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Statue at Fatima Chapel and Image of What the Children in Fatima Said They Saw

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Instead of keeping biblical holy days, the Church of Rome has its own days.

November 8th is the day that the Roman Catholic Church claims is for ‘Holy Relics.’ Its followers partially cite the Council of Trent from the 16th century as proof this is acceptable:

Feast of the Holy Relics

Protestantism pretends to regard the veneration which the Church pays to the relics of the Saints as a sin, and contends that this pious practice is a remnant of paganism.

The Council of Trent, on the contrary, has decided that the bodies of the martyrs and other saints who were living members of Jesus Christ and temples of the Holy Ghost, are to be honored by the faithful. This decision was based upon the established usage of the earliest days of the Church, and upon the teaching of the Fathers and of the Councils. http://saints.sqpn.com/pictorial-lives-of-the-saints-the-feast-of-the-holy-relics/ viewed 11/06/13

Holy relics?

There are a few points to consider.

The first is that the Bible is opposed to the idea of ‘holy relics.’ Here is one admonition from the Apostle John:

21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols (1 John 5:21).

The second is that those that the Church of Rome consider to have been early ‘Fathers’ and saints were opposed to them as well.

After John died, his disciple Polycarp of Smyrna became perhaps the most well-known Christian leader in the second century.

Even though the Roman Catholics and Orthodox leaders consider that Polycarp was an important saint, note what Polycarp wrote in the mid-second century:

I exhort you, therefore, that ye abstain from covetousness, and that ye be chaste and truthful. “Abstain from every form of evil.” For if a man cannot govern himself in such matters, how shall he enjoin them on others ? If a man does not keep himself from covetousness, he shall be defiled by idolatry, and shall be judged as one of the heathen. But who of us are ignorant of the judgment of the Lord? (Polycarp. Letter to the Philippians, Chapter XI. From Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume 1as edited by Alexander Roberts & James Donaldson. American Edition, 1885).

Thus, Polycarp says that those who practice idolatry, even if they profess Christ, will be judged as a heathen!

In the early, mid-second century there was an apologist named Marcianus Aristides who wrote the following to the emperor:

But it is a marvel, O King, with regard to the Greeks, who surpass all other peoples in their manner of life and reasoning, how they have gone astray after dead idols and lifeless images. And yet they see their gods in the hands of their artificers being sawn out, and planed and docked, and hacked short, and charred, and ornamented, and being altered by them in every kind of way. And when they grow old, and are worn away through lapse of time, and when they are molten and crushed to powder, how, I wonder, did they not perceive concerning them, that they are not gods? And as for those who did not find deliverance for themselves, how can they serve the distress of men?

But even the writers and philosophers among them have wrongly alleged that the gods are such as are made in honour of God Almighty. And they err in seeking to liken (them) to God whom man has not at any time seen nor can see unto what He is like. Herein, too (they err) in asserting of deity that any such thing as deficiency can be present to it; as when they say that He receives sacrifice and requires burnt-offering and libation and immolations of men, and temples. But God is not in need, and none of these things is necessary to Him; and it is clear that men err in these things they imagine (Marcianus Aristides. TRANSLATED FROM THE GREEK AND FROM THE SYRIAC VERSION BY D. M. KAY. Apology of Aristides the Philosopher, Chapter XIII. Excerpted from Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume 9. Edited by Allan Menzies, D.D. American Edition, 1896 and 1897. Online Edition Copyright © 2005 by K. Knight).

It should be noted that Marcianus Aristides argued against the concept that it was acceptable to believe that the idols only represented God–he clearly taught that God was not to be worshiped with idols.

Melito also wrote against idols. Melito was a bishop of Sardis and is considered to be a saint by both the Catholics of Rome and the Eastern Orthodox.

Here is what Melito wrote around 170 A.D.:

We are not those who pay homage to stones, that are without sensation; but of the only God, who is before all and over all, and, moreover, we are worshippers of His Christ, who is veritably God the Word existing before all time (Melito. Translation by Roberts and Donaldson. From the apology addressed to Marcus Aurelius Antoninus. Online version copyright © 2001 Peter Kirby. http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/melito.html 11/18/06).

For there are some men who are unable to rise from their mother earth, and therefore also do they make them gods. from the earth their mother; and they are condemned by the judgments of truth, forasmuch as they apply the name of Him who is unchangeable to those objects which are subject to change, and shrink not from calling those things gods which have been made by the hands of man, and dare to make an image of God whom they have not seen…

Who is this God? He who is Himself truth, and His word truth. And what is truth? That which is not fashioned, nor made, nor represented by art: that is, which has never been brought into existence, and is on that account called truth. If, therefore, a man worship that which is made with hands, it is not the truth that he worships, nor yet the word of truth…”

There are, however, persons who say: It is for the honour of God that we make the image: in order, that is, that we may worship the God who is concealed from our view. But they are unaware that God is in every country, and in every place, and is never absent, and that there is not anything done and He knoweth it not. Yet thou, despicable man! within whom He is, and without whom He is, and above whom He is, hast nevertheless gone and bought thee wood from the carpenter’s, and it is carved and made into an image insulting to God. To this thou offerest sacrifice, and knowest not that the all-seeing eye seeth thee, and that the word of truth reproves thee, and says to thee: How can the unseen God be sculptured? Nay, it is the likeness of thyself that thou makest and worshippest. Because the wood has been sculptured, hast thou not the insight to perceive that it is still wood, or that the stone is still stone? The gold also the workman: taketh according to its weight in the balance. And when thou hast had it made into an image, why dose thou weigh it? Therefore thou art a lover of gold, and not a lover of God…

Again, there are persons who say: Whatsoever our fathers have bequeathed to us, that we reverence. Therefore, of course, it is, that those whose fathers have bequeathed them poverty strive to become rich! and those whose fathers did not instruct them, desire to be instructed, and to learn that which their fathers knew not! And why, forsooth, do the children of the blind see, and the children of the lame walk? Nay, it is not well for a man to follow his predecessors, if they be those whose course was evil; but rather that we should turn from that path of theirs, lest that which befell our predecessors should bring disaster upon us also. Wherefore, inquire whether thy father’s course was good: and, if so, do thou also follow in his steps; but, if thy father’s course was very evil, let thine be good, and so let it be with thy children after thee. Be grieved also for thy father because his course is evil, so long as thy grief may avail to help him. But, as for thy children, speak to them thus: There is a God, the Father of all, who never came into being, neither was ever made, and by whose will all things subsist…

And then shall those who have not known God, and those who have made them idols, bemoan themselves, when they shall see those idols of theirs being burnt up, together with themselves, and nothing shall be found to help them (Melito. Translation by Roberts and Donaldson. A DISCOURSE WHICH WAS IN THE PRESENCE OF ANTONINUS CAESAR, AND HE EXHORTED THE SAID CAESAR TO ACQUAINT HIMSELF WITH GOD, AND SHOWED TO HIM THE WAY OF TRUTH. Online version copyright © 2001 Peter Kirby. http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/melito.html 11/18/06).

Notice that Melito taught against the use of images/idols/icons AND then taught NOT to accept them even if it was handed down by fathers (in other words, do not rely on traditions that say that idols are correct). Since Melito is considered to be both a saint and a ‘father’ of the Church, by those Roman Catholics and Orthodox, then they should heed what he said as it is consistent with scripture.

About the same time that Melito was around, Theophilus also was a church writer. Theophilus of Antioch is not only considered to have been a saint by the Catholics and Orthodox, he also is in the Orthodox list of successors from the apostles. Here is a little bit of what he wrote about idols:

The divine law, then, not only forbids the worshipping of idols, but also of the heavenly bodies, the sun, the moon, or the other stars; yea, not heaven, nor earth, nor the sea, nor fountains, nor rivers, must be worshipped (Theophilus of Antioch. To Autolycus, Book 2, Chapter XXXV. Translated by Marcus Dods, A.M. Excerpted from Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume II. Edited by Alexander Roberts & James Donaldson. American Edition, 1885. Online Edition Copyright © 2004 by K. Knight).

And concerning piety He says, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I am the LORD thy God” …Of this divine law, then, Moses, who also was God’s servant (Theophilus of Antioch. To Autolycus, Book III, Chapter IX. Translated by Marcus Dods, A.M. Excerpted from Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume 2. Edited by Alexander Roberts & James Donaldson. American Edition, 1885. Online Edition Copyright © 2004 by K. Knight).

Other second century writers, though they were not in the true Church of God, such as Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Athenagoras, and Tertullian also wrote against idols.

Notice that Irenaeus actually wrote that when God was going to call Gentiles (basically quoting Isaiah 17:7-8), that they would no longer have or worship idols:

And that these promises the calling from among the Gentiles should inherit, to whom also the new testament was opened up, Isaiah says thus:

These things saith the God of Israel: In that day a man shall trust in his Maker, and his eyes shall look to the Holy One of Israel: and they shall not trust in altars, nor in the work of their own hands, which their fingers have made. For very plainly this was said of such as have forsaken idols and believed in God our Maker through the Holy One of Israel. And the Holy One of Israel is Christ: and He became visible to men, and to Him we look eagerly and behold Him; and we trust not in altars, nor in the works of our hands.

(Irenaeus, St., Bishop of Lyon. Translated from the Armenian by Armitage Robinson. The Demonstration of the Apostolic Preaching, Chapter 91. Wells, Somerset, Oct. 1879. As published in SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING CHRISTIAN KNOWLEDGE. NEW YORK: THE MACMILLAN CO, 1920).

The Catholic Encyclopedia calls Athenagoras a “Christian apologist of the second half of the second century”. Here is some of what he wrote:

Because the multitude, who cannot distinguish between matter and God, or see how great is the interval which lies between them, pray to idols made of matter, are we therefore, who do distinguish and separate the uncreated and the created, that which is and that which is not, that which is apprehended by the understanding and that which is perceived by the senses, and who give the fitting name to each of them—are we to come and worship images? If, indeed, matter and God are the same, two names for one thing, then certainly, in not regarding stocks and stones, gold and silver, as gods, we are guilty of impiety. But if they are at the greatest possible remove from one another— as far asunder as theartist and the materials of his art— why are we called to account? (Athenagoras the Athenian. A Plea for the Christians, Chapter 15. Translated by B.P. Pratten. From Ante-Nicene Fathers, Vol. 2. Edited by Alexander Roberts, James Donaldson, and A. Cleveland Coxe. (Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1885.) Revised and edited for New Advent by Kevin Knight. <http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0205.htm>).

Notice some of what Tertullian wrote:

The principal crime of the human race, the highest guilt charged upon the world, the whole procuring cause of judgment, is idolatry…

God prohibits an idol as much to be made as to be worshipped. In so far as the making what may be worshipped is the prior act, so far is the prohibition to make (if the worship is unlawful) the prior prohibition. For this cause–the eradicating, namely, of the material of idolatry–the divine law proclaims, “Thou shall make no idol;”…All things, therefore, does human error worship, except the Founder of all Himself. The images of those things are idols; the consecration of the images is idolatry.

(Tertullian. On Idolatry, Chapters 1,4. Translated by S. Thelwall. Excerpted from Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume 3. Edited by Alexander Roberts and James Donaldson. American Edition, 1885. Online Edition Copyright © 2004 by K. Knight).

Furthermore, there is no evidence that any who professed Christ had idols/icons, such as what are seen in the Roman Catholic and Orthodox churches, or even endorsed them in the second century. Thus, the early church was always against the use of idols and icons. Actually, the Roman Catholics clearly realize this as well as The Catholic Encyclopedia notes:

Long before the outbreak in the eighth century there were isolated cases of persons who feared the ever-growing cult of images and saw in it danger of a return to the old idolatry. We need hardly quote in this connection the invectives of the Apostolic Fathers against idols (Athenagoras “Legatio Pro Christ.”, xv-xvii; Theophilus, “Ad Autolycum” II; Minucius Felix, “Octavius”, xxvii; Arnobius, “Disp. adv. Gentes”; Tertullian, “De Idololatria”, I; Cyprian, “De idolorum vanitate”), in which they denounce not only the worship but even the manufacture and possession of such images. These texts all regard idols, that is, images made to be adored (Fortescue A. Transcribed by Tomas Hancil. Veneration of Images. The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume VII. Copyright © 1910 by Robert Appleton Company. Online Edition Copyright © 2003 by K. Knight. Nihil Obstat, June 1, 1910. Remy Lafort, S.T.D., Censor. Imprimatur. +John Cardinal Farley, Archbishop of New York).

Furthermore, notice an accusation against those who professed Christ in the second/third century (date uncertain):

Why have they no altars, no temples, no acknowledged images? (Minucius. Octavius. Excerpted from Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume 4, Chapter 10. Edited by Alexander Roberts & James Donaldson. American Edition, 1885)

It should be noted that no Christian prior to the late second or early third century is ever described as carrying an idol, having images in any worship services, or even wearing a cross (though some apostates started to advocate crosses in the second and third centuries).

The third point to mention is that it took councils of men to accept the relics for the Church of Rome.

It was not until the ninth century that the arguments over idols were resolved between the Roman Catholics and Orthodox (the Orthodox generally wanted them, but many Roman bishops/pontiffs up until that time fought against them). The Orthodox Church teaches this:

The Seventh Ecumenical Council (787 and 843) decreed the use of icons, following in the main the teaching of St. John of Damascus” (Litsas FK. A Dictionary of Orthodox Terminology – Part 2. http://www.goarch.org/en/ourfaith/articles/article9152.asp 8/27/05) .

…within Christianity itself there had always existed a ‘puritan’ outlook, which condemned icons because it saw in all images a latent idolatry…The final victory of the Holy Images in 843 is known as ‘the Triumph of Orthodoxy’…One of the distinctive features of Orthodoxy is the place which it assigns to icons. An Orthodox church today is filled with them…An Orthodox prostrates himself before these icons, he kisses them and burns candles in front of them…Because icons are only symbols, Orthodox do not worship them, but reverence or venerate them…icons form a part of Holy Tradition…The Iconoclasts, by repudiating all representations of God, failed to take to full account the Incarnation” (Ware T. The Orthodox Church. Penguin Books, London, 1997, pp. 31-33).

Notice that the Orthodox call that acceptance of icons as “the victory of Orthodoxy” over those of anti-idol professing Christian faiths (the date appears to have been March 11, 843).

However, since the use of idols and icons was not the position of the first or even second century church, it is truly not orthodox to use idols and icons. (More information on the Orthodox Church can be found in the article Some Similarities and Differences Between the Orthodox Church and the Continuing Church of God.)

One Protestant scholar noted:

For the Jews and the early Christians, all attempts to create a likeness of God were prohibited…Gradually this reluctance faded, and at the beginning of the eighth century we find images in widespread use in the East; in the West they were less common (Brown HOJ. Heresies: Heresy and Orthodoxy in the History of the Church. Hendrickson Publishers, Peabody (MA), 1988, p. 212).

But why did idols win for the Greco-Romans? It is my opinion that the Romans felt that they needed unity with the Orthodox in order to put up a united front against Islam. Islam was properly against idols, and apparently Rome felt that its sometimes historically-correct position against idols portrayed a divided “Christianity,” hence this was one additional major compromise for it.

The fourth point is that the practices associated with relics are pagan.

In his book, Two Babylons, Alexander Hislop has the following:

In Greece, the superstitious regard to relics, and especially to the bones of the deified heroes, was a conspicuous part of the popular idolatry. The work of Pausanias, the learned Grecian antiquary, is full of reference to this superstition. Thus, of the shoulder-blade of Pelops, we read that, after passing through divers adventures, being appointed by the oracle of Delphi, as a divine means of delivering the Eleans from a pestilence under which they suffered, it “was committed,” as a sacred relic, “to the custody” of the man who had fished it out of the sea, and of his posterity after him. The bones of the Trojan Hector were preserved as a precious deposit at Thebes. “They” [the Thebans], says Pausanias, “say that his [Hector’s] bones were brought hither from Troy, in consequence of the following oracle: ‘Thebans, who inhabit the city of Cadmus, if you wish to reside in your country, blest with the possession of blameless wealth, bring the bones of Hector, the son of Priam, into your dominions from Asia, and reverence the hero agreeably to the mandate of Jupiter.'” Many other similar instances from the same author might be adduced. The bones thus carefully kept and reverenced were all believed to be miracle-working bones.

From the earliest periods, the system of Buddhism has been propped up by relics, that have wrought miracles at least as well vouched as those wrought by the relics of St. Stephen, or by the “Twenty Martyrs.” In the “Mahawanso,” one of the great standards of the Buddhist faith, reference is thus made to the enshrining of the relics of Buddha: “The vanquisher of foes having perfected the works to be executed within the relic receptacle, convening an assembly of the priesthood, thus addressed them: ‘The works that were to be executed by me, in the relic receptacle, are completed. Tomorrow, I shall enshrine the relics. Lords, bear in mind the relics.'” Who has not heard of the Holy Coat of Treves, and its exhibition to the people? From the following, the reader will see that there was an exactly similar exhibition of the Holy Coat of Buddha: “Thereupon (the nephew of the Naga Rajah) by his supernatural gift, springing up into the air to the height of seven palmyra trees, and stretching out his arm brought to the spot where he was poised, the Dupathupo (or shrine) in which the DRESS laid aside by Buddho, as Prince Siddhatto, on his entering the priesthood, was enshrined…and EXHIBITED IT TO THE PEOPLE.” This “Holy Coat” of Buddha was no doubt as genuine, and as well entitled to worship, as the “Holy Coat” of Treves. …

Now, in the Asiatic Researches, a statement is made in regard to these relics of Buddha, which marvellously reveals to us the real origin of this Buddhist relic worship. The statement is this: “The bones or limbs of Buddha were scattered all over the world, like those of Osiris and Jupiter Zagreus. To collect them was the first duty of his descendants and followers, and then to entomb them. Out of filial piety, the remembrance of this mournful search was yearly kept up by a fictitious one, with all possible marks of grief and sorrow till a priest announced that the sacred relics were at last found. This is practised to this day by several Tartarian tribes of the religion of Buddha; and the expression of the bones of the Son of the Spirit of heaven is peculiar to the Chinese and some tribes in Tartary.”

Here, then, it is evident that the worship of relics is just a part of those ceremonies instituted to commemorate the tragic death of Osiris or Nimrod, who, as the reader may remember, was divided into fourteen pieces, which were sent into so many different regions infected by his apostacy and false worship, to operate in terrorem upon all who might seek to follow his example. When the apostates regained their power, the very first thing they did was to seek for these dismembered relics of the great ringleader in idolatry, and to entomb them with every mark of devotion. Thus does Plutarch describe the search: “Being acquainted with this even [viz., the dismemberment of Osiris], Isis set out once more in search of the scattered members of her husband’s body, using a boat made of the papyrus rush in order more easily to pass through the lower and fenny parts of the country…And one reason assigned for the different sepulchres of Osiris shown in Egypt is, that wherever any one of his scattered limbs was discovered she buried it on the spot; though others suppose that it was owing to an artifice of the queen, who presented each of those cities with an image of her husband, in order that, if Typho should overcome Horus in the approaching contest, he might be unable to find the real sepulchre. Isis succeeded in recovering all the different members, with the exception of one, which had been devoured by the Lepidotus, the Phagrus, and the Oxyrhynchus, for which reason these fish are held in abhorrence by the Egyptians. To make amends, she consecrated the Phallus, and instituted a solemn festival to its memory.” Not only does this show the real origin of relic worship it shows also that the multiplication of relics can pretend to the most venerable antiquity.

If, therefore, Rome can boast that she has sixteen or twenty holy coats, seven or eight arms of St. Matthew, two or three heads of St. Peter, this is nothing more than Egypt could do in regard to the relics of Osiris. Egypt was covered with sepulchres of its martyred god; and many a leg and arm and skull, all vouched to be genuine, were exhibited in the rival burying-places for the adoration of the Egyptian faithful. … Rome, however to carry out the Babylonian system, has supplied the deficiency by means of the relics of the saints; and now the relics of St. Peter and St. Paul, of St. Thomas A’ Beckett and St. Lawrence O’Toole, occupy the very same place in the worship of the Papacy as the relics of Osiris in Egypt, or of Zoroaster in Babylon.

In Book I, Chapter 30 of Bede’s Ecclesiastical History, he quotes a letter that Pope Gregory I sent in 601 AD to Abbot Mellitus, who was part of the mission to convert the Anglo-Saxons. In that letter, Gregory advises that:

“The temples of the idols among that people should in no way be destroyed. But the idols which are in them must be destroyed. Let holy water be made and sprinkled in the said temples, let altars be built, and relics placed there. For if these temples are well built, it is necessary that they be converted from the worship of demons to the service of the true God.”

The Bible does not endorse the use of relics, which is an ancient pagan practice.

The fifth point is that not only are the relics not holy, they often are not what people think.

At the beginning of this post are two statues. The first one is one normally in Fatima, Portugal, that Pope Francis had flown to Rome to bow and pray before. My wife and I saw this particular statue when we visited Fatima. While millions have bowed down before and/or prayed to this statue, I will mention again to all who will hear that the statue IS NOT DRESSED like what the three children at Fatima (Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta) claimed the ‘Lady of Fatima’ looked like in 1917. What they described was a young female with a short skirt as also shown at the beginning of this post. There is no possible way that Mary, the mother of Jesus, appeared in Fatima, Portugal before Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta in 1917. Suggesting that the first image, which is not even an approximate representation of what was seen in Fatima, was somehow holy is wrong. It should also be pointed out that the relics of the Apostle Peter are also not in the Vatican according to various Catholic-related sources.

The Bible shows that the use of images will be forced upon the world in the end:

11 Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon. 12 And he exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence, and causes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. 13 He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men. 14 And he deceives those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived. 15 He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed. (Revelation 13:11-15)

This will not end well for the Vatican (Revelation 17:15-17) nor for the rest of the world (Revelation 18).

The Bible does NOT endorse the ‘Feast of Holy Relics’ day.

For more information, please check out the following:

SECOND COMMANDMENT: What Did the Early Church Teach About Idols and Icons? Did the early Church use icons? What was the position of Christians about such things? A related sermon is available: The Second Commandment, Idols, and Icons.
Beliefs of the Original Catholic Church: Could a remnant group have continuing apostolic succession? Did the original “catholic church” have doctrines held by the Continuing Church of God? Did Church of God leaders uses the term “catholic church” to ever describe the church they were part of? Here are links to related sermons: Original Catholic Church of God?, Original Catholic Doctrine: Creed, Liturgy, Baptism, Passover, What Type of Catholic was Polycarp of Smyrna?, Tradition, Holy Days, Salvation, Dress, & Celibacy, Early Heresies and Heretics, Doctrines: 3 Days, Abortion, Ecumenism, Meats, Tithes, Crosses, Destiny, and more, Saturday or Sunday?, The Godhead, Apostolic Laying on of Hands Succession, Church in the Wilderness Apostolic Succession List, Holy Mother Church and Heresies, and Lying Wonders and Original Beliefs. Here is a link to that book in the Spanish language: Creencias de la iglesia Católica original.
What is the Origin of the Cross as a ‘Christian’ Symbol? Was the cross used as a venerated symbol by the early Church? Two related YouTube videos would be Beware of the ‘Ecumenical Cross’ and Origin of the Cross.
Fatima Shock! What the Vatican Does Not Want You to Know About Fatima, Dogmas of Mary, and Future Apparitions. Whether or not you believe anything happened at Fatima, if you live long enough, you will be affected by its ramifications (cf. Isaiah 47; Revelation 17). Fatima Shock! provides concerned Christians with enough Catholic-documented facts to effectively counter every false Marian argument.
Fatima Shock! YouTube Dr. Thiel highlights a few points of why no one would support Fatima, etc. as discussed in the documented book Fatima Shock!
Mary, the Mother of Jesus and the Apparitions Do you know much about Mary? Are the apparitions real? What might they mean for the rise of the ecumenical religion of Antichrist? Are Protestants moving towards Mary? How do the Orthodox view Mary? How might Mary view her adorers?
Jesus: The Son of God and Saviour Who was Jesus? Why did He come to earth? What message did He bring? Is there evidence outside the Bible that He existed? Here is a YouTube sermon titled Jesus: Son of God and Saviour.
The Malachy Prophecies and “Peter the Roman” An Irish bishop allegedly predicted something about 112 popes in the 12th century. Pope Benedict XVI was number 111. Francis would be number 112–if he is that one–and if so, he is to reign until Rome is destroyed. May he be an antipope/final Antichrist? Here is a related YouTube video The Malachy Prophecies and “Peter the Roman”.
Should You Keep God’s Holy Days or Demonic Holidays? This is a free pdf booklet explaining what the Bible and history shows about God’s Holy Days and popular holidays. Two related sermons would be Which Spring Days should Christians observe? and Fall Holy Days for Christians.
What Do Roman Catholic Scholars Actually Teach About Early Church History? Although most believe that the Roman Catholic Church history teaches an unbroken line of succession of bishops beginning with Peter, with stories about most of them, Roman Catholic scholars know the truth of this matter. Is telling the truth about the early church citing Catholic accepted sources anti-Catholic? This eye-opening article is a must-read for any who really wants to know what Roman Catholic history actually admits about the early church. There is also a YouTube sermon on the subject titled Church of God or Church of Rome: What Do Catholic Scholars Admit About Early Church History?
Where is the True Christian Church Today? This free online pdf booklet answers that question and includes 18 proofs, clues, and signs to identify the true vs. false Christian church. Plus 7 proofs, clues, and signs to help identify Laodicean churches. A related sermon is also available: Where is the True Christian Church? Here is a link to the booklet in the Spanish language: ¿Dónde está la verdadera Iglesia cristiana de hoy? Here is a link in the German language: WO IST DIE WAHRE CHRISTLICHE KIRCHE HEUTE? Here is a link in the French language: Où est la vraie Église Chrétienne aujourd’hui?
Continuing History of the Church of God This pdf booklet is a historical overview of the true Church of God and some of its main opponents from Acts 2 to the 21st century. Related sermon links include Continuing History of the Church of God: c. 31 to c. 300 A.D. and Continuing History of the Church of God: 4th-16th Centuries and Continuing History of the Church of God: 17th-20th Centuries. The booklet is available in Spanish: Continuación de la Historia de la Iglesia de Dios, German: Kontinuierliche Geschichte der Kirche Gottes, French: L Histoire Continue de l Église de Dieu and Ekegusii Omogano Bw’ekanisa Ya Nyasae Egendererete.

(Book cover photo via Amazon)

COGwriter

A court in the United States has used what we would call “common sense” related to the labeling of Genetically-modified organisms (GMOs) in the food supply:

Court Strikes Down GMO Labeling Loophole for Ultraprocessed Foods

November 5, 2025

A federal appeals court struck down a loophole that exempted ultraprocessed foods containing genetically engineered (GE) ingredients, such as corn and soy oils, from federal labeling requirements.

In an opinion published last week, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit also ruled that a lower court erred by allowing genetically modified organism or GMO products labeled only with a QR code to remain on the market, after a lower court acknowledged that relying solely on QR codes as a labeling method was unlawful.

Center for Food Safety (CFS) filed the lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on behalf of a coalition of nonprofit labeling advocates and organic retailers, including Natural Grocers.

George Kimbrell, CFS’ legal director, called the ruling a “landmark victory for the public’s right to know what they eat and feed their families.”

“We are gratified that the Court has struck down USDA’s loophole for ultra-processed GMO foods, the vast majority of which have been genetically engineered for increased pesticide tolerance,” he said in a statement.

Only ‘detectable’ GMOs required disclosure under USDA loophole

Although federal law required the disclosure of any food containing modified genetic material, the USDA — responsible for implementing the law — created a loophole by declaring that genetically modified material that wasn’t “detectable” didn’t have to be disclosed.

However, the 9th Circuit judges said detection methods may not be 100% accurate.

“There is an obvious and important difference between whether a substance is actually present and whether, using a particular method, one is able to detect that the substance is present,” they wrote in their opinion. …

The appeals court said the USDA must now issue new rules clarifying that QR codes alone can’t adequately inform consumers that products contain GMOs.

The USDA must also provide an additional disclosure option accessible to everyone, including people who do not have cellphones to scan QR codes. https://childrenshealthdefense.org/defender/appeals-court-strikes-down-usda-gmo-label-loophole-ultraprocessed-food/

Related to GMO labeling, see also the following from last year: What is ‘bioengineered food’? Any risks?

Those pushing GMOs want to act like they have science on their side, but they do not.

Humans may not know the long-term effects of GMOs and lab-meats for many years (if we have enough years until Jesus returns–afterwards, He can clue us in).

Consider that the Bible warns:

11 Because the sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil. (Ecclesiastes 8:11)

The reality is that groups like the US Food and Drug Administration have approved all kinds of foods that they claimed were safe–but did not realize were unsafe for decades.

Consider the case of hydrogenated fats. Probably, the first commercial hydrogenated trans-fatty acid product was Crisco shortening, which was introduced in 1911. The scientist who developed the first partially hydrogenated fats, Paul Sabatier, won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry jointly with fellow Frenchman Victor Grignard in 1912. The US and other world governments promoted these ‘food’ products. But, finally in 2013, the FDA warned about them (see FDA finally rules that hydrogenated trans-fatty acids are not safe). It took over a century.

As a scientist, let me state that the main tests for new “foods” or “food additives” are to look for acute reactions as well as if they increase the incidence of cancer in lab animals. They rarely check for much more and cannot possibly test for every possible consequence. It is not economically feasible to conduct the type of long-term studies that would be needed to insure true safety. Yet, many act like this has happened, when it has not.

The Apostle Paul also warned Timothy:

20 … keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: (1 Timothy 6:20)

Even back in New Testament times, things that people claimed were science, were not.

Additionally, we see many evil and bizarre genetic things happening. For example, scientists are combining a variety of animal genes as well as genes of creatures like spiders. Even humans and pigs (see Pig-Human GMOs proposed and British scientists insisting on human GMOs).

Why? Love of money. The Apostle Paul warned that, “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed” (1 Timothy 6:8). Many ‘scientists’ have been silenced and/or strayed because of love of money, position, etc.

However, it should be understood that not all the GMOs and lab-meat developed will necessarily cause harm. But they have been pushed for profit and they simply have not been tested to insure that they cannot contribute to many types of chronic health complaints.

So, yes, I believe it is safer for my body to try to avoid them.

Bible warns:

20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, (Romans 1:20-22)

Pushers of GMOs act like they have wisdom that they could not have–the comprehensive long term studies to look at all the effects of GMOs have simply not been done, really could not be done safely, and are not intended to be done by the pushers of GMOs.

As far as dangers go, consider the following:

“Genetic Roulette” exposes the hidden dangers of genetically engineered foods

Jeffrey M. Smith’s “Genetic Roulette: The Documented Health Risks of Genetically Engineered Foods” is a meticulously researched exposé that has ignited a renewed conversation about the safety of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and the integrity of the regulatory systems meant to protect public health.

For years, the discourse surrounding GMOs has been at an impasse. On one side, anti-GMO activists argued that the lack of systematic testing meant the safety of these foods could not be guaranteed. On the other hand, proponents insisted that GM foods were safe, citing the absence of evidence to the contrary and asserting that GM and non-GM crops were “substantially equivalent.” However, Smith’s book disrupts this stalemate by presenting a comprehensive analysis of the adverse health effects linked to genetic engineering.

Smith characterizes genetic engineering as a haphazard process, akin to “throwing darts into a haystack.” This crude method disrupts the intricate genetic balance that has evolved over millions of years, leading to unpredictable mutations, altered gene expression and potential health hazards such as allergies and toxicities. According to Smith, the biotech industry has gone to great lengths to conceal these risks, often ignoring adverse reactions and suppressing evidence of horizontal gene transfer.

Smith’s investigation reveals that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration‘s (FDA) 1992 policy on GM foods was based on a misrepresentation of the facts. Internal documents, uncovered through a lawsuit, show that FDA scientists were aware of the significant differences between GM and non-GM foods and urged their superiors to require long-term safety studies, including human trials, to assess potential risks such as allergies, toxins and nutritional deficiencies.

However, these warnings were disregarded. Instead, the FDA’s policy was shaped by political appointees, including Michael Taylor, a former Monsanto attorney who later became the agency’s vice president. Under Taylor’s influence, the scientists’ concerns were dismissed and a voluntary consultation process was established, allowing biotech companies to self-regulate the safety of their products.

Smith exposes the close ties between the GM industry and government regulators, highlighting instances where industry influence has shaped policies and stifled research. For example, when scientist Arpad Pusztai publicly discussed the health risks of GM potatoes, he was fired, threatened with a lawsuit and his research team was disbanded. His findings were discredited and his career was effectively derailed. https://www.naturalnews.com/2025-07-12-genetic-roulette-uncovers-dangers-genetically-engineered-foods.html

Notice the also following:

Are GMOs safe?
Most developed nations do not consider GMOs to be safe. In more than 60 countries around the world, including Australia, Japan, and all of the countries in the European Union, there are significant restrictions or outright bans on the production and sale of GMOs. In the U.S., the government has approved GMOs based on studies conducted by the same corporations that created them and profit from their sale. Increasingly, Americans are taking matters into their own hands and choosing to opt out of the GMO experiment…

In the U.S., GMOs are in as much as 80% of conventional processed food. Click here for a current list of GMO risk crops.

http://www.nongmoproject.org/learn-more/

GMOs were developed to increase profits. Politicians receive money from many profit-oriented corporations, and this tends to blind them to listen to opposing views.

The Continuing Church of God (CCOG) has put together several related videos.

Here is the first:

• 
  18:52

  GMO Risks and the Bible

What are GMOs? Does the Bible have anything to say about them? Since they were not in the food supply until 1994, how could they possibly relate to Bible prophecy? Do GMOs put the USA and others at risk? What are some of those risks? Which common “foods” are often genetically-modified? Is it good to eat GMOs? Might GMOs lead to famine in America?

This video answers those questions.

Here is a link to the first: GMO Risks and the Bible .

Here is information on the second:

15:47

GMOs, Lab meat, Hydrogenation: Safe or Dangerous?

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have been in the US food supply for over 20 years. Are they safe? Which ten GMO plants are now widely commercially available? What about laboratory-grown ‘meat’.? Hydrogenated trans-fatty acid products have been consumed for over 100 years. Are they safe? Certain scientists claim that the data proves the safety of GMOs and lab-meat. But do they have enough data? Are the proponents of GMOs and lab-meat driven by data or greed? How long is long enough to test these ‘foods’? Can overly processed foods lead to type 2 diabetes or dementia? Are there allergy, gene-transfer, and outcrossing risks with GMOs? What risks does the World Health Organization say that GMOs pose? Do studies involving animals show real dangers with GMOs? On June 11, 2019, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order reducing government oversight over GMO plants and animals. Was this wise or dangerous? Is the food supply at any risk? What did Jesus teach? What does the Bible teach that God’s people should eat?

Here is a link to the video: GMOs, Lab meat, Hydrogenation: Safe or Dangerous?

Here is information on the third:

Here is a link to our video: Lab grown chicken?

Here is a sermon:

1:07:48

Evil is Affecting the Food Supply

God gave humans food and said what He made was good. What about unclean animals? What about genetically-modified organisms (GMOs)? What about ‘bioengineered foods’? What about lab meat? What about human-cloned salami? What about ‘Piggy Sooy’? Are Christians supposed to eat what is good according to Isaiah 55:2? What should we eat? What should Christians avoid eating? Dr. Thiel addresses these matters and more.

Here is a link to the following: Evil is Affecting the Food Supply.

Thousands of years ago, God inspired one of his prophets to pen the following, which encourages people to eat what is good:

2 Why do you spend money for what is not bread, And your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, And let your soul delight itself in abundance. (Isaiah 55:2)

Intentionally eating GMOs, in my view, is something people should try to avoid. I do not think that GMOs are good food.

GMOs are hazardous to the environment and ultimately will negatively impact humanity–even more than they have so far.

GMOs are a gamble that will not pay off well.

Some items of possibly related interest may include the following:

GMOs and Bible Prophecy What are GMOs? Since they were not in the food supply until 1994, how could they possibly relate to Bible prophecy? Do GMOs put the USA and others at risk? Here are some related videos: GMO Risks and the Bible and GMOs, Lab meat, Hydrogenation: Safe or Dangerous?
Chimeras: Has Science Crossed the Line? What are chimeras?  Has science crossed the line? Does the Bible give any clues? A video of related interest is Half human, half pig: What’s the difference?  and Human-Monkey Embryos and Death.
Lost Tribes and Prophecies: What will happen to Australia, the British Isles, Canada, Europe, New Zealand and the United States of America? Where did those people come from? Can you totally rely on DNA? What about other peoples? Do you really know what will happen to Europe and the English-speaking peoples? What about Africa, Asia, South America, and the Islands? This free online book provides scriptural, scientific, historical references, and commentary to address those matters. Here are links to related sermons: Lost tribes, the Bible, and DNA; Lost tribes, prophecies, and identifications; 11 Tribes, 144,000, and Multitudes; Israel, Jeremiah, Tea Tephi, and British Royalty; Gentile European Beast; Royal Succession, Samaria, and Prophecies; Asia, Islands, Latin America, Africa, and Armageddon;  When Will the End of the Age Come?;  Rise of the Prophesied King of the North; Christian Persecution from the Beast; WWIII and the Coming New World Order; and Woes, WWIV, and the Good News of the Kingdom of God.

(Source of photo: Pixabay)

COGwriter

The European-based World Economic Forum (WEF) has announced a virtual quantum financial services conference it has set for next week:

Quantum for Financial Services

12 November, 15:00 CET

a virtual expert briefing on Quantum for Financial Services, taking place on Wednesday, 12 November, at 15:00 CET.

As quantum computing moves from theory to practical application, financial institutions are exploring its potential to transform risk modeling, portfolio optimization, fraud detection, and transaction security. …

Participants will gain insights into how quantum innovation could reshape competitive advantage, data security, and decision-making in the decade ahead. …

Quantum technologies will impact many critical industries and inspire new business models. Diverse technologies such as quantum computing, quantum communications, quantum sensing, and quantum materials have given rise to new industry players and promising solutions for end users, greater sustainability, and new answers to hitherto unsolved problems. Some of these technologies are already being deployed and others are developing at a rapid rate. Quantum technology will eventually permeate and affect every key sector of the economy and take us into a period likely to be referred to as the “post-quantum era.” …

The World Economic Forum, committed to improving the state of the world, is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas.

Notice that this has to do with financial services, specifically including “fraud detection, and transaction security.”

That is consistent with what is prophesied to occur under the coming European ‘666’ Beast of Revelation 13:16-18.

Europe, itself, is moving forward in the area of quantum technology. It had a conference on it the past two days, and also sees quantum technology as “a significant pillar of … Europe’s – security and independence”:

5 November 2025

Quantum technologies represent the next technological revolution, with the potential to transform information technology, defense, medicine, and industry. Although these technologies are still in the development stage, their future importance is already clear – both economically and geopolitically.

The development of quantum technologies is becoming a significant pillar of Latvia’s – and Europe’s – security and independence. Early collaboration among European countries is essential for shaping a coordinated policy, fostering joint scientific progress, and strengthening a resilient quantum technology ecosystem.

During the Techritory forum, experts and policymakers gathered at the co-creation event “Quantum Realities: Building Networks, Overcoming Challenges, Expanding Cooperation” to discuss the key question: how can Europe strengthen its leadership in quantum technologies through shared investment, infrastructure, and strategy?

Europe’s quantum strategy – here’s what’s in store

Over the past five years, Europe has invested over €2 billion in quantum research and innovation. This effort is guided by the European Quantum Strategy, which focuses on five interconnected areas: research, innovation, infrastructures, ecosystem, and skills. The aim is to consolidate national efforts in the quantum field and position Europe as a global leader in quantum by 2030.

The upcoming milestones are ambitious and include:

– expanding EuroHPC-based quantum systems across more than ten EU countries by 2026, where EuroHPC stands for the European High-Performance Computing Joint Undertaking – a major EU initiative that develops and operates Europe’s supercomputing infrastructure;

– deploying an EU-interconnected secure quantum communication network by 2030;

– and launching a pilot facility for the European Quantum Internet by 2026. This infrastructure will connect terrestrial and space-based quantum systems, enhancing Europe’s digital resilience. https://www.baltictimes.com/europe_has_an_ambitious_quantum_strategy___and_latvia_s_in_that_picture__too/

More than 700 global leaders are convening Nov. 4-5 at PIC Summit Europe 2025 in Eindhoven, The Netherlands, to discuss scaling photonic chip technologies for AI and quantum computing. …

PIC Summit Europe, organized by photonic chip industry accelerator PhotonDelta, brings together designers, foundries, integrators, OEMs, investors and thought leaders to debate some of the most pressing issues impacting the sector. The theme of this year’s event is ‘Scaling together in a dynamic world’. Top of the agenda is how photonic chips could provide the energy-efficient hardware urgently needed to sustain the growth of AI.

Traditional CMOS-based systems are straining under the weight of soaring data demands, rising energy costs, and growing system complexity. Photonic chips are a key enabling solution to meet these challenges, offering high-speed data transmission, high bandwidth, and energy efficiency for applications from edge-AI to biosensing. Leaders at PIC Summit Europe 2025 will debate how the industry can unite to rapidly scale and adapt to meet the demands of AI and accelerate advancements in quantum computing. https://thequantuminsider.com/2025/11/03/pic-summit-europe-2025-leaders-gather-to-debate-how-to-scale-photonic-chip-industry-for-quantum/

In July 2025, the European Commission published its Quantum Strategy (“Strategy”), which aims to support the development of quantum computing-enabled products and services in the EU, and thereby improve the EU’s competitiveness in the quantum computing and technology markets. The Strategy focuses on five main areas: supporting academic and scientific research into quantum computing; developing hubs to support the production of quantum computers and associated infrastructure; strengthening the quantum industry through investment and work to secure supply chains; integrating quantum computing into Europe’s space, security, and defence strategies; and supporting the growth of the skills needed to develop and operate quantum computers. https://www.insideglobaltech.com/2025/11/04/european-commission-launches-a-call-for-evidence-on-the-impact-assessment-for-the-forthcoming-eu-quantum-act/

European nations are getting more involved with quantum tech and the WEF is another way that is being worked on and promoted.

Related to supercomputers and their role, notice the following:

NVIDIA Powers Europe’s Fastest Supercomputer

June 10, 2025

NVIDIA today announced that the JUPITER supercomputer, powered by the NVIDIA Grace Hopper™ platform, is the fastest in Europe — delivering a more than 2x speedup for high-performance computing and AI workloads compared with the next-fastest system.

Soon capable of running 1 quintillion FP64 operations per second, JUPITER is on track to be Europe’s first exascale supercomputer. The system enables faster simulation, training and inference of the largest AI models — including for climate modeling, quantum research, structural biology, computational engineering and astrophysics — empowering European enterprises and nations to drive scientific discovery and innovation.

Among the top five systems on the TOP500 list of the world’s fastest supercomputers, JUPITER is the most energy efficient, at 60 gigaflops per watt.

Comprising nearly 24,000 NVIDIA GH200 Grace Hopper Superchips and interconnected with the NVIDIA Quantum-2 InfiniBand networking platform, JUPITER is expected to reach over 90 exaflops of AI performance and is based on Eviden’s BullSequana XH3000 liquid-cooled architecture.

JUPITER also incorporates NVIDIA’s full stack of software for optimized performance.

“AI will supercharge scientific discovery and industrial innovation,” said Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of NVIDIA. “In partnership with Jülich and Eviden, we’re building Europe’s most advanced AI supercomputer to enable the leading researchers, industries and institutions to expand human knowledge, accelerate breakthroughs and drive national advancement.”

Built for Scientific Breakthroughs
Hosted by the Jülich Supercomputing Centre at the Forschungszentrum Jülich facility in Germany, JUPITER is owned by the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking.

“With JUPITER’s extreme performance, Europe has taken a giant leap into the future of science, technology and sovereignty,” said Anders Jensen, executive director of the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking. “JUPITER’s computing power will serve as a catalyst for scientific discovery, propelling foundational research across the continent in fields as diverse as climate modeling, energy systems and biomedical innovation.”

“JUPITER is a landmark achievement for European science and technology,” said Thomas Lippert, codirector of the Jülich Supercomputing Centre. “Powered by NVIDIA’s accelerated computing and AI platforms, JUPITER is advancing the frontier of foundation model training and high-performance simulation, enabling researchers across Europe to tackle challenges of unprecedented complexity.” https://nvidianews.nvidia.com/news/nvidia-powers-europes-fastest-supercomputer

The speed of process is so fast that it is mindboggling.

European technology is moving ahead.

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) warned about these type of computers years ago:

What is the quantum apocalypse and should we be scared?

27 January 2022

Imagine a world where encrypted, secret files are suddenly cracked open – something known as “the quantum apocalypse”.

Put very simply, quantum computers work completely differently from the computers developed over the past century. In theory, they could eventually become many, many times faster than today’s machines.

That means that faced with an incredibly complex and time-consuming problem – like trying to decrypt data – where there are multiple permutations running into the billions, a normal computer would take many years to break those encryptions, if ever.

But a future quantum computer, in theory, could do this in just seconds. …

Data thieves

A number of countries … are working hard and investing huge sums of money to develop these super-fast quantum computers with a view to gaining strategic advantage in the cyber-sphere.

Every day vast quantities of encrypted data – including yours and mine – are being harvested without our permission and stored in data banks, ready for the day when the data thieves’ quantum computers are powerful enough to decrypt it. …

Everything we do over the internet today,” says Harri Owen, chief strategy officer at the company PostQuantum, “from buying things online, banking transactions, social media interactions, everything we do is encrypted.

“But once a functioning quantum computer appears that will be able to break that encryption… it can almost instantly create the ability for whoever’s developed it to clear bank accounts, to completely shut down government defence systems – Bitcoin wallets will be drained.” https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-60144498

Monitoring the buying and selling of everything is something that quatum or other computers can do.

The Bible shows that a European power will arise that will control buying and selling:

Battle Involving the 4th Islamic Caliphate

COGwriter

Nearly all who are part of claimed and real Church of God (COG) groups such as the Philadelphia Church of God (PCG), United Church of God (UCG), COGWA, and Living Church of God (LCG) believe that their leaders understand end time prophecy.

Yet, the reality is that on many prophetic points the teachings of those groups are confused or otherwise in error. Some of their errors have to do with Daniel 11.

While many are aware of Gerald Flurry’s incorrect identification of Iran as the final “King of the South,” some may be surprised to realize that PCG, UCG, COGWA, and LCG do not understand the proper sequence of Daniel 11 nor the timing of the attacks by the King of the North.

What do they teach?

Let’s start with PCG.

In the January 2004 issue of the Philadelphia Trumpet, PCG’s Gerald Flurry wrote:

““And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him: and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over. He shall enter also into the glorious land, and many countries shall be overthrown: but these shall escape out of his hand, even Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon” (Dan. 11:40-41). The king of the north is a united Europe, and the king of the south is radical Islam led by Iran…Europe will win this war. But that victory will trigger some other events. Europe will then ally itself with the moderate Arabs and attack America, Britain and the nation called Israel.

Many Bible prophecies thunder that truth. (Flurry G. Personal: Russia Frightens Europe— and Fulfills Bible Prophecy. Philadelphia Trumpet, January 2004).

However, this sequence is in error. The Bible shows that the coming King of the North will eliminate the USA (the land with the strongest fortresses) in Daniel 11:39. This comes before the destruction of the King of the South in Daniel 11:40-43 (for more details, please check out Who is the King of the North?).

A reader sent me the following about teachings from at least one UCG pastor, Rex Sexton:

UCG … I have been downloading their sermons to listen to while I drive the car so I have an idea of some of their doctrines so I can better understand where they are coming from prophetically and have seen some dangerous mistakes. First of all is that they teach that the covenant that is confirmed and the sacrifices that are stopped in Dan 9:27 was fulfilled already by Jesus during His ministry and death and “the middle of the week” is talking about the day of the week He died on rather than the abomination of desolation occurring in the midst of the final seven years with the stopping of sacrifices by the King of the North in the middle of Daniels 70th week. If you Google UCG study paper on Daniels 70th week you will see their official teachings on this matter. I don’t understand how they could get something so clear so wrong, because the previous person spoken of in Dan 9:26 was the wicked prince who is to come, so how could the next “he” be Jesus? …

The other thing that was worrying is that at least some of the ministry teach that the event that tells us the end is about to begin and the abomination of desolation is soon to occur, is the King of the North defeating the King of the South and then he comes into Jerusalem and places the abomination of desolation. The Minister teaching this (Rex Sexton) has many many sermons on their website, so I gather they endorse his position. He said in the sermon that so many people want to know what the “tripwire” event is that sets all things in motion at the end and he said that the King of the North defeating and taking over the nations of the King of the South is CLEARLY it and that it is incontrovertible! CLEARLY he is badly mistaken.

The same Minister in another sermon was proudly proclaiming UCG a non-prophet church as a play on words. He then went on to make a personal prediction after chiding other COG groups claiming to have prophets, saying that there will probably be people in the Church of God claiming to be prophets very soon, who will probably say Jesus is returning in 2027 because it will be 2000 years since His ministery and will warn people to flee in 2024. He then said to be very weary if we hear anyone at that time saying this because God will make it very clear to His people when it’s time to go!

It’s easy to see that if Jesus does return somewhere around this time, that at least some in UCG will be warning people not to flee!

Dual fulfillments

Verses 35-39: The reference to “the time of the end” in verse 35 offers a challenge in interpretation. Some understand this as referring to the time just before Christ’s return, and others see it as the end of the Maccabean struggles. Some of the actions can be attributed to Antiochus Epiphanes, and some seem to be prophecies of the beast power that will exist at the end of this present age. These verses apparently have dual fulfillments, spanning from the time of the Maccabees until the return of Christ.

The preceding verses in Daniel 11 represent extremely detailed prophecies that have been fulfilled exactly as they were revealed to Daniel. It is important to note that the Roman Empire defeated Seleucid Syria in 65 B.C. and that it defeated Egypt in 30 B.C. Thus the first identities of the king of the North and the king of the South came to an end.

The time of the end

In verses 40-45 we read of actions of a king of the North and a king of South “at the time of the end” (verse 40). The end-time identities of these nations are yet to be determined. (Treybig D. Daniel 11: The Most Detailed Prophecy in the Bible. http://lifehopeandtruth.com/prophecy/understanding-the-book-of-daniel/daniel-11/ viewed 06/03/14)

It is also interesting to note that the prophecy through verse 39 seems to end before the first century and not resume until “the time of the end” referred to in Daniel 11:40. (Treybig. The King of the North. http://lifehopeandtruth.com/prophecy/understanding-the-book-of-daniel/the-king-of-the-north/ viewed 06/03/14)

COGWA’s contention that Daniel 11:39 was fulfilled thousands of years ago is inconsistent with the view that the verses of Daniel 11:35-39 have future fulfillment–which they do. For more on this, check out the article: USA in Prophecy: The Strongest Fortresses and/or a related sermon: Do these 7 prophesies point to the end of the USA?

The chapter that COGWA refers to as the most detailed prophecy in the Bible, it essentially admits it does not understand the details of it. Statements such as “offers a challenge in interpretation” suggest, to me at least, that COGWA has disagreement about how to interpret the statements or simply does not know. Most likely it is both.

Similarly to PCG and apparently UCG, notice what LCG’s late Dr. Roderick C. Meredith wrote and published:

This great charismatic “Mahdi” (Messiah) will gather together the forces of Islam in a final jihad (holy war) against the morally corrupt nations of the West, whose religion, lifestyle and values represent a deadly challenge to the Islamic dream.

He will feel emboldened to provoke or attack the European Union (Daniel 11:40). This will anger the fierce “king of the North” and the forces of the king of the South will be completely crushed by this European power. The king of the North will then come down “like a whirlwind” (v. 40) and take over the Middle East, including the Holy Land (vv. 41–42). The king of the North’s armies will seize control of the region’s vast oil reserves (v. 43).

These soon-to-happen events will be awesome to witness. The “king of the North,” a future European Napoleon or Hitler type of powerful, dynamic leader, will react mightily with a blitzkrieg retaliation. This dramatic military response against the king of the South will set off a chain of other events.

“And they shall defile the sanctuary fortress; then they shall take away the daily sacrifices, and place there the abomination of desolation” (Daniel 11:31). As this dual prophecy shows, there will, at the end of this age, either be a temple or a special altar in Jerusalem. The priests of the family of Aaron will again offer the daily animal sacrifices prescribed in the Old Testament until a great military power comes in and places there what is called the abomination of desolation.

The description continues: “At that time Michael shall stand up, the great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people; and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation, even to that time” (Daniel 12:1). This is talking about the American, British Commonwealth and Jewish peoples. The great Muslim “king of the South” will cause a war, and the European “king of the North” will conquer much of the Middle East. This king of the North also comes west against God’s people at the beginning of the Great Tribulation. This is the same time Jesus described in Matthew 24:21: “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.” (Meredith RC. Fourteen Signs Announcing Christ’s Return. http://www.tomorrowsworld.org/booklets/fourteen-signs-announcing-christs-return/content viewed online 5/11/19).

Notice that LCG teaches that after Daniel 11:40-43 is fulfilled, that Daniel 11:31 will be fulfilled. This is a major problem because Daniel 11:31 is the sign that Jesus pointed to, to warn that it would be time to flee and that the Great Tribulation was about to begin:

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 24:15-21)

For years I tried to work with LCG on this point as they had a publication written by John Ogwyn that agreed with the sequence that I have taught–that the King of the North invades the USA and Anglo-Saxon nations prior to the invasion of the King of the South. John Ogwyn and the rest of the then LCG Charlotte-based evangelists all told me I was right about that. Yet, LCG has continued with two differing sequences that are in contradiction–which is confusing.

LCG also has the Great Tribulation beginning when the King of the North invades the King of the South. Here is what its Official Statement of Fundamental Beliefs teaches:

The Bible speaks of a time of great catastrophe, called the “Great Tribulation” (Matthew 24:21-22; Daniel 11:40-45; 12:1; Luke 21:19-36) (viewed 05/11/19)

LCG is teaching that Daniel 11:40 is the first item in the sequence in Daniel 11 to start the Great Tribulation. And this is a FUNDAMENTAL BELIEF, which is in error.

LCG’s Gerald Weston had the following in a Co-worker letter dated February 13, 2019:

Correct doctrine is vital to the Church of God and love is at the heart of correct doctrine. …

Doctrine, we might say, is simply teachings or instructions, and in this case, the teachings of the Bible. The Apostle Paul confirms that doctrine is important. He warned the Church of God at Ephesus that they “should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting. . .” (Ephesians 4:14). And he urged the members in Rome to “note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them” (Romans 16:17).

Right doctrine is what allows us to have unity. Paul told the Corinthians that they should all speak the same thing, meaning they should be unified in the basic doctrines they were taught by Paul and other ministers of the truth (1 Corinthians 1:10). And he pointed out that we must strive to keep the unity of the faith: “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all” (Ephesians 4:4-6).

A servant of God must teach sound doctrine as found in the Bible, not ideas with roots in pagan philosophy and heathen practices. He must also be bold in proclaiming the truth and in fulfilling God’s command, “Cry aloud, spare not; lift up your voice like a trumpet; tell My people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins” (Isaiah 58:1). We live in an age where God is despised, because this generation, especially, hates His laws. Biblical values are rejected at every turn and a totalitarian-minded elite is convincing a whole generation to do everything it can to wipe out any remembrance of God and His Word. The “culture war” is, more precisely, an assault against God.

Love is important and doctrine should be based upon the Bible (see also The Philadelphia Remnant: It’s All About Love).

But LCG has this sequence wrong (and other doctrinal errors, for details see What About the Living Church of God? Are there Doctrinal Differences with the Continuing Church of God?).

Notice that the old WCG taught something different related to the sequence and the start of the Great Tribulation. The late Herbert W. Armstrong wrote the following in 1979:

What is this abomination? This refers to Daniel 11:31 and Matthew 24:15…That will be a time when the UNITED Europe shall appear–the revival of the medieval “Holy Roman Empire.” We shall then be warned, and readied to be taken to a place of refuge and safety from the Great Tribulation. Forty-five days later “the beasts armies” will surround Jerusalem. Thirty days later the Great Tribulation will probably start with a nuclear attack on London and Britain–and possibly the same day or immediately after, on the United States and Canadian cities. The GREAT TRIBULATION, we shall fully then realize, is the time of “Jacob’s Trouble,” spoken of in Jeremiah 30:7. And Jacob’s name was named on Joseph’s sons, Ephraim and Manasseh (Gen. 48:16). At that time a third of the people in our nations will die, or shall have died, by famine and disease epidemics; another third will dies of the war–our cities being destroyed (Ezek. 6:6), and the remaining third will be carried to the land of our enemies as slaves (Ezek. 5:12). Armstrong HW. The Time We Are In, Now. Pastor General’s Report-Vol 1, No. 15, November 20, 1979, Page 2).

Notice that Herbert Armstrong has Daniel 11:31 first, then the USA and UK getting attacked (Daniel 11:39). While it is true that the old Radio Church of God misunderstood the sequence originally, it changed decades ago–yet some (like in the leadership of PCG, UCG, and LCG) never have understood the change and still prefer to rely on an overridden tradition over the Bible.

Notice also something from the Plain Truth magazine in 1979:

King David of ancient Israel in a prophetic psalm (Psalm 83) provides additional insight into the Mideast picture. Germany (Assyria in Bible prophecy) and perhaps the rest of Europe will be in league in the future with a union of Arab nations–a vast confederacy bound together in an effort to crush out the name “Israel” from the face of the earth! This Arab-Moslem confederacy may very well be the previously mentioned “king of the south”–a sphere of power encompassing vast portions of the Islamic world.

“They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance. For they have consulted together with one consent: they are confederate against thee: The tabernacles of Edom [Esau or modern-day Turkey, a non-Arab but Islamic nation], and the Ishmaelites [Saudi Arabia]; of Moab [part of Jordan], and the Hagarenes [anciently these peoples dwelt in the area known as Syria today]; Gebal [Lebanon], and Ammon [modern Jordan], and Amalek [part of the Turks]; the Philistines [the modern Palestinians] with the inhabitants of Tyre [Lebanon]; Assur [whose descendants, the Assyrians, migrated to Germany] also is joined with them: they have holpen the children of Lot [Jordan and Western Iraq]” (Psalm 83:4-8)…

But in the end, this European-Arab alliance will prove short-lived. As shown earlier, the “king of the north” of Daniel 11–the leader of the German-led European union–will ultimately turn against the Arab “king of the south,”…Daniel 11:40-41: And the king of the north shall come against him [the king of the south]…The Arab-Moslem Confederation will, of course, be thrown into chaotic disarray in the fact of invasion. (Stump K. The Arab World in Prophecy. Plain Truth, December 1979)

“Israel” in quotes above is a reference to the end time descendants of Israel, which includes the USA and Anglo-Saxon nations.

From no later than 1979 until the time of his death, Herbert Armstrong correctly taught that the Great Tribulation first begins with an attack by the European King of the North, not that the King of the North first invades the King of the South.

I tried to work with LCG on this for many years, and although their top evangelists agreed multiple times (and at least once it was agreed in a meeting by one of their leaders that WCG had changed its view by the 1970s to the biblical view I was advocating; see also December 2011 Proposed changes to LCG’s Official Statement of Fundamental Beliefs), they never changed their publications to reflect this.

Since I was unable to get LCG to change while I was with it, despite agreements by its leaders to fix LCG’s errors on this point, hopefully pointing this error out again will assist them to correct it. Otherwise, this will be another area where those in LCG will misunderstand prophecy.

I would make a similar appeal to PCG, COGWA, and UCG.

However as those in PCG improperly believe that Gerald Flurry is a prophet, nor have they ever agreed that I was correct on this, they seem less likely than LCG (or UCG) to consider this–but they ignore what the Bible teaches to their peril. Sadly this likely means then, that they will not know when the Great Tribulation will begin and that would then indicate they will not be protected from it.

The Apostle Paul taught:

15… I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. (1 Timothy 3:15)

On the prophetic sequence of Daniel 11, as well as on certain points of conduct, neither PCG nor LCG can be considered the “pillar and ground of the truth,” which is part of why neither hold the Philadelphia mantle. When I checked LCG’s Official Statement of Beliefs this year, it still had serious errors.

There are many ramifications of the errors that PCG, UCG, and LCG hold.

One to consider is that unless they change their positions, NEITHER PCG NOR UCG NOR LCG OR OTHERS IN MANY COGS WILL REALIZE WHEN THE GREAT TRIBULATION WILL BEGIN AND THEIR SUPPORTERS WILL NOT FLEE TO BE PROTECTED IN A PLACE OF SAFETY IN THE WILDERNESS (Revelation 12:14-16). Their positions will be proven to be false.

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

Will you truly rely on the more sure word of prophecy? Or traditions that will be proven to be false?

Related to the Book of Daniel, in 2025, the Continuing Church of God put out the following ten sermons covering each and every verse in it:

1. Daniel 1-3: Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream
2. Daniel 4-5: The Handwriting on the Wall
3. Daniel 6-8: Four Beasts and the King of the North
4. Daniel 9: 70 Years & 70 Weeks Prophecie
5. Daniel 10-11:32: Prophecies Fulfilled in History
6. Daniel 11:24-31: Events to Watch For
7. Daniel 11:32-38: Philadelphian Persecution and Witness
8. Daniel 11:39: Conquering of the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, part I
9. Daniel 11:39: Conquering of the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, part II
10. Daniel 11:40-12:13: End of Islam and the Beast, 1260, 1290, and 1335 days

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

DANIEL This article contains Commentary on the Book of Daniel. Here are links to related sermon videos: Daniel 1-3: Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream, Daniel 4-5: The Handwriting on the Wall, Daniel 6-8: Four Beasts and the King of the North, Daniel 9: 70 Years & 70 Weeks Prophecies, Daniel 10-11:32: Prophecies Fulfilled in History, and Daniel 11:24-31: Events to Watch For, and Daniel 11:32-38: Philadelphian Persecution and Witness, Daniel 11:39: Conquering of the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, part I., and Daniel 11:39: Conquering of the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, part II. Here are links to related sermons in Spanish: Daniel 9 – Las 70 semenas and Daniel 11 la destrucción de E.E. U. U.
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. Another article related to Iran translated into the Spanish language is: Irán y líderes israelíes discuten las intenciones nucleares de Irán.
Iran in Prophecy Is Iran in Bible prophecy? If so, what does the Bible teach? What names, other than Persia, may be used to describe Iran? There are also two related videos: Iran In Prophecy and Iran and Israel Conflict.
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. Two related sermon are available: Identifying the USA and its Destruction in Prophecy and Do these 7 prophesies point to the end of the USA?
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? A related sermon is also available: The Bible, the USA, and the King of the West.
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 are links to two related videos: The King of the North is Alive: What to Look Out For and The Future King of the North.
There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Petra This article discusses a biblical ‘place of safety’ and includes quotes from the Bible and Herbert W. Armstrong on this subject–thus, there is a biblically supported alternative to the rapture theory. There is also a video on the subject: Might Petra be the Place of Safety? Here is something related in the Spanish language: Hay un lugar de seguridad para los Filadelfinos. ¿Puede ser Petra?
Teachings Unique to the Philadelphia Church of God Simply calling oneself ‘Philadelphia’ does not make one so (see Revelation 3:7-9), nor does Gerald Flurry calling himself “that prophet” make it so. This article provides many quotes from this group which tries to look faithful.
Differences between the Living Church of God and United Church of God This article provides quotes information from two of the largest groups which had their origins in WCG as well as commentary.
What About the Living Church of God? Are there Doctrinal Differences with the Continuing Church of God? This article explains some information and doctrines of the Living Church of God as led by Roderick C. Meredith and some concerns about them. En el idioma español: ¿Qué hay acerca de la Iglesia de Dios Viviente? ¿Hay diferencias doctrinales con la Continuación de la Iglesia de Dios?
Why Bob Thiel Left the Living Church of God Several have speculated reasons, but here is the truth. (En el idioma español: ¿Por qué Bob Thiel dejó la Iglesia del Dios Viviente?)
Does the CCOG have the confirmed signs of Acts 2:17-18? Does any church have the confirmed dream and prophetic signs of Acts 2:17-18? Should one? Here is a link in the Spanish language: ¿Tiene la CCOG confirmadas las señales de Hechos 2: 17-18? Here is a link in the French language: Est-ce que l’Église Continue de Dieu confirme les signes d’Actes 2:17-18? A related sermon in the English language is also available: 17 Last Days’ Signs of the Holy Spirit.
Church of God Leaders on Prophets Have there been prophets throughout the church age? Are any supposed to be around in the last days? What have COG leaders stated or written about prophets? Here is a link to a related sermon: Church of God Leaders on Prophets.
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
The Great Tribulation: What Happens First? What events have happened? What are some events that are now happening? And what events need to happen for the Great Tribulation to start? Here is a link to a related sermon video: Counting Down to the Great Tribulation. Here is a video in the Spanish language: Contando los eventos y el inicio de la Gran Tribulación.
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. A short video is also available titled Trump’s Deal of the Century and Daniel 9 27?
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. One video of related interest is 50+ Laodicean Prophetic Errors. See also Do You Hold to Any of These Laodicean Prophetic Errors?

(Pixabay photo)

COGwriter

There is a new group funded by food processing companies:

Junk Food Companies Join Forces to Block Food Safety Reforms

General Mills, Nestlé, Coca-Cola and other ultraprocessed food companies launched Americans for Ingredient Transparency to appear transparent while secretly protecting their products from scrutiny. The group actively blocks state-level food safety laws and undermines the Make America Healthy Again coalition’s efforts to improve the quality of the U.S. food supply.

Ultraprocessed food and agribusiness companies have launched a new organization, Americans for Ingredient Transparency (AFIT), to counteract efforts by the “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) coalition and others to improve the quality of America’s food supply.

AFIT is funded by large ultraprocessed food and beverage companies, including General Mills, Kraft Heinz, Nestlé, Tyson Foods, Coca-Cola and PepsiCo, and more than a dozen food industry trade associations.

These companies appear to be using the deceptively named AFIT not to promote transparency but rather to federally preempt tough new state-level food safety laws.

Their main purpose seems to be product defense for unhealthy ultraprocessed food and many of its unsafe artificial additives.

Funded by giant food corporations and their trade groups

AFIT is backed by dozens of ultraprocessed food and beverage companies, related trade associations, and growers’ groups for commodities used in ultraprocessed foods.

Big Food backers listed on AFIT’s website include The Coca-Cola Company, PepsiCo, Nestlé, General Mills, Kraft Heinz, Tyson Foods, Conagra Brands, Keurig, Dr. Pepper, Hormel Foods, Ocean Spray, Ken’s, McCormick, Sargento, Sysco, and Enterprises Inc. baked foods conglomerate.

Trade groups backing AFIT include the American Bakers Association, American Beverage, American Frozen Food Institute, Consumer Brands Association (formerly the Grocery Manufacturers Association), FMI: The Food Industry Association, Independent Bakers Association, Meat Institute, National Association of Manufacturers, National Restaurant Association, National Retail Federation, North American Millers Association and SNAC: Snacking, Nutrition and Convenience International.

Trade groups representing commodities for ultraprocessed foods include the Corn Refiners Association, American Farm Bureau Federation and American Soybean Association, among others. …

AFIT’s corporate sponsors appear to be using the group to defend profitable ultraprocessed foods by pushing federal legislation to replace stronger state food laws with weaker uniform national standards for food safety and transparency. 11/03/25 https://thefreethoughtproject.com/health/junk-food-companies-join-forces-to-block-food-safety-reforms

Aiming to strike down pro-consumer state food laws  

AFIT’s corporate sponsors appear to be using the group to defend profitable ultra-processed foods by pushing federal legislation to replace stronger state food laws with weaker uniform national standards for food safety and transparency.

Their plan would centralize decisions about food safety and labeling under the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which has a long history of corporate capture and weak food industry regulation. Stronger state laws for food safety and labeling, AFIT claims, “create confusion” and “limit choices” for consumers.

The ultra-processed food industry unveiled AFIT in October 2025 following state-level victories for food safety, including a California law that bans ultra-processed foods from school lunches, a West Virginia law that prohibits certain synthetic dyes from school lunches (with a statewide ban to follow), and a Texas law requiring warning labels on foods containing ingredients banned in other countries for health reasons. Other states are considering similar laws to restrict unhealthy ultra-processed food or specific artificial ingredients, or enhance consumers’ right to know.

“People familiar with the [AFIT] coalition’s efforts,” according to Bloomberg, “said it has been hoping to coalesce behind legislation being crafted by Senator Roger Marshall, a Kansas Republican, they expect to deal with overhauling the GRAS process and using preemption to set a federal standard.” (“Big Food Readies New Strategy Against RFK Jr. Push in States,” Bloomberg, October 21, 2025)

The GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) loophole currently allows food manufacturers to add chemicals or additives to foods without the FDA’s prior approval if the substance is deemed safe by experts chosen by the companies. Reforming GRAS is a priority of the MAHA coalition and many other health groups.  10/30/25 https://usrtk.org/ultra-processed-foods/americans-for-ingredient-transparency/

Americans for Ingredient Transparency likely did form to at least deal with not just state regulations, but to try to overcome positions of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Notice that he wants people to realize risks and harms associated with ultra-processed foods:

RFK Jr. is targeting ultraprocessed foods. What are they, and are they bad for you?

March 12, 2025

In the Trump administration’s quest to “Make America Healthy Again,” there may be no bigger target than ultraprocessed foods.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the nation’s new health secretary, has cited “highly chemically processed foods” as a chief culprit behind an epidemic of chronic disease in the U.S., including ailments such as obesity, diabetes and autoimmune disorders.

Such foods are “poisoning” people, particularly children, Kennedy said during Senate confirmation hearings. He has vowed to work to remove such foods from federal programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.

“I will do everything in my power to put the health of Americans back on track,” he told lawmakers.

Key to that goal, however, could be making sure that consumers understand basic facts about ultraprocessed foods and the role they play in daily meals.

From sugary cereals at breakfast to frozen pizzas at dinner, plus in-between snacks of potato chips, sodas and ice cream, ultraprocessed foods make up about 60% of the U.S. diet. For kids and teens, it’s even higher — about two-thirds of what they eat.

That’s concerning because ultraprocessed foods have been linked to a host of negative health effects, from obesity and diabetes to heart disease, depression, dementia and more. One recent study suggested that eating these foods may raise the risk of early death. … foods created through industrial processes and with ingredients such as additives, colors and preservatives that you couldn’t duplicate in a home kitchen, said Kevin Hall, a researcher who focuses on metabolism and diet at the National Institutes of Health.

“These are most, but not all, of the packaged foods you see,” Hall said.

Such foods are often made to be both cheap and irresistibly delicious, said Dr. Neena Prasad, director of the Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Food Policy Program.

“They have just the right combination of sugar, salt and fat and you just can’t stop eating them,” Prasad said. https://apnews.com/article/ultraprocessed-foods-kennedy-f6a2607b14c4a2787c68801a8e0646bc

Monday, on FNC’s “Hannity,” Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. pledged “radical transparency” in efforts to “Make America Healthy Again.” …

“Well, you know, processed foods and seed oil is one of the components of processed foods,” Kennedy replied. “And that is, you know, all the science indicates that ultra-processed foods are what are behind — the principal culprit. And it’s an extraordinary explosion, the epidemic we have of chronic disease. When my uncle was president, 3% of Americans had chronic disease. Today, 60% do. We have 66% of adults are diabetic or pre-diabetic, 38% of teens. When you and I were kids, Sean, the average pediatrician would see one case of juvenile diabetes in his lifetime, over a 40 or 50-year career. Today, one out of every three kids who walks to his office store is diabetic or pre-diabetic.”

“Diabetes and other mitochondrial diseases are now costing America more than our military budget,” he continued. “We spend two to three times on healthcare what other countries do, and we have the worst outcomes. And it’s not — and we have the best medical system in the world. We are poisoning ourselves and it’s coming from you know principally these ultra-processed foods and what we’re trying to do, and this President Trump wants us to have radical transparency and to incentivize companies like this one to switch to traditional ingredients like beef tallow.” https://www.breitbart.com/clips/2025/03/11/rfk-jr-vows-radical-transparency-on-food-supply-we-are-poisoning-ourselves/

Ultra-processed foods are highly consumed and are dangerous:

Our food supply is 73% ultra-processed foods that cause health to suffer, expert says

March 10, 2025

 ‘Genius Foods’ author Max Lugavere discusses Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., taking on big food … https://www.foxnews.com/video/6369860126112

The ultra-processed diet that experts believe gives you cancer: Britain’s top doctors now blame modern foods for unprecedented spike in cancer rates

25 August 2024

This month, a major study found people born in 1990 are three times more likely to develop certain forms of the disease than those over the age of 70. And other types were on the rise in younger age-groups, while rates declined in older people.

So what is fuelling the trend? Numerous theories have been put forward: antibiotic over-use, mobile phone radiation and even invisible particles of plastic in drinking water. But a growing number of experts are pointing to one major cause: ultra-processed foods.

Also known as UPFs, these are ready-made foods – including bread, cereals and even salad dressing – packed with artificial ingredients used to preserve, add flavour and enhance texture.

Some have even gone as far as to say they could be as dangerous as tobacco – and should come with a cigarette-style health warning.

It might sound far fetched. But, increasingly, some of Britain’s top cancer experts believe there is some truth to it.

Professor Charles Swanton, oncologist and chief clinician at Cancer Research UK, has raised the alarm over the ‘disturbing’ rise in cancer in young people and linked it to increased consumption of junk food.

Speaking at the American Society of Clinical Oncology, he said a growing body of research suggests that some bowel cancers could be ‘initiated’ by changes in the gut caused by low-fibre, high-sugar diets.

Prostate oncologist and Queen’s University Belfast professor Dr Joe O’Sullivan puts it more simply. ‘The spike in young cancer rates has to be due to something we’re consuming,’ he said.

‘And ultra-processed foods are the biggest lifestyle change in the last 40 years.’

Britain’s foremost commentator on the topic, Dr Chris van Tulleken, whose book Ultra-Processed People was a best-seller last year has ‘no doubt’ that the two are connected.

‘We have more than a dozen good quality studies indicating a link between cancer and ultra-processed foods,’ he told The Mail on Sunday. ‘Governments took action to reduce the number of people who smoke cigarettes based on far less evidence.’ https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-13776129/How-ultra-processed-foods-linked-cancer-experts-believe-cause-tumours-doctors-blame-modern-diets-unprecedented-spike-cancer-rates.html

25 August 2024

We’re all guilty of indulging in ultra-processed foods such as ice cream, sandwich meats, sausages, crisps, mass-produced bread, cereal, biscuits and fizzy drinks.

According to The British Heart Foundation, ultra-processed foods are bad for you as they often contain high levels of saturated fat, salt and sugar leaving less room in our diets for more nutritious foods. https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/food/1940213/how-quitting-ultra-processed-foods-transformed-my-health

Last year, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. also made some comments about ultra-processed foods:

August 24, 2024

RFK Jr. informed journalists at his special press conference in the early afternoon of Friday that America’s health crisis stems from ultra-processed foods pushed by giant food/pharma companies that have corrupted various federal agencies:

Autism rates were about one in 10,000 in my generation – in my kids Generation 1 in 34. I’ll repeat in California 1 and 22. Why are we letting this happen? Why are we allowing this to happen to our children? These are the most precious assets that we have in this country how can we let this happen to them.

About 18% of American teens now have fatty liver disease, that’s like one out of every five – that disease when I was a kid only affected late stage alcoholics who were elderly.

Cancer rates are skyrocketing in the Young and the old young. Adult cancers are up 70-79%. One in four American women is on anti-depressant medication. About 40% of teens have a mental health diagnosis and 15% of high schoolers are on Aderall, and half a million children on SSRIs.

So what’s causing this suffering? I’ll name two culprits first and the worst is ultra-processed food. About 70% of American children’s diet is ultra-processed that means industrial manufacturing – these Foods consist primarily of processed sugar, ultra-processed grains, and seed oils.

Scientists who, for many of them, formerly worked for the cigarette industry, which purchased all the big food companies in the 1970s and 80s, deployed thousands of scientists to figure out chemicals new chemicals to make the food more addictive, and these ingredients didn’t exist a 100 years ago. Humans aren’t biologically adapted to eat them. Hundreds of these chemicals are now banned in Europe but ubiquitous in American processed foods.

The second culprit is toxic chemicals in our food and our medicine and our environment pesticides food additives pharmaceutical drugs and toxic waste permeate every cell of our bodies. The Assault on our children’s cells and hormones is unrelenting – name just one problem many of these chemicals increase estrogen – because young children are ingesting so many of these hormone disruptors, America’s puberty rate is now occurring at age 10 to 13, which is six years earlier than girls were reaching puberty in 1900 our country has the earliest puberty rates of any continent on the Earth and no this isn’t because of better nutrition – this is not normal – breast cancer is also estrogen-driven and it now strikes one in eight women. We are mass poisoning all of our children. 

RFK Jr. then touched on the processed food industry lobbyists who have corrupted Washington, resulting in a food supply chain filled with poison that is killing Americans. He said several federal agencies that are supposed to protect consumers have also been corrupted.

He pointed out that the processed food industry has been “destroying small farms, and they’re destroying our soils.” https://www.zerohedge.com/commodities/rfk-jr-donald-trump-will-end-war-small-wars-save-nations-food-supply-chain

While some in mainstream act like Kennedy is a bit of a nut, the fact is that, yes, ultraprocessed foods are dangerous.

Last year, NewsMax reported the following:

Ultra-Processed Foods Linked to 32 Illnesses

February 29, 2024

Ultra-processed foods can cause dozens of terrible health problems among people who eat them too often, a new review warns.

Researchers linked diets high in ultra-processed foods to an increased risk of 32 separate illnesses. In particular, these foods are strongly tied to risk with early death, heart disease, cancer, mental health disorders, overweight and obesity, and Type 2 diabetes, researchers said.

For example, ultra-processed foods are associated with a 50% increased risk of heart-related death, a 48% to 53% increased risk of anxiety and common mental disorders, and a 12% risk of type 2 diabetes, researchers said. …

Ultra-processed foods include packaged snacks, sugary drinks, instant noodles, sweet cereals and ready-to-eat meals.

The products undergo multiple industrial processes to make them tasty and shelf-stable, and contain additives like emulsifiers, coloring agents and chemical flavors.

Unfortunately, ultra-processed foods now account for up to 58% of total daily energy intake in some high income-countries, and are proliferating in low- and middle-income countries, researchers said in background notes.

“Notably, over recent decades, the availability and variety of ultra-processed products sold has substantially and rapidly increased” in countries around the world, wrote the research team led by Melissa Lane, …

Alterations in the food made during manufacturing “may affect digestion, nutrient absorption and feelings of satiety,” the researchers wrote.

Emerging evidence in humans also has linked some additives used in the foods — non-sugar sweeteners, emulsifiers, colorants and nitrates or nitrites — with poor health outcomes, researchers said.

Intensive industrial processing of food might also produce harmful substances that contribute to chronic inflammation, and even packaging materials can contain contaminants, they added. … profit motives discourage food makers from switching to nutritious products. https://www.newsmax.com/health/health-news/ultra-processed-foods-illness/2024/02/29/id/1155395/

Yet, in the USA, various dietitians are pretending that obesity and processed foods are good and healthy (see General Mills funded dieticians who try to claim being obese is healthy and that ultra-processed foods are good).

But they are not healthy.

The Apostle Paul warned:

10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, (1 Timothy 6:10)

Greed, not health, drives much of the food processing industry.

In 2023, the BBC reported the following:

3 June 2023

Twenty years ago, no-one had heard of the term ultra-processed foods – or UPF – but about half the things we now eat in the UK are made that way. …

Ultra-processed convenience foods contain chemicals that UK regulators say are safe, but Panorama investigates emerging scientific evidence of a link between some of these chemicals and cancer, diabetes and strokes. …

Common ultra-processed foods:

• Mass-produced bread and sweetened breakfast cereals
• Instant soups, pre-packaged and microwave ready meals
• Fruit-flavoured yogurts
• Reconstituted meat – like ham and sausages
• Ice cream, crisps and biscuits
• Soft drinks and some alcoholic drinks – like whisky, gin, and rum

The first investigations into mortality and consumption of ultra-processed food started in France at the University Sorbonne Paris Nord, as part of the ongoing study into the eating habits of 174,000 people.

“We have 24-hour dietary records during which they tell us all the foods, the beverages and so on, that they are eating,” explains Dr Mathilde Touvier who heads up the study.

The ongoing research has already published results showing UPF may drive an increased burden of cancer. https://www.bbc.com/news/health-65754290

In 2022, CNN reported the following:

Cognitive decline linked to ultraprocessed food, study finds

August 1, 2022

Eating ultraprocessed foods for more than 20% of your daily calorie intake every day could set you on the road to cognitive decline, a new study revealed.

We all know eating ultraprocessed foods that make our lives easier — such as prepackaged soups, sauces, frozen pizza and ready-to-eat meals — isn’t good for our health. Nor is gobbling up all the pleasure foods that we love so much: hot dogs, sausages, burgers, french fries, sodas, cookies, cakes, candies, doughnuts and ice cream, to name just a few.

Studies have found they can raise our risk of obesity, heart and circulation problems, diabetes and cancer. They may even shorten our lives.

Now, a new study has revealed eating more ultraprocessed foods may contribute to overall cognitive decline, including the areas of the brain involved in executive functioning — the ability to process information and make decisions.<

In fact, men and women who ate the most ultraprocessed foods had a 28% faster rate of global cognitive decline and a 25% faster rate of executive function decline compared with people who ate the least amount of overly processed food, the study found.

“While in need of further study and replication, the new results are quite compelling and emphasize the critical role for proper nutrition in preserving and promoting brain health and reducing risk for brain diseases as we get older,” said Rudy Tanzi, professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School and director of the genetics and aging research unit at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. He was not involved in the study. https://www.cnn.com/2022/08/01/health/ultraprocessed-food-dementia-study-wellness/index.html

Eating wrong can increase the production of advanced protein glycation end-products which tend to accumulate in the brain and can contribute to cognitive deterioration. I was the lead scientist on paper published in a major medical journal dealing with that a while ago (see Can Cognitive Deterioration Associated with Down Syndrome be Reduced? Medical Hypotheses, 2005; 64(3):524-532).

It is not good that the youth in the UK, USA, and elsewhere are consuming so much ultra-processed foods.

That said, remember Eve in the Garden:

6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. (Genesis 3:6)

Eve reasoned around God’s restriction. The fruit looked like good and desirable food to her. Ultra-processed foods and many unclean meats that God’s word prohibits look like good and desirable foods to many.

Self-control is something Christians should have (e.g. 2 Peter 1:6).

Highly-processed junk foods may look good, taste good, and seem convenient, but if consumed at all, should be a very small part of anyone’s diet.

Yet most in the West deceive themselves that they are not eating too much of them or that they are fine. Plus there is a lot of advertising that promotes them. That brings to mind another warning from the Apostle Paul:

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, … 13 … evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. (2 Timothy 3:1-2,13)

Because the negative effects take time, many are wrongly persuaded by advertisements and availability to eat too much highly processed foods. Many also deceive themselves into falsely believing that they cannot cause serious problems–yet they can.

The following scripture came to mind:

11 Because the sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil. (Ecclesiastes 8:11)

As far as food processing goes, it really started to become a problem in the 19th century. This is when refined flour came out. Then we saw degerminated corn meal and white rice. Grits, which once were made of ground, whole organic corn, are now made with degerminated GMO corn, ‘fortified’ with synthetic vitamins. After corn was ‘degerminated’ many people in the Southern USA died from a disease called pellagra. Instead of going back to whole corn, chemically-derived synthetic vitamins were added, which I consider to be dangerous.

In the 19^th century, after natural brown rice became refined on a large scale, white rice became popular. Many preferred white rice because it could be stored longer than natural brown rice, plus it cooked faster.

In the 19^th century, a disease called beriberi began to cause many deaths in parts of Asia. Symptoms of beriberi include weight loss, emotional disturbances, impaired sensory perception, weakness and pain in the limbs, and periods of irregular heart rate.

At first no one connected the consumption of white rice in with beriberi. Leading ‘infectious disease’ experts attempted to figure out what caused this beriberi outbreak, without success. The real cause was the greatly reduced consumption of B-vitamins that was in the portion of the rice that was refined away—but no one realized this at first.

Now, we have even more highly processed items in the food supply–and also genetically-modified substances that there is limited data on the possible long-term health consequences of their consumption.

What should you eat? You should eat real food and for most people, at least two or more servings of fruit and three of more servings of vegetables daily, relatively small amounts of meats, whole grains, and olive oil come to mind. Refined grains, sugars (whether natural or artificial), sodas, and GMOs should be highly limited or not consumed at all

God’s word says:

2 … Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good (Isaiah 55:2).

People should try to eat real, not artificial, foods. And if you take vitamins and minerals, take the type whose nutrients are 100% food (which is what I personally do).

In 2022, the Continuing Church of God put out the following sermon on its ContinuingCOG channel:

It is nice that some are warning about some of the evils affecting the food supply.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Christian Health Matters Should Christians be concerned about their health? Does the Bible give any food and health guidelines? Here are links to three related sermons: Let’s Talk About Food, Evil is Affecting the Food Supply, and Let’s Talk About Health.
American foods that gross out foreigners A study done in the Fall of 2014 found out which foods that non-USA Americans considered weird or gross that Americans eat. This video discusses those foods, ingredients in some of those foods, and warns against consuming ‘that which is not bread’ (Isaiah 55:2). Dr. Thiel also warns about synthetic vitamins and some of the issues associated with them. He also discusses something promoted by the late Seventh-day Adventist, Dr. John Harvey Kellogg.
The New Testament Church, History, and Unclean Meats Are foods considered to have been unclean in the Old Testament considered to be food in the New Testament? This article discusses this from the perspective of the New Testament. It also has a list of clean and unclean animals. It also answers the question, is pork healthy or is pork dangerous? There is also a sermon-length video on this: Christians and Unclean Meats; two short videos are also available: Did Jesus declare all animal flesh food? and COVID, Pandemics, and Unclean Meat.
Obesity, processed foods, health risks, and the Bible Does the Bible warn about the consequences of being obese? Is overeating dangerous? Is gluttony condemned? What diseases are associated with eating too much refined foods?
Eating Right, Eating Too Much, and Prophecy Are there disadvantages to being overweight? Is junk food really bad for you? Does the Bible discuss overeating and/or obesity? Is overeating having an effect on the US military? What are the ramifications of personal and national health for overeating? What should you eat? This is a sermonette-length YouTubevideo.
GMOs and Bible Prophecy What are GMOs? Since they were not in the food supply until 1994, how could they possibly relate to Bible prophecy? Do GMOs put the USA and others at risk? Here are some related videos: GMO Risks and the Bible and GMOs, Lab meat, Hydrogenation: Safe or Dangerous?
Chimeras: Has Science Crossed the Line? What are chimeras?  Has science crossed the line? Does the Bible give any clues? A video of related interest is Half human, half pig: What’s the difference?  and Human-Monkey Embryos and Death.
Ten Simple Rules that Lead to Health Herbert Armstrong gives his opinions on this.
Does God Heal Today? What does the Bible teach? Herbert Armstrong tries to explain this.
UK Study Supports Daniel Diet Daniel and his companions looked better eating more vegetables and avoiding strange meats. Has modern science confirmed this?
Lost Tribes and Prophecies: What will happen to Australia, the British Isles, Canada, Europe, New Zealand and the United States of America? Where did those people come from? Can you totally rely on DNA? What about other peoples? Do you really know what will happen to Europe and the English-speaking peoples? What about Africa, Asia, South America, and the Islands? This free online book provides scriptural, scientific, historical references, and commentary to address those matters. Here are links to related sermons: Lost tribes, the Bible, and DNA; Lost tribes, prophecies, and identifications; 11 Tribes, 144,000, and Multitudes; Israel, Jeremiah, Tea Tephi, and British Royalty; Gentile European Beast; Royal Succession, Samaria, and Prophecies; Asia, Islands, Latin America, Africa, and Armageddon;  When Will the End of the Age Come?;  Rise of the Prophesied King of the North; Christian Persecution from the Beast; WWIII and the Coming New World Order; and Woes, WWIV, and the Good News of the Kingdom of God.

(EU Enlargement Package banner, fair use)

COGwriter

The European Union wants to expand.

Yesterday while the media tended to focus on certain elections in the USA, the EU approved its 2025 EU Enlargement Package:

5 November 2025

The European Commission has released its annual enlargement report and there’s movement on Europe’s waiting list. Ten countries are officially candidates to join the EU: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Kosovo, Turkey, and Ukraine. …

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has said that admitting new countries by 2030 is a “realistic goal”. And Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has also stressed that expansion is linked to geopolitical stability …

The EU is considering procedural adjustments to avoid single-country vetoes blocking technical steps in accession. Discussions are also ongoing about internal EU reforms, potentially including changes to voting rules on foreign policy and future budget adjustments.

And it looks like progress will depend on two factors: the candidate countries’ ability to continue implementing reforms, and the political will of EU member states to approve expansion. https://euobserver.com/eu-and-the-world/arad620f0e

4 November 2025

Today, the European Commission adopted its annual Enlargement Package, presenting a comprehensive assessment of the progress made by the enlargement partners over the past twelve months. This year’s package reaffirms that the momentum for enlargement stands high on the priority agenda of the EU. It also confirms that the accession of new Member States is increasingly within reach.

Staying consistent and following a merit-based approach is key to successful EU accession. Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Serbia, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, … continue their respective paths towards the EU. The pace of their reforms, in particular in the areas of democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights, directly impacts the speed of accession. These advancements benefit both aspiring Member States and current EU Member States, fostering prosperity, democracy, security and stability while unlocking new opportunities for citizens and businesses, such as strategic investments and opening of the Single Market.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission said: “We are more committed than ever to turning EU enlargement into a reality. Because a larger Union means a stronger and more influential Europe on the global stage. But enlargement is a merit-based process. Our package provides specific recommendations to all our partners. And to all of them we say: EU accession is a unique offer. A promise of peace, prosperity and solidarity. With the right reforms and a strong political will, our partners can seize this opportunity.”

The assessments, accompanied by recommendations and guidance on the reform priorities, provide a roadmap for enlargement partners toward EU membership. The Commission remains fully committed to supporting future Member States in this journey. Gradual integration of the aspiring Members into the Single Market strengthens ties with the Union already before their accession. Significant progress has been achieved over the past year. …

Each enlargement has made our Union stronger. When ten countries joined the EU in 2004, it marked the Union’s largest ever expansion. In the two decades since, newcomers have seen living standards double, unemployment fall by nearly half, life expectancy rise from 75 to 79 years, poverty and social exclusion drop sharply, and 6 million new jobs created. For the existing members, trade has multiplied more than fivefold ever since, while 20 million jobs have also been created. https://www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/georgia/2025-enlargement-package-shows-progress-towards-eu-membership-key-enlargement-partners_en?s=221

Another enlargement-related move was that in 2025 Serbia, Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Moldova all joined the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) which is involved with cross-border use of the Euro (see SEPA and BRICS+ pushing against US dollar dominance–might the Euro rise to dominance?).

The EU wants to be more powerful in the world geopolitically and economically. It wants to dominate trade, which the Bible points to it doing (cf. Revelation 17 & 18).

Another reason for expansion is to make up for the losses in the populations of most of the European Union nations as well as aging:

Europe is getting older: Can enlargement bring new life to the EU?

4 November 2025

The European Union’s population will shrink by one-third by the end of the century without migration, losing the equivalent of 1 million workers annually in the next 25 years as Italy and Spain face looming population collapse, latest data shows.

According to Eurostat’s official projections, the EU’s population will shrink by around 9% by 2050 compared with 2025 if migration ceases entirely. The decline is forecast to continue in the following decades, reaching 23% by 2075 and 34% by 2100. …

Several studies have explored how possible EU enlargement could help address projected labour shortages. The European Commission notes that the historic 2004 enlargement known as the “Big Bang” brought significant benefits and strong economic growth to both the new member states and the EU as a whole. …

Eurostat projections show clearly that EU member states are set to experience a steep population decline in the decades leading up to 2100.

If there are 100 people in the EU in 2025, that number would fall to 91 by 2050, 77 by 2075, and just 66 by 2100, if there is no migration. In other words, one in three people would disappear over the next 75 years. …

In general, EU candidate countries have younger populations than the Union average, … They noted that the region’s ageing population poses serious challenges to labour force expansion and, consequently, to economic growth. https://www.euronews.com/business/2025/11/04/europe-is-getting-older-can-enlargement-bring-new-life-to-the-eu

A recent poll showed that most Europeans are supportive of EU expansion:

Attitudes towards EU Enlargement

56% of EU citizens are in favour of further EU enlargement. Support is particularly high among young people: around two-thirds of respondents aged 15 to 39 believe the (potential) candidates should join the EU once they meet the necessary conditions. …

At the same time, respondents express concerns about potential future EU enlargement, the most mentioned being uncontrolled migration (40%), corruption and crime (39%), and the financial cost to European tax payers (37%). https://europa.eu/eurobarometer/surveys/detail/3413 accessed 10/30/25

An enlarged European Union means more people, more economic strength, more power in international trade, and less need to heed the United States of America. So, yes, expect more enlargement. Enlargement of the European Union is consistent with biblical prophecies (Daniel 8:9-12; Revelation 13:1-5, 17:1-2, 18:3,11), hence we will see Europe expand.

Europe wants to expand. That will be a factor in its coming, prophesied reorganization as expansion pressures tend to increase bureaucracy–enough so that support will build for a totalitarian leader–which will happen per Revelation 17:12-13.

Currently, four nations in the Balkan peninsula are in the European Union: Slovenia, Greece, Bulgaria, and Croatia (five if Romania is considered part of that peninsula).

Many EU leaders wants the rest of the Balkan nations as well. Notice something from this past Spring:

The enlargement to the Western Balkans is widely considered a key foreign policy tool and strategic priority in the EU as a whole, to the point that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen referred it as “reunification of Europe” in her last State of the Union speech. https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/11/03/taking-the-pulse-of-eu-enlargement-at-the-euronews-summit-newsletter

Reunification of Europe?

Basically the only times Europe was unified was under ancient Rome and the so-called ‘Holy Roman Empire.’

Let me add that last Fall, the Chancellor of Germany stated, “The European Union is only complete with the Western Balkans as part of it.” Expansion of the European Union is the plan as confirmed by EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (see EU meets with Balkan leaders on the hope of expansion at Berlin Process Summit 2024).

This past Spring it was reported: EU leaders still eye Balkans for geography, minerals, and military reasons.

Most of the nations in the Western Balkan region have waited for a long time to be in the EU, and many expected that process would be completed–or at least much further along than it is by now.

Probably at least partially because of the delays to get into the EU, Serbia has made deals with Russia and the Russian-dominated Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) (e.g. Iran praises Eurasian Economic Union, Serbia enters its deal with the EAEU, and China’s connection: Is the time of the Gentiles approaching?) as well as China (see China’s President says relationship with Serbia is ‘Ironclad’).

The EU wants the Balkans, not only because they are part of Europe but because they do not want Serbia to remain an ally of Russia. The ethnic Serbs (which are also in Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina), fought against the Axis powers (which included Germany, Bulgaria, and Italy) in WWII. The Germans would prefer to have some control over Serbia itself and do not want to fight the Serbs in the future. Serbia, itself, took another step towards the EU last year when it elected to purchase military planes from France instead of Russia (https://www.ft.com/content/fa26d185-6b54-481a-b5b8-1ff41a0ab724). The EU also wants rare earth and other minerals in the Western Balkans.

There are divisions among the EU states about expansion and many other issues. Of course, division in Europe was prophesied as the following in the Book of Daniel shows:

41 Whereas you saw the feet and toes, partly of potter’s clay and partly of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; yet the strength of the iron shall be in it, just as you saw the iron mixed with ceramic clay. 42 And as the toes of the feet were partly of iron and partly of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly fragile. 43 As you saw iron mixed with ceramic clay, they will mingle with the seed of men; but they will not adhere to one another, just as iron does not mix with clay. (Daniel 2:41-43)

However, Daniel also prophesied that the European Beast power will expand to the south and the east:

9 And out of one of them came a little horn which grew exceedingly great toward the south, toward the east, and toward the Glorious Land. 10 And it grew up to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the host and some of the stars to the ground, and trampled them. 11 He even exalted himself as high as the Prince of the host; and by him the daily sacrifices were taken away, and the place of His sanctuary was cast down. 12 Because of transgression, an army was given over to the horn to oppose the daily sacrifices; and he cast truth down to the ground. He did all this and prospered. (Daniel 8:9-12).

And while the above had a past fulfillment, this prophecy seems to be dual (compare with Daniel 11:27-39). The European Union has mainly expanded south and east of the Benelux nations (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg)–which is where it initially formed.

The Balkans are south and east of the Benelux nations.

Currently, approximately 450 million people are now under a new, single (though not completely united) government, called the European Union, headquartered in Brussels.

The European Union currently has 27 member states. If you were to add the six Western Balkan areas that want to be in, plus Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia, that brings the total to 36. Plus there is Turkey who wants to join, but that is another matter.

Now there are groups (such as PCG and LCG) that tend to insist that the final European Beast power will only have ten or eleven nations. They look to be wrong, and thus look to be caught off guard unexpectedly (cf. Luke 21:34) if the final Beast power has more than 11 nations (See also Must the Ten Kings of Revelation 17:12 Rule over Ten Currently Existing Nations?).

In the old Radio Church of God, the late evangelist Dr. Hoeh taught that this little horn of Daniel 8 was the power that would become the final King of the North:

Turn in your Bible to verse 9: “And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which waxed exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant land.” …

The King of the North

The little horn in Daniel 8 is none other than the LAST KING of one of the four divisions of Alexander’s Empire. He is, in fact, the final “King of the North” described in Daniel 11. (Hoeh H. The 2300 Days. Plain Truth, August 1965)

The European Union has demonstrated a history and willingness to enlarge–and it is interested in the Balkans, Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia.

Items related to the ‘little horn’, Russia, the Balkan nations, the EU, and the Beast were discussed in the following sermon:

1:00:37

Gentile European Beast

The Bible tells of a time when the Anglo-American order will be temporarily replaced by a new world order that will be dominated by a European power called the Beast of the Sea. This will be primarily a Caucasian Gentile power, with support of some with Israelitish heritage. In this sermon, Dr. Thiel goes over nearly all the nations in Europe and ties them in with progenitors listed in the Bible.

Here is a link to the sermon: Gentile European Beast.

Of course even now, not all in the Balkans, Moldova, and Georgia want to be part of the European Union. Some prefer to be in Russia’s Eurasian Union (though this is likely diminishing because of Russia’s ‘special military operation’ into Ukraine).

So based on Daniel 8, Balkan interest in the EU and the EU interest in the Balkans, it is likely that the Western Balkans will, at least for a time, support the coming Beast power in Europe.

Notice also the following prophecy:

10 There are also seven kings. Five have fallen, one is, and the other has not yet come. And when he comes, he must continue a short time. 11 The beast that was, and is not, is himself also the eighth, and is of the seven, and is going to perdition. (Revelation 17:10-11)

The EU looks to be the sixth king above.

Related to the European Union in prophecy, the Continuing Church of God put together this sermon on its ContinuingCOG channel:

Here is a link to the sermon video: European Union & 7 Kings of Revelation 17:10.

Yes, I expect that the EU will expand and have additional nations, such as those in the Balkans. Notice, however, also the following:

41 Whereas you saw the feet and toes, partly of potter’s clay and partly of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; yet the strength of the iron shall be in it, just as you saw the iron mixed with ceramic clay. 42 And as the toes of the feet were partly of iron and partly of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly fragile. 43 As you saw iron mixed with ceramic clay, they will mingle with the seed of men; but they will not adhere to one another, just as iron does not mix with clay. (Daniel 2:41-43)

Partially because of that prophecy, as well as some written by Jeremiah, I have long believed that various nations who will temporarily support the coming European Beast power will turn against it.

Some that become disillusioned/disappointed by the EU are likely to ultimately back out of it–and that may include Balkan countries like Serbia.

That being said, enlargement is a goal of the EU–and prophetically, we know that the Beast power will be large.

Let me add that there is also a European Union Enlargement forum scheduled for November 18, 2025 in the Charlemagne Building in Brussels, Belgium.

UPDATE 11/09/25: We just uploaded the following video:

14:17

EU Enlargement of the Beast?

The European Union recently approved its “2025 Enlargement Package”. This means the European Union is continuing to give consideration for inclusion of other countries into its political, military, and economic bloc. Why would the European Union want to do this? The saying “Might makes Right” come to mind. Is it possible the inclusion of the population of other countries along with the increased population, trade, and economic clout would increase the might of, not only the European Union, but also power and economies of the nations being included? Has the growth of Europe starting with the Benelux nations already primarily expanded towards the south and the east such as is prophesied for the ‘little horn’ of Daniel 8? Does the EU want the rest of the Balkan nations, which are also basically south and east of Benelux, to be part of it? Will this new Union really be stronger in the long run? If new nations do join the European Union, will they remain joined? So, who cares if other nations join the European Union? Who cares if the EU will be stronger or not? Well, what if Biblical prophecies were being fulfilled? Would anyone care then? Would it matter to you if the European Union plays a major role in Biblical prophecy? What if the European Union was the sixth king of Rev 17:10 would you care then? What is Europe will reorganize and be controlled by the ‘666’ Beast? Would you be concerned? You should be. Here’s the link to our free eBook, “Lost Tribes and Prophecies”, offered in this video that offers much more information on the European Union, the King of the North, and the Beast of the Sea.  If you don’t understand the role of the European Union in Bible prophecy, you need to watch this video. The European Union and the Beast of the Sea; listen as Dr. Thiel shines the light of Biblical prophecy on current world events. The time grows shorter.

Here is a link to our video: EU Enlargement of the Beast?

The European Union wants to enlarge.

Europe is moving towards its prophesied destiny.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe? Here is are links to related videos: European history and the Bible, Europe In Prophecy, The End of European Babylon, and Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European? Here is a link to a related sermon in the Spanish language: El Fin de la Babilonia Europea.
The European Union and the Seven Kings of Revelation 17 Could the European Union be the sixth king that now is, but is not? Here is a link to the related sermon video: European Union & 7 Kings of Revelation 17:10.
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 are links to two related videos: The King of the North is Alive: What to Look Out For and The Future King of the North.
The Great Monarch: Biblical and Greco-Roman Catholic Prophecies Is the ‘Great Monarch’ of Greco-Roman Catholic prophecies endorsed or condemned by the Bible? Two sermons of related interest are also available: Great Monarch: Messiah or False Christ? and Great Monarch in 50+ Beast Prophecies.
Could 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? 2031 or 2035 or? There is also a video titled: When Does the 6000 Years End? 2031? 2035? Here is a link to the article in Spanish: ¿Tiene Dios un plan de 6,000 años?
The Times of the Gentiles Has there been more than one time of the Gentiles? Are we in it now or in the time of Anglo-America? What will the final time of the Gentiles be like? A related sermon is available and is titled: The Times of the Gentiles.
Lost Tribes and Prophecies: What will happen to Australia, the British Isles, Canada, Europe, New Zealand and the United States of America? Where did those people come from? Can you totally rely on DNA? What about other peoples? Do you really know what will happen to Europe and the English-speaking peoples? What about Africa, Asia, South America, and the Islands? This free online book provides scriptural, scientific, historical references, and commentary to address those matters. Here are links to related sermons: Lost tribes, the Bible, and DNA; Lost tribes, prophecies, and identifications; 11 Tribes, 144,000, and Multitudes; Israel, Jeremiah, Tea Tephi, and British Royalty; Gentile European Beast; Royal Succession, Samaria, and Prophecies; Asia, Islands, Latin America, Africa, and Armageddon;  When Will the End of the Age Come?;  Rise of the Prophesied King of the North; Christian Persecution from the Beast; WWIII and the Coming New World Order; and Woes, WWIV, and the Good News of the Kingdom of God.

(From thetrumpet.com)

COGwriter

The anti-COG Exit & Support Network posted the following related to the second marriage of PCG’s Gerald Flurry:

Vicki Barreiro Has Left Her Husband:

November 2, 2025

It was announced yesterday that Vikki Flurry has left her husband, Gerald Flurry.

The sermon was by Stephen Flurry, and included long clips by Herbert Armstrong, and Gerald Flurry, haranguing about supporting “God’s true church,” and then horrible Laodiceans. Much yelling–which I could hear from the other room. It was entitled: “Fight, Fight, Fight.”

It is my understanding that Gerald Flurry and Vikki Barreiro got married on 16 November 2020.

(From Public Domain Pictures)

COGwriter

In one his newsletters, Mike Gendron had the following:

Rejoicing in What God Cannot Do

Our righteous and holy God is worthy to be praised for all He has done, is doing, and will do in carrying out His gracious and merciful plan of redemption. However, there are also things God cannot do. As His adopted children, we can rejoice with hearts of thanksgiving because He cannot go against who He is.

God Cannot Violate His Holy Character and Nature

This should give every child of God complete and immovable confidence because God always does what is consistent with who He is and all that He has revealed in His Word. He is utterly incapable of unrighteous, unholy or unjust acts. “His work is perfect, for all His ways are just” (Deut. 32:4).

God cannot stop existing. He depends on nothing for His existence. He exists independently of His creation and all of His creation depends entirely on Him for its existence. He is from everlasting to everlasting (Psalm 90:2). “To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever” because from Him and through Him and to Him are all things (Rev. 1:6; Rom. 11:36).

God cannot lie. In fact, it is impossible for God to lie (Heb. 6:18; Titus 1:2). God is truth and His Word, which is forever settled in heaven, is truth (John 14:6, 17:17). God cannot be tempted by evil (James 1:13).

We should rejoice and thank God because of that.

One song that comes to mind (and is in the old WCG hymnal, as well as CCOG’s hymnal with the title Oh Give Thanks and Praise the Eternal!) is based on 1 Chronicles 16:8-13 upon which says:

8 Oh, give thanks to the LORD!
Call upon His name;
Make known His deeds among the peoples!
9 Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him;
Talk of all His wondrous works!
10 Glory in His holy name;
Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the LORD!
11 Seek the LORD and His strength;
Seek His face evermore!
12 Remember His marvelous works which He has done,
His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth,
13 O seed of Israel His servant,
You children of Jacob, His chosen ones!

Those of us who understand God’s plan of salvation, should be thankful for being part of those chosen in this age. This is consistent with the following admonition from the Book of Psalms and one from Saint Paul:

4 Sing praise to the LORD, You saints of His, And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name (Psalm 30:4).

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Anyway, the Bible is full of admonitions to give thanks to God. In the NKJV the term “give thanks” is used 40 times and the term “giving thanks” is used 5 times–and nearly all of these verses are discussing giving thanks to God. The term “thanksgiving” is used 24 times. Here are a few of them:

14 Offer to God thanksgiving (Psalms 50:14).

30 I will praise the name of God with a song, And will magnify Him with thanksgiving. (Psalms 69:30)

2 Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. 3 For the Lord is the great God, And the great King above all gods. (Psalms 95:2-3)

4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. 5 For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations. (Psalms 100:4-5)

Do you want to do something good? It is good to thank God:

1 It is good to give thanks to the Lord,
And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High;
2 To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning,
And Your faithfulness every night,
3 On an instrument of ten strings,
On the lute,
And on the harp,
With harmonious sound. (Psalm 92:1-3)

It is good and easy to thank God!

The Apostle Paul wrote:

3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, 5 for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; (Philippians 1:3-6)

Give thanks and praise the Eternal!

The Continuing Church of God has this sermon from on its ContinuingCOG YouTube channel:

1:14:34

Ingratitude and Giving Thanks

Are you thankful? Does the Bible teach that you are supposed to be? What did Dibar Apartian write was ‘the most common sin’? What does the Bible say about thanks and praise? Is ingratitude warned against? Is unthankfulness prophesied? Can the thankful commit the unpardonable sin? What should you be thankful for? Dr. Thiel addresses these issues and more.

Here is a link to the sermon: Ingratitude and Giving Thanks.

God is love (1 John 4:8,16) and His loving plan will come to pass.

To learn more about it, check out the free online books:The Gospel of the Kingdom of God and The MYSTERY of GOD’s PLAN: Why Did God Create Anything? Why Did God Make You?

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Giving Thanks Are Christians supposed to give thanks? Why? Is unthankfulness warned against? Here is a link to a related sermon titled: Ingratitude and Giving Thanks.
Christians: Ambassadors for the Kingdom of God, Biblical instructions on living as a Christian This is a scripture-filled booklet for those wishing to live as a real Christian. A related sermon is also available: Christians are Ambassadors for the Kingdom of God.
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 are also two YouTube video related to this: Living as a Christian: How and Why? and Living as a Christian: Pure Milk of the Word.
Living as a Christian: Strong Meat Can you handle solid spiritual food? A related sermon is available: Strong Meat: James 1-2 and Strong Meat: James 3-5.
What is the Unpardonable Sin? What is it? Can you repent of it? Do you know what it is and how to avoid it? Here is a link to a related sermon video The Unpardonable Sin and the Prodigal Son.
Praises to Jesus Christ or Biblical Hymns: Which Should Christians Primarily Sing? This biblical article on music is in response to an advertisement critical of WCG’s 1974 The Bible Hymnal. It also address early church practices here.
The Bible Hymnal via Amazon. This is the paperback edition of the hymnal used by the Continuing Church of God. It consists of all the songs that were part of the 1974 edition of ‘The Bible Hymnal’ used by the old Worldwide Church of God, plus ten other hymns that Herbert Armstrong approved that were written by Ross Jutsum. The songs in this book are essentially the Psalms and other passages in the Bible set to music. To access it free online, click: The Bible Hymnal. Amazon sells a hard copy of The Bible Hymnal for $8.99.
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.
The MYSTERY of GOD’s PLAN: Why Did God Create Anything? Why Did God Make You? This free online book helps answers some of the biggest questions that human have, including the biblical meaning of life. Here is a link to three related sermons: Mysteries of God’s Plan, Mysteries of Truth, Sin, Rest, Suffering, and God’s Plan, Mystery of Race, and The Mystery of YOU.

s
Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping (Kremlin.ru)

COGwriter

RT posted the following:

4 November 2025

Russia and China have issued a new communique on the countries’ growing relations, following Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin’s visit to Hangzhou, where he met with his Chinese counterpart, Li Qiang.

In the communique issued on Tuesday, both sides pledged to expand cooperation across multiple spheres and jointly respond to external challenges. They vowed to provide firm mutual support on issues affecting their core interests, and called for deeper ties in areas including science, technology, agriculture, trade, ecology, investment, and AI.

The two also agreed to strengthen cultural and people-to-people exchanges, promote visa-free travel, and boost integrated development in tourism and border-city cooperation. They pledged to promote peace and stability in the Arctic and deepen cooperation in space exploration.

Russia reaffirmed its adherence to the One-China policy, recognizing Taiwan as an integral part of China, and reiterated its support for Beijing’s efforts toward national reunification. China expressed support for Russia’s efforts to safeguard its security, stability, and sovereignty. …

Both sides vowed to strengthen cooperation within multilateral frameworks such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, BRICS, and the UN, as well as within international bodies – to counter the “politicization” of their work and promote a fair, multipolar world and inclusive economic globalization.

China and Russia have increasingly presented themselves as advocates of multipolarity, arguing that global power should be shared more evenly rather than dominated by the US and its allies.

Russia and China have been cooperating militarily for some time. And both have been the target of sanctions, tariffs, and other restrictions by the United States.

Related to increased cooperation, consider some items in my 2024 article 25 items to prophetically watch in 2025:

8. Trade

Not all warfare is militaristic. There is also economic warfare.

This often involves trade.

The major use of sanctions, mainly pushed by the USA, has been continuing.

This is affecting trade and pushing trade away from the USA. …

The final time of the Gentiles is approaching. We are seeing BRICS, the Global South, the EU, and others working on ways to trade and not have to deal with the descendants of Ephraim (UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand) and Manasseh (the USA). …

19. The Time of the Gentiles will Lead to Armageddon

Scripture tells of the fulfillment of the times of the Gentiles:

24 … Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. (Luke 21:24)

2 But leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Gentiles. And they will tread the holy city underfoot for forty-two months. (Revelation 11:2)

More Gentile-dominated groups and projects are appearing to get the world to move away from an Anglo-American dominated world order (watch The Times of the Gentiles and End of the Anglo-American Order). Basically, part of the objective of the BRICS, EAEU, Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and even the European Union is to establish a new world order (SCO, EAEU, and BRICS defining a ‘new world order’?)–an order no longer dominated by the USA and its Anglo-Saxon allies, like the UK. …

With its One Belt, One Road (AKA Silk Road) project, China is working on making roads that will transport troops to Armageddon (watch Is China paving roads to Armageddon?). …  Russia and its Eurasian Union are supportive of this project …

That being said, the gathering of Armageddon will not happen in 2025, but some events to make that gathering happen will.

Yes, there are moves around the world that are leading to the final time of the Gentiles and later, Armageddon.

The Bible shows that Russia will lead a future massive Eurasian alliance, militarily. An alliance pointing to the gathering in Armageddon.

China, itself, is also taking steps that are also aligning with Armageddon–and not just military ones.

Consider the Chinese Belt & Road Initiative (BRI, also known as the ‘Silk Road Project’). It has long been intended to give China more trade and influence throughout Asia (including Russia), as well as with Europe and Africa. The initiative was unveiled by Xi Jinping in September and October 2013 during visits to Kazakhstan and Indonesia.

It has long been my view that this BRI project will result in putting infrastructure in place that some will use related to the prophesied gathering at Armageddon (e.g. watch Is China paving roads to Armageddon?).

Notice that the Bible tells of a time when the ‘kings of the sunrise/east’ will travel on land and will end up in Armageddon:

12 Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, so that the way of the kings from the east might be prepared. 13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. 14 For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.

15 “Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.”

16 And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon. (Revelation 16:12-16)

The ‘kings of the east’ are to come across the Euphrates river, which will at least partially dry up according to prophecy. The modern “Silk Road” is expected to head near the river Euphrates. And while I have not seen anything that shows that the Belt and Road Initiative is specifically planned to go all the way to Tel Megiddo (Armageddon), there are a couple of highways in the area of Armageddon already that I have personally seen. So, it would seem that the proposed Silk Road project will help build a major road from the far east through central Asia and into the Middle East that can be used to at least get close to Armageddon, and then there are other roads that connect to it.

Russia, North Korea, Japan, and China are clearly among the “kings of the east.” You really cannot get “east” of Russia and its ‘east-ness’ extends all the way into ‘the west.’

The “kings of the east” will have to somehow cooperate militarily for this to happen. And we are seeing two of the biggest “kings of the east”–Russia with the most land and China with the most people–increase their cooperation.

Changes in the world order are taking place.

Now, let’s look at the Literal Standard Version translation of Revelation 16:12:

12 And the sixth messenger poured out his bowl on the great river, the Euphrates, and its water was dried up, that the way of the kings who are from the rising of the sun may be made ready;

Some other translations render part of this as “kings that come from the sunrise.” (HNEB, WEB) or “kings from the east” (NKJV). Jesus, Himself, looks to have referred to Asians as people “from the east” (Luke 13:29).

The Greek word normally translated as “east” in the New Testament (Strong’s word 395) transliterated into English  anatole (an-at-ol-ay’) actually means “a rising of light … by implication, the east.” That would seem, then, to include going as far east as the Pacific Ocean, hence basically covering all of Asia. Japan, itself, is known as the land of the rising sun.

In addition to the Book of Revelation, the Books of Daniel and Jeremiah have prophecies that are discussing Asia and the coming European Beast power.

Notice from the Book of Daniel notice what happens to the European Beast power, referred to as the King of the North below:

40 “At the time of the end the king of the South shall attack him; and the king of the North shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter the countries, overwhelm them, and pass through. … 44 But news from the east and the north shall trouble him; therefore he shall go out with great fury to destroy and annihilate many. 45 And he shall plant the tents of his palace between the seas and the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and no one will help him (Daniel 11:40,44-45).

Notice that the end time King of the North (the European Empire) will overwhelm the King of the South (a Moslem empire), but that those from the east and the north shall later trouble the King of the North. This appears to be referring to China and Russia, and other Asian nations. Russia is the only major power that could be considered north of Europe. And, of course, nearly all of Asia is east of Europe.

And notice that Daniel shows they will help cause the King of the North to come to his end.

Now, contrary to the claims of Protestants such as the late Hal Lindsey, Russia is NOT the King of the North. There is NO major power that is north or east of Russia, so geography (as well as other prophetic specifics) rule it out as the King of the North.

There are also prophecies in Jeremiah such as the following which show Europe being defeated by a power led by Russia:

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

43 “The king of Babylon has heard the report about them,
And his hands grow feeble;
Anguish has taken hold of him,
Pangs as of a woman in childbirth…”(Jeremiah 50:41-43).

Russia is the leading power of the north. And we see that the coming European empire is the “daughter of Babylon” and is to be destroyed by a northern (Russian led) force that cooperates with nations in the East.

A northern confederation (that appears to be led by Russia and probably includes the far north and far east/Pacific coast portion of Asia) will destroy the European Babylon.

The following other passages in Jeremiah seem also to apply:

8 “Move from the midst of Babylon,
Go out of the land of the Chaldeans;
And be like the rams before the flocks.

9 For behold, I will raise and cause to come up against Babylon
An assembly of great nations from the north country,
And they shall array themselves against her;
From there she shall be captured.
Their arrows shall be like those of an expert warrior;
None shall return in vain. (Jeremiah 50:8-9)

Notice also that the Bible shows Babylon tied together with birth pains/pangs to a group from a far country:

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

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

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

Furthermore, a “far country” also seems to be tied to the powers of the east elsewhere in Isaiah:

11 Calling a bird of prey from the east, The man who executes My counsel, from a far country. Indeed I have spoken it; I will also bring it to pass. I have purposed it; I will also do it. (Isaiah 46:11)

Now notice some excerpts of a few sections in our free eBook book Lost Tribes and Prophecies: What will happen to Australia, the British Isles, Canada, Europe, New Zealand and the United States of America?:

Back in 2009, I came across some interesting Chinese prophecies from the Tang Dynasty (7-10^th century).  Notice one Chinese prophecy might hint that it involves dividing Australia and New Zealand with Europe.  It states:

Population mouth takes territories south of the Yangtze river. The capital is moved again. The two divide up the territories, of which each maintains and defends.[i]

This could be related to a deal that perhaps the Chinese will make in the future with Europe (there are some ancient Chinese prophecies that discuss arrangements with some from the West), as opposed to military conquest.

The Chinese, in reaction to a deal made by then Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Barack Obama, indicated that this and the expanded military cooperation between Australia and the U.S.A. is putting Australia at risk of attack by China.[ii]

China is now heavily invested in Australia and may argue that it has rights to the land. Furthermore, in recent years, the Chinese have been buying a lot of real estate in Australia, beyond purchases of mineral assets. China and Japan also have interests in New Zealand.

China may be granted lands like Australia in partial repayment for the debts that the U.S.A. owes it, as well as in full or partial payment for any debts Europe itself may incur with China (it is likely that China will loan money and/or increase investments in Europe).

It is also possible that a country like Japan may get some Anglo-Saxon-Celtic dominated land (New Zealand comes to mind) in partial repayment for the debts that the U.S.A. owes it (and also possibly Europe) since the King of the North will divide land for gain.

Perhaps it should also be mentioned that the dividing of the conquered lands also seems to be foretold in the Bible in Lamentations 4:16 and Joel 3:2.

The following Bible prophecies from Ezekiel and Isaiah seem to suggest that the Asians will also end up with peoples, which would probably include Anglo-Saxon-Celtic descended ones–like Australia and New Zealand:

¹³ Javan, Tubal, and Meshech were your traders. They bartered human lives and vessels of bronze for your merchandise. (Ezekiel 27:13)

⁹ That You may say to the prisoners, ‘Go forth,’ … ¹² Surely these shall come from afar; Look! Those from the north and the west, And these from the land of Sinim. (Isaiah 49:9,12)

Tubal and Meshech are related to Russia (Meshech with Moscow and Tubal possibly with Siberia). Javan was the son of Japheth, from whom the Mongoloid/Asian race developed. Some believe that Sinim means China, and/or others in Asia.[iii] However, Yair Davidiy has written that Sinim is an ancient Phoenician and Hebrew word for Australia referring to an unknown “land of the south” as the sage Rashi interpreted the word (which in this context could also include New Zealand).[iv]

Having prisoners from the north and west, is consistent with them coming from the USA, Canada, and United Kingdom, whereas the Sinim reference looks to be referring to those of Australia and New Zealand.

The dividing of the Anglo-American lands for gain will prosper the European Babylonian power, which in turn, will increase prosperity to the Asians, Africans, Latin Americans, and others consistent with the following prophecy:

² … Babylon the great … ³ … 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)

Yes, much of the world will prosper through trade for a time after the U.S.A. and its British-descended allies are conquered.

[i] Pui-Hua R. Ancient Chinese Prophecies Till the End of the World. AuthorHouse, Bloomington (IN), 2008, p. 164

[ii] Obama addresses troops at final stop in Australia.  New York Times, November 17, 2011; Wen P.  Chinese Official: it’s us or America. National Times, May 16, 2012

[iii] Ellicott CJ. Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers. CASSELL AND COMPANY, LIMITED, 1905

[iv] Davidiy Y. Ephraim. The Gentile Children of Israel. Lulu.com, 2015, p. 103

An ancient Chinese prophecy states:

Beautiful people come from the West. Korea, China and Japan are gradually at peace.[i]

This prophecy seems to indicate that many Asians will accept a type of peace that will be related to a Western (European) power. The “Beautiful people … from the West” align with the Beast and Antichrist/False Prophet that the Bible condemns.

In the 19^th century, someone claimed, “if you tell a lie often enough, the people will ultimately believe it.”[ii] Many will believe that it is a time of peace around then, but some will correctly doubt it.

Furthermore, notice another ancient Chinese prophecy:

All negative forces are subservient … China now has a saint. Even if he is not that great a hero.[iii]

The conquering of the U.S.A., U.K., and Australia in WWIII will make them subservient. As far as China having a saint that is not that great of a hero, this looks to be talking about the Beast.

[i] Pui-Hua, p. 85

[ii] Cumming J. Sabbath evening readings on the New Testament.  1861. Original from Oxford University Digitized Aug 15, 2006, p. 234

[iii] Pui-Hua, p. 89

In the last verse of Revelation 8 (verse 13) the word woe is repeated three times and is later connected to three angels and three trumpet blasts which correspond to the blowing of the 5^th, 6^th, and 7^th trumpets.

The first woe (5^th trumpet) is described in Revelation 9:1-11. It involves a demonically-led force which causes torment (perhaps involving a plague of germ or chemical warfare) for those not having the seal of God (Revelation 9:4)—thus those of the 144,000 who were sealed in Revelation 7:4 are not tormented by this.

This woe looks to involve at least some of the European King of the North’s military and is consistent with something from Daniel:

⁴⁴ But news from the east and the north shall trouble him; therefore he shall go out with great fury to destroy and annihilate many. (Daniel 11:44)

Looking at this verse, what could be north and east of the European Beast power?

Russia, for one, which is both in Europe and Asia. Daniel suggests that it, and some of its allies, will face some of the fury of the King of the North as part of the first woe.

Despite some erroneous claims, Russia, itself, is NOT the prophesied “King of the North,” but it is prophetically pointed to as the power of “the far north” (cf. Ezekiel 38:6, 39:1-2).

Going on from the first woe comes the second woe:

¹² One woe is past. Behold, still two more woes are coming after these things.

¹³ Then the sixth angel sounded: And I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God, ¹⁴ saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.” ¹⁵ So the four angels, who had been prepared for the hour and day and month and year, were released to kill a third of mankind. ¹⁶ Now the number of the army of the horsemen was two hundred million; I heard the number of them. ¹⁷ And thus I saw the horses in the vision: those who sat on them had breastplates of fiery red, hyacinth blue, and sulfur yellow; and the heads of the horses were like the heads of lions; and out of their mouths came fire, smoke, and brimstone. ¹⁸ By these three plagues a third of mankind was killed — by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone which came out of their mouths. ¹⁹ For their power is in their mouth and in their tails; for their tails are like serpents, having heads; and with them they do harm.

²⁰ But the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, that they should not worship demons, and idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk. ²¹ And they did not repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts. (Revelation 9:12-21)

Such a massively large army was not possible to be put together when Jesus had John pen the Book of Revelation in the 1^st century. In the 21^st century, however, it is possible, and that army would be expected to include Chinese, Indian, Russian, and other Asian peoples.

The European Beast empire will not last, but will fear what is coming.

Notice also the following from the Hebrew scriptures:

² … A people come, great and strong, The like of whom has never been; Nor will there ever be any such after them, Even for many successive generations.

³ A fire devours before them, And behind them a flame burns; The land is like the Garden of Eden before them, And behind them a desolate wilderness; Surely nothing shall escape them. ⁴ Their appearance is like the appearance of horses; And like swift steeds, so they run. ⁵ With a noise like chariots Over mountaintops they leap, Like the noise of a flaming fire that devours the stubble, Like a strong people set in battle array.

⁶ Before them the people writhe in pain; All faces are drained of color. (Joel 2:2-6)

During the second woe, the 200,000,000 man army looks to tie in with Joel 2:2 which discusses some of that army’s expected actions.

Before going further, understand that current projects like China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Europe’s Global Gateway are looking to connect Asia, Europe, and the Middle East in ways that look to be building infrastructure that a 200 million man army would use in order to get to Europe and the Middle East.

Peoples prophetically called Medes are also shown to destroy the final Babylon according to both Isaiah and Jeremiah:

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

¹⁷ “Behold, I will stir up the Medes against them,
Who will not regard silver; And as for gold, they will not delight in it. ¹⁸ Also their bows will dash the young men to pieces, And they will have no pity on the fruit of the womb; Their eye will not spare children. ¹⁹ And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, The beauty of the Chaldeans’ pride, Will be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah. (Isaiah 13:1, 17-19)

¹¹ Make the arrows bright! Gather the shields! The Lord has raised up the spirit of the kings of the Medes. For His plan is against Babylon to destroy it,
Because it is the vengeance of the Lord, The vengeance for His temple. (Jeremiah 51:11)

The fact that there are multiple kings of the Medes indicates that powers involved in this end time confederation represent multiple governments. This would seem to include Russia, Belarus, and likely Crimea, Donbas, and some others in Ukraine, some in Moldova, perhaps some from the nation of Georgia, and some in Iran, etc.

Anciently, “Darius the Mede” (Daniel 5:31) conquered old Babylon—modern “Medes” will help do the same to the end-time daughter of Babylon.

The following passages seem also to apply:

⁸ “Move from the midst of Babylon, Go out of the land of the Chaldeans; And be like the rams before the flocks. ⁹ For behold, I will raise and cause to come up against Babylon An assembly of great nations from the north country, And they shall array themselves against her; From there she shall be captured. Their arrows shall be like those of an expert warrior; None shall return in vain. (Jeremiah 50:8-9)

Those who believe the Bible should leave the midst of end-time Babylon by then. Certainly, the above “north country” includes Russia, but other passages clearly point to others from Asia being involved (Jeremiah 51:27-29).

Notice some of what will happen to the coming European Babylonian Beast power led by a power from the farthest parts of the earth (Russia is the nation that is the farthest east and close to being the farthest north nation):

22 Thus says the Lord: “Behold, a people comes from the north country, And a great nation will be raised from the farthest parts of the earth.

23 They will lay hold on bow and spear; They are cruel and have no mercy; Their voice roars like the sea; And they ride on horses, As men of war set in array against you, O daughter of Zion.”

24 We have heard the report of it; Our hands grow feeble. Anguish has taken hold of us, Pain as of a woman in labor. 25 Do not go out into the field, Nor walk by the way. Because of the sword of the enemy, Fear is on every side. 26 O daughter of my people, Dress in sackcloth And roll about in ashes! Make mourning as for an only son, most bitter lamentation; For the plunderer will suddenly come upon us. (Jeremiah 6:22-26)

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

43 “The king of Babylon has heard the report about them, And his hands grow feeble; Anguish has taken hold of him, Pangs as of a woman in childbirth.  (Jeremiah 50:41-43)

The “great nation” from the “farthest parts of the earth” includes Russia. There are also nations that will be confederate with it. Those would also include China and other nations in Asia, and particularly in the Far East. The “Daughter of Babylon” Jeremiah referred to is not ancient Babylon, but the end-time European power. The “kings … from the ends of the earth” seem to include South Africa and India, which are BRICS nations which have also conducted military drills with Russia and China.[i] Some nations in South America may also be involved as they seem to be part of the “ends of the earth.” Consider that Brazil and Russia already have a variety of military agreements.[ii] When the “daughter of Babylon” is in the process of falling, many will abandon supporting it. Jeremiah 50 is part of the second woe.[iii]

The second woe, according to scripture, ends 3 ½ days after the two witnesses are killed per Revelation 11:7-14. That is quickly followed by the third woe and the blowing of the 7^th trumpet (Revelation 11:14-15).

Jesus returns with this trumpet (1 Thessalonians 4:16) which is also the last trumpet when Christians rise up (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:51-52). While that is comforting for Christians (1 Thessalonians 4:18), this angers the nations (Revelation 11:15-18).

So, the nations that gathered in Armageddon to fight the forces of the Beast, despite issues between them, will unite to fight Jesus, Himself! This is also described in Zechariah 14 and Joel 3.

The third woe releases the seven last plagues (Revelation 15:1), with victorious Christians then pictured on the sea of glass (Revelation 15:2).

During the third woe, when God sends corrective punishments, because the non-Christians refused to repent:

⁹ And men were scorched with great heat, and they blasphemed the name of God who has power over these plagues; and they did not repent and give Him glory. (Revelation 16:9)

Notice something else that happens during this third woe:

¹² Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, so that the way of the kings from the east might be prepared. ¹³ And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. ¹⁴ For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.

¹⁵ “Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.”

¹⁶ And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon. (Revelation 16:12-16)

Forces from Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean would be expected to gather related to ‘Armageddon’ as “the whole world” (Revelation 16:13-16) will be involved.

[i] Maromo J. SA-China-Russia military exercise … IOL, January 22, 2023; Pasricha A. India and China to Take Part in Joint Military Drills with Russia. Voice of America News, August 31, 2022

[ii] Shoigu lauds Brazil as ‘important strategic partner’ for Russia in Latin America. Tass, February 16, 2022

[iii] Lesson 36 – Feast of Trumpets – Why Christ Must Come Again! 58 Lesson Ambassador College Correspondence Course, 1969 revision

Russia and China are part of the BRICS+ alliance. Many other Asian nations are as well.

Regarding the prophesied woes and the BRICS powers, we put together the following video on our Bible News Prophecy YouTube channel:

15:09

BRICS and the Woes of Revelation

The BRICS nations consist of Brazil, Russia, China, India, and South Africa. In February of 2023, Russia, China, and South Africa held joint naval drills. In the Fall of 2022, India, Russia, and China held joint military exercises. Brazil also has a military cooperation agreement with Russia. The Book of Revelation uses the term woe three times in chapter 8 verse 13–those woes are then discussed in later chapters. Could the BRICS nations, along with the coming Babylonian European Beast power be involved in all three of the woes? Do the BRICS nations want to push aside the USA dollar? Is one of the woes tied to the rise of a 200,000,000 man army? Is there any connection to the second woe and the two witnesses? Do the woes correspond with the last of the seven trumpets in the Book of Revelation? Is one of the woes tied to Armageddon? Does Jesus return with the seventh trumpet? Will nations not be pleased when Jesus returns? Dr. Thiel and Steve Dupuie go over these matters.

Here is a link to our video: BRICS and the Woes of Revelation.

Despite current distrust, based upon biblical prophecies I believe that ultimately most of the nations in Asia will unite with Russia and China.

US trade, tariffs, sanctions, and other policies are pushing Gentile nations closer together.

Some items of possibly related interest would include the following:

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 as are two video sermonettes Russia, Ukraine, Babylonian Europe, and Prophecy and 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?
25 items to prophetically watch in 2025 Much is happening. Dr. Thiel points to 25 items to watch (cf. Mark 13:37) in this article. Here is a link to a related sermon video: 25 Items to Watch in 2025.
China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 1: Genesis and Chinese Characters Where did the Chinese people come from? Japeth, Javan, Magog? Is there evidence that the Chinese peoples must have known about various accounts in the Book of Genesis up until their dispersion after the Tower of Babel? What do Chinese writings and characters help show? What about the Garden of Eden, Noah’s Flood, and the Tower of Babel? Here is a link to a version of this article in Spanish: ¿Prueban los caracteres chinos la exactitud de la Biblia? A related sermon is also available: China’s biblical past and prophetic actions.
China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 2: The Sabbath and Some of God’s Witness in China When did Christianity first come to China? What about the Apostle Thomas? Did Confucius say anything to get the Chinese to possibly consider Christianity? Is there early evidence that they observed the seventh day sabbath? What about the Ten Commandments? What type of Church of God witness has there been to China? What has been happening with China that ties it together with prophecies in Revelation? What about the 200 million man army and Armageddon? What about the Belt and Road Initiative and end time Babylon the Great? A related sermon is also available: China’s biblical past and prophetic actions. Watch also China’s Silk Road and Babylon the Great.
Asia in Prophecy What is Ahead for Asia? Who are the “Kings of the East”? What will happen to nearly all the Chinese, Russians, Indians, and others of Asia? China in prophecy, where? Who has the 200,000,000 man army related to Armageddon? Here is a link to a related sermon: Asia in Prophecy. Two YouTube video are Is China THE Threat to the United States of America? and China: A King of the East.
Armageddon Who is involved and when will this gathering happen? Here is also a video from Dr. Thiel, from Tel Megiddo in Israel: Armageddon. Other videos include: Armageddon Will it come on Trump’s watch?, Iraq, Armageddon, & Prophecy, Freemasonry, Armageddon, and Rome, Is China paving roads to Armageddon?, and Jordan, Petra, and Armageddon.
Lost Tribes and Prophecies: What will happen to Australia, the British Isles, Canada, Europe, New Zealand and the United States of America? Where did those people come from? Can you totally rely on DNA? Do you really know what will happen to Europe and the English-speaking peoples? What about the peoples of Africa, Asia, South America, and the islands? This free online book provides scriptural, scientific, historical references, and commentary to address those matters. Here are links to related sermons: Lost tribes, the Bible, and DNA; Lost tribes, prophecies, and identifications; 11 Tribes, 144,000, and Multitudes; Israel, Jeremiah, Tea Tephi, and British Royalty; Gentile European Beast; Royal Succession, Samaria, and Prophecies; Asia, Islands, Latin America, Africa, and Armageddon;  When Will the End of the Age Come?;  Rise of the Prophesied King of the North; Christian Persecution from the Beast; WWIII and the Coming New World Order; and Woes, WWIV, and the Good News of the Kingdom of God.

Mark Carney (From ‘X’ Twitter page)

COGwriter

Canada’s Prime Minister has a debt-increasing proposal he expects to release with hopes that it will help transform Canada’s economy:

Carney’s Budget Promises Big Investments, Tough Cuts in Canada

November 4, 2025

Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney will unleash a major fiscal stimulus in his budget proposal on Tuesday as he aims to unlock billions of dollars in investment and transform the Canadian economy to rely less on the United States, its top trading partner.

Carney has promised “generational investments” in his government’s maiden budget to pay for defense and housing and to grow an ailing economy battered by President Donald Trump’s tariffs and trade uncertainty. However, he has also warned of tough times ahead.

“To be clear, we won’t transform our economy easily or in a few months — it will take some sacrifices and some time,” Carney said last month during a speech to university students.

Economists expect Canada’s highest deficit outside the COVID-19 pandemic, and they want the government to have a clear path to reduce it in coming years.

Pedro Antunes, chief economist of Conference Board of Canada, worries increased deficits mean higher interest payments or public debt charges that could be unsustainable for Canada. …

The budget will allocate billions of dollars for housing and major infrastructure projects across the country, which the government says will have a multiplier effect on the economy. https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/canada-carney-investmens/2025/11/04/id/1233113/

Canada is in a precarious position these days and Donald Trump seems willing to try to cause Canada a lot of economic pain to get it to accede to his demands. Last week, Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem admitted the Canada’s economy is deteriorating and warned citizens to prepare for a “lower standard of living” (see Timm Macklem says Canadians should prepare to lower their standard of living).

The new budget proposal looks to be intended to change that, but debt is not the real way to resolve Canada’s economic problems.

The Bible clearly warns that an indebted people will be destroyed by people whose language that they do not understand, and that the destruction will be fairly total:

43 The alien who is among you shall rise higher and higher above you, and you shall come down lower and lower. 44 He shall lend to you, but you shall not lend to him; he shall be the head, and you shall be the tail. 45 Moreover all these curses shall come upon you and pursue and overtake you, until you are destroyed…47 “Because you did not serve the LORD your God with joy and gladness of heart, for the abundance of everything, 48 therefore you shall serve your enemies, whom the LORD will send against you, in hunger, in thirst, in nakedness, and in need of everything; and He will put a yoke of iron on your neck until He has destroyed you. 49 The LORD will bring a nation against you from afar, from the end of the earth, as swift as the eagle flies, a nation whose language you will not understand, 50 a nation of fierce countenance, which does not respect the elderly nor show favor to the young. 51 And they shall eat the increase of your livestock and the produce of your land, until you are destroyed; they shall not leave you grain or new wine or oil, or the increase of your cattle or the offspring of your flocks, until they have destroyed you. 52 They shall besiege you at all your gates until your high and fortified walls, in which you trust, come down throughout all your land; and they shall besiege you at all your gates throughout all your land which the LORD your God has given you (Deuteronomy 28:43-45,47-52).

7 The rich rules over the poor, And the borrower is servant to the lender. (Proverbs 22:7)

13 And the Lord said, “Because they have forsaken My law which I set before them, and have not obeyed My voice, nor walked according to it, 14 but they have walked according to the dictates of their own hearts…16 I will scatter them also among the Gentiles, whom neither they nor their fathers have known. And I will send a sword after them until I have consumed them.” (Jeremiah 9:13,14a,16)

12 One-third of you shall die of the pestilence, and be consumed with famine in your midst; and one-third shall fall by the sword all around you; and I will scatter another third to all the winds, and I will draw out a sword after them. (Ezekiel 5:12)

Most will not believe that will really happen, but that disbelief was expected:

6 “Don’t say such things,” the people respond. “Don’t prophesy like that. Such disasters will never come our way!” (Micah 2:6, New Living Translation)

16 … You say, ‘Do not prophesy against Israel, And do not spout against the house of Isaac.’ (Amos 7:16)

People will not want to hear! See also Preparing for the ‘Short Work’ and The Famine of the Word.

Repentance, and not increased debt, is what Canada needs.

Notice that lack of repentance is listed as a reason that the King of Assyria (the final King of the North) will become Ephraim’s king:

 3 I taught Ephraim to walk … 4 I drew them with gentle cords, With bands of love, And I was to them as those who take the yoke from their neck. I stooped and fed them … 5…But the Assyrian shall be his king, Because they refused to repent. 6 And the sword shall slash in his cities, Devour his districts, And consume them, Because of their own counsels. 7 My people are bent on backsliding from Me. Though they call to the Most High, None at all exalt Him. (Hosea 11:1a, 3a, 4b, 5b-7)

The prophesied shame is starting to come upon the Anglo-American powers. The Assyrian king is also prophesied to eliminate the end time descendants of Ephraim–and that includes the Canadians (see also Lost Tribes and Prophecies: What will happen to Australia, the British Isles, Canada, Europe, New Zealand and the United States of America).

While the descendants of Ephraim (including Canada) will be conquered because there will be a lack of national repentance, personal repentance is still an option–whether you live in Canada or anywhere else.