Archive for June, 2010

EU Borrowing and Deutsche Mark

Wednesday, June 30th, 2010

European Union Tower of Babel Poster
European Babylonian Unity Poster

COGwriter

EU banks borrowed less than feared, which helped the Euro:

EU banks borrow less than feared

EU banks have borrowed less than expected from the European Central Bank, easing concerns about liquidity among financial institutions.After Tuesday’s sharp falls, stock markets and the euro stabilised on news that the ECB had agreed three-month loans worth 131.9bn euros (£108bn).

This compared with the 150bn to 200bn euros many had expected.

The euro rose almost a cent against the pound, while European stock markets also made gains.

“It certainly implies that strains in the wholesale funding market are less acute than some feared, and that fewer banks than it was thought are being deprived of finance from commercial sources,” said BBC business editor Robert Peston.  http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/10460181.stm

On the other hand, at least half of Germans are wondering if the Deutsche Mark would be better than the Euro:

Half of Germans want the Deutsche mark back
The Local – June 29, 2010

Eleven years after the introduction of the euro every second German still longs for the return of the Deutsche mark, according to a new poll published on Tuesday.

Some 51 percent of those surveyed by market research institute Ipsos admitted they wanted their old currency back.

Just 30 percent said that they rejected the idea, while another 18 percent were undecided, the Hamburg-based institute reported.

German confidence in Europe’s single currency has been rocked in recent months by the Greek debt crisis and the eurozone’s ensuing bailout of Athens. Though it remains considerably stronger versus the US dollar than the mark was back in 1998, the euro’s precipitous decline has sparked concern in Europe’s largest economy…

Some 1,000 representative Germans between the ages of 16 ad 64 were interviewed between April 9 and 12 for the results.  http://www.thelocal.de/money/20100629-28177.html

As I have written before, the Euro may or may not be the final world reserve currency.  And despite concerns about Greece and Germany (to name only two), there was always expected to be problems with European unity according biblical prophecy (e.g. Daniel 2:41-42).

But as the recent G20 meetings also showed, the Europeans appear more committed to actually reducing their deficits than the USA does.  Notice one news report:

G20 summit agrees on deficit cuts by 2013…

US President Barack Obama warned against fast and deep budget cuts, fearing damage to global growth.

But European members, including the UK, France, and Germany, have already led moves to slash record public deficits, despite opposition from the United States which is expected to run a $1.3tn deficit in 2010.  http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/10429446.stm

As I have written before, for the Europeans to be considered the economic replacement for the USA, their finances do not have to be perfect, they only need to be perceived as being in better shape than the USA’s.  And they seem to be taking steps for this to happen.  Do not be surprised if the EU’s President, Herman von Rompuy, does not propose and implement some type of tax increase (cf. Daniel 11:20).  This would also probably reduce the EU’s debt faster than any debt reductions in the USA.

This does not mean that there will not be economic or other problems in Europe.  It just seems that the Europeans are more determined to come out on top in the long run than the Americans do.  And that is consistent with biblical prophecy.

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?
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?
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?

Swine Flu Hiding in Pigs: Another Outbreak?

Tuesday, June 29th, 2010

COGwriter

Swine flu again?  Notice the following:

Swine Flu Virus Hiding Out in Pigs, May Reemerge
National Geographic News – June 17, 2010

The swine flu, or H1N1, virus has been hiding out in pigs for more than a year, getting a genetic makeover, scientists have discovered.

Pigs in a Hong Kong slaughterhouse are carrying influenza viruses containing gene segments belonging to the deadly H1N1 strain that swept the globe in 2009, tests reveal.

The newly identified “reassorted” virus—dubbed 2010 H1N1—is likely not a threat to humans…

The discovery is still disturbing, because it suggests the 2009 H1N1 virus could be reshaping its genetic code in animal hosts in other parts of the world.

One of these emerging strains could come to resemble the 2009 H1N1 strain enough to make the jump back to humans again, Peiris said. http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2010/06/100617-swine-flu-h1n1-pigs-science/

While I am not yet convinced that the “swine flu” will yet be as bad as the worst case scenarios that the mainstream media sometimes have hyped (and so wrote that also in May 2009, see Swine Flu Infects Pigs in Canada), the fact that it may become an issue again did catch my attention.

But relatively soon, serious pestilences are prophesied as we are prophetically at/near the point Jesus called “the beginning of sorrows”–which includes pestilences (Matthew 24:7-8).

If humans quit eating pigs, the “swine flu” problem would probably go away.  But since many still do, it is possible that something may happen with this.  2009 may have been a warning.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2010, 2011, or 2012? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What is the “beginning of sorrows”?  When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?
The New Testament Church and Unclean Meats Are foods considered to have been unclean in the Old Testament considered to be food in the New Testament? This article discusses this from the perspective of the New Testament. It also has a list of clean and unclean animals. It also answers the question, is pork healthy or is pork dangerous?

Pope and Patriarch Meet: Unity at “Crucial Stage”

Tuesday, June 29th, 2010

Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople
Patriarch of Constantinople Bartholomew I and Pope Benedict XVI

COGwriter

Pope Benedict XVI met with the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople Bartholomew I in an effort to lead to greater unity for their churches:

Pope Praises Orthodox Commitment to Unity

Says Dialogue Is at “Crucial Point”
VATICAN CITY, JUNE 28, 2010 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI says that dialogue between Catholics and Orthodox is at a “crucial point” and invited heartfelt prayer to the Holy Spirit for progress to continue.

The Pope said this today when he addressed members of a delegation from Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew I…He added that today’s visit, along with the “many meetings that have already taken place in the course of this year” show how the “relations between us are characterized by sentiments of mutual trust, esteem and fraternity.”

This, the Pontiff said, “gives grounds for hope that Catholic-Orthodox dialogue will also continue to make significant progress.”…

Benedict XVI highlighted the work of the Orthodox-Catholic mixed commission, saying it “is at a crucial point, having begun last October in Paphos to discuss ‘The Role of the Bishop of Rome in the Communion of the Church in the First Millennium.'” …

The Bishop of Rome went on to speak of the importance of the theme of unity for the synod on the Middle East, which will be held in Rome in October.  http://www.zenit.org/article-29736?l=english

Patriarch Bartholomew I has already gone on record to support unity with the Vatican (Bartholomew I Patriarch of Constantinople Opposes Those Who Warn Against Catholic Unity).  Most of the Eastern Orthodox that I have spoken with do not trust the Patriarch’s unification plans.

The same Zenit article also stated the following:

The visit reciprocates the habitual exchange of delegations for the respective patronal feasts in which the patriarch of Constantinople sends a delegation to Rome on June 29, the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, and the Pope sends a delegation to Istanbul, Turkey, on Nov. 30, the feast of St. Andrew.  In November 2006, Benedict XVI led the delegation himself, and in June 2008, Bartholomew I led the Orthodox delegation to Rome…

The reason for bringing this up is that when I visited the offices of the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, I was told by a Greek Orthodox Southern Californian who was assigned then assigned to Contantinople that one of the Pope’s representatives told Patriarch Bartholomew that if he would accept the Vatican’s authority, that the Vatican would compromise and accept all the doctrinal differences that the Eastern Orthodox have from the Church of Rome.

Thus, compromise from both sides is expected.  Since both sides claim to be faithful to the original faith, how could either compromise?

One may wonder how this news has prophetic ramifications.  There are several.  But mainly, both biblical, Catholic, and Eastern Orthodox prophecies tell of a time when the Catholics of Rome and Constantinople will be unified.  While the biblical prophecies and some of the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox prophecies seem to warn against this, there are other Catholic and Eastern Orthodox prophecies that seem to look forward to this.

Both Pope Benedict XVI and Patriarch Bartholomew I seem to be looking at the “prophecies” that encourage this, while not realizing how dangerous this will be for their churches and the entire world.   And they keep taking steps to accomplish this, despite the real dangers to the world.  These unification talks are one of the subjects that prophecy followers should “watch” (cf. Matthew 24:15; Luke 21:20).

Those who wish to learn why this is dangerous may wish to read the following articles:

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.

Obama Administration Expected to Confirm Prediction in COGwriter 2012 Book

Monday, June 28th, 2010

COGwriter

Page 85 of my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect states the following:

In 2013, the Europeans are planning on having their own global positioning system (GPS), called Galileo, available for military applications.  This will allow the Europeans to track the world and attack others without relying on the U.S.A.’s GPS.  This will be the first time in the 21st century that Europeans will be able to have that type of independent military capability.

Furthermore, according to a 2009 report from the U.S. government, the U.S. Air Force may have to start relying on the European Galileo system (at least to a degree) beginning in 2013, as the U.S. GPS capabilities are expected to deteriorate by then (other problems are also appearing in the newer U.S. satellites). Because the Europeans will be able to control Galileo, they will also likely be capable of derailing certain sophisticated U.S. military applications.  This will give the Europeans a unique defensive (as well as offensive) capability that no others on the planet will have.

When I wrote that, the U.S. Air Force denied that there was such a problem:

The U.S. Air Force said that a report released by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), which claimed that the U.S. military GPS system is experiencing serious degradation, is not accurate, according to a May 25 statement by Air Force Col. Dave Buckman.
“The issue is under control,” said Buckman in an online press conference. (Air Force Official Disputes GAO Report on Projected GPS Failure. Satellite Today, May 26, 2009. http://www.viasatellite.com/military/headlines/Air-Force-Official-Disputes-GAO-Report-on-Projected-GPS-Failure_31100.html).
I disagreed with the Air Force’s public assessment then, and disagree that now relying on the satellites of powers like the European Union is in the USA’s best interest.  I maintain that it will lead to the USA being successfully attacked and even taken over as that is consistent with biblical, Catholic, and other prophecies.

As early as today, the Obama Administration is expected to confirm that the USA will partially rely on Europe’s Galileo satellite system:

  • JUNE 28, 2010

New Space Policy Calls for Global Cooperation

By ANDY PASZTOR

…Faced with mounting GPS program costs and escalating demands to transfer dollars from Pentagon space accounts to other U.S. defense programs, Air Force officials have been quietly considering postponing some GPS satellite launches, according to people familiar with the details.The new policy, one Obama administration official said over the weekend, allows foreign navigation satellites “to augment but not replace” GPS capabilities.

Europe is currently building its own independent navigation system, while Russian officials have talked about improving their rival system and perhaps teaming up with a foreign partner…

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704212804575332420948502224.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

The Obama Administration can call it “global cooperation” but the USA is not now truly going to trust Russia for any serious military capabilities (other than perhaps certain launches, etc.)–but the EU is another story.

Yet, Europe’s Galileo satellite system initially had US critics as there were “early objections from the Americans who thought a rival system to GPS might be used to attack its armed forces” (Amos J. EU awards Galileo satellite-navigation contracts.  BBC, Jan 7, 2010. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8442090.stm).  Certain officials remembered that the USA fought two major world wars against European powers and considered that a Europe with its own military satellite capabilities was an important threat.  What changed?

The economy amongst other things, and international pressures from rising powers such as China.

Notice that page 147 of my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect warns of the following:

Because of domestic economic concerns and international pressures, Barack Obama is shifting priorities away from defense spending, while encouraging the Europeans to increase their military might.  This will help lead to the destruction of the United States, when the Europeans are ready and the U.S.A. is not.

Sadly, this is happening right now.

Linking up with Galileo puts the USA at major risk of not being able to launch an effective counter-strike if the EU attacks the USA.  Do Americans not remember that the wars in Kuwait and Iraq were waged first by the USA having vastly superior air/space systems?  And now the USA’s financial mess is leading the USA to rely on other nations for part of this capability.  The world is changing and the USA is losing its military supremacy.  And top powers that lose their military supremacy have historically been taken over by others.  Yes, this satellite matter is that serious.

More and more world events are aligning with the biblically-backed predictions in the book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect.

More events will also align with what it says.  Events that will affect you and your loved ones.  While some may say that the Europeans do not want to take over the USA, Bible prophecies suggest it will happen anyway (Isaiah 10).

Aspects of 2012, y2k, and other false pronouncements of the end (including from “prophets” who claim to be Christian) will turn people off to the truth of biblical prophecy (cf. 2 Peter 2:1-2; 3:3-13).  But they will come to pass.  Most will be ignorant of what really will and will not be happening.  But you do not have to be.

If you have not already done so, please get my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect.  Compare what it teaches with the Bible.  Compare what it teaches with what is happening in the world.  World events have already aligned with at least 11 predictions that the book documents.

You do not have to be one who will be confused in these trying times.

For those with mailing issues or in a hurry, the book is also available electronically.  Here are the electronic links:

2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect (English)
2012 y el surgimiento de la secta secreta (Spanish)
2012 und das Auftreten der geheimen Sekte (German)

The book has long also been available from Amazon.com in English, Spanish, and German, and its Kindle version in English. It is also now available from Barnes and Noble .com at the following title links 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect, 2012 Y El Surgimiento De La Secta Secreta, and 2012 Und Das Auftreten Der Geheimen Sekte.

The 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect book has more details, more prophecies, and is quite a bit a lot longer (about 384 pages in English) than my online article on 2012.  To order a hard copy, simply go to the link 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect.

World events are aligning with what it shows need to come to pass.  If you have any interest in end time events, you really need to read 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect.

CIA: Iran May Have Nukes by 2012

Sunday, June 27th, 2010


Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Iran

COGwriter

Iran may have nuclear weapons by 2012 according to the head of the US CIA:

CIA chief warns Iran could have nukes ready by 2012

AFP – June 27, 2010

WASHINGTON (AFP) – Iran has enough low-enriched uranium to make two weapons, which it could have prepared and ready for delivery as early as 2012, CIA director Leon Panetta warned Sunday.

“We think they have enough low-enriched uranium for two weapons,” Panetta told the ABC network’s “This Week” program.

Tehran would need a year to enrich it fully to produce a bomb and it would take “another year to develop the kind of weapon delivery system in order to make that viable,” he said.  http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20100627/pl_afp/irannuclearpoliticsuscia

Israel seems to have plans to stop Iran from being nuclear before 2012–though negotiations could affect them.

Since Iran is NOT going to be the leader of the final King of the South, something is likely to happen (an attack from Israel/USA and/or civil unrest/revolution are two possibilities) to stop Iran from getting enough power to lead the final Islamic confederation.

But since Iran’s goal is to cause enough conflict to cause the fulfillment one or more Shi’ite prophecies (see Forbes: Iran Preparing for War and the Mahdi), it is likely to be in the news for a while.

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?
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. This book documents and explains hundreds of prophecies. And since it was published, many have already started to come to pass.

PCG Claims European Power to Become 10 Nations

Sunday, June 27th, 2010

Gerald Flurry of  the Philadelphia Church of God
PCG’s Gerald Flurry

COGwriter

The improperly named Philadelphia Church of God (PCG) reported the following:

The Trumpet has long forecast, based on Bible prophecy, that Europe would be dominated by a combination of 10 nations. Currently the eurozone is made up of 16.

Could this crisis be what whittles Europe down to 10 core nations? Perhaps. But as one EU senior negotiator said, “The eurozone debt crisis has a long way to run. No one knows where it is going to end up. Only one thing is sure, the eurozone will change.”

The Bible tells us that Europe will become a more unified group of 10 nations. This is where the trend is leading. Keep watching the euro crisis.  (Germany and France Discussing New European Currency.  June 24, 2010 | From theTrumpet.com)

While there is a “Euro” crisis and it is possible that it could be replaced as my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect states, this insistence on a 10 existing nation European power is not biblically correct (for some other comments, see also PCG Gerald Flurry: EU to be Smaller).  Notice what the scripture actually says:

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

The above scripture does NOT say that ten existing nations will be the group that gives their power to the Beast, but ten kings who had not kingdom get power and transfer it.  This, as I have written before (see Herman von Rompuy, the Greek Debt Crisis, and Where May this Lead?), means that a political/structural shift is expected to happen in Europe.  Hence while nations will be involved, this is more likely groups of nations, combinations of nations, or redrawn territorial borders.  To teach that this means that there must be 10 nations as they currently exist is in error.

One of PCG’s claims is:

The PCG is the only Church that holds onto ALL of what Christ established through Mr. Armstrong (Flurry, Gerald and Leap, Dennis. Ezra and Nehemiah: Building God’s Temple. Booklet. 1997. p.29).

Yet, Herbert W. Armstrong’s old church taught:

These ten nations, or groups of nations, comprising the modern revived Beast, are to fight Christ at His coming. This shows the time for the fulfillment of this prophecy…Remember that there must be TEN NATIONS or groups of nations to comprise the final resurrection of the modern “Holy Roman Empire”! (AMBASSADOR COLLEGE, BIBLE CORRESPONDENCE COURSE. LESSON 32 (1963, 1965, 1967, 1969)

Furthermore, since PCG was able to pay for the rights of the book The Mystery of the Ages, perhaps they may wish to reflect on what of the late Herbert W. Armstrong’s taught on this point:

“And in the days of these kings…”–it is here speaking of the ten toes, part of iron and part of brittle clay. This, by connecting the prophecy with Daniel 7, and Revelation 13 and 17, is referring to the new UNITED STATES OF EUROPE that is now forming, out of the European Common Market, before your very eyes! Revelation 17:12 makes plain the detail that it shall be a union of TEN KINGS OR KINGDOMS that (Rev. 17:8) shall resurrect the old ROMAN EMPIRE.  So, mark carefully the time element! “In the days of these kings”–in the days of these then nations or groups of nations that shall, IN OUR TIME, resurrect briefly the Roman Empire… (The members of the European Common Market are probably not the same ten that will resurrect the Holy Roman Empire.) (Armstrong HW.  Mystery of the Ages.  Dood, Mead & Company, New York, 1985, pp. 301,302-303)

PCG should not keep teaching nor implying that the scripture is speaking of ten existing nations unless they also add an expression indicating groups of nations or some other qualifier.

The European Union currently has 27 member nations, with several additional nations likely to join. As a result of the Lisbon Treaty (European empire formed yesterday, but few in America seemed to notice), all the nations in the EU are obligated to adopt the Euro once their economies are ready for it.  So, the Lisbon Treaty would need to be modified if this is to be changed (it would take 15 of the 27 European nations representing at least 65% of the population of the European Union to make such a change law).

And though the Bible supports the idea of some type of consolidation, it is highly unlikely that most of the countries now in the EU will not become part of the final Beast power.  This is not to say that some may not possibly leave, but to continually teach that it will be whittled down to ten currently existing nations is going beyond what scripture teaches.

PCG’s Gerald Flurry is a self-appointed prophet.  And if this position that the European power must be reduced to ten current nations is one of his “prophecies”, this will be another area that he will be shown to be a false prophet.

Two articles of possibly related interest may include:

Teachings Unique to the Philadelphia Church of God Simply calling oneself ‘Philadelphia’ does not make one so (see Revelation 3:7-9), nor does Gerald Flurry calling himself “that prophet” make it so. This article provides many quotes from this group which tries to look faithful.
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 Distancing Itself from Iran

Saturday, June 26th, 2010


Russian s-300 Anti-Aircraft Missile System

COGwriter

Russia seems to be distancing itself from Iran:

Analysts Say Iran-Russia Relations Worsening

25 June 2010  Andre de Nesnera

Russia has voted for tougher U.N. sanctions on Iran and has frozen a deal to send anti-aircraft missiles to that country.

The conventional wisdom is that Russia’s economic interests in Iran have led Moscow to be a strong supporter of that country, opposing any tough United Nations sanctions against Tehran over its alleged nuclear weapons program.

But many experts, including John Parker with the National Defense University [expressing his personal views] say relations between Russia and Iran have been worsening…

http://www1.voanews.com/english/news/middle-east/Analysts-Say-Iran-Russia-Relations-Worsening–97172974.html

By not providing Iran the S-300 anti-aircraft missile system, Israel has a little less pressure to hurry up and attack Iranian nuclear facilities (which are probably do spread out that all would not be destroyed).  But because of Iran’s nuclear program, it may decide to hurry anyway.

Although Russia’s move should send a signal to Iran, since Iran’s leadership is focused on getting an Islamic leader known as the final Mahdi or thirteenth Imam to rise up, it may not change anything because of Russia’s decisions.

While Bible prophecy suggests that Russia and Iran will eventually cooperate (Ezekiel 38:1-6), that is for a time well past the Great Tribulation.  Right now with Iran determined to get the final Mahdi to rise up (see also Forbes: Iran Preparing for War and the Mahdi), it seems determined to proceed with its plans no matter what any other country, including Russia, wants.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Russia: Its Origins and Prophesied Future Where do the Russians come from? What about those in the Ukraine? What is prophesied for Russia and its allies? What will they do to the Europeans that supported the Beast in the end?
Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach?
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?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2010, 2011, or 2012? 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? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?

Cardinal Walter Kasper to Retire: Watch Out for His Successor!

Saturday, June 26th, 2010

Cardinal Walter   Kasper
Vatican-Based Cardinal Walter Kasper

COGwriter

Zenit reported the following:

2010-06-25
Permalink: http://www.zenit.org/article-29711?l=english

Vatican’s Christian Unity Official Resigns at 77

Cardinal Kasper Acknowledges Mixed Feelings About Stepping Down
VATICAN CITY, JUNE 25, 2010 (Zenit.org).- After more than 10 years as the point man for the Church’s efforts to promote Christian unity, Cardinal Walter Kasper today announced his resignation as president of the pontifical council dedicated to that cause.

The 77-year-old German cardinal acknowledged mixed feelings about leaving the post.

“On one hand, at 77 to be retired is something altogether normal, in fact a liberation,” he said. “On the other hand, however, I leave a work that I have done with enthusiasm.”

He told journalists that ecumenism cannot be considered a “luxury” for the Church, but that it is fundamental, “one of her main objectives, and the same is true for religious relations with Judaism.”

Cardinal Kasper’s successor has not yet been announced…And the prelate was positive about the future of efforts to build Christian unity.

Walter Kasper is likely to be replaced by one who may become the next pope, or at least will help fulfill prophecies related to a world-dominating religion.  His successor will be one to watch.  One French bishop (but not a cardinal) that is ecumenical is Marc Stenger, Bishop of Troyes (but it could be someone else, including a non-Frenchman).

Both biblical and Catholic prophecy suggests that a pope will come who will compromise greatly and unify many–Catholic prophecy suggests he will possibly be a properly-elected antipope.

Such a pontiff will likely be one who is believed to be ecumenical for the sake of Catholicism, but will more likely actually be ecumenical for the sake of political power.

Prophecy watchers need to take such warnings seriously.  Walter Kasper’s announcement is setting the stage for one or more to rise up.

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.  And some will come to pass (though not quite as many believe).

In Canada, Obama Pushing Debt for EU and Others

Friday, June 25th, 2010

COGwriter

USA President Obama is now in Canada hoping to persuade the Europeans and others not to decrease public spending–which in pretty much all cases means increasing public debt:

At G-20, Obama and Europe at odds on stimulus spending

By Scott Wilson

Friday, June 25, 2010; 4:55 PM TORONTO — President Obama arrived for a meeting of world economic powers Friday with a number of achievements already in hand. But he will have a far more difficult time persuading European leaders to follow his wish on an issue he believes is essential to the economic recovery: the need for public stimulus spending…

But as he meets with the Group of 8 in a rural resort town north of here, Obama is appealing to European leaders not to trim back public spending in the midst of a growing debt crisis on the continent. His message has been complicated by Congress, which is blocking his own requests for new deficit spending to stimulate the economy…

Obama’s message places him at odds with such allies as French President Nicolas Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, both of whom have announced austerity measures in recent weeks…  http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/06/25/AR2010062502904.html

Though Europe has problems, and likely will have a lot more, the reality is that once the world realizes that the USA has gone over the top on debt, all Europe has to be is to be perceived as less debt-minded than the USA.

While the USA President believes that the public-spending policies will lead to economic growth in the USA, the reality is that the Bible is clear that high debt will lead to destruction at the appointed time of the end (Habakkuk 2:3,6-8).  And while European leaders may also not understand this part of the Bible, they do understand that debt is highly destructive.

This does not mean that there will not be troubles/riots/civil unrest in Europe.  But the reality is that for many reasons, the Europeans will take a little more cautious approach to increasing debt than the USA.  And that will ultimately mean trouble for the USA.

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?
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?
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?

Peter Said Repent, Tkach Said “Just as You Are”

Friday, June 25th, 2010

Worldwide Church of God Transformed from Truth to Fairy Tales

COGwriter

Today, GCI (once called WCG) announced the following:

Just As You Are, by Joseph Tkach

Exams are a big part of life in high school and in college. The trouble is, sometimes we transfer our worries about exams to our standing with God…

Without going into the details, like many Protestants, J. Tkach uses the “just as you are” line when discussing theological matters.

But is that what the Bible teaches?

Not really.

Notice the following incident involving the Apostle Peter:

36 “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”

37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”

38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” (Acts 2:36-39)

While repentance is a biblical term, the expressions “just as you are” or “come as you are” are not found in the Bible.

While the Tkach organization can teach what it wishes, those who truly believe that doctrine should come from the Bible realize that “just as you  are” is not really the message of the Bible.  While it is true that God calls people who are sinners, He does not expect that they will stay that way.

Notice what the Apostle Paul taught:

9 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God. (1 Corinthians 6:9-11)

The operative word in the above is WERE.  They were not to remain in their sins.

Thus, while God will call people who have a variety of sins (and all but one can be forgiven–see What is the Unpardonable Sin?), the Bible is clear that God does not want His people to remain “just as you are”.

The Apostle Peter also wrote:

18…grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18)

So, repentance, growing in grace, and growing in knowledge is what God wants.  He may call you from anywhere, but really does not want you to remain “just as you are”.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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?
Are You Saved? Do You Love Jesus? What is a True Christian? What is the Gospel? Evangelist Richard Ames answers those important questions.
Sola Scriptura or Prima Luther? What Did Martin Luther Really Believe About the Bible? Though he is known for his public sola Scriptura teaching, did Martin Luther’s writings about the Bible suggest he felt that prima Luther was his ultimate authority? Statements from him changing and/or discounting 18 books of the Bible are included. Do you really want to know the truth?
Hope of Salvation: How the Living Church of God differ from most Protestants How the Living Church of God differs from mainstream/traditional Protestants, is perhaps the question I am asked most by those without a Church of God background.