Church of God News

COGwriter

Ecumenical News reports that the Church of Scotland is the first church in the UK to come out to urge support the stay in the EU vote scheduled for June 23, 2016, and that the Church of England will likely also do so:

Church of Scotland first to openly support UK staying in European Union

February 23, 2016

The main churches, including the Church of England, are expected to support straying in the EU. …

The (Presbyterian) Church of Scotland said that Britain’s continued membership of the European Union symbolizes “real progress and hope” for the future.

The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, Rev. Angus Morrison, said the United Kingdom would be better off remaining a member State in the face of “enormous international challenges.”

He said is has never been more important to maintain a broad vision and work across boundaries to tackle the most serious and pressing issues of the day.

“The Church recognizes that the decision taken will impact our country and communities for generations to come and we call for a positive debate on the European Union that takes account of its role in promoting peace, security and international cooperation.

“While each individual will reflect and come to their own decision with integrity, the Church of Scotland takes the position that in this time of enormous international challenge, it is better for us as a country to remain within the EU.” http://www.ecumenicalnews.com/article/church-of-scotland-first-to-openly-support-uk-staying-in-european-uniion/38622.htm

The last poll I saw related to this said 51% of those in the UK are inclined to vote to stay in the EU, but the reporter of that poll said that British polls are not particularly reliable.

I had not realized that the Church of Scotland was Presbyterian.  The only reason I am bringing that up is that Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump claims to be Presbyterian, but yesterday the head of the USA version of that church stated that Donald Trump held views opposed to the Presbyterian church (see EN: ‘The Presbyterian Church (USA) has turned on Donald Trump’).

The Church of Scotland seems to be fairly political. Although it claims to believe the Bible, it has trouble accepting what it says. For example, in  April 2013, the church published a report entitled “The Inheritance of Abraham: A Report on the “Promised” Land,” which included a discussion of Israeli and Jewish claims to the land of Israel. The report said “there has been a widespread assumption by many Christians as well as many Jewish people that the Bible supports an essentially Jewish state of Israel. This raises an increasing number of difficulties and current Israeli policies regarding the Palestinians have sharpened this questioning,” and that “promises about the Land of Israel were never intended to be taken literally.”

This upset Jewish groups in Scotland:

The Scottish Council of Jewish Communities sharply criticised the report,describing it as follows: “It reads like an Inquisition-era polemic against Jews and Judaism. It is biased, weak on sources, and contradictory. The picture it paints of both Judaism and Israel is barely even a caricature. The arrogance of telling the Jewish people how to interpret Jewish texts and Jewish theology is breathtaking.” The report was also criticised by the Anti-Defamation League and the Israeli envoy to the United Kingdom. (Church of Scotland, Wikipedia, accessed 02/23/16)

But instead of believing what the Bible teaches about the land of Israel, the Church of Scotland took a pro-Palestinian position:

Reverend Sally Foster-Fulton, who serves as the Convener of the Church and Society Council, defended the report, stating that: “This is primarily a report highlighting the continued occupation by the state of Israel and the injustices faced by the Palestinian people as a consequence. It is not a report criticising the Jewish people. Opposing the unjust policies of the state of Israel cannot be equated to anti-Semitism.” In an interview with Iran’s Press TV, Reverend Stephen Sizer expressed support for the document, stating that “it’s news that the Israelis don’t want because they want to maintain the idea that they have the Church in their pocket. (Church of Scotland, Wikipedia, accessed 02/23/16)

Anyway, irrespective of issues with the Palestinians, the Bible is clear that God made land promises to Abraham, Issac, and Israel, and yes, we in the Continuing Church of God believe that those promises were intended to be understood literally.

As far as the Church of Scotland goes, currently has 218 serving female ministers, with 677 male ministers (Wikipedia)–the Bible does NOT sanction female ministers (see Women and the New Testament Church). The Church of Scotland has over 1100 congregations, but ” its official membership at 398,389 comprises about 7.5% of the population of Scotland. Official membership is down some 66.5% from its peak in 1957 of 1.32 million” (Wikipedia).

The Church of Scotland is a fairly ecumenical group:

The Church of Scotland is a member of ACTS (Action of Churches Together in Scotland) and, through its Committee on Ecumenical Relations, works closely with other denominations in Scotland. The present inter-denominational co-operation marks a distinct change from attitudes in certain quarters of the Church in the early twentieth century and before, when opposition to Irish Roman Catholic immigration was vocal (see Catholicism in Scotland). The Church of Scotland is a member of the World Council of Churches, the Conference of European Churches, the Community of Protestant Churches in Europe, and the World Communion of Reformed Churches. The Church of Scotland is a member of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland and, through its Presbytery of England, is a member of Churches Together in England. The Church of Scotland continues to foster relationships with other Presbyterian denominations in Scotland even where agreement is difficult. (Church of Scotland, Wikipedia, accessed 02/23/16)

We in the Continuing Church of God believe that Jesus’ true church would be separate from those of the world (John 15:19; 2 Corinthians 6:14-17; Revelation 18:4).

What about the referendum?

Well, we now are seeing a real battle in the UK. The campaign related to a possible Brexit (also called a Brixit) is on. Brexit is short for BRitish EXIT and Brixit is short for BRItish exIT from the European Union.

Yesterday, British Prime Minister David Cameron said that this referendum would be final;

February 22, 2016

British Prime Minister David Cameron says the results of a referendum on Britain’s exit from the European Union will be final.

“This is a vital decision for the future of our country and I believe we should also be clear that it is a final decision,” Cameron said during an address in Parliament Monday. …

Officials from the office of the prime minister said if the June 23 referendum initiative passes, Cameron would invoke article 50 of the Lisbon treaty, which sets in motion a two-year negotiation process where the European Union presents Britain with a final package to which they can either accept or reject.

Britain would also lose its seat on the European Council during this period.

Cameron has warned that Britain’s exit from the bloc would threaten the country’s economic and national security.

EUROPOL chief Rob Wainwright said an EU exit would leave the more vulnerable to attacks by terror groups and organized crime gangs.

No country has ever left the European Union.

Six of Cameron’s Cabinet ministers say they also support Britain leaving the bloc, but former Prime Ministers Tony Blair and John Major are supporting the “stay” campaign, as are major companies, much of the Labor Party, major trade unions and Britain’s international allies. http://www.voanews.com/content/cameron-urges-london-mayor-to-support-eu-membership/3200286.html

We will see how the vote turns out. Either way, those in continental Europe will be offended. This will not bode well for the UK.

No matter how the 6/23/16 vote goes, the UK WILL NOT BE AN EQUAL MEMBER OF THE EUROPEAN UNION! Ultimately the UK will not be in the European Union. At least not as a member state as many in the UK will be made slaves! (for scriptural details, see the article Will the Anglo-Saxon Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves?).

Neither the Church of Scotland nor the Church of England understands the identity of the British peoples nor what Bible prophecy says what will happen to them.

David Cameron has claimed, “Britain will never be part of a European superstate.” But a superstate is what the elite in Europe want and is what they will get (cf. Revelation 17:12-13)–and the UK will be taken over by it. The UK needs the Kingdom of God and repentance.

A few days ago, I recorded a message that we made available online titled: Will the UK’s ‘special status’ with the EU last?

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?
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe? Here is a link to a video titled: Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European?
European Technology and the Beast of Revelation Will the coming European Beast power would use and develop technology that will result in the taking over of the USA and its Anglo-Saxon allies? Is this possible? What does the Bible teach? Here is a related YouTube video: Military Technology and the Beast of Revelation.
Must the Ten Kings of Revelation 17:12 Rule over Ten Currently Existing Nations? Some claim that these passages refer to a gathering of 10 currently existing nations together, while one group teaches that this is referring to 11 nations getting together. Is that what Revelation 17:12-13 refers to? The ramifications of misunderstanding this are enormous. A related sermon is titled Ten Kings of Revelation and the Great Tribulation.
Should a Christian Vote? This article gives some of the Biblical rationale on this subject. Would Jesus vote for president/prime minister? Is voting in the Bible? This is a subject Christians need to understand. A video of related interest is available titled: Should Christians Vote?
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.
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God was the Emphasis of Jesus and the Early Church Did you know that? Do you even know what the gospel of the kingdom is all about? You can also see a YouTube video sermons Why Teach the Kingdom of God? and The Gospel of the Kingdom.
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?
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2016, 2017, or 2018? 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 2016 o 2017? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? You can also see the English language sermon video: The Great Tribulation from the Mount of Olives. A shorter video is: Can the Great Tribulation Start in 2016?

“Martyrdom of Polycarp” from Ceiling of the Church of St. Polycarp, Smyrna (now called Izmir, Turkey)

COGwriter

February 23rd is considered the “Feast of Polycarp” by the Roman and Eastern Orthodox Catholics. Some believe that he was martyred on that date (though an early Spring martyrdom seems to have been more likely), and thus some read parts or all of a second century account called The Martyrdom of Polycarp.

While the day supposedly in his honor appears to be a Church of Rome, and not Church of God, day, were his beliefs more like the latter than the former?

Yes.

Was Polycarp Protestant or Eastern Orthodox?

No.

Who was Polycarp?

Polycarp was a disciple of the Apostle John. In the late 1st century (or the early second century) he was put in charge of the Church of God in Smyrna. Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox revere him as a saint (as do some Protestants). We in the Continuing Church of God primarily trace our early history from Peter, Paul, and John through Polycarp (we also trace our history through other areas that had faithful Christians for a while, such as Jerusalem).

Almost everyone associated with Christendom considers that Polycarp was a true and faithful Christian leader.

In the late second century, the Catholic and Orthodox saint Irenaeus wrote:

But Polycarp also was not only instructed by apostles, and conversed with many who had seen Christ, but was also, by apostles in Asia, appointed bishop of the Church in Smyrna…always taught the things which he had learned from the apostles, and which the Church has handed down, and which alone are true. To these things all the Asiatic Churches testify, as do also those men who have succeeded Polycarp down to the present time (Irenaeus. Adversus Haeres. Book III, Chapter 4, Verse 3 and Chapter 3, Verse 4).

So if Polycarp was a faithful saint who was appointed by the apostles, then perhaps real Christians would follow his practices as he followed the Bible?

In the famous account of his martyrdom, he made some statements that even under the face of death suggested that he had a sense of humor:

9:1 But as Polycarp entered into the stadium, a voice came to him from heaven; ‘Be strong, Polycarp, and play the man.’ And no one saw the speaker, but those of our people who were present heard the voice. And at length, when he was brought up, there was a great tumult, for they heard that Polycarp had been apprehended.

9:2 When then he was brought before him, the proconsul enquired whether he were the man. And on his confessing that he was, he tried to persuade him to a denial saying, ‘Have respect to thine age,’ and other things in accordance therewith, as it is their wont to say; ‘Swear by the genius of Caesar; repent and say, Away with the atheists.’

Then Polycarp with solemn countenance looked upon the whole multitude of lawless heathen that were in the stadium, and waved his hand to them; and groaning and looking up to heaven he said, ‘Away with the atheists.’

9:3 But when the magistrate pressed him hard and said, ‘Swear the oath, and I will release You; revile the Christ,’ Polycarp said, ‘Fourscore and six years have I been His servant, and He hath done me no wrong. How then can I blaspheme my King who saved me?’

Perhaps it should be mentioned that some have interpreted the above account as proof that Polycarp died at age 86 and hence was baptized as an infant, but another ancient document (known as the Harris Fragments) records that he lived until age 104, thus is supportive that Polycarp was baptized at age 18 (see also Baptism and the Early Church).

And even though many Greco-Romans observe the presumed date of his martyrdom as a feast, it is not likely that many of those who do so realize that he held many (though not all) views that sometimes conflict with those now held by the Greco-Roman churches.

Actually, Polycarp was a heretic fighter and even tried to get Anicetus, Bishop of Rome to change and keep Passover on the same date that we in the Continuing Church of God do. Instead the Church of Rome, the Eastern Orthodox, and most Protestants keep the wrong day and observe that day differently than Polycarp did.

Here is a summary of some of Polycarp’s doctrinal beliefs and practices:

A Binitarian view, that acknowledged the Holy Spirit, was held by the apostolic and post-apostolic true Christian leaders, like Polycarp.
Hierarchical church governance was advocated by Polycarp.
The canon of the New Testament was known by Polycarp as he seemed to refer to all the books it in the famous Polycarp’s Letter to the Philippians.
Christmas was not observed by Polycarp nor any professing Christ prior to the third century, or ever by those holding to early teachings.
Deification of Christians after the resurrection was taught by the early leaders of the Church, including Polycarp.
Easter per se was not observed by the apostolic church, and Polycarp fought against it.
The Fall Holy Days were observed by true early Christians, including Polycarp.
The Father was considered to be God by all early professing Christians, including Polycarp.
Polycarp taught against idols (and that would include icons).
Polycarp taught against the immortality of the soul.
Jesus was considered to be God by the true Christians, including Polycarp.
The Kingdom of God was taught by Polycarp.
Leavened Bread was removed from the homes of early Christians like Polycarp.
Lent was not observed by Polycarp.
Limbo was not taught by Polycarp.
Military Service was not allowed for true early Christians like Polycarp.
Millenarianism (a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth, often called the millennium) was taught by the early Christians who succeeded Polycarp.
Passover was kept on the 14th of Nisan Polycarp.
Purgatory was not taught by Polycarp.
The Resurrection of the dead was taught Polycarp.
The Sabbath was observed on Saturday by Polycarp.
The Ten Commandments were observed by the apostolic and true post-apostolic Christians, including Polycarp–and in the order that the Continuing Church of God claims they are in.

The Continuing Church of God has all of the same beliefs and practices as Polycarp (although we observe no particular day in his honor).

If Polycarp really was a saint that was placed in charge by Christ’s apostles–which he was–shouldn’t you have the same beliefs and practices?

Several items of possibly related interest may include:

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?
Polycarp of Smyrna: Why Christians should know more about him The Church of Rome, Eastern Orthodox, Continuing Church of God, and various Protestants consider that Polycarp of Smyrna was a saint and a significant Christian leader in Asia Minor in the second century. What is unique about Polycarp? Was he really a successor to the apostles? What did he teach? Does he prove infant baptism? How old was he when he was martyred? Did he and his successors hold Church of God or Church of Rome doctrines? This is a YouTube video sermon.
Polycarp’s Letter to the Philippians Did Polycarp refer to all the books in the New Testament? This is Roberts and Donaldson’s translation, corrected by me in one place, where they made a small error in translating Latin by omitting one word. It is also annotated with scriptures to demonstrate that Polycarp did have the New Testament canon.
Polycarp of Smyrna: The Heretic Fighter Polycarp was the successor of the Apostle John and a major leader in Asia Minor. Do you know much about what he taught? Does the Continuing Church of God or the Church of Rome more faithfully follow his teachings and practices?
The Martyrdom of Polycarp This was written shortly after Polycarp died; likely involving Papirius. A mistranslation is corrected in this version.
Polycarp, Fragments from Victor of Capua This may have been written by Polycarp or “pseudo-Polycarp”.
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?
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.
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.
Why Should American Catholics Should Fear Unity with the Orthodox? Are the current ecumenical meetings a good thing or will they result in disaster? Is doctrinal compromise good?
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?
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? Here is a link in the French language: Où est la vraie Église Chrétienne aujourd’hui?
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 to the 21st century. Related sermon links 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. The booklet is available in Spanish: Continuación de la Historia de la Iglesia de Dios, German: Kontinuierliche Geschichte der Kirche Gottes, and Ekegusii Omogano Bw’ekanisa Ya Nyasae Egendererete.
CCOG.ORG Continuing Church of God The group striving to be most faithful amongst all real Christian groups to the word of God.

COGwriter

Ecumenical News reports that the Presbyterian Church has turned against Donald Trump:

February 22, 2016

The Presbyterian Church (USA) has turned on Donald Trump who is still feeling the impact of his row with Pope Francis over his suggestion he was “not a Christian” for proposing a border wall with Mexico.

But the conservative credentials of the Republican front runner are not convincing to one foreign commentator who has labeled him a “complete fake.”

The leadership of Presbyterian church he was born into says his extreme views on how to deal with immigration are out of line with its teachings.

Rev. Gradye Parsons, the most senior elected official of the Presbyterian Church (USA) to which Trump was baptized as a child, said that the Bible is clear:, stating followers of the faith have to care for the needy.

“Donald Trump’s views are not in keeping with the policies adopted by our church by deliberative process,” he said. http://www.ecumenicalnews.com/article/church-in-which-donald-trump-was-baptized-defies-him-on-immigration-policy/38525.htm

Here is some additional information:

February 21, 2016

Gradye Parsons, the most senior elected official of the Presbyterian Church (USA) into which Trump was baptized as a child, said that the Bible is clear: followers of the faith have to care for the needy. “Donald Trump’s views are not in keeping with the policies adopted by our church by deliberative process,” he said.

In an interview with the Guardian, Parsons said that the Presbyterian church had voted several times since the 1990s in its national general assemblies in favor of comprehensive immigration reform that would grant a route to legal status for the 11 million undocumented people currently living in the US. “Our official policy is to encourage immigration reform.” …

Trump was confirmed as a child at the First Presbyterian church in Jamaica, in the New York borough of Queens, and has always self-associated as a Presbyterian. He says he now worships at the Marble Collegiate church in Manhattan, part of the Reformed Church in American denomination. http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/feb/21/donald-trump-presbyterian-church-immigration?utm_source=esp&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=GU%20Today%20main%20NEW%20H&utm_term=157955&subid=1176955&CMP=EMCNEWEML6619I2

Now, it should be noted that the Reformed Church of America is in “full communion with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the United Church of Christ, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America,”, so the faiths are quite similar.

Donald Trump himself claims to be a Presbyterian and a Christian:

July 18, 2015

(CNN) Donald Trump talked about his Christian faith Saturday, but said he’s never sought forgiveness for his sins. …

“People are so shocked when they find … out I am Protestant. I am Presbyterian. And I go to church and I love God and I love my church,” he said.

Moderator Frank Luntz asked Trump whether he has ever asked God for forgiveness for his actions.

“I am not sure I have. I just go on and try to do a better job from there. I don’t think so,” he said. “I think if I do something wrong, I think, I just try and make it right. I don’t bring God into that picture. I don’t.”

Trump said that while he hasn’t asked God for forgiveness, he does participate in Holy Communion. http://www.cnn.com/2015/07/18/politics/trump-has-never-sought-forgiveness/

The Bible says that Christians are to repent (Acts 2:38), examine themselves before taking the bread and wine (1 Corinthians 11:27-29), and are to confess their sins so God will forgive them, but Donald Trump apparently  does not really believe in things like that.

It should be clear to all who claim to believe the Bible that Donald Trump is not actually a Christian. And apparently, he may not also be a Presbyterian as far as the head of that church is concerned.

Some others believe that Donald Trump is an actor who is basically pretending to hold conservative views.

Notice what Tim Blair wrote from Australia:

February 22, 2016

Donald Trump is a complete fake, his right-wing pose is a cynical act. (Blair T. Donald Trump is a complete fake. Daily Telegraph. February 22, 2016)

Here is more about that:

February 22, 2016

Tim Blair … denounced him in a piece headlined, “Candidate Donald Trump is a complete fake, his right-wing pose is a cynical act.”

Blair opined that Trump has a huge supporter base among voters and pundits “weary of the usual politically correct and evasive politicians” and that his stance on Muslim immigration and border protection “strike a resonant chord throughout middle America.”

“It’s just that Trump is a complete fake. He’s less a viable presidential candidate than a marketing exercise for the Trump brand. He’s running as a hard-core conservative solely because that role happens to be vacant.

“If the rest of the field shifted right, you get the feeling that Trump would start quoting Castro and wearing a Che Guevara T-shirt.” http://www.ecumenicalnews.com/article/church-in-which-donald-trump-was-baptized-defies-him-on-immigration-policy/38525.htm

Many politicians (and people) pretend to be one thing while they are something else.

How sincerely Donald Trump holds to ‘conservative values’ certainly can be debated.  But perhaps it should be pointed out that Ronald Reagan was also a Democrat who became a Republican.

Yet as far as Donald Trump and  the end times go, the Bible warns:

1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! (2 Timothy 3:1-5)

While many of the above apply to other politicians, the “lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud” (and many others) seem to apply to people like Donald Trump.

This should not be surprising because the Bible says ” the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, Gives it to whomever He will, And sets over it the lowest of men.’ (Daniel 4:17).

Now, at least for the Republican nomination process, Donald Trump claims to be anti-abortion and is not a strident promoter of the LGBT agenda.  Yet, on that last point, notice the following:

Of the June 2015 Supreme Court ruling legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide, he said: “I would have preferred states, you know, making the decision and I let that be known. But they made the decision. … So, at a certain point you have to be realistic about it.” Gregory T. Angelo, the president of the Log Cabin Republicans (a pro-LGBT organization), described Trump as “one of the best, if not the best, pro-gay Republican candidates to ever run for the presidency.” (Political positions of Donald Trump. Wikipedia, viewed 02/21/16)

It is not likely that Donald Trump will take steps that will stop abortions or the LGBT agenda if he is elected President of the United States.

You may think that none of that affects you if you live in the USA and he becomes President. But consider the following:

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man — and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.

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

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

28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them. (Romans 1:18-32)

Donald Trump professes to be wise, but approves of sexual immortality and other sins that God says lead to death. This does not bode well for the USA should he become its president.

We are seeing more and more leaders that are coarse and have serious moral issues.

Notice also the following scriptures:

12 As for My people, children are their oppressors, And women rule over them. O My people! Those who lead you cause you to err, And destroy the way of your paths.” (Isaiah 3:12)

16 For the leaders of this people cause them to err, And those who are led by them are destroyed (Isaiah 9:16).

Irrespective of who becomes the next president, by virtue of timing, that leader will be in a sense, apocalyptic. Meaning that steps will be taken that will lead to the end of the USA by the next president.

Donald Trump’s siren song is basically that foreigners, migrants, and Wall Street have taken advantage of the USA, and Americans would be better off if he renegotiates treaties and changes laws. This would bring Americans prosperity, etc. according to Donald Trump.

On the Democratic side, their siren song is that corporations, rich straight white men, and Wall Street have taken advantage of many in the USA and Americans would be better off if laws are changed to increase taxes on the rich and force corporations to give more to women, minorities, and migrants, while also changing society’s laws related to gender matters. This would basically bring prosperity and equity to those who have been unfairly treated according to Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton.

Both sides employ greed and envy as motivators. Jesus warned against covetousness (Luke 12:15).

Neither Donald Trump’s nor the Democrat’s siren songs are the solution.

The presidential candidates also do not seem to realize the national identity of the USA according to the Bible (see Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel), that God has a 6,000 year plan, and that national repentance is needed or the USA is doomed (Habakkuk 2:6-8; Daniel 11:39).

Time is running out for the USA. We are getting closer to the end of the 6,000 years that God is allowing humans to rule themselves, prior to the return of Jesus Christ and the beginning of the millennial reign (see Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? and Did The Early Church Teach Millenarianism?). This is something that none of the presidential candidates has discussed publicly as far as I can tell.

And the end of the USA will come (cf. Daniel 11:39) whether they believe it or not.

As far as making America great again, the USA truly needs national repentance, which is something that neither “the Donald” nor the other major candidates truly called for.

The USA needs the Kingdom of God.

Pray (Matthew 6:10; 1 Timothy 2:1-3).

Arms sales by nation (graph by Crosswords)

COGwriter

The USA retains its lead as the world’s largest supplier of military equipment in the world:

February 22, 2016

HELSINKI –  A Swedish think-tank says global arms exports increased 14 percent during the five years to 2015, with the U.S. retaining top position after its sales grew 27 percent from the previous five-year period.

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute says sales from the next biggest exporters, Russia and China, also increased but fell for numbers 4 and 5, France and Germany.

The top five exporters accounted for 74 percent of all arms sales, with the U.S. and Russia supplying a total of 58 percent. http://www.foxnews.com/world/2016/02/22/world-arms-sales-up-14-percent-in-past-5-years-led-by-us.html

The USA has long been the leading supplier of weaponry around the world. It has been considered to be ‘the arsenal of democracy,’ although other powers also want to produce and sell weapons.

The sale of weapons not only supports the economy of the USA, it also helps subsidize its arms’ industry by spreading overhead costs over higher production, which in turn tends to lower the costs for the USA to get its own weapons.

But over the past several years, the USA has made a lot of cuts to its military (e.g. US military being severely damaged by budget cuts), plus has engaged in a lot of ‘social engineering’ which some feel is weakening its military capacity.

Notice something related to that ‘social engineering’ weakening:

February 21, 2016

Expert: U.S. military could topple like Jenga blocks

‘Best in the world, but its strength and integrity cannot be taken for granted’

CMR is run by Elaine Donnelly, who was appointed by Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger to the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services. Later, President George H.W. Bush appointed her to the Presidential Commission on the Assignment of Women in the Armed Forces. …

Obama’s social agenda is the top blocks, but troop strength and support are the foundation blocks that are being removed, she has argued.

“Our military is the best in the world, but its strength and integrity cannot be taken for granted,” she said in the CMR report. “It will be the responsibility of the next commander-in-chief to maintain and strengthen our military by restoring necessary resources and removing heavy burdens caused by social experiments.”

Her report notes the issue is assuming greater importance in light of a recent Washington Times article that highlights the consequences of budget cuts in Special Operations Forces.

The article points out that Special Forces are not ready to integrate women into tip-of-spear fighting units, as the White House has insisted. http://www.wnd.com/2016/02/expert-u-s-military-could-topple-like-jenga-blocks/#Cb8x67oI44dfVQ75.99

Here are some quotes directly from the CMR report alluded to above:

The administration is planning to assign significant numbers of minimally – qualified young women to small fighting units, on an involuntary basis, and to send them to fight ISIS and other vicious enemies under conditions that involve higher risks for women than for men. This is being done even though officials are well aware that women’s physical capabilities are far less than men’s and their risks of injury are far greater.

This is not a “pro- woman” policy; it is a cruel deception, betraying the interests of uniformed women who deserve better.

It is also unfair to men – tantamount to telling Navy SEAL s that they should execute HALO (high altitude, low – opening) jumps with parachutes known to fail 30% of the time. Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus and like – minded activists keep insisting that training standards will not be adjusted to levels that are “gender-neutral” but lower than before. This will not be possible, due to pressures from Pentagon officials who truly believe that “gender diversity is a strategic imperative.” Secretary Mabus has loudly called for gender diversity quotas of at least 25%, while simultaneously denying plans for gender diversity quotas. http://cmrlink.org/data/sites/85/CMRDocuments/SASCTestimonyElaineDonnelly020216_Final.pdf

Having served in the military and seen what really happens between males and females in the military, I concur that the ‘social experiments’ the Obama Administration has engaged in are not conducive to optimal defense. While the CMR report did not mention the acceptance and promotion of homosexuals in the military, let me state that this too is not conducive to optimal defense.

Many will dismiss these types of assessment.  Many believe that since the US military is the strongest in the world, that it is not subject to enough internal decay to be taken over.  But to believe that, one must overlook what the Bible teaches.

The Bible teaches that the unrepentant who despise God’s statutes (Leviticus 26) are subject to being taken over (Deuteronomy 28).  This applies to the USA.

The Bible teaches that the end time power with massive amounts of debt will be taken over (Habakkuk 2:2-8). This applies to the USA.

The Bible also teaches that a power will overpower the place with the strongest military (Daniel 11:39). This applies to the USA.

For that last point, notice multiple translations of Daniel 11:39:

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

39 He shall deal with the strongest fortresses with the help of a foreign god. Those who acknowledge him he shall load with honor. He shall make them rulers over many and shall divide the land for a price. (ESV)

39 He will take action against the strongest of fortresses with the help of a foreign god; he will give great honor to those who acknowledge him and will cause them to rule over the many, and will parcel out land for a price. (NASB)

39 Claiming this foreign god’s help, he will attack the strongest fortresses. He will honor those who submit to him, appointing them to positions of authority and dividing the land among them as their reward. (NLT)

39 He will attack the mightiest fortresses with the help of a foreign god and will greatly honor those who acknowledge him. He will make them rulers over many people and will distribute the land at a price. (NIV)

39 He’ll take action against the strongest fortresses. With the help of a foreign god, he’ll recognize those who honor him, making them rule over many, and he’ll parcel out the land for a profit. (ISB of 2012)

The “strongest fortresses,” meaning the world’s strongest military, belongs to the USA.  Yet, notice that Bible prophecy says that the strongest military will be defeated and its lands will be taken over.

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

Despite its arms’ sales, the USA is setting itself up to be taken over in what could be called World War III.

Some items of related interest may include:

World War III: Steps in Progress Are there surprising actions going on now that are leading to WWIII? What steps has the Obama Administration taken with Germany to assist thie? Might a nuclear attack be expected? Does the Bible promise protection to all or only some Christians? How can you be part of those that will be protected? A related video would be Is World War III About to Begin? Can You Escape?
The Snowden Leaks are Leading to the Destruction of the USA Can what happened with the leaks of what the NSA has done help the USA to be taken over? What does the Bible teach that seems to be related to this? Here is a related YouTube video titled Are the Snowden NSA leaks leading to the destruction of the USA?
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe? Here is a link to a video titled: Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European?
European Technology and the Beast of Revelation Will the coming European Beast power would use and develop technology that will result in the taking over of the USA and its Anglo-Saxon allies? Is this possible? What does the Bible teach? Here is a related YouTube video: Military Technology and the Beast of Revelation.
Must the Ten Kings of Revelation 17:12 Rule over Ten Currently Existing Nations? Some claim that these passages refer to a gathering of 10 currently existing nations together, while one group teaches that this is referring to 11 nations getting together. Is that what Revelation 17:12-13 refers to? The ramifications of misunderstanding this are enormous. A related sermon is titled Ten Kings of Revelation and the Great Tribulation.
Cross-dressing and other assaults against your children.  What should you do? Is there an agenda to turn your children and/or grandchildren away from biblical morality and towards practices promoted by homosexuals? What does the Bible teach about cross-dressing? What should parents do? If there is an agenda, what has been going on?  There are also two YouTube videos related to this, titled Transgender ‘Woe to those who call evil good’ and Cross dressing and Other Assaults Against Your Children.
The Bible Condemns Homosexuality “Same-sex marriage” for “gays” and lesbians is becoming more acceptable to many. What does the Bible teach about homosexuality?  Can homosexuals change? A related video sermon is titled: What Does the Bible Really Teach about Homosexuality?
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? A related sermons is titled: Pornography, False Comfort, and False Religion. Here a shorter YouTube video Pornography: Harmless Fun or a Scourge on Society?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Saxon (non-Dutch) Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo-Saxon nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first? Here is a link to the Spanish version of this article: Anglo-América & las Tribus Perdidas de Israel. Information is also in the YouTube sermons titled Where are the Ten Lost Tribes? Why does it matter? and British are the Covenant People. A short YouTube of prophetic interest may be Barack Obama and the State of the Apocalypse.
Will the Anglo-Saxon Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What about Jerusalem? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people? Here is a link to a video titled Will the USA and other Anglo-nations be Divided and Their People Made Slaves? Here is a related item in the Spanish language ¿Serán divididas las naciones anglosajonas?
Hillary Clinton, 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.

The Catholics of Rome consider February 22nd as the day to honor Papius of Hierapolis, whom they consider to be one of their saints. This is somewhat odd in that Papius held many Church of God, not Church of Rome views. One of which, the current Catechism of the Catholic Church considers to be a doctrine of antichrist.

The Catholic Encyclopedia notes that Papias was:

Bishop of Hierapolis (close to Laodicea and Colossae in the valley of the Lycus in Phrygia) and Apostolic Father, called by St. Irenaeus “a hearer of John, and companion of Polycarp, a man of old time”. He wrote a work in five books, logion kyriakon exegesis, of which all but some fragments is lost…Of Papias’s life nothing is known. If Polycarp was born in 69, his “comrade” may have been born a few years earlier…The work of Papias was evidently written in his old age, say between the years 115 and 140 “…His knowledge of St. John’s Gospel is proved not merely by his mention of aloes, but by a citation of John 14:2, which occurs in the curious prophecy of a miraculous vintage in the millennium which he attributed to Our Lord…

Eusebius says that Papias frequently cited traditions of John…Eusebius says Papias “published a story of a woman accused of many sins before the Lord, which is contained in the Gospel according to the Hebrews”. This appears to refer to the pericope adulterae (John 8). The cause of the loss of this precious work of an Apostolic Father was the chiliastic view which he taught, like St. Justin and St. Irenæus. (Chapman J. Transcribed by Marcia L. Bellafiore. St. Papias. The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume XI. Copyright © 1911 by Robert Appleton Company. Online Edition Copyright © 2003 by K. Knight. Nihil Obstat, February 1, 1911. Remy Lafort, S.T.D., Censor. Imprimatur. +John Cardinal Farley, Archbishop of New York).

Since John and Polycarp were quartodecimans (Eusebius. Church History. Book V, Chapter 24), apparently so was Papias (since the churches in Asia Minor had not adopted a Sunday Passover at this time, Ibid). Yet, being a Quartodeciman was seriously denounced by an edict of Theodosius in the late fourth century.

Papias and John

The Catholic Encyclopedia notes this about Papias and the Apostle John,

The author of the Second and Third Epistles of John designates himself in the superscription of each by the name (ho presbyteros), “the ancient”, “the old”. Papias, Bishop of Hierapolis, also uses the same name to designate the “Presbyter John” as in addition to Aristion, his particular authority, directly after he has named the presbyters Andrew, Peter, Philip, Thomas, James, John, and Matthew (in Eusebius, “Hist. eccl.”, III, xxxix, 4)…St. Irenaeus also positively designates the Apostle and Evangelist John as the teacher of Papias, and neither he nor any other writer before Eusebius had any idea of a second John in Asia (Adv. haer., V, xxxiii, 4). In what Papias himself says the connection plainly shows that in this passage by the word presbyters only Apostles can be understood. If John is mentioned twice the explanation lies in the peculiar relationship in which Papias stood to this, his most eminent teacher. By inquiring of others he had learned some things indirectly from John, just as he had from the other Apostles referred to. In addition he had received information concerning the teachings and acts of Jesus directly, without the intervention of others, from the still living “Presbyter John”, as he also had from Aristion. Thus the teaching of Papias casts absolutely no doubt upon what the New-Testament writings presuppose and expressly mention concerning the residence of the Evangelist John in Asia (Fonck L. Transcribed by Michael Little. St. John the Evangelist. The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume VIII Copyright © 1910 by Robert Appleton Company Online Edition Copyright © 2003 by K. Knight Nihil Obstat, October 1, 1910. Remy Lafort, S.T.D., Censor Imprimatur. +John Cardinal Farley, Archbishop of New York).

Thus, it appears that Papias directly knew the Apostle John. The Apostle John wrote the Book of Revelation which, among other things, described a thousand year reign of Christ on the earth (Revelation 20:4).

Eusebius recorded the following about Papias:

1. There are extant five books of Papias, which bear the title Expositions of Oracles of the Lord. Irenæus makes mention of these as the only works written by him, in the following words: “These things are attested by Papias, an ancient man who was a hearer of John and a companion of Polycarp, in his fourth book. For five books have been written by him.” These are the words of Irenæus.
2. But Papias himself in the preface to his discourses by no means declares that he was himself a hearer and eye-witness of the holy apostles, but he shows by the words which he uses that he received the doctrines of the faith from those who were their friends.
3. He says: But I shall not hesitate also to put down for you along with my interpretations whatsoever things I have at any time learned carefully from the elders and carefully remembered, guaranteeing their truth. For I did not, like the multitude, take pleasure in those that speak much, but in those that teach the truth; not in those that relate strange commandments, but in those that deliver the commandments given by the Lord to faith, and springing from the truth itself.
4. If, then, any one came, who had been a follower of the elders, I questioned him in regard to the words of the elders— what Andrew or what Peter said, or what was said by Philip, or by Thomas, or by James, or by John, or by Matthew, or by any other of the disciples of the Lord, and what things Aristion and the presbyter John, the disciples of the Lord, say. For I did not think that what was to be gotten from the books would profit me as much as what came from the living and abiding voice.
5. It is worth while observing here that the name John is twice enumerated by him. The first one he mentions in connection with Peter and James and Matthew and the rest of the apostles, clearly meaning the evangelist; but the other John he mentions after an interval, and places him among others outside of the number of the apostles, putting Aristion before him, and he distinctly calls him a presbyter.
6. This shows that the statement of those is true, who say that there were two persons in Asia that bore the same name, and that there were two tombs in Ephesus, each of which, even to the present day, is called John’s. It is important to notice this. For it is probable that it was the second, if one is not willing to admit that it was the first that saw the Revelation, which is ascribed by name to John.
7. And Papias, of whom we are now speaking, confesses that he received the words of the apostles from those that followed them, but says that he was himself a hearer of Aristion and the presbyter John. At least he mentions them frequently by name, and gives their traditions in his writings. These things, we hope, have not been uselessly adduced by us.
8. But it is fitting to subjoin to the words of Papias which have been quoted, other passages from his works in which he relates some other wonderful events which he claims to have received from tradition.
9. That Philip the apostle dwelt at Hierapolis with his daughters has been already stated. But it must be noted here that Papias, their contemporary, says that he heard a wonderful tale from the daughters of Philip. For he relates that in his time one rose from the dead. And he tells another wonderful story of Justus, surnamed Barsabbas: that he drank a deadly poison, and yet, by the grace of the Lord, suffered no harm.
10. The Book of Acts records that the holy apostles after the ascension of the Saviour, put forward this Justus, together with Matthias, and prayed that one might be chosen in place of the traitor Judas, to fill up their number. The account is as follows: “And they put forward two, Joseph, called Barsabbas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias; and they prayed and said.” Acts 1:23 11. The same writer gives also other accounts which he says came to him through unwritten tradition, certain strange parables and teachings of the Saviour, and some other more mythical things.
12. To these belong his statement that there will be a period of some thousand years after the resurrection of the dead, and that the kingdom of Christ will be set up in material form on this very earth. I suppose he got these ideas through a misunderstanding of the apostolic accounts, not perceiving that the things said by them were spoken mystically in figures.
13. For he appears to have been of very limited understanding, as one can see from his discourses. But it was due to him that so many of the Church Fathers after him adopted a like opinion, urging in their own support the antiquity of the man; as for instance Irenæus and any one else that may have proclaimed similar views.
14. Papias gives also in his own work other accounts of the words of the Lord on the authority of Aristion who was mentioned above, and traditions as handed down by the presbyter John; to which we refer those who are fond of learning. But now we must add to the words of his which we have already quoted the tradition which he gives in regard to Mark, the author of the Gospel.
15. “This also the presbyter said: Mark, having become the interpreter of Peter, wrote down accurately, though not in order, whatsoever he remembered of the things said or done by Christ. For he neither heard the Lord nor followed him, but afterward, as I said, he followed Peter, who adapted his teaching to the needs of his hearers, but with no intention of giving a connected account of the Lord’s discourses, so that Mark committed no error while he thus wrote some things as he remembered them. For he was careful of one thing, not to omit any of the things which he had heard, and not to state any of them falsely.” These things are related by Papias concerning Mark.
16. But concerning Matthew he writes as follows: “So then Matthew wrote the oracles in the Hebrew language, and every one interpreted them as he was able.” And the same writer uses testimonies from the first Epistle of John and from that of Peter likewise. And he relates another story of a woman, who was accused of many sins before the Lord, which is contained in the Gospel according to the Hebrews. These things we have thought it necessary to observe in addition to what has been already stated. (Eusebius. The History of the Church, Book 3, Chapter XXXIX; Digireads, pp. 68-69)

So, this “Catholic saint” taught the millennium–a doctrine that is now denounced by the Vatican as associated with Antichrist (see Did The Early Church Teach Millenarianism?).

Papias would have observed Passover on the 14th of Nisan instead of a Sunday. Neither Papias nor other early Christian leaders observed Lent nor Easter.

The Roman Catholic Church, in spite of the fact that it admits that many of its early saints taught the millennium, now strongly condemns this belief. Notice:

676 The Antichrist’s deception already begins to take shape in the world every time the claim is made to realize within history that messianic hope which can only be realized beyond history through the eschatological judgment. The Church has rejected even modified forms of this falsification of the kingdom to come under the name of millenarianism, especially the “intrinsically perverse” political form of a secular messianism. (Catechism of the Catholic Church. Imprimatur Potest +Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger. Doubleday, NY 1995, p. 194).

It should be noted that the millennial teaching appears to be the only doctrine associated with Antichrist that is condemned in the current official Catechism of the Catholic Church (which is the first new one in hundreds of years). The one that has the imprimatur of Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger who is now called Pope Emeritus and was Pope Benedict XVI.

Notice something else that Joseph Ratzinger wrote in a paper titled The Theology of History in St. Bonaventure prior to becoming pope:

“…both Chiliasm [the teaching of the Millennium] and Montanism were declared heretical and were excluded from the universal church; for they both denied this vision [the “Christ is the end of the ages” vision] and awaited still another period of more definitive salvation to follow after the age of Christ” (as cited in Birch, pp. 515-516; note the comments within [] were from the Catholic writer Birch).

This is an odd statement for several reasons. It was the leaders in Asia Minor who stood for the Millennium and were the first to oppose Montanism–whom the Roman Catholics originally tolerated (please see the article Location of the Early Church)–hence the belief in one is NOT necessarily related to the other.

The other reason this condemnation is odd, is that even though Origen was opposed to the millennium Origen also taught that there was definitive salvation after what then Cardinal Ratzinger calls “the age of Christ” (please see the article Hope of Salvation: How the Continuing Church of God Differs from Protestantism). Yet pontiff emeritus Benedict XVI has publicly praised Origin as a “true teacher” (for documentation, see What is the Appropriate Form of Biblical Interpretation?).

It appears to me that the millennial view is being so definitely condemned now, because we are getting so close to that time when the Church of Rome is expected to compromise more and the Pope has prepared his followers to do that. It seems like the final revised Roman Church intends to warn against following any (like the actual two witnesses) who will be teaching the original millennial doctrine. Of course, there still are Catholics who accept the biblical teaching on the millennium–but they are becoming more and more of a minority within their church.

Despite any Catholic observance in Papias’ honor, the reality is that based on what is actually known about Papias, he had views closer to the Church of God, than the current Church of Rome.

Some items of possibly related interest may include the following:

Papias Papias died circa 135-145 and oversaw churches from Hierapolis. This article has many of his writings that are not in today’s post.
Did The Early Church Teach Millenarianism? Was the millennium (sometimes called chiliasm) taught by early Christians? Who condemned it? Will Jesus literally reign for 1000 years on the earth? Is this time near?
Passover and the Early Church Did the early Christians observe Passover? What did Jesus and Paul teach? Why did Jesus die for our sins? There is also a detailed YouTube video available titled History of the Christian Passover.
The Passover Plot What was the first Passover plot? Which plots have Islam and the Greco-Roman faiths perpetuated about Passover? A sermon video of related interest is The Passover Plots, Including Easter.
Did The Early Church Teach Millenarianism? Was the millennium (sometimes called chiliasm) taught by early Christians? Who condemned it? Will Jesus literally reign for 1000 years on the earth? Is this time near? Two related sermons are available Millennial Utopia and The Millennium.
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?
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.
Tradition and Scripture: From the Bible and Church Writings Are traditions on equal par with scripture? Many believe that is what Peter, John, and Paul taught. But did they? A related sermon is titled Tradition and Scripture.
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? Here is a link in the French language: Où est la vraie Église Chrétienne aujourd’hui?
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 to the 21st century. Related sermon links 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. The booklet is available in Spanish: Continuación de la Historia de la Iglesia de Dios, German: Kontinuierliche Geschichte der Kirche Gottes, and Ekegusii Omogano Bw’ekanisa Ya Nyasae Egendererete.
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?

London Mayor Boris Johnson

COGwriter

David Cameron just secured a deal to grant the United Kingdom (UK) “special status” within the European Union (EU). So, as he promised, he has called for a referendum for voters to decide whether the UK should remain in the EU (bolding below mine):

February 21, 2016

British Prime Minister David Cameron, in an interview Sunday with the BBC, urged London Mayor Boris Johnson to support Britain remaining in the European Union.

The popular Johnson, seen as a possible successor to Cameron, is set to make his stance known on EU membership later in the day.

Some British media are speculating Johnson will join the campaign to leave the EU.

Cameron has set a referendum on Britain’s continued membership in the European Union for June 23.

Cameron said Saturday his Cabinet approved a recommendation that Britain stay in a reformed 28-nation European Union. However, six Cabinet members are supporting an EU exit. http://www.voanews.com/content/cameron-urges-london-mayor-to-support-eu-membership/3200286.html

Well, Boris Johnson did make his position known:

February 21, 2016

Conservative Mayor of London Boris Johnson has said he has decided “after a huge amount of heartache” to campaign for Britain to leave the EU.

He said the EU was eroding British sovereignty and PM David Cameron’s EU reform deal would not bring about fundamental change of its membership.

His decision pits him against Mr Cameron, who is calling for Britain to stay in a “reformed” EU.

The prime minister says leaving the EU would be a “leap in the dark”.

The announcement by Mr Johnson, MP for Uxbridge and Ruislip South, follows intense speculation about which side he would back.

We now are seeing a real battle in the UK. The campaign related to a possible Brexit (also called a Brixit) is on. Brexit is short for BRitish EXIT and Brixit is short for BRItish exIT from the European Union.

It is no longer just Nigel Farage and his United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP), but many in the more mainstream and established Conservative Party that want the UK out of the EU.

Several weeks ago, David Cameron came back with a deal he negotiated with leaders of the EU.  Most in the UK did not find that enough to convince them to want to stay in the EU (see Most in the UK not convinced it should remain in the EU). So, David Cameron went back, and got a ‘better’ deal on Friday, granting the UK ‘special status’ within the EU (watch Will the UK’s ‘special status’ with the EU last?).  He did this in the hopes that more in the UK would vote to remain in the EU.

Obviously, people like Boris Johnson are not convinced that this is a good deal. Because of pressures and promises, Prime Minister Cameron announced that the vote on staying or leaving the EU would take place on June 23, 2016.

We will see how the vote turns out. Yet ultimately, no matter how the vote goes, the UK WILL NOT BE AN EQUAL MEMBER OF THE EUROPEAN UNION!

If the UK votes to leave the European Union, this will be because more voters apparently believe it will do better outside the European Union.

If the UK votes to remain in the European Union, this will be because more voters apparently believe it will do better inside the European Union.

If the UK votes to leave, then those in the European Union will feel that the UK has betrayed Europe, and will hold this against the UK.

But what if the UK votes to stay in?

Well, this will be problematic in many ways.

Both eastern and western European nations are opposed to this (watch Will the UK’s ‘special status’ with the EU last?) and it is already alienating the UK from Europe.

They also have indicated that London will cease its role of being the financial center of Europe, should the UK vote to leave the EU.

Relationships between the EU and UK will worsen.

David Cameron claims, “Britain will never be part of a European superstate.” But a superstate is what the elite in Europe want and is what they will get (cf. Revelation 17:12-13)–and the UK will be taken over by it.

Yesterday, I recorded a message that we made available today online: Will the UK’s ‘special status’ with the EU last?

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?
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe? Here is a link to a video titled: Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European?
European Technology and the Beast of Revelation Will the coming European Beast power would use and develop technology that will result in the taking over of the USA and its Anglo-Saxon allies? Is this possible? What does the Bible teach? Here is a related YouTube video: Military Technology and the Beast of Revelation.
Must the Ten Kings of Revelation 17:12 Rule over Ten Currently Existing Nations? Some claim that these passages refer to a gathering of 10 currently existing nations together, while one group teaches that this is referring to 11 nations getting together. Is that what Revelation 17:12-13 refers to? The ramifications of misunderstanding this are enormous. A related sermon is titled Ten Kings of Revelation and the Great Tribulation.
Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North? Is the former German Defense Minister (who is also the former German Minister for Economics and Technology) one to watch? What do Catholic, Byzantine, and biblical prophecies suggest?
Germany’s Assyrian Roots Throughout History Are the Germanic peoples descended from Asshur of the Bible? Have there been real Christians in Germanic history? What about the “Holy Roman Empire”? There is also a You-Tube video sermon on this titled Germany’s Biblical Origins.
Germany in Biblical 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.
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.
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?
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2016, 2017, or 2018? 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 2016 o 2017? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? You can also see the English language sermon video: The Great Tribulation from the Mount of Olives. A shorter video is: Can the Great Tribulation Start in 2016?

Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump

COGwriter

The two front runners for the US presidential nomination had success yesterday:

February 21, 2016

SPARTANBURG, S.C. (AP) — Yes, Donald Trump could really be the Republican nominee.

The blunt-talking billionaire posted his second straight victory in South Carolina’s Republican primary Saturday, ending any lingering doubts that he could transform his passionate supporters into voters. On the other side of the country, Hillary Clinton blunted concerns about her viability with a clear victory over Bernie Sanders in Nevada, the first state to test the Democrats’ appeal among a racially diverse group of voters.

Trump, now the clear leader in the delegate race, cemented his standing as his party’s favorite. No Republican in modern times has won New Hampshire and South Carolina and then failed to win the nomination. Having proven his mettle in South Carolina, Trump emerged well-primed for more winning as the primary heads toward a cluster of Southern states.

“It’s tough, it’s nasty, it’s mean, it’s vicious,” Trump said of the rollicking presidential campaign. “It’s beautiful. When you win, it’s beautiful.”

Though Trump’s victory was vindication for political mavericks whose hunger for an outsider has defined this year’s campaign, those fortunes didn’t extend to Sanders. After winning the second contest in New Hampshire, the self-declared democratic socialist came up in short in Nevada, where Clinton collected the majority of delegates and told gleeful supporters that “this one is for you.” http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_2016_ELECTION_RDP_NVOL-?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2016-02-21-06-16-56

February 21, 2016 …

But the big stories out of last night are Donald Trump’s decisive 10-point win and Hillary Clinton’s 5.5-point victory in the Democrats’ Nevada caucuses. The billionaire and the former Secretary of State are now each in the driver’s seat, front-runners to win their party’s respective nominations. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/paloma/daily-202/2016/02/21/daily-202-trump-and-clinton-cement-their-claims-to-front-runner-status/56c8c123981b92a22d2d495f/

February 21, 2016

Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Saturday won the Nevada Democratic caucuses, defeating Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders 52.7 percent to 47.3 percent in the race for the party’s 2016 presidential nomination.

Analysts said Clinton’s win showed that her national network of support remained formidable, and that Sanders must do more to appeal to Democrats beyond the young people who have formed the core of his campaign.

And in South Carolina’s closely fought Republican primary, Donald Trump has edged out his rivals with projections showing him capturing 32.5 percent of the vote. Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz locked in a virtual tie for second, with each taking about 22 percent. Rubio finished with a slight edge.

After Trump’s big victory in New Hampshire last week, his win Saturday was likely to solidify the billionaire real estate mogul as the Republican front-runner. http://www.voanews.com/content/polls-open-south-carolina-republicans-nevada-democrats-caucus/3199788.html

So, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump seem to have a lot of support and both may become their party’s nominee to become the next President of the United States.

Presuming that one of them actually does win and become the USA’s president, let’s consider how the Bible views some of their positions.

Hillary Clinton is now, and long has been, pro-abortion.  She is a major vocal supporter of Planned Parenthood and considers that the legalization of abortion in the USA is a very important ‘right.’ The right to kill the unborn innocent. And she has repeatedly promoted her views on this for years.  The Bible says:

19 So you shall put away the guilt of innocent blood from among you when you do what is right in the sight of the LORD (Deuteronomy 21:9).

37 They even sacrificed their sons
And their daughters to demons,
38 And shed innocent blood,
The blood of their sons and daughters,
Whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan;
And the land was polluted with blood. (Psalm 106:37-38)

16 These six things the Lord hates,
Yes, seven are an abomination to Him:
17 A proud look,
A lying tongue,
Hands that shed innocent blood,
18 A heart that devises wicked plans,
Feet that are swift in running to evil,
19 A false witness who speaks lies,
And one who sows discord among brethren. (Proverbs 6:16-19)

7 Their feet run to evil,
And they make haste to shed innocent blood;
Their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity;
Wasting and destruction are in their paths.
8 The way of peace they have not known,
And there is no justice in their ways;
They have made themselves crooked paths;
Whoever takes that way shall not know peace. (Isaiah 59:7-8)

You might be telling yourself, so what?  You do not endorse nor promote abortion, and if Hillary Clinton does, this will not affect you if you live in the USA.  Innocent blood pollutes the land.  Furthermore, consider that God’s word records that a leader filled his land “with innocent blood, which the Lord would not pardon” (2 Kings 24:4). Because of that, God had the King of Babylon and others to destroy (2 Kings 24:1-4).  The Bible tells of a coming end time daughter of Babylon, and its leader will destroy the USA according to Bible prophecy (Daniel 11:39).

It should also be noted that the USA went from being the world’s largest creditor nation to debtor nation from the time that it began to ‘legalize’ abortion in some states.  Hillary Clinton has repeatedly backed spending proposals that have increased the debt of the USA. The Bible foretells destruction coming to a highly indebted people in the end times (Habakkuk 2:2-8).

Hillary Clinton is also a big promoter of the LGBT agenda.  So much so, it was one of the four listed priorities she had when she was US Secretary of State.  The Bible warns that Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed because of their sexual immorality and going after ‘strange flesh’ and were to be examples for us now (Jude 7, 2 Peter 2:6).  Yet, Hillary Clinton, who professes Christianity as a Methodist, pushes for homosexuality and other abominations that the Bible warns against.  This will not end well for the USA.

As a professed Presbyterian, Donald Trump claims to be a Christian:

July 18, 2015

(CNN) Donald Trump talked about his Christian faith Saturday, but said he’s never sought forgiveness for his sins. …

“People are so shocked when they find … out I am Protestant. I am Presbyterian. And I go to church and I love God and I love my church,” he said.

Moderator Frank Luntz asked Trump whether he has ever asked God for forgiveness for his actions.

“I am not sure I have. I just go on and try to do a better job from there. I don’t think so,” he said. “I think if I do something wrong, I think, I just try and make it right. I don’t bring God into that picture. I don’t.”

Trump said that while he hasn’t asked God for forgiveness, he does participate in Holy Communion. http://www.cnn.com/2015/07/18/politics/trump-has-never-sought-forgiveness/

The Bible says that Christians are to repent (Acts 2:38), examine themselves before taking the bread and wine (1 Corinthians 11:27-29), and are to confess their sins so God will forgive them, but Donald Trump apparently  does not really believe in things like that.

Donald Trump has been married three times and broke up with his first wife because he was having an adulterous affair (like Ashley Madison promoted, watch Ashley Madison: Your Sins Will Find You Out), with the woman who later became his second wife. The Bible teaches against adultery, including in the New Testament (see The Ten Commandments and the Early Church).

It should be clear to all who claim to believe the Bible that neither Hillary Clinton nor Donald Trump are actually Christian.

Now, at least for the Republican nomination process, Donald Trump claims to be anti-abortion and is not a strident promoter of the LGBT agenda.  Yet, on that last point, notice the following:

Of the June 2015 Supreme Court ruling legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide, he said: “I would have preferred states, you know, making the decision and I let that be known. But they made the decision. … So, at a certain point you have to be realistic about it.” Gregory T. Angelo, the president of the Log Cabin Republicans (a pro-LGBT organization), described Trump as “one of the best, if not the best, pro-gay Republican candidates to ever run for the presidency.” (Political positions of Donald Trump. Wikipedia, viewed 02/21/16)

Consider also that Donald Trump has built casinos and owns strip clubs (consider Gambling and Sin: Is it a Sin for Christians to Gamble?). His current wife is a former model, who, let’s say, did not always practice biblical standards of modesty from what I read about her (consider also Pornography: A scourge on society). Notice also the following:

January 18, 2016

John Stemberger, president of Florida Family Action, said in a statement Monday. “Trump is a thrice married owner of casinos with strip clubs and would give us the first ‘First Lady’ who has proudly posed in the nude while supporting gay marriage and funding Planned Parenthood with taxpayer money.” https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/why-so-many-evangelicals-have-faith-in-donald-trump/2016/01/18/636ce386-bdfd-11e5-83d4-42e3bceea902_story.html

You may think that none of that affects you if you live in the USA and he becomes President.  But consider the following:

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man — and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.

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

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

28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them. (Romans 1:18-32)

Both Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton profess to be wise, but approve of sexual immortality and other sins that God says lead to death.  This does not bode well for the USA should either become its president.

At his “Make America Great Again” website this morning, when I clicked on Donald Trump’s  “Positions,” there were the following five:

1. US-China Trade Reform
2. Veteran’s Affairs Reform
3. Tax Reform
4. Second Amendment Rights
5. Immigration Reform

There was nothing about issues like abortion or stopping the homosexual agenda. Without national repentance the USA is doomed.

Donald Trump has also made a variety of public statements, in his campaign and prior, which many believe are not factually accurate.

Donald Trump’s direct, but often bombastic style, appeals to many who are concerned about their safety. He keeps saying he is a man of action as he has repeatedly blasted current US President Barack Obama and others for not taking what he feels are appropriate actions against Islamic terrorism.

Notice also the following:

“Before I came here, I saw, on the news, a family decimated … their daughter torn apart by illegal immigrants. Many gang members, these rough guys, are illegal immigrants. We have to stop this … I would build a great wall, and nobody builds walls better than me, believe me, and I’ll build them very inexpensively, I will build a great, great wall on our southern border. And I will have Mexico pay for that wall.”

— Trump Announcement Speech

Is the ‘wall’ the answer? While it would help with illegal immigration from the southern USA border, a wall will not protect the USA. Actually, the Bible prophesies that the time will come when the walls will be overcome:

47 “Because you did not serve the Lord your God with joy and gladness of heart, for the abundance of everything, 48 therefore you shall serve your enemies, whom the Lord will send against you, in hunger, in thirst, in nakedness, and in need of everything; and He will put a yoke of iron on your neck until He has destroyed you. 49 The Lord will bring a nation against you from afar, from the end of the earth, as swift as the eagle flies, a nation whose language you will not understand, 50 a nation of fierce countenance, which does not respect the elderly nor show favor to the young. 51 And they shall eat the increase of your livestock and the produce of your land, until you are destroyed; they shall not leave you grain or new wine or oil, or the increase of your cattle or the offspring of your flocks, until they have destroyed you.

52 “They shall besiege you at all your gates until your high and fortified walls, in which you trust, come down throughout all your land; and they shall besiege you at all your gates throughout all your land which the Lord your God has given you. 53 You shall eat the fruit of your own body, the flesh of your sons and your daughters whom the Lord your God has given you, in the siege and desperate straits in which your enemy shall distress you. (Deuteronomy 28:47-54)

For decades I have believed that Mexico would likely be part of a force that would takeover the USA. Not that Mexico would do this on its own, but that it would in conjunction with a coordinated attack by the Europeans on the USA–an attack that the Bible says will be successful and eliminate the USA (Daniel 11:39). Donald Trump will not stop that.

The USA needs national repentance and neither Donald Trump nor Hillary Clinton apparently believe that.  This does not bode well for the USA.

Despite what many think, people often will go for a ‘strongman’ in times of crisis. Donald Trump has portrayed that better to the Republican party supporters, thus far, than any other candidate.

Should he actually become President of the United States, his flamboyance and brashness are bound to offend the Europeans, and ultimately that will not turn out well for the USA (cf. Lamentations 1:1-2; Daniel 11:39).

Notice that the Bible teaches:

19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. (Romans 12:19-20)

Yet, both Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton are reported to be vindictive.  Donald Trump’s willingness to lash out is well known.  Hillary Clinton’s vindictiveness has been the cause of one or more scandal investigations.  Both also have reputations of not being trustworthy. Bearing false witness is a violation of one of the Ten Commandments (see also The Ten Commandments and the Early Church).

As many readers are aware, I have a book related to Hillary Clinton titled: Hillary Clinton, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States. It mentions many of her scandals and gives 20 reasons why she is apocalyptic.

Well the subtitle of Hillary Clinton, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States asks “What About Republican Leaders?” which I again thought about today because of Donald Trump. Here is some of what my book says about Republicans:

8. Immorality, Republican Leaders, and Prophecy

As a non-partisan it is sometimes difficult to write certain parts of this book as some are bound to believe that I am intentionally taking a partisan stance. I am not. I am not a Republican nor a Democrat nor part of any political party. Nor do I consider myself an independent. My views would be that of a biblical Christian who holds to original Christian beliefs.

Let me start out here by saying that not everything that Hillary Clinton will do is good, and not all that she will do will be bad. The same goes for Republican, Democratic, and other political leaders.

Sexual and Other Immorality

While a few Republican leaders have taken some steps against it, most are going along with the increased acceptance of sexual immorality, including various aspects of the homosexual agenda. Some directly approve it and others tacitly do so. …

Conservatives Not Winning the Cultural Wars

Will Republicans fix all these issues? Notice an observation about the November 4, 2014 election:

Could Republican’s win big on Election Day and still be behind the ball in the grand scheme of things? Mark Steyn seems to think so. …

Anyway, Republicans did win big on November 4, 2014, but the moral direction of the U.S.A. is not looking like it has since shifted to a biblical direction. …

Some ways in which some Republican may differ from Hillary Clinton (as well as some other successor to Hillary Clinton) could include the amount of defense spending cuts, the amount of debt, the amount of regulations, and how Europe and the Middle East are treated. But even if they make the more biblically moral choices, it will be too little, too late. That will be the case under any U.S.A. leader without real national repentance.

The reality is that a future U.S.A. president will likely, at least partially, offend the Europeans once they are strong enough to support the destruction of the U.S.A. (even though the Europeans will, for a while, think that this is not their intent or plan per Isaiah 10:5-11). (Thiel B. Hillary Clinton, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States. Nazarene Books, pp. 84,88,89,96)

Donald Trump is not promising to reverse the moral decline in the USA.  He is mainly promising economic prosperity, security, and better jobs.

Should Donald Trump actually become President of the USA, I plan to write about book about him and prophecy. Should he win, look for him to make outrageous comments that will offend certain Europeans. Look for him to take steps that will result in the Europeans better arming themselves. Look for him to make statements related to trade that the Europeans will not like.

Contrary to his campaign slogan, Donald Trump will NOT make “America great again.” Nor will Hillary Clinton.

America was made great from blessings that God gave to Abraham and his descendants, specifically promises made to Israel’s son Joseph’s son Manasseh (see Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel).

Notice also the following scriptures:

12 As for My people, children are their oppressors, And women rule over them. O My people! Those who lead you cause you to err, And destroy the way of your paths.” (Isaiah 3:12)

16 For the leaders of this people cause them to err, And those who are led by them are destroyed (Isaiah 9:16).

Irrespective of who becomes the next president, by virtue of timing, that leader will be in a sense, apocalyptic. Meaning that steps will be taken that will lead to the end of the USA by the next president.

The presidential candidates do not seem to realize the national identity of the USA according to the Bible (see Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel), that God has a 6,000 year plan, and that national repentance is needed or the USA is doomed (Habakkuk 2:6-8; Daniel 11:39).

Time is running out for the USA. We are getting closer to the end of the 6,000 years that God is allowing humans to rule themselves, prior to the return of Jesus Christ and the beginning of the millennial reign (see Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? and Did The Early Church Teach Millenarianism?). This is something that none of the presidential candidates has discussed publicly as far as I can tell.

And the end of the USA will come (cf. Daniel 11:39) whether they believe it or not.

As far as making America great again, the USA truly needs national repentance, which is something that neither “the Donald” or Hillary Clinton have truly called for.

The USA needs the Kingdom of God.

Pray (Matthew 6:10; 1 Timothy 2:1-3).

Artist depiction of the Apostle Paul writing his epistles

COGwriter

Iphone (from English Wikipedia)

COGwriter

The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is suing Apple Inc. to try to force that company to break into one of its phones:

February 20, 2016

The battle between the FBI and Apple Inc. over whether the tech giant should help open the locked cellphone of one of the San Bernardino shooters took a decidedly more heated tone…

What did the government say it its filing?

Using strong language, federal prosecutors claimed:

–That Apple can easily help the government unlock a terrorist’s iPhone without undermining anyone else’s privacy.

–That Apple is exaggerating what the court order demands. “The order does not, as Apple’s public statement alleges, require Apple to create or provide a ‘back door’ to every iPhone,” the filing said. “It does not provide ‘hackers and criminals’ access to iPhones.”

–That Apple has less-than-pure motives in fighting the order. “Apple’s current refusal to comply with the court order’s order, despite the technical feasibility of doing so, instead appears to be based on its concern for its business model and public brand marketing strategy,” prosecutors wrote.

What was Apple’s response?

Senior Apple executives, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that Friday’s government motion was redundant and aimed at applying more public pressure on the company so that it would give in. http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-apple-vs-fbi-battle-over-unlocking-phone-gets-nastier-20160220-story.html

February 20, 2016

“Tim Cook is leveraging his personal brand and Apple’s to stand on the side of consumer privacy in this environment,” said Mark Bartholomew, a law professor at the University at Buffalo who studies encryption and cyberlaw. “He is taking the long view.”

Mr. Cook, who has called privacy a civic duty, said as much in a letter to Apple customers on Tuesday. He described how the United States government was asking for a special tool to break into the San Bernardino attacker’s iPhone and said, “The government suggests this tool could only be used once, on one phone. But that’s simply not true. Once created, the technique could be used over and over again, on any number of devices.” http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/21/technology/apple-sees-value-in-privacy-vow.html?_r=0

The threat of terrorism is causing steps to be taken to accelerate more governmental controls over all information.

Some support Apple, whereas others support the FBI.

Both sides claim that they are right:

WASHINGTON—

Apple and the U.S. government are making their cases before anyone steps into a courtroom over a judge’s order forcing Apple to help the FBI hack into an iPhone in a terrorism case.

Their legal arguments are expected to pit digital privacy rights against national security interests, and could affect millions of cellphone users.

Apple has until Tuesday to protest in court the decision by a U.S. magistrate judge in California. But the public relations campaigns are already under way.

Is Apple adequately cooperating with federal agents investigating last year’s deadly attack in San Bernardino, California? Is this simply a dispute to recover information from an iPhone used by the gunman, or more broadly a fight affecting the privacy rights of citizens who use Apple’s flagship product? Is this about profits or patriotism?

The Justice Department asked the judge to order Apple to create sophisticated software that the FBI could load onto the phone to bypass a self-destruct feature that erases all data after 10 consecutive, unsuccessful attempts to guess the unlocking passcode. Prosecutors said Apple could help the FBI “but has declined to provide that assistance voluntarily,” and they said Apple could perform the task easily.

That point is crucial because the government can’t compel a company’s help in some cases if doing so would be unreasonably burdensome, even though the U.S. would almost certainly pay Apple for the work.

Apple CEO Tim Cook distanced the company from the suggestion that it was protecting the privacy of an extremist.

“The FBI asked us for help in the days following the attack, and we have worked hard to support the government’s efforts to solve this horrible crime,” Cook said. “We have no sympathy for terrorists.”

Cook also said the FBI’s latest demand went beyond previous requests for help: “The U.S. government has asked us for something we simply do not have, and something we consider too dangerous to create,” Cook said. “They have asked us to build a backdoor to the iPhone.”

The term “backdoor,” describing a behind-the-scenes method that hackers use to gain unauthorized access, has for years colored the discussion of how the government can obtain protected information or eavesdrop on encrypted communications from criminals or terrorists.

The government is stressing that it wants help to unlock only the work-issued iPhone used by Syed Farook, who along with his wife killed 14 people in December.

But Apple says helping the U.S. bypass its encryption locks on Farook’s iPhone would threaten the privacy of all its customers.

“While the government may argue that its use would be limited to this case, there is no way to guarantee such control,” Cook said, adding: “Ultimately, we fear that this demand would undermine the very freedoms and liberty our government is meant to protect.” http://www.voanews.com/content/profit-or-patriotism-whats-driving-fight-between-us-and-apple/3198220.html

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump supports the government:

February 19, 2016

Pawley’s Island, South Carolina (CNN) Donald Trump on Friday called for a boycott against Apple until the technology giant helps the FBI break into the iPhone of one of the San Bernardino shooters.

“Boycott Apple until such time as they give that information,” Trump told a crowded room of supporters during a town hall-style event here just one day before the South Carolina GOP primary.

“Apple ought to give the security for that phone, OK. What I think you ought to do is boycott Apple until such a time as they give that security number. How do you like that? I just thought of it. Boycott Apple,” Trump said. http://www.cnn.com/2016/02/19/politics/donald-trump-apple-boycott/index.html

But consider that:

1. Apple is legally allowed to sell its telephones.
2. Apple had no involvement with the terrorists in San Bernandino.
3. Apple does not have a written procedure in place that the government might be able to subpoena.
4. It is an unreasonable search and seizure to order a company not involved in a crime to develop something that may well harm its business and its customers.
5. The FBI has not pointed to anything in the US Constitution that gives it the right to try to force Apple to cooperate.

The USA is becoming more and more of a police state that sidesteps the very protections that the nation was supposedly built upon.

Even if Apple had the immediate ability to give the FBI what it wants, I do not believe that the government, constitutionally, has the power to demand it, let alone demand it be developed.

Somewhere in the news, Apple said something to the effect of if Apple has to do this, then basically regular people will lose privacy and criminals will switch to other encryption systems in the future. More and more the US government is making it harder to be a private law-abiding citizen.  But government officials do not seem to care.  That combined with the government’s selective enforcement of laws is moving the USA further away from being a constitutional republic, and more like a police state.

The US government wants to be able to look for possible connections to terrorism in the Apple case. It also does not believe that anyone is entitled to privacy when it wants information.

While that sounds good to some, that seems to overlook the fact that we are getting closer to a time when certain biblical prophecies will be fulfilled:

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)

23 ‘And in the latter end of their kingdom, about the perfecting of the transgressors, stand up doth a king, fierce of face, and understanding hidden things; (Daniel 8:23, Young’s Literal Translation)

The Bible warns of an end time government that will eliminate a lot of privacy, and the US government is working towards that.

It will likely take computers aided with artificial intelligence to aid in the fulfillment of the scriptures in Revelation 13:15-18, as well as cyber-spying/monitoring. I do believe that cyber monitoring will be used by the European Beast, King of the North, 666 power.

The USA also is sharing a lot of this with European governments.  And ultimately, a government will arise out of Europe to do this (Revelation 17:12-13).

Interestingly, this type of prophesied financial control/surveillance could not have happened during the time of the Apostle John as there was no real way to monitor many financial transactions then (despite the fact that ‘preterists’ believe this was fulfilled almost 2000 years ago, see also The Dangerous Rise of Preterists). The same was true for all the centuries that followed until the late 20th and now the 21st century. But now not only does the technology exist to monitor most financial transactions, the political will is there as well.

We are getting closer to the time of 666. And the government of the USA is unknowingly moving towards making this ‘acceptable’ as well as possible.

The solution to terrorism is not breaking into cell phones (FWIW, I do not have an Iphone, regular cell phone, etc.). But because the government of the USA does not believe in biblical morality nor repentance, it will continue to pursue other ways to monitor its citizens and fight terrorism.

But, while there may be a several year respite, the US government will lose the fight against terrorism according to various biblical prophecies (for details, check out Why Terrorism? Is Terrorism Prophesied?).  That will happen whether or not the US gocernment can force Apple to comply.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Why Terrorism? Is Terrorism Prophesied? What does the Bible teach? Which nations may be affected? Here is a link to a related sermon: Terrorism, Christianity, and Islam.
The Snowden Leaks are Leading to the Destruction of the USA Can what happened with the leaks of what the NSA has done help the USA to be taken over? What does the Bible teach that seems to be related to this? Here is a related YouTube video titled Are the Snowden NSA leaks leading to the destruction of the USA?
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God was the Emphasis of Jesus and the Early Church Did you know that? Do you even know what the gospel of the kingdom is all about? You can also see a YouTube video sermon The Gospel of the Kingdom.
The Dangerous Rise of Preterists Has the Great Tribulation finished? What was the view of early Christians? Why is the preterist view dangerous? A related sermon video is titled Preterism: You’ve Gotta Be Kidding…Right?
Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? Does God have 7,000 year plan? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2021 or 20xx? There is also a video titled The 6000 Year Plan: Is the end of humanity’s reign almost up?
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2016, 2017, or 2018? 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 2016 o 2017? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? You can also see the English language sermon video: The Great Tribulation from the Mount of Olives. A shorter video is: Can the Great Tribulation Start in 2016?
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 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’?
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’?
Who is the Man of Sin of 2 Thessalonians 2? Is this the King of the North, the ten-horned beast of Revelation 13:1-11, or the two-horned Beast of Revelation 13:12-16? Some rely on traditions, but what does the Bible teach? Here is a related link in Spanish/español: ¿Quién es el Hombre de Pecado de 2 Tesalonicenses 2? Here is a version in Mandarin: 主编： 谁是’大罪人’？Here is a link to a related YouTube video, in English, titled Who is the Man of Sin?
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe? Here is a link to a video titled: Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European?
European Technology and the Beast of Revelation Will the coming European Beast power would use and develop technology that will result in the taking over of the USA and its Anglo-Saxon allies? Is this possible? What does the Bible teach? Here is a related YouTube video: Military Technology and the Beast of Revelation.
Must the Ten Kings of Revelation 17:12 Rule over Ten Currently Existing Nations? Some claim that these passages refer to a gathering of 10 currently existing nations together, while one group teaches that this is referring to 11 nations getting together. Is that what Revelation 17:12-13 refers to? The ramifications of misunderstanding this are enormous. A related sermon is titled Ten Kings of Revelation and the Great Tribulation.
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?

David Cameron, United Kingdom Prime Minister

COGwriter

David Cameron just secured a deal to grant the United Kingdom (UK) “special status” within the European Union (EU). So, as he promised, he has called for a referendum for voters to decide whether the UK should remain in the EU (bolding below mine):

February 20, 2016

David Cameron says a deal struck with EU leaders will give the UK “special status” and he will campaign with his “heart and soul” to stay in the union.

The agreement, reached late on Friday after two days of talks in Brussels, gives the UK power to limit some EU migrants’ benefits.

It also includes a treaty change so the UK is not bound to “ever closer union” with other EU member states, he said.

EU exit campaigners said the “hollow” deal offered only “very minor changes”. …

The key points of the deal are:

• An “emergency brake” on migrants’ in-work benefits for four years when there are “exceptional” levels of migration. The UK will be able to operate the brake for seven years
• Child benefit for the children of EU migrants living overseas will now be paid at a rate based on the cost of living in their home country – applicable immediately for new arrivals and from 2020 for the 34,000 existing claimants
• The amending of EU treaties to state explicitly that references to the requirement to seek ever-closer union “do not apply to the United Kingdom”, meaning Britain “can never be forced into political integration”
• The ability for the UK to enact “an emergency safeguard” to protect the City of London, to stop UK firms being forced to relocate into Europe and to ensure British businesses do not face “discrimination” for being outside the eurozone

The prime minster had to make concessions to get a deal with the leaders of the 27 other EU members. …

Mr Tusk said it “strengthens Britain’s special status”, while EU Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker described it as “fair”. …

Mr Cameron said he had achieved the reforms he wanted, claiming they would put the UK “in the driving seat” of one of the world’s biggest markets and create a “more flexible” EU.

“We have permanently protected the pound and our right to keep it,” he added, saying that, for the first time, the EU “has explicitly acknowledged it has more than one currency”.

The prime minister said he had also protected Britain from further political integration inside the EU, adding: “Let me put this as simply as I can: Britain will never be part of a European superstate.” …

Matthew Elliott, chief executive of the Vote Leave campaign, said Mr Cameron “will now declare victory but it is an entirely hollow one”.

UKIP leader Nigel Farage tweeted: “This is a truly pathetic deal. Let’s Leave the EU, control our borders, run our own country and stop handing £55m every day to Brussels. I believe in Britain. We are good enough to be an independent, self-governing nation outside of the EU. This is our golden opportunity.” http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-35616768

February 20, 2016

Britain will vote on whether to remain in the EU on Thursday 23 June, Prime Minister David Cameron has said.

The prime minister made his historic announcement in Downing Street after briefing the cabinet.

He said he would be campaigning to remain in a reformed EU – and described the vote as one of the biggest decisions “in our lifetimes”. http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-35621079

The number supporting remaining in the European Union declined since David Cameron came back with a deal a couple of weeks back that he negotiated that he thought would get more to support staying in the EU. Instead, that seemed to backfire:

02/03/16

Over two thirds of the British public think David Cameron got a bad deal for Britain in his EU renegotiations, a new poll shows.

The snap poll conducted by Sky News found 69 per cent of people thought the deal was “bad for Britain” while only 31 per cent said it was “good for Britain”. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/eu-referendum-poll-david-cameron-renegotiations-bad-for-britain-uk-leave-europe-a6851086.html

David Cameron vowed to improve this (see EU offers UK deal, but PM Cameron wants details improved and Nigel Farage wants out), and claims now that he has.  Certain others in the UK are not convinced.

We will see how the vote turns out.

If the UK votes to leave the European Union, this will be because more voters apparently believe it will do better outside the European Union.

If the UK votes to remain in the European Union, this will be because more voters apparently believe it will do better inside the European Union.

If the UK votes to leave, then those in the European Union will feel that the UK has betrayed Europe, and will hold this against the UK.

But what if the UK votes to stay in?

Well, this will be problematic in many ways.

A couple of weeks ago I saw a news report that the French do not believe that the UK should get the deal that David Cameron negotiated, let alone gain more concessions from the European Union.  Yesterday, I saw a news report that many EU nation do not believe that this deal is fair to them.

Here is something from a couple of days ago:

With single mindedness or madness the Visegrad conspirator nations of Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and Czech Republic have refused to play along with the smoke and mirrors illusion that the European Commission has been constructing for David Cameron to hoodwink the British public into voting to remain within the EU. Instead all four conspirator nations are refusing to give up a single £1 in benefits payments from British tax payers to their citizens by flatly refusing any curb in child benefit payments claimed for several million children who reside in their home nations to the determent of British children in terms of a lower payout rate and tapering of child benefit than would otherwise be the case given an estimated 1/3rd of the budget is being siphoned off into eastern europe.

The bottom line is that if the Visegrad conspirators are playing hardball ahead of a UK In / Out referendum then what can Britain expect in terms of any agreement being honoured by the dozen or so eastern European UK benefits claiming nations? The answer is any agreement would NOT be honoured! …

The glaring problem at the core of Britain’s negotiations is that Britain is ONE, and the benefit claiming eastern block are a DOZEN, Where ONE will ALWAYS be outvoted by the DOZEN. Therefore the negotiations are meaningless, where even the propaganda smoke screen to fool the British people into giving up freedom and self determination is literally just paper thin. http://www.marketoracle.co.uk/Article54081.html

Currently, Germany’s Angela Merkel and various others believe that it is in the EU’s best interest to allow this for the UK.  But there will be resentment in both east and west Europe as various news reports have already confirmed.  Here is something from western Europe today:

February 20, 2016

The Belgian paper La Libre carries the front-page headline “EU: And in the end, it’s Cameron who wins”.

“Except that what is considered to be good by London is not necessarily good for Europe,” the paper notes wryly.

A headline in Le Monde spells out what many in Europe warn will be the outcome of the deal.

“Brexit-avoiding deal opens the way for an ‘a la carte’ Europe”, it says. …

Italian paper, Il Sole 24 Ore, says that “a difficult agreement” was reached after 24 hours of “extremely tough negotiations”.

A separate commentary in the paper by Marina Castellaneta warns that the concessions granted to Britain, especially those affecting the mobility of workers within Europe, “can only hinder the functioning of the Union”.

One of the harshest judgements on Mr Cameron’s summit deal comes from the left-of-centre Hungarian paper Nepszava, which in an article headlined “Brexit and the populists”, says that “This week Cameron expected the European Council to start dismantling the already dilapidated edifice of the Union on account of his irresponsibility. And we watch all this helplessly.” http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-35621111

The ‘special status’ that the UK has just been granted will not last. The Bible teaches:

3 Can two walk together, unless they are agreed? (Amos 3:3)

Well, the UK and the rest of the EU are not agreed. The fact that some top EU leaders agreed to the concessions for now, only means that they believe this is what is best for now. David Cameron can claim, “Britain will never be part of a European superstate.” But a superstate is what the elite in Europe want and is what they will get.

Notice something else he said as reported by Reuters:

February 20, 2016

“I believe that Britain will be safer, stronger and better off by remaining in a reformed European Union,” Cameron said outside his Number 10 Downing Street residence in London.

“Leaving Europe would threaten our economic and our national security,” Cameron said, adding that he would propose to Parliament that the referendum be held on Thursday June 23, in the middle of the Glastonbury music festival and the Euro 2016 soccer championship. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-britain-eu-idUSKCN0VT09I

The national security of the UK will be destroyed by Europe.  Getting this ‘special status’ deal will not save it according to the Bible.

Reuters also reported:

February 20, 2016

A British exit from the EU would rock the Union – already shaken by differences over migration and the future of the euro zone – by ripping away its second-largest economy, one of its top two military powers and by far its richest financial center. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-britain-eu-idUSKCN0VT09I

It is the rocking of the European Union that the Europeans do not want and why they gave concessions. But by granting ‘special status’ that is clearly setting the stage for the time to come for the UK to depart from being an equal member of the EU.  And actually, that ‘special status’ means it has already officially been granted partial separation.

David Cameron said that this will be one of the most important votes for the UK, and in a sense that may be so. But, no matter what happens, biblical prophecies will be fulfilled.

The Bible shows that Europe will change and reorganize per Revelation17:12-13 (see also Must the Ten Kings of Revelation 17:12 Rule over Ten Currently Existing Nations?):

12 “The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast. 13 These are of one mind, and they will give their power and authority to the beast. (Revelation 17:12-13)

The above is pointing to a reorganization in Europe that will lead to a type of dictatorial ‘United States of Europe.’ This will not end up well for the United Kingdom (nor the United States per Daniel 11:39), nor Europe itself (Revelation 17:14).

Many in Europe want a superstate now, and many in the United Kingdom are beginning to realize this. Giving the UK ‘special status’ so that it will not be an equal member is such a superstate will not stop the UK from being dominated and taken over by it.

This is something that those of us in the Church of God have long taught.

For example, back when Europe was still recovering from being devastated in World War II, in the December 1948 issue of The Plain Truth magazine, 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).

As far as Britain goes, notice something from 1971 from the late evangelist Raymond McNair:

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 May 1971, the old WCG had the following in an article in its Plain Truth magazine 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, but the UK gets to keep the British pound.  And while the euro has not yet replaced the dollar, the time will come when the world will NOT keep the US dollar as its primary reserve currency.  (The British pound and the USA dollar will one day be worthless.)

In the 1990s, the old Global Church of God published the following from Raymond McNair:

In Jeremiah’s prophecy, God explains the nature of the coming captivity which Israel and Judah will yet be led out of (something that has NEVER happened before): “For behold, the days are coming… that I will bring back from captivity My people Israel and Judah” (30:3). In ancient times, Israel’s captivity (721 B.C.) occurred 135 years before Judah’s captivity (586 B.C.). But, during “Jacob’s Trouble,” the captivity of Israel and Judah will occur simultaneously.

What will God be delivering them from? “For it shall come to pass in that day… that I will break his YOKE from your neck, and will burst your BONDS; foreigners shall no more enslave them'” (v. 8). When Britons sing “Rule Britannia,” they boast that “Britons never will be slaves!” But, despite those lyrics, modern Britons, and Americans too, will be herded into slavery-scattered over the globe to work in their captors’ mines, factories, fields, etc.

Prophecy reveals that, during the coming, horrendous World War III, both the Anglo-Americans and the Jews will suffer together at the hands of the coming “Beast” mentioned in Revelation 13, 17 and 19-a revival of sorts of the Holy Roman Empire of the Middle Ages in a … European power bloc. This system is also referred to as “Babylon” (Is. 47; Rev. 18). Even as you read these words, this coming political, economic and religious superpower is forming in Europe under the auspices of the European Union. Other prophecies show that Germany will provide its dynamic heart … (McNair R. America and Britain in Prophecy. GCG booklet, 1996, p. 60).

On June 26, 2007, (see Tony Blair a Catholic EU Leader?), I posted the following:

We in the COGs tend to believe that the final beast power will be nominally Catholic (see Europa and the Beast of Revelation)…we in the COGs do believe that Britain will pull out of the EU…

On August 9, 2012, I posted (see Tony Blair ‘Deeply Worried’ that UK May Leave EU):

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland will not be an equal part of the European Union.  Britain will either pull out or be forced out or at least truly lose its sovereignty.

The voters of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland may not believe it, but the UK will lose its sovereignty.  Getting ‘special status’ would basically make the UK more of a target of resentment by others in the EU as has already somewhat pulled out.

For quite some time, the idea of Britain leaving the European Union has been called a “Brexit” or “Brixet” – British exit.

On June 28, 2014, I posted (see A Brixit, a Brexit, EU concerned about a British exit):

The Bible shows that Europe will have at least three reorganizations (see also Must the Ten Kings of Revelation 17:12 Rule over Ten Currently Existing Nations?).

Yet, whether it is called a Brixit or a Brexit, in some way, some day, the United Kingdom will exit.

Why have various Church of God writers taught this?

Because of knowledge of the ancestral origin of the British people and their role in end time prophecy.

The Bible teaches that there is a coming time of Jacob’s troubles (Jeremiah 30:7), also known as the Great Tribulation.  Many do not realize that Jacob placed his name on the descendants of Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh) in Genesis and blessed them:

“Let my name be named upon them” (Genesis 48:16)

17 Ephraim … 19 “his descendants shall become a multitude of nations” (Genesis 48:19)

“By you Israel will bless, saying, ‘May God make you as Ephraim and as Manasseh!’ ” (Genesis 48:20)

The British Commonwealth fulfilled this prophecy about becoming “a multitude of nations.”  And even today, with the Commonwealth basically gone, there are multiple British-descended nations beyond the UK alone, like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand (more on the biblical connections can be found in the article Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel).

Jacob was inspired to promise economic blessings to the descendants of Joseph:

And Jacob called his sons and said, “Gather together, that I may tell you what shall befall you in the last days: (Genesis 49:1)

22 “Joseph is a fruitful bough,
A fruitful bough by a well;
His branches run over the wall. (Genesis 49:22)

While some falsely claim that these prophesies were fulfilled before the time of Jesus, the Bible teaches that these prophecies were for a later time.

Now it should be noted that the Bible also teaches that the end time descendants of the Israelite tribes, because of their national sins, will be taken over and many killed, by a European power. The British are descended from Jacob’s grandson Ephraim, who was a son of Joseph.

Most people do not realize that the term “British” means people of the covenant. God granted them a ‘special status,’ if you will.

Yet, while God did make a covenant of blessings that the British-descended nations have enjoyed, He also warned of curses if they disobeyed:

8 “The Lord will command the blessing on you in your storehouses and in all to which you set your hand, and He will bless you in the land which the Lord your God is giving you.

9 “The Lord will establish you as a holy people to Himself, just as He has sworn to you, if you keep the commandments of the Lord your God and walk in His ways. 10 Then all peoples of the earth shall see that you are called by the name of the Lord, and they shall be afraid of you. 11 And the Lord will grant you plenty of goods, in the fruit of your body, in the increase of your livestock, and in the produce of your ground, in the land of which the Lord swore to your fathers to give you. 12 The Lord will open to you His good treasure, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season, and to bless all the work of your hand. You shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow. 13 And the Lord will make you the head and not the tail; you shall be above only, and not be beneath, if you heed the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you today, and are careful to observe them.  14 So you shall not turn aside from any of the words which I command you this day, to the right or the left, to go after other gods to serve them.

15 “But it shall come to pass, if you do not obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments and His statutes which I command you today, that all these curses will come upon you and overtake you: (Deuteronomy 28:8-15)

47 “Because you did not serve the LORD your God with joy and gladness of heart, for the abundance of everything, 48 therefore you shall serve your enemies, whom the LORD will send against you, in hunger, in thirst, in nakedness, and in need of everything; and He will put a yoke of iron on your neck until He has destroyed you. 49 The LORD will bring a nation against you from afar, from the end of the earth, as swift as the eagle flies, a nation whose language you will not understand, 50 a nation of fierce countenance, which does not respect the elderly nor show favor to the young. 51 And they shall eat the increase of your livestock and the produce of your land, until you are destroyed; they shall not leave you grain or new wine or oil, or the increase of your cattle or the offspring of your flocks, until they have destroyed you. 52 They shall besiege you at all your gates until your high and fortified walls, in which you trust, come down throughout all your land; and they shall besiege you at all your gates throughout all your land which the LORD your God has given you (Deuteronomy 28:42-45,47-52).

Could this apply to the British?  Yes, specifically, notice what is taught about the descendants of Ephraim:

3 I taught Ephraim to walk…5…But the Assyrian shall be his king, Because they refused to repent. 6 And the sword shall slash in his cities, Devour his districts, And consume them, Because of their own counsels. 7 My people are bent on backsliding from Me. Though they call to the Most High, None at all exalt Him. (Hosea 11:3a, 5b-7)

The reference to Assyria is pointing to a power in central continental Europe (see Germany in Biblical Prophecy).

The final European King of the North (Daniel 11:27-40) will take over the UK, USA, and their Anglo-Saxon allies according to Bible prophecy (cf. Daniel 11:39; Isaiah 10:5-11).

Many of the Anglo-Saxon peoples of the UK, USA, etc. that are not killed will be scattered and many will be made slaves by the final European Beast power(see Hosea 7:11-16; 9:1-17; 11:5-7; 12:1; 13:12-16; see also Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves?). That is some of what the Bible shows will happen during the Great Tribulation.

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

The ‘special status’ from the EU and the coming referendum in the UK are steps toward increased animosity with the continental Europeans. The reality is that the direction Europe will ultimately take will be worse for the UK, and the USA for that matter (Daniel 11:39), than nearly everyone currently believes.

UPDATE: 2/21/16: We made a video about this which is now available online: Will the UK’s ‘special status’ with the EU last?

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?
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe? Here is a link to a video titled: Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European?
European Technology and the Beast of Revelation Will the coming European Beast power would use and develop technology that will result in the taking over of the USA and its Anglo-Saxon allies? Is this possible? What does the Bible teach? Here is a related YouTube video: Military Technology and the Beast of Revelation.
Must the Ten Kings of Revelation 17:12 Rule over Ten Currently Existing Nations? Some claim that these passages refer to a gathering of 10 currently existing nations together, while one group teaches that this is referring to 11 nations getting together. Is that what Revelation 17:12-13 refers to? The ramifications of misunderstanding this are enormous. A related sermon is titled Ten Kings of Revelation and the Great Tribulation.
Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North? Is the former German Defense Minister (who is also the former German Minister for Economics and Technology) one to watch? What do Catholic, Byzantine, and biblical prophecies suggest?
Germany’s Assyrian Roots Throughout History Are the Germanic peoples descended from Asshur of the Bible? Have there been real Christians in Germanic history? What about the “Holy Roman Empire”? There is also a You-Tube video sermon on this titled Germany’s Biblical Origins.
Germany in Biblical 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.
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.
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?
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2016, 2017, or 2018? 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 2016 o 2017? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? You can also see the English language sermon video: The Great Tribulation from the Mount of Olives. A shorter video is: Can the Great Tribulation Start in 2016?