Church of God News

Helle Thorning-Schmidt

COGwriter

After the elections in Denmark yesterday, Helle Thorning-Schmidt is set to become the first female Prime Minister there:

Denmark’s Social Democratic leader Helle Thorning-Schmidt, 44, is set to become the country’s first female prime minister, after her center-left bloc narrowly won general elections, ending a decade of center-right rule.

She began talks Friday to form a new government.

Prime Minister Lars Loekke Rasmussen conceded defeat late Thursday.

Thorning-Schmidt and Loekke Rasmussen share similar views on the economy, foreign policy, welfare and immigration, but differ in their outlook on taxes.

Thorning-Schmidt wants to avoid some of the country’s planned austerity measures by raising taxes on wealthy Danes and banks.  Loekke Rasmussen had ruled out any tax increases.

The Thorning-Schmidt is the daughter-in law of British Labor politician Neil Kinnock.  http://www.voanews.com/english/news/europe/Denmark-Elects-First-Female-PM-129948053.html

Technically, the Queen of Denmark needs to appoint Helle Thorning-Schmidt into that role and that seems to be expected.

Since those of us in groups like the Living Church of God do not vote in these elections, why am I mentioning the election of a woman as prime minister?

Because I believe that it will partially fulfill a prophecy to the children of Israel in Isaiah 3:12:

As for My people, children are their oppressors, And women rule over them. O My people! Those who lead you cause you to err, And destroy the way of your paths…

Of course, women are influential in all the Israelite-descended nations.  And now the highest elected office in Denmark is expected to be held by a woman.  We will see what the policies of Helle Thorning-Schmidt may bring to the Danes.

We in the Living Church of God tend believe that the Danes descended from the tribe of Dan, a tribe that tended to name places “Dan”, cf. Judges 18:12,29.  In the latter days, it is expected that Denmark would be fulfilling the following prophecy to the descendants of Dan:

16 “Dan shall judge his people
As one of the tribes of Israel.
17 Dan shall be a serpent by the way,
A viper by the path,
That bites the horse’s heels
So that its rider shall fall backward.
18 I have waited for your salvation, O Lord!  (Genesis 49:16-18)

Some have indicated that the expression “by the way” is better understood as “on the outskirts.”

Back in the old Worldwide Church of God, some speculated that Denmark would leave the EU and not be part of the European Beast power.  I am not particularly sure on that one way or the other, but do consider that it is a possibility (the viper and serpent comments suggest that it is different than others who might unify).  Yet, the fact that the tribe of Dan is the only tribe not listed amongst the 144,000 in Revelation 7:4-8 makes me lean the other way at this instant–yet the fact that Denmark has not yet adopted the Euro (though its currency is directly linked to it) suggests a certain independence on the outskirts of the EU.

Catholic prophecy tends to teach that the Antichrist will come from the tribe of Dan (but it also teaches other possibilities there), but I tend to doubt that the Antichrist will be a Danite.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Should a Christian Vote? This article gives some of the Biblical rationale on this subject.
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo (non-Dutch) Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who did the peoples of Denmark, Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands, Finland, and Switzerland descend from?  Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
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.
Some Doctrines of Antichrist Are there any doctrines taught outside the Churches of God which can be considered as doctrines of antichrist? This article suggests at least three. It also provides information on 666 and the identity of “the false prophet”.  The Catholic bishop Hippolytus taught that Antichrist would be a descendant of Dan and quotes are included.  This article also shows that several Catholic writers seem to warn about an ecumenical antipope that will support heresy.
The Antichrist Quiz Do you really know much about the Antichrist?
Women and the New Testament Church Were women important in the New Testament Church? Which women and how were they involved?
Veils and Other Coverings Do women need to wear veils or similar coverings while praying or attending church services? Here are some scriptures on that subject.
The Cherished Christian Woman: Duty and destiny This is an article by LCG’s Wyatt Ciesielka on women and their potential.

Hillary Rodham Clinton

COGwriter

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton made some comments about some of the negative results of the changes in some of the Arab nations yesterday:

Arab Spring Poses Threat to Religious, Ethnic Minorities: State …

‎International Business Times – 14 September 2011

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton embraced the spirit of self-determination driving popular protests, but warned that minority groups become vulnerable: “In the Middle East and North Africa, the transitions to democracy have inspired the world but they have also exposed ethic and religious minorities to new dangers,” Clinton told reporters as she unveiled the State Department’s annual International Religious Freedom Report. “People have been killed by their own neighbors because of their ethnicity or faith. In other places we have seen governments stand by while sectarian violence inflamed by religious animosities tears communities apart.”

Hillary Clinton is correct that religious minorities (including Eastern Orthodox and evangelicals) are getting additional persecutions in many of the Arab lands that have overthrown or otherwise replaced dictatorial leaders.

The results of democracy in the Arab lands will probably not be what Hillary Clinton really wants either.

Religious persecutions are becoming more and more commonplace, and in time, will become quite severe for the Christians who are part of the true Church of God.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Persecutions by Church and State This article documents some that have occurred against those associated with the COGs and some prophesied to occur. Will those with the cross be the persecutors or the persecuted–this article has the shocking answer.
Should a Christian Vote? This article gives some of the Biblical rationale on this subject. Would Jesus vote for president/prime minister? Is voting in the Bible? This is a subject Christians need to understand.
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?
Africa: Its Biblical Past and Prophesied Future What does the Bible teach about Africa and its future? Did the early Church reach Africa? Will God call all the Africans?
Arabic Nazarenes May Have Kept Original Christian Practices Were their faithful Arabs who held to original Christianity?

COGwriter

Sorrows are happening and the drought in Texas is considered to be getting worse:

Texas drought worsens from ‘abysmal’

15 September 2011: Drought conditions in Texas that have fueled wildfires and devastated farmers and ranchers actually worsened in the past week while several other states also saw spreading drought, according to a weekly report issued Thursday.

“Texas conditions continue to deteriorate what little they can from abysmal,” the U.S. Drought Monitor stated.  http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44534812/ns/weather/

Many parts of the USA are suffering from drought as are parts of Africa and other lands.  Droughts can contribute to famines, and foods do not grow in fires.

My 2009 book, 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect mentioned the following was about to happen:

Odd weather patterns result in food shortages and natural disasters.

Matthew 24:7

The world is actually in a berserk transition, as the real age of peace is not yet here. It may be a period of chaos. It is the beginning of sorrows

Matthew 24:8

Perhaps the record weather problems can serve as another wake-up call. As my book indicated, weather-related troubles with their related food issues, of course, are biblically expected:

7…And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. (Matthew 24:7-8).

8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows. (Mark 13:8)

Now there is good news as ultimately, God’s kingdom will come and those issues will be gone:

16 They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; 17 for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. (Revelation 7:16-17)

And while that is true, a terrible hour of trial is coming first (Revelation 3:10), and the USA itself (as well as Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand also) will experience significant starvation in its land (cf. Ezekiel 5:15-17). And this, sadly, will also include Texas.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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.
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2011, 2012, or 2013? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?
Physical Preparation Scriptures for Christians. We all know the Bible prophecies famines. Should we do something?
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 and Have People Taken as Slaves? 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?
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.
Who is the King of the West? Why is there no End-Time King of the West in Bible Prophecy? Is the United States the King of the West?

COGwriter

In the latest issue of its The Bible Advocate, CG7-Denver has the following question and the is answer from its former President, Elder Calvin Burrell:

How does one avoid the possible mistranslation errors of English Bibles? How reliable is The Message translation and other study Bibles by individuals?

No translation or current version of Scripture is flawless. This is true, in part, because of the different manuscripts from which our Bibles are translated. Differences among the many manuscript copies in existence are mostly minor and seldom affect doctrine. Taken together, however, those minor differences yield versions that are not quite identical with the original Bible manuscripts, which no longer exist. Another reason we have no perfect versions of the Bible is that translation itself is not an exact science.

Even if every word in Hebrew and Greek had its perfect counterpart in English (it does not!), still sentence structure, grammatical nuance, syntax, and other linguistic factors assure that the task of translation is much more complex than the mere choice of words. Although it’s not possible to avoid all errors in Bible versions, we can 1) be confident that the basic, essential message of Scripture is preserved in most versions and 2) use good judgment and follow good counsel to select versions that more accurately and understandably render the Bible’s message in its entirety.

CG7’s position on this is similar to my position as well as the Living Church of God.  Normally, most versions of the Bible give a reasonable translation (though not always). As a general rule, we tend to use the New King James Version (NKJV) as it is a modern and normally accurate translation (though there are several passages where I find the KJV better in some places and the NIV better in others).

Because many current and former Catholics come to the COGwriter website, I tend to quote the Douay-Rheims on certain matters that Catholics may be more sensitive too, and sometimes the New Jerusalem Bible.  The New Jerusalem Bible, like the NKJV, is intended as a direct translation of the Hebrew and Greek scriptures into English, it is most widely used by Catholics outside the USA.  A concern about the Douay-Rheims is that it is a translation of Hebrew into Greek into Latin into English for the Old Testament and a translation of Greek into Latin into English for the New Testament, hence it has more opportunity for biases and translation errors than the more direct translations.  The Douay-Rheims is widely used by American Catholics, and is also used outside of North America.

I own and/or have immediate access to well over a dozen translations.  On more controversial matters (especially when the biases of the translations are apparent), the use of multiple translations can help assist the reader to determine the meaning.  Since “scripture cannot be broken” (John 10:35), if a translation appears to contradict other clearer portions of scripture, this is usually an indication of translation error, and hence suggests looking at one or more other translations in order to get the proper meaning of the verse.

The Bible is true, but humans have their issues (cf. Romans 3:4).

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

The Bible: Fact or Fiction? This is a booklet written by Douglas Winnail that answers if the Bible is just a collection of myths and legends or the inspired word of God.
Read the Bible Christians should read and study the Bible. This article gives some rationale for regular bible reading.
What is the Appropriate Form of Biblical Interpretation? Should the Bible be literally understood? What do the writings of the Bible, Origen, Herbert W. Armstrong, and Augustine show?
Bible and Historical Resources on the Internet Electronic bibles, Two Babylons, early Christian literature, photos, and even links to old Herbert W. Armstrong materials.
Tradition and Scripture: From the Bible and Church Writings Are traditions on equal par with scripture? Many believe that is what Peter, John, and Paul taught. But did they?
The Old Testament Canon This article shows from Catholic accepted writings, that the Old Testament used by non-Roman Catholics and non-Orthodox churches is the correct version.
The New Testament Canon – From the Bible Itself This article, shows from the Bible and supporting sources, why the early Church knew which books were part of the Bible and which ones were not.
Church of God, Seventh Day: History and Teachings Nearly all COG’s I am aware of trace their history through this group. Whaid Rose is the president of the largest CG7 group (Denver). Do you know much about them?

COGwriter

Stephanie and Karl zu Guttenberg visited the Ground Zero area in New York earlier this week (what follows is machine-translated from German):

The Bild newspaper has two Guttenberg draped front of the memorial to the victims of terrorist attacks at Ground Zero, in her short cocktail dress, he in jeans, open shirt and three-day beard…Learning from America means learning a new start. When it comes to image, the Guttenberg may also like to think politically…Every new beginning is a personal indulgence. (German language links throughout this post for news sources: http://www.sueddeutsche.de/bayern/ex-minister-in-new-york-guttenbergs-ground-zero-show-1.1142531)

While there, Baron Karl zu Guttenberg said, “Knowing that together are Germany and the United States must never separate the Atlantic” (http://www.stern.de/politik/deutschland/die-guttenbergs-in-der-bild-zeitung-comeback-am-ground-zero-1726942.html).  This may sound good to many, but it is possible that the former Defense Minister of Germany be part of a plan that will not end up so well for the USA.

As regular readers of this page are aware, I have had my eye on one-time German Defense Minister Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg since late 2009 as one who could possibly fulfill the role of the final King of the North.  He and his family recently temporarily exiled themselves from Germany and (about three weeks ago) moved to an expensive area in Connecticut (see also Baron Guttenberg’s House May Fulfill a Prophecy (and is in a Celebrity Neighborhood) (the following is machine-translated and then with some of the English corrected by me:

Former Defence Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg, who left Germany in silence in late August, and moved…, along with his family to the U.S. State of Connecticut has moved.  He told Der Spiegel he has purchased an expensive property there for three million euros, and is less than an hour’s drive from New York…

Since his resignation as Minister,  Guttenberg has withdrawn completely from public life. Shortly before moving to the U.S., however, he celebrated at the Berlin bar scene until the early morning hours with his friends farewell from Germany.What Guttenberg is doing exactly at the new home remains unclear…His wife Stephanie said, “We remain German, with all our heart. And we will come back. That’s for sure.” (http://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/0,1518,785483,00.html)

The one-time Economics Minister for Germany resigned his Defense Minister post because of a plagiarism scandal related to his at least partially apparently copied doctoral dissertation.  And although the Guttenbergs left Germany, they intend to return.  Other than claiming he wanted to think and write a book, Karl Guttenberg has not stated why he is in the USA.

As I have mentioned before, Karl Guttenberg’s scandal and exile appear to be consistent with certain Roman and Orthodox Catholic prophecies about a leader commonly referred to as the Great Monarch and possibly biblical prophecy concerning the Beast, the final King of the North see also Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North?). Notice a passage from the Bible (three different translations shown) that seems somewhat supportive of that view:

21 And there shall stand up in his place one despised, and the kingly honour shall not be given him: and he shall come privately, and shall obtain the kingdom by fraud. (Daniel 11:21, Douay-Rheims)

21 “‘His place will be taken by a reject, a man spurned and passed over for advancement. He’ll surprise everyone, seemingly coming out of nowhere, and will seize the kingdom. (Daniel 11:21 from THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language © 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. All rights reserved.)

21 And in his place shall stand up a contemptible person, to whom they had not given the honor of the kingdom: but he shall come in time of security, and shall obtain the kingdom by flatteries. (Daniel 11:21, ASV)

Here are a few other passages that related to the final Beast, the final King of the North, that indicates the Beast has certain corruption and planning tendencies:

23 “And in the latter time of their kingdom,
When the transgressors have reached their fullness,
A king shall arise,
Having fierce features,
Who understands sinister schemes.
24 His power shall be mighty, but not by his own power;
He shall destroy fearfully,
And shall prosper and thrive;
He shall destroy the mighty, and also the holy people.

25 “Through his cunning
He shall cause deceit to prosper under his rule;
And he shall exalt himself in his heart.
He shall destroy many in their prosperity. (Daniel 8:23-25)

The comment about “cunning” indicates that image is important to him, and parts of the German press indicated that image is the reason he and his wife visited Ground Zero (http://www.sueddeutsche.de/bayern/ex-minister-in-new-york-guttenbergs-ground-zero-show-1.1142531).  Learning more about the USA could be helpful for him if Baron Guttenberg returns to politics and/or becomes the final King of the North of biblical prophecy.

If Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg eventually establishes a new religious order within Catholicism (cf. Daniel 11:38), promotes European unity (Revelation 17), promotes ecumenism, promotes peace in the Middle East (even if he simply makes a statement endorsing it when he is in another land, including possibly while in the USA, cf. Daniel 9:26-27), and/or otherwise rises up in European politics, he could be very interesting to watch. He now may have the time to do some of these things. If he is the one, his temporary exile in the USA will give him better insight into the USA and probably contacts that he may exploit later, perhaps as a subterfuge for an attack on the USA (cf. Daniel 11:39).  If he also ends up on very good terms with Cardinal Koch (see Kurt Koch Made a Cardinal: Might He Become the Antichrist?) or other ecumenical Catholic and/or Protestant leaders, this may also be an indicator–and could be a strong indicator–of a possible King of the North role for him.

On the other hand, Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg could simply be a normal politician, with ups and downs like many others. We will see.

Much is happening in the world, and a leader known as the final King of the North (or Beast) in Bible prophecy, will ultimately become the leader of Europe. And according to the Bible, he will have military abilities (Revelation 13:1-4) and apparently be charismatic (cf. Daniel 7:20,11:21-24,31; Revelation 13:3-5). Karl zu Guttenberg seemingly fulfills these requirements.

We all should watch (cf. Mark 13:37).

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”?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? What MUST happen BEFORE the Great Tribulation?
Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North? Is the German Defense Minister one to watch? What do Catholic, Byzantine, and biblical prophecies suggest?

Muslim Brotherhood
الإخوان المسلمون
Al-Ikhwān Al-Muslimūn

COGwriter

The Muslim Brotherhood is increasing its influence in the Middle East and North Africa:

(Reuters) – Egypt’s most powerful Islamist group warned Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday that his country should not seek to dominate the Middle East…Erdogan was given a more reserved reception by officials of the Muslim Brotherhood…

“We welcome Turkey and we welcome Erdogan as a prominent leader but we do not think that he or his country alone should be leading the region or drawing up its future,” said Essam el-Erian, deputy leader of the Brotherhood’s Freedom and Justice party.  http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/09/14/us-turkey-egypt-idUSTRE78D2TD20110914

Many in Turkey still believe that when the Sultans of the Ottoman Empire that ruled the Arabs for centuries that this was quite good and would still be the best solution for the Arabs in the Middle East and North Africa.  The first time I recall hearing this was from a Turkish tour guide in my first trip to Turkey in the early-mid 1990s (I have been to Turkey at least three times).

To bring enough Arab nations together, I have felt that some type of “strongman” needed to rise up.  One who Arabs would tend to respect–who might use the title Imam Mahdi and/or Caliph–and while Turkey may temporarily support this leader, I do not believe the leader will be based in Turkey.  It appears that the Bible shows that Turkey (Edom in biblical prophecy) will somewhat support this leader, but likely will betray him (Daniel 11:26) and support the final King of the North, who will allow the Turks to escape his wrath (cf. Daniel 11:41).

The time is getting closer for an Islamic leader to rise up and the Muslim Brotherhood, with its increasing influence, may play an important role. The Muslim Brotherhood is is the world’s oldest and largest Islamic political group and has been called the “world’s most influential Islamist movement” (http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/2010/11/2010111681527837704.html)–though some new group could also form. Supporting the Muslim Brotherhood basically means supporting a multi-national Islamic power that wants a strong-man leader.

We in the Living Church of God have long taught that a pan-Islamic leader will rise up in the Middle East and become the final King of the South in Bible prophecy (Daniel 11:40).

And that is something that I warned about in my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect.  Additionally, I specifically warned in that book that the Obama Administration would support the rise of such a multinational leader–and the Obama Administration’s talks with various representatives of the Muslim Brotherhood in several countries this year has confirmed that writing:

Should Assad Go Next? Not So Fast</strong>

NewsMax.com – Christopher Ruddy – ‎Aug 30, 2011‎

The interim military government has made an informal alliance with the Muslim Brotherhood, a radical group that is rising in influence with a strong assist from the Obama administration. Egypt’s military rulers quickly lifted bans on the Brotherhood, …

HAS THE THE MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD INFLITRATED THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION? Liberty News On Line

The increased influence of the Muslim Brotherhood is apparently setting the stage for this.  Turkey is being put on notice, but I would suggest to the Muslim Brotherhood that Turkey will not ultimately be part of their expected caliphate according to Bible prophecy (Daniel 11:41).  And today’s news item suggests that the Brotherhood is concerned about Turkey.

Some articles of 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? Might this King be called the Mahdi? What does the Bible say?
The Arab and Islamic World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam? What about the Imam Mahdi? What lies ahead for Turkey, Iran, and the other non-Arabic Muslims?
Is There an Islamic Antichrist? Is Joel Richardson correct that the final Antichrist will be Islamic and not European? Find out.
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies for the Great Monarch 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?
Barack Obama in Islamic Prophecy? There is actually a 17th century Shiite prophecy that some believe that Barack Obama will fulfill that will lead to a rising up of Islam.
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2011, 2012, or 2013? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? Who are the 144,000?
2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect This is a link related to a book by Bob Thiel (COGwriter). This link also has YouTube videos. This book documents and explains hundreds of prophecies. And since it was published, world events have aligned with at least 15-16 predictions in the book and many more will to come to pass.
2012 y el surgimiento de la secta secreta 2012 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 16 já começaram a acontecer.
2012 e o Surgimento da Seita Secreta (Brazilian Portuguese Edition) 2012 livro do Dr. Thiel. Edição em português do Brasil. Este livro documenta e explica centenas de profecias. E desde que foi publicado pela primeira vez, pelo menos 16 já começaram a acontecer.

World Currencies

COGwriter

Europe’s experiment with the Euro is drawing concerns internationally:

China, U.S. raise alarm over euro debt crisis

Reuters – ‎14 September 2011

PARIS/BRUSSELS (Reuters) – Moody’s cut the credit ratings of two French banks on Wednesday because of their exposure to Greece’s debt, highlighting growing risks to Europe’s financial sector from a deepening euro zone...China added its voice to U.S. concerns over Europe’s apparent inability to stop debt contagion from spreading, while Indian and Brazilian officials said major emerging economies were discussing increasing their euro sovereign holdings.

As I have written before, the Bible is clear that Europe will appear disconnected and never will be thoroughly unified (Daniel 2:41-43).  Europe may have civil unrest and civil war (see pages 79-81 of my 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect book) if the Euro crisis expands, which would likely be stopped by the final Beast (cf. Revelation 13:4), who is the final King of the North (Daniel 11:36-45).

As far as the Euro goes, here is some of what I wrote in 2009 in my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect:

Daniel 11:…43:…

43 He shall have power over the treasures of gold and silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt; also the Libyans and Ethiopians shall follow at his heels.

The “he” is the King of the North.

It would seem that once the U.S. dollar totally collapses people all around the world will consider that even if the Euro is strong, having a more gold-backed currency would be safer. Having the European power acquiring a lot more gold to back the Euro (even if the backing is only implied) or possibly other future European currency (that might potentially replace the Euro) may greatly increase European credibility, prosperity, and influence around the globe.

Eventually, despite Europe’s problems (cf. Daniel 2:42-43), Bible prophecy shows that Europe will be THE major economic superpower for a short time. And as I have written many times at COGwriter, I expect the euro to drop in value from time to time, and even to plummet should major civil unrest occur, until the euro (or whatever replacement currency Europe would have should the euro be dropped, including a possible world currency) becomes the actual world reserve currency essentially replacing the US dollar.  So, I have long felt that there is a possibility that the Euro may be replaced and I am still convinced that the US dollar will NOT remain the world’s primary reserve currency. Yet, ultimately Europe will reorganize and become a powerful military force (Revelation 17:12-13; 13:1-4; Daniel 11:39-43).

Interestingly, a Polish leader last Friday made some statements of prophetic interest:

Military unity could make EU a superpower

AFP – Sept 9, 2011

The creation of a united armed forces for the European Union could give Brussels superpower status to match that of Washington, Poland’s opposition leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski told AFP Friday.

“I want Europe to be a superpower,” Kaczynski said in an interview at the Krynica Economic Forum in southern Poland, while on the campaign trail ahead of a general election on October 9.

“I’m a eurorealist and I support a stronger Europe, especially in the political-military aspect,” Kaczynski added, in an apparent pre-election drive to ditch his eurosceptic image. http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=1278008935

Poland has tended to be less supportive of a massive EU, and perhaps the tide of opinion there is starting to change.  If only a small percentage of Europeans catch the vision of the international value of a more unified and militarized Europe, that would seem to be enough to get this unification ready for the next level (and the ultimate level will apparently happen after Europeans and others see signs and lying wonders per 2 Thessalonians 2:7).

We in LCG do believe that despite problems with  the Euro, Europe will have to reorganize, and ultimately fulfill the prophecies in the Bible about being the final Beast power of Revelation, the final King of the North of Daniel 11.

Some items of possibly related interest may include the following:

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?
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?
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.
Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? When does the six thousand years of human rule end?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2011, 2012, or 2013? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?
China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 1: Genesis and Chinese Characters Where did the Chinese people come from? This article provides information showing that the Chinese peoples must have known about various accounts in the Book of Genesis up until their dispersion after the Tower of Babel.
China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 2: The Sabbath and Some of God’s Witness in China When did Christianity first come to China? And is there early evidence that they observed the seventh day sabbath?
Asia in Prophecy What is Ahead for Asia? Who are the “Kings of the East”? What will happen to nearly all the Chinese, Russians, Indians, and others of Asia? China in prophecy, where? Who has the 200,000,000 man army related to Armageddon?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo (non-Dutch) Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What about Jerusalem? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
India, Its Biblical Past and Future: Any Witness? The Bible discusses the origins of those of Indian heritage and discusses some of the witness to them (including those in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka).
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 role might the various Caribbean nations/territories play?
2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect This is a link related to a book by Bob Thiel (COGwriter). This link also has YouTube videos. This book documents and explains hundreds of prophecies. And since it was published, world events have aligned with at least 15-16 predictions in the book and many more will to come to pass.
2012 y el surgimiento de la secta secreta 2012 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 16 já começaram a acontecer.
2012 e o Surgimento da Seita Secreta (Brazilian Portuguese Edition) 2012 livro do Dr. Thiel. Edição em português do Brasil. Este livro documenta e explica centenas de profecias. E desde que foi publicado pela primeira vez, pelo menos 16 já começaram a acontecer.

Dmitry Anatolyevich Medvedev

COGwriter

Russia announced that it is moving closer to North Korea :

Russia, N. Korea To Hold Joint Military Exercises

MOSCOW – Russia and North Korea will stage their first joint military exercises next year after agreeing to expand their ties during Kim Jong-Il’s visit to Russia last month, a general said on Sept. 13…Kim held rare talks in Siberia with President Dmitry Medvedev that focused on trade and economic assistance. http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=7665419&c=ASI&s=TOP

Russia is trying to gain more cooperation throughout Asia (see also Russia Strengthening Ties to China and India, Russia Strengthening Ties to Pakistan, and Russia’s Putin Still Working for Eurasian Union). The final time of the Gentiles is rapidly approaching (Luke 21:24).

I have long believed that it is likely that both Koreas will somewhat (at least partially) unify and be part of the Kings of the East (Revelation 16:12).  These kings also include Russia, China, and probably India.  Many Asians will be part of the two hundred million man army against the European power that the Bible says will happen (Revelation 9:13-20).

The recent military cooperation announcement between Russia and many others lately is supportive of that belief.

A combination of economic talks, military deals, aircraft carriers, population, and technology will come together enough to get the “kings of the east” (Revelation 16:12-16) and those from “the far north” (cf. Ezekiel 39:1-2) to cooperate to fulfill Daniel 11:44-45; Revelation 9:13-21.

More and more news events are aligning toward the fulfillment of Bible prophecy.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Russia: Its Origins and Prophesied Future Where do the Russians come from? What is prophesied for Russia? What will it 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?
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?
Asia in Prophecy What is Ahead for Asia? Who are the “Kings of the East”? What will happen to nearly all the Chinese, Russians, Indians, and others of Asia? China in prophecy, where? Who has the 200,000,000 man army related to Armageddon?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2011, 2012, or 2013? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? Who are the 144,000?

Depiction of solar particles interacting with Earth’s magnetosphere

COGwriter

A massive solar flare, that was released Tuesday may have ramifications:

Mega space storm would kill satellites for a decade

New Scientist – Sept 13, 2011

A MAJOR solar storm would not only damage Earth’s infrastructure, it could also leave a legacy of radiation that keeps killing satellites for years…Speeding electrons cause electric charge to accumulate on satellite electronics, prompting sparks and damage. http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg21128294.300-mega-space-storm-would-kill-satellites-for-a-decade.html

While the Bible itself warns of a time of scorching solar heat (Revelation 16: 8-9), it may be that increased solar activity or some human-made pulse bomb could set certain Western nations back many years (see also Galileo to Start to Launch Next Month, the Beginning of Europe Rising?).

I cannot help but wonder if Europe’s Galileo “GPS” satellites would do better in a solar flare or a pulse bomb attack as they are generally newer than what countries like the USA have been using.   If so, this could give the Europeans a massive military advantage over the USA that few would even consider could be coming.

As far as solar flares go, they were discussed in my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect.  Here are a few passages related to them:

Some scientists believe that there will be an increase in sunspot activity that will affect the earth in 2012. Notice the following from N.A.S.A.:

Solar Storm Warning: Researchers announced that a storm is coming—the most intense solar maximum in fifty years. The prediction comes from a team led by Mausumi Dikpati of the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR)…

Solar physicist David Hathaway of the National Space Science & Technology Center (NSSTC)…has confidence in the conveyor belt model and agrees with Dikpati that the next solar maximum should be a doozy. But he disagrees with one point. Dikpati’s forecast puts Solar Max at 2012… a storm is coming.

Solar outbursts have been proposed that could essentially wipe out modern civilization.

Notice a scenario that is based on a report from the U.S. National Academy of Scientists (although the precise date seems to be speculative):

IT IS midnight on 22 September 2012 and the skies above Manhattan are filled with a flickering curtain of colourful light…Within 90 seconds, the entire eastern half of the US is without power.

A year later and millions of Americans are dead and the nation’s infrastructure lies in tatters. The World Bank declares America a developing nation. Europe, Scandinavia, China and Japan are also struggling to recover from the same fateful event – a violent storm, 150 million kilometres away on the surface of the sun…

According to the NAS report, a severe space weather event in the US could induce ground currents that would knock out 300 key transformers within about 90 seconds, cutting off the power for more than 130 million people…

First to go – immediately for some people – is drinkable water…With no electricity to pump water from reservoirs, there is no more…
There is simply no electrically powered transport: no trains, underground or overground…For hospitals, that would mean about 72 hours of running a bare-bones, essential care only, service. After that, no more modern healthcare.

The truly shocking finding is that this whole situation would not improve for months, maybe years…

A N.A.S.A./N.O.A.A. report indicated that the next solar cycle peak may be later, like May 2013.

While solar flares will ultimately happen (Revelation 16: 8-9), and some that affect satellites and electricity may happen sooner, a new order is truly getting set up to happen.

There are real risks for the USA, Canada, UK, and other nations.  But most ignore warning signs. Will you?

Some articles that might be of assistance in understanding end-time events may include:

End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something?There is a Mayan calendar prediction for change in 2012. 2012 changes were also centuries ago predicted by the Hopi Native Americans. Do Mayan/Hindu/Hopi/Buddhist/New Age/Nostradaumus 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?
Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? When does the six thousand years of human rule end?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2011, 2012, or 2013? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? 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 link also has YouTube videos. This book documents and explains hundreds of prophecies. And since it was published, world events have aligned with at least 15-16 predictions in the book and many more will to come to pass.
2012 y el surgimiento de la secta secreta 2012 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 16 já começaram a acontecer.
2012 e o Surgimento da Seita Secreta (Brazilian Portuguese Edition) 2012 livro do Dr. Thiel.  Edição em português do Brasil. Este livro documenta e explica centenas de profecias. E desde que foi publicado pela primeira vez, pelo menos 16 já começaram a acontecer.

Muammar al-Gaddafi

COGwriter

Libya is apparently transitioning:

Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, in the past, was definitely considered a terrorist and his regime’s involvement with destroying the Pan-Am flight 103 over Locherbie, Scotland and killing 259 people is well known.

So, is Libya going to go from one leading terrorist to multiple ones?  We will see.

Right now, Colonel Gaddafi is not in charge of Libya.

Libya has somewhat of an interim leader:

Interim Libyan Leader Calls for Reconciliation in His First Public Speech
13/09/2011 11:19:00

The leader of Libya’s transitional government, Mustafa Abdul-Jalil received a hero’s welcome in Tripoli’s newly-named Martyrs’ Square…http://tripolipost.com/articledetail.asp?c=1&i=6897

The idea of interim leaders that will ultimately be replaced by allegiance to the coming final King of the South, in nations such as Libya, is something that I have written about for some time.  Notice, for example, something from my March 25, 2011 post titled Muslim Brotherhood Gaining Influence in Egypt:

We in the Living Church of God (LCG) expect a pan-Arabic leader. Here is a recent LCG writing from Wyatt Ciesielka that demonstrate this:

The fact is that food prices, the Muslim Brotherhood or any number of other political or religious factors are only contributing reasons for the current Arab-world turmoil. The underlying reason is that the Almighty Creator God is allowing geopolitics to align according to His will, and according to His time! Scripture is clear that God supremely reigns over all nations and all empires (2 Chronicles 20:6, Daniel 4:25), and He sometimes allows demonic principalities to influence people, nations, and rulers (Daniel 10:20, Ephesians 6:12).

Is the current Arab crisis setting the stage for a future king of the South? While the timing is entirely up to God, the simple answer is that yes, Arab geopolitics are moving ahead exactly as Bible prophecy has long foretold! Read more

The timing seems to be right for such a leader to start rising up. The events in primarily Sunni Egypt, Lebanon, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Jordan, and Yemen seem to be setting the stage of the Arabic peoples to be willing to consider some type of confederation with a strong leader to represent them.–but there may be interim governments first.  Even Syria is having significant problems.

Libya is mentioned specifically in Bible prophecy (Daniel 11:40-43) and hence it will support the final King of the South, a caliph-type Imam Mahdi, that many in the Arab & Islamic world will also support. And that leader will relatively soon rise up (though some nations may likely have several “interim” and/or semi-permanent leaders).

I expect that terroristic activities will be part of the actions of this final King of the South (cf. Leviticus 26:16), and that such actions will directly affect the Anglo-descended nations like the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and/or New Zealand (Psalm 83:2-8).  The Arab Spring and Summer has not really seemed to dim the hopes of Islamic terrorists (though perhaps somewhat in Syria, and even that may change).

Watch (cf. Mark 13:33-37).

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?
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?
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?
Africa: Its Biblical Past and Prophesied Future What does the Bible teach about Africa and its future? Did the early Church reach Africa? Will God call all the Africans?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo (non-Dutch) Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What about Jerusalem? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
Canada in Prophecy: What Does Bible Prophecy, Catholic Prophecy, and other Predictions Suggest About the Future of Canada? There are prophecies that suggest involvement with Canada. And many are not positive about its future.
Who is the King of the West? Why is there no End-Time King of the West in Bible Prophecy? Is the United States the King of the West?