Church of God News

Sarah Palin

COGwriter

Today, Sarah Palin announced that she would resign as governor of Alaska:

Sarah Palin to Resign as Alaska Governor

AP

WASILLA, Alaska (July 3) — Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin said Friday she is resigning from office at the end of the month, raising speculation that she would focus on a run for the White House in the 2012 race.

The former Republican vice presidential candidate made the surprise announcement from her home in suburban Wasilla on Friday morning. She said she would step down July 26 but didn’t announce her plans. http://news.aol.com/article/sarah-palin-to-resign/555657?icid=main|htmlws-main|dl1|link3|http%3A%2F%2Fnews.aol.com%2Farticle%2Fsarah-palin-to-resign%2F555657

In the event Sarah Palin does run for president in 2012 (which is not certain) and she wins (with is even less certain), she would partially fulfill a prophecy in Isaiah 3:12:

As for My people, children are their oppressors, And women rule over them. O My people! Those who lead you cause you to err, And destroy the way of your paths…

But of course, women are influential in the English-speaking nations already and it is not required that the USA itself have a woman president, but I do feel that if we do get one, that this will be a partial, but significant, fulfillment of that prophecy.

We do live in interesting times.

Jesus said,

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

Several articles of possibly related interest may include:

Might Sarah Palin Fulfill Prophecy? This was written when she accepted the VP nomination.
Anglo - America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?  What will happen to the nation of Israel?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? What is prophesied to occur to the USA and its English-speaking allies? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11?

Parliament Hill, Ottawa, Canada

COGwriter

The following news item was of interest:

Canada’s Dollar Heads for Weekly Decline as Recovery Falters

By Chris Fournier

July 3 (Bloomberg) — Canada’s dollar rose, paring a weekly decline that’s been driven by signs the economic recovery is faltering and a drop in crude oil below $67.

The Canadian currency was on course for a fifth consecutive decline, the longest streak of losses since dropping for six straight weeks through Dec. 14, 2007, after the U.S. reported a larger-than-forecast number of job losses yesterday. Oil was little changed today at $66.50 after three days of declines.

“People are less optimistic about the global economy,” said Firas Askari, head currency trader in Toronto at BMO Capital Markets, a unit of Canada’s fourth-largest lender. “That has negatively affected the Canadian dollar,” he said, adding that he is still “bullish” on the currency.

The Canadian currency traded at C$1.1578 per U.S. dollar at 8:34 a.m. in Toronto from C$1.1524 at the end of last week. It rose 0.6 percent from yesterday’s close at C$1.1630. One Canadian dollar buys 86.46 U.S. cents.

Canada is among the most export-dependent countries in the Group of Seven, generating about a third of its output in the first quarter from shipments of goods and services abroad.  The U.S. purchases about three quarters of the nation’s exports.

U.S. employers cut 467,000 jobs in June, compared with the 365,000 median forecast in a survey of economists by Bloomberg. Brent crude oil for August settlement fell as much as $2.42 cents, or 3.5 percent, on London’s ICE Futures Europe exchange this week. http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601082&sid=a9PHrcCyQNqE

In many ways, Canada is doing much better than the USA and the UK (the same can also be said of Australia).

However, the reality, as most Canadians do realize, is that to a great degree, Canada’s economic health is tied to that of the USA.  And while Canada was able to get out of some of its debts in the past few years, it is not wise to think that the USA will do as well in that department.

Biblical prophecy indicates that the fate of Canada, as well as that of the other major British-descended nations, will be similar to that of the USA.  A fate of essentially being destroyed as a nation, with many of their inhabitants being killed through war, famine, and/or pestilence, and those remaining being subject to persecution and slavery.

And while world events are lining up for this to occur, it will not happen for at least a few years from now–but it will be less than multiple decades (probably less than one decade to be precise).

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Anglo - America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?  What will happen to the nation of Israel?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies 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?
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”? What is ahead for Europe?
End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something?There is a Mayan calendar prediction for change in 2012. 2012 changes were also centuries ago predicted by the Hopi Native Americans. Do Mayan/Hindu/Hopi/Buddhist/New Age/Nostradaumus prophecies have any value here? Why might Satan have inspired this date? Does the Dresden codex show destruction of the earth by flood? Can the great tribulation start before 2012?
Prophecies of Barack Obama? Are there biblical and non-biblical prophecies about Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist? This is the longest and most detailed of the articles here related to prophecy and Barack Obama.
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? When does the six thousand years of human rule end?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2009, 2010, or 2011? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?

“Orthodox” 16th Century Representation of the “Apocalypse”

COGwriter

In the latest edition of its Good News magazine, UCG’s Rex Sexton wrote:

The Warnings Are Loud and Clear—But Are You Listening?

Do our everyday headlines contain strong warnings about a dire future? Consider these recent items you may have glossed over:

• U.S. national debt reaches $63.8 trillion. “The latest increase raises federal obligations to a record $546,668 per household … That’s quadruple what the average U.S. household owes for all mortgages, car loans, credit cards and other debt combined” (USA Today, May 29, 2009).

• North Korea tested a nuclear weapon, launched several test missiles and abrogated the 1953 truce agreement—effectively declaring war on South Korea, Japan, the United States, Britain and other nations that were a part of the 1951-1953 “police action” should they try to interfere with North Korea’s ambitions—and threatened a “thousand-fold” military retaliation if provoked.

• “The End of Christian America” headlined Newsweek magazine’s report on a dramatic drop in the number of Americans identifying themselves as Christian. “Many conservative Christians believe they have lost the battles over issues such as abortion, school prayer and even same-sex marriage, and that the country has now entered a post-Christian phase,” stated the article (April 13, 2009).

• In Pakistan, “the government is progressively losing control of its own population and territory. And you’ve got Al Qaeda sitting right in the middle” of a country that has more than 100 nuclear weapons, according to a top terrorism expert (Australian Broadcasting Corporation News, June 3, 2009).

This sampling of alarming headlines points to some very difficult times ahead. The world as we have known it is rapidly coming to an end. But is anyone taking notice, or are we just going about our daily lives as if there’s nothing to be concerned about? Are we repeating the experience of the Poles who heard Martin Gray but closed their minds to what he was saying?

Jesus Christ gave several crucial warnings in His most detailed prophetic message. He foretold a coming time of suffering just before His return that will be the worst the world has ever experienced. He said, “For then will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world”(Matthew 24:21).

He even prophesied that the majority of the world will not listen to any warnings, but will close their ears like the Poles who heard Martin Gray. Jesus said that this time of unprecedented trouble “will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth” (Luke 21:35).

He also warned about what we should be doing as we see this time approaching and stated that there could be a way of escape: “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” (verse 36). To be able to escape, you will have to listen to and heed what you hear.

And that is what people should do.

All should heed Jesus’ warnings before it is too late.

And those in the COG’s should not overlook the ones that are written to it in Revelation 3.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Why Prophecy? Because the World Will Not End Next Week Some question or downplay the role of prophecy. This article gives some of the biblical reasons what it is important and explains why the world cannot end for at least 3 1/2 years from now.
Anglo - America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies 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?
The Sardis Church Era was predominant circa 1600 A.D. to circa 1933 A.D. Discusses early history of the Seventh Day Baptists, Seventh-day Adventists, and COG-7th Day.
The Philadelphia Church Era was predominant circa 1933 A.D. to 1986 A.D. The old Radio Church of God and old Worldwide Church of God, now basically the Living Church of God.
The Laodicean Church Era has been predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. These are non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG.

Love of Money can be a Problem (1 Timothy 6:10)

COGwriter

While the USA President is taking steps to encourage immorality, the situation is different in Russia:

Game over for Russia’s punters as gambling ban closes casinos

Luke Harding in Moscow…

Nearly two decades after the first casino opened its doors, Russia is to ban gambling from Wednesday across most of its territory in a move that casino owners say will drive the industry underground.

All casinos and slot-machine halls will be outlawed. With the exception of four far-flung special zones, no gambling will be allowed across the Russian Federation.

Russia’s prime minister Vladimir Putin proposed the legislation in 2006, when president, in an apparent attempt to wipe out an immoral industry. Despite expectations of a compromise with the casinos, Putin has stood firm.

From tomorrow Moscow’s gambling halls, popular with oligarchs and often decorated with bad-taste rococo statuary, will grow silent – at least, that is the theory. Casino owners are dismayed.

They say the move will throw 350,000 people out of work, at a time when Russia is gripped by high unemployment. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jun/29/russia-bans-gambling-casino-putin

Russia’s casinos close as new law takes effect

Alexander Osipovich

July 1, 2009…

The law marks the end of era that began in the 1990s, when businessmen and gangsters who acquired fantastic wealth in Russia’s post-communist turmoil gambled it away in lavish casinos in central Moscow.

Gambling establishments, from seedy slot-machine parlours to extravagant casinos for the new rich, seemingly popped up overnight after the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991.

But Putin, who once called gambling addiction “even stronger than addiction to alcohol”   http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-world/russias-casinos-close-as-new-law-takes-effect-20090701-d4wb.html

This is a bold move.  It is not that all gaming is necessarily wrong, but Russia recognized it was getting out of hand.

Notice that the reason for the close is to reduce immorality.  Covetousness is apparently considered an actual problem in Russia–the USA seems to take a different view of that commandment in Exodus 20:17.

The Bible also teaches:

10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows (1 Timothy 6:10).

And even though this Russian action will not stop all gambling addicts, the Russian state has recognized that too many people are being hurt by gambling and that the state wants to decrease immorality.

This is simply a different (and better) motivation that the national policies that have come out of countries like the USA.

Americans should note the stark difference between the motivations of its leaders and that of the Russians.  The US is not the moral leader of the world.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Russia: Its Origins and Prophesied Future Where do the Russians come from? What is prophesied for Russia? What will it do to the Europeans that supported the Beast in the end?
The Ten Commandments Reflect Love, Breaking them is Evil Some feel that the ten commandments are a burden. Is that what Jesus, Paul, Peter, James, and John taught?
Anglo - America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Prophecies of Barack Obama? Are there biblical and non-biblical prophecies about Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist?  Might Barack Obama set the stage for the kings of the North and South as his timing and at least one Shiite prophecy suggests?  This is the longest and most detailed of the articles here at COGwriter related to prophecy and Barack Obama.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”. Might Bible prophecy be fulfilled since he is to be the USA president?
Abortion, the Bible, and a Woman’s Right to Choose Do you know what the Bible teaches on this? Has the Roman Catholic Church allowed abortions? What about the Living Church of God?

COGwriter

Continuing to promote policies towards those who most strongly supported him, President Obama announced that he wanted to be “a champion” for homosexuals:

Obama Pleads With Gays, Vows to Be ‘Champion’

President tells gay leaders at White House: “I will not only be your friend, I will continue to be an ally and a champion and a president who fights with you and for you.”

WASHINGTON — Countering criticism that he’s done little on gay rights, President Obama commemorated the 40th anniversary of the birth of the modern movement by welcoming its leaders to the White House and reaffirming his commitment to their top priorities.

“I want you to know: You have our support,” Obama told members of the core Democratic constituency as he and first lady Michelle Obama hosted a cocktail-and-appetizer reception in the East Room for gay pride month. It’s been some four decades since the police raid on New York City’s gay Stonewall Inn that spurred gay rights activism across the country.

As activists work to change minds and change laws, Obama added: “I will not only be your friend, I will continue to be an ally and a champion and a president who fights with you and for you.”

Since Obama took office in January, some activists have complained that Obama has not followed through on his campaign promises on issues they hold dear and has not championed their causes from the White House, including ending the ban on gays in the military.

Obama pleaded for patience.

“I know many in this room don’t believe that progress has come fast enough. And I understand that,” Obama said. But he added: “I expect and hope to be judged not by words, not by promises I’ve made, but by promises that my administration keeps.”

By the time he leaves office, the president said, “I think you guys will have pretty good feelings about the Obama administration.”

The crowd erupted in cheers.

He noted that he has issued a presidential memorandum expanding some federal benefits to same-sex partners. Critics have noted that it doesn’t include health benefits or pension guarantees.

Obama also reminded the audience that he has called on Congress to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act, which limits how state, local and federal bodies can recognize partnerships and determine benefits. Still, he added: “We have a duty to uphold existing law, but I believe we must do so in a way that does not exacerbate existing divides.”

He said that does not mean he doesn’t back a repeal of the law.

Obama also said the administration is working to pass an employee nondiscrimination bill and a hate crimes bill that includes protections for gays and lesbian, and he said it’s committed to rescinding a ban on entry to the United States based on HIV status.

Obama reiterated his support for repealing the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy that allows gays and lesbians to serve in the military as long as they don’t disclose their sexual orientation or act on it.

He said…his administration is working with Congress to develop a plan that will end the practice legislatively in a way that ensures the new policy works in the long term. http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/06/30/obama-promises-champion-gay-rights/

Recently, LCG reported:

The Holy Scriptures plainly denounce homosexuality as a sin (Romans 1:24-32) and clearly articulate that marriage is God-ordained to be between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:22-25, 1 Timothy 3:2). Christians are not to condemn anyone (Matthew 7:1), nor are they to be violent against those who sin (Matthew 5:21-22). But God did warn of a time, at the end of the age, when society would call things that are evil and wrong “good,” and condemn as “evil” things that are right (Isaiah 5:20). This is exactly what we are witnessing today.

Of course, the Bible condemns all sexual partnerships outside of the marriage of a male to a female.  But today’s announcement from the White House is also more evidence that the USA government keeps proposing initiatives that move the nation away from even the pretense of biblical values.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Anglo - America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Prophecies of Barack Obama? Are there biblical and non-biblical prophecies about Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist?  Might Barack Obama set the stage for the kings of the North and South as his timing and at least one Shiite prophecy suggests?  This is the longest and most detailed of the articles here at COGwriter related to prophecy and Barack Obama.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”. Might Bible prophecy be fulfilled since he is to be the USA president?
Catholic Prophecies: Do They Mirror, Highlight, or Contradict Biblical Prophecies? People of all faiths may be surprised to see what various Roman and Orthodox Catholic prophets have been predicting as many of their predictions will be looked to in the 21st century.
Abortion, the Bible, and a Woman’s Right to Choose Do you know what the Bible teaches on this? Has the Roman Catholic Church allowed abortions? What about the Living Church of God?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2009, 2010, or 2011? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What is the “beginning of sorrows”?  When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?
End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something?There is a Mayan calendar prediction for change in 2012. 2012 changes were also centuries ago predicted by the Hopi Native Americans. Do Mayan/Hindu/Hopi/Buddhist/New Age/Nostradamus prophecies have any value here? Why might Satan have inspired this date? Does the Dresden codex show destruction of the earth by flood? Can the great tribulation start before 2012?

Depiction of Levites Carrying the Ark of the Covenant

COGwriter

In an expected move, representatives of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church have now stated that they will not show what they have long claimed to be the Ark of the Covenant:

Ethiopian church speaks out on Ark of the Covenant
Statement says Ten Commandments box won’t be displayed…

There was considerable confusion last week when the leader of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church apparently told an Italian news agency of an upcoming announcement about the possible public display of the Ark of the Covenant – the box holding the Ten Commandments – and then the prescribed time passed with no word.

However, there was no equivocation today in an e-mail received by WND from the webmaster of a church website in response to an inquiry about the truth of the matter.

“It is not going to happen so the world has to live with curiosity,” said the statement, signed only “Webmaster” in response to the WND inquiry.

The webmaster statement described the tempest as being caused either because of a translation mistake or “a slip [of the] tongue from the patriarch.”…

Ark hunters and Bible enthusiasts had been buzzing for days on the report from the Italian news agency Adnkronos that Patriarch Abuna Pauolos, visiting in Italy last week for a meeting with Pope Benedict XVI, was quoted, “Soon the world will be able to admire the Ark of the Covenant described in the Bible as the container of the tablets of the law that God delivered to Moses and the center of searches and studies for centuries.”…

He apparently had suggested the possibility the artifact might be viewable in a planned museum.

“I repeat (the Ark of the Covenant) is in Ethiopia and nobody … knows for how much time. Only God knows,” he said in the Adnkronos report available online…

“The Ark of the Covenant is in Ethiopia for many centuries,” said Pauolos in the report. “As a patriarch I have seen it with my own eyes and only few highly qualified persons could do the same, until now.”…

“The Ethiopian royal chronicles suggest that for 3,000 years, they had been guarding the ark, knowing that it had to go back to Israel eventually,” Jeffrey said.

The usual story about when the Ark supposedly came to Ethiopia is biblically false as it was still in Judah long after all of Solomon’s sons would have died (cf. 2 Chronicles 35:1-3). However, other reports suggest that Ethiopia has only had it for 2000 years (which at least is not in conflict with the account in 2 Chronicles 35:1-3)–but simply making a claim, or even having something, does not make the claim true (I saw what was supposed to be Moses’ staff in an Istanbul museum last year and douby its authenticity even though the Turks have had it for many centuries).

And while the Bible shows that the Ark will be seen in heaven (Revelation 11:19), this does not mean that it is impossible to be on the earth or impossible to be in Ethiopia.

Whether or not the Ark is on the earth, there are Islamic as well as Catholic prophecies that seem to require that it “be found” before the end.  And this could be fulfilled by someone simply claiming to have it, as opposed to actually having it.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Why is a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem Not Required? Although people like Timothy LaHaye teach a third Jewish temple is required, who is ‘the temple of God” in the New Testament?  What does the Bible teach about the temple in the end-times?
Solomon’s TempleThis is a a 5 minute animated film that shows one artist’s understanding of the details about Solomon’s temple.
Africa: Its Biblical Past and Prophesied Future What does the Bible teach about Africa and its future? Did the early Church reach Africa? Were there Sabbath-keepers in Ethiopia? Will God call all the Africans?
Catholic Prophecies: Do They Mirror, Highlight, or Contradict Biblical Prophecies? People of all faiths may be surprised to see what various Roman and Orthodox Catholic prophets have been predicting as many of their predictions will be looked to in the 21st century.
Who Are The Two Witnesses? What is their job? What does the Bible reveal? What has the Church of God taught on this subject? Might even Roman Catholic prophecies give some clues here?

EU Flag

COGwriter

In an unexpected move, Germany’s top court has slightly slowed down the drive towards the European Union:

German court halts ratification of Lisbon Treaty

AFP - June 30, 2009

Germany’s top court on Tuesday said additional national legislation was needed before the EU’s Lisbon Treaty could be ratified, further delaying its adoption across the 27-member bloc. “The ratification document of the Federal Republic of Germany may not be adopted until the sufficient legal groundwork for parliamentary participation as foreseen in the constitution has been laid,” the Federal Constitutional Court said. “If one wanted to summarise this result, one could say: the constitution says ‘yes’ to the Lisbon Treaty but demands that parliament’s right to participation be strengthened at the national level,” the court said.

“The court is confident that the last barrier for adopting the ratification document will be cleared.”

The treaty — which aims to streamline decision-making in the EU and give the bloc a stronger voice on the world stage — must be ratified by all 27 member states before it can come into force.

Although the treaty was approved by a large majority in both houses of the German parliament, the country’s president Horst Koehler has held off on the final ratification step pending the judgement.

So far, 23 out of the 27 countries in the EU have ratified the document. http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=CNG.3ec79e2e7a25748f4b9623ac728de663.101&show_article=1

While the Bible shows that a European Beast power will ultimately arise, it also indicates that it will happen with a variety of changes.

Articles 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”? What is ahead for Europe?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies 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 Europeans and the Anglo-nations?
End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something? There is a Mayan calendar prediction for change in 2012. 2012 changes were also centuries ago predicted by the Hopi Native Americans (the Hindus may have some predictions for the next decade as well). Do these Mayan/Hindu/Hopi prophecies have any value? Why might Satan have inspired this date? Does the Dresden codex show destruction of the earth by flood? Can the great tribulation start before 2012?
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? When does the six thousand years of human rule end?

Brasilia, Brazil

COGwriter

As mentioned last month, China and Brazil are looking at dropping the US dollar for their trading (Brazil & China Dropping Dollar?).  Now, it looks like India may also be involved:

• JUNE 29, 2009, 9:25 A.M. ET

After China, Brazil Eyes Non-Dlr Trade With India -Estado

SAO PAULO (Dow Jones)–Brazil is considering using its own currency when conducting trade with India, the local Estado de Sao Paulo newspaper said Monday.

Central Bank President Henrique Meirelles met with Indian banking officials in Europe at the Bank for International Settlements meeting over the weekend to discuss the move away from the dollar in trade between the nations, Estado reported.

Brazil and China are also conducting studies on how to shed the dollar in trade, according to Estado.

A move away from the dollar could eventually do away with currency volatility. Although the dollar is considered the benchmark currency for trade and commodities pricing, many Brazilian companies have lost hundreds of millions over the last two years due to dollar weakness.

-By Kenneth Rapoza, Dow Jones Newswires http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20090629-707133.html

The so-called BRIC nations (Brazil, Russia, China, and India) continue to try to take steps that will ultimately weaken the US dollar (see also Russia Wants China, India, & Brazil Currency Cooperation).  And while these nations will likely not hold well together, these steps are likely to lead to the emergence of a non-USA dollar as the world’s trading and reserve currency.

The clock is ticking for the end of USA’s economic dominance of the world.  And four major nations, which represent about 40% of the world’s population are trying to speed up that process.

Prophecy moves forward.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

India, Its Biblical Past and Future: Any Witness? The Bible discusses the origins of those of Indian heritage and discusses some of the witness to them (including those in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka).
Mexico, Central America, South America, and Brazil in Prophecy [Español: México, America Central, Suramérica, y el Brasil en profecíal] [Português: México, América Central, Ámérica do Sul, e Brasil na profecia] What will happen to those of Latin America? Will they have prosperity? Will they cooperate with Europe? Will they suffer in the future? What rule might the various Caribbean nations/territories play?
Asia in Prophecy What is Ahead for Asia? Who are the “Kings of the East”? What will happen to nearly all the Chinese, Russians, Indians, and others of Asia? China in prophecy, where? Who has the 200,000,000 man army related to Armageddon?
Russia: Its Origins and Prophesied Future Where do the Russians come from? What is prophesied for Russia? What will it do to the Europeans that supported the Beast in the end?
Anglo - America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Prophecies of Barack Obama? Are there biblical and non-biblical prophecies about Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist?  Might Barack Obama set the stage for the kings of the North and South as his timing and at least one Shiite prophecy suggests?  This is the longest and most detailed of the articles here at COGwriter related to prophecy and Barack Obama.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”. Might Bible prophecy be fulfilled since he is to be the USA president?
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”? What is ahead for Europe?

COGwriter

The July-August 2009 edition of GCI’s (formerly WCG) Together just came out.  WCG used to observe the biblical Feast of Tabernacles in the Fall, but now offers a variety of humanly devised substitutes instead.  Here is what is expected in 2009 thus far:

“From Exclusion to Inclusion” –
Wisconsin Dells, Sept. 17-20

Everyone is invited to the annual Dells Celebration at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells, WI, from September 17-20, 2009…

Fall Conference – Myrtle Beach, SC, Oct. 8-11

The Harvest Church is again sponsoring a conference in Myrtle Beach…

Women’s retreat in Alabama – Oct. 16-18

Last year’s retreat was so much fun that we’re having another one! Grace Covenant Fellowship is hosting a fall women’s retreat at the St. Bernard Abbey Retreat & Conference Center in Cullman, AL, about one hour north of Birmingham.

WCG used to meet for the FOT in Wisconsin Dells (the Living Church of God still does, see LCG 2009 Feast of Tabernacles’ Information).  One of the differences between early Christianity and paganism was the the pagans were more inclined toward inclusivism, while the true Christians were considered to be more exclusive.  Hence, in certain respects, GCI’s theme is consistent with what pagans did in the past.

I believe that GCI hopes that having substitutes will work for them, like they did for Jeroboam:

26 And Jeroboam said in his heart, “Now the kingdom may return to the house of David: 27 If these people go up to offer sacrifices in the house of the LORD at Jerusalem, then the heart of this people will turn back to their lord, Rehoboam king of Judah, and they will kill me and go back to Rehoboam king of Judah.” 28 Therefore the king asked advice, made two calves of gold, and said to the people, “It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem. Here are your gods, O Israel, which brought you up from the land of Egypt!” 29 And he set up one in Bethel, and the other he put in Dan. 30 Now this thing became a sin, for the people went to worship before the one as far as Dan. 31 He made shrines on the high places, and made priests from every class of people, who were not of the sons of Levi. 32 Jeroboam ordained a feast on the fifteenth day of the eighth month, like the feast that was in Judah, and offered sacrifices on the altar. So he did at Bethel, sacrificing to the calves that he had made. And at Bethel he installed the priests of the high places which he had made. 33 So he made offerings on the altar which he had made at Bethel on the fifteenth day of the eighth month, in the month which he had devised in his own heart. And he ordained a feast for the children of Israel, and offered sacrifices on the altar and burned incense (1 Kings 12:26-33).

Notice that Jeroboam wanted a Feast like the one in Judah.  The one in Judah was the biblical Feast of Tabernacles.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

The 18 Restored Truths: Do You Know What the First Changes the Tkach Administration Made? Some have said healing, others other subjects, but probably the first change had to do with eliminating being part of the Philadelphia era. This article documents what those changes were and compares the Tkach list of restored truths to Herbert W. Armstrong’s list of restored truths. It contains many quotes from Herbert W. Armstrong.
Is There “An Annual Worship Calendar” In the Bible? This paper provides a biblical and historical critique of several articles, including one by WCG/GCI which states that this should be a local decision. What do the Holy Days mean? Also you can click here for the calendar of Holy Days.
The Feast of Tabernacles: A Time for Christians? Is this pilgrimage holy day still valid? Does it teach anything relevant for today’s Christians? What is the Last Great Day? What do these days teach?
LCG 2009 Feast of Tabernacles’ Information Here is information on many Feast of Tabernacles locations for this year.
Holy Day Calendar This is a listing of the biblical holy days through 2012, with their Roman calendar dates. They are really hard to observe if you do not know when they occur

Statue of “Paul” In St. John’s Lateran, Rome (June 2009)

COGwriter

The Pope is claiming that the bones of the Apostle Paul may have been identified:

Pope says tests support saga of St. Paul’s bones

Carbon dating indicates remains in Rome were from 1st or 2nd century

Associated Press - June 28, 2009

ROME - The first-ever scientific tests on what are believed to be the remains of the Apostle Paul “seem to conclude” that they do indeed belong to the Roman Catholic saint, Pope Benedict XVI said Sunday.

Archaeologists recently unearthed and opened the white marble sarcophagus located under the Basilica of St. Paul’s Outside the Walls in Rome, which for almost 2,000 years has been believed by the faithful to be the tomb of St. Paul.

Benedict said scientists had conducted carbon dating tests on bone fragments found inside the sarcophagus and confirmed that they date from the first or second century.

“This seems to confirm the unanimous and uncontested tradition that they are the mortal remains of the Apostle Paul,” Benedict said, announcing the findings at a service in the basilica to mark the end of the Vatican’s Paoline year, in honor of the apostle.

Paul and Peter are the two main figures known for spreading the Christian faith after the death of Christ.

According to tradition, St. Paul, also known as the apostle of the Gentiles, was beheaded in Rome in the 1st century during the persecution of early Christians by Roman emperors. Popular belief holds that bone fragments from his head are in another Rome basilica, St. John Lateran, with his other remains inside the sarcophagus.

‘Precious’ purple linen found

The pope said that when archaeologists opened the sarcophagus, they discovered alongside the bone fragments some grains of incense, a “precious” piece of purple linen with gold sequins and a blue fabric with linen filaments.

Vatican archaeologists in 2002 began excavating the 8-foot-long (2.5-meter-long) coffin, which dates from at least A.D. 390 and was buried under the basilica’s main altar. The decision to unearth it was made after pilgrims who came to Rome during the Roman Catholic Church’s 2000 Jubilee year expressed disappointment at finding that the saint’s tomb — buried under layers of plaster and further hidden by an iron grate — could not be visited or touched…

Monday is the feast of Saints Peter and Paul, a major feast day for the Roman Catholic Church…

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31599704/ns/technology_and_science-science/

There are at least two problems with this declaration.

The first is if the bones are from the second century (as the Pope suggested that they may be), this would eliminate the Apostle Paul as even all Catholic sources say he died in the first century.

The second is that this declaration seems to be in contradiction to an 8th century Catholic report that Paul’s remains were in England:

“The letters of the Apostolic Pope…the following letter was sent back into Britain to King Oswy:…Nevertheless, we have caused the blessed gifts of the saints, that is, the relics of the blessed Apostles, Peter and Paul, and of the holy martyrs, Laurentius, John, and Paul, and Gregory, and Pancratius, to be given to your servants, the bearers of these our letters, to be by them delivered to your Excellency.”

Bede’s Ecclesiastical History of England Chapter XXIX, author: Bede, St. (”The Venerable,” c. 673-735) http://www.ccel.org/ccel/bede/history.v.iii.xxix.html

Thus, for the Pope to declare this “seems to confirm the unanimous and uncontested tradition that they are the mortal remains of the Apostle Paul” seems to be in error.  The “tradition” has been contested.

However, it is certainly possible that some of Paul’s bones were in Rome and as unlikely as it seems, if they were there, then some could possibly be found.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

The Apostle Paul He was a later apostle, but also an early Christian leader.
Which Is Faithful: The Roman Catholic Church or the Living Church of God? Do you know that both groups shared a lot of the earliest teachings? Do you know which church changed? Do you know which group is most faithful to the teachings of the apostolic church? Which group best represents true Christianity? This documented article answers those questions. Português: Qual é fiel: A igreja católica romana ou a igreja viva do deus? Tambien Español: Cuál es fiel: ¿La iglesia católica romana o La Iglesia del Dios Viviente? Auch: Deutsch: Welches zuverlässig ist: Die Römisch-katholische Kirche oder die lebende Kirche von Gott?
The History of Early Christianity Are you aware that what most people believe is not what truly happened to the true Christian church? Do you know where the early church was based? Do you know what were the doctrines of the early church? Is your faith really based upon the truth or compromise?