Church of God News

Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg and Angela Merkel

COGwriter

A German language publication reported that Angela Merkel is having issues and it seems time for a Catholic and maybe former German Economics Minister and Defense Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg. The following is basically machine-translated and the original German is below it:

Where are you going Angela Merkel?

Sometime between August 27 and October 22, 2017 will be held the next federal election in Germany. These days, it was expected that the 62-year-old Merkel seeks a fourth term and therefore timely announces its renewed candidacy. …

Priority for “Catholic” candidate

If it were up to Merkel and she would withdraw to the political retirement, so probably would currently Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen be brought to be thought to have the best opportunities in the successor position. The only question is whether the party would participate. Among other things, because you do not want to re-appoint a Protestant with the party leadership and the CDU-core voters are actually and mostly to be found in the Catholic Reservoir.

One who could give the CDU new profile and new momentum is the 58-year-old former prime minister of Hesse, Roland Koch, who is the said to have political ambitions. Another which one would guess is the 61-year-old former faction leader Friedrich Merz, who is regarded as especially “bright political head”, but because of an economic top position he now holds (he sits on the board of the world’s largest asset manager) he can hardly that abandons for political office.

Guttenberg is the Bavarian “Ace”

Not that far away, some are finally thinking of that the junior partner to the CDU, the CSU since would desire to once again grab the lead. Seehofer takes it out of the question, because he has no chance in the CDU, which many of his escapades and reviews not forgive him, but the only {option there seems to be the} 45-year-old Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg. After his involuntary retirement from politics due to a plagiarism scandal  and the related deprivation of the doctorate, he is busy working on a comeback.

August 31, 2016

Quo vadis Angela Merkel?

31 August 2016

Irgendwann zwischen dem 27. August und 22. Oktober 2017 findet die nächste Bundestagswahl in Deutschland statt. In diesen Tagen wurde erwartet, dass die 62-jährige Merkel eine vierte Regierungspariode anstrebt und daher rechtzeitig ihre erneute Kandidatur bekannt gibt. Tatsächlich aber will sie sich noch Zeit lassen. …

Vorrang für „katholische“ Kandidaten

Ginge es nach Merkel und würde sie sich auf den politischen Ruhestand zurückziehen, so hätte wahrscheinlich derzeit Verteidigungsministerin Ursula von der Leyen beste Chancen in die Nachfolgestellung gebracht zu werden. Fraglich ist nur, ob die Partei da mitspielt. Unter anderem auch, weil man nicht wieder eine Protestantin mit der Parteiführung betrauen will und die CDU-Stammwähler eigentlich und mehrheitlich im katholischen Reservoir zu finden sind.

Einer der übrigens immer wieder genannt wird, der CDU neues Profil und neuen Schwung zu geben, ist der 58-jährige ehemalige Regierungschef von Hessen, Roland Koch, dem nachgesagt wird, unverändert politische Ambitionen zu haben. Ein anderer dem man diese Funktion zutrauen würde, ist der 61-jährige ehemalige  Fraktionschef Friedrich Merz, der als besonders „heller politischer Kopf“ gilt, aber mittlerweile eine wirtschaftliche Topposition innehat (er sitzt im Vorstand des weltweit größten Vermögensverwalters), die man wohl kaum für ein politisches Amt aufgibt.

Guttenberg ist das bayerische „As“

Nicht ganz wegzuschieben sind schließlich Überlegungen, dass der Juniorpartner der CDU, also die CSU auch wieder einmal Lust hätte nach der Führung zu greifen. Seehofer kommt dafür nicht in Frage, weil er keine Chance in der CDU hat, die ihm viele seiner Eskapaden und Kritiken nicht verzeiht, sondern der erst 45-jährige Karl-Theodor von und zu Guttenberg. Nach seinem nicht freiwilligen Rückzug aus der Politik aufgrund eines Plagiatsvorrufs und der damit verbundenen Aberkennung des Doktorats arbeitet er fleißig an einem Comeback. http://www.eu-infothek.com/article/quo-vadis-angela-merkel

A far as a ‘Catholic’ goes, both biblical (cf. Daniel 11:21;36-38) and Catholic prophecies point to a major European leader who will feign some version of Catholicism rising up in the end times. Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg claims Catholicism himself (see Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North?).

While it seems a little early for Herr Guttenberg to make a major political comeback to try to be German Chancellor now, do not count him out.

Before his plagiarism scandal, he was widely believed to be the one who could succeed Angela Merkel.

He has been in self-imposed exile in the USA for a while, though it seems like he visits Germany almost every month.

Kark-Theodor zu Guttenberg is the type of ‘strong man’ Europe may well turn to in times of crisis (cf. Revelation 17:12-13).

We are seeing more and more distance coming between the USA and Europe. And Herr Guttenberg has NOT been shy about his criticisms of USA politicians.

Notice for example the following, which was also machine translated from German to English:

Guttenberg Hands Out: Serious allegations against Obama

Berlin – Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg is disappointed by Barack Obama. The US president had in his tenure many promises he did not fulfill according to the accusation of former Defence {Minister}.

Three times did German Chancellor Angela Merkel invited US President Barack Obama to a Germany trip to Hannover. Only at the third attempt Obama had finally agreed to make the trip to Lower Saxony, claiming the “Washington Post”. …

Guttenberg: Obama one of the “most distanced President …”

For Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg, the American declarations of love {towards Europe} are not particularly credible. In the “image”, the former defense minister is disappointed by the office of the US president. “The Germans dreamed of a new friend Obama and got the most transatlantic distances from most presidents,” Guttenberg writes in his commentary. The {idea} that America now Germany refers to as long-term partner, {is according to} the former German politician hypocritical: “In the early years there was a feeling that Europe – and especially Berlin – had been deleted from the map of the White House was late, there was a correction, rather tactically motivated than emotional. The visit in Hannover does not change this bit. ” …

Obama’s record in his eight years of tenure falls according Guttenberg as mixed. Both domestically and in foreign affairs Obama did not fulfill a number of his campaign promises. …

Finally Guttenberg’s testimony about Obamas tenure is sobering: “He went to in order to overcome the deep divide between the political camps in Congress today have become chasms from the trenches..” The US president wearing blame for the political uprisings of the populists Donald Trump, Ted Cruz and Bernie Sanders. “Barack Obama preached change and was finally transformed itself,” Guttenberg accounts with Obama.

Guttenberg teilt aus: Schwere Vorwürfe gegen Obama

Berlin – Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg zeigt sich von Barack Obama enttäuscht. Der US-Präsident habe in seiner Amtszeit viele Versprechen nicht einhalten können, so der Vorwurf des ehemaligen Verteidigungsministers.

Drei Mal habe Bundeskanzlerin Angela Merkel versucht, den US-Präsidenten Barack Obama zu einem Deutschland-Trip nach Hannover zu bewegen. Erst beim dritten Anlauf habe Obama dann schließlich zugesagt, die Reise nach Niedersachsen anzutreten, behauptet die “Washington Post”. …

Guttenberg: Obama einer der “distanziertesten Präsidenten seit Langem”

Für Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg sind die amerikanischen Liebesbekundungen nicht besonders glaubhaft. In der “Bild” zeigt sich der ehemalige Verteidigungsminister enttäuscht von der Amtszeit des US-Präsidenten. “Die Deutschen träumten von einem neuen Freund Obama und bekamen: den transatlantisch distanziertesten Präsidenten seit Langem”, schreibt Guttenberg in seinem Gastbeitrag. Dass Amerika nun Deutschland als langjährigen Partner bezeichne, empfindet der ehemalige deutsche Politiker als scheinheilig: “In den ersten Jahren hatte man das Gefühl, dass Europa – und insbesondere Berlin – aus der Landkarte des Weißen Hauses gestrichen worden wären. Erst spät kam es zu einer Korrektur, eher taktisch als emotional motiviert. Der Besuch in Hannover ändert daran wenig.” …

Obamas Bilanz in seiner acht Jahre andauernden Amtszeit fällt laut Guttenberg durchwachsen aus. Sowohl innenpolitisch als auch außenpolitisch habe Obama eine Vielzahl seiner Wahlversprechen nicht einhalten können. …

Schlussendlich fällt Guttenbergs Zeugnis über Obamas Amtszeit ernüchternd aus: “Er trat an, um die tiefen Gräben zwischen den politischen Lagern im Kongress zu überwinden. Heute sind aus den Gräben Abgründe geworden.” Der US-Präsident trage Schuld an den politischen Aufstiegen der Populisten Donald Trump, Ted Cruz und Bernie Sanders. “Barack Obama predigte Wandel und wurde schließlich selbst gewandelt”, rechnet Guttenberg mit Obama ab. http://www.merkur.de/politik/karl-theodor-guttenberg-us-praesident-barack-obama-berlin-landkarte-gestrichen-zr-6342899.html

Herr Guttenberg is basically saying that the Europeans and others had a lot of hope in Barack Obama. That Barack Obama broke campaign promises. That Barack Obama has unduly increased the distance between the USA and Germany. And that Barack Obama is responsible for the rise of people like Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump.

As far as Donald Trump goes, back in December 2015 Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg called Donald Trump “that blonde lunatic named Donald” (Wish List or Reality? Digital Trends in 2016 | Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg | hub conference. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgdZUA96UBU. Posted December 11, 2015).

Notice also the following:

Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg, former German Defense Minister, warns of an erosion in transatlantic trust, exacerbated by the U.S. presidential-election season. The campaign anthem will be “forget Europe,” he says—and it won’t come only from Donald Trump. …

There is growing division between U.S. and European leaders. Transatlantic ties depend on common values. http://time.com/4154044/geopolitics-2016/

Donald Trump was dismissed by most of the media, but has emerged as the Republican presidential nominee.

As far as Baron Guttenberg goes, he too was rejected by much of the media because of his plagiarism scandal. If he does become the final King of the North, then that is consistent with biblical prophecy:

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

Germany turned to Adolf Hitler when it was not pleased with how it was treated after WWI.

The UK turned to Winston Churchill after repeatedly rejecting him to lead it to fight Adolf Hitler in WWII.

Ultimately, we may see, not only Germany, but all of Europe, turning to Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg in the future.

For those that doubt that Europe could turn to a ‘strong man,’ consider that 1) the Bible teaches this in Revelation 17:12-13, 2) a power will arise to destroy the USA, even though it doesn’t think it wants to (Isaiah 10:5-12.

And further consider that even many in the USA have turned towards Donald Trump.

Much is happening on the world scene.

1887 depiction of the ‘Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse’

COGwriter

The Daily Reckoning reported the following by Nomi Prins:

Four Horses Of The U.S. Debt Apocalypse

August 30, 2016

Crises are based on compound bets (or debts) gone awry. …

Over the past two decades, we’ve seen the emerging-market collapse in the late 1990s, the Enron-led crime spree in 2001–02 and the housing-spawned financial crisis of 2008. Since that last crisis, the Fed’s cheap money policy has helped big banks and corporate customers, but most regular people have not fully recovered.

Regardless of whether the Fed raises rates or keeps recklessly bating business media about the possibility, these connected debt pockets can crush the economy again. Here, I’ll lay out how they can push us over the edge. Understanding these connected debt bubbles means that you can not only survive the looming implosion but also come out ahead.

One: Student Loans — The student loan debt bomb is exploding … Americans owe about $1.3 trillion in student loan debt across 43 million borrowers. This a HUGE increase from $260 billion in 2004. …

Two: Subprime Auto Loans — You may have heard about the record amount of auto sales recently — over $1 trillion. …

Three: Credit Cards — U.S. credit card debit will surpass $1 trillion this year …

Four: 99% of Corporates’ Cash/Debt Ratios Are Poor …

These four horses of debt, galloping toward us simultaneously from different sectors, don’t show any sign of slowing.

They will trigger the U.S. Debt Apocalypse, bringing more defaults, vast job cuts and economic fallout than even the Great Recession. http://dailyreckoning.com/the-four-horses-of-us-debt/

Actually, the author left out four items that are bigger than those four: Derivatives, federal government debt, debt of local governments, and unfunded liabilities. (Since she mentioned ‘four horses’ economically, which is an allusion to the biblical four horsemen, here is a link to an article related to the biblical four horses titled: Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.)

As far as derivatives go, which Nomi Prins did not mention, notice the following:

The world’s scariest story: trading in derivatives

Bad as these scandals are and vast as the money involved in them is by any normal standard, they are mere blips on the screen, compared to the risk that is still staring us in the face: the lack of transparency in derivative trading that now totals in notional amount more than $700 trillion. That is more than ten times the size of the entire world economy. Yet incredibly, we have little information about it or its implications for the financial strength of any of the big banks.

Moreover the derivatives market is steadily growing. “The total notional value, or face value, of the global derivatives market when the housing bubble popped in 2007 stood at around $500 trillion… The Over-The-Counter derivatives market alone had grown to a notional value of at least $648 trillion as of the end of 2011… the market is likely worth closer to $707 trillion and perhaps more,” writes analyst Jenny Walsh in The Paper Boat.

“The market has grown so unfathomably vast, the global economy is at risk of massive damage should even a small percentage of contracts go sour.  Its size and potential influence are difficult just to comprehend, let alone assess.”

The bulk of this derivative trading is conducted by the big banks. Bankers generally assume that the likely risk of gain or loss on derivatives is much smaller than their “notional amount.” Wells Fargo for instance says the concept “is not, when viewed in isolation, a meaningful measure of the risk profile of the instruments” and “many of its derivatives offset each other”.

However as we learned in 2008, it is possible to lose a large portion of the “notional amount” of a derivatives trade if the bet goes terribly wrong, particularly if the bet is linked to other bets, resulting in losses by other organizations occurring at the same time. The ripple effects can be massive and unpredictable.

Banks don’t tell investors how much of the “notional amount” that they could lose in a worst-case scenario, nor are they required to. http://www.forbes.com/sites/stevedenning/2013/01/08/five-years-after-the-financial-meltdown-the-water-is-still-full-of-big-sharks/

There are many types of financial transactions that have little, if any, true value and are putting the markets and the US dollar at risk.

Furthermore, increased government debt will lead to a massive crisis in the future. Shortly after he took office, US President Barack Obama admitted that US debt practices were “unsustainable.” Something that is unsustainable, by definition, cannot continue indefinitely.

Yet, the total admitted US debt has essentially doubled since Barack Obama took office.

Many ‘pundits’ act like all this debt is acceptable and fine.

But it is not.

Actually, the Bible indicates this debt should be frightening:

2 And the Lord answered me:

“Write the vision;
make it plain on tablets,
so he may run who reads it.
3 For still the vision awaits its appointed time;
it hastens to the end—it will not lie.
If it seems slow, wait for it;
it will surely come; it will not delay.

4 “Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him,
but the righteous shall live by his faith.

5 “Moreover, wine is a traitor,
an arrogant man who is never at rest.
His greed is as wide as Sheol;
like death he has never enough.
He gathers for himself all nations
and collects as his own all peoples.”

6 Shall not all these take up their taunt against him, with scoffing and riddles for him, and say,

“Woe to him who heaps up what is not his own—
for how long?—
and loads himself with pledges!”
7 Will not your debtors suddenly arise,
and those awake who will make you tremble?
Then you will be spoil for them.
8 Because you have plundered many nations,
all the remnant of the peoples shall plunder you,
for the blood of man and violence to the earth,
to cities and all who dwell in them. (Habakkuk 2:2-8; English Standard Version)

The arrogance of political leaders in increasing the debt will not happen forever. The USA is the most indebted nation in the history of humanity and those in it should try to understand this prophecy–a prophecy that says the indebted nation (the USA) will be taken over.

The USA is facing MANY debt problems, and not just the four that Nomi Prins highlighted in her article.

Biblically, debt is shown to be a factor that will result in the end of the USA. Debt was a curse prophesied to hit those who should have known better, but who rejected God and His laws.

The Bible clearly warns that an indebted people will be destroyed by people whose language that they do not understand, and that the destruction will be fairly total:

43 The alien who is among you shall rise higher and higher above you, and you shall come down lower and lower. 44 He shall lend to you, but you shall not lend to him; he shall be the head, and you shall be the tail. 45 Moreover all these curses shall come upon you and pursue and overtake you, until you are destroyed…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).

7 The rich rules over the poor, And the borrower is servant to the lender. (Proverbs 22:7)

13 And the Lord said, “Because they have forsaken My law which I set before them, and have not obeyed My voice, nor walked according to it, 14 but they have walked according to the dictates of their own hearts…16 I will scatter them also among the Gentiles, whom neither they nor their fathers have known. And I will send a sword after them until I have consumed them.” (Jeremiah 9:13,14a,16)

12 One-third of you shall die of the pestilence, and be consumed with famine in your midst; and one-third shall fall by the sword all around you; and I will scatter another third to all the winds, and I will draw out a sword after them. (Ezekiel 5:12)

Getting in debt is considered to be a curse (see also the YouTube video The Debt Crisis Will Be Worse Than Most Imagine).

This will not end well for the USA or its Anglo-Saxon descended allies. Short of national repentance, the ONLY real solution is the good news of the coming Kingdom of God.

Some items of possibly related interest include the following:

America’s Day of Reckoning 2017 Dollar Collapse? Economist James Dale Davidson says that a financial bloodbath will hit the USA and there is nothing that Washington can do to stop it. He claims that at least 57 nations have gotten together to dethrone the US dollar as the world’s reserve currency. He claims this can happen any day or in a few months. He mentions China, Russia, the AIIB, and gold. He claims his track record in predicting massive shifts in the past should assure people that he is right about this. He claims that there will be massive unemployment, near elimination of social security benefits, and more. Is James Dale Davidson possibly right on any of this? Dr. Thiel goes over many of his claims and explains what the Bible shows related to the coming collapse of the US dollar.
USA Ushering in the Collapse of its Currency This Year? According to financial reporter Porter Stansberry, the USA is ushering in the collapse of the US dollar through its debt, regulations such as FATCA, and other policies. Porter Stansberry proposed that marshal law could be implemented in the USA. Is any of this possible? Will there end up being a collapse of the USA dollar? While parts of FATCA have been delayed, will the USA end up losing its economic dominance? What does Bible prophecy reveal?
Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse What do each of the four horseman of the Apocalypse represent? Have they began their ride? Did Jesus discuss the any of this? Might their rides coincide with the “beginning of sorrows? Do they start their ride prior to the Great Tribulation? Did Nostradamus or any other ‘private prophets’ write predictions that may mislead people so that they may not understand the truth of one or more of the four horseman? There is also a related YouTube video titled The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God This free online pdf booklet has answers many questions people have about the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and explains why it is the solution to the issues the world is facing.
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Saxon (non-Dutch) Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo-Saxon nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first? Here is a link to the Spanish version of this article: Anglo-América & las Tribus Perdidas de Israel. Information is also in the YouTube sermons titled Where are the Ten Lost Tribes? Why does it matter? and British are the Covenant People. A short YouTube of prophetic interest may be Barack Obama and the State of the Apocalypse.
Will the Anglo-Saxon Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What about Jerusalem? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people? Here is a link to a video titled Will the USA and other Anglo-nations be Divided and Their People Made Slaves? Here is a related item in the Spanish language ¿Serán divididas las naciones anglosajonas?
British are the Covenant People What do ‘British’ and ‘Britain’ mean in Hebrew? Are the descendants of the Anglo-Saxons people of the covenant? Does the British royal family connect to the throne of David? What does the Bible teach? What does history show us? Is there any DNA evidence related to British-Israelism? When did Christianity make it to the British Isles? Could Jeremiah have made it to the British Isles? What type of Christians made it to the British Isles? Did the last King of England believe in British Israelism?
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 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 videos: The Great Tribulation from the Mount of Olives and Can the Great Tribulation begin before 2020? A shorter video is: Can the Great Tribulation Start in 2016?
Protestant and Church of God views of the United States in Bible Prophecy Is the USA mentioned in Bible prophecy? Some Protestants say yes, while others say no. What does the Bible really teach? Learn the truth about this. There is also a video available: Is The United States Mentioned In Bible Prophecy?
Physical Preparation Scriptures for Christians. We all know the Bible prophecies famines. Should we do something? Here is a version in the Spanish language Escrituras sobre Preparación física para los Cristianos.
The Plain Truth About Gold in Prophecy. How Should a Christian View Gold? What do economists and the Bible teach about gold? Gold and silver may drop in value. Inflation/deflation? What do Christians need to know about gold?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies for the Great Monarch point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States? Here is a link to a video titled: The Future King of the North.
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.
Just What Do You Mean the Kingdom of God? A booklet that was written by Herbert Armstrong answers questions about the Kingdom.
Who is the King of the West? Why is there no End-Time King of the West in Bible Prophecy? Is the United States the King of the West?
Hillary Clinton, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Amazon Kindle edition. This electronic version of the 188 page print edition is available for only US$3.99. And you do not need an actual Kindle device to read it. Why? Amazon will allow you to download it to almost any device: Please click HERE to download one of Amazon s Free Reader Apps. After you go to for your free Kindle reader and then go to Hillary Clinton, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Amazon Kindle edition.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Edition for Second Obama Term This is a 160 page book for people truly interested in prophecies related to Barack Obama and the United States, including learning about many that have already been fulfilled (which the book documents in detail) and those that will be fulfilled in the future. It also has a chapter about a Republican choice. This book is available to order at www.barackobamaprophecy.com. The physical book can also be purchased at Amazon from the following link: Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States: Is Barack Obama Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic Catholic, Kenyan, and other America-Related Prophecies? What About Republican Leaders? Second Edition for Second Obama Term.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Term-Amazon Kindle edition. This electronic version is available for only US$2.99. And you do not need an actual Kindle device to read it. Why? Amazon will allow you to download it to almost any device: Please click HERE to download one of Amazon s Free Reader Apps. After you go to for your free Kindle reader and then go to Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Term-Amazon Kindle edition.

COGwriter

Several years back, David Hulme of COGaIC interviewed John Garr about church history. Here is how that interview began:

Reexamining the roots of Christianity has become a major endeavor among New Testament scholars. In an attempt to better understand and relate to Judaism in the wake of the Holocaust/Shoah, their studies have yielded some surprising admissions and necessary corrections to the way Jesus of Nazareth, Paul of Tarsus and the early Church are regarded. A general conclusion is that first-century Christianity was far more Jewish or Hebraic in its beliefs and practices than has been accepted for almost 2,000 years.

One scholar who has pondered the implications of these rediscovered roots is John Garr, president of Restoration Foundation, which specializes in making known the Hebrew heritage of what came to be called Christianity. Vision publisher David Hulme interviewed him…

DH You have written: “In the middle of the second century, the Hebrew foundations of Christian faith were attacked by the first great heresy that challenged the church.” You also note that “some of the ideas of this heresy so permeated the church’s corporate psyche that it has not yet fully recovered its spiritual and scriptural equilibrium.” What was the heresy and what has been its specific effect?

JG The heresy was called Marcionism after Marcion, a very wealthy man who was strongly influenced by Hellenic culture, the ideas of Plato, and much of Gnosticism. Marcion wanted to separate Christianity from any connection with Judaism and the law. He said that the Old Testament was a record of a failed religion that should be destroyed, and actually had been destroyed by Jesus Himself. He even went so far as to rewrite Matthew 5:17, where Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount, “Think not that I have come to destroy the Law or the Prophets: I have not come to destroy them but to fulfill them.” Marcion turned it around and said that Jesus’ actual words were “Think not that I have come to fulfill the Law or the Prophets: I have not come to fulfill them but to destroy them.” Further, he took some of Paul’s epistles and some sections of the book of Luke and edited them to eliminate any connection with Judaism or the Old Testament. As a result of his actions, church leaders finally branded him a heretic and excommunicated him.

With this background one would think Marcion would have faded into history, but the residue of his influence has continued to permeate the Christian church even to the present time. It is probably best characterized as antinomianism—the position of being against the law—which is very much a part of many denominations. Many antinomians would say that they are preaching the gospel of the grace of God, and that grace and law are violently opposed to each other and cannot exist in one another’s presence. So the idea that the law has been completely abrogated, that the Old Testament is no more of any effect, that Jesus came to destroy the law, and that believers today are only under the grace of God, is fundamentally neo-Marcionism…Von Harnack’s thinking in this regard was really a pure form of neo-Marcionism. He went so far as to say that if the church had had the courage to do so, it would have recognized that Marcion was right, that Judaism had been abolished and the law destroyed. He was very adamant about that view.

The above interview did not go into much more detail about Marcion and his heresies, but there is an article at the COGwriter.com website that does: Marcion: The First Protestant?

Irenaeus in the second century noted that the faithful Polycarp opposed Marcion:

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, whom I also saw in my early youth, for he tarried [on earth] a very long time, and, when a very old man, gloriously and most nobly suffering martyrdom, departed this life, having 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 — a man who was of much greater weight, and a more stedfast witness of truth, than Valentinus, and Marcion, and the rest of the heretics. He it was who, coming to Rome in the time of Anicetus caused many to turn away from the aforesaid heretics to the Church of God, proclaiming that he had received this one and sole truth from the apostles — that, namely, which is handed down by the Church. There are also those who heard from him that John, the disciple of the Lord, going to bathe at Ephesus, and perceiving Cerinthus within, rushed out of the bath-house without bathing, exclaiming, “Let us fly, lest even the bath-house fall down, because Cerinthus, the enemy of the truth, is within.” And Polycarp himself replied to Marcion, who met him on one occasion, and said, “Dost thou know me?” “I do know thee, the first-born of Satan.”(Irenaeus. Adversus Haereses. Book III, Chapter 3, Verse 4. Excerpted from Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume 1. Edited by Alexander Roberts & James Donaldson. American Edition, 1885. Online Edition Copyright © 2004 by K. Knight).

Polycarp, and other true early Christian writers, kept all the ten commandments that were first mentioned in the Old Testament (an article of related interest may be The Ten Commandments and the Early Church). This is how Polycarp (and others) differed from many of the early heretics like Marcion.

Another to specifically opposed Marcion was Theophilus of Antioch (late 2nd century). The Syriatic version of Eusebius’ Church History notes:

BUT as to Theophilus, concerning whom we have said that he was Bishop of Antioch, there are three treatises by him against Antolycus, and another which is inscribed “Against the heresy of Hermogenes,” in which he uses testimonies from the Revelation of John; and there are other books by him which are suitable for teaching. But those, who pertained to heretical doctrine, even at that time like tares were corrupting the pure seed of the doctrine of the Apostles; but the Pastors which were in the churches in every country, were driving them like beasts of the wilderness away from the flock of Christ; at one time by teaching and exhortation to the Brethren, but at another time openly before their faces they contended with them in discussion, and put them to shame; and again, also, by writing treatises they diligently refuted and exposed their opinions. But Theophilus, together with others, contended against them; and he is celebrated for one treatise, which was ably composed by him against Marcion, which, together with the others that I have already mentioned, is still preserved. And after him Maximinus received the Bishoprick of the Church of Antioch, who was the seventh after the Apostles.

But Philip, respecting whom we have learned from the words of Dionysius, Bishop of Corinth,2 that he was Bishop of the church of the city of Gortyna, he also composed with accuracy a treatise against Marcion (Eusebius of Caesarea, Ecclesiastical History, Syriac version, Book 4 (Extract), Chapter 24. Spicilegium Syriacum (1855). This text was transcribed by Roger Pearse, Ipswich, UK, 2003. Greek text is rendered using the Scholars Press SPIonic font/Polytonic Greek).

This is of interest because it shows that both Philip and Theophilus also wrote against the heretic Marcion (though the document, while apparently available to Eusebius, is currently unavailable).

Notice what the Protestant historian Kenneth Latourette stated:

Marcion insisted that the Church had obscured the Gospel by seeking to combine it with Judaism (Latourette KS. A History of Christianity, Volume 1: to A.D. 1500. HarperCollins, San Francisco, 1975, p. 126).

In other words, the original true Church of God truly did combine faith in Christ with practices that Marcion considered to be too Jewish. And Marcion was denounced by leaders from Asia Minor for rejecting the true faith.

Most know very little about early church history or where their doctrines came from–and what many think they know is clouded by misinformation and misconceptions.

But those willing to be called and led by God can find the truth in the Bible and the scattered records of early church history (e.g. the free booklet Continuing History of the Church of God).

COGaIC used to post more related to its understandings of early Church History in a blog called “First Followers.” However, after 2011, this reduced to only one or two posts per year there, and since the departure of Peter Nathan from COGaIC, that blog seems to have been removed.

Those interested in early Christianity may wish to read the following documented articles to learn more:

Marcion: The First Protestant? Considered to have been an organized heretic, he taught against the Old Testament, the law, and the Sabbath. Some have considered him to be the first Protestant reformer. But was he? Here is a link to a related sermon: Marcion: The first Protestant reformer?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 and Continuing History of the Church of God: 17th-20th Centuries. The booklet is available in Spanish: Continuación de la Historia de la Iglesia de Dios, German: Kontinuierliche Geschichte der Kirche Gottes, French: L’Histoire Continue de l’Église de Dieu and Ekegusii Omogano Bw’ekanisa Ya Nyasae Egendererete.
Do You Practice Mithraism? Many practices and doctrines that mainstream so-called Christian groups have are the same or similar to those of the sun-god Mithras. December 25th was celebrated as his birthday. Do you follow Mithraism combined with the Bible or original Christianity?
Hope of Salvation: How the Continuing Church of God differ from most Protestants How the real Church of God differs from mainstream/traditional Protestants, is perhaps the question I am asked most by those without a Church of God background. [Português: Esperança do salvação: Como a igreja do deus difere da maioria de protestantes]
The Similarities and Dissimilarities between Martin Luther and Herbert W. Armstrong This article clearly shows some of the doctrinal differences between in the two. At this time of doctrinal variety and a tendency by many to accept certain aspects of Protestantism, the article should help clarify why the genuine Church of God is NOT Protestant. Do you really know what the Protestant Reformer Martin Luther taught and should you follow his doctrinal example? Here is a related sermon video: Martin Luther and Herbert Armstrong: Reformers with Differences.
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?
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? A YouTube video or related interesy may be: Polycarp of Smyrna: Why Christians should know more about him.
Nazarene Christianity: Were the Original Christians Nazarenes? Who were the Nazarene Christians? What did they believe? Should 21st century Christians be modern Nazarenes? Is there a group that exists now that traces its history through the Nazarenes and holds the same beliefs today? Here is a link to a related video sermon Nazarene Christians: Were the early Christians “Nazarenes”?
Location of the Early Church: Another Look at Ephesus, Smyrna, and Rome What actually happened to the primitive Church? And did the Bible tell about this in advance?
Church of God, an International Community (COG aic) This is the group led by David Hulme. It seems to minimize parts of biblical prophecy.

COGwriter

The head of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation is displeased that more people want to use encryption on their cellular telephones:

August 30, 2016

WASHINGTON — FBI Director James Comey is again warning about the bureau’s inability to access digital devices because of encryption.

In a speech Tuesday, Comey said default encryption built into smartphones is “making more and more of the room that we are charged to investigate dark.”

He said the FBI is working to collect information on the issue so that “next year we can have an adult conversation in this country.”

He said that while Americans have a reasonable expectation of privacy in houses, cars and electronic devices, law enforcement officials can “invade our private spaces” with legal approval. Comey said that “bargain” has been part of the country since its founding. http://nypost.com/2016/08/30/james-comey-calls-for-adult-conversation-about-privacy/

So, the FBI Director is claiming that since the founding of United States of America, whose founders objected to various governmental searches, including in ‘public places,’ this means that private communications should be subject to governmental surveillance.

FBI Director Comey believes in a version of American history that is much different than I recall studying.

Notice also the following:

1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. (2 Timothy 3:1-5, KJV)

Notice that ‘trucebreakers’ are in the above list. The NKJV translates the word as unforgiving. What seems to happen now is that if the government has any suspicion about someone, which could be based upon a false accusation, that it breaks the intent of the Declaration of Independence and the US Bill of Rights. This sounds like ‘trucebreaking.’

It is my view that the USA no longer has the type of ‘freedom of religion’ or ‘freedom of speech’ or the freedom to ‘life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness’ its founders envisioned.

Furthermore, the time will come when the USA, and likely some private companies (probably with direct or indirect governmental pressures), will apparently stop the efforts of websites like this one. As well as our numerous video channels on the internet.

Consider the following prophecy:

13 Therefore the prudent keep silent at that time, For it is an evil time. (Amos 5:13)

The above indicates that even those that are doing nothing wrong will need to be silent at the coming evil time. The times are evil.

Yet, currently, it is still time to:

1 Cry aloud, spare not;
Lift up your voice like a trumpet;
Tell My people their transgression,
And the house of Jacob their sins. (Isaiah 58:1)

Which is what we in the Continuing Church of God are doing. We have denounced, not only sins that the world sometimes seems to consider politically correct, but also sins that many claimed 501(c)(3) COGs will not do, because of their own concerns about their political fates and/or fates that could happen if they offended their financial supporters if they told the truth to truly fulfill Isaiah 58:1 (cf. 501(c)(3)? Why the Continuing Church of God chose a better option).

Many in and out of the government have plans and are watching the internet with plans to deal with materials that they some day hope to silence.

Notice the following from the Bible:

1 Hear my voice, O God, in my meditation;
Preserve my life from fear of the enemy.
2 Hide me from the secret plots of the wicked,
From the rebellion of the workers of iniquity,
3 Who sharpen their tongue like a sword,
And bend their bows to shoot their arrows — bitter words,
4 That they may shoot in secret at the blameless;
Suddenly they shoot at him and do not fear.

5 They encourage themselves in an evil matter;
They talk of laying snares secretly;
They say, “Who will see them?”
6 They devise iniquities:
“We have perfected a shrewd scheme.”
Both the inward thought and the heart of man are deep. (Psalms 64:1-6)

And while you might think that if you have done nothing wrong, you have nothing to fear from surveillance, consider that many in the government of the USA consider that not supporting homosexual marriages is an extremist position.

As mentioned before, I also saw someone once on a documentary that stated that people who believed in the millennium could not be trusted and should be considered as potential terrorists. The fact that we in the Continuing Church of God would be considered pacifists, does not change the fact that since we hold to millennial and other biblical views that we will not be improperly classified by government employees with various agendas.

Economic surveillance is also prophesied as is a coming famine of the word:

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 13:16-18)

11 “Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord God,
“That I will send a famine on the land,
Not a famine of bread,
Nor a thirst for water,
But of hearing the words of the Lord.
12 They shall wander from sea to sea,
And from north to east;
They shall run to and fro, seeking the word of the Lord,
But shall not find it. (Amos 8:11-12)

We are getting closer to this time. And consider that until this century (and perhaps theoretically, the latter part of the 20th century), it was not possible to really control buying and selling.  But certainly that ability exist now–and it will come to pass.

I believe that the USA is paving the way for the final European Beast power to spy on people and monitor financial transactions, as well as preaching restrictions.

This is part of why we in the Continuing Church of God are preparing for the ‘short work’ (Romans 9:28) and the coming ‘famine of the word.’

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

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’?
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?
Preparing for the ‘Short Work’ and The Famine of the Word What is the ‘short work’ of Romans 9:28? Who is preparing for it? Here is a link to a related video sermon titled: The Short Work.
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God This free online pdf booklet has answers many questions people have about the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and explains why it is the solution to the issues the world is facing.
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.
The Final Phase of the Work What is the final phase of the work? Who will lead it? Do you have the courage to support it? Here is a related YouTube video titled The Final Phase of the Work. The written article has been translated into Spanish La Fase Final de la Obra.
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?
Leading the Final Phase of the Work Matthew 24:14 teaches “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come ” will be fulfilled and RCG is not the group doing this. Who is leading the final phase of the work? What did Herbert Armstrong and the old WCG teach about that and about prophets? Does Bob Thiel meet the criteria that the Bible and the old WCG set? What is the proof? What has the Continuing Church of God been doing? This is a sermonette length video.
Hope of Salvation: How the Continuing Church of God differ from most Protestants How the real Church of God differs from mainstream/traditional Protestants, is perhaps the question I am asked most by those without a Church of God background. As far as some changes affecting Protestantism, watch the video Charismatic Kenneth Copeland and Anglican Tony Palmer: Protestants Beware! [Português: Esperança do salvação: Como a igreja do deus difere da maioria de protestantes]
Famine of the Word? God inspired the Prophet Amos to write that the time would come when there would be a famine of hearing the words of the Lord (Amos 8:11-12). Are we seeing anything that is leading up to this? Is the Christian message already too ‘politically incorrect’?
Bible News Prophecy channel. Dr. Thiel has produced many YouTube videos for the BibleNewsProphecy channel. And you can find them there.
ContinuingCOG channel. Dr. Thiel has produced YouTube video sermons for this channel. Note: Since these are sermon-length, they can take a little longer to load than other YouTube videos.
CCOGAfrica channel. This has messages from African pastors in African languages such as Kalenjin, Kiswahili, and Dholuo.

From FOEEUROPE

COGwriter

France says it wants to end Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) talks because of USA’s agricultural demands:

August 30, 2016

Talks over the hugely controversial Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) between the EU and the US are in danger as France pushes for an end to negotiations and a German minister says they have failed.
French President Francois Hollande on Tuesday became the latest European leader to speak out against the free trade agreement, saying talks would not meet their deadline.

“Negotiations have stalled,” he said. “The imbalance is obvious.”

Earlier on Tuesday, France’s chief negotiator, minister of state for trade Matthias Fekl, had said that Paris would request in September that the European Commission stop negotiations on the trade deal.

“There is no longer any political support from France for these negotiations,” Fekl told French radio station RMC. “There should be an absolute clear end so that we can restart them on good basis,” he added

In May, Hollande already expressed his skepticism about the negotiations, saying he would “never accept” the deal in its current guise because of the rules it enforces on France and the rest of Europe. He mainly criticized plans to deregulate farming and culture, claiming they were too friendly to US businesses.

“We will never accept questioning essential principles for our agriculture, our culture and for the reciprocity of access to public [procurement] markets,” Hollande said.

German resistance

German Economy Minister Sigmar Gabriel kicked off the latest round of criticism in an interview Sunday, saying that the talks had “effectively failed.”

On Tuesday, he repeated his comments, blaming the US for the failure. “I think the Americans actively ended TTIP because they weren’t prepared to make compromises with Europeans,” he told a news conference in Berlin. http://www.dw.com/en/france-to-call-for-an-end-to-eu-us-free-trade-talks/a-19512025

As I have written before, the USA wants to change European agriculture through its genetically-modified organisms (GMOs). The European Union is concerned that it cannot compete well with US agriculture, and having a partial GMO barrier has helped it keep many of its farmers working. It also, in my view, has helped protect the health of Europeans as I do not believe that GMOs have been tested thoroughly enough to insure that they do not have negative consequences on any aspect of human health.

But this is not the only economic matter of friction between the EU and the USA in the news today. Notice the following:

30 August 2016

Ireland should recover up to €13bn (£11bn) from Apple in back taxes, the European Commission has ruled.

After a three-year investigation, it has concluded that the US firm’s Irish tax benefits are illegal.

The Commission said Ireland enabled the company to pay substantially less than other businesses, in effect paying a corporate tax rate of no more than 1%.

Ireland and Apple both said they disagreed with the record penalty and would appeal against it. …

The US Treasury, which said last week that the European Commission was in danger of becoming a “supranational tax authority”, said the latest ruling could “undermine foreign investment, the business climate in Europe, and the important spirit of economic partnership between the US and the EU”.

“We will continue to monitor these cases as they progress, and we will continue to work with the Commission toward our shared objective of preventing the erosion of our corporate tax bases,” a US Treasury spokesman said.

Apple is not the only company that has been targeted for securing favourable tax deals in the European Union.

Last year, the commission told the Netherlands to recover as much as €30m (£25.6m) from Starbucks, while Luxembourg was ordered to claw back a similar amount from Fiat. http://www.bbc.com/news/business-37220799

August 30, 2016

Apple’s official statement on the European Union ruling against its Irish tax arrangements tells you all you need to know about what is at stake: You can have taxes or you can have jobs, but Apple is in no mood to deliver both.

After learning Tuesday morning that the EU expects Apple to pay €13 billion (£11 billion, $14.5 billion) in back taxes, the company said, “It will have a profound and harmful effect on investment and job creation in Europe.”

That is not a threat, technically. But it will be seen as one by EU politicians who want to attract new companies to their countries.

Back in 1991, Apple struck a tax deal with Ireland that was completely aboveboard and legal. The Irish government provided Apple with a “comfort letter” that said the company would pay very low rates of tax if it based its European operations in Ireland.

In the 15 years since, Apple has created thousands of jobs in Ireland. http://www.businessinsider.com/apple-eu-tax-ruling-profound-harmful-effect-investment-job-creation-2016-8

Europe is telling the USA and Apple that it has a different view, and obviously Apple is not pleased. Apple liked the deal it has had and this sounds like it might pull back from Ireland.

On TTIP and taxes, the Europeans are frustrated with USA demands. The USA, and formally the UK, has led the world economically for a long time and often refuses to compromise with other nations (even when the USA is wrong).

Economically, the Bible shows that the USA is no longer going to be the head, but the tail (cf. Deuteronomy 28:13,44). There will be a European-dominated new world order that will result in the Europeans being on top (but only for a while), and the USA and UK no longer dominant, and actually be gone as nations (cf Habakkuk 2:6-8; Daniel 11:39).

As far as European and USA economic issues go, for at least two decades, I have believed that a split would happen between the USA and the Europeans partially because of how the Europeans will view how the USA handles/mishandles trade and other financial issues (there are also other factors like USA debt, GMOs, etc.).

It is my view that economic disputes will be a factor in the Europeans taking over the USA. And that WILL HAPPEN (cf. Isaiah 10:5-11; Daniel 11:39).

The calls in Europe to scrap TTIP may be a step in that direction.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe? Here is a link to a video titled: Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European?
European Technology and the Beast of Revelation Will the coming European Beast power would use and develop technology that will result in the taking over of the USA and its Anglo-Saxon allies? Is this possible? What does the Bible teach? Here is a related YouTube video: Military Technology and the Beast of Revelation.
Must the Ten Kings of Revelation 17:12 Rule over Ten Currently Existing Nations? Some claim that these passages refer to a gathering of 10 currently existing nations together, while one group teaches that this is referring to 11 nations getting together. Is that what Revelation 17:12-13 refers to? The ramifications of misunderstanding this are enormous.
World War III: Steps in Progress Are there surprising actions going on now that are leading to WWIII? Might a nuclear attack be expected? Does the Bible promise protection to all or only some Christians? How can you be part of those that will be protected? A related video would be Is World War III About to Begin? Can You Escape?
WTO/TTIP and the Babylonian Beast Will international trade agreements like WTO/TTIP/CETA lead to the fulfillment of end time prophecies concerning the Babylonian Beast power that the Book of Revelation warns against? What does the Bible teach? A related video would be WTO Trade Deal and the Rise of the European Beast Power.
GMOs and Bible Prophecy What are GMOs? Since they were not in the food supply until 1994, how could they possibly relate to Bible prophecy? Do GMOs put the USA and others at risk? Here is a related YouTube video GMO Risks and the Bible.
Chimeras: Has Science Crossed the Line? What are chimeras? Has science crossed the line? Does the Bible give any clues?
The Snowden Leaks are Leading to the Destruction of the USA Can what happened with the leaks of what the NSA has done help the USA to be taken over? What does the Bible teach that seems to be related to this? Here is a related YouTube video titled Are the Snowden NSA leaks leading to the destruction of the USA?
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?
Forbes’ Brexit Monster is the Beast of Revelation Various ones have been properly convinced that there is a plan for a European superstate. Forbes’ writer Tom Worstall wrote that the Brexit vote was about the United Kingdom “not joining the monster of the European Union to come.” The Bible tells of a Beast monster that will arise in the end times in Europe. Dr. Thiel cites news reports, as well as the Old and New Testaments, to show that the monster many fear will arise in Europe, despite the vote by the British to exit the European Union.
Post Brexit Prophecy On June 23, 2016, the voters of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK) chose to leave the European Union. Now with this BRitish EXIT (Brexit) vote, what is prophesied to happen to the UK? Will the UK do well or be taken over and made slaves? Dr. Thiel explains from biblical prophecies what is ahead for the UK, Europe, and even the USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. This is a video.
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies for the Great Monarch point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States? In the Spanish language check out ¿Quién es el Rey del Norte? Here is a link to a video titled: The Future King of the North.
Germany’s Assyrian Roots Throughout History Are the Germanic peoples descended from Asshur of the Bible? Have there been real Christians in Germanic history? What about the “Holy Roman Empire”? There is also a You-Tube video sermon on this titled Germany’s Biblical Origins.
Germany in Biblical and Catholic Prophecy Does Assyria in the Bible equate to an end time power inhabiting the area of the old Roman Empire? What does prophecy say Germany will do and what does it say will happen to most of the German people? Here are links to two sermon videos Germany in Bible Prophecy and The Rise of the Germanic Beast Power of Prophecy.
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Saxon (non-Dutch) Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo-Saxon nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first? Here is a link to the Spanish version of this article: Anglo-América & las Tribus Perdidas de Israel. Information is also in the YouTube sermons titled Where are the Ten Lost Tribes? Why does it matter? and British are the Covenant People. A short YouTube of prophetic interest may be Barack Obama and the State of the Apocalypse.
Donald Trump in Prophecy Prophecy, Donald Trump? Are there prophecies that Donald Trump may fulfill? Are there any prophecies that he has already helped fulfill? Could a Donald Trump presidency be apocalyptic? A related video is titled Could Donald Trump be Apocalyptic? Another video is 10 Reasons Not to Vote for Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton.
Hillary Clinton in Prophecy Prophecy, Hillary Clinton? Are there prophecies that Hillary Clinton may fulfill? Are there any prophecies that she has already helped fulfill? Could Hillary Clinton be apocalyptic? Could Hillary Clinton be the final Antichrist? A video of related interest is titled Hillary Clinton and Bible Prophecy. Another video is 10 Reasons Not to Vote for Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton.
Who is the King of the West? Why is there no Final End-Time King of the West in Bible Prophecy? Is the United States the King of the West? Here is a version in the Spanish language: ¿Quién es el Rey del Occidente? ¿Por qué no hay un Rey del Occidente en la profecía del tiempo del fin?
Hillary Clinton, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States This is a 200 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, 2nd edition: Is Hillary Clinton Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic Catholic, Hopi, and other America-Related Prophecies? What About Donald Trump? $11.99.
Hillary Clinton, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Amazon 2nd Kindle edition This electronic version of the 200 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 2nd 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.
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Handwriting on the Wall (Rembrandt)

COGwriter

Today marks the third-year anniversary of the day that David Pack, leader of the improperly named Restored Church of God (RCG), falsely claimed that all in the COGs would come to him. As I repeatedly pointed out in that 2013 Spring and Summer, this was not going to happen.

Why?

Because David Pack simply did not trust Bible prophecy, but instead twisted it in ways it was not intended to be interpreted.

Here is some of what David Pack said and/or wrote about it in 2013 (the sermon comments were sent to me and I did not listen to that sermon myself):

Details may begin (and only begin) to come into view on the first of the month of Elul (in God’s calendar—August 7 in the Roman Calendar). A more complete picture will emerge by Elul 24 (August 30). Right now, all are urged to have in their thinking that they will be reassigned to a new nearby Feast site, and those who choose to return to the Body of Christ will attend with what becomes a much bigger organization—probably significantly bigger than the largest splinter! (Crucial Questions—Important Answers! July 19, 2013, http://rcg.org/sep/crucial-questions-important-answers)

Which three leaders are the greatest obstructionists to God’s stated purpose in Haggai—returning HIS people to doing HIS Work? (The Final Announcement. August 2, 2013, http://rcg.org/sep/the-final-announcement)

Next, the 2013 Feast of Tabernacles: This will also be among the most special and inspiring times in Church history. It will be a Feast of unity and harmony among all of God’s people. Everyone will keep this joyous occasion as members of The Restored Church of God in scores of sites across the world. At this time, we have 21 sites, but we anticipate adding many more. In some areas, former splinter brethren will attend our current sites. In other locations, we will have to quickly add new ones. In still other areas, splinter sites will simply become Restored sites. The total number of Feast sites, and where they are, will depend entirely on how many brethren answer the “stirring” of Jesus Christ to return to His Church, and in what areas they live. Details may begin (and only begin) to come into view on the first of the month of Elul (in God’s calendar—August 7 in the Roman Calendar). A more complete picture will emerge by Elul 24 (August 30). Right now, all are urged to have in their thinking that they will be reassigned to a new nearby Feast site, and those who choose to return to the Body of Christ will attend with what becomes a much bigger organization—probably significantly bigger than the largest splinter! (Crucial Questions—Important Answers! July 19, 2013, http://rcg.org/sep/crucial-questions-important-answers)

All Brethren United Soon Part 12 (Sermon)

How could so many things happen in 24 hours?

Minute 26. Three men die- Elul 24, then everyone makes a decision that day.

Minute 29. Certain things about this prophesy is very complex, others are very simple.

Minute 30. No way everything could happen in one day.

Minute 32. Do you care most how the 3 Shephard’s die? In their sleep, by fire?

Do you care who they are?

If God tells us then I want to know otherwise it doesn’t matter.

You are going to find out how they die and who they are.

Minute 33. I know their names 100% sure. Don’t want the names out yet. Now I’m certain I know.

Do you care where it happens? I don’t know where it will happen.

I know how they die and who they are. I’m certain.

Minute 34. How about when they die? They die sooner then we thought.

Do they die together or separately. I know they die together.

Two culminating events. The death of these men is the first. The central point is God is going to bring his people back together/unify his people.

In 2013, David Pack also claimed:

Saturday, August 31 will be a Sabbath unlike any other in history. It will be the first time in decades that all of God’s people around the world will be meeting together in the same locations for services. Words cannot describe the excitement and happiness that will be everywhere soon after this reunification. In many areas, much of or possibly even entire congregations might “roll over” into The Restored Church of God. Brethren will have had weeks to prepare for this and to “consider their ways” before God. Those who come will have been led to return to the Body of Christ the day before this Sabbath. Reread this last sentence.

Realize that a host of logistical details must be worked out for this to occur. God has been planning this event for thousands of years—at least 3,000—and His Church has been preparing for it for almost a year. Headquarters and our ministers will be ready to receive potentially a great many phone calls from splinter ministers and members even in the days and weeks before August 31. (Why Reunification THIS YEAR!, posted July 5, 2013 http://rcg.org/sep/why-reunification-this-year)

Of course, this simply did not happened. David Pack also claimed that God revealed to him that he was Joshua about five years ago. Yet, while the “god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4, KJV) may have done that, it certainly was not the Creator God of the Bible!

Notice what David Pack posted after it did not happen in 2013:

I will explain a week after the Feast EXACTLY what was misunderstood about the prophecy’s timing. It appears we will not be waiting a long time—not another year—for its fulfillment. (Pack D. How Long Will You Wait for God’s Prophecies? 09/06/13 http://rcg.org/sep/how-long-will-you-wait-for-gods-prophecies)

Of course, it still did not happen and will not happen. The Philadelphian remnant of the COG will not become part of RCG and certainly have not done so by the dates that David Pack pointed to. The changes required by RCG would be massive for something like that to possibly happen (David Pack would have to repent, RCG would have to change focus, RCG would have to change doctrine, etc.).

If people think that David Pack is past his dreams of delusion here, think again. In August of 2016, RCG still had at its website, something David Pack put up earlier in 2015:

A Vital Open Letter to All WCG Splinters

Identifying God’s Church, Truth and Work …

We expect to see thousands of you soon in The Restored Church of God. God has long planned to reunify what would become His scattered people at the end of the age.

The above from RCG shows that 1) RCG does not understand the message to the churches in Revelation 2 & 3 which does NOT allow for the type of reunification that David Pack is proclaiming and 2) that RCG is still clinging to the same nonsense it claimed would happen in 2013, and when it did not happen, indicated possibly would for 2014 and still is something RCG is hoping for. No matter how much David Pack insists on error, it does not change error into truth.

A related article, by David Pack, included the following:

Mr. Armstrong taught:

(1) God has one, unified, organized Church, also called the Body of Christ. …

All Will Come Here!…

History will record that The Restored Church of God gathered the flock, to be with Christ, rather than helped to scatter it—as UCG, LCG, PCG, COGwa, COGaic and so many others are doing! The distinction turns on which church has the full truth and much fruit to back up claims that God leads it, not to mention that this Church still must believe there IS only one Church.

Soon, all of God’s people will know what The Restored Church of God is. They will come to remember and recognize the Church that is the same as the one they used to know. They will return to it, or refuse and quench God’s Spirit forever. No one else is telling Christ’s brethren (YOU) this. This is in part because all other leaders have forgotten what God’s Church looks like. …

You have been duly warned.

I state emphatically, on God’s authority, that every last person—member or minister—throughout the world who is determined not to lose God’s Spirit—certainly many thousands—is coming to The Restored Church of God.

Actually, the Bible does not teach that all true Christians will be in the same corporate organization in the end. Revelation 2 & 3 show that there will be Thyatirans, Sardisians, Philadelphians, and many Laodiceans in the end, and the implication in the original Greek is that the Laodiceans will be in different organizations.

Despite David Pack’s appeals to writings from Herbert Armstrong, Herbert Armstrong never felt that those of Sardis were prophesied to come into the same organization as the Philadelphians, he believed the opposite.

It should be stated that people will NOT lose God’s Spirit by not coming into RCG like David Pack has claimed. Actually, since RCG is led by someone I doubt is truly in the Church of God, the risk of losing God’s Spirit tends to increase for those who do support RCG.

He also made a claim in a video in late July 2015 that all would come with him. RCG’s David Pack released a pompous false and arrogant video titled The Coming Signal to God’s People. In this seven-minute diatribe, David Pack claims that thousands in the Churches of God will be led by God’s Spirit to unite with him.

David Pack says that there will be a single event that will be impossible for those in the COGs to miss. He then gives three signals supposedly which prove this is about to happen:

1. Based on Zechariah 11:14, David Pack claims that there will be ‘a full rupture’ between the USA and Israel and this is something to watch for.
2. That because of its (often false) literature, websites, staff, and headquarters, that RCG is ready for the coming influx of thousands that will lead to an unbelievable work. Well, I certainly do not believe that David Pack is leading God’s end time work, so in that sense it is unbelievable. David Pack claims that Wadsworth will soon be ‘everybody’s headquarters.’ That is not true. David Pack wants people to ‘walk by sight related to his campus that he claims is so magnificent that it ‘staggers the imagination.’ Yet, the Bible says Christians are to walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7)–which is the opposite of what David Pack is essentially teaching.
3. David Pack claims that it is so obvious that world events have sped up, that God must do something with RCG soon. He claims that the time when no man can work, John 9:4, is getting close. While it is relatively close, RCG is not doing that work (see also Preparing for the ‘Short Work’ and The Famine of the Word).

Let me add here that David Pack has misunderstood God’s work for a long time and falsely acts like the main RCG work is to draw COG members from other groups to RCG.

In the video, David Pack said that all (presumably other COG) leaders will call his message false. Well, his message is false. Yet, David Pack claims that all will realize that it is true.

David Pack then boldly stated that all COG members all say that they all want to get together, to reunify. That is NOT the case. I, for one, do NOT believe that the COGs should all reunify. The Book of Revelation is clear that there will be multiple COG groups around at the time of the end. Here are links to articles about four types of groups that Jesus indicated would be around at the end:

4. The Thyatira Church Era was predominant circa 1050 A.D. to circa 1600 A.D. The Church during the Inquisition.
5. The Sardis Church Era was predominant circa 1600 A.D. to circa 1933 A.D. Discusses early history of the Seventh Day Baptists, Seventh-day Adventists, and COG-7th Day.
6. The Philadelphia Church Era was predominant circa 1933 A.D. to 1986 A.D. The old Radio Church of God and old Worldwide Church of God, now the remnant of that era is basically the most faithful in the Church of God, like who hold to the beliefs and practices of the Continuing Church of God.
7. The Laodicean Church Era has been predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. The Laodiceans are non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG or its offshoots. They do not properly understand the work or biblical prophecies and will face the Great Tribulation if they do not repent.

David Pack ignores what the Bible teaches about unity. Just like Pope Francis, David Pack does not realize that unity of the faith will not happen until after Jesus returns. He and his followers need to properly study and understand Zechariah 2:6-12 and other scriptures.

Anyway, in the video, David Pack also misinterprets Habakkuk 1:5. He then claims when God intervenes with RCG, you will see this as it will be ‘impossible to miss.’ He closed his video with the following statement:

Do not worry about missing the signal–you won’t.

Yet, the main signal to notice about David Pack is the following:

1 But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. 2 And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. 3 By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber. (2 Peter 2:1-3)

David Pack has long used ‘covetous words’ and is a false teacher. He is NOT God’s apostle nor the Elijah to come as he also claims. David Pack’s prior prophesies related to reunification have been shown to be false in the past and will be so in the future. There is NO WAY that thousands of Philadelphian Christians will become part of RCG. See also the article Why Not the Restored Church of God?

David Pack is NOT a true watchman (watch also Go, Set a Watchman). David Pack will again be proven false.

Most in the COGs who hear about this ‘coming signal’ will realize that David Pack is wrong.

But David Pack, in my view, remains delusional, as do many who support him.

On January 30, 2015, RCG posted the following from David Pack:

I am posting a new message, “The MASS HEALING of God’s People—Just Ahead!” A spectacular, divine promise has been hidden in God’s Word, lost until it was God’s time to reveal it with 29 PLAIN PROOFS. This message explains—and conclusively PROVES!—that part of God’s “restoration of all things” (Matt. 17:11) involves completely healing ALL brethren who choose to return to His Church when He reunifies it. …

His Plan is MUCH BIGGER and begins MUCH SOONER!

Do not RCG members yet realize that this is not true? David Pack does not understand important aspects of biblical prophecy and continues to make outlandish claims that are not correct. He has admitted that he is not a prophet in the past (though he now falsely claims to be the ‘Elijah‘) and he still is not a prophet of God. Cannot those in RCG see the truth?

Thousands of years ago, the Prophet Daniel was asked to interpret some handwriting that was written on a wall by only a hand that the king of Babylon personally witnessed (which is why he ultimately called Daniel to see it). The moral trend in that kingdom was not good according to Daniel (Daniel 5:22-23). After stating that, here is the interpretation that the prophet Daniel gave of that handwriting on the wall:

24 Then the fingers of the hand were sent from Him, and this writing was written.

25 “And this is the inscription that was written:

MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.

26 This is the interpretation of each word. Mene: God has numbered your kingdom, and finished it; 27 Tekel: You have been weighed in the balances, and found wanting; 28 Peres: Your kingdom has been divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.” (Daniel 5:24-28)

That kingdom was taken over that very night (Daniel 5:30-31).

Now, let us look at the words from the wall and apply them to David Pack.

1. Mene: Your days being on the top as you view yourself are numbered.
2. Mene: Despite signs of your failure, will you finally publicly repent that your understanding of Haggai and Zechariah are wrong, or instead will you take steps to speed your decline up? Will you finally repent?
3. Tekel: Your false interpretation of scripture and beliefs about yourself have been weighed in the balances, and found wanting.
4. Peres/Upharsin: Your empire will some day be divided by those who will see more of the truth and leave and those who will accept your provably blatant falsehoods and stay. That cannot be the type of Church that God would want.

Now, a story I often like to tell people is the story about the Emperor who had no clothes. Basically, the Emperor was very vain about his outward appearance, and some shysters persuaded him to give them a lot of money to make the finest clothes. Somewhat similarly, David Pack wanted to build a facility so fine that all the “splinters” would see it and marvel–and he has built something that he has marveled about, yet Philadelphia-remnant Christians and even most of the Laodicean Christians are not impressed by it. In the story, the Emperor agreed to do this and then hold a public parade once the clothes were ready.

The shysters persuaded the Emperor and his supporters that the clothes that they were to make would be so fine that only those unworthy of their positions in life could not see them. When the shysters pretended to supply fine clothes to the Emperor (which in reality was absolutely nothing), the Emperor and his staff commented about how fine the clothes were (the staff apparently worried about losing their jobs or influence if they told the truth out loud). The Emperor then took off his clothes and pretended to put the new “clothes” on. He then went outside and walked in a public parade. A small boy, seeing the Emperor, shouted out, “The Emperor is naked. The Emperor has no clothes!”

People tried to shut the boy up. One or more in the audience said to him, “Boy, you are not worthy of your position as you cannot see these fine clothes.” Others said, “Wait, he is only a small boy. Of course, he is worthy of his position. The Emperor is naked.” Then, when the crowd realized that no one saw the non-existent clothes, they laughed and laughed. The Emperor was extremely humiliated.

Can those in RCG now see that David Pack is NOT GOD’S Apostle?

In the case of David Pack, he seemed to believe that if he had a new headquarters’ building that this would be enough to get people to come to him and that this was God’s plan. But it was never God’s plan, but the imagination and vanity of David Pack and many of his followers. Can they see the truth now or how many more false interpretations from David Pack will it take? Or is this three-year anniversary going to pass with people simply hoping that one day David Pack will be right about this?

David Pack’s interpretations and predictions about what was supposed to happen remain wrong.

Will you personally admit the truth? If any of you in RCG have actual facts that disprove or prove what I am writing here, please contact me. My email remains cogwriter@aol.com. Will you believe the truth and the Bible or David Pack?

If you are in RCG, can you see that your “emperor” is prophetically naked (which is my opinion what his improper interpretations show)? Can you see the handwriting on the wall?

Could the following apply to you?

15 “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 17 Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’ — and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked — 18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. (Revelation 3:15-19)

Turning to God is the only answer–and it is not just those in RCG that need to do that. This is something you can do. Do not let your own vanity get in the way. David Pack is wrong.

Can you see the handwriting on the wall?

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Why Not the Restored Church of God? This group, led by David Pack, claims to be the most faithful. The information in this article suggests otherwise. Here is a version in the Spanish language: ¿Por qué no la Iglesia de Dios Restaurada?
Why Be Concerned About False and Heretical Leaders? There have been many false leaders–here is some of why you should be concerned about them. Here is a related article in the Spanish language ¿Por qué estar preocupado acerca de falsos y heréticos líderes?
The Elijah Heresies Does the Bible teach that there will be a future Elijah? Must it be Herbert W. Armstrong? Two related sermons are  available Elijah: Prophecies and Heresies and Elijah, Herbert W. Armstrong, and CCOG.
How To Determine If Someone is a True Prophet of God There are many false prophets. How can Christians determine who is a true prophet? There is also a sermon-length video titled How to determine if someone is a true prophet of God. Here is a related link in Spanish/español: ¿Cómo determinar si alguien es un verdadero profeta de Dios?
Leading the Final Phase of the Work Matthew 24:14 will be fulfilled and RCG is not the group doing this. Who is leading the final phase of the work? What did Herbert Armstrong and the old WCG teach about that and about prophets? Does Bob Thiel meet the criteria that the Bible and the old WCG set? What is the proof? What has the Continuing Church of God been doing?
The Philadelphia Church Era was predominant circa 1933 A.D. to 1986 A.D. The old Radio Church of God and old Worldwide Church of God, now the remnant of that era is basically the most faithful in the Church of God, like who hold to the beliefs and practices of the Continuing Church of God.
The Laodicean Church Era has been predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. The Laodiceans are non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG or its offshoots. They do not properly understand the work or biblical prophecies and will face the Great Tribulation if they do not repent.
Are the Laodiceans the Modern Sadducees and Pharisees? Discusses similarities of the Sadducees and Pharisees to various COGs in this end-time.

Ancient Sanhedrin

COGwriter

A supporter sent me a link to the following:

29 August 2016

Sanhedrin Appoints High Priest in Preparation for Third Temple

A significant step was recently taken towards reinstating the Temple service when the nascent Sanhedrin selected Rabbi Baruch Kahane as the next Kohen Gadol (high priest). The selection was made as a precaution for Yom Kippur. If the political conditions should change, allowing the Jews access to the Temple Mount, they will be required by Torah law to bring the sacrifices. Rabbi Kahane is confident that if that should happen, Temple service could begin in less than one week. …

Rabbi Hillel Weiss, spokesman for the nascent Sanhedrin, explained to Breaking Israel News the necessity for choosing a High Priest, even in the absence of a Temple.

“We do not need a miraculous occurrence like the sudden appearance of a Temple descending from heaven onto the Temple Mount to make this decision relevant,” explained Rabbi Weiss. “The only obstacle preventing the Temple service today is the political issue. If that should suddenly change, as it very well could, we would be required to begin the Temple service immediately. It is therefore necessary that we have a candidate prepared to fill the role of the High Priest, especially now that we have kohanim prepared to serve in the Temple.”

Rabbi Yisrael Ariel, founder and and head of the Temple Institute, is a member of the Sanhedrin but did not rule in this decision. He told Breaking Israel News that it was necessary for the Sanhedrin to choose a Kohen Gadol.

“This is certainly something we should do now as religious Jews. Choosing a high priest and all of the preparations for the Temple Service  are mitzvot (commandments) that are incumbent upon us according to the Torah,” said Rabbi Ariel.

“It is not a matter of opinion. It is written explicitly in the Torah and, just like any of the other mitzvot written in the Torah, we have to choose a Kohen Gadol, and make all the preparations, regardless of whether there is a Temple standing right now.”

Rabbi Kahane was reluctant to discuss the Sanhedrin’s decision. “This may not be the time to choose a Kohen Gadol. There are no sacrifices required,” he said to Breaking Israel News. However, he added, “That could change overnight. In any case, it is clear that we need to be prepared, to prepare the priests, to have everything ready.”When asked how long it would take to begin sacrifices if it suddenly became permissible, he considered carefully before answering. “If the government decided to permit it, it would only take a few weeks to make preparations, even to do the Yom Kippur service,” he said.

“The structures can be temporary and prepared almost overnight. The biggest obstacle is educating the kohanim, which we are taking care of already. Once the priests are thoroughly educated, choosing a Kohen Gadol and teaching him what he needs to know for the Yom Kippur service is relatively simple and will take one week. The Temple Service performed by the Kohen Gadol is very demanding, but for an educated kohen, it is not overly difficult to learn to serve as the Kohen Gadol.” http://www.breakingisraelnews.com/74772/sanhedrin-appoints-high-priest-preparation-third-temple/#Z0wDkBiyq6Eexf4Z.99

Now, I should state that the reconstituted, nascent, Sanhedrin, does NOT have universal acceptance in Israel.  But it does have allies and the Bible teaches that in the end times, the King of the North will stop those sacrifices (cf. Daniel 9:27; 11:31).

In order for the sacrifices to be stopped, they must first be started.

And in order for them to be started, there needs to be someone to do them.  And there certainly is.

Now, I do not believe that they will be officially approved to begin them before Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Atonement, which begins at sunset on October 11, 2016.

But it remains interesting that some believe sacrifices could be implemented within a week, or a few weeks, of getting governmental approval.  This is consistent with something that an employee of the Temple Institute told my son Michael back in 2013–he was told sacrifices could begin within hours of getting official approval.

Speaking of the Temple Institute, when I visited their facility in October 2013, one employee I spoke to there essentially admitted that they did not need a temple to sacrifice–and that is consistent with scripture and published statements from the Temple Institute.

That is consistent with the news report out today, as there is no way a third temple in Jerusalem could be built in 1 to 6 weeks. Sacrifices can be performed by Levitical priests without an actual temple.

The Bible shows that after the first Jerusalem temple was built and left in ruins, sacrifices were made in the time of Ezra BEFORE the second temple was ready:

6 From the first day of the seventh month began they to offer burnt offerings unto the LORD. But the foundation of the temple of the LORD was not yet laid. (Ezra 3:6)

One may argue that since it takes the participation of Jewish religious leaders in order for Jewish animal sacrifices to be resumed, that the above scripture is a moot point.  And it might be if there were no Jewish religious leaders that thought that they could not sacrifice without a temple. But they will.

In addition to the Temple Institute’s willingness, years ago I requested formal clarification of the position of Jewish leaders through the ‘reconstituted Sanhedrin.’ The response received was:

Rabbi Yeshayahu Hollander wrote:

רמב”ם, מעשה הקרבנות, פרק יט , הלכה טז והלכה יז:

טז [טו] מִי שֶׁשָּׁחַט קֳדָשִׁים בַּזְּמָן הַזֶּה, וְהֶעֱלָה חוּץ לָעֲזָרָה–חַיָּב: מִפְּנֵי שְׁהוּא רָאוּי לִקָּרֵב בִּפְנִים–שֶׁהֲרֵי מֻתָּר לְהַקְרִיב, אַף עַל פִּי שְׁאֵין בַּיִת, שֶׁקְּדֻשָּׁה רִאשׁוֹנָה קִדְּשָׁה לְשָׁעָתָהּ וְקִדְּשָׁה לָעֲתִיד לָבוֹא, כְּמוֹ שֶׁבֵּאַרְנוּ.
יז [טז] הַשּׁוֹחֵט קָדְשֵׁי גּוֹיִים בַּחוּץ, חַיָּב; וְכֵן הַמַּעֲלֶה אוֹתָן בַּחוּץ. וְהַגּוֹיִים מֻתָּרִין לְהַקְרִיב עוֹלוֹת לַה’, בְּכָל מָקוֹם–וְהוּא, שֶׁיַּקְרִיבוּ בַּבָּמָה שֶׁיִּבְנוּ. וְאָסוּר לְסַיְּעָן, וְלַעֲשׂוֹת שְׁלִיחוּתָן–שֶׁהֲרֵי נֶאֱסַר עָלֵינוּ לְהַקְרִיב בַּחוּץ; וּמֻתָּר לְהוֹרוֹת לָהֶם, וּלְלַמְּדָם הֵיאַךְ יַקְרִיבוּ לְשֵׁם הָאֵל בָּרוּךְ הוּא.

Translation:

Hichot Maasei HaKorbanot [The Procedures of Offering Sacrifices]

Chapter 19

Paragraph 17:

He who slaughters a Sacrifice in this period [when we have no Temple], and offered the sacrifice outside the Azara [the alloted area of the Temple] – is culpable, because the offering must be performed in the Azara, SINCE IT IS PERMITTED TO PERFORM SACRIFICES despite having no Temple, since the sanctity of the Temple is eternal.

Paragraph 18:

He who slaughters the sacrifice of a gentile outside the Azara is culpable, as is one who performs the offering. NON JEWS are permitted to offer burnt-offerings anywhere, on an alkter which they built. Jews may not help them in the performance of this sacrifice, since Jews may not offer sacrifices outside the Azara. But we may instruct them and teach them how to perform sacrificesto the ASlmighty God, Blessed be He.

Additionally, it is worth noting that on 5766, Rabbi Benyamin Fuss published a 445 page book on Sacrifices of non-jews, of which the text proper is of 372 pages [the rest are indices, etc.] called Torat Habamah: Regarding sacrifices on an Altar outside the Temple. (Email from the Sanhedrin webmaster Abrahamson to Bob Thiel September 17, 2008).

Rabbi Yeshayahu Hollander is/was the English language spokesman for the nascent Sanhedrin.

The webmaster of the Sanhedrin added the following in a subsequent email:

This quote comes from Maimonides’ (Rambam) work the Mishneh Torah.

The nascent Sanhedrin sees itself as the continuation of rabbinic jurisprudence, and must take into account all halachic works written to date, and proceed from there. (Email from the Sanhedrin webmaster Abrahamson to Bob Thiel September 17, 2008).

Therefore it is a longstanding position of some Jewish scholars that Jewish sacrifices can be started on an altar and, as long as it is in the area of the old temple, that a physical temple is not first required.

This is consistent with Ezra’s previously quoted practice.

Since the Bible teaches that animal sacrifices will stop (Daniel 9:27; 11:31), they must first resume. And yes, some members of a ‘Levitical priesthood’ would be expected to be involved.

And getting that permission is not impossible.

The Temple Institute already has a moveable altar, etc. needed to resume the animal sacrifices.

Notice something that the late Herbert W. Armstrong wrote about the temple:

“And are built upon the foundation of the apostles [New Testament] and prophets [Old Testament], Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy TEMPLE in the Lord” (verses 20-21). So God reveals here that the Church is: 1) the HOUSEHOLD or begotten FAMILY of God; 2) a building—a HOLY TEMPLE—fitly joined together—that is, well organized (and, of course, on GOD’S pattern). As a building—the HOLY TEMPLE to which Christ will come—it is built on a FIRM FOUNDATION: the apostles, chosen by Christ, and the prophets. …

There has been much perplexity and discussion as to when the temple will be built to which Christ shall come. Malachi’s prophecy speaks of Christ’s second coming to His temple (Malachi 3:1-6). In Haggai’s prophecy it is referred to prophetically. Zerubbabel has been sent as governor of a colony to build the second temple 70 years after the destruction of Solomon’s temple. He built the temple to which Jesus came, though it had been enlarged and embellished by the Roman Herod. But speaking of this temple, as a type and forerunner of the temple to which Christ shall come at His second coming , it is written, “The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the ‘ Lord of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the Lord of hosts” (Haggai 2:9).

It is inconceivable that the Israelis, in the present international turmoil over their possession of old Jerusalem, could ever demolish the Arab Moslem Dome of the Rock – now on the site of Solomon’s temple-and build a new one there of greater splendor and glory than Solomon’s! However, as the second temple Zerubbabel was building was a typical forerunner of the temple to which Christ shall come, even so Zerubbabel was the typical forerunner of one Christ would use in building the far more glorious temple to, which Christ shall come in His GLORY!

Zechariah 4:9 : “The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it . . .. ” And as Zerubbabel’s hands did finish that second temple, so shall the one Christ uses in building the temple to which He shall come in His GLORY!

And the Church of God of the present day shall be a “building fitly framed together [and growing] unto an holy temple in the Lord” (Ephesians 2:21). (Armstrong HW. 7 Proofs of God’s True Church, Part 6. Plain Truth. August, 1979, p. 38)

Many of us are being tried and tested as NEVER BEFORE–and for our own good! But, verse 11, “from the time the daily sacrifice shall be taken away ….Consider this a moment. This does NOT imply a material temple to be built in our time in Jerusalem. It does seem to imply the Israelis may restore the daily (twice daily) sacrifice–possibly at the wailing wall. (Armstrong HW. The Time We Are In, Now. Pastor General’s Report-Vol 1, No. 15, November 20, 1979, Page 2)

Various ones who profess Christ have misunderstood about the temple in the church age.

Christians are the temple of God according to the New Testament.

Despite this, various ones who claim to be part of the Church of God have taken a different position. There has been a trend among various groups (e.g. CBCG, RCG, COGFF, and TPM) to teach that a third temple is required.

Notice also, the following was in an advertisement from Don Billingsley of COGFF. It was found in the Connections‘ section of The Journal: News of the Churches of God in 2014:

The Construction of the Third Temple: Similar to King David, who stockpiled materials for the First Temple (I Chronicles 28:2), so have the Jews stockpiled materials for the building of the third Temple. However, considering the entirety of the Arab nations ready to do an all-out battle with Israel at their first move, virtually anyone would say this is ludicrous to even believe such a thing could possibly take place! And it would be– except for God being in the picture!

The Scriptures are very clear! This will indeed take place—and sooner than one might care to think! Most do not realize that Jesus Christ has a Master Plan with a Timetable in place. And, realizing that He rules in the kingdoms and nations of mankind, all these nations put together will be unable to stop His Plan from going forward—according to God’s timing. And nothing escapes His attention that would stand in the way of these prophecies taking place.

The above shows that COGFF is not a group that properly understands the Bible or certain aspects of biblical prophecy. COGFF, like RCG, is also a group that claims it is faithful to what the late Herbert Armstrong taught. Also perhaps it should be mentioned that the same ad insists (contrary to HWA’s own writings) that Herbert W. Armstrong was the Elijah to come (see also The Elijah Heresies).

As far as the temple goes, we in the Continuing Church of God clearly do not believe that a massive physical Jewish temple must be rebuilt for sacrifices and the fulfillment of prophecies prior to the return of Jesus.

But sacrifices will resume.

In a nation as politically fragmented as modern Israel, the time may come when a ruling coalition will itself have in it some members of a small religious group that will insist on the resumption of sacrifices for it to remain in office.  And allowing sacrifices on a small altar certainly would seem politically more plausible than the construction of a Jewish temple with the removal of the Dome of the rock or even otherwise next to the al-Aqsa Mosque. While this may not be seen as viable in every possible Israeli administration, it certainly is a possibility for a future one.

Though it may well take a war, peace deal, and/or political gridlock for that to happen.

But it will come to pass.

The Sanhedrin’s announcement of a high priest seems to be another step aligning with properly understood end time biblical prophecies.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Why is a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem Not Required? Although people like Timothy LaHaye teach a third Jewish temple is required, who is ‘the temple of God” in the New Testament? Does the Bible require a rebuilt Jewish Temple? Here is a related item in the Spanish language ¿Por qué no se requiere un templo judío en Jerusalén? Here is a link to a sermon titled The Temple, Prophecy, and the Work.
The Red Heifer, Jewish Beliefs, and the End of the World The Temple Institute is watching a ‘red heifer.’ Why might this be important in the sequence of end time events? Here is a related link in the Spanish language Novilla roja descubierta en EE.UU. e Instituto del Templo está interesado en ella. Here is a related video in English The Red Heifer and the End of the World.
Church of God on Jerusalem’s Western Hill Could this building, often referred to as the Cenacle, possibly have been the oldest actual Christian church building?
Does the ‘Cenacle’ deal have prophetic ramifications? After a 20 year negotiation, the Church of Rome has negotiated the right to have Catholic mass in the building known as the Cenacle. It is in the area where the Church of God on Jerusalem’s Western Hill once stood. This is believed to be the location of the earliest Christian church building. How does the Bible define the ‘temple of God’ in the New Testament? Could this be the area where the ‘man of sin’ will sit in the “temple of God’ that Bible prophecy discusses in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4? This is a YouTube video.
The ‘Peace Deal’ of Daniel 9:27 This prophecy could give up to 3 1/2 years advance notice of the coming Great Tribulation. Will most ignore or misunderstand its fulfillment? Here is a link to a related sermon video Daniel 9:27 and the Start of the Great Tribulation.
Jerusalem: Past, Present, and Future What does the Bible say about Jerusalem and its future? Is Jerusalem going to be divided and eliminated? Is Jesus returning to the area of Jerusalem? There is also a related YouTube video you can watch titled Jerusalem To be divided and eliminated.
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?
Continuing Church of God The group striving to be most faithful amongst all real Christian groups to the word of God.
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo (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 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.

Chinese Family with one male child (Photo by Daniel Case)

COGwriter

BBC reported the following:

At 43, Mr Xiong is what is called a “bare branch” in China – single, unmarried, a bachelor.

This is the label given to men like him who have not found a wife, in a country where a man in his twenties is still expected to marry, provide a home and carry on his family line. …

He lives in Laoya village … Laoya, which means “Old Duck” village, is known locally as the “bachelor village”.

In a survey in 2014 it had 112 men between 30 and 55 registered as single out of a population of 1,600. That is unusually high. … This is not the only bachelor village. 08/28/16 http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-37192818

China’s ruling Communist Party tries to urge single women to marry, to offset a huge gender imbalance caused by the recently ended one-child policy. 04/08/16 http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-35994366

China has too many males to females.  Notice a view of a professor from last Fall:

October 24, 2015

A Chinese professor’s controversial suggestion that poorer men could share wives has sparked debate online on how to solve China’s gender imbalance.

Zhejiang University economics professor Xie Zuoshi’s proposal has been met with heavy criticism that it is immoral.

China has one of the biggest gender imbalances in the world, with about 118 boys born to every 100 girls.

The imbalance is largely due to the one-child policy and cultural preferences for male children. …

“So please don’t talk to me about morals. If we don’t let the 30 million bachelors have women, their lives would have no hope and then they may go around raping, killing, setting off bombs… (let me emphasise that this is a possibility, I’m not saying they would definitely do that). Don’t tell me that is your morality?” he said. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-34612919

While I do not agree with Xie Zuoshi’s proposal for biandry (a woman having two husbands), he is correct that China’s one child policy has led to gender imbalance and that this is likely to cause social problems and/or violence. China is likely to experience social unrest this century for many reasons, and gender imbalance will be a factor at times.

Furthermore, since no later than 2007, I have written that China’s one-child policy was likely to be a factor in it supporting the coming 200,000,000 man army of Revelation 9:16.

While many associate poverty with higher level of violence, Jonathan Last wrote the following which was published in the Wall Street Journal back in 2011:

In Chinese provinces where the sex ratio has spiked, a crime wave has followed. Today in India, the predictor of violence and crime for any given area is not income but sex ratio. http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702303657404576361691165631366

Sex ratio is a factor in crime and violence. Males without females are more willing to be part of invading armies that may end up destroying and pillaging.

Interestingly, there is a Russian prediction made over a century ago that Russia and China will take over Europe that the New York Times published over a century ago:

…one of the causes which will eventually lead to a regenerated China attacking Europe will be the predominance of males over females in the Celestial Kingdom…for China is bound to make a memorable appearance on the world’s stage , and it is indispensable that Russia bind herself in close unison with China until China “overflows her shores and pours down in a torrent on Europe.” (DR. MENDELEYEFF’S STRIKING PROPHECY, Dead Chemist Foretold the Attack of Europe by a Regenerated China. WILL FIRST FIGHT INDIA Preponderance of Males the Cause — Japan, Not an “Originator Power,” Can Never Be Great. New York Times, August 11, 1907. http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9B03E1DF103EE033A25752C1A96E9C946697D6CF viewed 04/21/09 August 11, 1907 ).

Is this possible? Does the Bible support this?

Yes and yes.

The Bible is clear that Russia and allies from the east will take over Europe (Daniel 11:44; Revelation 16:12-16; Jeremiah 50:41-42).

This will involve millions from China and others in Asia.

This concept of Asian involvement in a major battle is confirmed in the Book of Revelation. Notice the following:

13 Then the sixth angel sounded: And I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God, 14 saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.” 15 So the four angels, who had been prepared for the hour and day and month and year, were released to kill a third of mankind. 16 Now the number of the army of the horsemen was two hundred million; I heard the number of them. 17 And thus I saw the horses in the vision: those who sat on them had breastplates of fiery red, hyacinth blue, and sulfur yellow; and the heads of the horses were like the heads of lions; and out of their mouths came fire, smoke, and brimstone. 18 By these three plagues a third of mankind was killed–by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone which came out of their mouths(Revelation 9:13-18).

Only China, and possibly India and others in Asia (many of which will align themselves with China and Russia against the European Empire), are capable of fielding a two hundred million man army. Thus, Revelation appears to be discussing an Asian role in the end-time prophecies.

Although the Chinese flag itself is basically red and yellow, it perhaps should be mentioned that the colors of the Chinese flag for its navy and air force is red, blue, and yellow. Also, notice the colors of the insignia that many of its troops wear:

Notice something about this from the late Herbert W. Armstrong:

The second WOE, with its symbols of horses and horsemen … is also referred to as an event in the DAY OF THE ETERNAL in Joel 2:4. This refers to a tremendous military power … They come with an army of two hundred million! Think of it — an army of two hundred million! World events are now moving rapidly to make possible the creation of a … Eurasian army of that unbelievable manpower! (Armstrong HW. The Book of Revelation Unveiled at Last! 1972)

Notice what Joel 2 indicates some of what that two hundred million man army will do:

2…A people come, great and strong, The like of whom has never been; Nor will there ever be any such after them,Even for many successive generations. 3 A fire devours before them, And behind them a flame burns; The land is like the Garden of Eden before them,And behind them a desolate wilderness;Surely nothing shall escape them. 4 Their appearance is like the appearance of horses;And like swift steeds, so they run. 5 With a noise like chariots Over mountaintops they leap,Like the noise of a flaming fire that devours the stubble,Like a strong people set in battle array. 6 Before them the people writhe in pain; All faces are drained of color. 7 They run like mighty men,They climb the wall like men of war;Every one marches in formation, And they do not break ranks. 8 They do not push one another; Every one marches in his own column. Though they lunge between the weapons, They are not cut down. 9 They run to and fro in the city, They run on the wall; They climb into the houses, They enter at the windows like a thief. (Joel 2:2-9)

That massive army will cause fear and massive destruction and even ‘climb into houses’–which is what raping armies tend to do!

I have long believed that part of why China itself will most likely help supply manpower for the 200,000,000 man army of Revelation 9:16 is because of its current “one child policy” (which it adopted in the early 1980s). This policy is resulting in an excessively high male to female birth ratio because of gender-driven abortions–thus more males than normal will be more willing to fight in the military. While not all the 200,000,000 man army will consist of unmarried males, unmarried males are often easier to persuade to be in the military.

Interestingly, there were only about 100,000,000 males (including children) on the entire earth when God had the Apostle John pen the prophecy in Revelation 9:16 that a 200,000,000 man army would form (Rastogi VB, Kishore B. A Complete Course in ISC Biology. Pitambar Publishing, 1997, p. 24). This means, despite those who claim that the Book of Revelation was fulfilled centuries ago (see The Dangerous Rise of Preterists), that the prophecy about the 200 million man army is for a time like we are now in.

According to one researcher, since the late 1970s, 163 million abortions have been performed specifically for the purpose of eliminating female babies, and this makes the areas where there are more significantly more males much more violent (for details, please see Abortion, the Bible, and a Woman’s Right to Choose). And thus China’s “one child” policy appears to be setting the stage for this 200 million man army in the 21st century. It may be of interest to note that because of abortions and cultural preferences, more males than normal are also being produced in India (India Producing More Males than Females).

Mara Hvistendahl put forth a figure that 163 million female babies were aborted since the late 1970s because of family preferences, mainly in India and China, for having sons. In China, male children tend to be the ones expected to provide for parents in their old age (and do not require huge expensive dowries as often do female children in India), this policy is a factor resulting in an excessively high male to female birth ratios–if parents feel that they need a son to support them and they can only have one child, often females get aborted away.

I have long believed that India would supply some of the 200,000,000 man army and its sex ratio imbalance would be a contributing factor.

History has shown that when there is a major imbalance of excess males, wealthier men tend to still get married, either locally or by securing brides from other lands (such as Vietnam for many Chinese). This tends to leave more poorer males unable to secure brides. Males who have less income and no wives tend to be more reckless and violent in their behavior.

So, other than the moral issues of abortion, what is the ramification of this trend in prophecy?

Because of gender-driven abortions, more males than normal will be more willing to fight in the military of countries with insufficient females.

The sequence involving the 200 million many army has to do with something related to the river Euphrates, which the Bible indicates will be people who represent the “Kings of the East”:

12 Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, so that the way of the kings from the east might be prepared. 13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. 14 For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. 15 Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.” 16 And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon (Revelation 16:12-16).

While there are many peoples who live east of the river Euphrates, the Greek expression translated as “kings of the east”, literally means “kings of the sunrise”. This indicates that these are people in the far east, or at least relatively far east from the river Euphrates. China, India, and other lands are far east of that river.

Revelation is discussing an Asian role in the end-time prophecies.

Thus, while professor Xie Zuoshi’s proposal for women to have multiple husbands is not wise, the reality is that the imbalance of males to females will trigger events in China. And this will be part of the reason that many in China will be part of the coming 200,000,000 man army that is prophesied in the Book of Revelation.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 1: Genesis and Chinese Characters Where did the Chinese people come from? This article provides information showing that the Chinese peoples must have known about various accounts in the Book of Genesis up until their dispersion after the Tower of Babel. Here is a link to a version of this article in Spanish: ¿Prueban los caracteres chinos la exactitud de la Biblia?
China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 2: The Sabbath and Some of God’s Witness in China When did Christianity first come to China? And is there early evidence that they observed the seventh day sabbath?
Asia in Prophecy What is Ahead for Asia? Who are the “Kings of the East”? What will happen to nearly all the Chinese, Russians, Indians, and others of Asia? China in prophecy, where? Who has the 200,000,000 man army related to Armageddon? A YouTube video of interest may be Is China THE Threat to the United States of America?
India, Its Biblical Past and Future: Any Witness? The Bible discusses the origins of those of Indian heritage. This article quotes the Bible and also discusses some of the witness to India throughout history and what is happening in the 21st century (including those in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka).
India and the Beast of Revelation 13 Do biblical, Catholic, and even Hindu prophecies suggest that many in India will follow, for a while, the Beast and False Prophet/Antichrist? Here is link to a related YouTube video Will People in India Worship the Beast of Revelation 13?
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? 2023 or 20xx? There is also a video titled The 6000 Year Plan: Is the end of humanity’s reign almost up? Here is a link to the article in Spanish: ¿Tiene Dios un plan de 6,000 años?
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 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 videos: The Great Tribulation from the Mount of Olives and Can the Great Tribulation begin before 2020? A shorter video is: Can the Great Tribulation Start in 2016?
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?
Abortion, the Bible, and a Woman’s Right to Choose Do you know what the Bible teaches on this? Has the Roman Catholic Church allowed abortions? What about the real Church of God? Some may also, or instead, wish to view the YouTube video Abortion, the Bible, and US Debt.
Russia and Ukraine: Their Origins and Prophesied Future Russia in prophecy. Where do the Russians come from? What about those in the Ukraine? What is prophesied for Russia and its allies? What will they do to the Europeans that supported the Beast in the end? There is also a video sermon available: Russia in the Bible and in Prophecy and a video sermonette available: Ukraine in Prophecy?
Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach? Here is a link to a video, also titled Is Russia the King of the North?
Ezekiel 38: For Russia & Iran in Our Day? Is Ezekiel 38 about to be fulfilled? A related video is available titled Ezekiel 38: For Russia, Ukraine, & Iran Now?
The Eurasian Union, the Kings of the East, and Bible Prophecy Is there a Eurasian union that will be formed? Is one being formed right now? Are any leaders working on that in the 21st century? Does the Bible teach that there will be a Eurasian union? If some type of Eurasian union is formed, who might it benefit and who will it destroy? A related video would be Is The Eurasian Union Rising?

COGwriter

Sometimes, when I am watching what is supposed to be family-oriented television programs or movies, I find that they contain some type of pornography. While most males on the programs tend to be reasonably clothed, the same cannot be said of a lot of the females on the programs or movies.

It is clear that many young females that wish to be some type of entertainment celebrity feel that they have to show a lot skin publicly in order to become a “success.” And this seems to work for some (people like “Lady Gaga” and “J. Lo” come to mind)–and even US President Obama said one female that did this (Beyoncé, who he said was a great role model for his daughters).

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?
Love, Marriage, and Sex It is important to get them in the right order.
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2014, 2015, or 2016? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? Who are the 144,000? Here is a version of the article in the Spanish language: ¿Puede comenzar la Gran Tribulación en 2013 o 2014? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? You can also see the English language sermon video: The Great Tribulation from the Mount of Olives.
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Saxon (non-Dutch) Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo-Saxon nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first? Here is a link to the Spanish version of this article: Anglo-América & las Tribus Perdidas de Israel. Information is also in the YouTube sermons titled Where are the Ten Lost Tribes? Why does it matter? and British are the Covenant People. A short YouTube of prophetic interest may be Barack Obama and the State of the Apocalypse.
Will the Anglo-Saxon Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What about Jerusalem? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people? Here is a link to a video titled Will the USA and other Anglo-nations be Divided and Their People Made Slaves? Here is a related item in the Spanish language ¿Serán divididas las naciones anglosajonas?
British are the Covenant People What do ‘British’ and ‘Britain’ mean in Hebrew? Are the descendants of the Anglo-Saxons people of the covenant? Does the British royal family connect to the throne of David? What does the Bible teach? What does history show us? Is there any DNA evidence related to British-Israelism? When did Christianity make it to the British Isles? Could Jeremiah have made it to the British Isles? What type of Christians made it to the British Isles? Did the last King of England believe in British Israelism?
Canada in Prophecy: What Does Bible Prophecy, Catholic Prophecy, and other Predictions Suggest About the Future of Canada? There are prophecies that suggest involvement with Canada. And many are not positive about its future.
Who is the King of the West? Why is there no End-Time King of the West in Bible Prophecy? Is the United States the King of the West? If so, what does that really mean for the USA and its Anglo allies.
Is Tony Blair Apocalyptic? The former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom converted to Catholicism shortly after leaving his office and has been active in European affairs. What role might he play?
The Ten Commandments Reflect Love, Breaking them is Evil Some feel that the ten commandments are a burden. Is that what Jesus, Paul, Peter, James, and John taught? For a more detailed discussion of the first four commandments, please see the video The Ten Commandments: Loving God. For a more detailed discussion of the last six commandments, please see: The Ten Commandments: Loving Your Neighbor. Here is a link to a related article in Mandarin Chinese 十条诫命显示爱，违反诫命的就是邪恶的
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Edition for Second Obama Term This is a 160 page book for people truly interested in prophecies related to Barack Obama and the United States, including learning about many that have already been fulfilled (which the book documents in detail) and those that will be fulfilled in the future. It also has a chapter about a Republican choice. This book is available to order at www.barackobamaprophecy.com. The physical book can also be purchased at Amazon from the following link: Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States: Is Barack Obama Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic Catholic, Kenyan, and other America-Related Prophecies? What About Republican Leaders? Second Edition for Second Obama Term.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Term-Amazon Kindle edition. This electronic version is available for only US$2.99. And you do not need an actual Kindle device to read it. Why? Amazon will allow you to download it to almost any device: Please click HERE to download one of Amazon s Free Reader Apps. After you go to for your free Kindle reader and then go to Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Term-Amazon Kindle edition.

COGwriter

A supporter in Europe had a supporter in Australia send me a link to the following (bolding mine):

A whiff of World War III hangs in the air. In the US, Cold War 2.0 is on, and the anti-Russian rhetoric emanating from the Clinton campaign, echoed by the mass media, hearkens back to McCarthyism and the red scare. In response, many people are starting to think that Armageddon might be nigh …

But, you know, this is hardly unreasonable of them. The US is spiraling down into financial, economic and political collapse, losing its standing in the world and turning into a continent-sized ghetto full of drug abuse, violence and decaying infrastructure, its population vice-ridden, poisoned with genetically modified food, morbidly obese, exploited by predatory police departments and city halls, plus a wide assortment of rackets, from medicine to education to real estate… That we know.

We also know how painful it is to realize that the US is damaged beyond repair, or to acquiesce to the fact that most of the damage is self-inflicted: the endless, useless wars, the limitless corruption of money politics, the toxic culture and gender wars, and the imperial hubris and willful ignorance that underlies it all… This level of disconnect between the expected and the observed certainly hurts, but the pain can be avoided, for a time, through mass delusion.

This sort of downward spiral does not automatically spell “Apocalypse,” but the specifics of the state cult of the US—an old-time religiosity overlaid with the secular religion of progress—are such that there can be no other options: either we are on our way up to build colonies on Mars, or we perish in a ball of flame.  …

During the Winter Olympics in Sochi, in Russia (a traditional time of peace) there occurred an illegal, violent overthrow of the elected, constitutional government of the Ukraine, followed by the installation of a US-picked puppet administration. In response, the overwhelmingly Russian population of the autonomous region of Crimea held a referendum. Some 95% of them voted to secede from the Ukraine and to once again become part of Russia, which they had been for centuries and until very recently. The Russians then used their troops already stationed in the region under an international agreement to make sure that the results of the referendum were duly enacted. Not a single shot was fired during this perfectly peaceful exercise in direct democracy. …

The combination of runaway debt, a gigantic bond bubble, the Federal Reserve trapped into ever-lower interest rates, underfunded pensions and other obligations, hugely overpriced real estate and a ridiculously frothy stock market will eventually detonate it from the inside.  …

The US, with its political dysfunction, runaway debt, decaying infrastructure and spreading civil unrest, is a dead nation walking. It will take time for each of the United States to neatly demolish themselves into their own footprints, 08/23/16 http://www.microsofttranslator.com/BV.aspx?ref=IE8Activity&a=http%3A%2F%2Fcluborlov.blogspot.it%2F2016%2F08%2Fa-thousand-balls-of-flame.html

The writer is correct that the “Apocalypse” is not here yet, but that some do believe that Armageddon is near.  But the former is at least 4 1/2 years off, and the latter at least 7 1/2 years off (presuming that the deal of Daniel 9:27 is not confirmed this Fall, which seems almost impossible at this stage).

As far as the Clinton campaign and Russia goes, notice something from this past February:

Hillary Clinton has infuriated Russians after she declared their federation is the greatest threat to America during the latest Democratic debate. Her opponent Bernie Sanders was asked the same question and said North Korea instead, and that an isolated country made him “nervous.”

“Russia lives in the world. China lives in the world. North Korea is a very, very strange country because it is so isolated, and I do feel that a nation with nuclear weapons … they have got to be dealt with,” Sanders said.

Clinton on the other hand pointed the finger at the Kremlin and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“Russia is trying to move the boundaries of the post-World War II Europe,” she said, “the way that [Russia] is trying to set European countries against one another, seizing territory, holding it in Crimea, beginning to explore whether they could make some inroads in the Baltics.”

She continued: “We have to send a very clear message to Putin that this kind of belligerence, that this kind of testing of boundaries will have to be responded to. The best way to do that is to put more armor in, put more money from the Europeans in so they’re actually contributing more to their own defense.” http://www.aol.com/article/2016/02/05/russians-slam-clinton-for-calling-russia-a-threat/21308692/?icid=maing-grid7%7Cmain5%7Cdl2%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D1560168393_htmlws-main-bb