Church of God News

Huldrych Zwingli in an oil portrait from 1531 by Hans Asper; Kunstmuseum Winterthur.

COGwriter

In his latest newsletter, Seventh-day Adventist scholar, Samuele Bacchiocchi wrote:

The Tragedy of the Reformation

Disagreements over the meaning and mode of baptism can be traced back to the Reformation. At that time Christians attacked each other verbally and physically with a ferocity totally at variance with Christ’s command to “love one another” (John 15:12, 17). One of the tragedies of the Reformation is that its leading Reformers, Luther, Calvin, and Zwingli, killed fellow Christians for the crime of baptizing or rebaptizing adult believers rather than infants. Their criminal acts raise serious questions about their understanding and experience of the transforming power of divine grace.

One of the most revealing examples of the Reformers’ intolerance is provided by the story of the tragic conflict which erupted in the sixteenth century between them and the promoters of adult baptism known as Anabaptists, which means “Re-baptizers.” The Reformers were determined to preserve the Catholic practice of baptizing infants, though they gave a different meaning to the ordinance. By contrast, the Anabaptists rejected infant baptism, known as paedobaptism, from the Greek word pais, meaning “child.”

The sixteenth century Anabaptists represented a large number of radical movements who condemned the Reformation as half-hearted and incomplete. They wanted to complete the reformation by returning to the teachings and practices of the Apostolic Church. They all rejected paedobaptism (infant baptism), and baptized or rebaptized only those who came to a decisive understanding of Bible truths and were prepared to make a personal commitment to Christ.

The influence of the Anabaptist Reformers survives today and can be seen in denominations…which were once regarded as the lunatic fringe of Christendom. Now, however, some historians recognize that certain modern religious movements represent genuine Christian strands that rightfully challenge mainline denominations to reexamine their traditional teachings. For example, G. H. Williams, the British scholar who has painstakingly examined the writings of several modern religious movements, concludes: “Christians of many denominations are finding themselves . . . closer to the despised sectaries of the Reformation Era [such as Anabaptists] than to the classical defenders of a reformed corpus christianum [Reformation teachings].”

An Example of the Reformers’ Intolerance

An example of the Reformers’ intolerance toward Anabaptists is the trial and execution of Felix Manz, a Swiss leader of the movement. At his trial in January 1527, Felix Manz freely confessed to being a teacher of adult baptism, forbidden in Switzerland: “We bring together those who are willing to accept Christ, obey the Word, and follow in His footsteps. We unite them by baptism, and leave the rest to their present conviction.”

The Clerk of the Courts wrote this explanatory comment in the records: “They do not allow Infant Baptism. In this way they will put an end to secular authority.” This revealing comment shows the concern of the local government to preserve the practice of infant baptism in order to ensure the commitment of the people to secular authorities that controlled the state church. Being baptized as an infant into the state church meant being loyal and committed to the state for the rest of one’s life.

Even more extraordinary is the outburst of Manz’s accuser, Ulrich Zwingli, one of the leading Swiss Reformers. Speaking at the trial of Anabaptist Manz, Zwingli shouted: “Let him who talks about going under [the water by immersion] go under.” What seemed to be poetic justice was carried out literally by the local authorities who condemned Felix Manz to death by drowning.

“Led into the boat, he was forced to sit up and his arms were passed around his bent knees and bound at the wrists. Next a stick was pushed between the knees and elbows to secure him in this position. The boat was rowed to the center of the [Limmat] river, and the helpless prisoner was thrown overboard, to choke in the dark, deep waters.”

One wonders, How could Protestant spiritual leaders kill fellow Christians for the crime of obeying their understanding of biblical teachings regarding baptism or other doctrines? How could Calvin influence the Geneva’s Council on October 24, 1553 to sentence to death by burning Michael Servetus for denying the Trinity and infant baptism? Regarding infant baptism, Servetus said: “It is an invention of the devil, an infernal falsity for the destruction of all Christianity.” Servetus was well-known not only for his theological treatises, but also for his scientific discoveries. He was the first European to describe the function of pulmonary circulation of the blood–a discovery that was largely rejected at that time.

One wonders, how could such outrageous criminal acts happen just few years after the beginning of the Reformation in Europe? An answer is to be found in the prevailing misconception that fighting and suppressing “heretics” was more important than loving them. As the church of Ephesus in Revelation lost its first love in the process of fighting those “who call themselves apostles but are not” (Rev 2:2, 4), so Christians with a passion to fight perceived heretical teachings, often became heartless and brutal in the suppression of alleged heretics (Bacchiocchi S. ENDTIME ISSUES NEWSLETTER No. 198 . “INFANT BAPTISM: Part 1, April 2008).

And the truth is that it was not only the Swiss “Reformers”, but Protestants like Martin Luther (please see Martin Luther King, Jr. and Martin Luther) who killed and persecuted people who held Bible-based beliefs that these “Protestant Reformers” never accepted.

I would, however, go a couple of steps further than Dr. Bacchiocchi, and state that these Swiss and other Protestant “Reformers”, simply were not true Christians.

True Christians do not kill (Military Service and the Churches of God: Do Real Christians Participate in Carnal Warfare?).  Nor do they endorse infant baptism (Baptism and the Early Church).

Earlier in the same issue of his newsletter, Dr. Bacchiocchi made the following statements:

The massive scholarly assault on the traditional dualistic view of human nature, will eventually filter through the rank and file of Christian denominations. When this happens, it will cause considerable intellectual and personal crisis in the lives of Christians accustomed to believing that at death their souls break loose from their bodies and continue to exist either in the beatitude of paradise or in the torment of hell. Many Christians will be sorely disappointed to discover that their belief in life after death, has no biblical basis whatsoever. The Bible clearly teaches that the dead in Christ rest in the grave until resurrection morning…

There is no question that Biblical scholarship is bound to cause a great deal of existential anxiety to millions of Christians who will be surprised to discover that some of their popular and traditional beliefs lack biblical support.

The purpose of this study is not to intensify such anxiety, but to encourage all Christians committed to the normative authority of the Scripture, to re-examine their traditional beliefs and reject those which are proven to be unbiblical. The Christian hope for a personal and cosmic redemption must be grounded on the unmistakable teachings of God’s Word, not on ecclesiastical traditions.

Now, while I do not always agree with all of Dr. Bacchiocchi’s conclusions or positions on doctrine (he, for example, follows the teachings of Ellen White, who we in the Living Church of God flatly reject as a prophetess), Dr. Bacchiocchi is correct that if people who profess Christ really will look into the truth about early Christianity, they would realize that many doctrines and practices that pass for “Christian” simply were not practiced by Jesus, His disciples, or the true early church.

However, those who REALLY will believe the Bible and are willing to change based upon what it says (as opposed to traditions of men), CAN be called by God to become TRUE CHRISTIANS!

Several articles of related interest may include:

Baptism and the Early Church Was it by immersion? Did it include infants?
Military Service and the Churches of God: Do Real Christians Participate in Carnal Warfare? Here are current and historical perspectives on a matter which show the beliefs of the true church on military participation.
The Similarities and Dissimilarities between Martin Luther and Herbert W. Armstrong This article clearly shows some of the doctrinal differences between in the two. At this time of doctrinal variety and a tendency by many to accept certain aspects of Protestantism, the article should help clarify why the Living Church of God is NOT Protestant. Do you really know what the Protestant Reformer Martin Luther taught and should you follow his doctrinal example?
Persecutions by Church and State This article documents some that have occurred against those associated with the COGs and some prophesied to occur.
SDA/LCG Differences: Two Horned Beast of Revelation and 666 The Living Church of God is NOT part of the Seventh-day Adventists. This article explains two prophetic differences, the trinity, differences in approaching doctrine, including Ellen White.
Why Be Concerned About False and Heretical Leaders? There have been many false leaders–here is some of why you should be concerned about them.
Sola Scriptura or Prima Luther? What Did Martin Luther Really Believe About the Bible? Though he is known for his public sola Scriptura teaching, did Martin Luther’s writings about the Bible suggest he felt that prima Luther was his ultimate authority? Do you really want to know the truth?
Tradition and Scripture: From the Bible and Church Writings Are traditions on equal par with scripture? Many believe that is what Peter, John, and Paul taught. But did they?
The History of Early Christianity Are you aware that what most people believe is not what truly happened to the true Christian church? Do you know where the early church was based? Do you know what were the doctrines of the early church? Is your faith really based upon the truth or compromise?

Which Book Do You Think Christians Should Rely On?

VS.
Ronald Weinland Says His Books Are What He Wants Potential Supporters to Closely Study. The COGwriter Site Instead Urges Those Interested in Him and End-Time Prophecies to Spend More Time Checking His Writings with the Bible.

COGwriter

Tomorrow, unless they misunderstand certain news events, some followers of Ronald Weinland will hopefully realize that the 1260 days of the Great Tribulation did not start and that April 17, 2008 is not the start of the blowing of the first trumpet of the seventh seal in the Book of Revelation.

Many, however, will probably take a few more weeks to realize this. While Ronald Weinland was fairly insistent in Nov-Dec 2007 that major events would occur from February-April 2008, he recently has been giving himself more time (though he says he is through if events do not happen by mid-June, or early-September for details see Ronald Weinland: False Prophet by Mid-June and Ronald Weinland Seems to Give Himself More Time, But Done By Labor Day).

Some will probably wonder what explanation that Ronald Weinland will give this upcoming Sabbath, April 19th.

Most likely Ronald Weinland will say that something happened to Pope Benedict XVI around April 17th, that what actually happened that day was spiritual, that now we are waiting until Pentecost (a holy day which falls on June 8th this year) for the next major event, and that world events support the false April 17th date. 

Pope Benedict XVI is currently in the USA and met with President Bush yesterday, and Ronald Weinland is expected this Saturday to make some claim about something that he will most likely state will have happened to the Pope tomorrow.

But Ronald Weinland has been wrong with every date so far. His followers should wake up and not linger.  Nor accept whatever explanation he will provide this Saturday.

Having listened to Ronald Weinland through some of his sermons as well as The Edge radio interview in December 2007, as well as reading some of his books, I can somewhat understand how some were misled into following him. But by now, it should be becoming obvious to more and more that he is NOT one of God’s two witnesses.

Recall what he wrote in November 2007:

Beginning in February, those thunders will increase dramatically, and by April this world will begin to be shaken to its foundations.

Everything I am doing, and everything the Church of God – PKG is doing is geared towards these realities. There is no wavering and there is no hesitation!…

February will be here soon! Don’t squander the time that is in front of you. Use it wisely! (Weinland R. YEAR NEARLY OVER. November 24, 2007. http://www.ronaldweinland.com/ viewed 01/15/08).

I did not squander my time in February and made many efforts to warn people that Ronald Weinland was wrong about February.

But a few weeks after November, he seemed to give himself a little more time when he stated the following in his interview on The Edge, 12/15/07:

A little after April…a dollar bill won’t be worth anything…We’re going to be brought down the tubes, very quickly, starting in April…What happens when a nuclear weapon goes off in New York and Chicago?…

If we come to the point in time where what I’ve said doesn’t come to pass, the reality is that I’m just a false prophet. That’s the bottom line…

The reality is if it doesn’t happen, then you’re just false…I’ll acknowledge my error, my wrong, if I’m wrong

Tomorrow, according to his previous statements, is the beginning of the last 3 1/2 years (time, times, and half a time, or 1260 days) before Jesus is to return. And while Ronald Weinland apparently will claim that what happened was supposed to be spiritual, notice one of the things that the Bible says is supposed to happen:

He shall speak pompous words against the Most High,
Shall persecute the saints of the Most High,
And shall intend to change times and law.
Then the saints shall be given into his hand
For a time and times and half a time (Daniel 7:25).

…it shall be for a time, times, and half a time; and when the power of the holy people has been completely shattered, all these things shall be finished (Daniel 12:7).

And while the Pope often makes statements that we in the Living Church of God would construe as “pompous words against the Most High” the truth is that church members, like myself, will not be physically nor spiritually turned over to the Pope or whoever Ronald Weinland will probably claim fulfills part of this tomorrow. This type of prophesied persecution simply cannot happen tomorrow (see The King of the North and also Persecutions by Church and State).

People really need to check his “prophecies” and compare them to the Bible. Ronald Weinland is NOT one of God’s prophets.

On the other hand, Ronald Weinland did correctly point out many problems in the world’s churches. He does understand that the United States is going downhill and will be destroyed. He does understand certain doctrines better than the Protestants, Catholics, and Orthodox do.

He also correctly taught that life is a learning process and that by learning more one can come into the knowledge of truth.

While I did not originally have major doubts about Ronald Weinland’s sincerity, I did feel that by first appointing himself a prophet and then one of the two witnesses, that he deluded himself and crossed the line.

So now, those of you who are finally waking up to the fact that Ronald Weinland misunderstood biblical prophecies, what will you do? Remember that in December 2007, he specifically indicated nuclear attacks in various large USA cities would be occurring very soon (please see Ronald Weinland: Nuclear Attack May be Mid-April 2008) though he recently seemed to have added another 45-90 days to that (see Ronald Weinland: False Prophet by Mid-June).

Will you who listened to Ronald Weinland “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33) or turn away from God because you were misled by the self-appointed Ronald Weinland?

For years I have warned against following Ronald Weinland. I have also pointed out that I felt that he was fulfilling the following prophecy in 2 Peter 2:

1 But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. 2 And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. 3 By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber (2 Peter 2:1-3).

Please do not let the fact that he was NOT God’s prophet let “the way of truth will be blasphemed” by you and others that you know.

Remember that God inspired Peter to write those verses in 2 Peter to warn you (and others) that this type of thing would happen!

The Church of God has more biblical truth than any of the world’s churches. The fact that Ronald Weinland was able to reach some of you because he had SOME of the truth (as he once was part of the Church of God), does not mean that the TRUTH he taught was wrong–but that he also taught many things that were not true.

His prophetic failures mainly mean that he was a false prophet (and he also misunderstood the truth about Jesus) who did not get enough of his teachings from the Bible itself.

Peter also wrote about these type of leaders:

They are presumptuous, self-willed (2 Peter 2:10).

Please pray about what you went through and act on the truth that you have. Do not let “the way of truth will be blasphemed” by you because some of you were misled by a self-appointed prophet.

As I have been warning people for a long time, because there is no King of the North or King of the South yet, the Great Tribulation COULD NOT begin in 2008.

And those who studied the Bible, and not overlooked it because of sermons and books from people such as Ronald Weinland, will realize that the Great Tribulation will not begin tomorrow.

It will not be the Bible that will be disappointing the followers of Ronald Weinland next month. However, ignoring what the Bible teaches, because of human perception of world events, will be disappointing to those who are listening to him.

Recall that Christians are to “walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). And part of that means, when one hears a new message that seems promising, to search “the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11).

IF the followers of Ronald Weinland will do that now, they will realize that since what should have already happened.

WHY?

BECAUSE THE EVENTS ACCORDING TO THE BIBLE that would happen at the 1335 and 1290 days (which supposedly were 2/02/08 and 3/18/08 respectively per Ronald Weinland’s teachings) DID NOT HAPPEN. Hopefully, his followers will soon realize that he is also wrong about what will happen near or shortly after April 17, 2008 (the start of the 1260 according to HIM, not God).

People should not confuse certain world events, which MAY be what Jesus called “the beginning of sorrows” (Matthew 24:8) with the actual Great Tribulation which comes later (Matthew 24:21). Sorrows may be increasing now, but they pale in comparison to what truly lies ahead.

For one example, notice a specific event that Jesus taught came AFTER the “beginning of sorrows” and BEFORE the Great Tribulation that simply HAS NOT YET COME TO PASS:

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

I did NOT SEE THAT. Did YOU actually SEE it?

Nor were there reports of Christ’s true followers actually fleeing to the mountains of Judea the past few weeks. This means, of course, that Ronald Weinland is NOT God’s prophet.  Since the above did not yet occur, then the Great Tribulation CANNOT START TOMORROW EVEN IF THERE ARE ANY SIGNIFICANT TERRORIST EVENTS.

Understand that the Bible is true, but Ronald Weinland is NOT and was NOT a true prophet. He is not and was not one of God’s two witnesses. Please do not let the fact that he was NOT God’s prophet let “the way of truth will be blasphemed” by you and others that you know.

Several articles of related interest may include:

There are Many COGs: Why Support the Living Church of God?This is an article for those who wish to easily sort out the different COGs. It really should be a MUST READ for current and former WCG members or any interested in supporting the faithful church. It also explains a lot of what the COGs are all about.
Concerns About Ronald Weinland’s Church of God-Preparing for the Kingdom of God Ronald Weinland falsely claims to be one of the two witnesses God is raising up and that the end will come in 2008. Events demonstrate that he waa a false prophet.
Who Are The Two Witnesses? What is their job? What does the Bible reveal? What has the Church of God taught on this subject? Might even Roman Catholic prophecies give some clues here?
Jesus is God, But Was Made Man Was Jesus fully human and fully God or what? What don’t the Unitarians or Trinitarians know?
There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be PetraThis article discusses a biblical ‘place of safety’ and includes quotes from the Bible and Herbert W. Armstrong on this subject–thus, there is a biblically supported alternative to the rapture theory. The Bible explains protection differently than Ronald Weinland did.
The History of Early Christianity Are you aware that what most people believe is not what truly happened to the true Christian church? Do you know where the early church was based? Do you know what were the doctrines of the early church? Is your faith really based upon the truth or compromise?

A Shmura Matzo (Unleavened Bread is Used for Passover)

COGwriter

In their latest newsletters CGCG’s Fred Coutler and Legacy Institute’s Leon Sexton discussed Passover.

Here are some comments from CBCG:

Contrary to God’s instructions, traditional Judaism later changed the meaning of the Passover to celebrate the exodus itself—not the passing over of the firstborn. However, the Passover never commemorated Israel’s exodus from Egypt. Rather, the exodus from Egypt occurred the next night at the beginning of the 15th. “It is a night to be much observed to the Lord for bringing them out from the land of Egypt. This is that night of the Lord to be observed by all the children of Israel in their generations…. And it came to pass the very same day, when the Lord brought the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt by their armies, then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, ‘Sanctify all the firstborn to Me, whatever opens the womb among the children of Israel, of man and of beast. It is Mine.’

“And Moses said to the people, ‘Remember this day [the 15th of Abib/Nisan] in which you came out of Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for the Lord brought you out from this place by the strength of His hand. There shall be no leavened bread eaten. On this day [the 15th, the night after the 14th Passover] you are going out, in the month Abib’ ” (Ex. 12:42, 51; 13:1-4).

Thus, there are two days and two nights that we are to remember: 1) the Passover on Abib/Nisan 14; and 2) the Night to be Much Observed on Abib/Nisan 15, the first day—a holy day—that begins the seven-day Feast of Unleavened Bread (the seventh day is also a holy day). The two are separate, but related and intertwined feasts.

And it is true that modern Judaism is confused about the dates and meaning of Passover–and that is why many Jews will observe it a day late.  Some Jewish scholars, however, are realizing that the Jews made some changes to distance themselves from the early Christians (please see COGaIC: Rabbinic Passover Observations)–yet many who profess Christ do not know this.

Here are come comments from Legacy concerning Passover:

The Church of God has maintained the correct evening and the correct ceremonies of the New Testament Passover. This ceremonial event consists of three parts: the foot-washing, a sign of humility and service to one another; the taking of the symbol of bread which represents the broken body of Jesus; and the wine which symbolizes Our Lord’s shed blood of the New Covenant.

Passover is a chance for us to come together in humility and focus on and remember the true meaning of our relationship with one another and with Our Lord Jesus Himself. It is a chance to forgive the past sins of our brothers and sisters and ask them to forgive us. This is the foot-washing part. Are we able to spiritually wash the feet of our brethren by forgiving their offenses toward us?

We are able to focus on the betrayal, sham trial and severe beating and humiliation of God. Did you know that Pilate tried to save Jesus three times? One of those ways was to have Him scourged and beaten which left Him bloody with strips of flesh torn off His body. One prophecy by King David said you could see his bones! Pilate did this in the hopes that the rabid crowd would be satisfied and let Jesus go. But they would only be satisfied by His death.

Passover gives us the chance to ponder the meaning of His shed blood. Jesus called it the blood of the New Covenant! The Old Covenant never offered eternal life. The New Covenant does. That is because Jesus died and our sins are erased by His substitute death. This means we are no longer under the curse of death if we bring ourselves into a New Covenant relationship with Christ. Taking the wine reminds us that we have a binding contract with Jesus Our Savior and Lord that He will honor in the Day of the Last Trumpet Sounding…

And finally, the Passover gives us a fresh start. We are all sinners…The guilt that follows the breaking of God’s laws can become burdensome and cause a wedge between us and Our God. We don’t want to face God because we have sinned. We are the same as our ancient mother and father who hid themselves from the presence of God in the Garden of Eden because of sin.

Some people have decided to get rid of the guilt by getting rid of the Law! They are only deceiving themselves. God gave us a way to get rid of our guilt by going to Him and reminding Him about the binding Covenant relationship we have with Him and confessing our sins to Him. We receive forgiveness because of Jesus’ sacrifice.

Passover is so important that no True Christian should miss it. Take it at home if you have to; and don’t make any excuses by saying you are “unworthy” to take it or because someone you don’t like will also be there. Passover is a chance to have a new beginning – a new start! Don’t waste this miraculous opportunity because of sin or holding a grudge. REPENT, and go take the Passover!

Jesus clearly taught that our Eternal Lives depend on our participation in the Passover ceremony:

John 6:53-58
“Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.”

These are very sobering words. Jesus takes the Passover very seriously because His personal sacrifice was so great!

Yes, real Christians follow the teachings and practices of Jesus and observe Passover as He did.

Sadly, most of what passes for modern Christianity does not even know that what they now call Easter was supposed to be Passover on a different date.  But, of course, when the date was changed, the true meaning was lost to those who chose to accept the Roman Catholic Sunday Passover, now called Easter in English.

However, since most do not understand true Christian history, most who profess Christ do not realize why they keep Easter and not Christ’s Passover.

The Christian Passover for 2008 is this Friday, April 18th, after sunset.

Several articles of related interest may include:

Passover and the Early Church Did the early Christians observe Passover? What did Jesus and Paul teach? Why did Jesus die for our sins?
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.
Should Christians Keep the Days of Unleavened Bread? Do they have any use or meaning now? This article supplies some biblical answers.
Is There “An Annual Worship Calendar” In the Bible? This paper provides a biblical and historical critique of several articles, including one by WCG which states that this should be a local decision. What do the Holy Days mean? Also you can click here for the calendar of Holy Days.
What Happened in the Crucifixion Week? How long are three days and three nights? Did Jesus die on “Good Friday”? Was the resurrection on Sunday? Do you really know? Who determined the date of Easter?
Did Early Christians Celebrate Easter? If not, when did this happen? What do scholars and the Bible reveal?

The History of Early Christianity Are you aware that what most people believe is not what truly happened to the true Christian church? Do you know where the early church was based? Do you know what were the doctrines of the early church? Is your faith really based upon the truth or compromise?

Pope Benedict XVI is Now Supposed to Receive “Special Powers” this Thursday According to Ronald Weinland

COGwriter

A few days ago, Ronald Weinland was interviewed again (here is his link 04-10-08 talkSPORT Radio in London, U.K., the James Whale Show).

Here are some excerpts (they are reasonably accurate and came from my notes):

James Whales (JW): You are actually saying, Ronald, within the next uhm 50 to 60 days, is that right?

Ronald Weinland (RW): In that time frame.

JW: There will be a nuclear device detonated on this planet?

RW: In the United States.

JW: In the United States?

RW: Yes…The first thing that will happen will be in the port cities…

{Insert–Ronald Weinland then basically stated that nuclear attack would be the “second trumpet” and affect port cities like Houston and this would be 45-90 days from now, as opposed to 50-60 days. He said that land nuclear attacks would occur with the third trumpet.}

JW: Starting next Thursday…next Thursday, we will see something in the news?

RW: Yes…and it’s going to be quite strong.

I will be watching news events this Thursday and do not believe that what is biblically supposed to happen at the beginning of the 1260 days (which Ronald Weinland stated starts April 17th, 2008) will happen then.

I have been looking forward to Ronald Weinland’s false prophet admissions since his comments on that subject in an interview in December 2007. However, he seems to keep delaying the date, and therefore he seems to have delayed when he might make that type of admission. But the above statement seems to really box him in (though he has “spiritualized away” lack of physical proof of his prophetic “abilities” in the past, and possibly may do so again).

The interview continued and JW then asked something about the Pope to which Ron Weinland replied:

RW: Starting April 17th, he will not be happy…Everything I’m going to say is going to be about the Pope and the Catholic Church and what they have done to this world and traditional Christianity…

JW: Let’s suppose that none of this…nothing has happened…

RW: If things do not by mid-June very clearly so, I will make it clear that I was a false prophet and I will never preach again…

JW…Antichrist…

RW…the great false prophet…that has to do with the Catholic Church…He is going to be saying…He is going to be given special powers beginning April 17th when he is in Washington. D.C.

Now I should add that Ronald Weinland’s other comments in the interview about the Pope and Antichrist were somewhat confusing. But the interview statements were clear that Ronald Weinland believes that Pope Benedict will be given special powers in a couple of days.

I disagree.

I believe that Ronald Weinland is clearly already a false prophet–and that he will wish he had not made that mid-June comment fairly soon.

Of course, those who have checked out Ronald Weinland’s prophecies” with the Bible realize that Ronald Weinland is a false prophet and not one of the two witnesses like he claims to be.

A few articles of possibly related interest may include:

Concerns About Ronald Weinland’s Church of God-Preparing for the Kingdom of God Ronald Weinland falsely claims to be one of the two witnesses God is raising up and that the end will come in 2008. Is he a false prophet? He has at least one other view that suggests that he is not part of the COG.
Who Are The Two Witnesses? What is their job? What does the Bible reveal? What has the Church of God taught on this subject? Might even Roman Catholic prophecies give some clues here?
Why Be Concerned About False and Heretical Leaders? There have been many false leaders–here is some of why you should be concerned about them.
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin?
End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something? There is a Mayan calendar prediction for change in 2012. 2012 changes were also centuries ago predicted by the Hopi Native Americans and the Hindu Indians (who were not even on the same continent). Do these Mayan/Hindu/Hopi prophecies have any value? Why might Satan have inspired this date? Can the great tribulation start before 2012?
There are Many COGs: Why Support the Living Church of God? This is an article for those who wish to easily sort out the different COGs. It really should be a MUST READ for current and former WCG members or any interested in supporting the faithful church. It also explains a lot of what the COGs are all about.

Wheat Before the Harvest

COGwriter

Late last week, UCG sent out an email that stated:

The harvest of the children of God  

The festivals of the Bible are closely linked to the harvest seasons of the Holy Land, where Jesus Christ spent His human life. Jesus often compared what God was doing through Him to a harvest. For example, Christ said, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work. Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white [ripe] for harvest! And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together'” (John 4:34-36).

Here Jesus links the idea of a harvest to His work of bringing humanity into a relationship with God that leads to eternal life. The festivals are not just memorials of what happened to ancient Israel, nor are they meaningless ritual. They were given to reveal major aspects of Jesus’ role in securing the redemption and salvation of all humanity. They are all about the work of Jesus Christ. That is why we keep them.

——————————————————

Comments by COGwriter

And despite some of UCG’s Holy Day misunderstandings (see UCG and Its Unleavened Bread Study Paper, Last Great Day study paper, and Differences between the Living Church of God and United Church of God), the above is correct.

The plain truth is that because most who profess Christ do not observe the biblical Holy Days, they feel to grasp the plan of God or how God is going to OFFER salvation to everyone.

The Christian Passover this year is Friday, April 18th after sunset.

Several articles of related interest may include:

Universal Offer of Salvation: There Are Hundreds of Verses in the Bible Supporting the Doctrine of True Apocatastasis Do you believe what the Bible actually teaches on this? Will all good things be restored? Does God’s plan of salvation take rebellion and spiritual blindness into account?
Hope of Salvation: How the Living Church of God differ from most Protestants How the Living Church of God differs from mainstream/traditional Protestants, is perhaps the question I am asked most by those without a Church of God background.
Is There “An Annual Worship Calendar” In the Bible? This paper provides a biblical and historical critique of several articles, including one by WCG which states that this should be a local decision. What do the Holy Days mean? Also you can click here for the calendar of Holy Days.
Passover and the Early Church Did the early Christians observe Passover? What did Jesus and Paul teach? Why did Jesus die for our sins?
Melito’s Homily on the PassoverThis is one of the earliest Christian writings about the Passover. This also includes what Apollinaris wrote on the Passover as well.
Should Christians Keep the Days of Unleavened Bread? Do they have any use or meaning now? This article supplies some biblical answers.

    
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 (Matthew 24:14).

COGwriter

This morning, I noticed that at John Ritenbaugh’s Church of the Great God (CGG), that one subject at its last elder’s conference was public proclamation of the Gospel.  Notice the following statement:

…David Grabbe updated them on CGG’s efforts to preach the gospel and feed the flock through its Internet sites and email newsletters.

And while that certainly should be an important topic, this was a surprise as CGG has tended to minimize this subject in the past.

For example, notice what John Ritenbaugh published in 1993:

Feeding the flock was always the first function of the priesthood of the Old Covenant church, and continues as the first function of the ministry of the New Covenant church…

A subtle danger lurks when preaching the gospel to the world is the main focus…

I have repeatedly said that I am not against preaching the gospel to the world. However, apart from brief historical spurts, it has always been secondary to feeding the flock. It must be…

God does not seem to be blessing the attempts of others to preach to the world. Maybe the next effective public preaching will be that of the Two Witnesses” (Ritenbaugh J. Statement of Purpose. Forerunner magazine, June 1993).

It should be noted that Matthew 24:14 is supposed to be fulfilled BEFORE the arrival of the two witnesses.

Also, notice the following, first from around 2006:

How do CGG’s beliefs and practices differ from what Herbert Armstrong taught and practiced?

Very little, although we have made a few refinements, which are listed below:
We seek more input from the membership than was the practice of the WCG in times past…

Compare that to what is stated this 13th of April 2008:

How do CGG’s beliefs and practices differ from what Herbert Armstrong taught and practiced?

Very little, although we have made a few refinements, which are listed below:

We place a greater emphasis on “feeding the flock,” that is, instructing our members in “the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27). We proclaim the same gospel of the Kingdom of God that Jesus did (Mark 1:14-15), primarily through our various Internet sites…

Thus, CGG is finally realizing that it needs to do more with public proclamation than it did originally.  This subtle change is good, but in my opinion, it has not gone far enough.

In that respect, CGG is similar to David Pack’s RCG as he also originally did not believe that public proclamation should be the top priority (he listed it as third), but then later decided that the Internet was a place for his group to try to have some type of public impact (for details, please see the article Why Not the Restored Church of God?).

This morning, Quantcast reported the following about CGG:

• US Reach: 26,662

• Rank: 62235

To put that in perspective, Quancast reported the following about the COGwriter website this morning:

• US Reach: 22,337

• Rank: 72313

And while those numbers are similar, I am simply a lone member of LCG, and mine is NOT one of its official websites.  LCG itself has several official websites, and Quantcast ranked its Tomorrow’s World website this morning as follows:

So, while it is good that CGG is wakening up to the fact that it needs to do public proclamation, its total impact seems to be limited.  And, unlike LCG, CGG does NOT maintain a strong television, magazine, nor even radio presence. 

CGG simply does not have a Philadelphian work, but now its work is not as “cold” as it once was.

Several articles of possibly related interest may include:

Church of the Great God This group says the bride must first be made ready. Might this lead to a selfish bride?
The Laodicean Church Era was predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. Non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG.
Should the Church Still Try to Place its Top Priority on Proclaiming the Gospel or Did Herbert W. Armstrong Change that Priority for the Work? Some say the Church should mainly feed the flock now as that is what Herbert W. Armstrong reportedly said. Is that what he said? Is that what the Bible says? What did Paul and Herbert W. Armstrong expect from evangelists?
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God was the Emphasis of Jesus and the Early Church Did you know that? Do you even know what the gospel of the kingdom is all about? True religion should be based upon the true gospel.
What is a True Philadelphian? Many claim to be part of the Philadelphia era of the Church, but is claiming enough? This article has biblical and historical evidence about who really are the Philadelphians.
There are Many COGs: Why Support the Living Church of God? This is an article for those who wish to easily sort out the different COGs. It really should be a MUST READ for current and former WCG members or any interested in supporting the faithful church. It also explains a lot of what the COGs are all about.

Pope Benedict XVI  

COGwriter

In his weekly update last night, ICG’s Mark Armstrong wrote:

Stand by for all the buzz the pope’s upcoming visit to the UN will generate. He’s coming as a “pilgrim of peace” to promote dialogue between cultures and religions based on fundamental human rights. Doesn’t that sound meaningful? You can expect to hear reporters and pundits shamelessly referring to him by his blasphemous title, H___ F_____. I’m not even going to write it, because he is neither. He’ll be promoting the new universal ENVIRONMENTAL religion that threatens U.S. sovereignty. He’ll be preaching to the choir at the UN, and the media will swoon. Some of his front-men have already warned of that newly identified deadly sin. The sin of “wasteful driving habits.” The universal church has bought into global warming, and it’s not just a political issue anymore. It’s taking its rightful place in the realm of religion. The pope obviously doesn’t want to see the faithful lured away into the “new age” movement. And since there’s no beating the brainwashing blitz of “climate change” propaganda, the Vatican’s obvious move is to get on board.
 
 It’s been a long time since the universal church re-wrote the Ten Commandments. They call it their “Traditional Catechetical Formula.” (Don’t try pronouncing or looking up that word) It simply means the papacy has officially instituted it as doctrine. The Commandment-replacing formula omits the second Commandment about idolatry. I guess that takes care of the statues, crosses and steeples. The other glaring change is the omission of the SABBATH. “Remember to keep holy the Lord’s Day,” is how the new version reads, and it is their third papal commandment. It is one more in a long line of examples of these parading “holy men” of questionable orientation overruling God. It’s been leaked that he will also address the priest abuse scandals.
 
 This “greatest” of all “Christian churches” has paid out hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements in the U.S. to try to keep the lid on the unbelievable sexual abuses their “spiritual leaders” have committed against the children (predominantly young boys) of their members.

On several of those points Mark Armstrong is correct.  (Regarding global warming, however, the Bible makes it clear that it will occur, please see CGG and Al Gore.) 

Mark Armstrong is clearly correct that the Vatican has made many changes in doctrine, including the renumbering of the Ten Commandments (please see Which Is Faithful: The Roman Catholic Church or the Living Church of God?).

Furthermore, since it is the plan of the Vatican to become more “ecumenical” so that it can dominate Europe and the rest of the world (please see Pope Benedict XVI to Have “Ecumenical” USA Trip), I agree that some statements encouraging ecumenicalism will be made.

I also believe that the Pope will make statements that falsely indicate that his church has true apostolic succession (which it does not, please see Apostolic Succession) and that it is the original true church (which it is not, please see Location of the Early Church: Another Look at Ephesus, Smyrna, and Rome ).  Even Catholic approved writings support my assertions here (please see What Do Roman Catholic Scholars Actually Teach About Early Church History?).  Yet the media will, by and large, ignore all of that as they really do not know what happened with early Christianity (if you wish to know more, please see the articles at The History of Early Christianity  page).

In the same report Mark Armstrong also wrote:

The Biblical scenario for a King of the North over running a King of the South is clearly not yet a reality.

And that is correct. 

Despite that being correct, however, Ronald Weinland of CGPFK will, in a week, insist that the 1335, 1290, and 1260 days of Daniel chapter 12 have began (even though they require that there actually be a King of the North when one properly understands how Daniel 12 ties in with Daniel 9 and 11) and Ronald Weinland of CGPFK will most likely state that Pope’s trip somehow marks the start of the 1260 days (which he claims begins next Thursday).

However, the Great Tribulation (which MUST begin with the start of the 1260 days) cannot begin next Thursday, despite Pope Benedict XVI’s visit (nor can it begin until at least 2012).

But this Pontiff is helping to set the stage to fulfill a variety of biblical prophecies.  And he will get a lot of media attention in the next week.

Some articles of related interest may include:

Which Is Faithful: The Roman Catholic Church or the Living Church of God? Do you know that both groups shared a lot of the earliest teachings? Do you know which church changed? Do you know which group is most faithful to the teachings of the apostolic church? Which group best represents true Christianity? This documented article answers those questions.
End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something? There is a Mayan calendar prediction for change in 2012. 2012 changes were also centuries ago predicted by the Hopi Native Americans and the Hindu Indians (who were not even on the same continent). Do these Mayan/Hindu/Hopi prophecies have any value? Why might Satan have inspired this date? Can the great tribulation start before 2012?
Why Be Concerned About False and Heretical Leaders? There have been many false leaders–here is some of why you should be concerned about them.
The History of Early Christianity Are you aware that what most people believe is not what truly happened to the true Christian church? Do you know where the early church was based? Do you know what were the doctrines of the early church? Is your faith really based upon the truth or compromise?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin?

COGwriter 

On Wednesday, COGaIC’s Peter Nathan posted:

So the truth is that some of the Jews tried to distance themselves from the practices of the true Christians.

And interestingly, perhaps it should be added here that the Greco-Romans decided to distance themselves from the Jews.  According to Eusebius’ Life of Constantine, Book III chapter 18, one of the reasons that the Roman Emperor Constantine aound 325 AD stated that Passover should be changed to Easter Sunday was because he declared:

Let us then have nothing in common with the detestable Jewish crowd; for we have received from our Saviour a different way.

I do not recall Jesus indicating that Jews were detestable (He was a Jew) nor that He ever changed the date of Passover.

Actually, the Saviour observed Passover on the 14th of Nisan. It is those who reject that ways of our Saviour who accept the decision of the Roman Emperor over the Bible who do not observe it then. Notice that the first consideration was to not follow the Jews–and Constantine never cited any scripture for his change.

Yet, during this whole time the true Church of God kept the original practices of Jesus and the apostles.  And still does so today. 

And the Church of God did not change it because of Jewish or Greco-Roman changes.

Passover is only a week away (after sunset April 18th this year).

Articles of related interest may include:

Passover and the Early Church Did the early Christians observe Passover? What did Jesus and Paul teach? Why did Jesus die for our sins?
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.
Should Christians Keep the Days of Unleavened Bread? Do they have any use or meaning now? This article supplies some biblical answers.
Is There “An Annual Worship Calendar” In the Bible? This paper provides a biblical and historical critique of several articles, including one by WCG which states that this should be a local decision. What do the Holy Days mean? Also you can click here for the calendar of Holy Days.
What Happened in the Crucifixion Week? How long are three days and three nights? Did Jesus die on “Good Friday”? Was the resurrection on Sunday? Do you really know? Who determined the date of Easter?
Did Early Christians Celebrate Easter? If not, when did this happen? What do scholars and the Bible reveal?
The History of Early Christianity Are you aware that what most people believe is not what truly happened to the true Christian church? Do you know where the early church was based? Do you know what were the doctrines of the early church? Is your faith really based upon the truth or compromise?

TRANSFORMED FROM TRUTH 

WCG Was NOT Transformed BY Truth, but FROM Truth

COGwriter 

In the April/May 2008 edition of WCG’s Christian Odyssey, Paul Kroll wrote:

renaeus has been called the most important Christian theologian between the apostles and the third century. He was a Greek born in Roman Proconsular Asia, today southwestern Turkey, probably between A.D. 130-140…

His widely-circulated theological work in five books was titled On the Detection and Refutation of the Knowledge Falsely So Called. Written about 175-185, it exposed the heresies of various Gnostic sects, especially the most sophisticated group, the Valentinians…

Trinitarian theology

Irenaeus testified to the church’s Trinitarian understanding of God’s nature long before the councils of Nicaea (325) and Constantinople (381) produced their traditional confessional creed. “Indeed in his various statements of faith there appear all the essentials of the Creed of Nicaea except its technical terms.”

Irenaeus explained that the church “received from the apostles and their disciples the faith in one God the Father Almighty…and in one Christ Jesus, the Son of God, incarnate for our salvation, and in the Holy Spirit.” He also insisted that God’s word witnesses to the Son of God in the Incarnation being fully God as well as true man. “All the prophets and apostles and the Spirit itself” testify to this, he said…

Irenaeus’ legacy is his struggle to preserve and pass on the revelation of God that had been given to the apostles whom Christ chose. It’s no wonder both the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches consider him among the special “saints” of the church and Catholics celebrate a memorial festival day in his honor each June 28th. 

It is astounding that WCG, the Catholics, the Orthodox, and the Protestants try to rely on Irenaeus for much, but especially this.

Irenaeus was a BINITARIAN, not a trinitarian, writer. 

Furthermore, it was heretic Valentinus (who WCG acknowledges that Irenaeus wrote against) who was perhaps the first one to attempt to claim that Christians should accept the trinity.

Notice what was what it is recorded by a one-time Catholic bishop named Marcellus of Ancyra on the nature of God around the middle of the fourth century,

Now with the heresy of the Ariomaniacs, which has corrupted the Church of God…These then teach three hypostases, just as Valentinus the heresiarch first invented in the book entitled by him ‘On the Three Natures’.  For he was the first to invent three hypostases and three persons of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and he is discovered to have filched this from Hermes and Plato (Source: Logan A. Marcellus of Ancyra (Pseudo-Anthimus), ‘On the Holy Church’: Text, Translation and Commentary. Verses 8-9.  Journal of Theological Studies, NS, Volume 51, Pt. 1, April 2000, p.95 ).

The fact is that Valentinus was probably the first trinitarian to feign Christianity. 

Near the end of the second century (Circa 180), Irenaeus wrote this in his famous paper against heresies:

…there is none other called God by the Scriptures except the Father of all, and the Son, and those who possess the adoption (Irenaeus. Adversus haereses, Book IV, Preface, Verse 4. Excerpted from Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume 1. Edited by Alexander Roberts & James Donaldson. American Edition, 1885. Online Edition Copyright © 2004 by K. Knight).

Notice that he does not say that the Holy Spirit is also called God. Also notice that Irenaeus states that only the Father, the Son, and those who possess the adoption (Christians) are God (hence his writings support the idea of deification as LCG teaches it–see Deification: Did the Early Church Teach That Christians Would Become God?). This is a binitarian, not a trinitarian view.  Hence, he clearly was NOT TRINITARIAN.

At least one trinitarian scholar has acknowledged:

The language of the New Testament permits the Holy Spirit to be understood as an impersonal force or influence more readily than it does the Son…The attempt to develop an understanding of the Holy Spirit consistent with the trinitarian passages…came to fruition at Constantinople in 381…those who saw the Holy Spirit as a Person, were often heretical, for example, the Montanists (Brown HOJ. Heresies: Heresy and Orthodoxy in the History of the Church. Hendrickson Publishers, Peabody (MA), 1988, p. 140).

The fact is that the early church held to a binitarian, not trinitarian, view of the Godhead.

But to actually claim that Irenaeus was trinitarian when he wrote against the first one who claimed that Christians should be trinitarian, is bizarre.

But that is what happens when a group is transformed from the truth of the Bible to traditions of men.

Several articles of related interest may include:

Binitarian View: One God, Two Beings Before the BeginningIs binitarianism the correct position? What about unitarianism or trinitarianism?
Is The Father God? What is the view of the Bible? What was the view of the early church?
Jesus is God, But Was Made Man Was Jesus fully human and fully God or what?
Tradition and Scripture: From the Bible and Church Writings Are traditions on equal par with scripture? Many believe that is what Peter, John, and Paul taught. But did they?
Did Early Christians Think the Holy Spirit Was A Separate Person in a Trinity? Or did they have a different view?
Did the True Church Ever Teach a Trinity? Most act like this is so, but is it?
Was Unitarianism the Teaching of the Bible or Early Church? Many, including Jehovah’s Witnesses, claim it was, but was it?
Valentinus: The Gnostic Trinitarian Heretic He apparently was the first Christ-professing heretic to come up with the idea of three hypostases.

The Strength of Dollars Have Long Been Part of the “Pride of the Power” of the USA (which will be broken per Leviticus 26:19)

COGwriter

In is latest commentary last night, LCG’s Don Davis reported:

World economic collapse: Why? – and how to fix it!

“We are obviously watching the dollar very carefully,” Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke told the Senate Banking Committee on February 29, 2008. Yes, Bernanke’s Fed is watching, as is the rest of the world, while the once-mighty American dollar sinks to the status of third-world currency! Since August 2007, the U.S. government has spent nearly $1 trillion bailing out financial institutions and to shore up the ailing US economy.

Meanwhile, the cost of the war in Iraq continues to rise…

The U.S. dollar has not been backed by gold, or any real value, for more than a generation. Its only value is the trust investors place in it. Now that trust is being lost, as greedy American mortgage lenders have caused billions of dollars in investments to become almost worthless!

 Click here to read more.

As we in the Living Church of God have long been teaching, the USA is setting itself up for an economic and military collapse.  Without economic strength, military strength will either erode or be diluted, or more likely both.

Food shortages and price increases occurring and ultimately will worsen:

Food price rises threaten global security – UN

Hunger riots will destabilise weak governments, says senior official

The Guardian, UK – April 9, 2008

Rising food prices could spark worldwide unrest and threaten political stability, the UN’s top humanitarian official warned yesterday after two days of rioting in Egypt over the doubling of prices of basic foods in a year and protests in other parts of the world.

Sir John Holmes, undersecretary general for humanitarian affairs and the UN’s emergency relief coordinator, told a conference in Dubai that escalating prices would trigger protests and riots in vulnerable nations. He said food scarcity and soaring fuel prices would compound the damaging effects of global warming. Prices have risen 40% on average globally since last summer.

“The security implications [of the food crisis] should also not be underestimated as food riots are already being reported across the globe,” Holmes said. “Current food price trends are likely to increase sharply both the incidence and depth of food insecurity.” http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/apr/09/food.unitednations

These food problems will ultimately affect the USA as well.

Also, notice the following news item that was announced two days ago:

EU gives final approval to Galileo satellite project

EUobserver – April 8, 2008

EU transport ministers on Monday (7 April) gave their final approval to the bloc’s project for a satellite navigation system.Galileo – a global network of 30 navigation satellites and ground stations – is designed to rival the US global positioning system (GPS), has a budget of €3.4 billion for the 2007 – 2013 period, and will be entirely EU owned.

“This represents a decisive step towards a further implementation of this project. Europe has to carry on by intensively developing [Galileo], which constitutes the greatest technical and technological challenge for the EU in terms of developing its proper navigational system,” Slovenian transport minister Radovan Zerjav…“Today, we sent a clear message to Europe and the world that Europe remains committed to its goal of allowing all European citizens and companies a high-quality satellite-navigation service by 2013,” he added.Following Monday’s deal, the European Commission will be responsible for implementing the project and its different programmes, assisted by the Galileo Supervisory Authority and the European Space Agency. http://euobserver.com/9/25939

According to earlier stories (Galileo is military, EC admits The Register, UK – May 17, 2007; Will Military Interest Save Europe’s Beleagured Navigation System? Spiegel – June 7, 2007), it is Europe’s military that pushed to save the Galileo project.  And the military probably only would have saved Galileo because the military hopes to use it.  

For years, LCG and the COGwriter website have been warning that the European Galileo project was being worked on and that it will provide the Europeans with military capabilities that it currently does not have.

The fact that it is set to be complete by 2013 is completely consistent with my repeated posts that I do not believe that the Great Tribulation can occur before 2012 and that 2013-2017 are more likely dates. (Perhaps I should add that in a recent “must play” sermon DVD, LCG’s RC Meredith stated that while we could possibly have 10-20 years left, that 5 years was a more likely time frame–hence possibly 2013.  That is, of course, consistent with what the COGwriter site has been pointing out.)

Prophetic events continue to line up the way that the Living Church of God understands that they need to be.  And all need to heed, as Jesus repeatedly told His followers to “watch” before He returns (Matthew 14:25; 24:42; 25:13′ Mark 13:9,33-37; Luke 21:36)–and the Apostle Paul personally wrote that Christians needed to watch (1 Thessalonians 5:6).

The COGwriter site hopes to help by pointing out some of the events, that if watched, that seem to show the  nearness of Christ’s return and the absolute accuracy of biblical prophecy.  So, stay tuned!

Three articles of related interest may include:

End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something? There is a Mayan calendar prediction for change in 2012. 2012 changes were also centuries ago predicted by the Hopi Native Americans and the Hindu Indians (who were not even on the same continent). Do these Mayan/Hindu/Hopi prophecies have any value? Why might Satan have inspired this date? Can the great tribulation start before 2012?
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin?