Church of God News

Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) Launch

COGwriter

The USA reported that it shot down a test missile with its THAAD system:

US successfully tests THAAD missile system amid North Korean tensions

July 11, 2017

The U.S. on Tuesday test-fired its THAAD anti-ballistic missile system from Alaska that successfully intercepted a target missile launched from an Air Force Cargo plane north of Hawaii.

The drill was previously scheduled in June and comes a week after North Korea successfully test-launched an intermediate-range ballistic missile capable of hitting Alaska.

THAAD is used to intercept short- and intermediate-range ballistic missiles. It does not target intercontinental ballistic missiles. The U.S. has a perfect record on launches, hitting 14 out of 14 targets.

“I couldn’t be more proud of the government and contractor team who executed this flight test today,” said Missile Defense Agency Director Lt. Gen. Sam Greaves. “This test further demonstrates the capabilities of the THAAD weapon system and its ability to intercept and destroy ballistic missile threats. THAAD continues to protect our citizens, deployed forces and allies from a real and growing threat.” http://www.foxnews.com/us/2017/07/11/us-successfully-tests-thaad-missile-system-amid-north-korean-tensions.html

How well THAAD would work in a real battle with a nation like North Korea is unclear. The USA wants more THAAD systems in South Korea in the event of conflict with North Korea.

Three months ago (on April 11, 2017), Donald Trump sent the following from his Twitter account: “North Korea is looking for trouble. If China decides to help, that would be great. If not, we will solve the problem without them! U.S.A.” Donald Trump, if he is looking for a military solution, likely has enough statements and actions from North Korea to legally ‘justify’ one, though the North Koreans also think the same thing.

It may well be that the USA has held off military action to give it more time to test and produce more THAAD systems.

Internationally, North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump are both considered to be unpredictable. The USA wants to change the situation in North Korea, while North Korea seems willing to risk itself against the USA (e.g. North Korea launches ICBM and says it can hit anywhere: What will Donald Trump do?).

North Korea will NOT continue as it has been.

It has severe economic problems and leadership issues. Its people have been suffering for decades and are in my prayers.

In my view, North Korea will one day reunify (at least to a degree, if not totally) with South Korea.

Because of prophecies involving “the kings from the east” cooperating at the end (cf. Revelation 16:12; Daniel 11:44: “news from the east and the north shall trouble him”), we in the Continuing Church of God have long felt that somehow North and South Korea would likely be unified (or at least work more closely together) prior to the return of Jesus Christ. Notice something from Bible News Prophecy magazine, the July-September 2013 edition:

Perhaps I should add that because of prophecies involving “the kings from the east” cooperating at the end (cf. Revelation 16:12; Daniel 11:44), I have long felt that somehow North and South Korea would likely be unified (or at least work more closely together) prior to the return of Jesus Christ. The literal translation of Revelation 16:12 is “the kings of the sunrise” and thus this would seem to have to include Korea—which is amongst the most eastern of the nations.

But it could take a battle or more for that to happen. One that may not turn out well for the North Korean leadership.

Yet, caution is advised for any who think that since the USA can defeat North Korea militarily that North Korea would not try to set off a nuclear device (either through a launch or through some other means) that could hurt South Korea or the USA. Jesus spoke of a time of troubles prior to the Great Tribulation (Mark 13:7-8) and North Korea may well fit in with those.

Jesus said to “watch” (Mark 13:37) (Thiel B. Korea in Prophecy: Any Witness? Bible News Prophecy magazine, July-September 2013)

Notice also 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)

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. (Revelation 16:12)

The literal translation of Revelation 16:12 is “the kings of the sunrise” and thus this would seem to have to include Korea–which is among the most eastern of the nations.

It could take military conflict for that type of unity to happen. This may not turn out well for the North Korean leadership.

While the USA can defeat North Korea militarily, understand that North Korea could try to set off a nuclear device (either through a launch or through some other means, including covert terroristic ones) or take other military actions that could hurt South Korea or the USA. As reported here a couple of days ago, some believe it may attempt to hurt the USA through electromagnetic pulse (EMP) weapons (see North Korea poses electromagnetic-pulse threat to USA).

Notice also something that Jesus said which is pertinent to this situation with North Korea:

4 “Take heed that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. (Matthew 24:4-8)

While we are in the ‘beginning of sorrows,’ the end is not yet. Why? Because other events in the Bible, such as those that Jesus spoke of Matthew 24:9-20 have not happened yet (see also When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2017, 2018, or 2019?).

That being said, Jesus spoke of a time of troubles prior to the Great Tribulation (Mark 13:8) and North Korea may well fit in with those (we also have a video related to some of this, which is titled: Syria, North Korea, and Prophecy).

Though THAAD systems seem to have the potential to protect against SOME types of missile attacks, North Korea by now knows this. North Korea could take steps and cause serious problems for the USA prior to the start of the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21).

‘Caliph’ Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi

COGwriter

We have another report that the caliph/leader of the so-called Islamic State, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, is dead:

Monitoring group says ISIS members confirm leader’s death

July 11, 2017

LONDON — A London-based monitoring group with a solid history of accurately reporting incidents from inside war-torn Syria said Tuesday that it had been able to confirm the death of Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

Russia said in June that there was a “high degree of probability” al-Baghdadi had been killed in a Russian airstrike at the end of May. Moscow first made the claim on June 16, saying it had evidence he was among a group of ISIS leaders targeted at a meeting just outside the terror group’s de facto capital in Raqqa, Syria.

U.S. and Iraqi officials cast doubt on the claim then …

The director of the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) told CBS News that  a “1st tier and two 2nd tier ISIS commanders from Deir Ezzor” had confirmed al-Baghdadi’s death.

SOHR director Ramy Abdel Rahman told CBS News by phone that the sources “could not say when Baghdadi died, or whether he succumbed to injuries he sustained in an attack.”

ISIS has now lost the largest population center it controlled in Iraq, the city of Mosul, and is surrounded by U.S.-allied and Syrian forces in Raqqa. The size of the group’s self-declared “Islamic caliphate” has shrunk around 60 percent over the last several years.

If confirmed, al-Baghdadi’s death would be a huge symbolic blow to the Sunni Muslim extremist group, which many experts expect to convert in the coming months into a more traditional insurgency — still hell-bent on carrying out deadly attacks as and where it can, but without holding significant territory in either Iraq or Syria.

Baghdadi hasn’t been heard from since late 2016. http://www.cbsnews.com/news/abu-bakr-al-baghdadi-islamic-state-of-iraq-levant-isis-leader-dead-sohr-says/

July 11, 2017

ISTANBUL — A group that monitors the war in Syria said Tuesday it has “confirmed information” about the death of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leader of the Islamic State, citing information received from the militants in eastern Syria.

Baghdadi’s death has been rumored numerous times in the past, and it was not immediately possible to independently verify the claim. There also were no immediate announcements from the Islamic State’s news channels.

The U.S. Central Command said in a statement, “We cannot confirm this report, but hope it is true.” https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/death-of-islamic-state-leader-confirmed-by-militant-fighters-says-syrian-monitoring-group/2017/07/11/c2a059e0-6636-11e7-94ab-5b1f0ff459df_story.html?utm_term=.c902c14a39eb

11 July 2017

ISIS has finally admitted its leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is dead, according to reports in Iraq.

The terror group is said to have confirmed that the 45-year-old was killed in an air strike in the Iraqi province of Nineveh.

Reports claim ISIS fanatics are scrambling to find a successor to the terror chief, who announced the formation of the group’s so-called caliphate in Mosul in 2014.

A ban on jihadis talking about the leader’s death has now been lifted, according to a source who spoke to Iraqi media.

If confirmed, his death would mark another devastating blow to the jihadist group after its loss of Mosul, which Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said Monday had been retaken from ISIS after a gruelling months-long campaign. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4685292/ISIS-admits-leader-Abu-Bakr-al-Baghdadi-dead.html#ixzz4mX9zDS1T

Presuming Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is actually dead, that is consistent with my longstanding belief that this Islamic State leader would not succeed to become the leader of the biblically prophesied King of the South.

On June 30, 2014, I questioned whether or not he would survive (see ISIL declares itself ‘Islamic State’ and Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi as caliph). Later, in 2014 and 2015, I made the following posts:

The Islamic State … I do not believe its leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi will become the biblical King of the South. (Thiel B. Islamic State kills 500 Yazidis who would not convert; 20,000 hidden escape; USA drops more bombs. COGwriter.com, August 10, 2014)

Despite his image of itself, {it} remains my opinion that the leader of the so-called Islamic State, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, will not become the King of the South of Bible prophecy. (Thiel B. Islamic State believes it will beat the ‘Roman’ armies in Syria. COGwriter.com, March 30, 2015)

Here is something I posted at this news page on February 23, 2017:

Will the ‘Islamic State’ under its ‘Caliph’ Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi survive?

No.

I have written that since the Islamic State made major ‘progress’ years ago. (Thiel B. Islamic State facing military and financial losses: Will it survive?. COGwriter.com, February 23, 2017)

While the final King of the South will be brutal and Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was/has been a brutal, I did not believe that he could be the one to fulfill certain biblical prophecies (e.g. Daniel 11:27; Ezekiel 30:4-5). News events seem to be confirming my published views that he could not be the prophesied King of the South.

Here is some earlier background information about him:

Ibrahim Awwad Ibrahim Ali al-Badri al-Samarrai (Arabic: ابراهيم عواد ابراهيم علي البدري السامرائي‎), most commonly known as Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi (أبو بكر البغدادي), and also as Dr. Ibrahim, Abu Dua (أبو دعاء), and Caliph Ibrahim, is the leader and so-called caliph (head of state) of the Islamic State controlled by the militant Islamist group, the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), alternatively translated as the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

The formation of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant was announced on 8 April 2013 in a statement by al-Baghdadi. It is the successor to the Islamic State of Iraq (ISI) militant group (aka Al-Qaeda in Iraq or AQI), which was the Iraqi division of the international Islamist militant organization al-Qaeda…

On 29 June 2014, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant was renamed the Islamic State and al-Baghdadi was named its Caliph,using his actual name, Ibrahim…

Al-Baghdadi is believed to have been born in Samarra, Iraq, in 1971. Reports suggest that he was a imam at around the time of the US-led 2003 invasion of Iraq.

He holds a PhD in Islamic studies from a university in Baghdad…

In 2014, it was reported that Al-Baghdadi was in US custody in 2005, and was held at Camp Bucca, a US-controlled detention facility in Iraq, until he was transferred to Iraqi control in 2009 and released later that year under an agreement signed by President George W. Bush the previous year. (Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, Wikipedia, viewed 06/30/14)

So, US President George Bush released Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. But I should add that policies from the Obama Administration helped fuel the rise of his Islamic State.

As far as the Islamic State itself goes, it will be defeated. It has been attacked by Iraq, Syria, USA, France, Jordan, Egypt, and others. It is losing territory and essentially lost one of its major strongholds in the last few days (see Islamic State defeated in Mosul? What’s ahead?).

Despite its coming defeat, the time will come when a number of states in the Middle East and North Africa will form a coalition (Daniel 11:40-43), likely with Western encouragement, partially to deal with Islamic terrorists.

Even if Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is not dead yet, let me add that there is no way I believe that he will lead the coalition that the Bible refers to as led by the King of the South (Daniel 11:40-43). But his goal of a confederation of predominantly Islamic nations will come to pass (cf. Ezekiel 30:2-8; see also The Prophesied ‘Islamic’ Confederation).

Several items of possibly related interest may include:

The Arab and Islamic World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam? What about the Imam Mahdi? What lies ahead for Turkey, Iran, and the other non-Arabic Muslims? An item of possibly related interest in the Spanish language would be: Líderes iraníes condenan la hipocresía de Occidente y declaran que ahora es tiempo para prepararse para el Armagedón, la guerra, y el Imán Mahdi.
Is the Future King of the South Rising Up? Some no longer believe there needs to be a future King of the South. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? Might this King be called the Mahdi or Caliph? What does the Bible say? A YouTube video of related interest may be: The Future King of the South is Rising.
The Prophesied ‘Islamic’ Confederation Where is an Islamic caliphate prophesied? Will one happen? Should you be concerned about it? A related video is Will an Arabic Calphiphate Destroy the West?
Iraq, the King of the South, Armageddon, and Prophecy What will happen to Iraq? Is it the prophesied Mystery Babylon? What is Armageddon and how does that have to do with Iraq? Here is a related video Iraq, Armageddon, & Prophecy.
How Will Middle East Peace be Brought About? Can humans bring peace to the Middle East? Here is a link to a related video: Middle East Peace? When?
The ‘Peace Deal’ of Daniel 9:27 This prophecy could give up to 3 1/2 years advance notice of the coming Great Tribulation. Will most ignore or misunderstand its fulfillment? Here is a link to a related sermon video Daniel 9:27 and the Start of the Great Tribulation.
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Saxon (non-Dutch) Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo-Saxon nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first? Here is a link to the Spanish version of this article: Anglo-América & las Tribus Perdidas de Israel. Information is also in the YouTube sermons titled Where are the Ten Lost Tribes? Why does it matter? and British are the Covenant People. A short YouTube of prophetic interest may be Barack Obama and the State of the Apocalypse.
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2017, 2018, or 2019? 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: Will the Great Tribulation Start in 2017?

Irvin Baxter’s Four Horsemen (Endtime Ministries Website)

COGwriter

A while back, I caught a few minutes of Irvin Baxter’s End of the Age program where he discussed Islam and his view of the ‘four horsemen of the apocalypse.

He claimed that each of the four horsemen represented one of four spirits. He claimed that the white horseman represented the Roman Catholic Church, the red horseman represented communism, the black horseman represented capitalism, and the green horseman represented Islam.

He showed at least part of the illustration shown at the beginning of this post. He claimed it was amazing how all of these (supposedly) fit in with Bible prophecy.

One of his biggest ‘proofs’ is that he showed a video clip that had a greenish image fade in a crowd prior to the overthrow of Egypt’s President Hosni Mubarak. He said this was proof that his ‘green horse’ was Islam. He showed the video clip at least three times that I noticed. The clip reminded me of an email that an Eastern Orthodox supporter in eastern Europe (Bulgaria, I believe) of an ‘angel’ which supposedly proved that the Eastern Orthodox faith was the correct one (see also Satan’s Plan).

But the criteria for truth is the Bible and the Bible does NOT endorse the Eastern Orthodox faith nor Irvin Baxter’s interpretation of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

Anyway, here is some information written by Irvin Baxter on his views on the four horsemen and Islam:

Revelation 6:1-8 depicts four riders on white, red, black and pale horses. These spirits have competed with each other and patrolled and dominated the earth for the entire last century. They certainly appear to fulfill Bible prophecies concerning the very Antichrist philosophic and political movements of Catholicism, Communism, Capitalism and Islam as we move towards the end of days.

The Fourth Horse “The Green Horse”

The translators of the King James Version of the Bible used the word “pale” for the fourth horse, which is better translated “green” from the original Greek word, “chloros.” Green is the universally identifiable color of Islam.

“And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with death.” (Revelation 6:8)

According to a 2013 report in muslimpopulation.com, Islam has 2.04 billion adherents, 23% of the world population, projected to be 2.8 billion by 2014. According to a 2013 report in The Economist magazine, over 70% of Muslims support Sharia law and 90% support execution of apostates.

The Mark of Islam: Death

The green horse is marked by death. Islam is associated around the world with the nearly 3,000 deaths in the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks, and the over 22,594 deadly terror attacks around the world since that time, according to thereligionofpeace.com. It is the culture of death. Yet, Islam claims to be the “religion of peace.” http://www.endtime.com/islam/ accessed 07/05/15

Is any or all of that right? And he is not the only one pushing this.

Here is something from a preacher named Ken Raggio:

Who are the Four Horsemen? Catholicism. Communism. Capitalism. Islam.
It’s in the Bible! …

THE FOURTH HORSE – The “Pale” Horse

NOW, I want to address one more very important component of this topic – the subject of the FOURTH HORSE – the Pale Horse. This one is too amazing to believe on first glance, but take my word for it; you WILL see the evidence shortly!

The translators of the original King James Version of the Bible (1611) gave us the word PALE for the fourth horse. Let’s look at how they came up with that. In the GREEK text, the word “chloros” is present. “Chloros” means GREEN. It is the same as seen in the world chlorophyll, which is the green color of plants. Obviously, the translators could not imagine a green horse, so provided the word “pale” instead. The Old Testament reference to the fourth horse in the KJV said, “grizzled and bay.” However, neither of those words appear in the ancient Hebrew. The best interpretation is “strong-colored” horse.

Therefore, when we look at the fourth horse in both Zechariah and Revelation, we see a “strong-colored” – “green” horse.

The universally identifiable color of Islam is green. Look at virtually ANYTHING that has to do with Islam, and you will see GREEN.

So, Islam is the green horse of death seen in Revelation 6:8. The prophecy there foretells Islam’s patrolling fully one-fourth of the earth, now 1.5 billion people.

Due to Islam’s growth and subsequent threats in even Western nations such as England, France, and Spain, anti-Americanism is flourishing in many new places. Islam is a driving force in more and more nations around the world, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Kashmir, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Turkey, all the Eastern Block nations of Europe, Russia, and many others. Radical extremism around the globe, including cells in America pose increasing threats to Israel and America’s futures.

DEATH is the trademark of the GREEN HORSE. Can anyone question the accuracy of that prophecy when Islam today is associated around the world with the nearly 3000 deaths in the World Trade Center attack of 9-11-01, and over 8,000 subsequent Muslim bombings around the world since that time? Where is this so-called “religion of peace”??

Muslim clerics cynically boast that the West loves life, but that Islam loves death. They teach their followers that the most glorious path to paradise is martyrdom – death by killing others while performing the act of suicide. …

In the first half of Daniel’s 70th week, (in the first 3.5 of the last 7 years before Armageddon) the Holy Roman Empire, also known as the European Union, backed by the Roman Catholic Church, will enjoy a short-termed renaissance, and global supremacy.

In the middle of that seven years, Antichrist will impose the Mark of the Beast with Roman Catholic Church endorsement.

But as Islam quickly takes over London, Madrid and other population centers of Europe, Islam is likely to challenge the Roman Catholic Church’s influence on politics. …

I predict that Islam will, at the end of the seven years, finally rise up to take control of Europe and simultaneously destroy the Roman Catholic Church. (Raggio K. The Four Horsemen of Revelation. Copyright 1988-2010. http://kenraggio.com/KRPN-CathComCap.htm)

Both Irvin Baxter and Ken Raggio teach that the first horse represents the Catholic Papacy, the second horse Communism, the third horse Capitalism, and the fourth horse Islam.

Now let’s again look at the opening of the fourth seal. This fourth horsemen represents pestilence and death:

7 When He opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, “Come and see.” 8 So I looked, and behold, a pale horse. And the name of him who sat on it was Death, and Hades followed with him. And power was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword, with hunger, with death, and by the beasts of the earth. (Revelation 6:7-8)

Irvin Baxter and Ken Raggio claim that this refers to Islam. Yet, Islam has not been killing people with hunger and by the beasts of the earth (pestilence). It has not killed a quarter of the earth’s population, nor will it. Although it does appear to be prophesied to cause death (e.g. Psalm 83:4-8 ) and lands dominated by it look to be part of the final King of the South (Daniel 11:40-43), this would mainly be through terrorism and war. Islam most assuredly is NOT the fourth horseman of the apocalypse. Irvin Baxter and Ken Raggio are wrong about the identity of the fourth horseman, even if Islam does contribute to some of the prophesied deaths.

To determine why they are wrong we need to look at the Bible and world history while we consider each of the four horsemen individually.

The four horsemen are listed in the Book of Revelation chapter 6. They are listed sequentially and each one begins to ride after a seal is open.

The first horsemen represents a successful false ecumenical religion:

1 Now I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals; and I heard one of the four living creatures saying with a voice like thunder, “Come and see.” 2 And I looked, and behold, a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer. (Revelation 6:1-2)

Could this represent some version of catholicism as Irvin Baxter claimed?

Well, if catholicism means ‘universalism,’ which it does, and Irvin Baxter means a church that will use the term ‘Catholic’ to refer to itself, then yes, Irvin Baxter is correct. Basically, my read of scriptures, such as Daniel 11:36-38, Revelation 13:4-8, and Revelation 17, confirms that in the end time, a church of the city of seven hills that has political connections (Revelation 17) will be changed by the influences of a political leader (Revelation 13:1-10; Daniel 11:36-38) and false prophet (Revelation 13:11-18). They will be successful for a time, until their destruction will come (Revelation 19).

Now let’s look at the opening of the second seal. This second horsemen represents war:

3 When He opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, “Come and see.” 4 Another horse, fiery red, went out. And it was granted to the one who sat on it to take peace from the earth, and that people should kill one another; and there was given to him a great sword. (Revelation 6:3-4)

Irvin Baxter claims that this second horseman represents communism. That is not the case. While red is the color of the communists and communists have engaged in war, communism per se did not take peace from the earth. Communism did not cause either World War I nor World War II. Nor will communism cause World War III (see also World War III: Steps in Progress). Irvin Baxter’s interpretation of this is wrong.

Now let’s look at the opening of the third seal. This third horsemen represents food shortages and famine:

5 When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come and see.” So I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. 6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine.” (Revelation 6:5-6)

Irvin Baxter claims that this third horseman is capitalism. That is not the case. Capitalism existed before communism, thus this interpretation of the third seal is in sequential error. God does not make those type of mistakes.

Furthermore, history suggests that communism causes more food shortages than capitalism. Irvin Baxter’s interpretation of this is wrong.

Now let’s look at the opening of the fourth seal. This fourth horsemen represents pestilence and death:

7 When He opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, “Come and see.” 8 So I looked, and behold, a pale horse. And the name of him who sat on it was Death, and Hades followed with him. And power was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword, with hunger, with death, and by the beasts of the earth. (Revelation 6:7-8)

Irvin Baxter claims that this refers to Islam. Islam has not been killing people with hunger and by the beasts of the earth (pestilence). It has not killed a quarter of the earth’s population, nor will it. Although it does appear to be prophesied to cause death (e.g. Psalm 83:4-8) and lands dominated by it look to be part of the final King of the South (Daniel 11:40-43), this would mainly be through terrorism and war. Islam most assuredly is NOT the fourth horseman of the apocalypse (see also Fourth Horseman of the Apocalypse). Irvin Baxter is wrong about the identity of the fourth horseman, even if Islam does contribute to some of the prophesied deaths.

Overall, Irvin Baxter is wrong about his identification of three of the four horsemen of Revelation 6. Yet, he has a significant following. Those who want to live as a Christian should pay attention to biblical prophecy, but need to be careful that they do not follow those that are in significant prophetic and doctrinal error.

While many prophecy watchers will rightly discount Irvin Baxter (and Ken Raggio), let me state that all real and claimed Christian groups outside of the Continuing Church of God that I have looked into related to prophetic teachings ALL have provably clear prophetic errors. Here is a link to some related to Protestantism: Dangerous Protestant Prophetic Errors. Some related to Catholicism are in the article Which Is Faithful: The Roman Catholic Church or the Continuing Church of God? And here is a link that has 38 prophetic errors related to the Laodicean COG groups: The Laodicean Church Era.

Protestants are not the only ones with prophetic error (see also Why Be Concerned About False and Heretical Leaders? and How To Determine If Someone is a True Prophet of God).

In the Continuing Church of God:

19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts (2 Peter 1:19, KJV).

The Bible says:

21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. (1 Thessalonians 5:21, KJV)

Some items of related interest may include:

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.
Fourth Horseman of the Apocalypse What is the pale horse of death and pestilences? What will it bring and when? Spanish: El cuarto jinete de Apocalipsis, el caballo pálido de muerte y pestilencia.
Satan’s Plan Does Satan have a plan? What is it? Has it already been successful? Will it be successful in the future? Here are links to a two-part sermon series: What are Some of the Parts of Satan’s Plan? and Satan’s Plan is More Dramatic than Many Realize.
Which Is Faithful: The Roman Catholic Church or the Continuing Church of God? Do you know that both groups shared a lot of the earliest teachings? Do you know which church changed? Do you know which group is most faithful to the teachings of the apostolic church? Which group best represents true Christianity? This documented article answers those questions. [Português: Qual é fiel: A igreja católica romana ou a igreja do deus?]
Why Should American Catholics Fear Unity with the Orthodox? Are the current ecumenical meetings a good thing or will they result in disaster? Is doctrinal compromise good? Here is a link to a related video Should you be concerned about the ecumenical movement?
Will the Interfaith Movement Lead to Peace or Sudden Destruction? Is the interfaith movement going to lead to lasting peace or is it warned against? A video sermon of related interest is: Will the Interfaith Movement lead to World War III? and a video sermon is also available: Do You Know That Babylon is Forming?
Some Similarities and Differences Between the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Continuing Church of God Both groups claim to be the original church, but both groups have differing ways to claim it. Both groups have some amazing similarities and some major differences. Do you know what they are?
Orthodox Must Reject Unity with the Roman Catholics Unity between these groups will put them in position to be part of the final end time Babylon that the Bible warns against as well as require improper compromise.
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?
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2017, 2018, or 2019? 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: Will the Great Tribulation Start in 2017?
Dangerous Protestant Prophetic Errors What are some errors that various Protestants hold to that will tend to prevent them from knowing when the Great Tribulation will begin? A related video is titled Ten Dangerous Protestant Prophetic Errors.
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?
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?
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? 2026 or 20xx? There is also a video titled The 6000 Year Plan: Is the end of humanity’s reign almost up?
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.
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?
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?

NASA map of area most affected by total eclipse August 21, 2017

COGwriter

A massive solar eclipse is expected on August 21, 2017.

Many in the State of Oregon hope to profit from it as does the US Post Office:

July 10, 2017

On Aug. 21, Oregon will experience a rare total solar eclipse. That morning, the moon will completely obscure the sun in a narrow path that stretches across the entire state. And you can bet that many people watching this astronomical showstopper will be wearing commemorative t-shirts and hats, and drinking out of souvenir glasses and mugs.

Step into any Made In Oregon store right now, along with many other retailers, and you’ll find a treasure-trove of eclipse-related products, ranging from inexpensive stickers and key chains, to prized pinot noir. …

You’ve got to hand it to the U.S. Postal Service for coming up with its solar eclipse Forever Stamp, which is touch-sensative. When you put your thumb on the eclipsed sun, your body heat reveals the surface of the moon, complete with details of the lunar surface. They’re sold in sheets of 16 stamps for $7.84 at your neighborhood post office (while supplies last). http://www.oregonlive.com/eclipse/2017/07/2017_total_solar_eclipse_tie-i.html

Is this solar eclipse the ‘end of the world,’ an important ‘sign from God,’ or just a natural phenomena?

Notice the following claims:

But what about some eclipse issue? Is it coming?

Yes, NASA reports that a total solar eclipse is coming:

Scientists are gearing up for a total solar eclipse on Aug. 21, 2017. The August 2017 total eclipse will be visible from an approximately 100-mile-wide path that cuts diagonally across the United States. Those in North America who are not along this narrow path—called the path of totality—will see a partial solar eclipse that day. The August 2017 eclipse will be the first total solar eclipse visible from the contiguous United States since Feb. 26, 1979. …

During a total solar eclipse, the moon completely blocks the sun’s incredibly bright face. This is possible because, though the sun’s diameter is about 400 times the moon’s diameter, the sun is also about 400 times farther away from us than the moon is, making them appear to be approximately the same size from Earth. With the face obscured, the sun’s atmosphere—the corona, which is about a million times dimmer than the face—becomes visible to eclipse-watchers. It was only because of total solar eclipses that early scientists could observe the sun’s wispy atmosphere, providing some of the earliest insight into our dynamic sun. Most modern solar observations of the corona are taken with an instrument called a coronagraph, which uses a disk to block the sun in a camera’s field of view, but coronagraphs obscure part of the inner corona as well—which doesn’t happen during a total eclipse.

“During a total solar eclipse, the moon is a near-perfect fit for the sun’s disk, so almost all of the corona is visible,” said Jack Ireland, a solar physicist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.

This means that a total eclipse can provide fantastic views of the sun’s inner corona, showing the large loops of solar material that dance through it. These eclipse events provide Earth-based scientists and photographers the chance to take more detailed images of the corona than space-based satellite missions can.

The solar eclipse of August 21, 2017 is simply a natural phenomena.

Yet, some are seriously concerned about it:

Apocalypse ‘coming in 2017’ after total solar eclipse hits US and UK

A TOTAL solar eclipse will plunge Britain and America into darkness – and bring on the end of the world …

Or so it’s claimed by one group of hardcore Christians, who believe they will soon be raptured into heaven.
And in their bid to prove it, they’ve rallied a series of bizarre calculations to their cause. …

They’re pointing to verses in the apocalyptic Bible book, Revelations, describing a woman clothed in the sun, with the moon at her feet. According to Scripture, this pregnant woman will be hunted by a Satanic seven-headed dragon eager to eat her unborn child. But the child will be born and taken unto god, the verses foretell, before the dragon is defeated by an angel army. More is made of Israel’s birth as a state, a process which began when the UK announced its withdrawal from Palestine in 1947.{2017} will mark 70 years since that announcement; a Biblical generation. http://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/latest-news/543062/Total-solar-eclipse-2017-apocalypse-end-times-world-US-America-UK-Europe-Bible-revelations

While a total solar eclipse is to take place on Monday, August 21, 2017, this will not possibly result in the end of the world. A solar eclipse is NOT a sign that the ‘great tribulation’ (Matthew 24:21) will begin. And since the great tribulation has not started, the world is not possibly going to end then.

As far as Israel and 1947/1948 goes, check out the video Israel, 1948, and Prophecy.

Mark Biltz also tries to tie this eclipse in with Revelation 12:

“Another very significant sign in the heavens is happening right after this year’s total solar eclipse on the first of Elul, beginning the month of repentance,” he noted. “A month later, we find during the Days of Awe from Rosh Hashanah on Tishri 1 and Yom Kippur on Tishri 10, there will be a confirmation of celestial events as described in the Book of Revelation. Revelation 12: 1-2 reads: ‘A great sign was seen in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. She was with child. She cried out in pain, laboring to give birth.’

“The woman clothed with the sun is the constellation Virgo and represents the nation of Israel. The 12 stars represent the 12 tribes of Israel. Interestingly, the constellation Leo, the Lion, which is above Virgo, is made up of nine stars. The Lion represents specifically the tribe of Judah. It just so happens this year during the Days of Awe, three planets will join the constellation Leo making up 12 stars. Virgo will be clothed with the sun, and the moon will be under her feet, fulfilling this sign to precise detail!”

Biltz believes these are signs God is reinserting Himself into human history as prophecy becomes fulfilled as never before. http://www.wnd.com/2017/04/solar-eclipse-across-u-s-called-a-sign-from-god/#BfXqXwly341WHZml.99

Two constellations that astrologers refer to appearing close is supposed to be a fulfillment of Revelation 12:1-2?

Preposterous!

As far as Revelation goes, chapter 12, which discusses the woman and fleeing does NOT refer to a solar eclipse. Here is the entire chapter:

1 Now a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a garland of twelve stars. 2 Then being with child, she cried out in labor and in pain to give birth.

3 And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great, fiery red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and seven diadems on his heads. 4 His tail drew a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was ready to give birth, to devour her Child as soon as it was born. 5 She bore a male Child who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron. And her Child was caught up to God and His throne. 6 Then the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, that they should feed her there one thousand two hundred and sixty days.

7 And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, 8 but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. 9 So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

10 Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. 11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. 12 Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time.”

13 Now when the dragon saw that he had been cast to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male Child. 14 But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she is nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent. 15 So the serpent spewed water out of his mouth like a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away by the flood. 16 But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed up the flood which the dragon had spewed out of his mouth. 17 And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. (Revelation 12:1-17)

It should be noted that Revelation 12:1-2 discusses the woman giving birth to Jesus. Later we see the ‘woman’ fleeing to the wilderness–this is not a reference to a rapture in heaven. Nor does the Bible say that the woman is the constellation Virgo.

As far as the ‘end’ goes, meaning for sake of argument the great tribulation (Matthew 24:21), it cannot start in 2017–for details watch the short video: Will the Great Tribulation Start in 2017?

Getting back to Mark Biltz, notice also the following:

Biltz said: “Just look at the biblical pattern. Many know the story of Jonah and Nineveh from the Bible, but not the historical background events as to what had already transpired, and why they repented. In 765 B.C., a plague broke out in Nineveh where even the king was not able to go out to war, as was custom. This was followed by a civil war and then another plague!

“An archaeological find of cuneiform tablets was found in the 19th century describing events in Nineveh. A famous eclipse mentioned in the tablets was known as the Bur-Sagale eclipse, which is verified by NASA as occurring on June 15, 763 BC. The path of totality was right over Nineveh. God had declared the sun and the moon were for signs, and now the Ninevites saw the wrath of God coming even before Jonah arrived a couple months later. When Jonah arrived, they were ripe for repentance.”

Biltz argued signs of this kind also occurred during the modern era just before cataclysmic events.

“Now fast-forward to another solar eclipse on August 21, but this time in 1914,” he said. “This is the first day of the month of Elul, which begins the month of repentance in ‘God’s Day Timer.’ The first of Elul is when Jonah began prophesying for 40 days. Just before the eclipse, we see on June 28th, 1914, through the month of August, the events of World War 1 begin! The path of totality of the eclipse was over Eastern Europe and the Ottoman Empire or Middle East, including Nineveh again. This was foretelling the destruction of the Ottoman Empire in World War I.”

Biltz suggests such cataclysms may be in store for the United States, especially given the timing of this event. …

Biltz says such celestial signs should always be viewed as part of a larger pattern. He has identified another astronomical pattern that will emerge just after the solar eclipse this year. http://www.wnd.com/2017/04/solar-eclipse-across-u-s-called-a-sign-from-god/#XlJFjO4DeOcdwBQK.99

Mark Biltz made similar types of arguments when he pushed his blood moon nonsense, and many Protestants thought he may have been right. We in the CCOG denounced the blood moon argument (see also Blood Moons and Prophecy) and we, not Mark Biltz, were proven right.

The Bible teaches:

2 The LORD says, “Do not start following pagan religious practices. Do not be in awe of signs that occur in the sky even though the nations hold them in awe. 3 For the religion of these people is worthless. They cut down a tree in the forest, and a craftsman makes it into an idol with his tools. 4 He decorates it with overlays of silver and gold. He uses hammer and nails to fasten it together so that it will not fall over. (Jeremiah 10:2-4, NET Bible)

Sadly, Mark Biltz is once again trying to tell people to be in awe of something that does not have prophetic significance. Do not be like the pagans and read things into astronomical phenomena that people like Mark Biltz are pushing. How he twists scriptures (cf. 2 Peter 3:16) and connects things while overlooking what the Bible teaches reminds me a lot of the late Harold Camping who detailed calculations and predictions were later proven wrong (see Harold Camping’s Teachings About the End of the World Do Not Agree with the Bible).

The great tribulation will come and Jesus will return, but following the signs that JESUS GAVE IN THE BIBLE (see When Will the Great Tribulation Begin?):

3 Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”

4 And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.

9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. 10 And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. 11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. 12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved. 14 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.

15 “Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand), 16 “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 17 Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. 18 And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. 19 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! 20 And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath. 21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. (Matthew 24:3-21)

The disciples asked about the end and Jesus gave them signs to look for. Real Christians are to “walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7), but many who claim to be Christian seem to often prefer to walk by sight and look to signs other than those Jesus said to look towards.

While the end is coming, the solar eclipse of 2017, like the ‘blood moons’ of 2014 and 2015, is NOT a sign that Jesus gave in Matthew 24 nor as shown in the Book of Revelation. Mark Biltz once again is pointing to his interpretations and attempting to say they mean some particular message from God. Although the USA does need national repentance, God is not sending a total eclipse as a means to do that. God has allowed many eclipses and they of themselves are NOT listed in the BIBLE as being of prophetic importance.

A solar eclipse is not a sign of the beginning of the great tribulation (see the 6th chapter of Revelation). A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun, thereby totally or partly obscuring the image of the Sun for a viewer on Earth. Casting a shadow does not end the world.

So why bother to post about the ‘solar eclipse’ or darkness prediction? Well, there are prophecies about the sun becoming dark:

29 “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30 Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. (Matthew 24:29-30)

12 I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood. 13 And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind. (Revelation 6:12-13)

So, the Book of Revelation, also called the Book of the Apocalypse, does refer to a time when the sun will be darkened. But this happens after the great tribulation according to Jesus, which begins with the opening of the fifth seal (and this cannot start before 2021, see When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? ), hence this eclipse in 2017 is NOT be a sign from God. Do not expect the fulfillment of Matthew 24:29 and Revelation 6:12 before 2023 at the earliest.

Why report about this? Because there are many false and heretical leaders that lead people astray on prophecy (2 Peter 2:1-2). Scoffers will not believe, but properly understood biblical prophecy will come to pass (2 Peter 3:1-12).

Sometimes false teachers mention the Bible to try to act like God sanctions their nonsense. And it is not just the secular fringe people, but also those who claim to be Christian or even claim to be in the Church of God.

Yet, those of us in the Continuing Church of God “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed” (2 Peter 1:19, KJV).

Why?

Because we believe the Bible over signs that many point to.

You should too.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Solar Eclipse and the Apocalypse According to NASA scientists, a massive solar eclipse is to occur on August 21, 2017. Some claim that it is apocalyptic and they will be raptured then. Mark Biltz, of ‘blood moon’ fame, citing Genesis 1:14, says this is a sign of God for national repentance. Is it? Could Jeremiah 10:2 apply here? Mark Biltz and others tie this August 2017 solar eclipse in with Revelation 12–is that possible? Is there any solar eclipse associated with the Apocalypse? If so, when is the soonest that prophecy can be fulfilled? Going through biblical passages, including the words of Jesus, Dr. Thiel provides answer to those questions. This is a video.
Will the Great Tribulation Start in 2017? There are various theories, signs, and opinions of ones who believe that the Great Tribulation will start in 2017. Some point to Nostradamus, some point to Fatima, some point to a solar eclipse for 21 August 2017, some point to Donald Trump, some point to Jubilee cycles, some point to the rebirth of the nation of Israel, some point to a possible Shemitah year, some point to a Jewish sage, others point to the Bible, and some claim a combination of reasons why the Bible supports their view that the tribulation will begin in 2017. Is it at all possible for the Great Tribulation to begin in 2017? Dr. Thiel goes over various theories and shows what the Bible actually teaches. This is a video.
Wormwood and Planet Nibiru Will the Earth be devastated by Planet X or Comet Encke? What about Planet Nine? Here is a link to a related YouTube video Could Comet ISON be Wormwood of Bible Prophecy?
Planet Nibiru to Destroy Earth by 2017? Some say NASA has identified Plant X, also called Planet Nine or Nibiru or even Planet 7X. One prophecy watcher has stated that this planet will destroy Planet Earth by January 1, 2017. Is this possible? While the Bible tells of a destructive power called ‘Wormwood’ will come from outer space to destroy much of the Earth in Revelation 8, can Wormwood hit by 2017? Dr. Thiel explains from the Bible why Wormwood could be a comet and why the Bible and not those who misinterpret it should be trusted. This is a video.
Blood Moons, Eclipses, and Prophecy There were four ‘blood moons’ expected in 2014 and 2015. Some claimed that they signaled the Day of the Lord or the return of Jesus Christ. I denounced that view in advance. Now some point to a solar eclipse in 2017–is that a ‘sign from God’? A YouTube video is also available: Blood Moons, Prophecy, 2014, and 2015.
Harold Camping’s Teachings About the End of the World Do Not Agree with the Bible Harold Camping taught that the rapture will be on May 21, 2011 and the world would end on October 21, 2011. What does the Bible show?
The Dangerous Rise of Preterists Has the Great Tribulation finished? What was the view of early Christians? Why is the preterist view dangerous?
Zephaniah’s ‘Gather Together’ Prophecy Is it safe to be ‘independent’ or in a non-Philadelphin Church of God? What did God inspire Zephaniah to write?
Is There A Secret Rapture for the Church? When and Where is the Church Protected? What does the Bible really teach? Does the Church flee or is it taken up just prior to the great tribulation? Who really is left behind? There is also a YouTube video with information Did Jesus Teach a Pre-tribulation Rapture?
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?
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.
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.
Laodicean Warning for God’s People Is there really a place of safety? Do God’s people need to be warned? Warned for what?
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.
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.
The Elijah Heresies Does the Bible teach that there will be a future Elijah? Must it be Herbert W. Armstrong?
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?
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2017, 2018, or 2019? 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?

Official Seal of the Islamic State

COGwriter

The group calling itself the Islamic State (also known as ISIL or ISIS) is suffering losses:

10 July 2017

Iraqi security forces are clearing the final pockets of resistance by Islamic State militants in the city of Mosul.

Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi went to Mosul on Sunday to congratulate his troops on “liberating” the city, but he stopped short of declaring victory. …

On Monday morning, Iraqi army officers estimated that only a few dozen militants were still putting up resistance in a small part of the Old City, near the western bank of the River Tigris. Most of the civilians left there were believed to be members of the militants’ families, who were being used as human shields, they added. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-40555602

July 10, 2017

Iraq Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi last night declared ­victory in the “liberated” city of Mosul after a gruelling nine-month battle against Islamic State.

A photo on Mr Abadi’s official Twitter account showed him dressed in a black military uniform and cap as he arrived in Mosul to announce the recapture of the city.

Mr Abadi “arrives in the liberated city of Mosul and congratulates the heroic fighters and the Iraqi people on the achievement of the major victory”, his office said in a statement.

Jubilant interior ministry forces were seen flashing V-for-victory signs and posing for selfies in front of each other holding ­Islamic State’s ­notorious black flag upside down.

But fighting did not seem to be completely over, with gunfire still audible in Mosul and airstrikes hitting the city around the time the Prime Minister’s office released the statement.

Iraqi forces launched the Mosul operation in October, first fighting their way to the city, retaking its east and then assaulting its western side, where some of the heaviest fighting occurred.

The battle has taken a heavy toll on civilians, forcing more than 900,000 to flee their homes; only a fraction have returned, ­accor­ding to the United Nations.

And security forces have also suffered heavy losses, with thousands killed and wounded, though official casualty figures have not been released by Iraqi authorities.

The recapture of Mosul does not, however, mark the end of the threat posed by Islamic State, which holds territory elsewhere in Iraq and is able to carry out ­frequent bombings in government-held areas

But the defeat is the biggest yet for Islamic State since it seized Mosul in 2014 in a lightning ­offensive that swept across much of the country’s Sunni Arab heartland, and it proclaimed a “caliphate” straddling Iraq and Syria. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/mosul-victory-imminent-us-says-as-iraqi-forces-celebrate/news-story/844cbb4b84ef8c15a9a10a6524f11498

Well, the Islamic State is suffering losses, but still exists. As I have written for years, the group calling itself the Islamic State would not survive as it is and its caliph (who Russia claimed it killed, but Western sources are not certain of this–see also Russia says it may have killed Islamic State’s Caliph Baghdadi) will NOT become the King of the South of biblical prophecy (Daniel 11:40-43) (watch also Why does the Islamic State kill and terrorize?).

Here is something I posted on this page in 2014:

The Islamic State … I do not believe its leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi will become the biblical King of the South. (Thiel B. Islamic State kills 500 Yazidis who would not convert; 20,000 hidden escape; USA drops more bombs. COGwriter.com, August 10, 2014)

Does this mean that the threat is not over?

No.

Many terrorists associated with the Islamic State still exist. Some will continue to fight and terrorize.

Furthermore, there is another group which has more of a chance to put together a caliphate consisting of nations in the Middle East and Northern Africa like the Islamic State tried to do. That group is called the Muslim Brotherhood. While it has similar goals as the Islamic State, its approach and tactics appear to be more likely to succeed.

As it turns out, the Islamic State is bitterly opposed to the Muslim Brotherhood. So much so, its lead article in the October 2016 edition of its magazine Dabiq stated this:

Over the last few decades, a devastating cancer has emerged, mutated, and spread, attempting to drown the entire Ummah in apostasy. Starting in an Egyptian city in “1928CE,” it quickly spread across Egypt into Shām, Iraq, and eventually much of the lands usurped by the murtadd tawāghīt. It then spread into the West – America, Europe, and Australia – and other countries throughout the world. Wherever there were communities of Muslims, it at – tempted to take hold of their affairs and instill within them a religion other than Islam, in the name of Islam. … The cancer known as “Jamā’at al-Ikhwān al-Muslīmīn” (The “Muslim Brotherhood” Group) 1 was founded in “1928CE” by Hasan al-Bannā … Since the founding of Rafd by the Jew Ibn Saba’, the sect has been at war with Islam, even cooperating several times with the pagans and the crusaders against the Muslims.

Jihād in this era is an obligation upon each and every Muslim as numerous lands of the Muslims have been usurped by the kuffār and numerous parties of apostasy have arisen therein. Until all these lands are retaken, cleansed of apostates, and ruled by the Sharī’ah, the obligation does not drop. … Allah c said, {And prepare against them whatever you are able of power and of steeds of war by which you may terrify the enemy of Allah and your enemy and others besides them whom you do not know [but] whom Allah knows} [Al-Anfāl: 60].(The Murtadd Brotherhood. Dabiq, issue 14, Islamic year 1437–October 2016, pp. 29,29, 36)

COGwriter

Sometime back, the Catholic Herald reported the following:

Cardinal Robert Sarah, the Vatican’s liturgy chief, has asked priests to begin celebrating Mass ad orientem, that is, facing east rather than towards the congregation.

The proposed reform is arguably the biggest liturgical announcement since Benedict XVI’s 2007 motu proprio Summorum Pontificum gave greater freedom for priests to celebrate the Traditional Latin Mass.

Speaking at the Sacra Liturgia conference in London on Tuesday, the Guinean cardinal, who is Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship, addressed priests who were present, saying: “It is very important that we return as soon as possible to a common orientation, of priests and the faithful turned together in the same direction – eastwards or at least towards the apse – to the Lord who comes”.

The cardinal continued: “I ask you to implement this practice wherever possible.”

He said that “prudence” and catechesis would be necessary, but told pastors to have “confidence that this is something good for the Church, something good for our people”.

“Your own pastoral judgement will determine how and when this is possible, but perhaps beginning this on the first Sunday of Advent this year, when we attend ‘the Lord who will come’ and ‘who will not delay’.”

These words were met with prolonged applause in the conference hall.

Cardinal Sarah had spoken on previous occasions about the merits of ad orientem worship, saying that from the Offertory onwards it was “essential that the priest and faithful look together towards the east”. http://www.catholicherald.co.uk/news/2016/07/05/cardinal-sarah-asks-priests-to-start-celebrating-mass-facing-east-this-advent/

So, the Vatican’s ‘liturgy chief’ says it is good for its priests to pray to the east.

Perhaps he and others may wish to read the Bible, as it objects to this. Here are quotes from the New Jerusalem Bible, which is a Roman Catholic translation of the scriptures into the English language:

¹⁵ He said, ‘Son of man, do you see that? You will see even more loathsome things than that.’

¹⁶ He then led me to the inner court of the Temple of Yahweh. And there, at the entrance to Yahweh’s sanctuary, between the portico and the altar, there were about twenty-five men, with their backs to Yahweh’s sanctuary and their faces turned towards the east, before the rising sun. (Ezekiel 8:15-16)

So, although the Bible warns against worship towards the east and associates with sun-god worship, the Church of Rome is encouraging this.

Why might the Church of Rome be encouraging something in conflict with the Bible here?

Well, sadly, many practices associated with sun-god worship, specifically Mithraism were adopted by the Church of Rome. Mithraism had priests pray towards the sun, which in the morning meant towards the east. Notice the following report from the Catholic scholar F. Cumont (bolding mine):

The priest was the intermediary between God and man. His functions evidently included the administration of the sacraments and the celebration of the services. The inscriptions tell us that in addition he presided at the formal dedications, or at least represented the faithful one on such an occasion along with the Fathers; but this was the least portion only of the duties he had to perform; the religious service which fell to his lot appears to have been very exacting. He doubtless was compelled to see that a perpetual fire burned upon the altars. Three times a day, at dawn, at noon, and at dusk, he addressed a prayer to the Sun, turning in the morning toward the East, at noon toward the South, at evening toward the West. The daily liturgy frequently embraced special sacrifices.

…the orthodox and heretical liturgies of Christianity, which gradually sprang up during the first centuries of our era, could find abundant inspiration in the Mithraic Mysteries… it appears certain that the commemoration of the Nativity was set for the 25th of December, because it was at the winter solstice that the rebirth of the invincible god,* the Natalis invicti, was celebrated. In adopting this date, which was universally distinguished by sacred festivities, the ecclesiastical authority purified in some measure the profane usages which it could not suppress. The only domain in which we can ascertain in detail the extent to which Christianity imitated Mithraism is that of art. The Mithraic sculpture, which had been first developed, furnished the ancient Christian marble-cutters with a large number of models, which they adopted or adapted…(Cumont, pp. 166, 193,196-197).

Many of the doctrines and practices mentioned above were NOT held by the original Christians. For articles related to them, please see Do You Practice Mithraism?, Sunday and Christianity, What Does the Catholic Church Teach About Christmas and the Holy Days?, Did Early Christians Believe that Humans Possessed Immortality?, and What Did the Early Church Teach About Idols and Icons?

Even Wikipedia realizes that worship towards the east does not come from Christianity:

The practice of praying towards the East is older than Christianity (East. Wikipedia, accessed 07/06/16)

Eastern worship is condemned in the Continuing Church of God booklet Prayer: What Does the Bible Teach?:

Notice what Jesus Himself taught:

²³ But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. ²⁴ God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth. (John 4:23-24)

Many think that it does not matter what or how they worship, only that they make some attempt. That is not what Jesus said that the Father wants.

Jesus also taught:

⁸ “These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. ⁹ And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.” (Matthew 15:8-9)

People may pray out loud or silently, but notice that they can be worshiping God in vain if they are following the imaginations of their own mind or ‘traditions’ of human beings which are contrary to God’s ways. Intentionally praying to the east (Ezekiel 8:16) and certain holidays that many who claim Christianity observe, do not come from the Bible, but from compromises with pagan “traditions of men” (see also our booklet Should You Observe God’s Holy Days or Demonic Holidays?). …

While some have said that having icons around reminds them to pray, the Apostle John wrote:

²¹ Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen. (1 John 5:21).

He did not say that idols/icons should be around to encourage prayer. The pagans did that. And the Bible teaches that the true God does not want to be worshiped as other gods have been (Leviticus 18:24-30; Deuteronomy 12:29-31).

The Bible points to God’s throne being in the far north (Psalm 48:1,2; Job 37:22; Isaiah 14:13; Ezekiel 1:4) and when I pray, I tend to look towards the heavens to the north, presuming God’s throne is above that (cf. Isaiah 40:22). This helps remind me that God rules the expanses of the universe (Thiel B. Prayer: What Does the Bible Teach? Nazarene Books, 2015).

To learn more about what the Bible teach about prayer, check out our freeonline booklet Prayer: What Does the Bible Teach?

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Prayer: What Does the Bible Teach? This contains 28 biblically-based tips on improving the effectiveness of your prayers. This is a pdf. A related sermon is available and titled: What Does the Bible Teach About Prayer?
What Should I Pray About? An old article by Lynn Torrance on prayer. Here is a link to it in Mandarin Chinese 我应该祷告什么？
Importance of Fasting An old article by Herbert W. Armstrong on this subject. Here is a link to it in Mandarin Chinese 禁食的重要性.
What was the Liturgy of the Early Church? Were early church services mainly scriptural, emotional, or sacramental? Who follows the basic original liturgy today? A related video is also available: What were early Christian church services like?
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.
Should You Observe God’s Holy Days or Demonic Holidays? This is a free pdf booklet explaining what the Bible and history shows about God’s Holy Days and popular holidays.
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? A sermon video from Vatican City is titled Church of Rome, Mithras, and Isis?
Faith for those God has Called and Chosen What is faith? Can faith be increased? Are you saved by faith? What about works? Do Christians need to keep the Ten Commandments? What is the ‘faith chapter’? How do the just live by faith? Is faith one of the weightier matters of the law? How does faith come? Here is a link to a pdf. booklet titled Faith for Those God has Called and Chosen. Marque aquí para ver el pdf folleto: Fe para aquellos que Dios ha llamado y escogido.Here is a link to a related sermon titled: Faith for the Called and Chosen. Here is a link to shorter version of the written article in Mandarin Chinese 一篇关于信仰的小文章
Were the Early Duties of Elders/Pastors Mainly Sacramental? What was their Dress? Were the duties of the clergy primarily pastoral or sacramental? Did the clergy dress with special liturgical vestments? Can “bishops” be disqualified as ministers of Christ based on their head coverings?
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, and Ekegusii Omogano Bw’ekanisa Ya Nyasae Egendererete.
CCOG.ORG Continuing Church of God The group striving to be most faithful amongst all real Christian groups to the word of God. To see how CCOG has done so far, here are links to two sermons Continuing Church of God (CCOG) first year anniversary: What has been accomplished? and The Continuing Church of God: Two Years of Proclamation. Here is a written link to a version of that sermon in the Spanish language: Aniversario del primer año de la Continuación de la Iglesia de Dios: ¿Qué se ha cumplido?
CCOG.ASIA We in the Continuing Church of God also have the url www.ccog.asia which has a focus on Asia and has various articles in Mandarin Chinese as well as some in English, plus some items in other Asian languages. 我们在继续神的教会也提供此网址 www.ccog.asia, 关注于亚洲并且有各种各样的中英文文章，其中一些用菲律宾语翻译的文章也正在进行中，准备添加到这个网站中。 Here is a link to our Statement of Beliefs in Mandarin Chinese 继续神的教会的信仰声明.
CCOG.IN This is a website targeted towards those of Indian heritage. It has a link to an edited Hindi translation of The Mystery of the Ages and is expected to have more non-English language materials in the future.
CCOG.EU This is a website targeted toward Europe. It has materials in more than one language (currently it has English, Dutch, and Serbian, with links also to Spanish) and it is intended to have additional language materials added.
CCOG.NZ This is a website targeted towards New Zealand and others with a British-descended background.
CCOGCANADA.CA This is a website targeted towards those in Canada.
CDLIDD.ES La Continuación de la Iglesia de Dios. This is the Spanish language website for the Continuing Church of God.
PNIND.PH Patuloy na Iglesya ng Diyos. This is the Philippines website Continuing Church of God. It has information in English and Tagalog.
Bible News Prophecy online radio. This is an audio version of the Bible News Prophecy videos as well as some ContinuingCOG channel sermons. It is also available as a mobile app.
ContinuingCOG channel. Dr. Thiel has produced scores of YouTube video sermons for this channel. Note: Since these are sermon-length, they can take a little longer to load than other YouTube videos.

COGwriter

The British, Austrian, and UK journalists/commentators report that the US is no longer regarded as the world’s leader:

The G20 proves it. Because of Donald Trump, the world no longer looks to America for leadership

July 9, 2017

Until recently, the world looked to the US for leadership at such international forums. But in the six months since Trump entered the White House, that has all changed.

Now, on issues ranging from trade to climate change, on how to deal with problems such as Ukraine, the US has turned its back on the considered consensus. Even on subjects such as Article Five of Nato’s charter – the part that relates to mutual defence – Trump looks nothing less than wobbly.

The headlines at the end of the G20 were bad enough. The US was utterly alone on the issue of climate change, where the 19 other members agreed to push ahead with the Paris Accord to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the US refused. The US’s position was noted in the official communiqué issued at the conclusion of the meeting.

“Wherever there is no consensus that can be achieved, disagreement has to be made clear,” said Angela Merkel, the German host, not hiding her disappointment. “Unfortunately, and I deplore this, the United States of America left the climate agreement.”

On trade, language was reinserted to commit the members to condemn protectionism, something that had been done after Trump had raised the prospects of tariffs, especially for steel. …

“The two major issues for the meeting were trade and climate change. It was recognised the US was not going to change its position,” Thomas Bernes of Ontario’s Centre for International Governance and a former IMF official, told The Independent, speaking from Hamburg.

“[The countries] will not be looking to the US for leadership – they will be looking to Trudeau, Macron and Merkel. From everyone, I’ve been speaking to, they don’t think this is going to change.” http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/g20-hamburg-donald-trump-world-leadership-climate-change-trade-no-longer-communiqu-a7831186.html

July 9, 2017

Chris Uhlmann, the political editor at the government-funded Australian Broadcasting Corporation, is now a ‘celebrity’ worldwide after his anti-Trump tirade live on Aussie TV went viral on Twitter.

As The Hill reports, his blistering critique began by calling Trump an “uneasy, lonely, awkward figure” who had “no desire and no capacity to lead the world” in a two-minute report from the streets of Hamburg after the summit wrapped up.

Uhlmann  went on to say…

 “Donald Trump has pressed fast forward on the decline of the United States as a global leader.”

“Some will cheer the decline of America, but I think we’ll miss it when it’s gone – and that’s the biggest threat to the values of the West, which he claims to hold so dear.”

He specifically criticized Trump for the president’s opposition to the Paris climate deal – saying the U.S. “was left isolated and friendless” – and for not leading a statement condemning North Korea’s recent missile test. http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2017-07-09/fast-forward-decline-america-australian-reporters-anti-trump-tirade-goes-viral

David Gergen: For the first time, US president is ‘no longer regarded as world leader’

July 9, 2017

Veteran political insider David Gergen appears to have offered some conflicting views on Friday about President Trump’s performance at the G20 summit in Germany.

The former White House adviser, who has served under both Republican and Democratic administrations, initially appeared on a CNN panel calling Trump “presidential.”

Gergen focused on the apparent successes stemming from Trump’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin including confronting the issue of election hacking, discussing future cyberattacks, and possibly working together on Syria.

He then said, “This was presidential. This was big league stuff.”

But hours later, the Harvard professor reappeared on CNN, saying that “this is the first time I’ve seen a president come to a G20 meeting in which he’s no longer regarded as the leader, no longer regarded as the world leader.”

Gergen followed up the comment by saying, “Europe is going its own separate way. Japan just signed this big trade agreement with Europe. That is troubling.” https://www.aol.com/article/news/2017/07/09/david-gergen-for-the-first-time-us-president-is-no-longer-reg/23022490/

Before going further, let me state that Australia will more than miss the USA once its gone. After the USA is eliminated as a power, the Europeans and/or the Chinese with European assent will takeover Australia (watch also Are Chinese threats against Australia for real?).

Things are changing.

To any who pay attention to Bible prophecy, it should be troubling that, as David Gergen put it, “Europe is going its own separate way.”

Europe is going its own separate way on many fronts, including on military matters.

Notice the following:

July 6, 2017

Some European leaders are apparently coming around to the idea of spending more on defense. …

Last month, Europe’s chief executive appealed to EU governments to create a military alliance to better defend itself and enhance its power abroad.

Just days after unveiling a multi-billion euro plan to help fund European defense research, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker told a conference in Prague that EU members needed to better integrate their military assets and defense industries.

“I see the tide turning,” Juncker said, citing growing support in EU capitals for wider military cooperation.

“NATO can no longer be used as a convenient alibi to argue against greater European efforts,” he said, adding that the U.S. is “no longer interested in guaranteeing Europe’s security in our place.” http://www.cnbc.com/2017/07/06/nato-allies-military-spending-trump.html

Well, the recent G20 meeting (see also G20 concludes with increased tension with the USA; Pope Francis pushes for federal Europe) is making it clear to many that Europe and the USA are separating further. This turning of the tide is not turning back.

Oh yes, at times it may look like the USA and Europeans are getting closer together. But with Donald Trump as the US president and the UK moving on Brexit, the Europeans have concluded that they need to take more world leadership, and that includes working towards strengthening their military abilities. The Bible shows that Europe will arise as a military power that will surprise the world:

1 Then I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name. 2 Now the beast which I saw was like a leopard, his feet were like the feet of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority. 3 And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled and followed the beast. 4 So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?” (Revelation 13:1-4)

Daniel 7:2-8 refers to this Beast arising from the “Great Sea.” The “Great Sea” that bordered the ancient lands of Israel (Numbers 34:6-7; Joshua 1:4; 9:1; 23:4; Ezekiel 47:13-16) is the Mediterranean Sea–and that is the sea that Daniel was referring to.  Despite some false claims by some, the Beast power is not a nation like Russia, which does not border the Mediterranean Sea, but Europe which does (Russia, however, will be a factor in eliminating the European beast power, see also The Eurasian Union, the Kings of the East, and Bible Prophecy).  A comparison of the beasts in Revelation 13 and Daniel 7 shows that they share many of the same characteristics (for some details, you may wish to watch the YouTube video Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European?).

The Bible teaches that Europe will end up with a “great army” (Daniel 11:25) and will one day takeover the UK, Canada, and USA (cf. Daniel 8:25; 11:39; USA in Prophecy: The Strongest Fortresses). This is what I (and some others) have termed as World War III.

As regular readers of this news page are aware, I warned that Donald Trump’s rise would cause the Europeans to move more towards unity and increasing their military abilities. I also warned (and all these warnings were in writing PRIOR to Donald Trump becoming US President) that his climate position would also be a factor in this.

For a listing of events that have aligned with my warnings related to Donald Trump, check out the article Donald Trump in Prophecy.

Those who want to see more warnings and biblically-understood predictions, may wish to get the book Donald Trump and America’s Apocalypse.

COGwriter

WND has the following as its most recent news post:

Americans need to prep for EMP, energy expert warns

North Korea threat looms large following test-fire of ICBM

North Korea threatens the United States as well. The communist country previously launched two satellites that orbit over the U.S. and are capable of performing a surprise electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attack at an altitude and trajectory that would evade U.S. National Missile Defenses, according to national security expert Peter Vincent Pry.

What’s more, when North Korea performed its first underground nuclear test, American scientists scoffed because it produced an explosion of less than one kiloton, a small fraction of what U.S. nuclear bombs produce.

However, that explosion was the perfect size to trigger an EMP event, according to energy expert Jeffrey Yago. And North Korea’s nuclear tests have gotten bigger since then.

“To think that they’re not looking at this as one way to retaliate against any activity we might take is just fallacy,” Yago told WND.

Japan may be preparing for a missile attack, but Yago is far less concerned about a ground-level nuclear explosion than an EMP attack. While most analysts agree North Korea does not yet have a missile capable of delivering a nuclear warhead to the continental U.S., Yago said it’s clear North Korea does have the technology to create an EMP weapon and detonate it over the center of the United States. An EMP weapon, he said, is easier to make and would be more devastating than a nuclear bomb.

“The EMP weapon, if it’s detonated high above the United States, can cause havoc from one end of the coast to the other, whereas a surface nuclear bomb would certainly be devastating to an area, like a city, but it would be limited to that geographic area, whereas the damage from an EMP could last up to a year and affect the entire country,” Yago said.

An EMP weapon would have the power to knock out the U.S. electrical grid, likely causing chaos among the population. Lights would go off, computers and televisions would shut down and cell phones would go dark once their batteries ran out. All electronic appliances that plug into power outlets would cease to operate. Water and gasoline could not be pumped, causing plumbing and vehicular transportation to shut down. Food could no longer be delivered to stores. Credit card readers and cash registers would not work.

In Yago’s view, this is all a real possibility in the U.S., but the country is not prepared for it.

Which is not to say the federal government has no plan to protect itself from a major disaster. Federal officials and their families have at least three major underground facilities to flee to in case of emergency: Raven Rock Mountain Complex in Pennsylvania, Mount Weather Emergency Operations Center in Virginia and Cheyenne Mountain Complex in Colorado. The three bunkers were set up during the Cold War to ensure continuity of U.S. government operations in case of a nuclear attack.

“So I think our government has done a lot to prepare and protect themselves, being able to continue the government of the country, but literally nothing has been done for the citizens,” Yago said.  07/09/17 http://www.wnd.com/2017/07/americans-need-to-prep-for-emp-energy-expert-warns/

If the USA were hit by an effective EMP (electromagnetic pulse) weapon, this would be more devastating than many believe. Now that North Korea has proven to functional ICBM capability, that threat is higher than it was a few months ago.

Consider the following related to a downing of the power grid:

Totally Insane Things That Will Happen If Our Power Grid Goes Down

If our society suffered a widespread power failure that lasted for weeks or months, it would be no different for us than if we were suddenly sent back to the 1800’s. It would be a strange and dangerous world, and for the average person, it would catch them off guard in the following ways:

1. All commerce will cease. The ATMs won’t work, the banks won’t open, and the cash registers won’t…well, register. For a while cash will be king, but if the crisis goes on for more than a few weeks, then people will view it as worthless. We’d be back to a barter economy in short order.

2. Communications will shut down. If you think you can rely on your cell phone to work in a disaster, think again. In a crisis, when everyone instinctively reaches for their phone, that limit is quickly surpassed and the radios on the tower get sluggish, thus causing the fast-busy signal. …

3. Without electricity, all forms of fuel that our society relies on will stop flowing. All of our vehicles will be dead in the water, and more importantly, the trucks will stop delivering food. …

4. And of course many of those farms will lack water, as will your plumbing. For a couple of days after the power goes out, you’ll still have running water since water towers rely on gravity to feed the water to your home. However, electricity is required to clean that water and pump it into the tower. Once it’s out, that means that you won’t be able to flush your toilet. …

5. When the grocery stores are stripped bare, the pharmacies won’t be far behind. …

6. And finally, one of the most shocking things that people will have to deal with, is the lack of GPS. The GPS satellites will probably keep running, but eventually the devices that read those signals will give up the ghost. These days people are pretty reliant on GPS for directions, and there aren’t as many paper maps lying around. The average person is going to be utterly lost if the grid goes down.

In summary, law and order will break down at every level, and death will be around every corner. http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2017-02-28/6-totally-insane-things-will-happen-if-our-power-grid-goes-down

The USA is vulnerable to electromagnetic issues, either from natural causes or man-made ones. Iran and North Korea, both of whom the President Donald Trump has riled up to a degree, both allegedly have capability that way.

What if the USA itself were to be hit by one or more EMP weapons in the the most effective areas?

The results of an EMP incident would be catastrophic:

• · The U.S. power grid could be destroyed;
• · Planes would crash;
• · Water and sewerage systems would fail;
• · Banks could not access their records;
• · Transportation systems would be inoperable;
• · The internet would go down;
• · Emergency services would severely be hampered.

Both U.S. and Soviet scientists became increasingly aware of the threat in 1962. A Financial Sense review of the problem noted that 50 years ago, a nuclear test 800 miles away from Hawaii knocked out 300 of the states’ street lights, triggered alarms, and caused damages to a telephone company. The same year, Moscow conducted three tests to discover the precise altitude a nuclear bomb needed to detonate at to destroy electronics on the ground. http://www.examiner.com/article/crippling-america-an-instant

KIM Jong-un could send the US back to the Stone Age by unleashing a devastating Cold War-style attack on its power grid, a former CIA boss has warned.

17 March 2017

North Korea and the US have been at loggerheads recently, with the tubby tyrant threatening to launch a devastating nuclear assault on US heartland.

Donald Trump has responded by promising repercussions for the hermit state and deploying anti-missile systems on their border.

But a former head of the country’s intelligence agency has warned The Donald that Kim could detonate a nuclear missile into the atmosphere, unleashing a terrifying “electromagnetic pulse” attack.

This would knock out the US’ energy infrastructure, unleashing a doomsday apocalypse scenario.Former CIA chief chief James Woolsey said: “I think this is the principal, the most important and dangerous, threat to the United States.

“If you look at the electric grid and what it’s susceptible to, we would be moving into a world with no food delivery, no water purification, no banking, no telecommunications, no medicine.

“All of these things depend on electricity in one way or another.”

EMPs can naturally occur – but can also be created with nuclear weapons in the atmosphere. http://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/latest-news/596437/Kim-Jong-un-Donald-Trump-World-War-3-Nuclear-War-North-Korea-US-EMP-Pyongyang

There are various economic catastrophes including war, famine, and pestilences (Matthew 24:4-8) and troubles (Mark 13:8; Jeremiah 30:7), like debt, that will cause a massive catastrophe in the future. And a man-made downing of the electrical power grid through hacking and/or an EMP event could be one of the coming troubles as I have warned readers for many years.

Most ignore warning signs (here is a link to a related video: Electrical End of the USA?). We will see what the Trump Administration does.

The USA faces a massive threat from many things that could knock-out its electrical power grid. The USA itself has been developing its own cyber-warfare and EMP technologies, which, of course, also encourages other nations to do so. Plus, the USA is likely to share that technology with Europe.

Jesus taught of a time of “troubles” that would come in Mark 13:

7 But when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be troubled; for such things must happen, but the end is not yet. 8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows. (Mark 13:7-8)

While most in the USA act like it will go on indefinitely and cannot truly be brought down, the reality is that electrical, weather, pestilence, and other events can devastate the USA. I believe a combination of ‘black swan’ events including terrorism, weather issues, debt problems, and crop failures, which are consistent with Jesus’ words in Matthew 24:4-8, etc. will hit the USA and make it vulnerable to its prophesied takeover (cf. Daniel 11:39).

It is likely that the USA will have to be in a weakened state to be taken over. And while deceit will be a factor (Daniel 8:25; Lamentations 1:1-2), the fact is that the USA will be hit with troubles and sorrows, beforehand (Matthew 24:4-8) that will weaken it.

Sorrows, such as famines, could happen from a loss of some of the genetically-modified crops (GMOs) that the USA is increasingly becoming dependent on.

But, perhaps some type of electrical problem will also be a factor. The USA is highly dependent upon electricity and its power grid is at risk.

And according to some, an EMP attack could happen tomorrow. In other words, do not think it will take years for enemy nations to develop this ability–many already have it–and North Korea may attempt to do this.

Are you ready spiritually to deal with what can happen in the USA? Even if you do not live in the USA, consider how its devastation could affect you and the country you are currently living in.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Electrical End of the USA? Could problems with the electrical power grid caused by one or more electromagnetic pulse bombs, solar flares, and/or other phenomena help weaken the USA to the point of allowing it to be taken over? Does such potential exist? If so, is this consistent with any biblical prophecies? What are some of the severe consequences that the USA would face in the event of a electrical power grid failure? Is there evidence in scripture that the USA will be taken over in the 21st century? Dr. Thiel addresses these issues and more in this video.
Are You Being Called by God? Norman Shoaf wrote various points to consider.
Is God Calling You? Alfred E Carrozzo wrote this.
What Did Christ Mean  Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen? This article was by Raymond McNair.
Christian Repentance Do you know what repentance is? Is it really necessary for salvation? A related sermon is also available titled: Real Christian Repentance.
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Saxon (non-Dutch) Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo-Saxon nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first? Here is a link to the Spanish version of this article: Anglo-América & las Tribus Perdidas de Israel. Information is also in the YouTube sermons titled Where are the Ten Lost Tribes? Why does it matter? and British are the Covenant People. A short YouTube of prophetic interest may be Barack Obama and the State of the Apocalypse.
Who is the King of the West? Why is there no Final End-Time King of the West in Bible Prophecy? Is the United States the King of the West? Here is a version in the Spanish language: ¿Quién es el Rey del Occidente? ¿Por qué no hay un Rey del Occidente en la profecía del tiempo del fin?
Why Terrorism? Is Terrorism Prophesied? What does the Bible teach? Which nations may be affected? Here is a link to a related sermon: Terrorism, Christianity, and Islam.
Differences Between Islam and the Continuing Church of God What are some of the main differences? Are there any similarities? A video of related interest is titled: Islam: Any Christian Concerns or Similarities?
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?
Iran in Prophecy Is Iran in Bible prophecy? If so, what does the Bible teach? What names, other than Persia, may be used to describe Iran? There is also a YouTube video titled Iran in Prophecy. Here is a related video Iran In Prophecy.
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.
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: Donald: ‘Trump of God’ or Apocalyptic?
Trump Presidency Magic 8 Ball or Bible Prophecy? BBC reported that one might as well use a ‘Magic Eight-Ball’ to try to predict what will happen in the remaining time of Donald Trump’s presidency. What is a ‘Magic Eight-Ball’? Dr. Thiel not only explains that, but also briefly goes over 10 biblically-based warnings he wrote would happen if Donald Trump were elected that have already began to come to pass. He also goes over something he wrote back in 2008 that the Trump presidency is also helping lead to fulfillment. Should you trust Bible prophecy or not? Dr. Thiel says that Bible prophecy can be trusted, despite the view of skeptics and others that either overlook or despise the Bible. This is a video.
Donald Trump and America’s Apocalypse This 188 page book is for people truly interested in prophecies related to Donald Trump and the United States, including learning about several that have already been fulfilled and those that will be fulfilled in the future. The physical book can be purchased at Amazon for $12.99 from the following link: Donald Trump and America’s Apocalypse.
Donald Trump and America’s Apocalypse-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 Donald Trump and America’s Apocalypse-Kindle Edition.

COGwriter

The Continuing Church of God is pleased to announce the following video on our Bible News Prophecy YouTube channel:

35:58

Are you truly converted? Is it possible to call Jesus “Lord” and not be a Christian? What is sin? Do real Christians keep the Ten Commandments? Are you saved by grace? What about works? Were there false conversions in the New Testament? Are modern churches affected by the doctrines of some who were falsely converted in the first and second centuries? Did the Apostle Paul and early Christian leaders promote keeping the Ten Commandments? What about Jesus?

COGwriter

The German press reported the following related to the G20 and side meetings:

8 July 2017

16:17 Regarding her negotiations with President Trump, Chancellor Merkel said they had achieved good results on some issues but some areas, such as trade, remain difficult.

16:10 “The declaration points out clearly what the US wants and what other G20 nations stand for regarding the climate change deal. It is not a common position,” Merkel told the press conference.

“I think it’s very clear that we could not reach consensus, but the differences were not papered over, they were clearly stated,” Merkel told reporters at the end of the two-day meeting. …

1436: In spite of Trump’s opposition to the Paris Agreement, the G20 communique called for the rapid implementation of the climate accord, according to the DPA news agency.

“We reaffirm our strong commitment to the Paris Agreement, moving swiftly towards its full implementation,” the DPA quotes the G20’s final text as saying.

The statement says the climate agreement, which has been one of the most divisive issues at the two-day summit in Hamburg, is “irreversible.”

The statement also says the US “will endeavour to work closely with other countries to help them access and use fossil fuels more cleanly and efficiently and help deploy renewable and other clean energy sources, given the importance of energy access and security in their nationally determined contributions,” the sources said. …

9:43 While meeting UK Prime Minister Theresa May, Donald Trump says the countries are working on a “very, very big deal, a very powerful deal” on trade between the two countries.

9:39 US President Donald Trump described his first-ever meeting with Vladimir Putin yesterday as “tremendous.”

9:29 A EU official says that all G20 members agree on statement on trade and commit to fighting protectionism.

9:17 Hamburg police say 213 officers have been injured in the violence. http://www.dw.com/en/g20-final-day-of-summit-in-hamburg-live-updates/a-39606852

It is certain that those in the European Union are NOT pleased that the USA and UK are working on what Donald Trump has called a “very, very big deal, a very powerful deal.” The EU does not want the UK to be able to negotiate trade matters with other countries until after it leaves the EU–which is March 29, 2019.

The firm position of US President Trump to not go along with the Paris accords remains an area of division between the USA and most of the remaining nations of the world. Earlier this year, the USA was referred to as a “rogue nation” for that (watch also The USA Declared a ‘Rogue Nation’!). Today, Angela Merkel deplored the official US position on this:

July 8, 2017

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Saturday spoke out against the Trump administration’s intentions to drop out of the Paris Agreement on climate change.

In the final press conference of the G-20 summit in Hamburg, Germany, Merkel said the decision to leave the climate accord would be “irreversible.”

“You are familiar with the American position. You know that, unfortunately — and I deplore this — the United States of America left the climate agreement, or rather announced their intention to do so,” she said on the final day of the summit. http://www.cbsnews.com/news/angela-merkel-donald-trump-paris-agreement-i-deplore-this/

Climate and trade matters are moving more of the world away from the USA.

Japan, China, Mexico and Europe have had trade concerns about the USA because of Donald Trump. Japan and Europe announced a deal at the beginning of the G20 (see ‘Japan unites with Europe to send Trump a message’). Germany worked to make deals with Mexico and Argentina prior to the G20 (see Germany’s Merkel is in Argentina making deals with Mexico and Argentina). Plus Europe and China have worked on trade (e.g. see After Trump’s executive order, TPP-related nations start to look to China).

Trade is a concern. So much so, trade wars were listed as part of the Twelve ‘grey swan’ events to watch for in 2017. As the press is reporting, they may happen.

A few months back, we also put together a YouTube video recently titled Trade Wars: Are COG warnings coming to pass?

The Bible tells of a powerful trade empire arising in the last days in Europe, called “Babylon the Great” (Revelation 18). It has long been my view that problems with trade and/or trade agreements will be a factor that will further turn Europe against the USA, and be a factor in the start of WWIII (see also WTO Trade Deal and the Rise of the European Beast Power).

As regular readers of this page are aware, the idea that we could be looking at a coming trade war is not a new one. Part of the reason for World War II was essentially a trade war, that turned into an actual war between the USA and Japan. Notice also the following:

Dangerous Security Changes

Other experts warn that American political leaders — responding to calls for immediate competitive relief from their constituents — may be ignoring another lesson of the Great Depression: that the severe contraction of world trade gave added impetus to imperialist surges in Asia and Europe, specifically Japan and Germany.

Since 1945 Japan has chosen the mercantile road as its path to power, prestige and national restoration. Germany, specifically the Federal Republic of Germany, is heavily dependent upon world trade, exporting a full third of its manufactured goods.

Access to the U.S. market is central to the economies of Japan and the other nations of the Pacific Basin, writes National Review executive editor John McLaughlin, “and hence perhaps to their stability.” If protectionism takes hold, what would happen to Japan and to Western Europe, whose economic heart is in Germany? Protectionism, leading to a full-blown trade war, would likely break the extensive joint defense relationships between the U.S. and its primary World War II foes, now allies for the past 40 years.

Americans should then prepare to witness the emergence of a nuclear — armed Japan as well as a nuclear — armed united Europe with Germany at its core. It’s doubtful whether the American public and its elected representatives have thought out the likely end results of actions now under way.

Former Senate majority leader Howard H. Baker Jr. sounded this warning: “The disastrous Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930 was rushed through Congress… and it took 14 years and a world war to straighten out the mess.” (Hogberg G. Prepare for Trade War! Plain Truth, January 1986)

The repeated talk about trade barriers and tariffs from Donald Trump has led many nations to take steps to get together faster than they may had otherwise.

We now see Germany considering a stronger military–including one with nuclear weapons and/or even more devastating ones.

The US press reported the following:

Trump leaves leaders fearing the future as G-20 summit closes

July 8, 2017

HAMBURG — President Trump and other world leaders on Saturday emerged from two days of talks unable to resolve key differences on core issues such as climate change and globalization, slapping an exclamation point on a divisive summit that left other nations fearing for the future of global alliances in the Trump era.

The scale of disharmony was remarkable for the annual Group of 20 meeting of world economic powers, a venue better known for sleepy bromides about easy-to-agree issues. Even as negotiators made a good-faith effort to bargain toward consensus, European leaders said that a chasm has opened between the United States and the rest of the world. …

Perhaps as a way to emphasize global unity — minus the United States — Macron announced there would be another climate summit in Paris in December to mark the two-year anniversary of the climate accord. …

One official said that Europeans were sharply unsettled by their encounters with Trump — and they recognized that may be the intention of the White House.

“It seems clear that President Trump is committed to being less predictable and not necessarily seeing predictability as positive in foreign policy,” said the European official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to candidly assess the White House. …

On Twitter, Trump called the summit a “wonderful success” that was “carried out beautifully” by Merkel. He also said he had “an excellent meeting on trade & North Korea” with Chinese President Xi Jinping. https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/trump-leaves-leaders-fearing-the-future-as-g-20-summit-breaks/2017/07/08/daed41be-634f-11e7-84a1-a26b75ad39fe_story.html?utm_term=.74c19dde9e7a

The G20 was not a major success for the USA.

There is a cost to trade wars and tariffs. There is also a cost to many forms of international posturing. Those who think otherwise are fooling themselves.

We are seeing more in the world that want to turn further away from the USA.

Pope Francis made some comments related to his views and the G20:

8 July 2017

Pope Francis warned leaders of the world’s top 20 economies meeting in Hamburg against forming dangerous and distorting alliances that could harm the poor and migrants, in an article in Italian daily la Repubblica on Saturday.

“The G20 worries me, it hits migrants in countries in half of the world and it hits them even more as time goes by,” the Pope was quoted as saying in a conversation with the paper’s founder Eugenio Scalfari.

Francis, the first non-European pope in 1,300 years, said he was afraid of “very dangerous alliances among (foreign) powers that have a distorted vision of the world: America and Russia, China and North Korea, (Vladimir) Putin and (Bashar al-)Assad in the war in Syria.” …

Pope Francis was also quoted as saying Europe should adopt a federal structure as soon as possible or “it won’t count for anything in the world” http://www.reuters.com/article/us-g20-germany-pope-idUSKBN19T09W

So, Pope Francis seems to be saying that the USA has a distorted vision of the world and that a united Europe is what is needed.

Massive shifts are beginning to take place.

A real war, and not just a trade war, between Europe and the USA (with the UK basically on the USA’s side) will come as one day Europe will take steps to ‘eliminate the competition’ so to speak (cf. Daniel 8:25; 11:39; USA in Prophecy: The Strongest Fortresses).