Church of God News

COGwriter

The Continuing Church of God is pleased to announce the following video on our Bible News Prophecy YouTube channel:

8:59

No on Constitution Change committee logo

COGwriter

Italians have a major vote on December 4, 2016:

December 3, 2016

ROME —

With his career on the line, Prime Minister Matteo Renzi made a final appeal to Italians on Friday to support a crucial referendum to change the constitution, saying Italy could become Europe’s strongest nation if it wins.

The vote Sunday “could change the lives of our children,” he told a large rally in his home city of Florence.

“It is not for us, it is not for a political party, it is for them,” he said at the end of a frenetic day of campaigning that included numerous media events and public rallies.

Financial markets and European political leaders fear victory for the opposition “No” camp could trigger political instability and renewed turmoil for Italy’s battered banks, pushing the eurozone toward a fresh crisis.

Renzi has promised to resign if Italians reject his plan to drastically reduce the role of the upper house, or Senate, and claw back powers from regional authorities. The opposition says the reform will reduce vital democratic checks and balances.

Renzi, who has been trying to turn around a plethora of opinion polls showing a lead for “No,” said voting “Yes” would “give Italians the possibility to write a page of history.”

“If ‘Yes’ wins, Italy will become the leader of Europe,” said Renzi, who has pledged to immediately veto the European Union’s budget to force Italy’s partners to give it more help in handling an influx of migrants arriving on its shores.

If Renzi is defeated, he is expected to go to President Sergio Mattarella at the Quirinale Palace, a ritual for a prime minister about to resign. Mattarella might try to persuade him to stay in office to guarantee political stability, officials have said.

Hours before Renzi spoke in Florence, Beppe Grillo, founder of the anti-euro 5-star Movement, which backs a “No” vote, thundered against the political establishment at a rally in the northern industrial city of Turin.

“We are a country that is stuck in the mud,” the former comedian told thousands of people.

‘No’ camp favored

A blackout on the publication of surveys was imposed November 18, but private polls are still being carried out and bookmakers say the “No” camp remains the clear favorite to win.

Economy Minister Pier Carlo Padoan sought to calm nervous markets, saying in a newspaper interview that there was “no risk of a financial earthquake” if “No” won, though there might be “48 hours of turbulence.” http://www.voanews.com/a/renzi-completes-pitch-italians-ahead-referendum/3621440.html

December 3, 2016

This Sunday, December 4th, Italy will hold a constitutional referendum.

And while this isn’t a referendum to remain or leave the European Union, like the United Kingdom’s referendum in June, it still matters. European markets, the future of trade, the economy and global relations all could shift depending on the outcome. …

Italy’s current Prime Minister, Matteo Renzi, has lobbied strongly for a “yes” vote, which would strengthen the central government, while weakening the regional provinces..  The Prime Minister has flip-flopped on his promise resign if voters in the country reject the referendum – but considerable speculation has indicated made Renzi’s exit still a possibility.

A win for the “no” vote would leave the Italian government intact and as it stands now and create an opening for Italy’s opposition party to rise to prominence. …

As was the case post Brexit and Trump’s election win, you could see the market react in knee-jerk fashion to the Italian vote, where Italian government bonds could sell-off in a “No” outcome. Conversely, Italian government bonds could rally upon a “Yes” vote. …

As it stands now most recent polling out of Italy have left us to believe, or at least under the suggestion, that a “no” vote is likely.

Jim Rickards notes that, “What is significant about Italian polls is not just that “no” is in the lead, but also that the vote is trending toward ‘no.’ Such trends dominate any statistical margin of error in predicting outcomes.” https://dailyreckoning.com/5-questions-answered-italy-referendum/

This is NOT like Breixt. It is not a vote to remain in or out of the European Union.

Now, contrary to the position of Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, a yes vote will NOT mean that Italy will lead Europe.

Nor does a no vote mean that Italy will leave the European Union.

See also the following:

December 3, 2016

The vote is also significant because it will serve as a gauge of Italian public opinion more broadly. One of the leading opposition parties, the populist Five Star Movement, is euroskeptical. Renzi’s loss could be Five Star’s gain, throwing Italy’s continued membership in the European Union into doubt — which could translate to increased uncertainty about the viability of the Italian banking sector and the euro overall.

Unlike Britain’s vote earlier this year, Sunday’s vote in Italy isn’t explicitly about EU membership. On paper, a “no” vote will just mean that Italy’s constitution will stay the way it is. But the follow-on effects of a “no” vote could have huge implications for Italian banks, the Italian economy, and perhaps the survival of the euro. http://www.vox.com/new-money/2016/12/3/13826150/italy-referendum-banking-crisis

No matter what happens, even if the euro ulitmately does not survive, Italy will be part of the final European Beast power.

That is clear from scripture. Notice, for example, Daniel 9:26-27 which states:

26 And the people of the prince who is to come
Shall destroy the city and the sanctuary.
The end of it shall be with a flood,
And till the end of the war desolations are determined.
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 9:26-27).

The reference to a “prince” is referring to the leader of the developing European empire (see King of the North and Europa, the Beast, and the Book of Revelation). One way to show this is to realize that it was the people of the Roman Empire of the 1st century that fulfilled the portion of Daniel 9:26 as they destroyed the city (Jerusalem) in 70 A.D. Jewish sources, while not understanding all of this, also agree that it was Roman sources that destroyed the city and sanctuary as the following demonstrates:

“The people of the prince will come and destroy the city and the Sanctuary” Daniel 9:26, refers to the Roman legions of Vespasian and Titus, who destroyed Jerusalem. (Daniel 9 – A True Biblical Interpretation. Jews for Judaism. https://jewsforjudaism.org/knowledge/articles/answers/jewish-polemics/texts/daniel-9-a-true-biblical-interpretation/ accessed 07/30/16)

In the 21st century, the European Union includes much of the land and peoples that were part of the ancient Roman Empire–and obviously would have to include Italy.  And it is the “prince” coming from that people that verse 27 of Daniel 9 is referring to.  Another thing to consider is the fact that the “beast of the sea” of Revelation 13:1 fits with the beasts from the “great sea” of Daniel 7:2–and that sea is the Mediterranean Sea according to the Old Testament–a sea that is next to Italy. Hence a power including Italy in Europe is the only region that could have an empire geographically like the old Roman one (for more details, please see Europa, the Beast, and the Book of Revelation).

Notice what one commentator somewhat correctly states (bolding/italics in source):

Shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself (or, and shall have nothing, ASV): and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. It is agreed by almost all evangelical interpreters that these two events, the cutting off of the Messiah (Anointed One) and the destruction of the sanctuary refer to the crucifixion of Christ and the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans. … The Romans who destroyed Jerusalem (A.D. 70) were his people because they and he belong to the fourth stage (the Roman) of world empire (chs. 2; 7)… (from The Wycliffe Bible Commentary, Electronic Database. Copyright (c) 1962 by Moody Press).

Perhaps it should be mentioned that the Catholic ‘doctor’ Jerome reported that the “Roman people were going to demolish the city and sanctuary under Vespasian” (Jerome’ Commentary on Daniel) which happened in 70 A.D.. Thus Jewish, Catholic, and Protestant sources acknowledge that a Roman leader is being discussed in Daniel 9:26-27. Someone with a connection to the Italian peninsula.

The late Herbert W. Armstrong wrote:

The Holy Roman Empire

   Now that’s what we’re expecting next over here in Europe, is that there will be a union of ten … going together in Europe and the Pope at Rome will sit on top of the whole heap. There will be one man over all the governments. There will be a King (or, I don’t know whether you will call him a President, a Prime Minister; whatever term they give him, I don’t know) over each one of the ten …
You see the Bible doesn’t tell us just which… The Bible only tells us there will be ten. And it doesn’t tell us which, and so I can’t know. But now I am beginning to think that the Polish Pope may bring Poland in. And they are having labor trouble right now. It’s in this morning’s newspaper right over here in Paris.
There is going to be another labor trouble in Poland, and as you know Romania is not really very enthusiastic with the Soviet, and neither is Yugoslavia. And I can begin to see some of those nations breaking loose from the Russian orbit and going in … they will go in with France and Germany; and with Spain and Portugal and Italy, and form the ten … with the Roman…and that will be the same territory that was occupied by the old Roman Empire. (Bible Study Date: November 8, 1980)

Rome is the capital of Italy.

Irrespective of what happens in the vote in Italy, Italy will be part of the final European King of the North Beast power.

Since the Brexit and the vote for Donald Trump, many in Europe are calling for more unity within continental Europe. Despite problems (Daniel 2:41-43), Europe will one day reorganize (Revelation 17:12-13) and Italy will be part of it (cf. Revelation 17).

Imagined Depiction of Zephaniah (center) Speaking

COGwriter

December 3rd had traditionally been a date some have honored the prophet Zephaniah, who Catholics tend to call Sophonias (a Latinized form of his name).

“The prophet Zephaniah lived and wrote about 630 B.C.” (Armstrong HW. The Proof of the Bible, 1958).

The Catholic Encyclopedia notes:

The date of the Prophet’s activity fell in the reign of King Josias (641-11). Sophonias is one of the few Prophets whose chronology is fixed by a precise date in the introductory verse of the book. (Faulhaber, Michael. “Sophonias (Zephaniah).” The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 14. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1912. 26 Jul. 2014 <http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/14146a.htm>)

Zephaniah’s book starts off with:

1 The word of the Lord which came to Zephaniah the son of Cushi, the son of Gedaliah, the son of Amariah, the son of Hezekiah, in the days of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah.

2 “I will utterly consume everything
From the face of the land,”
Says the Lord;
3 ‘I will consume man and beast;
I will consume the birds of the heavens,
The fish of the sea,
And the stumbling blocks along with the wicked.
I will cut off man from the face of the land,”
Says the Lord.

4 “I will stretch out My hand against Judah,
And against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
I will cut off every trace of Baal from this place,
The names of the idolatrous priests with the pagan priests —
5 Those who worship the host of heaven on the housetops;
Those who worship and swear oaths by the Lord,
But who also swear by Milcom;
6 Those who have turned back from following the Lord,
And have not sought the Lord, nor inquired of Him.” (Zephaniah 1:1-6)

God inspired the Prophet Zephaniah to also write the following:

1 Gather yourselves together, yes, gather together, O undesirable nation, (Zephaniah 2:1)

Although it has certain misunderstandings, the Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Commentary realized that the gathering together was intended for a religious group or assembly:

Zephaniah 2:1

Gather yourselves together – to a religious assembly, to avert the judgment by prayers, (Joel 2:16, “Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders,” etc.) (from Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Commentary, Electronic Database. Copyright © 1997, 2003, 2005, 2006 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)

When are they to gather together?

2 Before the decree is issued, Or the day passes like chaff, Before the Lord’s fierce anger comes upon you, Before the day of the Lord’s anger comes upon you! (Zephaniah 2:2)

The gathering is to take place well before the day of the Lord (which happens about 2 1/2 years after the Great Tribulation of Matthew 24:21 begins) and before some type of decree is issued.

Who does God want to gather together?

The end time Christians. Notice what Jesus stated and something the Apostle Peter wrote:

19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. (John 15:19, NKJV)

9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. (1 Peter 2:9-10, KJV)

This is a peculiar people. These are people who the world does not desire. These are Philadelphian Christians.

How do we know that Zephaniah 2:1-3 is related to Christians? Because the decree is for the end time and because of what else God inspired Zephaniah to write:

3 Seek the Lord, all you meek of the earth, Who have upheld His justice. Seek righteousness, seek humility. (Zephaniah 2:3a)

The above is a reference to Christians as they are to be the “meek of the earth” (Matthew 5:5) and to Philadelphians who “have upheld His justice. Seek righteousness, seek humility.” These are Philadelphian Christians who understand that church leaders need to have integrity and are willing to be humble enough to accept the authority of a church led by a low-level prophet in the absence of a clear apostle (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 4:11-15). They are humble enough to not think that they should remain ‘independent,’ as many who once were part of the old Worldwide Church of God, during this Laodicean time, have done.

Laodicea basically means “people decide” and most Christians in the end time have sadly decided not to follow true church governance for many reasons that they feel are justified, but that goes against what they biblically should do (see also The Bible, Peter, Paul, John, Polycarp, Herbert W. Armstrong, Roderick C. Meredith, and Bob Thiel on Church Government).

Why does God tell them they may wish to be gathered together? So:

3…It may be that you will be hidden In the day of the Lord’s anger. (Zephaniah 2:3b)

Interestingly, the Hebrew words translated as Zephaniah means “Yahweh Hides” or “Yahweh Has Hidden” (Holy Bible: Vine’s Expository Reference Edition, p. 826).

Why have I written that Zephaniah 2:1-3 has to do with Philadelphian Christians?

For they are the only ones who will actually ‘gather together’ as they should.

Why?

Because it is they who will lead the final phase of the work and it is only to the Philadelphians that Jesus promises to protect from the coming hour of trial, also referred to as the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord:

7 “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write,

‘These things says He who is holy, He who is true, “He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens”: 8 “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. 9 Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie — indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you. 10 Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. 11 Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. 12 He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name.

13 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”‘ (Revelation 3:7-13)

Notice that the Philadelphians are doing the work of God, have kept God’s word, have not denied Christ’s name/authority, and are persevering in the truth.

Yet, other churches around at the end, such as the remnants of Thyatira (Revelation 2:18-29) and Sardis (Revelation 3:1-6) are not promised that protection. Nor are the many Laodiceans (Revelation 3:14-22)–even if they are somehow gathered together–as they have gathered together in places that Jesus did not wish them to.

Are not all real Christians going to be protected?

No. The Book of Revelation is clear that after the Philadelphians are persecuted (cf. Daniel 7:25a; 11:29-36), that group will flee to a place of protection, while the rest of the true Christians will not flee and then be subject to severe persecution:

13 Now when the dragon saw that he had been cast to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male Child. 14 But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she is nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent. 15 So the serpent spewed water out of his mouth like a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away by the flood. 16 But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed up the flood which the dragon had spewed out of his mouth. 17 And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. (Revelation 12:13-17)

What kind of decree will be issued?

A decree that may allow those who are gathered together and who listen to it an opportunity to be protected (Zephaniah 2:1-3). A decree that the Philadelphians will listen to and flee.

When is a decree to be issued? After an event that Jesus told of that He tied to the writings of the Prophet Daniel:

15 “Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand), (Matthew 24:15)

14 “So when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not” (let the reader understand), (Mark 13:14a)

What did Jesus say happens next?

16 “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 17 Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. 18 And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. 19 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! 20 And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath. 21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. (Matthew 24:16-21)

Notice also:

5 Declare in Judah and proclaim in Jerusalem, and say:

“Blow the trumpet in the land;
Cry, ‘Gather together,’
And say, ‘Assemble yourselves,
And let us go into the fortified cities.’
6 Set up the standard toward Zion.
Take refuge! Do not delay!
For I will bring disaster from the north,
And great destruction.” (Jeremiah 4:5-6)

The decree to ‘gather together’ will be repeated in the area of Judah just before the time of great destruction.

Why a decree?

Apparently, to make it easier for people who read what Jesus said to better be able to understand that Matthew 24:15 and Mark 13:14 and Daniel 9:27b and Daniel 11:31 had been fulfilled.

By whom will the decree be made?

The Bible says:

7 Surely the Lord God does nothing,
Unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets.
8 A lion has roared!
Who will not fear?
The Lord God has spoken!
Who can but prophesy? (Amos 3:7-8)

The prophet may make the decree personally and/or pass it on to another authority in the church to make.

Who is the only Church of God in the 21st century to teach all of this?

The Continuing Church of God.

If you are not with the group that is leading the final phase of the work will you not see that you will not be able to flee if you wait until the last moment? While that may be remotely possible for some, remember that God inspired Zephaniah to admonish God’s people to ‘gather together…before the decree is issued.’

Most will discount this and many will scoff. Most COGs do not have anyone considered to be a prophet, and in those other than the CCOG who claim to, have prophets that have been proven to be false (e.g. PCG, CGPFKG, TPM). But the Bible says that there will be prophets in the last days and that God does communicate with them in dreams (see Dreams, the Bible, the Radio Church of God, and the Continuing Church of God and/or watch Dreams, COGs, and One Man Rule).

Furthermore, I read a post recently from a CCOG scoffer who picked at the very idea that one should suggest that a COG is Philadelphian and those part of such a COG will be subject to being protected in a place of safety.

He and many others do not realize how important Jesus taught paying attentions to world events and prophecy is. Notice something Jesus taught:

34 “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)

Notice Jesus said to watch and pray ALWAYS. He was referring to prophetic matters. THIS CAME FROM JESUS, BUT MANY SCOFF AT PROPHECY for differing reasons (cf. 2 Peter 3:1-7)–yet being a prophetic scoffer is a mistake (cf. 2 Peter 3:8-9).

Jesus realized that if people did not pay attention to prophecy and pray always, they would not properly take the steps to “be counted worthy to escape all these things.” Yes, God uses prophecy as a motivator for people. Remember that God used Jonah to warn Nineveh (Jonah 3:1-4) and they repented (Jonah 3:5-9), and they did not get the punishment they were going to get then (Jonah 3:10).

Jesus specifically told the Laodiceans, in a prophecy, that they needed to repent (Revelation 3:19) or face consequences (Revelation 3:14-19, and that they would be rewarded for doing so (Revelation 3:20). The Laodiceans are Church of God Christians “who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ” (Revelation 12:17).

Many COG groups no longer officially teach the idea of “church eras,” and various ones also teach against it (though many are silent about them). Those that are unwilling to accept the idea of church eras, have tended to misunderstand Jesus’ teachings to the seven churches and will, unless they change, not accept the related truths today. Many do not realize that not teaching church eras was one of the first changes in doctrine implemented by the Tkach Administration after the death of Herbert Armstrong (see The 18 Restored Truths: Do You Know What the First Changes the Tkach Administration Made?).

Of course, the old Worldwide Church of God clearly did teach church eras. Notice one related quote from the late Herbert W. Armstrong:

“Greetings, everybody! This afternoon I want to speak on the mission of the Philadelphia Era of the Church, this Church today in comparison to the first era of the Church, the Ephesus Era of the Church. It’s been seeming more and more to me, as the years go by, that the Bible was written primarily for the Philadelphia Era of the Church…Today’s mission of the Church you will find in Matthew 24:14. And this gospel of the kingdom…that is the same gospel that Jesus preached…shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.”(Armstrong HW. Mission of the Philadelphia Church Era, December 17, 1983)

The Continuing Church of God has the same mission and the same commitment to fulfilling Matthew 24:14 that Herbert Armstrong advocated. Matthew 24:14 is a PROPHETIC MESSAGE and it does tie in with world news and the condition of the world.

Although many Laodiceans do believe in church eras and do believe they should watch events related to biblical prophecy, sadly, they have compromised and accepted compromised leaders who, unless they repent, will not know when the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21) will begin. This is documented in the article The Laodicean Church Era. Sadly, most lack the motivation and humility to make the necessary changes.

Notice also the following from the old Worldwide Church of God:

“Seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord’s anger,” cried the Prophet Zephaniah (2:3).

A sermon-on-the-mount-type character is required. If you develop such Christlike character, the chances of your escaping the great tribulation are very good.

God’s anxiety for the physical welfare of His people is recorded by the Prophet Isaiah: “Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. For, behold [here is the reason for hiding], the Lord cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity …” (Isa. 26:20-21).

Notice that verse 21 ties right back into the Christian’s prophetic responsibility: watching significant world events individually (and warning the world as a Church) as well as praying to be worthy to escape the punishments of God on this sick and dying world.

Watch! (Schroeder JR. Christ the Revelator. Good News, 1975)

The old WCG taught that Zephaniah had to do with being protected, yet few teach that today.

Since no later that 2007 (see Will Many Not Expect The End?) I have written that Zephaniah had to do with Philadelphians being ‘gathered together’ so that they would be protected from the coming trial that will hit the earth.

We in the Continuing Church of God “have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts” (2 Peter 1:19, KJV).”

Should we not be “exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25)?

We in the Continuing Church of God boldly teach the need for Philadelphians to be ‘gathering together’ today. Will you heed God’s instructions as the Prophet Zephaniah was inspired to write? Would you possibly like to be protected? If so, will you ‘gather together’?

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Petra This article discusses a biblical ‘place of safety’ and includes quotes from the Bible and Herbert W. Armstrong on this subject–thus, there is a biblically supported alternative to the rapture theory. There is also a video on the subject: Might Petra be the Place of Safety? Here is something related in the Spanish language: Hay un lugar de seguridad para los Filadelfinos. ¿Puede ser Petra?
This is PETRA! This is a 1962 Good News article by the late Dr. Hoeh.
Independent Members of the COG: Herbert W. Armstrong Comments, Plus Questions and Answers What did Herbert W. Armstrong teach about being independent of the organized Church? Should independents who claim to accept Herbert W. Armstrong’s teachings support the end time Philadelphian work?
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2017, 2018, or 2019? 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 2016 o 2017? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? You can also see the English language sermon videos: The Great Tribulation from the Mount of Olives and Can the Great Tribulation begin before 2020? A shorter video is: Can the Great Tribulation Start in 2016?
Elijah: Past and Prophesied Information about the original Elijah and some information about the Elijah-related prophecies.
The Elijah Heresies Does the Bible teach that there will be a future Elijah? Must it be Herbert W. Armstrong?
How To Determine If Someone is a True Prophet of God There are many false prophets, yet many overlook what the Bible teaches about how to recognize a true one. How can Christians determine who is a true prophet? This article contains a scripture-based checklist to assist with this determination.
How to determine if someone is a true prophet of God This is a sermon on YouTube addressing a subject that most in the Church of God do not seem to have looked into very much. It discusses scriptures and dispels some improper assertions that some associated with the COG have made about prophets in this time.
Dreams, the Bible, the Radio Church of God, and the Continuing Church of God How has God used dreams in the past? Does God still use dreams? Did He use any involving those in the Continuing Church of God? A related sermon is also available: Dreams, COGs, and One Man Rule.
The Bible, Peter, Paul, John, Polycarp, Herbert W. Armstrong, Roderick C. Meredith, and Bob Thiel on Church Government What form of governance did the early church have? Was it hierarchical? Which form of governance would one expect to have in the Philadelphia remnant? The people decide and/or committee forms, odd dictatorships, or the same type that the Philadelphia era itself had? What are some of the scriptural limits on ecclesiastical authority? Do some commit organizational idolatry? Here is a Spanish language version La Biblia, Policarpo, Herbert W. Armstrong, y Roderick C. Meredith sobre el gobierno de la Iglesia. Here is a link to a sermon titled Church Governance.
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.
The Churches of Revelation 2 & 3 from 31 A.D. to present: information on all of the seven churches of Revelation 2 & 3. There is also a YouTube video: The Seven Church Eras of Revelation. There is also a version in the Spanish language: Las Siete Iglesias de Apocalipsis 2 & 3.
1. The Ephesus Church Era was predominant from 31 A.D. to circa 135 A.D. The Church of James, Peter, Paul, and John, etc.
2. The Smyrna Church Era was predominant circa 135 A.D. to circa 450 A.D. The Church led by Polycarp, Melito, Polycrates, etc.
3. The Pergamos Church Era was predominant circa 450 A.D. to circa 1050 A.D. An especially persecuted Church.
4. The Thyatira Church Era was predominant circa 1050 A.D. to circa 1600 A.D. The Church during the Inquisition.
5. The Sardis Church Era was predominant circa 1600 A.D. to circa 1933 A.D. Discusses early history of the Seventh Day Baptists, Seventh-day Adventists, and COG-7th Day.
6. The Philadelphia Church Era was predominant circa 1933 A.D. to 1986 A.D. The old Radio Church of God and old Worldwide Church of God, now basically the most faithful in the Church of God, like who hold to the beliefs and practices of the Continuing Church of God.
7. The Laodicean Church Era has been predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. These are non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG.
The Final Phase of the Work What is the final phase of the work? Who will lead it? Do you have the courage to support it? Here is a related YouTube video titled The Final Phase of the Work. The written article has been translated into Spanish La Fase Final de la Obra.
Leading the Final Phase of the Work Matthew 24:14 teaches “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come ” will be fulfilled and RCG is not the group doing this. Who is leading the final phase of the work? What did Herbert Armstrong and the old WCG teach about that and about prophets? Does Bob Thiel meet the criteria that the Bible and the old WCG set? What is the proof? What has the Continuing Church of God been doing? This is a sermonette length video.

Diagram intended to explain the ‘trinity’

COGwriter

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

1:09:25

Trinity: Fundamental to Christianity or Something Else?

COGwriter

The European Police Office which tends to call itself Europol is warning that attacks in the European Union by the the so-called Islamic State is likely:

Europol: ‘IS’ likely to target EU in ‘near future’

Europol has said the ‘Islamic State’ has organized several dozen people in Europe ready to carry out terror attacks. The terror group is likely to hit soft targets to instill fear in the public.

2 December 2016

The so-called “Islamic State” (IS) group is likely to carry out terror attacks in the European Union in the near future, Europol said in a report on Friday.

The Sunni extremist group has “both the will and the capability” to strike soft and hard targets in Europe, especially in those countries participating in the anti-IS coalition, the EU police agency said.

“EU Member States that participate in the anti-IS coalition are regarded by IS as legitimate targets,” it said, pointing to particular risk in France, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

The report warns that as IS is weakened and defeated in Syria and Iraq, foreign fighters may return to Europe with their families, posing a long-term security challenge. …

“Given the high numbers of radicalized Europeans who have joined IS in the conflict area, counted in the thousands, their en masse or even sporadic return would represent a long-term and highly difficult security challenge for the EU,” Europol said. “Estimates from some intelligence services indicate several dozen people directed by IS may be currently present in Europe with a capability to commit terrorist attacks.” http://www.dw.com/en/europol-is-likely-to-target-eu-in-near-future/a-36611669

2 December 2016

Europol has warned that militants from so-called Islamic State (IS) will aim to step up attacks on European targets, as they face defeat in the Middle East.

The European police force says more foreign fighters will try to come back to Europe, and “several dozen” capable of attacks could already be there.

Their tactics could include car bombs, kidnappings and extortion, it said. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-38179653

Yes, I too expect more terrorism in Europe–essentially based upon biblical prophecies (see, for example, Why Terrorism? Is Terrorism Prophesied?).

Europe already has been hit with a variety of terrorist attacks related to Islamists. Notice one listing of them:

2 December 2016

January 2015 – Massacre at the Paris office of satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo and siege at a Jewish supermarket

November 2015 – Attacks on Bataclan concert hall and bars and restaurants in Paris. 130 killed

March 2016 – Suicide bombings in Brussels airport and metro leave 32 dead

14 July 2016 – More than 80 people killed after a lorry ploughed into a crowd in the southern French city of Nice during Bastille Day celebrations

18-24 July 2016 – Series of violent attacks in various locations in southern Germany leave 10 dead

26 July 2016 – Priest Fr Jacques Hamel killed in knife attack in French church http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-38179653

The time will come when Europe will take strong steps against Islam.

The Bible, in the Book of Daniel tells of one called the King of the North (Daniel 11:21-44). In Revelation, he is called the Beast of the Sea (Revelation 13:1-10).

This leader is described as a warring man who essentially changes religion and gets people to ultimately worship him. The Bible also shows that he will specifically eliminate the nominally Protestant USA (Daniel 11:39) and then the predominantly Muslim nations of the Middle East and North Africa (Daniel 11:40-43).

Interestingly, certain Catholic writings predict civil unrest/war and the elimination of Islam (called “the crescent” in one or more of them) from Europe:

Jean Paul Richter(d. 1809): Through a terrible purgatory Europe will return to the faith (Culleton, p. 182).Monk Hilarion (d. 1476): The people of the Peninsula of Europe will suffer by unnecessary wars until the Holy Man comes (Culleton, p. 137).

Brother Louis Rocco (19th century): Terrible wars will rage all over Europe. God has long been patient with the corruption of morals; half of mankind He will destroy. Russia will witness many outrages. Great cities and small towns alike will be destroyed in a bloody revolution that will cause the death of half the population. In Istanbul (Constantinople) the Cross will replace the half-moon of Islamism, and Jerusalem will be the seat of a King. The southern Slavs will form a great Catholic Empire and drive out of Europe the Turks (Mohammedans), who will withdraw to North Africa and subsequently embrace the Catholic faith. (Dupont, p.76)

Venerable Bartholomew Holzhauser: All heresies shall be banished…the Turkish Empire shall be broken up, and all nations shall come to and worship their God in the true Catholic and Roman faith (Rossi, p. 121)

Brother Louis Rocco (19th century): All over Europe there will rage terrible civil wars…The German sections of Austria will join Germany, so will also the commercial cities of Belgium and Switzerland. A Catholic descendant of a German imperial house will rule a united Germany with peace, prosperity and great power, for God will be with this sovereign (the Great Monarch?)…A Great Monarch will arise after a period of terrible wars and persecutions in Europe. He will be a Catholic; he will not be a German (Culleton, p. 195).

Dionysius of Luxemberg (died 1682): a. “After the birth of Antichrist the people of the world will be very wicked and godless. People of real virtue will be very scarce. Pastors in many places will neglect the service of God, and will live with women. Even the religious will crave for worldly things. The churches will be dreary and empty like deserted barns…At the time when Antichrist is about twenty years of age the whole world will be without faith, subjects will be oppressed by rulers and others in authority. In every period of tribulation God aids His Church, and He will do it in the time before the coming of Antichrist. From the midst of His Church He will raise up a Christian ruler who will perform most remarkable deeds. With divine assistance this ruler will not only lead erring souls back to the true Faith but also deal a heavy blow to the foes of the empire; the Turks, to take away their empire and restore it to Christianity (Connor Edward. Prophecy for Today. Imprimatur + A.J. Willinger, Bishop of Monterey-Fresno; Reprint: Tan Books and Publishers, Rockford (IL), 1984, p.84).

John of the Cleft Rock (1340): The White Eagle (Great Monarch), by order of the Archangel Michael, will drive crescent from Europe where none but Christians will remain–he himself will rule from Constantinople. An era of peace and prosperity will begin for the world. There will no longer be Protestants {there were no “Protestants” then and author Connor of that book suggests that perhaps this word should have been translated as heretics} or schismatics…God will raise up a holy Pope (Connor, pp. 33-34)

Why mention any of these as they are not from the Bible?

Because some of the events predicted by Catholics are consistent with biblical prophecy and many will misinterpret them (see also Satan’s Plan).

Notice something that the Bible predicts:

40 “At the time of the end the king of the South will engage him in battle, and the king of the North will storm out against him with chariots and cavalry and a great fleet of ships. He will invade many countries and sweep through them like a flood. 41 He will also invade the Beautiful Land. Many countries will fall, but Edom, Moab and the leaders of Ammon will be delivered from his hand. 42 He will extend his power over many countries; Egypt will not escape. 43 He will gain control of the treasures of gold and silver and all the riches of Egypt, with the Libyans and Cushites in submission. (Daniel 11:40-43, NIV)

Note: The peoples that the King of the North goes against are in the currently Islamically-dominated lands of the Middle East and North Africa.

Catholic prophecy says a leader will basically do the same things as the biblical King of the North:

Rudolph Gekner (died 1675). “A great prince of the North with a most powerful army will traverse all Europe, uproot all republics, and exterminate all rebels. His sword moved by Divine power will most valiantly defend the Church of Jesus Christ. He will combat on behalf of the true orthodox faith, and shall subdue to his dominion the Mahometan Empire. A new pastor of the universal church will come from the shore (of Dalmatia) through a celestial prodigy, and in simplicity of heart adorned with the doctrines of Jesus Christ. Peace will come to the world.” (Cited in Connor, Edward. Prophecy for Today. Imprimatur + A.J. Willinger, Bishop of Monterey-Fresno; Reprint: Tan Books and Publishers, Rockford (IL), 1984, p.36).

Pseudo-Methodius (7th century): This new Muslim invasion will be a punishment without limit and mercy…In France, people of Christians will fight and kill them…At that same time the Muslims will be killed and they will know the tribulation…The Lord will give them to the powers of the Christians whose empire will be elevated above all empires…The Roman King (Great Monarch) will show a great indignation against those who will have denied Christ in Egypt or in Arabia (Araujo, Fabio R. Selected Prophecies and Prophets. BookSurge LLC, Charlestown (SC), 2007, p. 103).

Consider that while Catholic prophecy looks forward to the arrival of this leader who will fight the Arabs/Muslims, the Bible warns against him.

Events in Europe and within Islam are leading to the fulfillment of biblical prophecies.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Why does the Islamic State kill and terrorize? The 15th edition of the English language publication Dabiq from the group calling itself the Islamic State has an article titled “Why We Hate You & Why We Fight You.” Do you know the reasons the Islamic State claims are why it kills and terrorizes? Dr. Thiel goes over those reasons, plus goes over the REAL reasons that they do, by explaining verses in the Bible that the Islamic State’s articles either ignore or do not understand, including some about Jesus. Additionally, Dr. Thiel agrees with some of the Islamic State’s criticisms of the West, but not their solution. This is a video.
Why Terrorism? Is Terrorism Prophesied? What does the Bible teach? Which nations may be affected? Here is a link to a related sermon: Terrorism, Christianity, and Islam.
Terror: Will Paris be Destroyed? The Paris office of Charlie Hebdo were attacked in January 2015 and the City of Paris was hit with multiple terrorist attacks in November 2015. Will Paris be destroyed? Is more terrorism prophesied? Will a successful militaristic leader arise in Europe? What do biblical and Catholic prophecies teach? Could any non-biblical prophecies be devices of Satan that will deceive people about what will happen? Dr. Thiel answers these questions and more through scriptures and other writings. This is a video.
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.
Satan’s Plan Does Satan have a plan? What is it? Has it already been successful? Will it be successful in the future? Here are links to a two-part sermon series: What are Some of the Parts of Satan’s Plan? and Satan’s Plan is More Dramatic than Many Realize.
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”? There is also a You-Tube video sermon on this titled Germany’s Biblical Origins.
Germany in Biblical Prophecy Does Assyria in the Bible equate to an end time power inhabiting the area of the old Roman Empire? What does prophecy say Germany will do and what does it say will happen to most of the German people? Here are links to two sermon videos Germany in Bible Prophecy and The Rise of the Germanic Beast Power of Prophecy.
Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North? Is the former German Defense Minister (who is also the former German Minister for Economics and Technology) one to watch? What do Catholic, Byzantine, and biblical prophecies suggest? A video of related interest would be: Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg and Europe’s Future.
Why Terrorism? Is Terrorism Prophesied? What does the Bible teach? Which nations may be affected? Here is a link to a related sermon: Terrorism, Christianity, and Islam.
Who is the Man of Sin of 2 Thessalonians 2? Is this the King of the North, the ten-horned beast of Revelation 13:1-11, or the two-horned Beast of Revelation 13:12-16? Some rely on traditions, but what does the Bible teach? Here is a related link in Spanish/español: ¿Quién es el Hombre de Pecado de 2 Tesalonicenses 2? Here is a version in Mandarin: 主编： 谁是’大罪人’？Here is a link to a related YouTube video, in English, titled Who is the Man of Sin?
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.
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?
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.
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.
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? Here is a link to a video titled: The Future King of the North.
Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European? The Book of Revelation tells of a beast power that will rise up. Some think that this must be Russia or could be Islamic, while others say that this power is European. The Book of Daniel tells of the rise of an end time King of the North that some think must be referring to a Russian leader, while others say that this power is European. How can you be sure? This YouTube video has all the scriptural proofs that you should need to prove that this power must be a European one.
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.
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.
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.
The Prophesied ‘Islamic’ Confederation Where is an Islamic caliphate prophesied? Will one happen? Should you be concerned about it? A related video is Will an Arabic Calphiphate Destroy the West?

COGwriter

The latest issue (says #189, print date October-November 30 2016) of The Journal: News of the Churches of God was sent out electronically and just received.

There was information regarding King Bhumibol, Feast of Tabernacles’ Sites for 2016, an Ambassador College reunion, and Unitarianism.

Legacy Institute’s Leon Sexton had a lot of information related to the late King of Thailand and the old Worldwide Church of God. Here is some of that:

King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand died Oct. 13, 2016, in Siriraj Hospital from complications in his recovery from heart surgery. He was 88 and the longest- reigning monarch in the world. Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn will ascend the throne …

Since 1971

Radio/Worldwide Church of God founder Herbert W. Armstrong met King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand for the first time in 1971. That was the same year I was discharged from the U.S. Navy and started as a freshman at Ambassador College in Pasadena, Calif. As I understand it, Mr. Armstrong met the king as a result of an audience arranged by a wealthy Bangkok hotel owner, Mrs. Sunirat Telan. The king and Mr. Armstrong saw in each other kindred spirits about how leaders should lead their people.

King Bhumibol was quite a philosopher and immediately grasped the concept of “give” and “get” (in Mr. Armstrong’s words) as ways of life. Mr. Armstrong later said there were no greater examples of righteous leadership in the world in his time than King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit. …

I remember an audience Mr. Armstrong had with King Bhumibol in the early 1980s. Mr. Armstrong was telling the king that AC had only a small student body. He told the king that Ambassador was interested in teaching a quality way of life and not in just getting many students.

The king commented: “It is better to teach 10 the right way than teach 1,000 the wrong way. The 10 will then be able to teach hundreds the right way.

“The 1,000 perhaps can teach many more, but it will be the wrong way.”

The queen visits Pasadena in 1985

In March 1985 Queen Sirikit visited Ambassador College, where she attended several dinners in her honor presented by Mr. Armstrong and attended by state and national dignitaries. She was so moved by Mr. Armstrong’s hospitality and what she saw at Ambassador that she commented at the end of her visit, “I have just been to heaven.”

She then presented two items to Mr. Armstrong. One was a golden peacock encrusted in gems made by hill-tribe craftsmen to whom she had taught goldsmithing at one of her Foundation for the Promotion of Supplementary Occupation and Related Techniques (Support) training centers. The other was a decoration from the king of his cipher (a royal monogramlike device) in diamonds on a yellow ribbon.

When the ladies-inwaiting told me she would present the golden peacock to Mr. Armstrong, they were crying. It was so highly emotional for them because that peacock was the first one ever crafted and was the queen’s favorite object. It was symbolic of the highest aspirations of what she wanted to achieve in her foundation helping the poor and uneducated in Thailand. The special decoration from the king was one of the highest a non- Thai can receive. A sharing of values These presentations came about because the king and queen saw in Mr. Armstrong someone who shared their values and desire to work actively to help the poor, underprivileged and uneducated of the world.

Mr. Armstrong died in 1986. The visit by Queen Sirikit to Pasadena in 1985 was the last time Mr. Armstrong met either the king or the queen (who is still alive but in poor health). Now King Bhumibol, who became a good friend of Mr. Armstrong, rests, as does Mr. Armstrong, until they meet again in the resurrection.

Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn accepted the official invitation to be the king of Thailand in a ceremony on Thursday. Leon Sexton currently lives in Thailand.

The Journal had reports from various groups related to the Feast of Tabernacles in 2016. The Journal also ran a nearly full version of my article related to the Feast of Tabernacles’ Sites of the Continuing Church of God in 2016.

The Journal once again had an advertisement related to Living University of the Living Church of God. The headline had to do with “the two trees” (which former WCG members will recall was something that Herbert W. Armstrong often brought up).

There was also this item on the front page of The Journal:

By Bob Gerringer

ALTADENA, Calif.—Two weeks ago 16 of us met in Las Vegas at the Orleans Hotel to prepare for the March reunion. Other than Australian Garry de Jager, all committee members were there, plus some volunteers. …

I can’t say for sure, but there may not be another reunion, at least not of this scope. Assume that this is it, so you won’t kick yourself for missing this chance.

So far more than 1,200 former students have been contacted or contacted us.

For details go to ambassadorbigsandyalumni.com or E-mail jean@ acpasadenareunion.com.

Committee members are Barbara Church Bruce, Robin Connelly, Garry de Jager, Cledice Decker, Jean Ehlert Updegraff, Bob Gerringer, Eileen McKinley, Dick Mills, Vicki Norman, Carol Shamus and Tom Williams.

Although my wife Joyce and I never attended Ambassador College (and hence will not plan to go to the reunion), we were married on the Pasadena campus of the college. We visited it a few months ago, and Joyce took photographs. To see some of how it once looked and how it now looks, go to the following: Joyce’s Pictures of the Pasadena Campus of Ambassador College and the former Headquarters of the old Worldwide Church of God.

There was an article in The Journal encouraging Unitarians and Binitarians to get along. Overall, The Journal tends to be more sympathetic to promoting unitarian views than I think it should. More about the Godhead subjects are in the articles Was Unitarianism the Teaching of the Bible or Early Church? and Binitarianism: One God, Two Beings Before the Beginning. And the most recent sermon from the CCOG was: Trinity: Fundamental to Christianity or Something Else?

As far as The Journal goes, it also had the usual letters to the editor and other advertisements, various comments, and opinion articles. The advertisements mainly seem to be from possibly Laodicean groups and/or individuals (not all seem to be COG) who seem to think that the ads are somehow doing the work of God. More of the real work that the COGs should be doing are in the article The Final Phase of the Work.

The Journal itself is available by paid subscription (though Dixon Cartwright says some subscriptions are free to those who cannot afford it). It tends to have a non-Philadelphian approach to many, but not all, matters.

Donald Trump and Boris Johnson

COGwriter

A reader sent me a link to the following:

Boris Johnson backs Donald Trump on Nato spending

2 December 2016

Britain will support US President-elect Donald Trump’s campaign to get Nato countries to spend more on defence, Boris Johnson has said.

In a speech, he said it could not be “justified” that the US accounted for about 70% of Nato defence spending.

He also said the UK would not seek to prevent the EU from forming a closer common defence policy. …

The UK, which meets the commitment to spend 2% of GDP on defence, has also been urging other countries to increase their contributions. …

He committed Britain to the concept of collective Nato defence: “At the heart of this institution – Nato, the most durable and successful defence alliance in history – lies the security guarantee contained in the North Atlantic Treaty Article 5, that an attack on any one member shall be considered an attack against them all.

“And in offering that guarantee, President-elect Donald Trump has a point. It cannot be justified that one Nato ally, America, accounts for about 70% of the alliance’s defence spending while the other 27 countries manage only 30% between them. ” http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-38172512

So, now the USA and the UK are apparently okay with the idea of Europe building up its own military and spending more on military matters. Many in the European Union have been upset because of the Brexit vote in the United Kingdom to leave the European Union that Boris Johnson supported. With these comments, some in Europe might like him more.

But that will not help the UK or USA in the long run.

Europe may appear to be more financially supportive of NATO, but in the end will betray:

21 And in his place shall arise a vile person, to whom they will not give the honor of royalty; but he shall come in peaceably, and seize the kingdom by intrigue. (Daniel 11:21)

39 Thus he shall act against the strongest fortresses with a foreign god, which he shall acknowledge, and advance its glory; and he shall cause them to rule over many, and divide the land for gain. … the king of the North (Daniel 11:39, 40)

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

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

The above leader is the final European King of the North Beast power. He will eliminate the USA and the UK. It is likely that he may attack under the guise of a NATO exercise and/or otherwise feign military support for the USA and the UK.

By pushing the Europeans to spend more on their militaries, the USA and UK are ‘sowing wind,’ but will reap the whirlwind:

6 …  But the calf of Samaria shall be broken to pieces.

7 “They sow the wind,
And reap the whirlwind.
The stalk has no bud;
It shall never produce meal.
If it should produce,
Aliens would swallow it up.
8 Israel is swallowed up;
Now they are among the Gentiles
Like a vessel in which is no pleasure.
9 For they have gone up to Assyria,
Like a wild donkey alone by itself;
Ephraim has hired lovers. (Hosea 8:6-9)

The reference to ‘Samaria’ above refers to the USA and the reference to Ephraim above refers to the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand (for biblically-related details, check out the article Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel). Assyria is a reference to a European power based out of central Europe (for biblically-related details, check out the article Germany in Biblical Prophecy).

Europe is actually starting to do something that the old Worldwide Church of God warned about decades ago, as is the UK. Notice something published back in 1981:

Either Western Europe slides slowly into the Soviet orbit by default– or Europe awakes to the threat, and leaders rise to the fore demanding that free Europe become a “Third Force” to protect Western civilization.

Bible prophecy predicts the latter — that there will be yet again, for the final time, a revival of the Roman Empire in what historians call “classic Europe” — stern and Central Europe. …

The stage is being set for some dramatic realignments of power in Europe. …

The Christian Science Monitor’s Joseph C. Harsch, of the reconstitution of what he calls “the whole of classic Europe.”

“Classic Europe” is nothing other than a new European alignment along the lines of the old Holy Roman Empire, under the Catholic aegis.

Thus, the final resurrection of the Roman Empire may be closer than you think. This will not be good news for the United States — decoupled from Europe — or Britain either. As British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher recently told President Reagan: “We in Britain stand with you.” And a British Foreign Office source told the Associated Press: “She is convinced that Britain’s lot lies with America.” (Hogberg G. AMERICA and EUROPE The Falling Out Begins! Plain Truth, June-July 1981)

As far as reorganization of Europe goes, the Bible tells of at least two more reorganizations to come in Revelation 17:2-13 (see also Must the Ten Kings of Revelation 17:12 Rule over Ten Currently Existing Nations?).

Europe is moving in the military direction WCG warned about and the USA and UK are encouraging it.

That is not all the the USA and UK are doing.

The Brexit and Donald Trump votes are also expected to affect trade:

2 December 2016

“You would certainly not be back of the queue, that I can tell you.”

With these words, US President-elect Donald Trump enlivened the hopes of many British politicians that a Trump presidency would re-invigorate the “special relationship” between the two. …

Trump’s cultural and business ties to the United Kingdom, his support for Brexit, and the shared political currents of discontent that fueled the Brexit and Trump votes seem to make them natural political bedfellows. Yet Trump and May remain opposed on many issues. As no one yet knows what a Trump presidency will look like, Great Britain could end up isolated between the EU it chose to leave and a United States that retreats back across the Atlantic. …

Trade talk

Though the Brexit vote expressed the frustrations of many British citizens toward globalization, Prime Minister Theresa May’s post-Brexit policy remains committed to liberalization and open trade. With Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson at the helm, the UK has embarked on a quixotic quest for access to the European single market without participation in the European customs union and freedom of movement. …

Kevin Featherstone, Head of the European Institute at the London School of Economics and Political Science, also thinks that American and British economic history could bode well for an agreement. “With the ending of TTIP and the election of Trump, Washington may well respond positively” to British outreach on a free-trade deal, he told DW. …

Featherstone sees Trump as more oriented toward the United Kingdom than the Pacific-focused Obama. “Trump knows Britain better than other places and he may be open to British flattery,” Featherstone said. “But Trump puts at risk a cornerstone of British foreign policy: NATO.” http://www.dw.com/en/little-britain-trump-brexit-push-out-uk/a-36599681

As far as trade goes, I expect some type of trade deal between the USA and the UK. But, since the Bible teaches that the final European King of the North Beast power will dominate world trade for a time (cf. Revelation 18), understand that Europe will also make trade deals. It is highly likely that trade issues will be a factor in the Europeans finally deciding to attack the USA and/or the UK.

For the time being, we still have more time. It is not biblically possible for the ‘time of Jacob’s trouble’ (Jeremiah 30:7), also known as the ‘great tribulation’ (Matthew 24:21) to start during the first term of Donald Trump’s presidency.

However, Donald Trump, leaders in the UK, and various ones in Europe and elsewhere will take steps that will lead to the start of the ‘great tribulation’ (Matthew 24:21) relatively soon–it may very well start sometime in the next decade.

Jesus taught:

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

Artist’s impression of ‘Planet Nine,’ also called ‘Planet X’ as an ‘ice giant’ (Tomruen)

COGwriter

A few hours ago, World News Daily reported the following:

Doomsayers: Planet X will destroy Earth this month

We’re all going die this month or sometime in 2017, depending on what your favorite doomsayer is predicting.

Yes, despite surviving Y2K, global warming and eight years of Barack Obama, we’re not out of the woods yet — the universe has one last dirty trick up its cosmic sleeve.

Planet X aka Niburu! And it’s about to clean Earth’s orbital clock.

Don’t believe it? Just Google “Nibiru December 2016” – 175,000 Google results can’t be wrong.

While Nibiru may be new to most people, it has been around since 1995, reports Indy100, and it has been previously predicted to collide with Earth four times – 2003, 2007, 2012, and 2015, plus several times this year. 12/01/16 http://www.wnd.com/2016/12/doomsayers-planet-x-will-destroy-earth-this-month/#hVMjUHuvgD0ZT0zt.99

Of course, as the above indicates, this is not a new idea. Notice something reported here last May:

May 9, 2016

NASA Confirmation : Planet Nibiru Is Coming Toward Earth – NIibiru Will Be A Life Ending Event

THE SIGNS THAT PLANET X, (NIBIRU) IS CLOSELY APPROACHING 2016.

What is planet X also known as Planet 7X or Nibiru and what does it mean for us on earth? Is there a biblical connection and does it play a roll in the end-times?

There is evidence of an ongoing resurgence of the Planet X (also known as Nibiru) cataclysm conspiracy theory following the publication of new scientific studies in 2014 claiming evidence of a mysterious unnamed planet lurking beyond Pluto. …

The approach of the mysterious Planet X is currently sending waves of charged “plasmatic energy particles” through our solar system. The flow of energy will finally disrupt the “core flows” of the Earth and trigger catastrophic changes in Earth’s climate.

According to 4 major biblical prophets something truly terrifying is coming our way, and it will hit homeland before the 1st of January 2017…

We have been feeling the disruptive effects of the inbound rogue Planet X since 1996 in the form of increased seismic and volcanic activities, freak weather patterns, and natural disasters.

NASA, the Pentagon, and the CIA are aware of the approaching rogue planet. The Vatican has also been briefed, but the public is being kept in the dark about the impending apocalypse. But despite efforts to keep the information secret, there have been leaks. … many conspiracy theorists insist that that NASA’s “Planet X” is Nibiru.

Notice also the following:

My name is Alexander Cain. I am a theology professor working at one of the largest universities in Arkansas. I earned a doctor’s degree in archeology and ancient history and have dedicated more than 17 years of my life to the study of the most cryptic texts of the Bible.

What I discovered will send shivers down the spine of every true Christian and Patriot… because inside the final chapters of the Holy Book, the prophets give a very precise account of what is happening in America at this very moment… And they foretell a very dark and sinister fate for our great country…

According to 4 major biblical prophets something truly terrifying is coming our way, and it will hit homeland before the 1st of January 2017… http://aliveafterthefall.com/nht_v31/front-ctrl.php?param1=nht_v31&hop=private99

The above is nonsense. Yet, because most people are ignorant of biblical prophecies, many are misled. When this Planet Nibiru does NOT destroy the Earth, this will be another false prophecy that will turn people away from true prophecy.

Some claimed ‘Planet Nine’ was Nibiru. Notice also the following:

Don’t believe the doomsday hype about the putative Planet Nine. … the New York Post published a video claiming that Planet Nine — a hypothesized world in the solar system’s far outer reaches — could send asteroids and comets hurtling into Earth soon, with potentially devastating consequences. …

The New York Post’s misleading video may result from a conflation of Planet Nine with other hypothesized, undiscovered objects in Earth’s neck of the cosmic woods — namely, Nibiru and Nemesis.

Nibiru is a proposed large planet that conspiracy theorists have predicted will crash into and destroy Earth. Many prognostications had the cataclysm occurring in 2012, to coincide with the supposed “Mayan apocalypse.” There is no evidence that Nibiru exists, or that such an impact is imminent. (Some variations of the Nibiru myth call it Planet X, but this latter moniker can also refer to a large world whose existence was first postulated by astronomer Percival Lowell in the early 20th century, to explain perceived oddities in the orbits of Uranus and Neptune. So it can get a bit confusing.)

Nemesis is a small star or brown dwarf (a “failed star” that’s considerably larger than a planet) hypothesized to zoom through space not far from the sun. Nemesis’ gravitational pull regularly jostles the faraway comet repository known as the Oort Cloud, the idea goes, sending comets barreling toward Earth — and thus explaining the perceived cycle of mass extinctions on our planet, which seem to occur every 26 million years or so. http://www.space.com/32515-planet-nine-will-not-destroy-earth-nibiru.html#sthash.GCQTtM6F.dpuf

Back in 2012, many were concerned about Planet X, also known as Planet Nibiru. Some claimed it would destroy the earth years ago, some said last month. I denounced both as false.

The so-called science is that according to an old NASA report, there could be another planet. A tenth planet, which some then called planet X as it had not been found (notice that Nibiru has been called both Planet Nine and X. Various ones have suggested that this planet will crash into the Earth.

Here are two reports about it:

What about “Planet X”?

The most cataclysmic of prophesied end-time “natural” disasters is the scenario of a collision or near-miss of another planet with the earth. The mysterious orb that supposedly threatens us has been called “Planet X” or “Planet Nibiru,” and some expect it to arrive on Dec. 12, 2012.

But what is the evidence that this will occur? There is no scientific evidence that supports this idea. The idea came “not by radio signals from the cosmos, but [instead has supposedly been] channeled through medium and Zeto envoy Nancy Lieder, who was in contact with . . . altruistic aliens” (Govert Schilling, The Hunt for Planet X, 2009, p. 115) (Published in Good News, 2012)

Prophetic dates come and go. What about December 21, 2012?

Some say the day of doom is at the door. Alignment of planets, a collision with Nibiru, a shifting polar axis, reversal of earth’s magnetic field, a “beam” from the Milky Way’s center, catastrophic earthquakes and tsunamis — all coming to their climactic focus on December 21 of this year! (McBride J. Bible Advocate, 2012)

I denounced the Planet X destruction theory back in 2012 and explained that it would not destroy the Earth then. Notice something that I posted on December 1, 2012:

I thought I would provide a list of ten ‘predictions’ related to the world ending this month and the truth why they are all wrong…

PREDICTION: Some claim that the galaxy will be in perfect alignment and cause massive disruptions on December 21/22, 2012 or that planet Nibiru will hit.
TRUTH: Yet astronomers do not believe that the alignment (which is not galaxy-wide nor perfect) could possibly generate enough gravitational flow to cause massive disruption nor do they believe in destruction via an invented planet called Nibiru…

Stories about the fictional planet Nibiru and predictions of the end of the world in December 2012 have blossomed on the Internet. Contrary to some of the common beliefs out there, Dec. 21, 2012 won’t be the end of the world as we know, however, it will be another winter solstice. https://plus.google.com/events/ci7ak9p657rj34um819vadrm8jg#events/ci7ak9p657rj34um819vadrm8jg

While the world as we know it will end some day, it cannot possibly be in December 2012.

There have not been enough of the biblically-required signs (see, for example, Matthew 24 and Daniel 11:27-39) fulfilled for it to be this early. (Thiel B. Ten ‘End of the World Predictions’ That Will Be Proven False This Month. December 1, 2012)

And, of course, I was right then.

And no planet is about to come crashing to the Earth this month and destroy the Earth.

Yet, it is true that something from space, probably an asteroid or a comet, is prophesied in the Bible to hit the Earth and cause massive damage (Revelation 8:10-11). But not before 2021.

A large comet hitting the earth would also seem to have similar effects to that of a medium-sized asteroid. And having something actually hit the earth and do massive damage is predicted in the Bible.

But this object, called Wormwood in the Bible, cannot hit next year.

Why?

Over 1900 years ago, the Apostle John was inspired to write about Wormwood and more in the Book of Revelation. If you look at the sequence of events that proceed Wormwood, it is obvious all that cannot happen between now and next month. Notice that the first nine verses happen prior to Wormwood falling from heaven:

1 When He opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. 2 And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and to them were given seven trumpets. 3 Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. 4 And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel’s hand. 5 Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and threw it to the earth. And there were noises, thunderings, lightnings, and an earthquake.

6 So the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound.

7 The first angel sounded: And hail and fire followed, mingled with blood, and they were thrown to the earth. And a third of the trees were burned up, and all green grass was burned up.

8 Then the second angel sounded: And something like a great mountain burning with fire was thrown into the sea, and a third of the sea became blood. 9 And a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.

10 Then the third angel sounded: And a great star fell from heaven, burning like a torch, and it fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water. 11 The name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the waters became wormwood, and many men died from the water, because it was made bitter. (Revelation 8:1-11)

It should also be noted that there are MANY EVENTS that also have to take place before the above events as well. Because of that, it is biblically impossible for the Earth to be destroyed by something from space for years.

Notice that Wormwood does not fall until after the third trumpet associated with the seventh seal of Revelation is blown. Well, this would mean that the fifth and sixth seal would also have already been opened–which are mentioned in Revelation 6:7-17, and the 144,000 numbered as shown in Revelation 7. And I should add that the fifth seal of Revelation cannot possibly be opened for at least 3 1/2 years from now (watch Can the Great Tribulation Start in 2016?), with over 4 years the likely minimum.

Planet Nibiru per se does not exist, though Planet Nine might. Yet Wormwood does exist–but again Wormwood cannot hit for several years at the earliest. That does not mean that there cannot be any problems from meteorites, comets, asteroids, solar flares, etc. But it does mean that the world will not end for at least several years.

Why bother to post about the ‘Nibiru prediction’?

Because there are many false and heretical leaders that lead people astray on prophecy. Sometimes they mention the Bible to try to act like God sanctions their nonsense. And it is not just the secular fringe people, but also those who claim to be Christian or even in the Church of God.

The Sardis and Laodicean Church of God groups, despite a few claiming to have prophets, do not understand prophecy, the work, enough of the truth, etc., and that is part of why they will have to go through the Great Tribulation. CG7, a group believed to somewhat represent Sardis, takes a preterist view that basically most end time prophecies were fulfilled long ago and are for the past. The Laodiceans have so many prophetic misunderstandings, that unless they repent and change (Revelation 3), they will not possibly know when the Great Tribulation will start until it is too late.

The various COGs hold to one or more improper prophetic opinions that differ from that of the Continuing Church of God. A list of three dozen or so of them can be found in the article The Laodicean Church Era. Because of this, unless they change, those outside of the Continuing Church of God will not know when the Great Tribulation will begin until it is too late to flee (cf. Matthew 24:15-20; Revelation 12:14-17). The Apostle John recorded that there would be two groups at the end and that one would flee and be protected from the Great Tribulation (Revelation 12:14-16), while the other would not be (Revelation 12:17). ‘Independents’ would also be part of that latter group that will not know, unless they change and heed what the Bible teaches (watch Zephaniah’s ‘Gather Together’ Prophecy).

We in the Continuing Church of God “have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts” (2 Peter 1:19, KJV).”

Thus, you can be certain that “Planet Nine” will NOT destroy the Earth this month or next year.

We made a video about this a few months ago, which is also available: Planet Nibiru to Destroy Earth by 2017?

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Wormwood and Planet Nibiru Will the Earth be devastated by Planet X or Comet Encke? What about Planet Nine? Here is a link to a related YouTube video Could Comet ISON be Wormwood of Bible Prophecy?
Planet Nibiru to Destroy Earth by 2017? Some say NASA has identified Plant X, also called Planet Nine or Nibiru or even Planet 7X. One prophecy watcher has stated that this planet will destroy Planet Earth by January 1, 2017. Is this possible? While the Bible tells of a destructive power called ‘Wormwood’ will come from outer space to destroy much of the Earth in Revelation 8, can Wormwood hit by 2017? Dr. Thiel explains from the Bible why Wormwood could be a comet and why the Bible and not those who misinterpret it should be trusted. This is a video.
Blood Moons and Prophecy There were four ‘blood moons’ expected in 2014 and 2015. Some claimed that they signaled the Day of the Lord or the return of Jesus Christ. I denounced that view in advance. A related YouTube video is also available: Blood Moons, Prophecy, 2014, and 2015.
Can the Great Tribulation Start in 2016? Can the Great Tribulation begin in 2016? Certain prophecy watchers seem to think so. Some seem to think that Russia will invade Turkey in 2016, that the abomination of desolation will be set up in 2016, and/or that the Messianic age will begin in 2016. Certain Jewish writings seem to point to 2016 or 2017. What signs did Jesus say to look for? What is recorded in the Book of Daniel? If the Great Tribulation cannot begin in 2016, when is the soonest year that it can?
The Dangerous Rise of Preterists Has the Great Tribulation finished? What was the view of early Christians? Why is the preterist view dangerous?
Zephaniah’s ‘Gather Together’ Prophecy Is it safe to be ‘independent’ or in a non-Philadelphin Church of God? What did God inspire Zephaniah to write?
World War III: Steps in Progress Are there surprising actions going on now that are leading to WWIII? Might a nuclear attack be expected? 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?
The Sardis Church Era was predominant circa 1600 A.D. to circa 1933 A.D. Discusses early history of the Seventh Day Baptists, Seventh-day Adventists, and COG-7th Day.
The Philadelphia Church Era was predominant circa 1933 A.D. to 1986 A.D. The old Radio Church of God and old Worldwide Church of God, now the remnant of that era is basically the most faithful in the Church of God, like who hold to the beliefs and practices of the Continuing Church of God.
The Laodicean Church Era has been predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. The Laodiceans are non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG or its offshoots. They do not properly understand the work or biblical prophecies and will face the Great Tribulation if they do not repent.
Laodicean Warning for God’s People Is there really a place of safety? Do God’s people need to be warned? Warned for what?
The Final Phase of the Work What is the final phase of the work? Who will lead it? Do you have the courage to support it? Here is a related YouTube video titled The Final Phase of the Work. The written article has been translated into Spanish La Fase Final de la Obra.
Leading the Final Phase of the Work Matthew 24:14 teaches “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come ” will be fulfilled and RCG is not the group doing this. Who is leading the final phase of the work? What did Herbert Armstrong and the old WCG teach about that and about prophets? Does Bob Thiel meet the criteria that the Bible and the old WCG set? What is the proof? What has the Continuing Church of God been doing? This is a sermonette length video.
The Elijah Heresies Does the Bible teach that there will be a future Elijah? Must it be Herbert W. Armstrong?
How To Determine If Someone is a True Prophet of God There are many false prophets. How can Christians determine who is a true prophet? There is also a sermon-length video titled How to determine if someone is a true prophet of God. Here is a related link in Spanish/español: ¿Cómo determinar si alguien es un verdadero profeta de Dios?
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?
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2017, 2018, or 2019? 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 2016 o 2017? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? You can also see the English language sermon videos: The Great Tribulation from the Mount of Olives and Can the Great Tribulation begin before 2020? A shorter video is: Can the Great Tribulation Start in 2016?

Emblem of the Eurasian Economic Union

COGwriter

Vladimir Putin has called for increased cooperation in what can be considered his annual ‘State of the Union’ address. The first item below came from Belarus:

December 1, 2016

MOSCOW, 1 December (BelTA) – Advancing cooperation with the Eurasian Economic Union remains a high priority in Russia’s foreign policy. President of Russia Vladimir Putin made the statement in his annual address to the parliament on 1 December …

Vladimir Putin said: “Further advancement of cooperation within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union and interaction with other CIS states remain high priorities in Russia’s foreign policy.” … “We have already started discussing it at various international and regional levels,” noted the President of Russia. “I am convinced that it is possible to discuss it with countries of the European Union, too. Their demand for an independent political and economic policy is on the rise today.”

Vladimir Putin also said that there is a huge potential for cooperation between Russia and the Asian-Pacific region. http://eng.belta.by/politics/view/deeper-cooperation-with-eurasian-economic-union-remains-high-priority-in-russias-foreign-policy-96856-2016/

December 1, 2016

Russia is “not seeking conflict with anyone”, President Vladimir Putin has said in his annual Kremlin speech to parliament and the nation.

“Unlike some foreign colleagues who see Russia as the enemy, we do not seek – and never sought – enemies. We need friends,” he said.

But “we will not permit harm to our interests”, he added.

He said Russia was ready to work with the new US administration to fight terrorism.

Mr Putin has previously said he hopes for better relations with the US once President-elect Donald Trump takes office. …

Mr Putin also saw scope for better relations with some EU countries, despite the EU sanctions imposed because of Russia’s intervention in Ukraine.

He spoke of widening the Russian-led Eurasian partnership, saying: “I’m convinced that this conversation is possible with states of the European Union, where there is growing demand for an independent, subjective, political and economic course. And we see that in the results of elections.” http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-38167590

December 1, 2016

Putin announced that Russia was ready to cooperate with the new U.S. administration and stressed that Russian-American dialogue served the interests of the whole world.

“Russia is ready for cooperation with a new U.S. administration as well, it is important to normalize and begin to develop relations on an equal footing and on a mutually beneficial basis. Collaboration between Russia and the USA in the field of solving regional and global problems serves the interests of the whole world. We have shared responsibility for ensuring international stability and security,” said the President, delivering his address in Kremlin.

Russia’s cooperation with its eastern neighbors

Vladimir Putin emphasized the importance of relations between Russian and Japan: “We count on a quality progress in the relations with our eastern neighbor – Japan. We welcome aspiration of the leadership of this country to develop economic ties with Russia, to launch joint projects and programs,” he noted.

Speaking about the Russian-Chinese cooperation, Putin described them as the pattern of a mutually beneficial interaction.

“Under present challenging conditions, Russian-Chinese broad partnership and strategic cooperation have become one of the key factors ensuring global and regional stability,” he said.

The President added that such cooperation “sets the pattern of the world order’s relations, which are not built upon the idea of one party’s domination, whatever strong it is, but rather on harmonic inclusion of all the states.”

How Putin sees Russian-EU dialogue

Russian President Vladimir Putin believes it possible to establish a dialogue with the European Union similar to that carried on within the framework of formation of a large Eurasian partnership.

According to Putin, further deepening of cooperation within the Eurasian Economic Union, interaction with other CIS states was and remains a priority of Russian foreign policy.

“Russian idea of formation of a multi-level integration model in Eurasia is of considerable interest. We have already started discussion at different international and regional levels. I’m convinced that such dialogue is possible with the the European Union’s states as well, where an independent subjective political and economic policy is in growing demand. We see it from the elections results,” stressed Vladimir Putin. http://russianconstruction.com/news-1/top-stories/25673-key-messages-of-putins-annual-address-to-federal-assembly.html

Did you notice in the logo of the Eurasian Economic Union above that it includes all of Europe and Asia?

Notice a list of the nations that are currently in the EAEU:

Country	Accession Date	Date of Signature
Armenia	2 January 2015	10 October 2014
Belarus	1 January 2015	29 May 2014
Kazakhstan	1 January 2015	29 May 2014
Kyrgyzstan	12 August 2015	23 December 2014
Russia	1 January 2015	29 May 2014

More are expected as Russia’s Vladimir Putin has been working to enlarge the Eurasian Economic Union.

Vladimir Putin has publicly stated that his goal is to enlarge the Customs Union to all post-Soviet states, excluding the three Baltic EU member states. His basic appeal is that the various Eurasian nations are geographically close to each other, often share certain cultural ties, are not particularly loved by the West, and will improve their economies by integrating more with the EAEU.

And where that expansion does not happen, he is hoping to increase the EEU’s influence. The more nations that are part of the EAEU and the more deals that the EAEU is involved in, the more relevant it becomes in the world. China, India, Vietnam, and Pakistan have all expressed at least trade interest with the EAEU. Russia, China, and others have expressed interest in working together to eliminate the US dollar as the basis of international trade as well as to reduce US influence in many parts of the world. The EEU and deals it has made with China are consistent with this.

As far as official EAEU membership goes, the nation of Tajikistan was formally invited to join the union and has expressed its interest in acceding. “Break-away” regions of Moldova (Transnistria), Ukraine (Donetsk and Lugansk) and Georgia (South Ossetia and Abkhazia) have expressed a desire to join the Eurasian Customs Union and integrate into the Eurasian Economic Union. Places like Mongolia and Serbia have recently expressed interest. Some think perhaps Uzbekistan will someday as well.

But what about the USA and Europe?

Well, there will be ups and downs in those relationships.

For a time, Vladmir Putin is likely going to try to cooperate with Donald Trump.

As far as Europe goes, Vladimir Putin wants more cooperation. And this is partially because the Russians would like USA influence reduced–and Europe will do that more than most Russians probably think is possible (cf. Daniel 11:39; Revelation 13:3-4).

Back in 1962, notice something that the old Radio Church of God published:

Germany, those living in Germany, even the German government, may not yet know that they are going to join in a treaty with the Russians to destroy the United States and bring it to its knees-it is not in his “heart” to think so, but on the other hand it IS in his “heart” to destroy-the very characteristic of the Assyrian, the modern German, is a harsh, cruel, iron, dedication to militarism and destruction! (Hill DJ, God’s Destiny for Germany. Plain Truth, March 1962, pp. 28-29)

Yes, I, too, expect that Russia will make a deal with the Europeans. Some have deals been hinted at this in more recent years (see Greece begs Germany’s Merkel not to throw them ‘overboard,’ while it makes deals with Russia; see als0 Vladimir Putin allegedly helped stop a Grexit). Notice also something I saw in the news today (even though it has 12/03/16 date):

Dec 3, 2016

VLADIMIR PUTIN must wonder what he did right. From the refugee crisis to Brexit, Europe’s troubles have allowed the Russian president to portray himself as a bulwark of stability in a region of chaos. America’s election brought an apparent Kremlin sympathiser to the White House. And now France is on the same track. François Fillon’s victory over Alain Juppé in the presidential primary of the centre-right Republican Party leaves an avowed friend of Mr Putin as the favourite to occupy the Élysée after next spring’s election. (Mr Fillon’s most serious rival, the nationalist Marine Le Pen, has a yet more marked Moscow tilt.)

Mr Fillon’s Russophilia is born of conviction rather than expediency, and he does not hide his views. During last week’s debate with Mr Juppé he compared the Russian annexation of Crimea to Kosovo’s declaration of independence from Serbia, an argument he could have lifted directly from the Kremlin. The expansion of NATO to Russia’s borders in the 1990s, he muses, was a provocation bound to generate blowback. Little wonder Mr Putin singled out the “upstanding” Mr Fillon for praise before the vote. …

Mr Fillon wants to scrap the economic sanctions that the European Union imposed on Russia over Crimea and its incursions in eastern Ukraine. http://www.economist.com/news/europe/21711030-fran-ois-fillons-win-bodes-ill-eu-sanctions-frances-election-shows-europes-line-against

(I reported about François Fillon’s victory a few days ago–see ‘In a year of Brexit and Trump, Fillon shocks those who saw him a sure loser earlier’).

So, there may be more leaders in Europe willing to ‘cooperate’ with Russia.

While I am NOT expecting a major war between the USA and Russia, it may be of interest to note that the Bible says that after the final European King of the North takes over the USA, he will divide its lands for gain:

39 Thus he shall act against the strongest fortresses with a foreign god, which he shall acknowledge, and advance its glory; and he shall cause them to rule over many, and divide the land for gain (Daniel 11:39).

How might that pertain to Russia?

Well, although Russia sold Alaska to the United States in the 1800s, there have been reports that it wants it back. Since the European King of the North will defeat the USA (the land of the “strongest fortresses”; see also USA in Prophecy: The Strongest Fortresses) and DIVIDE its lands for gain, it may well be that Europe will agree to give some of what it conquers to Russia.

It may be of interest to note that apparently the USA’s ally in WWII, Joseph Stalin may have wanted to regain Alaska according to the following story:

Atlanta Journal Constitution – Aug 7, 2010   excerpt…

Nearly 60 years ago, Alexander Vitebsky was a young Soviet officer stationed in Siberia, part of a massive force assembled to try to fulfill Joseph Stalin’s dream of invading Alaska.

“It was very secretive,” said Vitebsky, who, for decades afterward, also carried a secret — he dreamed of coming to America. “We didn’t buy what we were told about America.” (http://www.ajc.com/news/atlanta/atlantas-public-housing-is-587310.html)

In this century, a Russian Professor has forecast that Russia will regain Alaska:

MOSCOW — For a decade, Russian academic Igor Panarin has been predicting the U.S. will fall apart…Prof. Panarin, 50 years old, is not a fringe figure. A former KGB analyst, he is dean of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s academy for future diplomats…

When the going gets tough, he says, wealthier states will withhold funds from the federal government and effectively secede from the union. Social unrest up to and including a civil war will follow. The U.S. will then split along ethnic lines, and foreign powers will move in…

“It would be reasonable for Russia to lay claim to Alaska; it was part of the Russian Empire for a long time.” A framed satellite image of the Bering Strait that separates Alaska from Russia like a thread hangs from his office wall. “It’s not there for no reason,” he says with a sly grin.

(Osborn A. As if Things Weren’t Bad Enough, Russian Professor Predicts End of U.S.  Wall Street Journal, Dec 29, 2008 http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123051100709638419.html).

It is certainly possible that if Russia makes a deal with the rising European Beast power that it may end up with Alaska, as well as possibly some Canadian lands. Bible prophecy indicates that the Anglo-lands will be divided in Daniel 11:39 and other scriptures (for details see Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided?).

Russia wants more than Alaska:

March 30, 2014

After annexing Crimea and with troops massed on the border of Ukraine, Vladimir Putin will not stop trying to expand Russia until he has “conquered” Belarus, the Baltic states and Finland, one of his closest former advisers has said.

According to Andrej Illarionov, the President’s chief economic adviser from 2000 to 2005, Mr Putin seeks to create “historical justice” with a return to the days of the last Tsar, Nicholas II, and the Soviet Union under Stalin.

Speaking to the Swedish newspaper Svenska Dagbladet, Mr Illarionov warned that Russia will argue that the granting of independence to Finland in 1917 was an act of “treason against national interests”.

“Putin’s view is that he protects what belongs to him and his predecessors,” Mr Illarionov said.

“Parts of Georgia, Ukraine, Belarus, the Baltic States and Finland are states where Putin claims to have ownership. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/vladimir-putin-wants-to-regain-finland-for-russia-adviser-says-9224273.html

The desire for an expanded empire is part of the reason for the formation of the Eurasian Economic Union, which Belarus has signed up for.

It should also be noted that the Bible says that a power from the north will assemble many nations:

9 For behold, I will raise and cause to come up against Babylon
An assembly of great nations from the north country,
And they shall array themselves against her;
From there she shall be captured.
Their arrows shall be like those of an expert warrior;
None shall return in vain. (Jeremiah 50:9)

50:41 Behold, a people shall come from the north,
And a great nation and many kings
Shall be raised up from the ends of the earth.
42 They shall hold the bow and the lance;
They are cruel and shall not show mercy.
Their voice shall roar like the sea;
They shall ride on horses,
Set in array, like a man for the battle,
Against you, O daughter of Babylon. (Jeremiah 50:41-42).

From a European perspective, Russia is a north country whose borders reach to the eastern ends of the earth.

Notice also that Isaiah shows Babylon will have problems with a group from a far country:

1 The burden against Babylon which Isaiah the son of Amoz saw.

2 “Lift up a banner on the high mountain,Raise your voice to them; Wave your hand, that they may enter the gates of the nobles. 3 I have commanded My sanctified ones; I have also called My mighty ones for My anger–Those who rejoice in My exaltation.” 4 The noise of a multitude in the mountains, Like that of many people! A tumultuous noise of the kingdoms of nations gathered together! The LORD of hosts musters The army for battle. 5 They come from a far country, From the end of heaven–The LORD and His weapons of indignation,To destroy the whole land. 6 Wail, for the day of the LORD is at hand!It will come as destruction from the Almighty. 7 Therefore all hands will be limp, Every man’s heart will melt, 8 And they will be afraid. Pangs and sorrows will take hold of them; They will be in pain as a woman in childbirth; They will be amazed at one another; Their faces will be like flames (Isaiah 13:1-8).

Thus, both the accounts in Jeremiah and Isaiah seem related to the same invaders. This is referring to an end time confederation that has a distance to travel–apparently a type of union of powers from the east including Russia, who is also the major power of the far north.

And this type of confederation is something that Vladimir Putin has repeatedly called for. This is something he and others will continue to advocate and work towards. In the end, it will form.

Some of what Vladimir Putin has called for today does align with certain end time biblical prophecies.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

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?
Armageddon Dr. Thiel, from Tel Megiddo in Israel, discusses Armageddon, some of its history, and what the Bible says about it. Is this the place where forces in the world will gather to fight? Will they fight here or is the related battle somewhere else. Dr. Thiel answers these questions and more.
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? Another could be Russia, Iran, Syria, & the Bible (Code).
Islands and Bible Prophecy What’s ahead for islands? What does the Bible prophesy about them?
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? A YouTube video of interest may be Is China THE Threat to the United States of America?
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2016, 2017, or 2018? 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 2016 o 2017? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? You can also see the English language sermon videos: The Great Tribulation from the Mount of Olives and Can the Great Tribulation begin before 2020? A shorter video is: Can the Great Tribulation Start in 2016?
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: Are Chinese threats against Australia for real?
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?
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.
USA in Prophecy: The Strongest Fortresses Can you point to scriptures, like Daniel 11:39, that point to the USA in the 21st century? This article does. A related sermon is titled: Do these 7 prophesies point to the end of the USA?
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?
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.
The Large Hadron Collider has Military Potential Some say this European project is only peaceful. So why is it working on capturing antimatter? Here is a link to a related video: Could the Large Hadron Collider lead to destruction?
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.
Donald Trump in Prophecy Prophecy, Donald Trump? Are there prophecies that Donald Trump may fulfill?  Are there any prophecies that he has already helped fulfill?  Could a Donald Trump presidency be apocalyptic?  A related video is titled: 13 Ways President-Elect Trump is Apocalyptic.

Day of the Dead decorations

COGwriter

Mike Gendron put out the following in his newsletter today:

Purgatory, Praying for the Dead, and Indulgences

Roman Catholics have special days set aside to remember deceased loved ones, to visit their graves, and to pray for their time to be shortened in Purgatory. According to a Catholic spokesman, “When you pray for the dead and go to the cemetery, you actually gain an indulgence.” An indulgence is defined as an “extra-sacramental remission of the temporal punishment due to sin that has been forgiven, which remission is granted by the Church in the exercise of the power of the keys.” Catholics believe that … upon death … some are held in Purgatory, where they must have their sins purged for an unknown period of time.

Pope Francis has visited cemeteries for All Souls’ Day throughout his tenure. Recently he held a mass at Prima Porta Cemetery in Rome, tweeting beforehand, “With faith we visit the graves of our loved ones, where we can also pray for those who no one remembers.”

Mike’s Comment: Nowhere in the Bible do we ever see anyone of faith praying for the dead.

Of course, early Christians did not teach the doctrine of purgatory (see Did the Early Church Teach Purgatory?) or praying for the dead. Part of the reason I reported the above was because of something that happened yesterday:

Vatican City, Nov 30, 2016 / 05:38 am (CNA/EWTN News).- In his last set of catechesis on mercy, Pope Francis focused on the works of praying for the living and the dead, as well as burying the dead, insisting that since we are all part of one family in Christ, we must remember to pray constantly for one another. …

When it comes to praying for the dead, Francis said this work is above all a recognition of the witness the deceased left for us, and of “the good that they did. It is a thanksgiving to the Lord for having given them and for their love and friendship.” http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/we-have-to-pray-for-both-the-living-and-the-dead-pope-francis-says-83574/

The Roman Catholic sanctioned “festivals of the dead” turn people away from God’s plan of salvation as laid forth by His Holy Days. And these death festivals encourage people to commune with, appease, serve and even worship the dead.

Regarding the Day of the Dead, Wikipedia reports:

Day of the Dead (Spanish: Día de Muertos) is a Mexican holiday celebrated throughout Mexico and around the world in other cultures. The holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died. It is particularly celebrated in Mexico, where it is a national holiday, and all banks are closed. The celebration takes place on November 1 and 2, in connection with the Catholic holidays of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. Traditions connected with the holiday include building private altars honoring the deceased using sugar skulls, marigolds, and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed and visiting graves with these as gifts. They also leave possessions of the deceased.

Scholars trace the origins of the modern Mexican holiday to indigenous observances dating back hundreds of years and to an Aztec festival dedicated to the goddess Mictecacihuatl. The holiday has spread throughout the world: In Brazil, Dia de Finados is a public holiday that many Brazilians celebrate by visiting cemeteries and churches. In Spain, there are festivals and parades, and, at the end of the day, people gather at cemeteries and pray for their dead loved ones. Similar observances occur elsewhere in Europe, and similarly themed celebrations appear in many Asian and African cultures.

The Day of the Dead is clearly a pagan holiday.

Christians who wish to remain faithful to the original apostolic faith will not observe All Souls’ Day, All Saints’ Day, the Day of the Dead nor endorse purgatory, but endorse God’s Holy Days (see also Should You Observe God’s Holy Days or Demonic Holidays?).

In his newsletter today, Mike Gendron also had the following:

The Pope May Not Be Infallible After All

Cardinal Burke says if Pope Francis won’t clarify a ‘serious error,” the Cardinals must make a ‘formal act of correction.’ It appears there is a plan for a formal statement against Francis for heresy or at least deviation from the Faith. The Cardinals are following the proper canonical process. As one writer noted, “The step of making a ‘formal act of correction’ would be the preliminary step, according to classical theology and Church discipline, of declaring someone – anyone – a formal heretic.”

This is an earth-shaking development! It is clear that the Cardinals’ intention is to safeguard the Catholic Faith, not simply to accuse anyone of heresy. What happens if the pope does not respond and fails to give the clarification of the Church’s teaching? Cardinal Burke said, “Then we would have to address that situation. There is, in the Tradition of the Church, the practice of correction of the Roman Pontiff. It is something that is clearly quite rare. But if there is no response to these questions, then it would be a question of taking a formal act of correction of a serious error.”

Proselytism Among Christians is a Grave Sin

Pope Francis has created a new sin by daring to say “every form of proselytism among Christians is sinful.” This is his latest effort to push his ecumenical agenda and to protect his 1.2 billion Catholics from being evangelized by Christians with the true Gospel. He thinks Christian unity is “a path” of walking together with Jesus despite theological differences. Ignoring the fact that Catholics and Christians believe a different Gospel, the pope said, “Proselytism among Christians, therefore, in itself, is a grave sin.” When asked why, he said, “Because it contradicts the very dynamic of how to become and to remain Christian.” In other words, the pope is seeking to prevent God’s people from making disciples by teaching them to observe everything Christ has commanded (Mat. 28:18-20).  Proselytism, which the pope calls a grave sin, is defined as the act of attempting to convert people to another faith.  …

Mike’s Comment: The pope’s statement is just one of many bizarre pronouncements he has made since taking over the papacy.

The reality is that Pope Francis has taken steps that are contrary to various traditions of the Church of Rome. I would also add that the idea that popes are infallible has been proven wrong historically.

Furthermore, Pope Francis’ push for his ecumenical and interfaith agendas is clearly wrong.

As far as Cardinal Burke goes, he has long been a critic of Pope Francis and may consider him to be an ‘antipope’ (watch Anti-Pope Francis?).

Despite this, the false ecumenical/interfaith agenda continues to be pushed by the Vatican.  And more, disappointingly, seem to be agreeing with that agenda.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

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. [Português: Qual é fiel: A igreja católica romana ou a igreja do deus?]
All Saints’ Day, the Day of the Dead, and All Souls’ Day Are these original Christian observances? Does the Bible endorse them?
Should You Observe God’s Holy Days or Demonic Holidays? This is a free pdf booklet explaining what the Bible and history shows about God’s Holy Days and popular holidays.
Did the Early Church Teach Purgatory? Is there a place called purgatory? Does God have a plan to help those who did not become saints in this life?
What is Limbo? Is There Such a Place as Limbo? What Happens to Babies When They Die? When did Limbo start being taught? What is the truth about dead babies?
Is Halloween Holy Time for Christians? This article provides some historical and biblical insight on this question.
Did Early Christians Believe that Humans Possessed Immortality? What does John 3:16, and other writings, tell us? Did a doctrine kept adopted from paganism? Here is a YouTube video titled Are humans immortal?
What Did Early Christians Understand About the Resurrection? Is there more than one future resurrection? Did early Christians teach a physical resurrection? Did early Christians teach three resurrections?
The Feast of Tabernacles: A Time for Christians? Is this pilgrimage holy day still valid? Does it teach anything relevant for today’s Christians? What is the Last Great Day–is it a dead of the dead? What do these days teach?
What Did the Early Church Teach About Idols and Icons? What about the use of the cross, by the early Church?
Universal Offer of Salvation: There Are Hundreds of Verses in the Bible Supporting the Doctrine of True Apocatastasis Do you believe what the Bible actually teaches on this? Will all good things be restored? Will God call everyone? Will everyone have an opportunity for salvation? Does God’s plan of salvation take rebellion and spiritual blindness into account? Related sermon videos include Universal Offer of Salvation I: God is love and Universal Offer of Salvation II: The Age to Come and the ‘Little Flock’ and Universal Offer of Salvation III: All Are to Know Jesus, But When? and Universal Offer of Salvation IV: Will the Guilty be Pardoned? and Universal Offer of Salvation V: All Israel Will be Saved? A version of the main article was also translated in the Spanish language: Oferta universal de salvación: Hay cientos de versículos en la Biblia que apoyan la verdadera doctrina de la Apocatastasis.
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? Here is a link in the German language: WO IST DIE WAHRE CHRISTLICHE KIRCHE HEUTE? Here is a link in the French language: Où est la vraie Église Chrétienne aujourd’hui?
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 Acts 2 to the 21st century. Related sermon links 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 and Continuing History of the Church of God: 17th-20th Centuries. The booklet is available in Spanish: Continuación de la Historia de la Iglesia de Dios, German: Kontinuierliche Geschichte der Kirche Gottes, French: L’Histoire Continue de l’Église de Dieu and Ekegusii Omogano Bw’ekanisa Ya Nyasae Egendererete.
Why Should American Catholics Fear Unity with the Orthodox? (And the Protestants) 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?
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 sermon of related interest is: Will the Interfaith Movement lead to World War III? and a video sermon is also available: Do You Know That Babylon is Forming?
Sola Scriptura or Prima Luther? What Did Martin Luther Really Believe About the Bible? Though he is known for his public sola Scriptura teaching, did Martin Luther’s writings about the Bible suggest he felt that prima Luther was his ultimate authority? Statements from him changing and/or discounting 18 books of the Bible are included. Do you really want to know the truth?
The Dangerous Rise of Preterists Has the Great Tribulation finished? What was the view of early Christians? Why is the preterist view dangerous?
Protestant and Church of God views of the United States in Bible Prophecy Is the USA mentioned in Bible prophecy? Some Protestants say yes, while others say no. What does the Bible really teach? Learn the truth about this. There is also a video available: Is The United States Mentioned In Bible Prophecy?
Hope of Salvation: How the Continuing Church of God differ from most Protestants How the real Church of God differs from mainstream/traditional Protestants, is perhaps the question I am asked most by those without a Church of God background. As far as some changes affecting Protestantism, watch the video Charismatic Kenneth Copeland and Anglican Tony Palmer: Protestants Beware!
Beware: Protestants Going Towards Ecumenical Destruction! What is going on in the Protestant world? Are Protestants turning back to their ‘mother church’ in Rome? Does the Bible warn about this? What are Catholic plans and prophecies related to this? Is Protestantism doomed?
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? Here is a link in the German language: WO IST DIE WAHRE CHRISTLICHE KIRCHE HEUTE? Here is a link in the French language: Où est la vraie Église Chrétienne aujourd’hui?
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.