Church of God News

J.D. Vance (Official government photo)

COGwriter

NBC reported:

July 15, 2024

• Donald Trump officially secured the GOP nomination for president after the Republican National Convention kicked today, two days after the former president was shot in the ear in an assassination attempt at a campaign rally.
• Trump said in a social media post that he is tapping Ohio Sen. JD Vance to be his running mate. Vance, once a vocal critic of Trump, has become a close and outspoken ally.
• Earlier in the day, the judge overseeing the classified documents case against Trump dismissed the indictment against him today in a major victory for the former president. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/live-blog/trump-assassination-attempt-live-updates-republican-convention-rcna161238

Donald Trump announced that JD Vance is his choice for vice president. Voice of America posted the following::

Trump picks Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, once-fierce critic turned loyal ally, as running mate

July 15, 2024

Donald Trump named Sen. JD Vance of Ohio as his running mate on Monday, choosing a onetime critic who became a loyal ally and is now the first millennial to join a major-party ticket at a time of deep concern about the advanced age of America’s political leaders.

“After lengthy deliberation and thought, and considering the tremendous talents of many others, I have decided that the person best suited to assume the position of Vice President of the United States is Senator J.D. Vance of the Great State of Ohio,” Trump said in a post on his Truth Social network.

The 39-year-old Vance rose to national fame with the 2016 publication of his memoir, “Hillbilly Elegy.” He was elected to the Senate in 2022 and has become one of the staunchest champions of the former president’s “Make America Great Again” agenda, particularly on trade, foreign policy and immigration.

But he is largely untested in national politics and is joining the Trump ticket at an extraordinary moment. An attempted assassination of Trump at a rally Saturday has shaken the campaign, bringing new attention to the nation’s coarse political rhetoric and reinforcing the importance of those who are one heartbeat away from the presidency.

Vance himself faced criticism in the wake of the shooting for a post on X that suggested President Joe Biden was to blame for the violence.

“The central premise of the Biden campaign is that President Donald Trump is an authoritarian fascist who must be stopped at all costs,” Vance wrote. “That rhetoric led directly to President Trump’s attempted assassination.” …

Vance’s fame grew in tandem with Trump’s unlikely rise from a reality television star to Republican presidential nominee and eventually president. During the early stages of Trump’s political career, Vance cast him as “a total fraud,” “a moral disaster” and “America’s Hitler.”

But like many Republicans who sought relevance in the Trump era, Vance eventually shifted his tone. He said he was proved wrong by Trump’s performance in office and evolved into one of his most steadfast defenders.

“I didn’t think he was going to be a good president,” Vance recently told Fox News Channel. “He was a great president. And it’s one of the reasons why I’m working so hard to make sure he gets a second term.”

Vance was rewarded for his turnaround during his bid for an open Senate seat in 2022, during which he landed Trump’s coveted endorsement and rode it to victory in a crowded Republican primary and a general election hard fought by Democrats. He is close to Trump’s son Donald Jr.

Vance is now a Trump loyalist who has challenged the legitimacy of criminal prosecutions and civil verdicts against him and questions the results of the 2020 election.

He told ABC News in February that, if he had been vice president on Jan. 6, 2021, he would have told states where Trump disputed Biden wins “that we needed to have multiple slates of electors, and I think the U.S. Congress should have fought over it from there.”

“That is the legitimate way to deal with an election that a lot of folks, including me, think had a lot of problems in 2020,” he said. …

The relationship between Vance and Trump has been symbiotic.

Vance’s book — subtitled “A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis” — was embraced for its insights into Trump’s appeal in middle America, where manufacturing job losses and the opioid crisis had driven many families like his into poverty, abuse and addiction.

The tale of Vance’s hardscrabble childhood in Middletown, Ohio, where he was born, and his familial eastern Kentucky hills region also captivated Hollywood. Ron Howard made it into a 2020 movie starring Amy Adams as Vance’s mother and Glenn Close as his beloved “Mamaw.”

With his grandmother’s encouragement, Vance went on to serve in the Marine Corps, including in Iraq, and to graduate from Ohio State University and Yale Law School. From there, he joined a Silicon Valley investment firm before returning to Ohio to launch a nonprofit that he said would aim to develop opioid addiction treatments that might be “scaled nationally.”

Ultimately, Our Ohio Renewal failed at that mission and was shuttered. During the 2022 campaign, then-U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan, his Democratic rival, charged that the charity was little more than a front for Vance’s political ambitions. Ryan pointed to reports that the organization made payments to a Vance political adviser and conducted public opinion polling, even as its actual efforts to address addiction largely floundered. Vance denied the characterization.

As a senator, Vance has shown some willingness to work across the aisle. He and Ohio’s senior senator, Democrat Sherrod Brown, have teamed up on a number of issues important to the state, including fighting for funding for a $20 billion chip facility Intel is building in central Ohio and introducing rail safety legislation in response to the fiery derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. https://www.voanews.com/a/trump-picks-sen-jd-vance-of-ohio-once-fierce-critic-turned-loyal-ally-as-running-mate/7699166.html

Wikipedia has the following about him:

Social issues

Vance opposes abortion and he has indicated that he may support a federal ban on abortions after 15 weeks. He has more recently said that abortion laws should be set by the states.^[63][64] When asked whether abortion laws should include exceptions for rape and incest, he said, “two wrong[s] don’t make a right.”^[65]

Vance opposes the Respect for Marriage Act^[66][67] and has said, “I believe that marriage is between one man and one woman, but I don’t think the gay marriage issue is alive right now. I’m not one of these guys who’s looking to try to take people’s families and rip them apart.”^[68]

Vance has proposed a bill that would make gender-affirming care for minors a federal felony and block taxpayer funds from being used for it, saying in a statement, “Under no circumstances should doctors be allowed to perform these gruesome, irreversible operations on underage children.”^[69]

Immigration and border security

Vance once admonished Trump for demonizing immigrants, but has repeatedly called the effects of illegal immigration “dirty”. …

In 2023, Vance introduced a bill that would make English the official language of the United States.^[78][79]

Foreign policy

Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Vance said the U.S. did not want to pull out of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), but argued the U.S. should shift its focus to East Asia and that certain European and NATO member countries are not spending enough for their own security.^[80][81]

Vance is a vocal critic of U.S. military aid to Ukraine in the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War. He has said it is in America’s interest to accept that “Ukraine is going to have to cede some territory to the Russians”. …

Personal life

Vance has been married to a former law school classmate, Usha Chilukuri, since 2014. They have three children.^[124] For some of his professional career, Vance and his wife lived in San Francisco.^[125]

Vance was raised in a “conservative, evangelical” branch of Protestantism, but by September 2016, he was “thinking very seriously about converting to Catholicism” but was “not an active participant” in any particular Christian denomination.^[126] In August 2019, Vance was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic Church in a ceremony at St. Gertrude Priory in Cincinnati, Ohio. He chose Augustine of Hippo as his Confirmation saint. Vance said he converted because he “became persuaded over time that Catholicism was true […] and Augustine gave me a way to understand Christian faith in a strongly intellectual way”, further describing Catholic theology‘s influence on his political views. (Vance JD. Wikipedia, accessed 07/15/24)

J.D. Vance sounds like someone that many Republicans would support. As far as vice-presidents go, he would be one of the youngest should the Trump-Vance ticket win (the youngest vice-president was John C. Breckinridge. He was just 36 years old when he assumed office in 1857).

Some believe that the Trump-Vance ticket is what the USA needs, where as others believe that the Biden-Harris is what the USA needs. Others say anyone but Donald Trump, while many feel that Joe Biden is not up to doing the job.

That said, as long time readers of this COGwriter Church of God News page are aware, as posted here many times before, I consider that Donald Trump and Joe Biden are evil.

Without going into unique specifics, let’s consider how they are similar:

1. They do not live like a member of their professed faiths is supposed to try to live.
2. They support LGBTQ rights.
3. They have not called for national repentance.
4. They have not sought first the Kingdom of God.
5. They have all been involved in Administrations that greatly increased USA debt.
6. They have all been involved in Administrations that have upset the Europeans.
7. They have all been accused of hypocrisy.
8. They both make a lot of public lies.
9. None have the real solutions for what the USA needs.

Now, I am not trying to say that there are no differences. Yes, I know they have differing economic and climate policies as well as different views on abortion and racial matters. And if Joe Biden does get replaced, the odds are that his replacement will hold to most of the same positions.

As far as being hypocritical goes, the Book of Job teaches:

13 … And the hope of the hypocrite shall perish, (Job 8:13)

The Bible prophecy warns that God will punish and destroy “an hypocritical nation” (Isaiah 10:6, KJV) in a prophecy related to the USA.

The Bible teaches:

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

These national sins include abortion, sexuality immorality, promoting pornography, false witness, violence, economic theft through debt and other means, hypocrisy, disdain for the God of the Bible, covetousness, and a host of others.

See also, our free online book, The Ten Commandments: The Decalogue, Christianity, and the Beast.

As far as evil goes, evil is still evil.

Many professing Christians believe that they need to vote even though that concept is not endorsed in the Bible. But the Bible teaches:

2 You shall not follow a crowd to do evil (Exodus 23:2)

The “lesser evil” is still evil.

What should a Christian do?

Jesus said to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33) and to pray for God’s kingdom to come (Matthew 6:10).

As far as political leaders go, the Apostle Paul wrote:

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

Notice that we are to pray for worldly leaders and those that have authority over us so that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life. Nothing like this is said for voting that many falsely claim is their “Christian” duty–prayer for leaders is.

No matter who you may think is better, the lesser of the evils is still evil.

Related to this and the then upcoming 2020 election, the Continuing Church of God (CCOG) put together the following video on our Bible News Prophecy YouTube channel:

10:25

Biden, Trump, and the Bible

The USA presidential campaign is in full swing. Though Democratic party candidate Joe Biden and Republican party candidate Donald Trump have differing economic and climate policies as well as different views on abortion and racial matters, there are many similarities both share. Do they have policies that they share that are leading to the destruction of the USA? What do Bible prophecies reveal about sexual immorality, debt, and hypocrisy? What are some of the national sins of the USA? Does the Bible endorse voting? What did Jesus teach related to what to seek and pray for? What does the New Testament teach that Christians are to do related to leaders? Is the lesser of two evils still evil? Dr. Thiel goes over these matters, including going over eleven similarities the two major party candidates share and some of what the Bible teaches about evil.

Here is a link to our sermonette video: Biden, Trump, and the Bible.

Supporting evil is not the solution for Christians.

Repentance could delay the disaster coming to the USA (cf. Daniel 4:27)–but that is not expected.

Without national repentance, the end is coming very soon no matter what party wins the USA 2024 presidential election.

Destruction is coming to the USA–as well as its British-descended allies (UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand)–and it will be worse than most people will believe.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Could 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? 2031 or 2025 or? There is also a video titled: When Does the 6000 Years End? 2031? 2035? Here is a link to the article in Spanish: ¿Tiene Dios un plan de 6,000 años?
Might the U.S.A. Be Gone in 2028? Could the USA be gone by the end of 2028 or earlier? There is a tradition attributed to the Hebrew prophet Elijah that humanity had 6,000 years to live before being replaced by God’s Kingdom. There are scriptures, writings in the Talmud, early Christian teachings that support this. Also, even certain Hindu writings support it. Here is a link to a related video: Is the USA prophesied to be destroyed by 2028? In Spanish: Seran los Estados Unidos Destruidos en el 2028?
Should a Christian Vote? This article gives some of the Biblical rationale on this subject. Would Jesus vote for president/prime minister? Is voting in the Bible? This is a subject Christians need to understand. A video of related interest is available titled: Should Christians Vote? Another video is Biden, Trump, and the Bible.
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? A related sermon is also available: The Bible, the USA, and the King of the West.
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. Two related sermon are available: Identifying the USA and its Destruction in Prophecy and Do these 7 prophesies point to the end of the USA?
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 four related sermons:  The Fantastic Gospel of the Kingdom of God!, The World’s False Gospel, The Gospel of the Kingdom: From the New and Old Testaments, and The Kingdom of God is the Solution.
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.
Biden-Harris: Prophecies and Destruction Can the USA survive two full presidential terms? In what ways are Joe Biden and Kamala Harris apocalyptic? This book has hundreds of prophecies and scriptures to provide details.  A Kindle version is also available 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 your free Kindle reader app (or if you already have one or a Kindle),  you can go to: Biden-Harris: Prophecies and Destruction (Kindle) to get the book in seconds.

This chilling graphic illustrates how close we came. 100% divine intervention. pic.twitter.com/wkxQ3jp2ks

— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) July 14, 2024

COGwriter

Notice the following:

‘One inch from a potential civil war’ – near miss in Trump shooting is also a close call for American democracy

July 15, 2024
Boston: Schalit: When you heard the news, what was the first thing you thought? Perliger: The first thing that I thought about is that we were basically one inch from a potential civil war. I think that if, indeed, Donald Trump would have suffered fatal injuries …, the level of violence that we witnessed so far will be nothing in comparison to what would have happened in the next couple of months. I think that would have unleashed a new level of anger, frustration, resentment, hostility that we haven’t seen for many, many years in the US. This assassination attempt, at least at this early stage, may validate a strong sense among many Trump supporters and many people on the far right that they are being delegitimised, that they are on the defensive and that there are efforts to basically prevent them from competing in the political process and prevent Trump from returning to the White House. https://www.deccanherald.com/world/one-inch-from-a-potential-civil-war-near-miss-in-trump-shooting-is-also-a-close-call-for-american-democracy-3106012

An Assassination Attempt That Seems Likely to Tear America Further Apart

Updated July 15, 2024

When President Ronald Reagan was shot by an attention-seeking drifter in 1981, the country united behind its injured leader. The teary-eyed Democratic speaker of the House, Thomas P. O’Neill Jr., went to the hospital room of the Republican president, held his hands, kissed his head and got on his knees to pray for him.

But the assassination attempt against former President Donald J. Trump seems more likely to tear America further apart than to bring it together. Within minutes of the shooting, the air was filled with anger, bitterness, suspicion and recrimination. Fingers were pointed, conspiracy theories advanced and a country already bristling with animosity fractured even more. …

The shooting came at a time when the United States was already deeply polarized along ideological, cultural and partisan lines — split, it often seems, into two countries, even two realities. More than at any time in generations, Americans do not see themselves in a collective enterprise but perceive themselves on opposite sides of modern ramparts.

The divisions have grown so stark that a Marist poll in May found that 47 percent of Americans considered a second civil war likely or very likely in their lifetime, a notion that prompted Hollywood to release a movie imagining what that could look like. …

Republicans turned the tables on Democrats this weekend, arguing that if Mr. Trump was responsible for provocative rhetoric, then Mr. Biden should be as well. Speaking with donors on Monday, the president said he wanted to stop talking about his poor debate performance and instead “put Trump in a bull’s-eye.” He described his strategy as “attack, attack, attack.” https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/14/us/politics/trump-shooting-violence-divisions.html

Notice something from last year by Politico, which is on the “left” side of the political spectrum:

The Threat of Civil Breakdown Is Real

We and others have written of the prospect of a new civil war in the United States …

As the 2024 election approaches, the threat of political violence and civil breakdown is only going to increase. And despite all that U.S. national security and law enforcement officials have learned since Jan. 6, the country is still not prepared for a far-right revolt.

Several discomfiting questions arise: How many right-of-center Americans believe violence will be necessary to repel a perceived racial or cultural threat? Do those who harbor that belief have genuine intent to take up arms? If so, what it would take to make them shoot? …

The 2024 election. Presidential elections are won or lost in the center, and moderates and independents — most of whom don’t want to think about politics — do seem increasingly alert to the dangers of Trump. …

Given recent trends, it is reasonable to hope that moderates and independents will have had enough in November 2024. A clear rejection of Trumpism might then deflate the MAGA movement for the time being. But if the Republican nominee loses narrowly, declares himself the winner and rallies dispersed local groups prone to violent local resistance rather than an easily repulsed assault on the Capitol, it might be too late for orderly de-escalation. https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2023/04/21/political-violence-2024-magazine-00093028

Both the left and the right are concerned about civil unrest and even civil war.

Jesus warned:

6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.

9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. 10 And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. 11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. 12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. (Matthew 24:6-12)

We are in the “beginning of sorrows” and we are more and more seeing “lawlessness” abounding as Jesus warned.

Many are concerned. The Los Angeles Times posted the following:

July 15, 2024

The would-be assassin’s gunfire that wounded former President Trump and sent panic through a Pennsylvania campaign rally on Saturday was unleashed at a time of increasing hostilities in American politics that have roused extremes on the left and the right and further inflamed divisions ahead of the November election. …

It is too soon to know whether Crooks, a registered Republican who reportedly donated $15 to a liberal political organization, was part of the radical elements of either the left or right. But his act is a disturbing reminder of how America has become a seething nation since Trump’s election in 2016. The attempted assassination is giving some Trump supporters more grist for their accusations that the former president is being persecuted by the Biden administration.

“For weeks, Democrat leaders have been fueling ludicrous hysteria that Donald Trump winning re-election would be the end of democracy in America,” House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.), who was wounded in the 2017 softball attack, posted on social media. “Clearly, we’ve seen far-left lunatics act on violent rhetoric in the past. This incendiary rhetoric must stop.” …

Another danger also comes from so-called accelerationism, a philosophy espousing that violence is needed to overhaul societies that have gone astray. Believers in this creed come from all political backgrounds — some have no politics at all — and have been energized by extremist chat groups and twisted ideologies. Recent cases of accelerationist shooters include Brenton Tarrant, who murdered 51 Muslims in two mosques in New Zealand in 2019 and Payton Gendron, who killed 10 Black people at a supermarket in Buffalo, N.Y., in 2022.

“Acceleration is the glue” that brings disparate groups together for a goal, said Cooter, who added that people such Tarrant and Gendron leave behind manifestos and are sometimes referred to as “saints” by their followers. “It’s a scary time. The individual act of violence with the intent to inspire others.” https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2024-07-15/whats-behind-the-political-violence-that-has-shaken-america

Yes, violence tends to beget more violence.

USA Today posted the following last December:

Could 2024 election cause society to collapse? …

More Americans preparing for disaster ahead of election …

December 4, 2023

“On the left, you have people afraid (Trump) is going to declare himself dictator of the United States and people on the left are going to end up as targets in some sort of authoritarian system,” said prepping expert and author Brad Garrett. “On the right, it’s general malaise and a fear of society unraveling. They point to these smash-and-grab robberies, riots and protests.” …

U.S. Air Force Col. Drew Miller … He’s prepared for a full societal collapse caused by war, a nuclear explosion or rampaging mobs angry at election results. …

“There could easily be a civil war during a Biden-Trump election,” he said, https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/12/04/doomsday-preppers-and-election-2024-fears/71695426007/

The USA is deeply divided. It has politicized more and more.

There are many legitimate concerns being raised about lapses in Secret Service protocols, etc. (see also ‘America is not ready for what comes next’ and Elon Musk ‘fully endorses’ Donald Trump for president and says Secret Service head must resign). While the ‘mainstream’ seems to treat them as unfounded conspiracy theories, various ones on the ‘right’ point to facts that support this:

July 15, 2024

Donald Trump assassination bid: Hours after Thomas Matthew Crooks’ vain attempt to assassinate former US President Donald Trump on Saturday, unconfirmed information linking the incident to the ‘deep state’ flooded social media. Although false conspiracy theories often emerge in politically volatile environments, experts stated that tempers often run high during elections. …

Some left-wing accounts suggested Donald Trump staged the attack on himself, while accounts from the far right called it a hit on a political rival, reported The Washington Post. …

The political dynamics continue to excaberate amid such theories, blurring the lines between what is and what is not, https://www.livemint.com/politics/donald-trump-assassination-bid-can-deep-state-theories-be-ruled-out-11721037789675.html

July 15, 2024

“We saw things like ‘The Chinese were behind it,’ or ‘ Antifa was behind it,’ or ‘the Biden administration did it.’ We also saw a claim that the RNC was behind it,’” said Paul Bartel, senior intelligence analyst at PeakMetrics. “Everyone is just speculating. No one really knows what’s going on. They go online to try to figure it out.” https://www.timesofisrael.com/trump-assassination-attempt-provides-cannon-fodder-for-barrage-of-conspiracies/

Local police reportedly encountered Donald Trump’s would-be assassin Thomas Crooks just moments before he opened fire on the former president Saturday, but failed to stop the shooter despite the clear threat.

The New York Post reports: “After rallygoers spotted Crooks on the roof of a manufacturing plant just 130 yards from the stage where Trump was speaking just after 6 p.m. Tuesday, police were notified and one officer climbed a ladder to investigate, law enforcement officials said on the condition of anonymity.  07/14/24 https://www.wnd.com/2024/07/cop-confronted-trump-shooter-before-gunfire-another-witness-saw-man-moving-roof-to-roof/

Should Donald Trump have actually died, and as the tweet at the beginning of this post shows he was very close, many on the ‘right’ would be convinced that this was an intentional move by the ‘deep state’ to eliminate Donald Trump. Yet, even though Donald Trump survived, those concerns are still there.

Jesus warned:

25 … Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand. (Matthew 12:25)

24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25 And if a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.  (Mark 3:24-25)

17 … Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and a house divided against a house falls. (Luke 11:17)

Notice that God inspired this to be written three times in the Gospels.

God normally seems to repeat something in scripture for emphasis.

The division is a BIG DEAL.

The end of the USA is coming (cf. Daniel 11:39).

Instead of fighting each other, love is what is needed.

As Jesus taught:

37 … “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 22:37-40)

27 “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. 29 To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either. 30 Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back. 31 And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.

32 “But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. 35 But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. 36 Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful. (Luke 6:27-36)

Instead of true love, a lot of hate and anger has been displayed and whipped up.

Troubles are prophesied (Mark 13:8).

The time of Jacob’s trouble (Jeremiah 30:7), also known as the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21), is coming and the USA and its Anglo-Saxon allies (including Canada) will be affected.

National repentance is the only way to prevent it, and that does not look likely. Though for the nation, the Kingdom of God is the solution, but first there will be a horrific 3 1/2 years.

Personal repentance, however, is still possible. Your personal future can still be much brighter than that of your country. Jesus, in addition to being the source of salvation, also offered physical protection to the most faithful (see Philadelphian Christian Great Tribulation Protection and/or watch Great Tribulation Protection).

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. Two related sermon are available: Identifying the USA and its Destruction in Prophecy and 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? A related sermon is also available: The Bible, the USA, and the King of the West.
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.
Lost Tribes and Prophecies: What will happen to Australia, the British Isles, Canada, Europe, New Zealand and the United States of America? Where did those people come from? Can you totally rely on DNA? Do you really know what will happen to Europe and the English-speaking peoples? What about the peoples of Africa, Asia, South America, and the islands? This free online book provides scriptural, scientific, historical references, and commentary to address those matters. Here are links to related sermons: Lost tribes, the Bible, and DNA; Lost tribes, prophecies, and identifications; 11 Tribes, 144,000, and Multitudes; Israel, Jeremiah, Tea Tephi, and British Royalty; Gentile European Beast; Royal Succession, Samaria, and Prophecies; Asia, Islands, Latin America, Africa, and Armageddon;  When Will the End of the Age Come?;  Rise of the Prophesied King of the North; Christian Persecution from the Beast; WWIII and the Coming New World Order; and Woes, WWIV, and the Good News of the Kingdom of God.Could 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? 2031 or 2025 or? There is also a video titled: When Does the 6000 Years End? 2031? 2035? Here is a link to the article in Spanish: ¿Tiene Dios un plan de 6,000 años?
Might the U.S.A. Be Gone in 2028? Could the USA be gone by the end of 2028 or earlier? There is a tradition attributed to the Hebrew prophet Elijah that humanity had 6,000 years to live before being replaced by God’s Kingdom. There are scriptures, writings in the Talmud, early Christian teachings that support this. Also, even certain Hindu writings support it. Here is a link to a related video: Is the USA prophesied to be destroyed by 2028? In Spanish: Seran los Estados Unidos Destruidos en el 2028?
Philadelphian Christian Great Tribulation Protection What will the Great Tribulation be like? Does Jesus promise physical protection to some or all Christians? Where might the place of protection be? What about fleeing to the mountains? What did Ezekiel warn? Here is a link to a related sermon: Great Tribulation Protection.
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2024, 2025, or 2026? 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 la Gran Tribulación comenzar en el 2020 o 2021? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? A related video is: Great Tribulation: 2026 or 2027? A shorter video is: Tribulation in 2024? Here is a video in the Spanish language: Es El 2021 el año  de La Gran Tribulación o el Grande Reseteo Financiero.
Should a Christian Vote? This article gives some of the Biblical rationale on this subject. Would Jesus vote for president/prime minister? Is voting in the Bible? This is a subject Christians need to understand. A video of related interest is available titled: Should Christians Vote? Another video is Biden, Trump, and the Bible.
Crime can be stopped…here’s how! This was a booklet that was edited with some updates by Dr. Thiel. Here is a link to a related sermon: Crime and How it Will be Stopped!
Is God Calling You? This booklet discusses topics including calling, election, and selection. If God is calling you, how will you respond? Here is are links to related sermons: Christian Election: Is God Calling YOU? and Predestination and Your Selection; here is a message in Spanish: Me Está Llamando Dios Hoy? A short animation is also available: Is God Calling You?
Christian Repentance Do you know what repentance is? Is it really necessary for salvation? Two related sermons about this are also available: Real Repentance and Real Christian Repentance.
About Baptism Should you be baptized? Could baptism be necessary for salvation? Who should baptize and how should it be done? Here is a link to a related sermon: Let’s Talk About Baptism and Baptism, Infants, Fire, & the Second Death.

Iranian Shahab 3 ballistic missiles
(Photo from Mehr News Agency via Wikipedia)

COGwriter

May we see a nuclear Iran? Notice the following:

Prepare for a Nuclear Iran

July 14, 2024

Iran is closer to developing nuclear weapons than many realize. Few are planning for what happens when it does. …

Iran already has a robust arsenal of intercontinental ballistic missiles on which to deploy a warhead, a capability North Korea achieved only in 2017, eleven years after nuclearization. …

Iran has far more to gain from quickly developing a weapon than it does by waiting. Especially if Donald Trump returns to office in January 2025.

One view is that if Iran goes nuclear, the Saudis will quickly pursue their own capability through a U.S. commitment or directly via Pakistan, thus negating Iran’s advantage. But if you’re Iran, you’ve proven that you can directly strike a nuclear-armed adversary (Israel) without serious threat of reprisal. …

Critically, Iran’s growing entwinement with China and Russia will make it less vulnerable over time to Western sanctions as a tool of punishment. According to data from United Against Nuclear Iran, as of May, Iran now ships nearly 90 percent of its oil to China, compared with roughly 50 percent in May 2020. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Tehran has provided Moscow with ballistic missiles and sophisticated missile-defense platforms — high-end systems it withheld in the past due to fear of Western pushback. No longer. …

Iran … should it acquire the ultimate weapon, the U.S. and its allies must be ready for what comes next. https://www.nationalreview.com/2024/07/prepare-for-a-nuclear-iran/

Presuming Iran gets a nuclear weapon, it may well use it against Israel and cause great damage as prophesied in Isaiah 22:6-9.

Related to near term actions of Iran and prophecy go, the Continuing Church of God (CCOG) put together the following Bible News Prophecy video on our Bible News Prophecy YouTube channel:

15:03

Iran and Israel Conflict

European Union foreign policy chief, Josep Borrel, has been brokering the nuclear negotiations involving Iran and said that he thinks the deal is “in danger.” Iran blames the United States, whereas the USA says they are not delaying it. Israeli sources stated that Israel will stop Iran from getting a nuclear bomb. Joe Biden says the USA would use its own military power to prevent Iran from getting such a bomb if need be. In 2021, Iranian lawmakers have submitted a bill seeking the government by law to commit to Israel’s destruction by the year 2040. Does the 22nd chapter of Isaiah point to damage coming to Israel from Iran and possibly Syria? Might Iran be concerned enough about limited progress with the USA to launch some type of attack? Is Iran the prophesied ‘King of the South’? Is it reasonable to think that the prophesied peace deal of Daniel 9:27 will not happen until after a military conflict. like a regional war? Should Christians watch the Middle East? Dr. Thiel and Steve Dupuie discuss these matters.

Here is a link to our video: Iran and Israel Conflict.

That said, Iran’s president elect has made some public comments related to international matters:

Iranian president-elect calls for improved relations with Europe

July 13, 2024

TEHRAN — Iranian president-elect Masoud Pezeshkian said he looks forward to improved relations with European nations, even though he accused them of reneging on commitments to mitigate the impact of United States sanctions. …

Pezeshkian said that after the US withdrawal from the 2015 deal, European countries committed to try to salvage it and mitigate the impact of US sanctions. …

“Despite these missteps, I look forward to engaging in constructive dialogue with European countries to set our relations on the right path, based on principles of mutual respect and equal footing,” Pezeshkian said. …

European Union spokeswoman Nabila Massrali had earlier congratulated Pezeshkian on his election, adding that the 27-member bloc is “ready to engage with the new government in line with EU policy of critical engagement.” https://www.timesofisrael.com/iranian-president-elect-calls-for-improved-relations-with-europe/

Iran’s Pezeshkian rejects US pressure, praises Russia, China

The United States should realize that Iran will not respond to pressure, President-elect Masoud Pezeshkian said in a statement published Saturday, in which he also highlighted his country’s friendship with China and Russia.

Pezeshkian, a relative moderate who beat a hardline rival in elections, also reiterated that Iran does not seek nuclear weapons, adding that Tehran would expand ties with neighbors and engage with Europe.

“The United States … needs to recognize the reality and understand, once and for all, that Iran does not — and will not — respond to pressure (and) that Iran’s defense doctrine does not include nuclear weapons,” Pezeshkian said in the statement, titled “My message to the new world” and published in the daily Tehran Times.

Pezeshkian, a 69-year-old heart surgeon, has pledged to promote a pragmatic foreign policy, ease tensions over now-stalled negotiations with major powers to revive a 2015 nuclear pact and improve prospects for social liberalization and political pluralism.

However, many Iranians are skeptical about his ability to fulfill his campaign promises as Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, not the president, is the ultimate authority in the Islamic Republic.

“China and Russia have consistently stood by us during challenging times. We deeply value this friendship,” Pezeshkian said.

“Russia is a valued strategic ally and neighbor to Iran and my administration will remain committed to expanding and enhancing our cooperation,” he said, adding that Tehran would actively support initiatives aimed at ending the conflict in Ukraine.

“The Iranian people have entrusted me with a strong mandate to vigorously pursue constructive engagement on the international stage while insisting on our rights, our dignity and our deserved role in the region and the world.

“I extend an open invitation to those willing to join us in this historic endeavor,” Pezeshkian said. 07/12/24 https://www.voanews.com/a/iran-s-pezeshkian-rejects-us-pressure-praises-russia-china-/7696461.html

Officially, Iran claims to not be working to develop nuclear weapons. However, it has taken many steps over the past decade that point to its scientists working towards a nuclear bomb–it also recently said it could change its nuclear doctrine and acquire them based on its view of various circumstances (see VOA: Iran warns Israel of ‘obliterating’ war if Lebanon attacked; ZH: Iran Openly Talks About Building A Nuke In Historic Shift).

That said, notice that Iran’s president-elect wants Iran to be closer to Europe, farther from the USA, and is pleased with its relations with Russia and China.

The Bible tells of a confederation of what are now Islamically-dominated lands to come under control of one the Bible refers to as the King of the South in Daniel 11:40-43. While that King of the South is NOT Iran, it may very well be supportive of Iran as prophecies in the 30th chapter of Ezekiel looks to support.

The Bible tells of a deceptive deal for the end time (the appointed time) coming between the European King of the North and the King of the South:

27 Both these kings’ hearts shall be bent on evil, and they shall speak lies at the same table; but it shall not prosper, for the end will still be at the appointed time. (Daniel 11:27)

Iran wants to make a deal now–and could play a role in the deal above. The coming confederation of Islamic states will make the above deal later.

Speaking of later, and in the case over a 1,000 years later, notice also a position of the old Radio Church of God as well as the old Worldwide Church of God:

Does Ezekiel 38 and 39 Refer to Russia?

Nearly all Bible students believe that Ezekiel’s amazing prophecy refers to Russia. Yet they totally misapply the time of its fulfillment. It is referring to an invasion of Palestine after Christ has restored His people Israel to Palestine. This has been amply proved in articles in The PLAIN TRUTH…Notice that it is Gog and Magog (Ezek. 38:2) which will come against the nation in which Christ’s capital will be located (verse 16). Notice again that Gog and Magog come “out of the north parts” (verse 15 ) where Russia is today. (Does Ezekiel 38 and 39 Refer to Russia? Good News, August 1954, p. 5)

Future Russo / China Alliance?

Ultimately allied with the Russians under Gog will be “many people” (Ezek. 38:6,9,15). These could hardly exclude the militarily weaker Chinese and their Asiatic kinsmen those eastern Magogites who “dwell securely in the coastlands” of the Pacific (39:6, The Amplified Bible). The People’s Republic of China the “many people” of Ezekiel 38 is thus pictured as being linked with Gog in the last days…

Linked with the Russians and the other nations of the Orient in the vast end-time Asian confederacy will be Persia, Cush, Phut, Gomer and Togarmah (Ezek. 38:5- 6). Who are these peoples today?

History and Scripture identify them as the very peoples of the South Asian region. Willingly or unwillingly, they will all be drawn into the Soviet sphere of influence in the years just ahead! Let us look at each one individually. Let us begin with Persia (Ezek. 38:5), the most easily identified. Persia is simply another name for modern-day Iran. The name Persia originated from a geographical region within southern Iran. This region was anciently known as Persis, the Greek form of Old Persian Parsa. Historically, the people of Iran have never used the name Persia for their country. (Southeast Asia in Prophecy. Ambassador College Press, 1985)

So yes, there will be a confederation involving China, Russia, and Iran over a 1,000 years from now. As far as why that is so far away, check out the article: Ezekiel 38: For Russia & Iran in Our Day?

Well, before then, Iran will be involved with a Russian-dominated force that will help eliminate the coming Babylonian European King of the North Beast’s power before Jesus returns. More on that can be found in the article: Iran in Prophecy.

Iran is already a member of the BRICS alliance, a group that wishes to overthrown the dominance of the USA and its dollar (see also Lost Tribes and Prophecies: What will happen to Australia, the British Isles, Canada, Europe, New Zealand and the United States of America?).

Iran may be considered as possibly, one of the “kings of the east” that will gather at Armageddon (Revelation 16:12-16).

We are in a time of wars and rumors of wars as Jesus foretold (Matthew 24:4-8).

World events are aligning with properly understood biblical prophecies.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Iran in Prophecy Is Iran in Bible prophecy? If so, what does the Bible teach? What names, other than Persia, may be used to describe Iran? There is also a YouTube video titled Iran in Prophecy. Here are links to two related videos Iran In Prophecy and  Iran and Israel Conflict.
Jerusalem: Past, Present, and Future What does the Bible say about Jerusalem and its future? Is Jerusalem going to be divided and eliminated? Is Jesus returning to the area of Jerusalem? There are also two related YouTube videos you can watch: Jerusalem To be divided and eliminated and God’s and Satan’s Plan for Jerusalem.
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.
Gaza and the Palestinians in Bible Prophecy What does the Bible teach about Gaza and the fate of the Palestinians? Here is a link to a related video: Gaza and Palestine in Prophecy.
Damascus and Syria in Prophecy Will Bashar Assad hold power as he has it? Does the Bible show that Damascus, the capital of Syria, will be destroyed? What will happen to Syria? Will the Syrians support the final King of the South that the Bible tells will rise up? Which scriptures discuss the rise and fall of an Arabic confederation? Does Islamic prophecy predict the destruction of Syria. This is a YouTube video.
Could 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? 2031 or ? There is also a video titled: When Does the 6000 Years End? 2031? 2035? Here is a link to the article in Spanish: ¿Tiene Dios un plan de 6,000 años?
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.
Islamic and Biblical Prophecies for the 21st Century This is a free online book which helps show where biblical and Islamic prophecies converge and diverge. Here are links to related sermons: Seeing Christianity Through Islamic Eyes, Imam Mahdi, women, and prophecy, and Terrorism, Iran, and Fatima, Dajjal, Antichrist, Gold, & Mark of the Beast?, and Jesus and God’s Plan for Muslims.

(UnSplash photo)

COGwriter

We are hearing more and more concerns related to microplastics. Notice one danger associated with them:

Microplastics in Bloodstream Increase Stroke Risk 4.5-Fold: Study

July 12, 2024

Research shows that microplastics can be found anywhere—including in heart plaque buildup, which significantly increases risk of heart-related adverse events.

The issue of microplastic pollution in the environment is gaining increasing societal attention. Research indicates that once microplastics enter the human body, they can increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, or even death. What kind of everyday behaviors raise the risk of ingesting microplastics?

Lin Xiaoxu, a U.S. virology expert with a doctorate in microbiology, explained …

that everyday plastic products release microplastics. Synthetic textiles shed fiber fragments, and worn-out tires produce plastic-containing dust. Even seemingly smooth plastic water bottles can shed microplastics during washing.

In nature, sunlight and ultraviolet radiation continuously degrade plastics into smaller particles. Textiles, hygiene products, bottles, bags, particles emitted from factories, tire dust, fishing nets, and more all contribute to microplastic pollution. Humans and other animals ingest some of these particles, while others accumulate and break down in oceans and soils. Marine organisms like shellfish, small fish, and shrimp, especially those near coastlines, are particularly prone to ingesting microplastics.

Mr. Lin emphasized that the main sources of microplastics are industrial waste and wastewater discharge, which can cause significant environmental damage if not adequately treated. …

Microplastics typically enter the body through food and drink ingestion, while nanoplastics can be inhaled. https://www.sgtreport.com/2024/07/microplastics-in-bloodstream-increase-stroke-risk-4-5-fold-study/

Notice that simply playing with plastic toys is also considered as a source:

Playing with plastic toy building bricks creates microplastic and nanoplastic pollution

May 21, 2024

It’s one of the most popular and creative toys around, but playing with plastic building bricks could create something much less desirable in households and childcare settings: large amounts of micro- and nanoplastic particles. While it remains unknown whether such plastic particles pose any risk to health, the findings add yet another source of emerging indoor pollutants and the researchers recommend caution to avoid inhaling or swallowing them. …

‘My research interest is in environmental pollutants and remediation and my daughter likes toy building bricks very much,’ says Cheng Fang who led the work at the University of Newcastle in Australia. ‘I play with her and so I wondered if there might be some concerns from an emerging contamination point of view.’

To find out, Cheng’s team opened fresh packets of plastic bricks, selected 50 different kinds and assembled and disassembled each of them 10 times. Before and after images were taken with a scanning electron microscope (SEM), which revealed that a small number of particles were initially present due to the manufacturing process but their abundance was far greater following simulated play. …

The images suggest that friction from repeatedly connecting and disconnecting bricks generated scratches and scuffs where micro- and nano-sized particles formed, predominantly at the tip of the interlocking studs, as well as along their length and inside the stud receptacles. Combining the SEM images with statistical analysis, the team estimated the number of particles generated, finding that every square millimetre of the blocks under clicking and unclicking stress were producing thousands of microparticles and hundreds of thousands of nanoparticles (smaller than 20μm). …

Results showed that the particles were either ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) or polycarbonate, both used to make toy building bricks, including Lego. While these are deemed to be safe and non-toxic plastics, some studies have found that fumes and fine particles of ABS produced by 3D printing could be toxic. However, whether micro- and nano-sized particles from toys such as building blocks pose a health risk if inhaled or ingested remains an open question. https://www.chemistryworld.com/news/playing-with-plastic-toy-building-bricks-creates-microplastic-and-nanoplastic-pollution/4019504.article

Well, if children are playing with plastic toys, suggesting that they do not inhale nano/micro plastics makes no sense, as children have to breathe. That said, in theory, perhaps one could open the package outside (in the shade) and let them out-gas for some period of time to reduce inhalation matters. But that 1) would not solve all of the exposure, 2) is not what normally happens when parents buy children plastic toys, as usually they are given in their originally purchased packaging, and 3) it is playing with them that tends to increase the nano/micro-particles, as friction associated with connecting them produces more particles.

As far as microplastics go, the British publication The Guardian reported the following:

Microplastics found in every human testicle in study

Scientists say discovery may be linked to decades-long decline in sperm counts in men around the world

20 May 2024

Microplastics have been found in human testicles, with researchers saying the discovery might be linked to declining sperm counts in men.

The scientists tested 23 human testes, as well as 47 testes from pet dogs. They found microplastic pollution in every sample.

The human testicles had been preserved and so their sperm count could not be measured. However, the sperm count in the dogs’ testes could be assessed and was lower in samples with higher contamination with PVC. The study demonstrates a correlation but further research is needed to prove microplastics cause sperm counts to fall.

Sperm counts in men have been falling for decades, with chemical pollution such as pesticides implicated by many studies. Microplastics have also recently been discovered in human blood, placentas and breast milk, indicating widespread contamination of people’s bodies. The impact on health is as yet unknown but microplastics have been shown to cause damage to human cells in the laboratory. …

A smaller study in China in 2023 also found microplastics in six human testes and 30 semen samples. Recent studies in mice have reported that microplastics reduced sperm count and caused abnormalities and hormone disruptions. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/may/20/microplastics-human-testicles-study-sperm-counts

Plastics have long been assumed by the world’s scientists as inert and safe to be around.

While most people can tolerate small amounts of them, the massive use of plastics has gotten to the point that most of us are exposed to a lot of microplastics.

As more and more plastics have been used and disposed of, more people have come to the conclusion that there are health and other risks associated with plastics.

Here is something from earlier this year related to microplastics:

10 January 2024

Surrounded by microplastics: the risks and solutions

Tiny particles of plastic have spread to every corner of the planet — from the deepest parts of the ocean to the heights of Mount Everest.

“We find microplastics in just about every animal species that we’ve studied,” Tamara Galloway, professor of ecotoxicology at the University of Exeter in the UK, told DW.

Traces of these stealth pollutants, often invisible to the eye, have infiltrated the guts of seabirds, agricultural crops, human blood and drinking water.

And it turns out we are drinking more plastic than we knew.

New research …has revealed there are 100 times more plastic particles in bottled water than previous studies showed.

The report, published in the US journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, found an average of over a quarter of a million plastic particles per liter of bottled water, 90% of which were nanoplastics.

Researchers used new technology to accurately analyse nanoplastics which are smaller than a micron in size — or less than 80 times the width of a human hair. Nanoplastics are believed to be more toxic than larger microplastics as they can more easily enter the human body.

Every year, about 430 million tons of plastic products are produced around the world — a figure that could triple by 2060. …

Once in the environment, microplastics can accumulate in animals, including fish and shellfish, and are consequently also consumed as food by humans. …

Galloway says people can limit their exposure to microplastics by eating less processed and packaged food and not repeatedly heating meals in plastic containers in the microwave.

Using plastic-free personal care products or ditching synthetic clothing for natural materials could eliminate a significant portion of the microplastics ending up in the ocean. And using the car less could reduce plastic particles from tire abrasion. https://www.dw.com/en/microplastics-in-our-environment-the-risks-and-solutions/a-66232708

Yes, there is plastic contamination all over the earth.

The proposed solutions may reduce individual exposure, which is good, but will not solve all the problems associated with it.

In the 20th century, more began to be realized about modern chemicals and pollution as the old Worldwide Church of God published the following:

We are dosing the environment with materials that poison virtually everything. Some of these poisons are extremely persistent and are absolutely everywhere!

Changing Climate

One of the main things that we are doing is changing the climate of the planet. We are accelerating climatic changes in all sorts of ways. The climate of the planet depends primarily on the heat balance, the balance between incoming and outgoing solar radiation. Adding carbon dioxide to the atmosphere, which we have been doing at a merry rate since about 1870 ·by burning fossil fuels, tends to warm the entire planet. The average temperature rose considerably until about 1940, and then the trend reversed. We now have a cooling trend which most meteorologists blame on the amount of particulate pollution that has been added to the atmosphere. Pollution is now absolutely world-wide. There has been a 35% increase in the particulate pollution over Mauna Loa, on the Island of Hawaii. There is a veil of pollution that covers the entire planet. (Ehrlich P. Our Environmental Crisis. Plain Truth magazine, June-July 1970)

Now, this does not mean that many have not politicized and even faked climate change data for improper goals. But the reality is that many poisons have affected the environment and are factors in the loss of species–and pollution has become an increasing problem worldwide–with sins of various types being the real cause.

But, it was not supposed to be that way. Notice something from the Book of Genesis

15 Then the LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it (Genesis 2:15).

The concept of tending and keeping a garden suggests proper environmental stewardship. God made humans to make things better.

Now notice something else about the creation:

24 Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth the living creature according to its kind: cattle and creeping thing and beast of the earth, each according to its kind”; and it was so. 25 And God made the beast of the earth according to its kind, cattle according to its kind, and everything that creeps on the earth according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.

26 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28 Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

29 And God said, “See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food. 30 Also, to every beast of the earth, to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, in which there is life, I have given every green herb for food”; and it was so. 31 Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. (Genesis 1:24-31)

People in general, and Christians in particular, should try to pollute less. We should not litter. We should pick up after ourselves. We should try to ensure our plastic trash does not blow into waterways or on the land. We should try to avoid, or minimize, the use of synthetic chemicals where it is feasible. And yes, we can separate trash for recycling, as well as try to reuse items instead of throwing them away and replacing them. We should live as Christian pacifists–human wars have long been a factor in pollution and destruction and this will get worse. We should live as Jesus did and strive not to sin.

International groups fighting pollution normally leave sin and the Bible out of their solutions, but that is a major contributor to pollution of all types. Humans need to live God’s way to correct this, but since they have refused, for about 6,000 years (see also Could God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End?), we have increasing pollution and other problems.

The creation is groaning under the weight of sin, but Christians will help restore it:

19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; 21 because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. (Romans 8:19-22)

This will happen with the return of Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18). All things were created through and for Jesus (Colossians 1:15-20). And the world will be purged and a new, unpolluted, earth will be here:

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. (2 Peter 3:10-13)

Jesus will lead the charge to fix the environmental and other problems that the world is unwilling to properly fix now.

As far as the climate and the ecological situation, the Bible shows that ‘global warming’ will get much worse:

8 Then the fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and power was given to him to scorch men with fire. 9 And men were scorched with great heat, and they blasphemed the name of God who has power over these plagues; and they did not repent and give Him glory. (Revelation 16:8-9)

While humans should repent, they are not prophesied to do so in sufficient numbers in this age.

As far whether or not humans will, on their own, solve climate and pollution issues, notice what could be considered as an environmental prophecy:

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

Thus, God is not pleased when humans abuse the environment.

God will have to intervene or all flesh would be destroyed.

But because most humans will not repent, this does not mean you cannot.

And we can all try to live as responsible stewards.

The Bible does reveal that there is a solution to pollution and ‘climate change.’

However, it will take God to truly fix the polluting and warring disasters that humans are causing through sin. Having the true God’s involvement is something that those leading the UN, Europe, and most other nations do not believe or understand.

UPDATE 07/14/24: We just uploaded the following related video:

14:48

Microplastic Health Risks

Plastics are all around these days. Are there risks from microplastic and/or nanoplastic particles? Could there be a 4.5 times greater risk of having a stroke because of microplastics? Are there risks of reduced male fertility and cardiovascular issues related to the accumulation of plastics in humans and animals? Where do these small plastic particles come from? How can you reduce your risks? Are nanoplastic particles in water bottled in hard plastic potentially dangerous? What about inhaling toys made of plastic likes ‘Legos’? Are synthetic clothes and even tire dust a health risk? Will humans solve climate and heat matters? What does the Bible say about that? Is a better world coming? Steve Dupuie and Dr. Thiel discuss these matters.

Here is a link to our video: Microplastic Health Risks.

Jesus’s kingdom will be the solution to pollution. Notice what will happen:

3 For the Lord will comfort Zion,
He will comfort all her waste places;
He will make her wilderness like Eden,
And her desert like the garden of the Lord;
Joy and gladness will be found in it,
Thanksgiving and the voice of melody.

4 “Listen to Me, My people;
And give ear to Me, O My nation:
For law will proceed from Me,
And I will make My justice rest
As a light of the peoples.
5 My righteousness is near,
My salvation has gone forth,
And My arms will judge the peoples;
The coastlands will wait upon Me,
And on My arm they will trust. (Isaiah 51:3-5)

Yes, a better world is coming. The knowledge of the reality of the Gospel of the Kingdom of God brings hope.

But yes, until then, we face a lot of pollution, from plastics and other chemicals.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

The Bible, Christians, and the Environment How should Christians view the environment? Does the Bible give any clues? What are some of the effects of air, water, and land pollution? Is environmental pollution a factor in autism and death? Do pollutants seem to double the autism risk? What will Jesus do? Here is a link to a related sermon: Christians and the Environment (there is also a YouTube video available titled Air Pollution, Autism, and Prophecy, one titled Will Pollution lead to the End?, and one called COP 27 and Solving Climate Change).
United Nations: Humankind’s Last Hope or New World Order? Is the UN the last hope for humanity? Or might its goals end up with sinister results? Two related videos include UN’s ‘New Universal Agenda’ is a False Gospel! and United Nations and Vatican Are Planning the New World Order.
Laudato Si: Pope’s Agenda or Kingdom of God? Pope Francis’ 2nd encyclical is titled ‘Laudato Si.’ In it, he goes over his views related to environmental, economic, social, moral, agricultural, and spiritual issues. He advocates international cooperation to solve various problems he believes are affecting humanity. Is that Pope’s agenda the solution? What about the Kingdom of God? does the Bible teach? Two related articles include Laudato Si: Will Pope Francis’ economic actions match his words? and Laudato Si: A call for a one-world government?
Weather Blessings and Sorrows Are weather problems a warning? What should be done? What does the Bible teach about weather? What about floods, droughts, heat, earthquakes, tornadoes, and solar storms? Here is a related YouTube video Does God Use Weather? A related item in the Spanish language would be Bendiciones y maldiciones del clima.
Hope–yes you can have it! Hope is stronger than fear. Learn how to have more hope. A related video is also available: How to Be More Hopeful.
Is God Calling You? This booklet discusses topics including calling, election, and selection. If God is calling you, how will you respond? Here is are links to related sermons: Christian Election: Is God Calling YOU? and Predestination and Your Selection; here is a message in Spanish: Me Está Llamando Dios Hoy? A short animation is also available: Is God Calling You?
Christian Repentance Do you know what repentance is? Is it really necessary for salvation? Two related sermons about this are also available: Real Repentance and Real Christian Repentance.
About Baptism Should you be baptized? Could baptism be necessary for salvation? Who should baptize and how should it be done? Here is a link to a related sermon: Let’s Talk About Baptism and Baptism, Infants, Fire, & the Second Death.
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. It is available over 1000 languages at ccog.org. Here are links to four kingdom-related sermons:  The Fantastic Gospel of the Kingdom of God!, The World’s False Gospel, The Gospel of the Kingdom: From the New and Old Testaments, and The Kingdom of God is the Solution.

Michelangelo’s Imagined Depiction of Joel

COGwriter

Some observe a memorial to the death of the Prophet Joel on July 13th of each year.

Do you know much about what he was inspired by God to write?

Here is how the Book of Joel starts:

1 The word of the Lord that came to Joel the son of Pethuel.
2 Hear this, you elders, And give ear, all you inhabitants of the land! Has anything like this happened in your days, Or even in the days of your fathers? 3 Tell your children about it, Let your children tell their children, And their children another generation.
4 What the chewing locust left, the swarming locust has eaten; What the swarming locust left, the crawling locust has eaten; And what the crawling locust left, the consuming locust has eaten.
5 Awake, you drunkards, and weep; And wail, all you drinkers of wine, Because of the new wine, For it has been cut off from your mouth. 6 For a nation has come up against My land, Strong, and without number; His teeth are the teeth of a lion, And he has the fangs of a fierce lion. 7 He has laid waste My vine, And ruined My fig tree; He has stripped it bare and thrown it away; Its branches are made white.
8 Lament like a virgin girded with sackcloth For the husband of her youth. 9 The grain offering and the drink offering Have been cut off from the house of the Lord; The priests mourn, who minister to the Lord. 10 The field is wasted, The land mourns; For the grain is ruined, The new wine is dried up, The oil fails.
11 Be ashamed, you farmers, Wail, you vinedressers, For the wheat and the barley; Because the harvest of the field has perished. 12 The vine has dried up, And the fig tree has withered; The pomegranate tree, The palm tree also, And the apple tree — All the trees of the field are withered; Surely joy has withered away from the sons of men.
13 Gird yourselves and lament, you priests; Wail, you who minister before the altar; Come, lie all night in sackcloth, You who minister to my God; For the grain offering and the drink offering Are withheld from the house of your God. 14 Consecrate a fast, Call a sacred assembly; Gather the elders And all the inhabitants of the land Into the house of the Lord your God, And cry out to the Lord.
15 Alas for the day! For the day of the Lord is at hand; It shall come as destruction from the Almighty. 16 Is not the food cut off before our eyes, Joy and gladness from the house of our God? 17 The seed shrivels under the clods, Storehouses are in shambles; Barns are broken down, For the grain has withered. 18 How the animals groan! The herds of cattle are restless, Because they have no pasture; Even the flocks of sheep suffer punishment.
19 O Lord, to You I cry out; For fire has devoured the open pastures, And a flame has burned all the trees of the field. 20 The beasts of the field also cry out to You, For the water brooks are dried up, And fire has devoured the open pastures. (Joel 1:1-20)

Here is something that the late Herbert W. Armstrong said about the first chapter of the Book of Joel:

We have had drought. There was the drought in the Middle West in 1934, and then the invasion of bugs and grasshoppers and locusts and everything in 1935. And many people from Kansas and South Dakota and sections in the Middle West like that, and from Oklahoma and places of that sort came out here to the Pacific coast at that time. My friends, that’s only a forerunner, that’s all. But when it comes in its full force and fury it’s described by the prophet Joel, and also Ezekiel says something about it. It’s described in other places in the Bible. Joel says, that it will be a time when the seed shrivels under the clods, the storehouses are desolate; the granaries are ruined because the grain has failed. How the beasts groan, he said, the herds of cattle are perplexed because there is no pasture for them. Even the flocks of sheep are dismayed. (Joel 1:17-18) What’s going to happen when that comes, my friends? What’s going to happen? That is the next thing now to occur. That and the flight of God’s own people…

Alright, now then, I was mentioning what Joel says here about this time of famine that’s coming. You’ve had a foretaste of it, you’ve been getting it — that’s only just little driplings like a great downpour of a deluge, a cloud burst that is going to come and you’ve had a few sprinklings of rain. Just a few little sprinkle drops; that’s all. Well, you people that have been getting these dust storms and all this drought that you’ve had, all you’ve had is just a little sprinkling. I want to tell you there’s a cloudburst of famine coming only it won’t be a cloudburst; it’s just the opposite. It’ll be a cloudburst of sun and no rain. Now, here is what we read in Joel again, there’s no pasture for these cattle. Even the flocks of sheep are dismayed. They haven’t minds to think it out or reason about it or anything they’re just going to be — you know their minds are so constructed; God did the thinking and created what brain they have and put it in there that it makes them automatically eat and they know they should eat grass. They should eat the pasture, and here there won’t be any. And they won’t understand it.

Joel 1: 19-20 “…Unto thee, O LORD, I cry: for fire has devoured the pastures of the wilderness,” [That’s the fire of the sun and hot days and the weather will be such it’ll just seem like a fire.] “…and flame…” [the very flame of the sun.] “…has burned all the trees of the field…” What are you going to do when there’s no pasture for your cattle, or for your sheep, or your hogs. And, some of you will know what I mean anyhow. And when the trees are burned up. And there’s no fruit. And your vines will be dried up and there’ll be no fruit on vines.

Joel 1:20 “Even the beasts of the field cry to thee because the water brooks are dried up,…” [Your rivers will be dried up, your river beds.] “…and fire…” [that is the fire of the heat of the sun] “…has devoured the pastures of the wilderness…” (RSV) (Armstrong HW. Outline of Prophecy 02 – Famine, Pestilence and Drought. Radio Broadcast)

Famine will come. It may be that the drought that many parts of the USA are experiencing could be a prelude to that.

Here is something from Joel chapter 2:

12 “Now, therefore,” says the Lord, “Turn to Me with all your heart, With fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.” 13 So rend your heart, and not your garments; Return to the Lord your God, For He is gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, and of great kindness; And He relents from doing harm. 14 Who knows if He will turn and relent, And leave a blessing behind Him — A grain offering and a drink offering For the Lord your God?

15 Blow the trumpet in Zion, Consecrate a fast, Call a sacred assembly; 16 Gather the people, Sanctify the congregation, Assemble the elders, Gather the children and nursing babes; Let the bridegroom go out from his chamber, And the bride from her dressing room. 17 Let the priests, who minister to the Lord, Weep between the porch and the altar; Let them say, “Spare Your people, O Lord, And do not give Your heritage to reproach, That the nations should rule over them. Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?'” (Joel 2:12-17)

Repentance is something that Joel proclaimed was needed and that is still the case today. Notice that he was saying that all, including the religious who felt that they were God’s people, needed to repent and gather together. That gathering together is something that the Philadelphians need to do in this end time–those who do not gather together soon enough, risk not being protected from the Day of the Lord, etc. (cf. Zephaniah 2:1-3).

Here are some comments from Herbert Armstrong on Joel 2:12-17:

Joel 2: 12-14 “Yet even now, says the LORD…” [through Joel,] “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning: (13) And rend your hearts, and not your garments. Return unto the [Eternal] your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love…. (14) Who knows whether he will not turn and repent, and leave a blessing behind him, a cereal offering and a drink offering…” [and so on?] Joel 2:17 “With a cry out, “Spare thy people, O [Eternal] make not thine heritage…” [our nation, our people] “… a reproach, a byword among the nations.”(RSV) (Armstrong HW. Outline of Prophecy 02 – Famine, Pestilence and Drought. Radio Broadcast)

Here is some more of what Joel wrote in chapter 2:

28 “And it shall come to pass afterward
That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
Your old men shall dream dreams,
Your young men shall see visions.
29 And also on My menservants and on My maidservants
I will pour out My Spirit in those days.

30 “And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth:
Blood and fire and pillars of smoke.
31 The sun shall be turned into darkness,
And the moon into blood,
Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord. (Joel 2:28-31)

According to the Apostle Peter, there was a partial fulfillment of this (Acts 2:16) on the Day of Pentecost c. 31 A.D. (Acts 2:1).

But verses such as verse 31 will not be fulfilled until after the start of the Great Tribulation, it is logical to conclude that God would still use dreams to sometimes convey parts of His message prior to the start of the Great Tribulation.

The late Pastor General of the old Worldwide Church of God (WCG), Herbert W. Armstrong, basically said so in a 1981 sermon (scripture is from the KJV):

All right, now there’s another prophecy for the people …

Joel 2:28-29 And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: (29) And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.

So there is a time coming when God will start pouring out His spirit on human beings. … Day of Pentecost, 3000 were baptized. Peter preached a sermon. They were pricked in their hearts. God began to draw them. God was now… Remember He said, “I will pour out of my spirit on all flesh.” All right, there’s a duality of that. (Armstrong HW. Building The Temple. Sermon, February 14, 1981)

Herbert W. Armstrong was correct about the time coming when God would pour out His Spirit as well as the duality (see also Does the CCOG have the confirmed signs of Acts 2:17-18?). There was a duality to what Peter preached in Acts 2–and that duality is for our current time!

Perhaps it should also be mentioned that the Personal Correspondence Department in the old WCG sent out a letter on dreams and stated the Bible showed that future dreams from God to His people were expected. It then had a date change added to it and here is a quote from that one:

Thank you for your question concerning visions or dreams. The Bible reveals that in times past servants of God were given visions and dreams for specific reasons and/or to convey special messages. …God has used this means of communication in the past and will do so again (Acts 2:17; Joel 2:28) (L052 Worldwide Church of God, 1989)

As the WCG did not publicly acknowledge any such dreams after that letter was sent, the interpretation must be that God would later use dreams (it should be mentioned that the original date of L052 was prior to 1986–hence it was not a change by the Tkach Administration).

Consider also something that Herbert W. Armstrong wrote:

This very WORK OF GOD for our day is foretold in the prophecy of Revelation 3:7-13. But there it is revealed that we, today, are a people of but little strength – little power (verse 8)! – within ourselves though we have faithfully KEPT GOD’S WORD! The impact of this WORK OF GOD today is going out only through the power of God! Are you having your part in this very WORK OF GOD? But – let’s face it! – WE DO NOT HAVE WITHIN OURSELVES, AS GOD’S INSTRUMENTS FOR HIS WORK TODAY, ANYWHERE NEAR THE POWER OF GOD THAT ACTIVATED THAT ORIGINAL FIRST-CENTURY CHURCH! For that very reason, the living Christ says (verse 8), He has opened to us the gigantic door of MASS COMMUNICATION! The magnified power of the microphone and the printing press. Yet that is only physical, mechanical power! The REAL POWER that makes God’s Work vital and alive is the Holy Spirit of God! (Armstrong HW. Christians Have Lost Their POWER! Plain Truth, Jun 1958).

The Greek word translated as strength, dunamis, which HWA refers to as power, is the same Greek word that is normally translated as ‘miracle’ or ‘miracles’. Thus, Revelation 3:8 shows that the Philadelphia Church will have some type of miracles, and although I agree with HWA’s position that the initial power/miracle had to do with electronic media, I also agree with him that the old WCG did not have, “ANYWHERE NEAR THE POWER OF GOD THAT ACTIVATED THAT ORIGINAL FIRST-CENTURY CHURCH.” Thus, HWA acknowledged, howbeit indirectly, that the power of God had not been fully restored to the church in his time. And it should be noted that dreams and gifts of prophecy were given to the first-century church (Acts 2:17-18) and thus, according to his own writing, there should be these type of occurrences at the end. One group in the 21st century has that (see also How To Determine If Someone is a True Prophet of God).

As it turns out, dreams had been given to several people who later became part of the Continuing Church of God which were essentially fulfilled (see Dreams, the Bible, and the Continuing Church of God).

Yet, most people (including Christians) discount that, despite God inspiring Joel to write about it and the Apostle Peter to preach about it.

Laodicean Christians think they are great judges, but sadly do not believe that God has been using dreams in this century.

They do not seem willing to accept those prophecies God gave to Joel. Most do not know the biblical differences between true and false leaders or the signs that GOD says He uses.

Parts of Joel’s message have been at least partially fulfilled and the fulfillment of other parts will come to pass.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Does the CCOG have the confirmed signs of Acts 2:17-18? Does any church have the confirmed dream and prophetic signs of Acts 2:17-18? Should one? Here is a link in the Spanish language: ¿Tiene la CCOG confirmadas las señales de Hechos 2: 17-18? Here is a link in the French language: Est-ce que l’Église Continue de Dieu confirme les signes d’Actes 2:17-18? A related sermon in the English language is also available: 17 Last Days’ Signs of the Holy Spirit.
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.
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.
Weather Blessings and Sorrows Are weather problems a warning? What should be done? What does the Bible teach about weather? What about floods, droughts, heat, earthquakes, tornadoes, and solar storms? Here is a related YouTube video Does God Use Weather? A related item in the Spanish language would be Bendiciones y maldiciones del clima.When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2019, 2020, or 2021? 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 and newer video is: Might the Great Tribulation start in 2019?
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.
Armageddon Who is involved and when will this gathering happen? Here is also a video from Dr. Thiel, from Tel Megiddo in Israel: Armageddon. Other videos include: Armageddon Will it come on Trump’s watch?, Iraq, Armageddon, & Prophecy, Freemasonry, Armageddon, and Rome, Is China paving roads to Armageddon?, and Jordan, Petra, and Armageddon.
Christian Repentance Do you know what repentance is? Is it really necessary for salvation? A related sermon is also available titled: Real Christian Repentance.
When You Sin: Do You Really Repent? This is an article by Charles F. Hunting. A related sermon is Confess to God and truly repent.
What is the Unpardonable Sin? What is it? Can you repent of it? Do you know what it is and how to avoid it? Here is a link to a related sermon video The Unpardonable Sin and the Prodigal Son.
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?
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?
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.
Church of God Leaders on Prophets Have there been prophets throughout the church age? Are any supposed to be around in the last days? What have COG leaders stated or written about prophets? Here is a link to a related sermon: Church of God Leaders on Prophets.
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?

1887 depiction of the ‘Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse’

COGwriter

There are concerns about the food supply:

July 11, 2024

Earth may be quickly reaching its maximum carrying capacity for human beings. Having recently surpassed 8 billion wandering souls, we’re lurching ever-closer to projected estimates for what our planet might reasonably sustain while still supporting its diversity of life. The sobering reality is that Earth’s bounties are finite and, rest assured, if we don’t put ourselves in check, our hefty resource consumption rate will do it for us.

While there are a multitude of critical factors scientists consider when defining this population threshold, the stability of our agricultural complex is central among them. But, we’re in a bit of a sticky predicament. You see, with current agricultural output and nutritional needs, we may reasonably have enough food to support approximately 10 billion people. And that’s assuming nothing changes. Unfortunately, change (especially the planetary kind) is becoming inevitable.

As a species, it’s not only that we have a rapidly growing number of mouths to feed. The issue is that we have a growing number of mouths to feed in addition to mounting food production setbacks. And these aren’t trivial problems. Food producers face challenges in crop yield due to an increase in unstable and extreme weather patterns, soil degradation and a decline in soil fertility, a scourge of pests and diseases resistant to control measures, and problems with water management. https://www.agdaily.com/technology/artificial-intelligence-and-the-race-to-avoid-famine/

Notice also the following:

War and Famine

Many war stories end with hunger wreaking havoc on significant portions of a population. In Christian theology, the Biblical “four horses of the apocalypse,” believed by many in early modern Europe to presage the end of the world, symbolized invasion, armed conflict, and famine followed by death. They suggest the degree to which people have long recognized how violence causes starvation. Armed conflict disrupts food supplies as warring factions divert resources to arms production and their militaries while destroying the kinds of infrastructure that enable societies to feed themselves. Governments, too, sometimes use starvation as a weapon of war. …

Today, armed conflict is the most significant cause of hunger. According to the United Nations’ World Food Program, 70% of the inhabitants of war- or violence-affected regions don’t get enough to eat, although our global interconnectedness means that none of us are immune from high food, fuel, and fertilizer prices and war’s supply-chain interruptions. Americans have experienced the impact of Ukraine’s war when it comes to fuel and grain prices, but in regions like sub-Saharan Africa, which depend significantly on Eastern European foodstuffs and fuel, the conflict has sparked widespread hunger. …

America’s longest war in Afghanistan deepened that country’s poverty, decimating what existed of its agriculture and food distribution systems, while displacing millions. And the effects continue: 92% of Afghans are still food insecure and nearly 3 in 10 Afghan children will face acute malnutrition this year. …

Now, Gaza is a major humanitarian catastrophe …

Hunger as a Cause of War

Famine is the nightmarish version of the gift that just keeps giving. Hungry people are more likely to resort to violence to solve their problems. War-afflicted Yemen is a case in point. In that country, the U.S. funded and armed the Saudi military in its air strikes against the Houthi-led rebels that began in 2015 and went on for years (a role now taken over by my country). One child under five is still estimated to die every 10 minutes from malnutrition and related causes there, in large part because war has so decimated the country’s food production and distribution infrastructure. Since war first struck Yemen, the country’s economy has halved, and nearly 80% of the population is now dependent on humanitarian aid. A direct consequence of the unrest has been the flourishing of Islamic extremist groups like the Houthis. Countries facing hunger and food instability are, in fact, more likely to be politically unstable and experience more numerous protests, some of them violent.

Nowadays, I find that I can’t help imagining worst-case scenarios like the risk of nuclear war, a subject that has come up in a threatening manner recently in relation to Ukraine. https://www.counterpunch.org/2024/07/08/war-and-famine/

Related to the rides of the four horsemen of the Apocalypse, the Continuing Church of God put together the following video on our Bible News Prophecy channel:

24:08

These Signs of the 4 Horsemen Have Begun

Are we at the time of the ride of at least some of the four horsemen of the Apocalypse? If so, are many prophecy watchers missing signs associated with them? History shows that authoritarian totalitarian regimes tend to arise after famines and/or pestilences. Those are events associated with three of the four horsemen of the Apocalypse. Could the beginning of sorrows, and the associated ride of the first horseman of false ecumenical religion, have started in the Fall of 2009? What is the significance of this rider having a bow? Is Satan the prince of the power of the air? Did Dr. Thiel warn of a prophetic threat of a “novel” coronavirus back in 2013? Could COVID-19 been related to the taking away the peace from the earth that is associated with the ride of the red horse, the second horsemen of war? What are some of the ramifications of the Russia-Ukraine military conflict and the opening of the second seal? Was Amos inspired to write that God does nothing without revealing it to his servants the prophets? Who warned of these matters? The ride of the third horse, the black horse of famine and food price inflation–specifically wheat, barley, edible oils, and wine. Since Ukraine is a major exporter of the first three, could this, as well as fertilizer shortages, have anything to do with the ride of that horseman? The pale horse of the fourth seal mentions one-quarter of humankind being subject to being killed by the sword, hunger, and pestilence–will this be a factor in the rise of the Beast of Revelation 13? Is persecution associated with the start of the Great tribulation and the rise of the Beast? Why is the Beast going to be in charge of a European-based empire? Will the opening of the first four seals and the starts of the rides of the four horsemen of the Apocalypse get Europe to reorganize such as is prophesied in Revelation 17:12-13? What does Jesus say you should do? Dr. Thiel addresses these matters and more in this video.

Here is a link to our video: These Signs of the 4 Horsemen Have Begun.

As far as famine and war go, Michael Synder posted the following:

A Time Of Famine, And A Time Of War…

July 10, 2024

The tremendous suffering that we are seeing all over the world right now is only just the beginning.  As I have documented repeatedly, we are in the midst of the worst global food crisis in modern history, and we haven’t seen this many countries engaged in military conflict since World War II.  In other words, this is a time of famine, and it is a time of war. …

In Sudan, right now more than 25 million people “are facing high levels of acute food insecurity”…

It is being reported that 730,000 children in Sudan are at “imminent risk of dying”…

The Russians continue to gain ground in several areas of eastern Ukraine, and this is making a number of Ukraine’s neighbors very nervous.

This week, Chinese forces are engaged in very alarming military exercises that are taking place just miles from the Polish border…

In the Middle East, western powers are desperately trying to avert a full-blown war between Israel and Hezbollah…

Sadly, I am entirely convinced that such a full-blown war could be just months away.

This war in the Middle East is still only in the early stages, and the utter carnage that we will eventually witness will shock the entire world.

We really are living in a time of “wars and rumors of wars”, and famines will intensify as global conflict spreads. https://endoftheamericandream.com/a-time-of-famine-and-a-time-of-war/

Jesus said:

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

The rides of the four horsemen of the Apocalypse (Revelation 6:1-8) relate to what Jesus warned would happen.

And certainly we are in a time of wars and rumors of war.

That said, we put together the following video on our Bible News Prophecy YouTube channel:

14:44

3rd Horseman of the Apocalypse and Food

There are reports about food price inflation around the world. While it is worsening in many areas, some believe it will improve in 2023. Instead, could prices continue to rise in 2023 and get much worse in 2024 and thereafter? What are the causes of food price inflation? Is there any connection between weather, government policies, fertilizer prices, energy costs, economic sanctions and food price inflation? What are we seeing in reports from the United Kingdom, Hungary, and South Africa? What about impacts from Russia’s ‘special military operation’ into Ukraine? Could EU and/or USA policies be effecting any of this? Is the ‘black horse’ the one associated with famine, food shortages, and food price inflation in the Book of Revelation? Are there any physical lessons we can learn from ants according to the Book of Proverbs? What are some spiritual steps we should take according to Jesus? Dr. Thiel and Steve Dupuie address these matters and more.

Here is a link to our video: 3rd Horseman of the Apocalypse and Food.

Related to what has been going on and the coming third world war, the Continuing Church of God (CCOG) put together the following video on our Bible News Prophecy YouTube channel:

14:18

WWIII or 2nd Horseman of the Apocalypse?

With the conflicts in the Middle East, Russia-Ukraine, and tensions between China and Taiwan, are we on the eve of destruction? Michael Snyder believes that World War Three has begun. Has it? What are the beginning of sorrows that Jesus spoke of in Matthew 24:4-8? Should they trouble Christians? What about what happens afterwards according to Jesus in Matthew 24:9-14? Will the Philadelphian Christians be instructing “many” per Daniel 11:33 while being subject to persecution? Will the faithful be getting their “fifteen minutes of fame,” as the late Andy Warhol put it, and succeed in fulfilling Matthew 24:14 related to proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom of God to the world as a witness? Did the late Herbert W. Armstrong teach that the Great Tribulation was the start of what could be called WWIII? Did he also teach that may involve nuclear weapons hitting cities in the UK, USA, and Canada? Will the Philadelphian Christians flee before the start of WWIII? What about terrorism and the predominantly Islamic nations of the Middle East and North Africa? Biblically, do we expect Armageddon, and a WWIV or WWV? Will there be a confederation including Russia, China, and others that will attack the coming European King of the North Beast power? How can we know the timing of what could be called WWIII, WWIV, and WWV? Is any of this related to a temporary peace deal as mentioned in Daniel 9:26-27? What does the Bible say about the ride of the second horseman of the Apocalypse? What should a Christian do according to Jesus? Steve Dupuie and Dr. Thiel address these matters.

Here is a link to our video: WWIII or 2nd Horseman of the Apocalypse?

Although, according to Jesus, the time of sorrows is not one to trouble Christians, notice something else that He did say:

34 “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. 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 21:34-36)

Worse things are coming, and Jesus stated what He said He wanted all of His people to be doing. So, watch and get ready.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

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?
There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Near Petra This article discusses a biblical ‘place of safety,’ Zephaniah 2 to ‘gather together,’ and includes quotes from the Bible and Herbert W. Armstrong on fleeing to a place–thus, there is a biblically supported alternative to the rapture theory. Two sermon-length videos of related interest are available Physical Protection During the Great Tribulation and Might Petra be the Place of Safety?  Here are two related items in the Spanish language: Hay un lugar de seguridad para los Filadelfinos. ¿Puede ser Petra? and Existe un Lugar de Seguridad.
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? Will Philadelphian Christians instruct many in the end times? Here is a link to a related video sermon titled: The Short Work. Here is a link to another: Preparing to Instruct Many.
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 are two related YouTube videos titled Final Phase of the Work: Need and Background and The Final Phase of the Work. The written article has been translated into Spanish La Fase Final de la Obra. And here is a link to a related Spanish language sermon: La obra corta y el Hambre de la Palabra de Dios.
Persecutions by Church and State This article documents some that have occurred against those associated with the COGs and some prophesied to occur. Will those with the cross be the persecutors or the persecuted–this article has the shocking answer. There are also three video sermons you can watch: Cancel Culture and Christian Persecution, The Coming Persecution of the Church, and Christian Persecution from the Beast. Here is information in the Spanish language: Persecuciones de la Iglesia y el Estado.
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 are links to related videos: European history and the Bible, Europe In Prophecy, The End of European Babylon, and Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European? Here is a link to a related sermon in the Spanish language: El Fin de la Babilonia Europea.
Satan’s Plan Does Satan have a plan? What is it? Has it already been successful? Will it be successful in the future? Here are links to a two-part sermon series: What are Some of the Parts of Satan’s Plan? and Satan’s Plan is More Dramatic than Many Realize.
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 are links to two related videos: The King of the North is Alive: What to Look Out For and The Future King of the North.
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 four related sermons:  The Fantastic Gospel of the Kingdom of God!, The World’s False Gospel, The Gospel of the Kingdom: From the New and Old Testaments, and The Kingdom of God is the Solution.
Lost Tribes and Prophecies: What will happen to Australia, the British Isles, Canada, Europe, New Zealand and the United States of America? Where did those people come from? Can you totally rely on DNA? Do you really know what will happen to Europe and the English-speaking peoples? What about the peoples of Africa, Asia, South America, and the islands? This free online book provides scriptural, scientific, historical references, and commentary to address those matters. Here are links to related sermons: Lost tribes, the Bible, and DNA; Lost tribes, prophecies, and identifications; 11 Tribes, 144,000, and Multitudes; Israel, Jeremiah, Tea Tephi, and British Royalty; Gentile European Beast; Royal Succession, Samaria, and Prophecies; Asia, Islands, Latin America, Africa, and Armageddon;  When Will the End of the Age Come?;  Rise of the Prophesied King of the North; Christian Persecution from the Beast; WWIII and the Coming New World Order; and Woes, WWIV, and the Good News of the Kingdom of God.

Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg (photo by Michael Lucan)

COGwriter

The US presidential election remains in the news. Newsweek, like some others, is warning about possible election or post-election violence:

Brace for Election Violence. …

July 10, 2024

It’s time for people to start thinking about and planning a response to the next round of possible election contestation and violence. …

Even if Trump didn’t orchestrate the aggression against U.S. government property and democratic processes, even if he is not leading the Stop the Steal movement, it is easy to look around and see that those initiatives were and continue to be supported by a complex ecosystem of pundits, elected officials, and media outlets who have propelled disinformation and stoked distrust in our electoral system. It’s a powerful force.

Yet, according to experts on nonviolent collective action, there’s a force more powerful than violence. Now, roughly four months from the November election, it’s up to citizens to dig deeper and find ways to come together across our divides so that we can raise our voices in harmony against political violence. We must be prepared to stand together in nonviolent collective action to stop election fraud in 2024. We must continue the tough work of (re)building our trust in each other despite our differences. …

If there are new attempts to deploy violence to manipulate election outcomes later this year, those of us who believe in the power of nonviolence, dialogue, and unity in diversity need to be … organized … https://www.newsweek.com/brace-election-violence-work-prevent-it-opinion-1923394

Organized or not, there are reasons that we may see violence in the USA related to its November election and its outcome. While the left tends to point to the January 6, 2020 protests, we have also seen violence on the left from groups like Antifa. And if Donald Trump is elected and keeps his pledge to deport illegal aliens, there will be a lot of violence and civil unrest in the USA.

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

On 26 June 2024, Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg made a podcast, in the German language about the US election. Here is a link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkGIltvuZwY

Below are some comments made in that podcast basically machine translated into the English language. Here is part of the introduction:

Negative campaigning is a long American story but it has now been taken to such an extreme that it simply takes your breath away, that is the methods used to work and fight and by the way you have already said that even on the democratic side nothing is left out of the dirty tricks, a big difference. by the way compared to previous election campaigns is that this time Trump is only gathering people around him who follow him unconditionally, who are constantly telling him he is right, boss, or who see it even more nationalist, conservative, extreme than he himself sees it against.  …

And for a country like this that we are talking about, which has so much power so much imagination, so much, so much passion on so many levels, I also find it really shocking, yes, the that these two candidates have been chosen has been set for or has been set for months, it was announced by both parties so early on that we don’t really know it anymore from the United States that the Republicans  have allowed a little more competition than the Democrats is part of the truth. There were other candidates. Nicki Haley held out for a relatively long time, but in reality it was clear what the party wanted and that is Donald Trump’s party and he could not be stopped. The Democrats did not even allow competition.  There were no primaries that could have been called that, so Joe Biden was on the ballot but that was it. It was clear who would be elected and that is somewhat bleak because the two are very old. Because this is already an election campaign in which it is about telling the other side you are even worse than us, you are even less electable. It is a thoroughly negative election campaign. Yes each side says the other is so catastrophic that it should not be elected under any circumstances. And everything takes place on this level.

Herr Guttenberg then mentioned Donald Trump was convicted as a criminal despite it not making much legal sense and that Hunter Biden was convicted because he lied and that the Biden family had tax troubles (that section of the podcast did not machine translate well, but that was basically what was said on that). Then the podcast stated related to Donald Trump and Joe Biden:

The two families are corrupt.

After discussing immigration issues, the podcast went to the following:

In the past, one had the feeling that one was fighting for certain groups, camp cultures within America. But now that division is increasingly turning into these hard-line camps … I also add a little bit of an assessment that this country will probably slide completely after the elections.  Whoever is elected there will probably slide into a veritable constitutional crisis, driven by the respective and the respective losers. Some say that could even lead to the fact that if both of them were re-elected. And we remember what I said on January 6th in the Capitol that that was only a first sign. And that it could even lead to a civil war, I’m not quite ready to say yet Civil war. But you also see the concern that there could be violence, yes, and similar to how you just formulated it, KT Civil war. That’s too apocalyptic for me … it could become violent, there are signs of that …

I am very cautious with doomsday scenarios. The USA will somehow survive. They will not disappear from the face of the earth with a second term for Donald Trump. But if it really happens, it will have a devastating effect. I am also really sad about the fact that so many people in American society have forgotten what the first term was like. That every day at 5 a.m., 6 a.m. there were these tweets that rocked the stock markets, that shook the whole country and always always always talked about what did he say now what did he now. …

Yes, there could be a contested election, legally or otherwise. Violence and civil unrest is possible. Many Americans are concerned about that as well as potential for some type of civil war (e.g. Could civil unrest, riots, and other violence hit the USA after the November election? Are some hoping for that or even a civil war? and WND: Stunning poll reveals more than 100 million Americans expect civil war within 5 years).

The podcast then basically blasted the media in the USA for being too biased as for and against various ones, and then stated that the German press was better.

Then there were comments related to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.:

They say there could be a scenario where it won’t be the two of them but where it will be someone who nobody here has on their radar namely Robert Kennedy. He is a third candidate who is currently floating around around 2-3%, but it could still be interesting and it is also quite it is really quite significant how both candidates are still dancing around this third candidate Kennedy. You should rightly say and they also know why they are not really going head-on yet, because the winner of the election has to get 270 electoral votes in the so-called Electoral College in this strange American system.  Now let’s take the many votes from Pennsylvania for example a classic swing state if for whatever reason they were to suddenly go to Kennedy or that he would manage in another way that the other candidates do not get the 270 votes. He might only get maybe 30 or whatever but the two do not get the 270. Then the decision is made according to the Constitution in the House of Representatives so that is then, it is not the Electoral College, it is the House of Representatives where each state delegation then also has a vote. Yes so and then and that is what a few augurs over there are saying now who say that is a constellation that could lead to something that has been extremely rare in the USA in history in this form, but the Constitution still provides for it. That suddenly there could be coalition formation with Kennedy and in a coalition formation the claim could even be made dear friends. Yes Kennedy, but only if Kennedy is president. But the Republicans last would occupy the majority whatever, so these thought experiments exist. the probability is of course relatively low …

Joe Biden was protected by the Democrats so that any primary campaign was prevented …

The USA is deeply divided. It has politicized more and more.

Jesus warned:

25 … Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand. (Matthew 12:25)

24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25 And if a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.  (Mark 3:24-25)

17 … Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and a house divided against a house falls. (Luke 11:17)

Notice that God inspired this to be written three times in the Gospels.

God normally seems to repeat something in scripture for emphasis.

The division is a BIG DEAL.

Despite the comment in the podcast that the USA would continue, the Bible shows that the end of the USA is coming (cf. Daniel 11:39; see also USA in Prophecy: The Strongest Fortresses).

Troubles are prophesied (Mark 13:8).

Here is part of number 15 from my article 24 items to prophetically watch in 2024:

15. Unrest, Terror, and the Dividing of the USA

There have been many protests in the USA.

Some protested racial, economic, and policing matters. Some have called for a “civil war.”

The Bible prophesies, “There shall be terror within” (Deuteronomy 32:25).

Will that happen to the USA?

Yes.

Jesus taught:

25 Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand. (Matthew 12:25)

We are seeing more divide in the USA and parts of it certainly appear to be intentional. Much of it is ideological. The USA is becoming less and less united and more polarized.

Notice the following from 2022:

WND: Ex-Army generals fear insurrection or ‘civil war’ in 2024

Expect more divide in a nation where half of its people cannot tell the different between males and females and the other half still sticks to some facts about that. And of course, there is the abortion divide and other issues.

More terror is prophesied to hit the USA. The same is true for Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

The time of Jacob’s trouble (Jeremiah 30:7), also known as the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21), is coming and the USA and its Anglo-Saxon allies (including Canada) will be affected.

National repentance is the only way to prevent it, and that does not look likely. Though for the nation, the Kingdom of God is the solution, but first there will be a horrific 3 1/2 years.

Personal repentance, however, is still possible. Your personal future can still be much brighter than that of your country. Jesus, in addition to being the source of salvation, also offered physical protection to the most faithful (see Philadelphian Christian Great Tribulation Protection and/or watch Great Tribulation Protection).

Related to Baron Guttenberg and the Middle East, in 2022 the Continuing Church of God (CCOG) put together the following video on our Bible News Prophecy YouTube channel:

15:17

The Middle East, Prophecy, and Karl Theodor zu Guttenberg

Iran and Israel have been involved with various attacks and threats against each other. Does the Bible seem to prophesy that Iran and Syria will attack Israel? Will God always protect Israel? Will Israel’s ‘Iron Dome’ protect it? Is “great damage” prophesied to come to Jerusalem? What about damage to Syria’s capital Damascus? What was Isaiah inspired to write? Could a peace deal come after a regional conflict in the Middle East? Could Baron Karl-Theodor Maria Nikolaus Johann Jacob Philipp Franz Joseph Sylvester Freiherr von und zu Guttenberg (KT) be the “prince” of Daniel 9:26-27, who becomes the King of the North of Daniel 11? Was KT spurned, rejected, and passed over for advancement consistent with one rendering of Daniel 11:21? Does KT have the ancestral and religious background to be the “Great Monarch” of Greco-Roman Catholic prophecies? Does KT have the digital background to be able to be involved in the 666 controlling of buying and selling (Revelation 13:16-18)? Should you be watching the Middle East and Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg? Dr. Thiel answers these questions and more.

Here is a link to our video: The Middle East, Prophecy, and Karl Theodor zu Guttenberg.

Back in 2016, the Continuing Church of God is put out the following sermon about him on its ContinuingCOG channel:

1:18:01

Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg and Europe’s Future

Former German Economic & Technology Minister as well as former Defense Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg spoke at the Hub Conference in Berlin and gave a presentation titled “Wish List or Reality? Digital Trends in 2016.” Dr. Thiel shows portions of the presentation and comments on his presentation related to Bible prophecy and Baron Guttenberg’s background. What is the future for Europe?

Here is a link to the sermon: Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg and Europe’s Future.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North? Is the former German Defense Minister (who is also the former German Minister for Economics and Technology) one to watch? What do Greco-Roman Catholic, Byzantine, and biblical prophecies suggest? A video of related interest would be: Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg and Europe’s Future. A shorter one is also available: The Middle East, Prophecy, and Karl Theodor zu Guttenberg.
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. Two related sermon are available: Identifying the USA and its Destruction in Prophecy and 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? A related sermon is also available: The Bible, the USA, and the King of the West.
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 are links to three related videos: The King of the North is Alive: What to Look Out For, The Future King of the North, and Rise of the Prophesied King of the North.
Lost Tribes and Prophecies: What will happen to Australia, the British Isles, Canada, Europe, New Zealand and the United States of America? Where did those people come from? Can you totally rely on DNA? Do you really know what will happen to Europe and the English-speaking peoples? What about the peoples of Africa, Asia, South America, and the islands? This free online book provides scriptural, scientific, historical references, and commentary to address those matters. Here are links to related sermons: Lost tribes, the Bible, and DNA; Lost tribes, prophecies, and identifications; 11 Tribes, 144,000, and Multitudes; Israel, Jeremiah, Tea Tephi, and British Royalty; Gentile European Beast; Royal Succession, Samaria, and Prophecies; Asia, Islands, Latin America, Africa, and Armageddon;  When Will the End of the Age Come?;  Rise of the Prophesied King of the North; Christian Persecution from the Beast; WWIII and the Coming New World Order; and Woes, WWIV, and the Good News of the Kingdom of God.

BRICS to Launch Gold-Backed Currency at 2024 Summit?https://t.co/5dwfVqykAO

— BRICS News (@BRICSinfo) June 27, 2024

COGwriter

ZeroHedge reported:

The Great Monetary Pivot Of 2024 …

July 10, 2024

During the current rate hike cycle, something strange happened with the gold price.

Historically, gold has been negatively correlated with real interest rates.

When real interest rates rise, the gold price tends to fall, and vice versa. This is because investors may prefer to hold US Treasuries over gold when real interest rates are high.

That historical relationship broke in 2022.

Real interest rates increased substantially as the Fed started its steep rate hike cycle, yet the gold price went UP.

Not only did the price of gold go up, it skyrocketed to a new all-time high… something few analysts would have expected in an environment of steeply rising real rates. …

Let’s put the pieces together to see the big picture.

1. One of the steepest rate hike cycles in history couldn’t stop inflation.
2. The Fed can’t raise rates much further without bankrupting the US government because of the soaring interest expense on the skyrocketing federal debt.
3. QE is likely to return and be bigger than ever.

If the above three points are valid—and I believe they are—they raise an important question: How will the Fed EVER escape the trap of increasing currency debasement (QE Infinity)?

I don’t think it will be possible.

The implications of that are enormous. https://www.zerohedge.com/markets/great-monetary-pivot-2024

The BRICS Will Use a Gold Standard

Given the following realities; the BRICS and those that wish to trade with them must go on a gold standard in part or in whole. Why?

It’s all about supply chains and payment chains. The US must rebuild supply chains to remain self-sufficient in certain commodities or it must trade with the BRICS on the BRICS terms. And that means with Gold in hand

The BRICS, in turn, must build payment chains (and value-added portions of supply chains) to replace the SWIFT system. Either that or they must then remain dependent on the US. And that means with the USD in hand

The alternative to ignoring these choices between economic self-sufficiency and a Gold standard for continued international trade is: isolation, misallocation and misuse of resources, and finally escalation of war. …

The BRICS are in the process of creating a settlement medium (currency, medium of exchange) for international trade comprised of Gold and other assets deemed separable from Dollar influence. …

It is believed the West’s G7 Central Banks will need to have BRICS currency exposure in their reserve to better hedge their own economic risks. Failing literally to have that BRICS currency, the G7 CBs and sovereign wealth funds will simply continue to accumulate the assets (Gold, Silver etc) deemed important (or hard to get on demand like Gold and Silver) within the Store of Value basket the BRICS created. in other words, they will simply reverse engineer the basket and buy the parts needed.

The G7 CBs can then trade by creating their own mirror basket of Eastern Currencies, bonds, and Gold in what will likely be an IMF/SDR type of basket for risk purposes if ever needed. …

For over a decade, discussions have simmered about moving away from the U.S. dollar. …

BRICS is advancing a three-step plan to establish a new international currency. This includes:

1. adopting a gold standard, 7
2. creating a unified payment system with advanced technologies,
3. and promoting central bank digital currencies (CBDCs).

This initiative aims to reshape the global economy, challenging the dominance of the U.S. dollar established since the Bretton Woods Conference.

The BRICS nations have been increasing their gold reserves, now totaling 6.3 thousand tons. As the world’s largest gold buyers since 2022, their actions signal a clear intention to develop a new global currency. …

The End of Dollar Dependency

To achieve financial independence from Western systems, BRICS is developing its own payment systems and strengthening digital currencies. https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2024-07-09/brics-will-use-gold-standard

Yes, gold has hit record highs even after the US Federal Reserve increased interest rates.

Yes, the BRICS nations have been buying a lot of gold.

Yes, the the USA is facing a spiraling debt problem as it continues to increase debt and will have to pay more and more interest. Eventually, all will see that the USA is past the point of no return.

This will cause major problems.

Now, let me point out that the USA reportedly has more gold than the BRICS nations do combined–as do the combined nations in Europe. However, the USA gold reserves will only cover a small fraction of its debts, even at current gold prices.

The USA simply does not have enough gold to cover its debts and will not fare well if the world switches to at least an implied gold standard to back currencies or even electronic ones like CBDCs.

As far as the USA getting past point of no return, Michael Snyder posted the following:

July 9, 2024

Our politicians in Washington have artificially propped up our economy for years by piling up 34 trillion dollars in debt, and the “experts” at the Federal Reserve have artificially propped up the financial markets for years by pumping trillions upon trillions of dollars that they created out of thin air into the system. But now we are so far out on a limb that there is no way back, and there is no safety net below. …

Millions of Americans are currently experiencing their own individual “economic collapses”, …

In a desperate attempt to make ends meet, many Americans have been going very deep into debt.

That worked for a while, but now delinquency rates are spiking.

In fact, the percentage of credit card balances that are considered to be in serious delinquency has risen to the highest level in more than a decade…

The flow of credit card debt moving into delinquency hit 8.9% in the first quarter at an annualized rate, above pre-pandemic levels. In fact, the percentage of credit card balances in serious delinquency – payments are at least 90 days late – climbed to its highest level since 2012.

This is an especially dangerous time to be piling up credit card debt, because credit card interest rates have moved into uncharted territory…

For years, the U.S. economy has been creeping farther and farther into the danger zone.

The limb that we are standing on is really starting to make some very alarming noises, but our leaders don’t seem to care.

Sadly, it is only a matter of time before disaster strikes. https://theeconomiccollapseblog.com/just-like-this-guy-our-country-can-only-go-out-on-a-limb-so-far-before-it-finally-snaps/

Yes, disaster is coming.

The USA is the most indebted nation in the history of humanity. Rising interest rates increase the debt and look to one day result in a debt spiral that will be a factor in the elimination of the USA!

This increasing of debt cannot go on forever.

Even when he was President of the United States, Barack Obama said the levels of debt his Administration oversaw was “unsustainable,” yet the debt keeps going up.

Notice the following levels of official US debt:

• January 20, 2009, $10,626,877,048,913.08, date Obama-Biden Administration inaugurated.
• January 19, 2017, $19,944,429,217,106.77, date Obama-Biden leave office, replaced the next day by Trump-Pence.
• January 19, 2021, $27,752,835,868,445.35, the date  Trump-Pence leave office, replaced the next day by Biden-Harris.
• January 19, 2024, $34,072,342,032,939.15, after 3 years of the Biden-Harris Administration.

And it has gone up hundreds of billions more since. As of Monday, the official US debt was $$34,857,390,059,828.10 (see also  https://fiscaldata.treasury.gov/datasets/debt-to-the-penny/debt-to-the-penny).

Official US debt nearly doubled under the Obama-Biden Administration. It also greatly increased by about the same amount in only four years under the Trump-Pence Administration. Debt went up over $10 trillion in less than four years of the Biden-Harris Administration and is expected to increase greatly.

The Bible warns about debt and disobedience:

43 The alien who is among you shall rise higher and higher above you, and you shall come down lower and lower. 44 He shall lend to you, but you shall not lend to him; he shall be the head, and you shall be the tail. 45 Moreover all these curses shall come upon you and pursue and overtake you, until you are destroyed…47 “Because you did not serve the LORD your God with joy and gladness of heart, for the abundance of everything, 48 therefore you shall serve your enemies, whom the LORD will send against you, in hunger, in thirst, in nakedness, and in need of everything; and He will put a yoke of iron on your neck until He has destroyed you. 49 The LORD will bring a nation against you from afar, from the end of the earth, as swift as the eagle flies, a nation whose language you will not understand, 50 a nation of fierce countenance, which does not respect the elderly nor show favor to the young. 51 And they shall eat the increase of your livestock and the produce of your land, until you are destroyed; they shall not leave you grain or new wine or oil, or the increase of your cattle or the offspring of your flocks, until they have destroyed you. 52 They shall besiege you at all your gates until your high and fortified walls, in which you trust, come down throughout all your land; and they shall besiege you at all your gates throughout all your land which the LORD your God has given you (Deuteronomy 28:43-45,47-52).

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

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

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

Now, you may wish to read and re-read something that the prophet Habakkuk was inspired to write over 2600 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. Because of men’s blood And the violence of the land and the city, And of all who dwell in it. (Habakkuk 2:3,5,6-8).

9 “Woe to him who covets evil gain for his house, That he may set his nest on high, That he may be delivered from the power of disaster! 10 You give shameful counsel to your house, Cutting off many peoples, And sin against your soul. 11 For the stone will cry out from the wall, And the beam from the timbers will answer it. (Habakkuk 2:9-11)

The above prophecy will be fulfilled at the time of the end (cf. “The message was true, but the appointed time was long…in the latter days, for the vision refers to many days yet to come,” Daniel 10:1,14). Daniel 8:19, 11:27,29,35 use the same Hebrew term for “appointed time” as Habakkuk 2:3, while Daniel 10, using a different term, ties the latter days to the time in Daniel 8:19. Habakkuk 2 was not fulfilled in its entirety anciently.

My book, Biden-Harris: Prophecies and Destruction, has the following:

Furthermore, the Bible warns against the type of moral decline that is occurring in the U.S.A.:

¹² Therefore thus says the Holy One of Israel:  “Because you despise this word, And trust in oppression and perversity, And rely on them,  ¹³ Therefore this iniquity shall be to you Like a breach ready to fall, A bulge in a high wall, Whose breaking comes suddenly, in an instant. (Isaiah 30:12-13)

But how can this happen to the U.S.A.?  It will likely happen with a combination of events. Notice:

⁵ “Moreover the multitude of your foes Shall be like fine dust, And the multitude of the terrible ones Like chaff that passes away; Yes, it shall be in an instant, suddenly. ⁶ You will be punished by the Lord of hosts with thunder and earthquake and great noise, With storm and tempest and the flame of devouring fire. (Isaiah 29:5-6)

The debt situation of the U.S.A. is putting it at risk of being unable to recover should it be hit by weather problems, terrorist acts, war, riots, solar flares, severe earthquakes, civil unrest, devastation of their genetically-modified food supplies, food shortages, and/or various pestilences–an intensity of “sorrows” such as Jesus discussed in Matthew 24:4-8 leading up to the time of the Great Tribulation. Political issues, climate change, trade policies, communication’s deals, and other events are pushing the U.S.A. to a position that will encourage its takeover someday. Disasters, especially if there is an ElectroMagnetic Pulse (EMP) attack, a severe solar flare storm, devastating hurricane (s) something like a massive volcanic eruption and/or massive earthquake could be part of a so-called “perfect storm” of events that could set up the U.S.A. for destruction. …

Daniel 11 … 43 He shall have power over the treasures of gold and silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt; also the Libyans and Ethiopians shall follow at his heels.

The “he” is the King of the North. This is the same King of the North that valued gold and silver in Daniel 11:38. Although other scriptures also show that gold and silver will have value around this time (like Revelation 18; 9:20), the Bible is clear that gold and silver will be worthless for a short time before Jesus returns, e.g. Ezekiel 7:19.

The fact that the King of the North himself will accumulate gold (and some silver) is consistent with several Byzantine (“Greek” Orthodox) prophecies of their expected Great Monarch:

Emperor Leo the Philosopher (died 912): You will amass gold … And you will be the leader of the surrounding nations …

Addressed to Emperor Manuel II, Palaeogous (died 1425): The Emperor … will discover gold and silver…

Saint Andrew Fool-for-Christ (c. 4^th century):  God will reveal to this king all the gold wherever it happen to lay concealed from view …[i]

One side note is that, in Egypt, major gold deposits were found in 2006.[ii] This is relevant as it does suggest that Egypt now has enough gold that a foreign power could be interested in taking/using it as Bible prophecy teaches.

Since many are now questioning the role of the U.S. dollar as the world’s reserve currency, more are looking into other currencies as well as gold. Gold will set records in U.S. dollar terms. In 2017, I also published that in my book related to Donald Trump, and it did hit records in July and August in 2020. [iii]

It has been proposed that various nations around the world are already in the process of accumulating gold to one day overthrow the U.S. dollar—and that the “U.S. is unprepared for this strategic alternative to dollar dominance.”[iv]

When the U.S. dollar totally collapses people all around the world will consider that even if the Euro (or something similar) is strong, having a more gold-backed currency would be safer.

The collapse of the U.S.A. dollar will shake a lot of the world’s confidence in non-gold backed currencies.

The Europeans do not have to have a perfect currency, only one that is perceived to be in better shape than the U.S.A. dollar.

Having the European power acquiring more gold to back the Euro or possibly another future European currency (that might potentially replace the Euro or even a basket of currencies) may greatly increase European credibility, prosperity, and influence around the globe, even if the backing is only implied.

The debt accumulation policies of the Obama-Biden and the Trump-Pence Administrations, which were a massive acceleration of the previous policies of the Bush Administration, look like they will be continued by a Biden-Harris Administration.

The increases in America’s debt are heading the world into the time when something other than the U.S. dollar will be valued as its reserve currency.

A Biden-Harris Administration would need to make massive changes to possibly prevent this.

The U.S.A. and its dollar are at serious risk.

[i] Tzima Otto. The Great Monarch and WWIII in Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Scriptural Prophecies.  Verenikia Press, Rock Hill (SC), 2000, pp. 76, 102, 114

[ii] A Gold Mine Worth LE 23 Billion (and counting).  Egypt Today, August, 2006

[iii] Gold hits new record, posts best month since 2016 CNBC, July 30, 2020; Woodall T. Gold surges to new highs as US dollar weakens despite growing macro risks. S&P Global, August 10, 2020

[iv] Rickards J. Axis of Gold. The Daily Reckoning, December 20, 2016

As far as being on a limb that will break, when enough disasters hit it, foreign creditors are going to conclude that since the USA could not truly pay its debt when it was doing well, there is no way it will pay them when hit with multiple disasters–Habakkuk 2:6-8 will be fulfilled!

Related to USA debt, we put together the following video:

14:44

And the Debt Goes On …

On June 3, 2023, US President Joe Biden signed a bill to increase the official debt-ceiling of the United States. According to the US Treasury the “ceiling” has been changed, increased, or delayed 78 other times. The official debt has nearly tripled since the Obama-Biden Administration. The official debt increased about $2 trillion per year under Donald Trump’s Administration and has done close to that in the Joe Biden Administration. While the USA has been able to increase debt with limited consequences (like inflation) so far, does the Bible show this can end in destruction? What did God warn about debt through the prophet Habakkuk? Is getting into high amounts of debt a blessing or curse according to the Bible? Do Democrats or Republicans currently have a plan that will now be implemented to pay off the debt? Has the USA been functioning as an international “leech” consistent with statements in the Book of Proverbs? Does the Bible say it is wicked to borrow money you do really intend to repay? Steve Dupuie and Dr. Thiel cover these matters.

Here is a link to our video: And the Debt Goes On …

Perhaps it should be pointed out that the old Radio Church of God did teach that Habakkuk 1 had future fulfillment and tied it in with Isaiah 10 (Hoeh H. The Race Question. Plain Truth, July 1957 p. 22)–which WCG tied in with the coming destruction of the USA.

Furthermore, the old Worldwide Church of God did clearly teach that Habakkuk 2 had future application:

Habakkuk … God also said that this vision was to be written for our benefit today. … (Habakkuk 2:3). God showed Habakkuk that He will punish all the unrighteous at the end-time. … (Habukkuk 2:8, 10, 16-17) (Armstrong HW, editor in chief. THE MINOR PROPHETS SPEAK TO US! Youth Bible Lessons, Level 7, Lesson 9, 1986, p. 4)

So, yes, the old WCG understood that Habakkuk 2 was prophetic for the end time–not that it was fully fulfilled thousands of years ago (which many in certain COGs, like LCG, now wrongly believe).

Do NOT think that whoever may win the presidential election in 2024 will fix the debt matter.

The rising USA debt cannot continue indefinitely–there is a major price to pay.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Might the U.S.A. Be Gone in 2028? Could the USA be gone by the end of 2028 or earlier? There is a tradition attributed to the Hebrew prophet Elijah that humanity had 6,000 years to live before being replaced by God’s Kingdom. There are scriptures, writings in the Talmud, early Christian teachings that support this. Also, even certain Hindu writings support it. Here is a link to a related video: Is the USA prophesied to be destroyed by 2028? In Spanish: Seran los Estados Unidos Destruidos en el 2028?
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2024, 2025, or 2026? 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 la Gran Tribulación comenzar en el 2020 o 2021? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? A related video is: Great Tribulation: 2026 or 2027? A shorter video is: Tribulation in 2024? Here is a video in the Spanish language: Es El 2021 el año  de La Gran Tribulación o el Grande Reseteo Financiero.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. Two related sermon are available: Identifying the USA and its Destruction in Prophecy and 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? A related sermon is also available: The Bible, the USA, and the King of the West.Is God Calling You? This booklet discusses topics including calling, election, and selection. If God is calling you, how will you respond? Here is are links to related sermons: Christian Election: Is God Calling YOU? and Predestination and Your Selection. A short animation is also available: Is God Calling You?
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.
There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Near Petra This article discusses a biblical ‘place of safety,’ Zephaniah 2 to ‘gather together,’ and includes quotes from the Bible and Herbert W. Armstrong on fleeing to a place–thus, there is a biblically supported alternative to the rapture theory. Two sermon-length videos of related interest are available Physical Protection During the Great Tribulation and Might Petra be the Place of Safety?  Here are two related items in the Spanish language: Hay un lugar de seguridad para los Filadelfinos. ¿Puede ser Petra? and Existe un Lugar de Seguridad.
Lost Tribes and Prophecies: What will happen to Australia, the British Isles, Canada, Europe, New Zealand and the United States of America? Where did those people come from? Can you totally rely on DNA? Do you really know what will happen to Europe and the English-speaking peoples? What about the peoples of Africa, Asia, South America, and the islands? This free online book provides scriptural, scientific, historical references, and commentary to address those matters. Here are links to related sermons: Lost tribes, the Bible, and DNA; Lost tribes, prophecies, and identifications; 11 Tribes, 144,000, and Multitudes; Israel, Jeremiah, Tea Tephi, and British Royalty; Gentile European Beast; Royal Succession, Samaria, and Prophecies; Asia, Islands, Latin America, Africa, and Armageddon;  When Will the End of the Age Come?;  Rise of the Prophesied King of the North; Christian Persecution from the Beast; WWIII and the Coming New World Order; and Woes, WWIV, and the Good News of the Kingdom of God.
Biden-Harris: Prophecies and Destruction Can the USA survive two full presidential terms? In what ways are Joe Biden and Kamala Harris apocalyptic? This book has hundreds of prophecies and scriptures to provide details.  A Kindle version is also available 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 your free Kindle reader app (or if you already have one or a Kindle),  you can go to: Biden-Harris: Prophecies and Destruction (Kindle) to get the book in seconds.

Logos at Bundeswehr ‘X’ (Twitter) page

COGwriter

Deutsche Welle, a German news source, posted the following:

Germany’s Bundeswehr: …

Leadership role for Germany?

9 July 2024

US protection could be lost if Donald Trump becomes US president again. Trump has threatened not to protect NATO partners that do not spend enough money on defense from Russia. He even said he would encourage Moscow to do “whatever the hell they want” with NATO alliance members falling short of defense spending targets.

Will Germany take on a leading role in NATO in the future? The Bundeswehr must become “a guarantor of conventional defense in Europe,” said Chancellor Scholz in a government statement in June 2023. But it still lacks the personnel, equipment and capabilities to do so.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has since said that the Bundeswehr must become “war ready.” Some analysts project that Russia, which has shifted to a war economy, could launch an attack on NATO territory in fewer than five years. https://www.dw.com/en/germanys-bundeswehr-how-ready-is-it-to-defend-nato/a-68734753

Yes, Germany wants to lead Europe’s military. And it wants to be ready for war. Notice something from this past Spring:

Germany overhauls military command in quest for ‘war-capable’ force

April 4, 2024

Germany’s defense minister on Thursday announced a plan to streamline and reorganize the country’s military command as part of efforts to make the armed forces of NATO’s most populous European member “war-capable.”

Chancellor Olaf Scholz set in motion a big increase in military spending shortly after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in early 2022, which he described as a “turning point.” Defense Minister Boris Pistorius last year took on the job of overhauling the military, the Bundeswehr, … His overhaul plan envisions a single “operational military command,” which he hopes will enable quick decisions and eliminate duplication. Currently, the Bundeswehr has two command centers: one responsible for planning and running deployments abroad and the other for the defense of Germany itself.

An existing “cyber and information” department, whose responsibilities include fending off cyberattacks, protecting electronic infrastructure and analyzing hybrid threats such as disinformation, will be expanded and officially become a fourth arm of the military alongside the army, air force and navy. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2024/04/04/germany-overhauls-military-command-in-quest-for-war-capable-force/

Yes, Germany is preparing its military and its people for war.

Those moves by Germany are consistent with biblical prophecies.

A great European army will rise up according to the Bible:

16 … the king of the north … 25 … shall stir up his power and his courage … with a great army. (Daniel 11:16, 25)

Europe will be militaristically successful for a time per Revelation 13:3-4 and Daniel 11:39-43.

Europe, itself, will become the aggressor against the USA in the future per Daniel 11:39.

Europe already has PESCO, its Permanent Structured Cooperation–which it formed within a year of Donald Trump becoming President of the United States–and his position was used as a reason, in my view, to accelerate the move towards a stronger EU military. Here is a link to a related sermonette video: PESCO and a Great European Army.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe? Here is are links to related videos: European history and the Bible, Europe In Prophecy, The End of European Babylon, and Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European? Here is a link to a related sermon in the Spanish language: El Fin de la Babilonia Europea.
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.
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? A related sermon is also available: The Bible, the USA, and the King of the West.
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 are links to two related videos: The King of the North is Alive: What to Look Out For and The Future King of the North.
The Great Monarch: Biblical and Greco-Roman Catholic Prophecies Is the ‘Great Monarch’ of Greco-Roman Catholic prophecies endorsed or condemned by the Bible? Two sermons of related interest are also available: Great Monarch: Messiah or False Christ? and Great Monarch in 50+ Beast Prophecies.
Germany’s Assyrian Roots Throughout History Are the Germanic peoples descended from Asshur of the Bible? Have there been real Christians in Germanic history? What about the “Holy Roman Empire”? There is also a You-Tube video sermon on this titled Germany’s Biblical Origins.
Germany in Biblical and Greco-Roman Catholic Prophecy Does Assyria in the Bible equate to an end time power inhabiting the area of the old Roman Empire? What does prophecy say Germany will do and what does it say will happen to most of the German people? Here is a link to a video Is the USA Pushing Germany to Start WWIII?
Lost Tribes and Prophecies: What will happen to Australia, the British Isles, Canada, Europe, New Zealand and the United States of America? Where did those people come from? Can you totally rely on DNA? What about other peoples? Do you really know what will happen to Europe and the English-speaking peoples? What about Africa, Asia, South America, and the Islands? This free online book provides scriptural, scientific, historical references, and commentary to address those matters. Here are links to related sermons: Lost tribes, the Bible, and DNA; Lost tribes, prophecies, and identifications; 11 Tribes, 144,000, and Multitudes; Israel, Jeremiah, Tea Tephi, and British Royalty; Gentile European Beast; Royal Succession, Samaria, and Prophecies; Asia, Islands, Latin America, Africa, and Armageddon;  When Will the End of the Age Come?;  Rise of the Prophesied King of the North; Christian Persecution from the Beast; WWIII and the Coming New World Order; and Woes, WWIV, and the Good News of the Kingdom of God.

 
(Pixabay photo)

COGwriter

World Net Daily posted the following:

‘Sleeper cells in almost every American urban area’

July 8, 2024

WND spoke in-depth with Varlese, a former Army Mountain Infantry Platoon Sergeant who served in domestic and overseas roles from 2001-2018, including as a sniper section leader. Since 2018, Varlese has also provided security consulting services for public and private sectors, including tactical training, physical and information security, executive protection, protective intelligence, risk management, insider threat mitigation and anti-terrorism.

“There have been several incidents in previous months,” Varlese told WND, “that serve to highlight the continued national security threat presented by this administration’s encouraged flood of illegal aliens over the last three and a half years.”

The number of people entering the U.S. illegally is concerning beyond explanation, said Varlese. “At least 8 million illegal aliens from over 100 countries have crossed the southern border in the last three-and-a-half years,” he noted, adding that “almost all have been released and even transported to 48 states by the DHS or various non-governmental organizations.”

What about security vetting?

“Almost none have been properly vetted,” Varlese told WND, including many thousands of individuals from “hostile or terror haven countries” like Afghanistan, Venezuela, Syria and China. He also pointed out, chillingly, that, “Most of the illegals that have flooded the southern border since … Biden undid all of President Trump’s border policies are military-age males.”

Although “most are likely here for economic reasons,” he said, “there are undoubtedly a significant number of bad actors that have been given a free pass to create sleeper cells in almost every American urban area.”

Example: “Because there are tens of thousands of Chinese nationals, hundreds on the terror watch list, and millions of unvetted individuals scattered across the country,” warns Varlese, “it is not a question of if something bad will happen, but when.” …

He pointed to a brand-new threat with great terror potential: “This threat will only be exacerbated if [Biden] allows unrestricted access to so-called Palestinian refugees, who, let us not forget, celebrated the wanton murder of innocents on Sept. 11, 2001 and Oct. 7, 2023.”

Apart from the Islamist threat, Varlese told WND that the Chinese communist regime poses a nearly equal threat. https://www.wnd.com/2024/07/sleeper-cells-almost-every-american-urban-area/

Most in Haiti need help.

Let me add that Haiti government policies sometimes make it difficult to get food and other aid into the country as Haiti imposes taxes on various relief supplies.

Many in Haiti want to leave.

Yet, there are concerns that the crises in Haiti may lead to more gang members coming into the USA and becoming a major terrorist threat:

The risk to the United States is extreme if some gangs from Haiti start infiltrating the U.S., said retired Brig. Gen. Blaine Holt.

“Honestly, Haiti is a product — quite bluntly stated — of the U.S. State Department over many decades of mismanagement, lack of leadership, outright corruption, if you look at some of the NGOs [nongovernmental organizations] like the Clinton Foundation,” Holt said Friday during an appearance on Newsmax’s “The Chris Salcedo Show.”

“And so now we’re all shocked that while we focus our attention on foreign wars that Haiti has fallen apart in our own backyard, next to a southern border that’s wide open.”  …

“This is a separate brand of gangster because these folks are cannibals,” Holt said. “And they just opened up the two prisons that are sitting there in Haiti and said, ‘There’s the boats; go to America.’ And now our own government, the Coast Guard is reporting that they have orders to allow them to have permissible access to the United States, which would be Florida. …

“We’re going to have another standoff. And if these people make it to the United States, we’ve just elevated the level of clear and present danger to our people.” https://www.newsmax.com/politics/haiti-gangs-holt/2024/03/15/id/1157483/

The US Federal Bureau of Investigation is concerned about terrorists coming into the USA with fake identification documents:

FBI warns of suspected terrorists infiltrating U.S. with fake IDs via southern border

March 15, 2024

FBI Director Christopher Wray, in a recent hearing with the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, highlighted concerns regarding the escalation in potential threats against the U.S. Intelligence officials have observed a troubling trend: known or suspected terrorists exploiting the southern border by utilizing fake identification. …

Former Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Victor Avila has drawn attention to the concerning tactic of individuals infiltrating migrant groups, disguising their identities by assuming different nationalities and presenting fraudulent documents upon entry. This tactic poses significant challenges to border security and raises concerns about potential national security risks

“They’re infiltrating us within these groups that are turning themselves in because a lot of them have been in Mexico for a while. They learned to speak Spanish. They shaved their beards. They look like possibly a Mexican national, a Central American, and they have fake documents,” former Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Victor Avila stated.

“So, they present these fake documents and enter with a different nationality. It just gives me chills to think of the national security implications that we’re facing and that we possibly will face in the near future,” continued Avila. https://lawenforcementtoday.com/fbi-warns-of-suspected-terrorists-infiltrating-u-s-with-fake-ids-via-southern-border

Yes, many potential terrorists have come into the USA. Some legally, some illegally.

While the number of potential foreign terrorists in the USA can be debated, as far as aliens and the lands of end time descendants of Israel go (which includes the USA and Canada; see also Lost Tribes and Prophecies: What will happen to Australia, the British Isles, Canada, Europe, New Zealand and the United States of America?), the Bible warns:

43 “The alien who is among you shall rise higher and higher above you, and you shall come down lower and lower. 44 He shall lend to you, but you shall not lend to him; he shall be the head, and you shall be the tail.

45 “Moreover all these curses shall come upon you and pursue and overtake you, until you are destroyed, because you did not obey the voice of the Lord your God, to keep His commandments and His statutes which He commanded you. 46 And they shall be upon you for a sign and a wonder, and on your descendants forever.

47 “Because you did not serve the Lord your God with joy and gladness of heart, for the abundance of everything, 48 therefore you shall serve your enemies, whom the Lord will send against you, in hunger, in thirst, in nakedness, and in need of everything; and He will put a yoke of iron on your neck until He has destroyed you. 49 The Lord will bring a nation against you from afar, from the end of the earth, as swift as the eagle flies, a nation whose language you will not understand, 50 a nation of fierce countenance, which does not respect the elderly nor show favor to the young. 51 And they shall eat the increase of your livestock and the produce of your land, until you are destroyed; they shall not leave you grain or new wine or oil, or the increase of your cattle or the offspring of your flocks, until they have destroyed you.  (Deuteronomy 28:43-51)

Because of current and expected future ties to the USA, Canada is expected to suffer basically  the same fate as the USA–it will be taken over and its lands will be divided, as that is what the Bible shows will happen to the USA in Daniel 11:39.

The following prophecies in the Book of Isaiah are related to the USA and its Anglo-Saxon descended allies such as the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand:

8 The Lord sent a word against Jacob, And it has fallen on Israel. 9 All the people will know — Ephraim and the inhabitant of Samaria — … 11 Therefore the Lord shall set up The adversaries of Rezin against him, And spur his enemies on, 12 The Syrians before and the Philistines behind; And they shall devour Israel with an open mouth. (Isaiah 9:8-9, 11-12)

Syrian and Palestinian refugees are a potential problem. The Bible clearly is prophesying problems from some Syrians and some Palestinians. And this would be expected to include terrorism.

Notice some biblical prophecies:

5 They have corrupted themselves; They are not His children, Because of their blemish: A perverse and crooked generation. … 25 The sword shall destroy outside; There shall be terror within (Deuteronomy 32:5,25)

12 “Cry and wail, son of man; For it will be against My people, Against all the princes of Israel. Terrors including the sword will be against My people; Therefore strike your thigh. (Ezekiel 21:12)

25 Because you disdained all my counsel, And would have none of my rebuke, 26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your terror comes, 27 When your terror comes like a storm, And your destruction comes like a whirlwind, When distress and anguish come upon you. (Proverbs 1:25-27)

5 Also they are afraid of height, And of terrors in the way (Ecclesiastes 12:5).

6 You have forsaken Me,” says the Lord,
“You have gone backward.
Therefore I will stretch out My hand against you and destroy you;
I am weary of relenting!
7 And I will winnow them with a winnowing fan in the gates of the land;
I will bereave them of children;
I will destroy My people,
Since they do not return from their ways.
8 Their widows will be increased to Me more than the sand of the seas;
I will bring against them,
Against the mother of the young men,
A plunderer at noonday;
I will cause anguish and terror to fall on them suddenly. (Jeremiah 15:6-8)

Many political, media, and other leaders refuse to believe the Bible, but that those of us who believe the Bible realize that terrorism is prophesied.

While most migrants are not terrorists, some are dangerous and will be dangerous to the USA and Canada.

Related to recent USA attacks and the potential for terrorism, the Continuing Church of God (CCOG) put together the following video on our Bible News Prophecy YouTube channel:

14:08

USA Attacks! Terror will come!

On February 2, 2024, the USA launched a massive attack against what it claimed were Iranian-back militias in retaliation for strikes against USA troops and other interests. Iraq and Iran condemned these attacks. Is this the start of World War Three? Who will be the protagonist for WWIII? What about a larger regional conflict in the Middle East? Does Iran have any theological reasons for attempting to cause chaos in the region? Could Iran damage the USA militarily through dirty bombs, electromagnetic pulse weapons, biological agents, and/or chemical weapons? If the USA were to have a direct war with Iran that it loses, could the USA be subjected to increased terrorism according to biblical prophecies? Dr. Thiel and Steve Dupuie address these matters.

Here is a link to our video: USA Attacks! Terror will come!

And, yes, there are also terrorist threats from many foreigners that are legally in the USA (watch also our video: Afghanis: Potential terrorists?).

Psalm 83 also looks to be a prophecy related to terrorism, but mainly from the Middle East and North Africa. Related to that we made a sermon video:

1:10:09

Terrorism, Iran, and Fatima

Does the Bible warn about terrorism, whereas the Quran encourages it? What are Psalm 83 and Isaiah 9 telling us? Will the USA, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom be hit by more terrorism? Are there prophecies showing great damage coming to part of Jerusalem as well as the tiny nation called Israel by a confederation of Iran, Syria, Hezbollah, and Palestinians? Do Muslims revere Mary? Did Muslims have prayer beads before Roman Catholics had rosaries? Who was Fatima? What about the tie to the apparition that appeared to three shepherd children in 1917 in Fatima, Portugal? Might ‘Mary’ be used as an ecumenical and interfaith tool? What did the late Roman Catholic Archbishop Fulton Sheen advocate? Does Islamic prophecy warn about a female apparition? Could “the Lady” that appeared in 1917 have been Jesus’ mother Mary or Muhammad’s daughter Fatima? Does the pilgrim statue at Fatima resemble what appeared? Did all the accounts from those that saw the apparition assert that the “Lady” wore a short skirt? Would Mary or Fatima possibly dressed that way in 1917 Portugal? Did Lucia and some of the Roman Catholic clergy suspect that what appeared in 1917 was from the devil? Might Muslims temporarily accept a changed ‘Roman Catholic’ faith after some undeniable apparition? Dr. Thiel covers that and more.

Here is a link to the sermon: Terrorism, Iran, and Fatima.

Since the Bible warns that, “There shall be terror within” (Deuteronomy 32:25), yes, potentially having millions of terrorists within the borders of the USA (and Canada) is dangerous.

Expect more terrorism to come.

Terrorism will not truly be stopped until Jesus returns and establishes the millennial kingdom of God. Pray for it (Matthew 6:10).

Some items of possibly related interest may include the following:

Why Terrorism? Is Terrorism Prophesied? What does the Bible teach? Which nations may be affected? Here is a link to a related sermon: Terrorism, Christianity, and Islam.
Lost Tribes and Prophecies: What will happen to Australia, the British Isles, Canada, Europe, New Zealand and the United States of America? Where did those people come from? Can you totally rely on DNA? Do you really know what will happen to Europe and the English-speaking peoples? What about the peoples of Africa, Asia, South America, and the islands? This free online book provides scriptural, scientific, historical references, and commentary to address those matters. Here are links to related sermons: Lost tribes, the Bible, and DNA; Lost tribes, prophecies, and identifications; 11 Tribes, 144,000, and Multitudes; Israel, Jeremiah, Tea Tephi, and British Royalty; Gentile European Beast; Royal Succession, Samaria, and Prophecies; Asia, Islands, Latin America, Africa, and Armageddon;  When Will the End of the Age Come?;  Rise of the Prophesied King of the North; Christian Persecution from the Beast; WWIII and the Coming New World Order; and Woes, WWIV, and the Good News of the Kingdom of God.
Islamic and Biblical Prophecies for the 21st Century This is a free online book which helps show where biblical and Islamic prophecies converge and diverge. Here are links to related sermons: Seeing Christianity Through Islamic Eyes, Imam Mahdi, women, and prophecy, and Terrorism, Iran, and Fatima, Dajjal, Antichrist, Gold, & Mark of the Beast?, and Jesus and God’s Plan for Muslims.
Could 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? 2031 or 2025 or? There is also a video titled: When Does the 6000 Years End? 2031? 2035? Here is a link to the article in Spanish: ¿Tiene Dios un plan de 6,000 años?
Might the U.S.A. Be Gone in 2028? Could the USA be gone by the end of 2028 or earlier? There is a tradition attributed to the Hebrew prophet Elijah that humanity had 6,000 years to live before being replaced by God’s Kingdom. There are scriptures, writings in the Talmud, early Christian teachings that support this. Also, even certain Hindu writings support it. Here is a link to a related video: Is the USA prophesied to be destroyed by 2028? In Spanish: Seran los Estados Unidos Destruidos en el 2028?
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2024, 2025, or 2026? 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 la Gran Tribulación comenzar en el 2020 o 2021? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? A related video is: Great Tribulation: 2026 or 2027? A shorter video is: Tribulation in 2024? Here is a video in the Spanish language: Es El 2021 el año  de La Gran Tribulación o el Grande Reseteo Financiero.
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. It is available inover 1,000 languages at ccog.org. Here are links to four kingdom-related sermons:  The Fantastic Gospel of the Kingdom of God!, The World’s False Gospel, The Gospel of the Kingdom: From the New and Old Testaments, and The Kingdom of God is the Solution.