Church of God News

COGwriter

Tornadoes and violent storms are again in the news with 60 million Americans at risk today:

May 20, 2013

Several tornadoes struck parts of the nation’s midsection Sunday, concentrating damage in central Oklahoma and Wichita, Kan. One person was killed near Shawnee, Okla., and 21 injuries were reported throughout the state.

Tornadoes were reported Sunday in Iowa, Kansas and Oklahoma as part of a storm system that stretched from Texas to Minnesota. Oklahoma’s governor has declared a state of emergency in 16 counties across the state. http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57585240/tornadoes-tear-through-plains-at-least-1-killed-in-okla-21-injured/

Another round of dangerous weather is expected to slam the Plains on Monday, after tornadoes that ripped through five states Sunday killed one and left more than 20 injured…More than 60 million Americans are at risk of severe storms today, with the primary targets including Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri and Arkansas, the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center warned.

“Damaging wind gusts, large hail and tornadoes are possible in all areas,” Weather Channel meteorologist Kevin Roth said.  http://www.usatoday.com/story/weather/2013/05/20/tornadoes-severe-weather-plains-midwest/2325875/

My prayers go out to those affected.

For those unfamiliar with the type of damage that tornadoes can do, notice the following photograph of a house in Mississippi that was hit by a tornado earlier this year:

Tornadoes can be very destructive.

While humans often seem to think otherwise, God is in charge and controls the weather. Notice the following:

26 “Behold, God is great, and we do not know Him; Nor can the number of His years be discovered. 27 For He draws up drops of water, Which distill as rain from the mist, 28 Which the clouds drop down And pour abundantly on man. 29 Indeed, can anyone understand the spreading of clouds, The thunder from His canopy? 30 Look, He scatters His light upon it, And covers the depths of the sea. 31 For by these He judges the peoples; He gives food in abundance. 32 He covers His hands with lightning, And commands it to strike. 33 His thunder declares it, The cattle also, concerning the rising storm. (Job 36:26-33)

17 He casts out His hail like morsels;
Who can stand before His cold?
18 He sends out His word and melts them;
He causes His wind to blow, and the waters flow. (Psalms 147:17-18)

Fire and hail, snow and clouds; stormy wind, fulfilling His word” (Psalm 148:8 , RAV).

17 I struck you with blight and mildew and hail in all the labors of your hands; yet you did not turn to Me,’ says the Lord. (Haggai 2:17)

3 He sends it forth under the whole heaven, His lightning to the ends of the earth. 4 After it a voice roars; He thunders with His majestic voice, And He does not restrain them when His voice is heard. 5 God thunders marvelously with His voice; He does great things which we cannot comprehend. 6 For He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth’; Likewise to the gentle rain and the heavy rain of His strength. 7 He seals the hand of every man, That all men may know His work. 8 The beasts go into dens, And remain in their lairs. 9 From the chamber of the south comes the whirlwind, And cold from the scattering winds of the north. 10 By the breath of God ice is given, And the broad waters are frozen. 11 Also with moisture He saturates the thick clouds; He scatters His bright clouds. 12 And they swirl about, being turned by His guidance, That they may do whatever He commands them On the face of the whole earth. 13 He causes it to come, Whether for correction, Or for His land, Or for mercy. (Job 37:3-13)

The Bible shows:

30 God…commands all men everywhere to repent (Acts 17:30)

And while tornadoes are common in the US Mid-West this time of year, weather-problems are one way that God uses to try to get peoples’ attention to repent (cf. Haggai 2:17).

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Weather Blessings and Sorrows Are weather problems a warning? What should be done?
Just What Do You Mean — Repentance? Do you know what repentance is? Have you truly repented? Repented of what? Herbert W. Armstrong wrote this as a booklet on this important subject.
Do Christians Sin? This is an article by Herbert W. Armstrong.
Overcoming Sin What is sin? How are Christians suppose to overcome it? Here is also a link to a video titled How to Overcome Sin.
How to Prevent Sin This is an article by Herbert W. Armstrong.
Just What Do You Mean Conversion? Many think that they are converted Christians. But are they? Would you like to know more about conversion. Herbert W. Armstrong wrote this as a booklet on this important subject.
False Conversion Have you really been converted? Herbert W. Armstrong wrote this article on this important subject.
All About Water Baptism What is baptism? Would you like to know more about it. Herbert W. Armstrong wrote this as a booklet on this important subject. As far as early history, see also Baptism and the Early Church.
God’s Grace is For All Is being Jewish a hindrance to salvation? What about not being a descendant of Israel? What does the Bible really teach?

World Currencies

COGwriter

Received an email with some information and link to the following:

So far, only China has actively opposed the supremacy of the dollar. RMB internationalization is an official priority of the Chinese leadership…

A week before the recent BRICS summit in Durban, the Kremlin administration has quietly produced a document which describes the Russian strategy in the context of the BRICS. The document is quite interesting for anyone who is brave enough to wade through the pile of legal terms Russian language. The strategy was developed in the “inner circle” of Vladimir Putin’s team, so it’s safe to assume that this is a formal point of view on the future of BRICS.

Russia should be a Byzantine politics, the fact that the Kremlin has decided not to hide the document or to allow him to “escape” for a few selected journalists, and published it, is a very clear signal in the direction of the United States. The signal that the Western media chose to ignore.  http://stratrisks.com/geostrat/12639

While I do not believe that this was earlier only a plan of the Chinese (the BRICS, Europeans, some of the Arabs, and others have all had some type of plan), the reality is that Russia is attempting to eliminate domination of the world’s financial markets and reserve currency by the US dollar.

Here is a news story from Pravda that also confirms this:

May 17, 2013

The US is bankrupt. Yet Uncle Sam continues to stride the world stage and can simply print more money to get by because the dollar is the world’s reserve currency. Remove it as the reserve currency, and the US will no longer be able to remain supreme or fund its wars by relying on what would then be a worthless paper currency…

China has been implementing bilateral trade agreements with a number of countries, whereby trade is no longer conducted in dollars, but in local currencies. Over the past few years, China and other emerging powers such as Russia have been making agreements to move away from the US dollar in international trade. The BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) also plan to start using their own currencies when trading with each other. Russia and China have been using their own national currencies when trading with each other for more than a year.

Under Saddam, Iraq was not using the dollar as the base currency for oil transactions. Neither is Iran right now. http://english.pravda.ru/business/finance/17-05-2013/124594-dollar_crisis-0/

Notice something I wrote about the US dollar in my book Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Edition for Second Obama Term:

The financial policies of the Obama Administration (which are a massive acceleration of the previous policies of the Bush Administration) are heading the world into the direction that something other than the U.S. dollar will be valued as its reserve currency. (Thiel B. Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Edition for Second Obama Term. Nazarene Books, 2013, p. 133)

Many leaders of the world are trying to move away from the US dollar as the world’s reserve currency. And lest seem to be considered a new position by me, these type of warnings were also in a book I wrote in 2009 (2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect)–and this is coming to pass.  However, it will have a lot more European influence than Russia probably now believes (read, for example Europa, the Beast, and the Book of Revelation, and watch, for example, Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European?).

The current world order dominated by the USA, and formerly by the UK is being changed. Despite concerns about the Euro, a power in Europe will control much of the world’s economies for a while–and some of the steps for this to occur have already happened. And eventually, after massive devastation (the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord), Jesus will return and establish His kingdom.

For some items of possibly related interest, please check out the following:

Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British-English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo (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 nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-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?
Canada in Prophecy: What Does Bible Prophecy, Catholic Prophecy, and other Predictions Suggest About the Future of Canada? There are prophecies that suggest involvement with Canada. And many are not positive about its future.
Who is the King of the West? Why is there no End-Time King of the West in Bible Prophecy? Is the United States the King of the West?
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.
Russia: Its 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?
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?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2013, 2014, or 2015? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?
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

The Continuing Church of God is pleased to announce our newest video on our YouTube channel called Bible New Prophecy.

BibleNewsProphecy uploaded a video:

 

Jerusalem To be divided and eliminated

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Damage from Syrian Conflict

COGwriter

The government of Syria apparently had a military victory today (bolding mine):

19 May 2013

Syrian troops have stormed the rebel stronghold of Qusair and now control the town centre, state media say.

State TV says 70 “terrorists” have been killed while activists say 30 people have died including many rebels.

The town, near the Lebanese border, has been under siege for weeks. Its control would give the government access from the capital to the coast.

Lebanese militants are said to be involved – Hezbollah siding with the government, Sunni gunmen with rebels…Syrian opposition activists said government air strikes and heavy shelling on Sunday had killed at least 30 people including 16 rebel fighters.  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-22586378

19 May 2013

Qusair has been under fire for weeks as government troops seek to re-capture it with airstrikes and shelling. The town is strategically important because it links the capital, Damascus, with the coast.

Meanwhile, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad says he will not step down before next year’s elections…

More than 70,000 people have been killed and several million displaced since the uprising against Assad erupted in March 2011.   http://www.voanews.com/content/syrian-town-of-qusair-under-fire/1663858.html

Notice that the opposition is supported by Sunni Muslims.

Sunni Muslim are the predominant type of Muslims in the world.  Estimates claim that between 75-90% of all Muslims are Sunni Muslim.  Most Muslims in Syria are Sunni, yet the President of Syria is Shi’ite (between 10-20% of Muslims are considered to be Shia otherwise called Shi’ites).  This is one of the reasons for the conflict there.

The Bible tells of a time when a confederation of Arabic nations, and apparently Turkey (which is also mainly Sunni), will get together.  And that type of confederation is what a major Sunni group called the Muslim Brotherhood is working towards developing.  Because the Bible predicts this type of confederation in the end times (see Ezekiel 30:1-8; Daniel 11:40-43), it will come to pass.

Because I believe that Syria is one of the countries that will support the final King of the South (Daniel 11:40), and its President Assad is basically on the outs with other Arabic nations, something (like him and his government) will have to change there. Syria’s possession and possible limited use of chemical weapons,  has not endeared it to much of the international community which is more and more isolating itself from the Assad regime.   Despite occasional governmental military victories, the situation in Syria will change.

Furthermore, as most readers of this page realize, the Bible also clearly teaches that Damascus, Syria’s capital, will be destroyed (Isaiah 17:1). Change will occur in Syria.  More change is coming.

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

Items of possibly related interest may include:

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.
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? Might this King be called the Mahdi? What does the Bible say?
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 Islamic Antichrist? Is Joel Richardson correct that the final Antichrist will be Islamic and not European? Find out.
The Muslim Brotherhood and the Rise of the King of the South The Bible tells of the formation of a power of nations that are in the Middle East and North Africa that are part of the final “King of the South” (Daniel 11:40-43) The Muslim Brotherhood wishes to have an Islamic empire with basically the same nations. This YouTube video explains what to expect from such a confederation.

COGwriter

There have been major austerity protests in Rome today:

18 May 2013

Thousands of people have protested in Rome against austerity policies and high unemployment, urging new Prime Minister Enrico Letta to focus on creating jobs to help pull the country out of recession.

“We hope that this government will finally start listening to us because we are losing our patience,” said Enzo Bernardis, who joined the sea of protesters waving red flags and calling for more workers’ rights and better contracts on Saturday…

“We can’t wait anymore” and “We need money to live” were among slogans on banners held up by the crowds…

“This government will last a very short time,” said demonstrator Marco Silvani. What we need is a new leftist party that fights for the rights of the people,” he said. http://www.aljazeera.com/news/europe/2013/05/2013518182935218908.html

Notice not only were there protests, but that a strong leader is wanted by various ones in Italy.  And while he may not be considered to be a “leftist party leader,” the Bible tells of a time of reorganization in Europe where a strong leader will rise up and take control (Revelation 17:12-13).

The protests are not a surprise to me. At this news page, I first reported that we may see civil unrest in Europe on November 3, 2007.

And specifically related to austerity protests, back in 2010 (see Civil War in Greece?), I warned, “Austerity measures in Europe will likely cause civil unrest.” As well later in December 2010 (see Civil Unrest in Greece (and it was predicted) where I warned:

Civil unrest in Europe is expected. Places such as France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Eastern Europe have potential for this occurrence. In addition to austerity measures, Islamic protests and immigration related issues will also likely be factors in flaming protests and devastating riots. Expanded civil unrest will have major impacts on the euro and on Europe itself.

I expect more civil unrest in Europe. Revelation 13:3-4 supports the idea that the Beast may rise up because of violent civil unrest in Europe.

Europe is prophesied to have problems (Daniel 2:41-43) and not all the problems have happened yet.   On November 15, 2012, I posted (Austerity Protests Throughout Europe: Eurozone Enters Recession):

Various part of Europe will see even more significant and violent civil unrest before a strong leader is granted power (cf. Revelation 17:12-13; Revelation 13:1-8). Violent civil unrest will also occur in the USA and other Anglo-descended lands.

World events are aligning with properly understood prophecy. Europe is having unrest as well as economic issues. There will be ups and downs in Europe and the final European beast power will rise up there.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe?
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.
How To Determine If Someone is a True Prophet of God There are many false prophets. How can Christians determine who is a true prophet? There is also a sermon-length video titled How to determine if someone is a true prophet of God. Here is a related link in Spanish/español: ¿Cómo determinar si alguien es un verdadero profeta de Dios?
Large Hadron Collider may result in military applications The Europeans have the largest physics project on the planet. Some scoff, but might it result in military applications? May the Large Hadron Collider help fulfill Revelation 13:4?
Some Doctrines of Antichrist Are there any doctrines taught outside the Churches of God which can be considered as doctrines of antichrist? This article suggests at least three. It also provides information on 666 and the identity of “the false prophet.” Plus it shows that several Catholic writers seem to warn about an ecumenical antipope that will support heresy. You can also watch a video titled What Does the Bible teach about the Antichrist?

(Photo by ISC Kosmotras)

COGwriter

North Korea apparently has decided that test launching missiles is in its best interest as it allegedly fired at least three today:

May 18, 2013

South Korea says North Korea has fired three short-range missiles into the East Sea — also known as the Sea of Japan.

The South’s Defense Ministry says it detected two launches Saturday morning, followed by another in the afternoon.

Ministry spokesman Kim Min-seok says the North’s intent was not clear.  He says South Korea’s military is watching for any additional launches and “possible provocations.”

Japan’s Kyodo news service reported a Japanese official confirmed the launches and said the missiles did not fall into Japanese waters.

The development comes during a period of tentative diplomacy aimed at easing tensions.  Earlier this year, Pyongyang threatened nuclear strikes on South Korea and the U.S. in light of annual U.S.-South Korean military drills and U.N. sanctions imposed on the North after its third nuclear test in February.  http://www.voanews.com/content/north-korea-launches-shortrange-missiles-into-sea/1663539.html

If North Korea does take certain steps to sufficiently aggravate the USA and Japan, it needs to realize that it likely will no longer exist as it is.

If North Korea does take certain steps to sufficiently aggravate South Korea, it needs to realize that this could cause South Korea to further arm itself and take actions on its own to eliminate the threat from North Korea.

The North Korean politicians are playing a dangerous game with their country and their people.

Biblical prophecy seems to suggest cooperation in Korea in the final time just prior to the return of Jesus Christ.

The Koreans are Asians and occupy the “land of the sunrise” (Revelation 16:2) and I believe that they are part of the kings of the east that the Book of Revelation discusses having a role in the end time (Revelation 9:16).  For years I have written that I expect that they will reunify.  The unification of North and South Korea is consistent with biblical prophecy.  But North Korea may take unusual actions before then, and it may regret doing so.

Whether this reunification will be because of a war involving the USA, South Korea, or something else (such as waiting until Revelation 9:16; & 16:2), is not clear. But the situation in Korea will change.

As Jesus said, “37 And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!” (Mark 13:37)

Some articles of possibly related interest would include the following:

Korea in Prophecy, Any Witness? Does God have a plan for the Koreans? Is Korea mentioned in any prophecies? Will Koreans be among the first in the Kingdom of God? 한국의 언어로 : 한국 예언, 모든 증인에?
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, Koreans, and others of Asia? China in prophecy, where? Who has the 200,000,000 man army related to Armageddon?

French President-Elect François Hollande Janvier (© Matthieu Riegler, CC-BY)

COGwriter

The President of France signed an unbiblical bill today:

May 18, 2013

France has become the 14th country to legalize same-sex marriage, after President Francois Hollande signed the bill into law.Mr. Hollande acted Saturday, a day after the Constitutional Council threw out a legal challenge by the right-wing opposition – the UMP party of former president Nicolas Sarkozy.

On Friday, the French leader said he would ensure that the law applies across the whole country, and he would not accept any disruption of the marriages.

French Justice Minister Christiane Taubira said last month that the bill does not take away anyone’s rights, while granting them to others.  Taubira said the first marriages could occur as early as June.  http://www.voanews.com/content/france-marriage/1663534.html

For several reasons, including his pro-homosexual marriage position prior to his being elected last year (see French Voters Elected a New President), this was not a surprise.  But, instead, it is part of a disturbing and immoral trend.

Of course, not all favor this in France.  Actually, many protested the idea earlier this year (see Hundreds of thousands protest against homosexual marriage in Paris).

However, President Hollande’s stance seems consistent with the following biblical prophecies:

13 But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. (2 Timothy 3:13)

1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 6 For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, 7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.  (2 Timothy 3:1-7)

The fact is that he world is moving towards a time of great tribulation and destruction.  The trend towards the greater acceptance of homosexuality is accelerating the pace to cause the end to come.

Homosexuality, itself,  is not something that God does approves of:

7 as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them in a similar manner to these, having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. (Jude 7)

6…the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly (2 Peter 2:6)

God had the example of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah recorded in the Bible so that people would realize that promoting homosexuality is not appropriate and is dangerous.

The Bible also warns that leaders can lead people to err:

12…Those who lead you cause you to err, And destroy the way of your paths. (Isaiah 3:12)

16 For the leaders of this people cause them to err, And those who are led by them are destroyed (Isaiah 9:16).

The trend in the world is not good.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

The Bible Condemns Homosexuality “Same-sex marriage” for “gays” and lesbians is becoming more acceptable to many. What does the Bible teach about homosexuality? Can homosexuals change?
God Created Marriage Some falsely claim that God did not create marriage and that fornication is fine.  What does the Bible really teach?
Why Marriage? Soon Obsolete? This is a booklet from Herbert Armstrong on this important topic.
Love, Marriage, and Sex It is important to get them in the right order.
What is the Meaning of Life? Who does God say is happy? What is your ultimate destiny? Do you really know? Does God actually have a plan for YOU personally?
What Did Jesus Teach About the Ten Commandments? This article quotes what Jesus actually said about them (His words are in red).
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?
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.
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2013, 2014, or 2015? 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? See also the video Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2013?

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

COGwriter

In the USA, one of the biggest bites on income for those who work and own businesses is taxes. There are state and federal income taxes, sales taxes, property taxes and other taxes. And some countries, especially in Europe, taxes are higher.  Apparently US President Obama feels that these taxes must go higher:

May 17, 2013

CBO: Obama budget would raise taxes by nearly $1 trillion

President Obama’s most recent budget request would reduce borrowing by $1.1 trillion over the next decade compared with current law — almost entirely through higher taxes on the rich, large estates and smokers, congressional budget analysts said Friday.

In addition to raising nearly $1 trillion in new taxes, the president’s blueprint would also cut spending modestly, according to the analysis by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office.

However, those savings include money the government never intended to spend anyway, such as a contingency fund for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and nearly $300 billion in unneeded disaster relief.

Obama also proposes to make changes to Medicare worth nearly $360 billion over the next decade and to apply a less-generous measure of inflation to Social Security benefits. But those savings would be swamped by proposed increases for Medicare doctors’ fees, transportation projects, tax credits for the poor, education and job training, the CBO said…All told, if the savings from military operations and disaster relief were discounted, Obama’s budget blueprint would actually increase spending over the next decade by roughly $700 billion, according to CBO figures.  http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/cbo-obama-budget-would-cut-10-year-deficits-by-11-trillion/2013/05/17/fe1c2210-bf1e-11e2-9b09-1638acc3942e_story.html

Obama Budget: CBO Shows $1 Trillion Tax Hike, Fake Spending Cuts

The Congressional Budget Office’s (CBO) official score of President Obama’s budget shows in numbers a vision for economic decline in America. The President imposes a tax increase totaling $1.1 trillion (and a net increase of about $1 trillion), some components of which would directly hit middle-class and lower-income Americans.

On the spending side, the President would cancel sequestration and claims to offset the $1.1 trillion spending increase with equal spending reductions for a zero-spending effect. What this means in reality is that Americans would be left with a $1.1 trillion tax hike and $0 in additional spending reductions. This defines the President’s “balanced approach.”

The President’s largest budget savings are fake! $601 billion in fake war savings…$290 billion in fake emergency savings…If one buys the President’s fake savings, he would still rack up a total deficit of $5.2 trillion in just 10 years...http://blog.heritage.org/2013/05/17/obama-budget-cbo-shows-1-trillion-tax-hike-fake-spending-cuts/

Without going into the politics of this, let me state that apparently both ‘liberal’ (Washington Post) and ‘conservative’ (The Heritage Network) news sources (which I quoted above) realize that with the Obama budget proposal, even if the taxes and raised and these tax rates do not hurt the economy, that the deficit will go up.  This will not end up good for the USA or its dollar.

The deficit going up means increased debt and increased risk of destruction for the USA.

Bible, in the Book of Habakkuk teaches the following about debt in general and end time debt in particular:

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 (Habakkuk 2:3,5,6-8).

Actually, with an admitted $16+ trillion dollar debt and plans to increase that much further, the USA has increased pledges more than any nation in the history of the planet.  And on a per capita basis, the United Kingdom is one of the most indebted nations on the earth itself.

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

Unless the USA changes, it will be doomed.  However, Jesus will return a few years after that and establish the Kingdom of God.  There will be no highly questionable budget proposals then either.

Some items of possibly related interest may include the following:

Taxes What caused the descendants of Israel to pay taxes? Should Christians pay taxes? Here is a link to a YouTube video Should Christians Pay Taxes?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo (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 nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-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? There is also a YouTube video titled Will the USA and other Anglo-nations be Divided and Their People Made Slaves?
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.
Just What Do You Mean the Kingdom of God? A booklet that was written by Herbert Armstrong answers questions about the Kingdom.
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?
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? 2019 or 202x?
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.
Is Tony Blair Apocalyptic? The former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom converted to Catholicism shortly after leaving his office and has been active in European affairs. What role might he play?

COGwriter

Russian seems to be planning on publicly stretching its naval muscles:

Russia sends ‘killer’ missiles to Syria to help Assad regime

Michael R Gordon & Eric Schmitt, New York Times | May 17, 2013

WASHINGTON: Russia has sent advanced anti-ship cruise missiles to Syria, a move that illustrates the depth of its support for the Syrian government led by President Bashar al-Assad, American officials said on Thursday. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/Russia-sends-killer-missiles-to-Syria-to-help-Assad-regime/articleshow/20107950.cms

Russia boosts fleet off Syria

RUSSIA has sent a dozen or more warships to patrol waters near its naval base in Syria, a build-up that US and European officials see as a new, aggressive stance meant partly to warn the West and Israel not to intervene in Syria’s bloody civil war.

Russia’s expanded presence in the eastern Mediterranean, which began attracting US officials’ notice three months ago, is one of its largest sustained naval deployments since the Cold War.  http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/wall-street-journal/russia-boosts-fleet-off-syria/story-fnay3ubk-1226645594608

Russia insists arms sales to Syria not altering “balance of forces in the region”

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov confirmed Friday that Moscow continues to supply the Syrian government of Bashar Assad with “mainly defensive weapons, air defense system.”

Without clarifying reports on exactly which weapons systems Russia had most recently delivered to Syria, Lavrov insisted Friday in Sochi, Russia, that Moscow was honoring its previous arms sale agreements without altering the “balance of forces in the region.”  http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-202_162-57584990/russia-insists-arms-sales-to-syria-not-altering-balance-of-forces-in-the-region/

Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu had what was described as an emergency meeting with Russian President Putin earlier this week (see Israel allegedly tells Russia it will bring down the Syrian Assad Regime if attacked) apparently some of this is Russia’s response to Israel’s intentions.

The Bible tells of the coming destruction Damascus:

7 thus says the Lord God: “It shall not stand, Nor shall it come to pass. 8 For the head of Syria is Damascus (Isaiah 7:7-8).

3 Thus says the Lord: “For three transgressions of Damascus, and for four, I will not turn away its punishment, Because they have threshed Gilead with implements of iron. (Amos 1:3)

1 The burden against Damascus. “Behold, Damascus will cease from being a city, And it will be a ruinous heap. (Isaiah 17:1)

23 Against Damascus. “Hamath and Arpad are shamed, For they have heard bad news. They are fainthearted; There is trouble on the sea; It cannot be quiet. 24 Damascus has grown feeble; She turns to flee, And fear has seized her. Anguish and sorrows have taken her like a woman in labor. 25 Why is the city of praise not deserted, the city of My joy? 26 Therefore her young men shall fall in her streets, And all the men of war shall be cut off in that day,” says the Lord of hosts. 27 “I will kindle a fire in the wall of Damascus, And it shall consume the palaces of Ben-Hadad.” (Jeremiah 49:23-27)

More trouble is coming to Damascus as it will be destroyed (Isaiah 17:1).  Israel may have suggested that it possibly could do it.

Despite Russian moves, Syria will change.  An Islamic confederation that will include the land of Syria is coming (Daniel 11:40-43; Ezekiel 30:1-8; Psalm 83:4-8) is coming.  President Assad will change to ultimately support it or he be absolutely will be replaced.

Watch (Mark 13:37).

Several articles of possibly related interest may include:

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.
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? Might this King be called the Mahdi? What does the Bible say?
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 Islamic Antichrist? Is Joel Richardson correct that the final Antichrist will be Islamic and not European? Find out.
The Muslim Brotherhood and the Rise of the King of the South The Bible tells of the formation of a power of nations that are in the Middle East and North Africa that are part of the final “King of the South” (Daniel 11:40-43) The Muslim Brotherhood wishes to have an Islamic empire with basically the same nations. This YouTube video explains what to expect from such a confederation.
Russia: Its 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?
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?
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?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo (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 nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-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?
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.

French President-Elect François Hollande Janvier (© Matthieu Riegler, CC-BY)

COGwriter

The President of France made the news today with his comments about the UK:

Europe can survive without Britain, says François Hollande

François Hollande launched a three-pronged attack on Britain saying that Europe would survive without the UK, while claiming David Cameron risked splintering the EU and that his austerity policies were failing.  http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/francois-hollande/10062935/Europe-can-survive-without-Britain-says-Francois-Hollande.html

Although he said he would prefer to see Britain in the EU, he also said “Europe existed before Britain joined it.”  As I have written for years, the United Kingdom will either leave/reduce its involvement with the EU (or possible successor organization) and later become dominated/enslaved by the leader of the final European Beast power, or, and this is less likely, stay a fairly full member of the EU and later become dominated/enslaved by the leader of the final European Beast power.

The fact is that President Hollande is correct that Europe will continue whether or not Britain is part of it.  British voters are supposed to have the opportunity to determine the UK’s membership role in the EU according to a promise by its Prime Minister David Cameron (and this is supposed to happen by 2017).

Europe itself is going to change.

The Bible tells of a basically European kingdom that will be partially strong, partially weak, and with a fragile unity (Daniel 2:41-43), but that will have a frightening type of economic dominance (see Revelation chapters 13,17,18). This kingdom will have a religion and it will not be Islam.

The Bible also tells of a time when a European power will reorganize (Revelation 17:12-13). While I do not believe that we are to the point of fulfilling the reorganization required by Revelation 17:12-13, it seems that a variety of steps will be necessary for the final reorganization to occur. Some of those steps, especially if they involve austerity/budget cuts and immigration policies, may stir more violent protests in the future. Violent protests can lead to militaristic leaders rising up, and a major militaristic leader rising up is consistent with biblical prophecy (cf. Daniel 11:39-44; Revelation 13:3-4).

Some 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”? 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 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? What MUST happen BEFORE the Great Tribulation?
Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North? Is the German Defense Minister one to watch? What do Catholic, Byzantine, and biblical prophecies suggest?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo (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? Is Reuben France? What will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-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?
Is Tony Blair Apocalyptic? The former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom converted to Catholicism shortly after leaving his office and has been active in European affairs. What role might he play?
Is There an Islamic Antichrist? Is Joel Richardson correct that the final Antichrist will be Islamic and not European? Find out.
Will You Be Deceived by Antichrist? 1964 article by David Jon Hill, originally published in the old Good News magazine.
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.