Church of God News

COGwriter

Today’s TW News & Prophecy from the Living Church of God has the following:

Britain to “pare down” relationship with EU

In a recent speech, Boris Johnson,the Mayor of London, called for Britain to negotiate a new “pared down” relationship with the European Union. He said that Britain should “remain in the single market but pull out of the political union” and consider forming an “‘outer-tier’ of the EU with countries like Norway and Switzerland” (BBC News, December 4, 2012).

He stated, “I don’t understand why we continually urge the Eurozone countries to go forward with this fiscal and political union, when we know in our hearts that it is anti-democratic and therefore intellectually and morally wrong” (ibid.). After the speech he observed, “the euro had been a ‘nightmare’ for its members, and predicted: ‘It will eventually blow up but I wouldn’t care to bet on when'” (ibid.). Mr. Johnson expressed hope that the British people would be given the opportunity to hold a referendum on whether or not to stay involved with the EU as it moves toward an economic and political union. His desire is to remain “friends” with other EU nations and have “a relationship in which we are not endlessly made to feel bad for not sharing every doctrine of the euro-religion” (ibid.).

Bible prophecies have long-foretold the emergence of a ten-nation, German-dominated “Beast” power that will arise in Europe just before the return of Jesus Christ (see Daniel 2 and 7; Revelation 17). Bible prophecies also indicate that this European power (led by Germany-Assyria) will be an adversary of the Israelite nations–including Britain (Hosea 5:5; 8:11-14; 11:1-5).

Yet in the UK, of course, there are some who want a closer relationship with the EU.  But, the EU will end up not being Britain’s friend.

The EU itself keeps becoming more of an empire and less of a loose confederation.  And the following item, which was in the news today, also backs that up:

Deeper eurozone union ‘agreed’ – Germany’s Merkel

BBC – Dec 14, 2012

EU leaders have agreed on a roadmap for eurozone integration beyond the deal on centralised banking supervision, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said.

Specific dates have not yet been agreed for the phases of integration.

But the EU summit chairman, Herman Van Rompuy, said a deal should be reached next year on a joint resolution scheme for winding up failed banks.

Mr Van Rompuy’s far-reaching roadmap was the main topic of the two-day Brussels summit.  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-20725001

The above deal includes information about a European financial transaction tax.  By the time he took the office until present, I have felt that Herman Van Rompuy could possibly be the one who was the raiser of taxes that Daniel 11;21 talks about.  Although he has taken steps towards doing that, if he is that one, he will die shortly after the taxes are either finally agreed to, or more likely, after implemented (and this financial transaction tax may or may not be enough to fulfill Daniel 11:21).

While the current European Union is not yet to the point of the final reorganization that Revelation 17:12-13 speaks of, it is interesting how many European problems and proposed reorganizations have been popping up in Europe the past year or so. Despite problems of disunity (which were also prophesied per Daniel 2:41-43), Europe will end up with a  massive reorganization (and one that essentially will eliminate all the republics in Europe) and Revelation 17:12-13 will be fulfilled.

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”?
Is Tony Blair Apocalyptic? The former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom converted to Catholicism shortly after leaving his office and has been active in European affairs. What role might he play?
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?
End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something? Are there Mayan calendar predictions for change in 2012? Changes were centuries ago predicted by the Hopi Native Americans. Do Mayan/Hindu/Hopi/Buddhist/New Age/Nostradamus prophecies have any value here? Why might Satan have inspired this date? Does the Dresden codex show destruction of the earth by flood? Can the great tribulation start before 2012? How might Barack Obama and Julia Gillard be involved in 2012? Have predictions written by Bob Thiel related to Barack Obama and Julia Gillard began to come to pass?
Germany’s Assyrian Roots Throughout History Are the Germanic peoples descended from Asshur of the Bible? Have there been real Christians in Germanic history? What about the “Holy Roman Empire”?
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?

Corn Zea mays (Andrew Butko)

COGwriter

For the third year in a row, production of corn in the US is smaller than normal.   Last summer’s drought in the North America, Australia, and Europe is affecting food prices (including wheat and soy, and slightly barley):

Three consecutive years of smaller U.S. corn harvests are driving inventories of the world’s most- consumed grain to a 39-year low and spurring Goldman Sachs Group Inc. to predict that prices will rise near record highs. Prices surged 44 percent since mid-June as U.S. farmers endured their worst drought in 56 years, and heat waves and dry weather seared crops from Australia to Europe. http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-12-11/tightest-corn-crop-since-74-as-goldman-sees-rally-commodities.html

The drought last summer in the nation’s breadbasket is starting to reflect in food costs even as falling prices at the pump are pushing down overall inflation.

The producer price index, a measure that tracks how much wholesalers pay for goods, declined 0.8% last month, but the price for food jumped 1.3%, the largest gain since February 2011, a report Thursday from the Labor Department said.  http://blogs.wsj.com/economics/2012/12/13/drought-starting-to-show-up-in-food-prices/

As one of the top 10 barley producers in the world, Canada faces a problem of adapting to the ‘new normal’ of a warmer, drier climate.  http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2012-12/uoa-bbb121212.php

Drought continued to expand through many key farming states within the central United States in the past week, as scattered rainfall failed to replenish parched soils, according to a report issued Thursday by state and federal climatology experts.

Drought conditions were most pervasive in the Plains states, including in top wheat producer Kansas, according to the Drought Monitor report.

Fully 100 percent of Kansas was in at least “severe” drought…in Nebraska were unchanged, with 96.15 percent of the state in extreme drought, while the situation worsened in Oklahoma, where the percentage of the state in at least extreme drought increased to 90.92 percent from 90.56 percent a week earlier.

Texas drought conditions also worsened over the last week, with more than 32 percent of the state in at least extreme drought…

The portion of the contiguous United States under at least “severe” drought expanded, however, to 42.59 percent from 42.22 percent.

Roughly 63 percent of the new winter wheat crop that U.S. farmers planted in the fall is in drought-hit areas, with the hard red winter wheat belt…http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/13/us-usa-drought-idUSBRE8BC0ZK20121213

European Union corn imports may be the second-highest on record this season after drought parched crops and a surge in wheat exports curbed domestic grain supply.  http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-12-04/european-corn-imports-seen-expanding-to-second-highest-on-record.html

Dry weather also may affect production of corn in Brazil:

The planting of Brazil’s secondcorn crop in January and February may be delayed after dry weather postponed soybean sowing this year, Kemp said.    http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-12-04/european-corn-imports-seen-expanding-to-second-highest-on-record.html

As I have been writing for some time, tougher times are coming and we will see more food inflation. And for some parts of the world these tougher times may be here now. People who can prepare, should: both spiritually and physically. In addition to the type odd weather-reduced grain yields we are now seeing, I continue to suspect that likely crop failures associated with GMO grains are putting the USA at extreme risk of being destroyed economically and otherwise (and most USA corn and soy crops come from genetically-modified seeds). Most Americans do not like to accept this, but it is nonetheless true.

Food inflation is something that I warned would likely be seen in 2012 and we are seeing what seems to be the beginning of some of it.  Increases in grain prices are prophesied in the Bible:

5 When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come and see.” So I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. 6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine.” (Revelation 6:5-6)

Flood, droughts, earthquakes, and weather problems contribute to food shortages, higher food prices, and sometimes famines. Food inflation seems to be occurring.

The disciples asked Jesus about the end:

3 Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” (Matthew 24:3)

Notice some of what Jesus taught in response:

4 And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. (Matthew 24:4-8).

The “beginning of sorrows” (Mathew 24:7-8) begins before the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21), the time of Jacob’s trouble (Jeremiah 30:7). We seem to be in the beginning stages of these sorrows.

Mark recorded the same account of this time from his perspective:

³ Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked Him privately, ⁴ “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign when all these things will be fulfilled?” ⁵ And Jesus, answering them, began to say: “Take heed that no one deceives you. ⁶ For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and will deceive many. ⁷ But when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be troubled; for such things must happen, but the end is not yet. 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. ⁹ But watch out for yourselves, for they will deliver you up to councils, and you will be beaten in the synagogues. You will be brought before rulers and kings for My sake, for a testimony to them. ¹⁰ And the gospel must first be preached to all the nations. ¹¹ But when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not worry beforehand, or premeditate what you will speak. But whatever is given you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit…” (Mark 13:3–11).

Thus, in both Matthew and Mark it is clear that a time called “the beginning of sorrows” precedes the Great Tribulation.

Droughts, earthquakes, and odd weather problems and the resulting reduction in grain yields should serve as a wake-up call.

As Jesus said:

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

The time is coming when the USA will have severe food shortages–more than the current food inflation. 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.

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, English, 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?
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?
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe?
Mexico, Central America, South America, Brazil, and the Caribbean 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?
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?
End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something? Are there Mayan calendar predictions for change in 2012? Changes were centuries ago predicted by the Hopi Native Americans. Do Mayan/Hindu/Hopi/Buddhist/New Age/Nostradamus prophecies have any value here? Why might Satan have inspired this date? Does the Dresden codex show destruction of the earth by flood? Can the great tribulation start before 2012? How might Barack Obama be involved in 2012?
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 a Republican choice. 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?
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.)

COGwriter

In his latest commentary, LCG’s Roger Meyer had the following:

Commentary: An attitude of gratitude

There is a lot to be said for being grateful. In fact, it is a subject of research at universities by psychologists during the last decade. This research has concluded that those who are grateful are happier. They also earn more money, are better students, have more friends and better health, to name a few of the benefits derived from an attitude and practice of being grateful.

Is this just so much “pop” psychology, or is it for real?

Millions are anything but happy. The statistics about the number of adults who suffer from depression are also depressing! Teenagers and even pre-school children have been found to be depressed. Why are so many people so depressed and unhappy? Why are so many taking antidepressant medications? Can a simple change of attitude really lead to happiness?

Theologians and philosophers have espoused thankfulness and gratitude as positive virtues for millennia. But with the rise of the field of positive psychology, scientists have lately decided to study gratitude and to determine, scientifically, if gratitude has a positive effect on happiness and well-being. For example, Dr. Robert Emmons, psychology professor and research scientist at the University of California at Davis, embarked on a long-term and intensive research project to study the effects of a grateful attitude on happiness. He claims there are many positive outcomes to having a grateful attitude.

In his book, Thanks! How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier, Dr. Emmons gives evidence from his research that having a lifestyle of gratitude will result in improved relationships, better grades, a higher energy level, improved vitality and better sleep. Grateful people have higher levels of satisfaction with life and lower levels of depression and stress.

Studies show that gratitude can be deliberately cultivated and exercised by such simple means as keeping a journal listing things for which you are grateful, taking time to reflect on good things and savoring even small blessings that come your way, and by simply expressing your thanks to someone for something he or she did for you.

Many are familiar with some old songs about counting your blessings. One is by Irving Berlin titled, “Count your Blessings (instead of sheep).” The song was made popular by singer Bing Crosby. Part of the lyrics were: “When I’m worried and I can’t sleep, I count my blessings instead of sheep, and I fall asleep counting my blessings.”

Another song was “Count your Blessings” by Johnson Oatman, Jr., published in 1897. Part of the lyrics of this hymn went like this: “When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed, when you are discouraged, thinking all is lost, count your many blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.”

Do you suppose all of these people know what they are talking about? Yes, there is a way to true happiness. Part of it does involve being thankful, as these psychological studies have shown. The Creator God does want us to be happy. And there are reasons so many are unhappy in this present society. Of course, the Bible has many things to say about thankfulness and happiness.

Interestingly, being unthankful is one of the condemnations recorded in the Bible against the people of the time of the end (2 Timothy 3:1-2).

Received the following in an email from UCG a few hours ago:

All human beings want to be happy, yet for many people it seems to be the most elusive of human conditions. A person can spend a lifetime in pursuit of happiness and never find it. Here are some points to consider (be sure to look up the scriptures provided).

1. Contentment comes from a relationship with God (Proverbs 14:14).

2. The human condition is a mixture of happiness and sadness (Proverbs 14:13).

3. Anxiety is a root of depression while serving others can lift depression (Proverbs 12:25).

4. Delayed success can cause discouragement (Proverbs 13:12).

5. Sadness breeds loneliness (Proverbs 14:10).

6. Negative emotions cause physical health problems, while positive emotions cause good health (Proverbs 17:22 & Proverbs 18:14).

7. Emotions are communicated in our expressions and posture (Proverbs 15:13).

8. Treating others’ depression or discouragement lightly will make their hurt worse (Proverbs 25:20).

Happiness and sadness are experiences in each person’s life.

The Bible itself has a lot to say about happiness.  Being grateful to one’s Creator is one way to show love toward Him.  And giving love is the intended meaning of life (Mark 12:29-34).

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

What is the Meaning of Life? Who does God say is happy? What is your ultimate destiny? Is kindness involved? Do you really know? Does God actually have a plan for YOU personally?
What is the Gospel? True religion should be based upon the true gospel. What are some of the different gospels and where did they come from? Do you believe the true or a false gospel?
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?

Ben Bernanke

COGwriter

U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke announced that the Federal Reserve intends to double the amount of money created in his third round of “quantitative easing” (which has been dubbed “QE3”). Today’s Daily Reckoning has the following:

Yesterday, Bernanke opened the spigots…even wider. The Federal Reserve announced it would “double down” on QE3 — the plan to purchase $40 billion of mortgage-backed securities (MBS).

Even though the Fed’s QE3 program has only been operating for three months, that is more than enough time, apparently, for a Harvard- educated economist to determine that the optimal size of MBS purchases should now be $85 billion…

“That decision puts the Fed’s $2.86 trillion balance sheet on track to reach almost $4 trillion by the end of next year,” Bloomberg News reports.

In other words, counterfeiting has gone into overdrive. The next stage on the road to…to where? Who knows?

Quantitative easing is sometimes called an “asset repurchasing” program. Yet, this is mainly a sham operation that debases the value of the U.S. dollar (mainly the government prints up money electronically and the “asset” purchased is a U.S. treasury note, not a real asset like, let’s say, an oil well; yes there are also some mortgages purchased which have ties to real assets, but there are problems there as well).   Calling if counterfeiting is not too far off of a description of it.

Inflating the money supply through currency debasing (QE1 and QE2) and debt (“stimulus” programs) is not something advocated in the Bible. Notice:

4 Take away the dross from silver (Proverbs 25:4a).

25 I will turn My hand against you,
And thoroughly purge away your dross,
And take away all your alloy. (Isaiah 1:25)

22 Your silver has become dross, Your wine mixed with water. (Isaiah 1:22)

Dross is a cheaper metal that is normally placed inside a covering of a precious metal like silver. Governments began to do this thousands of years ago when they had financial problems. Putting dross into silver cheapens currency, just like putting water into wine dilutes the wine’s value. In modern times, government spending in excess of revenues and quantitative easing programs (QE1, QE2, and QE3, from the Fed Chairman) are a way to dilute the value of currencies. This is not the biblical solution to US economic problems.

Quantitative easing programs are a form of “dishonest profits” that the U.S.A. is improperly reaping because of its position in the world, but that is not good:

13 “Behold, therefore, I beat My fists at the dishonest profit which you have made, and at the bloodshed which has been in your midst. 14 Can your heart endure, or can your hands remain strong, in the days when I shall deal with you? I, the Lord, have spoken, and will do it.  15 I will scatter you among the nations, disperse you throughout the countries, and remove your filthiness completely from you. 16 You shall defile yourself in the sight of the nations; then you shall know that I am the Lord.  (Ezekiel 22:13-16)

QE3 is sending a strong signal to the world that the USA does not know how to truly fix its economy, but that it hopes because its dollar is the primary world’s reserve currency that it can get away with currency debasement and the rest of the world will put up with it–and while that may be true in the short run, it is sending a signal to the rest of the world that the US dollar needs to be replaced as the world’s primary reserve currency.

Now, the real cause of why all of this is happening to the USA is sin. Because of it’s increasing secularism, greed, and tolerance for sexual, abortive, and other sins, the USA is getting closer to reaping more what it has sown:

7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. (Galatians 6:7-8)

One of the many cursings that were prophesied in the Bible to be reaped for disobedience was that of accumulation of debt:

43 The alien who is among you shall rise higher and higher above you, and you shall come down lower and lower. 44 He shall lend to you, but you shall not lend to him; he shall be the head, and you shall be the tail. 45 Moreover all these curses shall come upon you and pursue and overtake you, until you are destroyed, because you did not obey the voice of the LORD your God, to keep His commandments and His statutes which He commanded you (Deuteronomy 28:42-45).

As the Anglo-American nations have not kept God’s commandments, they have become the greatest debtor nations of all time. And while some do not count quantitative easing as “debt”, it is an improper “solution” to the USA’s economic woes.

But since Ben Bernanke will not advocate that the USA turn to God, he seems to think that diluting the currency is the best choice.

Interestingly, earlier this year, replying to Ben Bernanke’s comments back then (and how the USA has handled itself), Russia’s Prime Minister Putin actually said:

They are behaving like hooligans, switching on the printing press and tossing them around the whole world, forgetting their main obligations.

So, the Russian leader does not agree that there should be another round of “quantitative easing/asset repurchases” by the US Federal Reserve. The Russian Prime Minister is correct that what the USA is doing is wrong.

And he is not the only one.

QE3 is a way to inflate the currency while trying to accumulate debt in a more indirect way. Between the proposed QE3 and the US expected federal government deficit, the USA is getting itself in something sround 2 trillion dollars per year in additional debt. This is already causing foreigners and others to have concerns about the value and safety of the USA dollar. If the USA continues this way and/or is hit by crop failures, emp weapons, terrorists, weather crises, civil unrest, etc., this will seriously get the concern of at least foreign creditors.

But notice what the Bible warns about those who increase debt in the end times:

3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry…5 Indeed, because he transgresses by wine, He is a proud man… 6 “Will not all these take up a proverb against him, And a taunting riddle against him, and say, ‘Woe to him who increases What is not his–how long? And to him who loads himself with many pledges’? 7 Will not your creditors rise up suddenly? Will they not awaken who oppress you? And you will become their booty. 8 Because you have plundered many nations, All the remnant of the people shall plunder you. Because of men’s blood And the violence of the land and the city, And of all who dwell in it. (Habakkuk 2:3,5,6-8).

At some point in time, the USA will likely start to experience massive inflation (which is something that the Fed Chairman should realize). And afterwards, its creditors will rise up (Habakkuk 2:7). The policies of the Federal Reserve Chairman, unless dramatically altered in a different direction relatively soon, are setting the stage for hyperinflation in the U.S.A.–have no doubt about it.

Electronically “creating” more U.S. dollars may stimulate parts of the U.S. economy, but the more dollars that are produced and backed by nothing, the sooner the world will realize that the U.S. dollar cannot remains its primary reserve currency. When this happens, the U.S.A.’s economy will be massively hurt. And much more than people like the Fed Chairman seem to want to admit.

The world is changing and the USA and its Anglo-descended allies are losing their financial dominance in the world. And while there will be some temporary rises in the value of the US dollar for a while (and likely when there is more civil unrest in Europe), the trend for the U.S. dollar and economy is clearly down.

Without massive national repentance, the Bible is clear that complete destruction of the economy, and even government, of the USA is certain. This is something that leaders, such as the Fed Chairman, need to know. The signal that increasing QE3 is sending is that the USA does not intend to truly fix it problems, but is a sign of major underlying weakness.

Ben Bernanke and others may wish to consider studying the following prophetically-oriented writings:

Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
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?
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 a Republican choice. 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?
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.)

Artist rendering of Beasts of Daniel 7

COGwriter

PCG reported the following:

Cyprus Surrenders to Europe

December 13, 2012 …

Cyprus has got no choice but to submit to Europe’s terms and request a bailout from the European Stability Mechanism (esm), Cypriot President Demetris Christofias announced… The decision means that Cyprus “will effectively lose its sovereignty,” wrote Spiegel Online.

“I need to make it clear that it was not our choice to resort to the European Stability Mechanism,” the Cypriot president told the nation in a televised address. But Cyprus’s “dire situation” forced it to turn to Europe…

“The price for the billions in emergency aid money is high,” wrote Spiegel Online. “The country will effectively lose its sovereignty.” The infamous troika—the European Commission, the European Central Bank (ecb) and the International Monetary Fund (imf)—will soon be in control.

Spiegel warned that in return for the bailout, the troika “will essentially take control of the Mediterranean island.”…

Watch for the European Union to take full advantage of its newly acquired real estate.

Cyprus is used as a listening post for monitoring activities in such places as Iran and the Middle East.  The time will come when all the naval facilities in Cyprus will be under complete European control.  Because of its very close location to the nation of Israel, I have long felt that Cyprus could be used as a base for an invasion of Jerusalem.  And so has PCG.

The Bible tells of the rise of a power called the beast:

1 Then I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name. 2 Now the beast which I saw was like a leopard, his feet were like the feet of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority. 3 And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. 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?”

5 And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for forty-two months. 6 Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven. 7 It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation. 8 All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.  (Revelation 13:1-8)

Notice that the power rises up from the sea.  And in the Book of Daniel, in the end times there is a leader called the King of the North that will rise up in the end times.  This king and the beast rising from the sea are the same leader for the end times, and rule a large territory.

Europe is north of Jerusalem and the one that will become the King of the North (Daniel 11:40) will lead an empire that had roots in the old empire of Rome (Daniel 9:26-27).

The Bible teaches that the “Great Sea” (Daniel 7:2) is where the Beasts of Daniel 7 come from:

2 Daniel spoke, saying, “I saw in my vision by night, and behold, the four winds of heaven were stirring up the Great Sea. 3 And four great beasts came up from the sea, each different from the other. 4 The first was like a lion, and had eagle’s wings. I watched till its wings were plucked off; and it was lifted up from the earth and made to stand on two feet like a man, and a man’s heart was given to it.   5 “And suddenly another beast, a second, like a bear. It was raised up on one side, and had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. And they said thus to it: ‘Arise, devour much flesh!’   6 “After this I looked, and there was another, like a leopard, which had on its back four wings of a bird. The beast also had four heads, and dominion was given to it.  7 “After this I saw in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, exceedingly strong. It had huge iron teeth; it was devouring, breaking in pieces, and trampling the residue with its feet. It was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns.  (Daniel 7:2-8)

4 See, I have divided to you by lot these nations that remain, to be an inheritance for your tribes, from the Jordan, with all the nations that I have cut off, as far as the Great Sea westward.  (Joshua 23:4)

13 Thus says the Lord God: “These are the borders by which you shall divide the land as an inheritance among the twelve tribes of Israel. Joseph shall have two portions. 14 You shall inherit it equally with one another; for I raised My hand in an oath to give it to your fathers, and this land shall fall to you as your inheritance.   15 “This shall be the border of the land on the north: from the Great Sea, by the road to Hethlon, as one goes to Zedad, 16 Hamath, Berothah, Sibraim (which is between the border of Damascus and the border of Hamath), to Hazar Hatticon (which is on the border of Hauran).  (Ezekiel 47:13-16)

The “Great Sea” that borders the ancient lands of Israel is the Mediterranean Sea.  Despite some false claims by some, the Beast power is not a nation like Russia, which does not border the Mediterranean Sea, but Europe which does.  And notice from the Bible that the beasts in Revelation 13 and Daniel 7 share many of the same characteristics.

Europe is the power that will control the “Great Sea.”  And while the southern border of the Mediterranean Sea is currently under Arab control, the Bible shows that the King of the North will take over the Arab powers (Daniel 11:40-43; Ezekiel 30:1-9).

For a time, the European Beast power will be the world’s major economic ‘666’ power per Revelation 13 and 18.

Perhaps it should be mentioned that Europe itself gets its name from a mythological figure named Europa, who was famous for being seduced/abducted from a Beast that came out of the sea.  This is something that European leadership is proud of and her image is shown in various public placed, the Greek two Euro coin, and starting in 2013, Euro notes (see EU Plans to Put Picture of Woman Who Rode the Beast on Euro Notes).

Europe is clearly tied to the Beast that rises from the sea and a female figure that rides the Beast.  Revelation 17:3-9,18 specifically warns against such an arrangement.

Yet despite some historical claims to a biblically-claimed faith, Europe has a unification plan and keeps implementing parts of it. Most in the Anglo-lands still do not see it, but as Europe sees what is happening in the USA and UK, it is more determined to speed up its plans of being the dominant economic power in the world. It is getting much closer to being able to that than most people think.  The deal with Cyprus is just another piece.

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?
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”. Plus it shows that several Catholic writers seem to warn about an ecumenical antipope that will support heresy.
SDA/COG Differences: Two Horned Beast of Revelation and 666 The genuine Church of God is NOT part of the Seventh-day Adventists. This article explains two prophetic differences, the trinity, differences in approaching doctrine, including Ellen White. Did Ellen White make prophetic errors? Did Ellen White make false prophecies?
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 Republic. 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?
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.)

A Hanukkiya or Hanukkah Menorah (MathKnight)

COGwriter

Many Jews celebrate a time that they call Hanukkah.  Here is some of Wikipedia has reported about it:

Hanukkah (pronounced HAH-nə-kə ; Hebrew: חֲנֻכָּה, Tiberian: Ḥănukkāh, usually spelled חנוכה, pronounced [χanuˈka] in Modern Hebrew; a transliteration also romanized as Chanukah, Chanukkah or Chanuka), also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple (the Second Temple) in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt of the 2nd century BCE. Hanukkah is observed for eight nights and days, starting on the 25th day of Kislev according to the Hebrew calendar, which may occur at any time from late November to late December in the Gregorian calendar.

Hanukkah is not a biblical holiday, but mainly started out as a national holiday.  Jesus, Himself, seemed to possibly observe it, and it is referred to as the Feast of the Dedication in the New Testament (John 10:22-23).  In 2012, on the Roman calendar, it runs from “Sunset, December 8 to nightfall, December 16.”

The New York Times reported the following about it this year:

Many Americans, Jews as well as Christians, think that the legend of the long-lasting oil is the root of Hanukkah’s commemoration.

And perhaps that mistake is no surprise, given that for many the holiday has morphed into “Christmas for Jews,” echoing the message of peace on earth accompanied by gift giving. In doing so, the holiday’s own message of Jewish survival and faith has been diluted…

Though Hanukkah is a minor Jewish holiday, 19th-century activists in America promoted it to encourage their coreligionists to take pride in their heritage. During the 20th century it was embraced more broadly by Jews who wanted to fit in with other Americans celebrating the holiday season — and to make their kids feel better about not getting anything from Santa.

It helped, of course, that Hanukkah falls near Christmas on the calendar and traditionally involved candles and small monetary gifts. Over time, children began receiving grander presents, and Hanukkah-themed season’s greeting cards proliferated. Some families even started to purchase “Hanukkah bushes,” small trees often decked out with Stars of David and miniature Maccabees.  http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/08/opinion/hanukkah-unabridged.html

The Jews should be aware that they are not to adopt Gentile practices involving trees, etc.  Notice what the Hebrew Bible (AKA the Old Testament) teaches:

29 “When the Lord your God cuts off from before you the nations which you go to dispossess, and you displace them and dwell in their land, 30 take heed to yourself that you are not ensnared to follow them, after they are destroyed from before you, and that you do not inquire after their gods, saying, ‘How did these nations serve their gods? I also will do likewise.’ 31 You shall not worship the Lord your God in that way; for every abomination to the Lord which He hates they have done to their gods; for they burn even their sons and daughters in the fire to their gods.  (Deuteronomy 12:29-31)

2 Thus says the Lord:

“Do not learn the way of the Gentiles;
Do not be dismayed at the signs of heaven,
For the Gentiles are dismayed at them.
3 For the customs of the peoples are futile;
For one cuts a tree from the forest,
The work of the hands of the workman, with the ax.
4 They decorate it with silver and gold;
They fasten it with nails and hammers
So that it will not topple.
5 They are upright, like a palm tree,
And they cannot speak;
They must be carried,
Because they cannot go by themselves.
Do not be afraid of them,
For they cannot do evil,
Nor can they do any good.”   (Jeremiah 10:2-5)

For more on biblical admonitions against using green trees in worship, go to the article:  What Does the Catholic Church Teach About Christmas and the Holy Days?

Compromise has happened throughout the centuries from both Jews as well as those who claimed to be true Christians.  Hanukkuh is now mainly a Jewish compromise.

Oddly, more Jews keep Hanukkah than keep many of the biblical holy days (often improperly referred to as Jewish holidays).

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Did Early Christians Celebrate Birthdays? Did biblical era Jews celebrate birthdays? Who originally celebrated birthdays? When did many that profess Christ begin birthday celebrations?
The Temple and the Work This article discusses the two temples of the Old Testament and gives insight as to their possible relevance to the situation which has impacted the Church during this past decade or so.
What Does the Catholic Church Teach About Christmas and the Holy Days? Do you know what the Catholic Church says were the original Christian holy days? Was Christmas among them? Is December 25th Jesus’ birthday or that of the sun god?
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 🙂
The History of Early Christianity Are you aware that what most people believe is not what truly happened to the true Christian church? Do you know where the early church was based? Do you know what were the doctrines of the early church? Is your faith really based upon the truth or compromise?

Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Iran

COGwriter

The USA seems to want to send a message to Iran that it has both the proverbial “carrot and a stick”:

Obama planning direct talks with Iran;

US will strike in 4-5 months if they don’t bear fruit, Israeli TV report says

Washington has decided to negotiate directly with Iran, and will resort to military force in four or five months if diplomacy can’t persuade Tehran to relinquish its alleged atomic weapons program, Israel’s Channel 10 News reported on Tuesday night, quoting a senior American official. 

http://www.timesofisrael.com/obama-planning-direct-talks-with-iran-will-strike-in-4-5-months-if-they-dont-bear-fruit-israeli-tv-report-says/

Many in Iran consider that the USA is the “great Satan” (with Israel as the “little Satan”).  Various leaders in Iran want the USA out of the way (see, for example, Iranian Leader Calls for Vanishing USA and Israel from the Universe) and although they should realize that the USA is still the world’s leading military power, that Iran would not win in such a conflict.  Iran sometimes indicates that it would win (see Ayatollah Khamenei Claims America “Will Soon be Defeated”, Iran’s Leader Preparing for ‘Armageddon’ and the Imam Mahdi and Khamenei Has Claimed Iranian Nuclear Weapons Need for the Arrival of the 12th Imam).

Yet Iran’s words tend to speak louder than its abilities in some areas.

The situation in the Middle East is tense. Since Iran, however, is NOT really south of Jerusalem (though it may support such a king per certain interpretations of the peoples listed in Ezekiel 30:1-9), it will not be the final King of the South of Bible prophecy (cf. Daniel 11:40-43). Because of that, I have tended to believe that Iran may somehow get “neutralized” before this final king rises up. A serious attack by the USA and/or Israel may neutralize Iran and much of its influence. It also may take a regional war for the seven-year confirmation of the deal in Daniel 9:27 to come about.

My reading and re-reading of Bible prophecy simply does not show that Iran will be a major player in Daniel 11:21-44 nor the deal of Psalm 83:4-8..  Since Iran does not seem to be identified as the leader in those particular passages, and Iran has a loud voice in the Islamic world now, those facts have somewhat led me to conclude that Iran will somehow be “neutralized.” This neutralization may be from a regional war, internal war, economic pressure, and/or internal change.

“Neutralizing” Iran would allow most of the other Islamic states (like Saudi Arabia and Egypt) to continue to exist (Syria might not do well per Isaiah 17:1) and allow for the rising of the prophesied leader (revolution in Iran, is also another possibility, for its “neutralization”).

However, the reality is that the cost to the USA and/or Israel for a regional war involving Iran and/or Syria will be higher than many in the USA or Israel believe. Between terrorist acts, sustained resistance, chemical weapons, biological weapons, emp-type bombs, and/or even disruptions of the internet, Iran and/or Syria can inflict significant damage to their enemies. The possible cyber-attacks are just one more way Iran can cause consternation.   The USA and Israel can be hurt, and hurt significantly.  Yet, the USA and the tiny of nation of Israel would not be “vanished” by Iran or Syria–it will come later, by the King of the North (cf. Daniel 11:39).

Watch! (Mark 13:37)

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

The Arab World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam? What does Islam teach about the Imam Mahdi?
Is There A Future King of the South? Some no longer believe there needs to be. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? Is he the Imam Mahdi? What does the Bible say?
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, 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 a Republican choice. 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?
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.)

VS.

COGwriter

Ronald Weinland of the Church of God-Preparing for the Kingdom of God (CGPFKF) posted the following:

December 12, 2012

LAST WARNING:…the world and the Church that was scattered are now going to be fully caught off guard concerning the final end-time events. For the Church that was scattered, the devastation that begins once the Second Trumpet sounds will be the beginning of a great wake up call that will eventually lead to 63,000 scattered brethren being brought together once again into one true fellowship—together with God—reunited at last! The Church that was scattered does not believe that end-time events can happen so quickly and powerfully or that Christ could return by Pentecost of 2013.

For those unfamiliar with him, Ronald Weinland was a former WCG then UCG minister who falsely claimed to be one of the two witnesses (he claimed that his wife was the second of the witnesses), Elijah, an Apostle, etc. He was again proven wrong last May when Jesus did not return as he has claimed He would. And he will be proven wrong again when Jesus does not return on Pentecost in 2013. He was convicted of multiple counts of income tax fraud in June 2012 (see CGPFKG’s Ron Weinland Found Guilty of Income Tax Evasion).

The inaccurate book he wrote several years ago (shown in color above) was titled 2008: GOD’S FINAL WITNESS.   Many of his predictions in it have not happened.  Ronald Weinland made many false predictions for 2008.  For one example, he claimed that the Great Tribulation began on April 17, 2008, then he changed that to December 14, 2008, ending May 27, 2012, supposedly with Jesus returning then.  But the Great Tribulation has not yet begun, Jesus did not return in 2012, and Jesus will not return in 2013.  He also claimed that the USA would be nuked by the Summer of 2008, the USA dollar would basically be worthless “a little past April” 2008, the USA would not be able to get a new president in 2009, etc.

Apparently, in another attempt to belittle those of us who have accurately reported why he is wrong, his letter today contains the following:

Many believe that a physical temple must begin to be constructed in Jerusalem or that, at the very least, an altar must be set up on the old holy site of the original temple. That will NEVER happen, for if such an attempt were even begun, there are multiple millions of people who would immediately be willing to give their lives in sacrificial jihad in an all out war against Israel.

While a physical temple in Jerusalem does not need to be built, the reality is that an altar for sacrifices is ready, and the Bible shows at least some of the Jews will sacrifice animals before Jesus returns (cf. Daniel 9:27; 11:31; 12:11).

Ignoring the scriptural mentions of sacrifices, Ronald Weinland then had the following to his letter:

So why do some teachers of the scattering insist that such an event must take place before the end-time can occur? The answer is because they believe that a “desecration of the holy place” must occur that is similar to the desecration done by Antiochus Epiphanes when he had swine offered upon the altar. They continue by teaching that this is analogous to a future “abomination of desolation” that must occur at the temple site (or on the altar) after such new construction has begun.

His logic is off.  Notice what the scriptures actually show:

27 Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week;
But in the middle of the week
He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering.
And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate,
Even until the consummation, which is determined,
Is poured out on the desolate.  (Daniel 9:27)

31 And forces shall be mustered by him, and they shall defile the sanctuary fortress; then they shall take away the daily sacrifices, and place there the abomination of desolation.  (Daniel 11:31)

11 “And from the time that the daily sacrifice is taken away, and the abomination of desolation is set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred and ninety days.  (Daniel 12:11-12)

While Antiochus Epiphanes performing an abomination may well be analogous to an abomination that the King of the North (the leader mentioned in Daniel 11, who is also the first Beast of Revelation 13) will place do, the reality is that those of us who teach that there will be sacrifices do so because the Bible teaches that they must be stopped.  And they logically cannot be stopped unless they have started.  According to the Bible, at least an altar, even without a temple (Ezra 3:6), is needed for the performing of the sacrifices (see also Why is a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem Not Required?).  And it may well be that the starting of the animal sacrifices will set off enough international rage that this will be part of the excuse that the King of the North will give for entering Israel and stopping the sacrifices and placing something else in the area (something that Daniel and Jesus, Matthew 24:15, called “the abomination of desolation”).

Ronald Weinland concluded his posted letter with the following:

After this post, there is really no more need of warnings for what is coming, for the world is asleep and time has indeed fully run out. The “Day of the Lord” is at hand—we are IN it! We have just passed through the night-time portion of God’s final day. It began at sundown after May 26th when we entered the night-time portion of this last prophetic day for mankind in this present age. If only all could see! Paradoxically, it is by this very day-time portion of the “Day of the Lord” that mankind will be brought to “see” and “hear,” and by this, the blindness and deafness of mankind will begin to be healed.

No More Warning:
In the future, any post that might possibly be written on this site will no longer be warnings, but only explanation of the realities that are taking place in the light of the day of Christ’s return as King of kings. God is not going to give any more warnings to this world or to the Church that was scattered. The time for warning has ended because the time for fulfillment is at hand—it has arrived!

The idea that God would want no warning message for more than six months prior to the return of Jesus Christ is wrong and in conflict with scripture (cf. Revelation 11:7-19).  The reality is that Ronald Weinland is scheduled to go to jail on January 2, 2013 to serve a three and one half year sentence (CGPFKG’s Ronald Weinland Sentenced to 3 1/2 Years for Tax Evasion), and may not be able to make such internet posts personally–perhaps that is the REAL REASON why he titled his post “LAST WARNING.” (I suspect, however, after Jesus does not return in May 2013, somehow he will try to get some information posted explaining that error of his away.)

Perhaps I should point out that someone should have also proof-read Ronald Weinland’s latest post (12/12/12) as Pentecost in 2013 is May 19, 2013 (see Holy Day Calendar), so he apparently meant sunset May 18, and not May 26th as he posted.  But either way, Ronald Weinland will be shown to be wrong again.

I have long written that I believed that the following was applicable to Ronald Weinland:

1 But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. 2 And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. 3 By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber. (2 Peter 2:1-3).

Destruction has been occurring related to Ronald Weinland’s reputation, organizational influence, personal finances, and his living conditions (he has basically been confined to house arrest until he goes to prison January 2, 2013).

The main point of COGwriter posts about him is to warn all not to let false prophets and false apostles like Ron Weinland turn people away from the God of the Bible.

In the past, when his predictions have not come to pass, Ron Weinland basically has tried to spiritualize his failures away and say something to the effect that God has been merciful (hence no massive destruction during the Great Tribulation to the scale that Jesus taught yet) and that God keeps granting more time for spiritual growth. In addition to being a convicted felon, he is a false prophet and a proven liar (for some of the details leading to that conclusion please see the article Concerns About Ronald Weinland’s Church of God-Preparing for the Kingdom of God).

Perhaps time in jail will get him to further reconsider what he has done.

Some articles of possible interest related to prophecy may include:

Concerns About Ronald Weinland’s Church of God-Preparing for the Kingdom of God Ronald Weinland falsely claims to be one of the two witnesses God is raising up, that the Great Tribulation began on December 14, 2008, that Jesus would return on May 27, 2012, and then claimed that Jesus would return on May 19, 2013 (he originally had Jesus returning on September 28/29 2011). Why does the Bible show that Ron Weinland is a false prophet? Why do Ronald Weinland’s own statements prove that he is a false prophet? Additionally, he has other views which show he is not truly part of the Church of God.
Why is a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem Not Required? Although people like Timothy LaHaye teach a third Jewish temple is required, who is ‘the temple of God” in the New Testament? Does the Bible require a rebuilt Jewish Temple?
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?
Who Are The Two Witnesses? What is their job? What does the Bible reveal? What has the Church of God taught on this subject? Might even Roman Catholic prophecies give some clues here?
Did The Early Church Teach Millenarianism? Was the millennium (sometimes called chiliasm) taught by early Christians? Who condemned it? Will Jesus literally reign for 1000 years on the earth? Is this time near?
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? Does God have 7,000 year plan? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2019 or 202x?
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?
Why Be Concerned About False and Heretical Leaders? There have been many false leaders–here is some of why you should be concerned about them.

Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad (Source: Agência Brasil, Wikipedia)

COGwriter

Certain Islamists, as  their own branch of the opposition to Syria’s President Assad, are gaining ground:

The small group of Free Syrian Army opposition fighters marched under a hazy sky outside Aleppo, raising their guns in the air, days after the government’s Sheik Suleiman base fell into rebel hands.

“We are coming for you,” they chanted in a video posted to the Internet, an apparent warning to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad…

But the week’s major victory at the military base was not led by the Free Syrian Army.  The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says it was led by Islamist fighters with the al-Nusrah front, giving them access to tanks, missiles and other heavy weaponry.

“We see a shift toward Islamicization of the ideology of the people who are fighting on the ground, which is a concern,” says Mattaz Suheil with the Britain-based Observatory.  “They’re more cohesive as a group and that’s a problem because it’s radicalizing young people who want to be part of a military campaign against the regime, against a minority in Syria and they eventually adopt the more radical view.”

Suheil says the influence of groups like al-Nusrah is having an impact that goes beyond the battlefield.

“We see in Aleppo city now they’ve installed an Islamic court and a police of vice and virtue which means people, civilians, are being tried for moral crimes.”

West taking notice

Concern has escalated in the West. The U.S. Treasury on Tuesday sanctioned two senior leaders of the al-Nusrah front for acting on behalf of al-Qaida in Iraq, while the U.S. State Department designated al-Nusrah a terrorist organization.

“This, again, goes to the environment that Assad and his regime have created with their violence – that they have, as we have been concerned about for many months, created an environment with this violence which extremists can now try to exploit,” State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland told reporters at a recent briefing.

Activists and some experts warn the problem runs even deeper.

Rohan Gunaratna heads the International Center for Political Violence and Terrorism Research at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore and has studied al-Qaida extensively.  He warns al-Nusrah is positioning itself well.

“Al-Nusrah has emerged as the most capable and most lethal enemy of the Syrian government,” Gunaratna says, adding the Free Syrian Army “does not have the ability to match or compete against al-Nusrah.”

He says if and when the government of Bashar al-Assad tumbles, it will be al-Nusrah and other like-minded groups competing for power.

Other experts and activists are hesitant to make such bold predictions but point out al-Nusrah is better organized than most of the other forces working to topple the Syrian government.

They say the group draws on support from al-Qaida and on funding from private donors – which has allowed it to arm with better weapons.  Making al-Nusrah even more dangerous are the lessons the group’s leaders have learned from Iraq.

Stratfor, a private intelligence firm, says for months al-Nusrah has been trying to win over the local population instead of alienating them with attacks that cause mass casualties, a tactic that in Iraq led to the rise of the counter-jihadist Sunni Awakening Councils.

Al-Nusrah also has been willing to work with other groups, like the Free Syrian Army, to achieve the opposition’s main objective of toppling the Assad regime.

http://www.voanews.com/content/islamists-gaining-ground-in-syria/1563061.html

The opposition in Syria is mainly Sunni Muslims.  While not all are considered to be “Islamists,” it it the Sunnis who are rebelling against the minority Shi-ites.  Syria’s main ally these days is Iran.  And the Iranians are mostly Shi’ite, while most Muslims are Sunni.

Perhaps the largest Islamist political group in the world is the Muslim Brotherhood, which is basically a Sunni Muslim club.  And while not officially terrorist, it has supported Islamic terrorists in places like Gaza.  It could likely at least work with Islamists in Syria.  The goal of the Muslim Brotherhood is to create a pan-national Islamic confederation, including countries such as Syria.  Although the group called the Muslim Brotherhood per se does not seem to be predicted in the Bible, a confederation of North African and Middle Eastern states like the Muslim Brotherhood wants is (Daniel 11:40-43; Ezekiel 30:1-8).

Syria is biblically expected to be part of the end time confederation that will support the final King of the South.  The fact that Islamists are gaining additional power and influence in Syria now is consistent with that.   Syria’s Assad obviously sees what is happening and may take desperate steps that will, apparently inadvertently on his part, result in the fulfillment of biblical prophecy (cf. Isaiah 17:1).  World events continue to align with properly understood biblical prophecy.

Much is going on in the Middle East and elsewhere.  Notice something that Jesus said about the end times:

“But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly.  35 For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth.  36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:34-36)

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? 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.
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?

COGwriter

Ran across something rather bizarre (as well as inaccurate) about 2012 today:

Thomas Horn was awakened by the Lord at 2 a.m. in 2008 and sat straight up in bed. He had been wrestling with certain images and enigmatic information for years having to do with the beliefs of an occult elite pertaining to the return of a pagan deity, which many believe will rule a final earthly empire. The Bible identifies this personality as the Antichrist…

Unrecognized by the vast majority of people around the world is the greatest conspiracy of all time, sitting right in the open in Washington, D.C., and at the Vatican. It is an ancient, magical, talismanic diagram – the Lost Symbol – which awaits its final use by the hidden hand guiding the secret destiny of America toward the year 2012…

Jesus himself, in Matthew 24, may have set the date for the apocalypse around the year 2012 (http://superstore.wnd.com/sales/The-Dark-Side/Apollyon-Rising-2012-Paperback)

Horn says, “Given the rejection of Jesus by orthodox Jews as Messiah, this coming could herald the coming of Antichrist in 2012.”…

Horn says from deepest antiquity, a plot involving pagan sun-worshippers, America’s Founding Fathers, Masons and Freemasons has apparently been in the works, culminating in the end time with the return or resurrection of an evil, supernatural being. That character may actually be pictured as the all-seeing eye on top of the uncapped pyramid on the Great Seal of the United States, found on the back of a $1 bill.

Others have speculated the eye on top of the pyramid could be a representation of Jesus Christ, since the Bible notes, “The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone.” (Psalm 118:22 New International Version).

The date at the base of the pyramid is 1776, which is not only the year the Declaration of Independence was signed, but also the beginning of a new Mayan “katun,” a time period of 19.7 years. If each of the 13 levels of the pyramid on the Great Seal represents one of these time periods, the top level would mark the year 2012. http://www.wnd.com/2011/11/368437/#v0kUjoCKhoFVObf2.99

Jesus did NOT set the date of the apocalypse for 2012.  Jesus will NOT return in 2012.  For proof on these two points see the article Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2012 or 2013?

Nor does the “Great Seal” of the United States point to 2012 Thomas Horn’s way.  It is very easy to disprove Thomas Horn’s inaccurate speculation on this point by simply doing the math.  19.7 years times 13 equals 256.1 years.  Adding 256 to 1776 leads to the year 2032, not 2012 (and no, I am not trying to say that 2032 is for the end based on the 13 steps and Mayan katuns).  And trying to claim that the thirteen steps really means twelve is absurd.

World News Daily should never have promoted that author and his inaccurate book.

The end of the world will not be December 21/22, 2012.

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

End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something? Are there Mayan calendar predictions for change in 2012? Changes were centuries ago predicted by the Hopi Native Americans. Do Mayan/Hindu/Hopi/Buddhist/New Age/Nostradamus prophecies have any value here? Why might Satan have inspired this date? Does the Dresden codex show destruction of the earth by flood? Can the great tribulation start before 2012? How might Barack Obama and Julia Gillard be involved in 2012? Have predictions written by Bob Thiel related to Barack Obama and Julia Gillard began to come to pass?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2012 or 2013? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What is the “beginning of sorrows”? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? When is the earliest Jesus can return?
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 24 predictions in the book and many more will to come to pass.  Those who purchase the book at the www.thesecretsect.com website receive a lengthy bonus report documenting world events that aligned with the book.
2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect (English Kindle edition).  This is the 2nd edition of the book, released in January 2012, and includes a summary of many of the predictions that world events have aligned with since the book originally came out in September 2009.
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 und das Auftreten der geheimen Sekte (German Kindle Edition)
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 24 já começaram a acontecer.
2012 e o Surgimento da Seita Secreta (2 ª Edição em português do Brasil): Um Guia Revolucionário de Sobrevivência Espiritual e Física para 2012-2020 (Portuguese Edition) 2012 livro do Dr. Thiel. 2 ª edição em português do Brasil. Este livro documenta e explica centenas de profecias. E desde que foi publicado pela primeira vez, pelo menos 24 já começaram a acontecer.2012 e o Surgimento da Seita Secreta (KINDLE Edição em português do Brasil) 2 ª edição.-Kindle.
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 a Republican choice. 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?
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.)