Church of God News

We now see a war happening between Russia and Ukraine. Ukraine’s response brought the following to mind, which is related to the gathering at Armageddon:

9 Proclaim this among the nations:
“Prepare for war!
Wake up the mighty men,
Let all the men of war draw near,
Let them come up.
10 Beat your plowshares into swords
And your pruning hooks into spears;
Let the weak say, ‘I am strong.'”
11 Assemble and come, all you nations,
And gather together all around.
Cause Your mighty ones to go down there, O Lord.  (Joel 3:9-11)

No, I am NOT saying what is happening now is the start of Armageddon. Only that Ukraine, which is militarily weaker than Russia, keeps asserting it is strong.

Thus far, the resistance by Ukraine reminds me a little bit of what happened in the USA Civil War in the 19th century. The North was much stronger and richer than the South. The North expected to win relatively quickly. And while history records that the North ‘won,’ the cost to the North was very high and much of the South was devastated.

As far as Ukraine goes, people have been killed, buildings destroyed, and many are fleeing.

Civilians suffer as Ukraine war rages on

26 February 2022

As Russia’s assault on Ukraine continues, civilians are scrambling to flee the country. Others are holed up in bomb shelters and even subway stations. https://www.dw.com/en/civilians-suffer-as-ukraine-war-rages-on/g-60928092

Jesus warned of a time of wars, rumors of war, and famines (Matthew 24:4-8).

The Book of Revelation has the following:

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

5 When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come and see.” So I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. 6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine.”  (Revelation 6:3-6)

Consider that the opening of the second seal (Revelation 6:3-4) is to result in less peace on the Earth.

While this is commonly called the red horse (or horseman) of war, that is not quite what is stated. Notice that he “takes peace from the earth AND that people should kill one another.” Could it be that events in 2020, such as COVID-19 are consistent with taking “peace from the earth”? The literal Greek here for “peace” (εἰρήνην transliterated as eirēnēn) in Revelation 6 can be interpreted to mean taking away prosperity as well (see BibleHub.com). COVID-19 has, to a degree, done that. People are afraid or at least uneasy to a degree we have not seen around the world anytime in the 21st century.

Around the world people are AFRAID. The feeling of normalcy is gone for many around the globe. Consider that the travel restrictions are basically because of fear (and often politics). The media and government officials are saying everything will not go back to how it was and that we need to accept what they have called “the new normal.” Speculatively, could this be related to the opening of the second seal?

Not since World War II have we seen anything affect the entire planet so much. Now, in Ukraine there is not peace. Reverberations are being felt around the world and especially in Europe.

Furthermore, we have already seen food inflation. Last October, the Continuing Church of God (CCOG) put out the following video on our Bible News Prophecy YouTube channel related to that:

12:03

Food Inflation & the 3rd Horseman of the Apocalypse

The Wall Street Journal, Reuters, UN’s FAO, and others are reporting food price inflation as well as often selected shortages of some food items. Might it get worse? Did Jesus prophesy famines? One analyst stated, “WE haven’t seen anything yet” in regards to rising food prices. Should Christians prepare? What about helping others? Does the ride of the third horseman of the Apocalypse (Revelation 6:5-6) point to a coming time of severe food inflation. Is more food price inflation coming? Dr. Thiel addresses these issues and more in this video.

Here is a link to the video: Food Inflation & the 3rd Horseman of the Apocalypse.

Notice also that stores in Kiev/Kyiv Ukraine are running out of food.

Grocery shops today.

Never have I ever seen anything like that in Kyiv.

Triggers the worst possible scenario in my head.

Famine is something Ukraine had experienced twice already. pic.twitter.com/CqBcI9hEIP

— Tanya Kozyreva (@TanyaKozyreva) February 25, 2022

People in the Middle East, India, and elsewhere are concerned that they will have food disruptions, higher prices, and/or shortages:

Ukraine crisis: War in world’s breadbasket has big buyers hunting for wheat

February 26, 2022

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is threatening shockwaves through two of the world’s staple grain markets, prompting countries that rely on imports from the region to start seeking alternative supplies and heightening concerns about global food inflation and hunger.

Grain exports from Russia will probably be on hold for at least the next couple of weeks, the local association said on Friday, after turmoil erupted in the Black Sea. Ukrainian ports have been closed since Thursday.

That means the war has temporarily cut off a breadbasket that accounts for more than a quarter of global wheat trade and nearly a fifth of corn. Major importers are already looking at their options to buy from elsewhere, and prices for both grains have swung wildly in the past two days.

The disruptions come at a time when global crop prices have already soared to records, while global hunger has surged dramatically in the past two years. https://www.business-standard.com/article/international/ukraine-crisis-war-in-world-s-breadbasket-has-big-buyers-hunting-for-wheat-122022600164_1.html

26 February 2022

Several Arab countries, including Yemen and Tunisia, have been looking for alternative ways to meet their fuel and food needs in light of the Russian invasion, London-based Al-Araby Al-Jadeed newspaper reported. …

Abd al-Salam al-Aghbari, a grain trader, said that the Yemeni market depends mainly on wheat imported from Russia and Ukraine. …

In Tunisia, which imports about 80 percent of its grain from Ukraine, concerns are growing following the outbreak of the war.  …

Both Russia and Ukraine are key suppliers of the world’s wheat, barley and other staple grains. The eastern regions of Ukraine, which are most vulnerable to a Russian attack, contain its most-productive farmland. https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/arabic-press-review-russia-ukraine-middle-east-fuel-food-shortages-invasion

26 February 2022

Amid the ongoing invasion of Ukraine by Russia, a sustained rise in oil and food prices would adversely affect Asia’s economies through higher inflation, weaker current account and fiscal balances, and a pressure on economic growth. India, Thailand and the Philippines are being seen as the biggest losers https://indianexpress.com/article/business/commodities/ukraine-russia-higher-oil-food-prices-duty-rollback-may-help-7791425/

There are many ramifications of the war between Russia and Ukraine.

If, for example, instead of authorizing the “special military operation,” Vladimir Putin would have basically stopped with the recognition of the groups in Donetsk and Luhansk in the Donbas, the world would have complained, but probably would have basically put up with that. But now, even though Russia has shown restraint and wants to minimize Ukrainian causalities,  its invasion into Ukraine is alienating many in Ukraine that would have been more supportive of Russia. Since Vladimir Putin has a reputation of fighting and putting down resistance until he wins (see https://www.newsweek.com/2022/03/11/putin-has-never-lost-war-here-how-hell-win-ukraine-1682878.html), more deaths are expected. This invasion is turning ordinary citizens into soldiers, and is scaring many nations in Europe.

Scaring them enough that they will be more willing to spend more and cooperate more militarily.

In addition to the humanitarian issues with the war in Ukraine, this is functioning as a wakeup call for Europe to arm.

Notice something from Ireland and Germany:

26 February 2022

he invasion of Ukraine by Russia this week has opened up a fissure in the “never again” bedrock that contributed to a historically long period of peace in Europe.

The short-term outcome of this conflict is not too hard to predict as it relies on brutal mathematics. Russia knows that no other military alliance will intervene on behalf of Ukraine. Its military might is so overwhelming it will be sufficient to overrun the country. …

Neutrality is no longer the comfort blanket it once was. Globalisation, increased inter-dependency between countries and asymmetric warfare perpetrated by non-state actors make it harder to do a Pontius Pilate on it militarily.

The debate in the Dáil on European security this week (albeit held 24 hours before the invasion) illustrated the lack of deep thinking about our neutrality and our status in the world.

For one we are now a member of the European Union. The reality is it is as much a political union as an economic one. In that context there is an ongoing debate about European defence mainly manifested around Pesco, the EU’s vehicle for permanent structured co-operation. …

Ukraine confronts us with a different proposition. What do we do when one of our neighbours is attacked by a dictatorship? What if Putin – in a moment of madness – decided to annex Estonia to gain more access to the Baltic Sea? Now Estonia is a member of Nato so that’s a big deterrent. But what if it wasn’t. What would the EU do if one of its non-Nato members were to be attacked by a bully state? What would Ireland do? https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/harry-mcgee-neutrality-is-no-longer-the-comfort-blanket-it-once-was-1.4812127

26 February 2022

A top general of the German Army, Alfons Mais, sent shock waves through social media on Thursday when he posted an unusually frank appraisal on his LinkedIn page: “You wake up in the morning and realize: There is war in Europe. … ” …

What is the German military doing now?

Meanwhile, German Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht announced on Thursday that her ministry had “triggered national alert measures.” Lambrecht added that the population could see more military movements in public areas in the coming days and that there may be “restrictions in the transport sector, as transport capacities on land, at sea, and in the air must be kept available for military purposes.” https://www.dw.com/en/nato-how-useful-is-germanys-bundeswehr/a-60917464

PESCO is a pan-European military organization. Because of the situation in Ukraine, for the first time since it formed in 2017, it is taking certain steps:

Activation of first capability developed under EU PESCO points to strength of cooperation in cyber defence

February 25, 2022

For the first time, a capability developed within the framework of EU’s Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) project has been formally activated in an operational context. The Lithuania-coordinated Cyber Rapid Response Teams and Mutual Assistance in Cyber Security (CRRTs) typically consists of 8-12 cybersecurity experts pooled from six participating EU Member States – Croatia, Estonia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland and Romania – who can provide assistance in the event of a cyber incident. This week, the CRRTs were activated following a request from Ukraine to help the country’s institutions facing cybersecurity challenges.  https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_february_2022_global_security_army_industry/activation_of_first_capability_developed_under_eu_pesco_points_to_strength_of_cooperation_in_cyber_defence.html

Yes, perhaps a small step, but a real one by the Europeans.

Despite what many think, the Bible shows that Europe will end up with a “great army,” “many ships” (Daniel 11:40), and be so successful militarily (cf. Daniel 11:39) that the world will marvel (Revelation 13:3-4).

Crises such as wars and rumors of wars, food shortage and food inflation, civil unrest, economic problems, and one or more future pandemics will further propel Europe to support a dictatorial leader that the Bible calls the beast (Revelation 13:1-10; 17:12-13).

What is happening in Ukraine will help motivate Europe to make moves in that direction faster than many think.

Some items of related interest may include the following:

Russia and Ukraine: Their Origins and Prophesied Future Russia in prophecy. Where do the Russians come from? What about those in the Ukraine? What is prophesied for Russia and its allies? What will they do to the Europeans that supported the Beast in the end? There is also a video sermon available: Russia in the Bible and in Prophecy as are two video sermonettes Russia, Ukraine, Babylonian Europe, and Prophecy and Ukraine in Prophecy?
Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach? Here is a link to a video, also titled Is Russia the King of the North?
Ezekiel 38: For Russia & Iran in Our Day? Is Ezekiel 38 about to be fulfilled? Are we close to the battle with Gog and Magog? Three related videos are available: Ezekiel 38 Gog and Magog War: Is it Soon?, Ezekiel 38: For Russia, Ukraine, & Iran Now?, and Russia, Iran, Syria, & the Bible (Code).
The End of US Dollar Dominance Is the USA losing its economic status? What about the petro-gold-yuan? A related video is also available: US Dollar being challenged by Gold-Petro-Yuan.
The Plain Truth About Gold in Prophecy. How Should a Christian View Gold? What do economists and the Bible teach about gold? Gold and silver may drop in value. Inflation/deflation? What do Christians need to know about gold? A video of related interest may be: Germany, Gold, and the US Dollar.
Gentile Cryptocurrency Proposal Two Russian leaders have called for a BRICS-wide and/or EAEU-wide cryptocurrency. This is hoped to be used to replace the US dollar for international trade. BRICS stands for Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The BRICS nations represent 3.6 billion people. The EAEU includes Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. Will Gentiles rise up? Are there any prophetic ramifications of what these nations are looking to do? This is a video.
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.
Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? Does God have 7,000 year plan? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2028 or or 2031 or 20xx? There is also a video titled 6000 Years: When will God’s Kingdom Come? Here is a link to the article in Spanish: ¿Tiene Dios un plan de 6,000 años?
Might the U.S.A. Be Gone by 2028? Are there prophetic reasons to believe that the USA will not last two complete presidential terms? Yes. 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?
The Great Tribulation: What Happens First? What events have happened? What are some events that are now happening? And what events need to happen for the Great Tribulation to start? Here is a link to a related sermon video: Counting Down to the Great Tribulation. Here is a video in the Spanish language: Contando los eventos y el inicio de la Gran Tribulación.
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2022, 2023, or 2024? 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: Can the Great Tribulation start in 2022 or 2023? Here is a video in the Spanish language: Es El 2021 el año de La Gran Tribulación o el Grande Reseteo Financiero.
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe? Here is a link to a video titled: Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European?
European Technology and the Beast of Revelation Will the coming European Beast power would use and develop technology that will result in the taking over of the USA and its Anglo-Saxon allies? Is this possible? What does the Bible teach? Here is a related YouTube video: Military Technology and the Beast of Revelation.
Must the Ten Kings of Revelation 17:12 Rule over Ten Currently Existing Nations? Some claim that these passages refer to a gathering of 10 currently existing nations together, while one group teaches that this is referring to 11 nations getting together. Is that what Revelation 17:12-13 refers to? The ramifications of misunderstanding this are enormous. A related sermon is titled Ten Kings of Revelation and the Great Tribulation.