Archive for November, 2010

Pentagon’s homosexual risk assessment overlooked something

Tuesday, November 30th, 2010

COGwriter

A new Pentagon report came out earlier today.  I was not going to comment on it until I saw the following headline at CBS News’ website:

Pentagon: Low Risk to Repeal of Ban on Gays

Really?

Tell that to the people of Sodom and Gomorrah.

Notice what happened there:

24 Then the Lord rained brimstone and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah, from the Lord out of the heavens. 25 So He overthrew those cities, all the plain, all the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew on the ground. (Genesis 19:24-25)

And why did it happen?

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)

Why mention this in the 21st century? Because God turned:

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,
NKJV)

Thus, the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah were to serve as an example to those who would live as they did.  Apparently those involved with the Pentagon’s report overlooked the risks that the Bible warns about.

Of course, if there is no God, no morality, and such things, do what you want.  But since there is, there is a risk.  A risk that the USA will regret later.

Notice also the following Catholic prophecy:

Our blessed Mother through Father Gobbi of the Marion Movement…provided several messages…

On November 15, 1990: Mary spoke about the great trial coming to the United States and for all humanity. The Blessed Mother specifically mentions the United States will know the hour of weakness and of poverty as well as “the hour of suffering and defeat”. The thunder of God’s justice will have arrived:

…”…Sins of impurity have become ever more widespread, and immorality has spread like a sea which has submerged all things. Homosexuality, a sin of impurity which is against nature, has been justified…The moment of divine justice and of great mercy has now arrived. You will know the hour of weakness and poverty; the hour of suffering and defeat; the purifying hour of the great chastisement…” America will know poverty and defeat! Those are strong statements made by the Virgin herself. Never before have we known something like this on a national scale (Flynn, Ted and Maureen. The Thunder of Justice. MaxKol Communications, Inc. Sterling (VA), 1993pp. 341,342).

Although I do not believe that Jesus’ mother Mary actually said the above (see Mary, the Mother of Jesus and the Apparitions), perhaps I should add that even the demons know that the Bible condemns homosexuality, as well as the fact that the USA is prophesied to be destroyed.

The USA is in decline and its military will NOT be able to defend it well enough a few years from now.  The USA will be taken over and defeated, and its people made slaves.  Yes, it will get that bad (and actually even worse than that).

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

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?
Was the Commandment to Love the Only Command?
Some have stated that John’s writings teach this, but is that what the Bible really says?
The Ten Commandments and the Early Church
Did Jesus and the Early Church keep the ten commandments? What order were they in? Here are quotes from the Bible and early writings.
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.
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?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? 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?
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?

St. Andrew’s Day and ‘Apostolic Succession’ in Constantinople

Tuesday, November 30th, 2010


Room Where the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople Meets with Dignitaries

COGwriter

Today is observed by the Eastern Orthodox as St. Andrew’s Day.  The day is supposedly based upon the Apostle Andrew of the Bible.

Andrew originally was a follower of John the Baptist (John 1:35-40).  And after John referred to Jesus as the “Lamb of God” (John 1:35), Andrew left John to follow Jesus (John 1:37), and fairly soon told his brother Simon Peter about Jesus (John 1:40).

Jesus told both Peter and Andrew that He would make them “fishers of men” (Matthew 4:18-19).  Andrew, along with Peter, James, and John (the Apostle John) asked Jesus to explain signs of His return and other end time matters (Mark 13:3-4).

The Orthodox tend to believe that Andrew was the first of the original apostles and that he founded their church in Constantinople (in the city now called Istanbul in Turkey) and that they have apostolic succession through Andrew.

The Orthodox Church of Constantinople claims that after Andrew founded it, his successor was Stachys from 38-64 A.D. The official website of that church has stated:

The Apostle Stachys was one of the Seventy Apostles of the Lord. In 38 AD Apostle Andrew appoints him first bishop of the city of Byzantium, which three centuries later will be renamed into Constantinople (The Apostle Stachys. Ecumenical Patriarchate. http://www.ec-patr.gr/list/index.php?lang=en&id=2 3/29/06).

Now, the Bible does not mention  the names of the 70 sent out by Jesus, nor are any group of 70 ever referred to in the Bible as apostles (see Luke 10:1-17). While the Bible does mention many cities in Asia Minor (and the Book of Revelation is address to seven cities in Asia Minor), Byzantium is not specifically mentioned in the Bible.

The information above on Stachys comes from The Synaxarion, which apparently got part of this information from this third century writing of Hippolytus:

Stachys, bishop of Byzantium (Hippolytus. On the Seventy Apostles. Excerpted from Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume 5. Edited by Alexander Roberts & James Donaldson. American Edition, 1886. Online Edition Copyright © 2005 by K. Knight).

I should point out that Hippolytus’ writings do not clearly refer to Stachys as an apostle, simply as a bishop or overseer (the title “On the Seventy Apostles” may be a later addition to the text). A Christian named Stachys is referred to, in Romans 16:9.

Here is the succession list per the Orthodox Church of Constantinople:

1 St. Andrew the Apostle Founder
2 St. Stachys 38-54
3 Onesimos 54-68
4 Polycarp I 69-89
5 Plutarch 89-105
6 Sedekion 105-114
7 Diogenes 114-129
8 Eleutherios 129-136
9 Felix 136-141
10 Polycarp II 141-144
11 Athenodoros 144-148
12 Euzoios 148-154
13 Laurentios 154-166
14 Alypios 166-169
15 Pertinex 169-187 1
16 Olympianos 187-198
17 Mark I 198-211
18 Philadelphios 211-214
19 Kyriakos I 214-230
20 Kastinos 230-237
21 Eugene I 237-242
22 Titus 242-272
23 Dometian 272-303

(Source: Ecumenical Patriarchate. List of Patriarchs. Apostolic Succession of the Great Church of Christ. http://www.ecupatriarchate.org/ecumenical_patriarchate/patriarchs.php 07/10/07).

It needs to be pointed out that while the Orthodox consider that Polycarp of Smyrna was a saint, he is not one of the two Polycarps in the above list (Polycarp of Smyrna lived in Smyrna, which is quite far from Constantinople, plus he died around 156/157 A.D.). Polycarp of Smyrna also held many positions that differ from those now held by the Orthodox.

Furthermore, it needs to be understood that the bulk of the leadership of the churches in Asia Minor did not become supporters of the Greco-Roman churches after the persecution of Decius (c. 250 A.D).

Notice that Dionysius, bihop of Alexandria reported that “the churches of the East” had been divided (from Rome and Alexandria) prior to this time:

But know now, my brethren, that all the churches throughout the East and beyond, which formerly were divided, have become united. And all the bishops everywhere are of one mind, and rejoice greatly in the peace which has come beyond expectation. Thus Demetrianus in Antioch, Theoctistus in Cæsarea, Mazabanes in Ælia, Marinus in Tyre (Alexander having fallen asleep), Heliodorus in Laodicea (Thelymidres being dead), Helenus in Tarsus, and all the churches of Cilicia, Firmilianus, and all Cappadocia. I have named only the more illustrious bishops, that I may not make my epistle too long and my words too burdensome (Cited in Eusebius. Church History, Book VII, Chapter V, Verse I).

And thus, the late third century churches in Asia Minor were not the same as the churches prior to that time. Thus, none of the later so-called Byzantium “apostolic exarchates” after Decius should be considered to have “apostolic succession”. This a different Asia Minor religion than the one prior to Decius. It did not hold to the same teachings as the prior leaders did–that is why it had not been united with the Greco-Roman Catholics before. But what is interesting to note is that the “Bishop of Byzantium” is not listed in Dionysius’ listing—if the “Bishop of Byzantium” was truly the successor to the Apostle Andrew and was one of the original “Apostolic Sees” (as the Eastern Orthodox Church claim), then why was the “Bishop of Byzantium” missing? Probably because it did not take on significance until some years after Asia Minor became part of the Greco-Roman churches.

Near this time, the apocryphal Acts of Andrew was apparently put together (Comments on The Acts of Andrew. From “The Apocryphal New Testament” M.R. James-Translation and Notes Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1924). Although the Acts of Andrew were condemned by Eusebius (Church History, Book III, Chapter 25, verse 6), it or other late second/third century writings may have been part of the basis for the Orthodox Church ultimately claiming Constantinople (previously called Byzantium and now called Istanbul) as its premier “see” (though its real reason for importance was that the pagan Emperor Constantine declared it to be important).

The truth is that even the Orthodox Church of Constantinople admits the following:

Following the establishment of Constantinople (the ancient city of Byzantium) as the state capital of the Roman Empire in the early part of the fourth century, a series of significant ecclesiastical events saw the status of the Bishop of New Rome (as Constantinople was then called) elevated to its current position and privilege. The Church of Constantinople is traditionally regarded as being founded by St. Andrew, the “first-called” of the Apostles. The 3rd canon of the Second Ecumenical Council held in Constantinople (381) conferred upon the bishop of this city second rank after the Bishop of Rome. Less than a century later, the 28th canon of the Fourth Ecumenical Council held in Chalcedon (451) offered Constantinople equal ranking to Rome and special responsibilities throughout the rest of the world and expanding its jurisdiction to territories hitherto unclaimed. The Ecumenical Patriarchate holds an honorary primacy among the autocephalous, or ecclesiastically independent, Churches. It enjoys the privilege of serving as “first among equals.” (History of The Ecumenical Patriarchate. http://www.ecupatriarchate.org/ecumenical_patriarchate/history_of_the_patriarchate.php 07/10/07).

Hence, even the Orthodox Church admits that Constantinople did not have much ranking until the fourth century after it was named Constantinople–which means that this occured because the pagan emperor Constantine (he was not baptised at this point) elevated it. So how can it be “the first among equals”?

In order to justify its supposed early ties, notice what the Official Site of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople states:

The apostolicity of the Throne of Constantinople is also shown from the proven fact that the Apostle and Evangelist John preached in Asia Minor. It was he who addressed his book of the Apocalypse to “the seven churches in Asia”, namely the Churches of Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamon, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodecia, which, since the 4th century belong stably to the jurisdiction of the Church of Constantinople (A brief historical note about the Ecumenical Patriarchate–The Apostolic Value of the Church of Constantinople. http://www.ec-patr.org/patrdisplay.php?lang=en&id=5 viewed 11/30/07).

Actually, what the above shows is that there was some type of apostolic succession in Asia Minor beginning with John, but that after Emperor Constantine renamed Byzantium after himself, his influence declared “Constantinople” one of the supposedly five original “apostolic sees”. The truth is that early Byzantium had no important role within Christianity–there were no major leaders there (though Andrew may have passed through it), there were no early Christian writings from there, nor is it even discussed as anything of significance in other writings prior to the third century. Constantinople simply became important to the Orthodox, not because of the apostles, but because of a pagan Emperor and a spurious and apparently fraudulent document known as the Acts of Andrew.

Even the Catholic Encyclopedia teaches that Constantinople did not become important until the fourth century and that it probably did not have any bishops before the third century:

It has quite lately been established that Byzantium received its new name of Constantinople as early as the end of 324 (Centénaire de la société nationale des antiquaires de France, Paris, 1904, p. 281 sqq.). Nevertheless, the solemn inauguration of the new city did not occur until 11 May, 330; only after this date did the Court and Government settle permanently in the new capital. It was soon filled with sumptuous edifices like those of Rome…

A probably reliable tradition makes the Byzantine Church a suffragan of Heraclea in Thrace at the beginning of the third century. In the fifth century we meet with a spurious document attributed to a certain Dorotheus, Bishop of Tyre at the end of the third century, according to which the Church of Byzantium was founded by the Apostle St. Andrew, its first bishop being his disciple Stachys (cf. Romans 16:9). The intention of the forger is plain: in this way the Church of Rome is made inferior to that of Constantinople, St. Andrew having been chosen an Apostle by Jesus before his brother St. Peter, the founder of the Roman Church.

The first historically known Bishop of Byzantium is St. Metrophanes (306-314), though the see had perhaps been occupied during the third century. It was at first subject to the metropolitan authority of Heraclea, and remained so, at least canonically, until 381, when the Second Ecumenical Council (can. iii) gave the Bishop of Constantinople the first place after the Bishop of Rome.

Constantine had chosen this city as the new capital of the Roman Empire, but owing to his wars and the needs of the State, he rarely resided there (Vailhé S. Transcribed by Douglas J. Potter. Constantinople. The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume IV. Published 1908. New York: Robert Appleton Company. Nihil Obstat. Remy Lafort, Censor. Imprimatur. +John M. Farley, Archbishop of New York).

Thus the idea that Constantinople clearly has apostolic succession has been discounted by Catholic scholars (however the current Pope, Benedict XVI, has chosen to ignore the facts of history for “unity’s sake”–he apparently wants control, please see the article Orthodox Must Reject Unity with the Roman Catholics).

Furthermore, it also needs to be understood that the Orthodox Church also has a book called The Synaxarion which contains stories, handed down through some type of tradition, about early church leaders. And it seems to be relied on even if it is not consistent with the biblical account–yet it is often accepted as historical fact within the Orthodox communities.

The Synaxarion seems to have been composed between the ninth and eleventh centuries:

The iconoclast heresy of the eighth and ninth centuries was directed against veneration of saints as well as against their holy images and, in general, opposed the presence of any intermediary between ourselves and God. The Orthodox reacted by attaching even more importance to veneration of the saints. Once the heresy was overthrown, they covered the walls of the churches with icons, were zealous in writing long lives of the heroes of Orthodoxy and completed the calendar and the Church service. The holy hymnographers of the Monastery of the Stoudion, Saint Theodore, Saint Joseph and others, ordered our Church services in the form they have retained ever since. After the sixth ode of the Matins canon, because of the number of hymns, the reading of the lives of the saints of the day was restricted to brief notices, called the Synaxarion, as a vestige of the practice of the first liturgical assemblies. From the ninth to the eleventh century, the compilation of the short notices that appear in the Synaxarion was completed (Hieromonk Makarios of Simonos Petra, Mount Athos. Introduction to The Synaxarion: The Lives of the Saints of the Orthodox Church. From Volume One of The Synaxarion: The Lives of the Saints of the Orthodox Church. Published by the Holy Convent of the Annunciation of Our Lady, Ormylia (Chalkidike, Greece), 1998. From http://www.orthodoxinfo.com/general/synaxarion_intro.aspx 03/31/06).

Since the early church was clearly against idolatry (please see the article What Did the Early Church Teach About Idols and Icons?), and the primary Orthodox church now encourages it, this church in Constantinople cannot be considered to be a church true to the teachings of the apostles. For if Stachys was one of the 70 Jesus appointed, he would not have condoned idolatry if he was faithful. Thus, any claims to physical apostolic succession were made irrelevant by doctrinal and other compromises as this particular church is definitely not the spiritual successor of the apostles.

Furthermore, like all the other cities mentioned in this paper, there is no contemporaneous documentation that there actually was the list of bishops in Constantinople until many decades (in this case over hundred and fifty years) after the alleged succession occurred.

It may be of note to realize that many of the Orthodox in Constantinople used to keep the Sabbath. Notice what the historian Sozomen reported in the mid-5th Century,

The people of Constantinople, and almost everywhere, assemble together on the Sabbath, as well as on the first day of the week, which custom is never observed at Rome or at Alexandria (Sozomen. THE ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY OF SOZOMEN. Comprising a History of the Church, from a.d. 323 to a.d. 425. Book VII, Chapter XIX. Translated from the Greek. Revised by Chester D. Hartranft, Hartford Theological Seminary UNDER THE EDITORIAL SUPERVISION OF PHILIP SCHAFF, D.D., LL.D., AND HENRY WACE, D.D., Professor of Church History in the Union Theological Seminary, New York. Principal of King’s College, London. T&T CLARK, EDINBURGH, circa 1846).

But this is no more (though they have some recognition of it). Another change.

To see the Orthodox buildings of early and modern “Constantinople”, please see Joyce’s Photos of Constantinople.

Perhaps it should be mentioned that the “Church of Greece” was formerly a part of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. It was declared autocephalous in 1833 in a political decision of the Bavarian Regents acting for King Otto, who was a minor at the time. It was later only recognized as such by the Patriarchate in 1850, under certain conditions with the issue of a special “Tomos” decree which brought it back to a normal status (Church of Greece. Wikipedia, viewed 01/20/10). Thus, since it was part of Constantinople, it cannot be considered to be a faithful apostolic church.

An Alternate Constantinople List That Was In Place in Late 2006

When I first wrote this portion of the article, the I noticed that the Orthodox Church in Greece claimed a different set of dates in their list of patriarches in Constantinople.

Here was the succession list per the Greek Orthodox Church:

Stachys the Apostle [31 Oct.] 38-54
Onesimus [15 Feb.] 54-68
Polycarp I 71-89
Plutarch 89-105
Sedekion 105-114
Diogenes 114-129
Eleutherius 129-136
Felix 136-141
Polycarp II 141-144
Athenodorus (Athenogenes) 144-148

(Source: Ecumenical Patriarchate. List of Patriarchs. http://www.ec-patr.gr/list/index.php?lang=en 12/11/06).

Furthermore, the Orthodox Church used to admit that from 68-71 A.D. it had no bishop in Byzantium (and as mentioned there is no actual contemporaneous proof that there were any bishops there, and the gap, as will be alluded to before, must have been longer than that):

…3 years where the bishopric of Byzantium had no Bishop…{until} 71 A.D. (Polycarp I. http://www.ec-patr.gr/list/index.php?lang=en&id=4 05/05/06).

Tradition that the Roman Catholic Church seems to accept states:

Onesimus had been martyred at Colossae during the first general persecution in the reign of Nero (Camerlynck A. Transcribed by Thomas M. Barrett. Philemon. The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume XI. Published 1911. New York: Robert Appleton Company. Nihil Obstat, February 1, 1911. Remy Lafort, S.T.D., Censor. Imprimatur. +John Cardinal Farley, Archbishop of New York).

Since Nero died in 68 A.D. and his first persecution was no later than 66/67 A.D. and Onesimus is claimed to have been a bishop then, this would seem to contradict the Orthodox listing. There is an Onesimus mentioned in the Epistle to Philemon which was apparently:

…written and despatched at the same time, between A.D. 61-63. Some scholars assign the composition to Caesarea (Acts 23-26: A.D. 59-60) (Ibid).

Since Onesimus was apparently in Rome at this time and had recently been converted by Paul and was a runaway slave (see Philemon vss. 10-16), it does not seem that the Bible allows that he could have been the bishop of Byzantium from 54-68 A.D. Notice when Paul was imprisoned in Rome:

…Paul…captivity at Rome, 60-62 (Paul. Catholic Encyclopedia).

The Orthodox Church specifically claims that their Onesimus is the same one:

Onesimus was a servant of Philemon, who was a man of love and treated his servants with kindness. He was shown to be a bad servant, by taking advantage of his master’s kindness, stealing him, and escaping from Colloseis. He went to Rome, where he was catechised into the Christian faith by apostle Paul, was baptised, and became a man wonderful in virtue…In his letter, he certifies Philemon about the spiritual renewal of his servant and ask him to receive him, no longer as a slave, but as a beloved brother. Apostle Philemon accepted him with joy, but sent him back to Rome in order to serve apostle Paul…After the martyrdom of Paul, Onesimus was also caught, and in the name of the Gospel suffered horrible tortures (Onesimus. Ecumenical Patriarchate. http://www.ec-patr.gr/list/index.php?lang=en&id=3 12/12/06).

But the biblical account is contradicting that claim as this claim simply does not allow the time for Onesimus to have been bishop of Byzantium. Even the Orthodox claim states that Onesimus was a bad servant, went to Rome, was converted there, was sent back to Rome, and died there. Onesimus clearly could not have been a bishop before he was baptised or after he died. Can not the Orthodox see that including Onesimus in their succession list as they do casts grave doubts on any credibility that the early list may have?

Since the bishopric of Onesimus does not even seem possible, the gap then, between Stachys and Polycarp I appears to have been at least 15 years (in the Constantinople list) and 17 years (in the Greek list)–and may have been even longer as there was no contemporaneous proof of either of those individuals having any bishopric that I have ever come across.

Interestingly, perhaps because of my writing this article, the Greek Orthodox seemed to have removed their list. For those of you who are Orthodox and believe that your church does not change, you might wish to think about this.

And all interested in the documented truth should look more into the location and beliefs of the early faithful church.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Location of the Early Church: Another Look at Ephesus, Smyrna, and Rome What actually happened to the primitive Church? And did the Bible tell about this in advance?
Apostolic Succession What really happened? Did structure and beliefs change? Are many of the widely-held current understandings of this even possible? Did you know that Catholic scholars really do not believe that several of the claimed “apostolic sees” of the Orthodox have apostolic succession–despite the fact that the current pontiff himself seems to wish to ignore this view?  Is there actually a true church that has ties to any of the apostles that is not part of the Catholic or Orthodox churches?  Read this article if you truly are interested in the truth on this matter!
Early Church History: Who Were the Two Major Groups Professed Christ in the Second and Third Centuries? Did you know that many in the second and third centuries felt that there were two major, and separate, professing Christian groups in the second century, but that those in the majority churches tend to now blend the groups together and claim “saints” from both? “Saints” that condemn some of their current beliefs. Who are the two groups?
Do You Practice Mithraism? Many practices and doctrines that mainstream so-called Christian groups have are the same or similar to those of the sun-god Mithras. Do you follow Mithraism combined with the Bible or original Christianity?
Some Similarities and Differences Between the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Living Church of God Both groups claim to be the original church, but both groups have differing ways to claim it. Both groups have some amazing similarities and some major differences. Do you know what they are?
The History of Early Christianity Are you aware that what most people believe is not what truly happened to the true Christian church? Do you know where the early church was based? Do you know what were the doctrines of the early church? Is your faith really based upon the truth or compromise?

China willing to abandon North for a reunified Korea?

Monday, November 29th, 2010


Flag of Korea, 1889

COGwriter

For a long while, I have written that it is likely that North and South Korea will be re-unified before Jesus returns.  Now, it appears that China has given indications that it will support such a re-unification:

Wikileaks cables reveal China ‘ready to abandon North Korea’

Leaked dispatches show Beijing is frustrated with military actions of ‘spoiled child’ and increasingly favours reunified Korea

Simon Tisdall
Monday 29 November 2010 21.30 GMT

China has signalled its readiness to accept Korean reunification and is privately distancing itself from the North Korean regime, according to leaked US embassy cables that reveal senior Beijing figures regard their official ally as a “spoiled child”.

News of the Chinese shift comes at a crucial juncture after the North’s artillery bombardment of a South Korean island last week that killed four people and led both sides to threaten war. China has refused to condemn the North Korean action. But today Beijing appeared to bow to US pressure to help bring about a diplomatic solution, calling for “emergency consultations” and inviting a senior North Korean official to Beijing…

The leaked North Korea dispatches detail how:

South Korea‘s vice-foreign minister said he was told by two named senior Chinese officials that they believed Korea should be reunified under Seoul’s control, and that this view was gaining ground with the leadership in Beijing.

• China’s vice-foreign minister told US officials that Pyongyang was behaving like a “spoiled child” to get Washington’s attention in April 2009 by carrying out missile tests.

• A Chinese ambassador warned that North Korean nuclear activity was “a threat to the whole world’s security”.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/nov/29/wikileaks-cables-china-reunified-korea

This, if China stays on that path, will be great news for the suffering millions in North Korea.

But it is unclear what China will do at this juncture.

The reality is that North Korea is increasingly becoming more and more isolated from the world with few allies other than Iran and China (though others trade with it).  Most of the common people in North Korea are suffering from food and other shortages, and reunification with South Korea would likely greatly improve the standard of living for those in North Korea.

Hopefully a peaceful reunification will come soon.  And hopefully the Wikileaks matter will not slow the Chinese resolve to do something about North Korea down (or reverse its course).

Because of scriptures, such as the one in Revelation about the “kings of the sunrise”, I have felt that it was likely that North and South Korea would re-unify (or at least begin to cooperate more) prior to the return of Christ.  If China stops supporting North Korea, this could be what is needed for that type of re-unification.

Two articles of possibly related interest may 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?

Swiss vote to expel foreign criminals

Monday, November 29th, 2010

COGwriter

In a move that should not be considered as unexpected, the Swiss have voted to deport foreign criminals:

Swiss voters have agreed to expel foreigners convicted of crimes ranging from murder to welfare fraud, without appeal, in the latest example of a sweeping set of popular antiforeigner measures around Europe.

Some 53 percent of Swiss voted for a “Deportation Initiative” brought by the far-right Swiss People’s Party (SVP) a year after it engineered an initiative banning the building of minarets. Senior European Union officials decried a new “populist surge” on the continent…

The Deportation Initiative requires local judges to automatically deport persons of foreign origin whether or not they were born in Switzerland – and deportations apply to major crimes as well as lesser crimes, such as drug trafficking or fraudulent acceptance of unemployment benefits.  http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Europe/2010/1129/Swiss-vote-to-expel-foreign-criminals-adds-to-populist-surge-across-Europe

This is causing Switzerland some international concerns as some of the, now to be required, deportations may violate various international treaties the Swiss have approved.

The vote also resulted in protests in Zurich.

But across Europe, Europeans have been rising up against certain immigrants and practices (such as what the Swiss did last year, see Switzerland Votes to Ban Minarets and the French and others are doing, see Burqa Banning in Belgium, Italy, France, and Australia).   There is voter unrest and even some civil unrest.

Things are changing in Europe.  Including in Switzerland.

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?

Wikileaks provides insight in behind the scenes views of world politics

Monday, November 29th, 2010


Hillary Rodham Clinton

COGwriter

The front page of our local newspaper had information about the Wikileaks matter.  Here is some of what the international press has reported about it:

11/28/2010

The US Diplomatic Leaks

A Superpower’s View of the World

By SPIEGEL Staff…Never before in history has a superpower lost control of such vast amounts of such sensitive information.

251,000 State Department documents, many of them secret embassy reports from around the world, show how the US seeks to safeguard its influence around the world. It is nothing short of a political meltdown for US foreign policy.

What does the United States really think of German Chancellor Angela Merkel? Is she a reliable ally? Did she really make an effort to patch up relations with Washington that had been so damaged by her predecessor? At most, it was a half-hearted one…

Never before in history has a superpower lost control of such vast amounts of such sensitive information — data that can help paint a picture of the foundation upon which US foreign policy is built. Never before has the trust America’s partners have in the country been as badly shaken. Now, their own personal views and policy recommendations have been made public — as have America’s true views of them.  http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,731580,00.html

Notice also the following, which was revealed via Wikileaks:

11/28/2010

Orders from Clinton

US Diplomats Told to Spy on Other Countries at United Nations

US diplomats are alleged to have been asked by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to spy on the diplomats of other countries at the United Nations. That was the purpose of the “National Humint Collection Directive,” which has been seen by SPIEGEL. The document was signed by Clinton and came into force on July 31, 2009.  http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,731587,00.html

Now, most people in positions like Mrs. Clinton’s want this, but this will be an embarrassment for her.  As well as the USA.  Some of the hypocrisy of the USA is now getting a public airing.  And that is normally not going to increase respect for the USA.

Of course, many of the items being leaked are perfectly rationale from a certain USA perspective.  But the fact that they were leaked must be of tremendous embarrassment to the security leaders of the USA.  The Bible warns that about a people for whom God says “I will break the pride of your power” (Leviticus 26:19).  And these leaks certainly will break the pride of the USA before many in the world.

Here are some items of prophetic interest from various reports:

• Saudi Arabia put pressure on the US to attack Iran. Other Arab allies also secretly agitated for military action against Tehran…

• How Israel regarded 2010 as a “critical year” for tackling Iran’s alleged quest for nuclear weapons and warned the United States that time is running out to stop Iran from acquiring a nuclear bomb…

• Saudi Arabia complained directly to the Iranian foreign minister of Iranian “meddling” in the Middle East.  http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/nov/29/wikileaks-embassy-cables-key-points

• German Defense Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg, the Germany’s most beloved politician according to public opinion polls, openly criticizes fellow cabinet member Guido Westerwelle in conversations with US diplomats, and even snitches on him…

•  Americans are forced to endure the endless tirades of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarek, who claims to have always known that the Iraq war was the “biggest mistake ever committed” and who advised the Americans to “forget about democracy in Iraq.” Once the US forces depart, Mubarak said, the best way to ensure a peaceful transition is for there to be a military coup.  http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,731580,00.html

It may be of interest to note that some of the above items have been mentioned here at COGwriter yet have been officially denied by various political and other leaders.  For example, when I reported earlier this year that various Arab leaders supported the idea of Israel attacking Iran, one non-Philadelphian COG group erroneously reported that was not the case.  Also, in my article titled Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North? I warned that the current Defense Minister of Germany “may become unpopular for a time” and may have to be put on the sidelines (exiled is the word I used) before he might rise further–these leaks are not being portrayed as flattering to him.  In 2007, I warned that the late John Ogwyn’s assessment that the situation in Iraq may end up in civil wars is likely (see LCG’s J. Ogwyn Long Ago Predicted Civil War in Iraq)–and the President of Egypt seems to agree.

More and more world leaders are going to mistrust the USA and decide against cooperating with it as it will be obvious to them that the USA cannot keep a secret.  This will not help the USA meet many of its diplomatic goals and will isolate the USA is ways it never thought would happen.

Prophetic events are moving forward. And Wikileaks helps demonstrate how little power that the USA actually has, and that even the power it has is fading.

Some items of possibly related interest may be found in the following articles:

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 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.
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? 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?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?
Is There A Future King of the South? Some no longer believe there needs to be. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? 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?
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?

With Jon Pinelli, UCG Now Lost 9 Ministers in November

Monday, November 29th, 2010

Laodicea
Ancient Laodicea

COGwriter

Saw an email, plus a post at the UCG-supporting Church of God Perspective website by John Carmack that states that UCG’s Jonathan R. Pinelli resigned from UCG’s ministry.  So, instead of 8, the ministerial loss at UCG is at least 9 for November 2010.

And then I saw the following from Jonathan R. Pinelli’s resignation letter to UCG President Dennis Luker at Abigail Cartwright’s site:

Clearly for some time now, the United Church of God, (UCG), has experienced a turbulent, troubling, ungodly atmosphere. When did it all start? Some say it was with the removal of the former administration. Those who foster this idea seem to think that the former administration has fomented this rebellion against the Council of Elders and the current administration and thus we find ourselves in the current climate within the organization. I do not believe that to be true in any way, shape or form.

With your selection as the new president of UCG, many saw a chance for healing to take place; that the bitter attitudes that some have had over the former administration’s decisions and philosophy would have the salve of a Denny Luker to heal the division. Understandably and most assuredly first and foremost it is God’s Holy Spirit that must lead us as members of the body of Christ to heal, but many put their faith in you to lead this spiritual healing. Sadly what many of us, myself included have witnessed is not a healing, but rather a “doubling down” on rhetoric and actions that speak to further division rather then healing and spiritual vision to look onward and upward. This has saddened me and surprised me. I expected so much more of a man of fifty years dedicated to serving God’s people.

Over the past seven months, I have found little that I could agree with in terms of your administration and the Council of Elders in words, deeds and actions. Your letters profess love and outgoing concern for the brethren, as do the letters from the Council of Elders, but the actions are clearly not in line with your words or Council’s words.

Abigail Cartwright had listed the following as having stopped being part of the UCG ministry this month (with some resigning and some being removed from the ministry):

Mr. Paul Carter, November 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Ken Giese, November 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Tim Waddle, November 2010, removed as Associate Senior Pastor of East Africa

Mr. Tom Clark, November 2010, removed as Associate Senior Pastor of Ghana

Mr. Larry Salyer, November 2010, removed from UCG ministry

Mr. Edwardi Hernández, November 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

And UCG member John Carmack reported the following a few weeks ago:

Well, it is official. Jack Hendren has now split off from United Church of God (UCG). He and Arnold Mendez, Jr have started the Church of God – South Texas. Do remember Jack Hendren for later. He is old guard.

UCG continues to sustain losses.

UCG has never truly been “united” and the events of this year seem to be driving this point to many more than in prior years. And I have always had problems with the way it decided to govern itself.

As I reported earlier this month (see UCG 2010 Financial Statements Show Income Drop), UCG spends an inordinate amount of its income on its form of governance and administration.

Despite its relatively massive amounts of spending in this area, UCG continues to have major problems with its form of governance. Getting back to a more biblically-appropriate form of governance is something that few, however, in UCG seem to be advocating.  Some in UCG are publicly wondering how many more losses UCG can sustain.

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?
Unity: Which COG for You? Why so many groups? Why is there lack of unity in the Churches of God? Has it always been this way? What can/should be done about it?
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.
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.

CERN Large Hadron Collider continues to advance European’s knowledge of physics

Sunday, November 28th, 2010

Supercollider

COGwriter

The CERN Large Hadron Collider (LHC) continues to have major success:

One of the world’s leading laboratories for particle physics has produced another remarkable discovery.

The ATLAS project superheated the smallest atoms to temperatures at the birth of the universe, when particles were so hot they formed a primordial soup.

Now, scientists at CERN in Geneva have been able to produce, measure and study this cosmic fluid for the first time.

Fabiola Gianotti, Director of the Atlas Project, said:…

LHC is a very important physics programme. It will allow us to find answers to some fundamental questions that are still unsolved mysteries. One of the most personally fascinating is to understand what antimatter is made of. We know that 20 per cent of the universe is made of an unknown matter, unlike the ordinary matter of atoms that we are made of.”
It is the latest in a line of successful experiments for CERN, after already producing temperatures hotter than the sun, and even trapping antimatter, which was once thought impossible.  (Major new breakthrough for CERN scientists.  Euronews, 27 November 2010.  (http://www.euronews.net/2010/11/27/major-new-breakthrough-for-cern-scientists/)

The CERN project continues to advance, and according to the above, do what was once thought to be impossible.

My book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect points out that the Large Hadron Collider may be used to give the future European military power that the entire world will marvel at:

2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect

Bob Thiel
…the Large Hadron Collider…is apt to provide the Europeans with unique military capabilities in several years…The Bible is clear that the final “Beast power” (which will be primarily European) will have such unique military capabilities that the entire world will marvel (Revelation 13:3-4). (2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect.  Nazarene Books, 2009, p. 85)

My book also discusses the destruction of the USA and certain others by the Europeans sometime after 2012.  The Large Hadron Collider is discussed as one of the items that may provide the Europeans with the ability to overcome the USA’s military might.And while many think that this would be impossible, as the Europeans continue to uncover “impossible” aspects of physics, it is getting more and more technology that could be developed in that direction.

The understanding of the Living Church of God that the Europeans will be able to attack and takeover the United States and its Anglo-descended allies (cf. Isaiah 10:5-11; Daniel 11:39) is correct and will come to pass.  And it appears possible that the successes of the CERN LHC may assist in the fulfillment of those prophecies.

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”? 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?
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?
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?
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?
2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect This page contains some concepts and prophecies related to 2012 and a book. This also has YouTube videos related to 2012 and beyond.
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.
2012 e o Surgimento da Seita Secreta (Portuguese Edition) 2012 livro do Dr. Thiel em Português. Este livro documenta e explica centenas de profecias. E desde que foi publicado pela primeira vez, pelo menos 14 já começaram a acontecer.

Iran’s ‘King of the South’ Plan

Sunday, November 28th, 2010


Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Iran

COGwriter

A former CIA agent who was born in Iran, made some comments on Iran’s plan:

If it were up to Reza Kahlili, he would immediately order a bombing of his native Iran, in order to halt its nuclear program and bring down the Islamic Republic and the ayatollahs. And since he doesn’t believe the United States will do that, he hopes Israel will…

In his book and lectures, Kahlili tries to convey one message: The Iranian regime is a danger to world peace. When asked whether a nuclear Iran would ever consider using its destructive weapons, he replies that the West doesn’t understand Iran.

“I strongly think that the establishment running Iran right now is a messianic one, the true believers of Mahdaviat, those believing in the end of times. They have gone through centuries-old hadiths and believe that most of the signs of the return of the last Messiah have already taken place. The only one remaining is to destroy Israel, attack the oil fields in the Persian Gulf and European capitals, and activate their agents inside the U.S. This would bring about the chaos, lawlessness and total breakdown in the global economy where one-third of the world’s population will die and the rest will experience extreme hardship. This is when they believe that Imam Mahdi will reappear, killing the rest of the infidels.”  (Melman Y. November 26, 2010. http://www.haaretz.com/weekend/week-s-end/iran-is-a-latter-day-nazi-germany-1.326986)

Now the above will not happen quite as described, but it does make several points (and consequences) that I would like to address.

  1. Many believe that Iran’s nuclear ambitions will be addressed militarily, probably by Israel.
  2. Actions by Muslim terrorists in Europe tend to increase the Europeans against Islam.
  3. Military actions often end up with some type of ‘peace deal’.
  4. Iran’s leaders believe that various signs preparing the way for the Imam Mahdi have already taken place.  Several of those are documented in my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect (especially chapter 8).
  5. The one that Shi’ite and some Sunni Muslims refer to as the Imam Mahdi seems to be the similar to the final King of the South in Daniel 11, and the King of the South will eventually provoke the Europeans into a major war.
  6. The end of Islam as a major player will happen shortly after Israel and the United States are effectively eliminated.
  7. For a scriptural sequence, recall that the Bible teaches that the nation of Israel starts on the road of being eliminated beginning in Daniel 11:31 (which is what Jesus warned about in Matthew 24:15), the USA is taken over in Daniel 11:39, and the final King of the North is provoked by the King of the South in Daniel 11:40 and then eliminates the King of the South and his supporters in Daniel 11:40-43.

And while Iran’s ‘King of the South’ plan will not work out as it intends, Iran’s actions are highly likely to provoke enough warfare that many in the Islamic world will look an Imam Mahdi type leader AND will be willing to accept a peace deal such as the one in Daniel 9:27.

Notice the following which is attributed to Mohammed (there are several accepted spellings):

Rasaullah [Muhammed] said: “There will be four peace agreements between you and the Romans [Christians].  The fourth agreement will be mediated through a person who will be  the progeny of Hadrat Haroon [Honorable Aaron — Moses’ brother] and will be upheld for seven years.

Thus, a deal between someone from Europe (Romans above) and Israel (descendant of Aaron) and an Islamic leader is expected.

An Islamic prophetic writer wrote the following:

…a life of peace as a result of a peace agreement between you and the Banil Asfaar (Romans) which they will break and attack you.

Hence, some within Islam seem to understand that a temporary, but false peace, will happen with it broken by an attack from the Europeans. (Thiel B. 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect, 2009, pp. 83-84).

Thus, certain Islamic plans parallel the Bible and will come to pass, though more precisely as the Bible, and not their traditions, teach.

Events are moving forward in the Middle East and Iran for the fulfillment of Bible prophecy.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

The Arab 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 does Islam teach about the Imam Mahdi?
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? Is he the Imam Mahdi? What does the Bible say?
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? What will happen to 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? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? 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?
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?
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.
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.
2012 e o Surgimento da Seita Secreta (Portuguese Edition) 2012 livro do Dr. Thiel em Português. Este livro documenta e explica centenas de profecias. E desde que foi publicado pela primeira vez, pelo menos 14 já começaram a acontecer.

Wars and Rumors of War in Korea, Brazil, Middle East, Iran, Plus Christmas Terrorist in USA

Saturday, November 27th, 2010

Thirteenth Century Depiction of the 2nd Horseman of the Apocalypse

COGwriter

The Book of Revelation tells of a time when various seals are opened and the four horseman ride.

Here is what it mentions about the red horseman of war:

3 When He opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, “Come and see.”  4 Another horse, fiery red, went out. And it was granted to the one who sat on it to take peace from the earth, and that people should kill one another; and there was given to him a great sword.  (Revelation 6:3-4)

Jesus taught that wars and rumors of war, of themselves, meant we were on the way to the end, but that that occurrence was not the end:

6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. (Matthew 24:6)

Currently there are a lot of rumors and threats of wars.  Notice a few of them this week:

Blasts heard near North Korea border

North Korea is believed to have fired more artillery shells near the island where four people were killed earlier this week. No shells are said to have landed on South Korean territory.

The firing appears to have been part of a training exercise but came with a warning from Pyongyang that Seoul’s plans for military manoeuvres with the US were pushing the region to “the brink of war”.  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-11849198

War for Rio? Olympic city facing gang backlash

(AP) – 27 Nov 2010

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — The drug gang leader jabs the muzzle of his .556-caliber Sig Sauer assault rifle around as he talks.

Yes, Jogador says emphatically, Rio’s drug gangs are feeling threatened by the biggest police push against them in the city’s history, a Herculean effort to improve security before the 2016 Olympics. The heavily armed criminal gang he helps lead is being driven from long-held turf in the slums, leading to losses in cocaine and marijuana sales.

It’s what the 25-year-old career criminal says next, with a low laugh and a nodding of his head, that strikes at the heart of fears in this seaside city: He says that Rio’s gangs are preparing for a return to the city’s most violent days.

“You take any animal and put it up against the wall,” he says, eyes ablaze, pointing the tip of his Swiss-made weapon toward a whitewashed ledge pocked by bullets. “Its last option is what? To attack.”…

It was midmorning on a rainy Saturday in early November and Beltrame, the architect of the police program to take over the slums, was standing in the Morro dos Macacos slum. He was there to celebrate the creation of his 13th police post in a slum, known as a pacification police unit, or UPP. This slum was taken three weeks earlier without a shot.

The crowd applauds after Beltrame speaks. Behind the claps, however, are worries…

“If they try to put a UPP here,” he says, “there will be a war.”

Jogador pulls his rifle strap over his head and laces it around his right shoulder. He walks to the street’s edge, talks to other gang members. His hand is always on his weapon, watching and waiting for the police to arrive.  http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5g56Z08YYoHJFr1lBWofrMZ-wuseQ?docId=a1552ef6f82344bcb05f7295ee683492

Israeli leader lobbies America for war with Iran

By Jim Lobe | Last updated: Nov 23, 2010

WASHINGTON (IPS/GIN) – Less than a week after Republicans made major gains in the U.S. midterm elections, Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu called on President Barack Obama to “create a credible threat of military action” against Iran.   http://www.finalcall.com/artman/publish/World_News_3/article_7444.shtml

Moallem: Israel evading commitment to peace


By Sebastien Malo
Daily Star staff
Saturday, November 27, 2010

BEIRUT: Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem slammed Israel for repeatedly failing to commit to peace with Palestinians and warned that the collapse of the current peace talks could engulf the region in a devastating military conflict during an interview Friday.

http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=121928#ixzz16UpBGaEm

The news suggests that more wars may break out shortly.

An attempt at “Christmas terrorism” in the USA was attempted last night:

Jihad at Pioneer Courthouse Square

Published: Saturday, November 27, 2010  Steve Duin, The Oregonian
…Very early in the wake of the chilling news that the FBI thwarted a terrorist bombing at Friday night’s “holiday” tree-lighting ceremony at Pioneer Square…

Mohamed Osman Mohamud, 19, a Somali-born U.S. citizen, was arrested at 5:42 p.m., 18 minutes before the tree lighting was to occur, on an accusation of attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction. The felony charge carries a maximum sentence of life in prison and a $250,000 fine…

Mohamud, according to the FBI affadavit, tried to contact someone involved with terrorist activities overseas.  Mohamud had written essays for “Jihad Recollections,” a delightful online forum advocating holy war.  Mohamud had been dreaming of jihad since the age of 15, and told FBI operatives posing as terrorists that the tree-lighting ceremony was the ideal, unguarded spot to make those dreams a reality.  http://www.oregonlive.com/news/oregonian/steve_duin/index.ssf/2010/11/jihad_at_pioneer_courthouse_sq.html

Now, recall that Jesus said there would be wars and rumors of wars, but that was not the end.

For those wondering when the end will be, Jesus provided more details:

14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.

15 “Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand), 16 “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.  17 Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house.  18 And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes.  19 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days!  20 And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath.  21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.  (Matthew 24:14-21)

For those looking for a timeline, notice that the end comes shortly after the “gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations” and when the abomination of desolation spoken of by Daniel is seen “standing in the holy place”.

When will those events be fulfilled?

Apparently about three and one half years after a peace deal is confirmed in the Middle East by a rising European leader (Daniel 9:26-27; 11:31).  And it may take war and/or rumors of war to get enough motivation to make such a deal happen.

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 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?
Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse What is the Book of Revelation trying to tell us about them? Does the first one deceive many?
Should the Church Still Try to Place its Top Priority on Proclaiming the Gospel or Did Herbert W. Armstrong Change that Priority for the Work? Some say the Church should mainly feed the flock now as that is what Herbert W. Armstrong reportedly said. Is that what he said? Is that what the Bible says? What did Paul and Herbert W. Armstrong expect from evangelists?
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God was the Emphasis of Jesus and the Early Church Did you know that? Do you even know what the gospel of the kingdom is all about? True religion should be based upon the true gospel.
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?
Korea in Prophecy, Any Witness? Where did the Korean people come from? 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?
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?
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?
What Does the Catholic Church Teach About Christmas and the Holy Days? Do you know what the Catholic Church says were the original Christian holy days? Was Christmas among them?
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? What will happen to 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? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? 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?

UCG loses 8 ministers in November

Saturday, November 27th, 2010

Laodicea
Ancient Laodicea

COGwriter

Abigail Cartwright has listed the following as having stopped being part of the UCG ministry this month:

Mr. Paul Carter, November 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Ken Giese, November 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Tim Waddle, November 2010, removed as Associate Senior Pastor of East Africa

Mr. Tom Clark, November 2010, removed as Associate Senior Pastor of Ghana

Mr. Larry Salyer, November 2010, removed from UCG ministry

Mr. Edwardi Hernández, November 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

And UCG member John Carmack reported the following a few weeks ago:

Well, it is official.  Jack Hendren has now split off from United Church of God (UCG).  He and Arnold Mendez, Jr have started the Church of God – South Texas.  Do remember Jack Hendren for later.  He is old guard.

UCG continues to sustain losses.

Here is something from an open letter from Ken Giese:

It is with great sadness and grave concern that I write to you all regarding the current crisis gripping the United Church of God. Clearly, we are a house divided against itself and in danger of disintegrating. We have been told that there is a rebellion in our midst, led by wolves who are causing division and seeking to draw brethren to themselves in an effort to “start their own church”. Our current leadership continues to accuse dedicated pastors with decades of faithful service and experience of leading an organized conspiracy, while at the same time, dismissing some 2,000 Latin American brethren and their pastors without due process, demonizing anyone who would question their authority and demanding the support of members and ministers alike despite their egregious misconduct. The income of the United Church of God is dropping precipitously, morale is sinking and we are about to lose what we have all worked together to build under Christ’s direction for fifteen years. Enough is enough.

As many of you know, on November 4, 2010, I resigned from my responsibilities as an employed pastor of two UCG congregations (Reno, NV and Sacramento, CA) due to the fact that I could no longer in good conscience support the actions and decisions of the current Council of Elders majority or their appointed administrators.

Here is something from Paul Carter’s resignation letter to UCG President Dennis Luker:

Dear Denny,

I have known you and some of the men on the council and administration for many years. I now write to you the president of the United Church of God an International Association, with regret for the position we find ourselves in as an organization and body. When hired into the full time ministry of the United Church of God, I never imagined the Church or myself coming to a day like this.

For many years now the ministry of the United Church of God has not been walking together…

As an employee, I can no longer support the current Council or administration because of their actions, based on Gods standards and scriptural principles. I hereby tender my resignation as an employee of the United Church of God AIA effective immediately. My signature is affixed to this letter. I in no way resign as a minister of Jesus Christ.

I pray that God will grant repentance to you, the Council of Elders, and the current administration of the United Church of God.

UCG has never truly been “united” and the events of this year seem to be driving this point to many more than in prior years.  And I have always had problems with the way it decided to govern itself.

As I reported earlier this month (see UCG 2010 Financial Statements Show Income Drop), UCG spends an inordinate amount of its income on its form of governance and administration.

Despite its relatively massive amounts of spending in this area, UCG continues to have major problems with its form of governance.  Getting back to a more biblically-appropriate form of governance is something that few, however, in UCG seem to be advocating.

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?
Unity: Which COG for You? Why so many groups? Why is there lack of unity in the Churches of God? Has it always been this way? What can/should be done about it?
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.
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.