Church of God News

COGwriter

The Continuing Church of God is pleased to announce this sermon from its ContinuingCOG channel:

What does the Bible teach about prayer? How can your prayers be more effective? Does the Bible give particular positions to pray in? Why doesn’t God seem to answer all prayers? Dr. Thiel answers all those questions and more while going over 14 Bible-based tips. This is the first part of a two-part sermon.

A related written item is Prayer: What Does the Bible Teach?

Here is a link to the video sermon: What Does the Bible Teach About Prayer?

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Prayer: What Does the Bible Teach? This contains 28 biblically-baed tips on improving the effectiveness of your prayers. This is a pdf. A related sermon is available and titled: What Does the Bible Teach About Prayer?
What Should I Pray About? An old article by Lynn Torrance on prayer. Here is a link to it in Mandarin Chinese 我应该祷告什么？
Importance of Fasting An old article by Herbert W. Armstrong on this subject. Here is a link to it in Mandarin Chinese 禁食的重要性.
Faith for those God has Called and Chosen What is faith? Can faith be increased? Are you saved by faith? What about works? Do Christians need to keep the Ten Commandments? What is the ‘faith chapter’? How do the just live by faith? Is faith one of the weightier matters of the law? How does faith come? Here is a link to a pdf. booklet titled Faith for Those God has Called and Chosen. Marque aquí para ver el pdf folleto: Fe para aquellos que Dios ha llamado y escogido.Here is a link to a related sermon titled: Faith for the Called and Chosen. Here is a link to shorter version of the written article in Mandarin Chinese 一篇关于信仰的小文章
Where is the True Christian Church Today? This free online pdf booklet answers that question and includes 18 proofs, clues, and signs to identify the true vs. false Christian church. Plus 7 proofs, clues, and signs to help identify Laodicean churches. A related sermon is also available: Where is the True Christian Church?
Continuing History of the Church of God This pdf booklet is a historical overview of the true Church of God and some of its main opponents from c. 31 A.D. to 2014. A related sermon link would be Continuing History of the Church of God: c. 31 to c. 300 A.D. Marque aquí para ver el pdf folleto: Continuación de la Historia de la Iglesia de Dios.
CCOG.ORG Continuing Church of God The group striving to be most faithful amongst all real Christian groups to the word of God. To see how CCOG has done so far, here are links to two sermons Continuing Church of God (CCOG) first year anniversary: What has been accomplished? and The Continuing Church of God: Two Years of Proclamation. Here is a written link to a version of that sermon in the Spanish language: Aniversario del primer año de la Continuación de la Iglesia de Dios: ¿Qué se ha cumplido?
CCOG.ASIA We in the Continuing Church of God also have the url www.ccog.asia which has a focus on Asia and has various articles in Mandarin Chinese as well as some in English, plus some items in other Asian languages. 我们在继续神的教会也提供此网址 www.ccog.asia, 关注于亚洲并且有各种各样的中英文文章，其中一些用菲律宾语翻译的文章也正在进行中，准备添加到这个网站中。 Here is a link to our Statement of Beliefs in Mandarin Chinese 继续神的教会的信仰声明.
CCOG.IN This is a website targeted towards those of Indian heritage. It has a link to an edited Hindi translation of The Mystery of the Ages and is expected to have more non-English language materials in the future.
CCOG.EU This is a website targeted toward Europe. It has materials in more than one language (currently it has English, Dutch, and Serbian, with links also to Spanish) and it is intended to have additional language materials added.
CCOG.NZ This is a website targeted towards New Zealand and others with a British-descended background.
CDLIDD.ES La Continuación de la Iglesia de Dios. This is the Spanish language website for the Continuing Church of God.
PNIND.PH Patuloy na Iglesya ng Diyos. This is the Philippines website Continuing Church of God. It has information in English and Tagalog.
Bible News Prophecy online radio. This is an audio version of the Bible News Prophecy videos as well as some ContinuingCOG channel sermons. It is also available as a mobile app.
ContinuingCOG channel. Dr. Thiel has produced scores of YouTube video sermons for this channel. Note: Since these are sermon-length, they can take a little longer to load than other YouTube videos.

Pope Francis (Korea.net)

COGwriter

Pope Francis does not expect to be pontiff too many more years:

March 13, 2015

Hearing confessions to mark his second anniversary as head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis offered a confession of his own Friday: He doubts he’ll be pontiff for long.

“I have the feeling that my pontificate will be brief, 4 or 5 years; I do not know, even 2 or 3,” the 78-year-old Francis said during an interview with Mexican broadcaster Televisa.

“Two have already passed. It’s a somewhat vague sensation,” he said, according to a Vatican translation from Spanish. “I feel that the Lord has placed me here for a short time, and nothing more.”

He compared the feeling to “a gambler who convinces himself he will lose so he won’t be disappointed. And if he wins, he’s happy.”  http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2015/03/13/pope-francis-papacy-anniversary-pizza/70277854/

In the past, he dropped a hint or two that he might like to resign like Benedict XVI did.  Of course, if he does not resign and does not die, he could be around much longer than he indicated today.

Because of his age (he is currently 78), I have had concerns whether or not Pope Francis would be the final pope.  In order to be such, he would have to live at least another 7 1/2 years and probably longer than that.

Perhaps I should add that a YouTube video I watched from a Protestant source claimed that Pope Francis’ planned trip to the USA and United Nations in September 2015, combined with the blood moon that month, are signs that a one-world government will start then along with a ‘seven-year tribulation.’  I would add that unless the deal of Daniel 9:27 is confirmed around then, I do not consider this to be possible (see Blood Moons and Prophecy and  also The ‘Peace Deal’ of Daniel 9:27).

Now, according to a Catholic prophecy from an Irish Catholic saint named Malachy, Francis should have been the last pope, the anti-pope of Catholic prophecy and the final Antichrist of biblical prophecy (see The Malachy Prophecies and “Peter the Roman”).

As I have long written, whether or not he is the last pontiff, Pope Francis has taken a lot of steps that will assist with the agenda of the final Antichrist, antipope.

From his calls for economic reforms, to his Marian devotion, to his ecumenical and interfaith agenda Pope Francis pushes for results that the Bible warns against being part of (Zechariah 2:6-7) and that it will end in disaster (Revelation 18:1-8).

Pope Francis has been able to get a lot of positive attention from the media, and whoever will be the last pope will as well.

Some have claimed that someone may assassinate Pope Francis, and that remains a possibility.  But presuming he is not the last pope, Pope Francis has made major ‘gains’ in the ecumenical agenda that will one day affect the world (Revelation 13:4,8).

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Pope Francis: Could this Marian Focused Pontiff be Fulfilling Prophecy? Pope Francis has taken many steps to turn people more towards his version of ‘Mary.’ Could this be consistent with biblical and Catholic prophecies? This article documents what has been happening. There is also a video version titled Pope Francis: Could this Marian Focused Pontiff be Fulfilling Prophecy?
Pope Francis and the Famine of the Word Pope Francis made some comments indicating that violence is appropriate when one is offended and that freedom of expression should not offend the religions of others. Is that biblical? What will his interfaith agenda lead to? Might his comments be a factor in the prophesied ‘famine of the word’ that the Prophet Amos wrote of? Should Christians refrain from making statements that might offend other? What did Jesus and His disciples do? What should you do? This is a video. A written article of related interest is: Pope Francis pushing for limits of speech and seemingly justifies violence.
Blood Moons and Prophecy There were four ‘blood moons’ expected in 2014 and 2015. Now two remain.  Might they signal the Day of the Lord or the return of Jesus Christ? A related YouTube video is also available: Blood Moons, Prophecy, 2014, and 2015.
The ‘Peace Deal’ of Daniel 9:27 This prophecy could give up to 3 1/2 years advance notice of the coming Great Tribulation. Will most ignore or misunderstand its fulfillment? Here is a link to a related sermon video Daniel 9:27 and the Start of the Great Tribulation.
The Malachy Prophecies and “Peter the Roman” An Irish bishop allegedly predicted something about 112 popes in the 12th century. Pope Benedict XVI was number 111. Francis would be number 112–if he is that one–and if so, he is to reign until Rome is destroyed. May he be an antipope/final Antichrist?
Why Should American Catholics Fear Unity with the Orthodox? Are the current ecumenical meetings a good thing or will they result in disaster? Is doctrinal compromise good? Here is a link to a related video Should you be concerned about the ecumenical movement?
Satan’s Plan Does Satan have a plan? What is it? Has it already been successful? Will it be successful in the future?
United Nations: Humankind’s Last Hope or New World Order? Is the UN the last hope for humanity? Or might its goals end up with sinister results? A related video would be United Nations and Vatican Are Planning the New World Order.
Tradition and Scripture: From the Bible and Church Writings Are traditions on equal par with scripture? Many believe that is what Peter, John, and Paul taught. But did they? A related sermon is titled Tradition and Scripture.
Will the Interfaith Movement Lead to Peace or Sudden Destruction? Is the interfaith movement going to lead to lasting peace or is it warned against?
Which Is Faithful: The Roman Catholic Church or the Continuing 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.
The Last Pope Do Biblical and Catholic Prophecies Point to Pope Francis? Why might Pope Francis be the last pope? What happens if he is? Biblical and other prophecies help explain what to expect.
The Last Pope: Do Biblical and Catholic Prophecies Point to Pope Francis? Amazon Book What does the Bible say about a pope near this time? Is the final pope to be an antipope and antichrist? Does Catholic prophecy point to Pope Francis as being the dreaded “Peter the Roman”? This 186 page book provides information and answers.
The Last Pope: Do Biblical and Catholic Prophecies Point to Pope Francis? Kindle This electronic version of the printed book which 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 The Last Pope: Do Biblical and Catholic Prophecies Point to Pope Francis? Kindle.
Persecutions by Church and State This article documents some that have occurred against those associated with the COGs and some prophesied to occur. Will those with the cross be the persecutors or the persecuted–this article has the shocking answer. There is also a YouTube video sermon you can watch: The Coming Persecution of the Church. Here is information in the Spanish language: Persecuciones de la Iglesia y el Estado.
Where is the True Christian Church Today? This free online pdf booklet answers that question and includes 18 proofs, clues, and signs to identify the true vs. false Christian church. Plus 7 proofs, clues, and signs to help identify Laodicean churches. A related sermon is also available: Where is the True Christian Church? Here is a link to the booklet in the Spanish language: ¿Dónde está la verdadera Iglesia cristiana de hoy?
Continuing History of the Church of God This pdf booklet is a historical overview of the true Church of God and some of its main opponents from c. 31 A.D. to 2014. Two related sermon links would include Continuing History of the Church of God: c. 31 to c. 300 A.D. and Continuing History of the Church of God: 4th-16th Centuries. In Spanish: Marque aquí para ver el pdf folleto: Continuación de la Historia de la Iglesia de Dios.

Chinese Renminbi Yuan

COGwriter

China and Russia are trying to change the economic order of the world.  Notice something related to China:

March 13, 2015

TOKYO—

The president of the World Bank said on Friday he welcomed the setting up of the China-backed Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), a day after Britain became the first Western nation to embrace the institution.

With U.S. interest rates likely to rise later this year, capital flows to emerging markets and low-income countries will face greater challenges over time, Jim Yong Kim told a news conference.

“From the perspective simply of the need for more infrastructure spending, there’s no doubt that from our perspective, we welcome the entry of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank,” he said.

The AIIB was launched in Beijing last year and was seen as a rival to the Western-dominated World and Asian Development Bank.  http://www.voanews.com/content/reu-world-bank-chief-welcomes-china-backed-development-bank/2678608.html

A reader sent me links to the following articles related to China and Russia and their recent currency proposals:

March 12, 2015

China is pushing for the International Monetary Fund to endorse the Chinese yuan as a global reserve currency alongside the dollar and euro.

A senior Chinese central bank official said Thursday that the country is “actively communicating” with the IMF on the possibility of including the yuan, or RMB, in the basket of the Special Drawing Rights (SDRs).

Including the yuan in the SDR system would allow the IMF to recognize the ascent of the world’s second-biggest economy while aiding China’s attempts to diminish the dollar’s dominance in global trade and finance.

“We hope the IMF can fully take into account the progress of RMB internationalization, to include RMB into the basket underlining the SDR in foreseeable, near future,” said Yi Gang, vice governor of the People’s Bank of China.

However, China will be patient until conditions are ripe, Yi said at a press conference on the sidelines of the ongoing annual parliamentary session.

In late 2015, the IMF will conduct its next twice-a-decade review of the basket of currencies its members can count toward their official reserves.

SDRs are international foreign exchange reserve assets. Allocated to nations by the IMF, an SDR represents a claim to foreign currencies for which it may be exchanged in times of need.

Although denominated in US dollars, the nominal value of an SDR is derived from a basket of currencies, with, specifically, a fixed amount of Japanese yen, US dollars, British pounds and euros, without RMB.  http://thebricspost.com/china-imf-talks-underway-to-endorse-yuan-as-global-reserve-currency/#.VQLiDye4oW-

March 11, 2015

Russia will explore the creation of a single currency across the Moscow-led Eurasian Union trade bloc of ex-Soviet states, according to an order published on the Kremlin’s website.

The move comes as relations between union members Russia, Belarus, Armenia and Kazakhstan are strained by tit-for-tat sanctions between Moscow and the West over Ukraine and a Russian recession that is spilling over into neighboring economies.

According to the order, President Vladimir Putin requested Russia’s government and Central Bank work with financial regulators in the bloc’s member nations to present by Sept. 1 a report “defining the vector of financial and currency integration within the Eurasian Union and examining the desirability and possible creation of a currency union in the future.”

The Eurasian Union was formed on Jan. 1 this year on the basis of an earlier customs union between several former Soviet republics. Russia lobbied hard to create the bloc, which unites around 170 million people and will be joined by Kyrgyzstan later this year. http://russia-insider.com/en/2015/03/11/4357

The Russians and Chinese keep trying to take steps to increase their regional and international influence. Russia, China, India, Brazil, and South Africa have agreed to create a development bank which basically is an alternative to the IMF/World Bank (see BRICS take another step to reduce USA dollar dominance).  Russia’s President Putin wants to revive the old Soviet Union with his Eurasian Union and then expand it.

Both Russia and China want to topple the dominance of the USA dollar.  The final time of the Gentiles is approaching (cf. Luke 21:20-24).

The USA itself has taken steps to devalue its own currency by increasing its debt and through programs like ‘quantitative easing’ –biblically the USA is adding ‘dross’ to its currency, which is not good (Isaiah 1:22,25; Proverbs 25:4a). At some point in time in the future, this will result in disaster for the USA according to biblical prophecy.

The USA has been playing a dangerous game with its own currency.

That being said, while China and Russia will help contribute to the fall of the USA dollar, the Bible shows that it will be a European power that will dominate the world economically for several years until the return of Jesus Christ.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 1: Genesis and Chinese Characters Where did the Chinese people come from? This article provides information showing that the Chinese peoples must have known about various accounts in the Book of Genesis up until their dispersion after the Tower of Babel.
China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 2: The Sabbath and Some of God’s Witness in China When did Christianity first come to China? And is there early evidence that they observed the seventh day sabbath?
Asia in Prophecy What is Ahead for Asia? Who are the “Kings of the East”? What will happen to nearly all the Chinese, Russians, Indians, and others of Asia? China in prophecy, where? Who has the 200,000,000 man army related to Armageddon?
Is China THE Threat to the United States of America? China is the world’s most populace nation. China has the world’s largest standing military. China is a major economic power and it holds a lot of U.S. debt. China also has problems with corruption, pollution, and its hukou registration system. Will China face civil unrest? Is China prophesied to be wealthy in the end times? Will China takeover the U.S.A. or will it be another power? What does Bible prophecy reveal? This is a video.
The Eurasian Union, the Kings of the East, and Bible Prophecy Is there a Eurasian union that will be formed? Is one being formed right now? Are any leaders working on that in the 21st century? Does the Bible teach that there will be a Eurasian union? If some type of Eurasian union is formed, who might it benefit and who will it destroy? A related video would be Is The Eurasian Union Rising?
Russia and Ukraine: Their Origins and Prophesied Future Russia in prophecy. Where do the Russians come from? What about those in the Ukraine? What is prophesied for Russia and its allies? What will they do to the Europeans that supported the Beast in the end? There is also a video sermon available: Russia in the Bible and in Prophecy and a video sermonette available: Ukraine in Prophecy?
Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach? Here is a link to a video, also titled Is Russia the King of the North?
Ezekiel 38: For Russia & Iran in Our Day? Is Ezekiel 38 about to be fulfilled? A related video is available titled Ezekiel 38: For Russia, Ukraine, & Iran Now?
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2015, 2016, or 2017? 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? Here is a version of the article in the Spanish language: ¿Puede comenzar la Gran Tribulación en 2014 o 2015? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? You can also see the English language sermon video: The Great Tribulation from the Mount of Olives.
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? Here is a link to a video titled: Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European?
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? In the Spanish language check out ¿Quién es el Rey del Norte? Here is a link to a video titled: The Future King of the North.
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Saxon (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-Saxon nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first? Here is a link to the Spanish version of this article: Anglo-América & las Tribus Perdidas de Israel. Information is also in the YouTube sermons titled Where are the Ten Lost Tribes? Why does it matter? and British are the Covenant People. A short YouTube of prophetic interest may be Barack Obama and the State of the Apocalypse.
Will the Anglo-Saxon Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What about Jerusalem? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people? Here is a link to a video titled Will the USA and other Anglo-nations be Divided and Their People Made Slaves? Here is a related item in the Spanish language ¿Serán divididas las naciones anglosajonas?
British are the Covenant People What do ‘British’ and ‘Britain’ mean in Hebrew? Are the descendants of the Anglo-Saxons people of the covenant? Does the British royal family connect to the throne of David? What does the Bible teach? What does history show us? Is there any DNA evidence related to British-Israelism? When did Christianity make it to the British Isles? Could Jeremiah have made it to the British Isles? What type of Christians made it to the British Isles? Did the last King of England believe in British Israelism?
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Edition for Second Obama Term 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? What About Republican Leaders? Second Edition for Second Obama Term.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Term-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-Second Term-Amazon Kindle edition.

COGwriter

The Continuing Church of God continues to get additional materials translated into the Spanish language.

Here are links to the items we received today:

Does the office of ‘Cardinal’ come from the Bible or somewhere else?
¿Procede el cargo de ‘Cardenal’ de la Biblia o de alguna otra parte?
http://www.cdlidd.es/procede-el-cargo-de-cardenal-de-la-biblia-o-de-alguna-otra-parte/

Quick explanation disproving evolution as the origin of life
Rápida explicación que desaprueba la evolución como el origen de la vida
http://www.cdlidd.es/rapida-explicacion-que-desaprueba-la-evolucion-como-el-origen-de-la-vida/

Islamic State destroying ancient Nimrud, biblical Calah
Estado Islámico destruyendo antigua Nimrud, bíblica Calah
http://www.cdlidd.es/estado-islamico-destruyendo-antigua-nimrud-biblica-calah/

The Gospel of the Kingdom of God
El Evangelio del Reino de Dios
http://www.cdlidd.es/el-evangelio-del-reino-de-dios-2/

Anti-theist murders three Muslims
Anti-teísta asesina a tres Musulmanes
http://www.cdlidd.es/anti-teista-asesina-a-tres-musulmanes/

50th anniversary of ‘Bloody Sunday’
50avo. aniversario del ‘Domingo sangriento’
http://www.cdlidd.es/50avo-aniversario-del-domingo-sangriento/

Daylight Savings Time affects sunset times
Tiempo de ahorro de la luz del día afecta los tiempos de la puesta del sol
http://www.cdlidd.es/tiempo-de-ahorro-de-la-luz-diurna-afecta-los-tiempos-de-la-puesta-del-sol/

CCOG: Bible News Prophecy magazine now in German language
CCOG: Revista Noticias de Profecía de la Biblia ahora en lengua alemana
http://www.cdlidd.es/ccog-revista-noticias-de-profecia-de-la-biblia-ahora-en-lengua-alemana/

Bible News Prophecy magazine now in Dholuo
Revista Noticias de Profecía de la Biblia ahora en Dholu
http://www.cdlidd.es/revista-noticias-de-profecia-de-la-biblia-ahora-en-dholuo/

PCG reports on Islamic State’s threats to Pope Francis
PCG reporta sobre amenazas del Estado Islámico al Papa Francisco
http://www.cdlidd.es/pcg-reporta-sobre-amenazas-del-estado-islamico-al-papa-francisco/

The Continuing Church of God has a separate Spanish language website http://www.cdlidd.es. The term Continuing Church of God translates into La Continuación de la Iglesia de Dios in the Spanish language, also called Castellano or Español.

The Continuing Church of God is reaching people around the world in multiple languages via the internet, printed literature, and human church leads around the world. We also reach people over the radio and through videos in the English language.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Mexico, Central America, South America, Brazil, and the Caribbean in Prophecy [Español: México, América central, Suramérica, Brasil y el Caribe en la profecía] [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?

Continuing History of the Church of God This pdf booklet is a historical overview of the true Church of God and some of its main opponents from c. 31 A.D. to 2014. A related sermon link would be Continuing History of the Church of God: c. 31 to c. 300 A.D. Marque aquí para ver el pdf folleto: Continuación de la Historia de la Iglesia de Dios.

Faith for those God has Called and Chosen What is faith? Can faith be increased? Are you saved by faith? What about works? Do Christians need to keep the Ten Commandments? What is the ‘faith chapter’? How do the just live by faith? Is faith one of the weightier matters of the law? How does faith come? Here is a link to a pdf. booklet titled Faith for Those God has Called and Chosen. Marque aquí para ver el pdf folleto: Fe para aquellos que Dios ha llamado y escogido.Here is a link to a related sermon titled: Faith for the Called and Chosen. Here is a link to shorter version of the written article in Mandarin Chinese 一篇关于信仰的小文章

CCOG.ORG Continuing Church of God The group striving to be most faithful amongst all real Christian groups to the word of God. To see how CCOG has done so far, here are links to two sermons Continuing Church of God (CCOG) first year anniversary: What has been accomplished? and The Continuing Church of God: Two Years of Proclamation. Here is a written link to a version of that sermon in the Spanish language: Aniversario del primer año de la Continuación de la Iglesia de Dios: ¿Qué se ha cumplido?

CCOG.ASIA We in the Continuing Church of God also have the url www.ccog.asia which has a focus on Asia and has various articles in Mandarin Chinese as well as some in English, plus some items in other Asian languages. 我们在继续神的教会也提供此网址 www.ccog.asia, 关注于亚洲并且有各种各样的中英文文章，其中一些用菲律宾语翻译的文章也正在进行中，准备添加到这个网站中。 HHere is a link to our Statement of Beliefs in Mandarin Chinese 继续神的教会的信仰声明.

CCOG.IN This is a website targeted towards those of Indian heritage. It has a link to an edited Hindi translation of The Mystery of the Ages and is expected to have more non-English language materials in the future.

CCOG.EU This is a website targeted toward Europe. It has materials in more than one language (currently it has English, Dutch, and Serbian, with links also to Spanish) and it is intended to have additional language materials added.

CCOG.NZ This is a website targeted towards New Zealand and others with a British-descended background.

PNIND.PH Patuloy na Iglesya ng Diyos. This is the Philippines website Continuing Church of God. It has information in English and Tagalog.

CDLIDD.ES La Continuación de la Iglesia de Dios. This is the Spanish language website for the Continuing Church of God.

Rothschild Family Coat of Arms (Mathieu CHAINE)

COGwriter

A reader send me the following:

18:52 07.03.2015(updated 19:02 07.03.2015)

Lord Rothschild has warned about the dark cloud on the horizon for the global economy, characterizing the geopolitical situation as the most dangerous since the end of World War II.

“We are confronted by a geopolitical situation perhaps as dangerous as any we have faced since World War II: chaos and extremism in the Middle East, Russian aggression and expansion, and a weakened Europe threatened by horrendous unemployment, in no small measure caused by a failure to tackle structural reforms in many of the countries which form part of the European Union,” wrote Jacob Rothschild, a British investment banker and a member of the prominent Rothschild family, in an annual Strategic Report of RIT Capital Partners plc (RIT).RIT is an investment trust that has been investing “in a widely diversified, international portfolio” delivering high returns to shareholders since 1988.

According to the company’s website, RIT has more than doubled its net asset value per share and share price over the past ten years. …

“The world economy grew at a disappointing and uneven rate in 2014 after six years of monetary stimulus and extraordinarily low interest rates.”

Furthermore, the value of paper money has reduced substantially, as countries were trying to generate growth by lowering the value of their currencies, particularly the Euro and the Yen, which have lost over 12 percent against the US Dollar during the last year. The undesirable consequences of such monetary experiments are hard to predict, noted Lord Rothschild.

It seems that Rothschild’s concerns are shared by the EU member states as well: at the end of 2014 several European countries demonstrated a revived interest in gold as a monetary policy instrument and focused on repatriating their bullion gold reserves from abroad, citing issues of economic stagnation and an unprecedented level of money printing in the world.  http://sputniknews.com/analysis/20150307/1019201917.html#ixzz3U90gloUM

Before going further, perhaps it should be mentioned that many believe that the Rothschild family and others basically are behind the scenes manipulating and controlling world events.  Here is a report about that:

Over more than two centuries, the Rothschild family has frequently been the subject of conspiracy theories. These theories take differing forms, such as claiming that the family controls the world’s wealth and financial institutions or encouraged or discouraged wars between governments. Discussing this and similar views, the historian Niall Ferguson wrote,

As we have seen, however, wars tended to hit the price of existing bonds by increasing the risk that a debtor state would fail to meet its interest payments in the event of defeat and losses of territory. By the middle of the 19th century, the Rothschilds had evolved from traders into fund managers, carefully tending to their own vast portfolio of government bonds. Now having made their money, they stood to lose more than they gained from conflict. The Rothschilds had decided the outcome of the Napoleonic Wars by putting their financial weight behind Britain. Now they would sit on the sidelines.

Many conspiracy theories about the Rothschild family have been identified as a result of anti-Semitic prejudice reaching back several hundred years, including the era of the Napoleonic wars, and not as a result of valid evidence. (Rothschild Family.  Wikipedia, accessed 03/12/15)

But conspiracy theories, per se, are not what the purpose of this post is about.

The reason I posted this is to show that yet another influential voice is hinting that if steps are not taken, World War III will be here soon Pope Francis said something similar last September (see Pope Francis objecting to current ‘piecemeal’ World War III; Vatican radio reports bishops blasting Russia for blood in Ukraine).

Jacob Rothschild specifically seems to be calling for structural reform in Europe and a Europe that can defend itself.

The Bible teaches that Europe will have problems (Daniel 2:41-43), but also that it will undergo several restructures.  Notice two of them:

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)

(More on the above can be found in the article Must the Ten Kings of Revelation 17:12 Rule over Ten Currently Existing Nations?)

Furthermore, the Bible teaches that Europe will make the world wealthy for a time (cf. Revelation 18:2-3) as well as be a successful military power (Revelation 13:4,; Daniel 11:39-43).

Jacob Rothschild wants Europe to improve economically in order to reduce its unemployment rate.  I have long believed that technology and trade would be the means by which Europe will be able to do this (see European Technology and the Beast of Revelation and WTO/TTIP and the Babylonian Beast).

Jacob Rothschild also brought up gold.  Interestingly, the Bible shows that the European Beast power will have gold in Daniel 11:40-43 and Revelation 18 (more details are in the article The Plain Truth About Gold in Prophecy. How Should a Christian View Gold?).

Jacob Rothschild brought up turmoil in the Middle East.  Because of concerns about problems in the Middle East and North Africa, it appears that Western leaders will support the formation of a power referred to as the final ‘king of the South‘ in biblical prophecy (Daniel 11:40-43). While Jacob Rothschild did not specifically mention the idea of a confederation of nations in that region in the article, his allusion to problems in the Middle East indicates that he may well support that (see also How Will Middle East Peace be Brought About?).  At minimum it indicates that he would like to see a peace agreement for that region, and one is prophesied to take place in Daniel 9:27 (see also The ‘Peace Deal’ of Daniel 9:27).

Actually, the most dangerous time since WWII will come about 3 1/2 years after a European leader confirms the deal in Daniel 9:27 (see also The ‘Peace Deal’ of Daniel 9:27).

Comments by various leaders are leading to it and the start of the Great Tribulation, which many will consider to be WWIII.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

World War III: Steps in Progress Are there surprising actions going on now that are leading to WWIII? Might a nuclear attack be expected? What about WWIV? Does the Bible promise protection to all or only some Christians? How can you be part of those that will be protected? A related video would be Is World War III About to Begin? Can You Escape?
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? 2021 or 20xx? There is also a video titled The 6000 Year Plan: Is the end of humanity’s reign almost up?
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2015, 2016, or 2017? 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? Here is a version of the article in the Spanish language: ¿Puede comenzar la Gran Tribulación en 2014 o 2015? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? You can also see the English language sermon video: The Great Tribulation from the Mount of Olives.
The ‘Peace Deal’ of Daniel 9:27 This prophecy could give up to 3 1/2 years advance notice of the coming Great Tribulation. Will most ignore or misunderstand its fulfillment? Here is a link to a related sermon video Daniel 9:27 and the Start of the Great Tribulation.
United Nations: Humankind’s Last Hope or New World Order? Is the UN the last hope for humanity? Or might its goals end up with sinister results? A related video would be United Nations and Vatican Are Planning the New World Order.
Will the Interfaith Movement Lead to Peace or Sudden Destruction? Is the interfaith movement going to lead to lasting peace or is it warned against? A video of related interest could be Do You Know That Babylon is Forming?
How Will Middle East Peace be Brought About? Can humans bring peace to the Middle East? Here is a link to a related video: Middle East Peace? When?
European Technology and the Beast of Revelation Will the coming European Beast power would use and develop technology that will result in the taking over of the USA and its Anglo-Saxon allies? Is this possible? What does the Bible teach? Here is a related YouTube video: Military Technology and the Beast of Revelation.
Must the Ten Kings of Revelation 17:12 Rule over Ten Currently Existing Nations? Some claim that these passages refer to a gathering of 10 currently existing nations together, while one group teaches that this is referring to 11 nations getting together. Is that what Revelation 17:12-13 refers to? The ramifications of misunderstanding this are enormous. A related sermon is titled Ten Kings of Revelation and the Great Tribulation.
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?
WTO/TTIP and the Babylonian Beast Will international trade agreements like WTO/TTIP/CETA lead to the fulfillment of end time prophecies concerning the Babylonian Beast power that the Book of Revelation warns against? What does the Bible teach? A related video would be WTO Trade Deal and the Rise of the European Beast Power.
Is the Future King of the South Rising Up? Some no longer believe there needs to be a future King of the South. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? Might this King be called the Mahdi or Caliph? What does the Bible say? A YouTube video of related interest may be: The Future King of the South is Rising.
How Will Middle East Peace be Brought About? Can humans bring peace to the Middle East? Here is a link to a related video: Middle East Peace? When?
Project Prophecy: Economic Collapse Starting in 2015? Jim Rickards once worked for the CIA and also was once part of a a USA government program called called ‘Project Prophecy.’ He has a video were he claims that starting in 2015, the USA may have economic collapse resulting in a 25-Year Great Depression. He mainly cites debt figures and claims advises alternatives to the USA dollar which he says will collapse? What did Rand Paul state? Can the USA dollar collapse?
Market Collapse then New World Order in 2015? A long-time financial adviser named Harvey Organ claims that claims that because of insufficient gold in the central banks of USA and UK, that Shanghai would bring about exposing this and that this would lead to a massive, overnight, rise in the price of gold and silver, diminished value of their currencies. He states a market collapse will occur before the end of 2014, that the petroyuan will replace the petrodollar, and that a Chinese led New World Order will be in place for 2015. Is this possible? Where does the leader of the ‘New World Order’ come from? What does the Bible teach?
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?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Saxon (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-Saxon nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first? Here is a link to the Spanish version of this article: Anglo-América & las Tribus Perdidas de Israel. Information is also in the YouTube sermons titled Where are the Ten Lost Tribes? Why does it matter? and British are the Covenant People. A short YouTube of prophetic interest may be Barack Obama and the State of the Apocalypse.
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God was the Emphasis of Jesus and the Early Church Did you know that? Do you even know what the gospel of the kingdom is all about? True religion should be based upon the true gospel.
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? A related sermon is titled The Millennium.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Edition for Second Obama Term 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? What About Republican Leaders? Second Edition for Second Obama Term.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States-Second Term-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-Second Term-Amazon Kindle edition.

Ferguson Protestors (Loavesofbread)

COGwriter

Protests and violence have returned to Ferguson, Missouri:

March 12, 2015

Two policemen were shot in Ferguson, Missouri early Thursday, hours after the city’s police chief resigned in the wake of a Justice Department report that accused the department of racially biased policing.

The incident occurred about midnight as protesters gathered outside the Ferguson police station were just beginning to disperse. A few dozen demonstrators scrambled following the sound of gunfire.

One of the officers, a member of the St. Louis County police department, was shot in the shoulder, while the other, from the nearby town of Webster Groves, was shot in the face.

St. Louis County police chief Jon Belmar said the officers were conscious but described their wounds as “very serious.”

Location of shooter

The officers were shot “just because they were police officers,” Belmar said, adding that the shooter was “somehow embedded” among the demonstrators.

But witnesses in Ferguson reported the shots appeared to come from a hill across the street from the station. A large number of police officers were deployed outside the station moments after the shots rang out.

Scuffles had broken out earlier among the 60 to 70 demonstrators, who represented two factions, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported Thursday.

“The first were there to make a point that they weren’t satisfied” with this week’s resignations of Police Chief Thomas Jackson and City Manager John Shaw, the paper said. “They were chanting in unison.

“The other one was volatile, angry, hurling profanities at the police, media and other protesters,” the Post-Dispatch said, noting it had a reporter and photographer on the scene.

Jackson submitted his resignation Wednesday, seven months after Darren Wilson, a white police officer fatally shot unarmed black teenager Michael Brown during a street confrontation last August.

Jackson became the focus of bitter complaints of racial discrimination within his department in the aftermath of Brown’s deadly shooting. Protesters had called for his removal since then.

The report by the Justice Department criticized the Ferguson police department of bias against the city’s black majority, including arbitrary traffic stops, arrests and tickets. The report said city officials operated its courts as a money-making venture.

Jackson is the sixth Ferguson official to step down in the wake of the Justice Department report. Besides the city manager, a municipal court judge resigned this week, while a city court clerk and two police officers were either dismissed or resigned after they were identified in the report of sending racist emails.  http://www.voanews.com/content/two-policemen-shot-in-ferguson/2677105.html

Sending racist emails is wrong. Using the police department as a revenue-raising enterprise (which is sadly done all over) is wrong.  Of course, shooting two police officers is also wrong.

Violence is not the answer to injustice. Notice what Jesus said:

52 Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. (Matthew 26:52, KJV)

Vengeance belongs to God:

17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. (Romans 12:17-19, NKJV)

What is needed is peace:

9 Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God. (Matthew 5:9)

As far as violence goes, the Bible also shows that God is against violence and that destruction will come because of it:

23 ‘Make a chain,
For the land is filled with crimes of blood,
And the city is full of violence.
24 Therefore I will bring the worst of the Gentiles,
And they will possess their houses;
I will cause the pomp of the strong to cease,
And their holy places shall be defiled. (Ezekiel 7:23-24)

28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality…30…violent, proud, boasters,…31…unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them. (Romans 1:28-32)

8…And the violence of the land and the city, And of all who dwell in it. ( Habakkuk 2:8)

For years, based on prophecies like the above, I have written that civil unrest would come to the USA. I expect more civil unrest in the USA in the future.

In my view, some of the protesters and some in the government turn too quickly to violence. And that does not bode well for various ones in the USA.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

God’s Grace is For All Is being Jewish a hindrance to salvation? What about not being a descendant of Israel? What does the Bible really teach? Here is a link to a related sermon titled Race and Grace; Do you view race as God does?
Military Service and the Churches of God: Do Real Christians Participate in Carnal Warfare or Encourage Violence? Here are current and historical perspectives on a matter which show the beliefs of the true church on military participation. Is war proper for Christians? A related sermon would be: Christians, Violence, and Military Service.
Christian Soldiers How are Christians to be like soldiers? How are they to be different?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Saxon (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-Saxon nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first? Here is a link to the Spanish version of this article: Anglo-América & las Tribus Perdidas de Israel. Information is also in the YouTube sermons titled Where are the Ten Lost Tribes? Why does it matter? and British are the Covenant People. A short YouTube of prophetic interest may be Barack Obama and the State of the Apocalypse.
Will the Anglo-Saxon Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What about Jerusalem? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people? Here is a link to a video titled Will the USA and other Anglo-nations be Divided and Their People Made Slaves? Here is a related item in the Spanish language ¿Serán divididas las naciones anglosajonas?
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?

Pastor Evans Ochieng and his wife Rosemary

Continuing Church of God Pastor Evans Ochieng sent in the following report:

Now these are the true congregations of CCOG in Kenya:

NYANZA PROVINCE
> NDHIWA-27 ADULTS, 12 CHILDREN—————-TOTAL 39 MEMBERS
> MBANI-18 ADULTS, 22CHILDREN ——————TOTAL 40 MEMBERS
> ORIANG-20 ADULTS, 19 CHILDREN—————-TOTAL 39 MEMBERS
> KISEKE-15 ADULTS, 21 CHILDREN—————–TOTAL36 MEMBERS
> RONGO 7 ADULTS, 8 CHILDREN——————–TOTAL 15 MEMBERS
> OYUGIS 6 ADULTS, 10 CHILDREN——————TOTAL 16 MEMBERS
> LOWER NYAKACH 3 ADULTS, 7 CHILDREN—-TOTAL 10 MEMBERS
> UPPER NYAKACH 13 ADULTS, 23 CHILDREN–TOTAL 36 MEMBERS
> ACHUTH 9 ADULTS, 12 CHILDREN——————-TOTAL 21 MEMBERS
> KIHANCHA 6 ADULTS 2 CHILDREN——————TOTAL 8 MEMBERS
> MBITA 10 ADULTS 4 CHILDREN———————–TOTAL 14 MEMBERS
> SINDO 9 ADULTS, 5 CHILDREN———————–TOTAL 14 MEMBERS
> AHERO 6 ADULTS, 10 CHILDREN——————–TOTAL 16 MEMBERS

KISII
> EBEREGE 63 ADULTS, 72CHILDREN————–TOTAL 135. The number has increased
> KEORE 29 ADULTS, 15 CHILDREN——————TOTAL 44
> NYAMARUMA I don’t have the exact number I will send it later

RIFT VALLEY
> BOMET 35 ADULTS, 16 CHILDREN———————-TOTAL 51 MEMBERS
> CILANI 35 ADULTS, 18 CHILDREN———————-TOTAL 53 MEMBERS
> MOSONIK 20 ADULTS, 10 CHILDREN——————TOTAL 30 MEMBERS
> INGURO 25 ADULTS, 20 CHILDREN———————-TOTAL 45 MEMBERS
> MAU 20 ADULTS 30 CHILDREN—————————–TOTAL 50 MEMBERS

NAIROBI
> NAIROBI 6 ADULTS children I don’t have the number—TOTAL 6 MEMBERS

KITUI
> KITUI 20 ADULTS. children I don’t have the number—–TOTAL 20

TOTAL 724

The Continuing Church of God has had some supporters in Kenya since 2013. But the number grew substantially in 2014 and has been growing in 2015.

The Continuing Church of God has sent songbooks, Bible News Prophecy magazines, other books, history booklets, literature, laptop computers, and other support to those in Africa. In addition to English, the Continuing Church of God has had literature, such as the Statement of Beliefs of the Continuing Church of God (see KATIKA LUGHA YA KISWAHILI) and our Study the Bible Course (see Somo 1 Katika Kiswahili), translated into Kiswahili which is the ‘linga-Franca’ in many nations in Africa. Our Bible News Prophecy magazine have been translated into Kiswahili (e.g. Okt-Des 2014 UNABII WA BIBLIA: MwanaFiladelfia wa Karne ya 21 ni nani?) and Dholuo (e.g. Dwe Mar Achiel – Dwe Mar Adek 2015: Wheche Manyien Mokor E Muma). We are currently looking at translating literature into at least two other African languages (including Zulu and Ekegusii).

Reaching Africa is part of Matthew 24:14;28:19-20 and thus is part of the final phase of the work.

See also Africa: Its Biblical Past and Prophesied Future. What does the Bible teach about Africa and its future? Did the early Church reach Africa? Will God call all the Africans?

Vatican City

COGwriter

Vatican security is taking terror threats seriously and is on high alert:

March 11, 2015

Vatican security groups are staying on high alert in the Holy See after fresh threats against Pope Francis from the extremist group calling itself Islamic State, according to a high-ranking official.

Quoting the Pope’s chief bodyguard Domenico Giani, Catholic News Service reported that all Vatican security forces are vigilant for the Holy See. …

“There are not only the threats of the Islamic State, but also the risk of action by individuals, which is more dangerous because it is unpredictable,” said Giani, the head of the gendarmes. …

“The threat exists,” Giani said. “That is what has emerged in meetings with my Italian and foreign colleagues.

“But the existence of a threat is one thing and planning an attack is another. At this time, we have not been informed of any plans to attack the Vatican or the Holy Father.” http://www.ecumenicalnews.com/article/vatican-security-stays-on-high-alert-due-to-is-threats-of-holy-see-attack-28631#ixzz3U5FaILF6

Representatives of the Islamic State have made threats against the Pope and/or Vatican in the past (see,for example, Egypt bombs Libyan stronghold for Islamic State after Copts are killed).

Various Catholic saints/leaders have warned about actual and potential destruction coming to Rome/Vatican City in the end times.  Here are a few of them:

Anne Catherine Emmerich (October 1, 1822) “The Church,” she groaned, “is in great danger. I must ask every one who comes to see me to say an Our Father for that intention. We must pray that the Pope may not leave Rome, for unheard-of evils would result from such a step. We must pray the Holy Ghost to enlighten him, for they are even now trying to exact something of him… If the Pope leaves Rome, the enemies of the Church will get the upper hand… –ruin is at hand.  (Emmerich AC. The Life of Lord Jesus Christ and Biblical Revelations. Schmöger edition, Vol. IV. Nihil Obstat: D. Jaegher, 14 Februari 1914. Imprimatur: A.C. De Schrevel, Brugis, 14 Februari 1914. Reprint TAN Books, Rockford (IL), 2004, p.298)

Blessed Anna Maria Taigi (died 1837): “described to me the great ordeal ahead. Rome would be battered by revolutions…Millions of men would die by the sword in war and civil strife, other millions would perish in unforeseen death. Then entire nations would return to the unity of the Church, and many Turks, Pagans and Jews would be converted and their fervour cover with confusion the original Christians. In one word she told me that our Lord was intending to cleanse the world and His Church…” (Bessieres A. Wife, Mother and Mystic (Blessed Anna Maria Taigi). Nihil Obstat: Carlos Davis, S.T.L. Imprimatur: E Morrough Bernard, Westmonasteri, die Februari, 1952. Reprint TAN Books, Rockford (IL), 1982, p. 166).

Old Saxon Prophecy. “The seven-headed city, now more admirable than Jerusalem, shall be a place more desolate than Jerusalem. The Dog shall enter Germany but shall afterwards forsake his master and choose for himself a new man, whereby Scripture shall be fulfilled. This Dog shall signify the Turk which shall forsake his Mohammed and choose unto him the name Christian…But after all these things the end of the world shall approach, and there shall be heavey and pitiful days.”

Comment: The seven-headed city is probably Rome…(the comment is from Dupont personally, Dupont, pp.23-24)

Also notice:

Sister Ludmilla of Prague (cir. 1250): Hardly three generations will pass after the world war, when one will also endeavor to prevent the Pope from exercising his sacred office, which will be a sign that the fall of Rome and the end of the world is near (Culleton, Reign of Antichrist, p. 131).

Now, if a generation is 20 years, and if WWII is the world war (which ended in 1945), then shortly after 2005 will be near the end of the world. If a generation is 40 years, and if WWI in the world war (which ended in 1918), then shortly after 2038 will be near the end of the world.

Since WWII was more of a global world war, it is likely that this would be the war–the question is how long is a generation supposed to be in this context? And that is not completely clear.

Yet, even if it a generation is supposed to be 20 or 40 years or something in-between, that Catholic predictor (Ludmilla of Prague) seem to be indicating the end is in the 21st century.

Notice also:

G. Rossi (1873): We must observe that St. Malachy does not mention the last Pope as a distinct person from the preceding one, whom he styles Glory of the Olive. He merely says, “During the last persecution of the Church, Peter II, a Roman, shall reign. He shall feed the flock in many tribulations, at the end of which the City of the Seven Hills (Rome) will be destroyed, and the awful Judge shall judge his people.” According to St. Malachy, then, only ten, or at most eleven, popes remain to be in future more or less legitimately elected. We say more or less legitimately elected, because out of those future popes it is to be feared that one or two will be unlawfully elected as anti-popes. (Rossi, p. 139)

While we should not trust Catholic prophecies to the level of scripture, they should be understood within the context of scripture.  Since the Bible itself tells of of the time of the end of the City of Seven Hills/Mountains (Revelation 17:9-18 New Living Translation/DRB), some of these events may end up being related.

Here is some information from my book, The Last Pope:

According to Catholic prophecy:

• An antipope will arise.
• A pope will hold an ecumenical council that satisfies heretics and results in a more ecumenical religion being accepted.
• The vast majority of Catholics will accept the antipope.
• A pope that performs miracles will arise.
• People around the world will accept the faith that this miracle-performing pope endorses.
• A pope that supports the “Great Monarch/Prince of the North” will arise.
• The Great Monarch, that the pope supports, will eliminate the Anglo-descended nations.
• The “Great Monarch/Prince of the North,” that the pope supports, will eliminate an Islamic confederation.
• A pope will reign with the Great Monarch for around four years.
• The destruction of Rome comes after tribulations that a pope oversees.
• Armies from lands, including Russia and Asia, will gather in Armageddon
• A great judge comes after Rome is destroyed.

According to certain understandings of the Malachy prophecy, Pope Francis I is the last pope and if other Catholic prophecies are correct, those events will happen under his pontificate.

Thus, if all of those are true, Pope Francis I will be an antipope, he will compromise the religion of the Church of Rome, the vast majority of Catholics will accept this modified faith, the tribulation will begin while he is pontiff, Rome will be destroyed towards the end of his pontificate, and a great judge will come.

On the other hand, if the Malachy list is not complete, then we will need to wait for another pontiff/religious leader to fulfill some or all of the above.

Do these Catholic private prophecies have any relationship to biblical prophecy?

According to Bible prophecy:

• A false religious leader will arise.
• This false leader will encourage an ecumenical faith.
• The vast majority of humankind will accept this improper faith.
• A false religious leader will perform signs and lying wonders.
• Nearly all humankind will be deceived by signs and lying wonders.
• The final Antichrist will promote the final “Beast/King of the North” that the Bible warns against.
• The “Beast/King of the North,” that the Antichrist supports will destroy the Anglo-descended nations.
• The “Beast/King of the North,” will destroy an Arabic confederation.
• The Great Tribulation and Day of the Lord last 3 ½ years.
• A few years after the start of the Great Tribulation, Rome will be destroyed.
• Jesus will come after Rome is destroyed.

While the Bible does not clearly teach that Pope Francis I is that religious leader, the timing of the election of Pope Francis I is consistent with the time period for the end of the age and the rise of the final Antichrist.  Although the final reign of Antichrist with the Beast will not start for at least a few years, the Antichrist leader could be in place now.

We are living in the last days, and the last pope will take steps that will lead to the destruction of the world as we know it.

But the good news is that Jesus will return and establish the Kingdom of God—and ultimately there will be a time with no more pain, sorrow, or suffering (Revelation 21:1-4).  Until then, the Bible teaches that we can expect to face many tribulations (cf. Acts 14:22), some of which will be brought about by the last pope, who may or may not be Francis I.

Anyway, I would add today that it is likely that some within Vatican security are familiar with Catholic prophecies that tell of threats and destruction coming to Rome.  While some incidents can be prevented, the biblical reality is that ultimately the Church of Rome will be gone according to biblical prophecies (Revelation 17:9; 15-18; Revelation 19).

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

The Malachy Prophecies and “Peter the Roman” An Irish bishop allegedly predicted something about 112 popes in the 12th century. Pope Benedict XVI was number 111. Francis would be number 112–if he is that one–and if so, he is to reign until Rome is destroyed. May he be an antipope/final Antichrist?
United Nations: Humankind’s Last Hope or New World Order? Is the UN the last hope for humanity? Or might its goals end up with sinister results? A related video would be United Nations and Vatican Are Planning the New World Order.
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2015, 2016, or 2017? 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? Here is a version of the article in the Spanish language: ¿Puede comenzar la Gran Tribulación en 2014 o 2015? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? You can also see the English language sermon video: The Great Tribulation from the Mount of Olives.
The ‘Peace Deal’ of Daniel 9:27 This prophecy could give up to 3 1/2 years advance notice of the coming Great Tribulation. Will most ignore or misunderstand its fulfillment? Here is a link to a related sermon video Daniel 9:27 and the Start of the Great Tribulation.
How Will Middle East Peace be Brought About? Can humans bring peace to the Middle East? Here is a link to a related video: Middle East Peace? When?
Could Pope Francis be the Last Pope and Antichrist? Former Argentinian Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio is now Pope Francis. According to some interpretations of the prophecies of the popes by the Catholic saint and Bishop Malachy, Pope Francis is in the position of “Peter the Roman,” the pontiff who reigns during tribulations until around the time of the destruction of Rome. Do biblical prophecies warn of someone that sounds like Peter the Roman? Could Francis be the heretical antipope of Catholic private prophecies and the final Antichrist of Bible prophecy? Could a Jesuit be “the black pope”?
Pope Francis: Could this Marian Focused Pontiff be Fulfilling Prophecy? Pope Francis has taken many steps to turn people more towards his version of ‘Mary.’ Could this be consistent with biblical and Catholic prophecies? This article documents what has been happening. There is also a video version titled Pope Francis: Could this Marian Focused Pontiff be Fulfilling Prophecy?
Catholic Prophecies: Do They Mirror, Highlight, or Contradict Biblical Prophecies? People of all faiths may be surprised to see what various Roman and Orthodox Catholic prophets have been predicting as many of their predictions will be looked to in the 21st century.
The Last Pope Do Biblical and Catholic Prophecies Point to Pope Francis? Why might Pope Francis be the last pope? What happens if he is? Biblical and other prophecies help explain what to expect.
The Last Pope: Do Biblical and Catholic Prophecies Point to Pope Francis? Amazon Book What does the Bible say about a pope near this time? Is the final pope to be an antipope and antichrist? Does Catholic prophecy point to Pope Francis as being the dreaded “Peter the Roman”? This 186 page book provides information and answers.
The Last Pope: Do Biblical and Catholic Prophecies Point to Pope Francis? Kindle This electronic version of the printed book which 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 The Last Pope: Do Biblical and Catholic Prophecies Point to Pope Francis? Kindle.

Damascus, Capital of Syria

COGwriter

The United Nations put out a report today on the ongoing conflict in Syria:

March 11, 2015

A new United Nations-backed report details the economic and societal devastation of the four-year war in Syria, where the violence of a multiparty civil conflict has become further inflamed by a multinational battle against Islamic State militants.

The report, released Tuesday, says the war has cost the Syrian economy an estimated $202.6 billion dollars and brought “drastic levels of inequality and inequity” to people across the country who struggle to find food.

The result has been a spike in unemployment, which shot from about 15 percent at the start of the war in 2011 to nearly 58 percent by the end of last year. That left almost 4 million people out of work in a country where the population has also dropped from about 21 million to 17.5 million since the fighting began.

“The ruinous decent into poverty in Syria continued in 2014 when just over four in every five Syrians lived in poverty,” the report said.

There has been no real progress in bringing a political resolution to the conflict. The fighting has killed 220,000 people, sent 3.8 million refugees into neighboring countries and forced another 6.8 million to flee their homes within Syria.

The Syrian Center for Policy Research authored the report, supported by the U.N. Development Program and the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, which operates camps within Syria.

According to the report, the years of violence have had a particular effect on Syrian children, with half of them no longer attending school and many missing three years of classes. The U.N. said in December that a quarter of the country’s schools had been damaged or destroyed, along with half of its hospitals.

“Equally horrendous is the silent disaster that has reduced life expectancy at birth from 75.9 years in 2010 to an estimated 55.7 years at the end of 2014,” the report says, “reducing longevity and life expectancy by 27 percent.”

Meanwhile, a graphic exhibit opened Tuesday at the U.N. headquarters in New York displaying some of the 55,000 pictures from a former Syrian military photographer that show individuals allegedly tortured, starved and killed by the Syrian government.  http://www.voanews.com/content/un-backed-report-details-ruinous-effects-of-syrian-war/2675439.html

The conflict in Syria has been horrific and helped spawn the group calling itself the Islamic State.

Ultimately, despite what various sides in the warring and sometimes non-warring factions want, the reality is that the Bible shows that Syria’s capital Damascus will be destroyed:

7 thus says the Lord God: “It shall not stand, Nor shall it come to pass. 8 For the head of Syria is Damascus (Isaiah 7:7-8)

3 Thus says the Lord: “For three transgressions of Damascus, and for four, I will not turn away its punishment, Because they have threshed Gilead with implements of iron. (Amos 1:3)

1 The burden against Damascus. “Behold, Damascus will cease from being a city, And it will be a ruinous heap. (Isaiah 17:1)

23 Against Damascus. “Hamath and Arpad are shamed, For they have heard bad news. They are fainthearted; There is trouble on the sea; It cannot be quiet. 24 Damascus has grown feeble; She turns to flee, And fear has seized her. Anguish and sorrows have taken her like a woman in labor. 25 Why is the city of praise not deserted, the city of My joy? 26 Therefore her young men shall fall in her streets, And all the men of war shall be cut off in that day,” says the Lord of hosts. 27 “I will kindle a fire in the wall of Damascus, And it shall consume the palaces of Ben-Hadad.” (Jeremiah 49:23-27)

While this destruction could come as the result of the current civil war (and that is likely to be a factor), the reality is that the Syrian rebel forces at this instant still do not seem to have the military ability to do so.

Partially because of the internal civil war in Syria, at some time Syria’s President Assad may decide that attacking Israel, probably in conjunction with support from Iran, is his best carnal option (which could include supporting Iran if it attacks Israel or Israel attacks it). Attacking Israel, however, will not be his best option (he should repent and probably leave office), though he may do that. The Bible suggests that Syria will support the coming final King of the South (Daniel 11:40-43; Ezekiel 30:1-8) and a change in or from the Assad regime will be necessary for this to happen–and it will come to pass.

More trouble is coming to Damascus as it will be destroyed (Isaiah 17:1). An Islamic confederation that will include the land of Syria is coming (Daniel 11:40-43; Ezekiel 30:1-8; Psalm 83:4-8) is coming.

A worsening situation in Syria would seem to be a factor in speeding up this occurrence.

“And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!” (Mark 13:37).

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Is the Future King of the South Rising Up? Some no longer believe there needs to be a future King of the South. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? Might this King be called the Mahdi or Caliph? What does the Bible say? A YouTube video of related interest may be: The Future King of the South is Rising.
Damascus and Syria in Prophecy Will Bashar Assad hold power as he has it? Does the Bible show that Damascus, the capital of Syria, will be destroyed? What will happen to Syria? Will the Syrians support the final King of the South that the Bible tells will rise up? Which scriptures discuss the rise and fall of an Arabic confederation? Does Islamic prophecy predict the destruction of Syria. This is a YouTube video.
Iraq, the King of the South, Armageddon, and Prophecy What will happen to Iraq? Is it the prophesied Mystery Babylon? What is Armageddon and how does that have to do with Iraq? Here is a related video Iraq, Armageddon, & Prophecy.
United Nations: Humankind’s Last Hope or New World Order? Is the UN the last hope for humanity? Or might its goals end up with sinister results? A related video would be United Nations and Vatican Are Planning the New World Order.
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? An item of possibly related interest in the Spanish language would be: Líderes iraníes condenan la hipocresía de Occidente y declaran que ahora es tiempo para prepararse para el Armagedón, la guerra, y el Imán Mahdi.
Egypt in Prophecy Does Egypt have a special role in end time prophecy? Will Egypt rise up and then be defeated. What does God teach will happen to those in Egypt? Here is a link to a YouTube video titled Egypt and End Time Prophecy.
Iran in Prophecy Is Iran in Bible prophecy? If so, what does the Bible teach? What names, other than Persia, may be used to describe Iran? There is also a YouTube video titled Iran in Prophecy. Here is a related video Iran In Prophecy.
What Should You Know About Turkey in Prophecy Do you know the Turkish people descended from? Did the Ottoman Empire possibly fulfill a promise in Genesis? Will Turkey support the European King of the North or Arabic King of the South? Will it betray one of them? Will Turkey be involved in the encouraging the destruction of Israel? Is Turkey going to become Catholic? Is Turkey mentioned in Psalm 83, Daniel 11, and elsewhere in the Bible? This video provides answers.
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 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? Here is a version of the article in the Spanish language: ¿Puede comenzar la Gran Tribulación en 2014 o 2015? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? You can also see the English language sermon video: The Great Tribulation from the Mount of Olives.
The ‘Peace Deal’ of Daniel 9:27 This prophecy could give up to 3 1/2 years advance notice of the coming Great Tribulation. Will most ignore or misunderstand its fulfillment? Here is a link to a related sermon video Daniel 9:27 and the Start of the Great Tribulation.
How Will Middle East Peace be Brought About? Can humans bring peace to the Middle East? Here is a link to a related video: Middle East Peace? When?