Archive for September, 2012

Czech President Voices Concerns About EU’s Direction; Others Trying for More Unity

Monday, September 24th, 2012


Vaclav Klaus

COGwriter

There are two interesting EU-related items below:

Václav Klaus warns that the destruction of Europe’s democracy may be in its final phase
‘Two-faced’ politicians have opened the door to an EU superstate by giving up on democracy, Václav Klaus, the veteran Czech statesman, tells Bruno Waterfield.http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/eu/9559937/Vclav-Klaus-warns-that-the-destruction-of-Europes-democracy-may-be-in-its-final-phase.html
Major new drive to claw back powers from EU ‘superstate’
New moves towards a European superstate have led ministers to step up a drive to repatriate powers from Brussels.http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/eu/9560306/Europe-EU-David-Cameron-referendum-superstate-repatriation.html

The Czech President has always had concerns about the EU’s direction and he rightly sees that the EU will end up with full political union if it keeps going the way that many are trying to push it (see, for example, EU Nations Calling for Stronger Presidency, Elimination of UK Veto, and European Army).

The European Beast power is forming right now, yet many simply do not see it.  Vaclav Klaus is one of few high level European leaders that not only senses some of it, but is willing to publicly warn about it.  Other politicians oppose certain losses of sovereignty, but normally (other than some in the UK) seem less concerned about that.

Of course, in the USA and Canada, most just see a bunch of bickering European states and no real union.  Yet, Bible prophecy indicated that there would be unity issues in Europe (cf. Daniel 2:41-43)–but that eventually a restructuring would occur, with complete loss of sovereignty (Revelation 17:12-13).   And the world would eventually marvel at what happens because of this (Revelation 13:1-8).

Right now we see that the European empire is in the process of forming, with some occasional bumps in the road. And it may be fully formed within the next decade or so.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? What is ahead for Europe?

NYC’s New Abortion Program for 14 Year-Olds

Monday, September 24th, 2012

Wat Abortion

Bas-relief at Angkor Wat depicting a demon performing an ancient abortion.

COGwriter

In older times, abortions involved external brutality, but now they have gone high-tech for school children in New York City:

24 September 2012

(CBS News) NEW YORK – New York City’s Department of Education has begun offering “morning after” contraceptive pills to students in a pilot program at 13 of the city’s high schools.

CBS Station WCBS reports that, in an effort to combat teen pregnancy, school nurse offices have been stocked with Plan B emergency contraception…

The birth control will be available to students as young as 14 without parental notification.

The Department of Education has sent notes to parents alerting them about the new program and information on how to opt out. Just one to two percent of parents have opted out of the program, the DOE said.

New York City schools already distribute free condoms to students.  http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-204_162-57518735/some-nyc-schools-to-offer-morning-after-pills/

Instead of advocating biblical standards of morality, many government leaders continue to look for ways that encourage even more immorality.

Do not Americans realize that since the 1973 Roe vs. Wade pro-abortion ruling by the US Supreme Court that the USA has gone from being a creditor nation to the the most indebted nation that the world has ever seen?

There are terrible consequences for sin, and instead of properly discouraging sexual immorality, compounding it with chemical abortion increases the tendency towards sin.  Two wrongs do not make a right.  This does not bode well for the USA.

The great tribulation is coming and will likely hit the USA and its Anglo-related allies first.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Abortion, the Bible, and a Woman’s Right to Choose Do you know what the Bible teaches on this? What do the Living Church of God and the Church of Rome teach?
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?
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2012, 2013, or 2014? 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?
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States This is a 160 page book for people truly interested in prophecies related to Barack Obama and the United States, including learning about many that have already been fulfilled (which the book documents in detail and at least one involves his abortion rights advocacy) and those that will be fulfilled in the future. It also has a chapter about Mitt Romney. This book is available to order at www.barackobamaprophecy.com. The physical book can also be purchased at Amazon from the following link:  Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States: Is Barack Obama Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic, Catholic, Kenyan, and other America-Related Prophecies? What About Mitt Romney?
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States–Amazon Kindle edition. This electronic version is available for only US$2.99. And you do not need an actual Kindle device to read it. Why? Amazon will allow you to download it to almost any device: Please click HERE to download one of Amazon’s Free Reader Apps.  After you go to for your free Kindle reader and then go to Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States–Amazon Kindle edition.)

GMOs, Superweeds, Pests, and Massive Risks to Food Supply

Sunday, September 23rd, 2012


Corn Zea mays (Andrew Butko)

COGwriter

More and more problems associated with genetically-modified organisms (GMOs) in the food supply are being being recognized. Here are some related to superweeds and pests:

Drought and SuperBugs Devastate U.S. Corn Crop

Superweeds pose GM-resistant challenge for farmers

BBC – Sept 18, 2012
US farmers are facing a growing challenge from weeds resistant to chemical sprays, and enduring millions of dollars in losses as a result. The so-called “superweeds” have arisen because of the success of genetically modified crops, which now account for the vast majority of US corn, soya and cotton.
Genetically engineered (GE) crops are often discussed as the way to feed the world’s growing populations and to mitigate the affects of climate change. But the spreading of those same genetically engineered traits to weeds is now well documented. Invasive plants become “super weeds” and insects develop resistance to the trait, making them even tougher to fight than they were before the use of GE crops.
How Genetically Modified Corn Is Creating Super Worms
There’s “mounting evidence” that Monsanto Co. (MON) corn that’s genetically modified to control insects is losing its effectiveness in the Midwest, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said.

Monsanto’s worst resistance problem is with crops engineered to tolerate its Roundup herbicide. “Superweeds” that Roundup no longer kills have invaded as many as 20 million acres (8.1 million hectares) of corn and soybeans, according to a Dow study. As many as 28 million acres of cotton, soybean and corn may host Roundup-resistant weeds by 2015, according to Basel, Switzerland-based Syngenta.

Corn fields in four states — Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota and Nebraska — were overrun by rootworm last year, prompting the EPA to say in a November memo that Monsanto’s bug-killing corn may be losing its effectiveness. The agency also said at the time that Monsanto’s program for monitoring suspected cases of resistance was “inadequate.”

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-09-04/-mounting-evidence-of-bug-resistant-corn-seen-by-epa.html

Corn, more properly known as maize, is a very important food crop in the USA. Furthermore, as Wikipedia reports, 85% of the US maize crop was genetically modified in 2009. This increased dependance upon genetically-modified organisms (GMOs) for the American food supply is putting the USA at tremendous risk for famine and pestilences (cf. Matthew 24:7-8).

Notice also the following about at least one health risk from consuming GMO food:

About – News & Issues – ‎Sep 21, 2012‎

Gilles-Eric Seralini, et. al just published a study in Journal of Food and Chemical Toxicity purportedly showing that rats on a diet of Monsanto’s Roundup-tolerant genetically engineered corn developed more tumors and died sooner than rats on a non-GMO diet.

Now, while some are questioning the above study, the reality is that genetic-modifications to the food supply are dangerous in many ways.  And this is not just related to possible cancers and weeds.  Over a decade ago, I started to get published for my positions against genetically-modified foods (Thiel R. Labeling of genetically modified foods should be a fundamental consumer right. HealthKeepers, 2000; 2 (3):16-19; Thiel R. ANMA’s official position on genetically-modified foods. ANMA Monitor, 1999;3(4)5-8).  And since then, more and more information has come to light suggesting risks to the environment and health related to GMOs.

About a year and a half ago I warned:

In the “Great Depression” most Americans and Brits had skills in growing food. This is no longer the case. Furthermore, modern crops have gotten more complicated as so many seeds are hybrids that they will not actually grow the type of foods most in the USA and UK are used to having. The coming food problems will also get worse once one or more genetically-modified crops suffers from some type of pestilence. The USA, to cite one example, could lose virtually all of its wheat or corn because of the dependence on genetically modified versions (which is especially true for crops like corn and soy). Prophecy for famines will be fulfilled (Matthew 24:7-8). (From China Buying USA Food, In Depression Will Chinese Eat While Americans & Brits Starve? May 21, 2010)

Notice something that Ezekiel was inspired to write:

15 ‘So it shall be a reproach, a taunt, a lesson, and an astonishment to the nations that are all around you, when I execute judgments among you in anger and in fury and in furious rebukes. I, the Lord, have spoken. 16 When I send against them the terrible arrows of famine which shall be for destruction, which I will send to destroy you, I will increase the famine upon you and cut off your supply of bread. 17 So I will send against you famine and wild beasts, and they will bereave you. Pestilence and blood shall pass through you, and I will bring the sword against you. I, the Lord, have spoken.’” (Ezekiel 5:15-17)

Notice that this shows famine, then pestilence, and then the sword. The above sequence seems to be slightly different than that Jesus listed as part of the “beginning of sorrows” (Mathew 24:7-8) as the sword comes afterwards. But since the sword should begin the Great Tribulation, the time of Jacob’s trouble (Jeremiah 30:7), this may be part of how the beginning of sorrows ties into the Great Tribulation–this also may suggest hunger and disease problems for the Anglo-nations prior to the start of the Great Tribulation.

The increasing use of genetically modified organisms for many of the grain crops in the USA is putting parts of humanity at major increased risk of unintended consequences such as famine and disease pestilences. Most of the corn and soy beans produced in the USA are genetically-modified. Soon, much of the wheat will be. Directly and indirectly, the USA and its Anglo-allies will cause most of the problems that it will be experiencing in the next several years.

As Jesus said:

37 And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch! (Mark 13:36-37)

Tougher times are coming. And for some parts of the world these tougher time may be here now. People who can prepare, should: both spiritually and physically. (From Super Wheat: Solution or Disaster Awaiting? June 10, 2011)

So, it may be that the Anglo-nations will experience some real hunger as well as disease and/or other pestilences (that could possibly at least partially be triggered by excessive reliance on genetically-modified organisms as part of their agricultural production) that will weaken them enough so that the USA and its Anglo-allies will then be considered attackable by some of their enemies…

Because of sin, greed, and ignorance, America has been into producing genetically-modified foods. These “foods” are genetically identical which makes them susceptible to total elimination via famine-causing pestilential organisms. I have long suspected that the time will come when some type of pestilence will hit America’s genetically-modified grain crops like corn and wreak havoc on the land. Enough so, that this may embolden its enemies to attack Britain and/or the USA to begin the Great Tribulation. (Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2011, 2012, or 2013? Spring 2011)

Basically, I have long suspected that likely crop failures associated with GMO grains are putting the USA at extreme risk of being destroyed. Most Americans do not like to accept this, but it is nonetheless true.

Earlier this month the following was published as reason ten as to why US President Barack Obama was apocalyptic in my book Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States:

Barack Obama broke a campaign pledge about requiring that genetically-modified organisms (GMOs) in foods be labeled (Philpott T. Obama’s broken promise on GMO Food Labeling. Mother Jones, October 6, 2011). And while he at some point in time may change on this, the fact is that he has taken steps to encourage the production and use of GMO “foods” (cf. Isaiah 55:2) (Anderman RH. Obama Deregulates GMO Crops Despite Supreme Court Injunction. Tikkun, June 2, 2011; Huff EA. The Obama administration love affair with GMOs is selling America down the river for agricultural ruin. Natural News, August 21, 2011).  Increased reliance on GMOs by the United States puts the nation at major risk for nearly complete crop failures.  The Bible warns that famines (Matthew 24:7) and food shortages (Revelation 6:5-6) are coming and Barack Obama has further helped set the stage for this.  (Thiel B.  Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United StatesEdition 1.1.  Nazarene Books, 2012, pp. 47-48)

The time is coming when the USA will have severe food shortages. And at that same time, the USA may have to provide grain to China and other creditors that it owes when some Americans will be starving. The reliance on genetically-modified grain crops will likely contribute to disaster in the USA. It may even contribute to food inflation later this year.

Information in today’s post provides further secular proof that my long-held beliefs concerning the risks of genetically-modified foods are getting more current scientific validation.

Of course, GMOs are not the only risk to the food supply as the following points out:

World on track for record food prices ‘within a year’ due to US drought
Brace yourself for some painful “agflation”. That is the shorthand for agricultural commodity inflation, otherwise known as rising food prices.
Sept 23, 2012

The USA has had its worst drought since 1936 and the agricultural regions in Russia and South America are also having water shortages.

While we are not there yet for total GMO crop failure, this time is coming soon (and is likely to be the result of weather and other factors as well).

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? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States This is a 160 page book for people truly interested in prophecies related to Barack Obama and the United States, including learning about many that have already been fulfilled (which the book documents in detail) and those that will be fulfilled in the future. It also has a chapter about Mitt Romney. This book is available to order at www.barackobamaprophecy.com. The physical book can also be purchased at Amazon from the following link:  Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States: Is Barack Obama Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic, Catholic, Kenyan, and other America-Related Prophecies? What About Mitt Romney?
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States–Amazon Kindle edition. This electronic version is available for only US$2.99. And you do not need an actual Kindle device to read it. Why? Amazon will allow you to download it to almost any device: Please click HERE to download one of Amazon’s Free Reader Apps.  After you go to for your free Kindle reader and then go to Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States–Amazon Kindle edition.)
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?

German Views on Money, Gold, and the Return of the Deutsche Mark

Sunday, September 23rd, 2012

COGwriter

Leaders in Germany consider gold to be money:

Germany Eyes Gold Standard

New York Sun – Sept 22, 2012…

Deutsche Bank’s report is “Gold: Adjusting for Zero.” It reckons we’re in a situation that is “Zero for growth, yield, velocity and confidence.” It says: “We believe there are nearly zero real options available to global policy-makers. The world needs growth and is willing to go to extraordinary lengths to get it.” It forecasts bluntly that the value of the dollar will plummet in the first half of 2013 to less than a 2,000th of an ounce of gold. It reckons “the growth in supply of fiat currencies such as the USD will remain an important driver.”…

That’s just for openers. The report then goes on to assert that gold is misunderstood and doesn’t really belong in the basket of “commodities” used by so many economists. Gold is money, according to the Deutsche Bank. Says it: “We would go further however, and argue that gold could be characterised as ‘good’ money as opposed to ‘bad’ money which would be represented by many of today’s fiat currencies.”…

Herr Poehl suddenly exclaimed that Germany was the second biggest gold holder in the world. It still is, according to one of the many nifty charts in the Deutsche Bank’s “Gold: Adjusting for Zero.” This gives rise to the thought that if America is not going to lead on monetary reform, Germany is in a position to do so. There has, after all, been a bit of talk lately about how it should be not Greece but Germany that leaves the Euro. If Berlin wanted to take that course, a campaign for “good” money, as the Deutsche Bank calls it, would certainly be the strategy.   http://www.nysun.com/editorials/germany-eyes-gold-standard/87997/

Those of you who have my 2009 book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect or more recent book Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States will realize that I have written that because of devaluation of the US dollar that gold will be considered more important.  German leaders apparently now agree.

Biblical (Daniel 11:40-44) and non-biblical prophecies point out that the final leader that the Bible calls the King of the North will value gold.  And he is likely to be a European with at least some German heritage.

As far as the Germans considering dropping the Euro, the latest TW News & Prophecy from LCG had the following:

The EU Observer just published results of a German-conducted survey that was released on September 15. Survey participants hailed from Germany, Poland and France. When asked whether their nation would be better off with their own national currency, two-thirds of Germans said “yes” to a return to the Deutsche mark. Forty-nine percent (virtually half) of Germans also agreed that they would be “better off” if the EU did not exist. The same survey showed that most Poles are uncomfortable with the euro as well, while the French still favor the euro (EU Observer, September 17, 2012).

A greater percentage from all three nations view the EU important in keeping up with world economic powers. But, only 32 percent of Germans see the EU successfully moving forward (ibid.). The economic upheaval in Europe has many wondering what will come next for Europe, and it appears to be stirring up suppressed feelings of nationalismsomething the EU was designed to overcome.

Bible prophecy illustrates that the end-time “Beast” nations in Europe will be a fractured and fragmented mix that attempt to bind together “iron and clay” (Daniel 2:41-43). The eventual ten kings (possibly nations) that arise out of this group will come together for a time under an economic system strong enough to control a substantial amount of trade (Revelation 17:7-14; 13:16-17). The specific currency and final configuration of this coming powerful political and trade bloc remains to be seen.

The gold and the TW articles are consistent with statements published in my two books.  Here is a quote from Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States:

It seems since many are now questioning the role of the U.S. dollar as the world’s reserve currency, more are looking into other currencies as well as gold.  Gold will set records in U.S. dollar terms.  When the U.S. dollar totally collapses people all around the world will consider that even if the Euro (or something similar) is strong, having a more gold-backed currency would be safer.  The collapse of the U.S.A. dollar will shake a lot of the world’s confidence in non-gold backed currencies.

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 or even a basket of currencies) may greatly increase European credibility, prosperity, and influence around the globe.

The financial policies of the Obama Administration (which are a massive acceleration of the previous policies of the Bush Administration) are heading the world into the direction that something other than the U.S. dollar will be valued as its reserve currency.  (Thiel B.  Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States.o Edition 1.1, p. 133)

At this instant, the top leaders in Germany believe that keeping the Euro is better than dropping it.  But they also seem to believe that they need to have gold backing, consistent with what I have written.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

The Plain Truth About Gold in Prophecy. How Should a Christian View Gold? What do economists and the Bible teach about gold? Gold and silver may drop in value. Inflation/deflation? What do Christians need to know about gold?
Physical Preparation Scriptures for Christians. We all know the Bible prophecies famines. Should we do something?
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2012, 2013, or 2014? 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 also has YouTube videos related to 2012. The book contains documented prophecies as well as an end time sequence of events that Christians should study and understand. Including the role of gold, food shortages, Western nation problems, etc.
2012 und das Auftreten der geheimen Sekte (German Edition) 2012 Buch von Dr. Thiel in deutscher Sprache.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States This is a 160 page book for people truly interested in prophecies related to Barack Obama and the United States, including learning about many that have already been fulfilled (which the book documents in detail) and those that will be fulfilled in the future. It also has a chapter about Mitt Romney. This book is available to order at www.barackobamaprophecy.com. The physical book can also be purchased at Amazon from the following link:  Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States: Is Barack Obama Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic, Catholic, Kenyan, and other America-Related Prophecies? What About Mitt Romney?
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States–Amazon Kindle edition. This electronic version is available for only US$2.99. And you do not need an actual Kindle device to read it. Why? Amazon will allow you to download it to almost any device: Please click HERE to download one of Amazon’s Free Reader Apps.  After you go to for your free Kindle reader and then go to Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States–Amazon Kindle edition.)

Linus was not Pope Linus

Sunday, September 23rd, 2012

History of Early Christianity

COGwriter

September 23rd is the day recognized by the Catholics of Rome to honor Linus of Rome.  Typically he is shown second on the list of bishops that purport to show the Roman Catholic pontiffs. 

There is an individual named Linus in the Bible.  He is mentioned one time.  Here is the only passage that mentions him:

Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. Erastus stayed in Corinth, but Trophimus I have left in Miletus sick. Do your utmost to come before winter. Eubulus greets you, as well as Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brethren. The Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Grace be with you. Amen (2 Timothy 4:19-22).

The above was probably written, in approximately 67 A.D. – 68 A.D., by the Apostle Paul while in prison in Rome to the evangelist Timothy, who was in Ephesus.

This shows that Paul knew someone named Linus. Linus, therefore knew Paul, and was in Rome when Paul wrote this letter. It can probably be reasonably implied that Linus probably knew Timothy, and perhaps others in Ephesus. And based on Paul’s writings, it can be concluded that Paul, at that time, considered that particular Linus to be a Christian. It is probably logical to conclude that Linus met with Paul in prison on multiple occasions and probably, like the others, assisted him to some degree.

What it does not show is that Linus was to be the leader of those in Rome or ordained by Peter. Others are listed before him, hence, at least at the time Paul wrote this letter, there is no preeminence for Linus in Rome (and it should be noted that one of the proofs that Rome often cites to prove that Peter had preeminence is that Peter was quite often listed first in various New Testament passages involving multiple people). Linus simply was one of many who knew and probably assisted the Apostle Paul. The lack of emphasis/preeminence in Paul’s writings would seem to suggest that Linus could not have been the one to become the “bishop of Rome” and the successor of Peter and Paul in 67 A.D. Especially since it is believed that the Apostle Paul probably did not die until 68 A.D.

Whether or not this is the same individual named Linus that many Roman Catholics consider to be the first pope (the first “bishop of Rome”) to succeed Peter cannot be determined from the passages in 2 Timothy. This is confirmed by Catholic scholars, such as J.P. Kirsch, who wrote:

We cannot be positive whether this identification of the pope as being the Linus mentioned in II Timothy 4:21, goes back to an ancient and reliable source, or originated later on account of the similarity of the name (Kirsch J.P. Transcribed by Gerard Haffner. Pope St. Linus. The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume IX. Copyright © 1910 by Robert Appleton Company. Online Edition Copyright © 2003 by K. Knight. Nihil Obstat, October 1, 1910. Remy Lafort, Censor. Imprimatur. +John M. Farley, Archbishop of New York).

But it seems that even if the Roman Catholics are referring to the same person, that he was not the one who was going to immediately become THE bishop of Rome–if he was it would be logical if Paul would have given Linus some special mention. Instead, he is simply grouped in with several others in Rome at that time (nor is Linus even mentioned first).

There are several demonstrably incorrect claims made about him by some in the Church of Rome.  For example, here is something from a book I purchased in Vatican City:

2. LINUS, ST. (67-76)…He was the first to take up the inheritance of St. Peter…He made disposition for women to be admitted to the holy places and attend functions with their heads covered…He was buried beside St. Peter in the first Vatican burial spot. It is certain that he did exist while some have thrown doubt on his election to the pontificate.  (Lopes A. The Popes: The lives of the pontiffs through 2000 years of history. Futura Edizoni as sponsored by the Pontifical Administration, Roma, 1997, p. 1)

The main historical fact is that Linus’ name showed up on a list.  Not that he was Peter’s successor.

Here is some of what the Catholic scholar J.P. Kirsch wrote in The Catholic Encyclopedia about Linus:

The “Liber Pontificalis” asserts that Linus’s home was in Tuscany, and that his father’s name was Herculanus; but we cannot discover the origin of this assertion. According to the same work on the popes, Linus is supposed to have issued a decree “in conformity with the ordinance of St. Peter”, that women should have their heads covered in church. Without doubt this decree is apocryphal, and copied by the author of the “Liber Pontificalis” from the first Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians (11:5) and arbitrarily attributed to the first successor of the Apostle in Rome. The statement made in the same source, that Linus suffered martyrdom, cannot be proved and is improbable. (Kirsch J.P. Transcribed by Gerard Haffner. Pope St. Linus. The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume XI. Copyright © 1910 by Robert Appleton Company. Online Edition Copyright © 2003 by K. Knight. Nihil Obstat, October 1, 1910. Remy Lafort, S.T.D., Censor. Imprimatur. +John Cardinal Farley, Archbishop of New York)

Much about Linus is more than improbable.

Netherland’s Priest Roderick Vonhögen is the Chief Executive Officer of a pro-Catholic media group (SQPN) which correctly teaches, “Pope Saint Linus…ancient documents about his papacy have proven to be inaccurate or apocryphal” (Pope Saint Linus. saints.sqpn.com/saintl23.htm, viewed 09/18/12). 

Yet, Linus is claimed to have been the first successor of Peter and head of all Christendom by the Church of Rome.

Here is what John O’Malley, a Jesuit Priest and Catholic historian, published:

The earliest lists of popes begin, not with Peter, but with a man named Linus. The reason Peter’s name was not listed was because he was an apostle, which was a super-category, much superior to pope or bishop…

The Christian community at Rome well into the second century operated as a collection of separate communites without any central structure…Rome was a constellation of house churches, independent of one another, each of which was loosely governed by an elder. The communities thus basically followed the pattern of the Jewish synagogues out of which they developed. (O’Malley JW. A History of the Popes. Sheed & Ward, 2009, p. 11)

It should be pointed out that the Apostle John outlived Linus and some of the others considered to have been early “popes.” Thus, the above admission is consistent with the Church of God view that the leadership of the Christian church in the late first century was clearly in Asia Minor, and not Rome, as that is where the Apostle John was based.

Anyway, there likely was a genuine Church of God Christian leader in Rome named Linus who may have been an elder.  Since there is no contemporary biblical nor other historical evidence that Rome had a bishop over it then, etc. Linus was certainly not the “Bishop of Rome” who somehow supposedly succeeded the Apostle Peter.  Catholics and others might be surprised to learn that the first known “Bishop of Rome” did not take that title until the mid-second century and that title “Pope” or Pontificus Maximus was not taken by the bishops of Rome until the late fourth century.

Some items of possibly related interest may including the following:

“Pope” Linus (67-76)…He is claimed to be the first to take up the inheritance from Peter, but he is omitted from Tertullian’s list. There is a Linus mentioned in the Bible.
Was Peter the Rock Who Alone Received the Keys of the Kingdom? How should Matthew 16:18-19 be understood?
The Apostle Peter He was an original apostle and early Christian leader. Where was Peter buried? Where did Peter die?
What Do Roman Catholic Scholars Actually Teach About Early Church History? Although most believe that the Roman Catholic Church history teaches an unbroken line of succession of bishops beginning with Peter, with stories about most of them, Roman Catholic scholars know the truth of this matter. Is telling the truth about the early church citing Catholic accepted sources anti-Catholic? This eye-opening article is a must-read for any who really wants to know what Roman Catholic history actually admits about the early church.
Nazarene Christianity: Were the Original Christians Nazarenes? Should Christians be Nazarenes today? What were the practices of the Nazarenes.
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!
Which Is Faithful: The Roman Catholic Church or the Genuine Church of God? Do you know that both groups shared a lot of the earliest teachings? Do you know which church changed? Do you know which group is most faithful to the teachings of the apostolic church? Which group best represents true Christianity? This documented article answers those questions. Português: Qual é fiel: A igreja católica romana ou a verdadeira igreja do deus? Tambien Español: ¿Que es fiel: La Iglesia Católica Romana o la Iglesia verdadera de Dios? Auch: Deutsch: Welches ist treu: Die römisch-katholische Kirche oder die Kirche Gottes Original?
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?

Satan and the Day of Atonement

Sunday, September 23rd, 2012

COGwriter

The Christian Day of Atonement is based on the English translation of the Hebrew for the Holy day Jews tend to call Yom Kippur. It begins at sunset Tuesday, September 25, 2012 and ends at sunset September 26, 2012.

Here is a statement by LCG’s Rod McNair about Satan and the Day of Atonement:

Satan the Devil, Banished: After the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement comes just nine days later. With the burst of activity just before the Feast of Tabernacles, it’s easy to gloss over and miss the meaning of this vital Holy Day. Without the Day of Atonement—symbolizing the binding of Satan the Devil—the peaceful and prosperous Millennium simply would not happen.
As the Day of Atonement draws near, let’s meditate on its meaning for the world, for the Church, and for us personally. We have an enemy who is active day and night seeking to make us stumble and discourage us, especially as the Feasts draw near. But the Apostle Peter wrote, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world” (1 Peter 5:8-9). It’s wonderful to contemplate what a profound difference it will make in society when this hateful being’s evil work is stopped. How grateful we can be to observe the Day of Atonement and learn how God will make that happen!

As Rod McNair indicated, one of the messages that the Day of Atonement teaches Christians (and others) is that Satan will be bound during the millennium (see also Did The Early Church Teach Millenarianism?). This is based upon passages in both the Hebrew scriptures (the Old Testament) and the Greek scriptures (the New Testament) which the “Azazel goat” a representation of Satan:

10 But the goat, on which the lot fell for Azazel, shall be set alive before Jehovah, to make atonement for him, to send him away for Azazel into the wilderness. (Leviticus 16:10, ASV)

1 Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven… 2 He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years (Revelation 20:1-2, NKJV)

In an earlier commentary, LCG’s Michael Heykoop:

Those who keep God’s Holy Days, listed in Leviticus 23, are reminded each year of the seven crucial steps in God’s master plan. This includes the removal of Satan! The Day of Atonement pictures a time in the not-too-distant future when Satan will be taken out of the equation. John saw this in a vision and recorded it for us in the book of Revelation:

“Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; and he cast him into the bottomless pit and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. But after these things he must be released for a little while” (Revelation 20:1-3).

Satan will be bound for a thousand years, and then released for a short while before being put away for good! We do not need to remain on the edge of our seat, wondering who will be victorious. There is no contest. God cannot lie (Titus 1:2), and His word makes it clear that the devil’s end has been decided; that Satan’s days are numbered!

If you would like to know more about the powerful implications of events pictured by the Day of Atonement, or would like to discover the path to truly understanding God’s plan for all mankind, then please do not delay in reading online or ordering our free booklet titled The Holy Days: God’s Master Plan.

Now Satan was murderer and a liar from the beginning according to Jesus:

44…the devil…He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. (John 8:44, NKJV)

Since the devil understands that his being bound and sent away is pictured by the Day of Atonement, he likely does not care for what it pictures. Satan and his warring ways may get especially active this Atonement as the prophetic events are occurring and his days are numbered.

Satan, however, is not the only focus of the Day of Atonement. The Day of Atonement also pictures the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and are reconciliation to God. It was kept by Jesus and His earliest followers. Should it not also be kept by you?

To learn more about it and the other Holy Days, please check out the following:

The Day of Atonement–Its Christian Significance The Jews call it Yom Kippur, Christians “The Day of Atonement”. Does it have any relevance for Christians today?
Close Encounters of a ‘Spirit’ Kind discusses some experiences I believe were (demon) ‘spirit’ related.
Spiritual Benefits of Fasting Jesus said, “But by Prayer and Fasting” and this article by Dr. Meredith focuses on fasting and provides his physical and spiritual fasting tips. Does fasting help prevent heart disease?
Did Early Christians Observe the Fall Holy Days? Did they? Did Jesus? Should you?
Michael’s Day of Atonement Quiz Another free on-line Bible quiz by my son Michael.
Michael’s Feasts and Fasts Quiz 15 questions, amusing wrong answer screens.
Is There “An Annual Worship Calendar” In the Bible?
This paper provides a biblical and historical critique of several articles, including one by the Tkach WCG which states that this should be a local decision. What do the Holy Days mean? Also you can click here for the calendar of Holy Days.
Holy Day Calendar This is a listing of the biblical holy days through 2017, with their Roman calendar dates. They are really hard to observe if you do not know when they occur 🙂

Civil Unrest May Cause Europe to Get Another ‘Hitler’

Saturday, September 22nd, 2012

1630 Depiction of Beasts of Daniel 7

COGwriter

Will civil unrest result in the Beast rising up?

Dalio Fears Social Unrest That Led to Hitler’s Rise
CNBC – Sept 21, 2012

Ray Dalio, founder and co-chief investment officer of the world’s largest hedge fund, Bridgewater Associates, thinks it’s likely the euro will survive; however, he does predict a “10 to 15 year managed depression” in Southern Europe. In a worst case scenario, he painted a much darker picture.

“For example, Hitler came to power in 1933, which was the depth of the Great Depression, because of the social tension between the factions. So I think it very much is dependent on how the people work this through together and worry about the social elements.”  http://www.cnbc.com/id/49117901

The above is not really occurring in a vacuum.  European leaders have already called for a strong leader to lead Europe (see EU Ministers Beginning to Advocate for a ‘King of the North’ Leader).  But what is intriguing about Ray Dalio’s comments is that they are consistent to ones that I have made here at COGwriter as well as in two of my books.

Notice, for one example, what is shown on page 121 of my latest book, Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States (bolding added here for emphasis):

The Bible shows that the Beast will have special help from “unclean spirits” (Revelation 16:13) and will be considered to be unconquerable (Revelation 13:4).

Notice what the Bible says about this:

3…And all the world marveled and followed the beast. 4 So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?” (Revelation 13:3-4, NKJV)

Notice that the military power of the Beast was something that the world will marvel, be astonished about.  Why?  Because no one really thought that the European Beast power had the military ability to defeat the U.S.A. with its Anglo-allies (Daniel 11:39), and then the Islamic King of the South (Daniel 11:40-43).  Revelation 13:3-4 also supports the idea that the Beast may rise up because of violent civil unrest in Europe.

Even though the Bible says this Beast individual comes through “fraud” (Daniel 11:21, Douay-Rheims), “intrigue” (Daniel 11:21, NKJV) or through “flatteries” (Daniel 11:21, Young’s Literal Translation), this seems to be more of a description that he is not considered to have been a foreign conqueror as opposed to being a true man of peace.  Violence is likely to be a factor in his rising up as the Bible shows he will be a warring leader (Daniel 11:39-43; Revelation 13:4).  The final Beast power of Daniel 7, who is also the final Beast of the sea of Revelation 13 and King of the North of Daniel 11, is shown to be one given to violence.  And, he will be worse than Adolph Hitler, though apparently share some of his traits.

The Bible, in Revelation 17, is clear that the Europeans will reorganize in the future and given more of their power to a central authority:

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

It is likely to be for reasons of economic and military that government leaders will give power and authority to this Beast.

More and more we are hearing statements and seeing news items that are consistent with Bible prophecy. Steps towards the rise of this Beast power are happening as we of the Philadelphia remnant of the Church of God have long taught.  And yes, there will be bumps in the road and problems, but Europe will always have unity issues per Daniel 2:41-43).

According to Bible prophecy, a European power, despite its fragility, is destined to temporarily be the most dominant force in the world. And ultimately, its leader, the final King of the North, will conquer the Anglo-descended nations (Daniel 11:39), and later come to his end (Daniel 11:45).  And this leader may well rise up partially because of violent civil unrest in various parts of Europe.

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? Could He Become “the Beast”? What makes the German Defense Minister a candidate?
Resurgent Germany: A Fourth Reich? Who are the German peoples and where did they come from? What is Germany’s role in end time prophecy?
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States This is a 160 page book for people truly interested in prophecies related to Barack Obama and the United States, including learning about many that have already been fulfilled (which the book documents in detail) and those that will be fulfilled in the future. It also has a chapter about Mitt Romney. This book is available to order at www.barackobamaprophecy.com. The physical book can also be purchased at Amazon from the following link:  Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States: Is Barack Obama Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic, Catholic, Kenyan, and other America-Related Prophecies? What About Mitt Romney?
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States–Amazon Kindle edition. This electronic version is available for only US$2.99. And you do not need an actual Kindle device to read it. Why? Amazon will allow you to download it to almost any device: Please click HERE to download one of Amazon’s Free Reader Apps.  After you go to for your free Kindle reader and then go to Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States–Amazon Kindle edition.)

Karl Guttenberg Film: Zoon Politician to Come?

Saturday, September 22nd, 2012


Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg

COGwriter

A comedic film about Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg is getting closer to completion.  From time to time it is getting mentioned in the German press.  The following article was basically machine-translated from German into English and has at least one interesting comment (the actual German version of the story is shown below it):

21 September 2012

Rarely has a TV movie is expected with so much tension as the comedy of this momentous chapter in German politics. It’s about the rise and fall of charismatic CSU man, who resigned in 2011 because of his doctoral thesis written off as defense minister. “No stations wanted to do that, except Sat.1” says producer Nico Hofmann. He compares the film with Helmut Dietl’s legendary comedy “Schtonk!” About the forged Hitler diaries. The broadcast date is in winter / spring 2013.

“I carry myself with the thought, a zoon politikon to be,” says the film-Guttenberg, who is here from Franz Ferdinand and Thunder Mountain and in Berlin shaking the fence of the Chancellery.

Selten wird ein Fernsehfilm mit soviel Spannung erwartet wie die Komödie über dieses denkwürdige Kapitel der deutschen Politik. Es geht um den Aufstieg und Fall des hochgejazzten CSU-Mannes, der 2011 wegen seiner abgeschriebenen Doktorarbeit als Verteidigungsminister zurücktrat. „Kein Sender wollte das machen, außer Sat.1“, sagt Produzent Nico Hofmann. Er vergleicht den Film mit Helmut Dietls legendärer Komödie „Schtonk!“ über die gefälschten Hitler-Tagebücher. Der Sendetermin ist im Winter/Frühjahr 2013.

„Ich trage mich mit dem Gedanken, ein Zoon Politikon zu werden“, verkündet der Film-Guttenberg, der hier Franz Ferdinand von und zu Donnersberg heißt und in Berlin am Zaun des Kanzleramts rüttelt.

So with the film, Baron Guttenberg is publicly being made fun of.   He has shown that, publicly, he can take public ridicule, as he demonstrated that when he has hit in the face with a big cake last year (see Cake-in-Guttenberg-Face).

Bible prophecy warns about a leader who was rejected who will rise up and lead Europe per Daniel 11:21-44. One verse to focus on is verse 21. Here are four translations of it from Catholic and Protestant sources:

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)

21 ‘And stood up on his station hath a despicable one, and they have not given unto him the honour of the kingdom, and he hath come in quietly, and hath strengthened the kingdom by flatteries. (Daniel 11:21, Young’s Literal Translation)

Interestingly, the Baron was considered to have had a major chance to become Chancellor of Germany before the plagiarism scandal.  In a sense, he was “a man spurned and passed over for advancement” as THE MESSAGE version of Daniel 11:21 indicates.

Here are some comments from Barne’s Notes on Daniel 11:21:

The Hebrew word rendered “vile” – נבזה nı̂bezeh – properly means one despised or held in contempt, Isaiah 49:7; Psalm 22:6 (7). The meaning here is, that he was one who deserved to be despised, and who would be held in contempt – a man of a low, base, contemptible character. Vulgate, “despectus;” Greek ἐξουδενώθη exoudenōthē…

And obtain the kingdom by flatteries – חלקלקות chălaqelaqqôth – “lubricitates, blanditioe.” “The word,” says Elliott (Rev. iv. 133), “has a double sense, being applied both to the slipperiness of a path, and the slipperiness or flattering and deceit of the tongue.

Athough many despise Herr Guttenberg and make fun of him, some want him back (see Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North?). He is still having influence in various aspects of foreign policy (e.g. Karl Guttenberg Interviewed and Lays Out Some of His Vision for European Union).

One item to consider about Karl-Theodore zu Guttenberg is the comment in the film about being a “zoon” politikon.”  This is actually based on something that Baron Guttenberg said last November:

There’s no doubt whatsoever that I’m a political animal, a ‘zoon politicon’,” he told Die Zeit newspaper in what appeared to be a carefully orchestrated comeback after eight months away from the spotlight.   http://in.reuters.com/article/2011/11/24/idINIndia-60716820111124

So, what is a zoon politikon?

“For Aristotle’s zoon politikon there are no persons beyond the walls of the city; outside the city there exist only beasts or gods.”
(page 169, Urbanization and values, CRVP, 1991, By George F. McLean, John Kromkowski)

If Karl zu Guttenberg becomes the King of the North (Daniel 11:40), he would also be the final Beast of Revelation.  Of course, his statement does not mean that he wishes people to think that he is the final Beast in Bible prophecy, but his comment is interesting none-the-less.

Basically, Baron Guttenberg is admitting that he is taking steps that a plotting politician would make.

As regular readers know, I have wondered if former German Defense Minister Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg was a candidate to possibly be the final King of the North of Daniel 11 and Beast of Revelation. The fact that he has had problems is consistent with biblical and other predictions.

So, he remains one to watch.

Of course, Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg could simply be a somewhat politician with many ups and downs.  And all his intentions could be fine. We will see.

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?
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? How will Europeans be involved in this?

Global and USA Religious Intolerance Rising

Saturday, September 22nd, 2012


The US Bill of Rights

COGwriter

Along with many other parts of the world, the USA is now being recognized as a land of increasing religious intolerance:

The annual study, compiled by the Pew Research Center’s Forum on Religion & Public Life, concluded that three-fourths of the world’s population live in countries that impose significant political and social restrictions on religion, with the United States being moved out of the list of countries with the best records on religious tolerance.

“During the latest year studied, the U.S. moved from the low category of government restrictions on religion to the moderate category for the first time,” Pew said in a news release outlining key findings of the report.

The U.S. saw a rise for the first time, particularly at the state and local level, where incidents restricting religious groups from practicing their faith were up.

Among those problems cited in the U.S. as keeping people from practicing their religion, were restrictions on the wearing of religious attire or symbols, obtaining zoning or building permits for new religious school and houses of worship, a climate of increasing “social hostilities” including a rise in “religion-related terrorist attacks” and an increase in workplace discrimination complaints based on religion. Global religious intolerance up — even in U.S. – Washington Times http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/sep/20/global-religious-intolerance-up-even-in-us/#ixzz27AJ8oPOO

This kind of thing was not supposed to be able to happen in the USA.
Notice the first amendment to the US Constitution, in the section known as the Bill of Rights:
  • First Amendment – Establishment Clause, Free Exercise Clause; freedom of speech, of the press, and of assembly; right to petition
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Notice that the First Amendment prohibits laws from Congress prohibiting the free exercise of religion. Historically, this meant that other government entities in the USA could not do that either. But as the USA faces other moral declines, the tolerance of some in the government for people practicing their religion has diminished.
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Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? 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?
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? If so, what does that really mean for the USA and its Anglo allies.
Homosexuals Gaining Ground “Same-sex marriage” for “gays” and lesbians is becoming more acceptable to many. What does the Bible teach about homosexuality?  Can homosexuals change?
LCG: Pornography, Who’s Tempting Whom? This is some information about the prevalence and dangers of pornography from the Living Church of God.
British and American Moral Decay Public nudity is becoming more prevalent in the Anglo-lands. What are some of the consequences?
Abortion, the Bible, and a Woman’s Right to Choose Do you know what the Bible teaches on this? Has the Roman Catholic Church allowed abortions? What about the real Church of God?

Australian House Votes to Defend Marriage

Friday, September 21st, 2012

COGwriter

Some in Australia seem to be bucking a trend in other Anglo-dominated lands:

Australia has overwhelmingly chosen to preserve the traditional definition of marriage as a union between one man and one woman by voting against a bill that sought to amend the definition to include same-sex couples.
The House of Representatives voted 98-42 against the legislation on Wednesday, although a separate bill on gay marriage was also to be debated in the Senate, The Associated Press reported.

It is actually somewhat of an embarrassment that the vote was necessary.  The problem is that votes like that can change.  The USA, for example, approved into law something called the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) in the 1990s, but its current president will not enforce it and wants it overturned (Obama Announces He Wants to Repeal Defense of Marriage Act and Increase Debt).   More and more USA states are redefining marriage to include same-sex arrangements that the Bible would never support (Romans 1:18-32).

Hopefully, the Australian Senate will make the biblically-appropriate decision.  Australia needs to be careful to not make the same type of mistakes that the USA has in this area.

Some articles of related interest may include:

God’s Plan for Happy Marriage This is an LCG booklet by Dr. R. Meredith.
God Created Marriage Some falsely claim that God did not create marriage and that fornication is fine.  What does the Bible really teach?
LCG: Homosexuals Gaining Ground “Same-sex marriage” for “gays” and lesbians is becoming more acceptable to many. What does the Bible teach about homosexuality?  Can homosexuals change?