth century, the church accepted without question, the primitive embryology of Aristotle. The embryo began as a non-human speck that was progressively animated.

In the fifteenth century, moralists began to ask whether it was not possible in certain circumstances to get rid of the foetus without fault…Some went further. They said it was permissable to save a mother’s life even after the foetus was humanized…

Gregory XIII (1572-85) said it was not homicide to kill an embryo of less than forty days since it was not human…His successor, the tempestuous Sixtus V, who rewrote the Bible, disagreed entirely. In his Bull Effraenatum of 1588, he said all abortions for whatever reason were homicide and were penalized by excommunication reserved to the Holy See. Immediately after Sixtus died, Gregory XIV realized that, in the current state of theological opinion, Sixtus’ view was too severe. In an almost unique decision, he said Sixtus’ censures were to be treated as if he had never issued them (De Rosa, Peter. Vicars of Christ. Poolbeg Press, Dublin, 2000, p.p 374-375).

Even some Catholic monks put out instructions for how women could perform abortions in the Middle Ages:

Looking for Medical Miracles in Medieval Manuscripts

Spiegel – March 25, 2010 excerpts…

Obscure passages can also be found in “Macer floridus,” another standard work of monastic medicine. “When a pregnant woman takes in the scent of the wilting flower through her nose, this shall abort the fruit of the womb,” a monk wrote in punchy Latin hexameter. He was referring to the flower of the wild arum plant. The same effect could be achieved, he added, “if the crushed root is inserted into the uterus from below with a small wool suppository.”

The abortion method involving the suppository could even have worked. “Arum is quite toxic,” says Mayer. However, the intervention was probably not completely safe for the pregnant woman. “In the Middle Ages, toxic substances were used very often,” Mayer explains. “The people in the monasteries knew about the risks and side effects, but they often had no better alternatives.”

Monks giving abortion tips? The medical historian doesn’t find this outlandish at all. “The Catholic Church only formulated its rigid position on abortion in the 19th century,” Mayer explains. It was not as clear in the past, he adds. http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/0,1518,685432,00.html

Although there is no evidence that any legitimate Church of God leader endorsed abortion, sadly some affiliated with the Roman Church have.

So, while it is good that some Catholics now oppose abortion, Catholics may wish to consider that their church has sometimes held to different positions.

Most people, Catholic or otherwise, simply do not know enough about the real truth about early church history.

Some items documenting these and other items of possibly related interest include the following:

Callistus (217-222) He is the first bishop known to have been a criminal prior to his election. He was also accused of a variety of corrupt acts, including allowing indulgences and infanticide (abortion).
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.
What Do Roman Catholic Scholars Actually Teach About Early Church History? Although most believe that the Roman Catholic Church history teaches an unbroken line of succession of bishops beginning with Peter, with stories about most of them, Roman Catholic scholars know the truth of this matter. This eye-opening article is a must-read for any who really wants to know what Roman Catholic history actually admits about the early church.
Abortion, the Bible, and a Woman’s Right to Choose Do you know what the Bible teaches on this? Has the Roman Catholic Church allowed abortions? What about the real Church of God? Some may also, or instead, wish to view the YouTube video Abortion, the Bible, and US Debt.
Which Is Faithful: The Roman Catholic Church or the Continuing Church of God? Do you know that both groups shared a lot of the earliest teachings? Do you know which church changed? Do you know which group is most faithful to the teachings of the apostolic church? Which group best represents true Christianity? This documented article answers those questions. Português: Qual é fiel: A igreja católica romana ou a igreja viva do deus? Tambien Español: Cuál es fiel: ¿La iglesia católica romana o La Iglesia del Dios Viviente? Auch: Deutsch: Welches zuverlässig ist: Die Römisch-katholische Kirche oder die lebende Kirche von Gott?
Nazarene Christianity: Were the Original Christians Nazarenes? Should Christians be Nazarenes today? What were the practices of the Nazarenes.
Location of the Early Church: Another Look at Ephesus, Smyrna, and Rome What actually happened to the primitive Church? And did the Bible tell about this in advance?
Apostolic Succession What really happened? Did structure and beliefs change? Are many of the widely-held current understandings of this even possible? Did you know that Catholic scholars really do not believe that several of the claimed “apostolic sees” of the Orthodox have apostolic succession–despite the fact that the current pontiff himself seems to wish to ignore this view? Is there actually a true church that has ties to any of the apostles that is not part of the Catholic or Orthodox churches? Read this article if you truly are interested in the truth on this matter!
Early Church History: Who Were the Two Major Groups Professed Christ in the Second and Third Centuries? Did you know that many in the second and third centuries felt that there were two major, and separate, professing Christian groups in the second century, but that those in the majority churches tend to now blend the groups together and claim “saints” from both? “Saints” that condemn some of their current beliefs. Who are the two groups?
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?

COGwriter

The New York Times ran the following tonight:

After Tornadoes, a Warning of More Severe Storms

May 11 2015

VAN, Tex. — The National Weather Service warned of more severe weather Monday from southern Texas to the Great Lakes, a day after tornadoes killed at least four people and left dozens injured in North Texas and Arkansas.

Storm fronts that lashed the nation’s midsection brought dozens of tornadoes, torrential rains and flooding, thunderstorms and lighting strikes, hail and even unseasonable snows. The worst of the damage appeared to be in North Texas, where as much as 10 inches of rain fell over the weekend in places, more than in March and April combined.

Dozens of tornadoes were reported across several states, including one that ripped through Van, Tex., leaving two people dead and sending 43 to hospitals with injuries; by midday Monday eight people were still missing, said Chuck Allen, the Van Zandt County fire marshal and emergency manager. …

Serious flooding struck in several states on Sunday; in Denton County, Tex., north of Fort Worth, people were rescued by helicopter from the roofs of cars and houses. The Denver area received several inches of snow on Sunday, snow fell in South Dakota, and flurries continued in parts of the Plains on Monday.  http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/12/us/national-weather-service-warns-of-more-severe-storms.html?_r=0

There has been a lot of rough weather in the USA this year.  Here in California, the weather SEEMS nice, but the reality is that we are in a massive drought.

While humans often seem to think otherwise, God is in charge and controls the weather. Notice the following:

The Bible makes plain who is in control of the weather! “Fire and hail, snow and clouds; stormy wind, fulfilling His word” (Ps . 148:8 , RAV).

God intervenes in weather to work out his purposes among nations…

Plagues of disastrous weather are a warning to humanity. Weather for the most part operates according to natural laws. Damaging weather patterns sometimes develop. God simply may not choose to intervene to stop them because of nations’ various sins and idolatry.

The Bible reveals God also directly intervenes to cause weather plagues to warn certain nations. “I have smitten you with blasting and mildew . .. yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the Lord” (Amos 4:9). He, in his great purpose, may also allow Satan-the god of this world (II Cor. 4:4)-to have a role in producing calamitous weather, for man’s ultimate learning (see Job, chapter 1). (Schroeder D. CHAOTIC WEATHER Return of the dust bowl? Plain Truth. 1984, pp. 19-20)

As the above shows, the Bible teaches that God uses weather to warn people and to get their attention, especially if they have left Him.

Notice also:

7 Praise the Lord from the earth,
You great sea creatures and all the depths;
8 Fire and hail, snow and clouds;
Stormy wind, fulfilling His word; (Psalms 148:7-8, NKJV throughout unless otherwise indicated)

26 “Behold, God is great, and we do not know Him; Nor can the number of His years be discovered. 27 For He draws up drops of water, Which distill as rain from the mist, 28 Which the clouds drop down And pour abundantly on man. 29 Indeed, can anyone understand the spreading of clouds, The thunder from His canopy? 30 Look, He scatters His light upon it, And covers the depths of the sea. 31 For by these He judges the peoples; He gives food in abundance. 32 He covers His hands with lightning, And commands it to strike. 33 His thunder declares it, The cattle also, concerning the rising storm. (Job 36:26-33)

17 He casts out His hail like morsels;
Who can stand before His cold?
18 He sends out His word and melts them;
He causes His wind to blow, and the waters flow.  (Psalms 147:17-18)

3 He sends it forth under the whole heaven, His lightning to the ends of the earth. 4 After it a voice roars; He thunders with His majestic voice, And He does not restrain them when His voice is heard. 5 God thunders marvelously with His voice; He does great things which we cannot comprehend. 6 For He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth’; Likewise to the gentle rain and the heavy rain of His strength. 7 He seals the hand of every man, That all men may know His work. 8 The beasts go into dens, And remain in their lairs. 9 From the chamber of the south comes the whirlwind, And cold from the scattering winds of the north. 10 By the breath of God ice is given, And the broad waters are frozen. 11 Also with moisture He saturates the thick clouds; He scatters His bright clouds. 12 And they swirl about, being turned by His guidance, That they may do whatever He commands them On the face of the whole earth. 13 He causes it to come, Whether for correction, Or for His land, Or for mercy. (Job 37:3-13)

God controls the weather. As the Book of Job records above, cold and snowy weather is sometimes used by God for correction. The following shows that God sometimes uses hail and snow for punishment:

22 “Have you entered the treasury of snow, Or have you seen the treasury of hail, 23 Which I have reserved for the time of trouble, For the day of battle and war?  (Job 38:22-23)

Weather is not as random as most seem to want to believe.

Notice that God uses weather to warn people to turn to Him, but many ignore this:

17 I struck you with blight and mildew and hail in all the labors of your hands; yet you did not turn to Me,’ says the Lord.  (Haggai 2:17)

21 And great hail from heaven fell upon men, each hailstone about the weight of a talent. Men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail, since that plague was exceedingly great.  (Revelation 16:21)

The Bible shows:

30 God…commands all men everywhere to repent (Acts 17:30)

And weather-problems are one way that God uses to urge people to repent (cf. Haggai 2:17).

Now, does this mean that those most affected by weather are necessarily worse sinners than those less affected?

The biblical answer is no.

Notice the words of Jesus:

45…He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. (Matthew 5:45)

4 Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. (Luke 13:4-5)

God uses weather and other events to warn people.

Will you heed the weather warnings?

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Weather Blessings and Sorrows Are weather problems a warning? What should be done? Here is a new YouTube video titled Does God Use Weather?
Just What Do You Mean — Repentance? Do you know what repentance is? Have you truly repented? Repented of what? Herbert W. Armstrong wrote this as a booklet on this important subject.
When You Sin: Do You Really Repent? This is an article by Charles F. Hunting. A related sermon is Confess to God and truly repent.
Do Christians Sin? This is an article by Herbert W. Armstrong.
Overcoming Sin What is sin? How are Christians suppose to overcome it? Here is also a link to a video titled How to Overcome Sin.
How to Prevent Sin This is an article by Herbert W. Armstrong.
Just What Do You Mean Conversion? Many think that they are converted Christians. But are they? Would you like to know more about conversion. Herbert W. Armstrong wrote this as a booklet on this important subject.
False Conversion Have you really been converted? Herbert W. Armstrong wrote this article on this important subject.
All About Water Baptism What is baptism? Would you like to know more about it. Herbert W. Armstrong wrote this as a booklet on this important subject. As far as early history, see also Baptism and the Early Church.
God’s Grace is For All Is being Jewish a hindrance to salvation? What about not being a descendant of Israel? What does the Bible really teach? Here is a link to a related sermon titled Race and Grace; Do you view race as God does?