Church of God News

© CCOG

COGwriter

The anti-COG Banned by HWA website has the following post:

First Century Christianity: Putting Together the Available Evidence

May 3, 2024

Over the ten plus years of this blog’s existence, I have put together a narrative about what happened within the Christian community of the First Century. To be clear, my narrative is very different from the one put forward by Herbert Armstrong, his successors, and most Sabbatarian Christians. … my narrative draws upon the evidence provided by Scripture, Josephus, the writings of the Ante-Nicene Fathers, Catholic scholars, modern Biblical scholars (like Gerd Ludemann, Bart Ehrman, James Tabor, etc.), secular history, and Roman Catholic scholars …

Thus, the narrative begins with a small group of people who were wholly Jewish in their ethnicity, religion, and culture. Like Jesus, it is important to understand that these original disciples of his were observant Jews. In other words, they were accustomed to observing the Sabbath, Holy Days, clean and unclean, etc.. In short, they were familiar with Torah and had always employed it as the standard for their lives. Moreover, it is clear that this continued to be the case throughout the first decade of the movement’s existence. Indeed, the book of Acts portrays a rather insular group which had little interest in expanding outside of the Roman province of Judea. …

Initially, the book of Acts informs us that Paul preached in synagogues around the Eastern Mediterranean provinces of the Roman Empire (Acts 13 and 14). Eventually, however, there was a backlash against Paul … we read in the fifteenth chapter of Acts … this settled the matter …

Within the Church as a whole, there were also a number of elements of the faith that had become universal (practiced by both Jewish and Gentile Christians). … Indeed, in this connection, both the writings of the New Testament and of the people who immediately followed the apostles (the so-called Ante-Nicene Fathers), affirm that Sunday was a day highly regarded by ALL Christians by the close of the First Century. https://armstrongismlibrary.blogspot.com/2024/05/first-century-christianity.html

Although the above author claims to have used scripture and historical sources like the so-called Ante-Nicene Fathers (those are writings from men prior to Emperor Constantine’s Council of Nicea in 325 A.D.), he has missed many things and came to a historically inaccurate conclusion.

The idea that the Bible and early church history point to Sunday as being universally kept instead of the seventh-day Sabbath by the end of the first century A.D. is totally wrong and historically inaccurate.

First, let’s go to the Bible, specifically the New Testament.

Jesus’ custom was to keep the Sabbath:

16 And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. (Luke 4:16)

Jesus, Himself, said:

27 … “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. 28 Therefore the Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath (Mark 2:27-28).

Jesus did not say anything like that about Sunday, nor does any of the Bible.

Now the Apostle Paul preached in the synagogues, and he did that on the Sabbath, even after the 15th chapter of the Book of Acts:

1 Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. 2 Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ.” 4 And some of them were persuaded; and a great multitude of the devout Greeks, and not a few of the leading women, joined Paul and Silas. (Acts 17:1-4)

Also Acts 18:4 states related to Paul:

4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded both Jews and Greeks.

Hence the New Testament is clear that Paul kept the Sabbath, regularly preached on the Sabbath, he spoke to Jews and Greeks on the Sabbath.

When he later got to Rome, Paul called for the religious leaders of the Jews and said:

17 Men and brethren, though I have done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans (Acts 28:17)

If Paul had switched to Sunday or preached Sunday, he could not have said that.

Notice also that Paul wrote:

1 Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ. (1 Corinthians 11:1)

Since it was Jesus’ custom to keep the Sabbath and Paul’s as well, true Christians should imitate Paul in this regard. There is never any indication in the Bible that Jesus somehow kept Sunday.

Notice also that the New Testament specifically teaches that Christians are to keep the seventh-day Sabbath using five Protestant (including three ‘literal’), one Eastern Orthodox, and three Roman Catholic translations:

3 Now we who have believed enter that rest, just as God has said, “So I declared on oath in my anger, ‘They shall never enter my rest.'” And yet his work has been finished since the creation of the world. 4 For somewhere he has spoken about the seventh day in these words: “And on the seventh day God rested from all his work.” 5 And again in the passage above he says, “They shall never enter my rest.” 6 It still remains that some will enter that rest, and those who formerly had the gospel preached to them did not go in, because of their disobedience…9 There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; 10 for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. 11 Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience (Hebrews 4:3-6,9-11, NIV).

3 For we who have believed enter that rest, just as He has said, “AS I SWORE IN MY WRATH, THEY SHALL NOT ENTER MY REST,” although His works were finished from the foundation of the world. 4 For He has said somewhere concerning the seventh day: “AND GOD RESTED ON THE SEVENTH DAY FROM ALL HIS WORKS”; 5 and again in this passage, “THEY SHALL NOT ENTER MY REST.” 6 Therefore, since it remains for some to enter it, and those who formerly had good news preached to them failed to enter because of disobedience,.. 9 So there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God. 10 For the one who has entered His rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from His. 11 Therefore let us be diligent to enter that rest, so that no one will fall, through following the same example of disobedience. (Hebrews 4:3-6,9-11, NASB)

3 for we do enter into the rest — we who did believe, as He said, ‘So I sware in My anger, If they shall enter into My rest — ;’ and yet the works were done from the foundation of the world, 4 for He spake in a certain place concerning the seventh [day] thus: ‘And God did rest in the seventh day from all His works;’ 5 and in this [place] again, ‘If they shall enter into My rest — ;’ 6 since then, it remaineth for certain to enter into it, and those who did first hear good news entered not in because of unbelief … 9 there doth remain, then, a sabbatic rest to the people of God, 10 for he who did enter into his rest, he also rested from his works, as God from His own. 11 May we be diligent, then, to enter into that rest, that no one in the same example of the unbelief may fall, (Hebrews 4:3-6,9-11, Young’s Literal Translation)

3 For those having believed enter into the rest, as He has said: “So I swore in my wrath, ‘they shall not enter into My rest.’” And yet the works have been finished from the foundation of the world. 4 For He has spoken somewhere concerning the seventh day in this way, “And on the seventh day God rested from all His works.” 5 And again in this passage. “They shall not enter into My rest.” 6 Therefore, since it remains for some to enter into it, and those having received the good news formerly did not enter in because of disobedience, … 9 So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God. 10 For the one having entered into His rest, he also rested from his works, as God did from the own. 11 Therefore we should be diligent to enter into that rest, so that no one should fall by the same example of disobedience. (Hebrews 4:3-6,9-11, Berean Literal Bible)

3 for we enter into the rest—we who believed, as He said, “So I swore in My anger, They will [not] enter into My rest”; and yet the works were done from the foundation of the world, 4 for He spoke in a certain place concerning the seventh [day] thus: “And God rested in the seventh day from all His works”; 5 and in this [place] again, “They will [not] enter into My rest”; 6 since then, it remains for some to enter into it, and those who first heard good news did not enter in because of unbelief … 9 there remains, then, a Sabbath rest to the people of God, 10 for he who entered into His rest, he also rested from his works, as God from His own. 11 May we be diligent, then, to enter into that rest, that no one may fall in the same example of the unbelief, (Hebrews 4:3-6,9-11, Literal Standard Bible)

3 However, we who have faith are entering into that rest, even as God said: As I swore in my wrath, they will not enter into my rest. And yet, the works were finished from the foundation of the world. 4 Somewhere [else], God said this about the seventh day: God rested on the seventh day from all his works. … 9 There must still be, then, a Sabbath rest for God’s people, 10 and anyone who has entered into his rest has also rested from his [own] works, just as God did. 11 Therefore, let us do our utmost to enter into that rest, for fear that anyone should fall according to the same pattern of disobedience. ((Hebrews 4:3-4, 9-11. THE EASTERN / GREEK ORTHODOX BIBLE NEW TESTAMENT. The EOB New Testament is presented in memory of Archbishop Vsevolod of Scopelos  † 2007 https://azbyka.ru/otechnik/assets/uploads/books/18204/Eastern_Orthodox_Bible-New_Testament.pdf)

3 We, however, who have faith, are entering a place of rest, as in the text: And then in my anger I swore that they would never enter my place of rest. Now God’s work was all finished at the beginning of the world; 4 as one text says, referring to the seventh day: And God rested on the seventh day after all the work he had been doing. 5 And, again, the passage above says: They will never reach my place of rest. 6 It remains the case, then, that there would be some people who would reach it, and since those who first heard the good news were prevented from entering by their refusal to believe … 9 There must still be, therefore, a seventh-day rest reserved for God’s people, 10 since to enter the place of rest is to rest after your work, as God did after his.  11 Let us, then, press forward to enter this place of rest, or some of you might copy this example of refusal to believe and be lost. (Hebrews 4:3-6,9-11, NJB)

3 For we, that have believed, shall enter into their rest; as he said: As I sware in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: and truly the works from the foundation of the world being perfected. 4 For he said in a certain place of the seventh day thus: And God rested the seventh day from all his works … 9 Therefore there is left a sabbatisme for the people of God. 10 For he that is entered into his rest, the same also hath rested from his works, as God did from his. 11 Let us hasten therefore to enter into that rest; lest any man fall into the same example of incredulity. (Hebrews 4:3-6,9-11, The Original and True Rheims New Testament of Anno Domini 1582)

3 For we who believed enter into [that] rest, just as he has said: “As I swore in my wrath, ‘They shall not enter into my rest,’” and yet his works were accomplished at the foundation of the world. 4 For he has spoken somewhere about the seventh day in this manner, “And God rested on the seventh day from all his works”; 5 and again, in the previously mentioned place, “They shall not enter into my rest.” 6 Therefore, since it remains that some will enter into it, and those who formerly received the good news did not enter because of disobedience,… 9 Therefore, a sabbath rest still remains for the people of God. 10And whoever enters into God’s rest, rests from his own works as God did from his. 11 Therefore, let us strive to enter into that rest, so that no one may fall after the same example of disobedience.(Hebrews 4:3-6,9-11, New American Bible)

Thus, the New Testament clearly shows that the command to keep the seventh day Sabbath is in the New Testament. It also shows that only those who will not observe it because of their disobedience argue otherwise. And that is why Paul observed it.

Although some translators failed to point the true out, at least 20 Protestant translations make it clear that Hebrews 4:9 is pointing to the weekly seventh-day Sabbath (ASV, BLB, BSB, CSB, DBT, ERV, ESV, GNT, HCSB, ILB, ISV, JMNT, Jubilee 2000, NASB, NETB, NHEB, NIV, WEB, WNT, YLT).

Even Origen of Alexandria in the third century–considered to be one of the Ante-Nicene fathers–understood that Hebrews 4 was referring to the Sabbath:

But what is the feast of the Sabbath except that which the apostle speaks, “There remaineth therefore a Sabbatism,” that is, the observance of the Sabbath, by the people of God…let us see how the Sabbath ought to be observed by a Christian. On the Sabbath-day all worldly labors ought to be abstained from…give yourselves up to spiritual exercises, repairing to church, attending to sacred reading and instruction…this is the observance of the Christian Sabbath (Translated from Origen’s Opera 2, Paris, 1733, Andrews J.N. in History of the Sabbath, 3rd editon, 1887. Reprint Teach Services, Brushton (NY), 1998, pp. 324-325).

What about the other writings of those called the Ante-Nicene Fathers?

Well, as it turns out, I have read probably all of them.

There is nothing in them that, “affirm that Sunday was a day highly regarded by ALL Christians by the close of the First Century.”

To the contrary, they point to the faithful keeping the seventh-day Sabbath and thus they contradict that assertion.

Consider that the fourth century historian Eusebius wrote regarding the first and early second century:

James, the first that had obtained the episcopal seat in Jerusalem after the ascension of our Saviour … until the siege of the Jews, which took place under Adrian, there were fifteen bishops in succession there, all of whom are said to have been of Hebrew descent, and to have received the knowledge of Christ in purity, so that they were approved by those who were able to judge of such matters, and were deemed worthy of the episcopate. For their whole church consisted then of believing Hebrews who continued from the days of the apostles until the siege which took place at this time; in which siege the Jews, having again rebelled against the Romans, were conquered after severe battles. But since the bishops of the circumcision ceased at this time, it is proper to give here a list of their names from the beginning. The first, then, was James, the so-called brother of the Lord; the second, Symeon; the third, Justus; the fourth, Zacchæus; the fifth, Tobias; the sixth, Benjamin; the seventh, John; the eighth, Matthias; the ninth, Philip; the tenth, Seneca; the eleventh, Justus; the twelfth, Levi; the thirteenth, Ephres; the fourteenth, Joseph; and finally, the fifteenth, Judas. These are the bishops of Jerusalem that lived between the age of the apostles and the time referred to, all of them belonging to the circumcision. (Eusebius. The History of the Church, Book III, Chapter V, Verses 2,3.& Book IV, Chapter 5, Verses 2-4,  pp. 45, 71)

So the 1st and early 2nd century Christian leaders in Jerusalem were all circumcized Jews who kept the seventh-day Sabbath.  Since these early bishops “received the knowledge of Christ in purity,” their teachings should have been continued.

Those bishops/pastors were keeping the Sabbath until the last one died–towards the end of Jewish control of Jerusalem (c. 134-135 A.D.).

They were not leaders who held Sunday in high esteem or did away with the Sabbath.

So, when do we hear about Sunday being adopted?

Well, as Eusebius pointed out the Jews rebelled against Rome. After they were defeated, c. 135 A.D., Roman Emperor Hadrian decreed that those who held to practices like the seventh-day Sabbath could not live in Jerusalem.

Various ones in Rome and Jerusalem decided to compromise and adopt Sunday.

We see this popping up in writings and accounts of the 2nd century from about 135 A.D. onwards. And that, of course, was in the second century.

Yet, in the New Testament, Jude wrote, that Christians were to “contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3)–and that faith included keeping the seventh-day Sabbath.

So, do we have evidence that the faithful were still keeping the Sabbath?

Yes, in Jerusalem there was a split between those who stayed and switched to Sunday in the second century, and those who refused to and kept the Sabbath.

Notice also:

During the nineteenth year of Hadrian’s reign (a.d. 117-138) the first uncircumcised Greek Gentile Bishop of Ælia Capitolina was Marcus, c. a.d. 135. (Dowling TE. The orthodox Greek patriarchate of Jerusalem, 3rd ed. Society for promoting Christian knowledge, 1913, p. 48)

How did this happen?

Here is a version of what occurred according to the noted historian E. Gibbon:

The first fifteen bishops of Jerusalem were all circumcised Jews; and the congregation over which they presided united the law of Moses with the doctrine of Christ. It was natural that the primitive tradition of a church which was founded only forty days after the death of Christ, and was governed almost as many years under the immediate inspection of his apostle, should be received as the standard of orthodoxy. The distant churches very frequently appealed to the authority of their venerable Parent, and relieved her distresses by a liberal contribution of alms…

But at length, under the reign of Hadrian, the desperate fanaticism of the Jews filled up the measure of their calamities; and the Romans, exasperated by their repeated rebellions, exercised the rights of victory with unusual rigour. The emperor founded, under the name of Alia Capitolina, a new city on Mount Sion, to which he gave the privileges of a colony; and denouncing the severest penalties against any of the Jewish people who should dare to approach its precincts, he fixed a vigilant garrison of a Roman cohort to enforce the execution of his orders. The Nazarenes had only one way left to escape the common proscription, and the force of truth was on this occasion assisted by the influence of temporal advantages.

They elected Marcus for their bishop, a prelate of the race of the Gentiles, and most probably a native either of Italy or of some of the Latin provinces. At his persuasion the most considerable part of the congregation renounced the Mosaic law, in the practice of which they had persevered above a century. By this sacrifice of their habits and prejudices they purchased a free admission into the colony of Hadrian…

When the name and honours of the church of Jerusalem had been restored to Mount Sion, the crimes of heresy and schism were imputed to the obscure remnant of the Nazarenes which refused to accompany their Latin bishop. …

It has been remarked with more ingenuity than truth that the virgin purity of the church was never violated by schism or heresy before the reign of Trajan or Hadrian, about one hundred years after the death of Christ (Gibbon E. Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, Volume I, Chapter XV, Section I. ca. 1776-1788).

Because of the Jewish revolt, Emperor Hadrian outlawed many practices considered to be Jewish. The 20th century historian Salo W. Barron wrote:

Hadrian . . . According to rabbinic sources, he prohibited public gatherings for instruction in Jewish law, forbade the proper observance of the Sabbath and holidays and outlawed many important rituals (Barron SW. Social and Religious History of the Jews, Volume 2: Christian Era: the First Five Centuries. Columbia University Press, 1952, p. 107).

The Christians in Judea were forced to make a decision. They either could continue to keep the Sabbath and the rest of God’s Holy Days like Passover on the biblical date and flee, or they could compromise and support a religious leader (Marcus) who would not keep the Sabbath, supported Passover on what is now called Easter Sunday, etc.

Notice another account related to Jerusalem c. 135 A.D.:

(71a) ‘After him’, his disciples (axhab) were with the Jews and the Children of Israel in the latter’s synagogues and observed the prayers and the feasts of (the Jews) in the same place as the latter. (However) there was a disagreement between them and the Jews with regard to Christ.

The Romans (al-Rum) reigned over them. The Christians (used to) complain to the Romans about the Jews, showed them their own weakness and appealed to their pity. And the Romans did pity them. This (used) to happen frequendy. And the Romans said to the Christians: “Between us and the Jews there is a pact which (obliges us) not to change their religious laws (adyan). But if you would abandon their laws and separate yourselves from them, praying as we do (while facing) the East, eating (the things) we eat, and regarding as permissible that which we consider as such, we should help you and make you powerful, and the Jews would find no way (to harm you). On the contrary, you would be more powerful than they.”

The Christians answered: “We will do this.”

(And the Romans) said: “Go, fetch your companions, and bring your Book (kitab).” (The Christians) went to their companions, informed them of (what had taken place) between them and the Romans and said to them: “Bring the Gospel (al-injil), and stand up so that we should go to them.”

But these (companions) said to them: “You have done ill. We are not permitted (to let) the Romans pollute the Gospel. In giving a favourable answer to the Romans, you have accordingly departed from the religion. We are (therefore) no longer permitted to associate with you; on the contrary, we are obliged to declare that there is nothing in common between us and you;” and they prevented their (taking possession of) the Gospel or gaining access to it. In consequence a violent quarrel (broke out) between (the two groups). Those (mentioned in the first place) went back to the Romans and said to them: “Help us against these companions of ours before (helping us) against the Jews, and take away from them on our behalf our Book (kitab).” Thereupon (the companions of whom they had spoken) fled the country. And the Romans wrote concerning them to their governors in the districts of Mosul and in the Jazirat al-‘Arab. Accordingly, a search was made for them; some (qawm) were caught and burned, others (qawm) were killed. (Pines S. The Jewish Christians of the Early Centuries of Christianity according to a New Source. Proceedings of the Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities, Volume II, No.13; 1966. Jerusalem, pp. 14-15).

The compromisers were not faithful, so the faithful fled the country instead of accepting Sunday.

There were also compromisers in Rome who also adopted Sunday at the same time, most likely to try to avoid the wrath of Emperor Hadrian.

According to an old, but probably modified in the 4th century document, Polycarp of Smyrna, who was ordained by the original Apostles but was killed in the latter half of the second century, kept the Sabbath:

I will give the narration in order, thus coming down to the history of the blessed Polycarp…

And on the sabbath, when prayer had been made long time on bended knee, he, as was his custom, got up to read; and every eye was fixed upon him…

And on the following sabbath he said; ‘Hear ye my exhortation, beloved children of God. I adjured you when the bishops were present, and now again I exhort you all to walk decorously and worthily in the way of the Lord, knowing that, when I was in the ministry of the presbyters, I applied so great diligence according to my power, and shall do this the more now when the greatest peril awaits me if I am negligent. For after the fear of the judgment, it were shameful to abate and relax anything having regard to men, and not rather to build up higher the zeal which has reached thus far. It pertaineth to you therefore to hold back from all unruliness, both men and women; and let no one imagine that I exact punishment from offenders not from conscientiousness but from human pride. For it has happened that some of those who were put into offices, when they ought all the more, as one might say, to strain every nerve in the race, just then relax their efforts, forgetting that, the greater honour a man appeareth to receive, the greater the loyalty which he ought to pay towards the Master, and to remember the words of the Lord how He himself said, On whom I conferred the more, from him let them demand the more abundantly in return; and the parable of those who had the talents committed to them, and the blessing pronounced upon the servant that watches, and the reproof of those who refused to come to the marriage feast, and the condemnation of him whose garment was not befitting the marriage festivity, and the entering in of the wise virgins, the saying Watch ye, and again Be ye ready, Let not your hearts be weighed down, the new commandment concerning love one towards another, His advent suddenly manifest as of rapid lightning, the great judgment by fire, the eternal life, His immortal kingdom. And all things whatsoever being taught of God ye know, when ye search the inspired Scriptures, engrave with the pen of the Holy Spirit on your hearts, that the commandments may abide in you indelible.’

Thus speaking in this way from time to time, and being persistent in his teaching, he edified and saved both himself and his hearers. (Pionius, Life of Polycarp (1889) from J. B. Lightfoot, The Apostolic Fathers, vol. 3.2, pp.488-506)

Thus, Polycarp regularly kept the Sabbath and preached on it. And I would add that even Roman Catholic scholars understand that Christian Gentile in Asia Minor still attended some type of weekly service on the Sabbath (e.g. Monroy, Mauricio Saavedra. The Church of Smyrna: History and Theology of a Primitive Christian Community. Peter Lang edition, 2015, pp. 318, 332).

It may be of interest to note that the first known reference to not observing the seventh day Sabbath by one associated with Christianity was by Marcion in Rome. Nearly all Protestant, Orthodox, or Roman Catholic researchers consider that Marcion was a major Gnostic heretic.

Here are some comments about him from the Ante-Nicene writer Tertullian:

Marcion acquired his very perverse opinions not from a master, but his master from his opinion! … He displayed a hatred against the Jews’ most solemn day, He was only professedly following the Creator, as being His Christ, in this very hatred of the Sabbath … (Tertullian. Against Marcion, Book IV, Chapter 12. Excerpted from Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume 3. Edited by Philip Schaff, D.D., LL.D. American Edition, 1885. Online Edition Copyright © 2005 by K. Knight).

Marcion who fasted on the Sabbath to show his contempt for the God of the Old Testament whom he considered to be evil (Bacchiocchi S.  Anti-Judaism and the Origin of Sunday.  The Pontifical Gregorian University Press, Rome, 1975, p. 62).

Should any rely on major heretics be the basis of the true Christian faith?

By the way, we have ‘ante-Nicene’ records which state that Marcion was denounced by faithful Christian leaders including Polycarp of Smyrna, Theophilus of Antioch, and Serapion of Antioch. And all of those leaders also continued to keep Passover on the 14th and NOT on a Sunday like Rome and Alexandria began to do in the second century around 135 A.D.

The first true and clear reference to Sunday worship was around 150 A.D. by Justin Martyr (over a century after Jesus’ death and about 1/2 century after John died). Justin used the expression Ηλίου λεγομένη ἡμέρᾳ which literally means “Helios said (called) day” (Helios was a Greek sun god). Most of the Protestant, Orthodox, or Roman Catholic faiths, if they studied Justin, would conclude that Justin made many statements that are heretical and that he admitted he did not care to associate with Christians who he felt retained Jewish practices (for documented proof, please see the article Justin Martyr: Saint, Heretic, or Apostate?).

Some have claimed that the Didache and Ignatius both enjoined Sunday, but this is not true. The original Greek in those ‘ante-Nicene’ writings simply do not support this conclusion. This is documented and discussed in the article The Didache, Ignatius, and the Sabbath.

Actually, it appears that Sunday became observed because of antisemitic persecution. But the faithful kept the Sabbath.

In the late second century, Theophilus of Antioch taught the following about the Sabbath:

And on the sixth day God finished His works which He made, and rested on the seventh day from all His works which He made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it; because in it He rested from all His works which God began to create … Moreover, [they spoke] concerning the seventh day, which all men acknowledge; but the most know not that what among the Hebrews is called the “Sabbath,” is translated into Greek the “Seventh” (ebdomas), a name which is adopted by every nation, although they know not the reason of the appellation. (Theophilus of Antioch. To Autolycus, Book 2, Chapters XI, XII. Translated by Marcus Dods, A.M. Excerpted from Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume 2. Edited by Alexander Roberts & James Donaldson. American Edition, 1885).

Hence, this is consistent with the view that Theophilus observed the seventh day Sabbath.

Notice this condemnation by a Roman Catholic Cardinal related to third century Antioch:

Lucian, who schismatized or was excommunicated on his deposition, held heretical tenets of a diametrically opposite nature, that is, such as were afterwards called Semi-Arian … I would rather direct the reader’s attention to the particular form which the Antiochene corruptions seem to have assumed, viz., that of Judaism… (Cardinal Newman, John Henry. The Arians of the Fourth Century. Longmans, Green, & Co., New York, 1908, pp. 7,9).

So, there were people in the Antioch area that held to some form of Judeao-Christianity in the third century according to Roman Catholic sources. The charge of ‘Judaism’ means that Lucian would have been keeping the seventh-day Sabbath.

J. F. Coltheart put the following citations together which shows that scholars do understand that early Christians and others did in fact keep the seventh-day sabbath:

EARLY CHRISTIANS

“The primitive Christians had a great veneration for the Sabbath, and spent the day in devotion and sermons. And it is not to be doubted but they derived this practice from the Apostles themselves, as appears by several scriptures to that purpose.” Dialogues on the Lord’s Day, p. 189. London: 1701, by Dr. T.H. Morer.

EARLY CHRISTIANS

“. . . The Sabbath was a strong tie which united them with the life of the whole people, and in keeping the Sabbath holy they followed not only the example but also the command of Jesus.” Geschichte des Sonntags, pp. 13, 14.

2ND CENTURY CHRISTIANS

The Gentile Christians observed also the Sabbath. Gieseler’s Church History, Vol. 1, ch. 2, par. 30, p. 93.

EARLY CHRISTIANS

“The primitive Christians did keep the Sabbath of the Jews . . . therefore the Christians, for a long time together, did keep their conventions upon the Sabbath, in which some portions of the law were read: and this continued till the time of the Laodicean council.” The Whole Works of Jeremy Taylor, Vol. IX, p. 416 (R. Heber’s Edition, Vol. XII, p. 416)…

EGYPT (OXYRHYNCHUS PAPYRUS – 200-250 A.D.)

“Except ye make the Sabbath a real Sabbath [sabbatize the Sabbath, Greek], ye shall not see the father.” The Oxyrhynchus Papyri, pt. L, p. 3, Logion 2, verse 4-11 (London: Offices of the Egypt Exploration Fund, 1898)...

EARLY CHRISTIANS

“The seventh-day Sabbath was . . . solemnised by Christ, the Apostles, and the primitive Christians, till the Laodicean Council did in a manner quite abolish the observations of it.” Dissertation on the Lord’s Day, pp. 33, 34, 44…

SPAIN – Council Elvira (A.D. 305)

Canon 26 of the Council of Elvira reveals that the Church of Spain at that time kept Saturday, the seventh day. “As to fasting every Sabbath: Resolved, that the error be corrected of fasting every Sabbath.” This resolution of the council is in direct opposition to the policy the church at Rome had inaugurated, that of commanding Sabbath as a fast day in order to humiliate it and make it repugnant to the people…

PERSIA – A.D. 335-375

“They despise our sun god. Did not Zoroaster, the sainted founder of our divine beliefs, institute Sunday one thousand years ago in honour of the sun and supplant the Sabbath of the Old Testament. Yet these Christians have divine services on Saturday.” O’Leary, The Syriac Church and Fathers, pp. 83, 84. (Coltheart JF. The Sabbath of God Through the Centuries. Leaves-of-Autumn Books, Inc. Payson, Arizona, 1954. http://www.giveshare.org/churchhistory/sabbaththrucenturies.html 6/24/06).

Sabbath-keeping in Asia Minor was publicly still going on to at least 364 A.D. or else the Eastern Church would not have convened a Council in Laodicea to excommunicate any who rested on the seventh day. Notice what the Council of Laodicea declared in English and Latin,

CANON XXIX. CHRISTIANS must not judaize by resting on the Sabbath, but must work on that day, rather honouring the Lord’s Day; and, if they can, resting then as Christians. But if any shall be found to be judaizers, let them be anathema from Christ (THE COMPLETE CANONS OF THE SYNOD OF LAODICEA IN PHRYGIA PACATIANA).

Quod non oportet Christianos Judaizere et otiare in Sabbato, sed operari in eodem die. Preferentes autem in veneratione Dominicum diem si vacare voluerint, ut Christiani hoc faciat ; quod si reperti fuerint Judaizare Anathema sin a Christo (Cited in Andrews, p. 362).

But although that Council tried to abolish the Sabbath, sabbath-keeping continued among the faithful. Around 404 A.D. Jerome noted,

… the believing Jews do well in observing the precepts of the law, i.e …. keeping the Jewish Sabbath … there exists a sect among … the synagogues of the East, which is called the sect of the Minei, and is even now condemned by the Pharisees. The adherents to this sect are known commonly as Nazarenes; they believe in Christ the Son of God, born of , the Virgin Mary; and they say that He who suffered under Pontius Pilate and rose again, is the same as the one in whom we believe”—yet, Jerome considered them to be part of “a most pestilential heresy” (Jerome. Translated by J.G. Cunningham, M.A. From Jerome to Augustine (A.D. 404); LETTER 75 (AUGUSTINE) OR 112 (JEROME). Excerpted from Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Series One, Volume 1. Edited by Philip Schaff, D.D., LL.D. American Edition, 1887. Online Edition Copyright © 2004 by K. Knight).

But it was not just Jewish Christians keeping the Sabbath.

The Sabbath-keeping Christians “early in the seventh century” sometimes called “Nazarenes were still fairly numerous” in Arabia and Persia (Schonfield H. The History of Jewish Christiantiy. 1936, 2nd edition 2009, p. 86).

There were Semi-Arians in Armenia who also kept the seventh-day Sabbath in the late fourth century:

Eustathius was succeeded by Erius, a … semi-Arian … he urged a purer morality and a stricter observance of the Sabbath (Davis, Tamar. A General History of the Sabbatarian Churches. 1851; Reprinted 1995 by Commonwealth Publishing, Salt Lake City, p. 20).

Also in the fourth century, but in Ethiopia, Frumentius reported:

“And we assemble on Saturday,” he continues; “not that we are infected with Judaism, but to worship Jesus, the Lord of the Sabbath” (Davis, Tamar. A General History of the Sabbatarian Churches. 1851; Reprinted 1995 by Commonwealth Publishing, Salt Lake City, pp. 41-42).

Even though many in Syria had apostasized by the mid-third century (see The Smyrna Church Era), even they understood that they were to keep the Sabbath, though the compromisers there also kept Sunday (there is no clear  evidence that Sunday was observed there in the second century).

Notice what the so-called Apostolic Constituitions, written in Syria around 250 A.D. states:

XXIII … But keep the Sabbath, and the Lord’s day festival; because the former is the memorial of the creation, and the latter of the resurrection (Apostolic Constitutions – Didascalia Apostolorum Book VII, Section II. As cited in Andrews J.N. in History of the Sabbath, 3rd editon, 1887. Reprint Teach Services, Brushton (NY), 1998, p. 329 and Constitutions of the Holy Apostles, Bk. 7, Sec. 2, Ch. 23, trans. in ANF, Vol. 7, 1885.  Hendrickson Publishers, Peabody (MA), printing 1999, p. 469)…

XXXIII … Let the slaves work five days; but on the Sabbath-day and the Lord’s day let them have leisure to go to church for instruction in piety. We have said that the Sabbath is on account of the creation, and the Lord’s day of the resurrection (Apostolic Constitutions – Didascalia Apostolorum Book VIII, Section IV).

XXXVI. O Lord Almighty Thou hast created the world by Christ, and hast appointed the Sabbath in memory thereof, because that on that day Thou hast made us rest from our works, for the meditation upon Thy laws … Thou didst give them the law or decalogue, which was pronounced by Thy voice and written with Thy hand. Thou didst enjoin the observation of the Sabbath, not affording them an occasion of idleness, but an opportunity of piety, for their knowledge of Thy power, and the prohibition of evils; having limited them as within an holy circuit for the sake of doctrine, for the rejoicing upon the seventh period … On this account He permitted men every Sabbath to rest, that so no one might be willing to send one word out of his mouth in anger on the day of the Sabbath. For the Sabbath is the ceasing of the creation, the completion of the world, the inquiry after laws, and the grateful praise to God for the blessings He has bestowed upon men (Apostolic Constitutions – Didascalia Apostolorum Book VII, Section II).

In the mid-19th century, the following was reported about those who professed Christ during these early times:

OF THE OBSERVATION OF THE SABBATH, OR SATURDAY, AS A WEEKLY FESTIVAL …

Christians were very careful in the observation of Saturday,or the seventh day, which was the ancient Jewish sabbath … In the Eastern church it was ever observed as a festival … From hence it is plain, that all the Oriental churches, and the greatest part of the world, observed the sabbath as a festival. And the Greek writers are unanimous in their testimony. The author of the Constitutions, who describes the customs chiefly of the Oriental church, frequently speaks of it … Athanasius likewise tells us, that they held religious assemblies on the sabbath, not because they were infected with Judaism, but to worship Jesus the Lord of the sabbath. Epiphanius says the same, That it was a day of public assembly in many churches, meaning the Oriental churches, where it was kept a festival (Bingham J. Origines Ecclesiasticæ: The Antiquities of the Christian Church. With Two Sermons and Two Letters on the Nature and Necessity of Absolution. H. G. Bohn, 1856. Original from Harvard University Digitized Oct 19, 2006, pp. 1137-1138).

Sozomen reported in the mid-5th Century:

The people of Constantinople, and almost everywhere, assemble together on the Sabbath, as well as on the first day of the week, which custom is never observed at Rome or at Alexandria (Sozomen. THE ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY OF SOZOMEN. Comprising a History of the Church, from a.d. 323 to a.d. 425. Book VII, Chapter XIX. Translated from the Greek. Revised by Chester D. Hartranft, Hartford Theological Seminary UNDER THE EDITORIAL SUPERVISION OF PHILIP SCHAFF, D.D., LL.D., AND HENRY WACE, D.D., Professor of Church History in the Union Theological Seminary, New York. Principal of King’s College, London. T&T CLARK, EDINBURGH, circa 1846).

Speaking of Rome, perhaps I should mention that as late as the third century, some type of Sabbath-observance still occurred as the following from the Catholic theologian Hippolytus attests, as well as Sunday:

20:7 Those who are to receive baptism shall fast on the Preparation of the Sabbath b. On the
Sabbath c, those who are to receive baptism shall all gather together in one place…

b Friday
c Saturday

22:1 On the first day of the week the bishop, if possible, shall deliver the oblation to all  the people with his own hand, while the deacons break the bread.

(Hippolytus. The Apostolic Tradition of Hippolytus of Rome. From the work of Bernard Botte (La Tradition Apostolique. Sources Chretiennes, 11 bis. Paris, Editions du Cerf, 1984) and of Gregory Dix (The Treatise on the Apostolic Tradition of St. Hippolytus of Rome, Bishop and Martyr. London: Alban Press, 1992) as translated by Kevin P. Edgecomb http://www.bombaxo.com/hippolytus.html viewed 08/06/09)

In the fourth century, Sabbath-keeping was still going on in Jerusalem:

St. Cyril of Jerusalem, or as some believe, his successor John II … the saint … adds “… Keep away from all sabbathical observances, and do not call some foods clean and unclean because they are all indifferent”. (Bagatti, Bellarmino.  Translated by Eugene Hoade.  The Church from the Circumcision. Nihil obstat: Marcus Adinolfi, 13 Maii 1970. Imprimi potest: Herminius Roncari, 14 Junii 1970. Imprimatur: +Albertus Gori, die 26 Junii 1970.  Franciscan Printing Press, Jerusalem, 1971, p. 89).

However, the truly faithful in Jerusalem still ignored the anti-Sabbatarian Greco-Roman leaders.

Also in the fifth century, the historian Socrates noted:

For although almost all churches throughout the world celebrate the sacred mysteries on the sabbath of every week, yet the Christians of Alexandria and at Rome, on account of some ancient tradition, have ceased to do this. The Egyptians in the neighborhood of Alexandria, and the inhabitants of Thebais, hold their religious assemblies on the sabbath, but do not participate of the mysteries in the manner usual among Christians in general (Socrates Scholasticus. Ecclesiastical History, Book V, Chapter XXII. Excerpted from Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Second Series, Volume 2. Edited by Philip Schaff and Henry Wace. American Edition, 1890. Online Edition Copyright © 2005 by K. Knight).

Apparently, however, Sabbath-observance came back to Rome as the Roman Catholic pope they call “Gregory the Great” wrote the following:

Gregory, servant of the servants of God, to his most beloved sons the Roman citizens.

It has come to my ears that certain men of perverse spirit have sown among you some things that are wrong and opposed to the holy faith, so as to forbid any work being done on the Sabbath day. What else can I call these but preachers of Antichrist (Gregory I. Registrum Epistolarum, Book XIII, Letter 1).

Hence, even within the area of Rome, some people were keeping the Sabbath in the late sixth/early seventh century.

As far as Roman Catholic scholars go, notice the following about a series of article on the Sabbath and Sunday:

God to His servant, man: Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.”

No Protestant living today has ever yet obeyed that command, preferring to follow the apostate church referred to than his teacher the Bible, (The Christian Sabbath. Catholic Mirror, September 2, 1893, p. 8)

“And he (Paul) reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and Greeks.” thus the Sabbath (Saturday) from Genesis to Revelation!!! Thus, it is impossible to find in the New Testament the slightest interference by the Saviour or his Apostles with the original Sabbath, but on the contrary, an entire acquiescence in the original arrangement; nay a plenary endorsement by Him, whilst living; and an unvaried, active participation in the keeping of that day and no other by the apostles, for thirty years after His death, as the Acts of the Apostles has abundantly testified to us.

Hence the conclusion is inevitable; viz., that of those who follow the Bible as their guide, … have exclusive weight of evidence on their side, whilst the Biblical Protestant has not a word in self-defense for his substitution of Sunday for Saturday. (The Christian Sabbath. Catholic Mirror, September 9, 1893, p. 8)

Having disposed of every text to be found in the New Testament referring to the Sabbath (Saturday), and to the first day of the week (Sunday); and having shown conclusively from these texts, that, so far, not a shadow of pretext can be found in the Sacred Volume for the Biblical substitution of Sunday for Saturday; (The Christian Sabbath. Catholic Mirror, September 16, 1893, p. 8)

What Protestant can, after perusing these articles, with a clear conscience, continue to disobey the command of God, enjoining Saturday to be kept, which command his teacher, the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, records as the will of God? …

The Catholic Church for over one thousand years before the existence of a Protestant, by virtue of her divine mission, changed the day from Saturday to Sunday. (The Christian Sabbath. Catholic Mirror, September 23, 1893, p. 8)

So, the change was not from the Bible, nor the early church, but from the Church of Rome which made the change according to history as well as admitted in a series of Roman Catholic scholastic articles.

Let me add that Gentiles were prophesied to keep the Sabbath.

Notice what Isaiah 56:1-2 teaches:

1. Thus says the LORD:

“Keep justice, and do righteousness,
For My salvation is about to come,
And My righteousness to be revealed.
2 Blessed is the man who does this,
And the son of man who lays hold on it;
Who keeps from defiling the Sabbath,
And keeps his hand from doing any evil.”

Protestant commentators tend to believe that verse 1 is referring to Jesus coming. Notice one below:

I. God here tells us what his intentions are of mercy to us (v. 1): My salvation is near to come-the great salvation wrought out by Jesus Christ (for that was the salvation of which the prophets enquired and searched diligently, 1 Peter 1:10), typified by the salvation of the Jews from Sennacherib or out of Babylon. Observe,

1. The gospel salvation is the salvation of the Lord. It was contrived and brought about by him; he glories in it as his.

2. In that salvation God’s righteousness is revealed, which is so much the beauty of the gospel that St. Paul makes this the ground of his glorying in it. (Rom 1:17), because therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith. The law revealed that righteousness of God by which all sinners stand condemned, but the gospel reveals that by which all believers stand acquitted (from Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible: New Modern Edition, Electronic Database. Copyright (c) 1991 by Hendrickson Publishers, Inc.).

But verse 2 is talking about the Sabbath.

Does this include foreigners, like Gentiles? Notice the next several verses in Isaiah:

3 Do not let the son of the foreigner Who has joined himself to the LORD Speak, saying, “The LORD has utterly separated me from His people”; Nor let the eunuch say, “Here I am, a dry tree.” 4 thus says the LORD: “To the eunuchs who keep My Sabbaths, And choose what pleases Me, And hold fast My covenant, 5 Even to them I will give in My house And within My walls a place and a name Better than that of sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name That shall not be cut off. 6 “Also the sons of the foreigner Who join themselves to the LORD, to serve Him, And to love the name of the LORD, to be His servants– Everyone who keeps from defiling the Sabbath, And holds fast My covenant– 7 Even them I will bring to My holy mountain, And make them joyful in My house of prayer (Isaiah 56:3-7).

And while we in the Continuing Church of God believe that this has a future application, it also shows that foreign converts are also blessed who keep the Sabbath.

God’s plan, in the Bible, was for His people to keep the seventh-day Sabbath.

Ante-Nicene and Roman Catholic writings show that the faithful kept Saturday, not Sunday, in the first century, despite persecution they kept the Saturday Sabbath in the second century, and actually that it has been kept throughout the entire church age.

Do not fall for claims by others who want you to believe otherwise.

Several other items of possibly related interest may include:

The Sabbath in the Early Church and Abroad Was the seventh-day (Saturday) Sabbath observed by the apostolic and post-apostolic Church? Here is a related sermon video The Christian Sabbath and How and Why to Keep It.
How to Observe the Sabbath How should you keep the Sabbath? This is an old article by Raymond Cole, with updated information for the 21st century.
The Ten Commandments: The Decalogue, Christianity, and the Beast This is a free 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.
FOURTH COMMANDMENT: The Sabbath in the Early Church and Abroad Was the seventh-day (Saturday) Sabbath observed by the apostolic and post-apostolic Church? Here is a link to a related sermon: Fourth Commandment: Saturday or Sunday?
Another Look at the Didache, Ignatius, and the Sabbath Did Ignatius write against the Sabbath and for Sunday? What about the Didache? What does the actual Greek reveal?
Is Revelation 1:10 talking about Sunday or the Day of the Lord? Most Protestant scholars say Sunday is the Lord’s Day, but is that what the Bible teaches?
The Sabbath in the Early Church and Abroad Was the seventh-day (Saturday) Sabbath observed by the apostolic and post-apostolic Church? Here is a related sermon video The Christian Sabbath and How and Why to Keep It.
The Christian Sabbath. This is a series of articles from the Catholic Mirror essentially proving that the biblical Sabbath was Saturday, that the Lord’s day in Revelation 1 is not a reference to Sunday, that the Church of Rome implemented Sunday, and that nearly all Protestants followed Rome. Here is a link to a related sermon: Catholic teachings on the Sabbath, Sunday, and Protestantism.
Early Sabbath Keeping in North America When did Europeans first keep the Sabbath in North America? Did the pilgrims who arrived on the Mayflower keep Saturday or Sunday?
Can You Keep Your Job, Get Your Degree, and Keep the Sabbath? This article has some information on that. Here is a link to a related video titled: Can you keep the Sabbath and your job? What about college?
The Dramatic Story of Chinese Sabbathkeepers This reformatted Good News article from 1955 discusses Sabbath-keeping in China in the 1800s.
Is God Unreasonable? Some have suggested that if God requires Sabbath-keeping He is unreasonable. Is that true? Here is a link to a related article in Mandarin Chinese NN*N Ttv„y^ÿ
Should You Keep God’s Holy Days or Demonic Holidays? This is a free pdf booklet explaining what the Bible and history shows about God’s Holy Days and popular holidays. Two related sermons would be Which Spring Days should Christians observe? and Fall Holy Days for Christians.
Is There “An Annual Worship Calendar” In the Bible? This paper provides a biblical and historical critique of several articles, including one by the Tkach WCG which states that this should be a local decision. What do the Holy Days mean? Here is a related link in Spanish/español: Calendario Anual de Adoración Una crítica basada en la Biblia y en la Historia: ¿Hay un Calendario Anual de Adoración en la Biblia? A sermonette in English covers: Colossians, Galatians, and the Feasts of God.
Messianic Judaism Beliefs Differ from the Continuing Church of God Both groups keep the seventh-day Sabbath, but have important differences in doctrines and practices. Here is a link to a related sermon: Messianic Judaism beliefs.
SDA/CCOG Differences: Two Horned Beast of Revelation and 666 The genuine Church of God is NOT part of the Seventh-day Adventists. This article explains two prophetic differences, the trinity, differences in approaching doctrine, including Ellen White. Did Ellen White make prophetic errors? Did Ellen White make false prophecies? Here is a version in the Spanish language: SDA/COG Diferencias: La bestia de dos cuernos de Apocalipsis y 666. Here are two sermons in the English language: Seventh Day Baptists/Adventists/Messianics: Protestant or COG? and CCOG and SDA differences and similarities. Here is a link to an article in the Spanish language: Diferencias: SDA/CCOG: La bestia de dos cuernos de Apocalipsis y 666.
Seventh Day Baptists are Protestant, not Church of God This article explains reasons why Baptists, include seventh day ones (SDBs) do not have the historical and doctrinal ties to the original church that many have claimed. Here are two related sermons in the English language: Seventh Day Baptists/Adventists/Messianics: Protestant or COG? and Protestant, Baptist, and CCOG History.
CG7.ORG This is a website for those interested in the Sabbath and churches that observe the seventh day Sabbath.

Civil War movie poster

COGwriter

World Net Daily posted the following:

Stunning poll reveals more than 100 million Americans expect civil war within 5 years

May 2, 2024 at 6:12pm

A stunning new poll shows that more than 100 million Americans, 41% of the nation’s population, believe there could be another civil war in America within the next five years.

The Rasmussen Reports document on that foreboding expectation was released on Thursday.

It said “41% of Likely U.S. voters believe the United States is likely to experience a second civil war sometime in the next five years, including 16% who consider such a scenario Very Likely.”

Not even half, 49%, said they don’t think it’s likely.

Rasmussen said, “Such discussions got a boost after the new movie ‘Civil War’ made its debut as No. 1 at the box office last month. Thirty-seven percent (37%) of voters believe another civil war is more likely to happen if President Joe Biden wins this year’s election, while 25% think another civil war is more likely if former President Donald Trump wins. Thirty percent (30%) say who wins this year’s election will not make much difference in the likelihood of a civil war.” …

A report at the Daily Mail called it a “shock survey.” And the report noted it comes “against a backdrop of mounting violence on U.S. college campuses, where pro-Palestine protestors clash with law enforcers, conservatives, some Jewish students and others.”

Rasmussen warned, “The possibility that America could face another civil war soon is not too far-fetched for a lot of voters.” https://www.wnd.com/2024/05/stunning-poll-reveals-100-million-americans-expect-civil-war-5-years/

While there is a recent movie called Civil War, about the USA, it would seem that the increasing political divide over the past four years, the January 6, 2020 matter, the campus protests, pushing transgenderism, the use of the legal system against political opponents, etc. would be more of a factor in the amount of people in America suspecting a coming civil war of some type.

Notice something from last year by Politico, which is on the “left” side of the political spectrum:

The Threat of Civil Breakdown Is Real

We and others have written of the prospect of a new civil war in the United States …

As the 2024 election approaches, the threat of political violence and civil breakdown is only going to increase. And despite all that U.S. national security and law enforcement officials have learned since Jan. 6, the country is still not prepared for a far-right revolt.

Several discomfiting questions arise: How many right-of-center Americans believe violence will be necessary to repel a perceived racial or cultural threat? Do those who harbor that belief have genuine intent to take up arms? If so, what it would take to make them shoot? …

The 2024 election. Presidential elections are won or lost in the center, and moderates and independents — most of whom don’t want to think about politics — do seem increasingly alert to the dangers of Trump. …

Given recent trends, it is reasonable to hope that moderates and independents will have had enough in November 2024. A clear rejection of Trumpism might then deflate the MAGA movement for the time being. But if the Republican nominee loses narrowly, declares himself the winner and rallies dispersed local groups prone to violent local resistance rather than an easily repulsed assault on the Capitol, it might be too late for orderly de-escalation. https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2023/04/21/political-violence-2024-magazine-00093028

So both the left and the right are concerned about civil unrest and even civil war.

As far as Donald Trump’s reaction to the election results might go, notice the following:

May 2, 2024

Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump said Wednesday he would accept the 2024 general election results “if everything’s honest” but vowed to “fight” if it is not. …

“If everything’s honest, I’ll gladly accept the results. I don’t change on that,” Trump told the newspaper. “If it’s not, you have to fight for the right of the country.” https://www.newsmax.com/us/donald-trump-2020-election-fraud/2024/05/02/id/1163224/

Could the comment about fighting be more than legal battles?

We will see, but it does suggest possibly “rumors” of possible civil war.

Jesus warned:

6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.

9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. 10 And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. 11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. 12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. (Matthew 24:6-12)

We are in the “beginning of sorrows” and we are more and more seeing “lawlessness” abounding as Jesus warned.

Many are concerned. USA Today posted the following:

Could 2024 election cause society to collapse? …

More Americans preparing for disaster ahead of election …

December 4, 2023

“On the left, you have people afraid (Trump) is going to declare himself dictator of the United States and people on the left are going to end up as targets in some sort of authoritarian system,” said prepping expert and author Brad Garrett. “On the right, it’s general malaise and a fear of society unraveling. They point to these smash-and-grab robberies, riots and protests.” …

U.S. Air Force Col. Drew Miller … He’s prepared for a full societal collapse caused by war, a nuclear explosion or rampaging mobs angry at election results. …

“There could easily be a civil war during a Biden-Trump election,” he said, https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/12/04/doomsday-preppers-and-election-2024-fears/71695426007/

The USA is deeply divided. It has politicized more and more.

Jesus warned:

25 … Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand. (Matthew 12:25)

24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25 And if a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.  (Mark 3:24-25)

17 … Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and a house divided against a house falls. (Luke 11:17)

Notice that God inspired this to be written three times in the Gospels.

God normally seems to repeat something in scripture for emphasis.

The division is a BIG DEAL.

The end of the USA is coming (cf. Daniel 11:39).

Instead of fighting each other, love is what is needed.

As Jesus taught:

37 … “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 22:37-40)

27 “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. 29 To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either. 30 Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back. 31 And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.

32 “But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. 35 But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. 36 Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful. (Luke 6:27-36)

Instead of true love, a lot of hate and anger has been displayed and whipped up.

Troubles are prophesied (Mark 13:8).

Here are parts of numbers 7 and 15 from my article 24 items to prophetically watch in 2024:

7. Strife and the Red Horse of War

Notice the following:

3 When He opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, “Come and see.” 4 Another horse, fiery red, went out. And it was granted to the one who sat on it to take peace from the earth, and that people should kill one another; and there was given to him a great sword. (Revelation 6:3-4)

Somewhat paralleling the ride of the second horseman of Revelation 6:3-4, Jesus warned about wars and disturbances:

6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.  7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. (Matthew 24:6-7a)

“Nation … against nation” is literally “ethnos … against ethnos” in the original Greek. Notice how the Orthodox Jewish Bible translates the first half of Matthew 24:7:

For there will be an intifada of ethnic group against ethnic group,

In places like the USA, were are seeing more ethnic strife.

Consider that the opening of the second seal (Revelation 6:3-4) is to result in less peace on the Earth.

While this is commonly called the red horse (or horseman) of war, that is not quite what is stated. Notice that he “takes peace from the earth AND that people should kill one another.” Could it be that events in 2020, such as COVID-19 were consistent with taking “peace from the earth”?

Around the world people are AFRAID. The feeling of normalcy is gone for many around the globe. Consider that the travel restrictions are basically because of fear (and often politics). The media and government officials are saying everything will not go back to how it was and that we need to accept what they have called “the new normal.” Speculatively, could this be related to the opening of the second seal?

Not since World War II have we seen anything affect the entire planet so much. I have had a kind of gnawing feeling that perhaps the second seal was opened the late Spring or early Summer of 2020 (if not in the Fall of 2019) that perhaps we needed to better reconsider the opening of the second seal as possible.

Now in addition to COVID, we have had Russia’s ‘special military operation’ into Ukraine which has devestated Ukraine, killed many Russians, and take the facade of peace off in Europe. Then there is the Hamas-Israel war–that is one to watch as it is likely that we will see a regional war in the Middle East before we see a peace deal consistent with prophecies such as in Daniel 9:26-27.

Plus, we also have the USA presidential election. Should Donald Trump win, there are likely to be violent demonstrations, etc. If Joe Biden or anyone else is declared the winner, we may see protests and violence.

People are afraid or at least uneasy to a degree we have not seen around the world anytime in the 21st century.

Barnes Notes on the Bible states:

The power given to him that sat on the horse: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another. This would seem to indicate that the condition immediately preceding this was a condition of tranquility, and that this was now disturbed by some cause producing discord and bloodshed. This idea is confirmed by the original words – τὴν εἰρήνην tēn eirēnēn – “the peace”; that is, the previously existing peace. When peace in general is referred to, the word is used without the article: Matthew 10:34, “Think not that I am come to send peace – βαλεῖν εἰρήνην balein eirēnēn – upon the earth.”

So, this rider is not just a rider of war, but taking away THE peace.

The old WCG taught about the time of the red horse:

John was not speaking about the fall of Jerusalem. That war was already some twenty years behind him. John was referring to future events that would bring 6000 years of human history crashing to a cataclysmic close. … John is referring to a time yet ahead of us when “peaceful coexistence” will be a thing of the past. …

It’s no wonder that Jeremiah, in referring to these tumultuous times, stated: “Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble …” (Jer. 30:7). (Ritter G. 4 Horsemen of the Apocalypse – The Red Horse – War, pp. 48, 52; see also Ritter R. The War that could end it all. Good News, December 1975)

We expect to see more wars, rumors of war, and civil unrest. …

15. Unrest, Terror, and the Dividing of the USA

There have been many protests in the USA.

Some protested racial, economic, and policing matters. Some have called for a “civil war.”

The Bible prophesies, “There shall be terror within” (Deuteronomy 32:25).

Will that happen to the USA?

Yes.

Jesus taught:

25 Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand. (Matthew 12:25)

We are seeing more divide in the USA and parts of it certainly appear to be intentional. Much of it is ideological. The USA is becoming less and less united and more polarized.

Notice the following from 2022:

WND: Ex-Army generals fear insurrection or ‘civil war’ in 2024

Expect more divide in a nation where half of its people cannot tell the different between males and females and the other half still sticks to some facts about that. And of course, there is the abortion divide and other issues.

More terror is prophesied to hit the USA. The same is true for Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

The time of Jacob’s trouble (Jeremiah 30:7), also known as the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21), is coming and the USA and its Anglo-Saxon allies (including Canada) will be affected.

National repentance is the only way to prevent it, and that does not look likely. Though for the nation, the Kingdom of God is the solution, but first there will be a horrific 3 1/2 years.

Personal repentance, however, is still possible. Your personal future can still be much brighter than that of your country. Jesus, in addition to being the source of salvation, also offered physical protection to the most faithful (see Philadelphian Christian Great Tribulation Protection and/or watch Great Tribulation Protection).

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Could God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? Does God have 7,000 year plan? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2031 or 2025 or? There is also a video titled: When Does the 6000 Years End? 2031? 2035? Here is a link to the article in Spanish: ¿Tiene Dios un plan de 6,000 años?
Might the U.S.A. Be Gone in 2028? Could the USA be gone by the end of 2028 or earlier? There is a tradition attributed to the Hebrew prophet Elijah that humanity had 6,000 years to live before being replaced by God’s Kingdom. There are scriptures, writings in the Talmud, early Christian teachings that support this. Also, even certain Hindu writings support it. Here is a link to a related video: Is the USA prophesied to be destroyed by 2028? In Spanish: Seran los Estados Unidos Destruidos en el 2028?
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? 2024, 2025, or 2026? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? Who are the 144,000? Here is a version of the article in the Spanish language: ¿Puede la Gran Tribulación comenzar en el 2020 o 2021? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? A related video is: Great Tribulation: 2026 or 2027? A shorter video is: Tribulation in 2024? Here is a video in the Spanish language: Es El 2021 el año  de La Gran Tribulación o el Grande Reseteo Financiero.
Should a Christian Vote? This article gives some of the Biblical rationale on this subject. Would Jesus vote for president/prime minister? Is voting in the Bible? This is a subject Christians need to understand. A video of related interest is available titled: Should Christians Vote? Another video is Biden, Trump, and the Bible.
Crime can be stopped…here’s how! This was a booklet that was edited with some updates by Dr. Thiel. Here is a link to a related sermon: Crime and How it Will be Stopped!
God’s Grace is For All Is being Jewish a hindrance to salvation? What about not being a descendant of Israel? What does the Bible really teach? Here is a link to a related sermon titled Race and Grace; Do you view race as God does? Watch also Mystery of Race.
24 items to prophetically watch in 2024 Much is happening. Dr. Thiel points to 24 items to watch (cf. Mark 13:37) in this article. Here is a link to a related video: 24 Items to Prophetically Watch in 2024. Here is a link to related video in the Spanish language titled 24 Cosas a tener en cuenta en 2024: https://youtu.be/6f7oqEhjhbg
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God This free online pdf booklet has answers many questions people have about the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and explains why it is the solution to the issues the world is facing. It is available inover 1,000 languages at ccog.org. Here are links to four kingdom-related sermons:  The Fantastic Gospel of the Kingdom of God!, The World’s False Gospel, The Gospel of the Kingdom: From the New and Old Testaments, and The Kingdom of God is the Solution.
Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse What do each of the four horseman of the Apocalypse represent? Have they began their ride? Did Jesus discuss the any of this? Might their rides coincide with the “beginning of sorrows? Do they start their ride prior to the Great Tribulation? Did Nostradamus or any other ‘private prophets’ write predictions that may mislead people so that they may not understand the truth of one or more of the four horseman? There is also a related YouTube video titled Sorrows and the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Here are links to shorter videos: These Signs of the 4 Horsemen Have Begun and Biological Weapons and the 4th Horseman of the Apocalypse.
USA in Prophecy: The Strongest Fortresses Can you point to scriptures, like Daniel 11:39, that point to the USA in the 21st century? This article does. A related sermon is titled: Do these 7 prophesies point to the end of the USA?
Who is the King of the West? Why is there no Final End-Time King of the West in Bible Prophecy? Is the United States the King of the West? Here is a version in the Spanish language: ¿Quién es el Rey del Occidente? ¿Por qué no hay un Rey del Occidente en la profecía del tiempo del fin? A related sermon is also available: The Bible, the USA, and the King of the West.
Is God Calling You? This booklet discusses topics including calling, election, and selection. If God is calling you, how will you respond? Here is are links to related sermons: Christian Election: Is God Calling YOU? and Predestination and Your Selection; here is a message in Spanish: Me Está Llamando Dios Hoy? A short animation is also available: Is God Calling You?
Christian Repentance Do you know what repentance is? Is it really necessary for salvation? Two related sermons about this are also available: Real Repentance and Real Christian Repentance.
About Baptism Should you be baptized? Could baptism be necessary for salvation? Who should baptize and how should it be done? Here is a link to a related sermon: Let’s Talk About Baptism and Baptism, Infants, Fire, & the Second Death.
Lost Tribes and Prophecies: What will happen to Australia, the British Isles, Canada, Europe, New Zealand and the United States of America? Where did those people come from? Can you totally rely on DNA? 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

In May of 2022, PCG posted the following online:

Specific prophecies in the Bible foretell that Europe will become a 10-nation superpower (see Revelation 17:12). Daniel 11 calls this European superpower “the king of the north” (Di Snto D. After the Russian Invasion, ‘Time for a United States of Europe’. The Trumpet online, May 5, 2022)

The leader called the King of the North is the same one that the ten kings give their power to in Revelation 17:13. Scripture nowhere specifies ten nations.

Sadly, instead of relying on scripture, most in PCG push improper narratives that their false leader pushes.

In an article for the July 2020 edition of PCG’s Philadelphia Trumpet, Gerald Flurry wrote the following:

One of the most important effects of the global panic over covid-19 has been almost overlooked. Europe’s response to the pandemic is accelerating the fulfillment of one of the most crucial end-time prophecies of your Bible!

The coronavirus is hastening the arrival of the prophesied Holy Roman Empire. …

The Bible says 10 kings will rise in Europe in this end time, led by one overarching strongman. These kings will form the Holy Roman Empire.

The coronavirus pandemic is helping usher in these 10 kings!

We need to be thinking about these prophesied kings, who are rising now. …

The Bible reveals that the EU is about to be pared down to a 10-nation superstate. This prophecy will be fulfilled very soon—I see biblical evidence of probably no more than two to four years, and perhaps even as soon as this year. …

In 1967, Mr. Armstrong said that once the population of Europe came together, you would see a superpower that would probably grow to become the greatest power on Earth. That power is forming now. Germany is the third-leading exporting nation in the world. https://www.thetrumpet.com/22350-coronavirus-and-the-holy-roman-empire

When I saw the above online in May of 2020, I posted the following comments about it in my post titled PCG claims Revelation 17:12 prophecy can happen this year! James Malm wrong about 2021:

First, let me state that PCG is correct, in a sense, that the “coronavirus is hastening the arrival of the prophesied Holy Roman Empire.”

Related to that, the Continuing Church of God is put out the following sermon on its ContinuingCOG channel: … Fourth Horseman, COVID, and the Rise of the Beast of Revelation.

(Pixabay)

COGwriter

Economic matters remain in the news with some raising concerns about stagflation:

Stagflation Signals Soar as Manufacturing Surveys Show Skyrocketing Prices

May 2, 2024

Chris Williamson, Chief Business Economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence, said:

“Business conditions stagnated in April, failing to improve for the first time in four months and pointing to a weak start to the second quarter for manufacturers. Order inflows into factories fell for the first time since December, meaning producers had to rely on orders placed in prior months to keep busy. …

Prices charged for goods rose at a slower rate than the 11-month high seen in March. But, as S&P Global notes, the rate of increase nevertheless remains elevated by historical standards – and well above the average seen in the decade prior to the pandemic – as firms continued to pass higher commodity prices on to customers. 

However, input costs increased sharply, with the rate of inflation quickening for the second consecutive month. Higher prices for oil and metals were mentioned in particular.

So, stagnating growth and sharply rising input costs… Stagflation signals everywhere. https://oilprice.com/Finance/the-Economy/Stagflation-Signals-Soar-as-Manufacturing-Surveys-Show-Skyrocketing-Prices.html

May 1, 2024

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said Wednesday there was no sign of stagflation in the economy, even as inflation remains stubbornly high and some signs of slowing growth have started to emerge.

In remarks after the release of the Fed’s decision Wednesday to leave interest rates unchanged, Powell said he didn’t “really understand where talk of a stagflation scenario is coming from” given the preponderance of solid economic data.

Historically, stagflation occurs when high unemployment, slow economic growth and high inflation all happen at the same time. https://www.nbcnews.com/business/economy/stagflation-us-economy-what-is-it-are-we-there-rcna150275

Peter Schiff sent out the following in an email today:

May 2, 2024

In June 2022, when inflation was raging at over 9% in the US, Fed Chairman Jerome Powell admitted to a reporter, “we now understand better how little we understand about inflation.”

“Uh, that’s not very reassuring,” the reporter chuckled.

Talk about an understatement. …

They may not understand where inflation comes from, but they understand the profound effect it’s having on their standard of living. Many people are working harder than ever juggling multiple jobs yet struggle to afford basic necessities they once took for granted.

But the Fed doesn’t understand such realities. Just like politicians with ‘decades of experience’, central bankers live on a completely different planet than the rest of us— a place where out of touch ‘experts’ who are disconnected from the real world come up with idiotic theories that are consistently wrong.

Remember when inflation was supposedly “transitory”? Or when, TWO DAYS before Silicon Valley Bank went bust, the Fed Chairman told Congress that they saw absolutely no consequences from their interest rate hikes?

These people have been wrong at every turn. And the latest episode is stagflation— which the Fed Chairman outright dismissed yesterday afternoon.

“I don’t see the ‘stag’ or the ‘flation’…” the Fed Chairman quipped, seemingly quite pleased at how witty he sounded.

His conclusion is nuts; stagflation is hitting him squarely between the eyes, yet he STILL doesn’t see it.

The ‘stag’ data is everywhere. Even the government’s official numbers on the US economy last week showed GDP growth coming to a screeching halt. New hires are down to the lowest level in EIGHT years, and by some metrics in ELEVEN years. Productivity growth last year was an anemic 1.3%. The list goes on and on.

And the fact that the Fed Chairman doesn’t see the “flation”, i.e. inflation, is just intellectually dishonest. Even the Chairman himself has admitted over the past few weeks that inflation remains too high. Both statements cannot be true at the same time… except in the mind of a central banker.

It’s noteworthy that yesterday the Chairman completely ruled out RAISING interest rates. There will be no rate hikes. Period.

Raising interest rates is what a central bank is supposed to do when facing obvious inflation. But they’ve taken that option off the table, entirely abandoning their responsibility to keep prices under control. …

This is stagflation— a small decline in the standard of living. The economy sputters, prices go up, and wages don’t keep pace.

Yet the Fed doesn’t see it.

They don’t understand stagflation.

They don’t understand inflation.

They don’t understand the catastrophic growth trend of the US national debt.

They don’t understand the risks to the US dollar and the coming loss of its status as the dominant global reserve currency.

And they don’t even understand that they don’t understand. They’re so out of touch that they still believe they have the situation under control.

(Note: I do not have any type of connection with Peter Schiff, other than I sometimes get sent emails.)

Yes, we are in dangerous economic times.

Yes, government leaders do not understand the degree of risk that various spending policies and practices are putting on the USA and its dollar.

What is stagflation?

Here is some information about that:

In economics, stagflation or recession-inflation is a situation in which the inflation rate is high, the economic growth rate slows, and unemployment remains steadily high. It presents a dilemma for economic policy, since actions intended to lower inflation may exacerbate unemployment. …

he term stagflation, a portmanteau of stagnation and inflation, was first coined during a period of inflation and unemployment in the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom experienced an outbreak of inflation in the 1960s and 1970s. Inflation rose in the 1960s and 1970s, UK policy makers failed to recognise the primary role of monetary policy in controlling inflation. Instead, they attempted to use non-monetary policies and devices to respond to the economic crisis. Policy makers also made “inaccurate estimates of the degree of excess demand in the economy, [which] contributed significantly to the outbreak of inflation in the United Kingdom in the 1960s and 1970s.^[3]

Stagflation was not limited to the United Kingdom, however. Economists have shown that stagflation was prevalent among seven major market economies from 1973 to 1982.^[6] After inflation rates began to fall in 1982, economists’ focus shifted from the causes of stagflation to the “determinants of productivity growth and the effects of real wages on the demand for labor” … the government can cause stagflation if it creates policies that harm industry while growing the money supply too quickly. (Stagflation. Wikipedia, accessed 01/14/22)

I remember when stagflation was a concerning factor in the early 1980s.

The World Economic Forum (WEF) posted the following back in September 2022:

The risk of stagflation

“The central banks are still being very clear about their mandate, they are absolutely fixated on bringing inflation back towards their targets, and that is taking priority over the growth dynamics … It is acting as a backstop, and it’s also why having these independent central banks is so important.”

— Guy Miller, Chief Market Strategist and Head of Macroeconomics, Zurich Insurance

Adrian Mock: Thanks, Santi. Got some questions here from some journalists. Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson from the Financial Times has a couple of questions to put to the panel. Firstly, where do you see the most pronounced risks for stagflation? And secondly, is it the panel’s view that we’re entering a new economic regime in which inflation remains more elevated than in the past, and where we’re subject to more volatile supply chain issues on a sustained basis? So a couple of very big questions there from Andrew at the FT. Guy, do you want to jump in first on stagflation?

Stagflation

Guy Miller: Well, I guess in terms of the region most vulnerable — I would say it is the Eurozone. It is a region that has typically lower trend growth. And as a result of that, it’s always inevitable that that growth dynamic is going to be at risk. And what we’re seeing here is a combination of that slower trend growth, combined of course with this exogenous shock in terms of the energy component.

So I think it’s fairly clear that certainly for probably the coming year that this region is going to fit that definition of stagflation. …

I think the goods sector is going to be running a little bit higher than we’ve seen in the past for various structural reasons around geopolitics and trade. But I think it is going to be more marginal. It’s still going to be around these targets, even if they are slightly more on the higher side rather than the lower side. So, yes, but to a lesser extent, I think to answer the question.

Adrian Monck: And Rima, do you share that view from Guy there on some of those risks?

Rima Bhatia: Yes. I think well, if we talk about inflation first. I think ultimately the central banks are going to have to tolerate a higher level of inflation. I mean, how far can they raise rates before bringing inflation down to that 2%? I mean, I think that’s no longer realistic in today’s world.  09/30/22 https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2022/09/chief-economists-outlook-inflation-recession-sept-2022/

So, the WEF was expecting stagflation as well as higher than 2% inflation rates. Many in the USA, including me, shared that view.

What is happening will not end well for the USA or its dollar.

This debasing of the value of currency (called “dross” anciently), which is what the USA has been doing with its over spending/debt policies, is condemned in the Bible.

4 Take away the dross from silver (Proverbs 25:4a).

22 Your silver has become dross, Your wine mixed with water. (Isaiah 1:22)

25 I will turn My hand against you, And thoroughly purge away your dross, And take away all your alloy. (Isaiah 1:25)

18 “Son of man, the house of Israel has become dross to Me; they are all bronze, tin, iron, and lead, in the midst of a furnace; they have become dross from silver. 19 Therefore thus says the Lord God: ‘Because you have all become dross, therefore behold, I will gather you into the midst of Jerusalem. 20 As men gather silver, bronze, iron, lead, and tin into the midst of a furnace, to blow fire on it, to melt it; so I will gather you in My anger and in My fury, and I will leave you there and melt you. 21 Yes, I will gather you and blow on you with the fire of My wrath, and you shall be melted in its midst. 22 As silver is melted in the midst of a furnace, so shall you be melted in its midst; then you shall know that I, the Lord, have poured out My fury on you.’” (Ezekiel 22:18-22)

Although the Bible warns against using dross and diluting the money supply, many modern ‘experts’ have a different view. The wrong views on economics will lead to economic problems and ultimately the total crash of the dollar of the USA.

The Fed is loath to raise interest rates for two reasons:

1. That will raise the amount of interest the USA government has to pay on the debt.
2. That will tend to slow down the economy, which would hurt many people, but also hurt President Biden’s chances for re-election (although the Fed claims to be non-partisan and non-political, it is influenced by political considerations).

The truth is that the USA is setting itself up for massive inflation

Related to inflation, the Continuing Church of God (CCOG) put together the following video:

Hyperinflation will hit the USA.

And while we are NOT there yet, its results, including increasing USA debt, will be worse than almost anyone realizes (cf. Habakkuk 2:6-8).

National repentance is needed, but is not expected (Hosea 11:3a, 5b-7)–but you can repent if you respond to God’s calling.

Some items of possibly related interest may include the following:

Might the U.S.A. Be Gone by 2028? Could the USA be gone by the end of 2028 or earlier? There is a tradition attributed to the Hebrew prophet Elijah that humanity had 6,000 years to live before being replaced by God’s Kingdom. There are scriptures, writings in the Talmud, early Christian teachings that support this. Also, even certain Hindu writings support it. Here is a link to a related video: Is the USA prophesied to be destroyed by 2028? In Spanish: Seran los Estados Unidos Destruidos en el 2028?
Is God Calling You? This booklet discusses topics including calling, election, and selection. If God is calling you, how will you respond? Here is are links to related sermons: Christian Election: Is God Calling YOU? and Predestination and Your Selection; here is a message in Spanish: Me Está Llamando Dios Hoy? A short animation is also available: Is God Calling You?
Christian Repentance Do you know what repentance is? Is it really necessary for salvation? Two related sermons about this are also available: Real Repentance and Real Christian Repentance.
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.
Who is the King of the West? Why is there no Final End-Time King of the West in Bible Prophecy? Is the United States the King of the West? Here is a version in the Spanish language: ¿Quién es el Rey del Occidente? ¿Por qué no hay un Rey del Occidente en la profecía del tiempo del fin? A related sermon is also available: The Bible, the USA, and the King of the West.
USA in Prophecy: The Strongest Fortresses Can you point to scriptures, like Daniel 11:39, that point to the USA in the 21st century? This article does. Two related sermon are available: Identifying the USA and its Destruction in Prophecy and Do these 7 prophesies point to the end of the USA?
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?
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”?
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God This free online pdf booklet has answers many questions people have about the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and explains why it is the solution to the issues the world is facing. Here are links to four related sermons: The Fantastic Gospel of the Kingdom of God!, The World’s False Gospel, The Gospel of the Kingdom: From the New and Old Testaments, and The Kingdom of God is the Solution.
Biden-Harris: Prophecies and Destruction Can the USA survive two full presidential terms? In what ways are Joe Biden and Kamala Harris apocalyptic? This book has hundreds of prophecies and scriptures to provide details. A Kindle version is also available 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 your free Kindle reader app (or if you already have one or a Kindle), you can go to: Biden-Harris: Prophecies and Destruction (Kindle) to get the book in seconds.

Although the media has mainly pointed to student anti-Israel protesters, some have suspected that many outside agitators were involved. Apparently quite a few:

NYU: Over Half Arrested for Anti-Israel Protests Not Tied to School

May 2, 2024

Less than half of the pro-Palestine protesters arrested at New York University last week after refusing to vacate the campus were members of the academic institution, the university said on Wednesday.

Of the 133 protesters arrested on April 22 at Gould Plaza on campus, 65 were students, faculty or other employees of NYU, located in the Greenwich Village neighborhood on the west side of lower Manhattan. …

At Columbia University in northern Manhattan’s Morningside Heights neighborhood, Hamas supporters who were not students or staff were involved in violent protests, according to the city’s mayor.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, speaking on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” on Wednesday, revealed that “outside agitators,” including one whose husband was convicted for terrorism, played a key role in the anti-Israel protests at Columbia. https://www.newsmax.com/us/nyu-pro-palestine-protests/2024/05/02/id/1163192/

Unmask the Death-To-America Rioters

May 1, 2024

I realize that masks are de rigueur for rioters. Combined with an oversized keffiyeh they offer anonymity to the Hamas and Hezbollah wannabes. Take a gander at any footage from the nationwide campus protests and most of the anti-semites are wearing masks. https://www.baconsrebellion.com/wp/unmask-the-death-to-america-rioters/

The Anti-Israel Protests Are Being Organized By Paid Professional Agitators And Are Being Funded By The Usual Suspects

May 1, 2024

If you actually believe that it is just a “coincidence” that anti-Israel protests have “spontaneously” erupted at dozens of colleges and universities all over the nation, you are just being delusional. … these protests are being organized by paid professional agitators, and they are being funded by the same far left sources that have funded other radical protest movements in the past. …

New York City Mayor Eric Adams is a far left mayor in a far left city, and even he is admitting that there were “professionals” involved in the chaos that we just witnessed at Columbia University…

There were individuals on the campus who should not have been there. They were people who are professionals and we saw evidence of training,” Adams said. …

“This is a global problem that young people are being influenced by those who are professionals at radicalizing our children and I’m not going to allow that to happen as the mayor of the city of New York.”

Mayor Adams says that Lisa Fithian, who is considered to be “the nation’s best-known protest consultant”, was directly involved with what was going on at Columbia…

In addition, it is being reported that three groups that are heavily funded by George Soros “set up the tent city on Columbia’s lawn”…

The cash from Soros and his acolytes has been critical to the Columbia protests that set off the national copycat demonstrations.

Three groups set up the tent city on Columbia’s lawn last Wednesday: Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) and Within Our Lifetime. …

And the SJP has had a hand in initiating similar operations at other colleges and universities all over the United States…

Copycat tent cities have been set up at colleges including Harvard, Yale, Berkeley in California, the Ohio State University and Emory in Georgia — all of them organized by branches of the Soros-funded Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) — and at some, students have clashed with police.

The SJP parent organization has been funded by a network of nonprofits ultimately funded by, among others, Soros, the billionaire left-wing investor. …

The violence at UCLA is particularly disturbing. …

This is complete and utter lawlessness.

And if they get away with it there, paid agitators will try the same thing at other colleges and universities. …

One of the primary goals of these protests is to get attention, and the mainstream media has been giving them plenty of it.

Unfortunately, I believe that this is just the beginning.

I am entirely convinced that global events will soon spiral completely out of control, and that will provide plenty of fuel for more nationwide protests. https://endoftheamericandream.com/the-anti-israel-protests-are-being-organized-by-paid-professional-agitators-and-are-being-funded-by-the-usual-suspects/

Yes, the matters in the USA will get worse. Not necessarily immediately, but ultimately yes.

And, it appears that in addition to multiple millions of people entering the USA illegally the past few years, the Biden Administration is working on giving permanent residence to many from Gaza. CBS reported:

April 30, 2024

The Biden administration is considering bringing certain Palestinians to the U.S. as refugees, a move that would offer a permanent safe haven to some of those fleeing war-torn Gaza, according to internal federal government documents obtained by CBS News.

In recent weeks, the documents show, senior officials across several federal U.S. agencies have discussed the practicality of different options to resettle Palestinians from Gaza who have immediate family members who are American citizens or permanent residents.

One of those proposals involves using the decades-old United States Refugee Admissions Program to welcome Palestinians with U.S. ties who have managed to escape Gaza and enter neighboring Egypt, according to the inter-agency planning documents. …

Those who pass a series of eligibility, medical and security screenings would qualify to fly to the U.S. with refugee status, which offers beneficiaries permanent residency, resettlement benefits like housing assistance and a path to American citizenship. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/palestinian-refugees-us-gaza-white-house/

If they are screened, what’s the risk?

Well, the vast majority in Gaza support Hamas and hate the USA. As far as supporting Hamas goes, notice the following:

A new poll released by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research finds … the percentage who believe the terror group’s October 7 onslaught was “correct” is virtually unchanged.

According to the survey, 71% of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank back the October 7 massacres in which in terrorists killed some 1,200 people and kidnapped 253 others, 03/20/24 https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/poll-over-70-palestinians-still-maintain-hamas-correct-to-commit-oct-7-atrocities/

Here is some information about Hamas’ official goals:

THE COVENANT OF THE HAMAS – MAIN POINTS . . .Goals of the HAMAS:    ——————    ‘The Islamic Resistance  Movement is a distinguished Palestinian movement, whose allegiance is to Allah, and whose way of life is Islam. It strives to raise the banner of Allah  over  every  inch  of Palestine.’ (Article 6)      On the Destruction of Israel:    —————————–    ‘Israel will exist and  will  continue  to  exist  until  Islam  will    obliterate it, just as it obliterated others before it.’ (Preamble)      The Exclusive Moslem Nature of the Area:    —————————————-     ‘The land of Palestine is an Islamic Waqf  [Holy Possession] consecrated for future Moslem  generations until Judgment Day. No one can renounce it or any part, or abandon it or any part  of  it.’ (Article 11)     ‘Palestine is an Islamic land…  Since this is the case, the Liberation of Palestine is an individual duty for every Moslem wherever he may be.’ (Article 13)      The Call to Jihad:    ——————    ‘The day the enemies usurp part of Moslem  land, Jihad becomes the individual duty of every Moslem. In the face of the Jews’ usurpation, it is compulsory that the banner of Jihad be raised.’ (Article 15)     ‘Ranks will close, fighters joining other fighters, and masses everywhere in the Islamic world will come forward in response to the call of duty, loudly proclaiming: ‘Hail to  Jihad!’. This cry will reach the heavens and will go on being resounded until liberation is achieved, the invaders vanquished and Allah’s victory comes about.’ (Article 33)      Rejection of a Negotiated Peace Settlement:    ——————————————-    ‘[Peace]  initiatives, and so-called peaceful solutions and international conferences are in contradiction to the principles of the Islamic Resistance Movement… Those conferences are no more than a means to appoint the infidels as arbitrators in the lands of Islam…  There is no solution for the Palestinian problem except by Jihad. Initiatives, proposals and international conferences are but a waste of time, an exercise in futility.’ (Article 13)      Condemnation of the Israel-Egypt Peace Treaty:    ———————————————-    ‘Egypt was, to a great extent, removed from the circle of struggle [against Zionism] through the treacherous Camp David  Agreement.  The Zionists are  trying to draw other Arab countries  into  Similar agreements in order to bring them outside the circle of struggle.    … Leaving the circle of struggle against Zionism is high treason, and cursed be he who perpetrates such an act.’ (Article 32) . . . ‘The HAMAS regards itself the spearhead and the vanguard of the    circle of struggle against World Zionism… Islamic groups all over the Arab world should also do the same, since they are best equipped for their future role in the fight against the warmongering Jews.’ (Article 32)

Hamas has more goals, but the above ones give an idea of what it has intended to be about. Hamas is an Islamic organization and has no interest with peace with Israel, nor with the USA. The slogan “Death to America” has been repeated at various anti-Israel protests this past week or so.

Notice also the following:

Should Biden Bring Refugees From Gaza To The US?

May 2, 2024

With violent confrontations on liberal campuses, the Biden administration is considering bringing refugees from Gaza to the U.S. This move could provide a haven but also risks escalating tensions similar to those of the 2020 summer of violence. … the U.S. plans could provide a crucial escape route for some Palestinians fleeing the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, …

Critics also point out that this is the same administration that, in the past two years, has allowed over 20 million undocumented immigrants into the country, …

Given this context, it is not surprising that Biden, who seeks to retain the support of the ultra-left progressive wing of the Democratic Party, might use this proposal to win votes. This wing has shown sympathy for Hamas, and their support could be crucial in the upcoming election. …

Biden will likely proceed with his plan, even though the U.S. is considering accepting refugees from Gaza when no Arab nation has done so. https://greatgameindia.com/should-biden-bring-refugees-from-gaza-to-the-us/

This is dangerous.

Back in 2014, I posted the following:

As far as the Bible, the Palestinians, and Gaza goes, there are several prophecies that discuss what will happen.

According to a prophecy in the Book of Isaiah, the Palestinians (biblically referred to as Philistines), apparently along with some Syrians, are prophesied to be involved in war:

8 The Lord sent a word against Jacob, And it has fallen on Israel. 9 All the people will know — Ephraim and the inhabitant of Samaria — Who say in pride and arrogance of heart: 10 ‘The bricks have fallen down, But we will rebuild with hewn stones; The sycamores are cut down, But we will replace them with cedars.” 11 Therefore the Lord shall set up The adversaries of Rezin against him, And spur his enemies on, 12 The Syrians before and the Philistines behind; And they shall devour Israel with an open mouth. (Isaiah 9:8-12)

Since the above prophecy involves Ephraim and Samaria, this is indicative that the UK and USA will themselves be attacked (see Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel), apparently including terroristic tactics (hitting them before and behind).  Hamas has used terrorism in the past and is expected to do so in the future. (Thiel B. Fighting stops and starts: What is ahead for Gaza? COGwriter, July 27, 2014)

Isaiah 9:12 is a prophecy that points to terrorism hitting the USA and its British-descended allies by people from Syria and Palestine. The USA, Canada, and UK brought in many Syrian refugees, along with some Palestinian ones since I wrote the above. Now, the USA is looking to bring in more.

Realize that the Bible shows that terrorism is prophesied:

14 ‘But if you do not obey Me, and do not observe all these commandments, 15 and if you despise My statutes, or if your soul abhors My judgments, so that you do not perform all My commandments, but break My covenant, 16 I also will do this to you: I will even appoint terror over you, wasting disease and fever which shall consume the eyes and cause sorrow of heart. And you shall sow your seed in vain, for your enemies shall eat it. 17 I will set My face against you, and you shall be defeated by your enemies. Those who hate you shall reign over you, and you shall flee when no one pursues you. (Leviticus 26:14-17)

25 The sword shall destroy outside; There shall be terror within (Deuteronomy 32:25)

12 “Cry and wail, son of man; For it will be against My people, Against all the princes of Israel. Terrors including the sword will be against My people; Therefore strike your thigh. (Ezekiel 21:12)

12 Behold, these are the ungodly,Who are always at ease; They increase in riches…19 Oh, how they are brought to desolation, as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors. (Psalms 73:12,19)

25 Because you disdained all my counsel, And would have none of my rebuke, 26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your terror comes, 27 When your terror comes like a storm, And your destruction comes like a whirlwind, When distress and anguish come upon you. (Proverbs 1:25-27)

5 Also they are afraid of height, And of terrors in the way (Ecclesiastes 12:5).

Let me also add that according to the 83rd Psalm, a confederation against the USA, its Anglo-Saxon-Celtic allies, and Israel involving Arab and European forces is coming (Psalm 83).  And I have long believed that terrorism will have to be part of this.

Related to Gaza, we also have the following related video:

14:33

Gaza and Bible Prophecy

Israeli officials such as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have claimed that all those in Hamas will be killed or eliminated. Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen added that the plan is to make Gaza shrink. Where do those of Gaza and other Palestinians come from? Does the Bible show historical animosities between the descendants of Israel and those of the Gazans and the Palestinians? What does the Bible show that Gaza and Hamas mean? Do biblical prophecies in Amos and Jeremiah point to Gaza ending up with territories that Israel now controls? Can Israel lose territory? Will Hamas achieve some of its objectives? What does the 83rd Psalm prophesy? Might terrorism be involved? Steve Dupuie and Dr. Thiel address these issues.

Here is a link to our video: Gaza and Bible Prophecy.

Despite how things may look now, Israel will lose territory to the Palestinians, including the Gazans.

While there are humanitarian reasons to allow Gazans into the USA, the USA will end up with more terrorism.

Some items of related interest may include the following:

Why Terrorism? Is Terrorism Prophesied? What does the Bible teach? Which nations may be affected? Here is a link to a related sermon: Terrorism, Christianity, and Islam.
Gaza and the Palestinians in Bible Prophecy What does the Bible teach about Gaza and the fate of the Palestinians? Here is a link to two related videos: Gaza and Bible Prophecy and Gaza and Palestine in Prophecy.
Damascus and Syria in Prophecy Will Bashar Assad hold power as he has it? Does the Bible show that Damascus, the capital of Syria, will be destroyed? What will happen to Syria? Will the Syrians support the final King of the South that the Bible tells will rise up? Which scriptures discuss the rise and fall of an Arabic confederation? Does Islamic prophecy predict the destruction of Syria. This is a YouTube video.
The Arab and Islamic World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam? What about the Imam Mahdi? What lies ahead for Turkey, Iran, and the other non-Arabic Muslims? An item of possibly related interest in the Spanish language would be: Líderes iraníes condenan la hipocresía de Occidente y declaran que ahora es tiempo para prepararse para el Armagedón, la guerra, y el Imán Mahdi.
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.

COGwriter

In his May 2024 newsletter, Mike Gendron has the following:

Why Are Protestants Becoming Catholics?

In our 33 years of proclaiming the Gospel to Catholics, we have observed a very troubling trend. Protestants, who once embraced the Gospel of grace, are departing from the faith to join the Catholic Church. The most scandalous defection occurs when Protestants marry Catholics. Four out of five times, in these mixed marriages, the protestant converts to Catholicism. Such dreadful apostasy is described by the apostle John this way. “They went out from us, but they were not really of us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us; but they went out, so that it would be shown that they all are not of us” (1 John 2:19). The false converts who departed from the church were giving evidence of their unregenerate condition. This disturbing apostasy is not only a departure from the church of the apostles, but also a departure from the Lord Jesus Christ and His Gospel. As these defections continue, let us consider five apparent causes.

Unity Accords Between Catholics and Evangelicals

The pope’s ecumenical agenda is seducing Evangelical leaders to join hands with Catholics to reverse the Reformation and reunite all Christians together. This ecumenical unity movement is slamming the professing church like a tidal wave and many Evangelicals are being deceived into believing the Catholic Church is a Christian denomination made up of brothers and sisters in Christ. Many are being deceived by the pro-Catholic prayer app called Hallow that encourages prayers to Mary and guardian angels. Hallow is being promoted by Fox News, Good Morning America and yes, even The View. Celebrities, such as Candace Owen, are becoming Catholic as reported in this video. We need to expose these evil deeds of darkness that dishonor Christ and His Word.The truth must be told! The Roman Catholic Church is an apostate religion. It dogmatically departed from the apostolic faith at the Council of Trent.

Warnings Are Being Withheld or Avoided

Very few Evangelical pastors are alerting and warning their congregations that the false and fatal gospel of the Catholic Church is leading people down the wide road to destruction (Mat. 7:21-23). Very few youth pastors are warning their teenagers of the potential dangers of getting romantically involved with Catholics. It also appears that very few parents are warning their children about dating Catholics. It is for these reasons we get so many 9-1-1 calls from parents pleading for help because their son or daughter is engaged to a Catholic. Often we find out they never warned them about the powerful indoctrination and stubborn pride that keeps Catholics trapped in the worst kind of religious deception. Perhaps readers of this article will see the importance of sending this newsletter to pastors and parents to warn them of the grave dangers that can arise from remaining silent.

Disobedience to God and His Word

When born-again Christians become united in marriage with Catholics, they are disobeying God. His Word explicitly declares, “Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever?” (2 Cor. 6:14-15). Of course, if neither the Protestant or Catholic has been born again, they are equally yoked and both continue to abide in the kingdom of darkness.

Compromise for the Sake of Peace and Unity

Protestant men who convert to Catholicism for the sake of peace with their Catholic wives do not know the strife and conflict that awaits them. They need to know that God has appointed men to be the spiritual leaders of their homes. He will hold men accountable for leading their family into the idolatrous and deceptive traditions of an apostate religion. Yet, Protestants, who once stood on the truth of God’s Word, are the ones who most often compromise their faith. Catholics, who embrace doctrines of demons, are the ones who refuse to compromise (1 Tim. 4:1-3). Protestants, who are commanded to earnestly contend for the Gospel, are the ones who foolishly give in to the distorted gospel of Catholicism (Gal. 1:6-9). Protestants, who were once sanctified by the truth, are the ones who most often submit to the lies of the Catholic religion.

Ignorance of Catholicism’s False and Fatal Gospel

There are many Christians who are unaware of how many Catholic traditions stand opposed to God’s Gospel. However, ignorance and lack of discernment is no excuse. No one should ever join a religion that rejects these glorious truths:

• the inspired Word of God as the supreme authority for faith and truth (2 Tim. 3:16)
• the perfect, all-sufficient and finished work of Christ’s redemption (John 19:30; Heb. 7:25)
• the Gospel of grace and its promise of eternal life (1 John 5:13; 1 Cor. 15:1-4)
• the glorious promise that there is no condemnation for those in Christ (Rom. 8:1)
• the Lord Jesus Christ as the one mediator between God and man (1 Tim. 2:5)

There are many more biblical doctrines that are rejected by the Roman Catholic Church that can be found in our Gospel tract Roman Catholicism: Scripture vs. Tradition.

When this ministry first started, our mission was to equip and encourage the Body of Christ to effectively and faithfully evangelize Roman Catholics throughout the world. Now there is another equally important mission. We must also educate Evangelicals about Catholicism’s heresies and urge them to oppose the pope’s agenda for ecumenical unity by earnestly contending for the Gospel. May God help us fight the good fight of faith and remain sanctified by the truth of His Word!

Why are Protestants becoming Greco-Roman Catholics? Here is a partial list:

1) The Protestant religion is also highly based on tradition. For proof, check out our free online book: Hope of Salvation: How the Continuing Church of God Differs from Protestantism.

2) There are sometimes, particularly in Europe, political, personal, and/or career benefits to do so.

3) Protestants do not fully understand nor teach the full gospel. More on the gospel can be found in our free online booklet: The Gospel of the Kingdom of God.

4) Protestants never had the “faith once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3), so many do not see compromising with the Roman Catholics as anything worse.

5) An ecumenical deception is prophesied, which will worsen, for those like the Protestants, that do not have the love of the truth (cf.2 Thessalonians 2:8-11).

Mike Gendron also went into more doctrinal warnings:

Scripture Proves Eucharist Is a False Christ

Catholics are taught that the Lord Jesus returns to the earth every day to continue His work of redemption on altars around the world. The Catechism teaches the Eucharist contains “the body and blood, together with the soul and divinity, of our Lord Jesus Christ and, therefore, the whole Christ is truly, really, and substantially contained.” Catholic priest John O’Brien describes it this way: “When the priest announces the words of consecration, he reaches up into the heavens, brings Christ down from His throne, and places Him upon our altar to be offered up again as the Victim for the sins of man. It is a power greater than that of saints and angels. The priest speaks and Christ, the eternal and omnipotent God, bows his head in humble obedience to the priest’s command.”

According to God’s Word, the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist is utterly and completely false and those who worship it are committing the most serious sin of idolatry. The Lord Jesus warned, “If anyone says to you, ‘behold here is the Christ’ do not believe him.” (Mat. 24:23). We know Jesus does not return everyday because God’s Word says He “will appear a second time, not to deal with sin” (Heb. 9:28). He will not return until “immediately after the tribulation” (Mat. 24:29-30). And yes, He will return in a body, not a wafer, “the same way as you saw him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11).

Plenary Indulgence for Worship of Eucharist

A decree approved by Pope Francis declares that a plenary indulgence will be granted to those who participate in the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage between May 17 and July 16, 2024. It will also be granted to the elderly, infirm, and all those who cannot leave their homes for a serious reason and who participate in spirit. Catholics may also apply this indulgence to the souls of the faithful departed in Purgatory. According to the Catholic Church, a plenary indulgence is the remission of all the temporal punishment due to sin.

This deceptive hoax created by the Catholic Church can be traced back to the first lie of Satan. In the Garden of Eden, the devil promised Eve “You surely will not die” if you break God’s command (Gen. 3:4). In the same way, the Catholic clergy deceives its people with the doctrine of demons that “venial sins” do not cause death, only temporal punishment. Catholics are instructed to accept the temporal punishment of sin as a grace. This lie led to the lie of indulgences which is said to remit the temporal punishment for venial sin.

We plead with Catholics to turn to the true Christ as their all-sufficient Savior! He cancels the certificate of debt for all sins to those who repent and believe His Gospel of grace (Col. 2:13-14)

We plead with all who claim to be Christian “to contend earnestly for the faith once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3).

That faith did NOT:

1) Include a round Eucharistic host. For details, check out the articles: Marcus, the Marcosians, & Mithraism: Developers of the Greco-Roman Eucharist? and Early Christianity and the Eucharist?

2) Include idolatry. For details, check out the article: What Did the Early Church Teach About Idols and Icons?

3) Observe Passover more than once per year. The repeated Eucharist is supposed to be related to Jesus’ and Passover. See also: Passover and the Early Church and Early Christianity and the Eucharist?

4) Teach purgatory or plenary indulgences. or details, check out the article: Did the Early Church Teach Purgatory?

5) Teach that tradition was above or equal to scripture. For details, check out the article: Tradition and Scripture: From the Bible and Church Writings

Although Greco-Roman Catholics claim to have preserved the original Christian faith, their scholars realize that they changed it. That is documented in the book Beliefs of the Original Catholic Church.

We also put out related sermons.

Here are a list of all the sermons directly tied to the Beliefs of the Original Catholic Church book:

1. Original Catholic Church of God?
2. Original Catholic Doctrine: Creed, Liturgy, Baptism, Passover
3. What Type of Catholic was Polycarp of Smyrna?
4. Tradition, Holy Days, Salvation, Dress, & Celibacy
5. Early Heresies and Heretics
6. Doctrines: 3 Days, Abortion, Ecumenism, Meats
7. Tithes, Crosses, Destiny, and more, Saturday or Sunday?
8. The Godhead
9. Apostolic Laying on of Hands Succession
10. Church in the Wilderness Apostolic Succession List
11. Holy Mother Church and Heresies
12. Lying Wonders and Original Beliefs

This book and the available sermons are intended to help us to instruct many and answer many who have a professing Christian background:

33 And those of the people who understand shall instruct many; (Daniel 11:33, NKJV)

15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: 16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. (1 Peter 3:15-16, KJV)

So, yes, this information is important for you to know, presuming you wish to be one who understands and obeys God’s word.

If you missed any of the sermons, or wish to re-watch any, hopefully the list will make that easier for you.

Many with a Worldwide Church of God, or other Church of God background, may be surprised to learn who the true Christian leaders said the original catholic church was.

If you are interested in church history and what happened with the original church, you may also wish to read the book, which is available free online at the following link: Beliefs of the Original Catholic Church.

The Continuing Church of God is NOT Greco-Roman Catholic, but neither is it Protestant. For some of the reasons why we are NOT Protestant, check out the free online book, Hope of Salvation: How the Continuing Church of God Differs from Protestantism.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Beliefs of the Original Catholic Church. Did the original “catholic church” have doctrines held by the Continuing Church of God? Did Church of God leaders uses the term “catholic church” to ever describe the church they were part of? Here are links to related sermons: Original Catholic Church of God?, Original Catholic Doctrine: Creed, Liturgy, Baptism, Passover, What Type of Catholic was Polycarp of Smyrna?, Tradition, Holy Days, Salvation, Dress, & Celibacy, Early Heresies and Heretics, Doctrines: 3 Days, Abortion, Ecumenism, Meats, Tithes, Crosses, Destiny, and more, Saturday or Sunday?, The Godhead, Apostolic Laying on of Hands Succession, Church in the Wilderness Apostolic Succession List, Holy Mother Church and Heresies, and Lying Wonders and Original Beliefs.
Who Gave the World the Bible? The Canon: Why do we have the books we now do in the Bible? Is the Bible complete? Are there lost gospels? What about the Apocrypha? Is the Septuagint better than the Masoretic text? What about the Textus Receptus vs. Nestle Alland? Was the New Testament written in Greek, Aramaic, or Hebrew? Which translations are based upon the best ancient text? Did the true Church of God have the canon from the beginning? Here are links to related sermons: Let’s Talk About the Bible, The Books of the Old Testament, The Septuagint and its Apocrypha, Masoretic Text of the Old Testament, and Lost Books of the Bible, and Let’s Talk About the New Testament, The New Testament Canon From the Beginning, English Versions of the Bible and How Did We Get Them?, What was the Original Language of the New Testament?, Original Order of the Books of the Bible, and Who Gave the World the Bible? Who Had the Chain of Custody?
Hope of Salvation: How the Continuing Church of God Differs from Protestantism The CCOG is NOT Protestant. This free online book explains how the real Church of God differs from mainstream/traditional Protestants. Several sermons related to the free book are also available: Protestant, Baptist, and CCOG History; The First Protestant, God’s Command, Grace, & Character; The New Testament, Martin Luther, and the Canon; Eucharist, Passover, and Easter; Views of Jews, Lost Tribes, Warfare, & Baptism; Scripture vs. Tradition, Sabbath vs. Sunday; Church Services, Sunday, Heaven, and God’s Plan; Seventh Day Baptists/Adventists/Messianics: Protestant or COG?; Millennial Kingdom of God and God’s Plan of Salvation; Crosses, Trees, Tithes, and Unclean Meats; The Godhead and the Trinity; Fleeing or Rapture?; and Ecumenism, Rome, and CCOG Differences.
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God This free online pdf booklet has answers many questions people have about the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and explains why it is the solution to the issues the world is facing. Here are links to three related sermons: The World’s False Gospel, The Gospel of the Kingdom: From the New and Old Testaments, and The Kingdom of God is the Solution.
Where is the True Christian Church Today? This free online pdf booklet answers that question and includes 18 proofs, clues, and signs to identify the true vs. false Christian church. Plus 7 proofs, clues, and signs to help identify Laodicean churches. A related sermon is also available: Where is the True Christian Church? Here is a link to the booklet in the Spanish language: ¿Dónde está la verdadera Iglesia cristiana de hoy? Here is a link in the German language: WO IST DIE WAHRE CHRISTLICHE KIRCHE HEUTE? Here is a link in the French language: Où est la vraie Église Chrétienne aujourd’hui?
Continuing History of the Church of God This pdf booklet is a historical overview of the true Church of God and some of its main opponents from Acts 2 to the 21st century. Related sermon links include Continuing History of the Church of God: c. 31 to c. 300 A.D. and Continuing History of the Church of God: 4th-16th Centuries and Continuing History of the Church of God: 17th-20th Centuries. The booklet is available in Spanish: Continuación de la Historia de la Iglesia de Dios, German: Kontinuierliche Geschichte der Kirche Gottes, and Ekegusii Omogano Bw’ekanisa Ya Nyasae Egendererete.
CCOG.ORG Continuing Church of God The group striving to be most faithful amongst all real Christian groups to the word of God. There are links to literature is about 160 different languages there.

(Pixabay photo)

COGwriter

World Net Daily reported the following:

‘That’s a scandal’: CDC knew COVID shots caused deaths, but lied with public denials

May 1, 2024

A new report from the Epoch Times reveals its investigation shows that the CDC knew of the links between the COVID shots and death – and lied about them.

The report explains officials at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention “found evidence that the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines caused multiple deaths before claiming that there was no evidence linking the vaccines to any deaths.”

It was CDC employees who tracked down reports of deaths post-vaccination “and learned that myocarditis—or heart inflammation, a confirmed side effect of the vaccines—was listed on death certificates and in autopsies for some of the deaths.”  …

The Times explained “Myocarditis was also described as being caused by vaccination in a subset of the deaths. In other cases, the CDC workers found that deaths met the agency’s definition for myocarditis, that the patients started showing symptoms within 42 days of a vaccine dose, and that the deceased displayed no virus-related symptoms. Officials say that after 42 days, a possible link between the vaccine and symptoms becomes tenuous, and they list post-vaccination deaths as unrelated if they can find any possible alternative causes.”

But the report noted Dr. Clare Craig, a British pathologist, said in cases with the three features, it is absolutely safe to say the vaccines caused death.

However, while the findings were determined by the end of 2021, the CDC in subsequent claims alleged it saw no signs linking the RNA and mRNA shots to deaths “reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System.”

Further, the CDC claimed in a letter to the Times in 2023 there were “no deaths reported to the VAERS for which the agency determined ‘the available evidence’ indicated Moderna or Pfizer vaccination ’caused or contributed to the deaths.'”

The Times reported Dr. Andrew Bostom, accused the CDC of “concealing” deaths.

“That’s a scandal, where you have information like this and you continue to put out this dishonest line that there’s only seven deaths and they’re all unrelated to the mRNA vaccines.” …

The report pointed out what has been stunning to some: in the U.S., people who die with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 cases are counted as COVID-19 deaths, including those who died from unrelated causes, and when the deaths happened years after the infection.

Craig charged, “They are taking the exact opposite approach to COVID deaths! Every death after a test was a COVID death. No death after a vaccine is a vaccine death!” https://www.wnd.com/2024/05/scandal-cdc-knew-covid-shots-caused-deaths-lied-public-denials/

The above is not a surprise.

I repeatedly told people that I knew that the ‘experts’ were lying about COVID-vaccine safety. Plus, I often reported here that it was not possible to test them well enough the way that they were rushed through.

Sadly, I was right.

Let me add that back in January 2020, we put out a video pointing to the lab leak origin of the novel coronavirus,later named COVID-19 (watch Biological Warfare and Prophecy). Then the ‘experts’ falsely claimed that to be a ‘”conspiracy theory.” Yet, that was also true.

Last year, the Wall Street Journal put out an article by Allysia Finley that begins with the following:

The Deceptive Campaign for Bivalent Covid Boosters

Studies show they fail to live up to their promise, but vaccine makers and experts keep pushing them.

January 22, 2023

You might have heard a radio advertisement warning that if you’ve had Covid, you could get it again and experience even worse symptoms. The message, sponsored by the Health and Human Services Department, claims that updated bivalent vaccines will improve your protection.

This is deceptive advertising. But the public-health establishment’s praise for the bivalent shots shouldn’t come as a surprise. https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-deceptive-campaign-for-bivalent-covid-boosters-cdc-fda-biden-vaccines-moderna-pfizer-wuhan-imprinting-11674400955

ZeroHedge posted the following about it:

January 23, 2023

The narrative behind the campaign was simple; mRNA Covid shots could simply be ‘tweaked’ to to target new variants – in this case, the jabs were claimed to confer protection against BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron variants, along with the original Wuhan strain.

To call this wishful thinking would be extremely generous.

As Finley writes, three scientific problems have arisen.

1. The virus is mutating much faster than vaccines can be updated.
2. Vaccines have ‘hard wired’ our immune systems to respond to the original Wuhan strain, “so we churn out fewer antibodies that neutralize variants targeted by updated vaccines.”
3. Antibody protection wanes after just a few months.

Finley has brought receipts too…

Two studies in the New England Journal of Medicine this month showed that bivalent boosters increase neutralizing antibodies against the BA.4 and BA.5 variants, but not significantly more than the original boosters. In one study, antibody levels after the bivalent boosters were 11 times as high against the Wuhan variant as BA.5.

The authors posit that immune imprinting “may pose a greater challenge than is currently appreciated for inducing robust immunity against SARS-CoV-2 variants.” This isn’t unique to Covid or mRNA vaccines, though boosters may amplify the effect. Our first exposure as children to the flu—whether by infection or vaccination—affects our future response to different strains. -WSJ

For those who took (or were forced to take) the original vaccine, our memory B-cells were trained to produce antibodies against the original Wuhan strain. And as a New England Journal of Medicine article notes, people who have taken said original vaccine were “primed” to respond to the Wuhan strain, and ‘mounted an inferior antibody response to other variants.’

The studies directly contradict marketing information from Pfizer and Moderna, which asserted that the bivalent boosters produced a response to the new strains (BA.4 and BA.5) that’s 4-6x that of the original boosters – which the WSJ says is “misleading.” …

Finley further notes that vaccine makers could have performed small, randomized trials last summer and early fall on the bivalents – with results available by the end of September. But the Biden administration didn’t want to wait (and now we know why).

The CDC published a study in November that estimated the bivalents were only 22% to 43% effective against infection during the BA.5 wave—their peak efficacy. As antibodies waned and new variants took over later in the fall, their protection against infection probably dropped to zero.

Another CDC study, in December, reported that seniors who received bivalents were 84% less likely to be hospitalized than the unvaccinated, and 73% less likely than those who had received two or more doses of the original vaccine. But neither study controlled for important confounding factors—for one, that the small minority who got bivalents were probably also more likely than those who hadn’t to follow other Covid precautions or seek out treatments such as Paxlovid. -WSJ https://www.zerohedge.com/political/wsj-shreds-vaccine-makers-biden-admin-over-deceptive-booster-campaign

Notice also the following:

Moderna and the Food and Drug Association (FDA) have been accused of concealing data during the approval process for the pharma giant’s bivalent Covid booster.

Vaccine advisors who signed off on the updated shot late last year claim they were not shown trial data that indicated the booster was actually less effective at preventing Covid than the older vaccine it was meant to replace.

While the early trial results had substantial limitations, ‘disappointed’ and ‘angry advisors say its omission from panel discussions shows a remarkable lack of transparency.

US taxpayers ended up shelling out nearly $5billion on the new booster, which was intended to enhance immunity against new variants. 01/16/23 https://www.sgtreport.com/2023/01/fda-and-cdc-advisors-accuse-moderna-of-withholding-trial-data-that-suggested-its-covid-bivalent-booster-was-less-effective-than-older-shot-to-secure-5bn-government-order/

The more boosters you get, the more depressed your immune system becomes. That’s why every time they inject you, it makes you more vulnerable to getting COVID.

Executive summary

The data I’ve been able to collect is consistent with the hypothesis that the more boosters you get, the worse the outcome.

Even the Moderna data was consistent with that.

Introduction

I did a survey of hospitals on January 12, 2023 and got 101 responses.

Only one hospital, The Wayne Center (nursing home) Wayne PA, did they think the booster made things slightly better. In 10 places, it made NO DIFFERENCE. Everywhere else, the reporters believed it made things worse.

In 71 places, they believed it made things MUCH WORSE.

But wait… didn’t the government agencies say it reduces your risk of death from COVID by 10X?

If that is true, then how come I can’t find any nursing home in the world where that happened? 01/19/23 https://www.sgtreport.com/2023/01/they-forgot-to-tell-you-the-new-bivalent-vaccines-make-it-more-likely-youll-get-covid/

Yes, there was a lot of deceit associated with COVID as well as what to do about it.

The Bible shows that false statements, by those who do not love the truth, were expected to increase in these end times. Notice the following scriptures:

1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: … 7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. (2 Timothy 3:1,7)

13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. (2 Timothy 3:13, KJV)

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness … 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, (Romans 1:18,22)

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

Yes, the Bible warns of lies, suppression of truth, not realizing truth, and false oppositions called science.

More and more in the USA government, which is SUPPOSED to stand for freedom of speech, have called for suppression of free speech related to matters, such as COVID.

We have seen that much of this related to COVID-19 has caused great harm to the world.

There is a major cost for suppression of truth.

That being said, the response to COVID by many governmental authorities was also not based on science but on a fear-promoting agenda as well as various financial interests.

The Bible warns:

¹⁰ For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (1 Timothy 6:10)

Related to a COVID variant, a major proponent of Big Pharma in the USA, Dr. Anthony Fauci, proclaimed:

“If you want to be fully protected, get boosted” (12/30/21 https://www.cbsnews.com/news/anthony-fauci-covid-vaccine-booster-omicron/)

That was, and is, scientifically inaccurate. Humanly speaking, the way to be “fully protected” is to be far away from any who may have been exposed–many who have gotten the COVID-boosters have still gotten some version of COVID. The major media and Big Tech should be pointing out that this was wrong, but it has tended to shy away from that, but instead points to Dr. Fauci as a “reliable source.”

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

COVID 19 is NOT the End, but could it be TEOTWAWKI? The novel coronavirus called COVID-19 is wreaking havoc around the world. Many states of the USA as well as countries in Europe are on lockdown with shelter in place /shelter in residence requirements. In France, a form is required when you are not at your house. In Spain, drones are being used to warn people who are outside to got back to their homes–does that bring up feelings of ‘Big Brother’? Italy, France, and other areas are using police and/or military force to encourage people to stay inside. According to the Bible could this be the end? If not, what has to happen first? Have the second and third of the four horsemen of the Apocalypse started their ride? Could COVID-19 be the fourth horseman? Why or why not? Could we be seeing The End of the World as We Know It (TEOTWAKI) like the R.E.M.’s 1987 single song discussed? Do Christians need to fear? What did Jesus teach? What did the Psalmist teach? This is a video. Here is a link to a version in the Spanish language: Corona 19 no es el final PERO es el TEOTWAWKI.
COVID-19 Leading to 666? The novel coronavirus of Wuhan, China fame, is now called COVID-19. It has also been called the ‘Coronapocalypse.’ Does COVID-19 have any prophetic ramifications? What did Jesus teach about pestilences and sorrows in the Olivet prophecy in Matthew 24? Could COVID-19 be the ride of the fourth horseman of the Apocalypse? Why was this type of disease expected according to the O. Here is a link to a version in the Spanish language: ld Testament prophecies in Deuteronomy and Leviticus? What has the US Centers for Disease Control warned about? What has the CDC reported about the flu? Were there lessons about fear and infections in the 2011 movie ‘Contagion’? Because of COVID-19, the World Health Organization (WHO), nation of Iran, and certain French locations are telling people not to use cash, but instead electronic forms of payment. The US Federal Reserve is now quarantining money repatriated from Asia to reduce the potential spread of the coronavirus on US currency bills. Is COVID-19 worse than we have been told or could this all be a ‘false flag’ event to encourage people to move towards a cashless society? If the thousands of deaths associated with COVID-19 are pushing parts of the world towards cashlessness, how much more likely will the ride of the fourth horseman and over a billion human deaths motivate people to move to making electronic payments that can be monitored? The Bible tells of a soon coming society that controls buying and selling to force allegiance to a coming European Beast power, known as 666 (Revelation 13:16-18). Does the ‘great tribulation’ begin before ride of the fourth horseman or with the opening of the fifth seal of Revelation 6? Do the words of Jesus helps us better understand the sequence of the four horsemen of the Apocalypse and the start of the Great Tribulation? Will the ride of the fourth horseman help lead to the rise of 666? Is that ride very close? Dr. Thiel addresses these issues and more in this video. Here is a link to a version in the Spanish language: El COVID-19 ¿Conduce al 666?
Europa, the Beast, and the Book of Revelation discusses the largest church since the second/third century, which in a real sense is the eighth church mentioned in the Book of Revelation (it also endorses “eighth day” worship). What church would support the Beast? Here is a link to a video titled: Europe and the ‘Holy Roman Empire’.
Biological Warfare and Prophecy. Is biological warfare possible? Was it prophesied? Scientists have long warned that pathogenic organisms like the coronavirus could be weaponized. Furthermore, back in 2017, there were concerns that the biological research facility being constructed in Wuhan, China was risky and that a coronavirus from it could be released. On January 25, 2020, China’s President Xi Jinping publicly stated that the situation with the Wuhan-related strain of the coronavirus was grave. Did Church of God writers like the late evangelist Raymond McNair warn that engineered viruses (the “Doomsday bug”) were consistent with prophecies from Jesus? Did a warning from CCOG leader Bob Thiel warn about risks of genetically-modified (GMO) mosquitoes come to pass? Could human research and/or the consumption of biblically-unclean animals such as bats and snakes be a factor in current outbreaks or coming future pestilences? What about famines? How devastating have pestilences been? How devastating are the prophesied ones going to be? Dr. Thiel addresses these issues and more in this video.
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.

Europe needs to be stronger, not a U.S. ‘vassal,’ says France’s Macron https://t.co/6j8iG59Fxv

— DonnaCassata (@DonnaCassata) April 25, 2024

COGwriter

A reader sent me a link to the following:

Macron planning to shield Europe with ‘nuclear umbrella’ consisting of 300 missiles to deter Russia

April 30, 2024

French President Emmanuel Macron has called for a “credible European defence” led by 300 French nuclear weapons in a bid to strengthen Europe against Russia.

Speaking to regional papers in France, Macron stressed the need for “anti-missile shields” and said he was open to giving French nuclear doctrine – which so far has been to only use atomic weapons in the defence of France’s vital interests – a more “European dimension”. …

Macron said: “A credible European defence… may mean deploying anti-missile shields, but we need to be sure that they block all missiles and deter the use of nuclear weapons.

“I’m in favour of opening this debate, which must therefore include missile defence, long-range weapons and nuclear weapons for those who have them or who have American nuclear weapons on their soil.” …

The president said France “must show that it is never a vassal of the United States and that it also knows how to talk to all the other regions of the world” in the nearly two-hour-long speech – which attracted praise from fellow European leaders.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, with whom he has often clashed on defence and trade issues, said: “France and Germany want Europe to be strong – your speech contains good ideas on how we can achieve this.”

France is estimated to harbour some 300 nuclear weapons – the largest stockpile in Western Europe, https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/macron-planning-to-shield-europe-with-nuclear-umbrella-consisting-of-300-missiles-to-deter-russia/ar-AA1nUhAe?ocid=socialshare&cvid=8972a2ba599f421a9badf842b1bc953d&ei=56

Yes, France and Germany want a stronger European military.

This is not something new–but proposing so publicly to use France’s nukes as a European umbrella, may be.

That said, the French push for Europe to be distant from the USA was highlighted last year. A different reader sent me a link to the following:

April 9, 2023

Slamming recent comments by French President Emmanuel Macron, who appeared to advocate a distancing of Europe from the U.S., Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) called to clarify whether other European nations stand by Macron’s position and to readjust our alliance in accordance.

In a roughly two-minute clip, Rubio began by citing Macron’s comments to reporters after visiting China, including his stance that Europe should “break away” from the U.S. and “not depend on the dollar,” as well as the need to avoid conflicts “that are not their[s]” such as the one over Taiwan.

Calling it a “good moment for us to ask Europe [whether] Macron speak[s] for all of Europe,” Rubio questioned if the French president is now “the head of Europe” and “the most powerful leader in Europe.” …

However, he warned, “if, in fact, Macron speaks for all of Europe, and their position now is they’re not gonna pick sides between the U.S. and China over Taiwan; maybe we shouldn’t be picking sides either.”  …

“So we need to find out where Europe stands,” he concluded.

The remarks follow an interview published Sunday which quoted Macron as saying Europe must not be a “follower” of either the U.S. or China on Taiwan in order to avoid “crises that aren’t ours.”

“The worst thing would be to think that we Europeans must be followers and adapt ourselves to the American rhythm and a Chinese overreaction,” he told the media as he returned from a three-day state visit Friday. https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2023/04/09/marco-rubio-slams-french-presidents-call-break-away-us-does-macron-speak-europe/

To a degree, France’s President Macron does speak for Europe, at least a major part of it.

Emmanuel Macron is a pro-European Union politician. He is so pro-European Union that back in 2018 he was awarded the Charlemagne Prize (see France’s President Macron receives the Charlemagne Prize and Germany’s Chancellor says Europe cannot rely on USA military — What are the prophetic ramifications?), which is given to be given to one who best promotes a united Europe.

Back in late 2018, the Continuing Church of God (CCOG) put out the following video on our Bible News Prophecy YouTube channel:

15:25

PESCO and a Great European Army

In November 2018, French President Macron called for a “true European army” because of China, Russia, and the USA. Some others in Europe have echoed that sentiment. On November 9, 2018, US President Donald Trump called that an insult, but the next day said that the USA wanted “a very strong Europe.” Emmanuel Macron referred to Donald Trump as “my friend” and indicated a desire to strengthen Europe’s military spending. In December 2017, 25 European nations agreed to be part of a military alliance called PESCO. Europe also has NATO and IEI. Will Europe end up with “a great army”? Has Donald Trump’s announcement to withdraw from the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty gotten some to say that Europe must rebel against the USA? Is the idea of a United States of Europe and a European army a “paranoid fantasy” or a biblical reality? Will the USA regret Europe becoming a stronger military power? Will the USA be betrayed by “friends” such as its continental European allies? Does the Bible teach any or all of this? Are there connections to the Beast of Revelation or the King of the North of Daniel 11? Dr. Thiel addresses these matters in this video.

Here is a link to the sermonette video: PESCO and a Great European Army.

The Bible shows a time will come when Europe will be the military leader of the world for a time (Revelation 13:1-4) and will takeover the USA (Daniel 11:39), its British-descended allies (Daniel 8:24-25; Isaiah 17:3), and many nations in the Middle East and North Africa (Daniel 11:40-43).

After Russian troops entered Ukraine, the Continuing Church of God (CCOG) put together the following video on our Bible News Prophecy YouTube channel–the photo next to me is of France’s President Macron:

18:27

Is the European Beast Growing Horns?

Does the conflict between Russia and Ukraine have prophetic ramifications? What about Ezekiel 38? Are we seeing a ‘historic shift’ in Europe to move towards more unity? What about non-EU nations like Sweden and Switzerland? Is Germany’s announcement to double its military spending to 100 million euros a big deal? Does the Bible tell of changes coming to Europe for it to rise up as a Babylonian unity successful military power? What about the United States of America and its British-descended allies? Could USA sanctions against Russia, including SWIFT restrictions, decrease international demand for USA dollars and cause inflation? Dr. Thiel addresses these issues and more in this video.

Here is a link to our video: Is the European Beast Growing Horns?

We are starting to see a Europe working on its military (see With PESCO, EU entering a ‘New Era’: An era that will NOT end well for the USA, Canada, or the UK). Europe already really has a lot of nuclear weapons that it could use to do this or something similar (it has access to USA ones that are stored there). And more and more in Europe are publicly speaking out for their desire that Europe be a major military power.

The Bible shows that Europe will have a “great army” (Daniel 11:25; watch also PESCO and a Great European Army) and a conquering empire with “many ships” (cf. Daniel 11:29-43).

That is what President Macron wants.

Notice that the Bible tells of a coming time of massive devastation:

23 ‘The whole land is brimstone, salt, and burning; it is not sown, nor does it bear, nor does any grass grow there, like the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboiim, which the Lord overthrew in His anger and His wrath.’ (Deuteronomy 29:23-24)

19 Through the wrath of the LORD of hosts
The land is burned up,
And the people shall be as fuel for the fire; No man shall spare his brother.
20 And he shall snatch on the right hand
And be hungry;
He shall devour on the left hand
And not be satisfied; Every man shall eat the flesh of his own arm. 21 Manasseh shall devour Ephraim, and Ephraim Manasseh; Together they shall be against Judah (Isaiah 9:19-21, NKJV).

The above descriptions are consistent with a nuclear or similar attack. Manasseh represents the USA and Ephraim its British-descended allies (see Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel). THIS HAS NOT YET HAPPENED IN HISTORY AND IS A PROPHECY FOR OUR TIME.

Dibar Apartian taught:

Frenchmen are convinced today that their country is headed toward power and prosperity. Their UNION with Germany and the other nations of the Common Market fills them with a sense of security. …

a political UNION of TEN nations or governments-which the Bible calls “the beast”-will rise in Europe in the end time. This union of ten European nations will MAKE WAR with the descendants of Jacob, particularly the two sons of Joseph, Ephraim and Manasseh, whose modern descendants are the peoples of the BRITISH COMMONWEALTH and the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

This soon-coming union of ten nations or governments prophetically represents the last “head” of the resurrected “beast”-the revival of the “Holy Roman Empire” (Rev. 17 :9- 1 2). But contrary to what you may think, it will NOT consist only of Gentile nations. It will INCLUDE a group of ISRAELITISH nations. “Come out of her , my people,” says God in Revelation 18:4. “My people” means Israelites in Bible prophecy. Yes, once again, Joseph’ s own brothers will sell him to the Gentiles!

Once again REUBEN (the first-born of Jacob who anciently conspired with his brothers, will “act” in terms of saving him, but end · up by compromising with his brothers to send him into CAPTIVITY.

Ever since the early days of American history, the French have been on our side. There exists a brotherly link among all the ISRAELITISH nations. Nevertheless, by uniting politically with the “beast,” some of the modern Israelites will be instrumental in conquering the United States and Great Britain.

So says YOUR Bible! …

What then will happen to France? Will she win the next WAR? She is presently a member of the “Common Market” which is already becoming a POLITICAL union. It will eventually include TEN nations or kingdoms. (Apartian D. De Gaulle and the Next World War. Plain Truth, September 1964, p. 11)

What then will be the future of France? What will be her role just before the second coming of Jesus Christ? In the 17th chapter of Revelation, we read of TEN KINGS (or Kingdoms) that will rise in Europe during the last days just prior to Christ’s rerum. The prophecy shows they will war against the British and the American peoples.

“And the ten horns which thou sawest are TEN kings (kingdoms), which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the BEAST” (Rev. 17:12).

France REPRESENTS today one of these 10 Kings. This Union of 10 Kingdoms is already in formation in Europe. In fact, France is at present one of its key members. As this prophecy reveals, this union will receive authority “for one hour” only-that is, a short time-because it is like “iron mixed with miry clay” (Dan. 2:43) …

Ask any average Frenchman what he thinks of his country’s union with Germany. He is utterly puzzled at the idea that economic and political barriers are gradually falling between France and Germany. This union for him is unreal but demanded by the circumstances in which France today finds herself. It is a creation of the leaders of the two nations who blindly believe in its destiny. (Apartian D. Prophecy Reveals the Future of France. Plain Truth, August 1963, p. 19)

During the last two WORLD WARS France was at the side of her natural allies, the Anglo-Saxons. They are, indeed, her natural allies because the French people, in turn, are the modern DESCENDANTS of one of the twelve tribes of Israel, namely REUBEN! The situation, however, will be quite different during the next WORLD WAR, France will no longer fight at the side of her former allies; she will turn AGAINST them. The descendants of Reuben will play their part in selling into slavery their brother Joseph – just as Reuben did some 3700 years ago. You are now beginning to see why the relations between the United States of America and France are gradually deteriorating. (Apartian D. France: The Enigma of our Time. Plain Truth, August 1966, pp. 11-12)

(Gen. 37:18-20). Notice well what took place. The brothers CONSPIRED against Joseph; filled with jealousy, they wanted to KILL him. Afterwards, they would LIE to their father, telling him that a wild beast had devoured Joseph. What about the next two verses, some may argue? Well, let’s once again examine them in the light of the Biblical account, and let US not be misled by our human reasoning.

“And Reuben heard it [the plot to kill Joseph], and he delivered him out of their hands; and said, Let us not kill him. And Reuben said unto them, Shed no blood, but cast him into this pit that is in the wilderness, and lay no hand Upon him; that he might rid him out of their hands, to deliver him to his father again (verses 21, 22).

At first glance, it may seem, indeed , as though Reuben acted well. He proposed an alternative to deliver Joseph out of his brothers’ hands. This sounds good to our human mind, to our carnal way of thinking. But is that what was expected of Reuben? Is that all he could do- he, the firstborn? Was his duty to compromise with his brothers over whom he had authority? According to the Bible, a firstborn in Israel had certain privileges his brothers did not have. His heritage was bigger and he received the greater portion of the blessings. He was next to his father in power and authority. Therefore, as the leader of his brothers, Reuben was actually RESPONSIBLE for what happened to Joseph. He should have acted the way Jacob, his father, would have acted had he been there- and not have compromised with them. Many overlook this important point when they read this story. Consequently, they don’t see where Reuben failed. No, Reuben did NOT act with courage and dignity. He was afraid of his brothers; he FEARED for his own life if he tried to stop them by force. COMPROMISE is all he could think of – but compromise is a very poor substitute for one’s own duties and responsibilities. …

A Striking Parallel

There may be a striking parallel between Reuben’s behavior in the past and that of France today. Indeed, in a few years, Reuben’s modern descendants will be at the side of the prophesied “beast” of Revelation when the Anglo-Saxons (the descendants of Joseph) are taken captive. France, like her forefather Reuben, will probably seek a compromise to prevent her former allies – the very SONS of Joseph – from being taken captive by the enemy. But what good will that really do? What good did it do to Joseph?

A compromise never relieves one from one’s own responsibilities. Without a doubt, Reuben loved his brother; he exerted himself in his own ways, through his own human reasoning, to save him. But the fact remains that he ended up by acting like a foe! France today also likes her “kin,” her natural allies. But, unless she repents, France will end up BEING a foe!

(Apartian D. France: The Enigma of our Time. Plain Truth, August 1966, p. 32)

Like all nations today, France has turned away from God. Catholic by faith, 9 out of 10 Frenchmen have never read their Bible, nor do they believe that, in its entirety, it represents the WORD OF GOD. What then will happen to France? Will she win the next WAR? She is presently a member of the “Common Market” which is already becoming a POLITICAL union. It will eventually include TEN nations or kingdoms.

Will this union win the third WORLD WAR?

God says that though He will allow it for a short while to conquer the descendants of Joseph (the BRITISH and AMERICAN peoples), He Himself will intervene to deliver His people. Jesus Christ, at His second coming, will fight and destroy those nations who rebel against Him (Rev. 17 : -14). (Apartian D. De Gaulle and the Next World War. Plain Truth, September 1964, p. 41)

At the second coming of Jesus Christ, the TEN KINGS or KINGDOMS-including France-will be of “one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast” (Rev. 17:13).

“These shall make war with the Lamb , (Jesus Christ, and the lamb shall overcome them; for he is LORD of lords, and KING of kings: and they that are with Him are called, and chosen, and faithful” (Rev. 17:14).

This is the infallible prophecy of the Bible. Unless France wakes up and repents, she and the other nations will fight the Lord at His coming. They will be punished by sword, by famine and pestilence-by the plagues of Almighty God! (Apartian D. Prophecy Reveals the Future of France. Plain Truth, August 1963, p. 22)

So, unlike some in groups like the Living Church of God (LCG) (see Must the Ten Kings of Revelation 17:12 Rule over Ten Currently Existing Nations?), Dibar Apartian realized that some of the Israelitish nations, including France, would be part of the Beast and would betray the sons of Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh; see also Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel).

It has long been my view that Europe will likely, one day, attack the USA and/or the UK under the guise of a NATO (or some other defense treaty) exercise and use nuclear bombers. And yes, the coming European power will be willing to use USA nuclear bombs against the USA, UK, and Canada!

While now is not the time–“the end it not yet” (Matthew 24:6; see also When Will the Great Tribulation Begin?)–the French, the Germans and others in Europe have access to nuclear weaponry and other technology, to make this come to pass.

Many want Europe to become a major military power.

What we are hearing from E. Macron is consistent with numerous biblical prophecies.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies for the Great Monarch point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States? In the Spanish language check out ¿Quién es el Rey del Norte? Here 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 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.
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.
European Technology and the Beast of Revelation Will the coming European Beast power would use and develop technology that will result in the taking over of the USA and its Anglo-Saxon allies? Is this possible? What does the Bible teach? Here is a related YouTube video: Military Technology and the Beast of Revelation.
Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European? The Book of Revelation tells of a beast power that will rise up. Some think that this must be Russia or could be Islamic, while others say that this power is European. The Book of Daniel tells of the rise of an end time King of the North that some think must be referring to a Russian leader, while others say that this power is European. How can you be sure? This YouTube video has all the scriptural proofs that you should need to prove that this power must be a European one.
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 ‘Lost Tribe’ of Reuben: France in Prophecy? What is the origin of this in France? What is prophesied to happen to them? A two-part sermon related to history and prophecy is available online: The ‘Lost Tribe’ of Reuben and France and Prophecy.

Los Angeles-

Happening now at UCLA: counter protestors are clashing with pro-Palestinian demonstrators, attempting to tear down the Gaza encampment. pic.twitter.com/CamjKz8syW

— Sergio Olmos (@MrOlmos) May 1, 2024

COGwriter

Police have been working on shutting down protests at various universities:

Police arrest pro-Palestinian protesters after takeover of Columbia University building

May 1, 2024

Clashes erupted early Wednesday at a pro-Palestinian protest camp at the University of California, Los Angeles, with counter-demonstrators repeatedly throwing objects and trying to dismantle barricades at the camp. On the opposite side of the country police in New York City cleared a pro-Palestinian protest site at Columbia University where demonstrators had occupied a campus building.

Officials at UCLA declared the protest, which is seeking to have the university divest from Israel, to be unlawful and in violation of university policy. The protesters and counter-protesters were initially apart from each other late Tuesday, but the situation turned more violent in the early morning hours as the counter-protesters shot fireworks, advanced on the camp barricade and repeatedly launched objects at the protesters.

There were small clashes between the two sides in front of the barricade, and while police deployed to the area at the request of university leaders, officers did not immediately separate the two sides.

In New York, police equipped with helmets and riot shields arrested dozens of pro-Palestinian protesters at Columbia University and others at The City College of New York about 20 blocks away.

A Columbia spokesman said in a statement the university’s administration decided to call in police in order to “restore safety and order to our community.”

“We regret that protesters have chosen to escalate the situation through their actions,” the spokesman said. “After the University learned overnight that Hamilton Hall had been occupied, vandalized and blockaded, we were left with no choice.” …

Students have been protesting Israel’s war in Gaza on campuses throughout the country. Dozens of students were pepper-sprayed and arrested by police on Monday at the University of Texas at Austin, while students at California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt, in Arcata, California, were detained early Tuesday.

Protesters and administrators at Brown University in Rhode Island reached an agreement Tuesday for demonstrators to close their encampment in exchange for a commitment by the university to vote in October on whether to divest from Israel-linked funds. https://www.voanews.com/a/police-detain-pro-palestinian-protesters-after-takeover-of-columbia-university-building/7593069.html

Violence breaks out at some pro-Palestinian campus protests

May 1, 2024

Dueling groups of protesters clashed Wednesday at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), grappling in fistfights and shoving, kicking and using sticks to beat one another. Hours earlier, police burst into a building at Columbia University that pro-Palestinian protesters took over to break up a demonstration that had paralyzed the school while inspiring others.

In addition, police and protesters clashed at the University of Arizona’s Tucson campus, according to the Arizona Daily Star. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/violence-erupts-at-some-pro-palestinian-campus-protests/

The protesters believe that they are in the right. They want others to accept their positions.

While most are not directly violent, some are.

Yet, many of the non-directly violent have been chanting pro-Hamas messages such as:

“From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.”

Here is some of what Hamas has said that relates to that expression as shown in some excerpts from its 2017 charter, or list, of goals:

Preamble

Palestine is the land of the Arab Palestinian people, from it they originate, to it they adhere and belong, and about it they reach out and communicate. …

Palestine is a land that was seized by a racist, anti-human and colonial Zionist project that was founded on a false promise (the Balfour Declaration), on recognition of a usurping entity and on imposing a fait accompli by force. …

Palestine is an Arab Islamic land. …

Palestine, which extends from the River Jordan in the east to the Mediterranean in the west and from Ras al-Naqurah in the north to Umm al-Rashrash in the south, is an integral territorial unit. It is the land and the home of the Palestinian people. …

Hamas believes that no part of the land of Palestine shall be compromised or conceded, irrespective of the causes, the circumstances and the pressures and no matter how long the occupation lasts. Hamas rejects any alternative to the full and complete liberation of Palestine, from the river to the sea. …

A real state of Palestine is a state that has been liberated. There is no alternative to a fully sovereign Palestinian State on the entire national Palestinian soil, with Jerusalem as its capital.  05/02/17 https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/hamas-2017-document-full accessed 11/07/23

Hamas has not changed its objectives. It wants Israel gone and Jews out of the area (though that does not mean that it will not be open to some type of a temporary or timed withdrawal or peace deal).

When protesters chant “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free”–which has been going on a lot lately–that is a Hamas adopted slogan that means that the area from the Jordan river to the Mediterranean Sea is to be Palestinian and not Israeli. These protesters want no Jewish dominance in the land. They want no Jews in the land, unless they will support Hamas.

The Book of Proverbs warns:

10 My son, if sinners entice you, Do not consent. 11 If they say, “Come with us, Let us lie in wait to shed blood; Let us lurk secretly for the innocent without cause; 12 Let us swallow them alive like Sheol, And whole, like those who go down to the Pit; 13 We shall find all kinds of precious possessions, We shall fill our houses with spoil; 14 Cast in your lot among us, Let us all have one purse” — 15 My son, do not walk in the way with them, Keep your foot from their path; 16 For their feet run to evil, And they make haste to shed blood. 17 Surely, in vain the net is spread In the sight of any bird; 18 But they lie in wait for their own blood, They lurk secretly for their own lives. 19 So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain; It takes away the life of its owners. (Proverbs 1:10-19)

While some are caught up in the protests and enticed to do wrong, the Bible warns:

2 You shall not follow a crowd to do evil; (Exodus 23:2)

Various ones in the crowds have done evil and promote lawlessness.

Regarding increasing lawlessness, notice a prophecy from Jesus:

12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. (Matthew 24:12)

Yes, that has been happening. Many hateful and unloving things have been voiced by the protesters.

We are seeing many things worsen as we live in perilous times. That was prophesied by the Apostle Paul:

1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! (2 Timothy 3:1-5)

Consider also the following that is certainly applicable to parts of many cities as well as university campuses in the USA:

23 ‘Make a chain,
For the land is filled with crimes of blood,
And the city is full of violence. (Ezekiel 7:23)

28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality…30…violent, proud, boasters,…31…unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them. (Romans 1:28-32)

8 … And the violence of the land and the city, And of all who dwell in it. (Habakkuk 2:8)

Notice a generational warning:

11 There is a generation that curses its father,
And does not bless its mother.
12 There is a generation that is pure in its own eyes,
Yet is not washed from its filthiness.
13 There is a generation — oh, how lofty are their eyes!
And their eyelids are lifted up.
14 There is a generation whose teeth are like swords,
And whose fangs are like knives, (Proverbs 30:11-14)

5 “They have corrupted themselves;
They are  … A perverse and crooked generation.  (Deuteronomy 32:5)

Yes, we a seeing a generation like that.

Of course, it is not just some associated with the protests.

Notice that God inspired Isaiah to write:

8 Now go, write it before them on a tablet,
And note it on a scroll,
That it may be for time to come,
Forever and ever:
9 That this is a rebellious people,
Lying children,
Children who will not hear the law of the Lord;
10 Who say to the seers, “Do not see,”
And to the prophets, “Do not prophesy to us right things;
Speak to us smooth things, prophesy deceits.
11 Get out of the way,
Turn aside from the path,
Cause the Holy One of Israel
To cease from before us.”

12 Therefore thus says the Holy One of Israel:

“Because you despise this word,
And trust in oppression and perversity,
And rely on them,
13 Therefore this iniquity shall be to you
Like a breach ready to fall,
A bulge in a high wall,
Whose breaking comes suddenly, in an instant. (Isaiah 30:8-13)

The above is applicable to much of the USA.

More and more are despising the word of God and trusting in perversity.

The USA needs national repentance–without it is is doomed–and it will end fairly soon (cf. Daniel 11:39).

Many will say that the US has been promoting sin and increasing debt for decades, without problems, thus since it has the strongest military, etc., nothing will change.

Consider the following scriptures:

11 Because the sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil. 12 Though a sinner does evil a hundred times, and his days are prolonged, yet I surely know that it will be well with those who fear God, who fear before Him. 13 But it will not be well with the wicked; nor will he prolong his days, which are as a shadow, because he does not fear before God. (Ecclesiastes 8:11-13)

Yes, we are seeing increases in evil. The LGBTQ+ movement, which trusts in perversity, comes directly to mind.

Jesus said:

8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows. …

28 “Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender, and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. 29 So you also, when you see these things happening, know that it is near — at the doors! 30 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. (Mark 13:28-30)

We are in a time of troubles and sorrows as Jesus prophesied.

It is the final generation of this age that experiences the beginning of sorrows and the ride of the four horsemen (and the opening of the first four seals). This looks to have possibly started in the Fall of 2009.

After the four horsemen have started, that will be followed by the opening of the fifth seal and the start of the Great Tribulation. The Great Tribulation is coming soon.

Jesus noted that the events in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21 would all happen within the same generation. Perhaps that is as little as 20 years (cf. Exodus 38:26). Biblically, a generation was seemingly considered to be 30 or 40 years according to what appears to be Smith’s Bible Dictionary’s understanding of Job 42:16 (Smith W. Smith’s Bible Dictionary. Originally written 1863, Hendrickson Publishers, p. 211). Here is that scripture:

16 After this Job lived one hundred and forty years, and saw his children and grandchildren for four generations. (Job 42:16)

Essentially, 140 years divided by four generations equals what may be considered 35 years per generation, with 40 years more probable as that would make the grandchild of the last generation 20 years of age. 20 to 40 years from 2009, certainly seems to fit for the time of a generation.

Now, even if a generation is biblically longer, it would not seem to be over 70 years or at the most 80 years:

10 The days of our lives are seventy years;
And if by reason of strength they are eighty years,
Yet their boast is only labor and sorrow;
For it is soon cut off, and we fly away. (Psalm 90:10)

80 years would seem to be the maximum possible length of a biblical generation–and that seems to long. Consider that 2028 is not too soon for a possible start date for the Great Tribulation.

We made a video related to that Here is a link to the video: Is the USA prophesied to be destroyed by 2028?

We are in the final generation.

But there will be sorrows and tribulation before Jesus returns to establish the Kingdom of God.

That said, some COGs do not believe that any of the seals of Revelation 6 are open and that apparently all will be opened within a very short, rapid, timeframe. However, if that was to be the case, then it would seem Jesus would not have needed to say that a generation would not pass away until all was fulfilled as that would basically make the timeframe from the start of the sorrows to Jesus’ return no more than 4-5 years (which “rapid succession” would imply). Jesus’ use of the term generation seemingly points to a longer period–more in the at least 20 year range.

For information on how close we are, you can also check out the article: Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End?

Related to mob crime and violence, last September we put together the following video:

14:57

Mob Generation Fulfilling Prophecy?

There are many reports in the USA about mobs of younger people being involved in theft and violence. USA retail theft is expected to top $100 billion in the 2023. What are claimed causes? What are the real causes? Is taking from the rich justified? What does the Bible teach? Could we be experiencing the last generation that Jesus warned about in the gospels? Could this also be a generation warned about in the Books of Deuteronomy and Proverbs? Have mass shootings, where four or more are killed or injured, more than doubled in the USA since 2014? Are we experiencing increased violence and theft because less and less teens and others respect the word of God? Are we in the time of sorrows and trouble Jesus spoke of in Mark 13? Could any of the seals of the four horsemen of the Apocalypse have been opened? What is the fifth seal? Could the Great Tribulation possibly start by 2028? Dr. Thiel and Steve Dupuie discuss these matters.

Here is a link to our video: Mob Generation Fulfilling Prophecy?

The violent aspects of the protests and various violent messages are consistent with that.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Could God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? Does God have 7,000 year plan? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2031 or 2025 or? There is also a video titled: When Does the 6000 Years End? 2031? 2035? Here is a link to the article in Spanish: ¿Tiene Dios un plan de 6,000 años?
Might the U.S.A. Be Gone in 2028? Could the USA be gone by the end of 2028? There is a tradition attributed to the Hebrew prophet Elijah that humanity had 6,000 years to live before being replaced by God’s Kingdom. There are scriptures, writings in the Talmud, early Christian teachings that support this. Also, even certain Hindu writings support it. Here is a link to a related video: Is the USA prophesied to be destroyed by 2028? In Spanish: Seran los Estados Unidos Destruidos en el 2028?
Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse What do each of the four horseman of the Apocalypse represent? Have they began their ride? Did Jesus discuss the any of this? Might their rides coincide with the “beginning of sorrows? Do they start their ride prior to the Great Tribulation? Did Nostradamus or any other ‘private prophets’ write predictions that may mislead people so that they may not understand the truth of one or more of the four horseman? There is also a related YouTube video titled Sorrows and the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Here is a link to shorter video made in 2022: These Signs of the 4 Horsemen Have Begun.
Fourth Horseman of the Apocalypse What is the pale horse of death and pestilences? What will it bring and when? Here is a link to a related sermon: Fourth Horseman, COVID, and the Rise of the Beast of Revelation. Some shorter related videos may include Amphibian Apocalypse: Threat to Humans? and Zombie Deer Disease is Here! Are the 10 Plagues on Egypt Coming? Here is a version of the article in Spanish: El cuarto jinete de Apocalipsis, el caballo pálido de muerte y pestilencia.
Crime can be stopped…here’s how! This was a booklet that was edited with some updates by Dr. Thiel. Here is a link to a related sermon: Crime and How it Will be Stopped!
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2024, 2025, or 2026? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? Who are the 144,000? Here is a version of the article in the Spanish language: ¿Puede la Gran Tribulación comenzar en el 2020 o 2021? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? A related video is: Great Tribulation: 2026 or 2027? A shorter video is: Tribulation in 2024? Here is a video in the Spanish language: Es El 2021 el año  de La Gran Tribulación o el Grande Reseteo Financiero.

Catholic rendition of ‘Mary’

COGwriter

In a May newsletter, Mike Gendron had the following:

Another Mary, Quite Contrary

Catholics not only worship another Jesus and believe another gospel, they also embrace another Mary. In 1854, Pope Pius IX established the immaculate conception of Mary as an infallible dogma, which states Mary was preserved from inheriting original sin. The dogma encourages all Catholics: “to venerate, invoke and pray to the most Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, conceived without original sin. And since she has been appointed by God to be the Queen of heaven and earth, and is exalted above all the choirs of angels and saints, and even stands at the right hand of her only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, she presents our petitions in a most efficacious manner. What she asks, she obtains. Her pleas can never be unheard.”

This heretical dogma has established Mary as a co-redeemer with Christ and co-mediator with Him. This makes her another way to approach God. She replaces the Holy Spirit in bestowing aid and comfort to believers. In effect, she has been given many divine attributes, including Mother of the eternal Son of God. Scripture has very little to say about Mary. When she appears with the other believers on the day of Pentecost, she’s not an object of worship or even a leader in the early church. There are no occasions of anyone ever praying to her, honoring her, or venerating her. Peter preached that it is Jesus who is at the right hand of God, not Mary at Christ’s right hand, as the papal dogma declares (Acts 2:33). She is never mentioned in any presentation of the Gospel. Jesus Christ alone is our Redeemer, Deliverer, Mediator and Advocate. He alone is to be worshiped, adored, honored and praised, now and throughout all eternity! May Catholics repent of their distortion of Mary and put their trust in Jesus, the only sinless Mediator!

May is a month that the Church of Rome dedicates to their version of Mary. A version that differs from what the Bible teaches. A version that needs to be warned against.

Here is some information:

For Mary’s month of May, Pope Francis has recommended the “simple and effective” prayer of the rosary.

At his weekly General Audience this morning, May 3, 2017, Francis gave pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square this advice: “At the beginning of May, let us invoke the heavenly intercession of Mary, Mother of Jesus.”

During his greetings to Polish pilgrims, the Pope invited the crowd to applaud the Virgin Mary “Queen of Poland” on the day of the national holiday.

While to young people, Francis urged, “learn to pray with the simple and effective prayer of the rosary,” to sick people, he encouraged, “may the Blessed Virgin be your support in the trial of suffering.” 05/03/17 https://zenit.org/articles/for-marys-month-of-may-pope-suggests-simple-effective-prayer-of-rosary/

Of course, only Jesus is our intercessor/mediator:

For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus (1 Timothy 2:5, NKJV).

For there is one God, one also mediator of God and men, man Christ JESUS (1 Timothy 2:5, RNT).

Thus any others who claim to be a mediator clearly contradict the Bible (from both the Roman Catholic and Protestant translations) and CANNOT BE OF GOD.

The so-called ‘Lady of Fatima,’ which showed itself to three young children in Portugal on May 13, 1917 (which Pope Francis wants to celebrate on May 13, 2017), urged people to pray the rosary. Few seem to realize the origin of the rosary. The rosary is not mentioned in the Bible but was added because of a “private Catholic prophecy” to the Catholic church over 1000 years after it was founded (Dupont, Yves. Catholic Prophecy: The Coming Chastisement. TAN Books, Rockford (IL), 1973, p.9).

Some feel that the rosary either came from St. Dominic or later Dominicans as the result of an apparition:

Some histories of the rosary claim this tradition, too, originated with Saint Dominic. One legend holds that the Virgin Mary appeared to Saint Dominic in the church of Prouille, in 1208, and gave the rosary to him. However, other sources dispute this attribution and suggest that its roots were in the preaching of Alan de Rupe between 1470-1475. (Saint Dominic. New World Encyclopedia. http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Saint_Dominic viewed 06/29/11 )

Here is information from The Catholic Encyclopedia on the development of the rosary:

Impressed by this conspiracy of silence, the Bollandists, on trying to trace to its source the origin of the current tradition, found that all the clues converged upon one point, the preaching of the Dominican Alan de Rupe about the years 1470-75. He undoubtedly was the one who first suggested the idea that the devotion of “Our Lady’s Psalter” (a hundred and fifty Hail Mary’s) was instituted or revived by St. Dominic. Alan was a very earnest and devout man, but, as the highest authorities admit, he was full of delusions, and based his revelations on the imaginary testimony of writers that never existed (see Quetif and Echard, “Scriptores O.P.”, 1, 849).

The Continuing Church of God is pleased to suggest three videos on our YouTube channel called Bible New Prophecy which explains some of the risks associated with Marianism: