Church of God News

In all your dwelling places the cities shall be laid waste
(Ezekiel 6:6)

COGwriter

Author Doug Casey is raising concerns about some matters in the USA:

Doug Casey Warns “It’s Going To Get Very Disagreeable In The US At Some Level Quickly”

America was as soon as distinctive among the many world’s international locations. Sadly that’s now not the case. The concept remains to be distinctive, however the nation now not is. …

The expansion of the State is definitely destroying society. During the last 100 years the State has grown at an exponential fee, and it’s the enemy of the person. I see no cause why this development, which has been in movement and accelerating for thus lengthy, goes to cease. And definitely no cause why it’s going to reverse.

It’s like an enormous snowball that’s been rolling downhill from the highest of the mountain. It might have been stopped early in its descent, however now the factor is a behemoth. When you stand in its method you’ll get crushed. It should cease solely when it smashes the village on the backside of the valley.

This makes me fairly pessimistic about the way forward for freedom within the US. As I stated, it’s been in a downtrend for a lot of a long time. However the occasions of September 11, 2001, turbocharged the acceleration of the lack of liberty within the US. In some unspecified time in the future both international or home enemies will trigger one other 9/11, both actual or imagined. It’s predictable; that’s what sociopaths, which I mentioned earlier, do.

When there’s one other 9/11—and we could have one other one—they’re going to lock down this nation like considered one of their quite a few new prisons. I used to be afraid that the capturing deaths and accidents of a number of hundred individuals in Las Vegas on October 1st is perhaps it. However, surprisingly, the information cycle has pushed on, leaving scores of significant unanswered questions in its wake. And about zero public concern.

It’s going to turn out to be very disagreeable within the US at some point. It appears to me the inevitable is changing into imminent. http://financialliteracyy.com/doug-casey-warns-its-going-to-get-very-unpleasant-in-the-us-at-some-point-soon/

As far as the direction that freedom in the USA is going, notice something about a proposed California Senate bill:

A California state senator has proposed a bill “to kill free speech” that would require state-sanctioned fact checkers to approve Web content.

The proposal doesn’t mention the First Amendment.

Gateway Pundit’s Jim Hoft explains the plan comes from Richard Pan  …

The bill is the “Internet: social media: false information: strategic plan,” or SB1424.

“Existing law prohibits a person, among others, from making or disseminating in any advertising device, or in any manner or means whatever, including over the internet, any statement concerning real or personal property or services that is untrue or misleading, as specified,” Pan wrote.

“This bill would require any person who operates a social media, as defined, internet Web site with a physical presence in California to develop a strategic plan to verify news stories shared on its Web site. The bill would require the plan to include, among other things, a plan to mitigate the spread of false information through news stories, the utilization of fact-checkers to verify news stories, providing outreach to social media users, and placing a warning on a news story containing false information.”

In lawmaker-speak, the reference to “fact-checkers” means only workers approved by the state.

It provides:

(a) Any person who operates a social media Internet Web site with physical presence in California shall develop a strategic plan to verify news stories shared on its Internet Web site.
(b) The strategic plan shall include, but is not limited to, all of the following:
(1) A plan to mitigate the spread of false information through news stories.
(2) The utilization of fact-checkers to verify news stories.
(3) Providing outreach to social media users regarding news stories containing false information.
(4) Placing a warning on a news story containing false information.
(c) As used in this section, “social media” means an electronic service or account, or electronic content, including, but not limited to, videos, still photographs, blogs, video blogs, podcasts, instant and text messages, email, online services or accounts, or Internet Web site profiles or locations.

Asked Gateway Pundit: “Getting the picture? It’s a free speech killer. …” http://www.wnd.com/2018/04/bill-requires-state-fact-checkers-to-approve-news-before-its-published/#DCtjIshXvuDBrhKK.99

While SB1424 sounds ‘unconstitutional,’ government officials have allowed enough ‘exceptions’ to US Constitutional freedoms (particularly since 9/11) to suggest something like this is possible.

Consider the following from the Bible:

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

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

With electronic media, “big brother” (the government) can watch you in ways that were not possible in the past. And, perhaps it should be mentioned that conceivably, everyone who posts on platforms such as Facebook is, in a literal sense, a blogger that the USA government may want to monitor (see DHS is monitoring all journalists, bloggers, and media influencers: Will this affect press freedom and lead to the fulfillment of prophecies?). Watch also: Internet Censorship and Prophecy.

Jesus warned:

4 … the night is coming when no one can work. (John 9:4, NKJV)

4… the night cometh, when no man can work (John 9:4 KJV)

The Prophet Amos was inspired to record the following:

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

The Bible clearly tells of a time that will come when the word of God will not be found. And that would seem to be, at least partially, because it will be taken off the internet. In the 21st century, the internet is accessed by people in every country, and thus some type of internet restriction/suspension/site removal is coming–this will one day happen to the Continuing Church of God! And the USA will be part of this.

Doug Casey is correct that it will get more disagreeable in the USA. This is part of why we are preparing for the short work the Apostle Paul referred to in Romans 9:28 (see also Preparing for the ‘Short Work’ and The Famine of the Word).

But let me add, the USA will then get destroyed per Daniel 11:39 (see also USA in Prophecy: The Strongest Fortresses).

Now, everyone does not think that the USA will get physically destroyed.

Notice the following from Brandon Smith:

World War III Will Be An Economic War

April 11, 2018

There is a mass delusion in the mainstream created I think in large part by too much exposure to movie fantasy and TV fiction. It is an immediate assumption; one that I believe is far more dangerous than many people give it credit for. The assumption is that the next great war, should it occur, will inevitably be a nuclear one, and the doom surrounding it will end everything as we know it. Many people even get excited at the idea of World War III and the notion that it will “wipe the slate clean,” setting the stage for a positive human reformation from the ashes. I’m here to say that this is likely not how things will play out. …

The excitement and dread surrounding potential nuclear warfare distracts from the much more legitimate threat of a staged financial war between East and West (as well as regional wars by proxy in Syria and North Korea which could bog the US down in a mire). It is important to remember that all wars are invariably banker wars — that is to say, almost all wars benefit international financiers by creating an environment ripe for centralization of wealth and political power. This notion tends to confuse some analysts and activists in the liberty movement. …

In many ways a world economic war could be far more disastrous than a nuclear one. In the event of economic collapse just as many people could very well perish as trade infrastructure and freight systems shut down, but the damage can be more easily directed and centrally controlled by financial elitists. Wealth can be shifted into any number of assets anywhere on the planet — so the idea that globalists have anything to lose in this scenario is rather naive. In the meantime, the banks plan to steal even more power for existing organizations like the IMF. As some countries suffer economic breakdown, globalist institutions will only grow.

In a nuclear war, there is only pandemonium. In an economic war, centralized dominance remains possible. The greatest disaster would not be the tragedy of mass unemployment, degradation of infrastructure, loss of monetary stability or loss of reliable food and energy production. No, the greatest disaster would be the continued thriving of banking conglomerates and central bank organizations as large portions of the world crumble. The greatest disaster will be what happens AFTER the collapse — the consolidation of a “new world order,” if the banking elites are not unmasked as the real catalyst behind the next world war. http://www.alt-market.com/articles/3407-world-war-iii-will-be-and-economic-war

Brandon Smith is correct that liberties are being lost. That is becoming more and more clear to those of us who believe that the Bible is the word of God.

Brandon Smith is also correct that we will see a type of economic war. We are seeing the beginnings of international trade and currency wars now.

But do not become so complacent that YOU do not believe that a nuclear (or worse) WWIII is coming.

The Bible is clear that a devastating Great Tribulation will come. Notice some scriptures from Jesus and some of God’s prophets:

21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened. (Matthew 24:21-22)

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)

3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry.

4 “Behold the proud, His soul is not upright in him; But the just shall live by his faith.

5 “Indeed, because he transgresses by wine, He is a proud man, And he does not stay at home. Because he enlarges his desire as hell, And he is like death, and cannot be satisfied, He gathers to himself all nations And heaps up for himself all peoples.

6 “Will not all these take up a proverb against him, And a taunting riddle against him, and say, ‘Woe to him who increases What is not his–how long? And to him who loads himself with many pledges’?

7 Will not your creditors rise up suddenly? Will they not awaken who oppress you? And you will become their booty.

8 Because you have plundered many nations, All the remnant of the people shall plunder you, Because of men’s blood And the violence of the land and the city, And of all who dwell in it. (Habakkuk 2:3-8)

7 Alas! For that day is great, So that none is like it; And it is the time of Jacob’s trouble (Jeremiah 30:7)

The USA is the power with the “strongest fortresses” in the 21st century and is the most indebted nation of all time. The time is coming that the USA and its Anglo-Saxon allies will be no more. The end of Anglo-Saxon economic and industrial dominance is coming.

And the Bible clearly teaches that military defeat will occur.

Other scriptures point to descriptions that sound like the use of nuclear weapons, or worse:

23 ‘The whole land is brimstone, salt, and burning (Deuteronomy 29:23).

19 Through the wrath of the LORD of hosts
The land is burned up,
And the people shall be as fuel for the fire; No man shall spare his brother.
20 And he shall snatch on the right hand
And be hungry;
He shall devour on the left hand
And not be satisfied; Every man shall eat the flesh of his own arm. 21 Manasseh shall devour Ephraim, and Ephraim Manasseh; Together they shall be against Judah (Isaiah 9:19-21).

6 In all your dwelling places the cities shall be laid waste (Ezekiel 6:6).

The time of the Great Tribulation is approaching.

Although the USA and its Anglo-Saxon allies are not likely to repent to prevent this nationally, personally you can repent, and hopefully will, well before the collapse of USA and its Anglo-Saxon allies (cf. Zephaniah 2:1-3; watch also: Zephaniah’s ‘Gather Together’ Prophecy).

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

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?
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.
Are You Being Called by God? Norman Shoaf wrote various points to consider.
Is God Calling You? Alfred E Carrozzo wrote this.
What Did Christ Mean  Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen? This article was by Raymond McNair.
Christian Repentance Do you know what repentance is? Is it really necessary for salvation? A related sermon is also available titled: Real Christian Repentance.
There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Petra This article discusses a biblical ‘place of safety’ and includes quotes from the Bible and Herbert W. Armstrong on this subject–thus, there is a biblically supported alternative to the rapture theory. There is also a video on the subject: Might Petra be the Place of Safety? Here is something related in the Spanish language: Hay un lugar de seguridad para los Filadelfinos. ¿Puede ser Petra?
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? Two related sermons are available The Work per HWA and the Bible and Priority of the Philadelphia 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.
The Final Phase of the Work What is the final phase of the work? Who will lead it? Do you have the courage to support it? Here is a related YouTube video titled The Final Phase of the Work. The written article has been translated into Spanish La Fase Final de la Obra.
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?
Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? Does God have 7,000 year plan? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2026 or 20xx? There is also a video titled 6000 Years: When will God’s Kingdom Come? Here is a link to the article in Spanish: ¿Tiene Dios un plan de 6,000 años?
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2018, 2019, or 2020? 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 2018 o 2019? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? You can also see the English language sermon videos: The Great Tribulation from the Mount of Olives and Can the Great Tribulation begin before 2020? A shorter video is: Can the Great Tribulation begin in 2018?
The Times of the Gentiles Has there been more than one time of the Gentiles? Are we in it now or in the time of Anglo-America? What will the final time of the Gentiles be like? A related sermon is available and is titled: The Times of the Gentiles.
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?
Armageddon Who is involved and when will this gathering happen? Here is also a video from Dr. Thiel, from Tel Megiddo in Israel: Armageddon. Another video is: watch Is China paving roads to Armageddon?

NASA photo of V838 once claimed to be Planet Nibiru

COGwriter

Some doomsayers believe that Planet Nibiru, sometimes called Planet X, will destroy Planet Earth later this month:

April 12, 2018

That’s the advice if you believe conspiracy theorists who say that the world is going to end with biblical rapture as ‘death planet’ Nibiru appears in the sky.

The date for our collective departure from this mortal coil is April 23.

According to the wacky theory, the moon, sun and Jupiter are going to align in Virgo, triggering the start of the biblical Rapture.  …

David Meade, who has previously predicted the end of the world, said: ‘By early April of 2018, the disappearance of the Church (all true Christians worldwide also known as the Rapture) will occur.

‘This will be followed quickly by the rise of the Antichrist, the appearance of Planet X and World War III.

‘Seven years of Tribulation will ensure. This is beyond any shadow of doubt.’ http://metro.co.uk/2018/04/12/death-planet-nibiru-going-appear-april-23-kill-us-conspiracy-theorists-claim-7460289/

David Meade will be wrong again–this is at least the third or fourth date I have heard for this to happen from him. And yes, he is wrong again.

Various Protestant types have tried to connect Planet Nibiru destruction in with Revelation 12. I have regularly denounced the Planet Nibiru destruction and Revelation 12 claims in the past (e.g. More predictions that planet ‘Nibiru’ will destroy the Earth this year and BibleNewsProphecy: Planet Nibiru to Destroy Earth by 2017?).

Notice a prior claim related to Gary Ray and ‘Virgo’:

According to BeliefNet.com, “Gary Ray, who writes for Unsealed, believes that the end is coming. But the {August 21, 2017} … eclipse is another astronomical sign the end is near and that the Rapture is fast approaching. He told the Washington Post that the image will be created in the sky on Sept. 23. He explained that Virgo represents the woman in Revelations 12 who will be clothed in sunlight. She will be in position over the moon and under the nine stars and three planets. Ray said that image will be created in the sky on Sept. 23.” … Ray, the Post wrote, “thinks the two eclipses that are slated to travel across the United States in 2017 and 2024, together marking an X across the nation, could be the starting and ending signs bookmarking a seven-year period of awful tribulations that Revelations says waits in store for nonbelievers who are left behind on Earth when the Rapture occurs. http://heavy.com/news/2017/08/solar-eclipse-end-of-the-world-bible-prophecies-september-23-sept-revelations-12-predictions/

Sadly, various ones bring their false understanding of biblical prophecy into their astronomical theories. Some brought in the solar eclipse of August 21, 2017, which I denounced as not a harbinger from God as David Meade, Gary Ray, and Mark Biltz indicated, but simply as a natural phenomena (watch Solar Eclipse and the Apocalypse).

But it is not just Planet Nibiru that some point to for their false predictions.

A reader sent me a link to the following from Helena Lehman of Pillar of Enoch Ministry:

The Blood Moon Triads that occurred to specifically point to 2011 and 2018, and which act as a celestial frame around the amazing Blood Moon Tetrad on Jewish Feasts that occurred between Passover of 2014 and Sukkot of 2015, shows that the years 2011 through 2018 are extremely significant. …

Due to the previous prophetic dates already disclosed in this chapter (i.e. 2010 AD, 2017 AD and 2018 AD), this interpretation of Daniel’s “sevens” has startling implications. In 1948, the modern nation of Israel was at peace after winning a war against her enemies. It was also finally recognized as a nation by the world, and Jerusalem could again be rebuilt. 1948 is therefore the future time when “the command to restore and build Jerusalem” was issued! Just as in ancient times, Jerusalem has been rebuilt “in troublesome times” (Daniel 9:25). …

In the near future, another cutting off or removal of God’s chosen representatives from the world scene may occur with the First Rapture of the saints in the 70th year after Israel became a nation again. This year is likely the year 2018, and not 2017. Then the Great Tribulation will begin. Then, near to the end of the three and half years of the Great Tribulation, I believe that a Second Rapture may take place when the Two Witnesses are resurrected from the dead. …

If seven more “sevens” or years are added to 2010 AD, we arrive at 2017 AD, and 2017 may be the last year of the Seal Judgments and the prelude to the beginning of the Great Tribulation in 2018. … a seven-year period in which five of the Seal Judgments have been released appears to have fallen from 2011 through 2017 AD. In conjunction with the Blood Moon Triads that frame the years 2011 and 2018, and the Blood Moon Tetrad that marked the years 2014 and 2015 as significant, it appears that the years 2010 through 2018 that correspond with Hallel Psalms 110 through 118 were targeted by Daniel’s Prophecy of the Seventy Weeks as extremely significant. …

In summary, according to the principle that each one of Daniel’s seventy weeks equals one year, then 2018 is the year that will mark Daniel’s Seventieth Week! Here is a prophecy written thousands of years ago by a captive prophet named Daniel that verifies the beginning and end dates that may mark the Tribulation period before the Great Tribulation, as well as the beginning of the seventieth “week” or year in 2018! Also, although no one except God the Father knows the exact day or hour of the Rapture or Catching Away spoken of in 1 Thessalonians 4:17, Tu B’Av in 2018 would be a more than appropriate time considering the interesting Heavenly Sign that will appear on that night . Furthermore, if 2018 is the time of our deliverance in the Rapture, my understanding of Daniel Chapter 9 leads me to believe that the time of our deliverance in 2018 will be followed by three and a half years of Great Tribulation, making late 2021 to mid 2022 the timing for the Battle of Armageddon, when Christ will return with His resurrected saints, and slaughter ALL the wicked that found such pleasure in abusing God’s beloved children.

Another good possibility for the Rapture is sometime around Chanukah of 2017, which falls from the evening of December 12th through to December 20th, 2017, and of course Passover Week from the evening of March 30th through April 6th, 2018 (Resurrection Sunday is on April 1st), as well as Pentecost Sunday, a.k.a. Shavuot, which will be from the evening of May 19th through to the evening of Sunday May 20th, 2018. http://pillarofenoch.blogspot.com/2017/

No, it was not possible that 2018 would be the last year of the seal judgments or that Jesus can return in 2018. Furthermore, those connecting Jesus’ return to 70 years starting in 1948 are in error, as were those who connected 70 years to 1947, which I also denounced back in 2016 (watch Will the Great Tribulation Start in 2017?). As far as the “blood moon” nonsense, I denounced that years ago (see Blood Moons, Eclipses, and Prophecy). Jesus will NOT POSSIBLY return before 2025 (see When Will the Great Tribulation Begin?).

The problem that many Protestant prophecy prognosticators have is that they overlook the sequence of events that Jesus laid out as recorded by the gospel writer Matthew as well as the Book of Revelation (for more details, see also When Will the Great Tribulation Begin?).

Because many have falsely claimed that God is sending a message through natural phenomena, they are turning people off against Bible prophecy. The following prophecy from the Apostle Peter applies not only to people who claim to be in the COG (David Pack, Ron Weinland, and Gerald Flurry come to mind), but also to those who do not seem to claim to be like Helena Lehman, David Meade, Gary Ray, and Mark Biltz:

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

The false prognosticators cause the Christian way to be blasphemed, even though (in my view) none of those I have specifically named are real Christians.

No wonder Peter was also inspired to write:

3 knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, 4 and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.” 5 For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, 6 by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. 7 But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

8 But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. 11 Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.

14 Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless; (2 Peter 3:3-15)

False prophecies have turned people away from believing that biblical prophecies are relevant.

Notice also the following:

Don’t believe the doomsday hype about the putative Planet Nine. … the New York Post published a video claiming that Planet Nine — a hypothesized world in the solar system’s far outer reaches — could send asteroids and comets hurtling into Earth soon, with potentially devastating consequences. …

The New York Post’s misleading video may result from a conflation of Planet Nine with other hypothesized, undiscovered objects in Earth’s neck of the cosmic woods — namely, Nibiru and Nemesis.

Nibiru is a proposed large planet that conspiracy theorists have predicted will crash into and destroy Earth. Many prognostications had the cataclysm occurring in 2012, to coincide with the supposed “Mayan apocalypse.” There is no evidence that Nibiru exists, or that such an impact is imminent. (Some variations of the Nibiru myth call it Planet X, but this latter moniker can also refer to a large world whose existence was first postulated by astronomer Percival Lowell in the early 20th century, to explain perceived oddities in the orbits of Uranus and Neptune. So it can get a bit confusing.)

Nemesis is a small star or brown dwarf (a “failed star” that’s considerably larger than a planet) hypothesized to zoom through space not far from the sun. Nemesis’ gravitational pull regularly jostles the faraway comet repository known as the Oort Cloud, the idea goes, sending comets barreling toward Earth — and thus explaining the perceived cycle of mass extinctions on our planet, which seem to occur every 26 million years or so. http://www.space.com/32515-planet-nine-will-not-destroy-earth-nibiru.html#sthash.GCQTtM6F.dpuf

Back in 2012, many were concerned about Planet X, also known as Planet Nibiru. Some claimed it would destroy the earth years ago, some say next month. Yet those claims are false.

The so-called science is, that according to an old NASA report, there could be another planet. A tenth planet, which some then called planet X as it had not been found (notice that Nibiru has been called both Planet Nine and X). Various ones have suggested that this planet will crash into the Earth.

No planet is about to come crashing to the Earth next month and destroy the Earth.

Yet, it is true that something from space, probably an asteroid or a comet, is prophesied in the Bible to hit the Earth and cause massive damage (Revelation 8:10-11). But not before 2022.

A large comet hitting the earth would also seem to have similar effects to that of a medium-sized asteroid. And having something actually hit the earth and do massive damage is predicted in the Bible.

But this object, called Wormwood in the Bible, cannot hit next month.

Why?

Over 1900 years ago, the Apostle John was inspired to write about Wormwood and more in the Book of Revelation. If you look at the sequence of events that precede Wormwood, it is obvious all that cannot happen between now and next month. Notice that the first nine verses happen prior to Wormwood falling from heaven:

1 When He opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. 2 And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and to them were given seven trumpets. 3 Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. 4 And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel’s hand. 5 Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and threw it to the earth. And there were noises, thunderings, lightnings, and an earthquake.

6 So the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound.

7 The first angel sounded: And hail and fire followed, mingled with blood, and they were thrown to the earth. And a third of the trees were burned up, and all green grass was burned up.

8 Then the second angel sounded: And something like a great mountain burning with fire was thrown into the sea, and a third of the sea became blood. 9 And a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.

10 Then the third angel sounded: And a great star fell from heaven, burning like a torch, and it fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water. 11 The name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the waters became wormwood, and many men died from the water, because it was made bitter. (Revelation 8:1-11)

It should also be noted that there are MANY EVENTS that also have to take place before the above events as well (see Matthew 24; see also When Will the Great Tribulation Begin?). Because of that, it is biblically impossible for the Earth to effectively be destroyed by something from space for years.

Notice that Wormwood does not fall until after the third trumpet associated with the seventh seal of Revelation is blown. Well, this would mean that the fifth and sixth seal would also have already been opened–which are mentioned in Revelation 6:7-17, and the 144,000 numbered as shown in Revelation 7. And I should add that the fifth seal of Revelation cannot possibly be opened for at least 3 1/2 years from now (watch Will the Great Tribulation Start in 2017?), with over 4 years the likely minimum.

Planet Nibiru per se does not exist, though a Planet Nine/Ten might. Yet Wormwood most certainly does exist–but again Wormwood cannot hit for several years at the earliest. That does not mean that there cannot be any problems from meteorites, comets, asteroids, solar flares, etc. But it does mean that this age will not end for at least several years.

Why bother to post about the ‘Nibiru prediction’?

Because there are many false and heretical leaders that lead people astray on prophecy. Sometimes they mention the Bible to try to act like God sanctions their nonsense. And it is not just the secular fringe people, but also those who claim to be Christian or even in the Church of God.

The Sardis and Laodicean Church of God groups, despite a few claiming to have prophets, do not understand prophecy, the work, enough of the truth, etc., and that is part of why they will have to go through the Great Tribulation. CG7, a group believed to somewhat represent Sardis, takes a preterist view that basically most end time prophecies were fulfilled long ago and are for the past. The Laodiceans have so many prophetic misunderstandings, that unless they repent and change (Revelation 3), they will not possibly know when the Great Tribulation will start until it is too late.

The various other COGs hold to one or more improper prophetic opinions that differ from that of the Continuing Church of God. A list of three dozen or so of them can be found in the article The Laodicean Church Era. Because of this, unless they change, those outside of the Continuing Church of God will not know when the Great Tribulation will begin until it is too late to flee (cf. Matthew 24:15-20; Revelation 12:14-17). The Apostle John recorded that there would be two groups of Christians at the end and that one would flee and be protected from the Great Tribulation (Revelation 12:14-16), while the other would not be (Revelation 12:17). ‘Independents’ would also be part of that latter group that will not know when to flee, unless they change and heed what the Bible teaches (watch Zephaniah’s ‘Gather Together’ Prophecy).

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

Thus, you can be certain that “Planet Nibiru” will NOT destroy the Earth next month or next year.

We made a video about Planet Nibiru before, which is also available: Planet Nibiru to Destroy Earth by 2017?

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Comets, Wormwood, and Planet Nibiru Will the Earth be devastated by Planet X or Comet Encke? What about Planet Nine? Here is a link to a related YouTube video Could Comet ISON be Wormwood of Bible Prophecy?
Planet Nibiru to Destroy Earth by 2017? Some say NASA has identified Plant X, also called Planet Nine or Nibiru or even Planet 7X. One prophecy watcher has stated that this planet will destroy Planet Earth by January 1, 2017. Is this possible? While the Bible tells of a destructive power called ‘Wormwood’ will come from outer space to destroy much of the Earth in Revelation 8, can Wormwood hit by 2017? Dr. Thiel explains from the Bible why Wormwood could be a comet and why the Bible and not those who misinterpret it should be trusted. This is a video.
Blood Moons, Eclipses, and Prophecy There were four ‘blood moons’ expected in 2014 and 2015. Some claimed that they signaled the Day of the Lord or the return of Jesus Christ. I denounced that view in advance. A related YouTube video is also available: Blood Moons, Prophecy, 2014, and 2015.
Is There A Secret Rapture for the Church? When and Where is the Church Protected? What does the Bible really teach? Does the Church flee or is it taken up just prior to the great tribulation? Who really is left behind? There is also a YouTube video with information Did Jesus Teach a Pre-tribulation Rapture?
The Dangerous Rise of Preterists Has the Great Tribulation finished? What was the view of early Christians? Why is the preterist view dangerous?
Zephaniah’s ‘Gather Together’ Prophecy Is it safe to be ‘independent’ or in a non-Philadelphin Church of God? What did God inspire Zephaniah to write?
World War III: Steps in Progress Are there surprising actions going on now that are leading to WWIII? Might a nuclear attack be expected? Does the Bible promise protection to all or only some Christians? How can you be part of those that will be protected? A related video would be Is World War III About to Begin? Can You Escape?
The Sardis Church Era was predominant circa 1600 A.D. to circa 1933 A.D. Discusses early history of the Seventh Day Baptists, Seventh-day Adventists, and COG-7th Day.
The Philadelphia Church Era was predominant circa 1933 A.D. to 1986 A.D. The old Radio Church of God and old Worldwide Church of God, now the remnant of that era is basically the most faithful in the Church of God, like who hold to the beliefs and practices of the Continuing Church of God.
The Laodicean Church Era has been predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. The Laodiceans are non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG or its offshoots. They do not properly understand the work or biblical prophecies and will face the Great Tribulation if they do not repent.
Laodicean Warning for God’s People Is there really a place of safety? Do God’s people need to be warned? Warned for what?
The Final Phase of the Work What is the final phase of the work? Who will lead it? Do you have the courage to support it? Here is a related YouTube video titled The Final Phase of the Work. The written article has been translated into Spanish La Fase Final de la Obra.
Leading the Final Phase of the Work Matthew 24:14 teaches “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come ” will be fulfilled and RCG is not the group doing this. Who is leading the final phase of the work? What did Herbert Armstrong and the old WCG teach about that and about prophets? Does Bob Thiel meet the criteria that the Bible and the old WCG set? What is the proof? What has the Continuing Church of God been doing? This is a sermonette length video.
Why Be Concerned About False and Heretical Leaders? There have been many false leaders–here is some of why you should be concerned about them. Here is a related article in the Spanish language ¿Por qué estar preocupado acerca de falsos y heréticos líderes?
How To Determine If Someone is a True Prophet of God There are many false prophets. How can Christians determine who is a true prophet? There is also a sermon-length video titled How to determine if someone is a true prophet of God. Here is a related link in Spanish/español: ¿Cómo determinar si alguien es un verdadero profeta de Dios?
Who Are The Two Witnesses? What is their job? What does the Bible reveal? What has the Church of God taught on this subject? Might even Roman Catholic prophecies give some clues here? A related sermon is available: Prophecy and the Two Witnesses. Here is a related link in Spanish/español:¿Quiénes son los dos testigos?
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2018, 2019, or 2020? 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 2018 o 2019? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? You can also see the English language sermon videos: The Great Tribulation from the Mount of Olives and Can the Great Tribulation begin before 2020? A shorter video is: Can the Great Tribulation begin in 2018?

World Currencies

COGwriter

April 15th is traditionally the day income tax returns are due in the USA (the date is extended if the 15th falls on a weekend or holiday as it does this year). Many in the USA are now scrambling to try to get their returns done.

But what about taxes? Should Christians pay them? Why do the descendants of Israel pay them?

In the USA, one of the biggest bites on our income is taxes. There are state and federal income taxes, sales taxes, property taxes and other taxes. And in some countries, especially in Europe, taxes are higher. In the USA, and elsewhere, additional taxes, such as “wealth taxes” are likely to be proposed and implemented.

What did Jesus teach in the Bible about taxes?

Jesus taught that people were to pay taxes:

14 When they had come, they said to Him, “Teacher, we know that You are true, and care about no one; for You do not regard the person of men, but teach the way of God in truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? 15 Shall we pay, or shall we not pay?”

But He, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, “Why do you test Me? Bring Me a denarius that I may see it.” 16 So they brought it.

And He said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” They said to Him, “Caesar’s.”

17 And Jesus answered and said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” (Mark 12:14-17)

Notice that He also paid taxes, even though He knew He should be legitimately exempted:

24 When they had come to Capernaum, those who received the temple tax came to Peter and said, “Does your Teacher not pay the temple tax?”

25 He said, “Yes.”

And when he had come into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take customs or taxes, from their sons or from strangers?”

26 Peter said to Him, “From strangers.”

Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free. 27 Nevertheless, lest we offend them, go to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the fish that comes up first. And when you have opened its mouth, you will find a piece of money; take that and give it to them for Me and you.” (Matthew 17:24-27)

The Apostle John taught:

6 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked. (1 John 2:6)

While governments come up with reasons why they want taxes, some of which seem more legitimate than others, the Bible suggests that governments will increase taxes essentially for the benefit of the government. And essentially this is a punishment for disobedience.

Notice what happened to ancient Israel when they wanted a king instead of a prophet of God as their primary human leader:

4 Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah, 5 and said to him, “Look, you are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.”

6 But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, “Give us a king to judge us.” So Samuel prayed to the Lord. 7 And the Lord said to Samuel, “Heed the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them. 8 According to all the works which they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt, even to this day — with which they have forsaken Me and served other gods — so they are doing to you also. 9 Now therefore, heed their voice. However, you shall solemnly forewarn them, and show them the behavior of the king who will reign over them.”

10 So Samuel told all the words of the Lord to the people who asked him for a king. 11 And he said, “This will be the behavior of the king who will reign over you: He will take your sons and appoint them for his own chariots and to be his horsemen, and some will run before his chariots. 12 He will appoint captains over his thousands and captains over his fifties, will set some to plow his ground and reap his harvest, and some to make his weapons of war and equipment for his chariots. 13 He will take your daughters to be perfumers, cooks, and bakers. 14 And he will take the best of your fields, your vineyards, and your olive groves, and give them to his servants. 15 He will take a tenth of your grain and your vintage, and give it to his officers and servants. 16 And he will take your male servants, your female servants, your finest young men, and your donkeys, and put them to his work. 17 He will take a tenth of your sheep. And you will be his servants. 18 And you will cry out in that day because of your king whom you have chosen for yourselves, and the Lord will not hear you in that day.”

19 Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, “No, but we will have a king over us, 20 that we also may be like all the nations, and that our king may judge us and go out before us and fight our battles.” (1 Samuel 8:4-20)

Since the time of Samuel, governments have often not been satisfied for a tenth, but have wanted more and more. And this is happening to many of those in the USA, Canada, Europe, and elsewhere.

History shows that taxation occurred in places such as ancient Egypt, Persia, Greece and Rome. The famous Rosetta Stone mentions taxes on grain and wine. Humankind has suffered taxation throughout history, and much of this is a consequence of rejecting God’s government. But of course, taxes themselves are a lesser of the many evils human’s have suffered because of this rejection.

Yet, the time will come when Jesus will return and restore the government of God. There will be no improper nor unfair taxes then. When Jesus comes and establishes His kingdom, humankind will accept His government and the current tax burdens will be replaced by a proper tithing based system.

Some items of possibly related interest may include the following:

Taxes What caused the descendants of Israel to pay taxes? Should Christians pay taxes? If you prefer, or additionally, you could watch the video Should Christians Pay Taxes?
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.
What is the Gospel? True religion should be based upon the true gospel. What are some of the different gospels and where did they come from? Do you believe the true or a false gospel? Who is preaching the gospel? Here is a version in Korean 복음이란 무엇인가?
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God was the Emphasis of Jesus and the Early Church Did you know that? Do you even know what the gospel of the kingdom is all about? You can also see a YouTube video sermon The Gospel of the Kingdom.
Did The Early Church Teach Millenarianism? Was the millennium (sometimes called chiliasm) taught by early Christians? Who condemned it? Will Jesus literally reign for 1000 years on the earth? Is this time near?
Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? Does God have 7,000 year plan? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2026 or 202x?
Living as a Christian: How and Why? In what ways do Christians live differently than others. What about praying, fasting, tithing, holy days, and the world? There are also two YouTube video related to this: Living as a Christian: How and Why? and Living as a Christian: Pure Milk of the Word.
Tithing Questions and Some Answers Answers questions about tithing and also addresses some non-biblical arguments against tithing. Should people tithe? Here is a link to a related video sermon Tithing Answers from the Bible.
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: Are Chinese threats against Australia for real?
Will the Anglo-Saxon Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What about Jerusalem? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people? Here is a link to a video titled Will the USA and other Anglo-nations be Divided and Their People Made Slaves? Here is a related item in the Spanish language ¿Serán divididas las naciones anglosajonas?
British are the Covenant People What do ‘British’ and ‘Britain’ mean in Hebrew? Are the descendants of the Anglo-Saxons people of the covenant? Does the British royal family connect to the throne of David? What does the Bible teach? What does history show us? Is there any DNA evidence related to British-Israelism? When did Christianity make it to the British Isles? Could Jeremiah have made it to the British Isles? What type of Christians made it to the British Isles? Did the last King of England believe in British Israelism?
The ‘Lost Tribe’ of Reuben: France in Prophecy? What is the origin of this in France? What is prophesied to happen to them? A two-part sermon related to history and prophecy is available online: The ‘Lost Tribe’ of Reuben and France and Prophecy.
Ten clues tying Belgium and Luxembourg with the tribe of Asher Who did some in Belgium and Luxembourg descend from?
Ten clues tying Zebulun with the Dutch Who did some in the Netherlands descend from?

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 today:

PCG’s ‘one prophecy’ explanation needs adjustment
La explicación de ‘una profecía’ de la PCG necesita ajustes
http://www.cdlidd.es/la-explicacion-de-una-profecia-de-la-pcg-necesita-ajustes/

Elon Musk: ‘Immortal’ evil superintelligence could rule world COGwriter: Bible scriptures on Artificial Intelligence?
Elon Musk: Superinteligencia malvada ‘Inmortal’ podría gobernar el mundo. COGwriter mundial: ¿Escrituras bíblicas sobre Inteligencia Artificial?
http://www.cdlidd.es/elon-musk-superinteligencia-malvada-inmortal-podria-gobernar-el-mundo-cogwriter-mundial-escrituras-biblicas-sobre-inteligencia-artificial/

BBC: Viktor Orban victory in Hungary: German minister warns EU; CNN: Beacon to Strongmen
BBC: Victoria de Viktor Orban en Hungría: el ministro alemán advierte a la UE; CNN: Faro para los hombres fuertes
http://www.cdlidd.es/bbc-victoria-de-viktor-orban-en-hungria-el-ministro-aleman-advierte-a-la-ue-cnn-faro-para-los-hombres-fuertes/

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. 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 Animations channel. The Continuing Church of God has some animations to teach aspects of Christian beliefs.

Bible News Prophecy channel. Dr. Thiel has produced many YouTube videos for the BibleNewsProphecy channel. And you can find them there.

ContinuingCOG channel. Dr. Thiel has produced YouTube video sermons for this channel. Note: Since these are sermon-length, they can take a little longer to load than other YouTube videos. Here is a link to a short intro: ContinuingCOG Channel.

CCOGAfrica channel. This has messages from African pastors in African languages such as Kalenjin, Kiswahili, Embu, and Dholuo.

BibleNewsProphecy Podcast. This has audio-visual podcasts of the Bible News Prophecy channgel. It plays on i-Phones, i-Pads, and Windows devices that can play i-Tunes.

Bible News Prophecy online radio. This is an audio version of the Bible News Prophecy videos. It is also available as a mobile app.

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 has information in English and Tagalog.

Russia-China border (jason_she)

COGwriter

Consider the following:

Petro-Yuan Is The Newest Weapon For The China-Russia-Iran Anti-USD Alliance

After 25 years of dreams, planning, rumors and testing, the Chinese petro-yuan is now official. Right now, almost all global oil trade is conducted in US dollars, using two benchmark varieties of crude, …

China is not selling oil, so the petro-yuan is a futures purchase contract denominated in renminbi for the country to import the stuff. As the world’s biggest importer of hydrocarbons, Baba Beijing has long felt that pricing all its millions of tons of imports should be in its national currency. Why should China pay for Russian natural gas or Venezuelan crude in Western empire’s currency of global financial control, Uncle Sam’s greenback?

Opinions outside China range from being non-plussed, to claiming it is the most important news in modern financial history, but you would have to search far and wide in Eurangloland (NATO, EU, Israel, Australia and New Zealand) and its heavily censored and suppressed media, to see for yourself. Outside the obligatory statement of fact in financial outlets like the Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, Reuters and Bloomberg, silence from the West’s mainstream media is deafening, as this screenshot below shows, when searching the topic. Only one mainstream article showed up on page #1 of the web search and that was CNBC from 2017. Even just looking for “petro-yuan” gives identical results. It’s a Western media black hole. …

The China-Russia-Iran anti-dollar alliance versus the West is causing the latter’s elites to suffer from extreme geopolitical dysentery. Vulnerable, and it has to be said gullible Iraq and Libya, yes – but this towering trio not so much, as they are two of the world’s biggest petro-exporters next door to the biggest importer, and all are armed to the teeth with high-tech military hardware.  …

As usual, you have to go outside the Great Western Firewall and its propaganda Big Lie, to see the real world. http://thesaker.is/petro-yuan-is-the-newest-weapon-for-the-china-russia-iran-anti-usd-alliance/

The ‘petro-yuan’ has been introduced, it is intended to increase the acceptance of the Chinese yuan, and thus also decrease the need to use US dollars in international trade.

And, yes, the mainstream media is publicly paying little attention to it.

As regular readers of this COGwriter Church of God News page realized, there are many who want to dethrone the USA dollar. The ‘petro-yuan’ is part of the plan to do that (watch also US Dollar being challenged by Gold-Petro-Yuan). While, of itself, the petro-yuan will not do that, it is one more thing chipping away at the USA dollar and its status–with the massive deficits of the USA being, prophetically, a larger problem for the USA (cf. Habakkuk 2:6-8).

Here is some information about the US dollar and being the world’s primary reserve currency:

For nearly a century, the United States dollar has served as the world’s premier reserve currency, taking the crown once worn by the pound sterling. The future of the dollar as the most popular reserve currency is less certain. Reserve currencies are foreign currencies held by central banks. When a country acquires reserves, it doesn’t place the currency in general circulation. Instead, it parks the reserves in the central bank. The reserves are acquired through trade, with the acquiring country selling goods in exchange for currency. Reserve currencies thus grease the wheels of international commerce by helping countries and businesses conduct transactions using the same currency, a much simpler task than settling transactions involving different currencies. Their popularity is easy to see: between 1995 and 2011, the amount of currency held in reserve increased by over 730%, from around $1.4 trillion to $10.2 trillion.

Issuers of Reserve Currencies

Reserve currencies are typically issued by developed, stable countries. The currency most commonly held as a foreign exchange reserve is the U.S. dollar, which, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), comprised nearly 62% of allocated reserves as of late 2012. Other currencies held in reserve include the euro, Japanese yen, Swiss franc and pound sterling. The dollar, while still the most widely held reserve currency, has seen increased competition from the euro. (Radcliffe B. A Primer On Reserve Currencies http://www.investopedia.com/articles/economics/13/reserve-currencies.asp#ixzz4ssejn6Ga accessed 09/16/17) Facebook

Here is more about the benefits of being the world’s reserve currency:

Michel Sapin, the French finance minister, called for a “rebalancing” of currencies used in international transactions, implicitly criticizing the status of the U.S. dollar as the principal international reserve currency. Sapin joins a long tradition of French finance ministers criticizing the dollar’s privileged status, which goes back to Valery Giscard d’Estaing. In the 1960s, d’Estaing, who served as President of France from 1974 to 1981, said that the United States received an “exorbitant privilege” due to the greenback serving as the basis for much of international financial transactions.

The dollar’s global reserve status does confer some real benefits, …

The purpose of a reserve currency is to help smooth international transactions. Imagine a company that wants to sells goods to a company in a country with a different currency. When it comes to currency, the companies have two potential problems. First, the exchange rate between the two currencies could shift dramatically and change the price of the good. Secondly, the importing company might use a currency that isn’t used much outside of its borders and trading that currency might be difficult. By using a widely circulated currency, such as the U.S. dollar, the two companies eliminate the two risks.

But the two companies whose transactions are smoothed aren’t the only ones who benefit. The issuer of the reserve currency, the United States in this case, also benefits. More companies and individuals using the dollar means more transactions denominated in dollars, which provides more liquidity for this currency. Liquidity means that financial assets can be priced more easily and loans are more easily provided. In short, U.S. firms get easier access to capital because of the dollar’s reserve status.

These benefits are certainly real and substantial, but there are also costs. … foreign goods are less expensive to U.S. firms and households, which spurs them to consume cheaper foreign goods and therefore imports increase. (Bunker N. Being the reserve currency has its privileges and costs. July 2014 http://equitablegrowth.org/equitablog/reserve-currency-privileges-costs/ accesed 09/16/17)

Essentially the benefits to the USA have included making money on international trades that the USA otherwise would not be involved in, less inflation, a subsidized economy, lower borrowing cost, a more attractive investment market, and getting many goods from foreign lands at less cost than it would otherwise be able to.

This status for the USA will not continue.

Notice also the following:

What happens to the US economy if the Dollar is no longer the reserve currency of the world?

If US T-bills lose their attraction as reserve investments … it would get harder for the Treasury to sell more of them, requiring higher interest rates to be paid and potentially forcing austerity measures on the US government or triggering classic deficit spending inflation (“printing money” to pay for government, this doesn’t happen now because the deficit is financed through sales of those bonds at extremely low interest rates).

If foreign central banks and governments start exchanging their US dollars for some other currency or currencies, then the value of the dollar in international trade drops, it becomes more expensive to buy imported goods in the US and more profitable to sell exported goods from the US. This could have all kinds of political and social effects, especially if the shift was rapid, severe, and unexpected. https://www.quora.com/What-happens-to-the-US-economy-if-the-Dollar-is-no-longer-the-reserve-currency-of-the-world

The above is warning about inflation, higher interest rates, and troubles borrowing. The USA is the most highly indebted nation of all time. The USA has been essentially on a borrowing binge the last four decades and its economy is now dependent upon borrowing. The Bible paints an even worse scenario that in the time of the end (Habakkuk 2:2-3) the highly indebted will be taken over (Habakkuk 2:2:6-8) and destroyed (Daniel 11:39; USA in Prophecy: The Strongest Fortresses).

Consider also something from the old Worldwide Church of God:

You have seen that the U.S. Dollar — …  IF the dollar is devalued, INFLATION will almost surely result — and eventual economic COLLAPSE for the United States.

IF the dollar is devalued, INFLATION will almost surely result — and eventual economic COLLAPSE for the United States.

Those of you who truly BELIEVE the prophecies of your Bible KNOW such economic collapse is prophesied to happen!

President Johnson has signed a bill removing the “gold cover” for the United States.

What does this all mean?

It means that AT ANY TIME now, you could suddenly awake to find you have only about HALF the “money” you thought you possessed — or that your purchasing power has been DRASTICALLY reduced, overnight!

SHOULD the dollar collapse, it could well mean a repetition of the disastrous DEPRESSION that strangled the economic world ln 1929!

… YOUR MONEY is in danger! …

And, temporarily, the businesses of this world are still continuing along with a shaky confidence in the DOLLAR!

So now, THINK about your dollars for a moment. Do you still have some “confidence” in THIS WORLD, and in its financial systems? Are you “laying up treasure where thief doth enter and rust doth corrupt” or are you laying up treasure toward the KINGDOM OF GOD? Is your money stagnating — is it lying DORMANT — where it may be literally SNATCHED AWAY from you in a moment? Or is it PRODUCING, WORKING, DOING something constructive? …

Think about your “money.” Is it something REALLY tangible? Or is it only a piece of PAPER in which man temporarily retains a certain confidence? … MONEY will be worth NOTHING to you. (Armstrong HW. Co-worker Letter, March 26, 1968)

While the collapse of the US dollar has not yet happened, since the above came out, the dollar went completely off the gold standard under US President Richard Nixon and the USA did enter a period of high inflation. The time will come when the US dollar is not accepted by other nations and will be worth no more than the scrap value of the cotton-paper it is printed on.

The US dollar will be dethroned and this will inflict great pain. But shortly after the US dollar becomes close to worthless, the great tribulation (Matthew 24:21) will come and the USA will be no more (watch Do these 7 prophesies point to the end of the USA?).

Dethroning the US dollar will cause massive economic problems for the USA. Much more than almost anyone believes. The standard of living in the USA has been raised/subsidized for years because of the status of the US dollar. That status is weakening. This will ultimately severely hurt the USA.

We are getting closer to the start of the Great Tribulation (see also When Will the Great Tribulation Begin?) and final time of the Gentiles that Jesus spoke of (Matthew 24:21; Luke 21:24).

US President Donald Trump, with his actual and proposed increases in USA debt, will not be able to stop it–though as I wrote when he was elected, the Great Tribulation will NOT start during his first term. But he has impacted many things that will help lead to it.

Gentile nations, including Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, Arabic ones, as well as many in Europe, are taking steps that the Anglo-American nations will one day regret.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

US Dollar being challenged by Gold-Petro-Yuan The US dollar has been the world’s primary reserve currency for decades. Is this about to change? What is going on with the Chinese yuan and oil and gold? What do the BRICS nations want? What did Venezuela do? Do the Europeans want to dislodge the US dollar as the world’s primary reserve currency? Does US debt play any role? Does the Bible tell us what will happen to the USA and its dollar? What happens if the USA loses its status? Will gold outlast the US dollar? Dr. Thiel addresses those issues and more in this video.
Gentile Cryptocurrency Proposal Two Russian leaders have called for a BRICS-wide and/or EAEU-wide cryptocurrency. This is hoped to be used to replace the US dollar for international trade. BRICS stands for Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The BRICS nations represent 3.6 billion people. The EAEU includes Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. Will Gentiles rise up? Are there any prophetic ramifications of what these nations are looking to do? This is a video.
Iran in Prophecy Is Iran in Bible prophecy? If so, what does the Bible teach? What names, other than Persia, may be used to describe Iran? There is also a related YouTube video titled Iran In Prophecy.
The End of US Dollar Dominance Is the USA losing its economic status? What about the petro-gold-yuan? A related video is also available: US Dollar being challenged by Gold-Petro-Yuan.
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?
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?
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: Are Chinese threats against Australia for real?
Will the Anglo-Saxon Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What about Jerusalem? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people? Here is a link to a video titled Will the USA and other Anglo-nations be Divided and Their People Made Slaves? Here is a related item in the Spanish language ¿Serán divididas las naciones anglosajonas?
British are the Covenant People What do ‘British’ and ‘Britain’ mean in Hebrew? Are the descendants of the Anglo-Saxons people of the covenant? Does the British royal family connect to the throne of David? What does the Bible teach? What does history show us? Is there any DNA evidence related to British-Israelism? When did Christianity make it to the British Isles? Could Jeremiah have made it to the British Isles? What type of Christians made it to the British Isles? Did the last King of England believe in British Israelism?
The Times of the Gentiles Has there been more than one time of the Gentiles? Are we in it now or in the time of Anglo-America? What will the final time of the Gentiles be like? A related sermon is available and is titled: The Times of the Gentiles.
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe? Here is a link to a video titled: Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European?
European Technology and the Beast of Revelation Will the coming European Beast power would use and develop technology that will result in the taking over of the USA and its Anglo-Saxon allies? Is this possible? What does the Bible teach? Here is a related YouTube video: Military Technology and the Beast of Revelation.
Must the Ten Kings of Revelation 17:12 Rule over Ten Currently Existing Nations? Some claim that these passages refer to a gathering of 10 currently existing nations together, while one group teaches that this is referring to 11 nations getting together. Is that what Revelation 17:12-13 refers to? The ramifications of misunderstanding this are enormous. A related sermon is titled Ten Kings of Revelation and the Great Tribulation.
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.
Spiritual Samaritans: Old and New Who were the Samaritans? Do the represent true Christianity or something else? Here is a link to a related sermon: USA in Prophecy: Samaria.
China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 1: Genesis and Chinese Characters Where did the Chinese people come from? This article provides information showing that the Chinese peoples must have known about various accounts in the Book of Genesis up until their dispersion after the Tower of Babel. Here is a link to a version of this article in Spanish: ¿Prueban los caracteres chinos la exactitud de la Biblia?
China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 2: The Sabbath and Some of God’s Witness in China When did Christianity first come to China? And is there early evidence that they observed the seventh day sabbath?
Asia in Prophecy What is Ahead for Asia? Who are the “Kings of the East”? What will happen to nearly all the Chinese, Russians, Indians, and others of Asia? China in prophecy, where? Who has the 200,000,000 man army related to Armageddon? A YouTube video of interest may be Is China THE Threat to the United States of America?
The Eurasian Union, the Kings of the East, and Bible Prophecy Is there a Eurasian union that will be formed? Is one being formed right now? Are any leaders working on that in the 21st century? Does the Bible teach that there will be a Eurasian union? If some type of Eurasian union is formed, who might it benefit and who will it destroy? A related video would be Is The Eurasian Union Rising?
Russia and Ukraine: Their Origins and Prophesied Future Russia in prophecy. Where do the Russians come from? What about those in the Ukraine? What is prophesied for Russia and its allies? What will they do to the Europeans that supported the Beast in the end? There is also a video sermon available: Russia in the Bible and in Prophecy and a video sermonette available: Ukraine in Prophecy?
Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach? Here is a link to a video, also titled Is Russia the King of the North?
Ezekiel 38: For Russia & Iran in Our Day? Is Ezekiel 38 about to be fulfilled? A related video is available titled Ezekiel 38: For Russia, Ukraine, & Iran Now? Another could be Russia, Iran, Syria, & the Bible (Code).
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? Is a Donald Trump presidency proving to be apocalyptic? Two related videos are available: Donald: ‘Trump of God’ or Apocalyptic? and Donald Trump’s Prophetic Presidency.
Trump Presidency Magic 8 Ball or Bible Prophecy? BBC reported that one might as well use a ‘Magic Eight-Ball’ to try to predict what will happen in the remaining time of Donald Trump’s presidency. What is a ‘Magic Eight-Ball’? Dr. Thiel not only explains that, but also briefly goes over 10 biblically-based warnings he wrote would happen if Donald Trump were elected that have already began to come to pass. He also goes over something he wrote back in 2008 that the Trump presidency is also helping lead to fulfillment. Should you trust Bible prophecy or not? Dr. Thiel says that Bible prophecy can be trusted, despite the view of skeptics and others that either overlook or despise the Bible. This is a video.
Donald Trump and America’s Apocalypse This 188 page book is for people truly interested in prophecies related to Donald Trump and the United States, including learning about several that have already been fulfilled and those that will be fulfilled in the future. The physical book can be purchased at Amazon for $12.99 from the following link: Donald Trump and America’s Apocalypse.
Donald Trump and America’s Apocalypse-Kindle Edition This electronic version of the 188 page print edition is available for only US$3.99. And you do not need an actual Kindle device to read it. Why? Amazon will allow you to download it to almost any device: Please click HERE to download one of Amazon s Free Reader Apps. After you go to for your free Kindle reader and then go to Donald Trump and America’s Apocalypse-Kindle Edition.

‘Holy Roman Empire’ painting from 1510

COGwriter

Leaders of seemingly secular Europe are bringing up matters of religion.

11 April 2018

A leading German politician has dug his heels in to the debate over Islam in Germany. In an interview, Alexander Dobrindt said he wasn’t discriminating against Muslims, but that Islam “has no cultural roots in Germany.”

Alexander Dobrindt, the leader of the Christian Social Union’s (CSU) parliamentary party, defended against criticism on Wednesday that his conservative Bavarian party was seeking to marginalize Muslims while doubling down on the stance that “Islam is not part of Germany.”

The comments by a high-ranking politician from the sister party of Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Christian Democrats (CDU), threaten to reignite a debate that the German government has been hoping to let peter out for weeks.

What Dobrindt said

Speaking with Funke media group, Dobrindt said:

• “Muslims who want to integrate into our society are part of our country, but Islam is not part of Germany.”
• Islam “has no cultural roots in Germany and with Sharia as a legal system, it has nothing in common with our Judeo-Christian heritage.”
• Islam “doesn’t culturally shape our country” and “it should not” be culturally influential in Germany.
• “No Islamic country on earth has developed a comparable democratic culture like the ones we know in Christian countries.”
• Dobrindt also defended a plan to dramatically limit refugee family reunifications, saying: “Refugees should return to their home countries whenever this is possible. Family reunifications can also take place in pacified home regions and not only in Germany.”

Rift in German government: Dobrindt’s comments come as Merkel attempts to smooth over rifts in her coalition government between the Social Democrats (SPD) and her CD) and the CSU. … In March, CSU party head and Interior Minister Horst Seehofer sparked controversy when he said in an interview that “Islam was not part of Germany.” The phrase was a central pillar in the right-wing populist Alternative for Germany (AfD) party platform in last year’s general election. http://www.dw.com/en/islam-shouldnt-culturally-shape-germany-alexander-dobrindt-claims/a-43335131

Unlike the AfD party, which is considered ‘fringe’ in Germany, the CSU is a major mainstream political force in Germany. More in Germany are publicly questioning Islam, and some are promoting their version of Christianity.

Notice something I wrote about Islam and Germany back in 2010:

The reality is that most Germans do not consider that Islam is part of Germany. The stage is being set for a more forceful German leader (perhaps Karl Guttenberg) to rise up and take this to the next level. If, as German Chancellor Angela Merkel declared, multiculturalism is a total failure and those from Islamic countries will not totally integrate, the next step may be to insist they integrate or leave. (Thiel B. Germany’s Merkel: Multiculturalism a Total Failure. COGwriter, October 18, 2010)

Germany will be a leader in pushing out Islam (watch also European Unity to be like Hitler?). Muslims will not like this, yet the reality is that more and more in Germany want to do something about the Islamic situation.

Notice information related to France’s President Macron:

2018-04-11

Remarks by French President Emmanuel Macron that he wanted to repair church-state ties caused uproar Tuesday, sparking charges he was tampering with France’s longstanding secular tradition.

The Catholic Church and the state were for centuries virtually indistinguishable in France but the 1789 Revolution and 19th century modernisation saw the two formally separated by a 1905 law.

Macron, who prides himself on tackling difficult issues head-on, told a meeting of bishops Monday that he hoped to repair relations with the Church through a “dialogue of truth”.

“A president of the French republic who takes no interest in the Church and its Catholics would be failing in his duty,” he said. http://www.france24.com/en/20180410-france-macron-reaches-out-catholic-church-outrage-secularism

PARIS — 

Raised in a non-religious family, Macron was baptized a Roman Catholic at his own request when he was 12. His government is now struggling to redefine the role of France’s second most popular religion, following a spate of attacks by Islamist militants that have killed around 240 people since early 2015.

Hardline Islam sits uneasily with France’s secular foundations, and Macron is under mounting pressure to address voter fears that its influence may spread via mosques and prisons that offer fertile ground for radical proselytizers. 04/10/18 https://www.voanews.com/a/macrons-overtures-catholic-church-make-waves-secular-france/4341034.html

On Sunday, Hugarians re-elected Viktor Orban as their Prime Minister (see BBC: Viktor Orban victory in Hungary: German minister warns EU; CNN: Beacon to Strongmen). BBC reported: Mr Orban sees himself as a defender of “Christian” Europe.

Many top leaders in Europe are making Catholic-supporting statements. This will increase in the future.

Will we see something in Europe again, like the old “Holy Roman Empire,” where some form of Catholicism has a lot of influence?

Notice something from back in 1948, 1981, and 1985:

It was the SERMON that shot forth that spark, impregnating the minds of world leaders in attendance. This amazing sermon was delivered by a foremost radio speaker of the Catholic Church, Bishop Duane G. Hunt of Salt Lake City … Without the guidance, supervision, authority of the Catholic Church, he told these men, they were laboring in vain …

This was the Roman Catholic bid to resurrect the so-called “HOLY ROMAN EMPIRE” ! And PROPHECY says they will succeed! … At the psychological time, the pope will step in … Thru this political movement, he will UNIFY … nations in Europe. It will be a “The UNITED STATES OF EUROPE,” but that probably will never become its official name. (Armstrong HW. Now It Can Be Told…The Plain Truth, December 1948, pp. 2,5).

The Christian Science Monitor’s Joseph C. Harsch, of the reconstitution of what he calls “the whole of classic Europe.”

“Classic Europe” is nothing other than a new European alignment along the lines of the old Holy Roman Empire, under the Catholic aegis.

Thus, the final resurrection of the Roman Empire may be closer than you think. This will not be good news for the United States — decoupled from Europe — or Britain either. As British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher recently told President Reagan: “We in Britain stand with you.” And a British Foreign Office source told the Associated Press: “She is convinced that Britain’s lot lies with America.” (Hogberg G. AMERICA and EUROPE The Falling Out Begins! Plain Truth, June-July 1981)

“And in the days of these kings…”–it is here speaking of the ten toes, part of iron and part of brittle clay. This, by connecting the prophecy with Daniel 7, and Revelation 13 and 17, is referring to the new UNITED STATES OF EUROPE that is now forming, out of the European Common Market, before your very eyes! Revelation 17:12 makes plain the detail that it shall be a union of TEN KINGS OR KINGDOMS that (Rev. 17:8) shall resurrect the old ROMAN EMPIRE. So, mark carefully the time element! “In the days of these kings”–in the days of these then nations or groups of nations that shall, IN OUR TIME, resurrect briefly the Roman Empire… (The members of the European Common Market are probably not the same ten that will resurrect the Holy Roman Empire.) (Armstrong HW. Mystery of the Ages. Dood, Mead & Company, New York, 1985, pp. 301,302-303)

In the 21st century, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, now former Pope Benedict XVI, interestingly wrote of Europe as essentially the Holy Roman Empire:

In the process of replacing boundaries, the conceptual continuity with the preceding Mediterranean continent…was assured by a theological interpretation of history: in connection with the Book of Daniel, the Roman Empire—renewed and transformed by the Christian faith—was considered to be the final and permanent kingdom in the history of the world in general, and therefore the association of peoples and states that was taking shape was defined as the permanent Sacrum Imperium Romanum [Holy Roman Empire]. (Raztinger J. Europe today and tomorrow: addressing the fundamental issues. Translated by Michael Miller. Ignatius Press, 2007, p. 13)

Here is a map of the old Holy Roman Empire:

Holy Roman Empire 1250 (Alphathon)

While based in central Europe, it also had lands that are now in what are considered western and eastern portions of Europe.

It should be mentioned that the idea of a revived Holy Roman Empire is not just the views of religious writers, secular ones have promoted it as well as the following news items attest to:

THE HOLY ROMAN EMPIRE CAN HELP INSPIRE A DIFFERENT EUROPEAN UNION

24.01.2016

Germany’s past casts a long shadow. …  we should look back in time to when Germany was part of the Holy Roman Empire. …

The empire scarcely seems worthy of discussion today. If it has any resonance at all, it is usually thanks to Voltaire’s quip that it was “neither holy, Roman nor an empire”. Founded by Charlemagne on Christmas Day 800, the empire appeared to go into decline almost immediately until being swept away as an obsolete irrelevance by Napoleon in 1806. …

The negative interpretation of the empire rests on seeing it as a series of failed attempts to create a German nation state. In this version of history, a succession of monarchs tried to create central institutions capable of imposing a uniform system of rule, only to be thwarted by the selfish ambitions of petty German princes.

In fact, the empire was never simply “Germany”. It covered what is now Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, the Czech Republic, much of Italy, and parts of France and Poland. …

We expect empires to have a clear and stable core inhabited by an imperial people that imposes its will on peripheral regions. But the Holy Roman Empire had no core, because it never possessed a clear centre of government or even an official capital. Instead, power was always multiple and plural. The management of daily life was devolved to more local powers.

The most significant change across the centuries was not a progressive fragmentation of an originally centralised power, as previous generations of historians believed.

Rather, it was a gradual thickening of local power that drew its legitimacy from its relationship to the empire as a whole. Imperial charters and laws sanctioned local rights and liberties.  http://katehon.com/article/holy-roman-empire-can-help-inspire-different-european-union

So, the above article basically thinks that a confederation with a lot of local power is what can drive the European Union. But this left out religion and overlooks biblical prophecy.

Now consider something from the European Union in 2015:

The Holy See is the governing institution of the Catholic Church. The Pope is the head of both the Vatican City State – a sovereign, independent territory – and the Holy See. The Holy See is a sovereign entity under international law, conducting its own international policy and maintaining diplomatic relations with over 170 states around the world. It is a member of, or observer in, many international organisations.

The Holy See and the EU established diplomatic relations in 1970. The first Head of EU Delegation to the Holy See was appointed in 2006.

The EU and the Holy See maintain a dialogue on a number of European and global issues, such as:

• Dialogue between cultures and religions
• Poverty and development
• Environmental sustainability
• Conflict prevention and resolution
• Human rights, including freedom of religion and belief

( EU Relations with Holy See (Vatican) http://eeas.europa.eu/vatican/index_en.htm accessed 09/16/15)

So, there is talk of a church-state alliance in Europe.

Although the timing was off, notice something from 1981:

Throughout the Middle Ages, leaders considered the Church at Rome to be God’s chosen instrument in spiritual matters. The Holy Roman Empire was regarded as God’s chosen political organization over Western Christendom. Pope and Emperor were regarded as God’s vice-regents on earth. This intimate alliance of Church and State served the needs of both institutions. The Empire exercised its political and military powers to defend religion and enforce internal submission through religious uniformity. The Church, in turn, acted as a glue for Europe, holding together the differing nationalities by the tie of common religion.

This ideal in Church-State relations was never completely realized, as we have seen in the frequent conflicts between Emperors and Popes  … numerous revivals of the Roman Empire have arisen in Europe in the centuries since the fall of ancient Rome.

In Revelation 17, these revivals are represented by the seven heads of a wild animal. Six have already occurred, from Justinian to Mussolini. One last restoration of this great political system is yet to arise. This confederated Europe will be an immense political, military and economic power — a great Third Force in world affairs, a superpower in its own right. Prophecy further reveals that this powerful church-state union will be composed of “ten horns” — meaning 10 nations or groups of nations (Rev. l7:3) — under the overall leadership of a single political figure (verse 13). Europe will again have a single political head of state!

Moreover, prophecy foretells that a religious figure of unprecedented power and authority will sit astride the “empire,” directing it as a rider guides a horse (Rev. 17:3). To counter the ongoing spread of atheism, secularism and consumerism, the Vatican — as in centuries past — will be forced to become a major power in the international arena. The political muscle of the Papacy will be reinvigorated. In these turbulent last days of the 20th century, the “spiritual unity” of the Continent — as so often urged by recent Popes — will be realized! (Stump K. The History of Europe and the Church. Ambassador College Publications, 1984)

As far as popes go, Pope Francis does have a plan for a Roman Empire and it includes Europe.

Pope Francis was given the 2016 ‘Charlemagne Prize’ (Pope Francis wins the ‘Charlemagne Prize’)–a prize given to the one who is recognized for promoting the most European unity. As it turns out, in 2017, Emmanuel Macron was given the  ‘Charlemagne Prize’ (see France’s President Macron to receive the Charlemagne Prize: Any relationship between Charlemagne and the Beast of Revelation?).

This is not just some ‘pipe dream.’

Desmond A. Birch, a Roman Catholic writer, has made the following observations:

Several private prophecies of canonized Saints specifically state that there will be a latter restoration of the Holy Roman Empire and that there will be at least one last Holy Roman Emperor. The authenticity of the authorship of such prophecies of canonized Saints (e.g., St. Hildegard, St. Vincent Ferrer, St. Francis of Paula, and St. John Vianney) at least over the last eight hundred years is scholastically unquestionable.

The Great King will be crowned Holy Roman Emperor by the reigning Pope … (Birch, DA. Trial, Tribulation & Triumph: Before During and After Antichrist. Queenship Publishing Company, Goleta (CA), 1996, pp.281, 555)

Catholics expect that a pope will make someone the leader of the future ‘Holy Roman Empire.’

The Bible shows such an alliance will take place. And what is prophesied sounds like a type of revival of the old Holy Roman Empire:

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)

Now, while this could also be referring to a leader who all thought was eliminated (someone like Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg comes to mind), various Church of God leaders have felt that this is the old ‘Holy Roman Empire’ that was considered dead but revived in the end.

This will be a politico-religious, church-state, alliance as the following show:

11 Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon.

12 And he exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence, and causes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.

13 He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men.

14 And he deceives those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived.

15 He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed. (Revelation 13:11-15)

So, a political-religious alliance will happen and people will be forced to at least feign some type of false religion.

Notice more about it:

1 Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and talked with me, saying to me, “Come, I will show you the judgment of the great harlot who sits on many waters,

2 with whom the kings of the earth committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth were made drunk with the wine of her fornication.”

3 So he carried me away in the Spirit into the wilderness. And I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast which was full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.

4 The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls, having in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the filthiness of her fornication.

5 And on her forehead a name was written: MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.

6 I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. And when I saw her, I marveled with great amazement.

7 But the angel said to me, “Why did you marvel? I will tell you the mystery of the woman and of the beast that carries her, which has the seven heads and the ten horns.

8 The beast that you saw was, and is not, and will ascend out of the bottomless pit and go to perdition. And those who dwell on the earth will marvel, whose names are not written in the Book of Life from the foundation of the world, when they see the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.

9 Here is the mind which has wisdom: The seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman sits.

10 There are also seven kings. Five have fallen, one is, and the other has not yet come. And when he comes, he must continue a short time. …

18 And the woman whom you saw is that great city which reigns over the kings of the earth.” (Revelation 17:1-10,18)

So, there is an alliance between European and other leaders with a power that is in the city of seven hills (i.e. the city of Rome, this is even according to Roman Catholic commentators–see also What Do Roman Catholic Scholars Actually Teach About Early Church History?) is prophesied to form.

How will it end?

Badly per Revelation 18.

In particular, and even prior to that end, the Bible shows that it will not end well for Israel (Daniel 11:31), the USA & its Anglo-Saxon allies (Daniel 11:39; see also USA in Prophecy: The Strongest Fortresses), the Islamic countries of the Middle East and North Africa (Daniel 11:40-43), or even Europe (Daniel 11:44). The Bible also shows that the supporters of the Beast will turn against the Church of the City of Seven Hills (Revelation 17:16-17).

But despite that, many in Europe want some revival of the old ‘Holy Roman Empire,’ and some version will re-emerge.

Emmanuel Macron and Alexander Dobrindt do not realize where this will all end.

Prophecy shows that Europe, at least on the surface, will become less secular for a time.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

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.
Europa, the Beast, and the Book of Revelation discusses the largest church since the second/third century, which in a real sense is the eighth church mentioned in the Book of Revelation (it also endorses “eighth day” worship). What church would support the Beast? Here is a link to a video titled: Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European?
Which Is Faithful: The Roman Catholic Church or the Continuing Church of God? Do you know that both groups shared a lot of the earliest teachings? Do you know which church changed? Do you know which group is most faithful to the teachings of the apostolic church? Which group best represents true Christianity? This documented article answers those questions. [Português: Qual é fiel: A igreja católica romana ou a igreja do deus?]
Why Should American Catholics Fear Unity with the Orthodox? Are the current ecumenical meetings a good thing or will they result in disaster? Is doctrinal compromise good? Here is a link to a related video Should you be concerned about the ecumenical movement?
Will the Interfaith Movement Lead to Peace or Sudden Destruction? Is the interfaith movement going to lead to lasting peace or is it warned against? A video sermon of related interest is: Will the Interfaith Movement lead to World War III? and a video sermon is also available: Do You Know That Babylon is Forming?
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.
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?
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?
The Arab and Islamic World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam? What about the Imam Mahdi? What lies ahead for Turkey, Iran, and the other non-Arabic Muslims? An item of possibly related interest in the Spanish language would be: Líderes iraníes condenan la hipocresía de Occidente y declaran que ahora es tiempo para prepararse para el Armagedón, la guerra, y el Imán Mahdi.
How Will Middle East Peace be Brought About? Can humans bring peace to the Middle East? Here is a link to a related video: Middle East Peace? When?
The ‘Peace Deal’ of Daniel 9:27 This prophecy could give up to 3 1/2 years advance notice of the coming Great Tribulation. Will most ignore or misunderstand its fulfillment? Here is a link to a related sermon video Daniel 9:27 and the Start of the Great Tribulation.
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? A related video would be United Nations and Vatican Are Planning the New World Order.
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2018, 2019, or 2020? 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 2018 o 2019? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? You can also see the English language sermon videos: The Great Tribulation from the Mount of Olives and Can the Great Tribulation begin before 2020? A shorter video is: Can the Great Tribulation begin in 2018?
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?
Catholic Prophecies: Do They Mirror, Highlight, or Contradict Biblical Prophecies? People of all faiths may be surprised to see what various Roman and Orthodox Catholic prophets have been predicting as many of their predictions will be looked to in the 21st century.
What is the Origin of the Cross as a ‘Christian’ Symbol? Was the cross used as a venerated symbol by the early Church? Two related YouTube videos would be Beware of the ‘Ecumenical Cross’ and Origin of the Cross.
Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North? Is the German Defense Minister one to watch? What do Catholic, Byzantine, and biblical prophecies suggest?

“Elijah in the wilderness“

COGwriter

In an article by its Chris Moen, the Church of God, a Worldwide Association (COGWA) posted an article to help people determine if a prophet was a true one:

Four tests to prove whether a prophet is true

We need to carefully consider God’s Word—the Bible—in order to discern between false and true prophets. The Bible provides four tests to determine the genuineness of a prophet.

1. Does the conduct of the prophet reflect godly character?

Jesus and the apostles warned many times about deceptive prophets. In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus said, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:15-17).

These prophets can be identified by their “fruits”—a term used metaphorically by Jesus to describe one’s actions and character. The law of God is the only standard we have to determine whether someone’s fruits are good or bad. True prophets will live in accordance with God’s law.

2. Do the predictions of the prophet come true?

Moses instructed ancient Israel: “When a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him” (Deuteronomy 18:22).

The Bible gives a few exceptions. It shows that God has the prerogative to change His mind, as was the case with Jonah’s prophecies about Nineveh (Jonah 3:10). Also, this does not mean that God’s true servants couldn’t be wrong about timing, as Paul was in assuming he would be alive at Christ’s return (1 Thessalonians 4:15).

Except in circumstances like these, if a prophet’s predictions do not come to pass, then he or she is not a true prophet.

3. Are the words of the prophet consistent with Scripture?

God explained to those who foolishly seek knowledge from mediums and wizards, “To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them” (Isaiah 8:19-20).

Peter declared that the apostles could truthfully attest to many fulfilled Bible prophecies concerning the life and deeds of Jesus Christ. “For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. … And we have the prophetic word made more sure” (2 Peter 1:16, 19, Revised Standard Version).

Peter also stated that true prophets do not speak their own words. As Peter wrote, “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:20, emphasis added).

4. Do the people benefit spiritually from the prophet’s ministry?

God’s desire was that ancient Israel would serve as a model nation and represent Him to the nations around them. Israel would be blessed as it fulfilled God’s expectation.

With this background, God warned His people, “‘Behold, I am against those who prophesy false dreams,’ says the LORD, ‘and tell them, and cause My people to err by their lies and by their recklessness. Yet I did not send them or command them; therefore they shall not profit this people at all,’ says the LORD” (Jeremiah 23:32; also read verses 13-14).

The results of a prophet’s ministry can also indicate whether this person is a false or true prophet. http://lifehopeandtruth.com/prophecy/prophets/false-prophets/

Although COGWA left out some criteria, even based upon the above criteria, there is one person in one of the COGs that meets all those criteria, and he is not part of COGWA, but physically heads up the Continuing Church of God (CCOG). Yet, despite what COGWA is teaching, its members do not take proper action.

The Bible teaches:

6 “Hear now My words:
If there is a prophet among you,
I, the Lord, make Myself known to him in a vision;
I speak to him in a dream. (Numbers 12:6)

I had at least two such dreams, and others had dreams, essentially concerning those about me (for details, see Dreams, the Bible, the Radio Church of God, and the Continuing Church of God).

Consider also that Jesus taught:

41 He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward. (Matthew 10:41)

Jesus is telling His followers that if a true prophet is out there,  they need to listen to him. Yet, in this Laodicean time (Revelation 3:14-18), most real Christians will not listen to what Jesus said on this and many other matters.

While some discount prophecy and prophets, notice what Jesus admonished His faithful to do:

35 For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man. (Luke 21:35-36)

Are we not a lot closer to the end now than when Jesus stated that? Should you not be watching world events as properly explained in the light of Bible prophecy?

The various Laodiceans will not properly understand end time prophecy, and that will contribute to them NOT fleeing when they should (cf. Matthew 24:15-21; Revelation 12:14-17).

A video of related interest is titled 17 Laodicean Errors in Prophecy.

In the Continuing Church of God:

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

20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. (2 Peter 1:19-21, KJV)

A detailed article about prophets in the Church of God is How To Determine If Someone is a True Prophet of God. That article not only has scriptures, it also has historical COG writings that should help people who will believe the truth to be able to see the truth.

Years ago, I also gave a sermon titled How to determine if someone is a true prophet of God and it is available at the ContinuingCOG YouTube channel. Some may find it of interest.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

How To Determine If Someone is a True Prophet of God There are many false prophets, yet many overlook what the Bible teaches about how to recognize a true one. How can Christians determine who is a true prophet? This article contains a scripture-based checklist to assist with this determination.
How to determine if someone is a true prophet of God This is a sermon on YouTube addressing a subject that most in the Church of God do not seem to have looked into very much. It discusses scriptures and dispels some improper assertions that some associated with the COG have made about prophets in this time.
Dreams, the Bible, the Radio Church of God, and the Continuing Church of God How has God used dreams in the past? Does God still use dreams? Did He use any involving those in the Continuing Church of God? Here is a link in Spanish: Sueños, la Biblia, la Iglesia de Dios de la Radio, y la Continuación de la Iglesia de Dios. A related sermon is also available: Dreams, COGs, and One Man Rule.
Elijah: Past and Prophesied Information about the original Elijah and some information about the Elijah-related prophecies.
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.
Why Be Concerned About False and Heretical Leaders? There have been many false leaders–here is some of why you should be concerned about them.
Who Are The Two Witnesses? What is their job? What does the Bible reveal? What has the Church of God taught on this subject? Might even Roman Catholic prophecies give some clues here? A related sermon is available: Prophecy and the Two Witnesses. Here is a related link in Spanish/español:¿Quiénes son los dos testigos?
The Final Phase of the Work What is the final phase of the work? Who will lead it? Do you have the courage to support it? Here is a related YouTube video titled The Final Phase of the Work. The written article has been translated into Spanish La Fase Final de la Obra.
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.
The Philadelphia Church Era was predominant circa 1933 A.D. to 1986 A.D. The old Radio Church of God and old Worldwide Church of God, now the remnant of that era is basically the most faithful in the Church of God, like who hold to the beliefs and practices of the Continuing Church of God.
The Laodicean Church Era has been predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. The Laodiceans are non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG or its offshoots. They do not properly understand the work or biblical prophecies and will face the Great Tribulation if they do not repent.
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 is a sermon Continuing Church of God (CCOG) first year anniversary: What has been accomplished? Here is a written link to a version of that sermon in the Spanish language: Aniversario del primer año de la Continuación de la Iglesia de Dios: ¿Qué se ha cumplido?
CCOG.ASIA We in the Continuing Church of God also have the url www.ccog.asia which has a focus on Asia and has various articles in Mandarin Chinese as well as some in English, plus some items in other Asian languages. 我们在继续神的教会也提供此网址 www.ccog.asia, 关注于亚洲并且有各种各样的中英文文章，其中一些用菲律宾语翻译的文章也正在进行中，准备添加到这个网站中。
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.
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.

Chinese Sailors

COGwriter

A supporter in New Zealand sent me a link to the following:

PM opposes Pacific militarisation as China eyes Vanuatu military base

10 April 2018

Jacinda Ardern says New Zealand is opposed to the militarisation of the Pacific.

Her comments came after reports China has approached Vanuatu about building a permanent military presence in the South Pacific.

While no formal proposals have been put to Vanuatu’s government, there have been discussions between China and the island nation, and senior security officials believe Beijing’s plans could culminate in a full military base.

On Tuesday, Ardern said New Zealand kept a watching eye on activity within the Pacific. The prime minister added that she could not comment on the validity of the report, and her remarks were in response to media reports. …

Multiple sources told the Sydney Morning Herald Beijing’s military ambition in Vanuatu would likely be realised incrementally, possibly beginning with an access agreement that would allow Chinese naval ships to dock routinely and be serviced, refuelled and restocked. …

onga had also been mentioned in government circles as a possible site for a Chinese base, though recent discussion had centred around the intense efforts China had put into Vanuatu.

Defence experts said a military base on Vanuatu, which would likely be followed by bases elsewhere, would allow the Chinese People’s Liberation Army to challenge the US’ post-war dominance of the Pacific, which is strongly supported by Australia and New Zealand.

China reportedly accounts for nearly half of Vanuatu’s $463 million foreign debt.

CHINA’S REACH

Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters said the militarisation of the Pacific was something New Zealand had been “seriously concerned about” for a while now. https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/102971730/pm-opposes-pacific-militarisation-as-china-eyes-vanuatu-military-base

Although the above article mainly focused on New Zealand, Australia is also concerned.

While I was writing this, a supporter in China sent me a link to the following:

10 April 2018

HONG KONG/BEIJING (Reuters) – The islands of Vanuatu may appear as relative specks in the South Pacific Ocean, but for China’s military strategists, they could provide a significant boost in Beijing’s ability to project naval power.

The prospect of a Chinese military base in the heart of the South Pacific, reported by Australia’s Fairfax Media on Tuesday, will also complicate the strategic dominance of Western powers in an ocean area they have long effectively controlled, according to diplomats and experts monitoring developments.

Fairfax Media reported China has approached Vanuatu about establishing a permanent military presence there, saying the possibility of such a facility has already alarmed high level officials in Canberra and Washington. …

Vanuatu was one of the first countries to recognise China’s position in the South China Sea and remains the only Pacific nation to have done so. …

New Zealand-based security scholar Marc Lanteigne said the Fairfax report, while unconfirmed, was “a wake up call” to Australia, New Zealand and the United States.

“A Chinese base in Vanuatu would represent a significant strategic challenge to Australia and New Zealand in their backyard,” said Lanteigne, a senior lecturer in security studies at Massey University in Auckland. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-defence-vanuatu-base-explainer/explainer-possible-chinese-military-base-in-s-pacific-fills-gap-sends-strong-message-to-u-s-and-allies-idUSKBN1HH1B4

As regular readers of this page are aware, since 2009 (in my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect),  I wrote that China may take over Australia, and possibly New Zealand. Since I wrote that, my belief in that outcome has increased.

On June 24, 2010, the day it was announced that she became Prime Minister of Australia, I warned that I felt that Julia Gillard would take steps to fulfill prophecies that also could get the Chinese interested in taking over Australia (see Australia Now Has a Female Prime Minister: Prophetic Ramifications?).

And that happened.

On November 10, 2011, I posted the following:

The USA is getting concerned about China enough to station troops in Australia …

Relying more on a declining military power is not the answer for Australia. And even if the presence is not huge, just having US troops ‘permanently’ stationed in Australia shows more reliance by Australia on the USA’s military. …

The Australians themselves have had various concerns about China, but while they seem to feel that allowing the USA in the country in a bigger way will protect them, I have a different view. The presence of US troops in China may be used as part of its possible future justification for taking the land of Australia. The Chinese may claim something to the effect that Australia is really a military pawn/representative of the USA and thus, since the USA owes them money, taking over Australia will help settle that debt.

China is rising up and the USA is declining militarily relative to it and Europe right now. This does not bode well for the USA nor its allies like Australia. The implication for Australia is more than profound–the implications are disastrous.

The Bible suggests that the land of the Anglo-descended peoples will be conquered and divided (Daniel 11:39; Lamentations 4:16; Joel 3:2-3; Amos 7:17; Ezekiel 5:1-2,12; 6:8; Ezekiel 22:13-15; )

Without national repentance, the Australia is doomed. Period. (Thiel B. Obama Putting ‘Permanent’ Troops in Australia Because of China, But… November 10, 2011)

About a week later, the Chinese fulfilled the prediction I posted on June 24, 2010:

November 17, 2011

A Marine Base for Australia Irritates China

DARWIN, Australia — Fresh from announcing an expanded American military presence in Australia, a plan that has angered China, President Obama came to this remote northern town that will be the base of operations…

The Global Times, a state-run news organization known for its nationalist and bellicose commentaries, issued a stronger reaction in an editorial, saying that Australia should be cautious about allowing the United States to use bases there to “harm China” and that it risked getting “caught in the cross-fire.” http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/18/world/asia/obama-addresses-troops-at-final-stop-in-australia.html

Related to the above, on November 11, 2011, I posted the following:

China is rising up and the USA is declining militarily relative to it and Europe right now. This does not bode well for the USA nor its allies like Australia. The implication for Australia is more than profound–the implications are disastrous. …

Without national repentance, the Australia is doomed. Period. So is the USA. Details are in the Bible and are more specifically explained in my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect.

Many do not wish to accept that, either here in the USA, over in New Zealand, or in Australia, but it is the truth. These nations will be taken over, and it may be that China will control part of the land. (Thiel B. Australia accepts US troops, China not pleased. November 11, 2011)

I basically wrote the warnings about Australia, because Global Times was correct that it was originally established by the United Kingdom and became a British colony. Because of biblical prophecies to the B’rit ish, the ‘covenant people’ (for some details, watch British are the Covenant People), I was aware that certain prophecies that show blessings and cursings to the descendants of Joseph’s son Ephraim would impact Australia (see also Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel).

The Chinese, interestingly enough, got control of the port in Darwin, and some have concerns:

24 November 2015

The decision to offer a century-long lease over the Port of Darwin to a Chinese company feeds into the PRC’s global strategic aims. Australia ignores this consideration at its peril, writes Geoff Wade.

The national and indeed international reactions to the Northern Territory Government’s decision to offer a century-long lease over the port of Darwin to Chinese company Landbridge can be divided essentially into two camps.

The dichotomy has on one side those, such as the Trade Minister Andrew Robb and NT Chief Minister Adam Giles, who simply portray the Darwin deal as important for the economic development of northern Australia.

Those of the other side, including both Australian critics and, sotto voce, the Americans, see the deal as a more complex element in growing the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) influence in Australia, which is increasingly constituting a threat to the country’s independence per se and to Western interests in the South Pacific and globally.

Understanding the significance of this deal requires a much wider lens and broader context than those provided by perceived economic self-interest. China’s national revival and its global economic and strategic extension over the decades since Deng Xiaoping, which Xi Jinping has rebranded as the “Chinese Dream”, provide a much clearer schema in which to situate the Darwin deal.

The “Chinese Dream” involves the reassertion of the economic and political primacy that China claims it has enjoyed over neighbours for millennia. This agenda is now being pursued globally but most intensely in South-East Asia and Australia/New Zealand. …

The Darwin deal will provide Chinese shipping and naval vessels with facilitated access to Australia, the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific, as well as to Indonesia and PNG over the coming century. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-11-24/wade-the-darwin-port-is-another-link-in-china’s-expansion/6967640

After this, the USA and Australia began to seriously look at having long range bombers based in Australia, and China does not like it:

March 9, 2016

The United States is in talks to base long-range bombers in Australia, U.S. defense officials said, within striking distance of the disputed South China Sea, a move that could inflame tensions with China.

The deployments could include B-1 bombers and an expansion of B-52 bomber missions, said Lt. Col. Damien Pickart, a spokesman for the U.S. Air Force in the Pacific, http://www.reuters.com/article/us-southchinasea-australia-usa-idUSKCN0WB05Q

March 10, 2016

The commander of the US Pacific Air Forces, General Lori Robinson, has revealed talks had begun with the Australian government to have long-range B-1 bombers and aerial tankers regularly rotated at military bases in the Northern Territory.

In response, the Chinese foreign ministry has said such military co-operation should not target any third parties in the region.

“We are concerned at relevant reports. At the moment, the major regional trend and people’s desire is to seek peace and cooperation to push forward development,” said spokesman Hong Lei at a daily news briefing. http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2016/03/09/china-concerned-over-us-australia-bomber-talks

The Australians hope that the USA will be able to protect them, while it also increases its trade with China (see After Obama announces stronger military ties to Australia, Australia makes a trade deal with China). Yet, the presence of US troops and other weaponry in Australia may be used by China as part of its possible future justification for taking the land of Australia. The Chinese may claim something to the effect that Australia is really a military pawn/representative of the USA and thus, since the USA owes them money, taking over Australia will help settle that debt.

Events are aligning for various curses, like Australia losing its sovereignty and land (cf. Daniel 11:39; Lamentations 4:16; Joel 3:2-3; Amos 7:17; Ezekiel 5:1-2,12; 6:8; Ezekiel 22:13-15). And the Chinese threats in Global Times are proof of that.

Although I was personally unaware of it until July 14, 2016, in February 1963, the old Radio Church of God earlier warned of a threat from Asia in general, and China in particular, to Australia:

Simply because of her geographical situation, Australia is a land of opportunity. Yes, OPPORTUNITY- opportunity for the teeming masses of Asia! …

lndonesia is only ONE of Australia’s worries!

Still further to the north lies the sprawling mainland of Red China. Standing on the Baok of China, like a sentinel on the alert, is the booming, highly industrialized nation of Japan with its progressive millions!

Australia is in trouble-and doesn’t know it! (Armstrong GT. Australia’s Deadly Peril! Plain Truth, February 1963, p. 9)

What if Britain Enters the Common Market? …

Faced with this potential effecr of the Common Market-Australia has been FORCED to look hopefully toward ASIA for new and expanded outlets for its produce! …

Australia, like all of Israel, is headed toward captivity! …

Just as ancient Israel made the mistake of seeking to the Gentile nations for her protection, making pacts and treaties, instead of trusting in God-so is modern-day Israel guilty of the same sin! Australia at the present time is linked with Gentile nations as a member of SEATO, the Southeast Asian Treaty Organization. She like other nations of Israel, is looking to Gentile nations for protection from her potential enemies.

This practice God condemns. …

While the United States and Great Britain are faced with the prophesied revival of the “beast,” a union of ten powerful nations in Europe, forming the rebuilding of the ancient Roman Empire, Australia may well be taken over by an entirely different enemy! Australia, trying to populate and industrialize to stave off Communism, may become the SLAVES OF COMMUNISTS! And -make no mistake about it-aggression is actually BEING PLANNED against Australia! (Armstrong GT. Australia’s Deadly Peril! Plain Truth, February 1963, pp. 42-44)

Well, Britain did enter the old Common Market and as the 1963 article indicated, Australia has become more and more dependent upon Asian markets. Furthermore, as the 1963 article suggested, Australia is becoming vulnerable for captivity from China.

In 2016, we made a video titled: Are Chinese threats against Australia for real?

Notice something else from 2016 I reported about here:

4 August 2016

China and Australia: Claws Out for a Paper Cat

China has harsh words for Canberra’s response to the recent South China Sea ruling.

China’s Global Times  … has decided that Australia is a “paper cat” …

And now the Global Times has not only suggested Australia be careful given, “Australia has inked a free trade agreement with China, its biggest trading partner, which makes its move of disturbing the South China Sea waters surprising to many.” And, more importantly, “Australia’s power means nothing compared to the security of China. If Australia steps into the South China Sea waters, it will be an ideal target for China to warn and strike.”

Essentially a state-controlled newspaper (in fact owned by the Party) is calling for a strike on Australian ships should they “step” into the South China Sea, a hysterical response to a “paper cat” and an ugly attack on a friendly nation and trading partner. http://thediplomat.com/2016/08/china-and-australia-claws-out-for-a-paper-cat/

Here is what China’s Global Times actually wrote:

‘Paper cat’ Australia will learn its lesson

Around the announcement of the arbitration tribunal over the South China Sea, Australia was one of the most delirious countries. Canberra immediately supported the arbitration result and claimed China “must” abide by it, and also signed a joint declaration with the US and Japan. Australia has inked a free trade agreement with China, its biggest trading partner, which makes its move of disturbing the South China Sea waters surprising to many.

Australia is a unique country with an inglorious history. It was at first an offshore prison of the UK and then became its colony, a source of raw materials, overseas market and land of investment. This country was established through uncivilized means, in a process filled with the tears of the aboriginals. …

Australia calls itself a principled country, while its utilitarianism has been sizzling. It lauds Sino-Australian relations when China’s economic support is needed, but when it needs to please Washington, it demonstrates willingness of doing anything in a show of allegiance.

Analysts say that besides trying to please the US, it also intends to suppress China so as to gain a bargaining chip for economic interests. China must take revenge and let it know it’s wrong. Australia’s power means nothing compared to the security of China. If Australia steps into the South China Sea waters, it will be an ideal target for China to warn and strike.

Australia is not even a “paper tiger,” it’s only a “paper cat” at best. At a time when its former caretaker country the UK is dedicated to developing relations with China, and almost the whole of Europe takes a neutral position, Australia has unexpectedly made itself a pioneer of hurting China’s interest with a fiercer attitude than countries directly involved in the South China Sea dispute. But this paper cat won’t last. http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/997320.shtml

So, China is indicating that Australia is basically illegitimate (established through uncivilized means) and that its power basically means nothing to China. Furthermore,  China must take revenge and let it know it’s wrong.

And basically how?

Well, If Australia steps into the South China Sea waters, it will be an ideal target for China to warn and strike.

Notice something that happened in 2017, that was also reported here:

23 July 2017

A high-tech Chinese spy ship has been spotted off the Queensland coast monitoring joint military exercises between Australia and the United States, in what Defence officials have described as an “unfriendly” and “provocative” act.

The ABC can reveal the Auxiliary General Intelligence (AGI) vessel from the People’s Liberation Army was sighted by the Defence Force in international waters during this month’s Talisman Sabre war games.

The Type 815 Dongdiao-class AGI vessel is fitted with advanced communications systems designed to eavesdrop on other militaries.

In a statement to the ABC, Defence confirmed the spy ship had “been operating off the north-east coast of Australia” during the joint military exercises.

“The Chinese vessel has remained outside Australian territorial waters but inside the Australian Exclusive Economic Zone in the Coral Sea,” the department said.

“Exercise Talisman Sabre is currently taking place in the vicinity. The vessel’s presence has not detracted from the exercise objectives,” it added.

Euan Graham from the Lowy Institute said the deployment of the vessel was an alarming development. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-07-22/chinese-navy-spy-ship-rattles-talisman-sabre-war-games-off-quee/8732944

Should Australia and New Zealand consider that China has ambitions to control it?

Yes.

In the future, according to biblical prophecies, it is clear that Australia and New Zealand will lose their sovereignty. China remains the power that I think is most likely to dominate Australia, and it (or Japan) may end up dominating New Zealand.

The actions by China should serve as a wake-up call, but so far, Australia and New Zealand have not taken steps to truly turn to God.

If they think that the USA will be able to stop this forever, they are mistaken. The USA itself will also be taken over one day per Daniel 11:39 (see also USA in Prophecy: The Strongest Fortresses).

Like the rest of the nations, Australia and New Zealand need the Kingdom of God.

Some articles of related interest may include:

Are Chinese threats against Australia for real? The Chinese paper ‘Global Times’ has carried threats in 2011 and 2016 suggesting the China would militarily intervene against Australia. It has declared that Australia is a ‘paper cat,’ that China will get revenge against it, and that Australia would be no more. Is this possible? Are there biblical and other reasons to think that this threat is real? Dr. Thiel answers these questions and brings up the fact that he has been warning about this threat since the last decade.
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?
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?
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?
Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? Does God have 7,000 year plan? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2026 or 20xx? There is also a video titled The 6000 Year Plan: Is the end of humanity’s reign almost up? Here is a link to the article in Spanish: ¿Tiene Dios un plan de 6,000 años?
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2018, 2019, or 2020? 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 2018 o 2019? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? You can also see the English language sermon videos: The Great Tribulation from the Mount of Olives and Can the Great Tribulation begin before 2020? A shorter video is: Can the Great Tribulation begin in 2018?
The Times of the Gentiles Has there been more than one time of the Gentiles? Are we in it now or in the time of Anglo-America? What will the final time of the Gentiles be like? A related sermon is available and is titled: The Times of the Gentiles.
Are You Being Called by God? Norman Shoaf wrote various points to consider.
Is God Calling You? Alfred E Carrozzo wrote this.
What Did Christ Mean  Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen? This article was by Raymond McNair.
Christian Repentance Do you know what repentance is? Is it really necessary for salvation? A related sermon is also available titled: Real Christian Repentance.
Just What Do You Mean — Repentance? Do you know what repentance is? Have you truly repented? Repented of what? Herbert W. Armstrong wrote this as a booklet on this important subject.
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: Are Chinese threats against Australia for real?
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?
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?  Is a Donald Trump presidency proving to be apocalyptic?  Two related videos are available: Donald: ‘Trump of God’ or Apocalyptic? and Donald Trump’s Prophetic Presidency.
Trump Presidency Magic 8 Ball or Bible Prophecy? BBC reported that one might as well use a ‘Magic Eight-Ball’ to try to predict what will happen in the remaining time of Donald Trump’s presidency. What is a ‘Magic Eight-Ball’? Dr. Thiel not only explains that, but also briefly goes over 10 biblically-based warnings he wrote would happen if Donald Trump were elected that have already began to come to pass. He also goes over something he wrote back in 2008 that the Trump presidency is also helping lead to fulfillment. Should you trust Bible prophecy or not? Dr. Thiel says that Bible prophecy can be trusted, despite the view of skeptics and others that either overlook or despise the Bible. This is a video.
Donald Trump and America’s Apocalypse This 188 page book is for people truly interested in prophecies related to Donald Trump and the United States, including learning about several that have already been fulfilled and those that will be fulfilled in the future. The physical book can be purchased at Amazon for $12.99 from the following link: Donald Trump and America’s Apocalypse.
Donald Trump and America’s Apocalypse-Kindle Edition This electronic version of the 188 page print edition is available for only US$3.99. And you do not need an actual Kindle device to read it. Why? Amazon will allow you to download it to almost any device: Please click HERE to download one of Amazon s Free Reader Apps. After you go to for your free Kindle reader and then go to Donald Trump and America’s Apocalypse-Kindle Edition.
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.

Recent edition of Bible News Prophecy magazine

COGwriter

China has taken a step that the government of the USA is noticing:

Trade War Risks Accelerate …

Trump is threatening 25% tariffs on billions of dollars more of Chinese exports to the U.S., which creates “increasing uncertainty [that] will weigh on business investment and potentially on firms’ decisions on where to locate portions of global supply chains,” according to Moody’s.

The conservative Tax Foundation says a 25% levy imposed on $150 billion worth of imports from China “is equivalent to nearly $38 billion tax increase on American firms and consumers in 2018” and “could potentially claw back many of the benefits that businesses and households expected to see” from the sweeping tax overhaul passed in December.

S&P Global Ratings says the latest U.S. tariff threats draws China and U.S. “even nearer to an all-out trade war.” …

SGH Macro Advisors reports in its latest investment note, “From what we understand, the Chinese government has halted its purchases of US Treasuries … for the past few weeks.”

Since China is the single biggest foreign owner of U.S. Treasury securities — it held  close to $1.17 trillion of Treasuries at the end of January, according to Treasury data — a longer halt to purchases or the selling of Treasury securities could hurt prices. The latest data shows that China’s Treasury holdings as of January were at their lowest level since July 2017.  04/06/18 https://www.thinkadvisor.com/2018/04/06/trade-war-risks-accelerate-again-stocks-drop/?slreturn=20180309135957

China should make better use of the country’s funds by looking to invest its large capital reserves in real assets, not United States Treasury bonds, an adviser to China’s central bank said on Monday.

“We are a low-income country, but we are a high-wealth country … We should make better use of the capital. Rather than investing in US government debt, it’s better to invest in some real assets,” Fan Gang, director of the National Economic Research Institute and a member of the People’s Bank of China’s Monetary Policy Committee, said. 04/09/18 http://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy-defence/article/2140933/china-should-look-beyond-us-treasuries-real-assets

While it is NOT absolutely certain that the Chinese has stopped purchasing all USA debt, it would seem (to them at least) logical to reduce such purchases to send a message to the USA that it can hit the USA hard.

If China cashed out of most of its USA bonds, etc.,  this could be a problem that could be catastrophic.

Notice the following from a couple of weeks ago where the reduction of purchases of USA debt was alluded to:

March 23, 2018

China’s ambassador to the U.S. wouldn’t rule out the possibility of the Asian nation scaling back purchases of Treasuries in response to tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump.

“We are looking at all options,” Ambassador Cui Tiankai told Bloomberg Television, when asked whether China would consider reduced purchases of U.S. Treasuries. “That’s why we believe any unilateral and protectionist move would hurt everybody, including the United States itself. It would certainly hurt the daily life of American middle-class people, and the American companies, and the financial markets.”

China is America’s biggest foreign creditor. It held $1.17 trillion in Treasuries as of January, or about 19 percent of all foreign holdings of U.S. government securities.

The U.S. can ill-afford to see weaker demand for its debt from its major buyers. With budget deficits rising in coming years and tax cuts approved in December expected to hurt revenue, the Treasury has to sell more securities to pay the government’s expenses. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-03-23/china-s-ambassador-doesn-t-rule-out-reducing-treasury-purchases

Debt is a problem and the USA does not want China to sell off its USA debt. China has called that its ‘nuclear option’ in the past.

Here is something I wrote about US debt and China in my book Donald Trump and America’s Apocalypse:

The USA is walking a dangerous line on its debt that will not end well.

Let us also consider that there is a prophecy in Habakkuk, written about 2600 years ago, about debt which is preceded by the following:

² Then the Lord answered me and said:

“Write the vision And make it plain on tablets, That he may run who reads it. (Habakkuk 2:2)

The Bible says that the ‘debt prophecy’ in Habakkuk 2 is so significant that those who read it should run—essentially that they should take steps because the results will be horrific. Donald Trump and many other American politicians have not run away from increasing U.S.A. debt—that will be to the nation’s peril.

The Bible warns about something that will happen to a heavily indebted nation. Notice what the Hebrew seer Habakkuk wrote over 2,600 years ago:

³ For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry … ⁵ Indeed, because he transgresses by wine, He is a proud man … ⁶ “Will not all these take up a proverb against him, And a taunting riddle against him, and say, ‘Woe to him who increases What is not his—how long? And to him who loads himself with many pledges’? ⁷ Will not your creditors rise up suddenly? Will they not awaken who oppress you? And you will become their booty. ⁸ Because you have plundered many nations, All the remnant of the people shall plunder you…” (Habakkuk 2:2-3,6–8).

Notice that what is to happen is so bad, that people who read the prophecy should run, when it is time for it to be fulfilled. Since that prophecy is to be fulfilled at the appointed time of the end, it is still for the future, but perhaps not too far distant in the future. No nation has ever been in as much total debt as the U.S.A.

Interestingly, in the past, one foreign creditor, China, has raised concerns about the U.S. debt that are so serious, that its potential dumping of that debt has been called China’s “nuclear option” (Gertz B, China Debt Threat. Washington Times, March 2, 2011) against the U.S.A.—an option that involves no military intervention, but that could greatly harm the U.S.A. (Thiel B. Donald Trump and America’s Apocalypse. Nazarene Books, 2017)

The USA must know that China is looking at what to do with US debt.

However, I do NOT expect the Chinese to try to dump it all now (if they sell any at all). But the time will come when Habakkuk 2 will be fulfilled.

Trade concerns are heating up.

The Chinese successfully launched a version of its ‘petro-gold-yuan’ a couple of weeks ago (see China’s ‘petro-yuan’ successfully introduced; Why is Russia accumulating gold?). More on China’s ‘petro-gold-yuan’ is discussed in the video: US Dollar being challenged by Gold-Petro-Yuan.

China’s ‘petro-yuan’ effort may affect the value of the USA dollar (see ‘Is the Petro-Yuan signalling the death of the Dollar?’).

That would be another reason for the Chinese to consider reducing exposure to US dollar debt.

Changes in the international order are happening.

While China is NOT prophesied to dominate the world in the end, overall, Gentile nations are.

That will not end well for the USA (cf. Daniel 11:39) nor its Anglo-Saxon descended allies (cf. Daniel 8:24-25; Jeremiah 30:7).

COGwriter

Gerald Flurry of the improperly named Philadelphia Church of God (PCG) wrote the following:

One Bible Prophecy That Explains Our World

One biblical prophecy explains the alarming rise of aggressive world powers today. “And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto. For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people. And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled” (Luke 21:20-24).

We are living in the times of the Gentiles. … God focuses primarily on two birthright nations (America and Britain) and one scepter nation (the Jewish nation in the Middle East). He uses Gentile powers to punish His chosen people because of their many sins. …

Prominent on the world scene today are three threatening powers: China, Russia and Iran. …

“And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees; When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand” (Luke 21:29-31). The rise of China, Russia, Iran and Germany is like bright new leaves growing on a tree. It is a clear sign showing that Jesus Christ’s return is imminent! (verse 27). The symbolism here is plain. “Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled. Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away” (verses 32-33).

When we see Gentile powers taking charge on the world scene, we know that we will also live to see the chain of events leading directly to Christ’s return. China, Russia, Iran and Germany will soon plunge mankind into World War iii. Thankfully, God provides understanding of the times of the Gentiles, plus a way of escape from the destruction they will cause. March 20, 2016 https://www.thetrumpet.com/article/13668.18.0.0/one-bible-prophecy-that-explains-our-world

It is, in my view, truly an exaggerated stretch for Gerald Flurry to claim that Luke 21:20-24 explains our world.

We are not really in the final times of the Gentiles, yet we are basically in the final time of Israelite domination. The tiny nation of Israel is in charge of Jerusalem and the USA and UK still dominate the international financial world, while the USA itself has the strongest military. And while that will end (Daniel 11:39; see also USA in Prophecy: The Strongest Fortresses) during the time of Jacob’s trouble, it is then that the final Times of the Gentiles will be here.

The Bible shows that the Great Tribulation will initially mainly be directed to those who are descended from Jacob/Israel:

6 Ask now, and see,
Whether a man is ever in labor with child?
So why do I see every man with his hands on his loins
Like a woman in labor,
And all faces turned pale?
7 Alas! For that day is great,
So that none is like it;
And it is the time of Jacob’s trouble,
But he shall be saved out of it. (Jeremiah 30:6-7)

25… Gentiles, who do not know You…they have eaten up Jacob, Devoured him and consumed him, And made his dwelling place desolate. (Jeremiah 10:25)

23 ‘Make a chain,
For the land is filled with crimes of blood,
And the city is full of violence.
24 Therefore I will bring the worst of the Gentiles,
And they will possess their houses;
I will cause the pomp of the strong to cease,
And their holy places shall be defiled.
25 Destruction comes;
They will seek peace, but there shall be none. (Ezekiel 7:23-25)

23 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! For there will be great distress in the land and wrath upon this people. 24 And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. (Luke 21:23-24)

2 But leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Gentiles. And they will tread the holy city underfoot for forty-two months. (Revelation 11:2)

Notice that Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Jesus (whose words are recorded in Luke), and John (who penned Revelation) are talking about the same time. Also notice that “it is the time of Jacob’s trouble” and that the “Gentiles” are dominating. This means those that are descended from Israel or have the name of Jacob (cf. Genesis 48:14-16) will mainly be trampled on. One of the peoples that God says He will use to punish the descendants of Israel, Assyria (Isaiah 10:5-11), are a Gentile people–they will normally lead during the time of the Gentiles. This will be a terrible time.

Here is something else to look at:

In Jesus’ prophecy in Matthew 24, He was answering the question abom the TIME of the end of the world, and the second coming of Christ to rule the world.

WHOSE Tribulation?

Next, WHOSE trouble will this be? WHO will plunge the world into it? We have the what and the when. Now notice the who! The prophet Jeremiah speaks of this SAME time of greatest trouble. “For lo, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will bring again the captivity of my people Israel and Judah, saith the Eternal : and I will cause them to return to the land that I gave to their fathers, and they shall possess it” (Jer, 30: 3)…

Continue Jeremiah’s prophecy: “For thus saith the Eternal: we have heard a voice of trembling, of fear, and not of peace. A TIME OF WAR! “Alas! for that day is GREAT, so that none is like it. Notice-the same GREATEST time of trouble-so great that NONE IS LIKE IT! Now , upon WHOM? ” .. it is even the time of JACOB’ S TROUBLE but he shall be delivered out of it (Jer. 30: 5,7). It is a world trouble UPON JACOB! …

No WHO is Jacob? …

Who is Jacob today? …

One of the original twelve tribes, Joseph, was given “a double portion,” and became two tribes -Ephraim and Manasseh-so named from the two sons of Joseph. And they were tbe Birthright tribes…

And it was these two tribes who were to bear the NAME Israel: “Let my name be named on them’ said the aged Israel ( Gen. 48:16 ), in passing on the Birth· right promises JUST before his death. And so, in prophecy, the NAME Jacob or the name Israel, often refers to the two great nations descended from Ephraim and Manasseh. These are Great Brirain and the United States. The prophesied YOKE of invasion, defeat in war , and slavery, then, is to fall on Britain and the United States! (Armstrong HW. BRITAIN’S DOOM Prophesied for Common Market Seeking Membership! Plain Truth, July 1962)

Notice also the following, where the remnant of Israel will be shamed, for a time, by Gentiles:

25 “I will make a covenant of peace with them, and cause wild beasts to cease from the land; and they will dwell safely in the wilderness and sleep in the woods. 26 I will make them and the places all around My hill a blessing; and I will cause showers to come down in their season; there shall be showers of blessing. 27 Then the trees of the field shall yield their fruit, and the earth shall yield her increase. They shall be safe in their land; and they shall know that I am the Lord, when I have broken the bands of their yoke and delivered them from the hand of those who enslaved them. 28 And they shall no longer be a prey for the nations, nor shall beasts of the land devour them; but they shall dwell safely, and no one shall make them afraid. 29 I will raise up for them a garden of renown, and they shall no longer be consumed with hunger in the land, nor bear the shame of the Gentiles anymore. 30 Thus they shall know that I, the Lord their God, am with them, and they, the house of Israel, are My people,” says the Lord God.'” (Ezekiel 34:25-30)

Here are a couple of quotes about the “times of the Gentiles” from the old WCG:

With the second coming of Christ, the “times of the Gentiles” will at last come to an end. (Stump K. The Arab World in Prophecy. Plain Truth, December 1979, p. 38)

Luke 21:23-24: “For sore anguish will come upon the land and wrath on this people; they will fall by the edge of the sword, they will be carried prisoners to all nations, and Jerusalem will be under the heel of the Gentiles TILL the period [Times] of the Gentiles expire.”

That is speaking of WAR — of NATIONAL invasion and captivity. That actually did happen to JUDAH in 70 A.D. But that was merely the typical fore-runner. The climactic major event of this prophecy is yet to occur, just shortly before the coming of Christ!

ALSO a Religious Persecution

Turn again to Matthew 24: “And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved … For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be … For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs, and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect” (Matt. 24:10-13, 21, 24).

This is also speaking individually of truly Spirit-begotten CHRISTIANS who have become so lukewarm, so out of prayerful contact with God, that they will not be accounted worthy to escape all these things. And that phase of this Great Tribulation is very clearly brought out in the opening of the fifth seal of Revelation 6: “And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled” (Rev. 6:9-11).

NOTICE that! Here is the GREAT TRIBULATION! And this fifth seal pictures it as a time of martyrdom of saints — of truly converted, begotten children of GOD! (Armstrong HW. The Book of Revelation Unveiled at Last. 1972)

The Great Tribulation itself is not only described in Revelation 6:9-11 (the fifth seal, that seems to occur because the faithful church has suffered martyrdom, cf. Daniel 11:31-35; Matthew 24:9-10), but also in Lamentations, Daniel, and other parts of the Bible. It starts with Matthew 24:21 and Daniel 11:39. Some would call this World War III (WWIII; see also World War III: Steps in Progress and/or watch Is World War III About to Begin? Can You Escape?).

As the descendants of Jacob descend, we are getting closer to the rise and final time of the Gentiles.

We are nearing the final time of the Gentiles and a time of great distress. But not really as PCG misunderstands it.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Teachings Unique to the Philadelphia Church of God Simply calling oneself ‘Philadelphia’ does not make one so (see Revelation 3:7-9), nor does Gerald Flurry calling himself “that prophet” make it so. This article provides many quotes from this group which tries to look faithful.
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?
Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? Does God have 7,000 year plan? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2026 or 20xx? There is also a video titled The 6000 Year Plan: Is the end of humanity’s reign almost up?
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2018, 2019, or 2020? 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 2018 o 2019? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? You can also see the English language sermon videos: The Great Tribulation from the Mount of Olives and Can the Great Tribulation begin before 2020? A shorter video is: Can the Great Tribulation begin in 2018?
The Times of the Gentiles Has there been more than one time of the Gentiles? Are we in it now or in the time of Anglo-America? What will the final time of the Gentiles be like? A related sermon is available and is titled: The Times of the Gentiles.
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.
Why Does Man Suffer? Herbert Armstrong gives biblical reasons on this topic.
Why Does God Allow Suffering? This is a pdf booklet put out by the old Worldwide Church of God that also answers questions about why God allows war as well as babies to die. Here is a link to a sermon titled Why YOU? Why Do YOU Suffer?
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?
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.
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.
Did The Early Church Teach Millenarianism? Was the millennium (sometimes called chiliasm) taught by early Christians? Who condemned it? Will Jesus literally reign for 1000 years on the earth? Is this time near? A related sermon is titled The Millennium.