Church of God News

Patriarch Kirill of Russia

Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople (Left)

COGwriter

The Eastern Orthodox Patriarchs of Constantinople and Russia are to meet this Saturday:

Orthodox Patriarchs to Meet in Moscow

ROME, MAY 18, 2010 (Zenit.org).- Moving forward in a sometimes troubled history, the Orthodox patriarch of Constantinople will visit his counterpart in Moscow, arriving Saturday and staying through the end of the month.

Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia invited Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople to make the visit. Bartholomew I will be accompanied by an entourage including a few ranking Orthodox prelates and several laypeople.

It remains to be seen how close the two will get together.

Patriarch Bartholomew has made it clear that he wants ecumenical unity between the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholics (see Bartholomew I Patriarch of Constantinople Opposes Those Who Warn Against Catholic Unity).  Patriarch Kirill has been less enthusiastic about such unity (see New Russian Orthodox Patriarch), but does not necessarily oppose discussions related to it.

I would speculate that they will come to some type of limited understanding on this subject.  And while both biblical and Catholic (Greek/Eastern and Latin/Roman) prophecies teach that unity between the West and the East will occur, it is most likely that Russia will eventually pull out of any type of unification that it may become part of.

Though many act otherwise, Catholic and biblical prophecy indicates that such unification is NOT going to be good for the planet.  And especially for American Catholics.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Why Should American Catholics Should Fear Unity with the Orthodox? Are the current ecumenical meetings a good thing or will they result in disaster?
Orthodox Must Reject Unity with the Roman Catholics The talks for unification involve compromise and the apparent rising up of a changed religion that no one should accept.
Catholic Prophecies: Do They Mirror, Highlight, or Contradict Biblical Prophecies? People of all faiths may be surprised to see what various Roman and Orthodox Catholic prophets have been predicting as many of their predictions will be looked to in the 21st century.

Antigua, Guatemala

COGwriter

The EU continues to work to expand its economic influence.

EU, Central American states reach trade deal

Madrid May 18, 2010

Reporting by Bate Felix; Editing by Matthew Jones

(Reuters) – The European Union and Central American states reached an agreement on Tuesday to liberalize trade and cut import tariffs…

The EU and Panama, Guatemala, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua began trade negotiations in 2007…

The European Union is Central America’s largest trading partner after the United States. Trade between the blocs stood at nearly 10 billion euros ($12.32 billion) in 2009.

Central American states export mostly agricultural products such as coffee, bananas and other fruits to the EU and import machinery, chemicals, vehicles and fuels from Europe.  http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE64H0UW20100518?type=politicsNews

While the USA still has closer geographic ties to Central America, it does not have closer cultural ties.  And while there will always be differences between Europe and Central America, once religious fervor affects Europe once again, Central America will tend to side with Europe and not the USA.

This trade deal will simply help make this a reality as it will make it easier when the two sides decide that they have closer cultural ties.  Since Europe seems to need immigration and the USA is trying to reduce it, this may also be a factor.

Ultimately, the Bible shows that the final European power will control much of the international economy (Revelation 13:16-17; Revelation 18) and that many will prosper because of it.  And this will include some within Latin America, including Central America.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Mexico, Central America, South America, and Brazil in Prophecy [Español: México, America Central, Suramérica, y el Brasil en profecíal] [Português: México, América Central, Ámérica do Sul, e Brasil na profecia] What will happen to those of Latin America? Will they have prosperity? Will they cooperate with Europe? Will they suffer in the future? What rule might the various Caribbean nations/territories play?
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?
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?

Dresden Codex Picturing a Flood

COGwriter

Some believe that the end of the Mayan long-count calendar (December 21, 2012) will have the world inundated by a flood or other disasters.  So, others are hoping to profit from this:

safe-haven offered in Mojave Desert

Associated Press – May 17, 2010

BARSTOW, Calif. – A company with a doomsday plan is taking money for what it promises will be a comfortable, nuke-proof bunker under the Mojave Desert, with an atrium, gym and jail, and sloppy joes and pearl potatoes on the menu.

Robert Vicino, who runs the Del Mar-based company called Vivos, has collected deposits on half the 132 spaces planned in the 13,000-square-foot bunker in Barstow.

The facility is among several popping up across the country as fears of doomsday have been fueled recently by strong earthquakes, terrorism and predictions of the world’s end in 2012 when the ancient Mayan calendar is said to end.

In Barstow, $50,000 will get a bunk in a four-person room. Vicino is still taking reservations: $5,000 for adults and $2,500 for kids. Pets are free.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/37195342/ns/us_news-life/

Since there is no possible way that the world will end on December 21, 2012 by a flood or any other means, this is NOT a real safe-haven.

People interested in safety need to read their Bibles, repent, and “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).

Those truly interested in end time prophecy related to 2012 and beyond should consider prayerfully studying the prophecies in the following book, as it lays them out in a manner that many have found easier to follow (and much less expensive than the “safe-haven” being offered in Mojave):

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. This book documents and explains hundreds of prophecies. And since it was published, many have already started to come to pass.  And it goes into detail about the King of the South and other leaders that the Bible says will be on the end time world scene.
2012 y el surgimiento de la secta secreta Nuevo libro del Dr. Thiel en Español.
2012 und das Auftreten der geheimen Sekte (German Edition) 2012 Buch von Dr. Thiel in deutscher Sprache.

Horizon Oil Spill

COGwriter

British Petroleum is making progress with the Horizon Gulf oil spill:

BP Capturing 1,000 Barrels a Day From Gulf Oil Leak (Update1)

May 17, 2010 By Jim Polson and Jordan BurkeMay 17 (Bloomberg) — BP Plc said it is capturing 1,000 barrels of oil a day from a mile-long pipeline connected to its leaking well in the Gulf of Mexico, about a fifth of the estimated flow rate…

The well is leaking at an estimated rate of 5,000 barrels day, according to the official estimate by BP, the U.S. Coast Guard and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The estimate was challenged May 14 by U.S. Representative Edward Markey, a Massachusetts Democrat, citing analysis by independent researchers that it may be more than 10 times higher.  http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-05-17/bp-capturing-1-000-barrels-a-day-from-gulf-oil-leak-update1-.html

However, there is environmental and economic damage:

Deep sea oil plumes, dispersants endanger reefs

By JASON DEAREN and MATT SEDENSKY (AP) – 51 minutes ago

NEW ORLEANS — The oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has already spewed plumes over ecologically sensitive reefs…

When the dispersed oil is broken into smaller globules, he said they are more easily eaten by smaller reef organisms and can kill them or cause tumors or something else harmful…

If oil reaches the Keys, it could threaten one of the country’s greatest underwater natural resources as well as its tourism industry…

“They’re not going to come if our beaches are tarred and our mangroves have died and it’s a polluted dump,” said Millard McCleary, program director of the Key West-based Reef Relief.   http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hkizwl1juq5nw6XDJ9UTfq9bY0dwD9FOK1280

And while I saw BP’s top official before Congress stating repeatedly that BP will pay “all legitimate claims”, this does not mean that the spill will not contribute to significant long-term problems.

The Obama administration was always a bit skittish about more offshore oil drilling, and if they allow any additional amounts in the future, it will probably be on an exceptionally limited scale. This spill simply gives drilling critics too much ammunition to object.  Historically, the political leadership in Washington, D.C. has tended to favor minimizing what is perceived to be the short-term negatives instead of maximizing long-term positives (and this is NOT limited to the current Obama administration).

The USA imports tremendous amounts of oil.  If it produced it internally, the deficits could be began to be addressed and many Americans could end up with better paying jobs.

Now, the odds of more offshore oil drilling opening up is getting more and more stacked against the drilling.  Although I consider myself to be an environmentalist, I have long recognized the hypocrisy of those who drive vehicles fueled by/with oil who opposed drilling off the coast here in California.  Many seem to feel that it if okay to drill off the coast of other lands, as long as it is not theirs.

Since the spill, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has apparently changed his mind about allowing more drilling.  He had seemed to favor it as a way to reduce the budget problems in California, now he is opposing additional offshore drilling.  This will cost Californians many jobs and worsen the State’s finances.

This does not mean that I do not believe that the oil firms involved in the Gulf should not have been prepared for this.  They should have and should be held accountable any problems they caused or should have been able to reasonably foresee.  And though BP has agreed to pay, one thing it will not possibly have to pay for is the total impact future reductions in oil drilling will impact the US economy and contribute to an increasingly growing federal government deficit.

Furthermore, the Bible warns of a time when one third of sea life will be destroyed, and although most of that will be later, it is certainly possible that pockets of destruction will occur prior to the more massive one prophesied in Revelation 8:9 (which is well after the start of the Great Tribulation).  Money may help a lot of fishermen now, but the time will come when food is much more valuable.

Food shortages are prophesied as part of the “beginning of sorrows” (which starts before the Great Tribulation) and massive American debt is likely to be a factor in the start of the Great Tribulation (Habakkuk 2:1-8).

Thus, even though progress may be being made, the ramifications of this oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico seems almost guaranteed to result in higher American debt.  And the USA will ultimately not survive that (Habakkuk 2:6-8).

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Prophecies of Barack Obama? Eight reasons why Barack Obama is apocalyptic and eight reasons why Barack Obama is not the Antichrist. This article includes many biblical and non-biblical prophecies, from around the world, that seem to discuss Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist?  Might Barack Obama set the stage for the kings of the North and South as at least one Shiite prophecy suggests?  This is the longest and most complete article on this page on Barack Obama prophecies. Read it and decide for yourself if President Obama seems to be fulfilling various prophecies.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”, based up an early 20th century writing.
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2010, 2011, or 2012? 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?

Greek 2 Euro Coin Shows Woman Riding a Beast (cf. Revelation 17:3)

COGwriter

A writer is making some bold claims about Europe and the Euro:

Europe and euro are immortal

Hindu Business Line – May 17, 2010

by Mohan Murti, former Europe Director, CII, and lives in Cologne, Germany.

… the European Union has also been struggling to protect the euro, the currency used by 16 of its 27 members…Immortal Europe

Will the EU survive? People are asking the question because of the crisis. My answer is a categorical yes…

Clearly, there is more that unites its countries than divides them. Europe and euro are immortal.

Making Europe immortal is a very old idea. After being struck by one of Eros’s arrows, Zeus, the father of all Greek gods, fell in love with Europa, the daughter of the Phoenician king.

When he later realised that his beloved was destined to pursue the path of mortals, he named the continent after her and proclaimed: “Europa, you shall be immortal because the continent that has accepted your body shall bear your name for all time.”

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2010/05/17/stories/2010051750380900.htm

While the Bible tells about the woman (Europa’s religion) riding the Beast, it clearly teaches that this new Babylonian system will fall after it prospers (Revelation 18).

Hence, whatever union develops in Europe will not be immortal.  Neither will the Euro.

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?
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?

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

COGwriter

CNN reported:

Brazil’s Lula in Iran for ‘last chance’ nuclear talks

May 16, 2010

(CNN) — Brazil’s president began talks Sunday with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in Tehran, state media reported, with international leaders saying they hoped the meeting could lead to a breakthrough in the showdown over Iran’s nuclear program…

“I am very much counting on the mission of the Brazilian president to be successful,” Medvedev said Friday.

“This could be the last chance before the U.N. Security Council makes the already known decisions,” Medvedev said, referring to the U.N. decision on imposing sanctions against Iran…

Brazil’s president is in Iran ahead of the Group of 15 developing nations meeting in Tehran. The group actually has 17 members — Algeria, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Iran, Jamaica, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, Senegal, Sri Lanka, Venezuela and Zimbabwe.  http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/meast/05/16/iran.brazil.talks/

It is interesting to note that Russian and European leaders are supportive of Brazil’s plans.  Ultimately, Brazil will need to choose between those powers and because of cultural, language, and religious connections, it is appears that it will end up more on the side of the Europeans than the Russians (though it will likely maintain ties with both).

While Brazil and its President Lula da Silva are attempting to have major international influence, it appears that many leaders in Iran want to expand.  Notice the following:

Iranian cleric wants creation of ‘Greater Iran’

Associated Press – May 15, 2010 By ALI AKBAR DAREINI

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) -…Ayatollah Mohammad Bagher Kharrazi said the creation of what he calls an Islamic United States is a central aim of the political party he leads called Hezbollah, or Party of God, and that he hoped to make it a reality if they win the next presidential election. Kharrazi’s comments reveal the thinking of a growing number of hard-liners in Iran, many of whom have become more radical during the postelection political crisis and the international standoff over the country’s nuclear program…He also said its formation would be a prelude to the reappearance of the Mahdi, a revered ninth-century saint known as the Hidden Imam, whom Muslims believe will reappear before judgment day to end tyranny and promote justice in the world.

“The Islamic United States will be an introduction to the formation of the global village of the oppressed and that will be a prelude to the single global rule of the Mahdi,” the Hezbollah newspaper quoted him as saying…

Saudi Arabia and other Sunni Arab nations have watched Iran’s growing regional clout with deep concern. The growing voice of hard-liners like Kharrazi has deepened worries even if it appears unlikely such a divisive figure would win the 2013 presidential election. Still, even President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Thursday that he expects the government which follows his to be “ten times more revolutionary.” http://apnews.myway.com/article/20100515/D9FN9INO3.html

The “Mahdi” that many in Iran want seems to be the one Bible refers to as the final King of the South.  There is little doubt that many in Iran wish he will be from their land.  Yet, because Iran is mainly east and not north of Jerusalem, it will not be.  However, its radical policies are likely to create pressure in Islamic nations such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and elsewhere to form this end time confederation.

The Muslim world is watching what is going on in Iran.  So are the Israelis.  Change in that region is likely to come quite soon.

The fact that Ayatollah Mohammad Bagher Kharrazi has called for an Islamic United States should tell everyone that the Islamic world intends to unite.  And to be big and powerful.  And while that power will not last, fairly soon it will form.  Though it will not result in the global rule of the Mahdi as Ayatollah Mohammad Bagher Kharrazi and others believe.  But he will cause major changes to the rule.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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?
The Arab World (and Iran) 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?  How might Iran be involved?
Mexico, Central America, South America, and Brazil in Prophecy [Español: México, America Central, Suramérica, y el Brasil en profecíal] [Português: México, América Central, Ámérica do Sul, e Brasil na profecia] What will happen to those of Latin America? Will they have prosperity? Will they cooperate with Europe? Will they suffer in the future? What rule might the various Caribbean nations/territories play?
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?
Russia: Its Origins and Prophesied Future Where do the Russians come from? Is Ukraine in prophecy? 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?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?  What will happen to the nation of Israel?

COGwriter

Notice the following:

Americans Who Don’t Attend Church Form Base of Obama’s Support, Gallup Polling Indicates

CNS – May 13, 2010

…Non-church goers form the base of Obama’s support, according to Gallup polling data. Gallup reports the breakouts from its presidential approval survey for three different types of church-goers: people who attend church weekly, people who attend church nearly weekly or monthly, and people who seldom or never attend church. Among these three groups, Obama’s approval rating tops 50 percent only among those who seldom or never attend church. In fact, among this group it was at 56 percent for the week ending May 8.Obama’s approval rating among people who attend church weekly was only 43 percent during that week; and among those who attend church nearly weekly or monthly it was 47 percent…Obama’s approval rating dropped to a low of 38 percent among weekly church-goers in the week that ended on April 4.

By contrast, Obama’s presidential approval rating has never dropped below 50 percent among those who seldom or never go to church. http://cnsnews.com/news/article/65861

This is particularly interesting because of the US President’s own church practices.  He and his family attended church until he was elected USA president, but now Barack Obama no longer intends to join any particular church.  This was reported at COGwriter (see Obama Decides Against Joining a Church).

A lot of Protestants supported Barack Obama’s election in 2008.  As they become more and more secular, apparently those less attached to a church are the ones that will most likely support any re-election bid he may have.

For more information, please check out the following:

Prophecies of Barack Obama? Are there biblical and non-biblical prophecies about Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist?  This is a lengthy article with many prophecies that Barack Obama may end up fulfilling.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”. Might Bible prophecy be fulfilled by him?
Barack Obama in Islamic Prophecy? There is actually a 17th century Shiite prophecy that some believe that Barack Obama will fulfill that will lead to a rising up of Islam.
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?

Ancient Laodicea

COGwriter

This morning, ICG’s Mark Armstrong reported the following:

I’m sorry to have to report that we lost Aunt Dottie on Monday of this week after a long illness. She was eighty nine, and leaves behind her husband Vern, daughter Ginger and son Danny. Mom and I are sure thankful we were able to visit with them just a week and a half ago. Vern is a dear man, a faithful member and still needs our prayers.

“Dottie” would be Dorothy Armstrong Mattson, one of the late Herbert W. Armstrong’s daughters.  Mark Armstrong and I discussed her on more than one occasion in the past when I was researching various accusations against her father.

UCG posted information that may be of interest to some:

May 12, 2010

Selection Process for New President

At its recent May meetings, the Council of Elders approved a process and timeline for selecting a new president. The criteria and qualities that we are looking for in the next president were approved during the meetings. According to the governing documents, it is the responsibility of the Council, before God, to select the president, but we seek the input and wisdom of the General Conference of Elders in making this important decision. There could be several men in the ministry qualified to serve as president, but the Council may not be aware of them. Therefore, we have asked the ministry to recommend candidates for this position.

The Council will be going about the process of selecting the president in a systematic and timely manner. We are sincerely seeking God’s direction, so we ask that the membership pray and fast for His will to be made known. We too, will be beseeching God through prayer and fasting. We look forward to the support and participation of the membership in this process.

If the selection process extends beyond June 30, the newly elected Council Chairman, Melvin Rhodes, will become Interim President on July 1. With the cooperation of the previous Interim President, Roy Holladay, (whose occupancy of that position terminates on June 30), Mr Rhodes would act as Interim President until such time as the new President assumes office…

Melvin Rhodes

Melvin Rhodes, pastor of the Lansing, Michigan, congregation, was recently selected as a Council of Elders member at the General Conference of Elders annual meeting in May of this year.

Mr. Rhodes was born in the north of England and came into the Church after hearing the radio broadcast on Radio 270, one of the “pirate” stations that operated off the coast of England up until August 1967.

He then attended Ambassador College in Bricket Wood where he met his wife, Diane, who came from Detroit, Michigan. They were married in 1975 and have three children. They now have four grandchildren.

They spent the first 15 years of their married lives in England and Africa. They lived in both Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and Ghana. In 1990 they moved to Michigan and have been attending the Lansing congregation ever since.

I have always had issues with UCG’s governance and am not convinced that those type of problems are over at UCG.  We will see what happens with Melvin Rhodes.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Polycarp, Herbert W. Armstrong, and Roderick C. Meredith on Church Government What form of governance did the early church have? Was it hierarchical? 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?
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.
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.
15 Accusations and Truthful Responses About Herbert W. Armstrong He, even after his death, keeps being improperly maligned–here is the truth on these matters.
Who Was Herbert W. Armstrong? How is He Viewed Today? Includes quotes from the 1973 edition of The Autobiography of Herbert W. Armstrong and explains who he was and how he should be viewed today.
Intercontinental Church of God ICG was Garner Ted Armstrong’s last group; it is now led by Mark Armstrong.
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 Laodicean Church Era has been predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. These are non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG.

Viktor Yanukovich

COGwriter

Ukraine may accept Russian naval presence:

Russian naval bases likely in Ukraine

The Hindu – May 14, 2010

Russia plans to open naval bases in Ukraine in response to NATO’s eastward expansion, military sources have said.

Ukraine may agree to the re-opening of a Soviet-era submarine base in the Crimea and the establishment of three naval bases on Black Sea coast, said the Nezavisimaya Gazeta quoting Russian military sources.

Russian-Ukrainian relations have dramatically improved after pro-Western President Viktor Yushchenko, who had led the 2004 “orange revolution” was ousted in presidential elections earlier this year.

http://beta.thehindu.com/news/international/article429234.ece

Putin Throws Weight Behind Rival Black Sea Base

Moscow Times – May 10, 2010

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has toured the construction site for Russia’s own naval base in the Black Sea on a trip that emphasized the government’s commitment to consummate the $3 billion project despite securing a longer lease for the base in Ukraine…

Russia will continue with its backup plan even after Ukraine’s new, more Moscow-friendly President Viktor Yanukovych agreed last month to let the Russian warships stay in Sevastopol through 2042, a Cabinet spokesman said Monday. http://www.themoscowtimes.com/business/article/putin-throws-weight-behind-rival-black-sea-base/405679.html

It is not just expansion of NATO, but the European Union eastward that concerns Russia.

Ukraine President Viktor Yanukovich indicated he wanted better ties with Russia when he campaigned (Yanukovich To Be Ukraine President and Invited to Moscow) and this may strengthen the ties he wants, presuming that he goes along with this.

Biblically (because of prophecies involving the Medes and some in the “north and east” in Daniel 11:44), it would seem that Russia would be closer to Ukraine in the end.  And that Ukraine would be closer to Russia than Europe.  Naval bases would be an important step in that direction.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Russia: Its Origins and Prophesied Future Where do the Russians come from? Is Ukraine in prophecy? 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?
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?
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?

David Cameron

COGwriter

Now that the “dust has almost settled” in the United Kingdom election, an update on the situation seems fitting.  BBC reported:

At-a-glance: Cameron coalition’s policy plans

The Conservatives and Lib Dems are now in coalition. Policy details have been released. See below for the key points…:…

• “Accelerated” action to cut the budget deficit: £6bn of spending cuts this year…
• Next year’s 1% National Insurance tax rise to be partly scrapped
• Substantial rise in income tax allowances for lowest paid from April 2011…
  

  No further powers ceded to EU without referendum UK not to join euro in lifetime of Parliament Work to limit application of EU Working Time Directive in UK…

• New nuclear power plants (Lib Dems able to abstain on issue) No new coal-fired power stations without carbon capture and storage  http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/8677088.stm May 13, 2010

But there is much more going on than the immediate plans.  David Cameron of the Conservative Party is now only Prime Minister because of a coalition with the Liberal Democrats (the Conservatives got the most seats, but not enough for a majority (see UK Election Results Suggest Uncertainty).   Basically this means that his term in office can end in a few days if his coalition partners so desire.  So, the situation in the UK is really not that stable at this stage.

The difference of opinion of the coalition partners on nuclear energy is only one of many.

Interestingly, the following two of the announced items will likely have significant prophetic ramifications:

No further powers ceded to EU without referendum UK not to join euro in lifetime of Parliament

Now, as a party to the Lisbon Treaty, the UK, like all non-Euro currency countries in the EU, has agreed to adopt the Euro once its economy is ready for it.  The idea of not adopting the Euro and not ceding more power to the European Union without the referendum where citizens actually have a choice will NOT sit well with the European Union’s top leadership.

Essentially, the UK seems to be putting the EU on notice that it not intending to accept plans for more integration underneath the EU, which is what the EU wants and expects (see Herman Van Rompuy: EU Integration is the Answer for Peace and Stability).  This will likely lead to the UK ultimately leaving the European Union and will likely ultimately push it closer to the USA as far as the Europeans are concerned.

We in the Living Church of God have expected this type of development for some time, and if this new coalition in the UK sticks to its reported policies in this area, it will accelerate the separation of the UK from the EU.  And according to Bible prophecy, the EU will not ultimately be happy about this.  Actually, the final “EU” will take steps that will ultimately eliminate the UK from being its own nation.

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?
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”?
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?
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?