Church of God News

Emblem of the Eurasian Economic Union

COGwriter

Reuters has reported about a mineral deal between the United States and Ukraine:

KYIV, April 30 (Reuters) – Ukraine is ready to sign a mineral resources deal with the United States and could do so later on Wednesday, a Ukrainian government source told Reuters.

First Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko was travelling to the United States to sign the agreement, the source said, declining to be named due to the sensitivity of the matter.

“I think maybe late evening Kyiv time, the deal there can be signed,” the source said. … Ukrainian officials hope that signing the deal promoted by U.S. President Donald Trump will help to firm up softening American support for Kyiv  … https://www.reuters.com/world/kyiv-is-ready-sign-resources-deal-with-us-ukraine-government-source-says-2025-04-30/

ZeroHedge added:

April 30, 2025

After several false starts and timeline projections which didn’t pan out, Ukraine is imminently ready to sign the mineral resources deal with the US, Bloomberg has quoted a source close to negotiations as saying.

“The draft agreement, which envisages creating a joint fund to manage Ukraine’s investment projects, has been finalized and may be signed as soon as Wednesday, the person said, speaking on condition of anonymity because the talks are private,” the report says, noting that Ukrainian Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko is en route Washington for the signing.

A source in Ukrainian President Zelensky’s office has separately told the Kyiv Independent that it will be signed by Wednesday evening. A draft document says the deal seeks to create conditions to “increase investment in mining, energy, and related technology in Ukraine.”

Crucially,  the agreement excludes any conditions which say it is related to Ukraine’s debt for prior US military or financial assistance. Kiev and many of its European allies had balked at that prior controversial proposal, which had centered on Trump’s insistence that Ukraine pay back the hundreds of billions provided by the American taxpayer after over three years of war.

Bloomberg details, “In another breakthrough, the US has agreed that only future military assistance it may provide to Ukraine following the signing of the deal would count toward its contribution to the fund, according to the document.”

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal first unveiled Sunday that the Trump administration had dropped this requirement of paying back past debt.

The document “strengthens the strategic partnership between the Parties for the long-term reconstruction and modernization of Ukraine, in response to the large-scale destruction caused by Russia’s full-scale invasion” – but many specifics regarding rare earth mineral access remain unclear as of yet. https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/ukraine-ready-sign-trumps-minerals-deal-within-hours-breakthrough-reached

April 30, 2025

Another minerals deal headline that wasn’t… not for the first time, a Ukrainian delegation’s plane may have been literally rerouted mid-air amid Wednesday reports that the Trump-backed deal was to be signed in Washington within ‘hours’. Financial Times reports:

Ukraine’s first deputy prime minister, Yulia Svyrydenko, has flown to Washington to sign the deal with US treasury secretary Scott Bessent, said three Ukrainian officials. But problems arose as Svyrydenko’s plane headed to Washington, and Bessent’s team told her she should “be ready to sign all agreements, or go back home”, said three people familiar with the matter. 

Apparently the Zelensky government was not ready to sign onto all that the Trump administration required. This even after the US reportedly dropped conditions related to Ukraine paying back debt for prior US military or financial assistance. https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/ukraine-ready-sign-trumps-minerals-deal-within-hours-breakthrough-reached

The USA has been looking to secure access to more “rare earth” minerals as China has placed restrictions for many reasons, including Trump Administration tariffs. We will see what deal may be made.

While the USA continues to push away many nations regarding trade because of tariffs, threats of tariffs, etc., the Russians and others are involved with the expansion of the BRICS + alliance and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Russia is the main driving force behind the EAEU.

Although it long has wanted Ukraine in the EAEU, with its annexations of Crimea, Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia, Russia has about 20% of that territory now part of the EAEU. Furthermore, let it be noted that there are rare earth minerals and other critical mineral resources in the regions of Crimea, Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia. These areas collectively contain a significant portion of what used to be Ukraine’s rare earth and critical mineral reserves,

That said, here is a report related to the EAEU:

Clashes in Global Economy Build Momentum for EAEU States

29 April 2025

The EAEU countries are protected by a common customs framework from fragmentation of the global economy and tariff confrontation, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk said on Tuesday. Thus, fragmentation and tariff standoffs in the global economy open up opportunities for the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and promote mutual trade between the countries.

“It is also necessary to assess this situation and for all our countries to respond to these new challenges together. But at the same time, they also open up opportunities. Because this situation contributes to the improvement of mutual trade between our countries, we will interact more actively with each other in this regard,” Overchuk told reporters.

The EAEU, which is made up of five former Soviet countries — Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia — is designed to ensure the free movement of goods, services, and labor between member states implemented via common economic policies and regulation in the areas of industry, agriculture, energy, foreign trade, and investment. https://sputnikglobe.com/20250429/clashes-in-global-economy-build-momentum-for-eaeu-states-1121951096.html

The EAEU is dominated by Russia. Despite sanctions from the West, and partially because of them, the EAEU has made some progress.

Donald Trump’s tariffs and threats of them, looks also to be an impetus for the EAEU nations to work closer together.

Various nations not in the EAEU  have been involved with deals with that union.

Russia has taken steps to try to work with those nations that were once part of the old Soviet Union, such as Armenia and Belarus. Beyond that, Russia has also taken steps to try to improve cooperation with Iran, North Korea, China, India, Pakistan, Vietnam, Mongolia, Egypt, Thailand, and others–including some European nations. Plus, the EAEU is looking to cooperate with the German-dominated EU.

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

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

In the 21st century, I expect that Russia and the EAEU will make one or more deals with the Europeans. Some have been hinted at this century: see Greece begs Germany’s Merkel not to throw them ‘overboard,’ while it makes deals with Russia, Merkel’s European-Eurasian Trade Zone Proposal, and even Vladimir Putin allegedly helped stop a Grexit).

Notice also the following scriptures:

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.

27 “I have set you as an assayer and a fortress among My people, That you may know and test their way. 28 They are all stubborn rebels, walking as slanderers. They are bronze and iron, They are all corrupters; 29 The bellows blow fiercely, The lead is consumed by the fire; The smelter refines in vain, For the wicked are not drawn off. 30 People will call them rejected silver, Because the Lord has rejected them.” (Jeremiah 6:22-30)

The European King of the North will work with nations in the farthest ends of the earth to destroy the nations dominated by the descendants of Israel in the end times. This is not just the small nation calling itself Israel, but will include the Anglo-American nations as well.

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 (see also Europe dismisses US as leader and wants to implement a new world order).

The Gentile nations do not want the current Anglo-American dominated world order to continue–and it will not (watch Europe wants to lead a new world order).

There will be many unintended consequences of the Donald Trump presidency.

Pushing the Gentile nations closer to together on trade and other matters is already happening.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

The Eurasian Union, the Kings of the East, and Bible Prophecy Is there a Eurasian union that will be formed? Is one being formed right now? Are any leaders working on that in the 21st century? Does the Bible teach that there will be a Eurasian union? If some type of Eurasian union is formed, who might it benefit and who will it destroy? A related video would be Is The Eurasian Union Rising?
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?
Ezekiel 38: For Russia & Iran in Our Day? Is Ezekiel 38 about to be fulfilled? A related video is available titled Ezekiel 38: For Russia, Ukraine, & Iran Now? Another could be Russia, Iran, Syria, & the Bible (Code).
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.
Unintended Consequences and Donald Trump’s Presidency: Is Donald Trump Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic, Greco-Roman Catholic, Buddhist, and other America-Related Prophecies?  Is Donald Trump going to save the USA or are there going to be many disastrous unintended consequences of his statements and policies? What will happen. The link takes you to a book available at Amazon.com.
Unintended Consequences and Donald Trump’s Presidency: Is Donald Trump Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic, Greco-Roman Catholic, Buddhist, and other America-Related Prophecies? Kindle edition is available for only US$3.99. And you do not need an actual Kindle device to read it. Why? Amazon will allow you to download it to almost any device: Please click HERE to download one of Amazon s Free Reader Apps. After you go to for your free Kindle reader and then go to Unintended Consequences and Donald Trump’s Presidency: Is Donald Trump Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic, Greco-Roman Catholic, Buddhist, and other America-Related Prophecies?

Global North Blue, Global South Red
(Specialgst via Wikipedia)

COGwriter

There have been many unintended consequences of the Donald Trump presidency.

China is looking at closer relations with what is referred to as the Global South:

China’s Xi pushes AI and ‘Global South’ opportunity amid US trade war

April 29, 2025

BEIJING, April 29 (Reuters) – Chinese President Xi Jinping used a visit to Shanghai on Tuesday to push for breakthroughs in artificial intelligence and underscore China’s leading role in the “Global South”. …

Xi’s Shanghai trip, his first to China’s main international financial hub since November 2023, comes at a time when the tariff fight with the U.S. has raised the stakes for global economic growth, and as Beijing pursues AI development in the wake of the global success of Chinese AI startup DeepSeek.

On Tuesday, he urged Shanghai to accelerate efforts to turn itself into a technological and innovation hub with global influence and strive to be at the forefront of artificial intelligence (AI) development and governance, state news agency Xinhua reported. …

In addition, the Chinese president visited the Shanghai-based New Development Bank, a multilateral lender of BRICS member nations, and met its president, former Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff, Xinhua said.

China is ready to strengthen project cooperation with the bank and share development experience with other member countries, Xi said during his visit, adding that the collective rise of the Global South had become an important force in safeguarding world peace, the report said.

The visit to the NDB underlines how Xi wants to continue to position China as the leader of the Global South, Wu said. “China wants to offer an alternative to the world against the U.S.-dominant global order.”

The concept of the Global South emerged to designate developing, emerging or lower-income countries, mostly in the southern hemisphere, and replace the term “Third World” generally used during the 1945-90 Cold War. https://www.reuters.com/technology/chinas-xi-lauds-ai-progress-meets-brics-bank-shanghai-visit-2025-04-29/

BRICS is becoming a key mechanism of partnership between the countries of the Global South. This is reported by CCTV+, a partner of TV BRICS, referring to the press conference of Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun.

He commented thus on the journalists‘ question about the upcoming BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting to be held in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) on 28-29 April.  https://tvbrics.com/en/news/china-s-foreign-ministry-brics-mechanism-emerging-as-backbone-of-global-south-cooperation/

Yes, the BRICS nations have been meeting.

So, have the Europeans.

Although paused for 90 days, the EU faces a new 20% tariff on up to €380 billion ($416 billion) worth of exports to the US. Policymakers in Brussels are weighing a similar response to China’s. The EU says it plans to reach out to countries in the Indo-Pacific and Global South in a bid to counter US protectionism.

During a three-day visit to Vietnam this week, Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez insisted that Europe explore new markets and said his government was “firmly committed” to opening up his country and Europe to more trade with Southeast Asia.

But Varg Folkman, a policy analyst at the European Policy Centre (EPC) warned that Europe will struggle to replace exports across the Atlantic with other markets as the US economy is both “larger and wealthier.”  04/11/25 https://www.dw.com/en/trump-tariffs-trade-eu-car-industry-cheap-goods-wto/a-72176478

The BRICS+ alliance finished a two-day conference today:

April 29, 2025

BRICS … Brazil said the group’s foreign ministers expressed “serious concern at the prospect of a fragmented global economy and the weakening of multilateralism”.

The United States has implemented a new tariffs-focused trade policy under President Donald Trump, raising concerns about a global economic slowdown, although the statement did not name the U.S. …

The expanded BRICS group, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa as well as new joiners Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Indonesia and Iran, faces daunting challenges from U.S. trade actions. “The ministers voiced serious concerns about the rise of unjustified unilateral protectionist measures inconsistent with WTO rules, including indiscriminate raising of reciprocal tariffs and non-tariff measures,” the statement said. https://www.reuters.com/world/brics-ministers-fail-reach-joint-statement-brazil-warns-against-protectionism-2025-04-29/

Notice the following map:

Map of BRICS nations and prospective members
(Dant3gramsci via Wikipedia)

Consider if you superimpose the BRICS map over the map at the beginning of this post for the “Global South,” nearly all the world except North America, Europe, and Australia are covered.

And when you consider that the European Union is trying to make inroads into the Global South because of Trump Administration policies, you can see basically the whole world uniting against at least some USA policies. Particularly when you consider that Donald Trump has also upset Canada and Mexico in North America.

That said, here is something related to the BRICS:

BRICS Nations Accelerate Efforts to Establish New International Payment System to Fight Back Against U.S. Tariffs

April 28, 2025

Pepe Escobar, the Brazilian international journalist, …explains how BRICS, which will meet this summer in Brazil, is now accelerating their plans to implement a new international payment system so countries can bypass the U.S. banking system and the U.S. dollar, as they begin to exclude the U.S. market due to these high tariffs.

Escobar mentions the analogy that President Trump is using for his tariffs, which is that the U.S. is a “store” and that any country who wants to buy U.S. goods in this “store” has to meet Trump’s pricing based on tariffs.

Escobar responds: “But what he doesn’t realize is that nobody wants to buy anything in this store anymore” as the BRICS nations begin to reshape their supply chains and exports. …

He also explains how Iran is a huge part of BRICS plans for the future, and the implementation of the new Silk Road trade initiatives. https://healthimpactnews.com/2025/brics-nations-accelerate-efforts-to-establish-new-international-payment-system-to-fight-back-against-u-s-tariffs/

Related to BRICS and the USA dollar, notice the following which is in my book Lost Tribes and Prophecies: What will happen to Australia, the British Isles, Canada, Europe, New Zealand and the United States of America?:

Those in Iran and some of the Arab lands, along with nations such as Brazil, China, and India have discussed plans for the removal of the dominance of the U.S.A. in global trade as well. The former (again current) President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, even claimed that eliminating the U.S. dollar’s reserve currency status was one of the reasons that the BRICS alliance (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) was formed in the first place. [i] Others have  noted that bypassing the USA dollar is still an object of BRICS—and officially BRICS nations “are currently working on setting up a new global reserve currency,”[ii] which may have gold-backing.[iii] The expansion of BRICS (which is in progress) may ultimately even hurt Australian trade as well as “severely weaken primacy of the US Dollar as an international currency.”[iv]

The Bible clearly warns against cheapening the money supply and encourages having money hold its value (Proverbs 25:4 Isaiah 1:25, Ezekiel 22:18-22). Debt is also warned against (Habakkuk 2:6-8). Yet policies enacted under the Obama, Trump, and Biden Administrations, following certain other administrations, have ignored these warnings.

[i] Escobar P. BRICS was created as a tool of attack: Lula. Asia Times, August 28, 2019

[ii] BRICS developing new global reserve currency – Putin. RT, June 22, 2022

[iii] Helms K. Economists Discuss Russia, China Potentially Developing Gold-Backed Currency. BRICS Information Portal, November 11, 2022

[iv]Hunter M. BRICS Is Becoming The Big Kid On The Block: Implications For Australia – Analysis. Eurasia Review, November 1, 2022

Notice also something from my book Unintended Consequences and Donald Trump’s Presidency: Is Donald Trump Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic, Greco-Roman Catholic, Buddhist, and other America-Related Prophecies?:

Notice what Donald Trump stated in late 2024:

“The idea that the BRICS countries are trying to move away from the dollar while we stand by and watch is over,” Trump wrote in a Nov. 30 Truth Social post. …

“We require a commitment from these countries that they will neither create a new BRICS currency, nor back any other currency to replace the mighty U.S. dollar or, they will face 100 percent tariffs, and should expect to say goodbye to selling into the wonderful U.S. economy,” the president-elect recently wrote.

In October, speaking at the Economic Club of Chicago with Bloomberg, Trump warned … “We have to have that. We cannot lose it,” Trump said. “You’ll go to Third World status in this country because you take a look at the way things are running.” (Durden T. De-Dollarization Effort In Spotlight After Trump’s Tariff Threat On BRICS. ZeroHedge, December 3, 2024)

Yes, the impact of the USA dollar losing its reserve status would be horrible–and even worse than Donald Trump asserted. And things like 100% tariffs are inflationary.

The BRICS+ nations, which compose nearly half the population of the world, still want to bypass the US dollar.

US President-elect Donald Trump has threatened 100 percent tariffs on BRICS nations if they replace the dollar in international trade.

However, Brazil has indicated that it aims to boost the effort during its presidency of BRICS. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s government has said its objective is the “development of means of payment” to facilitate trade between member countries.[i]

Furthermore, some suspect that more countries in BRICS+ may destroy the ‘petrodollar’ system that supports the dollar.[ii]

The USA dollar will ultimately crash and be worthless. That “pride” of American power will be broken (cf. Leviticus 26:19).

[i] ^{Indonesia joins BRICS group of emerging economies. Aljazeera, January 7, 2025}

[ii] ^{Dourian K. Are the BRICS gearing up to challenge the petrodollar? Middle East Economy, October 10, 2024}

One day the US dollar will be toppled–but that will not fully happen in 2025. But let me add that the Bible teaches that a coming European power will accumulate gold too (cf. Daniel 11:38,43; see also The Plain Truth About Gold in Prophecy. How Should a Christian View Gold?).

Based upon several biblical prophecies, I have long written that the Asians and Europeans will cooperate, for a time, and eliminate the USA and its Anglo-Saxon-Celtic descended allies. They will divide their lands among them per Daniel 11:39, and many of the survivors will be made slaves (for more details check out the article Will the Anglo-Saxon Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves?).

It should be added that part of the purpose of the Euro was to bypass the USA dollar for international trade. And, that has happened completely within the Eurozone block in the EU.

Steps towards pushing away the Anglo-American dominance of the world for the past couple of centuries is happening.

Donald Trump has made many statements and endorsed policies that are impacting the current world order–many of which will end up harmful to the USA.

Although BRICS will not dominate the world economically like the coming European Beast power will, the BRICS nations and their actions will have major impacts on the world.

Related to BRICS and the USA dollar, we put together the following video:

14:31

BRICS Push Aside USA Dollar

The BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) have as one of their founding goals, to eliminate the need to use USA dollars in cross-border trade. Six additional nations have been invited to join BRICS in 2024, and India reports that six more are also being looked at. The BRICS nations have already began to drop the USA dollar for some cross-border trading with Russia and China indicating that they had almost done so completely in late 2023. What will happen to the economy and value of the USA dollar if more and more nations stop using it as a primary reserve and trading currency? What about hyperinflation? Does the Bible prophesy destruction for a highly indented nation in the end time? Is the USA the most indebted nation of all time? What about the intent and use of the Euro? Will Europe and Asia cooperate to eliminate the USA and its British-descended allies?

Here is a link to our video: BRICS Push Aside USA Dollar.

A lot is happening.

The USA and its dollar will no longer remain “king.”

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

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

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.
The End of US Dollar Dominance Is the USA losing its economic status? What about the petro-gold-yuan? A related video is also available: US Dollar being challenged by Gold-Petro-Yuan.
The Plain Truth About Gold in Prophecy. How Should a Christian View Gold? What do economists and the Bible teach about gold? Gold and silver may drop in value. Inflation/deflation? What do Christians need to know about gold and silver? Two videos of related interest may be: Germany, Gold, and the US Dollar and Silver, Science, and Scripture.
Unintended Consequences and Donald Trump’s Presidency: Is Donald Trump Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic, Greco-Roman Catholic, Buddhist, and other America-Related Prophecies?  Is Donald Trump going to save the USA or are there going to be many disastrous unintended consequences of his statements and policies? What will happen. The link takes you to a book available at Amazon.com.
Unintended Consequences and Donald Trump’s Presidency: Is Donald Trump Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic, Greco-Roman Catholic, Buddhist, and other America-Related Prophecies? Kindle edition is available for only US$3.99. And you do not need an actual Kindle device to read it. Why? Amazon will allow you to download it to almost any device: Please click HERE to download one of Amazon s Free Reader Apps. After you go to for your free Kindle reader and then go to Unintended Consequences and Donald Trump’s Presidency: Is Donald Trump Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic, Greco-Roman Catholic, Buddhist, and other America-Related Prophecies?

Mark Carney (From ‘X’ Twitter page)

COGwriter

Canada’s Mark Carney is set to remain Prime Minister after yesterday’s election:

April 29, 2025

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal Party has won the federal election, capping a stunning turnaround in fortunes fueled by U.S. President Donald Trump’s annexation threats and trade war.

Carney’s rival, populist Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre, was voted out of his seat in Parliament, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation projected Tuesday.

The loss of his seat representing his Ottawa district in Monday’s election capped a swift decline in fortunes for the firebrand Poilievre, who a few months ago appeared to be a shoo-in to become Canada’s next prime minister and shepherd the Conservatives back into power for the first time in a decade.

But then Trump launched a trade war with Canada and suggested the country should become the 51st state, outraging voters and upending the election. …

In a victory speech, Carney stressed the importance of unity in the face of Washington’s threats. …

“We are over the shock of the American betrayal, but we should never forget the lessons,” he said.

“As I’ve been warning for months, America wants our land, our resources, our water, our country,” Carney added. “These are not idle threats. President Trump is trying to break us so America can own us. That will never … ever happen. But we also must recognize the reality that our world has fundamentally changed.”

Trump’s truculence has infuriated Canadians, leading many to cancel U.S. vacations, refuse to buy American goods and possibly even vote early. A record 7.3 million Canadians cast ballots before election day. https://apnews.com/article/canada-election-trump-carney-poilievre-861f5b00794355b231ee3f218568949b

April 29, 2025

The Renew Europe Group in the European Parliament warmly congratulates Prime Minister Mark Carney, leader of Renew Europe’s sister Party, the Liberal Party of Canada, on his victory in the Canadian federal elections, marking a pivotal moment for Canada and EU-Canada relations, opening a new chapter for strengthened cooperation.

In a letter sent today, Renew Europe’s President Valérie Hayer praised Mr Carney’s leadership and the trust placed in him by Canadians as a powerful affirmation of liberal democratic values.

“Mark Carney’s victory demonstrates that openness, innovation, democracy, and a rules-based international order continue to offer a compelling vision for the future. This election result shows there is scope for deeper EU-Canada relations. The Liberals and Democrat family must be at the heart of efforts to build a new global alliance of democracies.” said Valérie Hayer.

The letter welcomes Mr Carney’s commitment to strengthening Canada’s ties with reliable allies, particularly the European Union. …

“Canada and the European Union are natural allies in defending democracy, prosperity and the rule of law. We want to work hand in hand with Prime Minister Carney’s government to build a transatlantic partnership that is fit for the future and delivers for all our citizens.” said MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú. https://www.reneweuropegroup.eu/news/2025-04-29/renew-europe-congratulates-mark-carney-on-canadian-election-victory-and-calls-for-a-joint-eu-canada-push-for-a-global-alliance-of-democracies

A day before this Canadian election, Martin Armstrong (no relation to COG Armstrongs), posted the following:

Canada to merge with EU against US under Carney

April 27, 2025

COMMENT: Hey Marty
The conservatives failed to pivot against the Trump screw up.
Trump has push the Canadians right into the globalists arms.Is Trump that stupid.
He should have endorsed the PPC party to take of the floodlights on Pierre.
Pierre walks and talks like Trump..Canada is not awake enough to see the globalist plot.
Woke Canadians hate Trump. …
I see that on social media the people all think Carney is a financial wizard with experience.
Liberal supporters think the Wef is a harmless think tank. …

REPLY: I agree. Inferior strategy on the part of the Conservatives. It is like they want to lose. There is no question that Carney … has fueled the fire against Trump, but in the process, he has ensured that the economic ties with the United States will suffer, as he hopes to align more closely with the EU, which is aligned with the WOKE agenda to the end. I think Trump’s rhetoric of Canada becoming the 51st State was a political mistake. https://www.armstrongeconomics.com/international-news/canada/canada-to-merge-with-eu-against-us-under-carney/

Canada is in a precarious position these days. But it is looking a bit more towards Europe.

Here are some reports of statements over the last several weeks from Mark Carney :

“I want to ensure that France, and the whole of Europe, works enthusiastically with Canada, the most European of non-European countries,” Carney said, but vowed to “maintain the most positive relations possible with the United States.” …

Carney said he won’t sit down with Trump until the U.S. is ready to have a more comprehensive discussion on trade and security. “When the U.S. is ready to have that conversation we’re ready to sit down,” he said. 03/17/25 https://apnews.com/article/canada-carney-prime-minister-paris-trump-macron-40c51bf5b040cfab29032fa974cde581

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney vowed to counter U.S. tariffs with targeted retaliation causing “maximum pain” to the U.S. while protecting Canadian interests. He promised tariff revenues would support Canadian workers and businesses. https://www.indiatvnews.com/video/news/trump-trade-war-canada-s-mark-carney-pledges-maximum-pain-for-us-amid-trade-war-2025-04-11-985084

Mark Carney is basically a woke politician, but he wants to appear strong and tough.

Mark Carney wants to fight tariffs with pain, while Donald Trump seems willing to try to cause Canada a lot of economic pain to get it to accede to his demands.

Yet, Canada’s economy is highly dependent upon the USA’s economy, not the other way around.

But yes, Canada is now looking more towards the EU and the EU more towards Canada because of Donald Trump’s statements and actions.

That said, consider that the Bible prophesies that the time will come when the USA (Manasseh below) will turn against its British-descended allies (Ephraim below), including Canada, and vice-versa:

There have been many unintended consequences of the Trump-Vance Administration. Offending many nations, including Canada, has happened. And there will be more.

And while the Trump-Vance Administration seems to believe that any damage to the USA will be minimal from its trade and other statements, in the long run this will not turn out well for the USA.

The Trump-Vance Administration has been pushing national friends and allies to become enemies.

And this affected the vote in Canada.

2004 ceremony reconstituting the Sanhedrin
(From Arutz Sheva via Wikipedia)

COGwriter

Israel365News is advocating a formal role for the Sanhedrin and other objectives it has:

Once Again, Build the House of Prayer for All with the Sanhedrin’s Triumph

April 28, 2025

he time is now. For decades, “Never Again” has been our rallying cry, a solemn vow to shield our people from the horrors of history. But today, a bolder vision dawns: “Once Again”…a sacred call to restore Israel’s greatness as in the days of King David, when Torah governed, Temple offerings sanctified our land, and Hashem’s glory made us a light to the nations. The path forward is clear: elevate the Sanhedrin as our supreme authority, rekindle the offerings, and rebuild the House of Prayer for all peoples. This is the House of Prayer for All (HOPA), a movement of faith, unity, and destiny, too vast to contain, too holy to deny. …

At HOPA’s heart are small but mighty Knesset factions: Shas, with its Sephardi devotion; United Torah Judaism, steadfast in Haredi tradition; Religious Zionism, burning with zeal for our biblical land. These parties, commanding 20-30 seats, hold the key to a 61-vote majority. With one Basic Law, passed in weeks, they can declare the Sanhedrin—reestablished in 2004 by courageous rabbis—as Israel’s supreme authority, its Torah-based rulings binding over secular laws. The offerings will return, their smoke rising as a sign of our closeness to Hashem. The Third Temple, the House of Prayer foretold by Isaiah, will rise to bless all nations. One vote, one sacred act, and the world is transformed, as swift as David’s sling felling Goliath.

This vision transcends our borders. The world stands ready to join us. America, our steadfast ally, is poised to champion this revival. Evangelical Christians, millions strong, see the Temple’s rise as biblical prophecy unfolding. Billionaires, from Silicon Valley’s tech titans to New York’s philanthropists like Miriam Adelson, and royals, from Gulf palaces to European dynasties, are prepared to empty their coffers, funding the Temple as a global sanctuary. From Brazil’s faithful to India’s spiritual seekers, the nations yearn for this House of Prayer, perhaps even more than we do. As Isaiah proclaimed, “My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.” By restoring the Sanhedrin, we ignite a spiritual renewal that will heal a fractured world, fulfilling Israel’s role as a beacon once again.

Opposition will rise. A secular government, clinging to power, resists honoring Hashem as our true King. Backed by a Supreme Court that often defies our traditions and globalist allies who dilute our Jewish soul, they will fight this vision with every tool at their disposal. Left-leaning parties, media skeptics, and international critics will claim HOPA threatens democracy. But their voices cannot drown out ours. With 30% of our nation—two million Haredim, Religious Zionists, and allies—and the world’s faithful behind us, we are unstoppable. https://israel365news.com/408294/once-again-build-the-house-of-prayer-for-all-with-the-sanhedrins-triumph/

Here is a chart of how the Sanhedrin is somewhat organized:

Organization of the Nascent Sanhedrin

The reconstituted Sanhedrin basically would like to rule Israel.

The Sanhedrin wants a Temple, wants animal sacrifices, and wants political leaders to support its agenda..

Perhaps it should be pointed out that the word sanhedrin basically means “council.” A version of this word is found 22 times in the New Testament. Notice two of them:

55 And the chief priests and all the sanhedrim were seeking against Jesus testimony — to put him to death (Mark 14:55, Young’s Literal Translation).

1 And Paul having earnestly beheld the sanhedrim, said, ‘Men, brethren, I in all good conscience have lived to God unto this day;’ 2 and the chief priest Ananias commanded those standing by him to smite him on the mouth, (Acts 23:1-2, YLT)

Even with a claimed 30% backing, the current reconstituted, nascent, Sanhedrin, does NOT have universal acceptance in Israel–nor is it technically a part of the Israeli government. But it does have allies and political influence–and it wants animal sacrifices.

The Sanhedrin seems to believe that a third Temple is needed to avert war:

The … nascent Sanhedrin … believe the Temple project is the only way to avert the outbreak of another Middle East war.

“The Temple, as a house of prayer for all nations, is the source of true peace,” said Rabbi Hillel Weiss, spokesman for the nascent Sanhedrin, a biblically mandated court of 71 elders, 04/15/18 http://www.wnd.com/2018/04/new-coin-minted-to-fund-building-jerusalem-temple/#LXIEspz5C9HJLs4i.99

The above, in a sense, reminded me of the view of certain ‘Fatamists’ that world peace will only happen if the Pope and all the Roman Bishops consecrate Russia–a false hope (for some details, see Pope Francis to ‘consecrate’ world to the ‘immaculate heart of Mary’).

Anyway, one of the reasons that another massive temple has not been built in Jerusalem is precisely to prevent a major war.

This has been the case for decades as even the late WCG Pastor General, Herbert W. Armstrong observed:

There has been much perplexity and discussion as to when the temple will be built to which Christ shall come. Malachi’s prophecy speaks of Christ’s second coming to His temple (Malachi 3:1-6). In Haggai’s prophecy it is referred to prophetically. Zerubbabel has been sent as governor of a colony to build the second temple 70 years after the destruction of Solomon’s temple. He built the temple to which Jesus came, though it had been enlarged and embellished by the Roman Herod. But speaking of this temple, as a type and forerunner of the temple to which Christ shall come at His second coming , it is written, “The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the ‘ Lord of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the Lord of hosts” (Haggai 2:9).

It is inconceivable that the Israelis, in the present international turmoil over their possession of old Jerusalem, could ever demolish the Arab Moslem Dome of the Rock … and build a new one there of greater splendor and glory than Solomon’s! (Armstrong HW. 7 Proofs of God’s True Church, Part 6. Plain Truth. August, 1979, p. 38)

So, is there another option for the Sanhedrin if building a massive temple is not?

Yes.

Before getting to that, notice something else from Herbert W. Armstrong as well as something Daniel was inspired to write:

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

Many of us are being tried and tested as NEVER BEFORE–and for our own good! But, verse 11, “from the time the daily sacrifice shall be taken away ….Consider this a moment. This does NOT imply a material temple to be built in our time in Jerusalem. It does seem to imply the Israelis may restore the daily (twice daily) sacrifice–possibly at the wailing wall. (Armstrong HW. The Time We Are In, Now. Pastor General’s Report-Vol 1, No. 15, November 20, 1979, Page 2)

For animal sacrifices to be taken away, they first must start.

Can they start without a massive temple?

Yes.

Notice what the Bible shows:

6 From the first day of the seventh month began they to offer burnt offerings unto the LORD. But the foundation of the temple of the LORD was not yet laid. (Ezra 3:6)

One may argue that since it takes the participation of Jewish religious leaders in order for Jewish animal sacrifices to be resumed in the 21st century, that the above scripture is a moot point.

And it might be if there were no Jewish religious leaders that thought that they could not sacrifice without a temple.

I contacted the reconstituted Sanhedrin back in 2008 to verify the view that animal sacrifices could be started before a temple is rebuilt.

The response I received was:

Rabbi Yeshayahu Hollander wrote:

רמב”ם, מעשה הקרבנות, פרק יט , הלכה טז והלכה יז:

טז [טו] מִי שֶׁשָּׁחַט קֳדָשִׁים בַּזְּמָן הַזֶּה, וְהֶעֱלָה חוּץ לָעֲזָרָה–חַיָּב: מִפְּנֵי שְׁהוּא רָאוּי לִקָּרֵב בִּפְנִים–שֶׁהֲרֵי מֻתָּר לְהַקְרִיב, אַף עַל פִּי שְׁאֵין בַּיִת, שֶׁקְּדֻשָּׁה רִאשׁוֹנָה קִדְּשָׁה לְשָׁעָתָהּ וְקִדְּשָׁה לָעֲתִיד לָבוֹא, כְּמוֹ שֶׁבֵּאַרְנוּ.
יז [טז] הַשּׁוֹחֵט קָדְשֵׁי גּוֹיִים בַּחוּץ, חַיָּב; וְכֵן הַמַּעֲלֶה אוֹתָן בַּחוּץ. וְהַגּוֹיִים מֻתָּרִין לְהַקְרִיב עוֹלוֹת לַה’, בְּכָל מָקוֹם–וְהוּא, שֶׁיַּקְרִיבוּ בַּבָּמָה שֶׁיִּבְנוּ. וְאָסוּר לְסַיְּעָן, וְלַעֲשׂוֹת שְׁלִיחוּתָן–שֶׁהֲרֵי נֶאֱסַר עָלֵינוּ לְהַקְרִיב בַּחוּץ; וּמֻתָּר לְהוֹרוֹת לָהֶם, וּלְלַמְּדָם הֵיאַךְ יַקְרִיבוּ לְשֵׁם הָאֵל בָּרוּךְ הוּא.

Translation:

Hichot Maasei HaKorbanot [The Procedures of Offering Sacrifices]

Chapter 19

Paragraph 17:

He who slaughters a Sacrifice in this period [when we have no Temple], and offered the sacrifice outside the Azara [the alloted area of the Temple] – is culpable, because the offering must be performed in the Azara, SINCE IT IS PERMITTED TO PERFORM SACRIFICES despite having no Temple, since the sanctity of the Temple is eternal.

Paragraph 18:

He who slaughters the sacrifice of a gentile outside the Azara is culpable, as is one who performs the offering. NON JEWS are permitted to offer burnt-offerings anywhere, on an alkter which they built. Jews may not help them in the performance of this sacrifice, since Jews may not offer sacrifices outside the Azara. But we may instruct them and teach them how to perform sacrifices to the Almighty God, Blessed be He.

Additionally, it is worth noting that on 5766, Rabbi Benyamin Fuss published a 445 page book on Sacrifices of non-jews, of which the text proper is of 372 pages [the rest are indices, etc.] called Torat Habamah: Regarding sacrifices on an Altar outside the Temple. (Email from the Sanhedrin webmaster Abrahamson to Bob Thiel September 17, 2008).

So, the Sanhedrin clearly believed it did not need a third temple to sacrifice.

Rabbi Yeshayahu Hollander is the English language spokesman for the nascent Sanhedrin.

The webmaster of the Sanhedrin added the following in a subsequent email to me:

This quote comes from Maimonides’ (Rambam) work the Mishneh Torah.

The nascent Sanhedrin sees itself as the continuation of rabbinic jurisprudence, and must take into account all halachic works written to date, and proceed from there. (Email from the Sanhedrin webmaster Abrahamson to Bob Thiel September 17, 2008).

Therefore, it is a longstanding position of some Jewish scholars that Jewish sacrifices can be started on an altar and, as long as it is in the area of the old temple, that a physical temple is not first required.

This is consistent with Ezra’s previously quoted practice.

Furthermore, on December 10, 2018, the Sanhedrin performed an animal sacrifice to dedicate an altar they hope to use in the future for daily sacrifices. The Continuing Church of God (CCOG) put together the following related video on our Bible News Prophecy YouTube channel:

6:57

Sanhedrin makes burnt offering to dedicate altar!

The Reconstituted Sanhedrin performed a ceremony on December 10, 2018 to dedicate a new altar for the use of daily sacrifices. High Priest Rabbi Baruch Kahane officiated. How does this align with Bible prophecy? Daniel wrote three times that the daily sacrifices must stop, hence they first must resume. The Great Tribulation will begin shortly after these sacrifices stop. In this video Dr. Thiel, who has also been to Israel and spoken with The Temple Institute quotes several scriptures and explains why the actions by the Sanhedrin align with prophecy and the end times.

Here is a link to our newest video: Sanhedrin makes burnt offering to dedicate altar!

There are three passages in the Book of Daniel showing that regular animal sacrifices will be stopped: Daniel 9:27, 11:31, and 12:11. They will be stopped by the Beast, also called the King of the North in Daniel 11.

Which means that they must be started first.

Some have misconstrued my opinions on another Jewish Temple.

The following, published by the old Worldwide Church of God just decades ago is quite similar to my position:

Is the construction of a temple in Jerusalem necessary to fulfill prophecy? The future holds some startling possibilities. Will there have to be a temple in Jerusalem before prophesied end-time events can take place? Must sacrifices be offered on the Temple Mount? Or will a physical building and sacrifices not be necessary until the Messiah has come and God’s Kingdom is set up on earth?

The answers are important for Jews and Christians alike! … Ever since the Six Day War, speculation has run rampant on whether, how and when the Jews would again worship on the Temple Mount, offer animal sacrifices or build a temple. …

Many fundamentalist Christians believe that three important events have to occur in the Holy Land before the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. One is that Israel must again become a Jewish nation, second that Jerusalem must be a Jewish city and third that a temple must be built on the Temple Mount. Two of those three events have taken place.

Jews themselves are divided on the matter of the Jewish state and the building of a temple. Some ultraorthodox Jews do not even recognize the state of Israel and believe it should not be a nation till the Messiah appears.

On the other hand, the Jewish dream of centuries began to be fulfilled when Jews began to resettle in the Holy Land. By 1948 the Jewish state of Israel had been declared a nation. Many Bible students viewed this as a fulfillment of prophecy. Then in 1967, when Israel occupied all of Jerusalem, the West Bank territory and the Golan Heights, many felt the prophesied time of the end was at hand. It seemed to some that very soon the Jews would take over the Temple Mount, offer animal sacrifices and construct the long awaited temple.

But time has passed and a temple does not seem to be forthcoming. Many questions yet remain to be answered: Would the Dome of the Rock have to be torn down to construct a Jewish temple? Is the site of the Dome of the Rock even the site of the first and second Jewish Temples? Is a temple necessary to offer sacrifices? Could worship services be conducted on the Temple Mount apart from a temple? These and other questions are being given careful consideration.

The Jewish high court in 1983 decided that the Temple Mount was indeed a holy site for Jews. They also declared that Jews have rights of access and worship on the Temple Mount. However, the political situation in Jerusalem is so delicate that no move has yet been made to attempt Jewish worship atop the Mount.

For a number of years now, certain Jews have been undergoing preparation and education for Temple Mount service, should that become a reality. A 15-year training program of priests at Yeshivah Ateret Hacohanim is preparing priests for temple service. Other groups are studying priestly ritual and the manufacture of priestly garments. From the example during the days of Zerubbabel, it seems evident that religious worship services and a sacrificial altar could be set up even if no temple is built.

There is some support, if not for a temple, for a synagogue on the Temple Mount.

Archaeological studies have led some to believe that the site of the Holy of Holies was not where the Dome of the Rock is situated, but more than 100 yards to the north. If so, a Jewish structure could be built without destroying the Muslim holy place, if the political problems could be worked out. Prophecy will be fulfilled All in all, it makes for a great deal of speculation.

Some scoff at biblical prophecy. Others look eagerly for events to fulfill it. There is no doubt that some of the prophecies that looked forward from the Babylonian captivity were fulfilled, at least in type, in the days of Ezra and Nehemiah. Other prophecies about the temple will not be fulfilled until God’s Kingdom is established. (Kelly R. Coming – A Temple in Jerusalem? Part Two. Good News, March 1985)

Both the evangelical Christians and the activist Jews are in for a shock. Whether there is to be a literal Temple building or not, Christ will be coming back this time to a spiritual Temple (I Cor. 3:16-17; II Cor. 6:16), which is now, unperceived by the world, under construction by means of the education and training of God’s begotten children today. (Gene H. Hogberg, News Bureau. Pastor General’s Report, September 7, 1984)

My position is, and always has been, that I do not believe that the Jews will be allowed to completely tear down the Dome of the Rock and build a massive temple there–though if it is destroyed in a war (like a nuclear bomb from Iran, etc.) things could change.

And, of course, the Bible shows that animal sacrifices can be done without a massive Jewish Temple by the Jews.

The Sanhedrin has shown that it is trying to start those sacrifices.

Some structure to house the altar, like perhaps a small or larger temple, is likely to be built–though a tent would also suffice.

While the Sanhedrin believes that it is simply following what the Bible teaches, because it does not accept Jesus, it pushes for animal sacrifices.

One day, those animal sacrifices will be re-instituted.

Between actions by leaders in the USA, Europe, Asia, and Israel, the end will come.

We are getting closer to that time–even though many Jewish leaders do not know how close to the end of the 6000 years we are (see Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? and/or watch Jewish Year 5779 or 5990?).

Biblical prophecies will come to pass (2 Peter 1:19).

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Nascent Sanhedrin and Prophecy The reconstituted Sanhedrin wants the reimplementation of animal sacrifices. A related video is titled Sanhedrin pushing animal sacrifices. And a newer one is: Sanhedrin makes burnt offering to dedicate altar!
Why is a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem Not Required? Although people like Timothy LaHaye teach a third Jewish temple is required, who is ‘the temple of God” in the New Testament? Does the Bible require a rebuilt Jewish Temple? Here is a related item in the Spanish language ¿Por qué no se requiere un templo judío en Jerusalén? Here is a link to a sermon titled The Temple, Prophecy, and the Work.
The Red Heifer, Jewish Beliefs, and the End of the World The Temple Institute is watching a ‘red heifer.’ Why might this be important in the sequence of end time events? Here is a related link in the Spanish language Novilla roja descubierta en EE.UU. e Instituto del Templo está interesado en ella. Here are links to three related videos in English: Red Heifers and the Fate of the World and The Red Heifer and the End of the World and Red Heifers and Antichrist? and Temple Institute, Heifers, Hamas, and a Tent. Here is a link to two videos in the Spanish language: Novillas rojas and La novilla roja y su posible implicación profetica.
Church of God on Jerusalem’s Western Hill Could this building, often referred to as the Cenacle, which is located on a Mount Zion, possibly have been the oldest actual Christian church building? There is also a video titled Might the oldest church building have prophetic ramifications?
Jerusalem: Past, Present, and Future What does the Bible say about Jerusalem and its future? Is Jerusalem going to be divided and eliminated? Is Jesus returning to the area of Jerusalem? There are also two related YouTube videos you can watch: Jerusalem To be divided and eliminated and God’s and Satan’s Plan for Jerusalem.

COGwriter

The Associated Press posted the following:

Trump made big promises and moved at frenetic speed. 100 days in, here’s what he’s done and not done

April 28, 2025

The weeks since President Donald Trump returned to office have been a whirlwind of activity to show Americans that his administration is relentlessly pursuing his promises. …

As Trump hits his 100th day in office Tuesday, his imprint is everywhere. But the long-term impact is often unclear. …

On Day 1, for example, he declared an energy emergency to spur production. …

Inflation has been falling since a peak of 9.1% in 2022. It was at 3% in January, the month Trump was inaugurated, and 2.4% in March. “We already solved inflation,” Trump boasted. …

it’s unlikely Trump will manage to “pay off all our debt.” …

Trump has clearly made progress on a signature promise to control the border.

The number of people trying to cross illegally into the U.S. from Mexico dropped steeply in President Joe Biden’s last year, from a high of 249,740 in December 2023 to 47,324 in December 2024. Under Trump, the numbers sank to only 8,346 in February and 7,181 in March. …

Trump made no secret of his fondness for tariffs or his conviction that other countries were ripping off the United States in international trade. “I will impose across-the-board tariffs on most foreign-made goods,” he said in the campaign.

He’s followed through, big time, though with frequently changing caveats. …

At rally after rally last summer, Trump promised peace between Russia and Ukraine merely by winning the election. “Before I even arrive at the Oval Office, shortly after I win the presidency, I will have the horrible war between Russia and Ukraine settled,” he told a National Guard Association conference in Detroit in August. By then, he’d been making the same vow at least since May. It did not happen. …

Trump has tested the limits of what he can do by decree, but he’ll need Congress to achieve his promised tax cuts. … the president is working with Republicans in Congress to push through legislation.  …

Trump’s threats to choke off billions in tax dollars to institutions of higher learning flow from multiple promises in the campaign — to combat antisemitism on campuses, to take on diversity, equity and inclusion programs and to rid campuses of foreign students he considers hostile to American values. … several … prominent schools signaled their willingness to comply with Trump’s demands, …

The president’s promised agenda against “woke” policy swept quickly through the government as DEI programs from the Biden years were halted and references to diversity in federal communications were purged. …

Trump campaigned against the participation of transgender athletes in sports and against broader moves in society, especially in Democratic-led jurisdictions, to accommodate views that gender is not inherently binary. He vowed to take on “transgender craziness.”

As president, he has signed executive orders to ban transgender athletes from girls’ and women’s teams. …

Elon Musk pitched Trump on his idea for a Department of Government Efficiency, which would be charged with downsizing the federal bureaucracy. “I’d love it,” Trump replied.

The result was more hands-on than many imagined. …

He promised to pardon Jan. 6 … and he did … Roughly 1,500 people … received pardons. https://apnews.com/article/trump-100-days-promises-inflation-tariffs-deportations-970c837dada26ad5f6baaa6019131cf5

Now, I more than agree with the Associated Press‘ view that “it’s unlikely Trump will manage to ‘pay off all our debt.’ ” It will be worse than that, US government debt will rise consistent with Habakkuk 2:6-8.

As far as the Associated Press‘ comment “the long-term impact is often unclear,” it reminds me of something that a reader sent me, a link to from the BBC (the photo below was also from BBC), after the first 100 days of Donald Trump’s first term:

1 May 2017

What will happen for the rest of Trump’s presidency? You might as well ask a Magic Eight ball

The first 100 days of Donald Trump’s presidency are now behind him. … the results so far are decidedly mixed. While there has been a paucity of legislative achievements, Mr Trump has notched some successes through executive action, particularly in the realm of immigration enforcement and regulatory rollback. …

But what happens next? Given what we’ve seen over the past 100 days, anything could be possible. Sometimes it feels like a Magic 8-ball would be just as good at making predictions. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-39750173

What is a Magic Eight Ball?

Face of a ‘Magic 8-Ball’

According to Wikipedia:

The Magic 8-Ball is a toy used for fortune-telling or seeking advice, developed in the 1950s and manufactured by Mattel. It is often used in fiction, often for humor related to its giving accurate, inaccurate, or otherwise statistically improbable answers. …

An 8-ball was used as a fortune-telling device in the 1940 Three Stooges short, You Nazty Spy, and called a “magic ball”. While Magic 8-Ball did not exist in its current form until 1950, the functional component was invented by Albert C. Carter, inspired by a spirit writing device used by his mother, Mary, a Cincinnati clairvoyant. …

The Magic 8-Ball is a hollow plastic sphere resembling an oversized, black-and-white 8-ball. Inside a cylindrical reservoir contains a white, plastic, icosahedral die floating in alcohol dyed dark blue. Each of the die’s 20 faces has an affirmative, negative, or non-committal statement printed in raised letters. These messages are read through a window on the ball’s bottom.

To use the ball, it must be held with the window initially facing down. After “asking the ball” a yes-no question, the user then turns the ball so that the window faces up, setting in motion the liquid and die inside. When the die floats to the top and one face presses against the window, the raised letters displace the blue liquid to reveal the message as white letters on a blue background. Although many users shake the ball before turning it upright, the instructions warn against doing so to avoid white bubbles, which interfere with the performance of the ball itself. (Magic 8-Ball. Wikipedia, accessed 05/01/17)

Can YOU KNOW what will happen?

Well, not if you are relying on a “Magic 8-Ball” or such nonsense sources.

Notice the following:

10 There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, 11 or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. 12 For all who do these things are an abomination to the Lord, and because of these abominations the Lord your God drives them out from before you. 13 You shall be blameless before the Lord your God. 14 For these nations which you will dispossess listened to soothsayers and diviners; but as for you, the Lord your God has not appointed such for you. (Deuteronomy 18:10-14)

Christians do not use Magic 8-Balls, etc. We look to the Bible (Isaiah 8:10; 66:5). Christians do “not follow cunningly devised fables” (“2 Peter 1:16).

At the COGwriter News page, the focus in on explanation of biblical doctrines as well as events aligning to fulfill properly understood, biblical prophecies. The media overlooks, and often despises, the Bible even though it is “word of truth” (2 Corinthians 6:7).

Related to the first Donald Trump presidency, after his first 100 days, we put out the following:

Trump Presidency: Magic 8 Ball or Bible Prophecy?

BBC reported that one might as well try to use a ‘Magic Eight-Ball’ to predict what will happen in the remaining time of Donald Trump’s presidency. What is a ‘Magic Eight-Ball’? Dr. Thiel not only explains that, but also briefly goes over 10 biblically-based warnings he wrote would happen if Donald Trump were elected that have already started to come to pass. He also goes over something he wrote back in 2008 that the Trump presidency is also helping lead to fulfillment. Should you trust Bible prophecy or not?

After Donald Trump was in office the second time, after about two weeks, the Continuing Church of God put together the following video on our Bible News Prophecy YouTube channel discussing various views and scriptures about that:

14:43

Donald Trump and Unintended Consequences

Under President Trump the U.S.A. may impose tariffs on other countries. Are there any unintended consequences? Under certain circumstances, President Trump may not militarily defend other members of the NATO alliance. Are there any unintended consequences? Under President Trump, migrants’ asylum appointments have been canceled. Are there any unintended consequences? Might the unintended consequences of a Donald Trump Presidency actually lead to the rise of the Beast that enforces all buying and selling through the mark of the Beast – 666? If so, who might that beast be? Dr. Thiel shines the light of Biblical prophecy on the unintended consequences of a Donald Trump Presidency.

Here is a link to our video: Donald Trump and Unintended Consequences.

Are you interested in having an idea of what types of things will happen later because of a Donald Trump presidency?

Although space (as well as rules from Amazon Kindle) does not permit putting all of the book here, readers might find the following from part of Chapter 7 of my book, Unintended Consequences and Donald Trump’s Presidency: Is Donald Trump Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic, Greco-Roman Catholic, Buddhist, and other America-Related Prophecies?, to be of interest:

7.  20 Reasons Why Donald Trump is Apocalyptic

The last book of the Bible is referred to as “Revelation” or the Apocalypse (the Greek term which means revealing, and this was given to the Apostle John on the island of Patmos, per Revelation 1:9).

My use of the word “apocalyptic” is intended to emphatically be biblical (not political), as rooted in the understanding of the prophetic books of the Bible, including the Book of Revelation, also called the Apocalypse.

Although Donald Trump is not, and will not, be the final Antichrist (see chapter 3), there are reasons to believe that the rising of the prophesied final ten-horned beast power (Revelation 13:1) and the destruction of the United States could possibly begin in the last year of his administration. And this destruction is likely to include terrorism and partial nuclear devastation.

Because he does not seem to understand many end-time biblical events, this perhaps will lead him to be more accommodating to the rise of the King of the North and King of the South powers than one who believed and understands end-time prophecy would likely have supported.

Here are twenty specific reasons indicating some of how Donald Trump is “apocalyptic”:

1. The timing of his rise in prominence. We are in the last days of what looks to be God’s 6000/7000 year plan. A day to God is like 1000 years (2 Peter 3:8; Psalm 90:4), and since it is wise to know the days (Psalm 90:12), this is a reason that Donald Trump would be apocalyptic. We are getting close to the end of the time God gave humans to rule themselves. Thus, we are close to the start of the Great Tribulation and the fulfillment of related prophecies in the Book of Revelation.
2. Donald Trump supports the arming of various nations to defend themselves and not expect the USA to defend them. This suggests he would be supportive of the type of confederation that will lead to the formation of the final King of the South and deadly King of the North of biblical prophecy (Daniel 11:31-43).
3. Donald Trump loves debt, which the Bible condemns as a curse (Deuteronomy 28:15,44). He has proposed many things that are expected to greatly increase the debt of the USA.[i] Increasing national debt will lead to destruction at the appointed time of the end (Habakkuk 2:3–8). He will not be able to reverse enough of the debt to stop Habakkuk 2:3-8 from being fulfilled.
4. Donald Trump has often encouraged increased military spending by the Europeans. And while American taxpayers may see this as a good thing, this increased spending will help lead to the rise of the prophesied King of the North, who is to be the final leader of the Beast of Revelation (Revelation 13:1-10). Unlike his predecessors, Donald Trump has threatened to not defend nations in Europe if they will not increase their military spending. This approach has greatly concerned various leaders in Europe. Donald Trump is helping enable the rise of the King of the North/Beast power who will be in league with the final Antichrist.
5. Donald Trump’s rise has also spurred the Europeans to further unify among themselves, especially when combined with the Brexit vote that Donald Trump encouraged. While the Bible shows the Europeans will have difficulties being together (Daniel 2:41-43), it also shows that they will reorganize and unite (Revelation 17:12-13). Donald Trump has been pointed to by various European leaders as ‘proof’ that Europe needs more unification and distance from the USA.
6. Donald Trump is greedy, prideful, and despite claiming to be a Christian, in 2015 he stated he never repented. The Bible teaches one needs to repent to be a Christian (Acts 2:38-39), “be sure your sin will find you out” (Numbers 32:23), and that “Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18). The God of the Bible expects leaders to encourage repentance and moral behavior when they are subject to destructive punishment (cf. Jonah 3:6-9). Donald Trump, like many other U.S. politicians, does not seem to believe that the USA needs to repent for its sins against God. Yet, without national repentance (Ezekiel 18:30-32; Hosea 7:14-16; 11:3-7), the USA is doomed for destruction (Isaiah 30:12-13; Daniel 11:39).
7. Donald Trump does not seem to realize the inherent danger for the USA to rely on Europe’s upcoming Galileo “GPS” for part of the USA’s military defense. This would appear to give the rising European power a unique offensive and defensive capability against the USA (cf. Daniel 11:39; Revelation 13:3-4). It is dangerous to have a potential enemy control portions of one’s military communications systems.
8. Donald Trump has been a polarizing figure and has offended many including minorities, migrants, and Muslims. Expect civil unrest and rioting. The Bible prophesies “There shall be terror within” (Deuteronomy 32:25). The Bible also specifically warns of problems from Arabic/Islamic peoples in the end times (Psalm 83:3-8). Some Afghanis and Syrians, including some already in the USA, may take terroristic actions, as that too is consistent with biblical prophecy (cf. Isaiah 9:8-9, 11-12).
9. Though opposing some, Donald Trump supports various aspects of the LGBTQ+ agenda. The God of the Bible expects leaders to encourage repentance and moral behaviors when they are subject to destructive punishment (cf. Jonah 3:6-9). Donald Trump, like many other U.S. politicians, does not seem to believe that the USA needs to repent for its sins against God. Yet, without national repentance, the USA is doomed for destruction (Isaiah 30:12-13; Daniel 11:39). Of course, people are supposed to pray for political leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-3), and that should be done irrespective if one agrees with the leader. Sometimes, leaders and/or their policies change.
10. By focusing too much on threats from China and almost always considering the Europeans as some type of allies, a Donald Trump Administration is currently not expected to reverse the Asian ‘pivot’ strategy. Unless he changes that, this pivot will help result in destruction of the USA.
11. Donald Trump is an admitted adulterer, strip club and casino owner, and married a woman who was professionally engaged in soft pornography. By encouraging and not discouraging aspects of biblical immorality, Donald Trump is setting the USA up for punishment (Isaiah 30:12-13; Romans 1:18-32) that has and will include troubles, violence, weather problems, earthquakes, food shortages, and pestilences (Mark 13:7-8; Luke 21:10-11). The time will come when these problems will further worsen.
12. Donald Trump believes HE can make the United States great again. Biblically, this is not the case, though he could help in several areas. Morally, economically, and militarily, the USA has been in decline (though the military decline is still more relative to the climb of others). We will one day hear proclamations of false peace and safety and the Bible warns repeatedly end time destruction will follow those declarations (1 Thessalonians 5:3; Jeremiah 6:14-15; Isaiah 9:9-10).
13. Donald Trump’s history of corporate bankruptcies demonstrate that he has been willing to not pay his debts.  The Bible teaches, “The wicked borrows and does not repay” (Psalms 37:21). That is not good. Donald Trump has also hinted about defaulting or renegotiating the USA debt—if he does that, this will not set well with foreign creditors
14. Jesus warned about a coming time of pestilences as part of the beginning of sorrows (Matthew 24:4-8)—they are consistent with the ride of the 4^th horseman of the Apocalypse (Revelation 6:7-8)—that ride may well start in the second term of a Donald Trump Administration.  Actions and/or inactions by Donald Trump will likely put the USA at increased risk of problems from pestilences.
15. His misstatements, name calling, exaggerations, and negotiating strategies show that he is not always honest. This is not good (Proverbs 29:2; Psalm 15:1-4). His bragging statements, etc. are consistent with those warned about for the last days in 2 Timothy 3:1-6.
16. His religious views hint that he is somewhat ‘ecumenical.’ An ecumenical power is warned about in the Bible and is expected to rise up in the end times (Zechariah 2:6-8; Revelation 17; 18). I expect him to make inter-faith/ecumenical supporting statements.
17. He has made statements suggesting a of loss of privacy and favoring unlimited government control. This type of thing will be exploited by 666 of Revelation 13:16-18.
18. Donald Trump seems to be the type of person who would support the ‘peace deal’ of Daniel 9:27, which precedes the start of the Great Tribulation by a few years.
19. His policies are pushing nations away from the USA and helping set the stage for the final times of the Gentiles (cf. Ezekiel 7:24, 39:23; Luke 21:24).
20. His statements are getting more in Europe to consider that they need to reorganize and support some type of a strong man leader. The Bible shows that will happen in Revelation 17:12-13.

The Great Tribulation, itself, cannot begin until at least 2028. It, thus, may possibly begin in a year that Donald Trump could be president.

[i] Lawder D. Trump’s tax, spending plans would add twice as much debt as Harris’, budget group says. Reuters, October 7, 2024

The Associated Press, like the BBC eight years ago, missed many items of prophetic significance.

The morning after his reelection, I wrote:

According to the major media, Donald Trump won re-election. … Europe will get more serious about trade deals with others internationally, such as being more motivated to approve the trade deal with the Mercosur block of South America. (Thiel B. Media declares Donald Trump won the election–now what? y Donald trump y eventos para observar. COGwriter, November 6, 2024)

On December 6, 2024, Politico reported that the European Union approved the massive Mercosur trade deal, despite opposition from France and others, and also pointed to Donald Trump’s reelection as a factor (see Donald Trump is end of ‘American Century’? The British ‘Century’ also ended. so what is next? Plus, EU makes Mercosur deal consistent with COGwriter prediction!)

Now since my book, Unintended Consequences and Donald Trump’s Presidency: Is Donald Trump Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic, Greco-Roman Catholic, Buddhist, and other America-Related Prophecies? came out, world events have aligned with several warning, predictions, and unintended consequences pointed to in it. Below, in italics, are statements from that book, with the page numbers where the prediction can be found in the printed book shown within ():

1. Pushing tariffs and other policies that foreign nations do not like is contributing to other nations looking to bypass the USA dollar, as well as trade more with each other and less with the USA. This will further push various globalist’s moves forward without the USA. (p.210) Confirmation: Because of tariff threats from Donald Trump, on 1/21/25, EU President Ursula von der Leyen stated that Europe would seek out others to trade with (https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-donald-trump-america-we-have-other-options-ursula-von-der-leyen/). On 2/27/25, Ursula von der Leyen went to India to push for closer trade ties for reasons including Donald Trump’s tariff pushing (https://www.dw.com/en/von-der-leyen-arrives-in-india-to-strengthen-partnership/a-71768504). On 4/16/25 she declared that, “Everyone is asking for more trade with Europe” https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/04/16/the-west-as-we-knew-it-no-longer-exists-von-der-leyen-says-amid-trump-tensions.
2. Gold will set records in U.S. dollar terms. … … gold will set further records in U.S. dollar terms in the relatively near future. (pp. 205, 206) Confirmation: Gold hit a record price on 1/31/25 (https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/gold-hits-record-high-trump-tariff-worries-mount-2025-01-31/) and did it again on 02/10/25 as well as in March and April. The record price of gold reflects a record minimum value in gold for the USA dollar.
3. Expect more protests against Donald Trump. (p. 15) There are issues with what Donald Trump says when he speaks. I expect protests. (p. 44). Donald Trump has been a polarizing figure and has offended many including minorities, migrants, and Muslims. Expect civil unrest and rioting. The Bible prophesies “There shall be terror within” (Deuteronomy 32:25). (p. 89). Confirmation: Numerous protests as well as some violence have begun 03/17/25 (https://www.npr.org/2025/03/17/nx-s1-5328626/elon-musk-protests-tesla-takedown) and 03/16/25 (https://endoftheamericandream.com/why-is-the-media-so-quiet-about-the-anti-trump-violence-that-is-erupting-all-over-the-nation/)
4. One of the unintended consequence of his actions is, that after crises (cf. Revelation 6:7-8), more Europeans will decide that they need their own even stronger leader—which will happen per Revelation 13:10 and 17:13. (pp. 58-59) Partial confirmation: This already started to happen at a European political conference on 2/08/25 (https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/02/08/your-time-is-over-far-right-leaders-take-on-the-eus-mainstream-parties). And at least one German politician, Friedrich Merz, has been called ‘The Führer ‘ on 03/23/25 (https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/fuhrer-germany-friedrich-merz-war-spending-frenzy) and on 4/10/25  “The man Europe has been waiting for” and he stated “Germany is getting a strong and capable government” (https://www.yahoo.com/news/friedrich-merz-man-europe-waiting-161655776.html).
5. Donald Trump has often encouraged increased military spending by the Europeans. … Donald Trump is helping enable the rise of the King of the North/Beast power who will be in league with the final Antichrist. (p. 87)  Confirmation: This is confirmed. Consider that Kaja Kallas, Vice President of the European Commission stated on 1/22/25 that Europe needs to spend more as Donald Trump called for (https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/01/22/eu-must-spend-more-than-1-of-gdp-on-defence-to-prepare-for-the-worst-kallas-says). On 3/04/25, EU President von der Leyen proposed spending €800 on the military (https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/03/04/von-der-leyen-pitches-800bn-defence-package-ahead-of-eu-leaders-summit). About the same time, Germany’s Friedrich Merz proposed spending €1 trillion (https://europeanconservative.com/articles/news/cdu-spd-constitutional-amendment-defence-infrastructure-spending-bypassing-new-bundestag/). “Europe has become convinced that its American ally will no longer guarantee its security, and has decided to rearm massively” 03/26/25 (https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/03/26/readiness-2030-how-is-europe-planning-to-rearm-and-can-it-afford-it).
6. Donald Trump’s rise has also spurred the Europeans to further unify among themselves. … Donald Trump has been pointed to by various European leaders as ‘proof’ that Europe needs more unification and distance from the USA. (p. 88) Partial confirmation: More of this has since happened (https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/01/22/eu-must-spend-more-than-1-of-gdp-on-defence-to-prepare-for-the-worst-kallas-says and https://www.msn.com/en-gb/money/other/eu-enlargement-debate-at-davos-focuses-on-europe-s-global-role-and-growth/ar-AA1xBhgq?ocid=finance-verthp-feeds) and a EU foreign ministers meeting on 1/27/25 called for a unified approach to deal with US President Donald Trump and what analysts refer to as his “divide and rule policy” (https://www.dw.com/en/eu-sanctions-russia-trump-2025/a-71427544). Europeans have called for a “New World Order Based on European Values” 03/24/25 (https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/new-world-order-european-values-unholy-union-globalism-and-anti-free-speech-measures). And “the old world order appears to be over – and the new world order has yet to take shape” 03/26/25 (https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2er9j83x0zo). On 4/16/25, EU President von der Leyen basically confirmed European unity and distance from the US and apparently because of Donald Trump stated, “The West as we knew it no longer exists,” (https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/04/16/the-west-as-we-knew-it-no-longer-exists-von-der-leyen-says-amid-trump-tensions).
7. Donald Trump … Many have rightly pointed out that he often acts as a bully. (p. 47). Confirmation: This has happened within weeks of Donald Trump taking office (e.g. https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/europe/trump-zelensky-us-deal-ukraine-russia-war-b2702046.html) and https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2025-02-10/trump-is-not-an-isolationist-hes-a-bully-and-that-hurts-us-influence-in-the-world).
8. It is believed that Donald Trump will likely use some type of “maximum pressure” strategy again against Iran during his next Administration. (p. 67) Confirmation: This is now his Administration’s position and Iran is not happy with it (https://www.dw.com/en/iran-says-will-not-bow-to-us-maximum-pressure-strategy/a-71745081).

9. The Bible teaches about a great power who will be destroyed by its friends, who become enemies (Lamentations 1:1-2)—some statements by Donald Trump are pushing “friends” (NATO allies) into being enemies. (pp. 48-49) Partial Confirmation: It has been reported that Donald Trump is turning USA friends into enemies, “frenemies” (https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c93ll927v18o). On 4/16/25, EU President von der Leyen would not confirm that the US was a friend (https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/04/16/the-west-as-we-knew-it-no-longer-exists-von-der-leyen-says-amid-trump-tensions). Statements from Trump-Vance Administration leaders have insulted Europe 03/25/25 (https://www.euronews.com/2025/03/25/pathetic-european-free-loading-us-officials-slam-europe-in-leaked-chat) ” “Horrific to see in black and white. But hardly surprising,” is how a top European diplomat reacted to what comes across as deep, heartfelt disdain for European allies” 03/25/25 (https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c204vl27n2qo) and “nearly three quarters of French people now think that the United States is not an ally of France. A … very large majority in Denmark, … historically pro-American … have unfavourable views of the United States as well” 03/26/25 (https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2er9j83x0zo)

10. Jesus warned about a coming time of pestilences as part of the beginning of sorrows (Matthew 24:4-8)—they are consistent with the ride of the 4^th horseman of the Apocalypse (Revelation 6:7-8)—that ride may well start in the second term of a Donald Trump Administration. Actions and/or inactions by Donald Trump will likely put the USA at increased risk of problems from pestilences. (p. 90) Potential confirmation: Donald Trump announced he is pulling the USA out of the World Health Organization (https://fortune.com/well/2025/01/21/trump-who-us-remove-world-health-organization/).

11. His policies are pushing nations away from the USA and helping set the stage for the final times of the Gentiles (cf. Ezekiel 7:24, 39:23; Luke 21:24). (p. 91) Potential confirmation: Donald Trump’s comments at the WEF reportedly silenced the crowd and made them “stone-faced” (Donald Trump speaks virtually to the WEF’s Davos meeting and pushes USA fossil fuels and trade matters). These leaders were not pleased and will take actions. Ursula von der Leyen said “Europe will keep seeking co-operation — not only with our long-time, like-minded friends, but with any country we share interests with” https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-donald-trump-america-we-have-other-options-ursula-von-der-leyen/. She also on 4/16/25 confirmed that many nations are contacting the EU, because of US tariff and other actions https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/04/16/the-west-as-we-knew-it-no-longer-exists-von-der-leyen-says-amid-trump-tensions.
12. His statements are getting more in Europe to consider that they need to reorganize and support some type of a strong man leader. The Bible shows that will happen in Revelation 17:12-13. (p. 91) Speculative confirmation: I cannot imagine that at the WEF and within the EU they are not discussing something like a stronger European leader and a reorganization of Europe. For example the chief executive of a European bank at the WEF conference stated,  “I heard the EU talking about the willingness to make changes,” and “The truth of the matter is every time they do something they create more bureaucracy, more complexity. They need to have a huge reset” (https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/jan/24/davos-donald-trump-tariffs-eu-us). Germans have noticed that what they call the “far right” is gaining because of Donald Trump and that right wing leaders look more useful now (https://www.german-foreign-policy.com/en/news/detail/9836 01/21/25). Furthermore, EU President Von der Leyen said this week, “To sustain our growth in the next quarter of the century, Europe must shift gears,” (https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/jan/24/davos-donald-trump-tariffs-eu-us) that sounds like a plea to reorganize.
13. Official USA debt will rise in Donald Trump’s second term in office. Donald Trump supported a bill to increase debt 03/15/25 (https://www.barrons.com/articles/ai-stocks-nvidia-amazon-microsoft-coreweave-ipo-ddee09ff)

There will be many unintended consequences of the Trump-Vance Administration. Donald Trump was not sent by God to save America.

Now look at part of number 22 of my 2024 list of 25 items to prophetically watch in 2025:

22. Reelection of Donald Trump and His Adminstration

In the Bible News Prophecy magazine, October-December 2024 edition, number 22 was listed as “The Incoming US Presidential Administration”

So, it was renamed.

The reelection of Donald Trump has sent shockwaves throughout the world as well as through the legacy media of the United States.

It has brought both hope to some and worry to others.

Donald Trump will be apocalyptic. At least 20 warnings/predictions I made before his last Administration assumed office came to pass (for details see Donald Trump in Prophecy).

Look for Donald Trump and His Administration to offend the Europeans, cause international trade concerns, push many nations further away from the United States, change matters in Ukraine, affect matters in the Middle East, impact US energy production, impact immigration, impact the move away from the US dollar, and further divide many in the United States.

Notice the last statement above.

ALL of those things have happened since the inauguration.

There have been many prophetic and other unintended consequences of the Trump-Vance Administration–and there will be more.

The Bible tells us things that will happen.

We do not need a Magic 8-Ball like the BBC once published nor do we  have to be in the dark as the main media, like the Associated Press is.

The United States, itself, needs repentance, the return of Jesus, and the coming Kingdom of God.

COGwriter

The main body of the European Union has long consider that Hungary, under its Prime Minister Viktor Orban, is a problem. Some have wondered if it plans to leave the European Union. According to Viktor Orban, the answer is no:

Orbán Hits Back At Tusk’s Disinformation Over Hungary Leaving The EU

April 27, 2025

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán firmly denied allegations made by Polish opposition leader Donald Tusk that Hungary might leave the European Union, clarifying that his intent is to reform, not abandon, the bloc. …

“Prime Minister Orbán is speaking openly today about Hungary’s exit from the European Union. It was worth winning the elections so that Kaczyński’s dream of “Budapest in Warsaw” would never come true. This is also at stake in the upcoming elections,” Tusk tweeted, referencing the famous remarks made by the leader of the Polish opposition Conservatives (PiS), Jarosław Kaczyński, after his party lost the 2011 Polish election.

Addressing Tusk directly, Orbán replied on the same platform:

“Dear Donald, don’t raise your hopes too high. Hungary will not leave the EU. We will transform it with the Patriots for Europe, to restore it to what it once was when Poland and Hungary joined.” …

Orbán made clear that Hungary’s interest in EU membership extends far beyond financial benefits, pointing out the importance of a single market of 400 million consumers to Hungarian exports, 85 percent of which flow to EU member states. Instead, he advocated for substantial reforms, suggesting that his newly formed group in the European Parliament, Patriots for Europe (PfE), would eventually become influential enough to “dictate” terms for the bloc’s transformation. https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/orban-hits-back-tusks-disinformation-over-hungary-leaving-eu

The Bible shows that Europe will reorganize:

12 The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast. 13 These are of one mind, and they will give their power and authority to the beast. (Revelation 17:12-13).

Hungary has long been a part of a European empire.

Notice something from a book by Hungary’s Ambassador to the Vatican, Eduard Habsburg, titled The Habsburg Way:

The Holy Roman Empire … was shaped by, the Habsburg family for hundreds of years …

Holy Roman Empire … by the Middle Ages, this state structure governed most of the Roman Empire’s former territory including Germany, Netherlands, Austria, Slovenia, Czeck Republic, the territory of today’s Poland, and Northern Italy.

The idea of centralized government in the Habsburg lands began to advance under Maria Theresia. … In some ways, centalization was inspired by the Masonic idea that reason could determine the best policy, and therefore that all change could come from above and be implemented by a small, virtuous elite.

In the end, the idea of empire (in German reich) has shaped Europe for nearly six hundred years, with greater and lesser success. But one historical curiosity above the Holy Roman Empire is that, according to legal scholars, it never officially, legally ended. … even after 1806 when the Holy Roman Empire ended. … So, very technically speaking, empire continues to even to this day. … perhaps one day in the future it will once again be “en-soul” a united Europe?

Dr. Otto von Habsburg … From the birth of the Paneuropa Union, in 1952, Otto fought for a united Europe … In 1973, Otto became head of the International Paneuropa Movement, and in 1979 he was elected to the European Parliament for the first time. … he insisted that symbolic seats in the Parliament be kept empty for the future for countries still trapped behind the Iron Curtain. …

We Habsburgs still live by traditional family values and live by them. … Are we waiting for the monarchy to return? No. (Or are we?)

(Habsburg E. The Habsburg Way: Seven Rules for Turbulent Times. Sophia Institute Press, 2023)

So, apparently on paper, according to Eduard Habsburg, the Holy Roman Empire has not actually ended.

The reality is that, with the exception of Switzerland (which has many EU ties, but is not officially part of it), the territory the ‘Holy Roman Empire’ once controlled is part of the European Union.

It is also of interest to note that Eduard Hapsburg was advocating for some type of Holy Roman Empire with perhaps a monarch ruling over it.

Related to the European Union and Hungary, consider that the Vatican has endorsed the EU and wants it to remember its heritage. Pope Francis once stated:

It is vital, then, to recover the European spirit: the excitement and vision of its founders, who were statesmen able to look beyond their own times, beyond national boundaries and immediate needs, and to generate forms of diplomacy capable of pursuing unity, not aggravating divisions. … Europe, since it is composed of many great and diverse links that derive their solidity and strength from being joined together. In this regard, the Christian faith can be a resource, and Hungary can act as a “bridge builder” by drawing upon its specific ecumenical character. (Francis, Pope. APOSTOLIC JOURNEY OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS to HUNGARY, 28 – 30 APRIL 2023. MEETING WITH THE AUTHORITIES, CIVIL SOCIETY AND THE DIPLOMATIC CORPS ADDRESS OF HIS HOLINESS Former Carmelite Monastery-Budapest. Friday, 28 April 2023. https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2023/april/documents/20230428-ungheria-autorita.html#:~:text=It%20is%20vital%2C%20then%2C%20to,pursuing%20unity%2C%20not%20aggravating%20divisions. accessed 05/08/24)

Pope Francis wanted the EU to recover its ties to the Holy Roman Empire, be unified, and support his version of the Christian faith.

Europe will end up with a more religious connection than it now has.

And yes, Hungary will be part of what is coming. The Habsburgs do not have much power now, but do have influence, with people like Eduard Hapsburg.

In the 20th century, Otto von Hapsburg was a fairly influential leader in Europe. He had been an acquaintance and guest of the late Herbert W. Armstrong.

Otto von Hapsburg visited Ambassador College in the 1980s and his vision of a united Europe was published in The Plain Truth magazine back then. Here is something the old WCG published related to him:

Otto von Habsburg MAN WITH A MISSION

OTTO VON HABSBURG, many believe, has a clearer grasp of international affairs than almost any political figure alive.

Of course, Dr. Habsburg is no average politician. He is the head of the 700-year-old House of Habsburg, one of the most prestigious royal families in European history. …

In an interview with staff members of the Plain Truth magazine, and in speeches at Ambassador College, Pasadena, California and before the Los Angeles World Affairs Council, the energetic 71-year-old Dr. Habsburg hammered home one theme time and again: the need, he claims, for the nations of Europe to unite in order for the Continent to be prepared for unprecedented dangers in the near future.

The goal of a united Europe colors nearly everything he writes and says — almost preaches — in his dynamic, fast-tempo speeches (at which he uses no notes). As one biographer wrote: “He lives only for the cause that sustains him.” …

Realism further dictates, says Dr. Habsburg, that Europeans do more for themselves in the way of defense. …

Dr. Habsburg is known for advocating a strong religious role in any future united Europe. …

As far as Dr. Habsburg is concerned, the process of European unification is already irreversible. “We are well beyond the point of no return,” he says, predicting confidently that “we are ‘condemned’ to success.” (Hogberg G. Otto von Habsburg MAN WITH A MISSION. Plain Truth, March 1984)

Well, biblically, Europe is condemned to unite, conquer the USA, UK, and rule the world economically for a time, until it is destroyed.

Helping make that happen may well be ‘the Habsburg way,’ though the Habsburgs may not realize that.

In 2011, Otto von Hapsburg died.

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

In the 21st century there are Habsburg’s (sometimes spelled Hapsburg) with political influence in at least Austria, Georgia, Germany, Hungary, Sweden, Ukraine, and the European Parliament. Perhaps I should mention that many of the queens of France and Portugal were daughters of Habsburgs (as well as some in other lands as well) (see also Habsburg Family Still Influential in and Near Europe for more details).

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

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

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

Notice a couple of Roman Catholic predictions related to someone who returns after a long period of exile:

Abbot Joachim (died 1202): At that time a handsome monarch, a scion of King Pepin, will come as a pilgrim to witness the splendor of this glorious pontiff, whose name shall begin with R (Culleton, The Prophets and Our Times, pp. 147-148).

Josefa von Bourg (d. 1807): God will choose a descendant of Constantine, Pepin, and St. Louis, who has been tried by a long period of exile to rule over Europe. He will have the sign of the cross on his breast…Under him the Catholic religion will spread as never before (Culleton, The Prophets and Our Times, pp. 181-182; Connor, p.37).

Note: Although not commonly used in modern English, “scion” means “descendant.” It has been claimed that the Habsburg line descended from Charlemagne, and King Pepin was the father of Charlemagne. Many of the prophecies suggest that the Great Monarch is French in some manner (see also The Great Monarch: Biblical and Catholic Prophecies). But the Baron, while partially of Frankish descent, is considered to be German–so he fits or does not fit depending upon how many of the prophecies are analyzed.

The Bible itself warns that a “prince” (Daniel 9:26-27) will become the “King of the North” (Daniel 11:31-40). So, since the Baron is a Habsburg descendant, he could well be considered as a prince, in a sense (but he is not generally officially considered to be royalty like a prince would be). And perhaps, he will only remain a prince. While he is not ruling over Europe at this time, he is influential there and seems to be taking steps related to European politics. He may well rise much further in time, with just a small number of supporters initially (cf. Daniel 11:23).

Anyway, despite problems in Europe, it will reorganize.

Hungary will be part of it.

The world will see what the Habsburg way leads to!

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.
Must the Ten Kings of Revelation 17:12 Rule over Ten Currently Existing Nations? Some claim that these passages refer to a gathering of 10 currently existing nations together, while one group teaches that this is referring to 11 nations getting together. Is that what Revelation 17:12-13 refers to? The ramifications of misunderstanding this are enormous. Here is a link to a related sermon in the Spanish language: ¿Deben los Diez Reyes gobernar sobre diez naciones? A related sermon in the English language is titled: Ten Kings of Revelation and the Great Tribulation.
Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North? Is the former German Defense Minister (who is also the former German Minister for Economics and Technology) one to watch? What do Greco-Roman Catholic, Byzantine, and biblical prophecies suggest? A video of related interest would be: Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg and Europe’s Future. A shorter one is also available: The Middle East, Prophecy, and Karl Theodor zu Guttenberg.
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 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.
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.

COGwriter

The European Union is not pleased with the US and is moving towards a new world order without US leadership.

ZeroHedge posted the following:

Europe’s Anti-American Shift: Now Globalists Are The Saviors Of The West?

April 26, 2025

Nationalism is villainous and globalists are the heroes? It’s a propaganda message that has been building since the end of World War II and the creation of globalist institutions like the UN, the IMF, World Banks, etc. By the 1970s there was a concerted and dangerous agenda to acclimate the western world to interdependency; not just dependency on imports and exports, but dependency of currency trading, treasury purchases and interbank wealth transfer systems like SWIFT. …

The globalists use international trade controls as a way to ensnare competing economies, forcing them to become homogeneous. They take away the self reliance of nations and pressure them to conform to global trade standards. It’s important to understand that they view centralized dominance of trade as a primary tool for eventually obtaining their new world order.

The idea of a country going off the plantation and initiating unilateral tariffs is unheard of. The notion of countries producing their own necessities is absurd. As least, until 2025.

One of the most humorous and bewildering side effects of the Trump Administration’s policy rollout is the scramble by the political left (especially in Europe) to portray themselves as “rebel heroes fighting for freedom” in the face of a supposedly tyrannical dictatorship. Of course, these are globalists and cultural Marxists we’re dealing with, so their definitions of “freedom” and “tyranny” are going to be irreparably skewed.

The EU elites have truly lost the plot when it comes to their message on “democracy”. Today, many European nations are spiraling into classical authoritarianism, yet they’re pretending as if they’re in a desperate fight for freedom. … they have to believe that globalism is their savior. They have to believe that globalists are somehow saving the world. Enter the new world order …

The Trump Administration instituting “America First” policies is being called authoritarian by the elites because these things interfere with THEIR agenda, not because Americans are being oppressed. …

The EU government is a pure oligarchy with near zero accountability and it is actively trying to suppress and destroy any national party with conservative views. …

These people are at the epicenter of the death of the western world and many of them don’t even know it. In the meantime they’re being told that America is ruining them. https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/europes-anti-american-shift-now-globalists-are-saviors-west

The Continuing Church of God put together the following video on our Bible News Prophecy YouTube channel discussing various views and scriptures about that:

14:57

Europe wants to lead a new world order

Many political analysts are commenting on the total melt down of the European Union. Many feel Europe has lost all power, wealth and influence in the world. Is Europe really dead? Will it crumble and fall apart into separate countries as some say? How does Europe feel about its future. Do they have the same feelings as many political analysts? Or does Europe feel confident about its future? In fact, is it even possible that Europe feels so confident about its future that it feels it is ready to take the lead in developing a “new world order,” with Europe as the central power? Listen as Dr. Thiel sheds the light of Biblical Prophecy on the mortal head wound of Rev 13:3. Could that mortal wound relate to Europe? If so, how? What about Europe’s relationship with the United States. Does Europe still consider the USA a friend and ally? Learn what Europe and its new allies do to the United States and the “Five Eyes”! Dan 11:39 he shall cause them to rule over many, and divide the land for gain – Who rules over many? Who divides the land for gain? What land do they divide? The time is at hand! As we rapidly approach the end times listen in as Dr. Thiel brings to light world events. This includes the world events leading to the “new world order” the fate of the USA.

Here is a link to our video: Europe wants to lead a new world order.

A new world order is in the process of being formed.

It will not be nice, but according to biblical prophecies, it will be led by a European dictator until Jesus returns (Revelation 17:12-13).

Remember that “he who endures to the end shall be saved” (Matthew 24:13) and pray for God’s kingdom to come (Matthew 6:10).

Some items of 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.
Is a Great Reset Coming? Klaus Schwab of the World Economic Forum has proposed a societal change that has been basically endorsed by the Vatican and many world leaders. Does the Bible prophesy a major reset? Here is a link to a related video: Will there be a “Great Reset”?
Satan’s Plan Does Satan have a plan? What is it? Has it already been successful? Will it be successful in the future? Here are links to a two-part sermon series: What are Some of the Parts of Satan’s Plan? and Satan’s Plan is More Dramatic than Many Realize.
Unintended Consequences and Donald Trump’s Presidency: Is Donald Trump Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic, Greco-Roman Catholic, Buddhist, and other America-Related Prophecies?  Is Donald Trump going to save the USA or are there going to be many disastrous unintended consequences of his statements and policies? What will happen. The link takes you to a book available at Amazon.com.
Unintended Consequences and Donald Trump’s Presidency: Is Donald Trump Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic, Greco-Roman Catholic, Buddhist, and other America-Related Prophecies? Kindle edition is available for only US$3.99. And you do not need an actual Kindle device to read it. Why? Amazon will allow you to download it to almost any device: Please click HERE to download one of Amazon s Free Reader Apps. After you go to for your free Kindle reader and then go to Unintended Consequences and Donald Trump’s Presidency: Is Donald Trump Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic, Greco-Roman Catholic, Buddhist, and other America-Related Prophecies?
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.

(Pixabay image)

COGwriter

Dementia looks to be a growing problem. Here is information related to a study identifying some risk factors:

April 26, 2025

While dementia is much more common in older adults, hundreds of thousands of people are diagnosed with young-onset dementia (YOD) each year …

Most previous research in this area has looked at genetics passed down through generations, but here, the team was able to identify 15 different lifestyle and health factors that are associated with YOD risk. …

Low socioeconomic status, social isolation, hearing impairment, stroke, diabetes, heart disease, and depression were all associated with a higher risk of YOD.

The researchers described the relationship between alcohol and YOD as “complex”. …

Higher levels of formal education and lower physical frailty (measured through higher handgrip strength) were also associated with a lower YOD risk. This all helps to fill in some of the knowledge gaps around YOD.

“We already knew from research on people who develop dementia at older age that there are a series of modifiable risk factors,” said neuroepidemiologist Sebastian Köhler from Maastricht University in the Netherlands.

“In addition to physical factors, mental health also plays an important role, including avoiding chronic stress, loneliness, and depression.” …

Ultimately, dementia may be something we can reduce the risk of by living healthier lives. …

The research has been published in JAMA Neurology. https://www.sciencealert.com/massive-study-links-15-factors-to-early-dementia-risk

Now, do not think because you may not be highly educated that you are doomed to have dementia.

Notice something that the Apostle Peter wrote:

17 You therefore, beloved, … 18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen. (2 Peter 3:17-18)

One does not grow in grace and knowledge without gaining knowledge. Growing in grace and knowledge not only helps us spiritually, but helps us be able to better help others and give love to make things better. Which is actually why God put humans on the earth (see also The MYSTERY of GOD’s PLAN: Why Did God Create Anything? Why Did God Make You?).

Peter also wrote:

5 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, 7 to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. 8 For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.

10 Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; 11 for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 1:5-11)

Christians are to add knowledge, at least partially so we will NOT be unfruitful.  See also: Preparing for the ‘Short Work’ and The Famine of the Word.

Using your brain and growing in knowledge tends to extend the use of the brain and reduce the risk of dementia.

That said, it is not just young people who are increasingly getting dementia.

A report earlier this year came out warning about the growing risk of dementia in the United Kingdom:

Dementia risk for people 55 and older has doubled, new study finds

January 14, 2025

Dementia cases in the U.S. are expected to double by 2060, with an estimated one million people diagnosed per year, according to a new study led by Johns Hopkins University and other institutions.

Researchers found that Americans’ risk of developing dementia after age 55 is 42%, double the risk that has been identified in prior studies, a press release stated.

For those who reach 75 years of age, the lifetime risk exceeds 50%, the study found.

Women face a 48% average risk and men have a 35% risk, with the discrepancy attributed to women living longer than men. …

Aging is the biggest risk factor for dementia, with other factors including genetics, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, unhealthy diets, sedentary lifestyles and mental health disorders, the release said.

Dementia risk was found to be higher among people who have a variant of the APOE4 gene, which has been linked to late-onset Alzheimer’s disease. https://www.foxnews.com/health/dementia-risk-people-55-older-has-doubled-new-study-finds

As diets become more synthetic and full of ultraprocessed foods, it is no surprise that the risk for dementia has also increased.

The USA, UK, and other places are at major risk. A study came out over a decade ago discussing the financial costs for dementia in the USA (see Dementia in USA), while another in 2015 pointed out its growing prevalence in the UK (see Massive dementia risk in UK; what about the USA?).  I would add that the personal costs to one’s life and how dementia affects a family are higher than the staggering financial cost. As far as the financial cost, it looks like one more burden that will contribute to the increased debt of the UK and USA.

Here is how one dictionary defines dementia:

de·men·tia (d-mnsh)n.

1. Deterioration of intellectual faculties, such as memory, concentration, and judgment, resulting from an organic disease or a disorder of the brain. It is sometimes accompanied by emotional disturbance and personality changes.

2. Madness; insanity.

According to dictionary.com the word dementia comes from a Latin word meaning madness:

Origin:
1800–10; < Latin dēmentia madness, equivalent to dēment- out of one’s mind (see dement) + -ia noun suffix.

While sports such as American tackle football contribute to dementia (see, for example, NFL admits nearly 1 in 3 players will develop cognitive problems), diet does as well.

While age is a factor, over consumption of processed carbohydrates and sweets and possibly protein seem to be a factor. Genetics are also a factor. An accumulation of advanced protein-glycation end products contribute to Alzheimer’s dementia.

I co-wrote a scientific paper related to cognitive deterioration and nutrition that was published in a major medical journal two decades ago.  Here is the ‘Abstract’ from that paper:

Individuals with Down syndrome have signs of possible brain damage prior to birth. In addition to slowed and reduced mental development, they are much more likely to have cognitive deterioration and develop dementia at an earlier age than individuals without Down syndrome. Some of the cognitive impairments are likely due to post-natal hydrogen peroxide-mediated oxidative stress caused by overexpression of the superoxide dismutase (SOD-1) gene, which is located on the triplicated 21 st chromosome and known to be 50% overexpressed. However, some of this disability may also be due to early accumulation of advanced protein glycation end-products, which may play an adverse role in prenatal and postnatal brain development. This paper suggests that essential nutrients such as folate, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, and zinc, as well as alpha-lipoic acid and carnosine may possibly be partially preventive. Acetyl-L-carnitine, aminoguanidine, cysteine, and N-acetylcysteine are also discussed, but have possible safety concerns for this population. This paper hypothesizes that nutritional factors begun prenatally, in early infancy, or later may prevent or delay the onset of dementia in the Down syndrome population. Further examination of this data may provide insights into nutritional, metabolic and pharmacological treatments for dementias of many kinds. As the Down syndrome population may be the largest identifiable group at increased risk for developing dementia, clinical research to verify the possible validity of the prophylactic use of anti-glycation nutrients should be performed. Such research might also help those with glycation complications associated with diabetes or Alzheimer’s. (Can Cognitive Deterioration Associated with Down Syndrome be Reduced? Medical Hypotheses, 2005; 64(3):524-532)

Despite that paper being published, relatively few have or will utilize proper nutrition, and most who consider nutritional interventions use synthetic substitutes, which are not proven to be effective. The field of mainstream nutrition reminds me of religion in the sense that most are satisfied with false religion that does not lead to eternal life as opposed to the true religion that does.

Anyway, as far as dementia goes, it seems to be a prophesied curse from a biblical perspective:

15 “But it shall come to pass, if you do not obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments and His statutes which I command you today, that all these curses will come upon you and overtake you:

16 “Cursed shall you be in the city, and cursed shall you be in the country…

28 The Lord will strike you with madness and blindness and confusion of heart. (Deuteronomy 28:15-16, 28)

Note: I am not saying that all who get dementia have intentionally violated God’s laws, etc. But what I am trying to say is that dementia and costs associated with it are consistent with curses against a society that should know God’s laws but refuses to obey God. And we are seeing increases in dementia.

As far as diet goes, I would also add that I believe that proper fasting can also be a factor in slowing down the development of dementia.

Some items of 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.
Preparing for the ‘Short Work’ and The Famine of the Word What is the ‘short work’ of Romans 9:28? Who is preparing for it? Will Philadelphian Christians instruct many in the end times? What about modern censoring, censorship, and shadow banning? Here is a link to a related video sermon titled: The Short Work. Here is a link to another: Preparing to Instruct Many.
Can Cognitive Deterioration Associated with Down Syndrome be Reduced? This is a scientific paper published in Medical Hypotheses, 2005; 64(3):524-532, which explains why food nutrients are better to prevent the accumulation of advanced protein glycation end products than USP isolates that many people consume.

Map showing areas annexed by Russia from Ukraine
(Public domain via Wikipedia)

COGwriter

While Russia and Ukraine continue to fight, US President Donald Trump and the Kremlin made statements about the matters there:

Trump says Russia made ‘big concession’ by not seizing all of Ukraine

25 April 2025

Trump says he believes both Russia and Ukraine want peace, adding that he has his own deadline for ending the war, but warning that Washington’s attitude could drastically change if an agreement fails to materialise by then.

US President Donald Trump says Russia has made a “pretty big concession” to end the war in Ukraine by stopping short of taking the “whole country.”

Trump insists he is putting “a lot of pressure on Russia” and that’s why President Vladimir Putting is “talking right now.”

“I think he wants to make a deal, we’re going to find out very soon, but it takes two to tango,” Trump said.

Trump made the comments during an Oval Office meeting with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/04/25/trump-says-russia-made-big-concession-by-not-seizing-all-of-ukraine

25 April 2025

Officials in Western Europe and Asia have claimed US President Donald Trump’s reported framework to end the Ukraine conflict could set a precedent for territorial conquest, CNN reported on Thursday, citing anonymous sources.

The framework, which has not been officially confirmed by the White House, reportedly includes US recognition of Crimea as Russian territory and acknowledgement of Moscow’s control over large parts of four former Ukrainian regions that have joined Russia. US Vice President J.D. Vance has also stated that the administration is considering the option to “freeze the territorial lines at some level close to where they are today.” https://www.rt.com/news/616281-trump-peace-plan-concern/

April 25, 2025

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Thursday that the Kremlin is “ready to reach a deal” with the U.S. on Ukraine, though he also said some elements need to be “fine tuned.”

“The President of the United States believes, and I think rightly so, that we are moving in the right direction,” Lavrov said in an interview Thursday with “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan.”

Lavrov declined to say what is being discussed in negotiations or whether any deal was imminent. He said the negotiations are “not supposed to be public.”

“The negotiations continue, and until the end of the negotiations, we cannot disclose what it is about,” Lavrov said. …

Vice President JD Vance warned that Russia and Ukraine must reach a peace deal, as envoys from the U.K., France, the U.S, Ukraine and Germany met in London. Vance said the White House has “issued a very explicit proposal to both the Russians and the Ukrainians, and it’s time for them to either say yes, or for the United States to walk away from this process.”

Vance said the window for diplomacy was closing, and the U.S. envisions a freeze of military conflict more or less along existing lines. The Institute for the Study of War estimates that Russia holds roughly 18% of Ukrainian territory. …

Wednesday, Mr. Trump accused Zelenskyy of prolonging the conflict by saying he wouldn’t accept Russian control of Crimea as part of a ceasefire agreement. Crimea, located in Ukraine’s southern peninsula, has been occupied by Russia since 2014.

Mr. Trump said in a post that the U.S. had not asked Zelenskyy to recognize Crimea as Russian territory, though he also said, “Crimea was lost years ago,” while Obama was president. Mr. Trump said the parties are “very close to a Deal, but the man with ‘no cards to play’ should now, finally, GET IT DONE.”

Mr. Trump told reporters in the Oval Office Thursday afternoon that “we’re putting a lot of pressure on Russia,” https://www.cbsnews.com/news/sergey-lavrov-russia-urkaine-ceasefire-deal/

Donald Trump and his Administration continue to push Ukraine to acknowledge the loss of territory. Ukraine does not wish to do that and its president has said that Ukraine’s constitution prevents that.

Below is a map, from Wikipedia, which claims to show Ukraine controlled territories in yellow with Russian controlled territories in pink (with other parts of Russia in a lighter pink), as of 11 March 2025:

(Viewsridge)

Readers will note the the above map looks similar to the one at the beginning of the post showing territories that Russia has officially annexed.

Because of prophecies related to the “kings of the Medes” in the Book of Jeremiah, in the Fall of 2013 I wrote that Russia would end up with some territory that Ukraine claimed. That was confirmed in 2014 after Crimea voted to be annexed by Russia.

Now, ntice something from our free online book Lost Tribes and Prophecies: What will happen to Australia, the British Isles, Canada, Europe, New Zealand and the United States of America?:

Russia and the Medes

Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus tend to be considered as East Slavs. They tend to be descended from Japheth’s sons Madai, Tubal, Mechech, and Gomer (Genesis 10:2).

All of which have descendants in Russia. Belarus seems to have mainly descended from Madai (or possibly Midian).

There were numerous tribes of the Medes (which descended from Madai) with the Buzhians in the northwest part of Ukraine.[i] …

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.

[i] White, In Search of … The Origin of Nations, p. 273

Since there appear to be different tribes of Medes, that supports the idea of some type of split in Ukraine–such as what we have essentially seen on the two maps in this post. And, this split started over a decade ago.

In 2014, Crimea voted to leave Ukraine and become part of Russia. Russia later accepted and annexed the territory, which it had long wanted. Crimea has been a fairly poor region that felt neglected and discriminated against by the western portion of Ukraine. Many in the Donbas region also have felt neglected (or worse) by western Ukraine and have long wanted to be closer to Russia. It should be noted that the USA and some of its allies have regularly called the referendum in Crimea to be part of Russia some type of a sham, yet the reality is that the majority in Crimea wanted to be part of Russia–I also personally confirmed that when I spoke with a woman from Crimea in Germany after the Russian annexation. On March 18, 2014, when Vladimir Putin signed a treaty to make Crimea part of Russia (https://www.rferl.org/a/putin-to-visit-crimea-to-mark-five-years-since-).

Many of those in Crimea (other than the Tartars) and in the Donbas region believed that they would be better off with Russia who wanted them than Kiev who claims to want to keep them, but apparently had not shown them enough signs that it would truly be able to help them.

The USA would not accept the vote by the Crimeans primarily because it seems to want to stop Russia from expanding. The USA pushed for international sanctions with Europe, most of which still remain, in an effort to hope Russia would release Crimea to Ukraine.

The USA’s position seemed to be based mainly on politics as opposed to its professed belief in democracy.

Even though the USA and many in Europe have wanted Russia to leave Crimea, on March 18, 2019, I posted:

It remains my view that Crimea and at least parts of eastern Ukraine will ultimately align with Russia.

International sanctions will not stop biblical prophecies from being fulfilled. (Thiel B. ‘Putin in Crimea as Russia Marks Five Years Since Annexation’ the ‘Kings of the Medes’ will arise. COGwriter, March 18, 2019)

And the events of the past few years confirmed my view that sanctions would not stop Russia from having territories align with it. The various sanctions announced by the USA and the Europeans look to be political punishment, as opposed to being announced by those who seriously believe that they will get Russia to cede the Donbas region back to Ukrainian control (it would probably take a pro-Russian government in Kiev for Russia to do that).

Long-time readers of this COGwriter Church of God News page are aware that I have repeatedly told of a time where those in parts of Ukraine and Moldova would end up supporting Russia. For example, here is something from 2014:

As ‘independent states’ Donetsk and Luhansk may enter into some type of joint confederation with each other or Russia. If the forces from Kiev decide to attack, they will likely fight and ask for help from Russia.

Donetsk and Luhansk may vote to be annexed by Russia, like Crimea did. Or at minimum decide to ask to be part of Vladimir Putin’s Eurasian Union.

The Bible has several end time prophecies concerning the Medes (Isaiah 13:17-19) and the kings of the Medes (Jeremiah 51:11, 28-29) that involve military action. Various ones in Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Russia, and elsewhere are part of the descendants of the Medes, as likely are some in Moldova.

Alliances consistent with end time Bible prophecy are in the process of forming. (Thiel B. Eastern Ukraine votes for independence: Kiev upset, Russia pleased. COGwriter, May 12, 2014)

Several years back, Russia’s president declared he had recognized and accepted the Luhansk People’s Republic and Donetsk People’s Republic as independent nations (see I365: Right before Messiah, US will fight Russia and China will capitalize, rabbinic “prophecy” reveals’ COGwriter: No, that is not what the Bible teaches). Then on 30 September 2022, Vladimir Putin announced the annexation of Ukraine’s Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia areas in an address to both houses of the Russian parliament.

The Bible foretells a time when the “Kings of the Medes” will get together (Jeremiah 51:11, 28)–and some now have. Many in Russia, Ukraine, and even Moldova have descent from the ancient Medes.

On the Sabbath of February 5, 2022, I did a sermonette where I mentioned that lands associated with Ukraine would end up being confederate with Russia:

21:20

Russia, Ukraine, Babylonian Europe, and Prophecy

The situation between Russia and Ukraine has again heated up, although it has been tense since the Euromaiden protests and Russia’s annexation of Crimea. There was later a separation of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church from the Russian Orthodox Church. Is war prophesied for Russia and Ukraine? Are prophecies in the Bible associated with the ‘kings of the Medes’ and a power from the “north country” related to any in Russia and Ukraine? Is a confederation of powers from the north, east, and central Asia prophesied to destroy the coming end time European Babylon? Will the destruction be reminiscent of what happened to Sodom and Gomorrah? How is the King of the North and who will destroy him? Do those in Russia and Ukraine have a hope of salvation? Will Russia and powers of the east be involved in the gathering in Armageddon as prophesied in Revelation 16? Dr. Thiel addresses these issues.

Here is a link to our video: Russia, Ukraine, Babylonian Europe, and Prophecy.

Since that came out, Russian launched what it called its ‘Special Military Operation’ and more territories that Ukraine once controlled are now controlled by Russia.

While Ukraine has put up a lot of resistance to Russia’s military actions, Russia is larger and has more troops, etc.

Remember that Jesus taught:

31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? 32 Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace. (Luke 14:31-32)

Ukraine may wish to reconsider where it is at to see if now it believes it should attempt to make a deal with Russia–particularly with Donald Trump now US President. The longer the conflict continues, the less territory that Ukraine will have.

No matter what Ukraine’s leadership currently thinks, at least parts of Ukraine are going to ultimately support Russia (cf. Jeremiah 51:11, 28).

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

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?
Ezekiel 38: For Russia & Iran in Our Day? Is Ezekiel 38 about to be fulfilled? Are we close to the battle with Gog and Magog? Four related videos are available: Ezekiel 38 Gog and Magog War: Is it Soon?, Ezekiel 38: For Russia, Ukraine, & Iran Now?, Russia, Iran, Syria, & the Bible (Code), and Gog, Magog, Vladimir Putin, and Ezekiel 38?
The Eurasian Union, the Kings of the East, and Bible Prophecy Is there a Eurasian union that will be formed? Is one being formed right now? Are any leaders working on that in the 21st century? Does the Bible teach that there will be a Eurasian union? If some type of Eurasian union is formed, who might it benefit and who will it destroy? A related video would be Is The Eurasian Union Rising?
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 is a link to a video titled: The Future King of the North.
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.

(PCG logo)

COGwriter

PCG had the following at its thetrumpet.com website related to its booklet Daniel –Unsealed at Last!:

DANIEL- UNSEALED AT LAST!

What happens when God gives His Church new revelation? Satan always directs his most ferocious attack against God’s people. The Prophet Daniel battled mightily to receive God’s revelation and recorded the struggle, yet, in his lifetime he never understood what God gave him.

The above booklet being promoted has many errors. For example, it and its leader Gerald Flurry do not agree that the Book of Daniel is discussing daily sacrifices at the time of the end:

“And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days” (Daniel 12:11).

The word “sacrifice” is in italics in the King James Version of the Bible. That means the translators added it. The only word that Daniel used is daily. That word is used about 100 times in the Old Testament. And 80 percent of the time it is translated continual or continually.

… Our focus needs to be on the daily, or continual—not on a word (sacrifice) that is not even in the original Hebrew text. … There is only one Hebrew word for “daily sacrifice” in verse 11. So we will emphasize the word continual. The con- tinual is far more than just a word. It is a vision of God’s Work from the beginning! …

The daily is God’s Work. It must continue because Christ prophesied that it would. (Flurry G. Daniel –Unsealed at Last! PCG booklet, 2016, pp. 6-7)

The above is misleading and wrong.

Daniel 9:27 says:

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

The Hebrew word for sacrifice is in the above. Daniel 11:31 says:

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

While the Hebrew word for sacrifice is not in the above, the word for daily is–this is just like Daniel 12:11. And since Daniel 9:27 and 11:31 are discussing the same thing, it should be obvious that the DAILY is tied in with SACRIFICE. It is not the continuing church, that the COG continues.

Gerald Flurry also wrote the following in his Daniel –Unsealed at Last! booklet:

THE GREAT TRIBULATION
The verses preceding Daniel 11:40 discuss what happens in the Church prior to the Tribulation. (Flurry G. Daniel –Unsealed at Last! PCG booklet, 2016, p 82)

No, while some verses in Daniel 11 do discuss the Church, the verses in Daniel 11 immediately preceding verse 40 are NOT describing what happens to the Church prior to the start of the Great Tribulation. Notice what Daniel specifically wrote there:

36 “Then the king shall do according to his own will: he shall exalt and magnify himself above every god, shall speak blasphemies against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the wrath has been accomplished; for what has been determined shall be done. 37 He shall regard neither the God of his fathers nor the desire of women, nor regard any god; for he shall exalt himself above them all. 38 But in their place he shall honor a god of fortresses; and a god which his fathers did not know he shall honor with gold and silver, with precious stones and pleasant things. 39 Thus he shall act against the strongest fortresses with a foreign god, which he shall acknowledge, and advance its glory; and he shall cause them to rule over many, and divide the land for gain. (Daniel 11:36-39)

The Great Tribulation starts no later than Daniel 11:39 (see also When Will the Great Tribulation Begin?).

PCG, just like LCG, has the Great Tribulation starting too late.

Here is a statement from LCG’s Official Statement of Fundamental Beliefs:

THE “GREAT TRIBULATION”

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)—also called “Jacob’s trouble” (Jeremiah 30:3–7). Accessed 03/02/25

That “Fundamental Belief” is scripturally in error. And when I was in LCG, its evangelists Dr. Roderick C. Meredith, Dr. Doug Winnail, and Richard Ames all agreed that it was in error. And Dr. Meredith promised in a meeting with them and myself in December 2011 that LCG’s Official Statement of Fundamental Beliefs would be changed before the end of January 2012 to correct it.

But, that did not happen.

So, now, since PCG and LCG still officially teach that the Great Tribulation does not begin until Daniel 11:40 (which discusses the battle between the King of the North and the King of the South), they are looking for the wrong event, while overlooking the event in verse 39.

Unless PCG and LCG change on this, and other significant prophetic errors they hold, they will NOT know when the Great Tribulation will begin until after it is too late for nearly all of their members to possibly flee to the place of protection that the true Philadelphian Christians will be protected at.

Now, many of you know that one of the reasons I left LCG was not only its refusal to keep promises, but because of its position on the ‘Falling Away.’ In 2012, it declared officially that the falling away was not real Christians falling away from the truth, but non-COG professors of Christ falling further away from the truth. Its evangelist Dr. Douglas Winnail went so far as to declare 1) that doctrinal change would set LCG apart from others and 2) one was under Satan’s power if one did not accept the change.

I did not accept the change and worked for the last several months I was in LCG to show the evangelists there why this change was wrong–yet they would not get rid of it, so I had to leave.

As it turns out, over 11 years later, LCG’s presiding evangelist Gerald Weston, published a new position on the falling away, one much closer to what I had told LCG (see Gerald Weston pushes LCG’s position on the ‘Falling Away’ closer to the biblical, COGwriter, position). While I applauded that correction, I would state that this once again validates my position that LCG is primarily a Laodicean group.

How so?

LCG had claimed its heretical 2012 falling away change was how it defined itself and one had to be under Satanic deception not to accept it. Then 11 years later, LCG later admitted that it was wrong. That means that all who remained in LCG those 11 years either accepted the heresy or supported a group that defined itself by a heresy they did not accept. Since that heretical doctrine was how LCG officially defined itself, accepting that was not Philadelphian, but Laodicean. I refused to be in a church that defined itself by heresy. The fact that LCG no longer does as it did, does not change the fact that it did for over a decade. Plus, it still has other heresies, but at least it does not define its distinctiveness by them.

There are serious theological and prophetic differences between various groups calling themselves Church of God.

Jesus warned that most endtime Christians would be Laodicean and NOT take the proper spiritual steps to be protected from the coming “hour of trial” (Revelation 3:10).

Some items of possibly related interest may include the following:

There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Near Petra This article discusses a biblical ‘place of safety,’ Zephaniah 2 to ‘gather together,’ and includes quotes from the Bible and Herbert W. Armstrong on fleeing to a place–thus, there is a biblically supported alternative to the rapture theory. Two sermon-length videos of related interest are available Physical Protection During the Great Tribulation and 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?
Philadelphian Christian Great Tribulation Protection What will the Great Tribulation be like? Does Jesus promise physical protection to some or all Christians? Where might the place of protection be? What about fleeing to the mountains? What did Ezekiel warn? Here is a link to a related sermon: Great Tribulation Protection.
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2025, 2026, or 2027? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? Who are the 144,000? A short video is available titled: Great Tribulation Trends 2025.
Why Be Concerned About False and Heretical Leaders? There have been many false leaders–here is some of why you should be concerned about them. Here is a related article in the Spanish language ¿Por qué estar preocupado acerca de falsos y heréticos líderes?
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?
Herbert W. Armstrong, the Philadelphia Church, & the Mantle Herbert Armstrong claims God had him raise the Philadelphia up. Are there reasons to believe that the Philadelphia mantle in now within the CCOG? Here is a link to a related sermon: Herbert W. Armstrong and the Philadelphia Mantle.
Why is there a Philadelphian remnant of the true Christian Church of God? Did the old Worldwide Church of God essentially predict a Philadelphian remnant? Is a Philadelphian remnant needed for end-time prophecies to be fulfilled? Here is a link to a related sermon: The Philadelphia Remnant.
6. The Philadelphia Church Era and Remnant Though the era was predominant circa 1933 A.D. to 1986 A.D., but some few faithful are still in it as a remnant has continued. The old Radio Church of God and old Worldwide Church of God were part of the era, and 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. Here is a link to a related sermon: Philadelphia Church Era: History & Teachings.
7. The Laodicean Church Era has been predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present.–and most end time Christians are part of it. 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?
Who is the Man of Sin of 2 Thessalonians 2? Is this the King of the North, the ten-horned beast of Revelation 13:1-11, or the two-horned Beast of Revelation 13:12-16? Some rely on traditions, but what does the Bible teach? Here is a related link in Spanish/español: ¿Quién es el Hombre de Pecado de 2 Tesalonicenses 2?; here is a link to a video in Spanish: ¿Quién es el ‘hombre de pecado’? Here is a version in Mandarin: N;ÿ Œ
f/’Y’jNº’ÿ Here is a link to a related English sermon video titled: The Man of Sin will deceive most ‘Christians’.
LCG: 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, now led by Gerald Westin, 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?) See also Why Bob Thiel Left the Living Church of God.
PCG: 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.