Church of God News

Benedict XVI

COGwriter

The following, which was in the news today, is no surprise:

Pope: Europe must undergo ethical renewal to avoid repeating mistakes

CNS – April 9, 2008

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The future of Europe cannot rest solely on political and economic unity; the continent must also undergo an ethical and spiritual renewal if it is to avoid repeating its past mistakes, Pope Benedict XVI said.

A crucial source for that renewal can be found in St. Benedict, the patron saint of Europe, who is still the best teacher to show people “the art of living true humanism,” he said.

The pope spoke about St. Benedict, the fifth-century father of Western monasticism and “patron saint of my pontificate,” during his April 9 general audience in St. Peter’s Square…

St. Benedict’s legacy created a new kind of unity based on Christian spirituality and culture which the whole continent shared, and in this way “the reality of what we call Europe was born,” the pope said.

Today, Europe again is searching for a new kind of unity and identity after emerging from two tragic world wars and the aftermath of “great ideologies revealed as tragic utopias,” the pope said.

While political, economic and juridical agreements and institutions are important, he said, it is also necessary to foster “an ethical and spiritual renewal that taps into the continent’s Christian roots; otherwise Europe cannot be rebuilt.”

Without drawing from its Christian heritage, he said, people “will remain exposed to the danger of succumbing to the old temptations” of man-made redemption through utopian visions that have so far only set humankind back.

In the search for “true progress, let us listen to the rule of St. Benedict today” and use it to light the way forward, he said. http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0801905.htm

The reality is that Europe will unite under some form of a more ecumenical Catholicism.

This will probably be partially as a backlash against Islam and certain problems associated with secular humanism.  And of course, combined with political and personal ambitions, of a pope and a military leader.

Europe does not yet realize that it will eventually unify under a new order of Roman Catholicism.

Both the Bible and Catholic prophets agree that this will happen.

The main difference is that the Bible indicates that this is NOT a good thing.

More information on these matters can be found in the articles Europa and the Beast of Revelation and The King of the North.

A Shmura Matzo (Unleavened Bread is Used for Passover) 

COGwriter 

This morning, I noticed the following as one of the three items that “flashed” at CG7-Denver’s home page:

Lord’s Supper
April 18, 2008

Unlike the two other flashing items, there was no button to click on for more information, so I thought that I would provide some myself.

Essentially because of earlier compromises (“it has a name that it is alive but it is dead”, Revelation 3:1), CG7 uses the term “Lord’s Supper” instead of Passover, even though Passover is the original and traditional term that the true church has referred to the time after sunset on the 14th of Nisan.

At least CG7 (unlike some groups) has the date correct as I presume that it means after sunset on April 18th (although it did not specify that).

But what is Passover?  Is it a supper?

Notice what the Apostle Paul wrote:

20 Therefore when you come together in one place, it is not to eat the Lord’s Supper. 21 For in eating, each one takes his own supper ahead of others; and one is hungry and another is drunk. 22 What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and shame those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you in this? I do not praise you.

23 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” 25 In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes (1 Corinthians 11:20-26).

Basically Paul is clearly teaching that this is NOT a supper, but a memorial of what occurred AFTER supper was completed.  And he showed that we do this to proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes–which of course means that those who are properly keeping this believe that Jesus is coming back.

And there is no doubt that early Christians kept the Passover (and NOT Easter). 

Apollinaris was a church leader of Hierapolis in Phrygia of Asia Minor. Around 180 A.D. he wrote:

The fourteenth day, the true Passover of the Lord; the great sacrifice, the Son of God instead of the lamb, who was bound, who bound the strong, and who was judged, though Judge of living and dead, and who was delivered into the hands of sinners to be crucified, who was lifted up on the horns of the unicorn, and who was pierced in His holy side, who poured forth from His side the two purifying elements, water and blood, word and spirit, and who was buried on the day of the passover, the stone being placed upon the tomb (Apollinaris. From the Book Concerning Passover. Translated by Alexander Roberts and James Donaldson. Excerpted from Volume I of The Ante-Nicene Fathers. Alexander Roberts and James Donaldson, editors; American Edition copyright © 1885. Copyright © 2001 Peter Kirby).

Some 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?
Church of God, Seventh Day: History and Teachings Nearly all COG’s I am aware of trace their history through this group. Whaid Rose is the president of the largest CG7 group (Denver). Do you know much about them?
The Sardis Church Era was predominant circa 1600 A.D. to circa 1933 A.D. Discusses early history of the Seventh Day Baptists, Seventh-day Adventists, and COG-7th Day. 

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

Yesterday, April 07, 2008 Ronald Weinland was interviewed by Mike McConnell Show.

The Weinland Watch blog typed a transcript which reported the statements in writing (which I verified by listening to the radio interview myself today).  Here is some from that transcript (without any added blogger comments): 

Mike McConnell (MM): And why would you have to be in Israel or why would you choose to be in Israel?

Ronald Weinland (RW): Well I’m going to be there when this all begins on April the 17th because that’s where my job begins and that’s where my job ends. It’s just uh something that I’m to do at this particular point in time…

MM: When you come back would you expect to be able to tell us what you saw, heard, or in any way witnessed that signaled the beginning of the end?

RW: Uh well certainly there we should be able to know very quickly here what’s beginning to take place um. That is the first trumpet that’s blown and it begins to talk about a period of time that this could trigger is going to have a third of everything as far as grass, trees, and so forth burn up um. Obviously then that has a tremendous effect then on agriculture and what that means for the rest of the world right now there’s a rice shortage and grain prices are shooting up there are shortages and it’s uh just the beginning it’s the first thing that begins to happen.

MM: I guess based on weather patterns there is a shortage of something every year isn’t that safe to say?

RW: Oh absolutely. But this is gonna get into the point where it’s so great it’s so strong so powerful that uh this is this is not a small thing this is going to upset a lot of people as as well as uh as well as animals and the like. It’s not a small thing. And by the time you get to the second trumpet it’s even gonna be more devastating and at that point in time there it uh definitely seem to indicate there’s gonna be nuclear weapons go off but I I really some of these things as far as the four seals exactly what they are uh specifically when the nuclear weapons go off and the like uh that’s what my job actually begins April the 17th that’s when I begin my job.

MM: Right then when would the second trumpet come following the first?

RW: Well there’s a period of forty-five days to ninety days that God hasn’t revealed yet and that could very well depend upon people’s response. To what’s taking place. Whether they listen whether they don’t how they respond to things that begins taking place in the first trumpet uh blast takes place so. Uh there’s a period of forty-five days uh that takes us up to about uh the beginning of June and the second trumpet could go at that time or it could take us up to uh a little bit later. Mid-July or even later than that.

MM: Likely June or July.

RW: Uh very likely very likely June or July.

MM: We should see we’ll see dramatic changes between now, now and June or July.

RW:Absolutely. Yeah there’s there’s not gonna be a question in people’s minds when these things begin. These are not gonna be normal things that just happen as a uh consequence of what normal weather patterns or things of that nature there that uh this is going to be of…intensity. It’s not’s going to be a small thing. These are going to be very widespread things that begin to take place.

MM: Well what’s likely to happen and I know this sounds facetious but I’m not. But if anything were to happen they’d just blame it on global warming.

RW: Well the first time they will but when uh nuclear weapons go off they can’t blame that on uh global warming. During this first stage the forty-five days to ninety days that’s exactly what people will do. You’re exactly right . But after that period of time it’s going to it’s going to change dramatically as things of terrorism begin to take place in this country because we have four trumpets that are going to take place here over six months to a year’s period of time and as they take place it’s going to bring this, the United States here to demise. We are we are not we are at our end as far as our country is concerned. I’ve made many comments on different interviews here that we may be able to scrounge together having elections in November but there will not be a new president take office in January…

RW: I wrote the book. And God gave an outline for various things he was very you know there were things very specific there about 2008 uh dates and so forth when things beginning the process uh just like by the time we get to the fifth trumpet we know exactly what’s going to happen that’s when Europe arises. That’s when Europe is given the power they’re given. They fill a vacuum that the United States leaves because we’re going to have an economic collapse here. We’re right at the brink of that anyway. And uh things are trying to hold on as best they can but the reality is this time they’re not gonna be able to hold on. We are going to have a collapse here this year. Before the year is over with we’re gonna have an economic collapse. The Euro has already replaced the dollar as far as strength and power in the world is concerned. And people are starting to move a little bit over there. But they’re panicking too because you know China starts moving over… what they do you know they’ll cut their own throats so. You know it’s it’s difficult for countries out here right now but when we finally collapse uh it’s all said and done and Europe arises and they’re gonna be ten nations in Europe.

MM: Right. You you say that’s when your job starts. What is your job?

RW:Well my job starts April the 17th.

MM: Right. And your job is what?

RW: I am one of the individuals the scripture refers to as one of the two end-time witnesses. One of god’s two end-time prophets.

MM: And you know who the other one is and you won’t reveal it until that point in time?

RW: Yeah next week.

MM: Next week?

RW: Yeah. It’s because it’s not something that’s to be given until that specific time publicly so.

MM: All right is this other person someone you know?

RW: Oh absolutely.

MM: So what uh it could be like your wife or something?

RW: Well. It’ll be announced at that time…

RW: If it doesn’t pan out the only thing I would do is uh . So if I responded to anything at all was to explain to people I was a false prophet that’s the only answer. That I’m no longer a minister.

MM: So if by Labour Day we’re still having a picnic.

RW: Well then I’m I’m through.

MM: Then you would find a different line of work.

RW: Absolutely…

MM: And do you know which cities are going to be nuked?

RW: Well uh, I’ve said many a time here I wouldn’t want to live in New York city or Chicago or LA and uh Houston Texas especially some of those areas uh the larger cities uh those are the primary targets.

MM: And this is something going on between us and Russia? Or us and who?

RW: No, this is uh, some of it’s going to be a matter of terrorism. But even after the terrorism uh actually Europe’s going to uh send a few our way as well. They’re uh we’re gonna be conquered that’s a part of the processes. By the time the fifth trumpet sounds we are going to be conquered by Europe…

Ronald Weinland earlier made it sound like nearly everything would happen in February through April 2008, now it appears that he has given himself more time.

Ronald Weinland is a false prophet and is not one God’s two witnesses.

People need to check out what he says and compare that to the Bible and actual world events.  Including things that biblically should have happened if Ronald Weinland was correct that simply did not.

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.

Neodymium Magnet on a Hard Drive

COGwriter

The April 2008 edition of PCG’s Trumpet has the following in an article on minerals:

As America has been divesting itself of mineral-producing capacity, other nations have been quick to embrace it. Unfortunately for the U.S., the ability to control global production of strategic minerals is an incredibly powerful political weapon.

China, for example, now completely dominates rare earth minerals—minerals that the U.S. supplied over 20 percent of not long ago.

“The whole family of ‘-ums’ like gallium, rhenium, neodymium and indium, is fascinating. And frightening!” reports the Miner Diaries investment bulletin. “They are an essential ingredient in many technology-related sectors and demand is growing at 10-to-15 percent a year.

“Yet it is completely dominated by just one country—around 95 percent of supply comes from China” (Jan. 30, 2008).

Over the past two years, China has begun restricting exports of these materials. The end result is, U.S. manufacturers who wish to stay in business are being forced to move their research and development and manufacturing facilities to China to gain access to rare earth minerals. An example of this was the sale and relocation of Magnequench, a company formerly based in Indiana that produced 85 percent of the rare earth magnets used in the guidance systems of U.S. military smart bombs. Without rare earths, you don’t have protective coatings, blast protection, guided missiles, lasers, modern transportation, laptop computers, tvs, or even iPods.

In 1992, China basically admitted to the world what it was planning to do. Chinese ruler Deng Xiaoping coined the statement, “There is oil in the Middle East, there is rare earth in China.” Then in 1999, Chinese President Jiang Zemin said, “Improve the development and applications of rare earth, and change [China’s] resource advantage into economic superiority.”

Meanwhile, America has closed its only rare earth mine (one owned by Unocal, which the Chinese state-owned company cnooc tried to purchase in 2005), has boarded up the Rare Earth Information Center, and has not only ceased stockpiling rare earth minerals but has also largely sold off national stockpiles.

If any doubt exists as to China’s intentions, on February 4 Chinese state-owned companies announced four deals in the resources sector. The deals came only two days after Chinalco, China’s aluminum company, grabbed a 12 percent stake in Rio Tinto to prevent the Australian mining giant bhpBilliton from gaining control over the $132 billion diversified mining giant.

The Times called China’s action “the first shots in a new economic war.”

The mineral crisis is only one of many that the USA is facing. 

Between USA debt, food imports, dependence of foreign energy & goods, moral problems, and a lack of repentance of our national sins, the USA is setting itself up for a massive fall.

A bigger fall than most Americans can even imagine.  Those interested in some of the details should read the Book of Lamentations and the second chapter of the Book of Habakkuk.  In addition, some of what will happen to the USA is discussed in the article Who is the King of the North?

Perhaps, I should add that because of economic disparities, grain/food shortages, pollution, and the potential for a major disease outbreak, China itself may face some internal revolts and other crises, even though it has many strategic resources now (an article of related interest may include China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 3: Asia in Prophecy).

A Shmura Matzo (Unleavened Bread is Used for Passover) 

COGwriter 

After sunset Friday, April 18th, those who still believe what the old WCG and the Bible taught will be observing Passover.

While most in the Catholic and Protestant world think that Passover is “Jewish”, the truth is that Passover was most definitely observed by early Christians.

Faithful Christians, such as Polycratesin the late 2nd century wrote that he and the other early church leaders (like the Apostles Philip and John, and their successors like Polycarp, Thraseas, Sagaris, Papirius, Melito) all kept Passover, and Polycrates said when they kept it:

All these observed the fourteenth day of the passover according to the Gospel, deviating in no respect, but following the rule of faith. And I also, Polycrates, the least of you all, do according to the tradition of my relatives, some of whom I have closely followed. For seven of my relatives were bishops; and I am the eighth. And my relatives always observed the day when the people put away the leaven (Eusebius. Church History, Book V, Chapter 24).

And even heretical “professing Christians” kept it (though they changed the date of it).

Passover actually was part of “the faith once for all delivered unto the saints” (Jude 3).

If you consider yourself a Christian, you may wish to look into this matter further, pray about it, and check out what your Bible and early Christians taught about it.

Several articles of related interest would include:

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.
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?
What Does the Catholic Church Teach About Christmas and the Holy Days? Do you know what the Catholic Church says were the original Christian holy days? Was Christmas among them?

COGwriter 

The following was in the news  today:

Coming soon: superfast internet

The Sunday Times – April 6, 2008

THE internet could soon be made obsolete. The scientists who pioneered it have now built a lightning-fast replacement capable of downloading entire feature films within seconds.

At speeds about 10,000 times faster than a typical broadband connection, “the grid” will be able to send the entire Rolling Stones back catalogue from Britain to Japan in less than two seconds.

The latest spin-off from Cern, the particle physics centre that created the web, the grid could also provide the kind of power needed to transmit holographic images; allow instant online gaming with hundreds of thousands of players; and offer high-definition video telephony for the price of a local call…

The history of the internet shows you cannot predict its real impacts but we know they will be huge.”   http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/science/article3689881.ece .

Also notice the following related story:

CERN scientists seek to replay the universe’s birth

International Herald Tribune – May 14, 2007 

The advent of the CERN collider also cements a shift in the balance of physics power. That shift, away from American dominance of what has been called the queen of science, the quest to understand what the world is made of and how it works, began in 1993, when the U.S. Congress canceled the Superconducting Supercollider, a monster machine under construction in Waxahachie, Texas. The supercollider, the most powerful ever envisioned, would have sped protons around a 54-mile racetrack before slamming them together with 40 trillion electron volts.

For decades before that, physicists in the United States and Europe had leapfrogged one another with bigger, more expensive and, inevitably, fewer of these machines, which get their magic from Einstein’s equation of mass and energy. The more energy that these machines can pack into their little fireballs, the farther back in time they can go, closer and closer to the Big Bang, the smaller and smaller things they can see.

Recalling those times, Evans said: “There was a nice equilibrium across the Atlantic. People used to come and go.”

Now, Evans said, “the center of gravity has moved to CERN.”

The most powerful accelerator now operating is the trillion-electron volt Tevatron, colliding protons and their antimatter opposites, antiprotons, at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory in Batavia, Illinois. But it is scheduled to shut down by 2010.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/05/14/europe/cern.php

The truth is that Europa is getting ready to be able to pass the USA technologically (including by fining Microsoft earlier and getting a lot of its USA software technology, improperly in my opinion).  Soon Europa will be ready militarily (though it will probably not emphasize that much publicly as I believe that a surprise attack is more their historical style).  And Europa is currently working on its own “GPS” called Galileo which will enable it to by-pass US systems and controls.

We in the Living Church of God will continue to warn people that the Beast-power is forming in Europe and will eventually destroy the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand–as well as impose its new order religion on the rest of the world.

Two articles of related interest may include:

Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”?
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? What kind of religion will he attempt to impose on the world? 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 

The Los Angeles Times carried the following story on Friday:

Mexico reconquers California? Absolut drinks to that!

Los Angeles Times – April 3, 2008

The latest advertising campaign in Mexico from Swedish vodka maker Absolut promises to push all the right buttons south of the U.S. border, but it could ruffle a few feathers in El Norte.

         

The billboard and press campaign, created by advertising agency Teran\TBWA  and now running in Mexico, is a colorful map depicting what the Americas might look like in an “Absolut” — i.e., perfect — world.

The U.S.-Mexico border lies where it was before the Mexican-American war of 1848 when California, as we now know it, was Mexican territory and known as Alta California.

Following the war, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo saw the Mexican territories of Alta California and Santa Fé de Nuevo México ceded to the United States to become modern-day California, Texas, New Mexico, Utah, Colorado and Arizona. (Texas actually split from Mexico several years earlier to form a breakaway republic, and was voluntarily annexed by the United States in 1846.)

The campaign taps into the national pride of Mexicans, according to Favio Ucedo, creative director of leading Latino advertising agency Grupo Gallegos in the U.S.

Ucedo, who is from Argentina, said: “Mexicans talk about how the Americans stole their land, so this is their way of reclaiming it. It’s very relevant and the Mexicans will love the idea.”

But he said that were the campaign to run in the United States, it might fall flat…

— Deborah Bonello and Reed Johnson in Mexico City http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/laplaza/2008/04/mexico-reconque.html

In various sermons, LCG’s RC Meredith has discussed that fact that many in Mexico hope for the “reconquista”, the taking over again, of territories that the USA gained from Mexico via the sword in the 1800s.

I believe that the Absolut ad will get more and more Mexicans to think that Mexico deserves to get this land back.

And while some may think that this is only a fanciful dream, for decades I have believed that Mexico would join with the coming European Beast power and assist in invading the United States once the King of the North decides to make his move.  And I believe that the King of the North will reward Mexico by giving it some (if not possibly, all) of the land that the USA gained through the sword from it.

As mentioned here previously (please see A Combined EU & North American Trade Block Coming?), events are unfolding which I believe will make this possible.  And the Abosolut ad will most likely get many in Mexico to think more about this possibility. 

Living Church of God Sign & Family, January 2008

COGwriter

Davy Crockett, business manager for the Living Church of God, announced the following: 

Exciting News for Tomorrow’s World Television Production 

As we move toward upgrading to digital television in February 2009, as mandated by the FCC, it is necessary to acquire all new equipment for producing the television program.  Also, a new set design for the program has been approved by Dr. Meredith and the Media Department.

 

In the planning process to remodel the large room in the Headquarters building to house the new set and equipment, we realized that with Living University lectures, Holy Day sermons and other video productions in addition to the television program, the studio was being used much more than in the past.  With the increased usage, we considered whether or not the current location was the best place for the studio and related functions. 

 

While working on these plans, a 5,000sf building two doors down from the Headquarters building came on the market for sale. Inspection of the building revealed that it is very suitable for our purposes.  In fact, the rear half of the structure is a large, open room with 16-foot ceilings, heated and cooled, which is very well suited for a television studio. The office portion of the building is laid out in a configuration that would accommodate our production staff. The remainder of the building can be retro fitted to accommodate our sound studio, duplication equipment and a conference room.

 

After some negotiation, the owner of the building accepted our offer to purchase the building and we are in the process of conducting our due diligence procedures moving toward a target date for closing on the building of May 15, 2008.

 

We hope to be producing television programs at the new facility in late summer for the 2009 season. Moving our television production staff to the new building will free up needed space in the Headquarters building for offices and additional meeting space. Your prayers for the successful completion of this important project will be appreciated.

The Living Church of God has, by far, the greatest impact over the television airways of any group with origins in the old WCG.

The building purchase and new equipment will help LCG continue to expand its television presence.

An article of related interest may be There are Many COGs: Why Support the Living Church of God?

  Pope Benedict XVI  

COGwriter

Zenit.org reported yesterday:

Pope’s US Trip Not Just for Catholics

Bishops’ Aide Notes Ecumenical and Interreligious Priority

By Kathleen Naab

WASHINGTON, D.C., APRIL 4, 2008 (Zenit.org).- When Benedict XVI travels to the United States this month, ecumenical and interreligious relations are a priority on his agenda, according to an aide of the nation’s conference of bishops.

Father James Massa, executive director of the U.S episcopal conference’s Secretariat for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs, said this is because “the Pope is convinced that there will be no peace in the world until there is peace among the religions. That is why he comes to the table of dialogue here in the U.S. and in Rome, with hope and abiding conviction.”

Father Massa told ZENIT that this Holy Father “brings an amazing theological depth to ecumenical and interreligious relations.”

The Pontiff’s schedule during his five-day U.S. trip includes four stops dedicated to building these relationships. On April 17, the Pope will meet with 200 interfaith leaders at the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center in Washington, D.C…

Father Massa contended that ecumenism and interreligious dialogue is a priority for Benedict XVI, not just since being elected Pope, but ever since his days as an advisor at the Second Vatican Council. http://www.zenit.org/article-22196?l=english

Two things about the Pope’s trip.

The first is that I believe Ronald Weinland will falsely point to the pontiff’s visit to Washington, D.C. on April 17 as the first trumpet or something like that as the start of the 1260 days of the Great Tribulation.  But, of course, he will be wrong (as he also will be wrong on other matters and was wrong about the 1290 days which he said began March 18, 2008–see Ronald Weinland: Nothing Happened March 18th Because What Happened Was Spiritual?; see also Ronald Weinland: Nuclear Attack May be Mid-April 2008).

The second is more important. Since most Protestants had no knowledge of Catholic prophecies, they do not grasp the danger of the “ecumenical” plans of the Roman Church.  Because after all is said and done,  the prophecy from concerning the one we in the Living Church of God would consider to be the ten-horned Beast (also known as 666 and the King of the North), will, according to Catholic prophecy, eliminate Protestantism: 

Father Laurence Ricci, S.J. (died 1775): “After the rule of Napoleon a time will come when the people will become poor and the world will be punished in three ways: wars, famines, and pestilences. At a time when the whole world seems doomed, God will intervene. With His aide a valiant duke will arise from the ancient German house which was humiliated by the French monarch. This great ruler will restore stolen Church property. Protestantism will cease and the Turkish empire will end. This duke will be the most powerful monarch on earth. At a gathering of men noted for piety and wisdom he will, with the aid of the Pope, introduce new rules, and ban the spirit of confusion. Everywhere there will be one fold and one shepherd.” (Connor, Edward. Prophecy for Today. Imprimatur + A.J. Willinger, Bishop of Monterey-Fresno; Reprint: Tan Books and Publishers, Rockford (IL), 1984, p. 37).

Notice what some Catholics have written:

“The Pope calls an Ecumenical Council which will be viewed as the greatest in the history of the Church. The world is spiritually and materially prosperous as never before and many Jews, Mohammedans, heathens and heretics will enter the Church”. (DA. Trial, Tribulation & Triumph: Before During and After Antichrist. Queenship Publishing Company, Goleta (CA), 1996, p.555)

 The Anti-Pope will be recognized as the legitimate Pope of the “church,” and the legitimate head of the Vatican State. That “church” will be united with all the false religions. They will be united together under the universality of the Masonic umbrella. In that motley ecumenical union will be the established religion of the so-called civilized world. This is how we will get into the time of great persecution such as the world has never seen. [p. 40] (Priest Kramer. As cited by Mario Derksen’s article The Blind Leading the Blind Memo to Chris Ferrara, Father Nicholas Gruner and Father Paul Kramer: Please, please take off the blindfolds! in TRADITIONAL INSIGHTS October 7, 2005Volume 16, no. 250; http://www.dailycatholic.org/issue/05Oct/oct7mdi.htm 10/10/07).

Hence some Catholics are looking to a time that an ecumenical pontiff will appear.  Some (like the first quotation above) are looking forward to that, while others (like the second quotation above) consider that this will be a sign of an Anti-pope.

I strongly believe that the current pontiff is paving the way for the more “ecumenical” pontiff to come.

For more information, please see the articles:

Some Doctrines of Antichrist Are there any doctrines taught outside the Churches of God which can be considered as doctrines of antichrist. This article suggests at least three. It also provides information on 666 and the identity of “the false prophet”.
Do Certain Catholic Prophecies About Antichrist Warn Against Jesus? Will the final “Anti-Christ” be Jewish, insist on Saturday, be opposed to the trinity, and bring in the millennium? Catholic writings indicate this, but what does the Bible show?
Two Horned Beast of Revelation and 666 This article explains how the LCG views this, and compares this to Ellen White.
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”?
Persecutions by Church and State This article documents some that have occurred against those associated with the COGs and some prophesied to occur.
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.

COGwriter

Graham Davies of the Bible Fund sent the following information:

Rafael Ukuakukula, pastor and director of the Worldwide Church of God in Angola, died in a Luanda hospital on Tuesday, March 25, 2008, following a courageous battle with thrombosis and diabetes.  He was 54 years old. Rafael was born in July of 1953, having received his primary education in the province of Huambo, where his parents were agricultural workers.  He, like so many others working in the fields, received four years of education and then went back to help his parents in the fields.  Rafael Ukuakukula married Albertina Laureta Bonga in 1976. Key dates re. Pastor Ukuakukula’s involvement with God’s Church in Angola: 1974: Church literature reached Angola as early as this year through interested people who received the literature in French.  In our files, more people are shown receiving literature in French between 1985 and 1988.  This was because many had fled to Zaire during the Civil War (1974-2002) and had learned French. 1976: Rafael Ukuakukula leaves Catholicism and becomes a Protestant, becoming a pastor in a Protestant denomination.  During the Civil War Pastor Rafael and his brother Lucas suffer persecution for their refusal to bear arms, at times being imprisoned for their faith. August 1983: Rafael and friends form a church where they can keep the seventh-day Sabbath.  They call themselves the Church of the Apostles of the Seventh Day.  The church is presided over by Rafael’s brother, Lucas Samangala.  December 1984: Rafael is nominated General Secretary of that church. August 1985: Rafael is given the responsibility of pastor. 1992:A delegation of Pastors Honório Cativa and Lucas Samangala are sent to Namibia to make contact with refugees who are members of the WCG.  They also talk to Barrie Watson, who at that time was a WCG member in Windhoek. 1992‑1994: Much correspondence carried out at this time between the Angola church and Graham Davies, who was transferred from Big Sandy to Pasadena in June 1992, setting up an office in Editorial, and coming under the dual supervision of Editorial (Pasadena) and the Spanish Department (Big Sandy).   1995:  The leaders of the Church of the Apostles of the Seventh Day ask for admission into the Worldwide Church of God.  Carlos Tavares travels to Angola for the Feast of Tabernacles and nominates Pastor Rafael Ukuakukula as the representative pastor for the church in Angola.  A letter is sent from Mr. Joseph W. Tkach, although he was on his deathbed at the time.  The letter may have been composed and sent by his son, Joe Tkach Jr.  However, the Angolan members are not informed of the major doctrinal changes in the WCG.  This is done by Graham Davies in January of 1996. 2001:  Pastor Rafael invites former editor of the Church’s Portuguese publications to come to Angola and speak at the annual Feast of Tabernacles.  Over 1,400 people gather in the local church’s yard area outside the main church building.  Photo shows Pastor Rafael consulting with Graham Davies about the festival program. 

December 2002:The WCG’s Regional and International Directors for Africa, arrive to ask for the Church’s registration documents and to install a new leader who will promote the new doctrinal direction (away from the Truth).  Pastor Rafael, together with other chief men in Luanda, stand up for the True Shepherd who would have the physical shepherds turn away the “wolves in sheep‘s clothing.”  They successfully hold on to the church papers and their ministerial responsibilities given them by Christ.  The Angolan Government, being involved in all church matters in Angola, accepts the previous designation of leadership based on the doctrines delineated in the by-laws.  The Worldwide Church of God in Angola remains a Sabbath and Holy Day-keeping church. November 2004: Pastor Rafael and his wife attend the Feast of Tabernacles in Brazil, along with Editor Graham Davies.  Upon returning home, Pastor Rafael finds that some leading men have turned against him with mostly false accusations.  This becomes an ongoing test, but stimulates much spiritual growth among the remaining members in the Church. April 2007: Pastor Rafael is weakened by high blood pressure and thrombosis, in addition to a diabetic condition.  This pastor is an example of God’s grace being made perfect in weakness.  Although partially paralyzed, he recovers in a few months sufficiently enough to be able to attend the Last Great Day assembly in Namibia, in the company of Graham Davies and a church member in that country.  Afterwards, he goes to a ministerial conference in Northern Namibia attended by the chief pastors of the IDM (Worldwide Church of God in Angola), sponsored by the Bible Fund.  March 25, 2008: In the final stages of his illness, Pastor Rafael could hardly speak. He will be greatly missed as a very kind and patient husband, father and pastor.  He is survived by his wife Albertina, and six children: four boys and two girls. 

The work of the Church will presently be carried on by a team of elders, with financial support for main needs from the Bible Fund, which was founded for the purpose of getting funds to Angola to purchase Bibles and serve humanitarian needs.  The Fund now helps with evangelism, using the church literature which it has always used to service approximately 800 members in the country.

Hopefully, those who are faithful in Angola will look into what to do next.

Two articles that may help could include:

Unity: Which COG for You? Why so many groups? Why is there lack of unity in the Churches of God? Has it always been this way? What can/should be done about it?
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.