Church of God News

Dr. Douglas Winnail, January 2008

COGwriter

In the current issue of LCG’s Tomorrow’s World magazine, Dr. Douglas Winnail wrote:

——————————————————————————

Comments by COGwriter

With the massive bailout signed by US President Geroge Bush (which came after the above article was written), it is clear that the USA is setting itself up for sudden calamities in the future.

Of course, this has been foretold by the prophets in the Bible.

Several articles of possibly related interest may include:

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?
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?
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?
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 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?

By COGwriter

The Churches of God normally have over one hundred  Feast of Tabernacles’ sites in various places around the world every year.

As most who are readers of this page at this time are not at the Feast of Tabernacles now, I thought a series on the sites we attended might be of interest.

I first began to attend the Feast of Tabernacles in 1977.   My first feast was at Squaw Valley, California, with an attendance of around 10,000 (all attendance figures will be from my memory of estimated attendance), and this was when I saw Garner Ted Armstrong in person.   In 1978, I went to Fresno, California, with an attendance of around 7,000.  In 1979, I went to Tucson, Arizona for the feast, with an attendance of nearly 12,000 and this is when I saw Herbert W. Armstrong in person and met Stan Radar.  In 1980, I attended the feast in Big Sandy, Texas and slept in a small tent–it rained a lot and this was quite wet–about 7,000 may have attended there that year.

In 1981, this was the first feast I did not drive to, it was Lihue, Hawaii, with about 1,500 in attendance–this was the first time my wife and I were married and attended the same Feast site.  In 1982, we went to Anchorage, Alaska with about 500 in attendance.

1983 was the first feast for either of us outside of the USA, as well as the first feast that we began to take slide pictures.  We went to Hoogeveen, Netherlands (all of my wife’s grandparents came to the USA from the Netherlands).  About 500 attended there that year.  We wrote a list of things that were different there compared to the USA. Here are two photos from that feast:

Windmill and canal near Hoogeveen, Netherlands, 1983

In 1984, we went to Sri Lanka for the feast.  About 100 or so attended.  Sri Lanka was so different from the USA that we thought that perhaps we should write a list of what was the same as in the USA as that would have been a fairly short list :).  Here are two photos taken at that feast:

Below is the Riverina hotel where church services for the Feast of Tabernacles in 1984 was held:

In 1985, we went to Durban, South Africa.  About 1,000 were there.  Below is a South African village and a picture of the building services met at in Durban:

In 1986, we went to Pasadena, California for the Feast.  We did not take slides, but should we find the photos taken, perhaps they will be added.  One thing that puzzled me in 1986, was the fact that I learned that J. Tkach (Sr.) generally did not go anywhere for the Feast of Tabernacles.  Later, of course, he and his administration minimized the necessity to observe God’s festivals.

In 1987, we went to Rotorua, New Zealand for the Feast.  About 1200 of so attended there that year.  We stayed at the Geyserland Hotel where we saw geysers and boiling mud everyday.  The city has a sulfur smell, which when you are there a while, you get used to.  Below is the view from our hotel room as well as a countryside photo taken:

In 1989, we went to the south Pacific nation of Fiji.  About 200 or so attended that year, including Roderick C. Meredith, now of the Living Church of God:

In the 1980s, there were over 100 feast sites pretty much every year, and thus we tended to have a lot of choices about where to attend.  Though even now, the Living Church of God has over 40 sites.

Two articles of possibly related interest may include:

Did Early Christians Observe the Fall Holy Days? Did they? Did Jesus? Should you?

The Feast of Tabernacles: A Time for Christians? Is this pilgrimage holy day still valid? Does it teach anything relevant for today’s Christians?

Dr. Meredith and I in his office (January 2008)

COGwriter

There is to be a scheduled presidential debate tonight between Barack Obama and John McCain in Hempstead, New York.

In the current edition of Tomorrow’s World magazine, LCG’s Roderick Meredith wrote:

John McCain is widely honored as a war hero for the suffering he endured in a North Vietnamese prison camp. Barack Obama inspires his supporters like few politicians since John F. Kennedy. As the United States prepares for an election that may change the course of the nation, we ought to consider our Savior’s perspective on the matter…

Across the United States, the Presidential election campaign is in full swing…

Remember, very few professing Christians realize that Jesus’ gospel was about world government. One of the most clever, Satanic deceptions ever spread is that Jesus Christ’s message was principally about Himself. The starting point of true Christianity is accepting the shed blood of Jesus Christ after truly repenting (seldom mentioned elsewhere!) of sin. However, Jesus’ main message—the gospel He preached—centered on world government and the willingness of each human to genuinely surrender to God and eventually become part of His divine Family…

Although Jesus Christ did not actively participate in the governments of this deceived world, He did set us an example of obedience to civil law, showing respect to those in office. When the Pharisees came to ask Jesus about paying taxes, He answered: “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (Matthew 22:21).

God inspired Paul to write: “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves” (Romans 13:1–2). And Paul further explains: “For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing. Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor” (vv. 6–7).

Paul tells us to pray for those in positions of authority. “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence” (1 Timothy 2:1–2).

True Christians—who make up the church (Greek ekklesia, literally, the “called-out ones”)—are like foreign ambassadors. “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20)…

But, as Paul wrote, we are “ambassadors for Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:20). We should conduct ourselves with love and respect for all human beings—including those in political offices. But we must always remember that our ultimate citizenship is not in or from the governments of this Satan-inspired society! Although we should serve others and do good on an individual basis, we cannot and must not get involved with military or political efforts to reorganize or to clean up Satan’s deceived world. For the system itself is not< God’s system! He is only allowing deceived human beings to go their own way and experiment with various types of government during this present 6,000 years of human experience.

Paul wrote: “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever?” (2 Corinthians 6:14–15). Referring to the religio-political system that will dominate most of the developed world when Jesus Christ returns, God commands His people: “And I heard another voice from heaven saying, ‘Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues’” (Revelation 18:4).

You can click here for the entire article, which is titled How would Jesus Vote for President?

The fact is that Christians are not to be part of this world and should not vote in 2008.

Yet, many Protestants, Orthodox, SDAs, Mormons, and Catholics have a different perspective.

Several articles of possibly related interest may include:

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 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.
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 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?
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.
Some Similarities and Differences Between the Orthodox Church and the Living Church of God Both groups claim to be the original church, but both groups have differing ways to claim it. Both groups have some amazing similarities and some major differences. Do you know what they are?
SDA/LCG Differences: Two Horned Beast of Revelation and 666The 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.
Five Dissimilarities Between The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and the Living Church of God The Living Church of God is not related to the Mormons and this article explains five differences.

Other articles of 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?
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.

TRANSFORMED FROM TRUTH

COGwriter

In the October 2008 edition of its Christian Odyssey magazine, WCG reported:

WCG used to understand that the Book of Revelation is not only relevant for today, it really does discuss and provide prophetic information that actually will be fulfilled in the 21st century.

Many who discount prophecy seem to do it by only partially quoting the Bible, or basing a doctrine on a misleading translation.  For example, the above article has the subheadline “What must soon take place”.  The implication is that 1900 years is not soon, thus the Book of Revelation really is not revealing things that will occur in the 21st century associated with the Great Tribulation, Day of the Lord, the return of Christ, the millenium, and beyond.

But Jesus, in the Book of Revelation itself in the NKJV, states:

Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this (Revelation 1:19).

Thus, it was most obviously NOT just for the 1st and early 2nd centuries.

Furthermore, even if WCG and others wish to insist that their misleading translation is correct, then they should look at the last chapter of the Book of Revelation, where Jesus states:

Surely I am coming quickly (Revelation 22:20).

So, either Jesus is liar (which He was not) or the new WCG simply does not wish to truly understand the prophecies of the Book of Revelation.

Additionally, the Book of Revelation itself gives shows that certain events would take a relatively long time to be fulfilled.  Why else would it quote those who state:

“How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” (Revelation 6:10)

Thus, long time periods for the fulfillment in at least parts of what the book teaches were themselves prophesied.

The Book of Revelation is prophetic and many of the prophecies will be fulfilled in the 21st century.

Those like the WCG that fail to keep the biblical holy days (like the Feast of Tabernacles that began last night) simply often misunderstand much of biblical prophecy.

Those who do not understand (or like WCG, no longer understand) that God has a 7000 year plan, with the 6000 years of human rule to end in the 21st century simply are not heeding the many commands from Jesus to “watch”.

But those events written in the Book of Revelation that have not yet occured, “the things which will take place”.

Several articles of possibly related interest may include:

The 18 Restored Truths: Do You Know What the First Changes the Tkach Administration Made? Some have said healing, others other subjects, but probably the first change had to do with eliminating being part of the Philadelphia era. This article documents what those changes were and compares the Tkach list of restored truths to Herbert W. Armstrong’s list of restored truths. It contains many quotes from Herbert W. Armstrong.
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?
Did The Early Church Teach Millenarianism? Was the millennium (sometimes called chiliasm) taught by early Christians? Who condemned it. Will Jesus literally reign for 1000 years on the earth? Is this time near?
Does God Have a 7,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years of Human Rule 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?

COGwriter

Tonight at sunset, nearly all members of the Living Church of God will be observing the biblical Feast of Tabernacles in over 40 locations around the world.  The ”’Feast of Tabernacles”’ is an 8-day Biblical pilgrimage festival, also known as the ”’Feast of Booths”’, the ”’Feast of Tabernacles”’, or ”’Tabernacles”’.

In the 7th day Church of God groups it is one of the most important holy days as it lasts the longest and normally requires a great deal of preparation and travel to be able to attend. But it is normally the physical and spiritual highlight of the year for those that do observe it.

Christians point out that Jesus kept the Feast of Tabernacles. This is discussed in detail in John chapter 7:10-26:

But when His brothers had gone up, then He also went up to the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret. Then the Jews sought Him at the feast, and said, “Where is He?” And there was much complaining among the people concerning Him. Some said, “He is good”; others said, “No, on the contrary, He deceives the people.” However, no one spoke openly of Him for fear of the Jews. Now about the middle of the feast Jesus went up into the temple and taught. And the Jews marveled, saying, “How does this Man know letters, having never studied?” 16 Jesus answered them and said, “My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me. If anyone wants to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority. He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him. Did not Moses give you the law, yet none of you keeps the law? Why do you seek to kill Me?” The people answered and said, “You have a demon. Who is seeking to kill You?” Jesus answered and said to them, “I did one work, and you all marvel. Moses therefore gave you circumcision (not that it is from Moses, but from the fathers), and you circumcise a man on the Sabbath. If a man receives circumcision on the Sabbath, so that the law of Moses should not be broken, are you angry with Me because I made a man completely well on the Sabbath? Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” Now some of them from Jerusalem said, “Is this not He whom they seek to kill? But look! He speaks boldly, and they say nothing to Him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is truly the Christ?

The Apostle Paul, after the Christ’s death and resurrection indicated that it was important to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. As it is noted in Acts 18:21,

I must by all means keep this coming feast in Jerusalem; but I will return again to you, God willing.

Paul taught Gentiles to follow him as he followed Jesus:

Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1).

Jesus and Paul kept the Feast of Tabernacles. Are you following their example?

Notice that Paul does commend those in Thessalonica for initiating the church in Judea:

For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe. For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 2:13-14).

The church in Judea kept the Feast of Tabernacles, etc. And those in Thessalonica were commended for receiving the word of God and imitating the practices of the church in Judea.

The Feast of Tabernacles is significant for Christians. It pictures the reality of Christ’s reign on the earth and that this current world is simply temporal.

Perhaps it might be helpful to realize that Catholics do admit that early Christians did observe the Feast:

St. Jerome (PL 25, 1529 & 1536-7) speaking of how the Judaeo-Christians celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles…tells us that they gave the feast a millenarian significance (Bagatti, Bellarmino.  Translated by Eugene Hoade.  The Church from the Circumcision.  Nihil obstat: Marcus Adinolfi. Imprimi potest: Herminius Roncari. Imprimatur: +Albertus Gori, die 26 Junii 1970.  Franciscan Printing Press, Jerusalem, p.202).

We in the Living Church of God also believe that this Feast foreshadows the coming millennium.

Regarding the the Feast of Tabernacles, the Living Church of God, states:

…Old Testament meaning

…A seven-day celebration of the great fall harvest, observed by living in temporary dwellings for the duration of the Feast. (Leviticus 23:33-43)

…New Testament meaning

…Pictures the Millennium, when the earth will be ruled by Jesus Christ and His saints. [The Holy Days]

Millenarianism (a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth, often called the millennium) was taught by the early Christians.

Out family should be arriving at the site in Evian, France today to attend begin church services this evening.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Did Early Christians Observe the Fall Holy Days? Did they? Did Jesus? Should you?

The Feast of Tabernacles: A Time for Christians? Is this pilgrimage holy day still valid? Does it teach anything relevant for today’s Christians?

LCG 2008 Feast of Tabernacles’ Information Here is information on many Feast of Tabernacles locations for this year.

African Hut

COGwriter

The following news item was of interest:

People, African or otherwise, should always heed the Bible over traditions of men (see also Tradition and Scripture: From the Bible and Church Writings).  While the Roman Catholic Church used to have leaders who held many doctrines of the Living Church of God, over time those associated with the Church of Rome made many doctrinal changes from those associated with the Church of God.  This is clearly documented in the article Which Is Faithful: The Roman Catholic Church or the Living Church of God?

Hopefully, those in Africa and elsewhere will put more emphasis on the Bible than traditions of men.  Those in Protestant groups need to realize that they also have many traditions that violate the concept of sola Scriptura (see also Sola Scriptura or Prima Luther? What Did Martin Luther Really Believe About the Bible?).

People all over the world need to repent and actually do what God tells them to do in the Bible.

Several articles of possibly related interest may include:

Africa: Its Biblical Past and Prophesied Future What does the Bible teach about Africa and its future? Did the early Church reach Africa? Will God call all the Africans?
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 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?
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.
Some Similarities and Differences Between the Orthodox Church and the Living Church of God Both groups claim to be the original church, but both groups have differing ways to claim it. Both groups have some amazing similarities and some major differences. Do you know what they are?
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.

India

COGwriter

The following three news items were of interest:

New Delhi, Oct 10 (PTI) Finance Minister P Chidambaram today expressed confidence that India can weather the storm of financial crisis blowing across the world saying the country’s economic fundamentals and the banking system were strong.

He admitted there is a liquidity crunch in the market and that the economy was facing ‘spill over and ripple’ effects of the global storm but held out an assurance that the “RBI is ready to take further steps and infuse more liquidity if necessary”.

Referring to the current global meltdown, Chidambaram said “there is a storm blowing in the world. We did not not create the storm. We are facing the spillover effects or the ripple effects of the storm.

“We must brace ourself and weather the storm. I am confident that the Indian economy is strong and resilient to weather the storm and I would request all players in the economy to cooperate with the government in weathering the storm,” he told PTI. http://www.ptinews.com/pti%5Cptisite.nsf/0/8C6A4AAE5AA66B7F652574DF002B50D9?OpenDocument

The world situation is changing.  The 21st century will see massive destruction of the Anglo-American peoples as well as the economies of their nations.  Other nations, such as India will do much better than the Anglo-American powers until Jesus Christ returns.

Articles of possibly related interest may include:

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?
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? China in prophecy, where?
India, Its Biblical Past and Future: Any Witness? The Bible discusses the origins of those of Indian heritage and discusses some of the witness to 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? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?
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?
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?  What does the Bible teach?
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?

COGwriter

In an article titled Who Killed Capitalism? posted this week, COGaIC’s Steven Orchard wrote:

“Capitalism is dead,” said Steven Brant of the Huffington Post. If it isn’t, it is certainly badly injured. Financial markets are frozen. Credit has evaporated. It seems our economic system is teetering on the brink of collapse. Jeremy Siegel, finance professor at the University of Pennsylvania´s Wharton School of Finance commented, “Two weeks ago was the first time in my life that I was worried about the very stability of the United States financial system.”

So who is ultimately to blame for this crisis?…

So who killed capitalism? We all did. Everyone played a role in creating this crisis—admittedly some more than others. So there’s little point bickering now.

Opinions on how best to prevent further problems—or worse, a recurrence—will vary. Tighter regulation and legislation will no doubt play a role, to the dismay of some and the relief of others. But we cannot regulate away this problem because capitalism, like democracy, is flawed, as is our ability to legislate human nature.

Our systems are inherently unstable because they rely on an unstable source of authority—us. Capital markets are supposedly disciplined by the “invisible hand,” the notion that an individual pursuing his own self-interest tends also to promote the good of his community. But the carnage created by our increasingly dramatic cycles of greed and fear suggest that the “invisible hand” of self-interest cannot save us.

Perhaps we should consider reliance on an authority greater than ourselves—an invisible hand that is both benevolent and omniscient. What the world needs now is a cool head, a commitment to move forward, and the character to temper our self-preservation instincts.

Now I disagree that “we” all killed capitalism (nor do I agree that capitalism is dead).  However, other parts of his article (which I left out for brevity’s sake) were correct that indicated the current problems and financial crises are due to business, governmental, AND personal greed.

Also, I should add something that the article leaves out.  And that is that God promised to bless the descendants of physical Israel (the identity of which many do not understand today, please see Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel) if they obeyed Him (Deuteronomy 28:1-14) and curse them if they refused and sinned (Deuteronomy 28:15-68).  Notice some of the promised curses:

15 “But it shall come to pass, if you do not obey the voice of the LORD your God, to observe carefully all His commandments and His statutes which I command you today, that all these curses will come upon you and overtake you: 16 Cursed shall you be in the city, and cursed shall you be in the country…

20 “The LORD will send on you cursing, confusion, and rebuke in all that you set your hand to do, until you are destroyed and until you perish quickly, because of the wickedness of your doings in which you have forsaken Me…

43 The alien who is among you shall rise higher and higher above you, and you shall come down lower and lower. 44 He shall lend to you, but you shall not lend to him; he shall be the head, and you shall be the tail. 45 Moreover all these curses shall come upon you and pursue and overtake you, until you are destroyed, because you did not obey the voice of the LORD your God, to keep His commandments and His statutes which He commanded you (Deuteronomy 28:15-16,20,43-45).

Those that have benefited from the blessings promised to the children of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Israel) should not be shocked when because of their growing blatant disobediance, that they will suffer the consequences (some of which were promised when some of the blessings were promised).

However, despite outward appearances, which we need to be cautious about (cf. 2 Corinthians 10:7), the end is not yet and cannot be yet.

Articles of possibly related interest may include:

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?
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?
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?
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?  What does the Bible teach?
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?
Are the Ten Commandment Still in Effect? This article quotes the ten commandments and combines some of the previous articles into one article about the ten commandments. The commandments are shown at Mount Sinai, before Mount Sinai, in the teachings of Jesus, after the crucifixion, and in the teachings of Paul. It addresses the most common “traditions of men” regarding them as well.
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?
Was the Commandment to Love the Only Command? Some have stated that John’s writings teach this, but is that what the Bible really says?
The Ten Commandments and the Early Church Did Jesus and the Early Church keep the ten commandments? What order were they in? Here are quotes from the Bible and early writings.

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

Stock markets around the world today dropped:

Dow industrials fall 675 points, below 9,000

Meanwhile, Europe continues to plot to become the economic financial/banking powerhouse for the world:

Of course, while this may be the prelude to the “beginning of sorrows” that Jesus spoke of (cf. Matthew 24:8), this is NOT the beginning of the Great Tribulation (for more reasons why not, please see Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2009, 2010, or 2011?), as that occurs later (Matthew 24:21).

Several articles of possibly related interest may include:

Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? What is ahead for Europe?
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?
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?

The above photos of Hiroshima and Nagasaki reflect what nuclear attacks, which will most likely near/at the start of the Great Tribulation, will be like

COGwriter

Can the Great Tribulation begin this year?  Can the Great Tribulation begin in 2009?

No, it cannot.

I denounced many who claimed that it would begin in 2008 (see James Malm Challenges COGwriter which contains links to many such denouncements in the past year or so).  And will again go on record and say that the Great Tribulation cannot begin in 2009.

The Bible shows that one is coming called “the King of the North“.

However, prior to being referred to as “the King of the North” he initially appears to be referred to as a “prince” in Daniel 9:26-27 (one is normally a “prince” before one becomes a “king”). As this deal has still not been made, this would suggest that contrary to claims of various false prophets (Ronald Weinland of CGPFK comes to mind) the great tribulation will not begin prior to 2012.

The Great Tribulation will also not start before there is an actual King of the South and an actual King of the North)–and while the “prince” will apparently help make a deal with Israel (probably somewhat including the United States and some Arab lands as part of the “many” in Daniel 9:27), Daniel 11:27 requires two kings, which suggests that the “prince” will gain more and more importance after the deal in Daniel 9:27 (for more information on the sequence of Daniel 11, please see the article the King of the North).

In the book of Daniel there is a prophecy related to the end times that states:

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

While there have been various understandings of the above passage in Daniel 9 (and many falsely believe it requires a third temple to be built, please see Why is a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem Not Required?), notice what two commentators state (bolding/italics in source):

Shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself (or, and shall have nothing, ASV): and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. It is agreed by almost all evangelical interpreters that these two events, the cutting off of the Messiah (Anointed One) and the destruction of the sanctuary refer to the crucifixion of Christ and the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans. These two events were separated by a period of nearly forty years (29-70 A.D.). Yet, in the literary order of the passage, they are both after the sixty-ninth week and before the final “one week” mentioned in the next verse. Thus the very syntax, grammar, and word-meaning indicate a gap in the succession of the seventy weeks.

Other important reasons for supposing a gap here are: (1) Jesus placed the culminating week, with its “abomination” in the times of final Antichrist, just before His second advent (Matt 24:15). (2) Dan 7:25, which describes what appear to be the very same events as those of 9:27, the seventieth week, is certainly a prophecy of the times of final Antichrist. (3) The period of three and one-half times or years (the second half-week of v. 27) is often mentioned elsewhere in Scripture and always in an eschatological setting (Rev 11:2-3; 12:6,14). (4) The six things to be accomplished in the seventy weeks (see Dan 9:24 and comments) require the second advent of Christ, and the restoration and conversion of Israel.

These considerations show that the idea of a gap in the weeks at this point is a matter of exegesis. Considerations of theology are not primarily involved. It is not this author’s opinion that the Church is a mere provisional consideration thrust into this hiatus or gap. Both ‘dispensational’ and ‘covenantal’ theologians, doubtless, find more in this prophecy than is properly there. Let us stay by what the passage says. C. F. Keil (Comm., in loco) is correct in asserting that the prince is said to be coming (habba’), because he has already been introduced and discussed in the prophecy of chapter 7 as the final Antichrist. The Romans who destroyed Jerusalem (A.D. 70) were his people because they and he belong to the fourth stage (the Roman) of world empire (chs. 2; 7)…

And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week (make a firm covenant, ASV). The language higbir from gabar, “be strong”) does not signify confirmation of a covenant but causation of a firm covenant. And he shall cause to prevail is an excellent translation. The most natural antecedent for he, the subject of the clause, is the wicked “prince” of verse 26. This is the nearest noun in grammatical agreement, and it fits the sense. The many here, as elsewhere, is a reference to the Hebrew people, the subject of discussion throughout chapter 9 (cf. vv. 2,12,18,19, esp. 24, “thy people … thy holy city”). Evidently the covenant is to be made between Antichrist and Israel when the Jews are back in their homeland in the last days. The exact nature of the covenant is unknown.

The evil and destructive events described in the remainder of this verse should be interpreted as summary information concerning the final “time of Jacob’s trouble” (Jer 30:7 and context) set forth rather more fully in Dan 12:1 ff; 2 Thess 2:1 ff; Rev 13; 14; and other passages (from The Wycliffe Bible Commentary, Electronic Database. Copyright (c) 1962 by Moody Press).

…the covenant of Daniel 9:27 is not the covenant of grace…this refers to the coming world ruler at the beginning of the last seven years…He will make a covenant with Israel for a seven-year period. As Daniel 9:27 indicates, in the middle of the seven years he will break the covenant, stop the sacrifices offered…and become their persecutor instead of their protector (Walvoord JF. The Prophecy Knowledge Handbook. Victor Books/SP Publications, Wheaton (IL), 1990, p. 257).

And the portions cited above appear to be the case. A prophetic week is generally understood to refer to seven years. And half a week is 3 1/2 years. While the leader above is only referred to as a prince when he confirms the one week covenant, he probably will not be known as the “King” until shortly before he breaks the covenant at the mid-week point (most likely he will be considered simply one of several leaders negotiating a treaty when this deal in Daniel 9:27 occurs).

There are several reasons that this prince is referring to the leader of the developing European empire. But perhaps the main one is that it was the people of the Roman Empire of the 1st century that fulfilled the portion of Daniel 9:26 as they destroyed the city (Jerusalem) in 70 A.D. And it is the prince coming from that people that verse 27 is referring to. Hence, this prophecy tells us that a leader will start to rise up about 3 1/2 years before the tribulation.

Furthermore, notice when the 1290 days (roughly 3 1/2 years) begins:

And from the time that the daily sacrifice is taken away, and the abomination of desolation is set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred and ninety days (Daniel 12:11).

Thus, both Daniel 9:27 and 12:11 seem to be referring to a common event, and 12:11 shows that this begins a period of roughly 3 1/2 years.

Notice the sequence of events that Jesus spoke of in Matthew 24, the only place in the Bible where the expression “great tribulation” is used explaining when it will begin:

15 “Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand), 16 then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 17 Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. 18 And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. 19 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! 20 And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath. 21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be (Matthew 24:15-21).

So Jesus shows that after you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by Daniel (Daniel 9:27;11:31;12:11) it is time to flee (for more details on where, please see the article There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Petra) and THEN THERE WILL BE GREAT TRIBULATION!

Since this agreement between the King of the North and Israel has apparently not yet occurred, the abomination involved with removal of the sacrifices (which have not even started yet) cannot happen for at least 3 1/2 years from now, and thus the great tribulation will not occur until after the faithful flee then, this means that (unless this agreement occurred secretly and prior to June 30, 2008, an idea that various news reports suggest is impossible), that the intense 3/12 year period of the great tribulation cannot occur before 2012!

If one adds 3 1/2 years to any current or future date, then a date of 2012 or later is the only period possible (and I believe it will probably be one to four years later than 2012). Thus, the Great Tribulation CANNOT occur in 2009 or prior to 2012!

Is There Talk of Such a Deal Now?

Perhaps that it should be noted that Israel now seems to be moving towards such an agreement, that it did not have it in early 2008:

Israel is increasingly “plugging into” EU institutions and, in turn, allowing European political and economic influence to play a greater part in its diplomatic and economic processes, The Jerusalem Post has learned.

The thinking within the Foreign Ministry is that it is time to reassess the Jewish state’s traditional line that Israel’s survival rests on two pillars only: a strong IDF and an unbreakable alliance with America. What is becoming evident is the increasing understanding of the importance the European Union plays in world events and in the Middle East particularly, officials say (Israel sees ties with EU as crucial Jerusalem Post – Feb 22, 2008; http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1203605149734&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull).

Also notice what the Living Church of God teaches about this:

A New Chapter in German-Israeli Relations. German Chancellor Merkel participated in a historic meeting this week in Israel, with Israeli Prime Minister Olmert stating, “This is an extraordinary, in many ways a historic occasion in relations between Israel and Germany.” Acknowledging the legitimacy of the nation of Israel, and forecasting a bright future between the two nations, Merkel commented, “Sixty years after the creation of Israel we affirm again the special responsibility of Germany towards Israel… But there is not only the responsibility for the past but projects for a better future… I am grateful we can open a new chapter in relations between our two countries.” The two leaders discussed bilateral relations in the areas of economics, science, culture, education, and media. Merkel is also the first German Chancellor to address the Knesset (Deutsche Welle, March 17, 2008). Germany may be the key nation to break the United Nations gridlock over how to deal with Iran (Jerusalem Post, March 16, 2008). Daniel 9:27 talks about a “prince” confirming a covenant with many—a covenant that will lead to the establishing of sacrifices on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. A King of the North will defile the “sanctuary fortress” and remove the daily sacrifices, eventually magnifying himself above the gods (Daniel 11:29-37). This King of the North will emerge from a powerful political-religious union involving European nations. It is important to watch the continuing involvement of European nations and the Vatican in Israel (Winnail D., ed. World Ahead Weekly Update. Living Church of God. March 19, 2008).

The press in Israel this week again hinted that it wants a peace/military deal involving the Europeans:

The idea of the Greater Land of Israel lives on only in the political faction to the right of Likud. The leaders of the national majority, like their voters, have also accepted the idea of parting from Shuafat, Abu Dis and the Golan Heights.

The stumbling block that prevents Israel’s departure from the territories is not the demarcation of the final border between us and our neighbors. The only obstacle seen as impassable today on the way to an agreement is the security issue after the territories are vacated. As long as this dilemma has no answer that is convincing to most Israelis, no government, weak or strong, will be able to implement an agreement with our neighbors, even if it dares to sign one…

There is little doubt that most Palestinian people, as well as the government in Ramallah, would accept such an army willingly, if not enthusiastically. The Gaza Strip is a different story, and some arm-twisting would be required, not on the people but certainly on Hamas.

Such a force cannot be established without Israel’s agreement. Israel would of course demand as part of that agreement, and would undoubtedly receive, close cooperation with the international force, first and foremost in matters of intelligence and counterterrorism. The foreign force should be here temporarily, its task will include helping to set up an effective Palestinian administration and Palestinian security forces who would eventually serve as a reliable counterterrorist force. All this will ultimately allow for the departure of the foreign army from the West Bank without Israel’s security being endangered.

The question is, who will take on this mission?…

At this moment the European Union appears to be the only option. The EU, under French and German leadership, could be persuaded to accept the responsibility (A foreign army at the gate Haaretz, Israel, October 7, 2008).

And it should be noted that the Vatican itself wants an agreement with Israel related to local Catholic matters in Israel:

ROME: The Vatican has warned Israeli officials that the Holy See will not sign an agreement that cannot be sustained locally…That’s according to Archbishop Antonio Franco, the Apostolic Nuncio in Israel (who is also the Apostolic Delegate in Jerusalem and Palestine, as well as Apostolic Nuncio in Cyprus) during a recent visit through Rome. Speaking to Terrasanta.net, the archbishop said he was “not making any forecasts” on the duration of the negotiations on tax and property of the Church in Israel, but stressed that both parties were working “with a great deal of good will” and there was progress because “the State of Israel is showing great understanding”. But he added it was essential the negotiators understand “it is a question of life or death”, because the “very survival of the Church of the Holy Land” is at stake (Nuncio Franco: “Church’s Survival in the Holy Land at Stake”. The Holy Land Review – February 26, 2008; http://www.theholylandreview.net/holyland/att_det.jsp?wi_number=889&wi_codseq=).

Thus, it may be that since Israel wants closer agreement with the Europeans and the Vatican (which supports increased European unity) wants a more comprehensive agreement with Israel than it has had in the past, that one will happen relatively soon.

But again, since this deal of Daniel 9:27 does not seem to have been made yet, it does not seem possible that the Great Tribulation can begin prior to 2012.

Furthermore, that although the Bible warns about the coming King of the North and this deal, Roman Catholic prophecies seem to look forward to this individual, who they tend to call “the Great Monarch” or “the prince of the north” (this is documented in the article Who is the King of the North?).  But he does not have power yet.

Thus, contrary to the claims of various self-appointed ones, the Great Tribulation WILL NOT begin in 2009.

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?
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?  What does the Bible teach?
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?