Church of God News

COGwriter

Germany took a step against some promoting the so-called Islamic State:

November 15, 2016

Police launched dawn raids across Germany on Tuesday on about 190 mosques, flats and offices linked to an Islamist group after the government banned the organization, accusing it of radicalising youngsters.

Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere said the DWR ‘True Religion’ group had persuaded about 140 people to join militants in Iraq and Syria.

DWR, also known as “READ!” made no reference to the raids on its website and did not immediately respond to a request for comment. De Maiziere said it had several hundred members.

Pictures showed masked police officers carrying away computers and files from properties. …

Last month, a Syrian committed suicide in prison after he was arrested on suspicion of planning to bomb an airport. His brother and friends have said he was “brainwashed” by ultra-conservatives imams in Berlin.

The domestic intelligence agency said in June about 8,900 ultra-conservative Islamists known as Salafists were in Germany.

De Maiziere said Tuesday’s raids in 10 German states were the biggest crackdown on any group since the government shut down a movement known as Kalifatstaat (Caliphate State) in 2001, accusing it of extremist activities.

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-germany-security-raids-idUSKBN13A0MY

15 November 2016

A string of raids were carried out across Germany early on Tuesday morning against suspected “Islamic State” (IS) sympathizers. According to news agency DPA, the raids took place in more than 200 homes and offices across 10 federal states.

Authorities carried out searches targeting individuals belonging to the “True Religion” Salafist group (“Die wahre Religion”), who have stirred up controversy for passing out a particularly fundamentalist translation of the Koran.

The Interior Ministry confirmed the actions in a tweet, and announced a ban of the organization http://www.dw.com/en/police-make-raids-against-suspected-is-supporters-across-10-states-in-germany/a-36395068

Liberius, Bishop of Rome from 352-366 A.D.

COGwriter

Did the Greco-Romans change their view of the Holy Spirit?

Certainly yes, though most do not seem to realize this.

While the Catholics, Orthodox, and Protestants like to act like every “Christian” long believed in the trinity, (even though that doctrine was not finalized for them until a council in 381 A.D.), the truth is that even the primary leaders of the Romans and Greeks denied the divinity of the Holy Spirit as late as the mid-4th century.

The Cathecism of the Catholic Church admits the doctrine was not finalized until 381:

245 The apostolic faith concerning the Spirit was announced by the second ecumenical council at Constantinople (381) (Catechism of the Catholic Church. Imprimatur Potest +Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger. Doubleday, NY 1995, p. 72).

Jude, however, wrote:

“to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3)

No one who actually believes the Bible should accept that the ‘apostolic faith’ related to the Holy Spirit was not announced until 381 A.D.–which is three centuries after most of the original apostles died.

At least one Protestant trinitarian scholar has also admitted some facts about the Holy Spirit as well as the 381 date:

The language of the New Testament permits the Holy Spirit to be understood as an impersonal force or influence more readily than it does the Son…The attempt to develop an understanding of the Holy Spirit consistent with the trinitarian passages…came to fruition at Constantinople in 381. (Brown HOJ. Heresies: Heresy and Orthodoxy in the History of the Church. Hendrickson Publishers, Peabody (MA), 1988, p. 140).

And an Eastern Orthodox scholar teaches that its church from 381 onwards accepted the personhood/divinity of the Holy Spirit:

Since the Council of Constantinople (381), which condemned the Pneumatomachians (“fighters against the Spirit”), no one in the Orthodox East has ever denied that the Spirit is not only a “gift” but also the giver–i.e., that he is the third Person of the holy Trinity” (Serbian Orthodox Diocese of Raska and Prizren. Basic Doctrines: Holy Spirit. http://www.kosovo.com/doctrine1.html#Holy%20Spirit 8/20/05).

But what is also interesting is that many, if not most, in the mid-4th century (including the Patriarch of the Orthodox and the “Pope” of the Roman Catholics”) considered denying the divinity of the Holy Spirit to be sound doctrinally!

Did you know that?

Notice what The Catholic Encyclopedia states,

Semiarians and Semiarianism
A name frequently given to the conservative majority in the East in the fourth century…showing that the very name of father implies a son of like substance…rejected the Divinity of the Holy Ghost (Chapman J. Transcribed by Douglas J. Potter. Semiarians and Semiarianism. The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume XIII. Published 1912. New York: Robert Appleton Company. Nihil Obstat, February 1, 1912. Remy Lafort, D.D., Censor. Imprimatur. +John Cardinal Farley, Archbishop of New York).

Towards the middle of the fourth century, Macedonius, Bishop of Constantinople, and, after him a number of Semi-Arians, while apparently admitting the Divinity of the Word, denied that of the Holy Ghost (Forget J. Transcribed by W.S. French, Jr. Holy Ghost. The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume VII. Copyright © 1910 by Robert Appleton Company. Online Edition Copyright © 2003 by K. Knight. Nihil Obstat, June 1, 1910. Remy Lafort, S.T.D., Censor. Imprimatur. +John Cardinal Farley, Archbishop of New York).

The expression “the East” refers to the area also known as Asia Minor. It was always at least as important as Rome among those that professed Christ for the previous centuries (as well as for many later centuries)–and notice that MOST of those living there WERE Semi-Arian–including Macedonius, who is in the list of successors of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople (the primary “see”, if you will, within the Eastern Orthodox faith). But the Orthodox (who like to claim that theirs is the original church and that it did not change) do not seem to realize that their leaders and members WERE NOT trinitarian until the late 4th century.

Although later Roman Catholic writers have had many definitions of those that they called Pneumatomachi or “Semi-Arians” (most of which disagree with the Church of God position), one that somewhat defines the view held in the early church would possibly be this one written by Epiphanius in the mid-4th Century,

Semi-Arians…hold the truly orthodox view of the Son, that he was forever with the Father…but has been begotten without beginning and not in time…But all of these blaspheme the Holy Spirit, and do not count him in the Godhead with the Father and the Son (Epiphanius. The Panarion of Epiphanius of Salamis, Books II and III (Sects 47-80), De Fide). Section VI, Verses 1,1 and 1,3. Translated by Frank Williams. EJ Brill, New York, 1994, pp.471-472).

According to The Catholic Encylopedia, at least one 4th century Pope acknowledged soundness of the faith of the Pneumatomachi:

Pneumatomachi…The majority of this sect were clearly orthodox on the Consubstantiality of the Son; they had sent a deputation from the Semi-Arian council of Lampsacus (364 A.D.) to Pope Liberius, who after some hesitation acknowledged the soundness of their faith; but with regard to the Third Person, both pope and bishops were satisfied with the phrase: “We believe in the Holy Ghost” (Arendzen, John. “Pneumatomachi.” The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 12. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1911. 11 Jul. 2008 <http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12174a.htm>)

So, it should be abundantly clear that until the latter part of the 4th century, many (if not most) who professed Christ in Asia Minor and even Rome held to some type of a binitarian view and at least one Pope (Liberius) and one Patriarch (Macedonius) accepted that as sound. Have you been taught this before?

Here is more on “Pope” Liberius (the bishops of Rome did not actually take the title “Pope” until about 30 years after Liberius). It is also recorded:

Liberius (352-366)…the signing of a document that contained a formulation very close to the Arian thesis…he was criticized by many (Athanasius, Hilary of Poiters, Jerome) who saw this submission as a weakness due to fear of death (Lopes A. Translation by Charles Nopar. The Popes. Pontifical Administration, Rome, 1997, p. 12).

The Catholic Saint Jerome, while discussing Arian and anti-Arian writings wrote:

Fortunatianus, an African by birth, bishop of Aquilia during the reign of Constantius, composed brief Commentaries on the gospels arranged by chapters, written in a rustic style, and is held in detestation because, when Liberius bishop of Rome was driven into exile for the faith, he was induced by the urgency of Fortunatianus to subscribe to heresy. (Jerome. De Viris Illustribus (On Illustrious Men), Chapter 97).

So, it seems that while later Catholics believe that Liberius was pressured to appear to be Semi-Arian from imperial forces, that perhaps he was simply persuaded (or perhaps even was always Semi-Arian). Would a true “apostolic successor” hold a position that is now condemned by his own church as heresy?

If not, then Liberius (as only one such example) disproves the notion of an unbroken succession of bishops from Peter–hence Liberius is one more example of why the Catholics truly do not have apostolic succession (Macedonius, Bishop of Constantinople, also is another that disproves the Orthodox claim to succession–there were other Orthodox “Patriarchs’ who held similar views).

But the fact is that at least one bishop of Rome (Liberius), one bishop of Constantinople (Macedonius), and many other 4th century Greco-Roman bishops were still, at least partially, Semi-Arian–that is, they denied that the Holy Spirit was the third divine person in a trinity.

While those in the actual Church of God do believe in the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19), we do not believe that the Holy Spirit is the third divine person in a trinity as a council in 381 declared.

Even trinitarian scholars understand that the Holy Spirit is not biblically shown to be clearly a person. Notice the following written by a modern Orthodox scholar:

Roman Catholic and Orthodox theologians agree in recognizing a certain anonymity characterizes the Third Person of the Holy Trinity. While the names Father and Son denote very clear personal distinctions, are in no sense interchangeable, and cannot in any case refer to the common nature of the two hypostases, the name Holy Spirit does not have that advantage. Indeed, we say that God is Spirit, meaning by that the common nature as much as any one of the persons. We say that he is holy…Taken in itself, the term Holy Spirit thus might be applied, not to a personal distinction…In that sense, Thomas Aquinas was right in saying that…the name Holy Spirit has been given to him…we find an image of the economy of the Third Person rather than an image of his hypostatic character: we find the procession of a divine force or spirit which accomplishes sanctification. We reach a paradoxical conclusions: all that we know about the Holy Spirit refers to his economy; all that we do not know makes us venerate him as a person (Clendenin D.B. ed. Eastern Orthodox Theology, 2nd ed. Baker Academic, 2003, pp. 165-166).

The above is quite an astounding admission! The main trinitarian groups admit that the Holy Spirit is simply a procession of a divine force and that it is venerated as a person based upon what scripture does not say.

Did you know all of this? If not, perhaps you had better look into this further.

Items of related interest may include:

Did Early Christians Think the Holy Spirit Was A Separate Person in a Trinity? Or did they have a different view?
Binitarianism: One God, Two Beings Before the Beginning This is a longer article than the Binitarian View article, and has a little more information on binitarianism, and less about unitarianism. A related sermon is also available: Binitarian view of the Godhead.
Is The Father God? What is the view of the Bible? What was the view of the early church?
Jesus is God, But Was Made Man Was Jesus fully human and fully God or what?
Virgin Birth: Does the Bible Teach It? What does the Bible teach? What is claimed in The Da Vinci Code?
Did the True Church Ever Teach a Trinity? Most act like this is so, but is it?
Was Unitarianism the Teaching of the Bible or Early Church? Many, including Jehovah’s Witnesses, claim it was, but was it?
Binitarianism: One God, Two Beings Before the Beginning This is a shorter article than the Binitarian View article, but has a little more information on binitarianism.
Which Is Faithful: The Roman Catholic Church or the Continuing Church of God? Do you know that both groups shared a lot of the earliest teachings? Do you know which church changed? Do you know which group is most faithful to the teachings of the apostolic church? Which group best represents true Christianity? This documented article answers those questions.
Some Similarities and Differences Between the Orthodox Church and the Continuing Church of God Both groups claim to be the original church, but both groups have differing ways to claim it. Both groups have some amazing similarities and some major differences. Do you know what they are?
Where is the True Christian Church Today? This free online pdf booklet answers that question and includes 18 proofs, clues, and signs to identify the true vs. false Christian church. Plus 7 proofs, clues, and signs to help identify Laodicean churches. A related sermon is also available: Where is the True Christian Church? Here is a link to the booklet in the Spanish language: ¿Dónde está la verdadera Iglesia cristiana de hoy? Here is a link in the German language: WO IST DIE WAHRE CHRISTLICHE KIRCHE HEUTE? Here is a link in the French language: Où est la vraie Église Chrétienne aujourd’hui?
Continuing History of the Church of God This pdf booklet is a historical overview of the true Church of God and some of its main opponents from Acts 2 to the 21st century. Related sermon links include Continuing History of the Church of God: c. 31 to c. 300 A.D. and Continuing History of the Church of God: 4th-16th Centuries 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.
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]
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?

Moldovan Parliament

COGwriter

Voice of America and the EU Observer had the following about Moldova and Bulgaria:

November 14, 2016

Moldova’s pro-Russian presidential candidate Igor Dodon has declared victory in Sunday’s presidential runoff.

With nearly all the votes counted in the former Soviet republic, Dodon, who campaigned on promises to restore closer ties with Russia, earned about 55 percent of the vote, well ahead of pro-European rival Maya Sandu.

Final results are expected Monday in the impoverished country of 3.5 million.

Speaking to reporters at a late night news conference Sunday, Dodon recognized the strong campaigning of his rival and Dodon said he will be “a president of the whole state.”

“Today we can do everything to avoid division in the society. I’ll be a president to all Moldavians and for those who vote for you. I will listen to those who voted against me, because since today I’m a president of the whole state,” said Dodon.

Pro-Moscow Dodon came close to winning the presidency outright in the first round of voting two weeks ago.

He has pledged to foster good relations with Moldova’s neighbors, Romania and Ukraine. Such appeasement gestures, however, may face stiff resistance in Kyiv by many who object to Dodon’s support for Russia’s 2014 annexation of Ukraine’s Crimean peninsula.

For her part, Sandu, a former education minister, used her campaign to urge closer ties with Europe. She also called for the withdrawal of several thousand Russian troops from Moldova’s Russian-speaking separatist region of Trans-Dniester.

Dodon’s victory comes alongside that of nearby Bulgaria’s pro-Russian presidential candidate Gen. Rumen Radev, a political novice whose win Sunday prompted center-right Prime Minister Boyko Borisov to announce his resignation.

Moldova, like Bulgaria, has in recent years been plagued with rampant official corruption.

Former prime minister Vlad Filat was sentenced earlier this year to a nine-year prison term after a court found him guilty of corruption and abuse of power during his 2009-2013 term as head of government. His pro-European ruling coalition had been linked to the country’s most powerful oligarch, Vladimir Plahotniuc, who has long been accused of running the country through bribes and intimidation.

Filat was arrested last year during a parliamentary session and later charged for his links to a bank-fraud scheme that included the disappearance from three banks of $1 billion – nearly 13 percent of the tiny country’s annual GDP.

Filat’s successor later lost a parliamentary vote of confidence. http://www.voanews.com/a/moldova-pro-russian-candidates-claims-presidency-in-runoff/3594883.html

14 November 2016

Russian-friendly candidates won elections on Sunday (13 November) in Bulgaria and Moldova.

Bulgaria was thrown into political uncertainty after prime minister Boyko Borisov quit following the bruising defeat his presidential candidate suffered at the hands of the opposition Socialist candidate Rumen Radev.

Borisov had backed centre-right parliamentary speaker Tsetska Tsacheva, who received only 36 percent in Sunday’s run-off vote.

A political outsider and former commander of the country’s Air Force, Radev won with more than 59 percent of the votes.

Commentators said his landslide win came as a result of anger with government policies and corruption.

Critics fear it could tilt Bulgaria towards Russia’s power orbit.

“The results clearly show that the ruling coalition no longer holds the majority,” Borisov, who was re-elected in 2014 for a second time, said on Sunday.

Radev said earlier that he would keep Bulgaria in Nato, but claimed that “being pro-European does not mean being anti-Russian”. …

Nearby Moldova was also set to elect a pro-Russian president on Sunday. …

Dodon’s win is partly the result of a loss of trust in the pro-European government, which was plunged into political and economic crisis after a corruption scandal in 2014.

Moldova also signed a EU association agreement in 2014, but its European integration could be in derailed, as Dodon advocated for stronger ties with Russia. https://euobserver.com/political/135885

Not all in Europe fear Russia. As I wrote in the past, with the UK Brexit vote, expect to see more cooperation between Europe and Russia. The votes in Bulgaria and Moldova seem to be steps in that direction.

Zero Hedge had the following report:

Kremlin Gains Two More European Allies As Bulgaria, Moldova Elect Pro-Russian Presidents

November 14, 2016

The good news just keeps going Putin’s way. Just days after Trump defeated the Kremlin’s nemesis Hillary Clinton, and at the same time as NATO is panicking over a potential shift in strategy and funding by the Trump administration and as Russian forces prepare for another blitz assault on Syria to cement their hold over Syria, on Sunday pro-Russian candidates won presidential elections in Moldova and Bulgaria on Sunday, giving Moscow new allies in its efforts to regain influence in parts of Eastern Europe it regards as its backyard. And while Russia is the clear winner, one loser to emerge bruised from the two votes is the European Union. …

According to the WSJ, the results are a shot in the arm for those in Moldova and Bulgaria who want to see their states warm up relations with their large Eastern neighbor, reversing years of westward drift they say has yielded too few rewards.

“I will dramatically improve the relations between Moldova and Russia,” Mr. Dodon said in an email to The Wall Street Journal ahead of the vote. “These relations are very important for the citizens of the country.” …

The votes in Bulgaria and Moldova were held in an atmosphere of widespread voter skepticism of the countries’ political classes. Lawmakers in both countries have been accused of moving too slowly on public sector reform and allegations of corruption are common. http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2016-11-14/kremlin-gains-two-more-european-allies-bulgaria-moldova-elect-pro-russian-presidents

I have been following the election in Bulgaria and Moldova for some time.

While I long thought that Moldova was likely to move towards Russia, until recently the shift of Bulgaria towards Russia was not clear.

But both have been dealing with corruption.

Notice some passages from the Bible:

34 Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people. (Proverbs 14:34)

3…they turned aside after dishonest gain, took bribes, and perverted justice (1 Samuel 8:3).

9 Do not gather my soul with sinners,
Nor my life with bloodthirsty men,
10 In whose hands is a sinister scheme,
And whose right hand is full of bribes. (Psalms 26:9-10)

23…Everyone loves bribes,
And follows after rewards.
They do not defend the fatherless,
Nor does the cause of the widow come before them. (Isaiah 1:23)

12 For I know your manifold transgressions
And your mighty sins:
Afflicting the just and taking bribes;
Diverting the poor from justice at the gate. (Amos 5:12)

4…corruption that is in the world through lust. (2 Peter 1:4)

Corruption is not good.

Now, cries about corruption in government are not new. Notice something reported a while back related to an earlier election in Moldova:

December 3, 2014

Igor Botan, a Moldovan political scientist, says that for most voters the elections represented a strategic choice between “pro-European crooks and pro-Russian crooks”. http://www.economist.com/news/europe/21635339-moldovans-choose-europe-barely

So Moldovans see corruption in Moldavia, Russia, and the European Union. And Bulgarians are also seeing corruption in Bulgaria.

Both have been disappointed by the European Union.

The European Union wants nearly all of continental Europe to be part of it, and that includes Moldova. Moldova is a land, which like Ukraine, some in the West see as a ‘buffer’ against Russia because of geographic proximity.

Georgia (another potential “buffer”), Ukraine, and Moldova have all formally made steps to become part of the European Union (EU). Bulgaria is currently in the EU.

Russia’s Vladimir Putin, on the other hand, wants all the former Soviet states to become part of Russia or at least part of his new Eurasian Economic Union. And he also is interested in other nations that were under Soviet influence behind the old ‘iron curtain.’ And as it turns out, those countries tend to lean towards some version of the Eastern Orthodox faith, including the Russian Orthodox religion, so there are religious reasons that can also be involved.

Moldovans are somewhat torn about Russia vs. the EU. Bulgarians do not particularly want out of the EU, but they do feel that economically they will benefit by having closer ties with Russia.

They took some steps towards the European Union in the past few years which has made them poorer as this displeased Russia, which restricted aspects of trade. Many in Moldova do not trust Russia and believe that they will be freer and wealthier as part of the European Union. Others have been disappointed with the Europeans, have been made poorer by turning away from Russia, and have serious doubts that the Europeans can improve their lives for some time. The migrant crisis in the European Union this year did not turn Moldovans towards the EU, however.

So what will happen?

The Bible teaches that the European Beast power will expand to the south and the east.

Notice that, in Daniel 8, the Bible prophesied that a little horn would mainly expand South and East:

9 And out of one of them came a little horn which grew exceedingly great toward the south, toward the east, and toward the Glorious Land. 10 And it grew up to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the host and some of the stars to the ground, and trampled them. 11 He even exalted himself as high as the Prince of the host; and by him the daily sacrifices were taken away, and the place of His sanctuary was cast down. 12 Because of transgression, an army was given over to the horn to oppose the daily sacrifices; and he cast truth down to the ground. He did all this and prospered. (Daniel 8:9-12).

And while the above has had a past fulfillment, this prophecy seems to be dual (compare with Daniel 11:27-39). The European Union has mainly expanded south and east of the Benelux nations Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg)–which is where it initially formed. Now, approximately 500 million people are now under a new, single (though not completely united) government, called the European Union, headquartered in Brussels. Ukraine is mainly east of much of the EU–thus its geography is consistent with being part of the EU. And Moldova and Georgia are south and east, which is also consistent. Do not be surprised if Moldova ends up with the Europeans for a time. But this is not certain. Bulgaria, at least for a time, is expected to remain.

The European Union has demonstrated a history and willingness to enlarge–and it is interested in Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia. The U.S.A. keeps encouraging all of this, but this will not end well for the U.S.A. (cf. Daniel 11:39; Isaiah 10:5-11).

Of course, even now, not all in Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia want to be part of the European Union, some prefer to be in Russia’s upcoming Eurasian Union. As I have written for a long time, those that become disillusioned/disappointed by the EU may ultimately back out of it.

Notice also the following:

1 The burden against Babylon which Isaiah the son of Amoz saw…

17 “Behold, I will stir up the Medes against them,
Who will not regard silver;
And as for gold, they will not delight in it.
18 Also their bows will dash the young men to pieces,
And they will have no pity on the fruit of the womb;
Their eye will not spare children.
19 And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms,
The beauty of the Chaldeans’ pride,
Will be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah. (Isaiah 13:1, 17-19)

11 Make the arrows bright!
Gather the shields!
The Lord has raised up the spirit of the kings of the Medes.
For His plan is against Babylon to destroy it,
Because it is the vengeance of the Lord,
The vengeance for His temple. (Jeremiah 51:11)

Biblically (because of prophecies involving the Medes, some of which are in Ukraine, and some in the “north and east” in Daniel 11:44), it would seem that Russia (a power of the “far north” Ezekiel 38:3,6) would be closer to at least parts of Ukraine (like some of the eastern portions of it) and possibly Moldova and Georgia in the end than many realize. (There is also a YouTube video available titled Ukraine in Prophecy?)

This will ultimately not end well for Europe:

50:41 “Behold, a people shall come from the north,
And a great nation and many kings
Shall be raised up from the ends of the earth.
42 They shall hold the bow and the lance;
They are cruel and shall not show mercy.
Their voice shall roar like the sea;
They shall ride on horses,
Set in array, like a man for the battle,
Against you, O daughter of Babylon.

43 “The king of Babylon has heard the report about them,
And his hands grow feeble;
Anguish has taken hold of him,
Pangs as of a woman in childbirth…”(Jeremiah 50:41-43).

8 O daughter of Babylon, who are to be destroyed,
Happy the one who repays you as you have served us!
9 Happy the one who takes and dashes
Your little ones against the rock! (Psalms 137:8-9)

That is some of the bad news.

The good news is that Jesus will return after this and usher in the millennial kingdom of God. Until then, expect ups and downs and ups, and then ultimately major downs in Europe.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

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?
Some Similarities and Differences Between the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Continuing Church of God Both groups claim to be the original church, but both groups have differing ways to claim it. Both groups have some amazing similarities and some major differences. Do you know what they are?
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?
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.
Did The Early Church Teach Millenarianism? Was the millennium (sometimes called chiliasm) taught by early Christians? Who condemned it? Will Jesus literally reign for 1000 years on the earth? Is this time near? A related sermon is titled The Millennium.
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 video: The Great Tribulation from the Mount of Olives. A shorter video is: Can the Great Tribulation Start in 2016?

Frank-Walter Steinmeier

COGwriter

A reader sent me a link to the following from the German publication Der Spiegel:

America Has Abdicated Its Leadership of the West

14 November 2016

For 100 years, the United States was the leader of the free world. With the election of Donald Trump, America has now abdicated that role. It is time for Europe, and Angela Merkel, to step into the void.

Even history sometimes leans toward pathos. In January 2017, when Donald Trump is sworn in as the 45th president of the United States, the American Age will celebrate its 100th birthday — and its funeral.

The West was constituted in its modern form in January 1917. World War I was raging in Europe at the time and in Washington, D.C., President Woodrow Wilson told his country that it was time for Americans to take responsibility for “peace and justice.” In April he said: “The world must be made safe for democracy.” He declared war on Germany and sent soldiers to Europe to secure victory for the Western democracies — and the United States assumed the leadership of the Western world. It was an early phase of political globalization.

One hundred years later: Trump. …

What will happen to the West, to Europe, to Germany without the United States as its leading power? Germany is a child of the West, particularly of the United States, brought to life with American generosity, long spoon-fed and now in a deep state of shock. The American president was always simultaneously our president, at least a little, and Barack Obama was a worthy president of the West. Now, though, we must come to terms with a lack of Western leadership. …

America was long the benchmark for the West. But if Trump governs as he promised he would during the campaign, the land of the free will abdicate its role as leader of the free world. Then, it will be Europe’s turn.  http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/trump-election-means-europe-must-now-lead-west-a-1120929.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook#ref=rss

Notice that Der Spiegel: is stating that if Donald Trump keeps his promises, it will be Europe’s turn to lead the West.

I wrote an article some time ago titled: Who is the King of the West?. Well Germany recognizes it was the USA, but now it thinks that this situation has changed with the election of Donald Trump.

Despite Der Spiegel‘s wording, the Bible shows that Europe will rise up to lead much of the world.  The Bible refers to this European power as the ‘Beast of the Sea’ (meaning Mediterranean Sea; watch Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European?) of Revelation 13:1-10 and the final King of the North in Daniel 11:21-45.

It is not just the Germans. The Europeans even had a special meeting to try to determine what to do because of Donald Trump’s election:

Trump election: Europe looks to its defences

November 14, 2016

Walk the normally staid, greying corridors of EU power in Brussels at the moment and you sense an unaccustomed buzz, a nervousness; there’s a whiff of almost frenzied expectation.

Change is in the air: exciting and emboldening for some, frightening for others. …

The UK foreign secretary may dismiss it as a “whinge-o-rama” and Hungary’s government may mutter about “exaggerated panic”, but EU leaders – and their foreign ministers meeting in Brussels on Monday – have a list of clear-cut concerns about President-elect Trump. …

Once again, EU talk of a European Defence Union looms large.

It’s hardly a new idea – big powers France, Germany, Italy and Spain pushed loudly for it following the UK’s Brexit vote in June – but now there’s a sense of increased urgency.

This is not about building an EU army, insist advocates (though some Europeans are in favour), but rather about sharing defence capabilities and moving towards increased self-reliance in an insecure world. … big power Germany hastily convened an EU foreign ministers’ dinner in Brussels on Sunday night to discuss Donald Trump’s victory … http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-37972087

November 14, 2016

European Union leaders held what is being called an emergency meeting in Brussels Sunday night, following last week’s surprise victory of President-elect Donald Trump in the U.S. presidential election.

Reportedly on the agenda at the dinner meeting of foreign ministers: Russia, Iran and what agreements made with the United States during President Barack Obama’s tenure Trump stands to change. http://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2016-11-14/europe-holds-emergency-meeting-about-donald-trump

Notice something else from an article in Der Spiegel:

14 November 2016

The leaders of the West, minus America, face monumental tasks ahead. http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/trump-election-means-europe-must-now-lead-west-a-1120929.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook#ref=rss

Germany has already started to take steps related to a potential leader:

14 November 2016

Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Christian Democratic Party (CDU) has backed Social Democrat Frank-Walter Steinmeier to be the ruling coaliton’s candidate for the German presidency, following talks among party leaders on Monday morning.

The CDU’s Bavarian sister-party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), also gave its backing for Steinmeier. “We have come to an agreement, CSU and CDU,” CSU leader Horst Seehofer said. “That is what’s important.” http://www.dw.com/en/steinmeier-poised-to-be-germanys-next-president-without-conservative-rival/a-36381239

While the role of the president in Germany is somewhat ceremonial (the power is with the chancellor), this is a bold ‘slap in the face’ to the USA.

How so?

Well, Frank-Walter Steinmeier has repeatedly and steadfastly been against Donald Trump.  Here is a news item prior to Donald Trump’s election:

19 July 2016

Donald Trump, having clinched the Republican Party’s nomination for the Nov. 8 presidential election, threatens U.S. and world security with his “politics of fear and isolation,” German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said on Wednesday.

Steinmeier told Reuters in a written interview that he was concerned about what he called Trump’s ambiguous vows to “make America strong again,” while simultaneously reducing its engagement overseas.

“That is contradictory and it makes me concerned,” Steinmeier said as he headed to Washington for meetings with other foreign and defense ministers to assess the U.S.-led effort to defeat the Islamic State extremist group.

“A politics of fear and isolation will bring less security, not more, and would be dangerous not only for the United States, but for Europe and the rest of the world as well.” http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-election-germany-trump-idUSKCN0ZZ2YY

After Donald Trump’s election, on November 9, 2016, Walter Steinmeier also spoke about what the election might mean for Germany.

“We hope that we are not facing greater instability in international politics. During his campaign, Trump was critical not just of Europe, but also of Germany. I believe we must prepare for American foreign policy becoming less predictable. We must prepare for a situation in which America will be tempted to make decisions on its own more often.” “I don’t want to sugarcoat it: Nothing will be easier and much will be more difficult,” he continued.  http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/european-leaders-and-politicians-react-to-trump-victory-a-1120478.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook#ref=rss

Germany has decided to make someone president who has repeatedly denounced the US President-elect. This is a bold move and is showing the rest of Europe that Germany is taking the lead in distancing itself from the USA.

Although Europe does have its own problems, the Bible says it will rise up anyway, and reorganize:

41 Whereas you saw the feet and toes, partly of potter’s clay and partly of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; yet the strength of the iron shall be in it, just as you saw the iron mixed with ceramic clay. 42 And as the toes of the feet were partly of iron and partly of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly fragile. 43 As you saw iron mixed with ceramic clay, they will mingle with the seed of men; but they will not adhere to one another, just as iron does not mix with clay. (Daniel 2:41-43)

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

While the promotion of Frank-Walter Steinmeier is NOT the prophesied reorganization, the meeting yesterday, combined with the announcement about him today shows that Europe is moving towards reorganization. And ultimately, a reorganization that a Vatican leader will endorse.

A reorganization that will NOT end well for the USA or its Anglo-Saxon descended allies (cf. Daniel 8:25; 11:39; Habakkuk 2:6-8).

COGwriter

Last year, PCG posted the following from its leader Gerald Flurry:

The Malachi’s Message Warning

November 8, 2015

The “little book” mentioned in the book of Revelation introduces the lukewarm Laodicean era of God’s Church. While the world catapults into self-annihilation, the little book discusses a deadly spiritual falling away. God gave His people a message to deliver, but they quit prophesying.

However, God won’t be stopped by a few rebels; He raised up the ruins through a loyal remnant. The little book explains this miracle in great detail.

Once the little book is revealed, the Great Tribulation and the work of the two witnesses are imminent. Beyond that, the little book points to the soon-to-come return of Jesus Christ. Readers of the truth inside the little book will understand this powerful King will end mankind’s disastrous rule and set up a perfect eternal government. …

The late Herbert W. Armstrong delivered the mystery message, largely through his greatest work, Mystery of the Ages. …study Mystery of the Ages to build a spiritual foundation before you read the little book. …

“And the voice which I heard from heaven spake unto me again, and said, Go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which standeth upon the sea and upon the earth. And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey. And I took the little book out of the angel’s hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter” (Revelation 10:8-10).

God wants us to eat up the little book! We must devour and digest this bittersweet message.

Here is more of what the improperly-named Philadelphia Church of God (PCG) teaches about the ‘little book’:

The stormy wind comes in the form of the little book of Rev. 10. THAT LITTLE BOOK IS MALACHI’S MESSAGE. That little book is the vanguard of the STORMY WIND. (Flurry, Gerald. The Little Book. Philadelphia Trumpet. Sept-Oct 1992).

We also firmly believe that Malachi’s Message is the little book of Revelation 10. (Leap Dennis. As quoted in Philadelphia Official Responds. The Journal. June 30, 1998. p.8).

The little book and our message is to measure the Church to prove that they are Laodiceans (Flurry, Gerald. Lamentations and the End-Time Laodiceans. Booklet. 1993. p.6.).

God has commissioned the PCG to prophesy again. God has given us the LITTLE BOOK–Malachi’s Message–because we are the only Church which knows how to ‘PROPHESY AGAIN’ (Flurry, Gerald. From the Beginning. Booklet. 1996. p.34).

We now ‘prophesy AGAIN,’ after God’s message was stopped by His own people (Rev. 10:11). Revelation 10:11 actually says, “And he said to me, ‘You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, tongues, and kings’ ” (Flurry, G. The Solution to Israel’s Problems. Philadelphia Trumpet, Dec 2002, p. 26).

PCG claims extra-human inspiration for its Malachi’s Message booklet:

The PCG does believe that Malachi’s Message is more than a human work (Leap Dennis. As quoted in Philadelphia Official Responds. The Journal. June 30, 1998. p.8).

Malachi’s Message was delivered to me and the PCG in 1989. A MIGHTY ANGEL DIRECTLY FROM GOD REVEALED IT! (Flurry, Gerald. The Little Book. Philadelphia Trumpet. Sept-Oct 1992).

Yet they changed it:

The PCG’s main publication, Malachi’s Message, was drastically improved in 1991. Much of that summer was spent on adding sections, editing, and giving it a new format like most other small books. The improvements are astounding (Flurry, Stephen. 1991: A Year to Remember. Philadelphia Trumpet. February 1992).

There have been many changes from the original booklet in 1990 (which I read) and the newest 1995 version (which I also read) which makes me wonder the same thing about revising Malachi’s Message that a former Philadelphia pastor asked:

“Why would anyone dare to change a revelation from God? (Schaeffer, Randy. In Former PCG Elders Say Church in Crisis, Moving Away from Its Founding Principles. The Journal. June 30, 1999. p.9)

Yet PCG claims the booklet was prophesied:

Malachi’s Message Prophesied!…’And ye shall know that I have sent this commandment unto you, that my covenant might be with Levi, saith the LORD of hosts’ (Mal. 2:4). This is a specific prophecy about Malachi’s Message. GOD SAID ‘I SENT’ THIS MESSAGE TO YOU, AND ‘YOU SHALL KNOW’ THAT GOD SENT IT! They will know before or during the Great Tribulation that Malachi’s Message is from God (Flurry, Gerald. Malachi’s Message to God’s Church Today. Booklet. 1995. p.30).

These prophesies in Malachi could occur only after Mr. Armstrong was dead (Flurry, Gerald. Malachi’s Message to God’s Church Today. Booklet. 1995. p.143.).

Today, people often ask, ‘Where does Mr. Flurry get his authority? Where does Mr. Flurry and the PCG get authority to rebuild the temple?’ Zerubbabel’s experience typifies the PCG today. In a similar vein, we get our authority from some original signed documents. Our are not civil, legal documents. The documents authorizing the PCG and our work are the writings of Herbert W. Armstrong. The PCG is the only Church that holds onto ALL of what Christ established through Mr. Armstrong (Flurry, Gerald and Leap, Dennis. Ezra and Nehemiah: Building God’s Temple. Booklet. 1997. p.29).

Even a casual reading of the article Teachings Unique to the Philadelphia Church of God should reveal to any with eyes to see that PCG admits that it does not hold onto ALL of what Christ established through Herbert W. Armstrong.

Similar to some others, PCG oddly claims:

The PCG is the only Church that holds onto ALL of what Christ established through Mr. Armstrong (Flurry, Gerald and Leap, Dennis. Ezra and Nehemiah: Building God’s Temple. Booklet. 1997. p.29).

Herbert Armstrong had a completely different view of Revelation 10 and many other PCG claims:

Now notice this tenth chapter–an inset chapter, not necessarily at all occurring at the TIME sequence of the end of the ninth chapter. The actual recording of EVENTS, TIME-WISE, is not continued until chapter 11, verse 15.

This chapter 10 has been virtually OVERLOOKED. I did not comment on it in the earlier days, or expound it when I wrote the OUTLINE of the book of Revelation, or the full booklet on the revelation. There was NO WAY it could have been understood then–until after subsequent events–just as we could not have understood how Satan sways the entire WORLD, as explained in Eph. 2.1-2, until we had radio and television.

A MIGHTY ANGEL comes down from heaven, his face as the SUN, his feet as pillars of fire. His voice was as the roar of a lion. He set his right foot upon the sea, and his left upon the earth.

He had a LITTLE BOOK open.

This mighty angel in the second half of this inset prophecy, beginning verse 6, swears by the Eternal GOD there shall be “time no longer” (A.V.–marginal translation—”no more delay”. But the angel continues, “But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, (7th trumpet–which shall be the 7 last plagues–and which also is the PRECISE TIME of Christ’s coming as KING over the earth)–when He shall begin to sound the mystery of God should be finished…” (verse 6-7).

I italicized “when He shall” referring to the sounding of the last and FINAL trumpet, to show that the time setting of this brief two-part inset prophecy is NOT AT OR IMMEDIATELY AFTER the 6th trumpet of chapter 9) –but SOME TIME PRIOR TO IT! Therefore, in time setting, this is a flashback. Now continue:

The Apostle John in his vision is told to take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel, and eat it up.

HOW LIKE EZEKIEL’S PROPHECY!

It was sweet as honey in his mouth but BITTER in his stomach.

The message of that little book seems to be what the angel next said, “Thou must prophesy [proclaim–preach—foretell] again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues and KINGS!”

Now WHEN?

The message of the little book written on both sides of a rol1, to be eaten and swallowed, takes us directly back to Ezekiel’s prophecy. Ezekiel himself, as I have shown. NEVER WENT TO ISRAEL, NEVER DELIVERED THAT MESSAGE. It was not a prophecy for the Israel of his day–but for OUR DAY, NOW. Ezekiel’s prophecy was NOT a message to MANY NATIONS, speaking different languages, and to their KINGS. It was to the REBELLIOUS PEOPLE of the House of Israel and it was emphasized to Ezekiel they were NOT of strange speech–NOT foreign Gentile nations.

This WORK OF GOD did carry that message to those same people in OUR DAY, prior to January, 1972.

I felt I had reason to believe it was POSSIBLE that OUR WORK would be FINISHED by January, 1972, I wrote and printed that many times. But I also said I WAS NOT SETTING DATES–it was not CERTAIN!

It was a possibility. But being HUMAN, many of those supporting me in this Work did take it as a definite date. Up until then they sacrificed to send in tithes and offerings for God’s WORK, when the Work did NOT end in January, 1972, some FOOLISHLY said, “Now I’m through going without things I like to have–my Lord delayeth His coming!” Read what God says of those who say and do that (Matt. 24:48-51).

Now WHEN is the TIME of this prophecy in Revelation?

Read right on. Chapter 11 is merely a chapter division written by MEN. But John’s book of Revelation continues right on. The apostle, in his vision, is told now by this same angel to rise and MEASURE THE TEMPLE. But LEAVE OUT the court which is for the Gentiles, for they shall tread down the Holy City for 3 1/2 years.

So the TIME of our prophecy is at least 3 1/2 YEARS before Christ’s coming–before THE GREAT TRIBULATION before the beginning of the DAY OF THE LORD and before the seventh angel blows the last trumpet!

Then it continues on into the message of the TWO WITNESSES–also referred to and perhaps identified in Haggai and Zechariah.

And THEY SHALL PREACH A LAST WARNING TO THE WHOLE WORLD FOR 3 1/2 YEARS! And it is not until after ALL THIS, that the time element picks back up with the sounding of the 7th trumpet in chapter 11:15.

Therefore, MY CONCLUSION?

Could it be possible, after proclaiming the Gospel of THE KINGDOM OF GOD, as well as Ezekiel’s warning to the people of Israel, that, beginning January, 1972, when my PRESENT CAMPAIGN of walking through the doors God said He would open (Rev. 3:8) to KINGS, and many NATIONS of DIFFERENT LANGUAGES commenced, that it is the FULFILLMENT OF THIS PROPHECY OF REVELATION 10?

To me it comes as a STARTLING, AMAZING EYE-OPENING NEW LIGHT DIRECT FROM GOD!

THAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PHASE OF GOD’S WORK TODAY!

And THE JOB IS GETTING DONE! (Armstrong, Herbert W. Co-worker letter, November 19, 1976).

Thus, for PCG to state that it has the same teachings as HWA is again shown as incorrect. HWA gave his views, which PCG claims to accept.

Wrong Teaching on the ‘Man of Sin’

In his book, Malachi’s Message (1995 edition), in the chapter titled “Man of Sin,” Gerald Flurry wrote:

God’s Church has applied 2 Thessalonians 2:4 to the world for the most part. But it doesn’t apply to the world…

“Even him [the “son of perdition”], whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders” (2 Thessalonians 2:9). The word “signs” is rendered “pretended signs” by the Revised Standard Version. This “son of perdition” is heavily influenced by Satan…In 2 Thessalonians 2, Paul discusses signs and lying wonders of a false leader or lying apostle (Revelation 2:2)…

Mr. Tkach was an innermost disciple—more so than other Church leaders—in those last seven years of Mr. Armstrong’s life. The leadership discussed in 2 Thessalonians 2 must be in Pasadena today. (pp. 79,88,89,99)

But this false leader is not J. Tkach Sr. who Gerald Flurry originally identified in Malachi’s Message nor anyone who was part of the Tkach Administration in Pasadena in 1995. Furthermore, the type of signs and lying wonders that the Apostle Paul referred to have been not accompanied any in the Tkach Administration.

Furthermore, while Gerald Flurry tries to ‘spiritualize’ that away, the reality is that the rest of the verses in 2 Thessalonians 2 did not happen:

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

The emergence of the Tkach Administration did not come with ALL POWER, SIGNS, AND LYING WONDERS. Nor did it result in the world believing a strong delusion–they believed the usual delusions that they have always believed.

Also notice verse 8 in 2 Thessalonians 2:

8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming.

Joseph Tkach, Sr. died in 1995 and Jesus has not come. Nor do I believe that any around in Pasadena/Glendale in the Tkach Administration are possibly the subject of 2 Thessalonians 2:8. Gerald Flurry is in error. Demons give false messages and Gerald Flurry’s claim that his source was angelic indicates that it was a demonic source–it is that or his own imagination and/or he got it from someone else. Either way, his message contains falsehoods and errors.

To learn the truth about the identity of the ‘man of sin,’ please rely on what the Bible, not tradition or Gerald Flurry’s writings differ from. An article to assist with this would be Who is the Man of Sin of 2 Thessalonians 2?; here is a related link in Spanish/español: ¿Quién es el Hombre de Pecado de 2 Tesalonicenses 2? Here is a link to a related YouTube video, in English, titled Who is the Man of Sin?

Gerald Flurry is not God’s prophet. Those interested in learning the truth about Christian prophets should study the article 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? There is also a sermon-length video titled How to determine if someone is a true prophet of God.

As far as Malachi goes, his four chapter book contains God’s message. It is not the message that an apparent demon gave Gerald Flurry.

Information about some or what Malachi taught is in the articles The Elijah Heresies and Tithing Questions and Some Answers.

US-Mexico Western Beach Border Wall

COGwriter

The US President-elect says he wants to deport at least two million criminals upon taking office in January 2017:

November 13, 2016

On entering office in January, Trump said he will deport as many as three million undocumented migrants.

“What we are going to do is get the people that are criminal and have criminal records, gang members, drug dealers, where a lot of these people – probably two million, it could be even three million – we are getting them out of the country or we are going to incarcerate,” Trump said.

“But we’re getting them out of the country, they’re here illegally.”

Trump’s comments on Sunday contradicated those made by House Speaker Paul Ryan who told CNN’s “State of the Union” that mass deportation is not a focus of Republicans right now.

“I think we should put people’s minds at ease” on mass deportation because the top priority is really border security, Ryan said.

Plans to build a wall between the US and Mexico will also be realized, Trump said, adding he would accept a fence in some places along the US southern border.

During his election campaign, Trump said vowed to build a wall and make Mexico pay for it. He also has insisted he will deport all 11 million people in the country illegally, with exceptions.

Once the border is “secure,” the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement will assess the status of the remaining undocumented immigrants in the country, Trump told CBS on Sunday. http://www.dw.com/en/trump-vows-to-deport-up-to-three-million-immigrants-immediately/a-36378419

NATO in Green, Russia in Orange (Crimea should also be orange)

COGwriter

A reader sent me a link to the following:

November 13, 2016

Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has warned US President-elect Donald Trump that “going it alone” is not an option for Europe or the United States.

He said the West faced its greatest security challenge in a generation.

During his election campaign, Mr Trump described Western military alliance Nato as obsolete.

He suggested that the US would think twice about coming to the aid of any Nato ally under attack if it had not paid its dues.

Writing in Britain’s Observer newspaper, Mr Stoltenberg conceded that Mr Trump had a point about the need for some members to make a bigger financial contribution, as the US currently accounted for almost 70% of Nato spending.

But he added that American leaders had always recognised that they had a profound strategic interest in a stable and secure Europe.

“It is all too easy to take the freedoms, security and prosperity we enjoy for granted. In these uncertain times we need strong American leadership, and we need Europeans to shoulder their fair share of the burden,” the former Norwegian prime minister wrote.

“Going it alone is not an option, either for Europe or for the United States. We face the greatest challenges to our security in a generation. This is no time to question the value of the partnership between Europe and the United States.” http://www.bbc.com/news/election-us-2016-37966027

COGwriter

COGwriter

A reader sent me a link to the following written by a Republican Congressman from Texas:

November 12, 2016

Is electing a candidate or stopping the other party’s candidate from holding the most powerful office worth any and all sacrifices?

I can understand the rationale of voting for “the lesser of two evils,” for “at least a chance” to have a president who might nominate a jurist to the U.S. Supreme Court who respects the Constitution and for a candidate who wants to “make America great again.” But is there no prerequisite or minimum standard that must be reached before one would trade the currency of one’s consent?

The above reasons have been cited again and again, especially by Christians, as justifications for supporting someone they quickly admit bears false witness, boasts of arrogance and illicit sexual exploits and whose record is more progressive than conservative. I think they protest too much.

Will not advancing a political cause or candidate be short-lived, if Christian principles are denigrated and cast away in the process? Which will have more lasting consequence — the political cause or the inconsistent behavior observed by one’s children, neighbors, constituents and opponents?

In considering these issues, I am reminded of Jesus’ searching questions: “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?”

Have we exchanged our moral compass for political expediency? I believe we have. We have forgotten faith — faith in the unseen God who judges nations. We have forsaken the foundation of liberty and limited government in a desperate pursuit of political power.

Opposing a crooked Democratic politician with an immoral, jello-like Republican only propels the establishment’s two-party system. It does not overthrow career criminal politicians; it just makes us like them.

Our delusion has progressed so far that we have extolled “the courage” of the alternative conservative who fearlessly lies, rants and rails, and abuses all — not just women but any who dare question him.

C.S. Lewis wrote, “The descent to hell is easy, and those who begin by worshiping power soon worship evil.” That is what we have done as Republicans. We have chosen and supported a nominee that undermines our principles. Power without principle soon turns to tyranny. It does not matter what party it is associated with.

What is more important than party and power? It is character. It is commitment to a moral compass. What good is a constitution, a platform, a political promise without fidelity?

What is worse than a Clinton or Trump presidency is giving up on character and integrity, on honesty and covenant keeping, on decency, civility and trustworthiness. Once we have given up honor, we have established our profession. Then it’s only a matter of negotiating price.

We would do well to humble ourselves and reflect on Roger Williams’ admonition: “Having bought Truth deare, we must not sell it cheape, nor the least graine of it for the whole World, no not for the saving of Soules, though our owne most precious.”

— Rep. David Simpson, a Longview Republican, represents Gregg and Upshur counties in the Texas House.

Many of the Texas Congressman’s comments are correct (though he defines ‘Christians’ differently than I do). The quote from Roger Williams was also interesting for David Simpson to add as he was a Sabbath-keeper.

Now as far as some evangelicals have gone in support of Donald Trump, they are not the only ones. Last Summer some in India apparently had a celebration for Donald Trump. Yesterday, a reader sent me a link to the following:

June 14, 2016

Aryans used to control the region thousands of years ago. They formulated a grand religion, which in a modified form is still practiced today by the inhabitants of the peninsula.

Considering this, it’s only natural that Hindus today would come to worship Donald Trump as Kalki, the savior of humanity.  …

“Trump has said Muslims should be banned from entering America. Everyone should support that,” said Hindu Sena leader Vishnu Gupta, whose group is known more for its publicity stunts than for having any meaningful support. …

“Trump is about to become the king of the world,” Gupta said.

More than the king of the world, my brown friend. Trump is Kalki, the last avatar of Vishnu, he who will cleanse the world and end the age of darkness, the Kali Yuga, and restore the divine order to the mortal realm. http://www.dailystormer.com/hindus-celebrate-trumps-birthday-hailing-him-as-king-of-the-world-2/

The author’s statements and sarcastic comments were based upon him seeing the following article from Reuters:

June 14, 2016

A Hindu fringe group celebrated the 70th birthday of Donald Trump in the Indian capital on Tuesday, calling the U.S. presidential contender the “savior of humanity” who could end the global threat posed by Islamist militants.

About 20 members of the far-right Hindu Sena, or Hindu Army, held the festivities as Americans grieved over the deaths of 49 people in the country’s worst-ever mass shooting, perpetrated by a gunman claiming allegiance to Islamic State.

“Trump has said Muslims should be banned from entering America. Everyone should support that,” said Hindu Sena leader Vishnu Gupta, whose group is known more for its publicity stunts than for having any meaningful support. …

“Trump is about to become the king of the world,” Gupta said. “How will we attack Pakistan without his support?” http://www.reuters.com/article/us-india-trump-idUSKCN0Z018O

Of course, Donald Trump is NOT the savior of humanity, Jesus is:

 23 … Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. (Ephesians 5:23)

Some might be wondering about the Indian comments about the ‘savior of humanity’ and the comments about the Kalki.

Within Hinduism there is the belief that a leader called the Kalki who is to rise up with the promise of bringing peace. As I have written in the past, that leader does not have to ethnically be Indian.

Notice the following about the Avatar/Bhagwan Kalki:

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

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

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

Some have felt it was about time for that leader to rise up.

Now, while I do not believe that leader is Donald Trump, I do believe the time will come when those in India, like everyone else, will worship the end time European Beast power, as the Bible teaches:

1 Then I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name. 2 Now the beast which I saw was like a leopard, his feet were like the feet of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority. 3 And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled and followed the beast. 4 So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?”

5 And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for forty-two months. 6 Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven. 7 It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation. 8 All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. (Revelation 13:1-8)

For years, I have believed that when the European Beast does rise up, that many Hindus will consider that he is the Avatar/Bhagwan Kalki and will follow him.  And, let me add that when I was in Bali, Indonesia a couple of years ago, I basically was able to confirm with a Hindu I checked with that they could be open to supporting a leader from Europe who was not Hindu.

The fact that some few Hindus have declared Donald Trump could be the “savior of humanity” is consistent with the view that Indians will one day honor the European leader called the Beast of the Sea in Revelation 13.

Now what about the comments from Representative David Simpson?

He is correct that many have cast character aside as they have hoped that Donald Trump was less evil than Hillary Clinton.  On that point, God will judge.

But it is true that Donald Trump, while making many indefensible statements, also has made some suggestions that could help the economy of the USA (as well as several that could hurt as well).

How will that turn out in the short run?

The Bible is not specific on that point.  But it does teach that Christians are to pray for their physical leaders whether or not they have character flaws:

1 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior (1 Timothy 2:1-3).

I have been praying for President-elect Donald Trump and recommend that all who consider themselves Christians do so.

Can that help the USA or others in the world?

Certainly.

Consider that Daniel was inspired to tell King Nebuchadnezzar:

27 Therefore, O king, let my advice be acceptable to you; break off your sins by being righteous, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the poor. Perhaps there may be a lengthening of your prosperity. (Daniel 4:27)

King Nebuchadnezzar: was a pagan, but there was some hope for him.  

If Donald Trump will turn to God, and more in the USA will as well, then “Perhaps there may be a lengthening of your prosperity.”

But if not, his election may well speed the day when destruction will come to the USA.  And that destruction will come (cf. Daniel 11:39; Habakkuk 2:6-8).

Protesters Outside of Trump Tower, Manhattan (Rhododendrites)

COGwriter

There are protests in the USA and Europe against US President-elect Donald Trump:

November 12, 2016

WASHINGTON —

Protests against Donald Trump’s presidential election turned violent in the Pacific Coast city of Portland, Oregon early Saturday amid fears a Trump presidency will erode Americans’ civil rights. Demonstration organizers say more rallies are planned in the coming days in several cities across the United States.

Hundreds of protesters marched Friday through the streets of Portand, disrupting traffic and spray painting graffiti.

Portland police used tear gas and flash-bang grenades on protesters in response to demonstrators throwing burning projectiles at officers. Authorities said vandalism and assault had taken place during the rally, which organizers had billed as peaceful earlier in the day.

One demonstrator was shot in the leg early Saturday, according to witnesses. …

Police down the coast in Los Angeles said they detained 185 people, many of them for trying to blockade the city’s crowded auto freeways.

In New York, hundreds of people gathered in Washington Square Park for a “love rally” late Friday, then set out for Manhattan’s Union Square, a traditional destination for political marches, about one kilometer away. They held signs saying “Love will always trump hate” and chanted “Not my president” as they walked.

In midtown Manhattan, more demonstrators gathered near President-elect Trump’s current residence, a luxury triplex apartment in one of the city’s most exclusive shopping districts. The Trump Tower apartment building is now protected by a cordon of heavy trucks loaded with sand, and demonstrators are being kept a block away. http://www.voanews.com/a/more-protests-in-us-cities-against-trumps-election/3593233.html

November 12, 2016

PORTLAND, Ore.—As protests of President-elect Donald Trump entered another day, Portland police say one person was shot and injured by a man who had gotten into a confrontation with a protester then opened fire. …

The shooting followed rowdy Friday night protests, when police used tear gas in response to “burning projectiles” thrown at officers, police said on Twitter. Hundreds of people marched through the city, disrupting traffic and spray-painting graffiti.

Authorities reported instances of vandalism and assault during a rally that organizers had billed as peaceful earlier in the day.

In other parts of the country, spirited demonstrations on college campuses and peaceful marches along downtown streets have taken place since Wednesday. http://www.wsj.com/articles/donald-trump-protests-continue-in-u-s-person-injured-in-portland-1478955985

12 November 2016

Rallies against US President-elect Donald Trump are being held outside of the US embassy in Berlin and in the southeastern district of Neukölln, which has large Turkish and Arab populations. The German public broadcaster RBB reported that police had received fewer than 500 registrations for both rallies, but event pages on Facebook alone indicated that thousands of people planned to attend Saturday’s demonstrations.

“Donald Trump is the next president of the United States,” organizers of the embassy  protest wrote. “We must immediately stand up against his xenophobic, Islamophobic, misogynistic, racist and sexist behavior, which does not promote equality. We want to send a sign of international solidarity.”

Organizers called the Neukölln rally “a gathering, a rally, a place to be together and voice that white supremacy will not prevail … a day to continue the fight that has been going on for centuries, and not let down all the work that has been done so far.” They called on protesters “to stand in solidarity with all queers, trans people, people of color, Muslims, Mexicans, women, refugees, and every marginalized person on this planet.” …

In a candid assessment on Friday, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said the US’s new top Republican  was ignorant of the EU and how it worked. http://www.dw.com/en/as-us-reels-berlin-takes-to-streets-against-trump/a-36370230

While protesters are saying that Donald Trump is stirring up hatred, it appears a lot of protesters are doing that themselves.

As far as violence goes, the Bible shows that God is against violence and that destruction will come because of it:

23 ‘Make a chain,
For the land is filled with crimes of blood,
And the city is full of violence.
24 Therefore I will bring the worst of the Gentiles,
And they will possess their houses;
I will cause the pomp of the strong to cease,
And their holy places shall be defiled. (Ezekiel 7:23-24)

28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality…30…violent, proud, boasters,…31…unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them. (Romans 1:28-32)

8…And the violence of the land and the city, And of all who dwell in it. ( Habakkuk 2:8)

Notice the violence is prophesied to result in the worst of the Gentiles to come and take possession of houses–this will happen to the USA during the Great Tribulation (see also When Will the Great Tribulation Begin?).

There will be more violence in the USA.