Church of God News

A Halloween scene in Dublin, Ireland.

COGwriter

Today, many millions around the world will be celebrating Halloween.  In a related email last night, UCG reported the following:

Can people make Halloween harmless?

When it comes to Halloween—or any other holiday for that matter—you should ask yourself, “Did God make man in His image, or did God intend man to remake God in man’s image?” Now that’s a sobering thought.

The religious excuse for perpetuating Halloween might be that, as we’ve seen, church leaders long ago called it a “holy evening” for all the Catholic saints who had no day assigned to them. But face it: People who celebrate this evening today couldn’t care less about such religious notions. All they think about is instant gratification, to follow the pack with everyone else and to have some fun.

The Encyclopedia of Religion goes on to say: “Modern Halloween activities have centered on mischief making and masquerading in costumes, often resembling otherworldly characters. Folk customs, now treated as games [such as bobbing for apples], have continued from the various divination practices of the ancient celebrants of this occasion. Supernatural figures [such as the ghost, the witch, the vampire, the devil] play a key role in supplying an aura of the mysterious to the evening, whether or not they originally had an association with the festival.

“Children are particularly susceptible to the imagery of Halloween, as can be seen in their fascination with the demonic likeness of a carved and illuminated pumpkin, known as the jack-o’-lantern. In recent times, children have taken up the practice of dressing in Halloween costumes and visiting homes in search of edible and monetary treats, lightly threatening to play a trick on the owner if a treat is not produced” (p. 177).

Halloween is one of many human traditions that cloud biblical teachings and keep people in the dark from God’s truth that can set us free (John 8:32). It is not a harmless holiday for you or for your children. God warns us to avoid it and to follow His ways, because He hates for us to dabble in the spirit world of Satan and his demons! Instead, as God tells us in Isaiah 66:2, “On this one will I look: on him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My word.”

The fact is that Halloween is NOT harmless.  It leads people away from God’s plan as revealed in the Holy Days and blends paganism with a semblance of religion.  It obscures the real hope of salvation.

Jesus did not keep it or endorse anything like it.

It should not be kept by real Christians.

Three articles of possibly related interest may include:

Is Halloween Holy Time for Christians? This article provides some historical and biblical insight on this question.
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.
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.
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?

COGwriter

Archaeologists have been busy lately.  Now it appears that there is earlier proof, outside of the Bible, that David slew Goliath:

While we in the Living Church of God do not need additional proof, it is always nice when archeologists provide additional support for the biblical accounts–especially since many to dismiss the Bible have indicated that its stories (such as the one that David slew Goliath) were myths and not based upon reality.

Hopefully those who have discounted the accuracy of the Bible will re-examine their positions and take the Bible as seriously as it should be taken.

This is just one more example as to why one should believe the Bible–over time, properly understood archaeological evidence always will support the biblical account.

Perhaps I should mention that I do believe that more artifacts will be found to support various aspects of the Bible.  And while this is good, I also suspect that the coming Beast power will try to exploit this to his advantage to persuade those who had little previous interest in religion to support him.

Watch and see.

Several articles of possibly related interest may include:

The Bible: Fact or Fiction? This is a booklet written by Douglas Winnail that answers if the Bible is just a collection of myths and legends or the inspired word of God.
Read the Bible Christians should read the Bible. This article gives some rationale for regular bible reading.
What is the Appropriate Form of Biblical Interpretation? Should the Bible be literally understood? What do the writings of the Bible, Origen, Herbert W. Armstrong, and Augustine show?
Bible and Historical Resources on the Internet Electronic bibles, Two Babylons, early Christian literature, photos, and even links to old Herbert W. Armstrong materials.
A Short Article on Faith A subject that could fill many books.
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.
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”? What is ahead for Europe?
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.
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? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?

A Halloween scene in Dublin, Ireland.

COGwriter

The following news item explains some of the origins of traditions associated with Halloween:

Kansas State Collegian

Perhaps I should add that when I attended Catholic school, no one suggested that we dress up as “saints”.  This seems to be a more recent, more “politically correct”, spin on this pagan holiday.

Halloween is one more pagan holiday that allows critics of Christianity to point out the false practices that many who profess it adhere to.  It was adopted as an inappropriate compromise to attract members by Greco-Roman supporters–it is clearly not a biblical holy day.

Real Christians do not celebrate Halloween.  Do you?

Three articles of possibly related interest may include:

Is Halloween Holy Time for Christians? This article provides some historical and biblical insight on this question.
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.
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?

6.7 Earthquake in Northridge California Destroyed the Above Building of Kaiser Permanente As Well as Various Freeway Overpasses and other Buildings on January 17, 1994.

COGwriter

There was a major earthquake in Pakistan:

Pakistan rescuers pull 175 bodies from quake rubble

By Saeed Ali Achakzai Saeed Ali Achakzai – Wed Oct 29

WAM, Pakistan (Reuters) – About 175 people were killed when a powerful earthquake hit the southwestern Pakistani province of Baluchistan on Wednesday, flattening about 1,500 mud-walled homes and triggering landslides, officials said.

The epicenter of Wednesday’s quake was in Ziarat district, a scenic valley and one of the main tourist spots in Baluchistan.

Chief district administrator Dilawar Khan said 170 people had been killed in that district and 350 injured.

“The rescue operation is over. We’ve retrieved all bodies and the injured. Now the problem is relief as there’s a shortage of tents, blankets and food while the weather is getting cold,” Khan told Reuters.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the 6.4 magnitude quake struck 60 km (40 miles) northeast of the provincial capital, Quetta.

Pakistan’s Meteorological Department put the magnitude at 6.5 and said the quake, at the shallow depth of about 10 km (six miles), struck at 5.10 a.m. (2310 GMT on Tuesday).

About 20 aftershocks, the biggest of 6.2 magnitude, caused more damage and rattled the nerves of survivors as they scoured the rubble for loved ones. 

Hopefully, the aftershocks are now over.

Several articles of possibly related interest may include:

Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2009, 2010, or 2011? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?
Asia in Prophecy What is Ahead for China? Is it a “King of the East”? What will happen to nearly all the Chinese, Russians, and others of Asia?
India/Pakistan/Bangladesh/Sri Lanka: Any Witness? The Bible discusses the origins of those of Indian heritage and this article discusses some of the witness to them.
Why Prophecy? Because the World Will Not End Next Week Some question or downplay the role of prophecy. This article gives some of the biblical reasons what it is important and explains why the world cannot end for at least 3 1/3 years from now.
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 (the Hindus may have some predictions for the next decade as well). Do these Mayan/Hindu/Hopi prophecies have any value? Why might Satan have inspired this date? Does the Dresden codex show destruction of the earth by flood? Can the great tribulation start before 2012?
Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? When does the six thousand years of human rule end?

Flags of the Arab League and the European Union

COGwriter

In the November/December 2008 edition of its Philadelphia Trumpet magazine, PCG’s founder and self-declared prophet Gerald Flurry wrote the following:

The world is focused on the American elections. But there are even more important elections coming on Sept. 28, 2009. Those will occur in Germany. And because a crisis is simmering there right now, this momentous event could come to a head even sooner than we think.

After this momentous election, one man will rise to power in Europe. A man we have been anticipating for years…

This man is prophesied in your Bible!

Daniel 8 speaks of a fierce German ruler to come “in the latter time.” Verse 23 describes him as a “king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences.” “And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many …” (verse 25). This king comes acting like he wants peace, but he is lying! He will be a ruthless and violent man—preaching peace but practicing war!

Daniel 11:21 says this end-time Antiochus will “come in peaceably, and obtain the kingdom by flatteries,” yet will be a vile person. Verse 25 shows he will war against the king of the south with a great army.

I believe we might see the Daniel 8:23 man within this year!

This is Germany and Europe’s moment!

And while it is remotely possible that whoever becomes the Chancellor of Germany in 2009 will ultimately become the prophesied King of the North, that individual cannot actually have that title in 2009. The Bible (in Daniel 9:26-27) refers to the one who becomes the King of the North, first as a prince who makes a peace treaty–a treaty that has not yet been made and that will last for about 3 1/2 years before it is broken.

So even if Gerald Flurry’s hedged prediction identifies the one who ultimately could be the King of the North, it simply is not possible for that person to hold that title in 2009.

Gerald Flurry also wrote the following in the same article:

We have seen the king of the south, radical Islam, come together and begin to push.

But that statement is simply is not true.  There is no King of the South yet. Nor (as Gerald Flurry has written and insisted elsewhere) can it be Iran.

Gerald Flurry is another self-appointed false prophet.  But one who is putting out over 278,000 magazines per issue.  Hence one that some sadly pay attention to.

Several articles of possibly related interest may include:

Teachings Unique to the Philadelphia Church of God Simply calling oneself ‘Philadelphia’ does not make one so (see Revelation 3:7-9), nor does Gerald Flurry calling himself “that prophet” make it so. This article provides many quotes from this group which claims to be faithful.
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.
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”? What is ahead for Europe?
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? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?
Is There A Future King of the South? Some no longer believe there needs to be. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? What does the Bible say?
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 (the Hindus may have some predictions for the next decade as well). Do these Mayan/Hindu/Hopi prophecies have any value? Why might Satan have inspired this date? Does the Dresden codex show destruction of the earth by flood? Can the great tribulation start before 2012?
Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? When does the six thousand years of human rule end?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2009, 2010, or 2011? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?

Protestant Reformer Martin Luther

COGwriter

Martin Luther made the news yesterday:

Archaeologists Unveil Secrets of Luther’s Life

Sadly Martin Luther’s penchant for not holding to the truth led to his own doctrinal compromises and a distancing from true biblical doctrines among his followers.

Several articles of possibly related interest may include:

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? Statements from him changing and/or discounting 18 books of the Bible are included. Do you really want to know the truth?
Lies Where did they originate? What was really the first lie? What happens for lies?
The Similarities and Dissimilarities between Martin Luther and Herbert W. ArmstrongThis 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?
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.
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?
Did The Early Church Teach Millenarianism? Was the millennium (sometimes called chiliasm) taught by early Christians? Martin Luther condemned it. Will Jesus literally reign for 1000 years on the earth? Is this time near?
Were the Pharisees Condemned for Keeping the Law or Reasoning Around it? Many believe that the Pharisees were condemned for keeping the law, but what does your Bible say? If they were not condemned for that, what were they condemned for?
The Ten Commandments Reflect Love, Breaking them is Evil Some feel that the ten commandments are a burden. Is that what Jesus, Paul, Peter, James, and John taught?
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?

The excavation at Khirbat en-Nahas where scientists believe they may have uncovered King Solomon’s Mine.

COGwriter

The following news item was of interest:

This is just one more example as to why one should believe the Bible–over time, properly understood archaeological evidence always will support the biblical account.

Several articles of possibly related interest may include:

The Bible: Fact or Fiction? This is a booklet written by Douglas Winnail that answers if the Bible is just a collection of myths and legends or the inspired word of God.
Read the Bible Christians should read the Bible. This article gives some rationale for regular bible reading.
What is the Appropriate Form of Biblical Interpretation? Should the Bible be literally understood? What do the writings of the Bible, Origen, Herbert W. Armstrong, and Augustine show?
Bible and Historical Resources on the Internet Electronic bibles, Two Babylons, early Christian literature, photos, and even links to old Herbert W. Armstrong materials.
A Short Article on Faith A subject that could fill many books.
Solomon’s Temple This is a 5 minute animated film that shows one artist’s understanding of the details about Solomon’s temple.

Barack Obama

COGwriter

The following was reported by AOL news this morning:

This is sad, but not unexpected.  As regular readers of this page are aware, I have had concerns about whether Barack Obama or John McCain would eventually be killed (see John McCain Picks a Woman for VP).

We do live in perilous times.

Several articles of possibly related interest may include:

Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”. Might Bible prophecy be fulfilled if he is elected president?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Barack Obama Carries Hindu Monkey God Although there are some strange and false stories about Barack Obama, this one seems to be true.
Might Sarah Palin Fulfill Prophecy? Why might Sarah Palin fulfill Bible prophecy?
Barack Obama is Not the Antichrist Some have suggested that he may be, but neither he nor John McCain will be.  Find out why they cannot be.
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”. Plus it shows that several Catholic writers seem to warn about an ecumenical antipope that will support heresy.
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.  Neither John McCain nor Barack Obama are 666.
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2009, 2010, or 2011? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?
Should a Christian Vote? This article gives some of the Biblical rationale on this subject. Would Jesus vote for president? Is voting in the Bible? This is a subject Christians need to understand.

The Above Map Show the Number of Internet Users By Country

COGwriter

As most long term readers of the COGwriter page are aware, this website originally began as an AOL member site.

And it was only on AOL until 2 1/2 years ago.

AOL originally provided its members the ability to have a free webpage.

However, this month I received notification from AOL that it is eliminating all member pages (the option of continuing and paying was not offered), and this would include my old COGwriter site.  Here is what they sent me and apparently many others:

We’re sorry to inform you that on Oct. 31, 2008, AOL® Hometown and FTP will be shut down permanently. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Since there are still a few old pages there, at least 100-200 per month come to the current www.cogwriter.com website from the old AOL site.

Beginning November 1, 2008, that will not be possible as AOL will no longer keep such sites.  People should “bookmark” this page or the www.cogwriter.com website instead of first going to the old AOL pages as they simply will no longer exist.

However, since I stopped providing updates at the AOL site some time ago, everything at www.cogwriter.com will still be available and unaffected by the AOL announcement.  Those of you who do not come to this page from AOL will experience NO CHANGE.

However, those of you who would like to receive regular updates via email for the news items on this page can sign up for this free service.  This way you can automatically receive the news page items automatically (although they are only sent daily by this service).  It only takes about 2 minutes to do it.

A Halloween scene in Dublin, Ireland.

COGwriter

In the latest issue of Tomorrow’s World magazine, LCG’s Rod McNair wrote:

Grotesque masks and costumes… terrifying images of movie monsters…sugar skulls and carved pumpkins…gravesite offerings for the dead. This year, millions of people around the world will observe Halloween,All Saints Day, All Souls Day and the Day of the Dead. Will you?

Most people today know that the modern Halloween festival has its roots in ancient traditions that pre-date Jesus Christ—yet they have no qualms about taking part in a day that draws heavily on morbid pre-Christian superstitions. Why is this? What should it mean to Christians today?

What did ancient Halloween celebrations involve? “The two chief characteristics of ancient Hallowe’en were the lighting of bonfires and the belief that of all nights in the year this is the one during which ghosts and witches are most likely to wander abroad… Further, it was a Druidic belief that on the eve of this festival Saman, lord of death, called together the wicked souls that within the past twelve months had been condemned to inhabit the bodies of animals” (“Halloween,” Encyclopaedia Britannica., 11th ed., vol. 12, pp. 857–8).

So how did professing Christians start following ancient Celtic practices? In 610ad, Pope Boniface IV established the Feast of All Holy Martyrs, held annually on May 13. In 835, Pope Gregory IV transferred the celebration to November 1, a date he designated as “All Saints Day” in honor of martyrs for their faith. What activities are associated with that day? Even today, in some Catholic countries, a popular folk tradition holds that people’s departed loved ones return to their former homes once a year, during this day, also known as the “Day of the Dead.” Mabuhay magazine described a colorful tradition of the Philippines, where families “troop to cemeteries to light candles and offer flowers… to departed relatives… on All Saints Day (November 1)” (“Halloween High Jinks,” November 1997, p. 34)…

“I don’t believe in all that mumbo-jumbo,” some might say. “I just like to have fun on a festival day.” Is there, in fact, anything wrong with the Halloween customs we see in modern-day America? Could there be any problem with costume parties, scary stories and the gathering of tasty treats? Should we disapprove of plastic battery-operated “goblins” glaring down at passing shoppers in a department store? After all, nobody today takes all the “scary” stuff seriously, right?

Perhaps that approach itself is part of the problem. The spirit world should be taken seriously. It is real, and it is dangerous to the unwary. Yet the dangers of the occult are often relegated to the status of a silly game, as if we could harmlessly play along if only we would “get into the spirit of it!” …

Interestingly, some historians have suggested a link between ancient “Day of the Dead” practices and the destruction of Noah’s idolatrous and licentious generation. Noah’s Flood began in the “second month, the seventeenth day of the month” (Genesis 7:11). One year later, in the second month, on the twenty-seventh day, Noah exited the ark (Genesis 8:14–16). If we count the timing of Noah’s Flood according to the Jewish civil calendar, the seventeenth day of the second month would be somewhere from late October to early November.

As author Frederick Filby has observed, “Thus the old world perished and a year later a new era commenced in the same month. Both of these facts are indelibly enshrined in the memory of the human race. To many people right round the world November brings the Day of the Dead. In a number of ancient and primitive calendars November also brings a New Year at a time which has neither solstice nor equinox nor astronomical event to justify it” (The Flood Reconsidered, pp. 106–107)…

May God grant you the understanding and discernment to come out of the world, wholly follow Him, and reject the festivitals of death!

The entire article is available on line and is titled Festivals of Death?

Yet, millions upon millions around the world will celebrate Halloween and not the biblical holy days.

Two articles of possibly related interest may include:

Is Halloween Holy Time for Christians? This article provides some historical and biblical insight on this question.
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.