Church of God News

COGwriter

LCG reported the following  several hours prior to the announcement of the appointment of the EU’s new president yesterday:

Welcome to the “Fully Functional” European Union. By the time this News and Prophecy item is published, the EU may have its very own President and Foreign Minister. The EU now maintains the world’s largest economy, rivaled only by the combined economies of the U.S. and China. The EU will soon surpass the half-billion mark in population. The EU’s military force abroad (71,000 troops) is second only to the U.S. and the EU’s troop levels will increase as the Lisbon Treaty is fully implemented. EU nations are also emerging from the global economic crisis at a more rapid rate than other nations. A sobering quote from The Sunday Times of London reads, “Britain may not like it, but under the Lisbon treaty the likely emergence of an EU military force will help to expand Europe’s global ‘footprint’. It gives a prophetic ring to a book written four years ago by Mark Leonard, director of the European Council on Foreign Relations: Why Europe Will Run the 21st Century” (November 15, 2009). For decades, we have predicted the rise of a powerful European super-state, based on Bible prophecy. The last two weeks have seen the reality of these predictions come to pass. The EU is now poised to play an even bigger role on the world stage. It is methodically growing and moving forward—just as God prophesied millennia ago. From the current configuration of 27 EU members, we now must look forward to a future organization of ten kingdoms or groupings in Europe that will make up the final Beast power spoken of in Daniel and Revelation.

The European Union is forming and will be some type of foundation for the fulfillment of a militarized “Beast power” that is warned about in Revelation 13.  The final rise of a Babylonian system is warned about in Chapters 17 and 18 as well.  The appointment of new leaders for Europe is an important development.

Yet, in American news, items such as Oprah Winfrey’s announcement that she will tape her last episode of her long-running show in September 2011 seemed to be a much bigger story.  How many Americans heard that Herman Van Rompuy was appointed EU President and Catherine Ashton as Foreign Minister?  It would seem that many more learned about Oprah.

But irrespective of mainstream media attention, the reality is that the Europeans will rise up.  And even though there are likely to be a few setbacks in Europe (and probably at least one or two serious ones), Bible prophecy will be fulfilled and the foundational requirements are appearing (though not emphasized by many) right before our very eyes.

Some links of related interest may include:

2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect This is a link related to a book by Bob Thiel (COGwriter). This also has YouTube videos related to 2012. The book is for those truly interested in understanding how prophecies inter-relate and who want to see a real sequence of end time events. It goes into details concerning prophecies that involve the rising up of a European power, including the King of the North/the Beast and the Antichrist that line up with biblical prophecies.  It analyzes others that involve the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, and Asia.
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin?
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?

Laodicea Has Many Scattered Structures that Are Relatively Ineffective

COGwriter

The electronic version of UCG’s latest United News reports the following:

United’s Financial Statements Show God’s Continued Blessings

by Jason Lovelady

Each year in the November issue
of United News, we include a copy
of the audited financial statements
of the United Church of God, an
International Association, and the
audit report of our independent
auditors—Clark, Schaefer, Hackett
and Co. of Cincinnati, Ohio.
This year’s report is for the fiscal
year that ended on June 30,
2009…

One item to note on the statements this
year is that the building that the Church
uses for Sabbath services in Big Sandy
was transferred from UCG–East Texas
to United Church of God, an International
Association in November 2008. The
property value was recorded as an asset
at $1,150,000, with an outstanding mortgage
of $350,000 as of November 2008.
The remaining $800,000 was recorded as
income (as a property contribution).
We are thankful for and appreciative
of the faithful and generous members and
others who support the work of the Church
by giving tithes and offerings. Most especially,
we are grateful for and give thanks
to God for blessing the Church with the
financial stability that we currently enjoy
even amidst the difficult financial times
facing this world today.

UCG’s income is essentially flat for the period.  That is to say, that if it did not recognize the property transfer as “income” it would have reported income of $23,935,699 for the fiscal year ending 6/30/09 compared to income of 23,927,074 for the fiscal year ending 6/30/08.  It has been a tough financial year for many.

For its fiscal year ending 6/30/09, UCG claims a gross income of $24,735,699. It spent 5,649,925 (22.8%) for ‘public proclamation’; it spent 4,223,249 for managing its meetings and ‘home office’ (17.1%); and 14,072,730 (56.9%) for the field ministry/local churches/FOT/International support, and increased reserves by 789,795.  For its fiscal year ending 12/31/08, LCG grossed 13,516,604 and spent 6,204,853 on public proclamation, 900,217 on HQ administration, 5,833,128 to ‘feed the flock’ (including Living University) and increased reserves by 525,645.

Last year UCG spent $5,734,800 for ‘public proclamation’ and apparently decided to decrease that even though it indicated that it had planned to increase that portion of the budget.

If you gave $100.00 to the United Church of God in the years ending 6/30/08 and 6/30/09 here is what UCG did with it:

.......................................UCG............06/30/08....06/30/09

1st Commission to Proclaim the Gospel to the World....$23.97........$22.84
2nd Commission to Feed the Flock (and Field Ministry)..55.90.........56.89
Headquarters/Home Office...............................17.67.........17.08
Change in Reserves......................................2.46..........3.19
Total................................................$100.00.......$100.00

If you gave $100.00 to the United Church of God or the Living Church of God, here is where your money went:

.......................................United Church of God....Living Church of God

1st Commission to Proclaim the Gospel to the World....$22.84........$43.53
2nd Commission to Feed the Flock (and Field Ministry)..56.89.........45.92
Headquarters/Home Office...............................17.08..........6.66
Change in Reserves......................................3.19..........3.89
Total................................................$100.00.......$100.00

The above figures are based upon the latest audited financial statements of the respective churches.

Jesus taught:

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Matthew 6:21).

I went with LCG because of Gospel proclamation emphasis and biblical church governance. Even though LCG is much smaller and last much less income, it actually continues to spend more in actual cash on public proclamation than UCG does.  It is also interesting that UCG spent almost 3 times as high a percentage on governance than LCG does (and over 4 times as much in actual cash, UCG spent $4,223,249 vs. LCG’s 900,217).

LCG also produces twice the number of magazines (Tomorrow’s World vs. Good News) on a per member basis than UCG does.  The most recent attendance numbers from the two groups show that UCG reported that 20,419 attended its Feast of Tabernacles’ sites last month compared to the 7,612 who attended LCG’s sites.

Which group is holding fast (Revelation 3:11) to the priorities that Jesus set (Matthew 24:14, 28:19-20) for the Church?

Which group has a work that is neither hot nor cold (Revelation 3:15)?

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches (Revelation 3:22).

Some articles of related interest may include:

There are Many COGs: Why Support the Living Church of God? This is an article for those who wish to easily sort out the different COGs. It really should be a MUST READ for current and former WCG members or any interested in supporting the faithful church. It also explains a lot of what the COGs are all about.
Differences between the Living Church of God and United Church of God This article provides quotes information from the two largest groups which had their origins in WCG as well as commentary.
Polycarp, Herbert W. Armstrong, and Roderick C. Meredith on Church Government What form of governance did the early church have? Which form of governance would one expect to have in the Philadelphia remnant? The people decide and/or committee forms, odd dictatorships, or the same type that the Philadelphia era itself had?
Should the Church Still Try to Place its Top Priority on Proclaiming the Gospel or Did Herbert W. Armstrong Change that Priority for the Work? Some say the Church should mainly feed the flock now as that is what Herbert W. Armstrong reportedly said. Is that what he said? Is that what the Bible says? What did Paul and Herbert W. Armstrong expect from evangelists?
The Philadelphia Church Era was predominant circa 1933 A.D. to 1986 A.D. The old Radio Church of God and old Worldwide Church of God, now basically the Living Church of God.
The Laodicean Church Era was predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. Non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG.

Richard Ames

COGwriter

In its latest update, LCG reported:

For those who thought the Work is over—it is time to think again! Last weekend’s telecast by Mr. Ames, “You Can Understand Prophecy,” produced the highest number of responses that we have ever received—more than 6,300 callers headed to their phones after the program! The Canadian responses actually overwhelmed our U.S. call center located near Charlotte…

LCG received roughly two calls for every one adult member it has in the USA.  The relative response that LCG receives to its telecast is considerably higher than that the old WCG used to receive under Herbert W. Armstrong.

LCG appears to receive more responses to its telecasts than all the other COGs combined.

For details on that and related matters, pleases check out the following:

There are Many COGs: Why Support the Living Church of God? This is an article for those who wish to more easily sort out the different COGs. It really should be a MUST READ for current and former WCG/GCI members or any interested in supporting the faithful church. It also explains a lot of what the COGs are all about.
Should the Church Still Try to Place its Top Priority on Proclaiming the Gospel or Did Herbert W. Armstrong Change that Priority for the Work? Some say the Church should mainly feed the flock now as that is what Herbert W. Armstrong reportedly said. Is that what he said? Is that what the Bible says? What did Paul and Herbert W. Armstrong expect from evangelists?
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.
Are You Saved? Do You Love Jesus? What is a True Christian? What is the Gospel? Evangelist Richard Ames answers those important questions.
Getting the Gospel Out is More than a Local Job Discusses Biblical rationale for doing an international, and not just a local, work.

COGwriter

In its latest update, LCG reported:

Australia is a nation with a size virtually equivalent to the continental United States, but with a population of only 20 million people. A recent article in an online Taliban magazine, Al Sumud, powerfully stated the desires of this extreme group: “The end of European leadership in the world will place the white settler diaspora in Australia before two choices… It can either return to its motherland in Europe or reconcile with its Asian surroundings and assimilate into it as a wealthy and active member.” The author went on to further threaten, “There is no doubt that the huge growth in the population of Asia, together with its economic and military development, will make Australia into lebensraum—to use the European term.” Lebensraum was a term used in Nazi Germany to support the conquest of neighbouring nations to increase the “living space” for Germany. Asians see Australia as future “living space” for their soaring populations (The Australian, November 6, 2009). God warned long ago of difficult times for Israel if it failed to obey and worship Him. Although the recent Taliban threats are currently just verbal, the Bible indicates that they could potentially become a reality in the future. “The LORD will cause you to be defeated before your enemies… A nation whom you have not known shall eat the fruit of your land…” (Deuteronomy 28:25, 33). Returning to the one true God could prevent some of this evil, and so it is crucial for us to preach the Gospel and the Ezekiel Warning to the world!

It is likely that once the USA and UK are out of the way, that the land of those in Australia and New Zealand will be given to those in Asia.

It is quite possible that since the King of the South (an Islamic power) and the King of the North will make deals with each other (cf. Daniel 11:27), that they will somehow agree to divide the lands of the Anglo-descended nations as the Bible shows that the King of the North will divide certain land for gain (Daniel 11:39).

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?
Is There A Future King of the South? Some no longer believe there needs to be. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? What does the Bible say?

VS.

COGwriter

Ronald Weinland of CGPFK made a new declaration yesterday–he now also claims that he is an apostle.  He was speaking in Bowling Green, Kentucky and said he was about to engage in a long series of sermons on a new topic.  He then told his audience that he plans to speak in the Netherlands next week, and in London the week after.  But, before he declared himself to be an apostle in his 11/14/2009 sermon, also again claimed that Jesus would return on May 27, 2012.

Relating being an apostle, about 2/3 of the way into the sermon, from my notes, Ronald Weinland stated:

In addition to…being God’s witness at this time…He also gave me another job…I have always believed that Herbert W. Armstrong was the final apostle for the last time…I too am both a prophet and an apostle…I am an apostle.  And if people don’t like it, they don’t like it. (Weinland R.  Journey of Faith, part 3.  Sermon, Bowling Green, KY, November 14, 2009).

He then read from some of his 2008: God’s Final Witness book which he somehow feels shows that he is a prophet and apostle, and that what he “says is true”.  He plans to write about this declaration as well as he plans on doing a 2 1/2 hour radio show to discuss his writings with him.

Ronald Weinland was a minister in the old WCG, then the United Church of God, then he left to be on his own.  Ronald Weinland once wrote that he was called to be a prophet in 1997.  On January 20, 2006, he told me that he claimed to be one of the two witnesses.  He wrote a book claiming that 2008 was “God’s Final Witness”.  He claimed that the Great Tribulation would start on April 17, 2008.  In 2007, he claimed that the USA would be nuked in 2008.  In a radio interview on December 15, 2007, he declared, “By the fall of 2011, that’s when Jesus Christ returns”.

In a radio interview on April 7, 2008, he declared that  “there will not be a new president take office in January” (but Barack Obama did take that office on January 20, 2009). In a radio interview on April 10, 2008, he declared that there would be a nuclear attack on the USA within 90 days (this did not happen).  On April 18, 2008, he reported that he claimed that his wife Laura was the other of the two witnesses effective on April 17th.

Ronald Weinland claimed that clear signs would show he was right or he would publicly repent in a sermon given March 29, 2008:

If by Pentecost I’m just going to make this real clear to everyone. If by Pentecost it is not powerfully and abundantly clear that there has been a great deal of destruction that will clearly encompass a third of all plant life in the US and at least the clear results of this mingled with blood the death of very much animal life and the beginning of large numbers of human life then I will stop preaching. Just so all the critics and everyone out there will understand. I am true to my word in these things. OK? And for all the critics if by the end of July and for most likely around Pentecost if nothing has clearly caused great destruction and death I will make it very clear that I was a false prophet. I will do exactly what I said I would do on all of those interviews that I have held; to do less, aah well, would be quite insane. (Weinland R. Three More Weeks–quote from near the 1 hour 28 minute point from the CGPFK website version. Sermon given March 29, 2008).

Since Pentecost in 2008 was June 8th, Ronald Weinland was to stop preaching according to his own words.

And by mid-July 2008 apologize and publicly admit his error.

Instead on April 19th, he pronounced curses on his critics:

We are in Jerusalem…it has been very, very, nice hear….the Harrells are with us…

Everyone has done quite well here…This sermon is filled with power and strength, if you have ears to hear…

All of this is from God…

For those of you who want to mock, I do forewarn you, you are going to cease or you will die…You see, I have a unique job and you don’t understand what that job is…You don’t understand…

You don’t understand the power of God and what He has given me to do…

And my first exercise in use of power, that God has granted me in Revelation 11, is to you, you mockers…Truly.

It begins with you, first and foremost.

You will be the first to experience…You don’t have to wait long.

For those who mock, again, from this day forward, by what you say against God’s people, by what you say against God’s truth, by what you say against God’s truths, by what you say against God’s prophets, you will suffer from sickness that will eat you from the inside out. And you will die. Your death will not be quick…

None of his critics have died as far as I am aware.  And the hatred he has repeatedly let slip that he has towards others that point out that he is not God’s prophet, witness, or now apostle, has been bizarre from one who claims to be a man of God.  One of Ronald Weinland’s followers even wrote me in May/June 2008 and accused me of not reporting that I had been afflicted by Ronald Weinland’s curse and that I was dying then.  I informed him that I was fine (and I still am), nor am I slowly suffering from any disease that I am aware of.

By April 26th, Ronald Weinland changed one date. And by late June 2008, he changed other dates. And in August 2008, he declared his ideas about critics to be the “50th truth” he restored to the church.  He then claimed that the Great Tribulation began on December 14, 2008.  He still clings to that date even though it should be obvious to those with eyes to see that the Great Tribulation has not began.

Notice what the Bible says about those claiming to be a prophet:

21 “And if you say in your heart, ‘How shall we know the word which the LORD has not spoken?’– 22 when a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him (Deuteronomy 18:21-22).

Ronald Weinland was wrong many times and is wrong this time about being God’s apostle. People should not heed him or fear what he says!

And now he claims to be an apostle.  I remember when RCG’s David Pack declared himself to be an apostle, as well as when TPM’s William Dankenbring published that he was an apostle.  There have also been a few lessor known leaders who have made similarly inaccurate declarations.  None of these “apostles” accepts that the others are.

The Bible warns:

12 But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast. 13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works (2 Corinthians 11:12-15).

In his sermon yesterday, Ronald Weinland mainly seemed to be telling his followers to endure with him for a long time.  Probably because it should be clear that the Great Tribulation has not begun, hence for his group to continue to exist, he apparently wants his followers to overlook the obvious and stick with HIM.  He neglects to understand the Bible properly, but instead advises people to listen to him and his writings.

Now notice one portion of scripture that should be obvious proof that the 1260 days starting with the Great Tribulation did not begin on December 14, 2008:

5 He shall speak pompous words against the Most High,
Shall persecute the saints of the Most High,
And shall intend to change times and law.
Then the saints shall be given into his hand
For a time and times and half a time. (Daniel 7:25)

This simply has not happened, thus there is no way the final 3 1/2 years began on December 14, 2008 as Ronald Weinland’s church officially claims.

Yesterday, he also suggested that some of the larger COG groups were “insane”.  Ron Weinland indicated that since Paul was placed by God to be an apostle, that he was an apostle.

Ronald Weinland seems to wish to have many titles placed upon himself.  But every day, circumstances show he is a false prophet.  Every day that goes on makes it very clear that we are not yet in the Great Tribulation.  I believe that he and others like him cause the way of truth to be blasphemed:

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

All who will look at the Bible and compare that to what Ronald Weinland teaches should be able to tell that he is a false prophet.  And thus, he is also not God’s apostle.  He did at least admit in yesterday’s sermon that he was not ordained a prophet by anyone.  Ronald Weinland took that title upon himself as he is apparently deluded into believing that somehow God made him a prophet–but would God raise up a false prophet as His own?  Obviously not.

Despite false prophets like Ronald Weinland rising up, the truth is that the Great Tribulation will begin relatively soon.   Jesus will return and the final Bible prophecies will be fulfilled.  But Jesus cannot return prior to 2016 and the Great Tribulation cannot begin prior to 2013.

Some articles of related interest may include the following:

Concerns About Ronald Weinland’s Church of God-Preparing for the Kingdom of God Ronald Weinland falsely claims to be one of the two witnesses God is raising up and that the end will come in 2008 (first April 17th, then June 2008, now December 14, 2008). Why does the Bible show that Ron Weinland is a false prophet? He also has at least one other view that suggests that he is not part of the Church of God.
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2009, 2010, or 2011? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?
Who Are The Two Witnesses? What is their job? What does the Bible reveal? What has the Church of God taught on this subject? Might even Roman Catholic prophecies give some clues here?
End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something? Are there Mayan calendar predictions for change in 2012? Changes were centuries ago predicted by the Hopi Native Americans. Do Mayan/Hindu/Hopi/Buddhist/New Age/Nostradamus prophecies have any value here? Why might Satan have inspired this date? Does the Dresden codex show destruction of the earth by flood? Can the great tribulation start before 2012? How might Barack Obama be involved in 2012?
2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect This is a link related to a book by Bob Thiel (COGwriter). This also has YouTube videos related to 2012. The book is for those truly interested in understanding how prophecies inter-relate and who want to see a real sequence of end time events.

Rebuilt Gymnasium in Sardis

COGwriter

The current issue of CG7’s Bible Advocate reported the following:

At the urging of the board of direc-
tors, General Conference President Whaid Rose has
agreed to take a brief sabbatical in the interest of
securing his long-term availability for effective service
to the Church. Elder Rose has experienced signifi -
cant vision impairment in recent years. This sabbati-
cal provides time for him to pursue recommended
medical treatments and some writing projects. Elder
Loren Stacy, G. C. board chairman, has agreed to
provide the “Last Word” until Elder Rose returns.

Whaid Rose is a fairly young president.  He has always appeared, to me at least, to have some Protestant-leanings and tendencies.  But I am sorry that he has health problems and will pray for him.

Two articles that mention the teachings of his church include:

Church of God, Seventh Day: History and Teachings Nearly all COG’s I am aware of trace their history through this group. Whaid Rose is the president of the largest CG7 group (Denver). Do you know much about them?
The Sardis Church Era was predominant circa 1600 A.D. to circa 1933 A.D. Discusses early history of the Seventh Day Baptists, Seventh-day Adventists, and COG-7th Day.

COGwriter

Because of my book, 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect, Sony Pictures invited me to attend the press screening of its 2012 disaster movie.

So, I drove down to Century City (near Hollywood) last night to watch it.

This was the first time I had ever attended a press screening of a movie.

The movie itself is about 2 1/2 hours long .  It stars John Cusack and Chiwetel Ejiofor.  The Sony/Columbia Pictures movie is Roland Emmerich’s take on 2012 and has certain accuracies as far as the Mayan predictions are concerned.  As the attendees of the press screening not supposed to report previously undisclosed details on it before Friday, I will wait until then as I expect to post more about it.

The movie, though Hollywood exciting, does not take a biblical nor Church of God perspective on 2012.

Here is a link to this month’s cover story from Tomorrow’s World magazine on 2012 by Wally Smith: The Truth About 2012: Hollywood vs. Humanity.

Those who wish to learn more about 2012 and what really will and will not happen may wish to get my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect as it goes beyond what the Mayan writings show (though it explains several of them) and explains how certain non-biblical predictions line up with biblical ones so that those interested in the truth can take proper steps.

Dr. Meredith, Mrs. Meredith, Mrs. Thiel, David Thiel, Brian Thiel, and Bob Thiel (10/09)

COGwriter

While we do not claim to know all the precise details of every twist and turn, we in the Living Church of God do have an overall framework of end time matters as foretold in the Bible.

Last week, LCG reported:

A New Day Dawns for Europe! Following on the heels of Ireland’s approval of the Lisbon Treaty after a second vote in October, this week the last nation “holding out” on signing the document finally gave in. Within hours of the Czech Republic’s national court ruling that the Treaty was constitutional, Czech President Vaclav Klaus signed the treaty. “Across the EU, leaders breathed a collective sigh of relief, from the European Commission president, Jose Manuel Barroso, who said he was ‘exceptionally satisfied’, to the German foreign minister, Guido Westerwelle, who described it as a ‘good day for Europe.’” What began as the European Constitution and switched only its name mid-stream, will become law in Europe on December 1, with approval by 100% of 27 nations involved. Europe will now have its own president, foreign minister and diplomatic corps, and the meaning of national sovereignty will forever change (Times online, November 3, 2009). While Europe was in ruins following World War II, a lone voice rang strong from a small location on the west coast of the United States, warning not only that Germany would rise from the ashes, but that Europe would also unify. As Herbert Armstrong predicted the future based on Bible prophecy, many scoffed, noting the shattered condition of Europe. Yet, today, as he predicted decades ago and God prophesied millennia ago (see Daniel 2 and Revelation 17), Europe is now unified under a common set of laws and will soon have a president. The next development to watch for will be the emergence of ten leading kingdoms within Europe.

Dr. R.C. Meredith was ordained an evangelist by Herbert W. Armstrong in 1952.  Dr. Meredith, now the presiding evangelist of the Living Church of God worked for Herbert W. Armstrong from the early 1950s until Herbert W. Armstrong died in 1986.  Dr. Meredith has been teaching that a European supranational state would come for nearly 60 years himself.

And as regular readers of this page are aware, I have believed and taught this for over three decades myself.  Prophetic events are lining up.

A group of ten kingdoms (a combination of territories within a European supranational state) is foretold in the Bible (Revelation 17:12).  What is prophesied will come to pass.

And while prophecy is certainly NOT the only matter of Christian importance, it should be a matter of importance for Christians.  The Bible teaches:

Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy
(Rev 19:10).

Three articles of possibly related interest may include:

Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? What is ahead for Europe?  Is it destined to rule?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?
2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect This is a link related to a book by Bob Thiel (COGwriter). This also has YouTube videos related to 2012.  The book contains documented prophecies as well as an end time sequence of events that Christians should study and understand.

The 220 kg Gold brick displayed in Taiwan

COGwriter

LCG reported the following in its latest World Ahead Weekly Update:

India and China Buying Gold. Gold prices are a powerful indicator of national trust in world currencies. As confidence in national currencies increases, the price of gold falls. However, gold prices increase as confidence in national currencies falls. As confidence in the U.S. dollar declines, other nations are increasing their gold holdings and using them to replace their stock of U.S. dollars. This week, India purchased 200 tons of gold from the International Monetary Fund—even though gold was selling at a near all-time high. This transaction was worth almost US$7 billion. Economists expect China to follow suit in the very near future as it works to convert some of its US$2 trillion of foreign currency reserves into a safer source. All of this translates into declining confidence in the U.S. dollar and its continued decline in value on the world stage (MSN.com, November 3, 2009). The “greenback” (U.S. dollar) and British pound were once the coveted currencies of the world, but as these and other Israelite-descended nations move further afield from God’s way, these currencies are approaching the value of “just” the paper that they are printed on. God encouraged the Israelite nations long ago, that if they would be obedient to Him, they would be the head and the nations of the world would be the tail—they would be the lenders and the rest of the nations would be the borrowers (Deuteronomy 28:12-14).

Historically, nations do not tend to buy massive amounts of gold when it is at or near all time highs.  Taiwan is also a major holder of gold.

Also notice the following news item:

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com)…“To have India step in and buy half of the IMF gold was a big surprise,” said Joe Foster, a precious metals analyst at Van Eck Global. “It shows that other central banks are looking to buy gold.”

Analysts say many monetary policy makers are looking for ways to reduce their exposure to the U.S. dollar, which is the traditional reserve currency of choice for many foreign central banks.

The dollar, which is down 6% this year, has been pressured by concerns about the growing U.S. budget deficit and rock bottom interest rates.

Traders say gold could emerge as the “new dollar” when it comes to reserve currencies.

The IMF is slated to sell another 200 metric tons of gold, and many analysts expect China to be a significant buyer. The Russian central bank has also expressed interest in expanding its gold hoard.

“You have countries that believe gold is going to go higher, otherwise they wouldn’t be making these long-term purchases,” said Adam Klopfenstein, senior market strategist at commodities brokerage firm Lind-Waldock. “That’s the main catalyst propelling the market higher.” (Rooney B. Gold hits a record near $1100.  CNNMoney, November 4, 2009 http://money.cnn.com/2009/11/04/markets/gold/?postversion=2009110415

So why are certain nations buying gold now?

Certain nations like India are correctly convinced that even if gold drops in value, ultimately, the dollar itself will dip much further.  The Bible is clear that after the Great Tribulation begins, gold will still have value.  And it will until sometime during what the Bible calls “the day of the Lord”.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

India, Its Biblical Past and Future: Any Witness? The Bible discusses the origins of those of Indian heritage and discusses some of the witness to them (including those in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka).
China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 1: Genesis and Chinese Characters This article provides information showing that the Chinese peoples must have known about various accounts in the Book of Genesis up until their dispersion after the Tower of Babel.
China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 2: The Sabbath and Some of God’s Witness in China When did Christianity first come to China? And is there early evidence that they observed the seventh day sabbath?
Asia in Prophecy What is Ahead for Asia? Who are the “Kings of the East”? What will happen to nearly all the Chinese, Russians, Indians, and others of Asia? China in prophecy, where? Who has the 200,000,000 man army related to Armageddon?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?  Why does he accumulate gold?

EU Flag

COGwriter

In his update last night, ICG’s Mark Armstrong reported the following about the news of the week:

The biggest news of all from a prophetic standpoint is the fact that the so-called Lisbon treaty for the European Union has now cleared the last roadblocks and been ratified.  From this day forward Europeans of every nationality and culture are citizens of the EU.  No national government in Europe any longer has the legal ability to challenge or opt out of any law or action taken by the new supranational European State.

They’re still calling it the European Union, as the name has long been recognized and accepted.  But, now that the Lisbon treaty has (by hook or crook) been “legally” ratified, as of November 3, 2009 the world has entered a completely new era in Europe’s history.

Consider the following points on this development compiled by Prof. Anthony Coughian, and published by The Brussels Journal.

1. It establishes a legally new European Union the constitutional form of a supranational European State.

2. It empowers this new European Union to act as a State vis-à-vis other States and its own citizens.

3. It makes all Europeans citizens of this new European Union.

4. To hide the enormity of the change, the same name—European Union—will be kept while the Lisbon Treaty changes fundamentally the legal and constitutional nature of the Union.

5. It creates a Union Parliament for the Union’s new citizens.

6. It creates a Cabinet Government of the new Union.

7. It creates a new Union political President.

8. It creates a civil rights code for the new Union’s citizens.

9. It makes national Parliaments subordinate to the new Union.

10. It gives the new Union self-empowerment powers.

…This development represents the culmination of so many things that my Dad, and his Dad pointed out that were leading to this over the decades.  They always believed and taught that, in order for Europe to fulfil the role suggested by Bible prophecy, it would ultimately have to merge into a single economic, political, and ultimately militaristic entity.  From our standpoint, this news is absolutely huge, and has enormous implications for the entire world.  But, at least so far, there has been little if any notice paid by the mainstream media.

For all intents and purposes, national sovereignty no longer exists anywhere in Europe.  It has all been rendered legally obsolete by the emergence of a new European State.

It should be pointed out that the EU does not yet run like the above indicates.  However, this certainly is the direction that the EU is heading towards.

Herbert W. Armstrong predicted a coming European supranational state at the end of WWII.  Dr. R.C. Meredith of the Living Church of God worked for Herbert W. Armstrong from the early 1950s until Herbert W. Armstrong died in 1986.  Dr. Meredith has been teaching that a European supranational state would come for nearly 60 years himself.

And as regular readers of this page are aware, I have believed and taught this for over three decades myself.  Prophetic events are lining up.

Two articles of possibly related interest may include:

Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? What is ahead for Europe?  Is it destined to rule?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?