News of Those Once Affiliated with the Global Church of God
Since the November 1998 takeover of the old GCG by the board in the
U.S., those once with GCG went to many places. Most of the members
and ministers ultimately went with the Living
Church of God (LCG),
8-15% went with the Church of God, a Christian Fellowship (CGCF) and
smaller percentages ended up with David Pack's Restored Church of God (RCG), Harold Smith's
Church of God Fellowship, Northwest (CGFnw), the Continuing Church of God (CCOG), and other groups (at least
one which is outside the U.S. uses the term Global Church of God). On
July 1, 2001, eight ministers resigned from CGCF and formed the Church
of the Eternal God (CEG), similar in name, but not related, to the
Eternal Church of God (ECG--founded by a minister removed from the
original GCG ministry for impropriety). About a month later CGCF (USA)
dissolved and most then with it ended up in the United Church of God (UCG).
One former GCG minister (Ronald Laughland) became pastor of the
Wholeworld Church of God. In 2004, Raymond McNair, having been in GCG,
CGCF, LCG, then went on his own and formed Church of God, 21st Century
(COG21); later he died and that group disbanded. Don Haney, once in GCG/LCG,
formed the Church of God In Peace and Truth. In 2005, Ben Faulkner, who
was in GCG/LCG, formed the Church of the Sovereign God (CotSG). In
2006, Charles Bryce who was in GCG/LCG left, and formed the Enduring
Church of God (En COG). In 2010, several of the main leaders who went
to UCG from CGCF left it and went to a group called COGWA. A couple of people, like Norman Edwards (Servants' News/Shepherd's Voice),
left GCG well before the 1998 takeover (he has 'Nashville Christian Media'). In 2013, Rod Reynolds left LCG and formed COG Messenger. On
12/15/11, a minister in good-standing with LCG anointed Bob Thiel with
oil and prayed that God would grant him a double-portion of His Spirit
(see also How To Determine If Someone is a True Prophet of God):
and things have not been the same since (Bob Thiel still, of course,
supports the goals and biblical beliefs of Philadelphia era of the
Church of God). Website links for most of those who were once part of
GCG and that have websites can be found at the COGlinks
page. In 2012, certain heresies were officially introduced,
accepted, and/or promoted by LCG. After concluding that insufficient value was placed on
the truth (and keeing their word) by certain leaders of LCG and that
they no longer held to biblical church governance and could not as is be
used to lead the final phase of the work (see also Why Bob Thiel Left the Living Church of God), on 12/28/12 Bob Thiel was led to form, and then announced, the beginning of the Continuing Church of God (CCOG). CCOG is the second largest group, in terms of members, of those groups whose leaders were once part of GCG (LCG is largest). This page reports on those groups that somehow once had ties to the old GCG.
12/27/19 a.m. Visited some of RCG's webpages this morning. Noticed that the last posted "Personal" from David Pack was dated March 1, 2019. The only two 'Featured Articles' from RCG's Real Truth were dated June 18, 2019 and May 1, 2019.
RCG still seems to be spending a lot of money promoting its website, but seems to have stopped posting as much information as it used to.
12/20/19 a.m. CEG sent out the following today:
The Bible teaches that the Jews will build the third temple prior to the return of Christ, and that this will apparently become the millennial temple as described in the book of Ezekiel.
CEG seems to be under the delusion that God will honor the current Jews who deny His son the right to build the temple that is discussed in Ezekiel chapters 40-47.
While the following interpretation may be off, the reality is that Ezekiel is describing a massive temple complex:
Ezekiel chapters 40 through 47 provide a detailed description of a future temple in Jerusalem. This is the temple that Jesus Christ will rule from during the millennial kingdom. That is the first one thousand years after Jesus’ return at his second coming. Jesus Christ will return to defeat Israel’s enemies and he will then set up his throne in Jerusalem to rule there forever.
Jerusalem will look a little different then. For instance; the small hill known as Mount Zion where the temple building will sit will become a very high mountain.
Eze 40:2 In the visions of God brought he me into the land of Israel, and set me upon a very high mountain, by which was as the frame of a city on the south.
Isa 2:2 And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD’S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.
How high will Mount Zion become? I don’t know but according to the dimensions that Ezekiel gives for the land area that is dedicated to the temple and to its service, Mount Zion could easily be one mile high! The temple site will be one mile square but the land surrounding the temple will be about 52 miles long and 21 miles wide. If we were to fit a mountain into those dimensions it could easily reach to one mile high even with gentle slopes.
The following verses describe the outside length of the temple building site. The temple building site will include walls, courtyards, many rooms, and of course the temple itself. The dimensions are given in “reeds”. One reed is equal to eleven feet. Five hundred reeds are equal to 5,500 feet or just over one mile. So the temple proper will be about one mile square.
Eze 42:15-19 Now when he had made an end of measuring the inner house, he brought me forth toward the gate whose prospect is toward the east, and measured it round about. 16 He measured the east side with the measuring reed, five hundred reeds, with the measuring reed round about. 17 He measured the north side, five hundred reeds, with the measuring reed round about. 18 He measured the south side, five hundred reeds, with the measuring reed. 19 He turned about to the west side, and measured five hundred reeds with the measuring reed.
In the next verses Ezekiel describes the land area around the temple that is dedicated to God himself. The outskirts of this holy parcel will be for the Levites who will serve at the temple site. The Levites will build their homes on the gentle foothills that surround the mountain of the temple of God. The entire land mass that is dedicated to God’s temple is about fifty two miles long by twenty one miles wide. That’s big. https://hightimetoawake.com/how-big-is-ezekiels-temple/ accessed 12/20/19
Christians are the temple of God in this age (1 Corinthians 3:16-17; 1 Corinthians 6:19), not Jews who do not accept Jesus (see Proof Jesus is the Messiah).
For more scriptures related to the temple, please check out the article Why is a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem Not Required?
12/06/19 a.m. LCG sent out the following today:
“Hate speech” is a rapidly spreading international catchphrase that is gaining traction in legislatures around the globe. As a result, freedom of speech clauses in constitutions and legal codes all around the world are coming under attack. Words and phrases that were considered fair and legal for many decades or centuries are being challenged and declared threatening and illegal.
Now, as a reaction to the way social media has been employed to foment violence across the nation, Nigeria is poised to become one of the leading nations in the “hate speech” movement. The senate of Nigeria has proposed a law that says any individuals who are convicted of spreading certain kinds of speech could be jailed for life—even resulting in their execution by hanging if it is judged that their speech caused loss of life (Deutsche Welle, November 26, 2019). Severe hate speech laws will also be drafted and applied to the broadcast media—especially independent media sources.
While these laws can be formulated with a sincere desire to prevent stirring up hatred and violence, there are also more ominous ramifications. “Hate speech” laws in some nations are now being used by some activists and politicians to silence any reference to biblical moral values that clash with their licentious and immoral agendas. In such countries, this means that preaching the Gospel and spreading the teachings of Jesus Christ or making any reference to end-time Bible prophecies will become increasingly difficult. The Bible foretold that the time will come when there will be “a famine… of hearing the words of the Lord” (Amos 8:11). The appearance and rapid spread of these “hate speech” laws could be one tool used by some to fulfill this ancient prophecy.
Surpression of speech is happening more and more. Someone who was speaking out against vaccinations was recently arrested for doing so in Samoa.
But, God has a plan to get His word out, despite, actions from various governments--and we in the CCOG are working on it. For details, check out the article: Preparing for the 'Short Work' and The Famine of the Word.
11/23/19 a.m. Received the following in an email today from someone who is not a baptized CCOG member:
I would just like to say thank you and offer you encouragement for all the work you are doing and personal sacrifices you must have made and to let you know that it is all very much appreciated. Keep up the good work! Despite what any of the detractors say about you, the love you have for God and His truth and the love you obviously have for the brethren - both inside the Church and those outside who are yet to be called but soon will come in, and even those who just need a witness in this age is easy to see and shines forth.
I know you aren't looking for praise from men and I'm not trying to flatter you, but I thought an encouraging message would be helpful amongst all the rubbish you probably receive and read about yourself.
Keep up the good work! We all need some encouragement from time to time!
It is true that many detracters, in and out of the COGs have said and spread false information about me. Of course, this has happened to the faithful throughout the church age (cf. Acts 28:21).
That same person also sent the following:
I just finished watching this week's sermon before finishing writing this email and found what you said about the reason God allows Satan to cause problems on the earth very encouraging! I have said a version of that to the people in UCG - I said that I speculate that because Jesus needed to be perfected by sufferings, it would be illogical for God to call all or most in this age, because we would not have enough problems and temptations to overcome from others and life if all or most were Christian and lived as a Christian in this age, because we too need to be made perfect as Jesus was through suffering. They said they had never heard anything like that before, but agreed.
My response to that was:
One thing that I have noticed is that pretty much all in (and even out who are not atheists) of the COG believe we are right about why God made anything and why He made people. But their churches do not teach it.
FYI, I actually plan to mention that Jesus was perfected through suffering as our example in the sermon today. So, it is interesting that you also brought that up.
The sermon the emailer referred to was Mysteries of God’s Plan.
As far as more on why God made anything and why He made people, check out the free, online, book: The MYSTERY of GOD’s PLAN Why Did God Create Anything? Why did God make you?
11/20/19 a.m.7th Day COG News reported:
Living Church of God
Gerald Weston writes:
“We have put on hold doing any more TWNow programs at this time. Dr. Scott Winnail moderated and coordinated the program, but we have moved him to the day-to-day responsibilities of serving the Charlotte congregation.
Our pastor, Mr. John Strain, was recently diagnosed with lymphoma and will be “out of service” for an expected six months. Please remember him and his family in your prayers.
This change does not allow time for Dr. Winnail’s role with TWNow or for the on-site Living Education program.
In addition, we have been evaluating the effectiveness of TWNow since its inception and we know that many members loved it (I hear this all the time), but our commission is to preach the Gospel to the world, and other initiatives are fulfilling that task more effectively. A typical TWNow program received a few thousand views, but some Tomorrow’s World telecasts, TW Viewpoints, and TW Whiteboard videos are reaching hundreds of thousands, even millions.”
The average number of views for TWNow on Youtube is 803.
TWNow, LCG’s venture into live broadcasting of its Tomorrow’s World programs, was launched in 2017. Gerald Weston wrote in Church News on the 23rd of March 2017:
“Some of you may have found our new livestreamed program, Tomorrow’s World Now. Thursday at 3:00 p.m. (Charlotte time) was our second attempt at live broadcasting on YouTube and Facebook. We are currently testing it once a week, with an eye to going five days a week in the future, but right now we are having to work through technical challenges, and as we get our feet wet, we are discovering what does and doesn’t work well regarding the format, so if you do tune in, please be patient with us. We believe TWNow has great potential, but we are far from where we want to be.”
Dylan King introduced this “brand new technology” (brand new to LCG that is) for the test transmission and first full broadcast, which were studio discussions, each participant wearing headphones, reminiscent of those used by Herbert Armstrong in his early radio broadcasts, when that technology was new. The technological problems were solved, but the content remains drab. LCG dispensed with Dylan King’s enthusiastic style of presentation, but retained the ‘talking heads’ studio format.
The test transmission was “found” by 1166 people on YouTube, and 1092 watched the second program. Weston’s announcement of the broadcast boosted the viewing figure for the next program to 2145, after which the viewing numbers quickly fell away …
1. 1166 2. 1092 3. 2145 4. 1973 5. 1452 6. 1422 7. 1312 8. 1136
11/15/19 a.m. In its newsletter today, CEG had the following:
Abortion an Act of Love?
Breaking Israel News reported on November 10:
“The National Women’s Law Center (NWLC) launched a new campaign… dubbed ‘Abortion Actually.’ [It] makes the following claim:… ‘What is abortion actually? An act of love. An act of compassion. An act of healing. An act of selflessness. Abortion actually is something 1 in 4 people will experience in their lifetimes. It’s health care. It’s freedom… If you believe that abortion is at its core, an act of love, compassion, healing, and selflessness – please join our campaign today…’
“The NWLC campaign seeks to keep abortion available with an initial investment of $350,000 to 11 pro-abortion groups across the U.S.
“Dr. Eli Schussheim, a highly regarded Israeli surgeon who is the director of EFRAT-C.R.I.B, reacted to the new campaign from a Biblical perspective… ‘I object to abortion as a doctor… I am a doctor and have treated approximately 76,000 women that all claimed to have economic or family reasons to have an abortion,’ Dr. Schussheim said. ‘Not a single one has expressed regret at her decision to have a baby. On the other hand, unlike other surgical procedures, abortion does not leave a physical scar but always leaves a scar on the psyche. From a medical standpoint, abortion, as this organization describes it, is horrible for women…’”
This new campaign endorses and promotes entirely ungodly and despicable concepts. Woe to those who call evil good!
As it turns out, the recommended sermon for this week is: Abortion and Birth Control: History and Scriptures.
11/09/19 p.m. Just received the following in an email:
Laodicean Move?
While listening to a live LCG sermon today, the preacher said that they (the preachers) had been directed to keep their sermons under an hour. I have also noticed that their sermons have gotten shorter (under an hour when they have typically been 60-80 minutes). This can be verified by looking up some recent sermons on their website (note that it can take 4 months or more for them to post sermons so some "recent" ones may actually be from before the change - great timing for when they would be expected to tell the brethren to flee, right?). I think this limits their teaching and weakens their edification of the body of Christ. Just in case any of the preachers have been trying to keep a Philadelphian work, this makes it a bit more difficult to feed the flock.
I had been told of this change in LCG before. As far as LCG knowing when to flee, unless it changes some of its prophetic positions (which they admitted to me were wrong and promised to change by February of 2012), they obviously will not possibly know when to flee. Shortening or lengthening their sermons will not affect that..
10/25/19 a.m. Got back from attending the Feast of Tabernacles last night--it took three flights and over 16 hours of travel--which is a lot since we simply came back from Quebec. We kept the first half of the Feast in St. Louis (Missouri) and the second half in Montreal (Quebec). Some festival details are in the latest CCOG Letter to the Brethren.
10/11/19 a.m. A couple of days ago, a former RCG attendee telephoned me. An interesting thing she mentioned was that the messages that those who attend RCG services get are often much more bizzare than those that RCG puts up online, particularly as they relate to David Pack. Essentially, her comments confirmed my personal view that RCG is more and more a David Pack personalilty cult and becoming less and less a COG. It remains my opinion that David Pack is not truly a converted Christian, but if he is (God is the judge), he is a very deceived one.
09/30/19 A reader informed me that Wray Zehrungihas been heading up something called the Greater Church of God. Wray Zehrung was once part of the Global Church of God. For some time, he was also a leader in CEG.
One prophetic difference he holds from CEG, is that he has written "Knowing that prophecy can be dual, it necessitates that we vigilantly watch for a King of the South to come on the scene again." CEG, on the other hand, teaches against a future King of the South.
Wray Zehrung, like CCOG, teaches that the prophecies in Isaiah 22 involve Iran causing damage to Jerusalem.
09/27/19 a.m. CEG had the following in its newsletter today:
California Resolution Blames ‘Religious Groups’ for LGBT Suicides
Life Site News wrote on September 17:
“The California legislature has voted in a resolution that blames ‘religious groups’ who hold to biblical understandings of sex and gender as responsible for ‘disproportionately high rates’ of suicide among homosexuals and transgenders.
“Assembly Concurrent Resolution 99 declares that homosexuality and transgenderism are ‘part of natural variations that occur in sexual orientation and gender identity’ and condemns counseling services that help people resolve unwanted gender confusion or same-sex attraction… The resolution… has no legal force but formalizes the official position of the state legislature…
“Despite the common pro-LGBT narrative that outside ‘stigma’ is the primary driver of LGBT suicides, a wealth of data suggests otherwise. Research out of LGBT-friendly Sweden has found that homosexual and transgender residents remain more likely to attempt or commit suicide, despite having achieved the type of culture advocated by ACR 99.
“The University of Cambridge’s Stonewall report found that 96% of trans students in Scotland attempted self-harm through actions such as cutting themselves, and 40% attempted suicide. 40% in the United States have attempted suicide, as well, according to a 2016 survey from the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE). According to a 2011 study from Sweden, trans people remain 19 times more likely to commit suicide than the general population, even after ‘sex-change’ surgery.”
That should make us think. But the carnal human mind, which is ruled by Satan, is hostile towards the Law of God condemning homosexuality, transgender and other sexual abnormalities. It is incapable of understanding or keeping God’s true values.
The Prophet Isaiah warned:
20 Woe to those who call evil good
and good evil,
who put darkness for light
and light for darkness,
who put bitter for sweet
and sweet for bitter.
21 Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes
and clever in their own sight.
22 Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine
and champions at mixing drinks,
23 who acquit the guilty for a bribe,
but deny justice to the innocent.
24 Therefore, as tongues of fire lick up straw
and as dry grass sinks down in the flames,
so their roots will decay
and their flowers blow away like dust;
for they have rejected the law of the Lord Almighty
and spurned the word of the Holy One of Israel.
25 Therefore the Lord's anger burns against his people;
his hand is raised and he strikes them down.
The mountains shake,
and the dead bodies are like refuse in the streets. (Isaiah 5:20-25)
The LGBTQ agenda will not end well (cf. Romans 1:18-32).
It something that needs to be denounced--here is a link to an article that does that: The Bible Condemns Homosexuality.
At the COGwriter website, there have been various articles denouncing California's legislative efforts on such matters (e.g. The State of California claims it knows things that the Bible says it cannot with ACR-99 and California lawmakers hoping to stop anti-LGBTQ sermons with ACR-99). We also put out two videos related to California legislative LGBTQ restrictive-speech proposals watch Banning the Bible? and/or California’s LGBTQ ACR 99 vs. the Bible.
Most immoral people do not want to hear about sin and the USA is more and more looking at laws to restrict religious freedoms, including speech.
09/24/19 a.m. Received the following from an unbaptized prospective member last night:
Hello Dr. Bob,
I found this article on Vatican news about a new complex being built in the Abu Dhabi. It is called the Abrahamic Family House and it will be a complex housing a Church, a Mosque, and a Synagogue and they will share one foundation with a garden connecting the three buildings of worship. Construction is expected to commence next year with completion in 2022. The white horse is really picking up pace. It really does seem to me at least that the 2027-2031 timeline of Hosea 6:2 looks to be it, if I am understanding it correctly.
Also, I can't believe it, but when I was with some of the brethren in the UCG Church, I was talking about the place of safety, one of them told me he has looked at the scriptures and doesn't believe such a place exists and it isn't scriptural. The Pastor also gave a sermon stating that the word prophecy in the New Testament only means inspired teaching and that we must watch out for those who think they understand the order of events at the end, because God will make it clear at the time.
I also downloaded about 5 sermons from LCG to see what they were saying about some of these prophetic topics and and 4/5 spoke about their important understanding of the falling away doctrine and that people need to not follow those who have left them because of this doctrine. Seemed to be directed at you I'm guessing. It's like they are doubling down on it just to make sure they are different and hoping that they are right, because changing this doctrine would mean accepting they were wrong and informing the brethren.
It makes me so sad to see that so many in the Church of God are deceived that do not need to be. The people in the UCG congregation including the Pastor are so lovely, but hold teachings that are so dangerous. They all believe we are near the end but seem to just accept they will be probably be martyred and there isn't anything that can be done about it. I can see how this type of thinking could affect people making changes to make themselves worthy to escape all these things that are going to come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man (Luke 21:36). I know persecution comes to Philadelphians first and that it's no guarantee of escaping, but it is a motivator to try with God's powerful Spirit, to make changes in your life.
I also have noticed a Spirit in the Church that loves people, but also that God will call them later, but we need to love people enough to get the truth out about the coming Great Tribulation so that those who God is calling NOW will repent. I think they think that just having telecasts that tell the truth about what day we should worship or what happens after we die etc is enough (and we should be doing that). But the warning about what is coming on the Israelite nations and then the rest of the world needs to go out with power, or else the watchmen that doesn't blow the trumpet and earn the people, will have the peoples blood on their own hands because they did not blow the trumpet! (Ezek 33:6).
It's just so easy to see Laodiceans all through the UCG congregation. In no way am I saying I'm better, because I actually recognise that I myself am not their yet, and I know that in my current state that I am not yet worthy to escape and have a long way to go, but at least I am repenting and recognising the truth and what needs to be done, and by the power of God almighty I can do all things and He who has begun a good work in me will not stop until the day of the Lord Jesus Christ! (Phil 4:13; Phil 1:6). I am eternally grateful to God that He lead me to the CCOG so I could learn the powerful prophetic truths and way of living a Christian life so that I could have the opportunity to live in a way pleasing God and to support His end-time work. In a way I wish I had not gone to the UCG Church though, because I was only going to go occasionally so I could be around people with similar beliefs, but the Pastor has tried to get me to come all the time and I keep having to resist. I know God is most likely going to make me make a decision one way or the other at some point, and now that I have an emotional connection and friendships, I hope and pray I have the power to make the right decision. I am sorry that I didn't have the patients to stand alone as a Philadelphian and wait for baptism when it is time.
I still haven't been baptised, because just after we spoke about it I got sick, and then have continued to get more and more colds and flus since. I am hoping to be baptised in the coming couple of months.
I hope you are doing well, and I continue, despite going to UCG services once a fortnight, to send all my tithes to the Continuing Church of God and uphold you and all the brethren in CCOG with prayer. Please continue to pray for me that I will do what God wants me to do.
Kind Regards,
The emailer has long been in my prayers.
As far as the place of safety goes, here is a link to an article: There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Near Petra. As far as the falling away goes, here is a link to an article: The Falling Away: The Bible and WCG Teachings. As far as Laodicean errors in prophecy goes, here is a link to an article: Do You Hold to these Laodicean Prophetic Errors? As far as LCG doctrinal and other errors go, here is a link to an article: What About the Living Church of God? Are there Doctrinal Differences with the Continuing Church of God?
Let me also add that the word "prophecy" means more than "inspired teachiing" as can be shown by looking at the Greek word for prophecy in the New Testament (e.g. Revelation 1:3). Plus, if UCG and LCG always had "inspired teaching," then their doctrines/teachings would be the same--but they are not (see Differences between the Living Church of God and United Church of God ). Furthermore, if they truly would accept God's word both groups would not hold to the many erroneous prophetic positions that they hold (see also Do You Hold to these Laodicean Prophetic Errors?).
As far as the Abrahamic Family House goes, check out a post the email then nudged me towards: ‘The Catholic-Muslim Interfaith Council Created By Pope Francis Announces New Chrislam Headquarters Opening In 2022’
Getting back to the emailer himself, I responded with the following email back:
Yes, I think I had read a little about the Abrahamic house.
Yes, I am looking to the 2027-2031 timeline. But we will see.
As far as baptism goes, one day you will be ready, and you may be soon.
As far as UCG, yes, they are nice people, but ...
As far as LCG goes, it has been my opinion for some time that many are afraid their members may see the truth, hence they give some less than subtle warnings about me. And yes, they trust in their telecast and social network more than scripture.
Anyway, yes, I have long been saddened by the deceit Christians have accepted in these Laodicean times.
Best regards,
Bob Thiel
He sent the following email today:
Yes you are right about LCG being scared to have people follow you, because when I was first looking for a group to fellowship with from time to time, I contacted both UCG and LCG because they were the only two groups I could find in .... I was forthright and honest with both and said that I was a part of the Continuing Church of God but was looking to be able to fellowship from time-to-time with a group of true Christians. UCG were more than happy for me to do this, though, received a call from the minister from LCG for the area and he asked what Church of God I was a part of and I said Continuing Church of God. He then asked me who was leading the church and I said Bob Thiel. He then said "oh that's right, he used to be with us but then he left us to go his own way because he knew better." He then told me that LCG used to let people from other groups attend services but it leads to too much trouble. He told me I could fellowship with them if I would renounce my connection with CCOG but I said I was not willing to do that. He said that God judges the decisions that we make and stated "as a minister in God's Church it is my responsibility to protect the flock and prevent anything from harming them." He made me feel that I was a danger and a threat to the bretheren in LCG because of my CCOG doctrines! Once again he told me that God will judge us based upon our decisions and he wished me well and hung up.
I couldn't believe that a minister apart of the true Church of God would not allow another real Christian from fellowshipping with them without any evidence of any wrong doing. What ever happened to Mark 9:39-41? I could understand if I had started causing trouble and made some of the brethren stumble or had a history of causing trouble in other Church of God congregations, but he outright rejected me, and it makes me wonder whether it was just because I said I was a part of CCOG.
Anyway, I felt uneasy about this anyway after you had written about the leadership integrity issues in LCG and after this experience it cemented this perspective even more.
Regards,
The above emailer then sent me an email that stated:
I was just reading through what I had written and I realised I left one important piece of information. The minister told me that it was the policy of LCG {Country Name Withheld} to not allow other COG groups to fellowship with them.
As far as some of LCG leadership issues, here is a link to an article: Why Bob Thiel Left the Living Church of God.
Now, people will say that much of this is just arguing about debatable doctrines, etc.
No, it is more than that.
People either have the love of the truth or they do not.
Jesus rebuked the Laodiceans (Revelation 3:14-22), because they thought they were fine as they were--they wrongly felt they were in need of nothing.
Anyway, while the LCG minister was seemingly being sarcastic to the emailer about me "knowing better," a review of doctrinal positions will prove that to all willing to look that LCG is in error (see What About the Living Church of God? Are there Doctrinal Differences with the Continuing Church of God?). Top level LCG ministers (including evangelists) told me that I was correct on many doctrinal matters that LCG has instead chosen to teach in error.
Other groups aside, is the CCOG of men or of God?
Well, if you can handle the truth about God's interventions, check out the article: Does the CCOG have the confirmed signs of Acts 2:17-18?
Alll should consider that Jesus' apostles were confirmed by signs that followed them (Mark 16:20). Clearly there have been signs that have confirmed the Continuing Church of God in these last days. Furthermore, consider that the old Radio/Worlwide Church of God pointed to a dream that preceded its formation as part of its confirmation that it had God’s blessing--and CCOG has at least seven people with confirmed prophetic dreams (see Dreams, the Bible, the Radio Church of God, and the Continuing Church of God).
Please accept the criteria that God, not some organization claiming to best represent Him, has set for determining who is a true prophet of God. Do not add non-biblical criteria, which is what most have done.
If you are uncertain about what to do, please be like the Bereans and search “the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11), “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ” (Colossians 4:2-3), and do what God, above what any human, would want you to do (Acts 5:29).
The Continuing Church of God is the only COG organization with so many of the confirmed signs of Acts 2:17-18. This makes some who claim to be Philadelphian, but are not (cf. Revelation 3:7-9), afraid.
Yet, the Apostle John wrote:
18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. (1 John 4:18)
Philadelphia mean "love of the brethren." Those who are truly Philadelphian have no need to fear the truth (cf. Revelation 3:7-13). Laodiceans, however, do (cf. Revelation 3:14-22).
09/14/19 p.m. The late WCG evangelist and founder of GCG then LCG, Dr. Roderick Meredith twice wrote:
In II Kings 2:8-15, we find the account where the great prophet Elijah was taken up into heaven — turning his office and mantle over to Elisha. Read this account carefully. Notice that Elisha expected to carryon in the power of God as had Elijah. For he asked for a "double portion" of Elijah's spirit to be upon him. As Elijah ascended up to heaven, his mantle fell on Elisha. ...
Today, you should personally awake to the fact that the mantle and power of Elijah will be manifested among God's true servants in this age.
For as John the Baptist came in the spirit and power of Elijah (Luke 1:17), so God says of our day: "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and. dreadful day of the Lord: and he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse" (Malachi 4:5-6). (Meredith RC. Tapping Your INNER POWERS Is Not Enough. Plain Truth, October-November 1979 and Meredith RC. Tap the POWER of Almighty God! Plain Truth, September 1967)
Notice something that Herbert W. Armstrong said about the mantle:
Now Christ is the head of the Church today as Elijah was the head and the leader of the sons or the disciples of the prophets in that day. But God wanted Elisha to direct his work ...
Now, this mantle of his that dropped off and Elisha picked up, you remember? What was that mantle? And I showed you in according to Clark's Commentary or you can get it in any authority, that it was a cloak that was worn by the priests and the prophets as a simple insignia of their office. And it represented their office — well like a badge shows you that a man as a policeman today. His badge is the insignia that tells you he's a policeman and this cloak, was the insignia that meant that this man was the prophet of God. And so this mantle or this cloak fell off and Elisha, you'll remember, picked it up. (Armstrong HW. Hebrews Series 11 - Elijah. World Tomorrow Telecast. https://www.hwalibrary.com/cgi-bin/get/hwa.cgi?action=gettcast&InfoID=1333114722)
In the Old Testament, God gave a sign people could see that showed the mantle of leadership passed to Elisha (2 Kings 2:14-15). And for the last days, the Philadelphian Christians are those who kept God's word ("kept My word" Revelation 3:7-8), and hence are willing to believe the confirmation signs that were at least partially prophesied in the New Testament in Acts 2:17-18 (see also Does the CCOG have the confirmed signs of Acts 2:17-18?). This was not said of the non-Philadelphians.
Now, notice something that Herbert W. Armstrong wrote:
But Christ said to His Philadelphia era Church, that because we have but little strength, He would OPEN THOSE DOORS TO US (Rev. 3:8)" (Letter 11/19/76).
The PURPOSE for which Christ built the Church exemplifies its WORK ... 1) To ANNOUNCE to the world for its witness the coming Kingdom of God...2) To prepare the people to whom God adds to the Church...God has always worked with humans. He has worked with O N E M A N at a time ... The WORK consists of proclaiming the Gospel, by radio, by television, in print (Armstrong HW. JUST WHAT IS THE WORK? PASTOR GENERAL'S REPORT - VOL.3, NO.6 February 6, 1981)
Herbert Armstrong believed that God mainly worked through the leadership of one man at a time to lead various phases of the work. Scripture, shows for example, that the mantle passed from Elijah to Elisha (2 Kings 2:9-15). The 'mantle' would currently be with the person/group that truly functioned as the 'pillar and ground of truth' (1 Timothy 3:15).
For fifty years in the second century, according to Herbert W. Armstrong, that man was Polycarp:
It is significant that after his release John trained Polycarp elder of Smyrna, a city near Ephesus in the province of Asia. ... At neighboring Smyrna, Polycarp presided over the Church of God for half a century after John's death. Polycarp stood up boldly for the truth while many fell away and began having fellowship with the Catholic bishops of Rome. History relates that following the example of Peter, Paul and John, Polycarp wrote many letters to congregations and individuals, though all these have perished, save one in an edited version. (Armstrong HW. The Church They Couldn't Destroy. Good News, December 1981)
For over 50 years in the 20th century, it was Herbert W. Armstrong.
Who is the one man at this time?
For more on the mantle and to consider the answer to that question, check out the article: Herbert W. Armstrong, the Philadelphia Church, & the Mantle and/or the latest CCOG sermon: Herbert W. Armstrong and the Philadelphia Mantle.
09/13/19 p.m. In the TW News & Prophecy - Friday, September 13, 2019, LCG had the following:
Just over two weeks ago, the Category 5 hurricane Dorian devastated the northern islands of the Bahamas. “Dorian was the most powerful hurricane on record to hit the Bahamas… with wind gusts topping 320 kph (200 mph)” (Deutsche Welle, September 7, 2019). ...
Storms like Hurricane Dorian should motivate us to think about and pray for those who are suffering. These disasters can also provide us a glimpse into far more widespread devastation that is prophesied to impact the world in the years just before Christ’s second coming—a time when “disaster will come upon disaster” (Ezekiel 7:26).
I reported about Hurrican Dorian last week (see Hurricane Dorian damages and kills in the Bahamas as it heads towards Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina) and have been praying for those in the Bahamas.
As far as Ezekiel 7:26 goes, it will affect many of Christians in the end-times. Here is the entire verse:
26 Disaster will come upon disaster,
And rumor will be upon rumor.
Then they will seek a vision from a prophet; (Ezekiel 7:26)
The people in the Bahamas have had disaster, but have not sought out any true prophet.
Sadly, since Ezekiel 7:26 is directed towards God's people, based on Jesus' word in Revelation 3, most Christians will wait until it is too late to flee from the Great Tribulation (cf. Zephaniah 2:1-3; see also There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Near Petra).
Those who hope they are (or will be) Philadelphian should carefully study the article (and some of the links in it): Does the CCOG have the confirmed signs of Acts 2:17-18?
09/06/19 p.m. In the TW News & Prophecy - Friday, September 6, 2019, LCG had the following:
Research just published in the highly respected journal Science contains findings that will be shocking to many. In a genome-association study of nearly 500,000 people in the U.S., U.K., and Sweden, researchers concluded, “No individual gene alone makes a person gay, lesbian or bisexual; instead, thousands of genes likely influence sexual orientation” (Live Science, August 29, 2019). The report continues (emphasis added throughout), “The biological factors that contribute to sexual orientation are largely unknown, but many scientists suspect that genetics plays a role”—meaning scientists still do not know why some humans have homosexual tendencies. The researchers also noted, “Instead, the predisposition to same-sex sexual behavior appeared influenced by a complex mix of genetic and environmental influences.” One of the study’s co-authors stated, “It’s effectively impossible to predict an individual’s sexual behavior from their genome,” demonstrating that the “gay gene” is, in the words of Live Science, “a total myth.”
Last Sabbath's CCOG sermonette covered this topic:
Here is a link to the sermonette: Gay Gene? Born That Way?
09/03/19 p.m. Should any Church of God actually have the confirmed signs of Acts 2:17-18?
The late Pastor General of the old Worldwide Church of God, Herbert W. Armstrong, basically said yes in a 1981 sermon:
Joel 2:28-29 And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: (29) And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.
So there is a time coming when God will start pouring out His spirit on human beings. … Day of Pentecost, 3000 were baptized. Peter preached a sermon. They were pricked in their hearts. God began to draw them. God was now… Remember He said, “I will pour out of my spirit on all flesh.” All right, there’s a duality of that. (Armstrong HW. Building The Temple. Sermon, February 14, 1981)
Herbert W. Armstrong was correct about the time coming when God would pour out His Spirit as well the duality. There was a duality to what Peter preached in Acts 2–and that duality is for our current time!
Do dreams and prophets have any place in the Christian Church today?
Notice what the Apostle Peter taught:
14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them,
“Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words. 15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. 16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams. 18 And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; And they shall prophesy. (Acts 2:14-18)
We are in the last days (see also Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End?).
Dreams and prophesy were expected for our day! In addition various fulfilled predictions and prayers (see Church of God Leaders on Prophets), at least seven associated with the Continuing Church of God have had prophetic dreams which were later confirmed (see Dreams, the Bible, the Radio Church of God, and the Continuing Church of God).
The Continuing Church of God is the only GCG-connected organization, and seemingly the only xWCOG-related organization, with so many of the confirmed signs of Acts 2:17-18.
Would not that be expected of the most faithful remnant of the Philadelphian era in the last days?
For more on Acts 2:17-18, check out the article: Does the CCOG have the confirmed signs of Acts 2:17-18?
09/03/19 a.m. A reader asked me about the items in the following article today that is in the July-August 2019 edition of the Living Church News by LCG's Gerald Weston:
We discussed a wide range of topics during our May 2019 Council of Elders meetings, and there is one area of discussion that I particularly want to share with you. We talked with each other at length on the “70 Weeks Prophecy” of Daniel 9, a topic we have discussed numerous times over several years. We have traditionally understood the 70 weeks to begin with the decree of Artaxerxes in 457 B.C. From that time until the coming of the Messiah there would be a total of 69 weeks, meaning that Christ began His ministry in 27 A.D. (Each week has seven days, given the “day for a year” principle of prophecy—and remember that you must add one year when going from B.C. to A.D., as there is no year zero.) The meaning of verse 27 is a bit more ambiguous. Is the subject here the Messiah or the Roman prince, both of whom are mentioned in verse 26? Or is this an example of prophetic duality?
While the old Radio Church of God said that the prince of Daniel 9:26 was pointing to the Messiah, LCG's Dr. Roderick Meredith and I concluded that it was pointing to the Roman Beast as the prince.
Here is more from Gerald Weston's article:
Verse 26 introduces a “prince who is to come.” This is not the Messiah, but one who destroys “the city and the sanctuary.” So when verse 27 says that “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,” it is not clear whether this refers to Christ, who was cut off in the middle of the week, ending the need for animal sacrifices, or whether it refers to a prince who makes a seven-year agreement with the Jews, which is broken after three-and-a-half years. Note that the capitalization of the pronouns—“he” and “He”—provide no clues; the original Hebrew did not possess capital letters, so those differences only reflect the interpretations of the translators.
A strong case can be made for either opinion, or for a combination of the two, which would be duality.
Well, the LCG Council of Elders may think that a strong case can be made for either side, but biblically it is not a strong argument to state that Jesus and a pagan leader are the duality here. Sometimes with committees, compromise positions come out that are not scriptural.
Here is more from Gerald Weston's article:
A full discussion of Daniel 9:27 would require more attention than I can give here, but this is the point the Council and I want to convey: Many in both the Church and the world look for the countdown to the return of Christ to begin with a seven-year peace treaty (though the scripture does not say “peace treaty” but “a covenant”). Bible commentaries and many evangelicals are looking for this, but Daniel tells us that only the wise (those who keep God’s law) will understand (Daniel 12:10). Those looking specifically for a seven-year treaty may be wrong. Jesus instructed us to watch for the events He gave in the Olivet prophecy, and one of those events is the abomination of desolation being set up, as spoken of by Daniel (Matthew 24:15; Daniel 12:11).
It is evident that the full meaning of Daniel 9:26–27 is not completely clear at this time. We understand Jesus appeared at the end of 69 prophetic weeks, and that three-and-a-half years later—in the middle of a prophetic week—He was cut off and we no longer need to make animal sacrifices. Whether there is a duality to these verses, we do not know. If there is a duality, this means we have the seventieth week fulfilled by Christ and a totally separate week referring to what the Roman prince does. ...
Jesus tells us the abomination of desolation is a sign that it is time to flee. Therefore, we believe it is wise not to focus on a seven-year treaty, but on the clear statement of Scripture that the abomination of desolation and cessation of sacrifices begins the countdown of 1290 days to the end.
Gerald Weston is correct that only the wise will understand. But it that is NOT defined as those who keep the law as the Laodiceans and the remnant of Sardis also do that (cf. Revelation 12:17), but they will not understand well enough to flee at the right time (cf. Revelation 12:14-17; Revelation 3).
Gerald Weston is correct that those specifically looking for a seven-year treaty may be wrong. As I have written for years, the deal of Daniel 9:27 is confirmed by the prince (Beast) for a seven-year period--the deal/covenant itself could be longer or shorter. Most, including most Christians, will NOT understand until it is essentially too late to flee.
For more on the Daniel 9-26-27, check out the article: The 'Peace Deal' of Daniel 9:27.
08/30/19 a.m. In its newsletter today, CEG had the following:
The Algemeiner and Reuters wrote on August 28:
“Hezbollah will respond with a ‘surprise’ strike against Israel after drones crashed in Lebanon, but a new war remains unlikely, the Iran-backed movement said, amid heightened fears of a full-scale confrontation between the longtime adversaries.”
We read in the Bible that Israel will receive a wound in a coming military confrontation, prior to the beginning of the Great Tribulation.
If CEG is referring to Isaiah 22:8-9, which does not mention a wound but does mention damage, then its timing is correct. But it may have been pointing to Hosea 5, which teaches:
9 Ephraim shall be desolate in the day of rebuke;Among the tribes of Israel I make known what is sure.
10 "The princes of Judah are like those who remove a landmark;I will pour out My wrath on them like water. 11 Ephraim is oppressed and broken in judgment, Because he willingly walked by human precept. 12 Therefore I will be to Ephraim like a moth, And to the house of Judah like rottenness.
13 "When Ephraim saw his sickness, And Judah saw his wound, Then Ephraim went to AssyriaAnd sent to King Jareb; Yet he cannot cure you,Nor heal you of your wound. 14 For I will be like a lion to Ephraim, And like a young lion to the house of Judah.I, even I, will tear them and go away; I will take them away, and no one shall rescue. (Hosea 5:9-14)
The above wound looks to happen AFTER the start of the Great Tribulation. This is not before as CEG seems to be asserting about when a prophesied wound to Judah/Israel would happen. Unless it changes various prophetic positions, CEG is one of many groups that will not know when the Great Tribulation start until it is too late. For some details, check out the prophetic errors section in the article: The Laodicean Church Era.
08/16/19 a.m. In its TW News & Prophecy today, LCG had the following:
The Bible affirms that there is benefit to exercise in this life (1 Timothy 4:8). Of course, Jesus Christ and His apostles traveled by foot all over the Holy Land during Christ’s ministry and were no strangers to physical exercise. God designed the body with physical needs, and the more that science learns, the more important we realize exercise is—not only to the body, but also to the brain!
Yes, exercise is important.
Earlier this month, the Continuing Church of God (CCOG) put together the following video on our Bible News Prophecy YouTube channel:
17:27
A 2019 report shows that Americans are becoming sedentary. Since it is a physical thing, should Christians be concerned about exercise? Could not exercising possibly be a sin? What did the ‘Plain Truth’ magazine report about exercise? What is the US CDC reporting about exercise? Can exercise help prevent diabetes, heart disease, and obesity? Can exercise help sleep, endurance, and aging? Are there scriptures about exercise and health? What about laziness? What are some of the risks and benefits of exercise? Dr. Thiel addresses these subjects and more.
Here is a link to our latest uploaded video: The Plain Truth About Exercise.
A written article of related interest is also available: Should Christians Exercise?
08/09/19 p.m. CEG asserted the following in its newsletter today:
The Bible clearly prophesies that a MASSIVE Third Temple WILL be built in Jerusalem prior to Christ’s return, and it is indeed very likely that President Trump will in some way contribute to that development.
CEG is clearly wrong to claim that a massive Jewish temple will be built in Jerusalem before Jesus returns. (CEG looks to have clarified what I reported about last week.) Anyway, no scriptures for that improper assertion were given. For what the Bible actually teaches about related matters, see Why is a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem Not Required?
CEG has many prophetic errors that other Laodicean groups also hold. A list of many of those errors can be found in the article The Laodicean Church Era.
Well, CEG is clearly wrong on the above as there is no scripture that teaches that.
08/02/19 p.m. CEG asserted the following in its newsletter today:
A Third Temple will be built soon.
If by that, CEG means a massive Jewish temple in Jerusalem, they remain mistaken. See also Why is a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem Not Required?
07/27/19 a.m. In the TW News & Prophecy - Friday, July 26, 2019, LCG had the following:
The United Nation’s goal to end world hunger by 2030 is not likely to be met (Deutsche Welle, July 15, 2019). Its recent report estimated that 820 million people worldwide suffer from chronic hunger. Nearly 150 million of these hungry people are children whose growth is stunted by poor nutrition. A recent U.N. report estimates that “around two billion people worldwide do not have sufficient access to clean and nutritious food.” The report continues, “Most of the world’s chronic hungry, who don’t have enough food—healthy or not—live in Asia (500 million), with about half as many in Africa (260 million), particularly sub-Saharan Africa.”
Yes, hunger is a big problem in various parts of the world.
Many act like few or none of the hungry should be helped.
The Apostle Paul wrote:
9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:9-10)
The support of the poor is one of the ways, CCOG differs from other COG groups.
The following is from the article How does the Continuing Church of God differ from other Sabbatarian COG groups?:
CCOG is the only one of the ‘top ten’ US headquartered COG’s whose top human leader has not taken a salary. Such monies instead have been used to support the poor (Galatians 2:10, 6:10) and preach the gospel to the poor (Luke 4:18), particularly poor Gentiles (cf. Romans 11:25). We also spend the highest portion of our income to do this than any xWCG group we are aware of (cf. Luke 12:34) which is also focused on Matthew 24:14. Philadelphia means “love of the brethren’ and we show that love through proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God around the world and supporting poor brethren. “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble” (James 1:27).
And we have regularly been providing relief to the hungry, widows, and orphans (mainly in Africa).
07/24/19 p.m. We just uploaded a photo album video that some might wish to watch: Continuing Church of God 2018 and 2019 Feast of Tabernacles.
For more on 2019 sites, check out the article: Feast of Tabernacles' Sites for 2019.
07/19/19 a.m. Someone who attended with RCG, then CGG, and also LCG telephoned me and asked me how CCOG differed from the other COGs.
After telling her several reasons, I put together a list and had it reviewed by CCOG ministers in Europe and Africa. Here is a partial list:
- We are more biblically-focused. Our sermons tend to contain more scriptures than others–enough so that our English online sermons have truly helped fulfill Matthew 28:19-20–we have taught all that the New Testament records that Jesus taught (proof can be seen in a sermon listing of the Gospels, etc. with links at COGWriter.com). We also read the entire ‘book of the law’ every seven years at the Feast of Tabernacles as instructed in Deuteronomy 31:10-13 (see also The Feast of Tabernacles: A Time to Learn the Law).
- We have more information in more languages in order to fulfill the commissions of Matthew 24:14 and Matthew 28:19-20 to reach the world with the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and other teachings (see also Preaching the Gospel in Over 100 Languages).
- Many teachings are restored in more detail. For some examples, check out our books: Continuing History of the Church of God, Proof Jesus is the Messiah, and Universal OFFER of Salvation, Apokatastasis: Can God save the lost in an age to come? Hundreds of scriptures reveal God’s plan of salvation.
- We were the first group in the 21st century to boldly, and more accurately, teach why God made anything including humans (see The MYSTERY of GOD’s PLAN Why Did God Create Anything? Why did God make you?). Which is: God made what He did so that eternity would be better and that God made humans so each who ultimately accept Him, in their own way, will help make eternity better (it is not clear if the other COG’s teach this yet).
- We post more accurate information online on prophecy and world events (for example, check out Daily Bible News and Prophecy Updates), which shows we are serious about Jesus’ admonition to watch (Mark 13:37) and warn (cf. What is the Ezekiel Warning?).
- We do not have the prophetic errors that many teach, which (unless they change) will prevent them from knowing when the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21) will start until it is basically too late (for details, check out The Laodicean Church Era) to flee (cf. Zephaniah 2:1-3; Revelation 12:14-17; see also There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Near Petra).
- We are the fastest growing xWCG church in the 21st century (e.g. CCOG’s 6 Years and Scriptures Laodiceans Miss).
- Like the start of the Philadelphian era was preceded by a dream from God given to a woman, the official 21st century start of the remnant of that era was also preceded by a dream from God given to a woman–furthermore several associated with CCOG have had confirmed dreams (see Dreams, the Bible, the Radio Church of God, and the Continuing Church of God). We are not just one of scores of Church of God groups, but we are the only international Philadelphian organization. We are also the leader of the Philadelphian remnant that God is using to go through doors He opens (Revelation 3:7-8) for the fulfillment of Matthew 24:14, Romans 11:25, etc. in the final phase of the work.
Here is a link to a new article that has even more differences: How does the Continuing Church of God differ from other Sabbatarian COG groups?
The 7th Day COG News page had the following:
Church of God, a Worldwide Association
From Jon Pinelli (14th July 2019):
It is with mixed emotions that we inform you all of the death of my father, Richard Pinelli. While we are saddened with losing him, we are grateful he is asleep awaiting his resurrection to eternal life. He died peacefully at approximately 5:00 a.m. this morning in Vancouver, Washington.
Richard Robert Pinelli was born in Chicago, IL on July 25, 1937. He was called into the Church and baptized in 1956. He attended Ambassador College from 1956 – 1961. He married Mary Porter in 1960. My father was ordained into the ministry in the fall of 1963. He would serve God’s people in a number of locations and capacities, in Canada and the United States over the next 56 years. He was preceded in death by a grandson – Justin. He is survived by his sister Eileen Pinelli, wife Mary, son Jonathan, daughter Adrienne, daughter-in-law Debbie, and grandchildren Kegan and Emaerie.
Richard Pinelli was also once in UCG and seemed to have been involved with CGCF merging with UCG.
06/27/19 p.m. The Continuing Church of God (CCOG) is pleased to announce our latest video on our CCOG Animations channel:
Here is a link to the animated video: Is God Calling You?
06/14/19 a.m. CEG reported the following in its newsletter today:
YouTube’s New Anti-Extremism Policy
The New York Times wrote on June 5:
“YouTube announced plans… to remove thousands of videos and channels… in an attempt to clean up extremism and hate speech on its popular service. The new policy will ban ‘videos alleging that a group is superior in order to justify discrimination, segregation or exclusion,’ the company said in a blog post. The prohibition will also cover videos denying that violent events, like the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut, took place…
“The decision by YouTube, which is owned by Google, is the latest action by a Silicon Valley company to stem the spread of hate speech and disinformation on its site. A month ago, Facebook evicted seven of its most controversial users, including Alex Jones, the conspiracy theorist and founder of Infowars. Twitter barred Mr. Jones last year…
“The kind of content that will be prohibited under YouTube’s new hate speech policies includes videos that claim Jews secretly control the world, that say women are intellectually inferior to men and therefore should be denied certain rights, or that suggest that the white race is superior to another race…
“YouTube announced in January that it would recommend fewer objectionable videos, such as those with conspiracy theories about the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and vaccine misinformation, a category it called ‘borderline content’…”
thinkprogress wrote on June 6:
“Conservatives cry censorship after YouTube rolls out new anti-extremism policy. The policy is littered with problems and YouTube itself is struggling to defend the move…
“Conservatives claimed that the [action] was part of a wider liberal agenda to silence dissenting voices…”
It surely appears to be that way. Subsequently, Google’s CEO stated in an interview that he wants to see YouTube expand its crackdown on “borderline” content.
Yes, we are seeing more and more censorship. Biblical teachings on morality are especially abhorent to much of the Big Tech companies--they tend to oppose those teachings, and at best, tend to view some of them as 'borderline content.' But their immorality and censorship goals are consistent with many biblical prophecies.
See also Preparing for the 'Short Work' and The Famine of the Word.
06/03/19 p.m. Rex Sexton was once part of the old Global Church of God, and for a time, served on the corporate board of the Church of God, a Christian Fellowship (CGCF). Later, he ended up going with the United Church of God (UCG).
Someone sent me the following about teachings related to prophetic matters in UCG as well as some teachings from Rex Sexton personally:
UCG ... I have been downloading their sermons to listen to while I drive the car so I have an idea of some of their doctrines so I can better understand where they are coming from prophetically and have seen some dangerous mistakes. First of all is that they teach that the covenant that is confirmed and the sacrifices that are stopped in Dan 9:27 was fulfilled already by Jesus during His ministry and death and "the middle of the week" is talking about the day of the week He died on rather than the abomination of desolation occurring in the midst of the final seven years with the stopping of sacrifices by the King of the North in the middle of Daniels 70th week. If you Google UCG study paper on Daniels 70th week you will see their official teachings on this matter. I don't understand how they could get something so clear so wrong, because the previous person spoken of in Dan 9:26 was the wicked prince who is to come, so how could the next "he" be Jesus? ...
The other thing that was worrying is that at least some of the ministry teach that the event that tells us the end is about to begin and the abomination of desolation is soon to occur, is the King of the North defeating the King of the South and then he comes into Jerusalem and places the abomination of desolation. The Minister teaching this (Rex Sexton) has many many sermons on their website, so I gather they endorse his position. He said in the sermon that so many people want to know what the "tripwire" event is that sets all things in motion at the end and he said that the King of the North defeating and taking over the nations of the King of the South is CLEARLY it and that it is incontrovertible! CLEARLY he is badly mistaken.
The same Minister in another sermon was proudly proclaiming UCG a non-prophet church as a play on words. He then went on to make a personal prediction after chiding other COG groups claiming to have prophets, saying that there will probably be people in the Church of God claiming to be prophets very soon, who will probably say Jesus is returning in 2027 because it will be 2000 years since His ministery and will warn people to flee in 2024. He then said to be very weary if we hear anyone at that time saying this because God will make it very clear to His people when it's time to go!
It's easy to see that if Jesus does return somewhere around this time, that at least some in UCG will be warning people not to flee!
In a separate sermon, the same minister was talking about the Elijah that will come at the end and how he might be one of the two witnesses. He said that he will likely not be someone everybody will expect and that he won't be someone in any COG group, but instead will be like John and come from the wilderness out of nowhere. Hence, if Elijah is from a COG group, there is no way that the people will except him if church leaders are saying things like this!
When I asked for more Rex Sexton citations, the reader sent the following:
(The '2027' sermon was posted on January 5th 2019. You can find it at this address: https://www.ucg.org/sermons/pauls-concern-for-the-church-at-ephesus-as-it-was-then-these-are-the-same-concerns-for-the-church-today) ... he said it (the King of the North/King of the South battle the tripwire event that begins the Great Tribulation) happens at the beginning of the Great Tribulation. It was posted 27th January, 2018. You can find it here: https://www.ucg.org/sermons/the-book-of-revelation-part-11-the-tale-of-two-beasts.
Let's briefly address the main prophetic issues here.
As far as Daniel 9:26-27 goes, while it is true that the old Radio Church of God (like some Protestants) published an article supportive of the view that Jesus was the "he" mentioned in vs. 27, the person who actually wrote that article changed his view later.
Also, over a decade ago, both LCG's Dr. Rod Meredith and I both looked at this separately. One time we spoke on the telephone, I brought it up and Dr. Meredith told me he thought that the old Radio Church of God had it wrong and that the "he' in Daniel 9:27 was the Beast. I told him that I basically agreed and added that the 'prince to come' in verse 26 was one who would later become the King of the North as discussed in Daniel 11:31-45. Dr. Meredith concurred. Then, LCG and I publicly began to teach that (it was, for example, in my 2009 book , which Dr. Meredith told me he prayed for its success).
UCG, however seemingly teaches the "he" is a reference to Jesus the Messiah:
Who Is the “He” of Verse 27?
Now let’s look a little closer at Daniel 9:27, specifically to examine the “he” who confirms the covenant. The same “he” is also described in this verse as bringing an end to sacrifice and offering. Some commentators state that the antecedent is the prince in the phrase “people of the prince who is to come” in verse 26. This prince could not be Jesus Christ, since the prince’s people destroy the city and the sanctuary. Can the “he” of verse 27 refer to a worldly prince making a seven-year treaty with the Israelis, then breaking the treaty after 3 1/2 years by cutting off the sacrifices? Grammatically, it is difficult to make the case that the antecedent of “he” would be the prince of verse 26. A better grammatical case can be made for Messiah of verse 26. (http://streaming.ucg.org/files/papers/ucg-paper-the-70-weeks-prophecy.pdf pp. 8-9)
UCG is entitled to that position, though I believe it is wrong and will be a factor in them not realizing when the Great Tribulation will start. Anyway, related to Daniel 9:26-27, check out the article The 'Peace Deal' of Daniel 9:27.
What about the order that the King of the North goes against the King of the South (Daniel 11:40-43) as the start of the Great Tribulation?
That is in error--even though it is also still part of LCG's Statement of Beliefs:
The Bible speaks of a time of great catastrophe, called the “Great Tribulation” (Matthew 24:21–22; Daniel 11:40–45; 12:1; Luke 21:19–36)—also called “Jacob’s trouble” (Jeremiah 30:3–7).
While I was part of LCG, its then top three evangelists, including Dr. Meredith, told me that they would correct that to Daniel 11:39 as I explained to them that this was when the USA gets attacked and that was first.
While they at first questioned that, I explained that the WCG changed its position on the prophetic sequence and I had another LCG minister come to that meeting who concurred with what I said, so the three evangelists would accep it. Well, the LCG evangelists all said that LCG would change it. But as of a few moments ago when I went to its Statement of Beliefs, it still has not made the correction--and I was promised that LCG would several times when I was part of it.
Like LCG, UCG correctly teaches it has no prophets. This means that they admit that they do not accept that God has placed someone in that role despite the end time requirement for one or more prophets per Acts 2:17-18 (see also How To Determine If Someone is a True Prophet of God).
As far as Jesus possibly returning as soon as 2027 and the time to flee could be 2024, that is a possibility at this time (see Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? and When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2019, 2020, or 2021?). We will have to see when the deal in Daniel 9:27 is confirmed to better know that. But right now, yes, I believe it is unwise to try to indicate that Jesus cannot return in 2027 or the Great Tribulation could not begin in 2024. These may or may not happen then, but there is a not a biblical reason to claim they cannot.
As far as God making it "very clear to His people when it's time to go" and flee, if by God's people, Rex Sexton meant all Christians, that is NOT the case.
ONLY THE PHILADELPHIANS ARE PROMISED THAT PROTECTION (Revelation 3:7-13; see also There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Near Petra). The rest will be persecuted (cf. Revelation 12:17; see also Persecutions by Church and State).
While Rex Sexton is correct that the 'Elijah to come' (see The Elijah Heresies) is expected to be one of the two witnesses (see Who Are The Two Witnesses?), to claim that 'Elijah' will NOT come from a Church of God group is patently wrong.
The original Elijah was from the children of Israel. John the Baptist's father was priest. Both of them kept the Sabbath, Holy Days, etc. and held to biblical doctrines. It makes no sense for a COG leader to teach that God would use someone who is not part of His Church to be one of His two witnesses. One who has not been living as a most faithful Christian would not be used to give God's major final human witness this way.
Sadly, there are many non-Philadelphian errors in prophecy that many once part of GCG/WCG/CG7 hold to. A list of at least 40 are in the article The Laodicean Church Era.
05/31/19 a.m. LCG sent out the following today:
Spring of 2019 brought a “bomb cyclone” in March that flooded a significant portion of the American Midwest (AccuWeather.com, April 11, 2019). Since that devastating event, storms have continued to inundate the region with rains and flooding. While many farmers had stored record amounts of corn and soybeans in an effort to wait out low prices, the recent flooding caused much of that stored crop to be lost—U.S. law requires farmers to dispose of all stored grains affected by water.
The storms and flooding have delayed the planting of this year’s corn crops. As of May 20, just 49 percent of corn crops in 18 corn-producing states were planted. The five-year average for planting by that date is 80 percent (USDA Crop Progress report, May 20, 2019). Soybean planting has also been delayed, with 19 percent planted as opposed to the five-year average of 47 percent (AccuWeather.com, May 23, 2019). Corn and soybean yields will be lower than average and lower than last year as well. Many believe low soybean prices will cause farmers to accept crop insurance payouts rather than plant soybeans, if given the option. U.S. farm incomes are expected to be lower than usual this year (FarmDocDaily, May 7, 2019). While supplies should be safe this year, lower projected yields could impact grain prices in both America and the rest of the world.
The flooding in the U.S. Midwest is sobering, and the losses to farmers are real. Reserves and the overproduction of grains in America will prevent people from going hungry. However, the vulnerability of agriculture to such conditions beyond man’s control should remind readers of the Bible of events prophesied to occur in the future—events that will dramatically impact the world. Moses warned that, due to disobedience to God, “Cursed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl… the produce of your land, the increase of your cattle and the offspring of your flocks” (Deuteronomy 28:17–18).
Yes, there are weather issues. I reported about that 'bomb cyclone' on the 2nd of March (see Freezing Europe, British Isles heaviest snow in decades, and USA bracing for ‘bomb cyclone’) as well as tornadoes affecting the USA earlier this week (see Tornadoes hit Oklahoma, Indiana, and Ohio looking ‘apocalyptic’?).
As I have written for years, the USA will one day face hunger. As far as Deuteronomy 28 goes, I covered some of that in my most recent sermon: Australia and New Zealand: Origins and Prophecy. The USA is not the only country that will face food shortages.
05/17/19 p.m. Just was at the website of Don Haney's Church of God In Peace and Truth. Here is something posted:
Latest Updates
We are currently working on Festival of Sukkot plans for 2012.
We hope to have all of the information available to you soon. Keep checking here for the
latest updates. As always, your prayers are appreciated for God’s guiding hand in the process.
One reason that some groups are almost never covered is because they do not provide much public information to post about. When he left LCG, Don Haney said that his group would use the internet to fulfill Matthew 24:14. It seems to no longer attempt to do that. But Matthew 24:14 will be fulfilled.
An article of related interest may be: 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?
05/08/19 a.m. Recently saw that LCG's Gerald Weston had the following in a Co-worker letter:
Correct doctrine is vital to the Church of God and love is at the heart of correct doctrine. ...
Doctrine, we might say, is simply teachings or instructions, and in this case, the teachings of the Bible. The Apostle Paul confirms that doctrine is important. He warned the Church of God at Ephesus that they “should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting. . .” (Ephesians 4:14). And he urged the members in Rome to “note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them” (Romans 16:17).
Right doctrine is what allows us to have unity. Paul told the Corinthians that they should all speak the same thing, meaning they should be unified in the basic doctrines they were taught by Paul and other ministers of the truth (1 Corinthians 1:10). And he pointed out that we must strive to keep the unity of the faith: “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all” (Ephesians 4:4-6).
A servant of God must teach sound doctrine as found in the Bible, not ideas with roots in pagan philosophy and heathen practices. He must also be bold in proclaiming the truth and in fulfilling God’s command, “Cry aloud, spare not; lift up your voice like a trumpet; tell My people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins” (Isaiah 58:1). We live in an age where God is despised, because this generation, especially, hates His laws. Biblical values are rejected at every turn and a totalitarian-minded elite is convincing a whole generation to do everything it can to wipe out any remembrance of God and His Word. The “culture war” is, more precisely, an assault against God. 02/13/19
Love is important and doctrine should be based upon the Bible (see also The Philadelphia Remnant: It's All About Love).
Yet, LCG has insisted on teaching certain doctrines to its members that some of its top leadership told me were wrong and that it would correct. I left LCG because of its lack of integrity (see Why Bob Thiel Left the Living Church of God).
Instead of correcting those doctrines, they even added other ones that are contrary to scripture.
The following list is in my article What About the Living Church of God? Are there Doctrinal Differences with the Continuing Church of God?. Unlike the Charlotte-based Living Church of God, the CCOG believes:
- That the word of God and not Protestant commentaries should be the basis for changing doctrine (it remains my view that LCG's “falling away” logic was primarily based upon Protestant interpretations, overlooked a lot of what HWA’s church actually taught about it, and was not consistent with many scriptures in the Bible). See also The Falling Away: The Bible and WCG Teachings.
- The Falling Away on 2 Thessalonians 2:3 mainly has to do with those affiliated with the COG (see also The Falling Away: The Bible and WCG Teachings).
- That the leader of CCOG keep his word, as should the leader of LCG–really (see Why Bob Thiel Left the Living Church of God and Response to a Letter from Dr. Roderick C. Meredith Dated December 28, 2012).
- That since a prophet is higher in “spiritual authority” than an evangelist, that those who believe in hierarchical governance would support a prophet of God over an evangelist, irrespective of how long he has been an evangelist (see also The Bible, Peter, Paul, John, Polycarp, Herbert W. Armstrong, Roderick C. Meredith, and Bob Thiel on Church Government and How To Determine If Someone is a True Prophet of God).
- That faith is not the first step towards salvation, but that God calls and send out His messengers to teach the word of God (Romans 10:14-17), and then comes faith (the Official Statement of Fundamental Beliefs of LCG differs; see also proposed changes to LCG’s Official Statement of Fundamental Beliefs).
- That it is inappropriate to suggest that those that do not agree to an unscriptural doctrinal change have somehow been led by or blinded by Satan (this is related to statements in two sermons by Dr. Douglas Winnail; see also The Falling Away: The Bible and WCG Teachings).
- That it is not necessary to rebuild a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem before Jesus returns (both a TW telecast and one or more LCG sermons have stated a view that disagrees with that; see also Why is a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem Not Required?) and that we should not insist that the "Bible clearly states" that the holy place of Matthew 24:15 is the area commonly called "the Temple Mount" (see Church of God on Jerusalem's Western Hill).
- That literature corrections and/or retractions should be made when known. The work of God MUST be done in truth (Psalm 33:4).
- That the COG must be bolder in certain areas if it wants to fulfill Matthew 24:14 (see also The Final Phase of the Work).
- Matthew 18:15-17, about going to your brother to try to resolve a matter before going public with it, applies to leaders and members.
- The 'meaning of life' is not just to be in the God family, but to give love in a unique way (see What is the Meaning of Life?).
- That institutional idolatry is still wrong and that proper church governance does not include being loyal to a church or leader’s teachings which contradict scripture (see also The Bible, Peter, Paul, John, Polycarp, Herbert W. Armstrong, Roderick C. Meredith, and Bob Thiel on Church Government).
- That it is wrong to knowingly send out tens of thousands of booklets with admitted and known errors for several years (tens of thousands of the GCA booklet have gone out, despite LCG being told that they contain known errors years ago and that they perpetuate certain Catholic myths (consider also Psalm 101:7); on 10/18/12 I was informed that over 20,000 incorrect booklets remained and were expected to be sent out; see also October 2012 Emails Related to GCA Booklet).
- That it is wrong to continue to have one or more known errors/contradictions in an Official Statement of Fundamental Beliefs, but still keep it unchanged for years after learning what they are (one is a seeming contradiction within the Statement, and the others are covered in points 4 and 18, though point four I had not brought that up before, but wanted to when I first noticed it). (See also December 2011 Proposed changes to LCG’s Official Statement of Fundamental Beliefs.)
- That Philadelphians should expect persecution (Daniel 11:28-35; Revelation 12:13-14; see also Persecutions by Church and State) and not excessively pull-back proclamation to avoid it (I was specifically told that some, who I will not mention now by name, were afraid I, Bob Thiel, could trigger end time persecution, despite the fact that they in LCG also specifically realize that the Philadelphians will be persecuted).
- That improving literature and doctrinal errors will greatly assist in the final phase of the work. (Briefly, what this refers to is when the COG publicly identifies the King of the North and media coverage gets generated, the Catholic scholars will tear through COG literature and find many, many simple to fix errors that will hurt the COG’s credibility. LCG Evangelists agreed to fix many of them with me over the years, but often have yet not done so. My being distant from LCG assists as I will not have to apologize for why a group that supposedly has enough of the “love of the truth” kept publishing known and serious errors. And several of those errors perpetuate Catholic myths. This could greatly damage the credibility of God’s work.)
- It has a better grasp of The Final Phase of the Work. (Briefly, basically this begins no later than when the King of the North is identified and continues until Jesus returns–it has multiple parts including fulfilling Matthew 24:14–which may happen because of related media attention, persecution, the angels’ messages of Revelation, the two witnesses, and supporting those witnesses. If John Ogwyn was correct about the “short work” on Romans 9:28, this could possibly, temporarily swell the ranks of the COG prior to the persecution.)
- Jesus is present at Passover (Matthew 18:20; 26:26-27; John 6:51,53; 1 Corinthians 11:24-25; LCG’s Passover DVD for 2012 stated that Jesus was not present).
- People should be more loyal to the word of God and leaders that God appoints than a corporation (see also The Bible, Peter, Paul, John, Polycarp, Herbert W. Armstrong, Roderick C. Meredith, and Bob Thiel on Church Government).
- Ignatius’ writings did not do away with the Sabbath (see Another Look at the Didache, Ignatius, and the Sabbath) as that is a mistranslation (the God’s Church Through the Ages’ booklet has this and many other errors as does the book LCG printed and gave to all in the Fall of 2014 by Ivor Fletcher).
- The Continuing Church of God has laying on of hands succession (see Laying on of Hands) (LCG has shied away from teaching "succession," though when I was in LCG their leaders seemed to agree with my basic position on it, which remains--though LCG had not actually taught in its publications, when I checked).
- Various divorce and remarriage (D&R) matters. Though since I have only been married once (we have been married for 37 plus years, and are not planning on divorcing), this was not a major personal item, but has long been a spiritual concern as LCG seemed to allow remarriage where the Bible did not.
- That adultery, does not mean multiple adultery, as far as Jesus’ words about divorce go (Dr. Meredith has said in sermons that adultery here means multiple violations. That is not how I read this and I called Charlotte about it in 2012, with no satisfactory resolution.)
- Marriages performed by the ministry are not to include believers to unbelievers per 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 (unless certain other biblically-sanctioned reasons are present; e.g. Deuteronomy 22:28). See also the 2015 post, NBC: ‘Exposed in Ashley Madison Hack? Here’s What to Do Now’.
- That the Great Tribulation, the time of Jacob’s troubles, does not start at Daniel 11:40 when the King of the South pushes at the King of the North–it starts the prior verse (this is something that still needs to be corrected in the LCG Official Statement of Fundamental Beliefs; this is something many have known about for years and had promised to address; see also When Will the Great Tribulation Begin?).
- That the "strongest fortresses" in Daniel 11:39 are a reference to the USA (see also USA in Prophecy: The Strongest Fortresses). Although the evangelists at LCG all agreed I was correct about this, when I checked LCG's two major websites in 2017, there was no place where LCG teaches this--this is an improper and dangerous error of omission for LCG.
- That the King of the North attacks the USA and its Anglo-Saxon allies (Daniel 11:39) before he attacks the King of the South (Daniel 11:40; LCG teaches both versions of this and leans towards the wrong one; LCG’s Fourteen Signs booklet, for one example, teaches that Daniel 11:31 comes AFTER Daniel 11:40-43 and that the USA and Anglo-Saxon nations are destroyed afterwards–this means LCG WILL NOT KNOW WHEN THE GREAT TRIBULATION WILL BEGIN AND THOSE THAT PREFER TO SUPPORT LCG WILL NOT FLEE TO BE PROTECTED WHEN IT IS TIME).
- That Daniel 11:31 is fulfilled prior to Daniel 11:40-43 (LCG’s Fourteen Signs booklet teaches the opposite order).
- That since the ten kings have not yet received their kingdoms, that the ten kings mentioned in Revelation 17:12-13 are not limited to 10-11 currently existing nations (LCG sometimes takes a different view, which will mean that they will not realize when the Beast power is at the end stage of its rising up, see also LCG and PCG insisting on 10 or 11 ‘nations’ for the Beast? What does the Bible teach?).
- Do not believe that any in the ministry should promote the sport of American tackle football (the Bible, in Romans 13:9-10 clearly teaches “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law”). HWA also specifically warned against this violent sport (see Is American Football Evil?). There are also other “love” issue matters.
- We do not believe that we should encourage the pagan sun-god (Shamash 888 B.C.) worship practice (cf. Deuteronomy 12:29-32) of praying with clasped hands (see our booklet Prayer: What Does the Bible Teach?), whereas LCG has published photos promoting this.
- While the Bible seemingly allows for eating out while traveling (Matthew 12:1-8) and certain emergencies (Luke 6:3-5), that it does not condone regular eating out in restaurants on the Sabbath for those who are simply at their homes (cf. Nehemiah 10:30-31; watch also The Christian Sabbath and How and Why to Keep It).
- That the “mark of the Beast” includes idolatry and likely a physical object, and is not limited to Sunday worship (see Mark of the Beast and The Mark of Antichrist).
- That the “word of the law” needs to be preached as part of the Feast of Tabernacles every seven years (Deuteronomy 31:10-13; cf. Nehemiah 6:73;7:1-3,8,13-17; Joshua 8:34; see also The Feast of Tabernacles: A Time to Learn the Law). This was conveyed to those giving sermons at the CCOG Feast of Tabernacles’ Sites for 2013.
- That Habakkuk 2 clearly is referring to these end times and thus has prophetic applicability to the Anglo-descended nations (LCG has ministers and at least one evangelist who believe Habakkuk 2 was fulfilled in its entirety and does not have end time applications, even though it clearly does–see also Habakkuk: His message is for us now).
- Some of the prophecies in the Bible (e.g. Isaiah 10:5-11) seem to use the term ‘Samaria’ to refer to the modern United States of America (see also Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel and Spiritual Samaritans: Old and New). Although one LCG leader/minister was open to this when told in 2012, LCG does not seem to formally teach this.
- France will support the Beast power (LCG is no longer certain; see Must the Ten Kings of Revelation 17:12 Rule over Ten Currently Existing Nations? And this disagrees with the late Dibar Apartian’s position as shown in The ‘Lost Tribe’ of Reuben: France in Prophecy?).
- That Matthew 28:19 is part of the Bible and needs to be part of the baptismal ceremony (see also Is Matthew 28:19 in the Bible?). Evangelist Richard Ames personally expressed his doubts to me once about whether Matthew 28:19 was scripture or not–he, at that time at least, was not convinced that it was. Although the Bible teaches, “one Lord, one faith, one baptism” (Ephesians 4:5), in late June 2013 I was told by someone else who inquired that LCG has two different baptisms because some do not believe that Matthew 28:19 applies. Although it ends with an option for an appropriate ceremony, LCG’s L049 letter specifically states, “Is Matthew 28:19 the only commanded formula that must be used in a baptism ceremony? Again, we say no, it is not, based on the actual procedures the early church used in baptizing,” which seems to substantiate what I was told about more than one baptismal option.
- That the man of sin in 2 Thessalonians 2 is the first beast, the final King of the North, and not the second beast, the false prophet (see also Who is the Man of Sin of 2 Thessalonians 2?; or, in English, see the You Tube video Who is the Man of Sin?). In his co-worker letter dated, April 17, 2013, Dr. Meredith indicated that not agreeing with his improper assertion about this individual means that one does not understand biblical prophecy–since Dr. Meredith is not correct on this, but CCOG is, those in his church should realize that LCG has major problems in understanding various parts of prophecy. This will not bode well for any who will believe LCG over CCOG in the future.
- It is wrong to tell members that “the end” is closer than the leadership believes (LCG has done this repeatedly as I tended to find out when I checked with its top leadership).
- That 1 John 3:9 is referring to those born of God not sinning, not those begotten of God not being in a 'state of sin' as Dr. Meredith has stated (see also Perfection? Does God have faith in humans?).
- That it is not necessary that a red heifer be sacrificed as part of the final end time sequence (LCG has published that “those who are watching end-time prophetic events know that the slaughter of the red heifer is one of the first major milestones in this final sequence of end-time events”; see The Red Heifer, Jewish Beliefs, and the End of the World).
- That God is restoring “all things” (Matthew 17:11; Jude 3). While both CCOG and LCG believe that there has to be some type of an end-time Elijah, LCG has not specifically taught that it has been restoring what needs to be restored (the church history book it distributed at the Feast of Tabernacles in 2014 perpetuated Catholic and other myths and DID NOT restore ‘apostolic Christianity.’ Furthermore its Dr. Winnail has also taught that the final Elijah could be the church and not a person. Yet CCOG does teach that there is a final person coming in the spirit and power of Elijah, (see Statement of Beliefs of the Continuing Church of God and The Feast of Tabernacles: A Time to Learn the Law), that it is in the process of restoring all things, and the final Elijah will come from it (see the sermon Elijah, Herbert W. Armstrong, and CCOG).
- That Jesus is NOT the one who will “will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers” (Malachi 4:6) as LCG taught in 2015, but that this is part of the work of the final Elijah (Malachi 4:5-6; details on LCG’s and CCOG’s positions are in the article The Elijah Heresies).
- The EU will NOT collapse like the old Roman Empire as LCG asserted in December 2015 as the LCG view is contrary to prophetic scriptures (some details on LCG’s and CCOG’s positions are in the article Must the Ten Kings of Revelation 17:12 Rule over Ten Currently Existing Nations?).
- WWIII is not related to the battles between Europe and Eurasia as LCG asserted in its Tomorrow's World telecast Four Prophecies for Germany in March 2017, but has to do with the destruction and takeover of the USA and its Anglo-Saxon allies by a European-led force who will then conquer the Middle East (see also World War III: Steps in Progress).
- Daniel 11:42-43 does not show Ethiopia is part of the King of the South as LCG asserted in its TW News & Prophecy ezine of August 24, 2018. While some from Ethiopia could be involved, the Hebrew word in that passage means 'Cushites.' For details, check out the article Is the Future King of the South Rising Up?
Anyway, while there are others, the above gives some reasons why those who wish to truly be part of the Philadelphia remnant would want to consider supporting the Continuing Church of God.
I hope and pray that those in LCG will "blow the dust of their Bibles" like the late Herbert W. Armstrong used to tell people to do and check out if LCG's or CCOG's doctrines in the above list are the most scriptural.
05/07/19 a.m. Received the following in an email this morning:
Rod King passed away last night in Melbourne ... he has been in a care facility for some time.
Rod King was a minister in LCG from the UK originally. He was once also a presenter on LCG's telecast. His health was an issue for several years. He and I never met, but spoke once in some depth, prior to a trip I had to Austria. He had a organizational focus.
Let me also mention that LCG evangelist Richard Ames, still a presenter on LCG's telecast, had a stroke several weeks ago.
05/03/19 a.m. In its newsletter today, CEG had the following:
Why do Church members leave the Truth so quickly?
It is an interesting phenomenon which has been observed over the years, that many of those who have been considered Church members leave the Church of God in a rather sudden manner, and that they immediately turn to the wrong things and behavior patterns which they rejected, while “in” the Church. This abrupt rejection of the Truth can be stunning and confusing if we don’t understand why this is happening.
There are certainly numerous reasons which we could address. In this Q&A, we want to focus on the more obvious ones. But first, we want to show from the Bible that such conduct is indeed prophesied. It happened already in the days of the apostle Paul and before, and it has continued to happen ever since, while it will be finding its climax in the days just ahead of us.
After Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong’s death in 1986, a new administration came to power which began, slowly but surely, to water down and finally change outright the core doctrines of the Church. When they finally ended up doing away with the observance of the weekly Sabbath and the annual Holy Days, the teaching of clean and unclean meat and tithing, vast groups of Church members quickly followed their wrong teaching. The very same day when Mr. Tkach, the “successor” to Mr. Armstrong, gave his infamous sermon on these above-mentioned topics, many members went out that same evening to eat pork. Again, the question is, why and how could something like this happen that quickly?
Over the years, when members disassociated themselves from the Church, they immediately began to eat pork, celebrate Christmas and Easter, and reject the observance of the weekly and annual Sabbaths. We ask again, how could it happen?
The apostle Paul wondered about the same phenomenon. He phrases his puzzling observations in these terms in Galatians 1:6-7: “I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ.”
Christ warned in the parable of the sower that some would hear and immediately receive the word with joy, but because they have no root in themselves, they only endure for a while and when problems come, they immediately stumble and leave (Matthew 13:20-21). Others may hear the word but don’t really understand it (even though they may think that they do), and so Satan comes and immediately snatches away what was sown in their hearts (Matthew 13:19; Mark 4:15). In all these cases, their departure from the Truth comes quickly and suddenly.
When someone detaches himself and cuts himself off from Christ as the vine, he will wither away (John 15:1-6). This process occurs quickly. Christ showed us how quickly this can happen when He cursed the unfruitful fig tree. We read that “immediately the fig tree withered away” (Matthew 21:19), so that the disciples asked, “How did the fig tree wither away so soon?” (verse 20).
Yes, many quickly fell away from the truth (see also The Falling Away: The Bible and WCG Teachings).
But sadly, most who did not fall away completely from the truth, chose to ignore certain biblical principles and priorities and settled with becoming independent (see Independent Members of the COG: Herbert W. Armstrong Comments, Plus Questions and Answers) or otherwise affiliating with Laodicean leaders (see also The Laodicean Church Era). It is not that they had no love of the truth, but it has been too much of a lukewarm love--Laodiceanism was prophesied to be the predominant condition of the Church of God prior to the starrt of the Great Tribulation (see also The Laodicean Church Era) and is the primary condition of most true Christians today.
04/26/19 a.m. Jesus warned:
11 "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:11-12)
So, prophets will be improperly spoken against. Jesus would have not mentioned that if there were not to be prophets after His departure from the earth.
Now, consider something that Jude admonished:
17 But you, beloved, remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ: 18 how they told you that there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts. 19 These are sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit. (Jude 17-19)
Why mention any of that here today?
Well, I saw the following posted at the Banned by HWA site which was specificlly directed against me that was made last night:
A COGprophet said to one of his evangelists, “Who do people say that I am?” The evangelist mentioned a few names, and the COGprophet said, “Who do you say that I am?”
The evangelist answered, “You are the end-time prophet of the most faithful remnant of the Church of the Philadelphia Era”,to which the COGprophet replied, “Blessed are you, for this was revealed by our Father in heaven”.
“Oh, no, Pastor” the evangelist exclaimed, “you told me yourself, many times! Don’t you remember?”
Another commenter at that site seemed to enjoy the above--although I never a conversation like this with our only evangelist.
Now, while I rarely look at the comments at that site and even rarer make any posts about the mocking done there, consider something that post brought to mind.
Did God reveal anything to CCOG's evangelist related to me or not? Or did everything come from my comments like the Banned commenter seemingly wants everyone to believe?
Here is a written report from Frederick Ochieng (the son of CCOG evangelist Evans Ochieng) on two dreams he had:
Dear pastor
Greetings pastor. I believe you are doing good though you are having great thrust of fulfilling Matthew 28:19 of which we must do before the return of Christ. ...
I had two dreams
1. Before our family joined CCOG my father was then working with voice in the Wilderness Church of God. When I was sleeping I had a dream and in my dream I saw a light and the light was not normal, the one who was standing by the was You pastor Bob according to my dream. Then I had voice shouting, "Arise you who are sleeping, for the Lord is near." I again I heard another voice shouting, "Come up Evans and let us do the work we are called to do." I then saw a man dressed in white clothes join hands with my father walking together towards a very big lake then I woke up.
2: In my second dream some weeks after my first dream and in my second dream I saw almost the same dream and now this was in New Zealand. I did not know about the CCOG group in New Zealand before I had the dream.
Fred
The Bible shows that God sometimes sends dreams to provide messages (Genesis 20:3-7, 28:10-17, 31:10-13, 31:24, 37:5-10, 40:5-18, 41:1-32; Numbers 12:6; Judges 7:13-15; 1 Kings 3:5-15; Daniel 2:3-45, 4:4-27, 7:1-28; Matthew 1:20-25, 2:12, 2:13, 2:19, 2:22; Acts 16:9).
Related to Frederick's first dream, in March of 2014 Frederick's father Evans Ochieng came with the Continuing Church of God. When he came, he came with about 260 people from Kenya and Tanzania. His son Frederick's dream showed that we would have much growth in Africa. He and his father listened to God.
In time leaders from other African countries, who did not know Evans Ochieng (nor about the dream), contacted me. We held a conference that many COG leaders from six African countries attended in 2017.
As of now, we have about seventeen times as many in Africa than when Frederick Ochieng had his dream. So, the dream of working the lake was confirmed--Evans Ochieng and I became a productive "fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19).
Now consider something that Jesus taught:
15 "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them. (Matthew 7:15-20)
The CCOG has been--by far--the fastest growing x-WCG COG in the 21st century. CCOG clearly has the fruits that Jesus indicated that a true prophet would have.
As far as the New Zealand portion of the dream goes, the first congregation that came with the CCOG was the group in New Zealand.
When I asked Frederick Ochieng about New Zealand, he said he knew nothing about New Zealand and any connection with the CCOG prior to his dream.
Don't these facts demonsrtate that God, not some statements from me, gave Frederick and his father the messages?
Those in New Zealand have been the primary editors of our church publications, have developed a website, put up and managed our Bible News Prophecy Flipboard page, greatly assisted with the Study the Bible Course, highly supported various aspects of message production, and have produced our Bible News Prophecy online radio channel.
Frederick's dream may have been telling him that I (Bob Thiel) was working with those in New Zealand to fulfill Matthew 24:14 and Matthew 28:19-20 to reach the world.
Anyway, it is not only the anti-COG types at Banned who seem to delight in spreading inaccurate information about me--various ones once part of GCG have done so as well.
Sadly, few will accept the biblical criteria for a prophet but prefer to be mockers.
The overlook the reality that at least seven people had dreams related to me and/or the Continuing Church of God (for details, see Dreams, the Bible, the Radio Church of God, and the Continuing Church of God).
While some denounce dreams, God had Peter remind people that they would occur in the end time:
17 'And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God,
That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh;
Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
Your young men shall see visions,
Your old men shall dream dreams. (Acts 2:17)
Many seem to forget and/or discount the biblical fact that God said He revealed himself to prophets via dreams (Numbers 12:6). And many of those once part of the old Radio/Worldwide Church of God seem to forget that that work was proceeded by a dream by a woman--which also happened prior to the start of the Continuing Church of God (see also Dreams, the Bible, the Radio Church of God, and the Continuing Church of God).
But instead of accepting the truth, many prefer to be mockers. For those interested in the truth and on the biblical criteria for prophets can check out in the article: How To Determine If Someone is a True Prophet of God.
04/22/19 a.m. The CCOG has received various inquiries from Columbia, so I have composed the following and the Spanish translation from Santiago Uribe Ortiz follows:
Dear Friends and Brethren:
Several people have contacted me about whether the Continuing Church of God has a congregation in Columbia.
What we seem to have is a few interested persons.
If you would like to possibly be able to meet with like-minded believers in Columbia, please send an email to Santiago Uribe Ortiz. His email address is
santiagouribeortiz@yahoo.com
Sr. Ortiz lives in Columbia and has been translating Continuing Church of God materials into the Spanish language since early 2013.
Best regards,
Bob Thiel
Queridos amigos y hermanos:
Algunas personas me han preguntado si la Continuación de la Iglesia de Dios tiene una congregación en Colombia.
Lo que nosotros parecemos tener es a un poco de personas interesadas.
Si a usted le gustaría posiblemente poder reunirse con creyentes que piensan de la misma manera en Colombia, por favor envíe un email al señor Santiago Uribe Ortiz. Su correo electrónico es santiagouribeortiz@yahoo.com
El señor Uribe Ortiz vive en Colombia y ha estado traduciendo materiales de la Continuación de la Iglesia de Dios a la lengua española desde comienzos de 2013.
Con los mejores saludos,
Bob Thiel
We have had much information translated into the Spanish language by Santiago Uribe Ortiz. Much can be found at: CDLIDD.ES La Continuación de la Iglesia de Dios.
04/17/19 a.m. CCOG Deacon Richard Close was in Almont, Michigan last Sabbath.
Sabbath services in Almont, Michigan from left: Nadjia LaFontaine, Sharon LaFrance, Terry LaFrance, Richard Close, Steve Dupuie, photography by Ruth Dupuie.
In addition to conducting services, he also did baptismal counseling and conducted a baptism (Nadjia LaFontaine).
Kristy Gorman at baptismal location
Richard Close then went to Wisconsin and counseled and then baptized Kristy Gorman.
Here are excerpts from a report he sent me today:
Over all the trip was excellent. Very good fellowship. Six were present @ Sabbath services at Almont MI. Terry and Sharron La France; Steve and Ruth DuPuie; Nadjia La Fontaine ; and myself. I counseled at some length with Nadjia … We then drove to the hotel in Imlay City and preformed the ceremony.
We all then went out for the evening meal. …
The next morning Steve, Ruth, and I had a nice breakfast and conversation. After verifying {a Western Michigan address}, I headed out. When I got about an hour from their home I ran into a nasty ice and snow storm that added and additional hour and a half to the trip. I anointed one there for back pain and anxiety. We then ate and visited about 2 hours. Several indicated an interest in baptismal counseling–I told them I would be glad to do that, but there was no time right then. I had a six hour drive to Madison Wisconsin ( not counting the snow delay’s). They offered to put me up overnight but I had to decline because I had reserved a hotel near Kristy’s office so that we could get together Monday morning. One of them came out with me and helped brush the 2 inches of additional snow from my car. As I headed toward Wisc., it was still snowing and blowing and no plows had been on Rt 31. When I got farther south there were some plow trucks on the interstate but still only partially cleared. Once I got to Indiana the roads were mostly clear but still snow covered everything off the roads. Even in Chicago the over passes (passing lane) were snow covered. The roads had been plowed going North but when I stopped for fuel up near Rockford they were still plowing the gas station and shopping area. About 5 inches. The next day I was told that Jaynesville area had a reported 9 inches of snow. By the time I got to the Wisconsin state line there was no snow anywhere. I got to the hotel about 11 PM. Monday morning was beautiful–clear sky–bright sun–26 degrees (that only lasted a couple of hours.
The hotel maintenance was working on the pool so we were held up a little while. We got together around 9:30 and talked until about noon and she stated that she was ready and I saw no need to delay. We took some pictures. I packed up and headed south to be thru as much of Chicago as possible before rush hour. Was involved is some stop and go traffic but was not terrible. I got to sleepy to drive in northern Ohio and pulled into a Plaza about 9:30 PM and slept 3 hours so I didn’t get to my inlaws home in Youngstown until about 3 AM. The drive home yesterday was uneventful. Saw on the evening news that they had confirmed 4 tornado’s in east central and northern PA. Planning on continued contact with all prospective members who are interested. Possible some could be baptized before the 2nd Passover.
It was a long, but successful, driving trip. Richard Close hopes to make another one or two later this year.
As far as Passover goes, it is after sunset on April 18th in 2019. Here is some information that some may find helpful:
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 English sermons are Really examine yourself before Passover and Passover Examination. Here is a link to this article in the Spanish language: Examínese antes de la Pascua.
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?
Did the Apostles Keep Passover on Easter Sunday or Nisan 14 Some have claimed that the Apostles Peter and Paul institued Easter Sunday, whereas the Apostles John and Philip kept Passover on Nisan 14. Were the apostles divided? What does the historical and biblical evidence point to? Here is a link to a related video: Did Peter, Paul, & John keep Easter Sunday or Passover?
04/12/19 p.m. The 'Winter 2019' edition of Shepherd's Voice arrived several minutes ago. It mentions that the PABC property has been sold. It has the following related to former GCG board member Norman Edward's current project:
Nashville Christian Media has been chosen for the name of the book/music/video ministry. ...
Books: Norman Edwards will publish "Children of God" ...
Music: ... This writer believes that his son, Joshua {Edwards}, has been gifted by God to produce songs and inspire and encourage believers everywhere. ...
Video: ... nothing specific to report.
FWIW, Norm and I spoke about this over the telephone fairly recently. Despite our differenes on governance and other matters, we have kept in contact with each other for nearly two decades.
04/05/19 p.m. Church of the Sovereign God has the following in an article at its website:
When people usually think of houses or temples of worship, they obviously have a church building of some sort in mind. ...
The ancient sites had been set apart for acts of true worship by those faithful believers, like Noah, Abraham, and Moses. Believers have considered these sites to be holy because of the reason they were apart. Today, many church members of numerous denominations also tend to consider their houses of worship as very special. Some consider the spaces to be holy.
Today, that distinctive and unique Temple that God is constructing is a very special spiritual Temple. There are Bible passages that show that the Temple God is building is also holy. The construction of that Temple apparently began with the giving of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost following the events of Jesus’ death and resurrection.
The Apostle Paul grasped the spectacular meaning in what God was doing toward this spiritual Temple, which is now referred to commonly as the Church of God. Realizing God’s purpose, Paul fervently warned the believers in Corinth about defiling that Temple.
1 Corinthians 3:16-17 (16) Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? (17) If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
Yes, the Temple of God is special. It is holy. Notice the last few words of 1 Corinthians 3:17. Those words tell us that we (true believers) are now the Temple of God that God is building.
Despite scriptures like 1 Corinthians 3:17, some today believe that God would consider a Jewish Temple, to be built in defiance of the sacrifice of Jesus, to be holy.
For more information about "the temple of God," see also the article: Why is a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem Not Required?
03/26/19 p.m. Received the following in an email today from a CCOG supporter named Andre Nelson:
CCOG Animation Ads:
“First Date: Worldly vs. Christian”:
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# of Views: This Ad received in total 20,755 views from advertising, sharing and regular posting.
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# of People Reached: Approximately 121,783 people saw the Ad.
“Big Bang: Nothing or Creator?”:
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# of Views: This Ad received in total 22,376 views from advertising, sharing and regular posting.
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# of People Reached: Approximately 29,666 people saw the Ad.
“A Lifegiver or Spontaneous Evolution?”:
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# of Views: This Ad received in total 14,284 views from advertising, sharing and regular posting.
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# of People Reached: Approximately 129,691 people saw the Ad.
“Which Church would Jesus Choose?”:
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# of Views: This Ad received in total 13,593 views from advertising, sharing and regular posting.
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# of People Reached: Approximately 78,032 people saw the Ad.
So, 71,008 have seen our animations via the Facebook ads. Plus we need to add the 2,632 according to YouTube reports, for a total views of 73,640.
The goal he and I set was to have at least 100,000 views of the animations by the end of 2019, and we are already close to that.
He is also considering a promotion for our latest animation, which is about the “Night to Be Observed.”
03/24/19 a.m. The following was part of the announcements in LCG services yesterday:
Mr. Smith’s upcoming telecast, “What Happened to Right and Wrong?” is being rejected by television stations in Australia and New Zealand. Some members ask why we don’t get stronger on the telecasts and this is the reason. We push it as far as we can and occasionally cross the bounds of what stations will accept, especially outside of North America. ... —Gerald Weston
Australia and New Zealand also just banned the entire video platform named Brighteon, a platform that CCOG even has a few videos on. We will see more restrictions from companies and governments (cf. Amos 8:10-11).
03/16/19 a.m. Noticed today that RCG.org's website ranking on Alexa dropped from around 38,000 last year to 59,640. While 59,640 is a very good ranking, since RCG props up its Alexa ranking with much spending on internet ads, this seems to suggest that perhaps it is spending less on them.
Eventually, I expect that RCG will have severe finanical problems.
03/09/19 p.m. In its newletter yesterday, CEG had the following, which basically ends with an attack against me:
Push for Third Temple Intensifies… While Deniers are Without a Clue
Express published on March 4, 2019 the following headline:
“Jerusalem third temple ‘fulfils Biblical prophecy’ of the end times.”
The article went on to state:
“Talk of a third temple being built emerged this week in response to a letter penned by the powerful Jewish assembly of rabbis known as the Sanhedrin. Jerusalem is heading into a mayoral election next week and the Sanhedrin urged both running candidates, Ofer Berkovich and Moshe Lion, to rebuild the temple.
“The first two Holy Temples of Jerusalem were constructed on the city’s Temple Mount centuries ago but were razed to the ground by the Babylonians and the Romans respectively. The Holy Temple plays a crucial role in Jewish tradition and is a central player in prophecies and tales concerning the apocalypse.”
There are still those who deny the biblical fact that a third temple must exist prior to Christ’s return. One proof text can be found in 2 Thessalonians 2:4 which proclaims that just prior to Christ’s return, the false prophet (sometimes erroneously referred to as the Antichrist) will sit in the Temple of God, claiming to be God. Here is an example of a writer trying to “explain” this passage without admitting that this is talking about the Third Temple:
“… the ‘man of sin’ (also known as the King of the North in Daniel 11 and ‘the Beast’ in Revelation 13) may be sitting in some type of formerly Christian occupied building for some short while during the Great Tribulation.” The writer then goes on to state that that building might be one which had been used by his organization prior to their flight to the place of safety.
Apart from the fact that the man of sin is not the beast, but the false prophet, this whole “explanation” is unbelievably ludicrous. But those who deny or are unable to understand biblical revelation are doomed to present astonishing man-made nonsense.
As far as the man of sin goes, today we put out the following sermon: The Man of Sin will deceive most ‘Christians’. I actually was planning on a different subject for today, but some of the comments from CEG persuaded me to cover the man of sin topic.
It is sad that CEG is relying of human traditions and its own interpretations instead of the Bible on various prophetic topics.
Anyway, since CEG listed the UK Express as a source related to its Third Temple position, let me state that the same organization posted the following today:
End of the world prophecy: Why Jerusalem Third Temple is NOT a sign of Great Tribulation
END of the world prophecies about the Christian Apocalypse and Great Tribulation claim the building of a third Holy Temple in Jerusalem will signal the end times – but is this really the case?
Prominent doomsday preachers in America have astonishingly claimed apocalyptic signs of the end times are unfolding before their eyes. Evangelical preachers like Paul Begley of West Lafayette in Indiana or Irvine Baxter of the Endtime Ministries recognise the Third Temple as a prophetic sign. Other biblical scholars, however, disagree with the claim the Third Temple will rise from the ground as a precursor to the so-called Great Tribulation. Dr Bob Thiel, of the Continuing Church of God, told Express.co.uk peculiar events will certainly unfold in the days leading to Armageddon.
But the building of the Third Temple is not one of these prophetic signs and not one to stay on the lookout for.
The Bible expert said: “From a prophetic perspective, there is no need for a massive Jewish Temple in Jerusalem prior to the start of the Great Tribulation.
“After the execution of Jesus, the veil in the ‘Second’ Temple was miraculously torn and that building ceased to be the Temple of God as, from a Christian perspective, there was no longer a need for animal sacrifices.”
Here is link to the rest of that article: https://www.express.co.uk/news/weird/1097932/End-of-the-world-prophecy-Jerusalem-third-temple-israel-bible-great-tribulation
Since CEG says my view on a massive Third Temple is "unbelievably ludicrous" and "astonishing man-made nonsense," presumably it now feels the same way about what Herbert W. Armstrong wrote about the Third Temple:
God made a prophecy in the third chapter of Malachy…Continuing, “…shall suddenly come to His temple…” What kind of temple is He coming to? Are the Jews going to tear down the Dome of the Rock and build a new temple? Oh, no!… A holy temple! Christ is coming to His church! Christ is coming to His temple! Do we see that? The church is the temple. “…in whom ye are also builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.” (Armstrong, Herbert W. Congress of Leading Ministers Hears Defined and Reemphasized Spiritual Organization of Church. Worldwide News, March 6, 1981, p. 10)
Ephesians 2:20-21 And [you are] built on the foundation [Now notice the foundation here. And in the Church we are built on a NEW and DIFFERENT foundation. Not the foundation of Adam and Satan. Built on the foundation:] of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone [Just as I've been saying, we are built on a Rock. We are built on a solid foundation.]; (21) in whom ALL THE BUILDING [You see, we are a building. The Church and the world to come, the civilization, is a building. "In whom all the building ... "] fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord [a spiritual temple]. And you, brethren — and I'd like to include myself with you — are that temple to which Christ is coming. Some people think the Jews are going to build a new temple for Christ. The Jews reject Christ. They're not going to build the temple for Him to come to. But GOD IS BUILDING THAT TEMPLE! And you and me — we, individually — each are the temple of the Holy Spirit; and as a collective body we are the temple of God in whom the Holy Spirit dwells. We are built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets. Jesus Christ the ROCK is the chief corner stone, or the foundation on which we are built. (Armstrong HW. Foundation of a New World. Sermon Date: December 31, 1983)
The first time He came to a physical temple made of stone. That temple was the temple built by Zerubbabel. Now the original temple, built at Jerusalem, Solomon built; and it was a very glorious temple. A very glorious temple! But it had been destroyed; and, 70 years after it was destroyed, a Jewish colony was sent back from captivity. The Jews were all in captivity by that time. But a Jewish colony was sent back to Jerusalem to build another temple. Ezra and Nehemiah were prophets, along with them; but the leader, and the governor, and the one to build that temple was a man called Zerubbabel. Zerubbabel was the governor of the whole colony. And so we pick up Zerubbabel here in the book of Haggai, the 2nd chapter beginning with verse 3, where God says:
Haggai 2:3 Who is left among you ... He's saying that now to the colony that were there to start building the second temple. This would be the temple that Jesus did come to the first time.
Haggai 2:3 Who is left among you that saw this house in her first glory? And how do ye see it now? Is it not in your eyes in comparison of it as nothing? It was totally destroyed! Solomon's temple was gone. ...
THE SPIRITUAL TEMPLE
Now there is someone of whom Zerubbabel was a type, a forerunner, who was to prepare the temple to which Christ will come the second time. Now let's just see for a moment what was that temple. I have to go back in just a second to the 2nd chapter in Ephesians. I forgot to put this in my Bible, but I want to go to it; the 2nd chapter of Ephesians — speaking of the Church — and beginning with verse 19: {6} This is speaking of the Church up at Ephesus, and they've been born of Gentiles; but now they are all in the Church of God. It says:
Ephesians 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners [They'd been foreigners, of a different nationality. "You are no more strangers and foreigners."], but fellowcitizens with the saints [Now it's talking about national citizenship, and the saints have a citizenship with God and you're fellowcitizens with the saints."], and of the household of God [Now it's a family relationship.] Now the Church is a nation. The Church is a family, and a family relationship — the household of God. Now notice what else the Church is.
Ephesians 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets ... You build a building of stone, of wood, and of materials like that on a foundation. Now notice, he's talking about a building now.
Ephesians 2:20-21 ... on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; (21) In whom ALL THE BUILDING [Now the Church is a building. "All the building ... "] fitly framed together groweth unto A HOLY TEMPLE ...
Now the building becomes a holy, spiritual temple. That, my brethren, is the temple to which Christ is coming! Did you think maybe the Jews were going to tear down the Dome of the Rock across there (on ... just to the west of the Mount of Olives) on Mount Moriah in Jerusalem, and build a temple for Jesus? Oh, no. He's not coming to a physical temple. He's coming to a temple that will excel Solomon's temple by far in glory.
Well, the temple that Zerubbabel built didn't excel Solomon's temple in glory. But Christ the second time is coming to a temple that will! Now, what temple is He coming to? He's coming to the Church. And when He comes, the dead in Christ (that have died in the Church) will rise first in a resurrection; and we (which are alive and remain at that time) will be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye — this mortal will put on immortality. And we will become God Beings, no longer physical beings. Our faces will shine like the very sun. That is the glorious temple to which Christ is coming!
We are to rise to meet Him in the air as He's coming, and His feet will stand on that same day on the Mount of Olives. It's talking about this Church. Now, Zerubbabel built the temple to which Christ came the first time. He was a type, a forerunner, of someone to build THE SPIRITUAL TEMPLE — THE CHURCH — TO WHICH CHRIST IS COMING the second time. BRETHREN, YOU ARE THAT TEMPLE! That ought to thrill you clear from the top of your head to the bottom of your feet. You are that temple to whom He is coming — a glorified temple, glorified and raised up to meet Him in the air in a glorified form, no longer human flesh and blood, now composed of spirit and absolutely God just as Christ is God and just as God the Father is God.
That's what God has in store for you and for me — if we will overcome, if we will walk with Him, if we will agree with Him, and if we will do as He said to Zerubbabel (get in there and work, which is what we will have to do). ...
Zechariah 4:9 The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house [Meaning in this antitype, prototype or whatever you call it today — THIS CHURCH. As he did in that temple that Christ came to the first time ... ]: his hands shall also finish it. Maybe God will keep me alive until it is finished. How near finished is it now? I don't know. Maybe it's more nearly finished than we think. But he says, "His hands shall finish it." God will keep him alive until he does; and someone with little power and little strength in himself is going by the power of the Spirit of God. Let me tell you, that's the power that created the whole earth and everything in it. That's what it is. So there is the temple to which Christ is coming. (Armstrong HW. The Church in Prophecy. Sermon Date: March 28, 1981)
“And are built upon the foundation of the apostles [New Testament] and prophets [Old Testament], Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy TEMPLE in the Lord” (verses 20-21). So God reveals here that the Church is: 1) the HOUSEHOLD or begotten FAMILY of God; 2) a building—a HOLY TEMPLE—fitly joined together—that is, well organized (and, of course, on GOD’S pattern). As a building—the HOLY TEMPLE to which Christ will come—it is built on a FIRM FOUNDATION: the apostles, chosen by Christ, and the prophets. …
There has been much perplexity and discussion as to when the temple will be built to which Christ shall come. Malachi’s prophecy speaks of Christ’s second coming to His temple (Malachi 3:1-6). In Haggai’s prophecy it is referred to prophetically. Zerubbabel has been sent as governor of a colony to build the second temple 70 years after the destruction of Solomon’s temple. He built the temple to which Jesus came, though it had been enlarged and embellished by the Roman Herod. But speaking of this temple, as a type and forerunner of the temple to which Christ shall come at His second coming , it is written, “The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the ‘ Lord of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the Lord of hosts” (Haggai 2:9).
It is inconceivable that the Israelis, in the present international turmoil over their possession of old Jerusalem, could ever demolish the Arab Moslem Dome of the Rock – now on the site of Solomon’s temple-and build a new one there of greater splendor and glory than Solomon’s! However, as the second temple Zerubbabel was building was a typical forerunner of the temple to which Christ shall come, even so Zerubbabel was the typical forerunner of one Christ would use in building the far more glorious temple to, which Christ shall come in His GLORY!
Zechariah 4:9 : “The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it . . .. ” And as Zerubbabel’s hands did finish that second temple, so shall the one Christ uses in building the temple to which He shall come in His GLORY!
And the Church of God of the present day shall be a “building fitly framed together [and growing] unto an holy temple in the Lord” (Ephesians 2:21). (Armstrong HW. 7 Proofs of God’s True Church, Part 6. Plain Truth. August, 1979, p. 38)
Many of us are being tried and tested as NEVER BEFORE–and for our own good! But, verse 11, “from the time the daily sacrifice shall be taken away ….Consider this a moment. This does NOT imply a material temple to be built in our time in Jerusalem. It does seem to imply the Israelis may restore the daily (twice daily) sacrifice–possibly at the wailing wall. (Armstrong HW. The Time We Are In, Now. Pastor General’s Report-Vol 1, No. 15, November 20, 1979, Page 2)
While it can certainly disagree with Herbert Armstrong, does CEG think that Herbert W. Armstrong's positions on this were "unbelievably ludicrous" and "astonishing man-made nonsense"?
If the leaders in CEG truly thought so before, they should have brought this to his attention when they were part of WCG. But I truly doubt that they did.
It is sad that groups such as CEG so badly misunderstand aspects of biblical prophecy (man of sin, king of the South, third temple, etc.) that they will not accept scripture.
Those in CEG remain in my prayers.
03/08/19 a.m. In its newletter today, after again attacking me (but again without my name) CEG also had the following:
the fact that the man of sin is not the beast, but the false prophet,
Fact?
It is certainly not a biblical one.
This 'man of sin' identity is a doctrine that most groups once part of the old GCG have wrong.
The man of sin is the 'beast" and not the false prophet.
Those in CEG, LCG, RCG, etc. really need to pay more attention to the scriptures related to that.
For more details, check out the article: Who is the Man of Sin of 2 Thessalonians 2? Here is a related link in Spanish/español: ¿Quién es el Hombre de Pecado de 2 Tesalonicenses 2? Here is a version in Mandarin: N;ÿ Œf/'Y'jNº'ÿ Here is a link to a related YouTube video, in English, titled Who is the Man of Sin?
02/27/19 p.m. The CCOG has another animation.
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.
We finished this animation late today. Here is a link: Night to Be Observed.
For 2019, the Night to Be Observed begins at sunset April 19th.
This is our first animation related to the Holy Days.
02/22/19 a.m. In its newsletter today, CEG has the following:
A Third Temple on the Temple Mount
Breaking Israel News reported on February 14:
“When most people think of the Temple Mount they consider one building; the golden Dome of the Rock built by the Muslims in the Seventh Century. The Temple Mount Compound is actually quite large… most of it either empty or covered in trees planted in the last few decades. Though Israeli and international law mandates allowing equality of religions and universal prayer at the site, the Israeli police cite security concerns for restricting the right to pray only to Muslims.
“In a rare display of Islamic pluralism, a 2017 article in The Muslim Times noted that there is certainly room at the site to create a worship space, even a Third Temple, for the Jews. The editor, Dr. Zia Shah, suggested a multi-story structure to maximize the space…”
The Bible CLEARLY reveals that a Third Temple will be built in Jerusalem, on the Temple Mount, prior to Christ’s return. While the Church of God might not have always understood this point clearly in the past, it has grown in God’s knowledge and proclaims now with dogmatic certainty that such a Temple will be built. Incredibly, there are still some who claim to be Christians who deny this fact.
Actually, no, the Bible does not teach that a massive Third Temple will be built on the Temple Mount prior to Jesus' return. For details, check out the article: Why is a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem Not Required?
CEG continues to push prophetic error. The fact that it also teaches AGAINST the idea that there is a future King of the South (see 02/01/19 a.m. post on this page; watch also Is there a coming King of the South?) is additional proof.
Those in CEG, like those in other non-Philadelphian organizations need to repent or they will NOT be protected from the hour of trial that will come (cf. Revelation 3).
02/15/19 p.m. An article at Ben Faulkner's Church of the Sovereign God has the following:
The ancient sites had been set apart for acts of true worship by those faithful believers, like Noah, Abraham, and Moses. Believers have considered these sites to be holy because of the reason they were apart. Today, many church members of numerous denominations also tend to consider their houses of worship as very special. Some consider the spaces to be holy.
Today, that distinctive and unique Temple that God is constructing is a very special spiritual Temple. There are Bible passages that show that the Temple God is building is also holy. The construction of that Temple apparently began with the giving of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost following the events of Jesus’ death and resurrection.
The Apostle Paul grasped the spectacular meaning in what God was doing toward this spiritual Temple, which is now referred to commonly as the Church of God. Realizing God’s purpose, Paul fervently warned the believers in Corinth about defiling that Temple.
1 Corinthians 3:16-17 (16) Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? (17) If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
Yes, the Temple of God is special. It is holy. Notice the last few words of 1 Corinthians 3:17. Those words tell us that we (true believers) are now the Temple of God that God is building.
Yes, Christians are the "Temple of God" during the church age. More on that can be found in the article: Why is a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem Not Required?
02/03/19 a.m. The CEG newsletter article about the end and King of the South (see 02/01/19 a.m. post on this page) helped lead me to produce the following video:
Although Church of God leaders and the Catholic “doctor of the church” Jerome taught that Daniel 11:40 points to a future King of the South having a conflict with the King of the North, some modern Roman Catholics as well as some who were once part of the old Global Church of God disagree. Some of the latter insist that Daniel 11:40 was fulfilled in 1896 or 1935. Since Jesus taught that a generation would see various end-time events, is that possible? Is there a prophesied deal in Daniel 11 between the kings of the north and south? Are the peoples prophesied to temporarily support the King of the South at all related to peoples that the Muslim Brotherhood believe need to form a caliphate under a Sunni Imam? Have Western leaders supported the idea of such a confederation? Biblically, does there need to be a coming King of the South to fulfill prophecies in Daniel 11? Could any of this be related to Psalm 83?
Here is a link to the sermonette video: Is there a coming King of the South?
There is a coming King of the South. CEG needs to change its position on this and a variety of other prophetic matters.
02/01/19 p.m. Shirley Apartian died:
Hello Brethren, to update you: Mrs. Shirley Apartian died a short time ago. We hope to see the Apartians in the resurrection in the not too distant future. Prayers for the family appreciated!
Her husband Dibar died on December 8, 2010. He was an evangelist who handled French language materials for the old WCG and GCG, and then LCG (more on him and his views are in the article: Remembering Dibar Apartian and his warning).
Although I did not know Shirley as well as I knew her husband, she and I spoke from time to time, including after I left LCG.
02/01/19 a.m. In its newsletter today, CEG had the following:
How can we know that Christ’s return is near? (Part 9)
When Christ was asked by four of His disciples about the end of the age, He said:
“Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near–at the doors! Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away” (Matthew 24:32-35).
It is clarified in the parallel Scripture in Luke 21:31 that Christ was speaking about His Second Coming and the establishment of the Kingdom of God here on earth. “All these things” refer to the events, which we are describing in this series. The Greek word for “generation,” i.e., genea, refers here to the people in the end time–not the entire race throughout many “generations.”
In Psalm 90:10, a generation is described as lasting 70-80 years. We also read in the Bible that God sometimes shortens or prolongs human life, and that bloodthirsty and deceitful men may not live out HALF their days (Psalm 55:23). We know that men will be so bloodthirsty and destructive in the end time that Christ will HAVE to SHORTEN the days of worldwide warfare, lest NO man would survive (Matthew 24:22).
We have not yet seen the beginning of the Great Tribulation, but we know that it is the next major event to occur in our time. ...
It is revealed however that the European invasion of the Holy Land will occur when animal sacrifices will be brought there by the Jews, apparently during or after the completed construction of the Third Temple on the Temple Mount (Daniel 8:11-14; 11:31; 12:11-12). The beast will invade the Holy Land and conquer countries such as Egypt, Libya and Ethiopia (Daniel 11:41-43).
But note that the countries mentioned in Daniel 11:41-43 are NOT the same as the countries mentioned in Psalm 83 with which the beast will have a temporary alliance. In fact, Daniel 11 specifically mentions that those countries (mentioned in Psalm 83) will “escape” the hands of the beast.
Many believe, based on prophecies contained in the 11th chapter of the book of Daniel, that immediately before the return of Jesus Christ, a powerful Arab leader— a religious “Mullah” or Madhi, many times imagined to be the “king of the South”— will still arise in the Middle East. Daniel 11:40-41 says: “At the time of the end the king of the South shall attack [or: push at] him [the king of the North]; and the king of the North shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter the countries, overwhelm them, and pass through. He shall also enter the Glorious Land, and many countries shall be overthrown…”
Historically, and reviewing the entire biblical prophecy in the 11th chapter of the book of Daniel, we can determine that at the time described in verse 40, the king of the North constituted the ninth resurrection of the ancient Roman Empire, or the sixth resurrection of the “Holy” Roman Empire, led by Mussolini and Hitler.
At that time, the modern remnant of the “king of the South” of this prophecy was Ethiopia. The prophecy in Daniel 11:40 WAS FULFILLED in 1896, when King Menelik II of Ethiopia “pushed at” the Italians and defeated Italy at Aduwa. In 1935, Mussolini responded when the king of the South was Emperor Haile Selassie. Mussolini came against Ethiopia like a whirlwind, using airplanes, and conquered it.
There are some things right, but also significant errors in understanding that CEG has in the above.
While there will be animal sacrifices, a third massive Jewish temple is not required (c.f. Ezra 3:6; see also Why is a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem Not Required?).
It is true that the King of the North Beast will have a temporary alliance with nations in Psalm 83. But it is ALSO true that Daniel 11 shows a temporary alliance with the King of the North and the King of the South:
25 He [the king of the North] shall stir up his power and his courage against the king of the South. .. 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 11:25,27).
So, there is a deal between the King of the North and the King of the South.
Based on its assertions, CEG does not seem to understand that many of the same peoples listed in Psalm 83 occupy the lands listed in Daniel 11.
For example, Edom, Moab, and Ammon are mentioned in both:
5 For they have consulted together with one consent; They form a confederacy against You: 6 The tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites; Moab and the Hagrites; 7 Gebal, Ammon, and Amalek; Philistia with the inhabitants of Tyre; 8 Assyria also has joined with them; They have helped the children of Lot. (Psalm 83:4-8)
41 He shall also enter the Glorious Land, and many countries shall be overthrown; but these shall escape from his hand: Edom, Moab, and the prominent people of Ammon. 42 He shall stretch out his hand against the countries, and the land of Egypt shall not escape. 43 He shall have power over the treasures of gold and silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt; also the Libyans and Ethiopians shall follow at his heels. (Daniel 11:41-43)
The fact that some nations/peoples end up escaping punishment then from the King of the North does not mean that they did not have an alliance with the King of the South--it will be a temporal alliance that will not end well (see also Ezekiel 30:2-8).
Furthermore, perhaps it should be pointed out that Libya is a reference to lands west of Egypt, not necessarily just the nation now called Libya.
The old Radio Church of God identified those in Psalm 83 in a November 1966 Plain Truth magazine as follows:
Turn to the astounding prophecy found in Psalm 83:1-8. David, inspired of God, predicted the coming time when ALL of Israel’s enemies would join together in an effort to crush out even the name “Israel” from the face of the earth! (Verse 4) “For they have consulted together with one consent: they are confederate against thee…” (verse 5). Notice the nations making up this confederation. “Edom [Turkey], and the Ishmaelites [Saudi Arabia]; Moab [Jordan], and the Hagarenes [they anciently dwelt in the land known as Syria today]; Gebal {Lebanon}, and Ammon [Jordan] and Amalek; the Philistines with the inhabitants of Tyre; Assur [whose descendants migrated to Germany] is joined with them; they have helped the children of Lot” {Moab and Ammon in modern Jordan). Here we see that the Arab nations mentioned are allied with Germany (Assur) which we know from other prophecies will be the military leader — naturally so — of a United States of Europe...Egypt...will provoke the prophesied United Europe (Dan. 11:40). This European power — called the "king of the north" in Daniel 11 — shall invade and occupy the "glorious land" of Palestine (verse 41). "And the land of Egypt shall not escape"(Boraker R. SYRIA RAIDS ISRAEL – Where Is It Leading? Plain Truth. November 1966)
The late WCG evangelist Raymond McNair (who was also once part of GCG) wrote of Daniel 11:
Daniel 11 also mentions some of the Mideast peoples who will be involved in that struggle among the nations at the close of this age. The belligerents will include the “King of the North,” the leader of the European Union (or its final outgrowth, called the “Beast”). The “King of the South” (an Islamic leader—apparently from Egypt {or} some other Muslim state) is also referred to. The following lands/peoples are specifically mentioned: Egypt, the Holy Land (Israel/Palestine), the Ethiopians (modern Cushites, south of Egypt), Libya, Edom, Moab and Ammon. Many descendants of the ancient peoples known as Edomites or Idumeans now live in the West Bank, Jordan, Iraq, Turkey, Syria, Arabia, Yemen, the Persian Gulf states, etc. (McNair R. Solving the Arab-Israeli Impasse! Copyright Raymond F. McNair 2005, Church of God—21st Century).
Notice that Raymond McNair realizes that Egypt or some other Muslim country is where the king of the South will come from and that the term translated as Ethiopians really means the Cushite peoples who live in southern Egypt as well as elsewhere (others have said that the Cushites basically mean dark-skinned people, hence this could include peoples from Sudan, Somalia (sometimes called Eastern Cushites), and many of the other Islam-dominated nations in Africa). It may be that the King of the South matter was a reason that Raymond McNair split from those now in CEG as he was president of the organization an organization that preceded it.
The word translated as “Ethiopians” in Daniel 11:43 is the plural of the word Kuwshiy, which according to Biblesoft’s New Exhaustive Strong’s Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary means descendants of Cush. Or in other words, people of dark color–and it is commonly translated as Cush or Cushite in many Old Testament passages.
Notice also the following:
The word Cushi, also spelled Kushi (Hebrew: כושי) is a Hebrew term generally used to refer to a dark-skinned person usually of African descent. (Cushi, Wikipedia, accessed 12/15/15)
Here are some other translations of the related passage in Daniel 11:
43 He will control gold and silver treasures and all Egypt’s treasuries. Libya and Sudan will surrender to him. (Daniel 11:43, GOD’S WORD Translation)
43 The gold and silver treasures and all the valuables of Egypt will lie in his power. Libyans and Cushites will be at his feet: (Daniel 11:43, New Jerusalem Bible)
43 and he hath ruled over treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the desirable things of Egypt, and Lubim and Cushim are at his steps. (Daniel 11:43, Young’s literal translation)
Daniel 11 is not in opposition to Psalm 83.
Additionally, the invasion by Mussolini of Ethiopia was NOT the fulfillment of Daniel 11:40 in 1935, nor were the actions of King Menelik II in 1896.
Notice what Daniel 11:40 states:
40 At the time of the end the king of the South shall attack him; and the king of the North shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter the countries, overwhelm them, and pass through.
Since the king of the South is prophesied in vs. 27 to come to his end at the appointed time, and I believe the Bible is clear that this particular appointed time of coming to his end has not come yet (especially since the king of the North is also supposed to come to his end during that appointed time), the Bible thus demonstrates the need of a future king of the South.
Furthermore, CEG referred to Psalm 90:10, so let's look at it:
10 The days of our lives are seventy years;
And if by reason of strength they are eighty years,
Yet their boast is only labor and sorrow;
For it is soon cut off, and we fly away. (Psalm 90:10)
Based on that, CEG stated that the end generation would last 70-80 years. Well, even if we use 1935, that is over 80 years ago. There is no way Daniel 11:40 was fulfilled in its entirety back then. CEG should review its positions and correct them.
Additionally, this King of the North in Daniel 11:40 is the same one who comes to his end in Daniel 11:44-45. Mussolini has been dead for decades, as well has been Adolf Hitler. The King of the North who fulfills Daniel 11:40, will also fulfill verses 41-45.
As far as the claim that the Great Tribulation is the next major event to occur in our time, I guess it depends on how you define "major." Jesus listed many events prior to that in Matthew 24, and also pointed the abomination of desolation PRIOR to the Great Tribulation. Notice some of what Jesus said:
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. 17 Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. 18 And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. 19 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! 20 And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath. 21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be (Matthew 24:15-21).
If CEG is not looking for the fulfillment of Matthew 24:14, the abomination of desolation, the deal of Daniel 11:27, a coming King of the South, etc. then it may be that the Great Tribulation will be the next major event it notices.
I had seen something months ago indicating that perhaps CEG was softening its view against a coming King of the South. Sadly, that does not now seem to officially be the case. For more information, see also Is the Future King of the South Rising Up?
Unless CEG changes, it, like many other groups, will not understand when the Great Tribulation will be here until it is too late. For more details, see also the section on Laodicean errors in prophecy in the article The Laodicean Church Era.
01/28/19 a.m. The late Dr. R.C. Meredith used to state that LCG was only "half a peanut shell" in the Pacific Ocean. The last time I attended LCG in San Diego (which was in November 2003, this is before the move by LCG to Charlotte, North Carolina), I came up to him and essentially said (all the following was stated though this is not an exact quote):
You've said that LCG is like a half of peanut shell in the Pacific Ocean. So, if LCG doubles its television coverage, then it is only about 1 peanut shell. I don't believe that Matthew 24:14 will be fulfilled by buying television time. This is not second guessing your decisions to be on television stations, but your own words show that television like LCG has been doing is not enough.
How Matthew 24:14 will be fulfilled will be from one of us, like me, identifying the coming King of North, saying the Great Tribulation is about to beging, and telling people that he is about to destroy the USA and UK, then the King of the South, and he will be in league with the Antichrist, as he puts forth a false message of peace by human means. The media will cover us, and this will get people's attention. Enough so, that this will fulfill Jesus' 'gospel of the kingdom to the world' prophecy.
Dr. Meredith essentially agreed with me then (perhaps I should add that shortly later, he asked me if I was moving to Charlotte with LCG). This media/King of the North matter was something that I also covered with the then three other LCG HQ evangelists in meetings later in Charlotte, North Carolina--all of whom (Richard Ames, Dibar Apartian, Doug Winnail) gave me their concurrence.
It was something I also covered in my '2012 book (Thiel B. 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect. Nazarene Books, 2009, pp. 254-255, 291).
While I am no longer part of LCG, I have been telling people for years in Continuing Church of God (CCOG) basically the same thing.
Notice something that was posted within a couple of weeks after the formation of the Continuing Church of God.
Warning the world that the King of the North is fulfilling Bible prophecy when he does this is likely to be part of the “short work” of Romans 9:28 that God will accomplish through His most faithful. (Thiel B. The King of the North will arise. January 12, 2013).
We in the CCOG are preparing for the 'short work' by establishing multiple websites in multiple languages, while researching and making available information on church history, doctrine, and prophecy, while also proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom of God to the world as a witness.
Why mention this now?
Well, this morning Google alerted me to the following article put out by the UK Express:
Eclipse 2019 prophecy: Why did the world NOT end on the January Blood Moon?
DOOMSDAY preachers who loudly touted the January Blood Moon a harbinger of the apocalypse have been proven wrong, according to a biblical prophecy expert.
The Blood Moon eclipse peaked in the morning hours of Monday, January 21, here in the UK. For a period of 62 minutes starting just before 5am GMT, the Full Moon turned an ominous red colour in the Earth’s shadow. Some Christian conspiracy theorists saw this as a prophetic fulfilment of biblical prophecy. The Blood Moon was dubbed a “harbinger of the Apocalypse”, a “prophetic sign for America” and “evidence of Jesus Christ’s Second Coming”.
The Blood Moon was linked to a number of prophecies foretold by the Book of Revelation, Book of Acts and Book of Joel.
And yet despite these doomsday warnings, the Blood Moon passed through nightside totality without kick-starting the end times.
Dr Bob Thiel, a biblical prophecy expert from the Continuing Church of God, told Express.co.uk there was no basis in scripture to truly consider the January Blood Moon a prophetic sign.
The preacher previously argued the January Super Blood Wolf Moon “is not a special message from God”.
His reasoning for this is a number of events which will have to precede and follow the Moon turning red in order for Revelation prophecy to come true.
The preacher has now said some of the events outlined in the Bible are occurring at this very moment but it is unclear where these are headed.
Dr Thiel said: “The basic sequence is that certain sorrows and troubles will continue.”
In particular, Mark 13:5-8, 37 reads: “And Jesus, answering them, began to say: ‘Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am He,' and will deceive many.
“‘But when you hear of wars and rumours of wars, do not be troubled; for such things must happen, but the end is not yet.
Some nation will become highly indebted before the Great Tribulation
Dr Bob Thiel
“‘For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles.
“‘These are the beginnings of sorrows ... And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!”
According to Dr Thiel, the “sorrows” are happening now but there are many other examples of scripture which also need to be fulfilled.
Dr Thiel said: “For example, some nation will become highly indebted before the Great Tribulation – Habakkuk 2:6. This is happening to the USA.
“Damascus will be destroyed – Isaiah 17:1 – and great military damage will hit Jerusalem – Isaiah 22:8-9. The timing of these two events possibly occur before a prophesied peace deal.
“One of the most important events to watch for is when the 'peace' deal of Daniel 9:27 is confirmed. Deals have been proposed, but the biblical one has not yet been made nor confirmed.
“A King of the North – who was a 'prince' in Daniel 9:27 – and a King of the South – Daniel 11:27 – will arise and make a lying deal – Daniel 11:27. Europe will get a ‘great army’ – Daniel 11:25. We are seeing the foundations for this now."
Another prophetic sign to look out for is the return of animal sacrifices, as outlined in Daniel 9:27.
Dr Thiel also said the world will only come to pass after all apocalyptic signs are fulfilled and the period of Great Tribulations starts.
After the Great Tribulation, the sixth seal will open which is when the Moon will turn into blood – could it be the Blood Moon?
Soon after, the seventh seal in Revelation will open and usher in trumpet blasts and cataclysm.
Dr Thiel said: “The crashing of Wormwood into the Earth will occur after the third trumpet blast – Revelation 8:10-11. Some might call this Planet X hitting the Earth.
“The gathering for Armageddon will begin related to the sixth trumpet blast – Revelation 8:13-19; 16:12-16.
“Then at the seventh trumpet – Revelation 11:15 – Jesus will return to establish the millennial kingdom.
“The Great Tribulation should begin about 3.5 years after the peace deal – Daniel 9:27 – is confirmed, and right after the King of the North tries to proclaim peace and safety – 1 Thessalonians 5:3 – to throw people off – cf. Daniel 11:24 –for his invasion plans.” https://www.express.co.uk/news/weird/1077834/Eclipse-2019-prophecy-blood-moon-end-of-the-world-christianity-bible-jesus
We in CCOG expect media attention will amplify our reach and I believe will be a factor in fulfilling Matthew 24:14 to God's satisfaction.
The fact that we are getting coverage now (radio and sometimes the press) is consistent with that as we lead the Final Phase of the Work.
01/13/19 a.m. Continuing Church of God elder Alexsandar ‘Sasha’ Veljic, who lives in Serbia, is currently in Manipur, India. He sent me several emails that he said to combined parts of them. So, I did and he enthusiastically approved the following for public distribution today:
Dear Bob,
As soon as I arrived, I met with 8 members of Church of God. I told them the purpose of my visit and why I came. I also told them that I could see with corresponding with Sani Mao that they are well established in the doctrines of the Bible, so that I will endeavor to give them messages that will corroborate their faith. That was met with thrill. If there is one word to describe that group of people, the first thought that comes to my mind is – ZEAL! And no wonder that they wanted to associate with us for the zeal is one of the characteristics of the Philadelphia church. As far as I could assess, their mutual relations are on the same level. It brings a great joy to my heart that those people fast twice a month and they get together on those occasions. They all confirmed to me that Sani Mao has been serving them faithfully for years and that they are all here due to what God has done through that man. On the other hand, they are responsive and helpful and they have been keeping the Feast in a very organized manner, so I would add that the government of God, such as should be administered in the proper way, has been present in this group all along.
The whole structure is there, but this group has been waiting, with a great discipline, to have an a ministerial approval. They were very worried that I might not come as they are expecting that help from me. Sani Mao talked to me on Friday evening about my ordination and his correspondence on that matter. Now we talked about it alive, so that I could better understand motives and reasonings on his part. As I have already established, he is man of one wife and he has never been divorced. His wife and him are both employed by the government, which speaks loudly of their reputation.
I feel that these people have been yearning for my visit to be approved as full-fledged part of the true community of the Philadelphia remnant. I live far away and so do you. But, they already have everything in place to operate as the Church of God and for that they do not seek, nor do they expect any financial support. I am, for example, deeply impressed at how faithfully and in an organized manner they kept the Feast for years, being cut off by their former Church organization, and enduring and waiting for my visit. At certain moments I even feel uncomfortable with the level of trust and respect they show me (I surely am not worthy of that). However, while I am here, I want to do my part and leave this community at peace and see it thrive with God’s merciful help here in the second populous nation in the world.
Now, I remembered that there was that accusation about them having Pentecostal spirit, or Pentecostal behavior. You can rest assured that I would not have hesitated to correct that and put things in order had that be true. Now that I have had a Sabbath services with them, I understand better the things. There is nothing Pentecostal in terms of “speaking in the tongues”, or a disorder at services. On the contrary, there is peace and order. Perhaps there is some intensity of emotions in the air, with which a Westerner might not be comfortable with. But, as for me, I am perfectly comfortable with that.
I want to assure you that I am well taken care of. To all my questions I get very detailed answers. I haven’t noticed any half truths. I am only afraid of mosquitoes. The weather is beautiful, so my windows were open, and then in the evening the room was full of them. Sani Mao and I killed most of them. One remained hidden. I managed to kill it later at night when I talked to the congregation in Serbia on Friday evening (Serbian time).
A few more things I need to bring to your attention.
1. Sani Mao related to me how they had become spiritual orphans when they were abandoned by LCG. Other than the unfounded accusation about Pentecostalism, a LCG minister made derogatory comments about women. That their place is to wash the cups. He would not accept that a woman might have a dream coming from God, such as we know that has happened in our CCOG history. And so, when LCG announced that there was no LCG in India, that came out of the blue and has devastated these people.
2. Coercive hierarchical control. They were told not to get together for Bible studies, or when they fast with no Scriptural explanation whatsoever and contrary to what we are told in the Book of Hebrews.
3. I had another baptism counseling session after the Sabbath. A young man was present as an interpreter. After counseling, he told me that LCG always had short counseling and would dismiss people. I just don’t understand such an approach. When I counsel people, I try to bring up the important points for their salvation. I also asked questions. I let them talk to me. I need to see if they are repentant to be baptized. Sani Mao’s daughter, for example, asked me several questions from the Scriptures seeking help to defend her belief against here Protestant peers who mock her beliefs. I also read some scriptures related to baptism. I never limit counseling time. I let it continue until all relevant points have been exhausted. That is new to this group as well. But I would find it highly disrespectful to just have short counseling and then dismiss them.
Now, having said all this, I need to tell you that I prayed and thought about ordinations. After getting your approval, which I read on the Sabbath morning, I realized there is no more reason to wait and delay. The intensity of prayer and faith that these people had about me coming – and I came against all the odds – and them hanging in and enduring all that they have, made me convinced finally that I couldn’t leave them orphans in spiritual terms. Plus, on Friday, during a counseling session, one of the members here said he had a dream before my coming. A hand on which an oil was poured was there to anoint Sani Mao. And that member told others not to worry, that I would come against all odds. Also, after his dream, his Bible was opened to Romans 5:4. When I read that verse, I realized it aptly describes Sani Mao. Therefore, when he came to pick me up for the Sabbath, I asked him if he had any objections to being ordained on this Sabbath. He didn’t have any, even though he was surprised that I would do it during this visit. He said he thought it would take some time. I didn’t see any reason to take any more time.
And so, after the Sabbath services and refreshments, I have ordained Sani Mao a deacon. I also called all baptized men to join me on the stage and follow me in laying hands on Sani Mao as a symbolic consent of the entire congregation to having now finally the government of God restored in India. After that act, Sani Mao addressed the congregation briefly and, as he admitted, for the first time he broke in tears in front of that group. I also announced that I want to bless the children after ordination ceremony, so that the ladies would be prepared for that. And I was about to that, but realizing what a great emotional thing Sani Mao’s ordination has been for both the congregation and me, I stepped in to make another announcement.
I said that we better prepare emotionally for something else and that I made a decision based on what I feel God led me to. And I said that I have decided to anoint Mary, Sani Mao’s wife as a deaconess next Sabbath. That announcement came a bolt from heaven. Sani Mao’s wife was shocked and then she broke into tears. Almost all the ladies in the congregation wept silently as I explained the reasons. I see that a strong presence of the ladies in the congregation. I could feel that their involvement has kept that congregation together and that such thing had to be recognized by God somehow. I asked God to show me what to do about it, and then Mary came to mind. I considered some other ladies as well, those that I met, however I felt that Mary was a strong example of the faith and that she should be ordained. That I didn’t make a mistake in that judgement it was confirmed when the anointing for illnesses came later and Mary related her health problems, but she also enumerated the cases when she was supernaturally healed without medical intervention. Besides her other illnesses, she was cured of a womb cancer.
So, after giving this message of preparation for the next Sabbath, all the children, small ones and even some bigger ones, encouraged by their mothers and aunts, came forward and knelt. I pronounced a blessing on them and asked the Eternal to protect them and be with them in this spiritually evil and dangerous society. Following that, I announced that those who may have ailments should ask to be anointed. A good portion of the congregation came forward. They all knelt spontaneously and so did I with them. First I anointed males so that they could be watching over children and do other needed things. Then I anointed all the ladies that came forward. With short breaks between prayers and anointing, I think it probably took about 45 minutes to one hour to complete all that.
We have videoed my sermon with translation to Manipuri language, so part of that can be used for Behind the Works Feast video.
January 12, 2019, goes down into history as an important date in the history of (Continuing) Church of God and in the history of God’s people in India.
With my best regards,
Sasha
I personally have been in email communication with Sani Mao for years. We were pleased when they decided a couple of months ago to ask to become part of CCOG. Some details of that were reported a month ago in the CCOG: Letter to the Brethren: December 13, 2018.
Now, let me write more about the dream above, and add some background, to make it a bit clearer.
Because Alexsandar ‘Sasha’ Veljic was having travel and visa issues, some were concerned that he would not be able to make the trip to Manipur. Someone in Manipur had a dream that he would make it--and he did. But the more unusual part of that dream was that the person dreamed that Sani Mao was going to be anointed. Well, no one in Manipur was aware that Sasha and I discussed the idea of anointing Sani Mao as a deacon--presuming after Sasha arrived and reviewed the situation there, it seemed appropriate. Anyway, on January 12, 2019, Elder Veljic did anoint Sani Mao with oil and laid hands upon him to be a deacon.
So, another associated with CCOG had a dream that was confirmed by subsequent events.
God has been using dreams for several associated with CCOG (see Dreams, the Bible, the Radio Church of God, and the Continuing Church of God).
How many times does God need to intervene that way for Christian people to believe and support CCOG?
Hopefully, you have already decided that since the Bible prophesied that God would use dreams in the end times (e.g. Acts 2:14-18), and since several associated with CCOG have had dreams that have been confirmed, you accept that dreams are one way God has shown His favor on CCOG as the best representative of the Philadelphian portion of the Church of God in this Laodicean time.
We in CCOG are reaching and baptizing people all around the world (cf. Matthew 28:19-20). To read a new report (posted online today) on parts of Africa, for another example, see Radson Mulozoa’s report on Malawi. Mozambique, and Zambia.
01/11/19 a.m. In its newsletter today, CEG had the following from Brian Gale:
On the livescience.com website, we read the following: “Life on Earth first bloomed around 3.7 billion years ago, when chemical compounds in a ‘primordial soup’ somehow sparked into life, scientists suspect. But what turned sterile molecules into living, changing organisms? That’s the ultimate mystery.”
From the position of “scientists suspecting,” they then go on to guess what happened which is an “understanding” of sorts, which allows them to omit the possibility of an all-powerful Creator God. My thoughts turn to Romans 1:18-22 when I hear, see or read about man’s ridiculous postulations on this vital subject. It is a passage that is well worth reviewing again and again.
Although he referred to Romans 1:18-22, he did not quote it, so let's quote it below:
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools,
Anyway, Brian Gale is correct that the 'postulations' of many considered scientists are ridiculous. For more details and proof, check out the following:
Is God’s Existence Logical? Is it really logical to believe in God? Yes! Would you like Christian answers to give atheists? This is a free online booklet that deal with improper theories and musings called science related to the origin of the origin of the universe, the origin of life, and evolution.
Two animated videos of related interest are also available: Big Bang: Nothing or Creator? and A Lifegiver or Spontaneous Evolution?
Does it Make Physical Sense to believe in God? Some say it is not logical to believe in God. Is that true? Here is a link to a YouTube sermon titled Is it logical to believe in God?
Click here for the previous news of those once affiliated with GCG
COGwriter, (c) 2019
Click here for the previous news of those once affiliated with GCG
COGwriter, (c) 2019
