Church of God News

COGwriter

This coming Sunday is known as “Super Bowl Sunday” in the USA. Most years, the American football (which is not the same as the sport called soccer in the USA) contest known as the Superbowl is the most watched television program in the USA. Between 100,000,000-200,000,000 are expected to intentionally (as opposed to perhaps seeing a news item about it) watch at least some of it today according to various reports.

Should Christians watch the Super Bowl?  Consider something about Joe Namath:

One of the most legendary figures in NFL history will deliver a sobering message to football fans on the morning of Super Bowl XLVIII. Former New York Jets quarterback Joe Namath, who famously guaranteed a win for his underdog squad in Super Bowl III, revealed the toll that football has taken on him in an interview with CBS scheduled to air on Sunday.

“I’ve been through some things medically. I’ve seen some things on my brain,” Namath told Rita Braver of CBS Sunday Morning in a brief preview of the interview released in advance. “But I’ve had treatment, and I’ve improved. None of the body was designed to play football. Excuse me, you know, football, we’re just not designed for it.”  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/01/joe-namath-brain-damage-nfl_n_4709018.html

Football causes great harm.  No one has excuses anymore to pretend otherwise.

Since most people in the USA have, at one time or another, made some hint of professing following Jesus, a relevant question may be:

Would Jesus want you to watch the Super Bowl?

Jesus, of course, taught “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39), while the Apostle Paul wrote “no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it” (Ephesians 5:29).

After seeing the injuries that some of my high school football-playing colleagues suffered, I could not reconcile the scriptures with American football. There are better ways for Christians to learn principles like teamwork from other sports or activities than watching actual violence such occurs in American tackle football.

Also, notice what John the Baptist taught soldiers:

14 And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages. (Luke 3:14, KJV)

I could not reconcile loving my neighbor as myself and cherishing my flesh and not doing violence to any man by watching others do it in a football game. Nor the following:

9…You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. (Romans 13:9-10, NKJV)

The Super Bowl will do harm to participants in it.

The New Testament also warns Christians against being violent or approving of those that are (Romans 1:28-32), while history records that early Christians would not watch violent sports. Notice one such report from Theophilus of Antioch perhaps written about 180 A.D.:

Consider, therefore, whether those who teach such things can possibly live indifferently, and be commingled in unlawful intercourse, or, most impious of all, eat human flesh, especially when we are forbidden so much as to witness shows of gladiators, lest we become partakers and abettors of murders. But neither may we see the other spectacles, lest our eyes and ears be defiled, participating in the utterances there sung. (Theophilus of Antioch. To Autolycus, Book III, Chapter XV. Translated by Marcus Dods, A.M. Excerpted from Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume 2. Edited by Alexander Roberts & James Donaldson. American Edition, 1885. Online Edition)

So, Christians did not believe that they were to watch the violent sports so popular in the second century.

In the 20th century, the late Herbert W. Armstrong wrote:

Competition and not cooperation, is the attitude which Satan inculcates human minds. But that does not mean that all sports are wrong or to be banned. The law of God is based on the way of righteousness…The basic law is love, out flowing toward God above all else, and secondarily, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.”

To harm the other fellow and to gain by doing so for self is a kind of competition that is wrong. Hostility toward the other is sin…

Wherever a game in sports involves antagonists–in hostile attitude to harm the other and/or to “get” from the other–to get the best of the other then a harmful, satanic and evil attitude enters in, and the sport is evil, not good…

Football (American football) is a violent body-contact sport. It is often played with an attitude of hostility and is dangerous and is fraught with physical injury…Soccer does not embody the same evils. (Plain Truth, July-August 1984)

CNN (01/29/2012) had a report that the average American high school football player received 650 sub-concussion hits per season which increased risk for brain damage of various types.

Since I do not actually watch American football, I do not know how many violent acts are likely at today’s Super Bowl, but the number is likely to be very high, and maybe even a lot more if thoughts of violence are included (cf. Matthew 5:21-22).

In my view, the tackle version of the sport of American football is evil (touch football I would not consider to be inherently evil–though attitude is still a possible factor there). Also, no Christian can really defend how professional football cheerleading females are publicly dressed and displayed–and presumably some of how they will be displayed at today’s Super Bowl game.

As far as violence goes, the Bible shows that God is against violence:

23 ‘Make a chain,
For the land is filled with crimes of blood,
And the city is full of violence.
24 Therefore I will bring the worst of the Gentiles,
And they will possess their houses;
I will cause the pomp of the strong to cease,
And their holy places shall be defiled. (Ezekiel 7:23-24)

28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality…30…violent, proud, boasters,…31…unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them. (Romans 1:28-32)

Do you approve those who practice violence?

Since American football games, like the Super Bowl, intentionally inflict various hurts, the following scripture supports the idea that American football will not be allowed in the Millennium:

9 They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain,
For the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord
As the waters cover the sea. (Isaiah 11:9, NKJV)

While “love does no harm to a neighbor” (Romans 13:9), what do sports like American football do?

Last year, the night before the Super Bowl, I saw portions of TBN’s Christian World News. Towards the end, they interviewed players on the teams in today’s scheduled Super Bowl game who professed Christ. The players, individually, basically stated that their faith was more important than winning the Super Bowl. But none said that they would renounce violence, not harm others, or not participate in the game because of its negative fruits.

Additionally, of the multitude of groups that profess Christ, it appears that only an actual or relative handful or so will tell their members that they should not be fans of American tackle football. Sometimes they will not denounce it because their leaders are fans, sometimes because they are afraid that they might lose members and/or money, and sometimes because of all of those reasons.

Would Jesus want you to watch the Super Bowl? What about the Apostle Paul who warned against approving violence? The same Apostle Paul who said to imitate him as he imitated Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1). Would Jesus or the Apostle Paul watch the Superbowl as football fans rooting for one team to crush the other team?

Perhaps, some might say. And some may ridicule and/or dismiss what I have written.

If Jesus Himself did watch the Super Bowl, would He watch it and hope that one team would tackle and crash into members of the other team? Or might He watch it, if He did, so He could make social commentary against the violence and/or distorted priorities of the land?

This is something that Christians, and others, should think about.

For more scriptures, as well as the position of early Christians and others on watching violent sports or participating in other violent pursuits, please see the following:

Is American Football Evil? Is the most popular spectator sport in the USA something that Christians should watch? What do the Bible and early writings show? There is also a YouTube video available titled Should Christians watch American football?
Military Service and the Churches of God: Do Real Christians Participate in Carnal Warfare or Encourage Violence? Here are current and historical perspectives on a matter which show the beliefs of the true church on military participation. Is war proper for Christians? A related sermon would be: Christians, Violence, and Military Service.
Pornography: A scourge on society Is pornography harmless fun? Does the Bible teach anything about it? What are the views of some involved with it? Here is a link to a YouTube video Pornography: Harmless Fun or a Scourge on Society?

Russian T-90A Main Battle Tank

COGwriter

Russia sent out a warning to the West today:

Russia Warns West of ‘Big Catastrophe’ Over Ukraine

January 29, 2015

Moscow’s envoy to European security watchdog OSCE urged the United States and Europe on Thursday to stop supporting the “party of war’” in Ukraine and warned a “big catastrophe” could lie ahead, according to Russia’s Foreign Ministry.

“I would like to appeal to the representatives of countries that have influence on Ukraine’s leadership, most of all to Washington: It’s time to stop indulging Ukraine’s ‘party of war,’” said Russia’s envoy to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, Andrei Kelin, at a meeting of the group in Vienna.

“Only a big catastrophe can result from this if developments continue to evolve in [the current] direction,” Kelin is quoted as saying, according to a text of his speech published on the Foreign Ministry’s website. He did not elaborate.

Moscow has been accusing Kyiv of waging a war against Russian-speakers and ethnic Russians in eastern Ukraine, while Kyiv and the West maintain Moscow created the conflict artificially with the aim of destabilizing Ukraine in retribution for its pro-Western course.

According to Ukraine and its Western allies, Russia is providing weapons and manpower, including regular Russian troops, for rebels battling government forces in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk and Luhansk regions, a charge Moscow denies.

To date, the conflict has claimed more than 5,000 lives.

Poroshenko calls for consultations

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has called on members of a trilateral contact group to immediately conduct consultations with the signatories of a peace agreement reached in September in Minsk, Belarus, with the aim of deescalating the crisis in eastern Ukraine, according to a statement on his website.

Poroshenko issued the call during a meeting Thursday in Kyiv with OSCE Special Representative Heidi Tagliavini, Russian Ambassador to Ukraine Mikhail Zurabov and former Ukrainian president Leonid Kuchma, who has been acting as mediator between Kyiv, Moscow and pro-Russia separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine. …

The contact group comprising the OSCE, Russia and Ukraine will reportedly meet Friday in Minsk.

Frontline tense, more casualties

Meanwhile, the frontline remains tense in eastern Ukraine, where fighting between government and rebel forces has killed five Ukrainian soldiers and three civilians within the last 24 hours, Ukraine’ military reported.

Separatists have shelled Ukrainian army positions in more than 100 separate attacks in the past day, said military spokesman Andriy Lysenko in a televised briefing Thursday.

On the other side, rebels are reporting that Ukrainian forces had attacked their positions near Donetsk airport and Debaltseve, a strategic town, ten times since Wednesday, separatist-run DAN news agency reported. http://www.voanews.com/content/russia-warns-west-of-big-catastrophe-over-ukraine/2618331.html

What will Russia do?

The following might contain some clues:

28 January 2015

On January 23, Putin met with permanent Security Council members. He chairs Russia’s key national security, defense and foreign relations body. …

Putin said the following in part:

“We are witnessing a dramatic deterioration of the situation in southeastern Ukraine, in Donetsk People’s Republic and Lugansk People’s Republic.”

“(A) week ago…I sent a letter to the president of Ukraine. (A) written proposal to withdraw heavy weapons.”

(T)o such a distance from which it would be impossible to fire at populated areas.” Complying with “agreements reached in Minsk…”

“(T)his proposal almost completely coincided with the requirements of the official Kiev…So we suggested that weapons and heavy equipment be withdrawn to the line that Kiev authorities themselves consider fair and corresponding to” Minsk.

“Unfortunately, we received no clear answer to our proposal; in fact, we also saw the reverse action, namely the Kiev government has given an official order to launch large-scale combat operations along almost the entire perimeter of contact between the opposing sides.”

“The result: dozens of dead and wounded, and not only among servicemen on both sides, but, even more tragically, there has been loss of life among the civilian population, including children, the elderly and women.”

“The artillery, multiple rocket launchers and aircraft are firing indiscriminately, directly at densely populated areas.”

“All of this is happening to the accompaniment of propaganda slogans about the quest for peace and the search for those responsible.”

“The responsibility is borne by those who issue such criminal orders.”

“The people who do this should know that there is no other way to solve such conflicts but through peace negotiations and political means.”

“We often hear…this is their preferred method of addressing issues, but the reality is quite different.”

http://www.globalresearch.ca/putins-message-to-obama-on-ukraine/5427517#sthash.cvRl4ZWJ.dpuf

Notice that the report says that Vladimir Putin referred to the Donetsk People’s Republic and the Lugansk People’s Republic.  The Kiev government and the West do not wish to consider that those areas are possibly independent republics, but territories of Ukraine.

Vladimir Putin’s statements suggest that he does not see them as part of Ukraine (at least not part of a Ukraine that is completely independent from Russia).

At minimum, I believe Vladimir Putin wants Donetsk and Lugansk as members of his Eurasian Union.  At most, he probably wants to annex them to be permanently part of Russia.  I do not believe that Vladimir Putin considers either of those outcomes to be a ‘big catastrophe.’

Several commentators have concluded that Vladimir Putin feels that just trying to stop sanctions is a no-win proposition at this stage, so military intervention is getting more likely.

It seems that Vladimir Putin and other Russian leaders are getting the Russian people prepared for more direct military conflict in eastern Ukraine.  The ‘big catastrophe’ would likely be a reference to the number of people who will be killed if Russia does not get its way.

Europe is heavily involved with trying to resolve the situation between Russia and Ukraine. Europe wants Ukraine as part of its European Union, while it also wants to get along with Russia and lift sanctions.  The USA wants Ukraine part of the European Un.  But many simply do not realize how bad Vladimir Putin wants Ukraine.

The Bible shows, that for a time, there will be cooperation between Russia and Europe (cf. Revelation 13:4,8), but that will end.

The Bible also shows that the time will come when the “kings of the Medes” will get together and that ultimately that Russia will turn against Europe (Daniel 11:44-45; Jeremiah 50:41-43; 51:11; Isaiah 13:1-8).  Medes were in the areas of Russia and Ukraine.

For now, we are seeing some ‘sorting out’ in that part of the world.  Those in all the Ukrainian region need our prayers–the situation is tense, and more are likely to die.

Neither the European Union nor the Eurasian Union are the real answer, though they could, for a time, end direct conflict.  What is needed is the return of Jesus Christ and the establishment of the kingdom of God.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Russia and Ukraine: Origins and Prophesied Future 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? You can also watch the short video Ukraine in Prophecy?
Russia in the Bible and in Prophecy Is Russia mentioned in the Bible? It it is where is it? Is there any evidence of a people moving to the land that the Russians now occupy? What do Catholic and other prophecies say about Russia? What does the Bible teach? How are Protestants often in error on this? Is there more in biblical prophecy for Russia than war? Does God have a plan to save Russia and her allies? Does Russia have a history involving Sabbath keepers? Does scripture tie Russia in with Armageddon? Will Russia help defeat the end time Babylonian power? What did the Apostle John, and the prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Daniel, write about Russia? This is a sermon-length video.
Ezekiel 38: For Russia & Iran in Our Day? Is Ezekiel 38 about to be fufilled? A related video is available titled Ezekiel 38: For Russia, Ukraine, & Iran Now?
Bible News Prophecy July-Sept. 2014: The Coming Eurasian Union Here is the latest magazine from the Continuing Church of God. The cover of which shows Vladimir Putin and features an article about the coming Eurasian Union.
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.
World War III: Steps in Progress Are there surprising actions going on now that are leading to WWIII? Might a nuclear attack be expected? Does the Bible promise protection to all or only some Christians? How can you be part of those that will be protected? A related video would be Is World War III About to Begin? Can You Escape?
Wars, rumors of wars, and the Apocalypse Jesus foretold a time before the end where there would be wars and rumors of wars. The Apocalypse (the Book of Revelation) warns of the red horseman of war. Now, even secular writers, like Larry Edelson, are worried that wars and rumors of war are the most menacing problem that now haunts the earth? Are they right? What is the solution? This is a sermonette-length video.
Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach? Here is a link to a video, also titled Is Russia the King of the North?
The Eurasian Union, the Kings of the East, and Bible Prophecy Is there a Eurasian union that will be formed? Is one being formed right now? Are any leaders working on that in the 21st century? Does the Bible teach that there will be a Eurasian union? If some type of Eurasian union is formed, who might it benefit and who will it destroy? A related video would be Is The Eurasian Union Rising?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies for the Great Monarch point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States? In the Spanish language check out ¿Quién es el Rey del Norte? Here is a link to a video titled: The Future King of the North.
Germany’s Assyrian Roots Throughout History Are the Germanic peoples descended from Asshur of the Bible? Have there been real Christians in Germanic history? What about the “Holy Roman Empire”? There is also a You-Tube video sermon on this titled Germany’s Biblical Origins.
Germany in Biblical and Catholic Prophecy Does Assyria in the Bible equate to an end time power inhabiting the area of the old Roman Empire? What does prophecy say Germany will do and what does it say will happen to most of the German people? Here is a link to a video Is the USA Pushing Germany to Start WWIII?
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Edition for Second Obama Term This is a 160 page book for people truly interested in prophecies related to Barack Obama and the United States, including learning about many that have already been fulfilled (which the book documents in detail) and those that will be fulfilled in the future. It also has a chapter about a Republican choice. This book is available to order at www.barackobamaprophecy.com. The physical book can also be purchased at Amazon from the following link: Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States: Is Barack Obama Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic Catholic, Kenyan, and other America-Related Prophecies? What About Republican Leaders? Second Edition for Second Obama Term.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Term-Amazon Kindle edition. This electronic version is available for only US$2.99. And you do not need an actual Kindle device to read it. Why? Amazon will allow you to download it to almost any device: Please click HERE to download one of Amazon s Free Reader Apps. After you go to for your free Kindle reader and then go to Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Term-Amazon Kindle edition.

COGwriter

On March 1, 2013, a policy known as ‘sequestration’ went into effect. Sequestration was a plan to make cuts to proposed federal spending by the USA in an attempt to ultimately eliminate debt. On February 28, 2013, the day before it went into effect, I posted the following (see Sequestration looming: What are the ramifications?):

The purpose of sequestration is to reduce the increase of the projected spending deficits for the US government.  The cuts were supposed to be so painful that both Republicans and Democrats would simply have to come up with a better debt reduction plan–but such a plan was not be agreed to.  For both the Obama Administration and the House Republicans, political considerations are major factors in how they have, and now are, handling this matter.

Yet, even with sequestration or some last minute deal, the total US federal debt will grow.

Did the total federal debt rise?

Certainly.

Notice the following from the US Treasury:

Date                            Total Federal Public Debt

02/28/2013                    16,687,289,180,215.37

01/27/2015                    18,095,120,088,870.92

The debt went up over $1.4 trillion after sequestration. Sequestration did not stop the debt from growing.

Now US President Obama wants to eliminate sequestration and increase debt $70 billion more than he would otherwise.  Notice a report from CBS:

January 29, 2015

WASHINGTON –President Obama will seek to bust through spending limits for both domestic and defense programs, the White House said Thursday, negating the effects of across-the-board cuts agreed to by both Democrats and Republicans and signed by Mr. Obama into law.

Mr. Obama’s budget proposal to Congress will “fully reverse” the so-called sequestration cuts on the domestic side, while boosting national security programs by an equal amount, the White House said, as Mr. Obama prepared to meet with House Democrats at their annual retreat in Philadelphia. The budget will be “fully paid for with cuts to inefficient spending programs and closing tax loopholes,” but taxpayers will have to wait until the budget is formally released Monday to find out exactly how.

Pentagon documents obtained previously by The Associated Press showed Mr. Obama was expected to ask Congress for a roughly $38 billion boost for defense – an increase of nearly 8 percent, with some slight changes possible. Raising domestic spending by a similar amount would mean Mr. Obama’s budget proposal would be on track to exceed the levels frozen in place by sequestration by about $70 billion.

The brazen proposal from the president, two months after voters booted his party from control of Congress…

“The president believes we should end the era of manufactured crises and mindless austerity,” the White House said in a statement. http://www.cbsnews.com/news/obama-proposes-reversing-sequestration-cuts/

Debt itself is a crisis, and one that should be eliminated.  But the White House does not believe others should see it that way.

Biblically, these debt increases are more dangerous than most in the USA realize. Notice what the Bible warns about those who increase debt in the end times:

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).

The USA is in more debt than any country in the history of humanity. Despite biblical warnings, the USA continues to increase its debt and engage in political posturing. At some point in time, the USA will likely start to experience massive inflation and currency devaluation. And afterwards, its creditors will rise up (Habakkuk 2:7)–even some secular sources see a time “when the process is complete and everyone realizes the Emperors of Washington also have no clothes … You will see the dollar crash and burn” (see M&M: What’s ahead for Europe and the US dollar? War in 2020?).

While the Republicans and Democrats have often used debt and later sequestration as a major partisan fight and sometimes treat this like a political game, the reality is that the rest of the world is also watching and is very disturbed by all of this. The Europeans and others are realizing that the USA is losing its position of world leadership–and when it does, this will be the final “time of the Gentiles” that the Bible warns of (Ezekiel 30:2-3; Luke 21:23-24; Revelation 11:2). The leaders in the USA are causing the nation to err (cf. Isaiah 3:12; 9:16).

The policies and decisions in Washington, D.C. are helping to create the conditions for the upcoming European Beast power to fill the void in economic (and even military) leadership that the USA is in the process of making. The Europeans, and others, will watch what the politicians in the USA do in the next week and realize that the USA simply does not have a political system that will allow it to lead the world economically for too much longer.

Economic change is coming, and in several years, those in the USA (as well as their Anglo-allies) will not like the change that is coming.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Saxon (non-Dutch) Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo-Saxon nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first? Here is a link to the Spanish version of this article: Anglo-América & las Tribus Perdidas de Israel. Information is also in the YouTube sermons titled Where are the Ten Lost Tribes? Why does it matter? and British are the Covenant People. A short YouTube of prophetic interest may be Barack Obama and the State of the Apocalypse.
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God was the Emphasis of Jesus and the Early Church Did you know that? Do you even know what the gospel of the kingdom is all about? You can also see a YouTube video sermon The Gospel of the Kingdom.
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?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies for the Great Monarch point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States? In the Spanish language check out ¿Quién es el Rey del Norte? Here is a link to a video titled: The Future King of the North.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Edition for Second Obama Term This is a 160 page book for people truly interested in prophecies related to Barack Obama and the United States, including learning about many that have already been fulfilled (which the book documents in detail) and those that will be fulfilled in the future. It also has a chapter about a Republican choice. This book is available to order at www.barackobamaprophecy.com. The physical book can also be purchased at Amazon from the following link: Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States: Is Barack Obama Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic, Catholic, Kenyan, and other America-Related Prophecies? What About Republican Leaders? Second Edition for Second Obama Term.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Term-Amazon Kindle edition. This electronic version is available for only US$2.99. And you do not need an actual Kindle device to read it. Why? Amazon will allow you to download it to almost any device: Please click HERE to download one of Amazon s Free Reader Apps. After you go to for your free Kindle reader and then go to Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Term-Amazon Kindle edition.

Valentine Card, 1909, Shows Pagan Ties

COGwriter

Many in the Islamic world have concerns about Valentine’s Day. This year, additional condemnation is expected. Notice the following:

ISTANBUL

The Mufti’s Office in the Black Sea province of Rize has sent mosques in the city a text condemning Valentine’s Day, which will be read by imams during their Friday sermon.

The special day falls on Friday this year, the Muslim holy day and the day on which imams give weekly sermons to the community. The text sent by the Mufti’s Office explains that there is no Valentine’s Day in Islam.

“In our religious ideology, there is no Valentine’s Day, because you cannot assign a day for love. The love for which a day is assigned is a lost treasure. The best gift to our dear spouses is our heart, full of love and loyalty. The most beautiful bouquet is a warm heart and a smiling face,” the sermon stated.

“In a world where betrayal and violence have been rising, how much is the fictional Valentine’s Day worth?” it added. http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/rize-muftis-office-to-condemn-valentines-day-in-friday-speech-.aspx?pageID=238&nID=61771&NewsCatID=393

In the past, I have also reported about concerns from other Islam-dominated lands such as Malaysia and Pakistan. But, some still observe it in the Islamic-dominated lands–which is why some have taken steps to reduce the influence of this essentially pagan holiday.

Although Valentine’s Day is not an actual Christian holiday (even the Church of Rome no longer officially honors it, see Valentine’s Day: Its Real Origins ), many in Islam consider it to be so. And its observance concerns them.

Here is a Muslim report about it:

Celebrating the Valentine Day is not permissible because: Firstly, it is an innovated holiday that has no basis in the Sharee`ah…Christians were aware of the Pagan roots of Valentine’s Day. The way the Christians adopted St. Valentine’s Day should be a lesson for Muslims. In fact, the failure to fully separate Valentine’s Day from its pagan roots explains why Islamic scholars and a number of Muslims avoid adopting traditions of non-Muslims, even though they could possibly be Islamicized…

We should avoid anything associated with pagan immoral practices -…- Islam does not encourage flirting or suggestions of romantic relationships before marriage – Love between families, friends and married people does not need to be celebrated on a day with such un-Islamic origins (Ruling on Celebrating Valentine’s Day. http://www.contactpakistan.com/news/news144.htm, January 31, 2004).

Notice that the Muslims associate Valentine’s Day with Christianity (obviously the false compromising kind; to learn about the true kind, check out Where is the True Christian Church Today?), paganism, and sin.

In other words, Valentine’s Day causes the name of Christ (through the term ‘Christianity’) to be blasphemed among the Gentiles (Romans 2:24; Isaiah 52:5)!

None who profess Christ should observe this February 14th “holiday”–it simply is not a Christian holiday. Its observance has caused the way of truth to be blasphemed.

For more information, please consider studying the following:

Valentine’s Day: Its Real Origins Christianity Today suggests that Valentine’s Day is good for Christians to observe. Is this true?
Should Christians Observe Valentine’s Day? This is a YouTube video about the origins of Valentine’s Day and why real Christians should not observe it.
What Should You Know About Turkey in Prophecy Do you know the Turkish people descended from? Did the Ottoman Empire possibly fulfill a promise in Genesis? Will Turkey support the European King of the North or Arabic King of the South? Will it betray one of them? Will Turkey be involved in the encouraging the destruction of Israel? Is Turkey going to become Catholic? Is Turkey mentioned in Psalm 83, Daniel 11, and elsewhere in the Bible? This video provides answers.
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?
Is There “An Annual Worship Calendar” In the Bible? This paper provides a biblical and historical critique of several articles, including one by WCG 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.
Are the Ten Commandment Still in Effect? This article quotes the ten commandments and combines some of the previous articles into one article about the ten commandments. The commandments are shown at Mount Sinai, before Mount Sinai, in the teachings of Jesus, after the crucifixion, and in the teachings of Paul. It addresses the most common “traditions of men” regarding them as well.
Were the Pharisees Condemned for Keeping the Law or Reasoning Around it? Many believe that the Pharisees were condemned for keeping the law, but what does your Bible say? If they were not condemned for that, what were they condemned for?
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?
Was the Commandment to Love the Only Command? Some have stated that John’s writings teach this, but is that what the Bible really says?
The Ten Commandments and the Early Church Did Jesus and the Early Church keep the ten commandments? What order were they in? Here are quotes from the Bible and early writings.
Where is the True Christian Church Today? This free online pdf booklet answers that question and includes 18 proofs, clues, and signs to identify the true vs. false Christian church. Plus 7 proofs, clues, and signs to help identify Laodicean churches. A related sermon is also available: Where is the True Christian Church?
Continuing History of the Church of God This pdf booklet is a historical overview of the true Church of God and some of its main opponents from c. 31 A.D. to 2014. A related sermon link would be Continuing History of the Church of God: c. 31 to c. 300 A.D. Marque aquí para ver el pdf folleto: Continuación de la Historia de la Iglesia de Dios.
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?

Hezbollah Flag

COGwriter

Israel has been clashing militarily with Hezbollah:

January 28, 2015

JERUSALEM—Israeli Defense Forces launched air and ground attacks into southern Lebanon in response to strikes launched by the militant Hezbollah group on the disputed Golan Heights.

The violence was the deadliest Hezbollah attack against Israeli forces since a 2006 war between the two sides.

The United Nations urged all parties to use “maximum restraint” to prevent an escalation.

The IDF said the Hezbollah attack on an Israeli military convoy near the Shebaa Farms area of the Golan Heights killed two Israeli soldiers and wounded seven, two of them moderately. …

The United Nations also confirmed a peacekeeper, a Spanish soldier, was killed in southern Lebanon as the Israeli military and Hezbollah traded fire in the region.

Israeli military spokesman Peter Lerner said the attack by Hezbollah involved anti-tank missiles fired at a military convoy on Mount Dov, along the Israeli-Lebanese border.

Israel’s U.N. Ambassador Ron Prosor told the U.N. Security Council on Wednesday that it will take all necessary measures to defend itself after an exchange of fire.

“Israel will not stand by as Hezbollah targets Israelis,” Prosor said in a letter to the Security Council. He also urged the 15-member council to “unequivocally and publically condemn Hezbollah” in a letter also sent to U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

Gaza example

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also warned that Israel was prepared to respond forcefully as it did in its offensive six months ago against Hamas-led militants in Gaza.

Netanyahu said, “I suggest that all those who are challenging us on our northern border, look at what happened in Gaza, not far from the city of Sderot.

“Hamas suffered the most serious blow since it was founded this past summer,” he added.

More than 2,000 people died in the 50 days of rocket and missile exchanges between Israel and Hamas, which is allied to Hezbollah.  http://www.voanews.com/content/israeli-airstrikes-target-syria-after-rocket-attack/2616426.html

The situation between Israel and its neighbors remains difficult.  Pretty much all of Israel’s neighbors want it to cease to exist, and many Palestinians within the borders of Israel as well as Arabs without want Israel gone.  Some Palestinians live in the Golan Heights.

The time will come when there is a temporary ‘peace deal’ in the general region (see the article The ‘Peace Deal’ of Daniel 9:27).

However, despite what Israel hopes to accomplish, the reality is that it will not end well for Israel.  Lands that Israel currently claims will end up under control by those who are currently in opposition to Israel according to the Bible.

The entire 47th chapter of Jeremiah is a prophecy against the Philistines, including Gaza:

1 The word of the Lord that came to Jeremiah the prophet against the Philistines, before Pharaoh attacked Gaza.

2 Thus says the Lord: “Behold, waters rise out of the north, And shall be an overflowing flood; They shall overflow the land and all that is in it, The city and those who dwell within; Then the men shall cry, And all the inhabitants of the land shall wail. 3 At the noise of the stamping hooves of his strong horses, At the rushing of his chariots, At the rumbling of his wheels, The fathers will not look back for their children, Lacking courage, 4 Because of the day that comes to plunder all the Philistines,To cut off from Tyre and Sidon every helper who remains; For the Lord shall plunder the Philistines, The remnant of the country of Caphtor. 5 Baldness has come upon Gaza, Ashkelon is cut off With the remnant of their valley. How long will you cut yourself? 6 “O you sword of the Lord, How long until you are quiet? Put yourself up into your scabbard, Rest and be still! 7 How can it be quiet, Seeing the Lord has given it a charge Against Ashkelon and against the seashore? There He has appointed it.” (Jeremiah 47:2-7)

Problems were thus prophesied for the Palestianians including those of Gaza–since there is a duality to some prophecies (e.g. Malachi 4:5 & Matthew 17:10-13), this may have future application. It should be noted that Ashkelon is currently part of Israel, and possibly the Palestinians will either control it again or be so numerous in it that they are affected.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

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.
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.
How Will Middle East Peace be Brought About? Can humans bring peace to the Middle East? Here is a link to a related video: Middle East Peace? When?
Is the Future King of the South Rising Up? Some no longer believe there needs to be a future King of the South. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? Might this King be called the Mahdi or Caliph? What does the Bible say? A YouTube video of related interest may be: The Future King of the South is Rising.
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.
Libya, Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia in Prophecy What is ahead for North Africa? What does the Bible teach?
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.
Egypt in Prophecy Does Egypt have a special role in end time prophecy? Will Egypt rise up and then be defeated. What does God teach will happen to those in Egypt? Here is a link to a YouTube video titled Egypt and End Time Prophecy.
Iraq, the King of the South, Armageddon, and Prophecy What will happen to Iraq? Is it the prophesied Mystery Babylon? What is Armageddon and how does that have to do with Iraq? Here is a related video Iraq, Armageddon, & Prophecy.
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 is a related video Iran In Prophecy.
What Should You Know About Turkey in Prophecy Do you know the Turkish people descended from? Did the Ottoman Empire possibly fulfill a promise in Genesis? Will Turkey support the European King of the North or Arabic King of the South? Will it betray one of them? Will Turkey be involved in the encouraging the destruction of Israel? Is Turkey going to become Catholic? Is Turkey mentioned in Psalm 83, Daniel 11, and elsewhere in the Bible? This video provides answers.
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 is also a related YouTube video you can watch titled Jerusalem To be divided and eliminated.
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.
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.
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 Catholic, Byzantine, and biblical prophecies suggest?
Germany’s Assyrian Roots Throughout History Are the Germanic peoples descended from Asshur of the Bible? Have there been real Christians in Germanic history? What about the “Holy Roman Empire”? There is also a You-Tube video sermon on this titled Germany’s Biblical Origins.
Germany in Biblical and Catholic Prophecy Does Assyria in the Bible equate to an end time power inhabiting the area of the old Roman Empire? What does prophecy say Germany will do and what does it say will happen to most of the German people?
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? Here is a link to a video titled: The Future King of the North.
Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European? The Book of Revelation tells of a beast power that will rise up. Some think that this must be Russia or could be Islamic, while others say that this power is European. The Book of Daniel tells of the rise of an end time King of the North that some think must be referring to a Russian leader, while others say that this power is European. How can you be sure? This YouTube video has all the scriptural proofs that you should need to prove that this power must be a European one.
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.
The Prophesied ‘Islamic’ Confederation Where is an Islamic caliphate prophesied? Will one happen? Should you be concerned about it? Here is a link to a related video video: Will an Arabic Calphiphate Destroy the West?
Will the Interfaith Movement Lead to Peace or Sudden Destruction? Is the interfaith movement going to lead to lasting peace or is it warned against?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Saxon (non-Dutch) Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo-Saxon nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first? Here is a link to the Spanish version of this article: Anglo-América & las Tribus Perdidas de Israel. Information is also in the YouTube sermons titled Where are the Ten Lost Tribes? Why does it matter? and British are the Covenant People. A short YouTube of prophetic interest may be Barack Obama and the State of the Apocalypse.
Will the Anglo-Saxon Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What about Jerusalem? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people? Here is a link to a video titled Will the USA and other Anglo-nations be Divided and Their People Made Slaves? Here is a related item in the Spanish language ¿Serán divididas las naciones anglosajonas?
British are the Covenant People What do ‘British’ and ‘Britain’ mean in Hebrew? Are the descendants of the Anglo-Saxons people of the covenant? Does the British royal family connect to the throne of David? What does the Bible teach? What does history show us? Is there any DNA evidence related to British-Israelism? When did Christianity make it to the British Isles? Could Jeremiah have made it to the British Isles? What type of Christians made it to the British Isles? Did the last King of England believe in British Israelism?
World War III: Steps in Progress Are there surprising actions going on now that are leading to WWIII? Might a nuclear attack be expected? Does the Bible promise protection to all or only some Christians? How can you be part of those that will be protected? A related video would be Is World War III About to Begin? Can You Escape?
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Edition for Second Obama Term This is a 160 page book for people truly interested in prophecies related to Barack Obama and the United States, including learning about many that have already been fulfilled (which the book documents in detail) and those that will be fulfilled in the future. It also has a chapter about a Republican choice. This book is available to order at www.barackobamaprophecy.com. The physical book can also be purchased at Amazon from the following link: Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States: Is Barack Obama Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic Catholic, Kenyan, and other America-Related Prophecies? What About Republican Leaders? Second Edition for Second Obama Term.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Term-Amazon Kindle edition. This electronic version is available for only US$2.99. And you do not need an actual Kindle device to read it. Why? Amazon will allow you to download it to almost any device: Please click HERE to download one of Amazon s Free Reader Apps. After you go to for your free Kindle reader and then go to Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Term-Amazon Kindle edition.

“I will break the pride of your power” (Leviticus 26:19)

COGwriter

What is ahead? Notice the following claims by Larry Edelson of Money and Markets:

January 28, 2015

Why is income inequality worsening, despite slow global economic growth and despite government efforts to redistribute wealth?It has to do with what I call the “granddaddy of all cycles,” the major war cycle of 53.5 years in duration, a cycle that has pinpointed every major war since the beginning of time. … It’s pointing up into 2020, the earliest date it can peak. …

Make no mistake: It is this war cycle that is now driving — consciously or unconsciously — nearly every government decision that is being made.

 It is why we are seeing attacks on the rich in Europe and the United States, not to mention China.

 It is why we are seeing governments in Europe and the United States tax the rich, to allegedly redistribute wealth, but in reality, is backfiring, sending the rich fleeing, causing income inequality to worsen, and killing business formation.

 It is why we are seeing battles between religions, between civilizations, between groups within nations and between nations.

 It is why we are seeing rampant cyber espionage, between nations as well as governments spying on their own people.

 It is why we are now seeing the world in such a mess that even Pope Francis has recognized that the world is already in World War III, an acknowledgement he made last September at a speech in Italy.

Make no mistake: The world is indeed a mess, but it’s also about to get a whole lot worse.

Markets will continue to gyrate wildly. Europe will go down the tubes. Japan will default as well in the years ahead, and the biggest of them all, our own government, will also succumb to the forces I describe above.

You will see gold plunge on further deflation, then suddenly turn around and soar to over $5,000 an ounce.

You will see the U.S. stock markets similarly plunge, but then soar like an eagle as they become the last bastion of capitalism, as frightened money from all over the place, including sovereign bond markets, pours into equities like never before.

You will see bond markets lose 30 percent, 40 percent, even 60 percent on the dollar, wiping out pensions and untold millions of unsuspecting investors.

You will see the value of the dollar soar, as investors from other areas of the world, run for cover … and then, when the process is complete and everyone realizes the Emperors of Washington also have no clothes …

You will see the dollar crash and burn, forcing the world’s leaders to convene a new Bretton Woods, a new monetary system, a new reserve currency.

Mark my words: All of the above, and more, is coming.  http://www.moneyandmarkets.com/get-ready-granddaddy-cycles-69619#.VMjwbC64J34

Larry Edelson is correct that we are seeing attacks on the rich in Europe and the USA.

Larry Edelson is correct that governments in Europe and the USA are claiming that they need taxes on the rich for some forms of income redistribution.

Larry Edelson is correct that we are seeing battles between religions, civilizations, and groups of nations.  However, an ecumenical and interfaith movement is going forward (see United Nations: Humankind’s Last Hope or New World Order? and Will the Interfaith Movement Lead to Peace or Sudden Destruction?) and the time will come when there will be a temporary false peace (some details are in the article about the ‘Peace Deal’ of Daniel 9:27).  There will also be more official groupings of nations, with a reorganized power block in Europe (Revelation 17:12) and a confederation in the Middle East and North Africa (Daniel 11:40-43; see also Is the Future King of the South Rising Up).  While secular sources can sometimes see ‘the handwriting on the wall’ (see Can those in the USA/UK see the Handwriting on the Wall?) they also do not always understand what God means without assistance.  Europe, despite problems it will face, will rise up and become the dominant financial power in the world for a time after the USA loses its place.

Larry Edelson is correct that governments are engaging in more cyber espionage.  That is expected to continue (cf. Revelation 13:15-18; see also The Snowden Leaks are Leading to the Destruction of the USA).

Larry Edelson is correct that Pope Francis made comments about WWIII in September 2014, though Pope Francis said “A “piecemeal” World War III may have already begun” (see Pope Francis objecting to current ‘piecemeal’ World War III; Vatican radio reports bishops blasting Russia for blood in Ukraine).  Steps are being taken to prepare for WWIII, but not quite as it seems that Larry Edelson envisions it (see World War III: Steps in Progress).

Larry Edelson is correct that “world is indeed a mess, but it’s also about to get a whole lot worse.”  However, there will be a time when many will believe it is getting better when there is a temporary peace deal (see also ‘The ‘Peace Deal’ of Daniel 9:27).  Jesus talked about the time we are now in:

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 24:6-8)

I believe that we are in what Jesus referred to as ‘the beginning of sorrows.’   Jesus said that after the gospel of the kingdom was preached to the world as a witness (Matthew 24:14), things would get a lot worse and His most faithful followers would flee (see also There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Petra):

15 “Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand), 16 “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.  17 Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house.  18 And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes.  19 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days!  20 And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath.  21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.  22 And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened.  (Matthew 24:15-22)

The end, as various Christians tend to define it, begins with the fulfillment of Matthew 24:15 and the start of the Great Tribulation as mentioned in Matthew 24:21.

The Great Tribulation, also known as the time of Jacob’s trouble (Jeremiah 30:7), is further described in Revelation 6:9-11 (the fifth seal, that seems to occur because the faithful church has suffered martyrdom, cf. Daniel 11:31-35; Matthew 24:9-10), Lamentations, Daniel, and other parts of the Bible. It starts with Matthew 24:21 and Daniel 11:39. Some would call this World War III (WWIII), though the battle to takeover the USA and its Anglo-Saxon allies will be much, much briefer than most would believe–but it will happen and the Europeans will win (Daniel 11:39; cf. Revelation 13:4).

The fact is that the 6000 years God gave humankind to rule itself is about to come to an end, which means we are nearer to the start of the Great Tribulation, WWIII, and even WWIV (related to the staging at Armageddon and involving a confederation known as the “kings from the east” Revelation 16:12). But there still is at least 3 1/2 years to go (and likely more than 3 1/2 years).  Yet, Larry Edelson is correct that WWIII could start in 2020–but there are events we need to see first, that we all should watch for (see also When Will the Great Tribulation Begin?).

Because of the proximity to the end of 6000 years for humanity to rule itself mainly cut off from God, we are to expect wars, rumors of wars, and various sorrows (Matthew 24:4-8). And then the end of the nations of USA and its Anglo-Saxon allies once the time of Jacob’s trouble (Jeremiah 30:7), the great tribulation (Matthew 24:21) begins.

Ultimately of course, there is good news as ultimately, Jesus will return, God’s kingdom will come, and those issues will be gone (Revelation 7:16).

Getting back to Larry Edelson, he is correct that we will see “Markets will continue to gyrate wildly.”

Larry Edelson is correct that gold prices will fluctuate and ultimately be worth over $5000 per ounce.  But the time will also come, near the end of the time known as the ‘Day of the Lord’ when gold will be worthless (see also The Plain Truth About Gold in Prophecy. How Should a Christian View Gold?).

Larry Edelson is correct that the time will come when “everyone realizes the Emperors of Washington also have no clothes …You will see the dollar crash and burn.”  However, he seems a bit optimistic as he claims that “the world’s leaders to convene a new Bretton Woods, a new monetary system, a new reserve currency.”

Why is that optimistic?

Because Larry Edelson seems to believe that there will be a future for the USA dollar.  But, while there could be a new reserve world currency that the USA dollar is part of, the when the USA dollar truly crashes and burns, it will be no more per Habakkuk 2:6-8 (see also Anglo – America in Prophecy).

We are nearing the time of great distress. WWIII will come, and actions by the Europeans, the USA, and others are leading to it.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

World War III: Steps in Progress Are there surprising actions going on now that are leading to WWIII? Might a nuclear attack be expected? What about WWIV? Does the Bible promise protection to all or only some Christians? How can you be part of those that will be protected? A related video would be Is World War III About to Begin? Can You Escape?
Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? Does God have 7,000 year plan? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2021 or 20xx? There is also a video titled The 6000 Year Plan: Is the end of humanity’s reign almost up?
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2015, 2016, or 2017? 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 2014 o 2015? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? You can also see the English language sermon video: The Great Tribulation from the Mount of Olives.
The ‘Peace Deal’ of Daniel 9:27 This prophecy could give up to 3 1/2 years advance notice of the coming Great Tribulation. Will most ignore or misunderstand its fulfillment? Here is a link to a related sermon video Daniel 9:27 and the Start of the Great Tribulation.
United Nations: Humankind’s Last Hope or New World Order? Is the UN the last hope for humanity? Or might its goals end up with sinister results? A related video would be United Nations and Vatican Are Planning the New World Order.
Will the Interfaith Movement Lead to Peace or Sudden Destruction? Is the interfaith movement going to lead to lasting peace or is it warned against? A video of related interest could be Do You Know That Babylon is Forming?
How Will Middle East Peace be Brought About? Can humans bring peace to the Middle East? Here is a link to a related video: Middle East Peace? When?
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.
Can those in the USA/UK see the Handwriting on the Wall? Is everything fine in the USA/UK or is it like the days of Noah? Can we learn from the handwriting that appeared on a wall thousands of years ago? Here is a link to a related YouTube video Can you see the ‘Handwriting on the Wall’?
Is the Future King of the South Rising Up? Some no longer believe there needs to be a future King of the South. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? Might this King be called the Mahdi or Caliph? What does the Bible say? A YouTube video of related interest may be: The Future King of the South is Rising.
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?
The Snowden Leaks are Leading to the Destruction of the USA Can what happened with the leaks of what the NSA has done help the USA to be taken over? What does the Bible teach that seems to be related to this? Here is a related YouTube video titled Are the Snowden NSA leaks leading to the destruction of the USA?
Project Prophecy: Economic Collapse Starting in 2015? Jim Rickards once worked for the CIA and also was once part of a a USA government program called called ‘Project Prophecy.’ He has a video were he claims that starting in 2015, the USA may have economic collapse resulting in a 25-Year Great Depression. He mainly cites debt figures and claims advises alternatives to the USA dollar which he says will collapse? What did Rand Paul state? Can the USA dollar collapse?
Market Collapse then New World Order in 2015?  A long-time financial adviser named Harvey Organ claims that claims that because of insufficient gold in the central banks of USA and UK, that Shanghai would bring about exposing this and that this would lead to a massive, overnight, rise in the price of gold and silver, diminished value of their currencies. He states a market collapse will occur before the end of 2014, that the petroyuan will replace the petrodollar, and that a Chinese led New World Order will be in place for 2015. Is this possible? Where does the leader of the ‘New World Order’ come from? What does the Bible teach?
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?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Saxon (non-Dutch) Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo-Saxon nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first? Here is a link to the Spanish version of this article: Anglo-América & las Tribus Perdidas de Israel. Information is also in the YouTube sermons titled Where are the Ten Lost Tribes? Why does it matter? and British are the Covenant People. A short YouTube of prophetic interest may be Barack Obama and the State of the Apocalypse.
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God was the Emphasis of Jesus and the Early Church Did you know that? Do you even know what the gospel of the kingdom is all about? True religion should be based upon the true gospel.
Did The Early Church Teach Millenarianism? Was the millennium (sometimes called chiliasm) taught by early Christians? Who condemned it? Will Jesus literally reign for 1000 years on the earth? Is this time near? A related sermon is titled The Millennium.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Edition for Second Obama Term This is a 160 page book for people truly interested in prophecies related to Barack Obama and the United States, including learning about many that have already been fulfilled (which the book documents in detail) and those that will be fulfilled in the future. It also has a chapter about a Republican choice. This book is available to order at www.barackobamaprophecy.com. The physical book can also be purchased at Amazon from the following link: Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States: Is Barack Obama Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic Catholic, Kenyan, and other America-Related Prophecies? What About Republican Leaders? Second Edition for Second Obama Term.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Term-Amazon Kindle edition. This electronic version is available for only US$2.99. And you do not need an actual Kindle device to read it. Why? Amazon will allow you to download it to almost any device: Please click HERE to download one of Amazon s Free Reader Apps. After you go to for your free Kindle reader and then go to Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Term-Amazon Kindle edition.

Jews in Poland has to Wear the Above Badge After Germany Invaded in WWII (Daniel Ullrich, Threedots)

COGwriter

A reader sent me a link to the following:

By Karl-Theodor Zu Guttenberg and John Henry Crosby TNS

Published Jan. 26, 2015

Seventy years ago Allied troops arrived at the concentration camp of Auschwitz, greeting what survivors remained and seeing for the first time an industrial killing machine of unprecedented scale and brutality. As the epicenter of the Nazi genocide, Auschwitz is synonymous with the vast network of death camps built up during the Third Reich. So it is fitting that International Holocaust Remembrance Day, established by the United Nations in 2006, takes place each year on the date of Auschwitz’s liberation. It is a necessary reminder that humanity, for all its greatness, is capable of unspeakable evil.

This year’s commemoration is a particularly somber one. We are confronted with the fearful reality that anti-Semitism is not only still alive but on the rise, not least in Western Europe. European Jewry has been shaken to the core by the events in Paris, and in one recent survey of Jews in the UK, a majority of those polled expressed strong doubts about the future viability of Jewish life in Europe. Similar concerns have led 7,000 French Jews in 2014 alone to seek a new home in Israel.

It is easy to feel powerless in the face of present-day anti-Semitism, terrorism, and genocide in different parts of our world. We are shocked by their continued existence. …

But anti-Semitism was not just incompatible with everything Hildebrand believed about human dignity and basic rights. It was also deeply at odds with his convictions as an ardent Catholic. And herein lies one of his lasting contributions, for he showed with almost prophetic clarity the essential incompatibility of Christianity and racism. To fellow Christians who became infected by anti-Semitism he said that “G0D is equally offended by the murder of a Jew, a socialist, or a bishop.” Catholic-Jewish relations were transformed following the Second Vatican Council, due in no small measure to the groundwork prepared by Hildebrand and others who purged anti-Semitism where it had taken root within Christian thought and practice. http://www.jewishworldreview.com/0115/Dietrich_von_Hildebrand.php3#l4ijsUOIJmPEDaI7.99

I applaud Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg and others who have the courage to speak out against anti-Semitism. Racial hatred is wrong. People should not be antisemitic.

However, throughout history, well known Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Protestant leaders have made anti-semitic statements and encouraged hatred against the Jews.

Hopefully, Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg’s words are sincere on his part.  His written position on this could help him if he gets involved in any type of peace deal with the Israelis (e.g. the ‘Peace Deal’ of Daniel 9:27).

His written words could also help him should he arise to a higher position and take certain steps related to Israel in the future, even if he changes his views on this.

NATO in Green, Russia in Orange (Crimea should also be orange–Ukraine is one of the grey countries between NATO and Russia)

COGwriter

The Ukrainian government in Kiev declared Russia an “aggressor state” today:

January 27, 2015

Amid a renewed surge of fighting in eastern Ukraine, the country’s parliament on Tuesday approved a statement identifying Russia as an “aggressor state” and European Union leaders weighed the possiblity of new sanctions against it, Reuters reported.

The actions come in the wake of Saturday’s shelling of the government-held port city of Mariupol, which killed 30 civilians and wounded around 100, and continued combat with pro-Russian rebels.

Ukraine’s parliament, along with declaring Russia as an aggressor, also voted to define the separatist “republics” in the east as “terrorist organizations.” The designations could introduce new consequences on the international stage.

To continue its nearly yearlong fight against the uprising in the east, the parliament also called for additional non-lethal military aid and tougher sanctions against Russia, Reuters reported.

All 28 EU leaders, in a rare joint statement, on Tuesday noted their grave concerns about the worsening security and humanitarian conditions in eastern Ukraine. They condemned the “indiscriminate shelling” of Mariupol and asked their foreign ministers to consider increased sanctions on Russia in light of the rebel offensive.

“In view of the worsening sitation, we ask [foreign ministers] to assess the situation and to consider any appropriate action, in particular on further restrictive measures, aiming at a swift and comprehensive implementation of the Minsk agreements,” the ministers wrote.  …

Earlier Monday, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg condemned what he called the “sharp escalation of violence” by Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine, and dismissed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s claim that the Ukrainian army is a “NATO legion.”

Following an extraordinary meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Commission held in Brussels at the request of Ukraine’s government, Stoltenberg said “indiscriminate attacks” like Saturday’s rocket attack of Mariupol  “are unjustified and unacceptable.”

Stoltenberg characterized as “nonsense” Putin’s comment earlier in the day that Ukraine’s army is a “NATO legion.” He said, “there is no NATO legion. The foreign forces in Ukraine are Russian.”

‘Containment of Russia’

Russia’s Interfax news agency quoted Putin as telling students in St. Petersburg that Ukraine’s army had become a “foreign NATO legion” that is working to achieve “the containment of Russia,” a goal he said “absolutely does not coincide with the national interests of the Ukrainian people.”

The Russian leader also accused Ukrainian authorities of refusing to seek a “peaceful solution” to the conflict. http://www.voanews.com/content/ukrainian-soldiers-killed-in-war-torn-east/2614942.html

Europe is heavily involved with trying to resolve the situation between Russia and Ukraine. Europe wants Ukraine as part of its European Union, while it also wants to get along with Russia and lift sanctions. But many simply do not realize how bad Russia wants Ukraine. Kiev was once the capital of Russia.

Russia does not want any containment and has long been concerned that Ukraine might become part of NATO.  The reality is that NATO members are supplying information and money to Ukraine and Russia is supplying information and money to separatists in eastern Ukraine.

Despite official denials, NATO does support Kiev and Russia does support the separatists in Ukraine.

Yet, changes are coming.

The Bible shows, that for a time, there will be cooperation between Russia and Europe, but ultimately that Russia will turn against Europe (Daniel 11:44-45; Jeremiah 50:41-43; 51:11; Isaiah 13:1-8).

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Russia and Ukraine: Origins and Prophesied Future 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? You can also watch the short video Ukraine in Prophecy?
Russia in the Bible and in Prophecy Is Russia mentioned in the Bible? It it is where is it? Is there any evidence of a people moving to the land that the Russians now occupy? What do Catholic and other prophecies say about Russia? What does the Bible teach? How are Protestants often in error on this? Is there more in biblical prophecy for Russia than war? Does God have a plan to save Russia and her allies? Does Russia have a history involving Sabbath keepers? Does scripture tie Russia in with Armageddon? Will Russia help defeat the end time Babylonian power? What did the Apostle John, and the prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Daniel, write about Russia? This is a sermon-length video.
Ezekiel 38: For Russia & Iran in Our Day? Is Ezekiel 38 about to be fufilled? A related video is available titled Ezekiel 38: For Russia, Ukraine, & Iran Now?
Bible News Prophecy July-Sept. 2014: The Coming Eurasian Union Here is the latest magazine from the Continuing Church of God. The cover of which shows Vladimir Putin and features an article about the coming Eurasian Union.
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.
World War III: Steps in Progress Are there surprising actions going on now that are leading to WWIII? Might a nuclear attack be expected? Does the Bible promise protection to all or only some Christians? How can you be part of those that will be protected? A related video would be Is World War III About to Begin? Can You Escape?
Wars, rumors of wars, and the Apocalypse Jesus foretold a time before the end where there would be wars and rumors of wars. The Apocalypse (the Book of Revelation) warns of the red horseman of war. Now, even secular writers, like Larry Edelson, are worried that wars and rumors of war are the most menacing problem that now haunts the earth? Are they right? What is the solution? This is a sermonette-length video.
Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach? Here is a link to a video, also titled Is Russia the King of the North?
The Eurasian Union, the Kings of the East, and Bible Prophecy Is there a Eurasian union that will be formed? Is one being formed right now? Are any leaders working on that in the 21st century? Does the Bible teach that there will be a Eurasian union? If some type of Eurasian union is formed, who might it benefit and who will it destroy? A related video would be Is The Eurasian Union Rising?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies for the Great Monarch point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States? In the Spanish language check out ¿Quién es el Rey del Norte? Here is a link to a video titled: The Future King of the North.
Germany’s Assyrian Roots Throughout History Are the Germanic peoples descended from Asshur of the Bible? Have there been real Christians in Germanic history? What about the “Holy Roman Empire”? There is also a You-Tube video sermon on this titled Germany’s Biblical Origins.
Germany in Biblical and Catholic Prophecy Does Assyria in the Bible equate to an end time power inhabiting the area of the old Roman Empire? What does prophecy say Germany will do and what does it say will happen to most of the German people? Here is a link to a video Is the USA Pushing Germany to Start WWIII?
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Edition for Second Obama Term This is a 160 page book for people truly interested in prophecies related to Barack Obama and the United States, including learning about many that have already been fulfilled (which the book documents in detail) and those that will be fulfilled in the future. It also has a chapter about a Republican choice. This book is available to order at www.barackobamaprophecy.com. The physical book can also be purchased at Amazon from the following link: Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States: Is Barack Obama Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic Catholic, Kenyan, and other America-Related Prophecies? What About Republican Leaders? Second Edition for Second Obama Term.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Term-Amazon Kindle edition. This electronic version is available for only US$2.99. And you do not need an actual Kindle device to read it. Why? Amazon will allow you to download it to almost any device: Please click HERE to download one of Amazon s Free Reader Apps. After you go to for your free Kindle reader and then go to Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Term-Amazon Kindle edition.

Ancient Persians fighting in India

COGwriter

A reader sent the following written by Pat Robertson:

The Persians Are Coming!

January 27, 2015

“The Iranians are on the march,” warned John McCain Sunday.”Iran is building a new Persian Empire,” echoed Col. Ralph Peters.So alarmed is Speaker Boehner, he invited Bibi Netanyahu to come and challenge U.S. policy toward Iran from the same podium where the president delivered his State of the Union address.Bibi will make the case for new U.S. sanctions on Iran; sanctions that Obama has said he will veto as they would sabotage talks on Iran’s nuclear program and potentially put us on the road to war.

Why are Bibi’s insights needed?

Because, says Sen. Robert Menendez, the outgoing chairman of foreign relations, White House statements sound like “talking points from Tehran.” This beloved poodle of AIPAC is always a strong contender for best in show.

“Against the insidious wiles of foreign influence … a free people ought to be constantly awake, since history and experience prove that foreign influence is one of the most baneful foes of republican government.”

So warned our first and greatest president in his Farewell Address.

But this column is not about how Washington would weep at what has become of this Republic, nor a polemic against the corruption of a capital where the currency is campaign cash and national policy is the commodity bought and sold.

The issue is whether Iran represents a threat to our security worth risking a war. For that is where many, including Bibi, want us to go.

Last week’s panic was triggered by the ouster of the pro-American Yemeni President by Houthi rebels. Suddenly, we heard wails that Iran has now captured four Arab capitals — Baghdad, Beirut, Damascus and Sanaa.

“Death to America, death to Israel,” is a slogan of the Houthis who are a Shia minority in Sunni Yemen.  …

Alarmists may see a new Persian Empire threatening all mankind. A closer look reveals a Shia minority in a Sunni-dominated world where Shia are despised heretics. And of all the terrorist organizations we have the most reason to fear and hate — al-Qaida, Islamic State, Ansar al-Sharia, Boko Haram — none is Shia, all are Sunni.  http://buchanan.org/blog/the-persians-are-coming-15516

Pat Robertson does not think that the Iranians (also called Persians) represent any type of threat that the USA needs to be very concerned about.

The reality is that Iran does wish to destroy the USA and Israel and has taken many steps to attempt to prepare itself militarily to try to do so.

However, perhaps it should be mentioned that unlike some Protestants, we in the Continuing Church of God do not believe that Ezekiel 38 is for Russia and Iran in our day.

Unlike the improperly named Philadelphia Church of God, we in the Continuing Church of God do not believe that Iran will be the final King of the South of Bible prophecy (cf. Daniel 11:4-43).

Because of its rhetoric and militaristic efforts, I have tended to believe that Iran may somehow get “neutralized” before this final king of the South rises up.  And it may be that provoking some type of conflict with Israel (through an attack or through simply possessing nuclear bombs) may result in Israel hitting Iran hard enough militarily to greatly reduce Iran’s influence in the Islamic world. Since no later than May of 2010, I have been writing that since Iran cannot be the final King of the South that it may be neutralized (see Iran Slams Russia).

It is also possible that God will allow Iran to strike the nation of Israel.

1 The burden against the Valley of Vision.

What ails you now, that you have all gone up to the housetops, 2 You who are full of noise, A tumultuous city, a joyous city? Your slain men are not slain with the sword,Nor dead in battle. 3 All your rulers have fled together; They are captured by the archers. All who are found in you are bound together; They have fled from afar. 4 Therefore I said, “Look away from me, I will weep bitterly; Do not labor to comfort me Because of the plundering of the daughter of my people.”

5 For it is a day of trouble and treading down and perplexity By the Lord God of hosts In the Valley of Vision — Breaking down the walls And of crying to the mountain. 6 Elam bore the quiver With chariots of men and horsemen, And Kir uncovered the shield. 7 It shall come to pass that your choicest valleys Shall be full of chariots,And the horsemen shall set themselves in array at the gate.

8 He removed the protection of Judah. You looked in that day to the armor of the House of the Forest; 9 You also saw the damage to the city of David, That it was great; And you gathered together the waters of the lower pool. 10 You numbered the houses of Jerusalem, And the houses you broke down To fortify the wall. 11 You also made a reservoir between the two walls For the water of the old pool. But you did not look to its Maker,Nor did you have respect for Him who fashioned it long ago.

12 And in that day the Lord God of hosts Called for weeping and for mourning,For baldness and for girding with sackcloth. 13 But instead, joy and gladness, Slaying oxen and killing sheep, Eating meat and drinking wine: “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!”

14 Then it was revealed in my hearing by the Lord of hosts,”Surely for this iniquity there will be no atonement for you, Even to your death,” says the Lord God of hosts.  (Isaiah 22:1-14 NKJV)

Elam (which had ties to the ancient Persian Empire) seems to be a reference to at least some in Iran.  Kir is of interest as it has several possibilities.  One is that the Bible tells that after Tiglath-Pileser king of Assyria took over Damascus, he moved Syrians to Kir.  While this does not mean that Kir must (or must only) be a reference to Syria, the fact that Syria is an ally of Iran is interesting.  Some believe Kir is an area in the south of Iran, while others suggest closer to the Black Sea.

Anyway, the point I wish to make is that the scriptures in Isaiah 22 show, presuming that it has a future application, that a time is coming when God will take away the protection of Judah and the City of David (Jerusalem, cf. 2 Kings 9:28)–whether or not the “Persians” are directly involved.

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 is a related video Iran In Prophecy.
Is the Future King of the South Rising Up? Some no longer believe there needs to be a future King of the South. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? Might this King be called the Mahdi or Caliph? What does the Bible say? A YouTube video of related interest may be: The Future King of the South is Rising.
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. Another article related to Iran translated into the Spanish language is: Irán y líderes israelíes discuten las intenciones nucleares de Irán.
Russia and Ukraine: Their Origins and Prophesied Future Russia in prophecy. Where do the Russians come from? What about those in the Ukraine? What is prophesied for Russia and its allies? What will they do to the Europeans that supported the Beast in the end? There is also a video sermon available: Russia in the Bible and in Prophecy and a video sermonette available: Ukraine in Prophecy?
Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach? Here is a link to a video, also titled Is Russia the King of the North?
Ezekiel 38: For Russia & Iran in Our Day? Is Ezekiel 38 about to be fulfilled? A related video is available titled Ezekiel 38: For Russia, Ukraine, & Iran Now?
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 is also a related YouTube video you can watch titled Jerusalem To be divided and eliminated.
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Saxon (non-Dutch) Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo-Saxon nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first? Here is a link to the Spanish version of this article: Anglo-América & las Tribus Perdidas de Israel. Information is also in the YouTube sermons titled Where are the Ten Lost Tribes? Why does it matter? and British are the Covenant People. A short YouTube of prophetic interest may be Barack Obama and the State of the Apocalypse.
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2015, 2016, or 2017? 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 2014 o 2015? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? You can also see the English language sermon video: The Great Tribulation from the Mount of Olives.
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.
How Will Middle East Peace be Brought About? Can humans bring peace to the Middle East? Here is a link to a related video: Middle East Peace? When?

Debt profile of Eurozone countries (Spitzi)

COGwriter

The election of an anti-austerity party in Greece on Sunday has encouraged an anti-austerity party in Spain:

January 27, 2015

If there is one country in Europe where the fallout of the Sunday’s election result in Greece is felt most keenly, it is Spain.

Like in Athens, the government in Madrid has relied on a European bailout to support the economy and it has suffered from high unemployment, a large budget deficit and deteriorating living conditions. …

Podemos, which translates as “We Can,” was formed almost a year ago, and in some polls is already equal with the centre-right governing Popular Party and the opposition Socialists. …

“Many things unite the Greek and Spanish people to lead a new European project,” Iglesias told a rally in Valencia on Sunday. “They’ve wanted to look down on us as ‘Mediterraneans.’ They’ve called us ‘PIGS [an acronym for Portugal, Italy, Greece and Spain].’ They’ve wanted to turn us into a periphery. They want us to be countries of cheap labour forces. They want our young people to be the servants of rich tourists. Today we say that we are proud to be from the South, and that from the South we are going to return to Europe and to all its peoples the dignity that they deserve.”  http://time.com/3683782/spain-podemos-syriza/

January 27, 2015

It’s no secret what Yanis Varoufakis thinks Greece should do with its debt.

The economics professor at the University of Athens…has been arguing since the beginning of the crisis that Greece should default while staying a member of the euro area. …

Greece should have never joined the euro area, but now that it’s in, a departure would be like falling from a cliff, he said. “The last line in Hotel California explains where we are: you can check out any time, but you can never leave,” he told Bloomberg Radio in May 2012.

Now he gets to take demands for a radically different approach to Greece to European capitals as the new government in Athens tries to implement its pre-election pledges.

At the core of them is to rewrite the agreements with the euro area and the International Monetary Fund for the country’s 240 billion-euro ($271 billion) financial rescue program, though Syriza’s official party line is not to default.

“The problem with the bailout is that it wasn’t really a bailout,” Varoufakis, 53, said in a Bloomberg Television interview on Jan 26. “It was an extend and pretend, it was a vicious cycle, a debt-deflationary trap, which not only destroyed our social economy but also showed that the cost of our so-called bailout for the average German, the average Italian, the average Slovak was maximized.” http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2015-01-27/greece-s-new-finance-minister-says-euro-is-like-hotel-california.html

January 27, 2015

Antiestablishment parties across Europe hailed left-wing Syriza party’s triumph in Greece’s elections as a turning point, seeking to boost followers’ confidence that they can break with European Union economic policies they blame for miring much of the region in a seven-year slump.

From left-wing groups such as Spain’s Podemos and Ireland’s Sinn Féin to right-wing movements such as France’s National Front and Britain’s U.K. Independence Party, populist parties sought to present Syriza’s win as payback for what they see as out-of-touch mainstream parties and EU institutions.

“I am delighted by the enormous, democratic slap in the face that the Greek people have delivered to the European Union,” Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right Front National, said on French radio station RTL. France’s far left was just as enthused. “The end has begun for the era of the all-powerful arrogance of the neoliberals in Europe,” said the Left Party’s Jean-Luc Mélenchon, who won 11% of the vote in France’s 2011 presidential elections.

In economically struggling countries around the eurozone periphery, parties opposed to German-sponsored austerity policies sought to share Syriza’s night of glory and boost their own popular momentum.

Most of them, however, also share Syriza’s predicament: Many countries, including Greece, lack the money to break with the austere fiscal policies that are fraying support for established parties and sending voters flocking to the populists.

Spanish leftists Podemos were the loudest foreign supporters of Syriza during Greece’s election campaign. http://www.wsj.com/articles/europes-populists-hail-syriza-win-from-left-and-right-1422320824

So, some of the so-called PIGS want to restructure and/or default on their debt.  The nations in the Eurozone that have funded that (like the Germans) are not pleased with this–US President Barack Obama even called German Chancellor Angela Merkel years ago to encourage German financing of the situation in Greece back then (see World events aligning with 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect). There were also reports that the USA helped support the Euro at times.

Recently, news like the Greek election results, possible defaults, and other problems in Europe have been factors in the reduction of the value of the Euro.  In US dollar terms, the Euro was worth about $0.88 in 2002 and went to about $1.60 in 2008.  It is currently worth about $1.14.

Notice also the following:

Why Europe fears a Grexit more than a new bailout

Neighbours’ biggest worry about Greece’s departure from euro: What if it works?

January 27, 2015

Europe is caught on the horns of a dilemma.

Just when economists and financiers were dusting their hands over a job well done fixing Greece’s economy, they stumbled across an irritating roadblock. From its birthplace, democracy intervened.

In a warning that goes far beyond the continent, European governments have been forced to realize that satisfying bondholders is not always enough. Bondholders have a lot of power but the Greek election reminds us that, when pushed too far, voters have more. …

Greece’s critics say the country’s current financial mess is its own fault because it borrowed too much. By that argument, if Greeks reject the discipline of austerity, they alone should accept the consequences of leaving the euro, the so-called Grexit. …

For a number of reasons, default is difficult while Greece continues to use the euro. But if it exits the euro and switches its euro-denominated loans into a new currency, it can safely devalue that currency and start afresh.

The other flaw in the anti-Greece argument is the view that only Greeks will be hurt. The fact is that while the new currency, let’s call it the drachma, would make European goods more expensive, the burden of austerity would be gone. …

European pain

If a Grexit happens, European institutions will have lost just as much cash as if they had made a deal to forgive some of the Greek debt. There is no guarantee such a separation would be painless, nor that a post-euro Greece would be a trouble-free, easygoing member of the European Union. The tearing sounds would be loud, both inside and outside the eurozone.

But there is a much worse outcome for the countries of Northern Europe – if a Grexit is a success. …Even if they are only partially successful they would be a model for other struggling Southern European economies.  http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/why-europe-fears-a-grexit-more-than-a-new-bailout-1.2931768

Could the Euro-zone break up? Is it possible that the Euro will not survive?

Notice something I had published in 2009:

It would seem that once the U.S. dollar totally collapses people all around the world will consider that even if the Euro is strong, having a more gold-backed currency would be safer. Having the European power acquiring a lot more gold to back the Euro (even if the backing is only implied) or possibly other future European currency (that might potentially replace the Euro) may greatly increase European credibility, prosperity, and influence around the globe. (Thiel B. 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect. Nazarene Books, 2009, p. 333)

Which is similar to something I had published in 2013:

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.

Having the European power acquiring a lot more gold to back the Euro (even if the backing is only implied) or possibly other 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 (and will happen, to a degree, before that King arises). (Thiel B. Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Edition for Second Obama Term. Nazarene Books, 2013, p. 133)

Notice that both books also mentioned gold when discussing the currency of Europe. The Europeans have talked a lot about gold lately, with some of the nations repatriating some.  Some feel that this is being done in case there is a more serious crisis with the Euro.

Can the experiment known as the European Union continue? Will there be changes?  Will there be civil unrest?

The Bible teaches that the final ‘ten toes’ of the European power will have difficulties, not adhere well together, and will have multiple reorganizations:

41 Whereas you saw the feet and toes, partly of potter’s clay and partly of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; yet the strength of the iron shall be in it, just as you saw the iron mixed with ceramic clay. 42 And as the toes of the feet were partly of iron and partly of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly fragile. 43 As you saw iron mixed with ceramic clay, they will mingle with the seed of men; but they will not adhere to one another, just as iron does not mix with clay. (Daniel 2:41-43)

12 “The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast. 13 These are of one mind, and they will give their power and authority to the beast. (Revelation 17:12-13)

The lack of adhesion will be a factor in some of the unrest we will see in Europe in the future.  We will also see how many ‘reorganizations’ Europe may have to go through before those mentioned in Revelation 17:12-13.

A Euro collapse is NOT biblically-required as far as I can tell, but it is also not biblically-impossible either.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe? Here is a link to a video titled: Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European?
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.
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.
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 Catholic, Byzantine, and biblical prophecies suggest?
Germany’s Assyrian Roots Throughout History Are the Germanic peoples descended from Asshur of the Bible? Have there been real Christians in Germanic history? What about the “Holy Roman Empire”? There is also a You-Tube video sermon on this titled Germany’s Biblical Origins.
Germany in Biblical and Catholic Prophecy Does Assyria in the Bible equate to an end time power inhabiting the area of the old Roman Empire? What does prophecy say Germany will do and what does it say will happen to most of the German people?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies for the Great Monarch point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States? In the Spanish language check out ¿Quién es el Rey del Norte? Here is a link to a video titled: The Future King of the North.
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2015, 2016, or 2017? 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 2014 o 2015? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? You can also see the English language sermon video: The Great Tribulation from the Mount of Olives.
Project Prophecy: Economic Collapse Starting in 2015? Jim Rickards once worked for the CIA and also was once part of a a USA government program called called ‘Project Prophecy.’ He has a video were he claims that starting in 2015, the USA may have economic collapse resulting in a 25-Year Great Depression. He mainly cites debt figures and claims advises alternatives to the USA dollar which he says will collapse? What did Rand Paul state? Can the USA dollar collapse?
Blood Moons and Prophecy There are four ‘blood moons’ expected in 2014 and 2015. Do they signal the Day of the Lord or the return of Jesus Christ? A related YouTube video is also available: Blood Moons, Prophecy, 2014, and 2015.
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Saxon (non-Dutch) Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo-Saxon nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first? Here is a link to the Spanish version of this article: Anglo-América & las Tribus Perdidas de Israel. Information is also in the YouTube sermons titled Where are the Ten Lost Tribes? Why does it matter? and British are the Covenant People. A short YouTube of prophetic interest may be Barack Obama and the State of the Apocalypse.
Will the Anglo-Saxon Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What about Jerusalem? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people? Here is a link to a video titled Will the USA and other Anglo-nations be Divided and Their People Made Slaves? Here is a related item in the Spanish language ¿Serán divididas las naciones anglosajonas?
British are the Covenant People What do ‘British’ and ‘Britain’ mean in Hebrew? Are the descendants of the Anglo-Saxons people of the covenant? Does the British royal family connect to the throne of David? What does the Bible teach? What does history show us? Is there any DNA evidence related to British-Israelism? When did Christianity make it to the British Isles? Could Jeremiah have made it to the British Isles? What type of Christians made it to the British Isles? Did the last King of England believe in British Israelism?
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Edition for Second Obama Term This is a 160 page book for people truly interested in prophecies related to Barack Obama and the United States, including learning about many that have already been fulfilled (which the book documents in detail) and those that will be fulfilled in the future. It also has a chapter about a Republican choice. This book is available to order at www.barackobamaprophecy.com. The physical book can also be purchased at Amazon from the following link: Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States: Is Barack Obama Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic Catholic, Kenyan, and other America-Related Prophecies? What About Republican Leaders? Second Edition for Second Obama Term.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Term-Amazon Kindle edition. This electronic version is available for only US$2.99. And you do not need an actual Kindle device to read it. Why? Amazon will allow you to download it to almost any device: Please click HERE to download one of Amazon s Free Reader Apps. After you go to for your free Kindle reader and then go to Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Term-Amazon Kindle edition.