Church of God News

Xi Jingping

COGwriter

The Continuing Church of God is pleased to announce this sermonette from its ContinuingCOG channel:

18:13

China in 2017

Jay Chiang gives information about what is going on in China as well as some ramifications for the future.

COGwriter

A news site from Ireland posted the following:

We need to talk about Brexit

21 October 2017

It would be an understatement to say that there is a lot of confusion about Brexit. Misleading statements, disputed interpretations, conflicting claims and intermittent warfare are rife – and that’s just the British Conservative Party, although in truth the British Labour Party is equally disunited. Across the political landscape in that country, the subject of Europe is more divisive than at any time since the UK, Denmark and Ireland joined the then six-country EEC in 1973.

The UK’s relationship with its EU neighbours has never been an easy one. Long before Brexit and before it opted not to join the euro, Margaret Thatcher’s “we want our money back” was one of the rallying cries of the early 1980s, as the UK fought a four year battle for an adjustment in its budget contribution. While they won, the tone was set for a relationship with the rest of the EU marked by suspicion on both sides. This was a long time before the victory of the Leave side in last year’s referendum.

Why Leave won the referendum

… These include the decline of Britain, a nostalgia for past times, dissatisfaction with petty regulation and the perception of a remote and insufficiently accountable Brussels bureaucracy. It was also a rejection of the “ever closer union” being promoted by some federally minded continental politicians.

But four further related factors probably stood out: the anger of the “left behind” generation in a post-crisis Britain of sluggish recovery and high unemployment; the scapegoating of immigrants, whose numbers increased considerably in the years after the expansion of the EU in 2004’ the rise in tensions caused by recent refugee crises and debates concerning Islam in the west following recent attacks. …

Drawing up the divorce papers

For its part, the EU sees no reason to confer any special favours on the UK as it leaves. For one thing, the UK has been something of a semi-detached member since the outset. For another, there is no desire to encourage other parts of the union, whether Poland or Catalonia, in any belief that departure might be penalty-free.

Nor should one forget that the EU is still backed by a strong cross-country consensus which appreciates the values it stands for as well as the benefits it confers. …

The Brexit options

At the time of writing, a ‘soft’ Brexit does not look likely. It is impossible to say whether the UK is heading towards a ‘hard’ Brexit or whether it is more likely to crash out of the EU in chaotic fashion, with no agreement on the terms and conditions of its future relationship with the remaining 27 member states. The barely ruling Conservative Party is more divided than ever.

Hardliners who wish for an early and decisive break believe that the UK should extricate itself at the lowest possible cost and forge a new future in a global context. Then, it will be free to pursue its own trading interests, define its own immigration policy and free itself from the purview of the European Court of Justice. If that means a hard Brexit or even a departure without full agreement, they say, so be it.

Moderate Brexiteers are prepared to consider a longer transition period and to negotiate arrangements which are as close as possible to the benefits of EU membership which the UK has enjoyed up to now. …

What does this mean for Ireland?

Barring the outbreak of a major war (not to be excluded with an unstable and narcissistic US President, North Korea, Iran and other unfolding crises), Brexit is the greatest single threat to Irish economic and political well-being on the international horizon today. The extent of the damage could vary greatly depending on which model of Brexit the UK ultimately opts for. https://www.rte.ie/eile/brainstorm/2017/1020/913934-we-need-to-talk-about-brexit/

The British were never very comfortable with plans that continental Europeans had for unity, and yes, they believe that they have had to bear too much of a financial burden to support something that they did not like.

The continental Europeans have been distrustful of the British for their disdain of the goal of European unity and their desire to not ‘get with the program.’ The British did not have to sign the Lisbon Treaty, and the EU sees little reason to give the UK a great exit deal as they consider this is all the UK’s fault.

As far as Ireland goes, the Irish have long had issues with the British. They have felt that the EU offered them an opportunity to be more independent of the UK (which it has). The Irish seem to consider that the UK is making a mess with Brexit and needs to take steps so that Ireland faces no negative consequences for decisions that UK voters made. More on Ireland can be found in the video: Brexit and the fate of Northern Ireland, Gibraltar, the UK, and the USA.

As far as Brexit confusion goes, notice the following:

21 October 2017

Former Polish Foreign Affairs Minister Radek Sikorski was being quizzed after European Council President Donald Tusk gave the green light for the EU to begin preparing for a post-Brexit trade talks with the UK.

Channel 4 News presenter Krishnan Guru-Murthy asked: “What has actually happened at this summit? It’s a bit hard to tell.

“Not least because Donald Tusk and Jean-Claude Juncker don’t seem to agree either.”

Mr Sikorski suggested the EU chiefs play different roles in the negotiating process.

He replied: “Well that’s because they have different jobs. Donald Tusk is on the Council and it is his job to be nice to member states.

“He chairs the meeting of the member states. But the member states have also given a mandate to the Commission to be tough.”

The Channel 4 host stepped in suggesting the European Union were playing “good cop, bad cop” with the UK.

Mr Sikorski continued: “Face to face on a bilateral basis, you’re nice, but your ambassador says ‘no your offer is not good enough, that’s how it’ll be’. http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/869253/Brexit-news-UK-EU-Theresa-May-Jean-Claude-Juncker-Donald-Tusk-latest-video

The EU has been saying for some time that it would NOT discuss trade negotiations until AFTER Brexit details have been finalized that the British exit from the EU realized (which is supposed to be March 29, 2019; see also UK says it will not pay €100,000,000,000 to Brexit; EU’s Brexit negotiator wants pay first, trade talks later).

But that has caused a lot of friction.

Notice some items in the British press:

21 October 2017

‘Forget it chaps, I’m off!’ EU greed sees Brexit no deal chances ‘rise every day’

A TOP economist claims the European Union’s demands for more money will simply force the United Kingdom to walk away from Brussels with ‘no deal’. http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/869270/Brexit-news-EU-UK-Theresa-May-economy-European-Union-Jean-Claude-Juncker-latest-video

21 October 2017

EU insider reveals Brexit trade talks will be ‘TEN TIMES TOUGHER’ than divorce bill

THE director for the Centre of European Reform has warned that the EU believe Britain are in “cloud-cuckoo land” over Brexit talks since the Government does not understand how difficult trade talks will be. …

Charles Grant, who has close ties to officials in both the British Government and the EU Commission, warned that the current deadlocked Brexit talks are “ten times easier” than what will come next year.

The director of the Centre for European Reform warned that getting to the second phase of Brexit talks is only the beginning of the real battle in leaving the EU. …

Speaking to France24, the EU expert said that achieving a greenlight for the second phase of talks in December will come, but that this does not mark a success.

He explained: “The real story is that the future relationship talks will be the big problem ahead.

“The British are very unclear about what they want, or what to ask for in the future relationship.

“The EU will be much tougher than the British realise, according to several top officials I’ve spoken to.”

Mr Grant later added: “EU officials worry the UK side is in cloud-cuckoo land if they think they can achieve a cherrypicking bespoke deal better than that given to Norway or Canada.

“Reaching agreement on a divorce settlement will be ten times easier than on the future trading relations.” http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/869296/EU-expert-Brexit-trade-talks-divorce-bill

Let me add that in the long-run the ‘cost’ for the trade issues will exceed the cost that the UK will pay the EU to leave. The EU wants to win and does not want anyone to think that the UK is better off outside of it.

Back in June, the German press reported the following from some Brexit commentators:

Is this a win-win, win-lose or lose-lose scenario?

Cristal: We’re headed towards a lose-lose situation. The costs will be much more than expected and the outcome will be much more incomplete. And you have to add to this the very unstable political situation in the UK and in the EU.

Schranner: I’d say that, even if both sides knew what they wanted, it would be nearly impossible to bring these negotiations to a successful conclusion. There’s no blueprint or master plan. 06/23/17 http://www.dw.com/en/negotiation-experts-say-positive-result-in-brexit-talks-nearly-impossible/a-39385134

So, at least one secular source sees the negotiations between the EU and UK as nearly impossible. Since that was reported, the negotiations have not gone well.

As BBC’s Kevin Connolly reported earlier this year (see EU states that UK must pay a price for Brexit and be worse off than EU member states):

The 27 EU Remainer states are adamant that Britain will pay a price for leaving and will be worse off outside than the union than it is on the inside.

The EU has stated that it wants people matters, the exit bill, and Northern Ireland resolved by the date of the official British departure (March 29, 2019) and then afterwards it says that it will discuss trade. That is not what the UK wants, so it keeps bringing up trade. The fact that Donald Tusk said yesterday that trade can be discussed may seem like a victory for the UK, but it is fraught with many problems.

Consider that the Bible itself teaches that Europe will reorganize and unite (Revelation 17:12-13), as well as become the dominant world trading power for a time (Revelation 17 & 18). The Bible also teaches of a time of Jacob’s trouble (Jeremiah 30:7)–and this will include the UK (as well as the USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand).

The Bible is accurate and its prophecies can be counted on.

Maybe this is a good time to look at some statements put out by the writers once part of the old Radio Church of God, old Worldwide Church of God, and/or the current Continuing Church of God related to Europe and the United Kingdom in the 20th and 21st centuries:

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

Perhaps it should be mentioned that the general position within the Churches of God is that Britain will not remain in the EU and will pull out at some point. (Thiel B. Tony Blair a Catholic EU Leader? Church of God News, June 26, 2007. http://www.cogwriter.com/news/prophecy/tony-blair-a-catholic-eu-leader/)

It should be understood that ultimately, Britain will NOT thrive as part of the EU but will be taken over by the final European Beast power–yet its former Prime Minister is promoting something that will not help the peoples of the UK. (Thiel B. Tony Blair Calls for a Strong, Elected, EU President Church of God News, June 9, 2007. http://www.cogwriter.com/news/prophecy/tony-blair-calls-for-a-strong-elected-eu-president/)

Ephraim (modern Great Britain) will not be part of the “Beast” power, so we can expect some significant change that will push the British out of the EU. (Davis. D. Ireland says “No!” to EU power grab. Commentary, July, 1 2008)

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland will not be an equal part of the European Union. Britain will either pull out or be forced out or at least truly lose its sovereignty. Many of the Anglo-peoples of the UK, USA, etc. that are not killed will to be scattered and many will be made slaves (Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves?). That is what the Bible shows will happen during the Great Tribulation.

As far as this “Beast King” goes, he could possibly be the next EU president, but a restructure ultimately will be needed in Europe for the King of the North to have the type of power that the Bible indicate he will have (Revelation 17:12-13). The EU is not ready for that yet.

However, Tony Blair’s statements today are pointing to one more step towards certain biblical prophesies being fulfilled as he is realizing that the UK wants to pull out of the UK–and that is something will happen (directly or indirectly).

The final King of the North (Daniel 11:27-40) will take over the UK, USA, and their Anglo-allies according to Bible prophecy (cf. Daniel 11:39). While more people in the UK are starting to realize that the EU poses dangers to it, most have no idea how dangerous the rising Beast power in Europe will become (cf. Revelation 13:1-4; Daniel 11:39). Britain will ultimately NOT thrive as part of the EU but will be taken over by the final European Beast power. (Thiel B. Tony Blair ‘Deeply Worried’ that UK May Leave EU. Church of God News, August 18, 2012)

Back in the early 1990s, when I was vice president of an irrigation equipment manufacturer, I told our British sales representative, who was then visiting the factory in California, that one day the UK would separate from Europe. He flat out told me that could not possibly happen. And he gave reasons, but they were not biblical ones–I told him he was in error. The Brexit situation shows that he, who was not part of the Church of God, was in error.

Most people do NOT realize what will happen in Europe.

Europe is prophesied to get a “great army” (Daniel 11:25). It will become militaristic and destroy the USA and its Anglo-Saxon allies (Daniel 8:24-25, 11:25; Isaiah 10:5-11) and then a confederation of nations in the Middle East and North Africa (Daniel 11:40-43).

The Bible shows that when Europe finally emerges the world will marvel:

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)

Notice that the military power of the Beast was something that the world will marvel at, be astonished about.

Why?

Because few truly thought that the European Beast power had the ability to rise up militarily.

And when it does, it will have trade problems with the USA and/or the UK. This will be a trigger that will lead to the end of the UK, as well as the USA:

24 His power shall be mighty, but not by his own power;
He shall destroy fearfully,
And shall prosper and thrive;
He shall destroy the mighty, and also the holy people.

25 “Through his cunning
He shall cause deceit to prosper under his rule;
And he shall exalt himself in his heart.
He shall destroy many in their prosperity.
He shall even rise against the Prince of princes;
But he shall be broken without human means. (Daniel 8:24-25)

39 Thus he shall act against the strongest fortresses with a foreign god, which he shall acknowledge, and advance its glory; and he shall cause them to rule over many, and divide the land for gain. (Daniel 11:39)

The ‘he’ is the European King of the North. The strongest fortresses in the 21st century belong to the USA, and to a much lesser degree, its British-descended allies. And these lands will be divided (see also Will the Anglo-Saxon Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves?). Part of the King of the North’s power will come from the USA and UK, as well as through deceiving them and taking much of what they have (cf. Daniel 8:25; Lamentations 1:1-2). The fortress of the Brits is also prophesied to cease (Isaiah 17:3).

The Bible shows after problems happen, the UK peoples will try to make another deal with the Europeans, prophetically sometimes referred to as the Assyrians (cf. Isaiah 10; see also Germany’s Assyrian Roots Throughout History and Germany in Biblical Prophecy).

Notice that in Hosea 12:1, Ephraim tries to make a deal with the Assyrians:

1 Ephraim feeds on the wind, And pursues the east wind; He daily increases lies and desolation. Also they make a covenant with the Assyrians. And oil is carried to Egypt.

And in Hosea 7:11-12 Ephraim also tries to make a deal with Egypt and Assyria. This deal seems to be made after the USA has been eliminated or is on its way out.

11 Ephraim also is like a silly dove, without sense—They call to Egypt, They go to Assyria. 12 Wherever they go, I will spread My net on them; I will bring them down like birds of the air; I will chastise them, According to what their congregation has heard.

Those who overlook that prophesy should consider that there is nothing that I am aware of in world history that shows that Ephraim called to Egypt after Hosea was written in a manner to already fulfill that prophecy. Since this is a biblical prophecy, it must come to pass.

The time of Jacob’s trouble (Jeremiah 30:7), also known as the Great Tribulation, is coming. The UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand will be conquered during it (see also USA in Prophecy: The Strongest Fortresses).

The Europeans will one day severely punish the UK for its Brexit–beyond the current negotiations. But until then, expect tensions, ups, and downs in the relations between the UK and the EU.

Some items of related interest may include:

Brexit and the fate of Northern Ireland, Gibraltar, the UK, and the USA On April 29, 2017, 27 of the nations of the European Union agreed to certain guidelines for the negotiations with the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland which gave its notice to leave on March 29, 2017. These guidelines are contrary to what the UK wants. Does the EU intend the UK to pay a price for leaving the EU? What does Spain want? What does the Republic of Ireland want? Will Northern Ireland and Gibraltar eventually fall under European control? Will the UK and USA be conquered? What does the Bible teach? Dr. Thiel answer these questions and more in this video.
Trade Wars: Are COG warnings coming to pass? Trade issues, tariffs, and talk of trade wars are in the news. Can trade wars lead to World War III like they did to World War II? Are the events going on with the USA, UK, Asia, and Europe consistent with warnings published by the true Church of God (COG) over the past several years and decades? Do Germany and China hope to take advantage of trade frictions involving the Trump Administration and the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement? What about Mexico and South America? Does the Bible teach that Europe will become a major trading power? Will the final European Babylonian trading power be destroyed? In this video, Dr. Thiel addresses these issues and more.
Forbes’ Brexit Monster is the Beast of Revelation Various ones have been properly convinced that there is a plan for a European superstate. Forbes’ writer Tom Worstall wrote that the Brexit vote was about the United Kingdom “not joining the monster of the European Union to come.” The Bible tells of a Beast monster that will arise in the end times in Europe. Dr. Thiel cites news reports, as well as the Old and New Testaments, to show that the monster many fear will arise in Europe, despite the vote by the British to exit the European Union. This is a video.
Collapse of the Euro and Dollar? War in 2020? Larry Edelson of Money and Markets described aspects of current economic difficulties and explained why he felt matters would get a lot worse. He said war, like World War III, could break out as early as 2020. What did he call the ‘granddaddy of all cycles”? Will matters go as he said? What does the Bible teach? Dr. Thiel provides biblical insights that secular sources often miss. This is a video.
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?
British are the Covenant People What do ‘British’ and ‘Britain’ mean in Hebrew? Are the descendants of the Anglo-Saxons people of the covenant? Does the British royal family connect to the throne of David? What does the Bible teach? What does history show us? Is there any DNA evidence related to British-Israelism? When did Christianity make it to the British Isles? Could Jeremiah have made it to the British Isles? What type of Christians made it to the British Isles? Did the last King of England believe in British Israelism?
Will the UK Lose Gibraltar and the Falkland Islands? Spain wants Gibraltar and Argentina wants the Falklands (also known as the Malvinas). Does the Bible give clues as to what will happen with these ‘sea gates’? A related video would be Will the UK Lose Gibraltar and the Falkland Islands? A version in Spanish ¿Perderá el Reino Unido a Gibraltar y las Islas Falkland (Malvinas)? Here is a version in Mandarin Chinese 英国将失去直布罗陀和福克兰群岛.
Is Tony Blair Apocalyptic? The former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom converted to Catholicism shortly after leaving his office and has been active in European affairs. What role might he play?
Post Brexit Prophecy On June 23, 2016, the voters of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK) chose to leave the European Union. Now with this BRitish EXIT (Brexit) vote, what is prophesied to happen to the UK? Will the UK do well or be taken over and made slaves? Dr. Thiel explains from biblical prophecies what is ahead for the UK, Europe, and even the USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. This is a video.
USA in Prophecy: The Strongest Fortresses Can you point to scriptures, like Daniel 11:39, that point to the USA in the 21st century? This article does. A related sermon is titled: Do these 7 prophesies point to the end of the USA?
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe? Here is a link to a video titled: Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European?
European Technology and the Beast of Revelation Will the coming European Beast power would use and develop technology that will result in the taking over of the USA and its Anglo-Saxon allies? Is this possible? What does the Bible teach? Here is a related YouTube video: Military Technology and the Beast of Revelation.
WTO/TTIP and the Babylonian Beast Will international trade agreements like WTO/TTIP/CETA lead to the fulfillment of end time prophecies concerning the Babylonian Beast power that the Book of Revelation warns against? What does the Bible teach? A related video would be WTO Trade Deal and the Rise of the European Beast Power.
Must the Ten Kings of Revelation 17:12 Rule over Ten Currently Existing Nations? Some claim that these passages refer to a gathering of 10 currently existing nations together, while one group teaches that this is referring to 11 nations getting together. Is that what Revelation 17:12-13 refers to? The ramifications of misunderstanding this are enormous. A related sermon is titled Ten Kings of Revelation and the Great Tribulation.
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?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies for the Great Monarch point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States? In the Spanish language check out ¿Quién es el Rey del Norte? Here is a link to a video titled: The Future King of the North.
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Saxon (non-Dutch) Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo-Saxon nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first? Here is a link to the Spanish version of this article: Anglo-América & las Tribus Perdidas de Israel. A video of possible interest may be Will Will USA Spying Help the Beast Power?.
Will the Anglo-Saxon Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What about Jerusalem? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people? Here is a link to a video titled Will the USA and other Anglo-nations be Divided and Their People Made Slaves? Here is a related item in the Spanish language ¿Serán divididas las naciones anglosajonas?
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.

Catalonian independence backers (Amadalvarez  2017)

COGwriter

Spain does not want independence for Catalonia:

October 2917

King Felipe VI on Friday blasted what he said was an “unacceptable secession attempt” and said the crisis sparked by the region’s banned 1 October independence referendum must be resolved “through legitimate democratic institutions”.

 “We do not want to give up that which we have built together,” he pleaded.

Madrid enjoys constitutional powers to wrest back control of rebellious regions in one of the Western world’s most decentralised nations, but it has never used them. …

There are fears of unrest if Madrid seeks to impose direct rule of any kind, and Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont has said such a move could push regional lawmakers to declare unilateral independence. …

Speaking on Friday night at the Princess of Asturias Awards — Spain’s answer to the Nobels — King Felipe described Catalonia as “an essential part of 21st century Spain”.

EU leaders, who were at the ceremony to collect a prize for encouraging harmony in Europe, used their acceptance speeches to demand respect for the law in words that offered implicit backing to Madrid.

“Some are sowing discord by deliberately ignoring law,” European parliament head Antonio Tajani said at the awards night in the northern city of Oviedo. http://deathrattlesports.com/spain-to-grab-catalonia-powers-as-crisis-intensifies/120808

October 21, 2017

BARCELONA, SPAIN — Spain is holding an emergency Cabinet meeting Saturday to deal with the political crisis caused by the secession push from the semi-autonomous Catalonia region.

Spain’s government set plans in motion Thursday to strip Catalonia of its autonomy after the region’s leader vowed to continue steps toward independence.

Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy’s office has said the Cabinet meeting Saturday is planned to trigger Article 155 of Spain’s Constitution, which gives the government the power to take away some or all of Catalonia’s autonomy. Opposition parties have agreed to support the imposition of central rule over Catalonia. …

EU leaders watching

At a meeting of EU leaders in Brussels this week, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said the bloc was watching the situation closely.

“We hope that there will be solutions that can be found on the basis of the Spanish constitution,” she said.

French President Emmanuel Macron has called for a discussion of the crisis and a show of solidarity with the Spanish government at the EU summit …

Voters in Catalonia voted in favor of independence in the Oct. 1 referendum … https://www.voanews.com/a/spain-cabinet-catalonia-autonomy/4080300.html

21 October 2017

The Spanish prime minister has outlined plans to remove Catalonia’s leaders and take control of the separatist region.

Speaking after an emergency cabinet meeting on Saturday, Mariano Rajoy stopped short of dissolving the region’s parliament but put forward plans for elections in the region.

The measures must now be approved by Spain’s Senate in the next few days.

The plans come almost three weeks after Catalonia held a disputed independence referendum.

Spain’s supreme court had declared the vote illegal and said it violated the constitution, which describes the country as indivisible.

Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont has ignored pleas from the national government to withdraw the independence bid.

Mr Rajoy said the government had no choice but to push to impose direct rule, arguing that the Catalan government’s actions were “contrary to the law and seeking confrontation”. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-41704759

October 21, 2017

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy announced Saturday he was invoking a provision in his country’s constitution that allows him to suspend and overtake the regional government of Catalonia as part of his effort to quell its secessionist movement.

“I am firing the Catalan regional president and all Catalan government ministers,” Rajoy told reporters following a emergency meeting with his cabinet in Madrid that took more than two hours earlier Saturday, as NPR’s Lauren Frayer reported to our Newscast unit.

The prime minister also said he would call for new elections in Catalonia within the next six months.

Rajoy’s use of the so-called “nuclear option,” Article 155 of the Spanish constitution, which allows the central government to strip power from any Spanish region acting illegally, was a first for the country’s 39-year-old democracy.

The prime minister’s move Saturday is not the final step in a chain of procedural requirements. Spain’s Senate must first vote on his plan next week. With the Senate operated by Rajoy’s party, however, the measure is widely expected to pass. http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/10/21/559218097/spanish-prime-minister-takes-unprecedented-step-to-dissolve-catalan-government

Catalonia is to be controlled by Spain. The European Union has never really been about democracy, so EU backing of Spain against Catalonian independence is not a surprise.

Expect civil unrest in Spain. Many in Catalonia have staged a type of banking protest by taking out 155 Euros (a reference to article 155 of the Spanish constitution) as a way to protest. Expect protests to worsen and perhaps get violent.

Back in 2010 I wrote (see Civil Unrest in Greece (and it was predicted):

Civil unrest in Europe is expected. Places such as France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Eastern Europe have potential for this occurrence.

And back in May 2012, I warned that more unrest was expected to come from Spain (see Over 100,000 Protest Austerity in Spain).

Later, on September 26, 2012, I warned (see Protests and Unrest in Spain and Greece):

I expect more civil unrest in Europe. Specifically more in Greece and Spain, as well as Eastern Europe. But I also expect that even in countries like Germany, Austria, and/or the Netherlands and elsewhere there will be unrest, including violent unrest.

Expanded civil unrest will have major impacts on the euro and on Europe itself. It is highly likely to propel a European leader to rise up. The final leader will be the one known as the Beast (Revelation 13:3-4) and final King of the North (Daniel 11:22-44) of Bible prophecy.

Europe is prophesied to have problems (Daniel 2:41-43) and not all the problems have happened yet. Spain and other parts of Europe are likely to have even more significant civil unrest before a strong leader is granted power (cf. Revelation 17:12-13).

As far as Spain goes, my wife and I visited it for the first time earlier this year. We were in the Catalonia region–specifically Barcelona. We saw various protest signs and even an independence protest rally. The vast majority in the Catalonia region want to be a separate state, within the European Union, but not within Spain itself.

Unrest in Europe, including from Islamic immigrants, will help lead to the rise of one promising peace, but delivering tyranny:

25 And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand. (Daniel 8:25, KJV).

23 And after the league is made with him he shall act deceitfully, for he shall come up and become strong with a small number of people. 24 He shall enter peaceably, even into the richest places of the province; and he shall do what his fathers have not done, nor his forefathers: he shall disperse among them the plunder, spoil, and riches; and he shall devise his plans against the strongholds, but only for a time. (Daniel 11:23-24, NKJV)

Notice that this leader gives people the impression that there will be “peace” and is involved in some type of deal. This is the same leader that confirms the covenant in Daniel 9:27. The term translated as “peace” in Daniel 8:25 is from the Hebrew term shalvah and essentially means security. In other words, this leader will destroy “many” who are under the impression that they are secure because of some type of security and/or trade arrangement. Such arrangements are now commonly referred to as peace deals or treaties.

This leader will be a man of war according to Revelation 13:1-4.

He will gain control after Europe has reorganized (Revelation 17:12-13). Because of independence movements in places like Catalonia, regional (as opposed to national) borders for Europe have been proposed (see Catalonia an EU concern. ‘Regions’ proposed for EU!).

Warring leaders tend to gain credence in times of unrest, and reorganization appeals to many during times of crisis.

We are getting closer to that time for Europe.

World events are aligning with properly understood prophecy.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe? Here is a link to a video titled: Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European?
European Technology and the Beast of Revelation Will the coming European Beast power would use and develop technology that will result in the taking over of the USA and its Anglo-Saxon allies? Is this possible? What does the Bible teach? Here is a related YouTube video: Military Technology and the Beast of Revelation.
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.
Must the Ten Kings of Revelation 17:12 Rule over Ten Currently Existing Nations? Some claim that these passages refer to a gathering of 10 currently existing nations together, while one group teaches that this is referring to 11 nations getting together. Is that what Revelation 17:12-13 refers to? The ramifications of misunderstanding this are enormous. A related sermon is titled Ten Kings of Revelation and the Great Tribulation.
World War III: Steps in Progress Are there surprising actions going on now that are leading to WWIII? Might a nuclear attack be expected? Does the Bible promise protection to all or only some Christians? How can you be part of those that will be protected? A related video would be Is World War III About to Begin? Can You Escape?
WTO/TTIP and the Babylonian Beast Will international trade agreements like WTO/TTIP/CETA lead to the fulfillment of end time prophecies concerning the Babylonian Beast power that the Book of Revelation warns against? What does the Bible teach? A related video would be WTO Trade Deal and the Rise of the European Beast Power.
USA in Prophecy: The Strongest Fortresses Can you point to scriptures, like Daniel 11:39, that point to the USA in the 21st century? This article does. A related sermon is titled: Do these 7 prophesies point to the end of the USA?
Germany’s Assyrian Roots Throughout History Are the Germanic peoples descended from Asshur of the Bible? Have there been real Christians in Germanic history? What about the “Holy Roman Empire”? There is also a You-Tube video sermon on this titled Germany’s Biblical Origins.
Germany in Biblical and Catholic Prophecy Does Assyria in the Bible equate to an end time power inhabiting the area of the old Roman Empire? What does prophecy say Germany will do and what does it say will happen to most of the German people? Here is a link to a video Is the USA Pushing Germany to Start WWIII?
Wars, rumors of wars, and the Apocalypse Jesus foretold a time before the end where there would be wars and rumors of wars. The Apocalypse (the Book of Revelation) warns of the red horseman of war. Now, even secular writers, like Larry Edelson, are worried that wars and rumors of war are the most menacing problem that now haunts the earth? Are they right? What is the solution? This is a sermonette-length video.
Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach? Here is a link to a video, also titled Is Russia the King of the North?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies for the Great Monarch point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States? In the Spanish language check out ¿Quién es el Rey del Norte? Here is a link to a video titled: The Future King of the North.

COGwriter

The Continuing Church of God is pleased to announce this sermon from its ContinuingCOG channel:

Here is a link to our sermon: Mission of the Philadelphia Church Era.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

18 Truths Restored to the Churches of God: Mission of the Philadelphia Church Era Herbert W. Armstrong wrote that he felt he had restored at least 18 lost truths to the Church, here is Herbert W. Armstrong’s list given 12/17/83. This articles also has links to show that these truths were believed by professors of Christ in earlier times, hence they were not some invention of Herbert Armstrong.Here is a related link in Spanish/español: Lista de Herbert W. Armstrong de las 18 verdades restauradas. Here are links to a related two-part sermon: The 18 Restored Truths: 1-8 and The 18 Restored Truths: 9-18.
Do You Believe God Used Herbert W. Armstrong to Raise Up the Philadelphia Era of the Church of God? Nearly everyone while in WCG used to believe this, most do not seem to anymore.
The Elijah Heresies Does the Bible teach that there will be a future Elijah? Must it be Herbert W. Armstrong? Two related sermons are  available Elijah: Prophecies and Heresies and Elijah, Herbert W. Armstrong, and CCOG.
The Bible, Peter, Paul, John, Polycarp, Herbert W. Armstrong, Roderick C. Meredith, and Bob Thiel on Church Government What form of governance did the early church have? Was it hierarchical? Which form of governance would one expect to have in the Philadelphia remnant? The people decide and/or committee forms, odd dictatorships, or the same type that the Philadelphia era itself had? What are some of the scriptural limits on ecclesiastical authority? Do some commit organizational idolatry? Here is a Spanish language version La Biblia, Policarpo, Herbert W. Armstrong, y Roderick C. Meredith sobre el gobierno de la Iglesia. Here is a link to a sermon titled Church Governance.
Is Second Tithe and Third Tithe Still Valid Today? Should you save and use second tithe? Some in the COGs no longer teach payment of third tithe, is this biblically correct?
The Philadelphia Remnant: It’s All About Love This is what CCOG teaches. It is important to remember. A related video is available: Nairobi Conference: All About Love.
Should You Observe God’s Holy Days or Demonic Holidays? This is a free pdf booklet explaining what the Bible and history teach about God’s Holy Days and popular holidays. A related sermon is Which Spring Days should Christians observe?
The History of Early Christianity Are you aware that what most people believe is not what truly happened to the true Christian church? Do you know where the early church was based? Do you know what were the doctrines of the early church? Is your faith really based upon the truth or compromise?
Should the Church Still Try to Place its Top Priority on Proclaiming the Gospel or Did Herbert W. Armstrong Change that Priority for the Work? Some say the Church should mainly feed the flock now as that is what Herbert W. Armstrong reportedly said. Is that what he said? Is that what the Bible says? What did Paul and Herbert W. Armstrong expect from lower level leaders, including evangelists? Here is a link to a related sermon: The Work per HWA and the Bible.
CCOG’s Four Years and God Revealing Philadelphia? Has God been revealing Philadelphia since CCOG formed? What has been happening? Can you see the hand of God in this? A related sermon is titled CCOG: Four Years Revealing Philadelphia?
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.
Preparing for the ‘Short Work’ and The Famine of the Word What is the ‘short work’ of Romans 9:28? Who is preparing for it? Here is a link to a related video sermon titled: The Short Work.
Who Was Herbert W. Armstrong? How is He Viewed Today? Includes quotes from the 1973 edition of The Autobiography of Herbert W. Armstrong and explains who he was and how he should be viewed today.
15 Accusations and Truthful Responses About Herbert W. Armstrong He, even after his death, keeps being improperly maligned–here is the truth on these matters.
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God This free online pdf booklet has answers many questions people have about the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and explains why it is the solution to the issues the world is facing. Here are links to three related sermons: The World’s False Gospel, The Gospel of the Kingdom: From the New and Old Testaments, and The Kingdom of God is the Solution.
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. There are links to literature is about 100 different languages there. 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? an CCOG: Four Years Revealing Philadelphia? Here is a written link to a version of that first sermon in the Spanish language: Aniversario del primer año de la Continuación de la Iglesia de Dios: ¿Qué se ha cumplido?
Congregations of the Continuing Church of God This is a listing of congregations and groups of the Continuing Church of God around the world.
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.
CCOGAFRICA.ORG This is a website targeted towards those in Africa.
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.
CCOGAfrica channel. This has messages from African pastors in African languages such as Kalenjin, Kiswahili, Embu, and Dholuo.
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.

French ‘Charles De Gaulle’ Nuclear Aircraft Carrier

COGwriter

The French press reported the following (in French, the first portion is a machine-translation of the source into English):

20 October 2017

The Strategic Defense Review was presented last week to the President of the Republic at a Defense Council. It is intended to set the strategic framework for the elaboration of the next Military Planning Law (LPM) 2019-2025, which should bring our defense effort to 2% of GDP by 2025.

The President of the Republic had entrusted to the Minister of Armies, Florence Parly, on June 29, the responsibility of conducting a Strategic Review of defense and national security. This review examines the interests of France, its ambition for defense and deduces the skills required primarily for our armies, particularly in terms of equipment.

From this 111 – page document we retain the reaffirmation of the industrial and technological ambition of our country. France enjoys a status of great technological power thanks to a solid industrial and technological defense base, which includes a dozen major groups, more than 4000 SMEs and relies on 200 000 jobs in France. Its vitality guarantees the armies in the long term access to equipment at the best level. ” The maintenance of a high industrial and technological ambition is therefore an issue of sovereignty and a pillar of our strategic autonomy ,” says the report.

Preparing for the future is a key to this technological performance: devoting high funding to research and upstream studies will ensure the capacity of the French defense ecosystem to maintain its position on the international scene and to produce the equipment for which forces will need. At the same time, the report highlights the importance of pursuing a comprehensive policy of support for innovation.

20/10/2017

La Revue stratégique de défense a été présentée la semaine dernière au Président de la République lors d’un Conseil de défense. Elle est destinée à fixer le cadre stratégique de l’élaboration de la prochaine Loi de programmation militaire (LPM) 2019-2025, qui doit porter notre effort de défense à 2% du PIB à l’horizon 2025.

Le président de la République avait confié à la ministre des Armées, Florence Parly, le 29 juin dernier, la responsabilité de conduire une Revue stratégique de défense et de sécurité nationale. Cette revue examine les intérêts de la France, son ambition pour sa défense et en déduit les aptitudes prioritairement requises pour nos armées, notamment en matière d’équipements.

Nous retenons de ce document de 111 pages la réaffirmation de l’ambition industrielle et technologique de notre pays. La France jouit d’un statut de grande puissance technologique grâce à une base industrielle et technologique de défense solide, qui regroupe une dizaine de grands groupes, plus de 4000 PME et s’appuie sur 200 000 emplois en France. Sa vitalité garantit aux armées dans la durée l’accès à des équipements au meilleur niveau. « L’entretien d’une ambition industrielle et technologique élevée est donc un enjeu de souveraineté et un pilier de notre autonomie stratégique », souligne le rapport.

La préparation de l’avenir est une clé de cette performance technologique : consacrer des financements élevés à la recherche et aux études amont garantira la capacité de l’écosystème français de défense à maintenir son positionnement sur la scène internationale et à produire les équipements dont les forces auront besoin. En parallèle, le rapport met en avant l’importance de la poursuite d’une politique globale de soutien à l’innovation. http://www.vipress.net/revue-strategique-de-defense-rester-souverain-ne-lest-plus/

Notice that technology is considered to be a key aspect of France’s current and future military. Regular readers are aware that since last decade, I have warned that technology would be key to the coming military success of the European King of the North Beast power.

Lest anyone think that France alone is intending to keep its technology like it has in the past, notice some of what a German source reported about the French plan to share military technology:

BERLIN/PARIS (Own report) – German government advisors are praising the French government’s new military policy document (“Revue stratégique”) and are calling for accelerating the expansion of German-French military and arms cooperation. With this document, Paris is opening itself up “to cooperation in Europe, to a degree previously unknown,” according to the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP), thus offering the possibility for rapid progress in the formation of European armed forces. France, however, has to “show that it can let loose, i.e. cooperate without having to dominate.” The DGAP is also calling on the French arms industry to open up. In this field, ambitious cooperation projects are only making slow progress, such as the KNDS – a merger of the German tank producer Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) und Nexter Defense Systems. KNDS is supposed to develop a replacement for the Leopard 2 and Leclerc battle tanks but internal rivalries are slowing the project. Observers are placing their hopes on the development of a German-French jet fighter, which could enable Europe’s arms industry to become “independent of US companies” and achieve “European autonomy,” according to the DGAP.

Strategic Culture

Last Friday, the French defense ministry published its new “Revue stratégique”, a document outlining the basis for France’s future military policy, particularly concerning its upcoming military planning law (Loi de programmation militaire 2019-2025). On the one hand, the document declares that the – national – “safeguard of a complete and balanced armed forces model is indispensable” to guarantee “France’s national independence, strategic autonomy and freedom of action.”[1] On the other hand, however, it attaches great importance to a “stronger Europe” that can effectively defy “common challenges.” According to the document, “France seeks to strengthen the European defense,” and this also demands “a strategic culture shared by the Europeans.” This would mean that “at the beginning of the coming decade, the Europeans” must have a common defense doctrine and must be able to “jointly intervene credible manner.” This demands launching a “European intervention initiative” (“Initiative européenne d’intervention”), according to Paris’ Ministère des Armées.

“Let Loose”

German government advisors appear positively surprised. With this document, Paris is opening itself up “to cooperation in Europe to a degree previously unknown,” and is clearly becoming “more pragmatic,” the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP) declared.[2] The French armed forces are indeed “overstretched,” and even though they can still initiate operations on their own, they can no longer finish them alone. Owning up to this “reality” opens new “areas of action” for multinational cooperation on the continent. Macron’s “idea of a new European intervention force, to be mustered according to the respective mission conditions” is motivated by “pragmatism.” 10/19/17 http://www.german-foreign-policy.com/en/fulltext/59068

Notice that the Germans are surprised at how much the French are now willing to cooperate. Emmanuel Macron is a factor here. Also notice that the intention is to have a European force independent of the USA.

Please understand that the Bible foretells the rise of a militaristic power in Europe (Revelation 13:1-4), that will have a “great army” (Revelation 11:25), and that it will take over the strongest military in the world (Daniel 11:39; see also USA in Prophecy: The Strongest Fortresses) as well as a coalition of nations in North Africa and the Middle East (Daniel 11:40-43; see also Is the Future King of the South Rising Up?), before it is destroyed (cf. Daniel 11:44-45; Revelation 17:14; see also Russia and Ukraine: Their Origins and Prophesied Future). The Bible also supports the view that Germany will be a dominant factor (cf. Isaiah 10:5-12; see also Germany in Biblical Prophecy), and that for a time, the French will assist.

While Europe is NOT yet ready to cut ties with the USA, that is the goal.

The Europeans want independence from the USA and ultimately dominance of the world.

This will happen, for a time (cf. Daniel 2:41-44, 11:39-45; Revelation 13:5, 17:12-14).

As far as France goes, consider two items that the late evangelist Dibar Apartian wrote over 50 years ago:

A Striking Parallel

There may be a striking parallel between Reuben’s behavior in the past and that of France today. Indeed, in a few years, Reuben’s modern descendants will be at the side of the prophesied “beast” of Revelation when the Anglo-Saxons (the descendants of Joseph) are taken captive. France, like her forefather Reuben, will probably seek a compromise to prevent her former allies – the very SONS of Joseph – from being taken captive by the enemy. But what good will that really do? What good did it do to Joseph?

A compromise never relieves one from one’s own responsibilities. Without a doubt, Reuben loved his brother; he exerted himself in his own ways, through his own human reasoning, to save him. But the fact remains that he ended up by acting like a foe! France today also likes her “kin,” her natural allies. But, unless she repents, France will end up BEING a foe! (Apartian D. France: The Enigma of our Time. Plain Truth, August 1966, p. 32)

a political UNION of TEN nations or governments-which the Bible calls “the beast”-will rise in Europe in the end time. This union of ten European nations will MAKE WAR with the descendants of Jacob, particularly the two sons of Joseph, Ephraim and Manasseh, whose modern descendants are the peoples of the BRITISH COMMONWEALTH and the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

This soon-coming union of ten nations or governments prophetically represents the last “head” of the resurrected “beast”-the revival of the “Holy Roman Empire” (Rev. 17 :9- 1 2). But contrary to what you may think, it will NOT consist only of Gentile nations. It will INCLUDE a group of ISRAELITISH nations. “Come out of her , my people,” says God in Revelation 18:4. “My people” means Israelites in Bible prophecy. Yes, once again, Joseph’ s own brothers will sell him to the Gentiles!

Once again REUBEN (the first-born of Jacob who anciently conspired with his brothers, will “act” in terms of saving him, but end · up by compromising with his brothers to send him into CAPTIVITY.

Ever since the early days of American history, the French have been on our side. There exists a brotherly link among all the ISRAELITISH nations. Nevertheless, by uniting politically with the “beast,” some of the modern Israelites will be instrumental in conquering the United States and Great Britain.

So says YOUR Bible! (Apartian D. De Gaulle and the Next World War. Plain Truth, September 1964, p. 11)

Thus, unlike some in groups like the Living Church of God (LCG), Dibar Apartian realized that France would be part of the Beast and will betray the sons of Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh; see also Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel)–meaning the UK (as well as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand) and the USA in the end.

Here are some items that LCG published:

French Influence in Europe Waning

Bible prophecy reveals the Israelite-descended nations will go into captivity under the European “beast” power at the time of the end. But, will France be inside or outside the “beast” power? The increasing EU frustration with France will be interesting to watch. (French Influence in Europe Waning. TW News & Prophecy, March 27, 2015).

France’s Tumble from the Top

France has been a major player in the development of the EU. However, France is an Israelite-descended nation. (France’s Tumble from the Top. TW News & Prophecy, June 30, 2014).

Whom Will France Support?

As core nations in the EU seek to form a European military, Britain and France are formulating other plans. …

For decades the Church of God has taught that a European Beast power composed of 10 nations or kings will emerge at the end of the age and play a dominant role in the world (Revelation 17 and 18). Bible prophecies indicate that most Israelite nations will not be a part of this empire (Ezekiel 23:9, 22-27; Hosea 11:5-7; Amos 5:3). The question is, will France support Europe or join with “brother” England? Time will tell. (Whom Will France Support? TW News & Prophecy, November 11, 2013).

Will France Exit the EU? …

While France may not leave the EU in the immediate future, the Front National’s win highlights changing political winds in France and the growing unrest with the Brussels-centered EU. Some experts suggest this recent local election win is just the “tip of the iceberg”…

For decades the Church of God has understood that the end-time European Beast power will be ten kings or nations who give their power to that Beast (see Revelation 17). Bible prophecies indicate that most Israelite-descended nations will be overcome by that Beast and not be part of it (Ezekiel 23:9, 22-27; Hosea 11:5-7; Amos 5:3). It will be interesting to see what France will do. (Will France Exit the EU? TW News & Prophecy, October 21, 2013)

A coming “world political authority”? …

The Bible predicts that, at the time of the end, ten kings will temporarily give their authority in an uneasy alliance to the “King of the North” (Daniel 2:41-43; Revelation 17:12-13)! The result will be a German-dominated European economic, military and religious superpower. It will reign for a short time, and it will not be friendly to the United States, England or France. A coming “world political authority”? TW News & Prophecy, November 3, 2011)

LCG‘s view of France in prophecy was one of many issues that Dibar Apartian had with that group (for more details, see Dibar Apartian, me, and LCG).

Those who doubt that France will support the Beast for a time should consider that history shows us that France was part of the old Roman Empire and parts of it were part of the so-called ‘Holy Roman Empire.’ The fact that at least part of France was part of the beasts in Daniel 2:40-43 and 7:2-8, should show all that it, for a time, can be part of the final Beast power. But they will ultimately be hurt by it.

The Bible, in the Book of Daniel, tells of a military power called the King of the North (Daniel 11:21-44) to come from Europe (not Russia). In Revelation, he is called the Beast of the Sea:

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

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

9 If anyone has an ear, let him hear. 10 He who leads into captivity shall go into captivity; he who kills with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints. (Revelation 13:1-10).

This leader is described as a warring man who essentially changes religion and gets people to ultimately worship him. France will initially support this Beast power. But at least some of Reuben will resist (see Revelation 7:1-5). France itself, will end up with problems from the European King of the North Beast power, after a time.

Ezekiel 5 shows that after the USA and probably its Anglo-Saxon descended allies are eliminated, problems will spread to “all the house of Israel”:

1 “And you, son of man, take a sharp sword, take it as a barber’s razor, and pass it over your head and your beard; then take scales to weigh and divide the hair. 2 You shall burn with fire one-third in the midst of the city, when the days of the siege are finished; then you shall take one-third and strike around it with the sword, and one-third you shall scatter in the wind: I will draw out a sword after them. 3 You shall also take a small number of them and bind them in the edge of your garment. 4 Then take some of them again and throw them into the midst of the fire, and burn them in the fire. From there a fire will go out into all the house of Israel. (Ezekiel 5:1-4)

Notice that after 1/3 is destroyed by fire (perhaps a reference to nuclear or other weapons of mass destruction), a third struck by other weapons, and one-third will be scattered, then there is another fire and after all of that, “fire will go out into all the house of Israel.” This will affect France.

France will support the rise of the European Beast power, though ultimately that will hurt it.

Its new military paper is consistent with that view.

European and world events are moving in the direction of the prophesied rise of the European Beast power.

 
Xi Jingping

COGwriter

China’s Communist Party congress has been meeting, and a reader from China sent links to the following :

China’s Xi lays out vision for ‘new era’ led by ‘still stronger’ Communist Party

Opening a critical Communist Party congress, Xi pledged to build a “modern socialist country” for a “new era” that will be proudly Chinese and steadfastly ruled by the party but open to the world.

Although his wide-ranging address made clear there were no plans for political reform, Xi said China’s development had entered a “new era”, using the phrase 36 times in a speech that ran nearly 3-1/2 hours.

“With decades of hard work, socialism with Chinese characteristics has crossed the threshold into a new era,” Xi said. …

The European Union Chamber of Commerce in China said it welcomed commitments to open wider the door and treat all companies equally, but said European companies operating in China continued to suffer from “promise fatigue”.

“The only cure for this is promise implementation,” it said in a statement.

In what was probably an indirect reference to U.S. President Donald Trump’s “America First” policy, Xi promised that China would be fully engaged with the world, and reiterated pledges to tackle climate change. Trump this year opted to withdraw the United States from the Paris climate pact. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-congress/chinas-xi-lays-out-vision-for-new-era-led-by-still-stronger-communist-party-idUSKBN1CM35L

With tears and song, China welcomes Xi as great, wise leader

BEIJING (Reuters) – Chinese officials on Thursday heaped praise on President Xi Jinping’s political ideology, unveiled a day earlier at a key Communist Party Congress, a sign that it could be enshrined in the party’s constitution and further cement his power.

Some ruling Communist Party officials were moved on Thursday to song, dance and tears in adulation of Xi, a day after he opened the twice-a-decade conclave pledging to build a prosperous “modern socialist country” for a “new era”.

Three outgoing members of the elite seven-man Politburo Standing Committee that Xi heads lauded “Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era”, according to the official Xinhua News Agency.

Such statements indicate that Xi could cement his power with his new eponymous slogan being incorporated into the party’s constitution. Whether the theory is included bearing his name will be a key measure of his status, analysts have said.

No other leader has had an eponymous ideology included in the document while in office since Mao Zedong, the founder of modern China.

Xi is poised to begin a second five-year term next week. …

Some party officials painted Xi as a saviour.

“Because of the Party Central Committee with comrade Xi Jinping as its core, in five years, the party has been saved, the army has been saved, the country has been saved,” Liu Shiyu, head of China’s securities regulator, said on Thursday. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-congress/with-tears-and-song-china-welcomes-xi-as-great-wise-leader-idUSKBN1CO0AV

The UK press reported the following about some of this:

20 October 2017

Three days of incessant fawning have reinforced the sensation that the world’s second-largest economy is now ruled by one of its most influential, and perhaps enduring, leaders since Mao Zedong; a reality that will have ramifications far beyond China’s borders.

Donald Trump, who is scheduled to visit China early next month, might fail to retake the White House in three years’ time – or even make it that far. But there is a growing sense that his Chinese counterpart is in it for the long haul and could remain in power well beyond the end of his second five-year term.

“Many people are worried the Xi Jinping era will not end [in 2022],” said Jerry Cohen, a veteran China scholar at New York University, who suspects Xi will find ways of retaining power “sort of like the Putin arrangement in Russia”. “So this could go on for some time.” https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/oct/20/xi-jinping-china-president-leninist-quest-authority-control-carries-dangers

Essentially, China has a popular leader, he is expected to outlast Donald Trump, and China hopes to increase its economic and military clout around the world while continuing to promote its version of state controlled socialism.

While many support Xi Jinping, a plot against him was reported today by the BBC (see Top Chinese officials ‘plotted to overthrow Xi Jinping’). So, there are various issues in China.

Because of its economic growth over the past several decades, many think that China will be the dominant force of the world.

Although the Bible says that force will actually be European (Revelation 13, 17; Daniel 9:26-27, 11:21-44; see also Europa, the Beast, and Revelation), China is most certainly gaining influence in various places. Consider the following related to Africa and then something related to Singapore:

Who’s ‘Winning’ In Africa?

October 20, 2017

General Waldhauser considers that “Just as the US pursues strategic interests in Africa, international competitors, including China and Russia, are doing the same. Whether with trade, natural resource exploitation, or weapons sales, we continue to see international competitors engage with African partners in a manner contrary to the international norms of transparency and good governance. These competitors weaken our African partners’ ability to govern and will ultimately hinder Africa’s long-term stability and economic growth, and they will also undermine and diminish US influence — a message we must continue to share with our partners.”

But the US doesn’t have any genuine partners in Africa. On the other hand, China has created many. As noted by Forbes, “In December 2015, President Xi Jinping ushered in a new era of ‘real win-win cooperation’ between China and Africa. This strategy aims to create mutual prosperity, allowing investors to ‘do good while doing right.’ China has backed this proposal up with a commitment of $60 billion of new investment in major capital projects, which are tied to developing local economic capacity. This level of commitment contrasts starkly with the action, or lack thereof from the West.”

The message is clear. The US military-industrial complex has overtaken and indeed supplanted State Department diplomacy in Africa, as elsewhere in the world, and is intent on escalating its military presence while China is quietly winning friends and influencing people by engaging in massive, well-planned economic projects. http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2017-10-20/whos-winning-africa

Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong shed light on the balance between the U.S. and China in a changing geopolitical landscape.

“Well, it’s never easy to be a small country next to a big neighbor,” Lee said.

“If you have one big neighbor only, that’s not easy to manage. If you have two big neighbors, well in some ways you have more friends, but in other ways you have to make more difficult choices,” Lee added.

Singapore’s relationship with the two global giants, he said, also “depends on how the U.S. relationship with China develops,” he said.

“If there are tensions between America and China, we will be asked to pick a side. It may not be directly, but you will get the message that: ‘We would like you to be with us, and are you with us? If not, does that mean you’re against us?’ And that’s to put it gently,” he added.

Singapore however, does not wish to “pick sides,” he said.

Lee spoke with CNBC ahead of his visit to the U.S. where he is set to meet President Donald Trump at the White House on Oct. 23.

U.S. and Singapore have had economic, military and diplomatic ties since 1966 — a year after the city-state’s independence. … China and Singapore, meanwhile, established official relations in 1990 …

Late last year, military vehicles belonging to Singapore were impounded in China’s Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong en route from Taiwan where they were used in military training. The issue has since been resolved.

The relationship between Beijing and Singapore is now seen to be warming up again after Lee made a trip to the Chinese capital in September this year. During that visit, he met with President Xi and Premier Li Keqiang.

Lee told CNBC on Thursday that the relationship between China and Singapore is now “good” and that the two countries are “forward-looking.” 10/19/17 https://news.google.com/news/search/section/q/china%20sides%20us/china%20sides%20us?hl=en&ned=us

Africa is surely not tied to the USA. While Singapore has been considered a staunch US ally, notice that it is concluding that it does not want to have to choose between the USA and China.

According to biblical prophecies, militarily, Singapore will stop being allied with the USA (cf. Lamentations 1:2), but is expected to be allied with China (cf. Revelation 9:13-17) on the way to Armageddon (Revelation 16:12-16).

Donald Trump will not prevent this.

As far as Armageddon goes, China’s one-child policy is positioning it to support the coming 200 million man army of Revelation 9:13-17. Consider something else that is also in the news:

As odd as it sounds, China’s economic policy is being held hostage by its heavily skewed sex ratio.

China’s excess of young, unmarriageable males poses an acute dilemma for President Xi Jinping and other leaders as they set the country’s path for the next five years during the 19th Chinese Communist Party Congress, which opened on Oct. 18.

After years of heavy spending and investment to boost growth and employment, China is at risk of economic stagnation if it doesn’t restructure the economy. Yet there is peril that doing so will lead to dangerous levels of unrest among the millions of unmarried men—known as “bare branches”—who will be laid off from shuttered unneeded steel, coal and auto factories. …

Chinese leaders responded to the 2008 global financial crisis by channeling massive investments into infrastructure and heavy industry to sustain economic growth and prevent political unrest. …

China’s leaders fear the consequences of high unemployment among “bare branches,” a term used in China for young, low-status men who, because they are typically unmarriageable, represent endpoints on the family tree.

Growth of the ‘bare branches’

Bare branches are a result of one of the most skewed sex ratios in the world.

China has 106.3 males for every 100 females, compared with a global ratio of 101.8 to 100. In coming years, the workforce imbalance will only worsen because there are 117 boys under age 15 for every 100 girls. …

Researchers Valerie Hudson and Andrea den Boer established that societies with large and growing numbers of bare branches are at risk of rising crime and civil unrest. https://qz.com/1106637/chinas-skewed-sex-ratio-makes-president-xis-job-a-lot-harder/

Yes, China will have problems. It has been spending massively on infrastructure projects– a well known international one seems to be paving the roads to Armageddon (watch Is China paving roads to Armageddon?), China will also end up providing a lot of manpower for the coming 200 million man army of Revelation 9:13-17.

More on China can be found in the latest posted sermonette video by Jay Chiang: China in 2017.

COGwriter

Many who were once affiliated with the old Worldwide Church of God, but who fell away, will be observing “Halloween” at the end of this month.

Are they right to do so?

Several hours ago, the improperly labeled publication, Christianity Today, put out the following:

It’s that time of year again. Ghosts and goblins are starting to appear on neighborhood lawns. Soon giggling children will don disguises and go door-to-door searching for candy. For most, Halloween is a fun, light-hearted affair. But sometimes Christians feel conflicted about how to handle this holiday. Does participating in Halloween mean that we are celebrating Halloween?

No matter how we feel about the controversial holiday, it presents a rare opportunity. Halloween is one of the few days on which our neighbors will actually come to us. But what should we do with such a gift?

Wayne Cordova, pastor of ministry at Crosspoint Church, in Spring Hill, Florida, has experimented with the concept of servant evangelism for the past decade. Cordova notes that both Jesus and his earliest followers ministered to people by healing and meeting physical needs first. By doing this, they earned the right to share the gospel message. Cordova states that we too need to earn the right to be heard by serving our community before we expect them to come to us. …

Christians shouldn’t be afraid of using Halloween to engage their community. According to Cordova, “Halloween is a gift. If it is not seized, it is a wasted opportunity to show others God’s love with no string attached.” (http://www.christianitytoday.com/pastors/2017/october-web-exclusives/5-creative-alternatives-to-trunk-or-treat.html)

To answer the first question, yes, participating in Halloween celebrations is celebrating Halloween. Jesus and His earliest followers did not observe pagan holidays and pass out cancer-encouraging substances (see see Nine Year Study Finally Explains The Relationship Between Sugar And Cancer) to gain people’s trust. As far as the second question, the Bible teaches that we are not to perpetuate gifts of pagan worship.

Notice the following warning from the Apostle Paul:

19 What am I saying then? That an idol is anything, or what is offered to idols is anything? 20 Rather, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice they sacrifice to demons and not to God, and I do not want you to have fellowship with demons. 21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord’s table and of the table of demons. 22 Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than He? (1 Corinthians 10:19-22)

Christians are supposed to believe “the word of truth” (2 Corinthians 6:7; Ephesians 1:13).

In the world, it has been said if you tell a big enough lie often enough, most people will believe it. Well, those at Christianity Today seem to believe their lie that Halloween celebrations is good.

Places like Christianity Today promote Halloween, as well as other aspects of the false ecumenical agenda (see also Beware: Protestants Going Towards Ecumenical Destruction!).

As far as the old Worldwide Church of God goes, here are some comments that several anti-Church of God websites posted from former WCG-writer Keith Stump:

First, there’s no need to point out that Halloween is not found in Leviticus 23. (Duh.) Leviticus 23 is obsolete and irrelevant anyway…Yet some of Halloween’s customs do have roots in pre-Christian (“pagan”) practices…Some of Halloween’s customs can be traced to practices of the Celtic New Year, particularly among the Druids of ancient Britain.

Of course, since the Bible says that the holy days in Leviticus 23 are “‘The feasts of the Lord, which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations, these are My feasts” (vs. 2), obviously those that do not believe that they need to do what the Bible teaches would consider that Halloween was acceptable. It is nice that he admits that current customs often have pagan roots–and followers of the true God are not to adopt pagan-worship practices (Deuteronomy 4:15-16).

Plus, the writings of the Apostle Paul show that Christians are not to adopt pagan worship practices. Paul also wrote:

11 Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ. (1 Corinthians 11:1)

Paul and Jesus kept the biblical holy days and not demonic ones (see also the free online booklet Should You Observe God’s Holy Days or Demonic Holidays?).

Keith Stump also wrote:

Others who are reading this have heartwarming memories of Halloween. It’s a slice of genuine Americana…Halloween reaffirmed social bonds with friends and neighbors. These are hardly the “unfruitful works of darkness” (Eph. 5:11), unless one is a fanatic who interprets that phrase like, well, a fanatic.

Now that is an attempt to try to insult and label people who do not wish to disobey God as “fanatics.” The reality is that pagans had fond memories of their holiday practices as well or they would not have continued to have their holidays. God did not say that exceptions should be made for pagan-practices that families liked (cf. Deuteronomy 4:15-16).

The Apostle Paul was considered to be a fanatic and a member of a cult (Acts 24:14, NLT; see also Is the Genuine Church of God a Cult?).

Keith Stump also wrote:

I have seen no evidence of children being psychologically warped or seduced into a life of witchcraft and perversion as a result of innocent Halloween activities.

I was unaware that Keith Stump is able to look at the heart (cf. 1 Samuel 16:7), though he probably feels that accepting non-biblical Protestant or similar faiths is not a problem. Pagan cultures have many “experts” like Keith Stump who come to similar conclusions about how many practices that are opposed to scripture affect their people. Consider also that there is not evidence that those who embrace Halloween actively promote the Gospel of the Kingdom of God.

Keith Stump also wrote:

Halloween is also a good time to reconsider our own views about death and the afterlife. The unbiblical doctrine of “soul sleep” would be a good place to start. The Bible clearly teaches (and centuries of experience demonstrate) that death does not interrupt self-awareness; personal identity survives death!

Jesus and others in the Bible come to a different conclusion than Keith Stump here (see Did Early Christians Believe that Humans Possessed Immortality? and What Happens After Death?). Also, most people do not use Halloween as a time to consider views of their death, but instead view it as a time for a holiday of indulgence. The high prevalence of diabetes in the Western world is the direct result of consuming excessive amounts of sugars and other refined carbohydrates, which is something that modern Halloween practices do encourage.

Keith Stump also wrote:

To all COG members out there: Is your children’s Christianity so feeble as to be endangered by a plastic mask and a few candy bars? Are your children so inadequately grounded in their religion as to be tempted into a life of witchcraft by attending a costume party? Are you yourself so poorly rooted in your faith that you fear your children will ask questions to which you have no satisfactory answers?

Now, the Bible says that no unclean person will enter the Kingdom (Ephesians 5:5). I am fairly sure that the Corinthians thought that they had less feeble Christianity when they tolerated a type of fornicator in their midst. But God inspired the Apostle Paul to write:

1 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and such sexual immorality as is not even named among the Gentiles — that a man has his father’s wife! 2 And you are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he who has done this deed might be taken away from among you. (1 Corinthians 5:1-3)

Christians should not be so “puffed up” that they think they have spiritual strength because they have compromised with pagan-practices.

Furthermore, Jesus warned that looking at a woman to lust after her was wrong (Matthew 5:27-28). And the Apostle Paul wrote to “flee fornication” (1 Corinthians 6:18). The Bible does not say that men should see how long they can look at or be with an immodest woman and not sin as some type of badge of the strength of their faith. The Bible warns that we are not to give place to sin. It is NOT a sign of spiritual strength to compromise and decide to engage in pagan practices that often involve immodest costumes to engage in various lusts of the flesh.

The anti-COG types can amuse themselves with Keith Stump’s pro-Halloween writings (and sadly have done so), but the reality is that those who believe that they need to live by every word of the Bible (Matthew 4:4), would do better by avoiding practices that God clearly does not endorse (and also seems to condemn).

Many improperly consider that Halloween is a holiday appropriate for “Christians.”

But they ignore what the Bible teaches.

Do not be like them.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Is Halloween Holy Time for Christians? Here are some historical and biblical insight on this question. There are many cultures that have celebrations and observances that are similar to some associated with Halloween. What did the Druids do? Is Halloween one of the most important holidays for Satanists? Do the Japanese, Indians, and Chinese have any practices that are similar to some associated with Halloween? Does the Bible endorse or condemn practices that are associated with Halloween? Here are links to two related sermonette length videos: Halloween: Are there 7 reasons for Christians to celebrate it? and International ‘Halloween’ Should Christians observe Halloween?
All Saints’ Day, the Day of the Dead, and All Souls’ Day When did “All Saints Day” and the “Day of the Dead” begin? “What about All Soul’s Day”?
The Falling Away: The Bible and WCG Teachings Who is 2 Thessalonians 2:3 referring to? Are there multiple falling aways? Here is a related link in Spanish/español: La Apostasía: Enseñanzas de la Biblia y de la WCG. There are also two YouTube videos on the subject that you can watch The Falling Away Part 1: From the Bible and Church History and The Falling Away Part 2: Positions Presented by Others.
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?
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.
Is There “An Annual Worship Calendar” In the Bible? This paper provides a biblical and historical critique of several articles, including one by the Tkach WCG which states that this should be a local decision. What do the Holy Days mean?
Holy Day Calendar This is a listing of the biblical holy days through 2024, with their Roman calendar dates. They are really hard to observe if you do not know when they occur 🙂 In the Spanish/Español/Castellano language: Calendario de los Días Santos. In Mandarin Chinese: 何日是神的圣日？ 这里是一份神的圣日日历从2013年至2024年。.

COGwriter

The Continuing Church of God continues to get additional materials translated into the Spanish language.

Here are links to the latest items we received:

 Tarek Ahmad: ‘Third World War is taking place in Syria’
Tark Ahmad: ‘La Tercera Guerra Mundial está teniendo lugar en Siria’
http://www.cdlidd.es/tarek-ahmad-la-tercera-guerra-mundial-esta-teniendo-lugar-en-siria/

Halloween: Are there 7 reasons for Christians to celebrate it? What about the Bible?
Halloween: ¿Hay 7 razones para que los cristianos lo celebren? ¿Qué hay acerca de la Biblia?
http://www.cdlidd.es/halloween-hay-7-razones-para-que-los-cristianos-lo-celebren-que-hay-acerca-de-la-biblia/

WND: U.S. military to become ‘giant armed nervous system;’ COGwriter: What about EU’s Galileo?
WND: los militares estadounidenses se convierten en “el sistema nervioso armado gigante” COGwriter: ¿Qué pasa con Galileo de la UE?
http://www.cdlidd.es/wnd-los-militares-estadounidenses-se-convierten-en-el-sistema-nervioso-armado-gigante-cogwriter-que-pasa-con-galileo-de-la-ue/

Decline of USA being noticed by more as Eurasians take steps
La decadencia de los EE.UU. está siendo notada por más mientras los euroasiáticos toman pasos
http://www.cdlidd.es/la-decadencia-de-los-ee-uu-esta-siendo-notada-por-mas-mientras-los-euroasiaticos-toman-pasos/

What is a Globalist? What will happen in the end?
¿Qué es un Globalista? ¿Qué pasará al final?
http://www.cdlidd.es/que-es-un-globalista-que-pasara-al-final/

Donald Trump and the Red Horseman of War
Donald Trump y el Jinete Rojo de la Guerra
http://www.cdlidd.es/donald-trump-y-el-jinete-rojo-de-la-guerra/

‘California To Have Harsher Penalty For Pronoun Violations Than For Knowingly Spreading HIV’
‘California tendrá penalización más severa por violaciones del pronombre que por propagación consciente del VIH’
http://www.cdlidd.es/california-tendra-penalizacion-mas-severa-por-violaciones-del-pronombre-que-por-propagacion-consciente-del-vih/

‘In Historic Result, 31-Year-Old Wins Austrian Elections, Worst Result For Establishment Party Since Hitler Rule’
‘En resultado histórico, persona de 31 años gana en las elecciones austriacas, el peor resultado para el partido del establecimiento desde el gobierno de Hitler’
http://www.cdlidd.es/en-resultado-historico-persona-de-31-anos-gana-en-las-elecciones-austriacas-el-peor-resultado-para-el-partido-del-establecimiento-desde-el-gobierno-de-hitler/

American fears
Temores de los americanos
http://www.cdlidd.es/temores-de-los-americanos/

Catalonia an EU concern. ‘Regions’ proposed for EU!
Cataluña es una preocupación de la UE. ¡”Regiones” propuestas para la UE!
http://www.cdlidd.es/cataluna-es-una-preocupacion-de-la-ue-regiones-propuestas-para-la-ue/

China implements another step against US dollar dominance
China implementa otro paso contra el dominio del dólar estadounidense
http://www.cdlidd.es/china-implementa-otro-paso-contra-el-dominio-del-dolar-estadounidense/

The Continuing Church of God has a separate Spanish language website http://www.cdlidd.es. The term Continuing Church of God translates into La Continuación de la Iglesia de Dios in the Spanish language, also called Castellano or Español.

The Continuing Church of God is reaching people around the world in multiple languages via the internet, printed literature, and human church leaders around the world. We also reach people over the radio and through videos in the English language.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Mexico, Central America, South America, Brazil, and the Caribbean in Prophecy [Español: México, América central, Suramérica, Brasil y el Caribe en la profecía] [Português: México, América Central, Ámérica do Sul, e Brasil na profecia] What will happen to those of Latin America? Will they have prosperity? Will they cooperate with Europe? Will they suffer in the future? What role might the various Caribbean nations/territories play?

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.

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?

Statement of Beliefs of the Continuing Church of God “Contend earnestly for the faith once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3, NKJV), “Let brotherly love (Philadelphia) continue” (Hebrews 13:1) “…continuing stedfastly in the teaching of the apostles” (Acts 2:42 YLT). So, what does that really mean in terms of specific beliefs? Here is a related link in Spanish/español: Declaración de las Doctrinas de la Continuación de la Iglesia de Dios. Here is a related link in Tagalog: Paglalahad ng Mga Paniniwala ng Patuloy na Iglesya ng Diyos. Here is a related link in Mandarin Chinese 继续神的教会的信仰声明. Here is a related link in Kiswahili: KATIKA LUGHA YA KISWAHILI. Here is a related link in Dutch: Verklaring van geloofspunten van de Continuing Church of God. Here is a related link in Deutsche (German): Glaubenserklärung der Continuing Church of God. Here is a related link in Italiano: Dichiarazione del Credo della Continuing Church of God. Here is related link in the French language: Déclaration des croyances de L’Église Continue de Dieu.

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

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

CCOGAFRICA.ORG This is a website targeted towards those in Africa.

CCOGCANADA.CA This is a website targeted towards those in Canada.

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.

PNIND.PH Patuloy na Iglesya ng Diyos. This is the Philippines website Continuing Church of God. It

Dead flying insects on windshield

COGwriter

More are realizing that there is a problem with insect populations:

Flying Insect Numbers Fall by 75 Percent, Threatening ‘Ecological Armageddon’

October 19, 2017

The total number of flying insects in protected areas in Germany has dropped by over 75 percent in the past 27 years. Scientists noted the major decline of bees, butterflies, moths and other winged creatures across 63 key areas and said it could not be explained by changes to habitat or weather, instead speculating that widespread pesticide use may be to blame. …
T
heir findings showed that between 1989 and 2016, total flying insect biomass had fallen by 76 percent. At some points in mid-summer, the number fell by as much as 82 percent. “This decrease has long been suspected but has turned out to be more severe than previously thought,” Hallmann said in a statement.

Analysis showed there was not one main contributing factor that could explain the decline seen across the study areas—including changes to land use, weather and habitat.

“The decline in insect biomass, being evident throughout the growing season, and irrespective of habitat type or landscape configuration, suggests large-scale factors must be involved,” the team wrote. “While some temporal changes in climatic variables in our study area have taken place, these either were not of influence (e.g. wind speed), or changed in a manner that should have increased insect biomass (e.g. temperature).” …

One of the study authors, Dave Goulson, from the University of Sussex, U.K., said the rates of loss recorded are not sustainable. “Insects make up about two thirds of all life on Earth,” he said. “We appear to be making vast tracts of land inhospitable to most forms of life, and are currently on course for ecological Armageddon. On current trajectory, our grandchildren will inherit a profoundly impoverished world.”

The above news report was based on a new study. Here is its abstract, followed by a link to the study:

Abstract

Global declines in insects have sparked wide interest among scientists, politicians, and the general public. Loss of insect diversity and abundance is expected to provoke cascading effects on food webs and to jeopardize ecosystem services. Our understanding of the extent and underlying causes of this decline is based on the abundance of single species or taxonomic groups only, rather than changes in insect biomass which is more relevant for ecological functioning. Here, we used a standardized protocol to measure total insect biomass using Malaise traps, deployed over 27 years in 63 nature protection areas in Germany (96 unique location-year combinations) to infer on the status and trend of local entomofauna. Our analysis estimates a seasonal decline of 76%, and mid-summer decline of 82% in flying insect biomass over the 27 years of study. We show that this decline is apparent regardless of habitat type, while changes in weather, land use, and habitat characteristics cannot explain this overall decline. This yet unrecognized loss of insect biomass must be taken into account in evaluating declines in abundance of species depending on insects as a food source, and ecosystem functioning in the European landscape. http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0185809

Notice also the following two items:

Not long ago, a lengthy drive on a hot day wouldn’t be complete without scraping bug guts off a windshield. But splattered insects have gone the way of the Chevy Nova — you just don’t see them on the road like you used to.

Biologists call this the windshield phenomenon. It’s a symptom, they say, of a vanishing population.

“For those of us who look, I think all of us are disturbed and all of us are seeing fewer insects,” said Scott Black, executive director of the Portland, Ore.-based Xerces Society, a nonprofit environmental group that promotes insect conservation. “On warm summer nights you used to see them around streetlights.” …

Though some missing insects may be pests — bloodsuckers or crop-eaters — plenty of insects are productive members of a healthy ecosystem. (Even mosquitoes play a vital role as food sources for fish and other animals.) In 2006, Losey and fellow Cornell entomologist Mace Vaughan estimated that wild insects provide $57 billion worth of custodial services in the United States each year. They bury animal dung, prey on pests and pollinate plants.

“If you like to eat nutritious fruits and vegetables, you should thank an insect. If you like salmon, you can thank a tiny fly that the salmon eat when they’re young,” Black said. “The whole fabric of our planet is built on plants and insects and the relationship between the two.” https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/speaking-of-science/wp/2017/10/18/this-is-very-alarming-flying-insects-vanish-from-nature-preserves/?utm_term=.2e17bf646f45

The EPA reports that “pesticide poisoning” is a likely cause of bee colony collapse as pesticides and herbicides like Roundup, as well as others known as systemic neonicotinoid insecticides, weaken the bees’ immune system. https://www.credomobilize.com/petitions/tell-home-depot-and-lowe-s-to-stop-carrying-roundup-and-similar-pesticides

Insects have positive roles. And as regular readers of this page are aware, I have written about bees for years (see UN reports on massive declines in bee and buttefly populations and Bees seem to get addicted to pesticide that may be devastating their population). The precise cause for losses can be debated, but it appears that pesticides and items related to genetically-modified crops are factors (RoundUp is used with several GMO crops). Bees are needed to improve the pollination of many foods and losses of bees can affect the food supply. Some day, real hunger will come to the USA (cf. Ezekiel 5: 5:16).

The USA, UK, and other parts of the world are at risk of food shortages if the bee situation gets much worse. The effects of GMOs, pesticides, and agricultural chemicals are more complicated than many realize. It is good that the US federal government is looking into this, but the reality is that the USA government has basically protected Monsanto from negative affects of its GMO projects (see H.R. 933 includes pro-GMO provision that some call ‘Monsanto Protection Act’ and Thousands worldwide march against Monsanto).

Some have called the decimation of bees a ‘‘Bee Apocalypse’‘–and that could very well be a step towards the real apocalypse and the start of the Great Tribulation of Matthew 24:21.

Now, we are seeing the loss of various flying insects referred to as leading to “ecological Armageddon.”

Jesus warned about ecological disaster and the Bible shows that He will have to return in order to stop it:

22 And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened. (Matthew 24:22)

18 The nations were angry, and Your wrath has come, And the time of the dead, that they should be judged, And that You should reward Your servants the prophets and the saints, And those who fear Your name, small and great, And should destroy those who destroy the earth. (Revelation 11:18)

The Kingdom of God is the Solution.

Now prior to the establishment of that, Jesus warned that one of the “signs” of the end of the age would be famine:

7…And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. (Matthew 24:6-8)

We seem to be in the time Jesus called “the beginning of sorrows.” It perhaps should be mentioned that the reduction of certain insect species may also increase the population of more negative disease-carrying ones–that brings to mind the fourth horseman of the Apocalypse (Revelation 6:7-8; see also Fourth Horseman of the Apocalypse).

Furthermore, between the widespread and growing use of genetically modified (GMO) “foods,” pesticides, herbicides, and synthesized sweeteners, nations are putting themselves at risk for the famines which are certain to come. Losing bees and other insects perhaps should be a sign that things are beginning to worsen.

Those who think that famine will not come to nations like the USA and UK should consider the following prophecy:

15 ‘So it shall be a reproach, a taunt, a lesson, and an astonishment to the nations that are all around you, when I execute judgments among you in anger and in fury and in furious rebukes. I, the Lord, have spoken. 16 When I send against them the terrible arrows of famine which shall be for destruction, which I will send to destroy you, I will increase the famine upon you and cut off your supply of bread. 17 So I will send against you famine and wild beasts, and they will bereave you. Pestilence and blood shall pass through you, and I will bring the sword against you. I, the Lord, have spoken.’ (Ezekiel 5:15-17)

Famines will come.

As Jesus said:

37 And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch! (Mark 13:36-37)

Some items of related interest may include:

United Nations: Humankind’s Last Hope or New World Order? Is the UN the last hope for humanity? Or might its goals end up with sinister results? Two related videos include UN’s ‘New Universal Agenda’ is a False Gospel! and United Nations and Vatican Are Planning the New World Order.
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God This free online pdf booklet has answers many questions people have about the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and explains why it is the solution to the issues the world is facing. Here are links to three related sermons: The World’s False Gospel, The Gospel of the Kingdom: From the New and Old Testaments, and The Kingdom of God is the Solution.
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.
GMOs and Bible Prophecy What are GMOs? Since they were not in the food supply until 1994, how could they possibly relate to Bible prophecy? Do GMOs put the USA and others at risk? Here is a related YouTube video GMO Risks and the Bible.
Chimeras: Has Science Crossed the Line? What are chimeras? Has science crossed the line? Does the Bible give any clues?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Saxon (non-Dutch) Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo-Saxon nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first? Here is a link to the Spanish version of this article: Anglo-América & las Tribus Perdidas de Israel. Information is also in the YouTube sermons titled Where are the Ten Lost Tribes? Why does it matter? and British are the Covenant People. A short YouTube of prophetic interest may be Barack Obama and the State of the Apocalypse.
Will the Anglo-Saxon Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What about Jerusalem? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people? Here is a link to a video titled Will the USA and other Anglo-nations be Divided and Their People Made Slaves? Here is a related item in the Spanish language ¿Serán divididas las naciones anglosajonas?
British are the Covenant People What do ‘British’ and ‘Britain’ mean in Hebrew? Are the descendants of the Anglo-Saxons people of the covenant? Does the British royal family connect to the throne of David? What does the Bible teach? What does history show us? Is there any DNA evidence related to British-Israelism? When did Christianity make it to the British Isles? Could Jeremiah have made it to the British Isles? What type of Christians made it to the British Isles? Did the last King of England believe in British Israelism?
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 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?
The Bible, Christians, and the Environment How should Christians view the environment? Does the Bible give any clues? What are some of the effects of air, water, and land pollution? Is environmental pollution a factor in autism and death? Do pollutants seem to double the autism risk? What will Jesus do? Here is a link to a related sermon:  Christians and the Environment (there is also YouTube video available titled Air Pollution, Autism, and Prophecy).

Eastern Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew

COGwriter

Eastern Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew is in the news promoting the ‘climate change’ agenda:

October 19, 2017

The Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople Bartholomew I has called for “a fresh deliberation on the fate of the earth” while delivering a keynote speech during the Arctic Circle Assembly in Reykjavik, Iceland.The assembly drew more than 2,000 participants from 50 countries, joined religious leaders with scientists, government officials, advocates, and indigenous people on Oct. 13-15.

Bartholomew recalled a time when religious people were relatively indifferent, and sometimes even hostile, to science.

“Today, however,” he said, “as some of those connections have become more perceptible and tangible, there is hardly a religious leader in the world who is not in one way or another concerned about the challenges posed by pollution and climate change.”

A conference organized by the World Council of Churches and hosted by the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Iceland under the theme “Just Peace with Earth” was held in conjunction with the Arctic Assembly.

More and more people recognize that religious consciousness and environmental science are both concerned with the ultimate questions, said Bartholomew. http://www.ecumenicalnews.com/article/from-the-arctic-ecumenical-patriarch-calls-for-fresh-deliberation-on-fate-of-the-earth/60437.htm

Back in 2015, “The Ecumenical Patriarch … called for urgent action for climate justice ahead of the UN summit on climate change in Paris in December” (https://www.churchofengland.org/media-centre/news/2015/11/ecumenical-patriarch-calls-for-urgent-action-on-the-environment.aspx). So, he is not new to this. This is one way he seems to increase his international prestige.

The climate change agenda that he has been pushing is basically the same one that is in Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si as well as the same one adopted by the United Nations a couple of years ago called the New Universal Agenda, also called (by me) the New Catholic Agenda (as catholic means universal). The Vatican’s Pope Francis was the keynote speaker at the UN the day that the New Universal Agenda was adopted. This, then, got adopted as the Paris Accords. While this was pushed by then US President Barack Obama, current US President Donald Trump has opposed it and stated that the USA could not support it as written (see Donald Trump announces withdraw from Paris accords: A slap in the face to Pope Francis and the Europeans?).

As far as Patriarch Bartholomew goes, a couple of years ago, he and then Anglican Archbishop Welby put out a joint communique on the climate agenda:

The Ecumenical Patriarch and Archbishop of Canterbury, as spiritual leader of the 80-million strong Anglican Communion made a joint statement between Anglican and Orthodox Churches on the theology of the human person.

In a joint communiqué, the two leaders said that the agreement “celebrates what Anglicans and Orthodox affirm together about the human person, created in ‘the Image and Likeness of God.'”

They said it, “will form the theological foundation for forthcoming discussions on the practical consequences of these theological presuppositions for addressing the key themes, including the protection of the environment, medical interventions, and questions around family life and ethics.”

The statement concluded six years of study on “what Anglicans and Orthodox can say together about the meaning of human personhood in the divine image,” the International Commission for Anglican-Orthodox Theological Dialogue said when they agreed on the final text in September. http://www.ecumenicalnews.com/article/climate-change-action-needs-both-science-and-faith-says-ecumenical-patriarch-35518

It should be clear that the Eastern Orthodox and the Church of England have been working together for some time to see how they could find areas of agreement to promote.

The ecumenical and inter-faith movements are moving ahead, yet they WILL NOT RESULT IN A CLEAN CLIMATE NOT REAL AND LASTING PEACE. Yet, many Protestants are falling for it (see Beware: Protestants Going Towards Ecumenical Destruction! and Pope Francis speaks of ecumenism to 52,000 Pentecostals and others).

The Bible does not teach that Christians are to ignore biblical reality and pray that they are to be moved into the type of unity that Pope Francis, Patriarch Bartholomew, and apparently Archbishop Welby want.

The Bible also shows that irrespective of whatever international agreements there may be, they will NOT save the environment–the Bible shows that it will take the return of Jesus and the establishment of the millennial Kingdom of God to do that (Matthew 24:21-22; Revelation 11:18; see also The Bible, Christians, and the Environment).

The Bible also clearly shows that the ecumenical/inter-faith movement will also end in destruction (Revelation 18 & 19). This is not something that Catholics or the Eastern Orthodox or the Protestants should want (see also Why Should American Catholics Fear Unity with the Orthodox? and Beware: Protestants Going Towards Ecumenical Destruction!)–yet many of their leaders are promoting this!

In Zechariah, the Bible warns against a coming ‘daughter of Babylon’ and shows that proper unity will not happen until after Jesus returns:

10 Look out! Look out! Flee from the land of the north — Yahweh declares- for I have scattered you to the four winds of heaven — Yahweh declares. 11 Look out! Make your escape, Zion, now living with the daughter of Babylon!

12 For Yahweh Sabaoth says this, since the Glory commissioned me, about the nations who plundered you, ‘Whoever touches you touches the apple of my eye. 13 Now look, I shall wave my hand over them and they will be plundered by those whom they have enslaved.’ Then you will know that Yahweh Sabaoth has sent me! 14 Sing, rejoice, daughter of Zion, for now I am coming to live among you -Yahweh declares! 15 And on that day many nations will be converted to Yahweh. Yes, they will become his people, and they will live among you. Then you will know that Yahweh Sabaoth has sent me to you! 16 Yahweh will take possession of Judah, his portion in the Holy Land, and again make Jerusalem his choice. (Zechariah 2:12-16, New Jerusalem Bible-NJB)

The ecumenical and inter-faith movements that the Vatican, certain Protestants, and certain Eastern Orthodox leaders are promoting are clearly condemned by the Bible and should not be encouraged.

The Apostle Paul also taught that true unity of faith would not happen until after Jesus returns:

13 until we all reach unity in faith and knowledge of the Son of God and form the perfect Man, fully mature with the fullness of Christ himself. (Ephesians 4:13, NJB)

Those who believe this unity comes prior to Jesus’ return are in error. Actually, when Jesus returns, He will destroy the unity of nations that are against Him:

11:15 Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and voices could be heard shouting in heaven, calling, ‘The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever.’ 16 The twenty-four elders, enthroned in the presence of God, prostrated themselves and touched the ground with their foreheads worshipping God 17 with these words, ‘We give thanks to you, Almighty Lord God, He who is, He who was, for assuming your great power and beginning your reign. 18 The nations were in uproar and now the time has come for your retribution, and for the dead to be judged, and for your servants the prophets, for the saints and for those who fear your name, small and great alike, to be rewarded. The time has come to destroy those who are destroying the earth.’ (Revelation 11:15-18, NJB)

19:6 And I heard what seemed to be the voices of a huge crowd, like the sound of the ocean or the great roar of thunder, answering, ‘Alleluia! The reign of the Lord our God Almighty has begun;… 19 Then I saw the beast, with all the kings of the earth and their armies, gathered together to fight the Rider and his army. 20 But the beast was taken prisoner, together with the false prophet who had worked miracles on the beast’s behalf and by them had deceived those who had accepted branding with the mark of the beast and those who had worshipped his statue. These two were hurled alive into the fiery lake of burning sulphur. 21 All the rest were killed by the sword of the Rider, which came out of his mouth, and all the birds glutted themselves with their flesh… 20:4 Then I saw thrones, where they took their seats, and on them was conferred the power to give judgement. I saw the souls of all who had been beheaded for having witnessed for Jesus and for having preached God’s word, and those who refused to worship the beast or his statue and would not accept the brandmark on their foreheads or hands; they came to life, and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. (Revelation 19:6,19-21; 20:4, NJB)

Notice that Jesus will have to destroy a world of armies unified against Him. Then He and the saints will reign. That is when there will be proper unity of the faith. Even the NJB, a Roman Catholic translation of the Bible, concurs. The nations will be united AGAINST Jesus.

Catholics, Orthodox, Protestants, and others need to be concerned about the type of unity that is actually being promoted and what the climate change agenda really is about.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

United Nations: Humankind’s Last Hope or New World Order? Is the UN the last hope for humanity? Or might its goals end up with sinister results? Two related videos include UN’s ‘New Universal Agenda’ is a False Gospel! and United Nations and Vatican Are Planning the New World Order.
The Bible, Christians, and the Environment How should Christians view the environment? Does the Bible give any clues? What are some of the effects of air, water, and land pollution? Is environmental pollution a factor in autism and death? Do pollutants seem to double the autism risk? What will Jesus do? Here is a link to a related sermon:  Christians and the Environment (there is also YouTube video available titled Air Pollution, Autism, and Prophecy).
Hope of Salvation: How the Continuing Church of God differ from most Protestants How the real Church of God differs from mainstream/traditional Protestants, is perhaps the question I am asked most by those without a Church of God background. As far as some changes affecting Protestantism, watch the video Charismatic Kenneth Copeland and Anglican Tony Palmer: Protestants Beware! [Português: Esperança do salvação: Como a igreja do deus difere da maioria de protestantes]
Beware: Protestants Going Towards Ecumenical Destruction! What is going on in the Protestant world? Are Protestants turning back to their ‘mother church’ in Rome? Does the Bible warn about this? What are Catholic plans and prophecies related to this? Is Protestantism doomed? See also World Council of Churches Peace Plan.
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?
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?
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.
Beware: Protestants Going Towards Ecumenical Destruction! What is going on in the Protestant world? Are Protestants turning back to their ‘mother church’ in Rome? Does the Bible warn about this? What are Catholic plans and prophecies related to this? Is Protestantism doomed? watch the video Charismatic Kenneth Copeland and Anglican Tony Palmer: Protestants Beware!
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.
Laudato Si: Pope’s Agenda or Kingdom of God? Pope Francis’ 2nd encyclical is titled ‘Laudato Si.’ In it, he goes over his views related to environmental, economic, social, moral, agricultural, and spiritual issues. He advocates international cooperation to solve various problems he believes are affecting humanity. Is that Pope’s agenda the solution? What about the Kingdom of God? does the Bible teach? Two related articles include Laudato Si: Will Pope Francis’ economic actions match his words? and Laudato Si: A call for a one-world government?
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?
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God This free online pdf booklet has answers many questions people have about the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and explains why it is the solution to the issues the world is facing. Here are links to three related sermons: The World’s False Gospel, The Gospel of the Kingdom: From the New and Old Testaments, and The Kingdom of God is the Solution.
Could Pope Francis be the Last Pope and Antichrist? Former Argentinian Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio is now Pope Francis. According to some interpretations of the prophecies of the popes by the Catholic saint and Bishop Malachy, Pope Francis is in the position of “Peter the Roman,” the pontiff who reigns during tribulations until around the time of the destruction of Rome. Do biblical prophecies warn of someone that sounds like Peter the Roman? Could Francis be the heretical antipope of Catholic private prophecies and the final Antichrist of Bible prophecy? Could a Jesuit be “the black pope”?
Pope Francis: Could this Marian Focused Pontiff be Fulfilling Prophecy? Pope Francis has taken many steps to turn people more towards his version of ‘Mary.’ Could this be consistent with biblical and Catholic prophecies? This article documents what has been happening. There is also a video version titled Pope Francis: Could this Marian Focused Pontiff be Fulfilling Prophecy?
Where is the True Christian Church Today? This free online pdf booklet answers that question and includes 18 proofs, clues, and signs to identify the true vs. false Christian church. Plus 7 proofs, clues, and signs to help identify Laodicean churches. A related sermon is also available: Where is the True Christian Church? Here is a link to the booklet in the Spanish language: ¿Dónde está la verdadera Iglesia cristiana de hoy? Here is a link in the German language: WO IST DIE WAHRE CHRISTLICHE KIRCHE HEUTE? Here is a link in the French language: Où est la vraie Église Chrétienne aujourd’hui?
Continuing History of the Church of God This pdf booklet is a historical overview of the true Church of God and some of its main opponents from Acts 2 to the 21st century. Related sermon links include Continuing History of the Church of God: c. 31 to c. 300 A.D. and Continuing History of the Church of God: 4th-16th Centuries and Continuing History of the Church of God: 17th-20th Centuries. The booklet is available in Spanish: Continuación de la Historia de la Iglesia de Dios, German: Kontinuierliche Geschichte der Kirche Gottes, French: L Histoire Continue de l Église de Dieu and Ekegusii Omogano Bw’ekanisa Ya Nyasae Egendererete.