{"id":49584,"date":"2018-07-08T07:45:04","date_gmt":"2018-07-08T15:45:04","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/news\/?p=49584"},"modified":"2018-07-12T05:29:04","modified_gmt":"2018-07-12T13:29:04","slug":"nicholas-francis-ecumenical","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cogwriter.com\/news\/religious-news\/nicholas-francis-ecumenical\/","title":{"rendered":"‘Pope Francis Visits City of St. Nicholas in Unprecedented Ecumenical Gesture for the Middle East’"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\nPatriarch Bartholomew, Pope Francis, and Pope Tawadros II
\n<\/em><\/p>\n

COGwriter<\/a><\/p>\n

The trio whose photos are shown above met again as part of their ecumenical and interfaith agendas in Bari, Italy:<\/p>\n

\n

Pope Francis Visits City of St. Nicholas in Unprecedented Ecumenical Gesture for the Middle East<\/h2>\n

8 July 2018<\/p>\n

Pope Francis has denounced murderous indifference toward the tragedies that have struck the Middle East, and rallied together in the southern Italian city of Bari with Christian leaders of the Middle East in an unprecedented initiative. But why was Bari chosen? Perhaps not everyone knows that in Bari, ecumenism, isn\u2019t just an idea, but it is its reality, and this all traces back to St. Nicholas . . .<\/p>\n

Saint Nicholas\u2019 Basilica is a tangible sign of unity \u2014 although still imperfect \u2014 between Catholics and Orthodox. …<\/p>\n

Pope Francis and Church leaders yesterday visited the basilica, and descending into the crypt, prayed before the relics of St. Nicholas.<\/p>\n

Since ancient times, Saint Nicholas has been one of the most venerated Saints of Christianity. …<\/p>\n

When Saint Nicholas\u2019 city of birth fell into the hands of Muslim Turks at the end of the 11th century, a shipment of sailors purloined the Saint\u2019s relics and took them to Bari, where devotion to him was already widespread. Nevertheless, the bond between the Orthodox East and Nicholas was never broken. Still today, recited in Orthodox liturgy is a sort of invocation to \u201chappy Bari, which received this Saint of the East to also sanctify the West.\u201d<\/p>\n

This Italian city, the main one in the region of Puglia, has become, thanks to Saint Nicholas, a bridge between East and West: every year it welcomes thousands of Orthodox pilgrims from Russia, the Balkans and Greece. https:\/\/zenit.org\/articles\/feature-pope-francis-visits-city-of-st-nicholas-in-unprecedented-ecumenical-gesture-for-the-middle-east\/<\/a><\/p>\n

8 July 2018<\/p>\n

Francis greeted the patriarchs outside the Basilica of St. Nicholas and together they descended to the crypt to pray before the relics and light a flame for peace symbolizing the unity of Christians divided by over 1,000 years of schism.<\/p>\n

“We commit ourselves to walking, praying and working together, in the hope that the art of encounter will prevail over strategies of conflict,” Francis said at the end of the encounter as children released doves of peace. …<\/p>\n

The Vatican has also long sought an internationally guaranteed status for Jerusalem that safeguards its sacred character for Jews, Muslims and Christians, and has responded to the U.S. decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital by urging respect for the status quo of the holy city. ..<\/p>\n

The meeting was the first of its kind, gathering most of the Middle East’s Orthodox patriarchs with the head of the 1.2-billion strong Catholic Church as well as Lutheran leaders and their Christian representatives in the Holy Land. After the public prayer on Bari’s seafront, the black-draped patriarchs and white-cassocked pope met in private inside the basilica and then lunched together. http:\/\/www.nwaonline.com\/news\/2018\/jul\/08\/pope-calls-for-end-to-mideast-violence-\/?news-world<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

So, Lutheran leaders were also there and apparently prayed before the relics of Nicholas. The leaders who went to Bari need to study the Bible and perhaps read the article: What Did the Early Church Teach About Idols and Icons?<\/a><\/p>\n

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\nRussian Iconic Portrayal of Nicholas of Myra<\/em><\/p>\n

Who was the real Catholic and Orthodox saint called Nicholas?<\/p>\n

Here are some answers from a Catholic monsignor priest:<\/p>\n

\n

The Real St. Nicholas \u2013 Not Fat and Not Very Jolly Either.<\/h2>\n

(Dec 6) is the Feast of St. Nicholas. The real St. Nicholas was nothing close to the St. Nick (Santa Claus) of the modern age. He was a thin curmudgeonly man with a zeal for the Lord that caused flairs of anger. Compromise was unknown to him. The slow transformation of him into \u201cJolly ole\u2019 Saint Nicholas is a remarkable recasting of him centuries in the making…<\/p>\n

Enjoy this excerpt on the real St. Nicholas of Myra (aka Santa):<\/p>\n

He approaches Arius, fist raised menacingly. There are gasps. Would he dare? He would. Fist strikes face. Arius goes down. He will have a shiner. Nick, meanwhile, is set upon by holy men. His robes are torn off. He is thrown into a dungeon…<\/em><\/p>\n

Saint Nicholas. Paintings show a thin man. He was spare of frame, flinty of eye, pugnacious of spirit. In the Middle Ages, he was known as a brawling saint. He had no particular sense of humor that we know of. He could be vengeful, wrathful, an embittered ex- con\u2026.No doubt, Saint Nick was a good man. A noble man. But a hard man.<\/em><\/p>\n

Nicholas was born in Patara, a small town on the Mediterranean coast, 280 years after the birth of Christ. He became bishop of a small town in Asia Minor called Myra. Beyond that, details of his life are more legend than fact\u2026.He became a priest at 19, and bishop in his twenties\u2026Nicholas of Myra might not seem like the kind of person who relates to kids, and few acts attributed to him involve children.<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n

St. Nicholas of Myra morphed into Santa Claus. (Pope C, Msgr. The Real St. Nicholas \u2013 Not Fat and Not Very Jolly Either. http:\/\/blog.adw.org\/2012\/12\/the-real-st-nicholas-not-fat-and-not-very-jolly-either\/ viewed 12\/6\/12<\/a>)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

So, Nicholas was a violent and hard man according to a senior Catholic priest.<\/p>\n

Here are two more articles about him, with a Germanic focus:<\/p>\n

Though they have similar outfits, Nikolaus<\/em> is not to be confused with Santa Claus, who Germans call the Weihnachtsmann<\/em>, or Father Christmas\u2026<\/p>\n

Each year on December 6, Germans remember the death of Nicholas of Myra (now the Anatolia region of modern Turkey), who died on that day in 346. He was a Greek Christian bishop known for miracles and giving gifts secretly, and is now the patron saint of little children, sailors, merchants and students. Known as Nicholas the Wonderworker for his miracles, he is also identified with Santa Claus. Beliefs and traditions about Nikolaus<\/em> were probably combined with German mythology, particularly regarding stories about the bearded pagan god Odin, who also had a beard and a bag to capture naughty children\u2026<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Children were often quite frightened of being questioned about their behaviour because they\u2019ve been told that St. Nicholas will hurt them with his rod or even put them in a sack and take them away. http:\/\/www.thelocal.de\/society\/20111206-15915.html<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Each year on December 6, Germans remember the death of Nicholas of Myra (now the Anatolia region of modern Turkey), who died on that day in 346. He was a Greek Christian bishop known for miracles… is now the patron saint of little children, sailors, merchants and students. Known as Nicholas the Wonderworker for his miracles, he is also identified with Santa Claus. Beliefs and traditions about Nikolaus<\/em> were probably combined with German mythology, particularly regarding stories about the bearded pagan god Odin, who also had a beard and a bag to capture naughty children. http:\/\/www.thelocal.de\/society\/20121206-15915.html<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Notice the following from the St. Nicholas Center<\/em>:<\/p>\n

In 325 Emperor Constantine called the Council of Nicaea, which was the first ecumenical council ever held. More than 300 bishops from all over the Christian world came to debate the nature of the Holy Trinity, one of the early church’s most intense theological questions. Arias, from Egypt, taught that the Son Jesus was not equal to God the Father. This was the Arian controversy which shook Christianity’s very foundations. According to one account, when confronted by the unyielding Arias, Nicholas slapped him in the face. For such a breach of decorum, Nicholas was brought before Constantine, who stripped him of his office and had him thrown into prison. During the night, Jesus with his Mother Mary appeared to Nicholas: Jesus bringing the book of the Gospels, and Mary, the bishop’s stole which had been taken from him. In this way Nicholas was reinstated. (Bishop of Myra. St. Nicholas Center. http:\/\/www.stnicholascenter.org\/pages\/bishop-of-myra\/<\/a> viewed 12\/05\/14)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

While Jesus is God, since Jesus said, “My Father is greater than I” (John 14:28), this should help prove that Nicholas was wrong to punch somebody who claimed to believe something like that–plus Christians are not to be violent (Luke 3:14; see also Military Service and the Churches of God: Do Real Christians Participate in Carnal Warfare or Encourage Violence?<\/a> ). Hence this helps demonstrate that Jesus’ mother Mary truly DID NOT appear to him, to get him acquitted of this. Mary, the mother of Jesus, did not appear to Nicholas (see also Mary, the Mother of Jesus and the Apparitions<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Perhaps I should mention that when my wife and I were in Serbia, we were told that Nicholas is the most popular ‘saint’ in that Eastern Orthodox-dominated land.<\/p>\n

Here is some of what the Eastern Orthodox<\/a> have strangely claimed about him:<\/p>\n

As a faithful bishop\/shepherd, St. Nicholas was revered as a saint even before his death because of his great holiness and tender care of his flock. After the Blessed Mother and St. John the Forerunner (Baptist), Nicholas was the most revered saint in the early church. He is most honored in the East, especially in Russia. Throughout the world many churches are named for him\u2014more than for any other saint. His ministry continues to this day as a powerful intercessor for the protection and advancement of the Church. (Orthodox America and St. Therese Byzantine Catholic Church, St. Petersburg, Florida. http:\/\/www.stnicholascenter.org\/pages\/wonderworker\/)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Of course, according to the Holy Bible, the only intercessor listed in the Bible is Christ (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25)–and Jesus is specifically called the “one mediator” (1 Timothy 2:5, Douay-Rheims). Nicholas is not one who should be revered and he is NOT our intercessor.<\/p>\n

But those who are pushing the interfaith and ecumenical agendas do not seem to often let the Bible get in the way of their plans.<\/p>\n

Now, these plans are also political. Notice the following report about what Pope Francis said in Bari:<\/p>\n

In a July 7 speech closing an ecumenical gathering in Bari with heads of Christian churches in the Middle East, Francis said that for peace to be a realistic possibility, \u201cit is essential that those in power choose finally and decisively to work for true peace and not for their own interests.\u201d …<\/p>\n

\u201cTruces maintained by walls and displays of power will not lead to peace, but only the concrete desire to listen and to engage in dialogue,\u201d he said …<\/p>\n

The ecumenical gathering in Bari drew the participation of some 19 leaders of Eastern Catholic Churches and Orthodox Churches, the Assyrian Church of the East, and other ecclesial communities.<\/p>\n

After venerating the relics of St. Nicholas and leading both patriarchs and pilgrims in a prayer gathering, Pope Francis and the heads of churches present held a closed-door meeting to evaluate the situation of the Middle East, and discuss peace efforts. …<\/p>\n

He pointed to the problem of fundamentalism and fanaticism as driving factors in many of the world’s current conflicts, which \u201cunder the guise of religion, have profaned God\u2019s name \u2013 which is peace \u2013 and persecuted age-old neighbors.\u201d …<\/p>\n

Turning to Jerusalem, an inter-religious hub sacred to Christians, Jews and Muslims alike, Francis said he was \u201canguished\u201d to think about the ongoing tensions in the area, and said the status quo of the city \u201cdemands to be respected, as decided by the international community and repeatedly requested by the Christian communities of the Holy Land.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOnly a negotiated solution between Israelis and Palestinians, firmly willed and promoted by the international community, will be able to lead to a stable and lasting peace, and guarantee the coexistence of two states for two peoples,\u201d he said.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Basically, Pope Francis was taking several shots against the policies of US President Donald Trump.<\/p>\n

When Pope Francis pushes for “a negotiated solution … firmly willed and promoted by the international community,” basically he means the United Nations and European Union (yes, he allows for the USA, but he is not keen on USA policies at this time).<\/p>\n

Anyway, let me state that there will come “a negotiated solution between Israelis and Palestinians” that will have international involvement.<\/p>\n

This is prophesied in the Book of Daniel:<\/p>\n

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26 And the people of the prince who is to come
\nShall destroy the city and the sanctuary.
\nThe end of it shall be with a flood,
\nAnd till the end of the war desolations are determined.
\n27 Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week;
\nBut in the middle of the week
\nHe shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering.
\nAnd on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate,
\nEven until the consummation, which is determined,
\nIs poured out on the desolate (Daniel 9:26-27).<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

The \u2018one week\u2019 time element has generally been understood by prophecy watchers to mean a temporary seven year deal (2520 days, based on prophetic 360 day years), that will be broken in the middle of it (after 3 1\/2 years). The Hebrew word translated as “week” literally means “sevened” (OT:7620 literal, sevened. Biblesoft’s New Exhaustive Strong’s Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright \u00a9 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.).<\/p>\n

The ‘with many’ referred to in this passage points to ‘many’ nations, as opposed to one or two, are agreeing to something.<\/p>\n

While Daniel 9:26 calls this leader a “prince,” he is later referred to as the king of a developing European empire. specifically the\u00a0King of the North<\/a> (Daniel 11:40; see also King of the North<\/a> and Europa, the Beast, and the Book of Revelation<\/a>). Daniel 9:26-27 tie directly in with Daniel 11:<\/p>\n

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31\u00a0And forces shall be mustered by him, and they shall defile the sanctuary fortress; then they shall take away the daily sacrifices,<\/em> and place there<\/em> the abomination of desolation.<\/span> (Daniel 11:31)<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

One way to show this is a European empire is to realize that it was the people of the Roman Empire of the 1st century that fulfilled the portion of Daniel 9:26 as they destroyed the city (Jerusalem) in 70 A.D. Jewish sources, while not understanding all of this, also agree that it was Roman sources that destroyed the city and sanctuary as the following demonstrates:<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cThe people of the prince will come and destroy the city and the Sanctuary\u201d Daniel 9:26, refers to the Roman legions of Vespasian and Titus, who destroyed Jerusalem. (Daniel 9 \u2013 A True Biblical Interpretation. Jews for Judaism. https:\/\/jewsforjudaism.org\/knowledge\/articles\/answers\/jewish-polemics\/texts\/daniel-9-a-true-biblical-interpretation\/ accessed 07\/30\/16)<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

In the 21st century, the European Union includes much of the land and peoples that were part of the ancient Roman Empire.\u00a0 And it is the “prince” coming from that people that verse 27 of Daniel 9 is referring to. Thus, this prophecy tells us that a lower level European leader will somewhat officially start to rise up about 3 1\/2 years before the great tribulation (and yes, according to Jesus, some “tribulation” does happen prior to the start of the Great Tribulation). Another is the fact that the “beast of the sea” of Revelation 13:1 fits with the beasts from the “great sea” of Daniel 7:2–and that sea is the Mediterranean Sea according to the Old Testament. Hence, a power in Europe, the only region that could have an empire geographically like the old Roman one (for more details, please see Europa, the Beast, and the Book of Revelation<\/a>). This is not an Arab empire, like some incorrectly claim (see also Can the Final Antichrist be Islamic?<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Perhaps it should be mentioned that Pope Francis received the Charlemagne Prize for promoting this empire (see Pope Francis given \u2018Charlemagne Prize;\u2019 EU leaders worried about EU\u2019s future<\/a>). Since Pope Francis is also promoting a Middle East peace deal involving many nations, he is actively taking steps that will one day lead to the fulfillment of Daniel 9:27.<\/p>\n

When the ‘peace deal’ is made, the interfaith-ecumenical crowd will proclaim this as a success, despite the fact that war is prophesied to follow.<\/p>\n

The Bible warns of a time people will proclaim peace before destruction comes:<\/p>\n

3 For when they say, \u201cPeace and safety!\u201d then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. (1 Thessalonians 5:3)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The one called the King of the North<\/a> in Daniel 11 (who is also called the Beast of the Sea in Revelation 13), will bring destruction:<\/p>\n

36 \u201cThen 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.<\/p>\n

40 \u201cAt the time of the end the king of the South shall attack him; and the king of the North shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter the countries, overwhelm them, and pass through. 41 He shall also enter the Glorious Land, and many countries shall be overthrown; but these shall escape from his hand: Edom, Moab, and the prominent people of Ammon. 42 He shall stretch out his hand against the countries, and the land of Egypt shall not escape. 43 He shall have power over the treasures of gold and silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt; also the Libyans and Ethiopians shall follow at his heels. (Daniel 11:36-43)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

These warring efforts will destroy the USA (the power with the strongest fortresses in the 21st century), its closest allies like the UK, as well as give the European power territory in Africa and the Middle East. Similar to the old Roman Empire.<\/p>\n

While a temporary peace deal will come to the Middle East, only the return of Jesus Christ <\/a>and the millennial<\/a> Kingdom<\/a> will bring lasting peace. The ecumenical-interfaith movement cannot bring that.<\/p>\n

\n

Some items of related interest may include:<\/em><\/p>\n

Satan\u2019s Plan<\/a> 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\u2019s Plan?<\/a> and Satan\u2019s Plan is More Dramatic than Many Realize<\/a>.
\nMystery of Iniquity<\/a> What is the mystery of iniquity? How did it start? How will it end? Two related sermons are also available: The Mystery of Iniquity <\/a> and The Mystery of Lawlessness<\/a>.
\nThe Ten Commandments: The Decalogue, Christianity, and the Beast<\/a> This is a free draft\/unedited pdf book explaining the what the Ten Commandments are, where they came from, how early professors of Christ viewed them, and how various ones, including the Beast of Revelation, will oppose them. A related sermon is titled: The Ten Commandments and the Beast of Revelation<\/a>.
\nThe \u2018Peace Deal\u2019 of Daniel 9:27<\/a> This prophecy could give up to 3 1\/2 years advance notice of the coming Great Tribulation. Will most ignore or misunderstand its fulfillment? Here is a link to a related sermon video Daniel 9:27 and the Start of the Great Tribulation<\/a>.
\nBeware: Protestants Going Towards Ecumenical Destruction!<\/a> What is going on in the Protestant world? Are Protestants turning back to their \u2018mother church\u2019 in Rome? Does the Bible warn about this? What are Catholic plans and prophecies related to this? Is Protestantism doomed? See also World Council of Churches Peace Plan<\/a>.
\nWhat Did the Early Church Teach About Idols and Icons?<\/a> Did Catholic and Orthodox “saints” endorse or condemn idols and icons for Christians? A related sermon is available: The Second Commandment, Idols, and Icons<\/a>.
\nThe \u2018Unpardonable Sin\u2019 and \u2018Climate Change\u2019?<\/a> On September 7, 2016, Olav Fykse Tveit, Church of Norway Pastor, and the General Secretary of the World Council of Churches, essentially declared that those who ignore \u2018climate change\u2019 are committing the \u2018unpardonable sin\u2019 and the Holy Spirit. Are those two even related? In this video, Dr. Thiel answers that and explains from the Bible what the \u2018unpardonable sin\u2019 is and how you can avoid it. He also discusses aspects of Christianity and the environment. This is a video.
\nHope of Salvation: How the Continuing<\/em> Church of God differ from most Protestants<\/a> How the real <\/em>Church of God differs from mainstream\/traditional Protestants, is perhaps the question I am asked most by those without a Church of God background. As far as some changes affecting Protestantism, watch the video Charismatic Kenneth Copeland and Anglican Tony Palmer: Protestants Beware! <\/a> [Portugu\u00eas: Esperan\u00e7a do salva\u00e7\u00e3o: Como a igreja do deus difere da maioria de protestantes<\/a>]
\nWhat is the Unpardonable Sin?<\/a> What is it? Can you repent of it? Do you know what it is and how to avoid it? Here is a link to a related sermon video The Unpardonable Sin and the Prodigal Son<\/a>.
\nUnited Nations: Humankind\u2019s Last Hope or New World Order?<\/a> Is the UN the last hope for humanity? Or might its goals end up with sinister results? Two related videos include UN\u2019s \u2018New Universal Agenda\u2019 is a False Gospel!<\/a> and United Nations and Vatican Are Planning the New World Order<\/a>.
\nWhat is the Origin of the Cross as a \u2018Christian\u2019 Symbol?<\/a> Was the cross used as a venerated symbol by the early Church? Two related YouTube videos would be Beware of the \u2018Ecumenical Cross\u2019<\/a> and Origin of the Cross<\/span><\/a>.
\nThe Gospel of the Kingdom of God<\/a> This free online pdf booklet has answers many questions people have about the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and explains why it is the solution to the issues the world is facing. Here are links to three related sermons: The World\u2019s False Gospel<\/a>, The Gospel of the Kingdom: From the New and Old Testaments<\/a>, and The Kingdom of God is the Solution<\/a>.
\nThe Bible, Christians, and the Environment<\/a> How should Christians view the environment? Does the Bible give any clues? What are some of the effects of air, water, and land pollution? Is environmental pollution a factor in autism and death? Do pollutants seem to double the autism risk? What will Jesus do? Here is a link to a related sermon: Christians and the Environment<\/a> (there is also YouTube video available titled Air Pollution, Autism, and Prophecy<\/em><\/a>).
\nWill the Interfaith Movement Lead to Peace or Sudden Destruction?<\/a> Is the interfaith movement going to lead to lasting peace or is it warned against? A video sermon of related interest is: Will the Interfaith Movement lead to World War III?<\/a> and a video sermon is also available: Do You Know That Babylon is Forming?<\/a>
\nWhy Should American Catholics Fear Unity with the Orthodox?<\/a> Are the current ecumenical meetings a good thing or will they result in disaster? Is doctrinal compromise good? Here is a link to a related video Should you be concerned about the ecumenical movement? <\/a>
\nWhich Is Faithful: The Roman Catholic Church or the Continuing<\/em> Church of God?<\/a> Do you know that both groups shared a lot of the earliest teachings? Do you know which church changed? Do you know which group is most faithful to the teachings of the apostolic church? Which group best represents true Christianity? This documented article answers those questions.
\nSome Similarities and Differences Between the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Continuing<\/em> Church of God<\/a> Both groups claim to be the original church, but both groups have differing ways to claim it. Both groups have some amazing similarities and some major differences. Do you know what they are?
\nOrthodox Must Reject Unity with the Roman Catholics<\/a> Unity between these groups will put them in position to be part of the final end time Babylon that the Bible warns against as well as require improper compromise.
\nLaudato Si: Pope\u2019s Agenda or Kingdom of God?<\/a> Pope Francis\u2019 2nd encyclical is titled \u2018Laudato Si.\u2019 In it, he goes over his views related to environmental, economic, social, moral, agricultural, and spiritual issues. He advocates international cooperation to solve various problems he believes are affecting humanity. Is that Pope\u2019s agenda the solution? What about the Kingdom of God? does the Bible teach? Two related articles include Laudato Si: Will Pope Francis\u2019 economic actions match his words?<\/a> and Laudato Si: A call for a one-world government?<\/a>
\nWhen Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2018, 2019, or 2020?<\/a> Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the \u201cbeginning of sorrows\u201d? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? Who are the 144,000? Here is a version of the article in the Spanish language: \u00bfPuede comenzar la Gran Tribulaci\u00f3n en 2018 o 2019? \u00bfEs el Tiempo de los Gentiles?<\/a> You can also see the English language sermon videos: The Great Tribulation from the Mount of Olives<\/a> and Can the Great Tribulation begin before 2020?<\/a> A shorter video is: Can the Great Tribulation begin in 2018?<\/a>
\nThe Times of the Gentiles<\/a> Has there been more than one time of the Gentiles? Are we in it now or in the time of Anglo-America? What will the final time of the Gentiles be like? A related sermon is available and is titled: The Times of the Gentiles<\/a>.<\/span>
\nPope Francis: Could this Marian Focused Pontiff be Fulfilling Prophecy?<\/a> Pope Francis has taken many steps to turn people more towards his version of \u2018Mary.\u2019 Could this be consistent with biblical and Catholic prophecies? This article documents what has been happening. There is also a video version titled Pope Francis: Could this Marian Focused Pontiff be Fulfilling Prophecy?<\/a>
\nWhere is the True Christian Church Today?<\/a> This free online pdf booklet answers that question and includes 18 proofs, clues, and signs to identify the true vs. false Christian church. Plus 7 proofs, clues, and signs to help identify Laodicean churches. A related sermon is also available: Where is the True Christian Church? <\/a>Here is a link to the booklet in the Spanish language: \u00bfD\u00f3nde est\u00e1 la verdadera Iglesia cristiana de hoy?<\/a> Here is a link in the German language: WO IST DIE WAHRE CHRISTLICHE KIRCHE HEUTE?<\/a> Here is a link in the French language: O\u00f9 est la vraie \u00c9glise Chr\u00e9tienne aujourd\u2019hui?<\/a>
\n<\/strong>Continuing History of the Church of God<\/a> This pdf booklet is a historical overview of the true Church of God and some of its main opponents from Acts 2 to the 21st century. Related sermon links include Continuing History of the Church of God: c. 31 to c. 300 A.D<\/a>. and Continuing History of the Church of God: 4th-16th Centuries<\/a> and Continuing History of the Church of God: 17th-20th Centuries<\/a>. The booklet is available in Spanish: Continuaci\u00f3n de la Historia de la Iglesia de Dios<\/a>, German: Kontinuierliche Geschichte der Kirche Gottes<\/a>, French: L\u2019Histoire Continue<\/em> de l\u2019\u00c9glise de Dieu<\/a> and Ekegusii Omogano Bw\u2019ekanisa Ya Nyasae Egendererete<\/a>.The Malachy Prophecies and \u201cPeter the Roman\u201d<\/a> An Irish bishop allegedly predicted something about 112 popes in the 12th century. Pope Benedict XVI was number 111. Francis would seem to be number 112–if he is that one–and if so, he is to reign until Rome is destroyed. May he be an antipope\/final Antichrist?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Patriarch Bartholomew, Pope Francis, and Pope Tawadros II COGwriter The trio whose photos are shown above met again as part of their ecumenical and interfaith agendas in Bari, Italy: Pope Francis Visits City of St. Nicholas in Unprecedented Ecumenical Gesture for the Middle East 8 July 2018 Pope Francis has denounced murderous indifference toward the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-49584","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-religious-news"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t