Church of God News

Israel launched an attack on Iranian soil. Meanwhile, Iran is ‘minimizing the impact’ of Israeli attacks, says analysts #IranIsraelConflict #IsraelIranConflict #Iran #Israel pic.twitter.com/xQLxMNubh5

— News18 (@CNNnews18) April 19, 2024

COGwriter

Israel hit Iran with some apparently limited airstrikes:

Israel conducts airstrike in Iran, US media say, citing Israeli, US officials

April 19, 2024

Israel carried out a predawn aerial strike inside Iran on Friday, local time, U.S. media cited unnamed Israeli and U.S. officials as saying. The overnight incident was the latest of recent retaliatory strikes between the two regional adversaries, but Tehran Friday played the incident down and indicated it had no plans to respond. …

Iranian state news agencies IRNA and Fars said the Islamic republic’s air defenses had been activated near the central city of Isfahan in response to a projectile. They also reported that explosions were heard in the eastern outskirts of the city but did not specify whether the blasts were from interceptions or impacts on the ground.

The director of the Iranian space agency said air defense forces shot down several drones.

Iranian state media quickly attempted to play down the incident, saying Isfahan’s nuclear facilities were secure. They also said operations at Tehran’s Imam Khomeini international airport and Mehrabad domestic airport had returned to normal on Friday, several hours after flights were suspended in an apparent response to the purported Israeli airstrike.

It would mark the latest salvo in a yearslong Israel-Iran shadow war that has escalated significantly this month. Israel had warned Iran that it would retaliate for an unprecedented Iranian aerial assault on Israeli territory last Sunday involving hundreds of drones and missiles. Israel said it intercepted almost all of the projectiles with help from a coalition of Western allies and Arab partners.

Iran had warned, in turn, that any Israeli retaliatory strike would be met with a swift and tougher response. Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, a Middle East security analyst at the Atlantic Council, told VOA Iran’s muted response could be an effort to avert an escalated confrontation, as long as Tehran’s nuclear program is not directly targeted. https://www.voanews.com/a/7576451.html

Israel strikes Iran, defense officials confirm

April 19, 2024

Long-distance aircraft fired missiles that struck Iranian Air Force assets at Isfahan in central Iran early Friday morning, the Jerusalem Post has confirmed.

Meanwhile, two Israeli defense officials and three Iranian officials confirmed to The New York Times that Israel was involved.

The report came shortly after local sources reported explosions in Isfahan in central Iran, in the As-Suwayda Governorate of southern Syria, and in the Baghdad area and Babil Governorate of Iraq early Friday morning. https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-797866

Iran, Allies Respond to Israel’s ‘Attack’

April 19, 2024

ran and its Lebanese Hezbollah partners appear to be dismissing the significance of Israel’s reported overnight strike on targets inside the country, as the world again waits to see if the regional tit-for-tat attacks escalate into a broader and more destructive showdown. …

When pressed as to whether Hezbollah would join any retaliation by Iran—as its leaders have repeatedly threatened to do—the source responded: “Has Israel really done anything? We didn’t feel it at all.” …

The Hezbollah movement—a powerful Shi’ite armed militia and political movement based in southern Lebanon—has long been aligned with Tehran, and a key part of the informal “Axis of Resistance” grouping fighting against Israel and the U.S. across the Middle East.

Hezbollah has been involved in constant cross-border skirmishes with Israeli forces since Hamas‘ October 7 infiltration attack and the subsequent offensive by Israel into the Gaza Strip. https://www.newsweek.com/iran-allies-hezbollah-respond-israel-attack-1892157

April 19, 2024

Iran and Israel, regional arch-foes, are trading attacks and threats — the latest of which saw Israel launch a “limited military strike” on Iran in the early hours of Friday morning, …

Israel on Sunday vowed to “exact a price” from Iran, …

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, meanwhile, warned that even the “tiniest” incursion into its borders would trigger a “massive and harsh” response. https://www.cnbc.com/2024/04/19/israel-and-iran-all-out-war-or-measured-retaliation-.html

So, which is it?

Is Iran not going to bother Israel again?

Or as promised earlier this week by its president, will Iran put forth a “massive and harsh” response since what occurred via Israeli airstrikes was at least “tiniest” incursion?

It would seem that Iran now wants people to believe it will not respond. The same with Hezbollah.

I am not convinced.

Could it be that perhaps Iran has decided to bide its time and plan when and how to launch a major attack? And perhaps how to have allies involved?

Israel reportedly hit targets in Iraq and Syria when it also hit Iran.

So, Iran may wish to consult with its allies in those countries, as well as Hezbollah (which is based out of Lebanon). It may prefer the element of surprise.

There is an ancient Chinese text of about 2,00 years ago known as The Art of War by Sun Tzu. That text teaches that all war is deception and it advocates acting like you do not want to have a war while you are busily planning for one.

There is little doubt that the Iranian leadership is familiar with that concept.

Another reason is that Iranians are mainly Shi’ite Muslims which believe the Quran and most of the hadiths (a collection of traditions containing sayings of Muhammad, some few are considered inauthentic and subject to debate in Islam)–those are the two most official sources of Islamic belief. So, now notice an Islamic hadith:

Sahih Bukhari, Book 52, Hadith 269: “The Prophet said, ‘War is deceit.'”

Sahih Bukhari is widely regarded as one of the most authentic collections of hadiths in Islam. It holds a special status and is often considered second only to the Quran by Muslims in terms of reliability and authority.

So, yes, Iran and Hezbollah may be practicing deceit.

I expect Iran and its allies to one day respond. Probably this year.

That said, as I have repeatedly quoted, the Bible does point to Iran, its ally Syria, and perhaps others together causing damage to Jerusalem:

6 Elam bore the quiver With chariots of men and horsemen, And Kir uncovered the shield. 7 It shall come to pass that your choicest valleys Shall be full of chariots, And the horsemen shall set themselves in array at the gate.

8 He removed the protection of Judah. You looked in that day to the armor of the House of the Forest; 9 You also saw the damage to the city of David, That it was great; And you gathered together the waters of the lower pool. 10 You numbered the houses of Jerusalem, And the houses you broke down To fortify the wall. 11 You also made a reservoir between the two walls For the water of the old pool. But you did not look to its Maker, Nor did you have respect for Him who fashioned it long ago. (Isaiah 22:6-11 NKJV throughout unless otherwise noted)

Elam is a reference to at least some in Iran. That was taught by the old Worldwide Church of God (Stump K. South Asia in Prophecy. Plain Truth, July/August 1986, p. 5), whereas the current UCG (Bible Commentary Isaiah 22 Posted on Apr 5, 2003 https://www.ucg.org/bible-study-tools/bible-commentary/bible-commentary-isaiah-22) and CEG (What does the Bible say about Iran’s future? June 3, 2011. https://www.eternalgod.org/q-a-10313/) point to Iran not only as Elam, but being involved in the fulfillment of Isaiah 22 (for details, see Iran in Prophecy).

God’s word has the expression “the Syrians from Kir” (Amos 9:7), which is basically confirmation that Kir of Isaiah 22 would include Syrians.

There are reasons to believe that the “House of the Forest” was historically located in Lebanon (e.g. 1 Kings 7:2)–which, as mentioned, is where Hezbollah is based out of.

However, one view, which is the majority view of many scholars, is that the House of the Forest was in or near Jerusalem. If that is the case, Isaiah 22:8 is a warning that Israel relied on its own arms, without success.

However, since Israel’s modern arms are not related to cedars of Lebanon, I am inclined to lean towards the view of those who believe this is actually in Lebanon. Why Lebanon?

Because the other five times the House of the Forest is mentioned (1 Kings 7:2, 10:17, 10:21; 2 Chronicles 9:16, 9:20), it is mentioned as the “House of the Forest of Lebanon”

The late Dr. John Bright suggested that the “house of the forest of Lebanon” could refer to a fortified palace or stronghold located in Lebanon, rather than in Jerusalem.

Additionally, some archaeological evidence has been proposed to support the idea of a fortified structure in Lebanon during the time of Isaiah, but the exact identification of such a building with the “house of the forest of Lebanon” remains speculative.

Notice also, something from a paper at http://www.digitalpuritan.net/Digital%20Puritan%20Resources/Bunyan,%20John/Volume%203/The%20House%20of%20the%20Forest%20of%20Lebanon.pdf, :

Matthew Henry follows the opinion of Bunyan; “I rather incline to think it was a house built in the forest of Lebanon itself, whither, though far distant from Jerusalem, Solomon having so many chariots and horses, and those dispersed into chariot cities, which probably were his stages, he might frequently retire with ease.” Express notice is taken of Lebanon, as the place of a warlike building, in 2 Kings 19, and in Canticles 7:4. The tower of Lebanon is described as looking towards Damascus. The ruins of this house and tower, in the forest of Lebanon, are probably those seen by Benjamin of Tudela, who describes the stones of which it was built as twenty palms long, and twelve wide. …

Lebanon possessed the most commanding sites for a border fortress, and therefore an admirable depot for arms, to enable the Jewish warriors to keep out their most vigilant and dangerous enemies, the Assyrians.

Interestingly, the Jews have an old tradition that they will be afraid of Iran and later end up with some type of peace related to Iran:

Kessin, who holds has a Ph.D. in psychology from Fordham University and is a noted lecturer on Jewish philosophy in the U.S., Canada, South Africa and Israel, also sees significance in the recent U.S. deal with Iran over nuclear weapons.

There is an 800-year-old rabbinic commentary known as Yalkut Shimoni, which he translates: “Paras (Persia-Iran) will be the dread of humanity. The world’s leaders will be frustrated in their futile efforts to save what they can, but to no avail. The people of Israel will also be petrified by the impending danger. And HaShem (God) will say to us, ‘Why are you afraid? All of this I have done in order to bring you the awaited redemption. And this redemption will not be like the redemption from Egypt, which was followed by suffering. This redemption will be absolute, followed with peace.’” …

“We have now entered the countdown to the messiah, which is unbelievable,” Kessin said. (Rabbi: Blood moons mean ‘messianic advancement’. World News Daily, August 30, 2015. http://www.wnd.com/2015/08/rabbi-blood-moons-mean-messianic-advancement/#PvyBhDZJ5CBl3mwm.99)

So there is a Jewish tradition that suggests that after conflict with Iran, Israel will have peace.

Now a temporal peace deal, like the one related to Daniel 9:27 (see also The ‘Peace Deal’ of Daniel 9:27), could come after a regional war involving Iran, Israel, Syria, and possibly Hezbollah and others.  The existence of the Jewish tradition may incline some of the Jews to accept a timed peace deal which will NOT turn out well for the tiny nation of Israel (cf. Daniel 9:27; 11:31).

However, the Bible itself shows that this deal will be broken 3 1/2 years later (Daniel 9:27) and the King of the North will invade Jerusalem (Daniel 11:31). That will not turn out well for the tiny nation of Israel.

The Bible warns of those who cry peace when there is no real peace:

10 “Because, indeed, because they have seduced My people, saying, ‘Peace!’ when there is no peace (Ezekiel 13:10)

Last year, the Continuing Church of God (CCOG) put together the following Bible News Prophecy video on our Bible News Prophecy YouTube channel related to Iran and Israel:

15:03

Iran and Israel Conflict

European Union foreign policy chief, Josep Borrel, has been brokering the nuclear negotiations involving Iran and said that he thinks the deal is “in danger.” Iran blames the United States, whereas the USA says they are not delaying it. Israeli sources stated that Israel will stop Iran from getting a nuclear bomb. Joe Biden says the USA would use its own military power to prevent Iran from getting such a bomb if need be. In 2021, Iranian lawmakers have submitted a bill seeking the government by law to commit to Israel’s destruction by the year 2040. Does the 22nd chapter of Isaiah point to damage coming to Israel from Iran and possibly Syria? Might Iran be concerned enough about limited progress with the USA to launch some type of attack? Is Iran the prophesied ‘King of the South’? Is it reasonable to think that the prophesied peace deal of Daniel 9:27 will not happen until after a military conflict. like a regional war? Should Christians watch the Middle East? Dr. Thiel and Steve Dupuie discuss these matters.

Here is a link to our video: Iran and Israel Conflict.

Iran and Hezbollah’s public downplaying of Israel’s latest attacks will NOT prevent Isaiah 22:6-9 from being fulfilled.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Iran in Prophecy Is Iran in Bible prophecy? If so, what does the Bible teach? What names, other than Persia, may be used to describe Iran? There is also a YouTube video titled Iran in Prophecy. Here are links to two related videos Iran In Prophecy and  Iran and Israel Conflict.
Jerusalem: Past, Present, and Future What does the Bible say about Jerusalem and its future? Is Jerusalem going to be divided and eliminated? Is Jesus returning to the area of Jerusalem? There are also two related YouTube videos you can watch: Jerusalem To be divided and eliminated and God’s and Satan’s Plan for Jerusalem.
The ‘Peace Deal’ of Daniel 9:27 This prophecy could give up to 3 1/2 years advance notice of the coming Great Tribulation. Will most ignore or misunderstand its fulfillment? Here is a link to a related sermon video Daniel 9:27 and the Start of the Great Tribulation.
Gaza and the Palestinians in Bible Prophecy What does the Bible teach about Gaza and the fate of the Palestinians? Here is a link to a related video: Gaza and Palestine in Prophecy.
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.
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 ? There is also a video titled: When Does the 6000 Years End? 2031? 2035? Here is a link to the article in Spanish: ¿Tiene Dios un plan de 6,000 años?
The 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.

Pope Leo IX

COGwriter

April 19th is a date that some in the Church of Rome honor, as one of their saints, Pope Leo IX (whose name had been Bruno). Here is some of what they teach about him:

Son of Count Hugh of Egisheim. Cousin of Emperor Conrad II. Chapter canon of Saint Stephen’s, Toul, France. Deacon. Soldier and officer in the imperial army. In 1021, while still in the military, he was chosen bishop of Toul, France, a position he held for 20 years. Commanded troops under emperor Conrad II in the invasion of Italy in 1026. http://saints.sqpn.com/pope-saint-leo-ix/

Although it is known that Christians were not militaristic, the Greco-Roman faith became militaristic around the time of Emperor Constantine (see Military Service and the Churches of God: Do Real Christians Participate in Carnal Warfare?). Yet despite claims of being a Christian, Bishop Bruno was certainly militaristic.

We in the Continuing Church of God do not consider that Pope Leo IX was a real Christian, despite him being considered a saint of the Church of Rome.

Leo IX was believed to have been a factor in causing the Great Schism between the Church of Rome and the Eastern Orthodox in 1054.

While politics and other doctrines are believed to have played a major role in the schism, some have suggested that the Orthodox tendency to somewhat honor the seventh day Sabbath (in addition to Sunday) was also a factor:

[A] treatise, entitled in Latin Adversus Graecorum Columnias was composed in the form of a debate about the year 1054 by Cardinal Humbert. The Cardinal had been sent by Pope Leo IX early in 1054 as the papal nuncios to Constantinople to endeavor to bring the Greeks into conformity with the religious practices of the Roman (Latin) Church. The mission however did not succeed. The treatise was composed as a further attempt to dissuade the Greeks from holding on to certain divergent religious practices such as veneration of the Sabbath…The Cardinal argues that the Latins in no way resemble the Jews in their observance of the Sabbath…He proceeds then to show the Greeks that they are the ones who judaize as they observe the Sabbath in the identical manner of the Jews.

Dr. Bacchiocchi observed:

R.L. Odom has persuasively brought out that the Roman insistence on making the Sabbath a day of fast contributed greatly to the historic break between the Eastern and Western Christian Church which occurred in A.D. 1054. (Cited in Bacchiocchi Anti-Judaism and the Origin of Sunday, p. 67)

So, Pope Leo IX had a Cardinal that was opposed to officially honoring the Sabbath and this was apparently one of various factors for the split with the Eastern Orthodox.

A split that has gone on for close to a thousand years, but one that the Church of Rome and the Eastern Orthodox are looking to resolve.

As far as Sabbath fasting goes, that seemed to originate with the heretic Marcion :

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).

Fasting on the Sabbath was a practice adopted by the Roman Church, but not the Churches in Asia Minor in the second and third centuries.

The Catholic and Orthodox saint Irenaeus noted that the faithful Church of God leader/bishop Polycarp opposed Marcion:

But Polycarp also was not only instructed by apostles, and conversed with many who had seen Christ, but was also, by apostles in Asia, appointed bishop of the Church in Smyrna, whom I also saw in my early youth, for he tarried [on earth] a very long time, and, when a very old man, gloriously and most nobly suffering martyrdom, departed this life, having always taught the things which he had learned from the apostles, and which the Church has handed down, and which alone are true. To these things all the Asiatic Churches testify, as do also those men who have succeeded Polycarp down to the present time — a man who was of much greater weight, and a more stedfast witness of truth, than Valentinus, and Marcion, and the rest of the heretics. He it was who, coming to Rome in the time of Anicetus caused many to turn away from the aforesaid heretics to the Church of God, proclaiming that he had received this one and sole truth from the apostles — that, namely, which is handed down by the Church. There are also those who heard from him that John, the disciple of the Lord, going to bathe at Ephesus, and perceiving Cerinthus within, rushed out of the bath-house without bathing, exclaiming, “Let us fly, lest even the bath-house fall down, because Cerinthus, the enemy of the truth, is within.” And Polycarp himself replied to Marcion, who met him on one occasion, and said, “Dost thou know me?” “I do know thee, the first-born of Satan.”(Irenaeus. Adversus Haereses. Book III, Chapter 3, Verse 4. Excerpted from Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume 1. Edited by Alexander Roberts & James Donaldson. American Edition, 1885. Online Edition Copyright © 2004 by K. Knight).

Polycarp, and other true early Christian writers, kept all of the ten commandments that were first mentioned in the Old Testament (an article of related interest may be The Ten Commandments and the Early Church). This is how Polycarp (and others) differed from many of the early heretics like Marcion (more on Cerinthus can be found in the article Cerinthus: An early heretic).

Another to specifically oppose Marcion was Church of God leader/bishop Theophilus of Antioch (late 2nd century). The Syriatic version of Eusebius’ Church History notes:

BUT as to Theophilus, concerning whom we have said that he was Bishop of Antioch, there are three treatises by him against Antolycus, and another which is inscribed “Against the heresy of Hermogenes,” in which he uses testimonies from the Revelation of John; and there are other books by him which are suitable for teaching. But those, who pertained to heretical doctrine, even at that time like tares were corrupting the pure seed of the doctrine of the Apostles; but the Pastors which were in the churches in every country, were driving them like beasts of the wilderness away from the flock of Christ; at one time by teaching and exhortation to the Brethren, but at another time openly before their faces they contended with them in discussion, and put them to shame; and again, also, by writing treatises they diligently refuted and exposed their opinions. But Theophilus, together with others, contended against them; and he is celebrated for one treatise, which was ably composed by him against Marcion, which, together with the others that I have already mentioned, is still preserved. And after him Maximinus received the Bishoprick of the Church of Antioch, who was the seventh after the Apostles.

But Philip, respecting whom we have learned from the words of Dionysius, Bishop of Corinth,2 that he was Bishop of the church of the city of Gortyna, he also composed with accuracy a treatise against Marcion (Eusebius of Caesarea, Ecclesiastical History, Syriac version, Book 4 (Extract), Chapter 24. Spicilegium Syriacum (1855). This text was transcribed by Roger Pearse, Ipswich, UK, 2003. Greek text is rendered using the Scholars Press SPIonic font/Polytonic Greek).

This is of interest because it shows that both Philip and Theophilus also wrote against the heretic Marcion (though the document, while apparently available to Eusebius, is currently unavailable).

Notice what the Protestant historian Kenneth Latourette stated:

Marcion insisted that the Church had obscured the Gospel by seeking to combine it with Judaism (Latourette KS. A History of Christianity, Volume 1: to A.D. 1500. HarperCollins, San Francisco, 1975, p. 126).

In other words, the original true Church of God truly did combine faith in Christ with practices that Marcion considered to be too Jewish. And Marcion was denounced by leaders from Asia Minor for rejecting the true faith.

In the third century, Hippolytus of Rome wrote:

But Marcion, a native of Pontus, far more frantic than these (heretics), omitting the majority of the tenets of the greater number (of speculators), (and) advancing into a doctrine still more unabashed, supposed (the existence of) two originating causes of the universe, alleging one of them to be a certain good (principle), but the other an evil one. And himself imagining that he was introducing some novel (opinion), founded a school full of folly, and attended by men of a sensual mode of life, inasmuch as he himself was one of lustful propensities. This (heretic) having thought that the multitude would forget that he did not happen to be a disciple of Christ, but of Empedocles, who was far anterior to himself, framed and formed the same opinions,–namely, that there are two causes of the universe, discord and friendship. For what does Empedocles say respecting the plan of the world? Even though we have previously spoken (on this subject), yet even now also, for the purpose, at all events, of comparing the heresy of this plagiarist (with its source), we shall not be silent. This (philosopher) affirms that all the elements out of which the world consists and derives its being, are six: two of them material, (viz.,) earth and water; and two of them instruments by which material objects are arranged and altered, (viz.,) fire and air; and two of them, by means of the instruments, operating upon matter and fashioning it, viz., discord and friendship. (Empedocles) expresses himself somehow thus:- “The four roots of all things hear thou first: Brilliant Jove, and life-giving Juno and Aidoneus, And Nestis, who with tears bedews the mortal font.” (Hippolytus. Refutation of All Heresies (Book VII), Chapter XVII. Translated by J. H. Machmahon. Excerpted from Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume 5. Edited by Alexander Roberts & James Donaldson. American Edition, 1886. Online Edition Copyright © 2005 by K. Knight)

Marcion taught against the law and the Creator’s Sabbath–the seventh-day Sabbath. Marcion eliminated or overlooked many portions of the Bible. His attitude seems to have been similar to Luther’s in this respect (Martin Luther’s attitude toward the Bible can be found in the article Sola Scriptura or Prima Luther? What Did Martin Luther Really Believe About the Bible?).

While the Church of Rome eventually condemned Marcion, sadly, its Pope Leo IX pushed for at least one of his non-biblical practices.

As far as the Sabbath being biblical, let me point out that a series of articles in the Catholic Mirror, called The Christian Sabbath, essentially proved 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. The change from the Sabbath was not biblical and Catholic scholars have admitted this.

Ursula Gertrud von der Leyen (European Parliament)

COGwriter

Notice the following:

Europe is Starting to Wake Up to Needing Defense—Including a Nuclear Deterrent

April 18, 2024

The wailing is getting louder across Europe. Elites in Brussels and national capitals are clutching their pearls as they view American opinion polls. Their U.S. friends, the usual Masters of the Universe who dominate political and economic affairs, are reacting similarly.

Although the presidential election is more than six long months away and much can happen before November 5, they all are sharing nightmares featuring Donald Trump. Such is the consequence of spending the last eight decades treating Europe’s protection as America’s responsibility.

Europeans are only slowly waking up to reality. For instance, the British historian and journalist Max Hastings observed, “Some of us have repeatedly asserted that without America the Ukrainians could become toast. That proposition looks like it is being tested.” He didn’t blame America. Rather, he admitted that “there is also a realization that the United States has tired, probably forever, of leading and largely funding the defense of Europe.”  …

Finally, and most important, he acknowledged that the continent’s residents must work hard to protect themselves: “If we wish to avoid having to fight another big war we must create a credible military deterrent in which nuclear weapons are the least relevant, though still necessary, component. Even granted the will, which is problematic, Europe requires a decade of enhanced spending to make itself remotely capable of self-defense, in the absence of the U.S.” https://www.theamericanconservative.com/europe-is-starting-to-wake-up-to-needing-defense-including-a-nuclear-deterrent/

Related to Donald Trump, Europe, and nukes, last month the Continuing Church of God (CCOG) put together the following video on our Bible News Prophecy YouTube channel:

14:32

Donald Trump, Europe, and Nuclear Weapons?

Are European leaders quite concerned about a possible second Donald Trump presidency? Have any European leaders publicly proposed developing ‘Euronukes’ because of Donald Trump? Do European leaders believe that Europe should have nuclear weapons independent from the United States of America? Does the Bible prophesy anything like nuclear destruction coming to the USA and its British-descended allies? Do biblical prophecies really point to the USA being destroyed by its European friends in places like Daniel 11:39 and Lamentations 1:1-2? Do Europeans think they need to have nukes whether or not Donald Trump gets into office again? Did the late Herbert W. Armstrong state back in 1989 that the Great Tribulation could actually begin with a nuclear attack by the coming European King of the North Beast power against cities in the USA, UK, and Canada? Are the Europeans now increasing their military spending and considering adding their own nukes? Is there hope from the coming Kingdom of God and the return of Jesus? Steve Dupuie and Dr. Thiel address these matters.

Here is a link to our video: Donald Trump, Europe, and Nuclear Weapons?

Devastation is coming.

As far as Europe and nukes go, the late Pastor General of the old Worldwide Church of God, Herbert W. Armstrong, wrote the following in 1979:

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

Notice that the Bible states:

33 I will scatter you among the nations and draw out a sword after you; your land shall be desolate and your cities waste (Leviticus 26:33).

Nuclear and other high-tech weapons (as well as electromagnetic pulse (EMP) bombs), as well as devastating solar flares, are ways to make land desolate and modern cities waste (for more on EMP weapons and solar flares see Nuclear EMP Attack on UK Called ‘Quite Likely’).

Events that resemble nuclear or similar devastation are part of the prophesied curses mentioned in the Bible:

23 ‘The whole land is brimstone, salt, and burning (Deuteronomy 29:23).

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).

6 In all your dwelling places the cities shall be laid waste (Ezekiel 6:6).

So, the Bible points to massive destruction. And yes, Europe wants a stronger military, and that would tend to include nuclear weapons.

European Union Commission President, the German Ursula von der Leyen, is pushing hard for a soon, stronger European military capacity. A reader sent me a link to the following:

EU needs to turbocharge defence-industrial capacity, says Von der Leyen

BRUSSELS, April 17 (Reuters) – European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen said on Wednesday that the EU needs to turbo-charge defence-industrial capacity in the next five years amid rising global threats.

Speaking at a defence and security conference in Brussels, she added that the focus will be on innovation.

“We will focus on innovation to ensure Europe has that edge in the new technologies, which we see being deployed across the world in different conflicts.” https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/eus-von-der-leyen-iranian-attack-israel-latest-signal-intent-new-league-2024-04-17/

Many European leaders have been calling for increased military force and spending (e.g. Germany’s Boris Pistorius urges a ‘change in mentality’ towards militarization, Italian foreign minister calls for formation of EU army, and Karl-Theodore zu Guttenberg wants to break German dependence on the military of the USA) and it is beginning to happen.

Furthermore back in February, German Chancellor Scholtz declared “L’Europa deve entrare in un’economia di guerra su larga scala” which has been translated as “Europe must enter a large-scale war economy” (see Olaf Scholtz says ‘Europe must enter a large-scale war economy’ while Germany increases its military spending).

But getting back to President Von der Leyen’s statements, notice:

1. She wants Europe to speed up its military capacity.
2. She wants to ensure that Europe has the technological edge in that.

For at least 15 years, I have warned that Europe would end up with military technology that would one day help it defeat the USA.

While the EU has taken steps that way, we are seeing more calls for more to be done.

And, more is being done.

The prospect of another Donald Trump presidency, combined with the devastation that has been happening in Ukraine, has gotten the average voter in the EU concerned about military matters, as well as the rest of the populace to be more supportive of European military moves.

While Europe wants its own nuclear bombs, Europe already has US nukes it could use–remember the head of NATO in Europe is European.

A great European army will rise up according to the Bible:

16 … the king of the north … 25 … shall stir up his power and his courage … with a great army. (Daniel 11:16, 25)

Europe will be militaristically successful for a time per Revelation 13:3-4 and Daniel 11:39-43.

Europe, itself, will become the aggressor against the USA in the future per Daniel 11:39.

Europe already has PESCO, its Permanent Structured Cooperation–which it formed within a year of Donald Trump becoming President of the United States. If he wins again, his position was used as a reason, in my view, to further accelerate the move towards a stronger EU military. Here is a link to a related sermonette video: PESCO and a Great European Army.

He will eliminate the USA and its British-descended allies. But he will also want to control all that he can.

Notice more about the Beast:

1 Then I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name. 2 Now the beast which I saw was like a leopard, his feet were like the feet of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority. 3 And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled and followed the beast. 4 So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?” (Revelation 13:1-4)

He will be a successful military leader and the world will marvel because of his defeat of the USA and other nations (cf. Daniel 11:39-43).

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe? Here is are links to related videos: European history and the Bible, Europe In Prophecy, The End of European Babylon, and Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European? Here is a link to a related sermon in the Spanish language: El Fin de la Babilonia Europea.
Must the Ten Kings of Revelation 17:12 Rule over Ten Currently Existing Nations? Some claim that these passages refer to a gathering of 10 currently existing nations together, while one group teaches that this is referring to 11 nations getting together. Is that what Revelation 17:12-13 refers to? The ramifications of misunderstanding this are enormous.
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.
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies for the Great Monarch point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States? In the Spanish language check out ¿Quién es el Rey del Norte? Here are links to two related videos: The King of the North is Alive: What to Look Out For and The Future King of the North.
The Great Monarch: Biblical and Greco-Roman Catholic Prophecies Is the ‘Great Monarch’ of Greco-Roman Catholic prophecies endorsed or condemned by the Bible? Two sermons of related interest are also available: Great Monarch: Messiah or False Christ? and Great Monarch in 50+ Beast Prophecies.
Germany’s Assyrian Roots Throughout History Are the Germanic peoples descended from Asshur of the Bible? Have there been real Christians in Germanic history? What about the “Holy Roman Empire”? There is also a You-Tube video sermon on this titled Germany’s Biblical Origins.
Germany in Biblical and Greco-Roman Catholic Prophecy Does Assyria in the Bible equate to an end time power inhabiting the area of the old Roman Empire? What does prophecy say Germany will do and what does it say will happen to most of the German people? Here is a link to a video Is the USA Pushing Germany to Start WWIII?
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.

river in Hormuz, Iran turned red like the biblical plague that turned the Nile River to blood. https://t.co/hRmJNrMFsv

— ISRAEL🇮🇱⚔️🇮🇷IRAN REGIME Minute by minute (@JerusalemDiary) April 16, 2024

COGwriter

Notice a statement from God related to what He was going to do in Egypt:

“I will strike the waters which are in the river with the rod that is in my hand, and they shall be turned to blood” (Exodus 7:17)

Israel365News reported the following:

River turns blood-red in Iran just in time for Passover

April 18, 2024

While Iran is suffering from an extended drought, its prayers for rain were answered in the most Biblical manner as a video appeared on social media showing torrential rainfall flowing bright red.

Iran’s Meteorological Organization is not known for its prophetic inclinations. However, last month, it issued a “red warning” for flooding in five western provinces as a new wave of heavy rains approaches just ahead of Nowruz, the Persian New Year. Iran is suffering a drought, and overall rainfall for the year is 28 percent below the long-term average.

Rain did indeed fall in copious amounts, but videos on social media showed torrents of water flowing blood red on the island of Hormuz. While the phenomenon is not unknown, the event’s timing caused many to comment.

Just a few days ago, Iran launched a massive attack, targeting Israel with over 350 drones, ICBMs, and cruise missiles. Miraculously, the attack was largely ineffective.

And Jews worldwide will be reading about a blood-red river next Monday night at the Passover Seder. This was described in the book of Exodus:

Moshe and Aharon did just as Hashem commanded: he lifted up the rod and struck the water in the Nile in the sight of Pharaoh and his courtiers, and all the water in the Nile was turned into blood Exodus 7:20

The image of a blood-red river has strong connotations for the Biblically-minded but is also significant to Muslims. In Islam, there are five plagues, i.e. floods, locusts, lice, toads, and turning of drinking water into blood, while in the Bible there are ten plagues i.e. water into blood, frogs, lice, wild animals, diseased livestock boils, storms of fire, locusts, darkness and death of the firstborn. …

According to Jewish tradition and based on a verse in Micah, the ten plagues will reappear before the Messiah.

I will show him wondrous deeds As in the days when You sallied forth from the land of Egypt. Micah 7:15

Jewish sources predict that all of the plagues will reappear in the final Redemption but in even more powerful forms. https://israel365news.com/389401/river-turns-blood-red-in-iran-just-in-time-for-passover/

Irrespective of the cause of the blood red river in Iran (in some areas red algae can look like this as well), one question to consider has to do with whether or not most or all of the ten plagues of Egypt will occur again.

Well, when it comes to the having rivers turning to blood, the answer is yes.

Israel365News is a Jewish news source. While it relies on its ‘traditional’ understanding of Micah 7:15, which looks to be consistent with that scripture, we in the Continuing Church of God also look to the New Testament.

Here is something from the Book of Revelation:

4 Then the third angel poured out his bowl on the rivers and springs of water, and they became blood. 5 And I heard the angel of the waters saying:

“You are righteous, O Lord,
The One who is and who was and who is to be,
Because You have judged these things.
6 For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets,
And You have given them blood to drink.
For it is their just due.”

7 And I heard another from the altar saying, “Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are Your judgments.” (Revelation 16:4-7)

While the situation with the Iranian river is not the fulfillment of Revelation 16, we see in it basically two things.

The first is that rivers and springs of water will turn into blood. In Exodus 7:21, the Bible states, “So there was blood throughout all the land of Egypt.” Yet, the fulfillment of Revelation 16:4 will not be limited to Egypt.

The second is that we see the reason WHY God intends to have this done. The Isaelites were oppressed by their taskmasters (Exodus 3:7) who beat them (i.e. Exodus 5:14). In the future, the Beast power and his supporters will persecute and kill end time Christians (Revelation chapters 13,17; see also Persecutions by Church and State).

But we are not to that time quite yet. However, we do seem to be in the “beginning of sorrows” that Jesus foretold (Matthew 24:4-8), which are just prior to the start of the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21).

Related to the possibility of the ten plagues of Egypt being repeated in the future, the Continuing Church of God (CCOG) put together the following video on our Bible News Prophecy YouTube channel:

25:16

Here is a link to the sermonette video: Zombie Deer Disease is Here! Are the 10 Plagues on Egypt Coming?

Yes, we believe that a version of the ten plagues that affected Egypt will come again.

While the Great Tribulation is not here yet, it is getting closer.

Notice one of the things Jesus said would occur before the Great Tribulation starts :

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. (Matthew 24:6)

What we may call WWIII, is not about to start. That is at least 3 1/2 years away (see also The ‘Peace Deal’ of Daniel 9:27).

Yet, related to wars and rumors of war, notice the following:

Israel Approved, Then Nixed, Strike on Iran

Israel’s war cabinet gave its military the green light Monday for a retaliatory strike against Iran, but later that night, it decided to wait for “operational reasons,” Axios reported Wednesday, citing two Israeli officials.

It’s the second time that a decision on retaliation has been postponed since Iran attacked Israel with hundreds of drones and missiles Saturday. https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/israel-iran-counter-attack/2024/04/17/id/1161393/

Netanyahu says Israel will decide how to respond as Iran warns against retaliation

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would decide whether and how to respond to Iran’s major air assault earlier this week, brushing off calls for restraint from close allies.

Israel has vowed to respond to Iran’s unprecedented attack, leaving the region bracing for further escalation …

The diplomatic pressure came as Iran’s president warned that even the “tiniest” invasion of its territory would bring a “massive and harsh” response. …

Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi warned Israel against any retaliation as he addressed an annual army parade, which was moved from its usual route and not broadcast live on state TV — possibly to avoid being targeted. In remarks carried by Iran’s official IRNA news agency, Raisi said the weekend attack was limited, and that if Iran had wanted to carry out a bigger attack, “nothing would remain from the Zionist regime.” https://apnews.com/article/israel-iran-hamas-latest-04-17-2024-7e4ba24fbb150f020a2d240dad9d462f

We will see what Israel and Iran may do.

As I have written here many times over many years, Isaiah 22:6-9 points to an Iranian led coalition that will attack Israel and cause great damage to Jerusalem.

Here is a video we made about that back in September 2022:

15:03

Iran and Israel Conflict

European Union foreign policy chief, Josep Borrel, has been brokering the nuclear negotiations involving Iran and said that he thinks the deal is “in danger.” Iran blames the United States, whereas the USA says they are not delaying it. Israeli sources stated that Israel will stop Iran from getting a nuclear bomb. Joe Biden says the USA would use its own military power to prevent Iran from getting such a bomb if need be. In 2021, Iranian lawmakers have submitted a bill seeking the government by law to commit to Israel’s destruction by the year 2040. Does the 22nd chapter of Isaiah point to damage coming to Israel from Iran and possibly Syria? Might Iran be concerned enough about limited progress with the USA to launch some type of attack? Is Iran the prophesied ‘King of the South’? Is it reasonable to think that the prophesied peace deal of Daniel 9:27 will not happen until after a military conflict. like a regional war? Should Christians watch the Middle East? Dr. Thiel and Steve Dupuie discuss these matters.

Here is a link to our video: Iran and Israel Conflict.

Anyway, it looks like the stage for the fulfillment of Isaiah 22:6-9 is being set.

And if Israel and Iran actually attempt to do what they say they are about to do to each other, then we will see the fulfillment of Isaiah 22:6-9.

As I have long written, I believe that it will likely take a major regional war for the ‘peace deal’ of Daniel 9:27 to be made and confirmed. It is that confirmation that will set off the countdown for the final 3 1/2 years to start the Great Tribulation, with Jesus returning to start the millennial Kingdom of God 3 1/2 years after that.

Time may be getting quite short.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

EXODUS Exodus sermons include Exodus 1-4: Jewish Myths or Lessons for Christians Today?, Exodus 5-7: Serpents, Blood, and Revelation, Exodus 8-9: Plagues and Prophecy, Exodus 10-12: The Last Plagues & 21st Century Prophecies, and Exodus 13-15: Passover Protection and Armageddon. There is also more, such as the article: When was the Exodus? Did it Happen? Some deny the biblical account of the Exodus. Was Ramses II the pharaoh then? When did the Exodus occur? Is there proof outside of the Bible that there was an Exodus? Here is a related article in the Spanish language: ¿Cuándo fue el Éxodo? ¿Ocurrió realmente? Also: Reasons, Proofs, and Ramifications of the Ten Plagues of Exodus What do you know about these plagues? What happened to the ‘gods of Egypt’? Is there any confirmation outside the Bible? Might something worse be coming? A related two-part sermon is available: Egypt and the Plagues (Part 1) and Exodus Plagues and Prophecy (Part 2). Also: Exodus and the Days of Unleavened Bread This article discusses parts of the Book of Exodus with some connections to the Days of Unleavened Bread. Related sermons are available Exodus 1-4: Jewish Myths or Lessons for Christians Today?, Exodus 5-7: Serpents, Blood, and Revelation, Exodus 8-9: Plagues and Prophecy and Unleavened Bread: Lessons in Exodus.
Iran in Prophecy Is Iran in Bible prophecy? If so, what does the Bible teach? What names, other than Persia, may be used to describe Iran? There is also a YouTube video titled Iran in Prophecy. Here are links to two related videos Iran In Prophecy and  Iran and Israel Conflict.
Jerusalem: Past, Present, and Future What does the Bible say about Jerusalem and its future? Is Jerusalem going to be divided and eliminated? Is Jesus returning to the area of Jerusalem? There are also two related YouTube videos you can watch: Jerusalem To be divided and eliminated and God’s and Satan’s Plan for Jerusalem.
The ‘Peace Deal’ of Daniel 9:27 This prophecy could give up to 3 1/2 years advance notice of the coming Great Tribulation. Will most ignore or misunderstand its fulfillment? Here is a link to a related sermon video Daniel 9:27 and the Start of the Great Tribulation.
Gaza and the Palestinians in Bible Prophecy What does the Bible teach about Gaza and the fate of the Palestinians? Here is a link to a related video: Gaza and Palestine in Prophecy.
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.
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 ? 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?
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.
The ‘Peace Deal’ of Daniel 9:27 This prophecy could give up to 3 1/2 years advance notice of the coming Great Tribulation. Will most ignore or misunderstand its fulfillment? Here is a link to a related sermon video Daniel 9:27 and the Start of the Great Tribulation. A short video is also available titled Trump’s Deal of the Century and Daniel 9 27? Here is a link to something related in the Spanish language: Estados Árabes emiratos unidos y el tratado de paz en el medio este.

Table Prepared for Jewish Seder (datafox)

COGwriter

After sunset on April 22nd, 2024 is the 15th of Nisan. Although many Jews will claim to celebrate the Passover then, but Passover was actually the night before after sunset the 21st (see Passover on the 14th or 15th?).

The Bible says Passover is on the 14th:

5 On the fourteenth day of the first month at twilight is the LORD’s Passover. 6 And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the Feast of Unleavened Bread to the LORD (Leviticus 23:5-6, NKJV throughout, unless indicated).

16 ‘On the fourteenth day of the first month is the Passover of the Lord. 17 And on the fifteenth day of this month is the feast; unleavened bread shall be eaten for seven days. (Numbers 28:16-17)

Here is proof from the Jewish Encyclopedia that the Jews should realize that Passover is on the 14th:

Lev. xxiii., however, seems to distinguish between Passover, which is set for the fourteenth day of the month, and … (the Festival of Unleavened Bread; ἑορτή τῶν ἀζύμων, Luke xxii. 1; Josephus, “B. J.” ii. 1, § 3), appointed for the fifteenth day. Passover. (Passover. Jewish Encyclopedia of 1906)

Here are three other explanations as to why there has been confusion among the Jews:

Two Passovers

The gospels appear to say that the Messiah ate a Passover meal with the twelve on the evening beginning Nisan 14, and John appears to say Jews were having their Passover meal one day later. There are different theories to explain this.

1. The Sadducees and Pharisees disagreed on the day of Passover. The Sadducees (more conservative group) believed the Feasts of Passover and Unleavened Bread were separate feast days. They held Passover on the fourteenth as God decreed in Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers. Those of the majority opinion, including the Pharisees, held Passover on the fifteenth. Jesus may have been following both dates by having Passover with the disciples on the fourteenth and becoming the Passover lamb on the fifteenth.

2. Thousands of people would come to Jerusalem to have their lambs ritually slain in the Temple. If they only had one day in which to prepare for the Passover, it would have been extremely difficult to have slaughtered all the lambs brought in to be sacrificed. Therefore, they worked on two different time scales. The northern part of the country went with the old way of dating (starting from morning and going to the following morning). The southern part of the country followed the official dating method (from evening to evening). Thus, there were two times when lambs were being killed in the Temple for sacrifice (Sampson R & Pierce L. A Family Guide to the Biblical Holidays. Heart of Wisdom Publishing June 2001, p. 112)

Thus this shows, for whatever reason, the Jews got a little bit confused. With some keeping the correct date–the same date that Jesus kept (and He would have known which date was biblically correct).

Notice one explanation as to why the Jews got confused:

Why Nisan 15?

You would think that the Jews need to learn to read their own Scriptures, for they seem to be illiterate in regard to the Passover. God tells us, in the clearest of language, that the Passover is to be held on the evening of Nisan 14. Nowhere in the Bible does it state otherwise. But they keep Nisan 15. Where did such a practice come from?

The answer to this is found in the history of the Jews in the third century before Christ.

From 301 B.C. to 198 B.C., the Palestinian Jews came under the control of Egyptians. These Gentiles imposed their philosophies and religious beliefs upon the Jews in profusion.

Dr. Lanterbach, one of Judaism’s greatest historians, admits that this period was one of religious anarchy among the Jews of Palestine (Rabbinic Essays, p. 200). They accepted, on a very large scale, many outright Egyptian customs. For example, Herodotus who visited Egypt in the fifth century before Christ, reported that the Egyptians would only drink out of pots and pans which had been scoured every day. They would religiously bathe themselves twice each day-they shunned all foreigners, especially Greeks, and would destroy any vessel or utensil which had been touched by a Greek. Such silly laws were inaugurated by the thousands by the Egyptians, said Herodotus (Book 11, pp. 37-41).

Prior to the Egyptian domination of Palestine, the Jews possessed none of these absurd customs, but after that period of religious anarchy, the Jews began practicing, with utmost vigor, those same EGYPTIAN laws. See Matthew 15:2 and Mark 7:3-8. There can be no question of this.

But what about the Passover? It can be shown that prior to this Egyptian domination, the Jews always kept the Passover on Nisan 14. Notice especially Ezra 6:19-22. Here it shows Nisan 14 as Passover and Nisan 15 as the first day of Unleavened Bread (which it is), not as the Passover day. But, after the Egyptian period, the Jews began to observe Nisan 15 for Passover.

Why?

Corruption From Egypt!

The answer again is found in Egyptian customs. The Egyptian day customarily commenced with sunrise (Wilkinson, Vol. 11, p. 368). God’s day, however, begins at sunset (Lev. 23:32). This is where the trouble lay with the Passover reckoning after this period of Egyptian influence on the Jews. While the Egyptians allowed the Jews to retain their ancient calendar, there was a change made in the beginning of the day-it became common to begin the day at sunrise. This custom was adopted, and persisted among the Jews even down to New Testament times (see The Jewish Qziarterly Review, April, 1946). …

With the 14th of Nisan supposedly beginning at sunrise, that puts what God calls the evening of Nisan 15 as still being on Nisan 14. This is where the problem arises. Even later on, when the Jews finally got back to an evening-to-evening reckoning for the day, they refused to abandon what had become the traditional way of observing Passover. The principle, “What was good for my fathers, is good enough for me,” was too strong for the Jews to leave it. So, today, they are still one day out of phase with God (Martin E. The Jews DON’T Observe Passover. Good News magazine. April 1963, pp. 11-12)

Notice another reason given as to why the Jewish date is different (Pesahim means Passover) is that one Rabbi said/hinted that the Jews made various changes to distinguish their Passover from what the faithful Christians were doing:

This new emphasis on the ten plagues was made in order to nullify the blood idea that was taken over by the Christian Church that claimed that the Paschal lamb was the crucified Jesus whose blood was to bring redemption…Pesahim according to our new interpretation (Wolf G. Lexical and Historical Contributions on the Biblical and Rabbinic Passover. George Wolf, 1991, pp. 16, 74)

In a short work on the Passover, Rabbi George Wolf examines some of the changes that he considers the early Rabbis introduced to the Passover in response to the observance by the early church. Scholars have long studied the New Testament without a serious consideration of other literature that impinges on its understanding. Fortunately that has begun to change in the last half century.

The action of Jesus Christ with his disciples the night of his betrayal has most often been seen as a point of disjuncture with the established practices of Judaism of that day. This reaches its apex with the apostle Paul who speaks of the “Lord’s Supper,” which most exegetes wish to see as the proto-eucharist and the start of a Christian festival cycle independent of the Jewish Holy Days.

Wolf, like some Jewish scholars sees it differently. He sees both Jesus and Paul keeping the Passover in such a manner that it prompted the Rabbis of the second and third centuries to bring changes to the Jewish practice to distance the Jews from the emerging church…

Paul’s references to Jesus Christ as “our Passover” (1 Corinthians 5:7) and the cup of blessing representing the blood of the covenant (1 Corinthians 10:16, 11:25) are instructive to Wolf in his considerations (Nathan P. Passover Considerations Rabbinic changes to the Passover to distance it from the early Church. April 9, 2008. Vision.org).

So while I knew that the Greco-Roman Catholics wanted to distance themselves from practices that they considered to be Jewish, it seems that perhaps part of the reason that the Jews may have stopped observing Passover on the 14th was to distance themselves from the faithful Christians, who were in Jerusalem until about 135 A.D. (and who came back later).

Now the following is what the Jews tell themselves:

Second Days of Festivals.

The second-day holy day, although a rabbinical institution established because of the uncertainty of the calendar, was still regarded by the Rabbis as of equal sanctity with the first day… (Holy Days. Jewish Encyclopedia of 1906. http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/7828-holy-days viewed 09/04/14 )

Question:…Why in Israel do families celebrate one Passover Seder and in North America Jews celebrate two seders?

Answer:…In ancient times, the beginning of a new lunar month had to be determined by direct observation of the new moon. Among Jews, the only observation that was “official” was the one certified by the authorities in Jerusalem. This was necessary to make sure that all Jews observed the same calendar dates.

However, many Jewish communities, including the large Jewish community in Babylon, could not reliably get word from Jerusalem about the day of the new moon before the holiday began on the fifteenth day of the month. For this reason, Jewish communities outside the land of Israel adopted the practice of observing an extra day of the pilgrimage holidays (Passover, Shavuot, Sukkot and Sh’mini Atzeret), just in case they had gotten the date of the new moon wrong.

This practice for Jews outside the land of Israel continued even after mathematical models made it possible to calculate the date of the new moon. (Rabbi Jeffrey W. Goldwasser. Why do Jews in America have two Passover Seders? http://judaism.about.com/od/holidayssabbath/f/seders_two.htm viewed 04/06/09).

But the above makes little modern sense, as apparently, for over two thousand years the Jews have used a Holy Day calendar that includes postponements. With a calculated calendar, two days really were not needed. It seems logical to believe that the practice of a 15th Passover really began because the Passover night was always followed by the The Night to Be Observed, and that this reason has been forgotten by most Jews. How the 15th in Numbers 33 fits in is explained in the article The Night to Be Observed, which is the night that the children of Israel left Rameses (Exodus 12:34-39) which was probably a 7-10 hour walk from where many of them had lived.

The Jewish seder is not the same thing as the Christian Passover. Related to the Jewish seder, the Temple Institute sent the following last year:

Nisan 14, 5783/April 5, 2023 …

Passover isn’t a history lesson and the call and challenge of the Passover Seder is to tell our own story of redemption, of delivery, to our children and grandchildren, to one another. It’s not the story of our forefathers we are relating. It is our story.  …

On the Seder night G-d leaves off from storytelling and lets us tell our own story of how we were once enslaved but now are free. …

The Passover Seder contains so many elements: Matzah, bitter herbs, four cups of wine, charoset, the afikoman, and, of course, the Hagaddah – the telling of the exodus from Egypt.

Anyway, many Jews will keep the Passover seder.

Perhaps I should also mention that the Jehovah’s Witnesses, who also observe Passover on the 15th (though they seem to think it is the 14th), may do so because they do not observe the other Holy Days.

When does the Panarion of Epiphanius actually state that the Passover was kept? Well on the 14th:

The Quartodecimans contentiously keep Passover on the one day, once per year…They keep the Passover on whichever day the fourteenth of the month falls…Christ had to be slain on the fourteenth of the month in accordance with the law (Epiphanius. The Panarion of Epiphanius of Salamis, Books II and III (Sects 47-80), De Fide). Section IV, Verses 1,3;1,6;2,6. Translated by Frank Williams. EJ Brill, New York, 1994, pp. 23-25).

It is of interest to note that Epiphanius recognized that Jesus HAD to be slain on the 14th of the month. It is sad that Epiphanius and others did not believe they needed to observe it when and how Jesus taught. The term “Quartadecima” means fourteenth, not fifteenth, which would be Quintadecima (check an online translator). The Greco-Romans often speak of the Quartodeciman controversy, not a Quintadeciman one.

Irrespective of Jewish confusion or anti-COG views, true Christians have always kept Passover on the 14th. Notice something in the late 2nd century from Polycrates of Ephesus:

We observe the exact day; neither adding, nor taking away. For in Asia also great lights have fallen asleep, which shall rise again on the day of the Lord’s coming, when he shall come with glory from heaven, and shall seek out all the saints. Among these are Philip, one of the twelve apostles, who fell asleep in Hierapolis; and his two aged virgin daughters, and another daughter, who lived in the Holy Spirit and now rests at Ephesus; and, moreover, John, who was both a witness and a teacher, who reclined upon the bosom of the Lord, and, being a priest, wore the sacerdotal plate. He fell asleep at Ephesus. And Polycarp in Smyrna, who was a bishop and martyr; and Thraseas, bishop and martyr from Eumenia, who fell asleep in Smyrna. Why need I mention the bishop and martyr Sagaris who fell asleep in Laodicea, or the blessed Papirius, or Melito, the Eunuch who lived altogether in the Holy Spirit, and who lies in Sardis, awaiting the episcopate from heaven, when he shall rise from the dead ? All these observed the fourteenth day of the passover according to the Gospel, deviating in no respect, but following the rule of faith. And I also, Polycrates, the least of you all, do according to the tradition of my relatives, some of whom I have closely followed. For seven of my relatives were bishops; and I am the eighth. And my relatives always observed the day when the people put away the leaven. I, therefore, brethren, who have lived sixty-five years in the Lord, and have met with the brethren throughout the world, and have gone through every Holy Scripture, am not affrighted by terrifying words. For those greater than I have said ‘ We ought to obey God rather than man’…I could mention the bishops who were present, whom I summoned at your desire; whose names, should I write them, would constitute a great multitude. And they, beholding my littleness, gave their consent to the letter, knowing that I did not bear my gray hairs in vain, but had always governed my life by the Lord Jesus (Eusebius. The History of the Church, Book V, Chapter XXIV, Verses 2-7 . Translated by A. Cushman McGiffert. Digireads.com Publishing, Stilwell (KS), 2005, p. 114).

Nisan 15, however, is a biblical celebration and it does resemble the Jewish celebration in that the emphasis is on a meal and the departure from Egypt (representing the sinning world for Christians).

Anyway, notice what the Bible calls this celebration:

42 It is a night to be much observed unto the LORD for bringing them out from the land of Egypt: this is that night of the LORD to be observed of all the children of Israel in their generations (Exodus 12:42, KJV).

And it is a time to reflect on Christ’s Passover sacrifice and that Christians are to come out of the world and not be part of it. (The Night to Be Observed begins after sunset on April 22, 2024.)

We have an animated video that some may wish to watch the evening of the 22nd:

What is it? When is it? The KJV refers to it as “THE NIGHT TO BE MUCH OBSERVED.” This scripture-packed animation includes background and specific information related to the children of Israel. It also gives some of the Old and New Testament prophetic ramifications of this event. How the NTBO is typically observed is also covered. The animation also includes a chart of scriptures and biblical dates to determine when that NTBO actually is. Furthermore, the animation provides information from the “Jewish Encyclopedia” which, through scripture, shows that many Jews have confused Passover with the “night to be observed.” This is a great animation to give background on the NTBO and is also appropriate to be watched on the NTBO.

Here is a link: Night to Be Observed, which begins after sunset on April 22, 2024.

The next morning continues the official first day of unleavened bread, and is observed by faithful Christians as it has been for centuries (Should Christians Keep the Days of Unleavened Bread?).

Some items of related interest may include:

The Night to Be Observed What is the night to be much observed? When is it? Why do Jews keep Passover twice and emphasize the wrong date? A related animation is available and is titled: Night to Be Observed.
Keeping Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread How should Christians keep Passover, especially if they are by themselves. Why does the Church of God not require lambs for Passover? How does one keep the Days of Unleavened Bread? For a step-by-step video for Christians to keep it, check out a CCOG Passover Service. Here is a link to a related article in the Spanish language: Guardando la Pascua y los Días de los Panes sin Levadura.
Examine Yourself before Passover This article goes into some of why real Christians are to do this. Two related sermons are Really examine yourself before Passover and Passover Examination.
Preparing for Passover The Apostle Paul taught that Christians should examine themselves prior to taking Passover. This YouTube video sermon gives suggestions on how to prepare.
Passover and the Early Church Did the early Christians observe Passover? What did Jesus and Paul teach? Why did Jesus die for our sins? There is also a detailed YouTube video available titled History of the Christian Passover.
The Passover Plot What was the first Passover plot? Which plots have Islam and the Greco-Roman faiths perpetuated about Passover? A sermon video of related interest is The Passover Plots, Including Easter.
Melito’s Homily on the Passover This is one of the earliest Christian writings about the Passover. This also includes what Apollinaris wrote on the Passover as well. Here is a related sermon, also titled Melito’s Homily on the Passover.
TPM: Passover on the 14th or 15th? While the real COG observes Passover on the 14th, some observe it on the 15th. Why is the 14th correct? A related sermon is titled Is Passover on the 14th or 15th for Christians?
Unleavened Bread recipes A Serbian COG member, now CCOG elder, sent these recipes for those who would like more ways to prepare unleavened bread. Here is a link to recipes in Spanish: Recetas de Recuerdo.
Should Christians Keep the Days of Unleavened Bread? Do they have any use or meaning now? What is leaven? This article supplies some biblical answers. Here are two YouTube videos intended to be viewed for the first day of unleavened bread:Leaven and Sin and Christians and the Days of Unleavened Bread.
The The Seventh Day of Unleavened Bread What happened? Does this day have any type of fulfillment in the Book of Revelation? A related sermon video is also available: 7th Day of Unleavened Bread: Prophecy and Lessons.
Early Christianity and the Eucharist? What does ‘eucharist’ mean? Did early Christians tie it in with Passover? Should it be a rounded host? Here is a link to a related sermon: Eucharist, Passover, and Easter.
EXODUS When was the Exodus? Did it Happen? Some deny the biblical account of the Exodus. Was Ramses II the pharaoh then? When did the Exodus occur? Is there proof outside of the Bible that there was an Exodus? Here is a related article in the Spanish language: ¿Cuándo fue el Éxodo? ¿Ocurrió realmente? Also: Reasons, Proofs, and Ramifications of the Ten Plagues of Exodus What do you know about these plagues? What happened to the ‘gods of Egypt’? Is there any confirmation outside the Bible? Might something worse be coming? A related two-part sermon is available: Egypt and the Plagues (Part 1) and Exodus Plagues and Prophecy (Part 2). Also: Exodus and the Days of Unleavened Bread This article discusses parts of the Book of Exodus with some connections to the Days of Unleavened Bread. A related sermons are available Exodus 1-4: Jewish Myths or Lessons for Christians Today? and Unleavened Bread: Lessons in Exodus. Another sermon is Exodus, Judgments, and Jesus. Also Exodus 4:24, Why would God have sought to kill Moses? What did Moses do wrong? Do you have a similar problem?
How to Keep God’s Festivals Many have heard of God’s Holy Days and wonder how they are kept in the 21st century. This is an overview article. A related sermon is also available titled: How to Keep God’s Feasts.
Christians and the Days of Unleavened Bread What does the Bible teach about the Days of Unleavened Bread? Did the apostles such as John, Paul, and Philip keep it? What is leaven? Does history show that true Christians kept the Days of Unleavened Bread? Who condemned these days? Should you live like the Pharisees that relied more on tradition or the teachings of the Bible? This YouTube was intended to be viewed on the first day of unleavened bread.
Keeping Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread How should Christians keep Passover, especially if they are by themselves. Why does the Church of God not require lambs for Passover? How does one keep the Days of Unleavened Bread?
What Happened in the ‘Crucifixion Week’? How long are three days and three nights? Was Palm Sunday on a Saturday? Did Jesus die on “Good Friday”? Was the resurrection on Sunday? Do you really know? Who determined the date of Easter? (Here is a related link in Spanish/español: ¿Murió Jesús un día miércoles o un viernes?) A sermon of related interest is titled What did and did not happen in the ‘Crucifixion week’?
Michael’s Feasts and Fasts Quiz 15 questions, amusing wrong answer screens.
Should You Observe 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. A related sermon is Which Spring Days should Christians observe?
Holy Day Calendar This is a listing of the biblical holy days through 2033, with their Roman calendar dates. They are really hard to observe if you do not know when they occur 🙂 In the Spanish/Español/Castellano language: Calendario de los Días Santos. In Mandarin Chinese: 何日是神的圣日？ 这里是一份神的圣日日历从2013年至2024年。.
Living as a Christian: How and Why? In what ways do Christians live differently than others. What about praying, fasting, tithing, holy days, and the world? There are also two YouTube video related to this: Living as a Christian: How and Why? and Living as a Christian: Pure Milk of the Word.
Living as a Christian: Strong Meat Can you handle solid spiritual food? A related sermon is available: Strong Meat: James 1-2 and Strong Meat: James 3-5.
Christians: Ambassadors for the Kingdom of God, Biblical instructions on living as a Christian This is a scripture-filled booklet for those wishing to live as a real Christian. A related sermon is also available: Christians are Ambassadors for the Kingdom of God.

Russian roubles (Pixabay)

COGwriter

The Washington Post had the following headline today:

Secret Russian foreign policy document urges action to weaken U.S.

April 17, 2024

Russian President Vladimir Putin, deploys bland diplomatic language to call for “the democratization of international relations,” “sovereign equality” and the strengthening of Russia’s position on the global stage. … a coalition of “unfriendly countries” https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/04/17/russia-foreign-policy-us-weaken/

The article, which is behind a paywall, basically says that Russia wants to put together a coalition of nations in such a way as to counter US financial and other dominance.

And despite various objectors to Russia’s ‘Special Military Operation’ into Ukraine, Russia has had success in increasing its influence and building a coalition of nations.

Of course, the USA has been trying to weaken Russia for nearly all of my life.

Though there were a few years this century that was apparently not the case, overall that has been a USA objective.

And since the USA backed the overthrow of Ukraine’s democratically elected government, which was a factor in Russia annexing Crimea back in 2014, the USA employed various sanctions against Russia.

Then the USA put in more sanctions after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. While intended to punish Russia, the sanctions have hurt the USA as the sanctions contributed to inflation, mainly because of their “unintended” effects on oil, fertilizer, and food prices.

As regular readers of this COGwriter Church of God News page are aware, I have long warned about sanctions. Many of which were imposed against Russia in 2014 after its annexation of Crimea.

Now back on March 18, 2019, I posted:

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

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

And the events of the past few years confirmed my view that sanctions and threats of sanctions would not stop Russia from having territories align with it. Additionally, Russia has ended up with several parts of eastern Ukraine aligning with it.

Back in 2018, after Donald Trump pushed more sanctions, we even put out the following video:

The Obama, Trump, and Biden Administrations, along with the EU, have imposed numerous sanctions against Russia.

But sanctions did not stop Russia.

Furthermore, on February 22, 2022, two days before Russia’s ‘special military operation’ into Ukraine began, I posted: “I expect that Donetsk and Luhansk will either be annexed by Russia and/or join its Eurasian Economic Union.” And that has happened.

One of the untended consequences of the Crimea-related sanctions was that Russia took steps to be more “sanctions-proof.” And while Russia is affected by the Western sanctions, they have not toppled Russia like the USA and EU wanted. For example, notice the following Voice of America reported the end of March 2022:

Russia’s Ruble Rebound Raises Questions of Sanctions’ Impact

March 31, 2022

The ruble is no longer rubble. …

President Joe Biden promoted the success of the sanctions — some of the toughest ever imposed on a nation — while he was in Poland last week. “The ruble almost is immediately reduced to rubble,” Biden said.

https://www.voanews.com/a/russia-s-ruble-rebound-raises-questions-of-sanctions-impact-/6509012.html

Notice that the President of the United States basically wanted to destroy Russia’s economy.

Hence, it is not illogical that Russia would want to weaken the USA. And, despite the reference to a “secret document” by the Washington Post, it has long been public information that Russia, along with the BRICS allied nations, has wanted to weaken USA financial dominance.

That said, regarding US President Joe Biden’s statement of the ruble’s (also spelled rouble) demise that did not happen shortly after the USA’s sanctions. Instead, according to a CBS report a couple of months later, the ruble became the world’s best performing currency:

Russia’s ruble is the strongest currency in the world this year

May 27, 2022

The Russian ruble is the best-performing currency in the world this year

Two months after the ruble’s value fell to less than a U.S. penny amid the swiftest, toughest economic sanctions in modern history,  Russia’s currency has mounted a stunning turnaround. The ruble has jumped 40% against the dollar since January.  https://www.cbsnews.com/news/russia-ruble-currency-2022/

Western sanctions pushed Russia to take steps. And yes, several of the moves against Russia are inflicting pain outside of Russia.

What about now?

While the Russian economy has been harmed by sanctions, it has not collapsed.

To the contrary, the BBC reported the following:

Russia to grow faster than all advanced economies says IMF

16 April 2024

An influential global body has forecast Russia’s economy will grow faster than all of the world’s advanced economies, including the US, this year.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) expects Russia to grow 3.2% this year, significantly more than the UK, France and Germany.

Oil exports have “held steady” and government spending has “remained high” contributing to growth, the IMF said. …

Despite the Kremlin being sanctioned over its invasion of Ukraine, the IMF upgraded its January predictions for the Russian economy this year, and said while growth would be lower in 2025, it would be still be higher than previously expected at 1.8%.

Investments from corporate and state owned enterprises and “robustness in private consumption” within Russia had promoted growth alongside strong exports of oil, according to Petya Koeva Brooks, deputy director at the IMF.

Russia is one of the world’s biggest oil exporters and in February, the BBC revealed millions of barrels of fuel made from Russian oil were still being imported to the UK despite sanctions. https://www.bbc.com/news/business-68823399

Perhaps it should be noted that sanctions against Russia have not stopped some in Transnistria (located on the eastern border of Moldova) from wanting to be part of Russia.

Related to that, several weeks ago we uploaded the following related video:

14:51

Russia, Sanctions, Transnistria, Europe & Prophecy

In 2014 the USA and European Union put sanctions on Russia because of its acquisition of Crimea. Since Russia’s ‘Special Military Operation’ into Ukraine, more sanctions were added. On February 23, 2024, the EU and USA announced more sanctions. Did the sanctions turn the “ruble into rubble” as Joe Biden hoped? Did Russia acquire more territory as Dr. Thiel warned in 2013, 2018, and 2022 prior to the current conflict? Was he right about sanctions? Will Russia and Europe acquire more territory? Will they one day trade more with each other? Will they one day turn against each other? What about Ukraine, Moldova, Belarus, Georgia, and Armenia? Are the Russian-led ‘kings of the Medes’ prophesied to destroy the coming Babylonian European Beast power? Does Europe, starting with Benelux to the European Economic Community to the European Union look to be fulfilling Daniel 8:9? Steve Dupuie and Dr. Thiel address these issues.

Here is a link to our video: Russia, Sanctions, Transnistria, Europe & Prophecy.

Anyway, as I warned for years, sanctions would not stop Russia.

Biblical prophecies will be fulfilled and political moves do not stop them from happening.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Lost Tribes and Prophecies: What will happen to Australia, the British Isles, Canada, Europe, New Zealand and the United States of America? Where did those people come from? Can you totally rely on DNA? What about other peoples? Do you really know what will happen to Europe and the English-speaking peoples? What about Africa, Asia, South America, and the Islands? This free online book provides scriptural, scientific, historical references, and commentary to address those matters. Here are links to related sermons: Lost tribes, the Bible, and DNA; Lost tribes, prophecies, and identifications; 11 Tribes, 144,000, and Multitudes; Israel, Jeremiah, Tea Tephi, and British Royalty; Gentile European Beast; Royal Succession, Samaria, and Prophecies; Asia, Islands, Latin America, Africa, and Armageddon;  When Will the End of the Age Come?;  Rise of the Prophesied King of the North; Christian Persecution from the Beast; WWIII and the Coming New World Order; and Woes, WWIV, and the Good News of the Kingdom of God.
The Eurasian Union, the Kings of the East, and Bible Prophecy Is there a Eurasian union that will be formed? Is one being formed right now? Are any leaders working on that in the 21st century? Does the Bible teach that there will be a Eurasian union? If some type of Eurasian union is formed, who might it benefit and who will it destroy? A related video would be Is The Eurasian Union Rising?
Russia and Ukraine: Their Origins and Prophesied Future Russia in prophecy. Where do the Russians come from? What about those in the Ukraine? What is prophesied for Russia and its allies? What will they do to the Europeans that supported the Beast in the end? There is also a video sermon available: Russia in the Bible and in Prophecy as are two video sermonettes Russia, Ukraine, Babylonian Europe, and Prophecy and Ukraine in Prophecy?
Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach? Here is a link to a video, also titled Is Russia the King of the North?
Ezekiel 38: For Russia & Iran in Our Day? Is Ezekiel 38 about to be fulfilled? Are we close to the battle with Gog and Magog? Four related videos are available: Ezekiel 38 Gog and Magog War: Is it Soon?, Ezekiel 38: For Russia, Ukraine, & Iran Now?, Russia, Iran, Syria, & the Bible (Code), and Gog, Magog, Vladimir Putin, and Ezekiel 38?
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.

Voters, fearful of World War III as Iran strikes Israel, will weigh foreign policy in 2024https://t.co/Q1wVkNQ63Z

— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) April 17, 2024

COGwriter

USA Today posted the following:

Voters, fearful of World War III as Iran strikes Israel, will weigh foreign policy in 2024

April 17, 2024

Americans yet again had foreign affairs take over their TVs and cell phone screens after Iran launched a historic – and telegraphed – attack against Israel during the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip.

The U.S. helped repel a wave of 300 drones and missiles, but Iran’s direct action has raised the country’s blood pressure …

Voters, activists and foreign policy experts who spoke with USA TODAY said the nation becoming entangled in a larger global conflict is a source of concern. …

Pamela Clark , a registered independent from Smyrna, Tennessee, said … Saturday’s attack does make her think about who should be president. …

“Biden is more objective than Trump is, and what I mean objective as I think he would be more diplomatic, not do anything rash,” Clark said.

Those who favor the former president, however, said they believe the presumptive Republican nominee’s unpredictability should be seen as an asset that deters rival world leaders and also terrorists. …

Most Americans think another world war likely

Poll after poll asking voters what matters most to them in this year’s presidential contest rank foreign affairs low, if at all. …

Yet there are anxieties, as many rushed to social media to express worry about “World War III” in the aftermath of Iran’s strike.

A YouGov survey released in March found 61% of Americans believe another world war is either very or somewhat likely to happen within the next five to 10 years. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/04/17/voters-fear-world-war-3-for-2024/73320503007/

I, too, believe that WWIII will begin within the next ten years, and perhaps as early as four years from now.

As far as when and who will be involved, we need to look to the Bible, not items programmed by human beings.

At this moment it is now impossible that the Great Tribulation can begin in 2024 or 2025 or 2026. The Great Tribulation will come relatively soon, but 2027 is the earliest possible start date –with even that too early.

Earlier this year, I posted the following:

Now, Michael Snyder is not the only one who seems to think that a massive conflict in the the Middle East will be WWIII. Greek Orthodox scholar, Dr. Helen Tzima Otto, also thinks so as she wrote:

WWIII … will be a concerted Islamic attack against the ‘West’, namely … the invasion of Europe from North Africa, the Near East and probably Central Asia, (Tzima Otto, Helen.  They’ll have no King but Caesar. Verenikia Press, 2005, p. 421)

However, it is not WWIII, but what will happen first in the Middle East is expected to set the countdown for the start of WWIII (see also World War III: Steps in Progress).

World War Three begins with an attack against the USA and UK by the coming European beast power, who will succeed in conquering the USA and UK consistent with Daniel 11:39 (see also USA in Prophecy: The Strongest Fortresses).

That European power will also, afterwards, destroy a power consisting of a confederation of Islamic nations in the Middle East and North Africa per Daniel 11:40-43 (see also Is the Future King of the South Rising Up?).

Since all of those events are at least 3 1/2 years away, what is going on now?

What might we see happen in 2024?

We may see a major regional war in the Middle East.

Such a war looks to happen prior to the “peace deal” of Daniel 9:27, which, after it is confirmed by a “prince,” will begin the 3 1/2 year countdown to the start of the Great Tribulation.

Related to that and 2024, we put together the following video:

14:28

Tribulation in 2024?

Some claim that the Great Tribulation will begin in 2024. Some say that Jesus will return in 2024. Are either of those events possible based upon the words of our Savior or the prophet Daniel? Why or why not? What about September 12, 2024? When is the Day of Atonement in 2024? Are various heavenly signs to occur before or after the tribulation? What about the ‘peace deal’ of Daniel 9:26-27? Could the war between Hamas and Israel expand to directly involve Iran, Syria, Hezbollah, and others? What about the ‘Union for the Mediterranean’ and the King of the North and the King of the South? If God has a 6,000 year plan for humanity to be under Satan’s sway, might Jesus return in 2031, with the countdown to His return beginning in the Fall or some other time in 2024? Steve Dupuie and Dr. Thiel go over these matters.

Here is a link to our video: Tribulation in 2024?

Events in the Middle East are certainly something to watch (cf. Mark 13:37). (Thiel B. MS: For The Middle East, There Is No Turning Back Now … World War III is here; COGwriter: It’s not WWIII, but … COGwriter, January 4, 2024)

Consider that Jesus’ disciples specifically asked Him how to know when the end would happen (Matthew 24:3; Mark 13:4; Luke 21:7)–and He responded with details. Several of those details are yet to be fulfilled.

But sadly, many overlook what Jesus taught, but instead try to point to other things.

We must base the timing of the Great Tribulation upon what the Bible teaches.

Regarding the start of the Great Tribulation, the biblical reality is that necessary events that Jesus and Daniel mentioned, that will allow for that, have not happened.

For some scriptural proof, let’s look at the account in Matthew 24:

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

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

14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.

15 “Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand), 16 “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. (Matthew 24:4-16)

There is no possibility that the Great Tribulation can happen in the next 2-3 years and those who rely on the Bible have realized this.

Consider that Jesus pointed to Daniel, who wrote of many events, such as the Kings of the North and South.

One reason that the Great Tribulation will not begin yet is that one known as the final King of the North (watch also Rise of the Prophesied King of the North) and King of the South (watch he Rise and Fall of the King of the South) need to rise up.

The Bible shows that the coming “King of the North” will make a deal of some sort with one called the King of the South just before the appointed time of the end:

27 Both these kings’ hearts shall be bent on evil, and they shall speak lies at the same table; but it shall not prosper, for the end will still be at the appointed time (Daniel 11:27).

Daniel chapter 11 tells much about the end times and it involves both a King of the South and a King of the North. And while there was a president of the South and a president of the North in the Union for the Mediterranean (see Deal Leading to Psalm 83?), these individuals have not held the type of power (nor prerogatives) of the prophesied King of the North and the King of the South. Nor will the current head of the European Union (Ursula von der Leyen) be the final King of the North as she does not seem to fit that description and, amongst other reasons.

Since the Great Tribulation will not start before there is an actual King of the South and an actual final King of the North Beast leader –it is not about to happen this year.

Now the Bible shows that a “prince” will apparently confirm a peace deal with Israel:

26 And the people of the prince who is to come
Shall destroy the city and the sanctuary.
The end of it shall be with a flood,
And till the end of the war desolations are determined.
27 Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week;
But in the middle of the week
He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering.
And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate,
Even until the consummation, which is determined,
Is poured out on the desolate (Daniel 9:26-27).

There are several reasons that this “prince” is referring to the leader of the developing European empire (see King of the North and Europa, the Beast, and the Book of Revelation). One is that it was the people of the Roman Empire of the 1st century that fulfilled the portion of Daniel 9:26 as they destroyed the city (Jerusalem) in 70 A.D. The European Union includes much of the land and peoples that were part of the ancient Roman Empire. And it is the “prince” coming from that people that verse 27 is referring to. Thus, this prophecy tells us that a lower level European leader will officially start to rise up about 3 1/2 years before the Great Tribulation (and yes, according to Jesus, some “tribulation” does happen prior to the start of the Great Tribulation). Another is the fact that the “beast of the sea” (Revelation 13:1) fits with the beasts from the “great sea” (Daniel 7:2)–and that is the Mediterranean Sea according to the Old Testament–hence this is an empire like the old Roman one (for more details, please see Europa, the Beast, and the Book of Revelation).

This portion of scripture in Daniel seems to be discussing some type of peace deal that the Europeans will either propose or at least one from Europe will endorse. Such a deal does not yet exist, or at least has not been publicly confirmed by the “prince” yet. The deal will be broken 3 1/2 years later (Daniel 9:27; 11:31). Now, let me add that as peace deals tend to come after wars, I expect to see a broader regional war in the Middle East. And based on Isaiah 22:6-9, I expect Iran and some of its allies to launch a major attack that will cause great damage to Jerusalem.

Yet, even though the Great Tribulation is coming soon, it will not begin in yet.

Nor is WWIII an attack by Iran against Israel or the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. Regarding Russia and WWIII, here is a video:

15:31 

Nuclear WWIII from Russia?

Are we close to a nuclear third world war? Is Russia’s ‘special military operation’ in Ukraine the start of WWIII? what did Ukrainan Defense Minister Guido Crosetto say related to WWIII? Does Ezekiel 38 involves Russia? Are certain Protestant writers correct that it is for our day and that Russia will launch a massive nuclear attack against the USA? Did Herbert W. Armstrong say that Russia would not attack the USA? Is a direct military skirmish between the USA and Russia possible? If the Bible does discuss the destruction of the USA, is this from a power that borders the Mediterranean sea according to biblical prophecies in the books of Revelation and Daniel? Why has the military devastation in Ukraine been a “wake-up call” for Europe? Has Europe been taking military steps? Is Europe prophesied to dominate the world? Are there biblical prophecies pointing to Europe being attacked by Russia? Does the Bible describe anything that sounds like nuclear devastation? Steve Dupuie and Dr. Thiel address these matters.

Here is a link to the video: Nuclear WWIII from Russia?

Regarding Iran and prophecy, here is a video:

15:03

Iran and Israel Conflict

European Union foreign policy chief, Josep Borrel, has been brokering the nuclear negotiations involving Iran and said that he thinks the deal is “in danger.” Iran blames the United States, whereas the USA says they are not delaying it. Israeli sources stated that Israel will stop Iran from getting a nuclear bomb. Joe Biden says the USA would use its own military power to prevent Iran from getting such a bomb if need be. In 2021, Iranian lawmakers have submitted a bill seeking the government by law to commit to Israel’s destruction by the year 2040. Does the 22nd chapter of Isaiah point to damage coming to Israel from Iran and possibly Syria? Might Iran be concerned enough about limited progress with the USA to launch some type of attack? Is Iran the prophesied ‘King of the South’? Is it reasonable to think that the prophesied peace deal of Daniel 9:27 will not happen until after a military conflict. like a regional war? Should Christians watch the Middle East? Dr. Thiel and Steve Dupuie discuss these matters.

Here is a link to our video: Iran and Israel Conflict.

Some may wish to see what the old Worldwide Church of God taught would begin the Great Tribulation and World War III, as taught by the late Herbert W. Armstrong:

The Next World War

Now, all the pieces that have divided them over there, are beginning to fall into place, and it’s very shocking news. You’ll find it prophesied in the seventeenth chapter of Revelation and many other prophecies in the Bible. And it is going to trigger World War III, the feared, the unthinkable nuclear World War III. I want to read you what the Bible says about this World War III coming on; it’s in Matthew 24 and I’m going to show you how the time is now. And it begins, I’ll just begin in verse 21, it’s a prophecy of Jesus Christ Himself when He was here on earth and speaking of this time that we are in now He says:

“For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be [that’s the time of trouble in the world, that’ll be far greater than World War I and World War II, much greater]. And except those days should be shortened [unless God Almighty Himself intervenes supernaturally to cut it short], …no flesh [should] be saved [alive]…”: (Matthew 24:21-22)

It’s talking not of spiritual salvation but saving humanity alive. In other words; every man woman, child on earth would be snuffed out. You, your children, myself, all of us. Humanity would be erased.

Matthew 24:     “…except those days should be shortened, no flesh should be be saved [alive]…That great tribulation that is the nuclear World War III, (Armstrong HW.  Tribulation. Radio Broadcast, 20th century. https://www.hwalibrary.com/cgi-bin/get/hwa.cgi?action=getbroadcast&InfoID=1567869049)

Daniel 11:31 and Matthew 24:15 … From this time (Daniel 12:11) to Christ’s coming will be 1290 days. Now, verse 12, “Blessed is he that waiteth, and comes to the 1335 days.” … We shall then be warned, and readied to be taken to a place of refuge and safety from the Great Tribulation. Forty-five days later “the beast’s armies” will surround Jerusalem. Thirty days later the Great Tribulation will probably start with a nuclear attack on London and Britain–and possibly the same day or immediately after, on the United States and Canadian cities. The GREAT TRIBULATION, we shall fully then realize, is the time of “Jacob’s Trouble,” spoken of in Jeremiah 30:7. And Jacob’s name was named on Joseph’s sons, Ephraim and Manasseh (Gen. 48:16). At that time a third of the people in our nations will die, or shall have died, by famine and disease epidemics; another third will dies of the war–our cities being destroyed (Ezek. 6:6), and the remaining third will be carried to the land of our enemies as slaves (Ezek. 5:12). Armstrong, Herbert W. The Time We Are In, Now. Pastor General’s Report-Vol 1, No. 15, November 20, 1979, Page 2).

Herbert W. Armstrong referred to “the seventeenth chapter of Revelation.” In it, Mystery Babylon is mentioned along with two reorganizations in Europe–one which turns power over to the beast. The armies of the beast are prophesied to destroy the strongest military in Daniel 11:39. So, for WWIII to happen in the next decade or less, that would point to the USA itself getting destroyed–and that is consistent with what Herbert W. Armstrong was warning would happen.

The late Herbert W. Armstrong also taught:

World War 3 brings with it THE GREAT TRIBULATION. That is now next in order. But Jesus, in foretelling this chain of world events, said the GREAT TRIBULATION would be preceded by the world-wide proclaiming of HIS Gospel. “The GOSPEL must first be published among all nations,” said Jesus (Mark 13:10), or, as recorded by Matthew (24:14): “This Gospel OF THE KINGDOM shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto ALL NATIONS; and THEN shall the END (of the world) come.” (Armstrong HW. Brethren and Co-Worker Letter, May 22, 1953)

Yes, Matthew 24:14 must first be fulfilled. And while we in the Continuing Church of God are working on that (and even have had our English-language booklet, The Gospel of the Kingdom of God, translated into over 1300 languages). This is not yet fulfilled, but that is something that all true Philadelphian Christians realize that they need to support.

That said, the third world war will not begin for a few years as world events are not quite far enough for that to happen then.

Some items of possibly related interest might include:

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.
Iran in Prophecy Is Iran in Bible prophecy? If so, what does the Bible teach? What names, other than Persia, may be used to describe Iran? There are also two related videos: Iran In Prophecy and Iran and Israel Conflict.
Russia and Ukraine: Their Origins and Prophesied Future Russia in prophecy. Where do the Russians come from? What about those in the Ukraine? What is prophesied for Russia and its allies? What will they do to the Europeans that supported the Beast in the end? There is also a video sermon available: Russia in the Bible and in Prophecy as are two video sermonettes Russia, Ukraine, Babylonian Europe, and Prophecy and Ukraine in Prophecy?
Should the Church Still Try to Place its Top Priority on Proclaiming the Gospel or Did Herbert W. Armstrong Change that Priority for the Work? Some say the Church should mainly feed the flock now as that is what Herbert W. Armstrong reportedly said. Is that what he said? Is that what the Bible says? What did Paul and Herbert W. Armstrong expect from lower level leaders? Two related sermons are available The Work per HWA and the Bible and Priority of the Philadelphia Work.
Preparing for the ‘Short Work’ and The Famine of the Word What is the ‘short work’ of Romans 9:28? Who is preparing for it? Will Philadelphian Christians instruct many in the end times? Here is a link to a related video sermon titled: The Short Work. Here is a link to another: Preparing to Instruct Many.
The Final Phase of the Work What is the final phase of the work? Who will lead it? Do you have the courage to support it? Here are two related YouTube videos titled Final Phase of the Work: Need and Background and The Final Phase of the Work. The written article has been translated into Spanish La Fase Final de la Obra.
6. The Philadelphia Church Era was predominant circa 1933 A.D. to 1986 A.D. The old Radio Church of God and old Worldwide Church of God, now the remnant of that era is basically the most faithful in the Church of God, like who hold to the beliefs and practices of the Continuing Church of God.
7. The Laodicean Church Era has been predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. The Laodiceans are non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG or its offshoots.  They do not properly understand the work or biblical prophecies and will face the Great Tribulation if they do not repent. One video of related interest is 50+ Laodicean Prophetic Errors. See also Do You Hold to Any of These Laodicean Prophetic Errors?
Preaching the Gospel in Over 1000 Languages Which languages are being used to fulfill Matthew 24:14? Are all languages significant?
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, and Christian Persecution from the Beast; and WWIII and the Coming New World Order, and The Rise and Fall of the King of the South.
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 in hundreds of 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.

Witch Doctor (photo from Pexels)

Many in Africa, Haiti, the West, and various other parts of the world believe that witch doctors are powerful and can successfully cast evil spells on anyone. Various ones have succumbed to such to the point they believe Christians can be actually cursed by them or blinded by deceit from one–including curses they have never heard from witch doctors they never met.

That is absurd. Anyone who claims the opposite of what the Bible teaches is deceived and does not understand biblical teachings on this.

The Bible opposes the use of witchcraft and casting spells as the following shows:

10 … one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, 11 or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. 12 For all who do these things are an abomination to the Lord, and because of these abominations the Lord your God … (Deuteronomy 18:10-12)

Someone directly asked me if true Christians can be blinded by demonic curses from “powerful witchdoctors.” My response was no.

Here are several scriptures in support of that:

23 For there is no sorcery against Jacob, Nor any divination against Israel. (Numbers 23:23)

6. But He gives greater grace. This is the reason it says, “God sets Himself against the proud, but He gives grace to the humble.”

7. Therefore, submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

8. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. (James 4:5-8, AFV)

3 I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; (Genesis 12:3)

4 In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. (Psalms 56:4)

“Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words.” (Daniel 10:12)

25 It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household! 26 Therefore do not fear them. (Matthew 10:25-26)

32 Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. (Luke 12:32)

7 … You people in whose heart is My law: Do not fear the reproach of men, Nor be afraid of their insults. 8 For the moth will eat them up like a garment, And the worm will eat them like wool; (Isaiah 51:7-8)

10 … “I am the Lord your God; do not fear the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell.” (Judges 6:10)

There is no divination against God’s people!

God’s people do not need to have any fear of false gods–or, let me add, witch doctors who promote or try to conjure up curses from demonic false gods–anyone who teaches otherwise “loves and practices a lie” (Revelation 22:15).

Witch doctors do not obey God, hence do not have the Holy Spirit–but real Christians do (cf. Acts 5:32b; Romans 8:9).

God is more powerful than Satan and his minions:

4 … He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 5 They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them. 6 We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.  (1 John 4:4-6)

6 The Lord is on my side;
I will not fear.
What can man do to me? (Psalm 118:6)

31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31)

Satan knows this and once even complained to God regarding Job, “You made a hedge around him” (Job 1:10). But Satan is a liar and the father of lies according to Jesus (John 8:44), so he does not want Christians to believe that God protects us.

Christians have faith to believe, as the Apostle Paul wrote and Jesus taught:

13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)

18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “… 20 … lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18,20)

5 … For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” 6 So we may boldly say:

“The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:5-6)

Witch doctors cannot stop Jesus or the work of God (cf. Matthew 16:18).

Consider also that Jesus said in Mark 11:22, “Have faith in God.”

Yet, instead of believing the words in the Bible, some have been influenced by doctrines of demons. This was prophesied for the last days as the Apostle Paul pointed out in his first letter to Timothy:

1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, (1 Timothy 4:1)

It is a doctrine of demons that Satan’s henchman, like witch doctors, can cast a powerful spell over a faithful Christian. Any who suggest otherwise are among those the Apostle Paul’s second letter to Timothy also prophesied about:

13 But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, (2 Timothy 3:13-14)

Do not be deceived that witch doctors, witches, palm readers, etc. can get curses placed on real Christians. Those who suggest otherwise are blaspheming the word of God and need to repent.

Notice also:

2 Like a flitting sparrow, like a flying swallow, So a curse without cause shall not alight. (Proverbs 26:2)

The above is teaching that someone cannot pronounce some curse on someone to do something like deceive them.

Now, notice the following related to a demonically-influenced, pagan seer named Balaam, who said:

8 How shall I curse whom God has not cursed? And how shall I denounce whom the Lord has not denounced? (Numbers 23:8)

So no, faithful Christians cannot be under some type of curse from demons and people associated with them.

The old Worldwide Church of God put out the following:

To evaluate the subject of witchcraft and magic properly, we should read the primary dictionary definitions of the following words carefully. Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary defines them with meanings reasonably close to their biblical usage.

Witch — “a. wizard, sorcerer b. a woman practicing the black arts: sorceress c. one supposed to possess supernatural powers esp. by compact with the devil or familiar [spirits].”

Witchcraft — “a. an act or instance of employing sorcery esp. with malevolent intent: a magical rite or technique b. the exercise of supernatural powers: alleged intercourse with the devil or familiar [spirits].”

Magic — “a. the use of means (as ceremonies, charms, spells) that are believed to have supernatural power to cause a supernatural being to produce or prevent a particular result (as rain, death, healing) considered not obtainable by natural means and that also includes the arts of divination, incantation, sympathetic magic, and thaumaturgy: control of natural forces by the typically direct action of rites, objects, materials, or words considered supernaturally potent.”

Sorcery — “the use of power gained from the assistance or control of evil spirits esp. for divining: divination of black magic: necromancy, witchcraft.”

One can easily perceive by reading these definitions that these terms are all closely related. … the Bible frankly and firmly condemns these things en toto. …

Does all this information, probably new to many readers, mean that we are to be suddenly in terror of evil spirits? By no means!

It is the person who fears demons who could become susceptible to them. But perfect love, wrote the Apostle John, casts out fear (I John 4:18). The true Christian spirit, the spirit of love and a wholesome and balanced life (expressed by faith, prayer, service and other Christlike attributes) is the best protection against demon influence and possession. (The Occult Explosion. Ambassador College Press, 1973)

When King Balak of Moab sent emissaries to hire Balaam to put a curse on the people of Israel, Balaam asked the emissaries to remain overnight, so he could go aside and pray, and ask God if he might go with them. If he was the chief PAGAN prophet, actually sitting in SATAN’S SEAT, as head of Satan’s religion on earth, WHY would he pray to God about it?

I feel quite sure that most people who have read this account have supposed Balaam to be a prophet of God — not of Satan. Did he not do RIGHT in consulting God? Surely Satan would not do that!

Take just a quick look at the incident.

The children of Israel, under Moses, had pitched camp in the plains of Moab, on the east side of the Jordan river, near Jericho. The King of Moab, Balak, saw what these Israelites — there were at least two or three million of them — had done to the Amorites. He was struck with fear. The Moabites were far outnumbered.

So King Balak sent messengers to Balaam, who lived at Pethor in Mesopotamia — far distant, near the Euphrates River. They took with them the fees for divination, to hire Balaam to curse the Israelites. “They are too mighty for me,” was Balak’s message to Balaam, “for I wot (know) that he whom thou blessest is blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed.”

When the elders of Moab and Midian, Balak’s messengers, delivered the message to Balaam, notice what he said:

“Lodge here this night, and I will bring you word again, as the LORD shall speak to me: and the princes of Moab abode with Balaam” (Numbers 22:8).
God said to Balaam, “Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed.”

“And Balaam rose up in the morning, and said unto the princes of Balak, Get you into your land: for the LORD refuseth to give me leave to go with you” (verses 12-13).

Again King Balak sent messengers to Balaam — this time more noble princes of higher rank, and more money. Again Balaam asked them to remain overnight, “that I may know what the LORD will say unto me more” (verse 19). This time God allowed him to go with them, but forbad him to curse Israel.

Yet the angel of God stopped Balaam’s donkey on the way. WHY?

Now doesn’t all this sound as if Balaam were GOD’S prophet, not Satan’s?

Yet, see what we read in the New Testament!

Peter speaks of false prophets “following the way of Balaam.”

Jude writes: “Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward.

Jesus Christ says to the Church of the Pergamos era: “But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel…” (Revelation 2:14).

So Jesus Christ, Peter, and Jude all tell us Balaam was a FALSE prophet. When we research into his actual identity, we find that Pethor, where he resided, was the headquarters of the highest priest of the pagan Babylonian Mystery religion. …

Later, Balaam said that God had blessed Israel, “and I CANNOT reverse it” (Numbers 23:20). Of Israel, Balaam said, “The LORD HIS GOD is with him,… there is NO ENCHANTMENT against Jacob, neither is there ANY DIVINATION against Israel” (verses 21, 23). Notice, God is the God of Israel — HIS God — not Balaam’s God. Balaam practiced divination and enchantment — and God did not allow it AGAINST ISRAEL.
Balaam WANTED TO GO JUST AS FAR IN THE WRONG WAY as he dared.

That is Satan’s way! (Armstrong HW. Personal. Tomorrows World, November 1969)

Scripture shows that God does not allow His people to be truly cursed by those associated with Satan.

That does NOT mean that true Christians cannot sin or be tempted by Satan, but the idea that real Christians can be blinded by a demonic curse is false.

That said, those in the world, however, could be as the Apostle Paul wrote:

3 But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. (2 Corinthians 4:3-4)

Those who are not being true Christians can be blinded by Satan, real Christians cannot be.

The Apostle Paul warned:

30 Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. (Acts 20:30)

Brethren, do not let those who speak perverse things deceive you.

We also put together the following video:

14:45

Can Witch Doctors Cast Spells on Christians?

Many in Africa, Haiti, the West, and various other parts of the world believe that witch doctors are powerful. Various ones have succumbed to the point they believe Christians can be cursed by them. The Bible opposes the use of witchcraft and casting spells as Deuteronomy 18:10-12 shows. Does the Bible suggest witches, palm readers, and witch doctors could be real? Is it possible that witch doctors can cast spells on Christians to blind them to something? If not, why not? Are non-Christians subject to be blinded by Satan, his demons, and those involved with the ‘dark arts’? What does the Bible clearly teach? Could the teaching that true Christians be deceived by curses from witch doctors be a ‘doctrine of demons’ that the Apostle Paul warned about in the last days? Are Christians to fear humans? Does God limit Satan’s power and those of his henchmen? Will the False Prophet Antichrist perform real signs that many will fall for? Do you, if you are a real Christian, truly believe, “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world?” What can we learn regarding Job as well as Balaam and Balak? Dr. Thiel and Steve Dupuie go over scriptures to show what the Bible really teaches about this matter.

Here is a link to our video: Can Witch Doctors Cast Spells on Christians?

Here are some links to items of possibly related interest:

Close Encounters of a ‘Spirit’ Kind discusses some experiences I believe were (demon) ‘spirit’ related. A video is also available titled: Poltergeists and Lying Wonders.
Aliens from Outer Space? Are there aliens from outer space? Have any visited the earth? Are they dangerous? Does the Bible teach that an alien army will come to the earth and take over? Here is a link to a related sermon: Alien Beliefs and the Return of Jesus.
The Bible and Astrology Should Christians avoid participating in astrology or did God inspire it? Does the Bible encourage astrology? What does the Bible actually teach? What is astrology? How does astrology differ from astronomy? Should Christians Be Involved In Astrology?
OMENS? DIVINATION? HOROSCOPES? THE ORIGIN OF ASTROLOGY Where did astrology come from? Should you read your horoscope?
Does Astrology Work? Many believe and follow astrology–but does it work? Here is a link to the article in Mandarin Chinese: S`fg/QÆxnTÿ .
The Occult Explosion – What Does It Mean? A booklet by Herbert W. Armstrong which also includes a challenge.
Angels, Cherubim, and Seraphim This is information about various types of angelic beings.
Does the CCOG have the confirmed signs of Acts 2:17-18? Does any church have the confirmed dream and prophetic signs of Acts 2:17-18? Should one? Here is a link in the Spanish language: ¿Tiene la CCOG confirmadas las señales de Hechos 2: 17-18? Here is a link in the French language: Est-ce que l’Église Continue de Dieu confirme les signes d’Actes 2:17-18? A related sermon in the English language is also available: 17 Last Days’ Signs of the Holy Spirit.

Israeli Defense Force meeting relating to Iranian attack
(https://t.me/idfofficial/7468)

COGwriter

Israel is still attempting to decide what to do related to Iran’s attack, but it does intend to respond:

Israel to US: ‘No Choice but to Respond’ to Iran

April 16, 2024

Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant told the United States that Israel has no choice but to retaliate against Iran, after the regime launched a large-scale drone and missile assault against Israel on Sunday.

In a phone call with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Sunday, Gallant told Austin that allowing such a large-scale attack to go unanswered would signal to Iran that it can attack Israel whenever it launches airstrikes against Iranian interests in Syria, Axios reported. https://www.newsmax.com/world/globaltalk/israel-respond-iran/2024/04/16/id/1161153/

April 16, 2024

Israel has yet to agree how to respond to the Iranian attack over the weekend that saw more than 300 projectiles fired at its territory in the first direct military confrontation between the Islamic Republic and the Jewish state.

After a nearly three-hour meeting on Monday, Israel’s war cabinet remained determined to respond to Iran’s attack for what the Islamic Republic says was retaliation to a suspected Israeli strike on an Iranian diplomatic building in Damascus on April 1. Despite pressure from allies not to escalate, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) chief of staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi said on Monday that Iran’s attack on Israel “will be met with a response.”

The cabinet debated the timing and scope of the response, two Israeli officials familiar with the deliberations told CNN. One official said there is a sense that Israel must act quickly. https://www.cnn.com/2024/04/15/middleeast/israel-options-retaliate-iran-attack-mideast-conflict-mime-intl/index.html

April 16, 2024

“We cannot stand still from this kind of aggression,” Israel Defense Forces spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari told reporters in English at Julis military base near Kiryat Malachi, while displaying the remains of an intercepted ballistic missile. “Iran will not get [off] scot-free with this aggression.”

It was the latest threat from military officials, after IDF chief Herzi Halevi vowed Monday night that “there will be a response” to the approximately 350 drones and missiles launched at Israel late Saturday and early Sunday. https://www.timesofisrael.com/response-to-iranian-attack-a-must-but-israel-will-be-smart-about-it-officials-say/

Well, yes, Israel does have a choice.

It does not have to respond militarily against Iran.

However, many leaders in Israel believe they must hit back at Iran.

Then, if they do, Iran has said it will hit back harder:

April 16, 2024

The EU is drawing up expanded sanctions on Iran’s missile and drone programme in response to the Islamic republic’s attack on Israel, but the UK and European governments are resisting pressure to designate the elite Revolutionary Guards a terrorist organisation. A growing majority of EU capitals support the new sanctions, which would target the Iranian networks that supply Iran-backed militant groups across the region, according to four people briefed on the matter. But some officials are wary of further escalating tensions with moves that target the axis — which includes Hizbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza, Houthi rebels in Yemen and Iraqi militias — during such a volatile period in the Middle East. https://www.ft.com/content/c70646fa-dc6a-473b-8b35-d7fd2a50da7e

Iran knows that the USA and EU are looking at more sanctions against it.

Iran suffered under previous sanctions and likely realizes that more will harm it.

So, with that in mind, Iran likely has concluded that sanctions will not get much worse if they do hit Israel back harder next time.

And Iran has publicly stated that a stronger response is their plan:

Iran has warned Israel of a larger attack on its territory should it retaliate against Tehran’s overnight drone and missile attacks, adding that the United States should not back an Israeli military action.

“If the Zionist regime [Israel] or its supporters demonstrate reckless behaviour, they will receive a decisive and much stronger response,” Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi said in a statement … https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/4/14/iran-warns-israel-us-of-severe-response-in-case-of-retaliation

Iran may very well decide to go all out and also have Hezbollah launch tens of thousands of its rockets when Iran itself implements what it has called “a decisive and much stronger response.” It may also have its ally Syria get heavily involved.

As I have repeatedly quoted, the Bible does point to Iran, its ally Syria, and perhaps others together causing damage to Jerusalem:

6 Elam bore the quiver With chariots of men and horsemen, And Kir uncovered the shield. 7 It shall come to pass that your choicest valleys Shall be full of chariots, And the horsemen shall set themselves in array at the gate.

8 He removed the protection of Judah. You looked in that day to the armor of the House of the Forest; 9 You also saw the damage to the city of David, That it was great; And you gathered together the waters of the lower pool. 10 You numbered the houses of Jerusalem, And the houses you broke down To fortify the wall. 11 You also made a reservoir between the two walls For the water of the old pool. But you did not look to its Maker, Nor did you have respect for Him who fashioned it long ago. (Isaiah 22:6-11 NKJV throughout unless otherwise noted)

Elam is a reference to at least some in Iran. That was taught by the old Worldwide Church of God (Stump K. South Asia in Prophecy. Plain Truth, July/August 1986, p. 5), whereas the current UCG (Bible Commentary Isaiah 22 Posted on Apr 5, 2003 https://www.ucg.org/bible-study-tools/bible-commentary/bible-commentary-isaiah-22) and CEG (What does the Bible say about Iran’s future? June 3, 2011. https://www.eternalgod.org/q-a-10313/) point to Iran not only as Elam, but being involved in the fulfillment of Isaiah 22 (for details, see Iran in Prophecy).

God’s word has the expression “the Syrians from Kir” (Amos 9:7), which is basically confirmation that Kir of Isaiah 22 would include Syrians.

The “House of the Forest” was historically located in Lebanon (e.g. 1 Kings 7:2)–which is where Hezbollah is based out of.

Here is the Catholic Public Domain Version translation of Isaiah 22:8:

8 And the covering of Judah will be exposed, and in that day, you will see the weaponry of the forest house. (Isaiah 22:8, CPDV)

In Isaiah 22: 8, “Judah” is a reference to those in the land commonly called Israel–God will allow Israel to be attacked! Hezbollah has a lot of weaponry. In Isaiah 22:9, consider that “the damage to the city of David” is a reference to at least part of Jerusalem.

So, what could be expected?

Israel will take some actions that will trigger Iran and allies such as Syria (called Kit in Isaiah 22:6) to cause great damage to Jerusalem.

Israel will not stop Iran from fulfilling various biblical prophecies.

Since the prophecies in Isaiah 22:6-9 were originally written in Hebrew, one would think that the leadership of Israel would give them serious consideration, but that does not seem to be happening.

Israeli and Iranian responses and counter-responses will result in great damage to Jerusalem.

Last year, the Continuing Church of God (CCOG) put together the following Bible News Prophecy video on our Bible News Prophecy YouTube channel related to Iran and Israel:

15:03

Iran and Israel Conflict

European Union foreign policy chief, Josep Borrel, has been brokering the nuclear negotiations involving Iran and said that he thinks the deal is “in danger.” Iran blames the United States, whereas the USA says they are not delaying it. Israeli sources stated that Israel will stop Iran from getting a nuclear bomb. Joe Biden says the USA would use its own military power to prevent Iran from getting such a bomb if need be. In 2021, Iranian lawmakers have submitted a bill seeking the government by law to commit to Israel’s destruction by the year 2040. Does the 22nd chapter of Isaiah point to damage coming to Israel from Iran and possibly Syria? Might Iran be concerned enough about limited progress with the USA to launch some type of attack? Is Iran the prophesied ‘King of the South’? Is it reasonable to think that the prophesied peace deal of Daniel 9:27 will not happen until after a military conflict. like a regional war? Should Christians watch the Middle East? Dr. Thiel and Steve Dupuie discuss these matters.

Here is a link to our video: Iran and Israel Conflict.

Yes, Israel was helped by its ‘Iron Dome’, Arrow defenses, other nations, and ‘David’s Sling, over the weekend, but relying on them will not work as well as Israel hopes in the future.

Israel’s defenses will NOT prevent Isaiah 22:6-9 from being fulfilled.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Iran in Prophecy Is Iran in Bible prophecy? If so, what does the Bible teach? What names, other than Persia, may be used to describe Iran? There is also a YouTube video titled Iran in Prophecy. Here are links to two related videos Iran In Prophecy and  Iran and Israel Conflict.
Jerusalem: Past, Present, and Future What does the Bible say about Jerusalem and its future? Is Jerusalem going to be divided and eliminated? Is Jesus returning to the area of Jerusalem? There are also two related YouTube videos you can watch: Jerusalem To be divided and eliminated and God’s and Satan’s Plan for Jerusalem.
The ‘Peace Deal’ of Daniel 9:27 This prophecy could give up to 3 1/2 years advance notice of the coming Great Tribulation. Will most ignore or misunderstand its fulfillment? Here is a link to a related sermon video Daniel 9:27 and the Start of the Great Tribulation.
Gaza and the Palestinians in Bible Prophecy What does the Bible teach about Gaza and the fate of the Palestinians? Here is a link to a related video: Gaza and Palestine in Prophecy.
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.
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 ? There is also a video titled: When Does the 6000 Years End? 2031? 2035? Here is a link to the article in Spanish: ¿Tiene Dios un plan de 6,000 años?
The 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.

(Logo of Bank of America)

COGwriter

We keep seeing sporadic reports of people whose banking seems to be interfered with because of their beliefs on some topic or the other. Now, the Attorney General of the State of Kansas is looking into this. A reader sent me a link to the following:

April 15, 2024

A dozen Republican-led states plan to send a letter to Bank of America demanding an explanation for why it allegedly de-banked Christian and other conservative groups.

The letter obtained first by DailyMail.com, led by Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach, demands that the financial institution turn over documents related to its account cancellation policies and requested that the bank update its terms of services to not discriminate against clients with certain political or religious beliefs.

The notice comes after it was revealed that Bank of America sent the FBI and U.S. Treasury private consumer financial data to help the agencies investigate crimes related to the January 6 Capitol protest.

‘Unfortunately, Bank of America appears to be conditioning access to its services on customers having the bank’s preferred religious or political views,’ Kobach writes in the letter to Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan obtained by DailyMail.com.

‘Your discriminatory behavior is a serious threat to free speech and religious freedom, is potentially illegal, and is causing political and regulatory backlash.’

‘Your bank needs to be transparent with and assure us, its shareholders, and others that it will not continue to de-bank customers for their speech or religious exercise.’

The letter is co-signed by officials from Alaska, Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, South Carolina, Texas and Utah.

‘Religious beliefs are not a factor in any account-closing decision,’ a representative for Bank of America told DailyMail.com.

‘We are proud to provide banking services to non-profit organizations affiliated with diverse faith communities throughout the United States.’

But the memo details several instances of apparent discrimination against Christian groups where Bank of America canceled their accounts.

Specifically, the letter notes how the financial institution de-banked the Christian ministry groups Timothy Two Project International, Indigenous Advance and the Memphis, Tennessee-based church Servants of Christ. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13310697/republican-states-bank-america-trump-christian-loan-blocking-discrimination.html

Notice a report related to Bank of America four years ago:

April 15, 2019

Pastor Steven Anderson of the Faithful Word Baptist Church in Tempe, Arizona said Monday on YouTube that Bank of America shut down all the bank accounts of his church.

“This morning, I found out that Bank of America shut down all of our bank accounts froze our accounts without notice and we can’t even get our money out,” Anderson said on YouTube. “We can’t even walk into the bank and withdraw our money they just froze everything, shut everything down.”

“They’re supposedly going to send us a cashier’s check in like two weeks for all the money that was in our church bank account but in the meantime they just took all our money away,” Anderson said.

Anderson has attracted controversy over the years due to his fundamentalist preachings on homosexuality. …

We’re entering new territory when unelected bankers can close down people’s bank accounts over their political and religious views. https://www.informationliberation.com/?id=60066

This is not restricted to Bank of America. Nor just to banks in the USA.

Notice the following from last summer:

Cancellation of bank accounts belonging to customers who do not hold corporate-sanctioned views is a sign we’re on the road to Orwell’s dystopian nightmare

July 28, 2023

Coutts cancelling Nigel Farage’s bank account for holding unfashionable views should be a wake-up call for us all – it is just the tip of the iceberg.  This politically motivated cancellation born out of “woke capitalism” is alarmingly widespread.  …

Banks de-banking customers for their views is also a forewarning of the totalitarian regime that will be ushered in if central bank digital currencies (“CBDCs”) become the sole form of “currency” to buy and sell. …

Writing for The Telegraph yesterday, Farage said: “In recent years this bank – 39 per cent owned by taxpayers, remember – has morphed into a woke warrior. It has become obsessed with public displays of political correctness rather than focussing on the business of managing and making money … Now it seems that other British banks are also marching down this one-way street.” …

De-Banking Should Sound the Alarm

Having a bank account is like having access to running water and a heated home. It’s impossible to function without one, wrote Matt Goodwin.

Removing this basic legal right from citizens, removing their financial freedom, simply because they happen to hold views that are unfashionable among the elite class is something you’d expect to find in communist China – not modern Britain. …

Banks are cancelling accounts at will in America as well 

On 13 July, JP Morgan Chase Bank informed Dr. Joseph Mercola they are closing all of his business accounts, along with the personal accounts of his CEO, CFO and their respective spouses and children.  Dr. Mercola’s CEO has been informed his young children also will never be allowed to bank with Chase in the future. No reason for the decision was given, other than there was “unexpected activity” on an unspecified account.

“This is what the new social credit system looks like, and what every soul on the planet can expect from the central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) that are being rolled out. Go against the prevailing narrative of the day, and your financial life will be deleted,” Dr. Mercola wrote.

“Once everything is digitised, cash eradicated and the social credit system completely integrated and automated, this kind of retaliatory action for wrongthink could be a death sentence for some people.” …

CDBCs are a Weapon for De-banking …

CBDC Carry Enormous Risks

Risks CBDCs present include:

• the loss of settlement finality that comes with physical cash (as abandoning cash accompanies the push for CBDCs);
• loss of financial privacy;
• easy seizure of assets;
• loss of the ability to resolve problems at a local level with a commercial bank (as it would be doubtful that a central bank would come to be known for its customer service);
• outright prohibition on spending or purchase limits with certain merchants or on certain products; and perhaps most importantly,
• the paradigm shift from money as an exercise of economic freedom to one of social engineering by central banks and their respective governments.

The last point, social engineering, could manifest itself in various ways, including (to name just a few) negative interest rates (essentially a confiscation of one’s savings), the expiry of one’s money (with a date determined by the issuing central bank or its government) – or even discouraging the consumption of products like gasoline, plane tickets or red meat to enforce a climate agenda. https://expose-news.com/2023/07/28/cancellation-of-bank-accounts-belonging-to-non-woke/

Related to CBDCs, a reader sent me a link to the following:

Central bank digital currencies are feverishly being developed all over the globe, and this is something that should deeply alarm all of us.  For a moment, I would like for you to imagine a world where the government instantly knows whenever you buy or sell something.  No transaction would ever be truly private, not even your most personal or embarrassing ones.  In addition, your money would not be truly your own under such a system.  Your access to the digital currency system would be a privilege which could potentially be suspended or revoked with the click of a mouse.  All of a  sudden you would not be able to buy or sell anything and you would become an outcast from society.  Under no circumstances should any government ever be given such power.

Unfortunately, the CBDCs are coming, and they are going to radically change how commerce gets done.

Here in the United States, the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco has posted a job listing for a “Senior Crypto Architect” to work on the development of a digital dollar. …

Meanwhile, the EU is looking at creating a digital version of the euro.  …

Once a “digital currency” is introduced where you live, how will you keep your “digital wallet” safe? After all, someone could just steal your “digital wallet” and spend all of the “digital currency” that you have saved up.

Well, one German economist is warning that eventually we could see “digital wallets” actually get implanted under the skin…

A well-known German economist has revealed that central banks around the world are planning to introduce central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) in the form of microchips implanted under the skin. This technology will enable complete government control over personal finances of its citizens.

“I was taught by a central banker [that] the CBDCs look like a small grain of rice that they want to put under your skin,” said Richard Werner in an interview with podcaster Ivor Cummins. Werner is known for developing the now commonly used bank practice of quantitative easing.

Let us hope that nothing like that happens any time soon. 07/27/23 https://americafirstreport.com/the-cbdcs-are-coming-and-the-elite-plan-to-use-these-digital-currencies-to-enslave-humanity/

We are getting closer to more use of CBDCs as well as more debanking for having certain views.

World Net Daily posted the following last May:

Franklin Graham warns of imminent ‘cancellation’ by woke banks

“Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!”

– Isaiah 5:20

If you’re not paying attention to how woke banks can outright “cancel” Christian organizations, on very short notice, here’s something else you need to worry about in these strange times.

In an address to the National Religious Broadcasters at their annual meeting in Florida, evangelist Franklin Graham warned of a “coming storm” Christian organizations are facing – from the banking industry. He explained he’s been forced to take steps to avoid being “canceled.” First it was gun owners; now it’s Christian organizations.

Graham is chief of the international relief charity Samaritan’s Purse as well as executive at the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, launched by his late father. …

Graham said the surge of “wokeness” that already has invaded universities, schools, governments and social media organizations, “could sweep over evangelical ministries that broadcast the Gospel message and call out sinful behaviors.”

Leftists have their own definition if sin and righteousness. To them the latter includes defending homosexuality against all comers, complying with all requests of children for removing breasts and sexual organs and setting them up for grooming with adults. This contrasts sharply with biblical values.

Will banks increasingly turn against those who follow Christian teachings?

“I believe there’s a coming storm that we’re all going to [have to] be ready for,” Graham told the audience. “It’s not going to be good. The world is deteriorating so quickly. It seems like every demon in hell has been turned loose.” …

“If you’re not going to talk about sin, you don’t have anything to worry about. But if you’re going to try to preach and proclaim the Gospel, they’re going to try to shut you up,” Graham said. https://www.wnd.com/2023/05/franklin-graham-warns-imminent-cancellation-woke-banks/

Prior to that, Fox News reported:

Chase Bank allegedly shutters bank account of religious freedom nonprofit, demands donor list

October 13, 2022

JPMorgan Chase Bank allegedly closed the bank account of a religious freedom nonprofit and demanded a list of its donors as a condition to have the account reinstated.

The bank account of the National Committee for Religious Freedom (NCRF), which is a nonpartisan, multi-faith nonprofit founded by former U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom Sam Brownback, was recently closed without explanation, Brownback told FOX Business.

“We went into a Chase branch in the District of Columbia to open an account, no problem,” Brownback said. “Then, several weeks later, I went to put another deposit in the account, and they said, ‘Your account has been canceled, we’ll be sending your money back to you.'” …

When reached for comment, a spokesperson for Chase told FOX Business, “Of course, I’m not able to speak about confidential client matters. But what I can say is we have never and would never exit a client relationship due to their political or religious affiliation.” https://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/chase-bank-allegedly-shutters-bank-account-religious-freedom-nonprofit-demands-donor-list

Yet, at least one Congressman thought that the banks were going in that direction prior to that:

Rep. Devin Nunes: Big Tech Could Shut Off All Republicans’ Credit Cards and Banking

December 3, 2021

Rep. Devin Nunes (R-CA) warned of a possible increase in abusive control and censorship from Big Tech in an interview with Breitbart News Editor-in-Chief Alex Marlow on Friday’s edition of the Breitbart News Daily podcast.

“I still worry about the censorship that occurs,” Nunes remarked. “What happens if these companies just decide next year, ‘Well, Republicans, they’re all insurrectionists. Let’s shut off all their credit cards and banking so they just can’t raise any money.’ They could do that, all these woke corporations.”

He added, “That’s a real threat to this country. It’s the most important threat, actually, that’s out there is … what Big Tech control of the Internet is doing to this country, and what they could do to be even more tyrannical than what we’ve even seen.” https://www.breitbart.com/radio/2021/12/03/rep-devin-nunes-big-tech-could-shut-off-all-republicans-credit-cards-banking/

Many so-called ‘conservative’ voices and positions have been deplatformed, ‘shadow-banned,’ or otherwise restricted by big tech. Certain platforms will also not tolerate certain biblical positions on aspects of morality either.

As far as debanking goes, in August of 2021, ZeroHedge reported the following:

Chase Bank Cancels General Mike Flynn’s Credit Cards

August 30, 2021

Chase Bank has canceled General Mike Flynn’s personal credit card, citing “possible reputational risk to our company.”

??BREAKING: Chase Bank cancels its credit card accounts with General Flynn citing possible “reputational risk” to their company. In case there was any doubt what is happening in this country. @TracyBeanzOfficial pic.twitter.com/GIyQHXgW9l

— Regina Hicks (@reginahicksreal) August 29, 2021

https://www.zerohedge.com/political/chase-bank-cancels-general-mike-flynns-credit-cards

Years ago, I warned:

There are concerns that political views can cause ‘debanking’ in the USA …

It is about the trend we are seeing in various places to restrict access to the internet as well as using the existing financial system. Many so-called ‘conservative’ voices and positions have been deplatformed, ‘shadow-banned,’ or otherwise restricted by big tech. Certain platforms will also not tolerate certain biblical positions on aspects of morality either.

As far as economic blackmail and other forms of financial persecution, they have been used throughout history against many, including true Christians (see Persecutions by Church and State).

The post above was related to steps by Chase Bank and Bank of America back in April 2019 (Thiel B. Chase Bank closes accounts of those with ‘conservative views’? BofA? A portend of 666? April 19, 2019).

In 2021, Michael Flynn and others were banned, not just by banks, but also by Big Tech (see Big Tech suspends Donald Trump, Parler, Sidney Powell, Michael Flynn, and shadow bans CCOG).

Have no doubts about it, governments and others will stop more from buying and selling. More bank accounts will be closed, along with credit/debit cards.

The Bible tells of a time when buying and selling will be even more tightly controlled:

15 He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed. 16 He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, 17 and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

18 Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666. (Revelation 13:15-18)

The above prophecy suggests that there will be enforcers of the mark of the beast as well as for the control of buying and selling.

Now, it is true that Revelation 13 has to do with Europe and not with the USA.

But what is happening in the USA with its Big Tech and banking rules is helping ‘pave the way’ for 666.

As far as the Europeans go, they have been involved in establishing the foundation for the fulfillment of the 666-related buying and selling enforcement. Here is a link to a sermonette video: EU Setting Up 666 Enforcer?.

The Bible tells of a time when a European power will also dominate the world economically (Revelation 18) as well as totalitarian control (Revelation 13).

A ‘new world order’ is in the process of being made, but it is not here yet.

Steps by woke Big Tech and American banks are helping push that along.

666 will happen!

Related to CBDCs and 666 we recently put out the following video:

14:22

World Economic Forum, CBDCs, and 666

Are there concerns about CBDCs (Central Bank Digitial Currencies)? The Summer meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) was held from June 27-29, 2023 in China. Did WEF speaker and Cornell University professor Eswar Prasad warn of CBDCs could “take us to a pretty dark place’? What did the European Commission say about the future of a digital euro and various protections the same week? Is the tweeted statement, “No one will be able to control how you use your euros” false in the long run according to biblical prophecies, such as Revelation 13:16-18? Is there a real ability to program a CBDC with an expiration date as well as restricting what it could be used to purchase? Has monitoring of purchase transactions been proposed by various European leaders? Does the EU already have a potential enforcement arm of ‘666’? Has the European Central Bank said that cash was “not fit for the digital economy’? Are we moving more towards a cashless world? Are things really changing towards that? Steve Dupuie and Dr. Thiel discuss these and other matters.

Here is a link to our  video: World Economic Forum, CBDCs, and 666.

Russia, clearly, is not the only nation going in the CBDC direction.

Are YOU paying attention? Things are changing and will not remain as they have.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

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.
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”?
Preparing for the ‘Short Work’ and The Famine of the Word What is the ‘short work’ of Romans 9:28? Who is preparing for it? Will Philadelphian Christians instruct many in the end times? Here is a link to a related video sermon titled: The Short Work. Here is a link to another: Preparing to Instruct Many.
The Mark of Antichrist What is the mark of Antichrist? What have various ones claimed? Here is a link to a related sermon What is the ‘Mark of Antichrist’?
Mark of the Beast What is the mark of the Beast? Who is the Beast? What have various ones claimed the mark is? What is the ‘Mark of the Beast’?
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.
Persecutions by Church and State This article documents some that have occurred against those associated with the COGs and some prophesied to occur. Will those with the cross be the persecutors or the persecuted–this article has the shocking answer. There is also a YouTube video sermon you can watch: The Coming Persecution of the Church. Here is information in the Spanish language: Persecuciones de la Iglesia y el Estado.