Church of God News

Crown of the old “Holy Roman Empire”

COGwriter

Sometime ago, a reader forwarded me an item about the late Otto von Habsburg that stated that one of his titles was the King of Jerusalem.

Though I believe I had heard this before, I decided to confirm it with other sources, such as the following from The Economist:

Archduke Otto von Habsburg, son of the last Austro-Hungarian emperor…

In 1922 he became the head of the House of Habsburg: “Your Majesty” to legitimists, and by the Grace of God “Emperor of Austria; King of Hungary and Bohemia, Dalmatia, Croatia, Slavonia, Galicia and Lodomeria; King of Jerusalem, etc; Archduke of Austria; Grand Duke of Tuscany and Cracow; Duke of Lorraine, Salzburg, Styria, Carinthia, Carniola and Bukowina; Grand Prince of Transylvania; Margrave of Moravia; Duke of Silesia, Modena, Parma, Piacenza, Guastalla, Auschwitz and Zator, Teschen, Friaul, Dubrovnik and Zadar; Princely Count of Habsburg and Tyrol, of Kyburg, Gorizia and Gradisca; Prince of Trento and Brixen; Margrave of Upper and Lower Lusatia”. His other titles were more minor. http://www.economist.com/node/18956124

Because of this title, one wonders what some of the Europeans really have in mind for Jerusalem in the 21st century. Otto von Habsburg was last Crown Prince of the Austria-Hungary Empire, which was somewhat of a relic of the old Holy Roman Empire.

The late Herbert W. Armstrong used to believe that Otto von Habsburg was one to watch as a leader in Europe. Otto von Habsburg was quite influential in helping put together what is now the 500,000,000 person empire called the European Union.

All the emperors of the old “Holy Roman Empire” were part of what has been known as the Habsburg line. Charlemagne was crowned the first Holy Roman Emperor, reputedly with the crown shown above, by Pope Leo III in Rome on Christmas Night, 800 AD. And now, over 1200 years later, the descendants of that family are still influential in and near Europe.

Although he does not have the word “Habsburg” in his incredibly long name, Baron Karl Theodor Maria Nikolaus Johann Jacob Philipp Franz Joseph Sylvester Freiherr von und zu Guttenberg’s mother was a Habsburg which means that the Baron is a descendant of that line too–hence he may “legally” also be entitled to the use of the King of Jerusalem title (especially if some ceremony “officially transfers” that title to him). He is one to watch in European politics as I have often written. He, for example, may just become the final one that the Bible refers to as the King of the North (Daniel 11:21-45) and Beast (Revelation 13). If the Baron is the one, having influential distant relatives may assist his attainment to power.

The legacy of Otto von Habsburg is likely to be favorable towards Karl zu Guttenberg.

Furthermore, both biblical and Catholic (Roman and Eastern Orthodox) prophecy tell of a leader who will spend time in Jerusalem. This militaristic political leader, known as the final Beast or King of the North in Bible prophecy and the Great Monarch in Catholic prophecy, may find that having the title “King of Jerusalem” a justification for some of his actions.

Here is some information from my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect that documents some of the prophecies about this leader being in Jerusalem:

Now, in the book of Daniel there is another prophecy related to the end times that 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).

Notice that there is a “prince to come” from the people who destroy “the city” (probably Jerusalem; cf. Revelation 11:2) and that he will stop sacrifices and be related to an abomination that brings desolation. This leader will apparently change from a peaceful one to a militaristic one (cf. Isaiah 10:5–11)…

This King of the North seems to be identified in various “Catholic” (including some which would be considered Eastern Orthodox) writings as the head of a resurrected Roman Empire; hence he apparently is a European:

Bl. Rabanus Maurus (died 856): Our principal doctors agree in announcing to us, that towards the end of time one of the descendants of France shall reign over all the Roman Empire; that he shall be the greatest of the Empire; and that he shall be the greatest of the French monarch, and the last of his race. After happily governed his kingdom, he will go to Jerusalem, and depose on Mount of Olives his sceptre and crown. This shall be the end and conclusion of the Roman… Empire.

Monk Adso (died 992): Some of our Teachers say that a King of the Franks will possess the entire Roman Empire. This King will be the greatest and the last of all Monarchs, and after having prosperously governed his kingdom, he will come in the end to Jerusalem and he will lay down his sceptre and his crown upon the Mount of Olives and immediately afterwards, Anti-Christ will come…

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…

Forces of Great Monarch go to Jerusalem. Daniel 11:31, Luke 21:20…

Daniel 11:31, Matthew 24:15–20, Luke 21:20, Daniel 12:11, 1 Thessalonians 5:2–3: It is approximately 3 ½ years after the seven-year deal began. The forces of the King of the North are in Jerusalem in violation of the intent of that deal. The abomination of desolation is present. Some people heed Jesus’ words to flee…

It may be that prior to going to a place of protection (cf. Revelation 12:13–14), some Christians will flee out of the lands dominated by the rising King of the North prior to him moving into Jerusalem, probably during verses 28–30 of Daniel 11, as this is when the King of the North begins his anger against God’s most faithful…

Unlike in Daniel 11:30, the King of the North meets no strong naval resistance in verse 31. This may be because he negotiated something with the U.S.A. to allow him (possibly with an “antipope,” see Chapter 10) to go to Jerusalem to broker “peace in the Middle East.”…

While the term “sacrifices” is not in the original Hebrew, Daniel 9:27 mentions what appears to be the same desolate abominations, and also that the same sacrifices and offerings will be stopped. It may be that part of the reason the King of the North will give for going into Jerusalem with armies is to stop extremists from having daily sacrifices that may provoke the Muslims and others.

The Great Monarch, apparently with his forces, is expected to go to Jerusalem toward the beginning and end of his reign and fight:

Y. Dupont (20^th century): The Great King will be of Frankish descent, although his actual nationality is uncertain…It seems that he will travel twice to Jerusalem, once at the beginning of his reign…and again at the end to fight… and be killed…

Helen Otto Tzima (2000): Jerusalem will be invaded in WWIII and finally liberated by the Great Monarch.

Jerusalem is important, and although biblically, the “King of Jerusalem” would be a descendant of David of the Bible, it would seem to me that using the title “King of Jerusalem” could be politically expedient for the coming European leader, as both biblical and non-biblical prophecy teach that he will takeover Jerusalem for a while.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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.
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?
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.
Jerusalem: Past, Present, and Future What does the Bible say about Jerusalem and its future? Is Jerusalem going to be divided and eliminated? Is Jesus returning to the area of Jerusalem? There is also a related YouTube video you can watch titled Jerusalem To be divided and eliminated.

 
Raw opium

COGwriter

The US FDA is hoping to reduce opioid addiction:

July 24, 2017

The Food and Drug Administration, as part of a sweeping overhaul in how it regulates opioid painkillers, plans to look to some unusual allies to limit the flood of the addictive pills — health insurers and companies that manage prescription drug benefits.

Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb plans to meet in September with the benefit payers and insurance administrators, groups the FDA hasn’t typically worked with in its role as a drug regulator. The plan, Gottlieb said, is to stem the tide of addiction to the pills by limiting the number of people exposed to them in the first place.

“Most people who become addicted to opioids are medically addicted,” Gottlieb said in a wide-ranging interview with Bloomberg in New York. “The way to reduce the rate of new addiction is to reduce the rate of exposure, and the way to reduce the rate of exposure is to make sure people are receiving prescriptions when it’s only medically appropriate.”

Gottlieb, who was picked by President Donald Trump earlier this year to lead the agency, said he views it as part of his mandate to tackle the opioid crisis, as well as other issues such as drug costs. The sessions with insurers and pharmacy managers will be his first official meetings with health-care companies, he said. The agency doesn’t have regulatory authority over insurance companies, which are largely overseen by state regulators or other departments within the Health and Human Services Department.

Millions of Pills

More than 240 million opioid prescriptions were dispensed in the U.S. in 2014, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. Deaths from opioid pain pill overdoses in 2015 totaled almost 23,000 in the U.S., double the number a decade ago, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-07-24/trump-s-fda-chief-takes-wide-aim-at-opioid-addiction-crisis

In addition to addiction, notice something else about the opioid problem:

Hepatitis C: The public-health worry lurking behind the opioid epidemic

July 24, 2017

The national hepatitis C transmission rate among IV-drug users increased by 350 percent from 2011 to 2014, the most recent figures from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services show.

The state Department of Health Services reports that opioid overdoses killed more than two Arizonans a day last year, with heroin causing almost half of those. Gov. Doug Ducey declared a public-health emergency June 5.

The opioid crisis and the increase of hepatitis C bring to mind the following prophecy:

15 However, if you do not obey the Lord your God and do not carefully follow all his commands and decrees I am giving you today, all these curses will come on you and overtake you: …

20 The Lord will send on you curses, confusion and rebuke in everything you put your hand to, until you are destroyed and come to sudden ruin because of the evil you have done in forsaking him. 21 The Lord will plague you with diseases until he has destroyed you from the land you are entering to possess. (Deuteronomy 28:15,20-21, NIV)

The USA certainly does not obey God’s commands, but it should (see also The Ten Commandments: The Decalogue, Christianity, and the Beast).

Back in 1976, the old Worldwide Church of God published the following:

 Psychoactive Drugs
Technically speaking, a drug is any substance (other than food) that by its chemical nature affects the structure or function of a living organism.
Doctors usually refer to a drug in terms of its ability to treat physical and mental diseases. They stress the therapeutic value. But many laymen now focus on the negative connotations of the word. For them, “drug” has become a four-letter word of the worst kind, an epithet, an obscenity. When used in conversation it provokes strong emotional reactions. It’s a good word to start an argument with, or even a fight.

Medicine and Menace

   You encounter a lot of this when discussing drugs. They can relieve pain, prevent infection and save lives. That’s good! But they can also destroy bodily tissue, impair healthy bodily metabolism, enslave by addiction and ultimately kill. That’s bad!
The drug problem would be greatly simplified if drugs were not ambivalent, if they were very selective in their effects. If only drug X eased pain, but was not addicting, if only drug Y helped people relax but didn’t adversely affect the brain or the liver.
But drugs don’t work that way. Rather, their effects are varied and often ambivalent — they have the potential to simultaneously hurt or harm, depending on a number of variables. Because any drug can play both the role of medicine or health menace, any description of its effects is bound to sound like a “that’s-good, that’s-bad” routine.
Morphine presents a good example of a “that’s-good, that’s — bad” story. It came into widespread use as a pain-killer during the American Civil War (1861-65). So effective was it as an analgesic for wounds and amputations that physicians sometimes referred to it as “G.O.M.” — “God’s own medicine.”
That’s good!
But in time morphine was found to be addicting — prolonged use followed by abstinence led to agonizing withdrawal symptoms. “God’s own medicine” turned out to be “the Devil’s own misery.” Hundreds, if not thousands (accurate statistics are hard to come by), of war veterans inadvertently became drug addicts.
That’s bad!
But that’s the nature of opiates. And it illustrates a fundamental principle of pharmacology: any drug can be dangerous depending on the dosage, the duration of use, its purity and many other factors. No drug is completely “safe.”
Recognizing this, the Federal government under the Controlled Substances Act regulates drugs according to their potential for abuse. The drugs are listed in five schedules in descending order of proven abuse potential and current medical usage.
Schedule I lists drugs deemed to have great abuse potential and no legitimate medical use. The score or so drugs on this list include heroin, LSD, mescaline, psilocybin and marijuana.
Schedule II lists drugs with great abuse potential that have legitimate medical uses. Drugs in this list can come under production quotas, and telephone and refillable prescriptions are prohibited. The psychoactive drugs listed here include the opiates such as morphine and synthetic opiates such as methadone and Demeral, certain barbiturates of the short-acting type, methaqualone and amphetamines. Altogether over 1300 drug preparations are listed!
Schedules III, IV and V list drugs with correspondingly less proven abuse potential. The widely used tranquilizers Librium and Valium are in Schedule IV — a classification the manufacturers have protested. Altogether over 3600 drug preparations are covered by these three schedules.
The list is not static. On the basis of new evidence and accumulated experience, drugs are often being added to the list. And drugs already listed are sometimes moved to higher schedules, indicating greater proven abuse potential.
The dual nature of drugs guarantees that the debate over their benefits versus hazards will continue for some time. (Graunke DP. The Dilemma of Drugs. Worldwide Church of God, 1976)

The reality is that many have physical and spiritual pain and they reach out to drugs for relief. This tends to be addictive.

While the USA is facing an opioid epidemic, that it is hoping to fight, it is in the process of increasing its marijuana epidemic, which many US states are encouraging.

Mind altering drugs are not the answer. Truly repenting and turning to the true Jesus and the coming Kingdom of God are.

But governments do not wish to acknowledge that.

Some items of possibly related interest may include the following:

The Ten Commandments: The Decalogue, Christianity, and the Beast This is a free draft/unedited pdf book explaining the what the Ten Commandments are, where they came from, how early professors of Christ viewed them, and how various ones, including the Beast of Revelation, will oppose them. A related sermon is titled: The Ten Commandments and the Beast of Revelation.
Marijuana: Should a Christian Get High? There is increasing acceptance of the use of marijuana. How should Christians view this? Here is a related video titled How Should a Christian View Marijuana?
Alcohol: Blessing or Curse? This is an article from the old Good News magazine that attempts to answer this question.
Binge Drinking, Health, and the Bible Many college students and others overindulge in alcohol. Are there health risks? What does the Bible teach? A related video is also available: Binge Drinking and the Bible.
How to Overcome Depression and Discouragement This is an article by Paul Krautmann & John Siston.
Should Christians Smoke Tobacco or Marijuana? Is smoking a sin? What does the Bible teach? What have COG leaders written? Can smokers change? What about marijuana?
Why Were You Born? Why did God make you? Herbert W. Armstrong wrote this as a booklet on this important subject. You may also wish to read the article What is Your Destiny? or watch the video, also titled What is Your Destiny?
Building Character: Going on to Perfection Once you have accepted Jesus, do you need to strive for perfection and build character? A related video sermon is available: Going on to perfection and building character.
What is the Meaning of Life? Who does God say is happy? What is your ultimate destiny? Do you really know? Does God actually have a plan for YOU personally? If you would like to watch videos covering subjects of this article, you can click on the following links: Why YOU? Why Do YOU Suffer? and What is the meaning of your life?
Real Conversion Many think that they are converted Christians. But are they? Would you like to know more about conversion?
False Conversion! Have you really been converted? Herbert W. Armstrong wrote an article on this important subject–but more scriptures have been added to it. How can you tell false conversion? A related video is also available: False Conversion.
Are You Being Called by God? Norman Shoaf wrote various points to consider.
Is God Calling You? Alfred E Carrozzo wrote this.
What Did Christ Mean  Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen? This article was by Raymond McNair.
Christian Repentance Do you know what repentance is? Is it really necessary for salvation? A related sermon is also available titled: Real Christian Repentance.
Just What Do You Mean — Repentance? Do you know what repentance is? Have you truly repented? Repented of what? Herbert W. Armstrong wrote this as a booklet on this important subject.
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God This free online pdf booklet has answers many questions people have about the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and explains why it is the solution to the issues the world is facing. Here are links to three related sermons: The World’s False Gospel, The Gospel of the Kingdom: From the New and Old Testaments, and The Kingdom of God is the Solution.
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?
Canada in Prophecy: What Does Bible Prophecy, Catholic Prophecy, and other Predictions Suggest About the Future of Canada? There are prophecies that suggest involvement with Canada. And many are not positive about its future.
Who is the King of the West? Why is there no Final End-Time King of the West in Bible Prophecy? Is the United States the King of the West? Here is a version in the Spanish language: ¿Quién es el Rey del Occidente? ¿Por qué no hay un Rey del Occidente en la profecía del tiempo del fin?
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: Will the Great Tribulation Start in 2017?

COGwriter

The European Commission is concerned about Russian sanctions from the US:

Brussels to act ‘within days’ if US sanctions hurt EU trade with Russia – internal memo

24 July 2017

The EU should act “within days” if new sanctions the US plans to impose on Russia prove to be damaging to Europe’s trade ties with Moscow, an internal memo seen by the media says. Retaliatory measures may include limiting US jurisdiction over EU companies.

An internal memo seen by the Financial Times and Politico has emerged amid mounting opposition to a US bill seeking to hit Russia with a new round of sanctions. The bill, if signed into law, will also give US lawmakers the power to veto any attempt by the president to lift the sanctions.

The document reportedly said European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker was particularly concerned the sanctions would neglect the interests of European companies. Juncker said Brussels “should stand ready to act within days” if sanctions on Russia are “adopted without EU concerns being taken into account,” according to the Financial Times.

The EU memo also warns that “the measures could impact a potentially large number of European companies doing legitimate business under EU measures with Russian entities in the railways, financial, shipping or mining sectors, among others.”

Restrictions against Russia come as part of the Countering Iran’s Destabilizing Activities Act, targeting not only Tehran, but also North Korea. Initially passed by the Senate last month, the measures seek to impose new economic measures on major sectors of the Russian economy. https://www.rt.com/news/397310-eu-retaliate-us-russia-sanctions/

24 July 2017

The letter specifically noted the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline that runs from Russia to Germany could be affected by the sanctions that “would in reality be much wider,” the newspaper reported.

Juncker also feared that the draft law would lead to less international cooperation on handling Moscow’s occupation of Crimea, Ukraine, following its annexation in 2014.

“The measures risk breaking the transatlantic and G7 unity,” the letter dated July 19 said.

The commission, which aims to have a response come “within days” if the U.S. law passes, would seek a public declaration by Trump that no European companies would be targeted, the newspaper reported.

The group would also rely on a European Union regulation, the “Blocking Statute,” that claims the E.U. is not beholden to enforce U.S. overseas laws.

It would also see if the World Trade Organization could possibly have a retaliatory response to the sanctions, Politico reports.

The draft bill that largely targets the Kremlin’s  financial, energy, and mining sectors will go to the House of Representatives for a vote on Tuesday. http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/343412-european-commission-preparing-to-push-back-on-russia-sanctions

July 24, 2017

The EU memo also warns that “the measures could impact a potentially large number of European companies doing legitimate business under EU measures with Russian entities in the railways, financial, shipping or mining sectors, among others.”

The freshly leaked memo suggests that the EU is seeking “a public declaration” from the Trump administration that it will not apply the new sanctions in a way that targets European interests, as cited by Politico.  Other options on the table include triggering the ‘Blocking Statute,’ an EU regulation that limits the enforcement of extraterritorial US laws in Europe. A number of “WTO-compliant retaliatory measures” are also being considered, according to the memo. …

Germany, Russia’s main European trading partner, called the bill “a peculiar move,” also promising a swift response to it. http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2017-07-24/eu-retaliate-within-days-if-us-imposes-new-sanctions-russia

So, we see that the European Commission does not want to disrupt trade with Russia, that it has a “Blocking Statute,” and that it may retaliate against the USA on this.

While the mainstream media in the USA keeps focused on alleged collusion and other matters related to Russia and Donald Trump’s election, the Europeans are focused on their economic interests.

The Bible teaches that a power will rise up in Europe (Revelation 13:1-10). Not only will this be a militarily successful power (Revelation 13:1-4; Daniel 11:39-43), it will be a major trading and economic power (Revelation 13:16-18 and Revelation 18).

Europe feels that it can deal with Russia and does not want the USA to interfere.

Actually, back in January 2015, German Chancellor Merkel proposed discussing a European Union/Eurasian trade zone (see Merkel’s European-Eurasian Trade Zone Proposal). Germany often dominates the European Union, whereas Russia does dominate the Eurasian Union.

The Eurasian Union is essentially Vladimir Putin’s plan to somewhat reconstitute the old Soviet Union–though he also hopes to involve China and India.  While the Eurasian Union has been off to a somewhat rocky start as the Ruble has had issues, it is looking to expand and various nations have indicated interest in becoming part of it.

As regular readers of this page are aware, I have been writing for years that there will end up being cooperation between the Europeans and the Russians.  In my view, Bible prophecy makes this clear.  Notice, for example, that the Bible identifies the ancient ancestors of the Russians as traders in the future:

Javan, Tubal, and Meshech were your traders. They bartered human lives and vessels of bronze for your merchandise. Those from the house of Togarmah traded for your wares with horses, steeds, and mules (Ezekiel 27:13-14).

Today, Russia is a major trader of commodities such as oil and gold. It also exports copper, which is the major component of bronze. More on the origins of the Russians can be found in the article: Russia and Ukraine: Their Origins and Prophesied Future.

Consider also that the Bible says that all trading nations will have become wealthy trading with Babylon (the restored European Empire–not Asia):

3 For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury (Revelation 18:3).

Thus, Russia is prophesied to attain wealth from the coming restored European Empire, but it will not then be the most powerful block of nations in the world.

The Europeans and Russians have been openly discussing ideas, for years, to cut the United States out.

Germany’s Adolf Hitler and the then Soviet Union’s Joseph Stalin made a deal together which helped pave the way for World War II.  The time will come when the Europeans and states in North Africa and the Middle East make a deal paving the way for World War III (WWIII) such as is described in Psalm 83. It is also likely that the Russians and others in Asia will also make some type of deal with the Europeans related to WWIII.

Of course, right now the situation between Russia and the European Union looks bleak because of Ukraine. Yet, what many do not realize is how badly both the European Union and Russia want to topple the hegemony of the United States.

There will be conflicts over Ukraine.  But this will ultimately settle for a time.  There will be cooperation between the Russians and the Europeans.  Both want to reduce USA economic and military influence. Both are working on it.

The end of the United States is coming according to biblical prophecy (e.g. Daniel 11:39; USA in Prophecy: The Strongest Fortresses). And later, so will the cooperation between the Europeans and Russians end, also according to biblical prophecy (e.g. Jeremiah 50:41-43).

But this week, the USA may take further steps to upset them both.

COGwriter

A while back, a reader sent me the following item:

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (AP) — Though surveys show that four in five Americans believe in the healing power of prayer and a majority of medical doctors say miraculous healing sometimes occurs, few researchers have subjected such claims to scientific investigation. Enter Candy Gunther Brown, who used data derived from eight years of studying the prayer healing practices of Pentecostal Christians to write “Testing Prayer: Science and Healing,” recently published by Harvard University Press.

Brown worked in Mozambique with medical researchers, who used portable machines and vision charts to examine — before and after — the hearing and vision of subjects who claimed to have been healed through prayer.

“We found statistically significant improvement in both hearing and vision, much greater than would be expected from random recovery or placebo effects,” she said…

“Generally, you would not expect to see the level of improvement we found,” she said. “The data did not tell us what mechanism caused the change — only that there were changes.”

Brown also conducted long-term follow-up interviews — for several years — of people who claimed healing through prayer.

“Some of them had written narratives of their healing and medical records over several years,” she said. “Some continued to believe they’d been healed, and others said their physical ailment had returned.”

Brown said many of those who were convinced they’d been healed interpreted the healing as an act of God’s love for them. http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/IU-researcher-examines-role-of-prayer-in-healing-4268472.php#ixzz2L5d5e300

There have been a variety of studies which have basically correlated prayer with better recovery. And the above is one of the newer ones.

The Bible teaches:

14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. (James 5:14-16)

Prayer avails, and much, if it is from one who is fervent, effectual, and righteous.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Prayer: What Does the Bible Teach? People talk a lot about prayer. Many pray in public. Does God listen? What does the Bible teach about prayer? How can your prayers be more effective? Does the Bible give particular positions to pray in? What does God want you to pray for? What if what you want is difficult? What if what you want is humanly impossible? Why doesn’t God seem to answer all prayers? This free booklet answers all those questions and more. This contains 28 biblically-based tips on improving the effectiveness of your prayers. This is a pdf. A related two part sermon is available: What Does the Bible Teach About Prayer? and What does the Bible Teach About Prayer (& Healing)?
What Should I Pray About? An old article by Lynn Torrance on prayer.
Does God Heal Today? This historical article is by Herbert Armstrong and provides his views circa 1952, which he seemed to later modify, at least to some degree.
Ten Simple Rules that Lead to Health Herbert Armstrong gives his opinions on this.
Importance of Fasting An old article by Herbert W. Armstrong on this subject.
Faith for those God has Called and Chosen What is faith? Can faith be increased? Are you saved by faith? What about works? Do Christians need to keep the Ten Commandments? What is the ‘faith chapter’? How do the just live by faith? Is faith one of the weightier matters of the law? How does faith come? Here is a link to a pdf. booklet titled Faith for Those God has Called and Chosen. Marque aquí para ver el pdf folleto: Fe para aquellos que Dios ha llamado y escogido.Here is a link to a related sermon titled: Faith for the Called and Chosen. Here is a link to shorter version of the written article in Mandarin Chinese 一篇关于信仰的小文章
Living as a Christian: How and Why? In what ways do Christians live differently than others. What about praying, fasting, tithing, holy days, and the world? There is also a YouTube video related to that also called: Living as a Christian: How and Why?

Solar eclipse viewing glasses

COGwriter

A massive solar eclipse is expected on August 21, 2017. NASA is issuing viewing warnings:

July 23, 2017

Millions of people are expected to see The Great American Eclipse on Aug. 21. On that day, a partial eclipse will be seen in every state across the country, and a total solar eclipse will be visible across 14 states in the continental United States along the 70-mile-wide stretch of the country.

Safety Precautions When Watching The Eclipse

Amid the excitement for the upcoming celestial event, NASA wants people who plan to witness the phenomenon to observe precautions so they can watch the eclipse safely.

It has long been known that staring directly at the sun with the naked eyes can cause serious damage to the vision. The sun will be significantly dimmer during the eclipse but this does not mean it is safe to view the eclipse directly.

NASA recommends using special-purpose solar filters such as eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers for those who want to see the eclipse. Unfortunately, not all glasses sold during the celestial phenomenon is safe for use.

“NASA has been alerted there are unsafe paper solar glasses being distributed,” the U.S. space agency said. http://www.techtimes.com/articles/211945/20170723/nasa-warns-of-unsafe-eclipse-glasses-how-to-tell-you-have-bought-one.htm

Here is information directly from NASA’s website:

More than 300 million people in the United States potentially could directly view the Aug. 21 total solar eclipse, and NASA wants everyone who will witness this celestial phenomenon to do so safely.

That Monday, a partial eclipse will be visible in every state. A total solar eclipse, which is when the Moon completely covers the Sun, will occur across 14 states in the continental U.S. along a 70-mile-wide (112-kilometer-wide) swath of the country.

It’s common sense not to stare directly at the Sun with your naked eyes or risk damaging your vision, and that advice holds true for a partially eclipsed Sun. But, only with special-purpose solar filters, such as eclipse glasses or a handheld solar viewer, you can safely look directly at the Sun.

NASA recommends that people who plan to view the eclipse should check the safety authenticity of viewing glasses to ensure they meet basic proper safety viewing standards.

Eclipse viewing glasses and handheld solar viewers should meet all the following criteria:

·      Have certification information with a designated ISO 12312-2 international standard

·      Have the manufacturer’s name and address printed somewhere on the product

·      Not be used if they are older than three years, or have scratched or wrinkled lenses

·      Not use homemade filters

·      Ordinary sunglasses — even very dark ones — should not be used as a replacement for eclipse viewing glasses or handheld solar viewers

“While NASA isn’t trying to be the eclipse safety glasses ‘police,’ it’s our duty to inform the public about safe ways to view what should be a spectacular sky show for the entire continental United States,” said Alex Young, associate director for science in the Heliophysics Science Division at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. “It’s important that individuals take the responsibility to check they have the proper solar eclipse viewing glasses. With the eclipse a month away today, it’s prudent to practice ahead of time.”

An alternative method for safe viewing of the partially-eclipsed Sun is with a pinhole projector. With this method, sunlight streams through a small hole – such as a pencil hole in a piece of paper, or even the space between your fingers – onto a makeshift screen, such as a piece of paper or the ground. It’s important to only watch the screen, not the Sun. Never look at the Sun through the pinhole — it is not safe.

NASA has coordinated with medical and science professionals to provide additional safety information. For details, visit:

https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/safety

More than 6,800 libraries across the U.S. are distributing safety-certified glasses. Many are working with scientists to hold viewing events and activities before and during the eclipse. For a listing of participating libraries, visit:

https://www.starnetlibraries.org/2017eclipse

NASA Television is offering a special live program, “Eclipse Across America: Through the Eyes of NASA” with real-time coverage of the event from coast to coast. The nearly four-hour program will include unprecedented images of the Aug. 21 eclipse from numerous spacecraft — including the International Space Station – high-altitude aircraft and balloons, and ground observations. Each will offer a unique vantage point for the eclipse. Additionally, the broadcast will include live coverage of activities in parks, libraries, stadiums, festivals and museums across the nation, and on social media. To watch the Aug. 21 NASA TV eclipse broadcast online and access interactive web content and views of the eclipse from these assets, visit:

https://www.nasa.gov/eclipselive

-end-

Dwayne Brown / Laurie Cantillo
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1726 / 202-358-1077

https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-recommends-safety-tips-to-view-the-august-solar-eclipse

So, those who plan to try to view the solar eclipse need to exercise caution so that they do not injury their eyes.

As far as prophecies go, some have falsely claimed that this solar eclipse is or marks the ‘end of the world’ or is an important ‘sign from God’ (see August solar eclipse: End of the world, sign from God, or natural phenomena?).

Mark Biltz, who was one who improperly promoted the ‘blood moons’ a couple of years ago, is also promoting a supposed prophetic significance of this (watch Solar Eclipse and the Apocalypse).

The solar eclipse of August 21, 2017 is simply a natural phenomenon.

Yet, some are seriously concerned about it and are pointing to verses in the Bible and Israel’s birth as a state, a process which began when the UK announced its withdrawal from Palestine in 1947, and claiming that since 2017 marks 70 years since that announcement, this is a Biblical generation and this is the end. As far as Israel and 1947/1948 goes, check out the video Israel, 1948, and Prophecy.

While a total solar eclipse is to take place on Monday, August 21, 2017, this will not possibly result in the end of the world. A solar eclipse is NOT a sign that the ‘great tribulation’ (Matthew 24:21) will begin. And since the great tribulation has not started, the world is also not possibly going to end then.

The great tribulation will come and Jesus will return, but only after following the signs that JESUS GAVE IN THE BIBLE (see When Will the Great Tribulation Begin?):

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

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

9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. 10 And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. 11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. 12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved. 14 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.

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), 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 24:3-21)

The disciples asked about the end and Jesus gave them signs to look for. Real Christians are to “walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7), but many who claim to be Christian seem to often prefer to walk by sight and look to signs other than those Jesus said to look towards.

While the end is coming, the solar eclipse of 2017, like the ‘blood moons’ of 2014 and 2015, is NOT a sign that Jesus gave in Matthew 24 nor as shown in the Book of Revelation.

A solar eclipse is not a sign of the beginning of the great tribulation (see the 6th chapter of Revelation). A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun, thereby totally or partly obscuring the image of the Sun for a viewer on Earth. Casting a shadow does not end the world.

And if you choose to watch the solar eclipse, take proper physical precautions.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Solar Eclipse and the Apocalypse According to NASA scientists, a massive solar eclipse is to occur on August 21, 2017. Some claim that it is apocalyptic and they will be raptured then. Mark Biltz, of ‘blood moon’ fame, citing Genesis 1:14, says this is a sign of God for national repentance. Is it? Could Jeremiah 10:2 apply here? Mark Biltz and others tie this August 2017 solar eclipse in with Revelation 12–is that possible? Is there any solar eclipse associated with the Apocalypse? If so, when is the soonest that prophecy can be fulfilled? Going through biblical passages, including the words of Jesus, Dr. Thiel provides answer to those questions. This is a video.
Physical Preparation Scriptures for Christians. We all know the Bible prophecies famines. Should we do something? Here is a version in the Spanish language Escrituras sobre Preparación física para los Cristianos.
Will the Great Tribulation Start in 2017? There are various theories, signs, and opinions of ones who believe that the Great Tribulation will start in 2017. Some point to Nostradamus, some point to Fatima, some point to a solar eclipse for 21 August 2017, some point to Donald Trump, some point to Jubilee cycles, some point to the rebirth of the nation of Israel, some point to a possible Shemitah year, some point to a Jewish sage, others point to the Bible, and some claim a combination of reasons why the Bible supports their view that the tribulation will begin in 2017. Is it at all possible for the Great Tribulation to begin in 2017? Dr. Thiel goes over various theories and shows what the Bible actually teaches. This is a video.
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, Eclipses, 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. Now some point to a solar eclipse in 2017–is that a ‘sign from God’? A YouTube video is also available: Blood Moons, Prophecy, 2014, and 2015.
Harold Camping’s Teachings About the End of the World Do Not Agree with the Bible Harold Camping taught that the rapture will be on May 21, 2011 and the world would end on October 21, 2011. What does the Bible show?
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?
Is There A Secret Rapture for the Church? When and Where is the Church Protected? What does the Bible really teach? Does the Church flee or is it taken up just prior to the great tribulation? Who really is left behind? There is also a YouTube video with information Did Jesus Teach a Pre-tribulation Rapture?
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?
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?

COGwriter

Australia is concerned about an incursion by a Chinese naval espionage ship. A reader from Australia tipped me off about this. Here is a related news report:

23 July 2017

A high-tech Chinese spy ship has been spotted off the Queensland coast monitoring joint military exercises between Australia and the United States, in what Defence officials have described as an “unfriendly” and “provocative” act.

The ABC can reveal the Auxiliary General Intelligence (AGI) vessel from the People’s Liberation Army was sighted by the Defence Force in international waters during this month’s Talisman Sabre war games.

The Type 815 Dongdiao-class AGI vessel is fitted with advanced communications systems designed to eavesdrop on other militaries.

In a statement to the ABC, Defence confirmed the spy ship had “been operating off the north-east coast of Australia” during the joint military exercises.

“The Chinese vessel has remained outside Australian territorial waters but inside the Australian Exclusive Economic Zone in the Coral Sea,” the department said.

“Exercise Talisman Sabre is currently taking place in the vicinity. The vessel’s presence has not detracted from the exercise objectives,” it added.

Euan Graham from the Lowy Institute said the deployment of the vessel was an alarming development. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-07-22/chinese-navy-spy-ship-rattles-talisman-sabre-war-games-off-quee/8732944

While this is alarming to some, it should not be a surprise to regular readers of this Church of God News page. Back as far as 2009, I began to warn about the possibility that China may one day end up with the territory of Australia.

Back in 2009 when Hillary Clinton was US Secretary of State, in my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect, I wrote that China may take over Australia. Since I wrote that, my belief in that outcome has increased.

On June 24, 2010, the day it was announced that she became Prime Minister of Australia, I warned that I felt that Julia Gillard would take steps to fulfill prophecies that also could get the Chinese interested in taking over Australia (see Australia Now Has a Female Prime Minister: Prophetic Ramifications?).

And that happened.

On November 10, 2011, I posted the following:

The USA is getting concerned about China enough to station troops in Australia …

Relying more on a declining military power is not the answer for Australia.  And even if the presence is not huge, just having US troops ‘permanently’ stationed in Australia shows more reliance by Australia on the USA’s military. …

The Australians themselves have had various concerns about China, but while they seem to feel that allowing the USA in the country in a bigger way will protect them, I have a different view.  The presence of US troops in China may be used as part of its possible future justification for taking the land of Australia.  The Chinese may claim something to the effect that Australia is really a military pawn/representative of the USA and thus, since the USA owes them money, taking over Australia will help settle that debt.

China is rising up and the USA is declining militarily relative to it and Europe right now. This does not bode well for the USA nor its allies like Australia.  The implication for Australia is more than profound–the implications are disastrous.

The Bible suggests that the land of the Anglo-descended peoples will be conquered and divided (Daniel 11:39; Lamentations 4:16; Joel 3:2-3; Amos 7:17; Ezekiel 5:1-2,12; 6:8; Ezekiel 22:13-15; )

Without national repentance, the Australia is doomed. Period. (Thiel B. Obama Putting ‘Permanent’ Troops in Australia Because of China, But… November 10, 2011)

About a week later, the Chinese fulfilled the prediction I made on June 24, 2010:

November 17, 2011

A Marine Base for Australia Irritates China

DARWIN, Australia — Fresh from announcing an expanded American military presence in Australia, a plan that has angered China, President Obama came to this remote northern town that will be the base of operations…

The Global Times, a state-run news organization known for its nationalist and bellicose commentaries, issued a stronger reaction in an editorial, saying that Australia should be cautious about allowing the United States to use bases there to “harm China” and that it risked getting “caught in the cross-fire.”  http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/18/world/asia/obama-addresses-troops-at-final-stop-in-australia.html

Related to the above, on November 11, 2011, I posted the following:

China is rising up and the USA is declining militarily relative to it and Europe right now. This does not bode well for the USA nor its allies like Australia. The implication for Australia is more than profound–the implications are disastrous.  …

Without national repentance, the Australia is doomed. Period. So is the USA. Details are in the Bible and are more specifically explained in my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect.

Many do not wish to accept that, either here in the USA, over in New Zealand, or in Australia, but it is the truth. These nations will be taken over, and it may be that China will control part of the land. (Thiel B. Australia accepts US troops, China not pleased. November 11, 2011)

I basically wrote the warnings about Australia, because Global Times was correct that it was originally established by the United Kingdom and became a British colony. Because of biblical prophecies to the B’rit ish, the ‘covenant people’ (for some details, watch British are the Covenant People ), I was aware that certain prophecies that show blessings and cursings to the descendants of Joseph’s son Ephraim would impact Australia (see also Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel).

The Chinese, interestingly enough, got control of the port in Darwin, and some have concerns:

24 November 2015

The decision to offer a century-long lease over the Port of Darwin to a Chinese company feeds into the PRC’s global strategic aims. Australia ignores this consideration at its peril, writes Geoff Wade.

The national and indeed international reactions to the Northern Territory Government’s decision to offer a century-long lease over the port of Darwin to Chinese company Landbridge can be divided essentially into two camps.

The dichotomy has on one side those, such as the Trade Minister Andrew Robb and NT Chief Minister Adam Giles, who simply portray the Darwin deal as important for the economic development of northern Australia.

Those of the other side, including both Australian critics and, sotto voce, the Americans, see the deal as a more complex element in growing the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) influence in Australia, which is increasingly constituting a threat to the country’s independence per se and to Western interests in the South Pacific and globally.

Understanding the significance of this deal requires a much wider lens and broader context than those provided by perceived economic self-interest. China’s national revival and its global economic and strategic extension over the decades since Deng Xiaoping, which Xi Jinping has rebranded as the “Chinese Dream”, provide a much clearer schema in which to situate the Darwin deal.

The “Chinese Dream” involves the reassertion of the economic and political primacy that China claims it has enjoyed over neighbours for millennia. This agenda is now being pursued globally but most intensely in South-East Asia and Australia/New Zealand. …

The Darwin deal will provide Chinese shipping and naval vessels with facilitated access to Australia, the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific, as well as to Indonesia and PNG over the coming century. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-11-24/wade-the-darwin-port-is-another-link-in-china’s-expansion/6967640

After this, the USA and Australia began to seriously look at having long range bombers based in Australia, and China does not like it:

March 9, 2016

The United States is in talks to base long-range bombers in Australia, U.S. defense officials said, within striking distance of the disputed South China Sea, a move that could inflame tensions with China.

The deployments could include B-1 bombers and an expansion of B-52 bomber missions, said Lt. Col. Damien Pickart, a spokesman for the U.S. Air Force in the Pacific, http://www.reuters.com/article/us-southchinasea-australia-usa-idUSKCN0WB05Q

March 10, 2016

The commander of the US Pacific Air Forces, General Lori Robinson, has revealed talks had begun with the Australian government to have long-range B-1 bombers and aerial tankers regularly rotated at military bases in the Northern Territory.

In response, the Chinese foreign ministry has said such military co-operation should not target any third parties in the region.

“We are concerned at relevant reports. At the moment, the major regional trend and people’s desire is to seek peace and cooperation to push forward development,” said spokesman Hong Lei at a daily news briefing. http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2016/03/09/china-concerned-over-us-australia-bomber-talks

The Australians hope that the USA will be able to protect them, while it also increases its trade with China (see After Obama announces stronger military ties to Australia, Australia makes a trade deal with China).  Yet, the presence of US troops and other weaponry in Australia may be used by China as part of its possible future justification for taking the land of Australia. The Chinese may claim something to the effect that Australia is really a military pawn/representative of the USA and thus, since the USA owes them money, taking over Australia will help settle that debt.

Events are aligning for various curses, like Australia losing its sovereignty and land (cf. Daniel 11:39; Lamentations 4:16; Joel 3:2-3; Amos 7:17; Ezekiel 5:1-2,12; 6:8; Ezekiel 22:13-15). And the Chinese threats in Global Times are proof of that.

Although I personally was unaware of it until July 14, 2016, in February 1963, the old Radio Church of God earlier warned of a threat from Asia in general, and China in particular, to Australia:

Simply because of her geographical situation, Australia is a land of opportunity. Yes, OPPORTUNITY- opportunity for the teeming masses of Asia! …

lndonesia is only ONE of Australia’s worries!

Still further to the north lies the sprawling mainland of Red China. Standing on the Baok of China, like a sentinel on the alert, is the booming, highly industrialized nation of Japan with its progressive millions!

Australia is in trouble-and doesn’t know it! (Armstrong GT. Australia’s Deadly Peril! Plain Truth, February 1963, p. 9)

What if Britain Enters the Common Market? …

Faced with this potential effecr of the Common Market-Australia has been FORCED to look hopefully toward ASIA for new and expanded outlets for its produce! …

Australia, like all of Israel, is headed toward captivity! …

Just as ancient Israel made the mistake of seeking to the Gentile nations for her protection, making pacts and treaties, instead of trusting in God-so is modern-day Israel guilty of the same sin! Australia at the present time is linked with Gentile nations as a member of SEATO, the Southeast Asian Treaty Organization. She like other nations of Israel, is looking to Gentile nations for protection from her potential enemies.

This practice God condemns. …

While the United States and Great Britain are faced with the prophesied revival of the “beast,” a union of ten powerful nations in Europe, forming the rebuilding of the ancient Roman Empire, Australia may well be taken over by an entirely different enemy! Australia, trying to populate and industrialize to stave off Communism, may become the SLAVES OF COMMUNISTS! And -make no mistake about it-aggression is actually BEING PLANNED against Australia! (Armstrong GT. Australia’s Deadly Peril! Plain Truth, February 1963, pp. 42-44)

Well, Britain did enter the old Common Market and as the 1963 article indicated, Australia has become more and more dependent upon Asian markets. Furthermore, as the 1963 article suggested, Australia is becoming vulnerable for captivity from China.

In 2016, we made a video titled: Are Chinese threats against Australia for real?

In 2017, I reported here that Australia was being scared off by Russia (see Australia suspends air operations after threat from Russia).

Should Australia consider that China has ambitions to control it?

Yes.

In the future Australia will lose its sovereignty. China remains the power that I think is most likely to dominate it.

The actions by China should serve as a wake-up call, but so far, Australia has not taken steps to truly turn to God.

Perhaps I should add that I also expect New Zealand to lose its sovereignty. Though it is likely that the USA and UK will lose theirs first (Canada too, will lose its sovereignty).

Like the rest of the nations, Australia and New Zealand need the Kingdom of God.

Some articles of related interest may include:

Are Chinese threats against Australia for real? The Chinese paper ‘Global Times’ has carried threats in 2011 and 2016 suggesting the China would militarily intervene against Australia. It has declared that Australia is a ‘paper cat,’ that China will get revenge against it, and that Australia would be no more. Is this possible? Are there biblical and other reasons to think that this threat is real? Dr. Thiel answers these questions and brings up the fact that he has been warning about this threat since the last decade.
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).
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?
Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? Does God have 7,000 year plan? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2026 or 20xx? There is also a video titled The 6000 Year Plan: Is the end of humanity’s reign almost up? Here is a link to the article in Spanish: ¿Tiene Dios un plan de 6,000 años?
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: Will the Great Tribulation Start in 2017?
Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse What do each of the four horseman of the Apocalypse represent? Have they began their ride? Did Jesus discuss the any of this? Might their rides coincide with the “beginning of sorrows? Do they start their ride prior to the Great Tribulation? Did Nostradamus or any other ‘private prophets’ write predictions that may mislead people so that they may not understand the truth of one or more of the four horseman? There is also a related YouTube video titled The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.
Are You Being Called by God? Norman Shoaf wrote various points to consider.
Is God Calling You? Alfred E Carrozzo wrote this.
What Did Christ Mean  Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen? This article was by Raymond McNair.
Christian Repentance Do you know what repentance is? Is it really necessary for salvation? A related sermon is also available titled: Real Christian Repentance.
Just What Do You Mean — Repentance? Do you know what repentance is? Have you truly repented? Repented of what? Herbert W. Armstrong wrote this as a booklet on this important subject.
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Saxon (non-Dutch) Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo-Saxon nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first? Here is a link to the Spanish version of this article: Anglo-América & las Tribus Perdidas de Israel. Information is also in the YouTube sermons titled Where are the Ten Lost Tribes? Why does it matter? and British are the Covenant People. A short YouTube of prophetic interest may be Barack Obama and the State of the Apocalypse.
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: Donald: ‘Trump of God’ or Apocalyptic?
Donald Trump and America’s Apocalypse This 188 page book is for people truly interested in prophecies related to Donald Trump and the United States, including learning about several that have already been fulfilled and those that will be fulfilled in the future. The physical book can be purchased at Amazon for $12.99 from the following link: Donald Trump and America’s Apocalypse.
Donald Trump and America’s Apocalypse-Kindle Edition This electronic version of the 188 page print edition is available for only US$3.99. 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 Donald Trump and America’s Apocalypse-Kindle Edition.
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God This free online pdf booklet has answers many questions people have about the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and explains why it is the solution to the issues the world is facing. Here are links to three related sermons: The World’s False Gospel, The Gospel of the Kingdom: From the New and Old Testaments, and The Kingdom of God is the Solution.

COGwriter

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

19:49

In July 2017, the Vatican seemingly endorsed references to Donald Trump’s Administration as “apocalyptic.” In November 2008, Cardinal James Francis Stafford said that Barack Obama was apocalyptic. Has Donald Trump taken any steps that are apocalyptic? What about the Vatican? Are there areas where Donald Trump and Pope Francis have conflict related to Europe that are both apocalyptic? What is the book of the Apocalypse? Are ancient prophecies related to Europe and the Great Tribulation coming to pass because of Donald Trump and Pope Francis? Dr. Thiel answers these questions and more.

USS Gerald R. Ford

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COGwriter

The USA and UK seem to be taking steps to prepare for possible war with North Korea:

READY FOR WAR: US battleships armed with futuristic HYPERSONIC weapons to take out Kim

US NAVY warships are set for a futuristic upgrade amid fears World War 3 may break out with missile-obsessed North Korea.

22 July 2017

The vessels will reportedly be equipped with “hypervelocity projectiles (HVP)” – weapons capable of firing rounds at speeds of up to 5,600mph (9,012kph) – to be mounted on to its current on-deck 5-inch guns.A normal bullet travels at speeds of around 1,800mph (2896kph).The high-tech weapon will be able to target drones, submarines, missiles and other long-range targets.The news comes as North Korea threatened it will “mercilessly annihilate” aggressors as it hit out the US for its military presence in the South.A Navy spokeswoman said it is “leveraging commercial electronics miniaturisation and computational performance increase to develop a common guided projectile for use in current 5 inch guns and future high velocity gun systems”.The spokeswoman continued: “The HVP effort will seek to increase range and accuracy of the 5-Inch Gun Weapon System in support of multiple mission areas.” http://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/world-news/631696/trump-warships-futuristic-weapons-north-korea-missile-test-hypervelocity-projectiles-war

Hawaii to test nuclear warning system amid North Korea’s threats

July 22, 2017

Hawaii is set to become the first state in the US to test an “attack- warning” system in the event of a North Korean nuclear missile strike. http://www.cnn.com/2017/07/22/us/hawaii-nuclear-test-north-korea-attack/index.html

Britain in ‘GRAVE’ warning to North Korea as nuclear war looms

KIM Jong-un has been hit with an ultimatum by Britain to scale back North Korea’s human rights abuses.

22 July 2017

Prime Minister Theresa May is backing the US in ratcheting up the pressure on the hermit state after numerous missile tests.Nuclear war is looming with world powers ganging up on North Korea.And with US citizen Otto Warmbier dying in prison after taking down a propaganda poster, Britain has issued a threat of its own.

In its annual report on human rights and democracy, the Foreign Office called on North Korea to sort itself out.It said: “We continue to have grave concerns about the DPRK’s disregard for, and violations of, international human rights norms and obligations.”The UK continued to urge the DPRK Government to acknowledge the existence and extent of its human rights violations and to demonstrate a willingness to take steps to address these issues.” http://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/latest-news/631712/north-korea-nuclear-war-britain-grave-warning-kim-jong-un-theresa-may22 July 2017

North Korea travel ban …

The US Government has announced a “Geographical Travel Restriction” which will prevent Americans from entering North Korea.

The ban, which will come into effect next month, is a result of “mounting concerns over the serious risk of arrest and long-term detention under North Korea’s system of law enforcement”, said Heather Nauert, spokeswoman for US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. …

Britons are free to enter North Korea as tourists, but should take extreme caution if doing so. http://www.express.co.uk/news/world/831705/North-Korea-travel-ban-US-otto-warmbier-safe-travel-affect-me-passport

The less US citizens in North Korea, the less potential American hostages are there for North Korea to take.

Despite these and other actions, should war break out, this would NOT be World War III. Though, how the USA and UK handle such a conflict may upset the Europeans, Chinese, Russians, and others who may have involvement in WWIII.

As far as military matters go, the US now has a new advanced aircraft carrier named after US President Gerald Ford:

July 22, 2017

The USS Ford is named after the country’s 38th president, who rose to the rank of lieutenant commander in the Navy during World War II.

The warship joins the Navy fleet behind schedule and at inflated price tag of $12.9 billion. The Navy blames the delays and cost overruns on the ship’s state-of-the-art systems.

The USS Ford, which is the first member of the next generation of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, will be welcomed to the fleet with the words: “Man our ship and bring her to life.” http://www.foxnews.com/us/2017/07/22/trump-to-attend-commissioning-uss-gerald-r-ford-newest-aircraft-carrier.html

Trump: USS Ford is ‘100,000-ton message to the world’

July 22, 2017

NORFOLK, Va. — With praise and a blessing for the military, President Donald Trump helped hand over the USS Gerald R. Ford to the Navy on Saturday and said the state-of-the-art aircraft carrier will send a “100,000-ton message to the world” about America’s military might when it is ultimately deployed.  …

“American steel and American hands have constructed this 100,000-ton message to the world,” Trump said of the Ford during a speech that praised the bravery and spirit of U.S. service members and referenced his desire for a buildup after years of spending restrictions.

“American might is second to none and we’re getting bigger and better and stronger every day of my administration. That I can tell you,” Trump told thousands of service members and guests, including former defense secretaries Dick Cheney and Donald Rumsfeld, and Govs. Terry McAuliffe of Virginia and Rick Snyder of Michigan, who were packed into the steamy hangar bay on the main deck.

“Wherever this vessel cuts through the horizon, our allies will rest easy and our enemies will shake with fear because everyone will know that America is coming, and America is coming strong,” Trump said. http://www.politico.com/story/2017/07/22/trump-uss-ford-is-100-000-ton-message-to-the-world-240850

This aircraft carrier has been in the works for some time, but now could be used in a conflict with North Korea. At this instant, it is not obvious that North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un is shaking with fear–though perhaps he should be as the USA seems to be going over several military options related to North Korea.

In addition to that new carrier, the US has been testing its Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system (see US claims a successful THAAD test: A message to North Korea?). The US wants more THAAD systems in South Korea in the event of conflict with North Korea. The hope is that THAAD could knock out missiles from North Korea so that less would die in South Korea.

Three months ago (on April 11, 2017), Donald Trump sent the following from his Twitter account: “North Korea is looking for trouble. If China decides to help, that would be great. If not, we will solve the problem without them! U.S.A.” Donald Trump, if he is looking for a military solution, likely has enough statements and actions from North Korea to legally ‘justify’ one, though the North Koreans also think the same thing.

Internationally, Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump are both considered to be unpredictable. The USA wants to change the situation in North Korea, while North Korea seems willing to risk itself against the USA (e.g. North Korea launches ICBM and says it can hit anywhere: What will Donald Trump do?).

North Korea will NOT continue as it has been.

It has severe economic problems and leadership issues. Its people have been suffering for decades and are in my prayers.

In my view, North Korea will one day reunify (at least to a degree, if not totally) with South Korea.

Because of prophecies involving “the kings from the east” cooperating at the end (cf. Revelation 16:12; Daniel 11:44: “news from the east and the north shall trouble him”), we in the Continuing Church of God have long felt that somehow North and South Korea would likely be unified (or at least work more closely together) prior to the return of Jesus Christ.

It could take military conflict for that type of unity to happen. This may not turn out well for the North Korean leadership.

While the USA can defeat North Korea militarily, understand that North Korea could try to set off a nuclear device (either through a launch or through some other means, including covert terroristic ones) or take other military actions that could hurt South Korea or the USA. As reported here a couple of days ago, some believe it may attempt to hurt the USA through electromagnetic pulse (EMP) weapons (see North Korea poses electromagnetic-pulse threat to USA).

Notice also something that Jesus said which is pertinent to this situation with North Korea:

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

While we are in the ‘beginning of sorrows,’ the end is not yet. Why? Because other events in the Bible, such as those that Jesus spoke of Matthew 24:9-20 have not happened yet (see also When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2017, 2018, or 2019?).

That being said, Jesus spoke of a time of troubles prior to the Great Tribulation (Mark 13:8) and North Korea may well fit in with those (we also have a video related to some of this, which is titled: Syria, North Korea, and Prophecy). We are hearing rumors of war and seeing steps that point in that direction.

Jerusalem (photo by Dr. Thiel)

COGwriter

There have been more attacks in Jerusalem:

Six Die in One Day in Latest Israeli-Palestinian Violence

July 22, 2017

Israeli officials say three Israelis died and one more was wounded when a Palestinian broke into a home in a West Bank settlement and stabbed its residents while they were eating dinner.

Two of the victims died Friday soon after the attack in the area known as Neve Tsuf, north of Ramallah. Another victim died later in the day.

The assailant was shot by Israeli police and is hospitalized in Israel. He has been identified as 20-year-old Omar al-Abed. His brother also has been arrested.

Elsewhere Friday, three Palestinians died when clashes between Israeli security forces and Palestinians turned violent.

Tensions have been rising for days after Israel installed metal detectors at a site sacred to both Muslims and Jews, after two Israeli police officers were killed there by Arab gunmen.

On Friday, Israel barred Muslim men under the age of 50 from entering the contested Jerusalem holy place for noon prayers

Officials said the clashes at the Old City shrine had been expected.

The site is known as the Noble Sanctuary to Muslims, and as the Temple Mount to Jews. It is the holiest Jewish site and the third holiest in Islam. https://www.voanews.com/a/israel-palestinians-violence/3954785.html

July 22, 2017

RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) — Israel’s military sent more troops to the West Bank and placed forces on high alert Saturday, a day after a Palestinian stabbed to death three members of an Israeli family and Israeli-Palestinian clashes erupted over tensions at the Holy Land’s most contested shrine.

The father of the 20-year-old Palestinian assailant said he believes his son was upset over the loss of Palestinian lives and wanted to protect the “honor” of the Jerusalem holy site.

Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman visited the site of the attack, the Israeli settlement of Halamish, and consulted with top commanders. Lieberman said the attacker’s home would be demolished swiftly. He called on Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to condemn what he said was a “slaughter.”

Disputes over the shrine, revered by Muslims and Jews, have set off major rounds of Israeli-Palestinian confrontations in the past. They were also at the root of the current violence which began last week when Arab gunmen fired from the shrine, killing two Israeli policemen.

In response, Israel installed metal detectors at the gates of the 37-acre (15-hectare) walled compound, saying the devices were a needed security measure to prevent more attacks.

Muslims alleged Israel was trying to expand its control at the Muslim-administered site under the guise of security – a claim Israel denies – and launched mass prayer protests.

On Friday, anger boiled over and several thousand Palestinians clashed with Israeli security forces in the West Bank and in Jerusalem after noon prayers – the congregational prayers of the Muslim religious week. Three Palestinians were killed and several dozen wounded by live rounds and bullets in some of the worst street clashes in two years.

On Friday evening, a Palestinian identified as Omar al-Abed jumped over the fence of the Halamish settlement and entered a home, surprising a family during their Sabbath dinner.

The Israeli military said the assailant killed a man and two of his adult children, while a woman was wounded. A neighbor heard the screams, rushed to the home and opened fire, wounding al-Abed who was taken to an Israeli hospital, said the head of Israel’s rescue service. http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/M/ML_ISRAEL_PALESTINIANS?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2017-07-22-09-23-36

The situation remains tense in Jerusalem.

Consider the following:

Jerusalem is the name most commonly used in the Bible, and the name used by most of the Western World. The Biblical Hebrew form is Yerushalaim (ירושלם), adopted in Biblical Greek as Hierousalēm, Ierousalēm (Ιερουσαλήμ), or Hierosolyma, Ierosolyma (Ιεροσόλυμα), and in early Christian Bibles as Syriac Ūrišlem (ܐܘܪܫܠܡ) as well as Latin Hierosolyma or Ierusalem. In Arabic this name occurs in the form Ūrsālim (أورسالم).

The name “Shalem”, whether as a town or a deity, is derived from the same root as the word “shalom“, meaning peace,^[12][13] so that the common interpretation of the name is now “The City of Peace”^[9][14] or “Abode of Peace”. (Names of Jerusalem. Wikipedia, accessed 07/22/17)

Despite the meaning of the name, Jerusalem is often not peaceful.

Many Palestinians are depressed, distraught, and feel that they are without hope. Because of improper Islamic teachings and statements from their leadership, many believe that engaging in brutal, violent behavior will not only free them from problems in this life, but give them an opportunity to fulfill various lusts in the next (e.g. see Suicide bombers kill scores in Turkey–their hope for reward is flawed)–but that is a false hope.

Brutality was prophesied for the end times:

1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 6 For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, 7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. (2 Timothy 3:1-7)

It is not brave, but cowardly, to randomly stab the unsuspecting. Despite what various attackers believe, the Bible shows that the unrepentant, cowardly, and murderers will NOT inherit the Kingdom of God (Revelation 21:8).

Yet, various Palestinians have often celebrated violence and indicated that they are following the right course of action. The recent incidents were triggered because of earlier violence (see Hamas calls for uprising against Israel).

The Bible indicates that the Palestinians will get control over more land in the current nation of Israel (cf. Jeremiah 25:17-29; 47:2-7; see also Gaza and the Palestinians in Bible Prophecy).

Yet, that is not the solution to the problems for the Palestinians or with Jerusalem. The real solution is the return of Jesus Christ and the establishment of the Kingdom of God.

The time will come when:

4 He shall judge between the nations,
And rebuke many people;
They shall beat their swords into plowshares,
And their spears into pruning hooks;
Nation shall not lift up sword against nation,
Neither shall they learn war anymore. (Isaiah 2:4)

3 He shall judge between many peoples,
And rebuke strong nations afar off;
They shall beat their swords into plowshares,
And their spears into pruning hooks;
Nation shall not lift up sword against nation,
Neither shall they learn war anymore.

4 But everyone shall sit under his vine and under his fig tree,
And no one shall make them afraid;
For the mouth of the Lord of hosts has spoken.
5 For all people walk each in the name of his god,
But we will walk in the name of the Lord our God
Forever and ever. (Micah 4:3-5)

Until then, those who believe the Bible should pray “Thy Kingdom come” (Matthew 6:10). Consider also the following:

3 Jerusalem is built
As a city that is compact together,
4 Where the tribes go up,
The tribes of the Lord,
To the Testimony of Israel,
To give thanks to the name of the Lord.
5 For thrones are set there for judgment,
The thrones of the house of David.

6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
“May they prosper who love you.
7 Peace be within your walls,
Prosperity within your palaces.”
8 For the sake of my brethren and companions,
I will now say, “Peace be within you.” (Psalms 122:3-8)

Instead of being focused on hate and destruction, prayer and repentance are needed–people need to focus on love and doing good. And this applies worldwide, and not just to those in Jerusalem.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Jerusalem: Past, Present, and Future What does the Bible say about Jerusalem and its future? Is Jerusalem going to be divided and eliminated? Is Jesus returning to the area of Jerusalem? There are also two related YouTube videos you can watch: Jerusalem To be divided and eliminated and God’s and Satan’s Plan for Jerusalem.
Gaza and the Palestinians in Bible Prophecy What does the Bible teach about Gaza and the fate of the Palestinians? Here is a link to a related video: Gaza and Palestine in Prophecy.
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.
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.
Why is a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem Not Required? Although people like Timothy LaHaye teach a third Jewish temple is required, who is ‘the temple of God” in the New Testament? Does the Bible require a rebuilt Jewish Temple? Could the old Temple have been somewhere other than the “Temple Mount”? Here is a related article in the Spanish language ¿Por qué no se requiere un templo judío en Jerusalén? Here is a link to a sermon titled The Temple, Prophecy, and the Work.
How Will Middle East Peace be Brought About? Can humans bring peace to the Middle East? Here is a link to a related video: Middle East Peace? When?
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.
Jerusalem: Past, Present, and Future What does the Bible say about Jerusalem and its future? Is Jerusalem going to be divided and eliminated? Is Jesus returning to the area of Jerusalem? There is also a related YouTube video you can watch titled Jerusalem To be divided and eliminated.
Prayer: What Does the Bible Teach? This free booklet contains 28 biblically-based tips on improving the effectiveness of your prayers. This is a pdf. A related two part sermon is available: What Does the Bible Teach About Prayer? and What does the Bible Teach About Prayer (& Healing)?
Are You Being Called by God? Norman Shoaf wrote various points to consider.
Is God Calling You? Alfred E Carrozzo wrote this.
What Did Christ Mean  Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen? This article was by Raymond McNair.
Christian Repentance Do you know what repentance is? Is it really necessary for salvation? A related sermon is also available titled: Real Christian Repentance.
Differences Between Islam and the Continuing Church of God What are some of the main differences? Are there any similarities? A video of related interest is titled: Islam: Any Christian Concerns or Similarities?
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.
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?
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?
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: Will the Great Tribulation Start in 2017?
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God This free online pdf booklet has answers many questions people have about the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and explains why it is the solution to the issues the world is facing. Here are links to three related sermons: The World’s False Gospel, The Gospel of the Kingdom: From the New and Old Testaments, and The Kingdom of God is the Solution.

17th century artist Pasquale Ottino’s portrayal of Peter dictating the gospel being penned by Mark

COGwriter

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

1:19:16

Mark 10-12: Marriage, Divorce, Needle Eye, Greatest Command, & Taxes

This is the fourth part of a multi-part sermon series covering the entire Gospel According to Mark. In it, Dr. Thiel begins with Mark 10:1 and covers all the verses in that chapter until the end of chapter 12. He goes over Jesus being asked about divorce, and Jesus’ comments about marriage and adultery–he also goes over part of the Church of God wedding ceremony. Dr. Thiel also discusses the blessing of children, infant baptism, immorality, eternal life, the eye of a needle, rich people and the Kingdom, Jesus riding a colt, producing fruit, faith, prayer, forgiveness, God’s authority, taxes, love, the greatest commandments, purgatory, and the widow’s two mites.

Here is a link to the video sermon: Mark 10-12: Marriage, Divorce, Needle Eye, Greatest Command, & Taxes.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Making Your Marriage Work Marriage is not always easy, but it pictures a divine relationship. How can you make your marriage work? Here is a link to the video sermon: You Can Make YOUR Marriage Work.
Ceremonies: Marriage, Funeral, Baptismal, and Laying on Hands Called ‘sacraments’ by some groups, what are the ceremonies in the Bible that Christians may be involved in? A related sermon is available online and is titled: Church of God Ceremonies.
Blessing of Children or Infant Baptism? Which does the Bible endorse? A video of related interest is available: The Blessing of Little Children Ceremony.
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?
Was the Commandment to Love the Only Command? Some have stated that John’s writings teach this, but is that what the Bible really says?
The Ten Commandments: The Decalogue, Christianity, and the Beast This is a free draft/unedited pdf book explaining the what the Ten Commandments are, where they came from, how early professors of Christ viewed them, and how various ones, including the Beast of Revelation, will oppose them. A related sermon is titled: The Ten Commandments and the Beast of Revelation.
Should the Church Still Try to Place its Top Priority on Proclaiming the Gospel or Did Herbert W. Armstrong Change that Priority for the Work? Some say the Church should mainly feed the flock now as that is what Herbert W. Armstrong reportedly said. Is that what he said? Is that what the Bible says? What did Paul and Herbert W. Armstrong expect from lower level leaders? A related sermon is available titled Priority of the Philadelphia Work.
Taxes What caused the descendants of Israel to pay taxes? Should Christians pay taxes? If you prefer, or additionally, you could watch the video Should Christians Pay Taxes?
Tithing Questions and Some Answers Answers questions about tithing and also addresses some non-biblical arguments against tithing. Should people tithe? Here is a link to a related video sermon Tithing Answers from the Bible.
Faith for Those God has Called and Chosen What is faith? Can faith be increased? Are you saved by faith? What about works? Do Christians need to keep the Ten Commandments? What is the ‘faith chapter’? How do the just live by faith? Is faith one of the weightier matters of the law? How does faith come? Marque aquí para ver el pdf folleto: Fe para aquellos que Dios ha llamado y escogido. In German: Glaube für die von Gott Berufenen und Auserwählten. In French: La Foi pour ceux que Dieu a Appelés et Choisis. Here is a link to a related sermon titled: Faith for the Called and Chosen.and here is a link to another sermon Faith and Courage. Here is a link to shorter version of the written article in Mandarin Chinese N{ÇQsNŽOáNðv„\e‡zà.
Prayer: What Does the Bible Teach? This free booklet contains 28 biblically-based tips on improving the effectiveness of your prayers. This is a pdf. A related two part sermon is available: What Does the Bible Teach About Prayer? and What does the Bible Teach About Prayer (& Healing)?
MARK Here is a link to a sermon covering all of Jesus’ words in the ‘Gospel of Mark’: What did Jesus teach in the Book of Mark?
MATTHEW Here are links to twelve sermons covering the 28 chapters of Matthew: Matthew 1-2: Greek or Aramaic, Jesus, and the Star?, Matthew 3-5: John the Baptist, Temptations, and the Beatitudes, Matthew 6-7: Charitable Deeds, the Rosary, Prayer, the Golden Rule, and Faith, Matthew 8-10: Married Clergy, Faith, Coming Persecution, and the Ecumenical Agenda, Matthew 11-12: John the Elijah, Sodom, Unpardonable Sin, & 3 Days and 3 Nights, -14: Parables, Mustard Seeds, Birthdays, and Faith, Matthew 15-16: Tradition, Signs of the Times, and The Rock & Peter, Matthew 17-18: Transfiguration, Elijah to Come, Taxes, and Forgiveness, Matthew 19-20: Transgender? Divorce? Purgatory? The first shall be last?, Matthew 21-23: ‘Palm Sunday,’ Come as You Are?, and the Greatest Commandments, Matthew 24: Temple Destruction, Sorrows, Tribulation, and the Return of Jesus, and Matthew 25-28: Midnight Cry, False Christians, Resurrection, & Teaching what Jesus Taught.
LUKE Here are links to eight sermons covering the entire ‘Gospel of Luke’: Luke 1-2: John the Baptist, Mary, and the Census, Luke 3-6: John the Baptist, Jesus’ genealogy, Satan’s Influence, and the Sermon on the Mount, Luke 7-9: Miracles, Purpose of Parables, Kingdom of God, and Women Supporting the Ministry, Luke 10-11: The 70, Doing the Work, the Good Samaritan, Prayer, and Signs, Luke 12-13: Priorities, Delayed Fruit Bearing, Little Flock, Prophecy, and the Narrow Way, Luke 14-16: The Lost Sheep, the Prodigal Son, the Rich Man and Lazarus, Luke 17-20: Faith, the Kingdom, Gathering, Prayer, & Rewards, and Luke 21-22: Giving, Sorrows, Persecution, Tribulation, Fig Tree, and Violence. The last sermon also covers Jesus’ words in the Book of Acts.
JOHN Here are links to a seven-part sermon series covering the entire ‘Gospel of John’: John 1-3: Anti-unitarian, Wine, Being Born Again, & Heaven, John 4-6: Jesus and the Samaritan Woman, Miracles and the Bread of Life, John 10-12: Sheep, Hirelings, Lazarus/Soul Sleep and ‘Palm Day’, John 13-15: Footwashing and the Words of Jesus, John 16-18: Truth, Trinity, and Pontius Pilate, and John 19-21: Do not only try, do what God wants.
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God This free online pdf booklet has answers many questions people have about the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and explains why it is the solution to the issues the world is facing. Here are links to three related sermons: The World’s False Gospel, The Gospel of the Kingdom: From the New and Old Testaments, and The Kingdom of God is the Solution.
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?
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, and Ekegusii Omogano Bw’ekanisa Ya Nyasae Egendererete.
CCOG.ORG Continuing Church of God The group striving to be most faithful amongst all real Christian groups to the word of God. To see how CCOG has done so far, here are links to two sermons Continuing Church of God (CCOG) first year anniversary: What has been accomplished? and The Continuing Church of God: Two Years of Proclamation. Here is a written link to a version of that sermon in the Spanish language: Aniversario del primer año de la Continuación de la Iglesia de Dios: ¿Qué se ha cumplido?
Congregations of the Continuing Church of God This is a listing of congregations and groups of the Continuing Church of God around the world.
CCOG.ASIA We in the Continuing Church of God also have the url www.ccog.asia which has a focus on Asia and has various articles in Mandarin Chinese as well as some in English, plus some items in other Asian languages. 我们在继续神的教会也提供此网址 www.ccog.asia, 关注于亚洲并且有各种各样的中英文文章，其中一些用菲律宾语翻译的文章也正在进行中，准备添加到这个网站中。 Here is a link to our Statement of Beliefs in Mandarin Chinese 继续神的教会的信仰声明.
CCOG.IN This is a website targeted towards those of Indian heritage. It has a link to an edited Hindi translation of The Mystery of the Ages and is expected to have more non-English language materials in the future.
CCOG.EU This is a website targeted toward Europe. It has materials in more than one language (currently it has English, Dutch, and Serbian, with links also to Spanish) and it is intended to have additional language materials added.
CCOG.NZ This is a website targeted towards New Zealand and others with a British-descended background.
CCOGAFRICA.ORG This is a website targeted towards those in Africa.
CCOGCANADA.CA This is a website targeted towards those in Canada.
CDLIDD.ES La Continuación de la Iglesia de Dios. This is the Spanish language website for the Continuing Church of God.
PNIND.PH Patuloy na Iglesya ng Diyos. This is the Philippines website Continuing Church of God. It has information in English and Tagalog.
CCOGAfrica channel. This has messages from African pastors in African languages such as Kalenjin, Kiswahili, Embu, and Dholuo.
Bible News Prophecy online radio. This is an audio version of the Bible News Prophecy videos as well as some ContinuingCOG channel sermons. It is also available as a mobile app.
Bible News Prophecy channel. Dr. Thiel has produced many YouTube video sermonettes for the BibleNewsProphecy channel. And you can find them there.
ContinuingCOG channel. Dr. Thiel has produced scores of YouTube video sermons for this channel. Note: Since these are sermon-length, they can take a little longer to load than other YouTube videos.