Church of God News

COGwriter

In a radio interview on April 7, 2008, Ronald Weinland of CGPFK made the following statements:

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…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 (Ronald Weinland Interview on The Mike McConnell Show Radio on April 7, 2008).

Well, Barack Obama took office a few minutes ago, hence this is another false prophecy from Ronald Weinland.

Official Photograph of Barack Obama, 44th President of the United States

The basic premise of Ronald Weinland’s book about the end coming in 2008 has, of course, been proven wrong.

And while Barack Obama will likely help fulfill various prophecies (see Prophecies of Barack Obama?), it appears that he just disproved one from Ronald Weinland.

Ronald Weinland is a false prophet.

Remember that the Bible itself teaches:

21 “And if you say in your heart, ‘How shall we know the word which the LORD has not spoken?’– 22 when a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him. (Deuteronomy 18:21-22)

Ronald Weinland is NOT one of God’s two witnesses as he claims to be.

Some articles of related interest may include:

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?
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.
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 ofthe 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?
There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Petra This article discusses a biblical ‘place of safety’ and includes quotes from the Bible and Herbert W. Armstrong on this subject–thus, there is a biblically supported alternative to the rapture theory.
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?

Senator (now also President Elect) Barack Obama

COGwriter

Here are most of the details from an article in the current edition of LCG’s Tomorrow’s World magazine by William Bowmer:

“Change We Can Believe In”

A historic election season in the United States came to a close last November 4, with the victory going to a candidate who energized the hopes and dreams of millions with his vision for America, epitomized by his slogan: “Change We Can Believe In.”
When President-elect Barack Obama takes the oath of office on January 20, he will become chief executive of a nation that on the one hand is still widely considered the world’s only remaining “superpower,” but that on the other hand is seeing its power drained away by a catastrophic economic downturn.
What change can the new President bring—and how should Christians in the U.S. respond to his leadership?
First and foremost, Christians should be praying for the President. The Apostle Paul wrote: “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).
Christians, considering themselves “aliens and pilgrims” in this world, with their true citizenship in heaven (1 Chronicles 29:15; Philippians 3:20), do not participate in worldly politics. However, Scripture reveals that it is God who made Senator Obama’s victory possible, and that he will be ruling with God’s consent (Romans 13).
Many harbor unrealistic expectations that President Obama will quickly bring peace and prosperity to his nation, quickly reversing eight years or more of policies they feel have brought the nation to economic, political and moral ruin. At the other extreme, some view the newly elected President as essentially un-American, and wonder whether he will play a role in bringing an end to the United States of America as we now know it.
We should remember that many observers expressed similar feelings when George W. Bush was elected. Political partisans often overestimate the damage their opponents can do. Yes, this present age will indeed come to an end soon—but not because of George W. Bush or Barack H. Obama. God is more powerful than any human ruler, and Christians should trust that God is in charge…
What of the slogan: “Change We Can Believe In”? If you have a King James Version or New King James Version Bible, you may have noticed what the book of Proverbs says about change: “My son, fear the Lord and the king; do not associate with those given to change” (Proverbs 24:21, NKJV). Is that verse an indictment of the Obama slogan? Not quite. Look at how the verse is rendered in one modernized English translation: “My children, you must respect the Lord and the king, and you must not make friends with anyone who rebels against either of them” (Proverbs 24:21, Contemporary English Version).
Christians are not to rebel against the rulers of their nations, nor to befriend such rebels. However, this verse also makes it clear that Christians must not associate closely with those who rebel against God. Though some around us may put the new President on a pedestal, overestimating what he can do—for good or for evil—to change the nation, we should be careful to avoid such idolizing of a man. Christians seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33), and look forward to the establishment of that literal Kingdom here on this Earth at Jesus Christ’s return. Christians place their ultimate hope not on any human agent of change, but on a God who does not change (Malachi 3:6).
Change, however, is the destiny of every human being who accepts Jesus Christ’s sacrifice, and through the Holy Spirit lives a life of obedience to God and His ways. What will happen at the trumpet blast upon Jesus Christ’s second coming? That is when “the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory’” (1 Corinthians 15:52–54).
That is the destiny of those whom God is calling today. That is change we can believe in!.“Change We Can Believe In”

Many people seem to have unrealistically positive expectations of the changes that the Barack Obama administration is likely to at least partially cause.

Tomorrow, some Barack Obama changes will apparently begin.  Some of biblical interest are expected to be mentioned here as they become known.

Notice what Jesus taught:

36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man (Luke 21:36).

So please stay tuned.

It should be understood that despite the election of Barack Obama, change which will result in the end of the USA as we know it (and much of that change is NOT positive) is coming soon.

The truly positive changes will come after the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord and will include the reign of Jesus Christ on this earth–which begins with the same trumpet that William Bowmer concluded with–and that is part of the change we in the Living Church of God believe it.

Some articles related to that 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?
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?
Prophecies of Barack Obama? Are there biblical and non-biblical prophecies about Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist?  Might Barack Obama set the stage for the kings of the North and South as at least one Shiite prophecy suggests.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”, based up an early 20th century writing.
Barack Obama in Islamic Prophecy? There is actually a 17th century Shiite prophecy that some believe that Barack Obama will fulfill that will lead to a rising up of Islam.
Barack Obama Carries Hindu Monkey God Although there are some strange and false stories about Barack Obama, this one seems to be true.

COGwriter

Beliefs: How Was Early Christianity Practiced?

While scholars have a variety of opinions, this page itself will simply mention the following beliefs held by true Christians in the second century, with links to highly documented articles on each subject (which are primarily based on the Bible and early historical writings).

But first, notice what one Roman Catholic writer has written:

Protestants of many traditions are now espousing recent Protestant traditions and modern schisms; yet they all claim the early Church as their own–asserting that they are the rightful heirs to the teachings of our Lord, the apostles, and the Fathers of the apostolic Church. Are they? Do they have a legitimate claim to the theology of the early Church? Was the “early Church essentially Protestant” in her theology and polity, or was she Catholic? (Ray, Stephen K. Upon This Rock. St. Peter and the Primacy of Rome in Scripture and the Early Church. Ignatius Press, San Francisco, 1999, p. 15).

Well, what if the early Church was the Church of God, which is neither Protestant nor Roman Catholic? What if that is what the Bible and early writings demonstrate?

Notice the following teachings of early Christianity–all of which are accepted by the true Church of God (often called Nazarenes in the first four or five centuries) and only a relatively few of which are practiced/taught/still accepted by Roman Catholics or Protestants (though early leaders considered as “saints” by the Catholics also held them):

Baptism was by immersion and did not include infants.
The complete Bible with the proper Old Testament and New Testament was relied on by the true Church in Asia Minor.
A Binitarian view was held by the apostolic and post-apostolic true Christian leaders.
Birthdays were not celebrated by early Christians.
Born-Again meant being born at the resurrection, not at the time of conversion.
Celibacy for Bishops/Presbyters/Elders was not a requirement.
Church Governance was hierarchical.
Christmas was not observed by any professing Christ prior to the third century, or ever by those holding to early teachings.
Deification of Christians was taught by the early leaders of the Church.
Duties of Elders/Pastors were pastoral and theological, not predominantly sacramental–nor did they dress as many now do.
Easter was not observed by the apostolic church.
The Fall Holy Days were observed by true early Christians.
The Father was considered to be God by all early professing Christians.
Holy Spirit was not referred to as God or as a person by any early true Christians.
Hymns were mainly psalms, not praises to Christ.
Idols were taught against, including the use of the cross.
Immortality of the soul or humans was not taught.
Jesus was considered to be God by the true Christians.
The Kingdom of God was preached.
Lent was not observed by the primitive church.
Military Service was not allowed for true early Christians.
Millenarianism (a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth, often called the millennium) was taught by the early Christians.
Monasticism was unheard of in the early Christian church.
Passover was kept on the 14th of Nisan by apostolic and second century Christians in Asia Minor.
Pentecost was kept on the same day that the Jews observed it by all professing Christians.
Purgatory was not taught by the original apostolic church.
The Resurrection of the dead was taught by all early Christians
The Sabbath was observed on Saturday by the apostolic and post-apostolic Church.
Salvation was believed to be offered to the chosen now by the early Church, with others being called later, though not all that taught that (or other doctrines) practiced “the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3).
God’s Six Thousand Year Plan for humankind to rule itself was believed by early professors of Christ.
Sunday was not observed by the apostolic and true post-apostolic Christians.
The Ten Commandments were observed by the apostolic and true post-apostolic Christians–and in the order that the Living Church of God claims they are in.
Tradition had some impact on the second century Christians, but was never supposed to supercede the Bible.
The Trinity was not a word used to describe the Godhead by the apostolic or second century Christians.
Unclean Meats were eaten by the early allegorists, but not by true Christians.
Leavened Bread was removed from the homes of early Christians when the Jews did the same.
The Virgin Birth was acknowledged by all true ante-Nicene Christians.

What About Today?

Almost none who profess Christianity hold to all of those beliefs.

The largest group (which happens to also be a “little flock”) that agrees with all the positions above, that were part of “the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3) is the Living Church of God.

It also specifically traces its history from the Apostles through Polycarp, Polycrates, and other leaders in Asia Minor.

A listing of countries outside the USA that have LCG congregations can be found by going to the International Living Church of God Congregations page (USA congregations can be found at the United States Living Church of God Congregations page).

Those who want to know more about true Christianity, its beliefs, as well as others, may wish to study the following:

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?
News Articles Related to Church History This link is to articles on Church history that were once published on the COG News Page.
The Churches of Revelation 2 & 3 Do they matter? Most say they must, but act like they do not. This article contains some history about the Church of God (sometimes referred to as the continuation of Primitive Christianity) over the past 2000 years.
What Do Roman Catholic Scholars Actually Teach About Early Church History? Although most believe that the Roman Catholic Church history teaches an unbroken line of succession of bishops beginning with Peter, with stories about most of them, Roman Catholic scholars know the truth of this matter. This eye-opening article is a must-read for any who really wants to know what Roman Catholic history actually admits about the early church.
Nazarene Christianity: Were the Original Christians Nazarenes? Should Christians be Nazarenes today? What were the practices of the Nazarenes.
Location of the Early Church: Another Look at Ephesus, Smyrna, and Rome What actually happened to the primitive Church? And did the Bible tell about this in advance?
Apostolic Succession What really happened? Did structure and beliefs change? Are many of the widely-held current understandings of this even possible? Did you know that Catholic scholars really do not believe that several of the claimed “apostolic sees” of the Orthodox have apostolic succession–despite the fact that the current pontiff himself seems to wish to ignore this view?  Is there actually a true church that has ties to any of the apostles that is not part of the Catholic or Orthodox churches?  Read this article if you truly are interested in the truth on this matter!
COGwriter Position on Other Churches and Religions What is the fate of those who do not know Christ? What about those who profess Christ outside the Church of God?
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. Armstrong This article clearly shows some of the doctrinal differences between in the two. At this time of doctrinal variety and a tendency by many to accept certain aspects of Protestantism, the article should help clarify why the Living Church of God is NOT Protestant. Do you really know what the Protestant Reformer Martin Luther taught and should you follow his doctrinal example?
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. Português: Qual é fiel: A igreja católica romana ou a igreja viva do deus? Tambien Español: Cuál es fiel: ¿La iglesia católica romana o La Iglesia del Dios Viviente? Auch: Deutsch: Welches zuverlässig ist: Die Römisch-katholische Kirche oder die lebende Kirche von Gott?
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?
There are Many COGs: Why Support the Living Church of God? This is an article for those who wish to more 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.

Jerusalem

COGwriter

The following two news items were of interest–note that the second may more than make up for the first:

EGYPT: Court upholds ban on gas exportation to Israel

The events these days are interesting all around.

Perhaps I should also mention that Israel reported yesterday that it would unilaterally cease-fire, but Hamas has vowed to keep fighting.

Overall, though, the news is somewhat better for Israel than its enemies the past few days.

Those interested in more biblically-supported prophetic understandings may wish to read and study the following articles:

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 1/2 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?
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?
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?
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?
Prophecy Obama: Prophecies of Barack Obama? Are there biblical and non-biblical prophecies about Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist? This is the longest and most detailed of the articles here related to prophecy and Barack Obama.
Universal Offer of Salvation: There Are Hundreds of Verses in the Bible Supporting the Doctrine of True Apocatastasis Do you believe what the Bible actually teaches on this? Will all good things be restored? Does God’s plan of salvation take rebellion and spiritual blindness into account?
Hope of Salvation: How the Living Church of God differ from most Protestants How the Living Church of God differs from mainstream/traditional Protestants, is perhaps the question I am asked most by those without a Church of God background.

COGwriter

Might the Barack Obama approve a bill that could criminalize Bible preaching?  That seems to be the contention of Vision America’s Rick Scarborough:

BIBLICAL PREACHING ABOUT TO BE CRIMINALIZED…

Representative Sheila Jackson-Lee confirmed that she reintroduced a federal Hate Crimes Bill, H.R 256, to Congress this past week. We have to stop this from happening! This legislation is an immediate threat to our First Amendment right to free speech! We already have hate crime legislation. This legislation is designed to add homosexuals to existing legislation.

The tragic consequence of this legislation is that it forces law enforcement to assess motivation to a crime. Add to that the fact that Lady Justice is no longer blindfolded, meeting out justice to the criminals. Hate Crimes legislation forces Lady Justice to raise her blindfold to see if the person meets a certain criteria before justice is administered.

For example, if your Grandmother is mugged the criminal may get 6 months probation, but if the victim is a homosexual, the crime immediately becomes more serious and the criminal may face 5 years or more, depending upon the mandated sentences affixed to the crime by the legislation.

A similar bill was passed in Canada in 1971 making it a federal crime to criticize homosexuality quoting the Bible from the pulpit or over the airwaves. Pastors in Canada face a $5,000 fine for the first offense and a fine plus prison time for every offense thereafter.

This bill is titled the David Ray Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009. It is a more condensed version of the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act, H.R. 1592, which did not gain final Congressional approval last year, thanks to the threat of a Presidential veto. Rep. Jackson-Lee also submitted a companion bill, H.R. 262, which is known as the David Ray Richardson Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009. This bill will allow the federal government not only to get involved in states’ efforts to “prevent” hate crimes but also to assist hate crimes victims. These bills are fully supported by President-elect Obama and are expected to pass the Democrat-dominated Congress swiftly unless we make our voices heard!

Truthtellers.org made a compelling video called “Hate Bill Lies: Exposed.” It highlights three lies that are being used to push the “necessity” for these bills. We have added the fourth.

LIE #1 – There is an urgent need for Hate Crimes Legislation.

Truth – The FBI reported that out of 13 million crimes reported annually only 7,500 could be considered “hate crimes.” This is only 1/15^th of 1%!!!! This shows that our current legal system is working to punish crime, regardless of the motivation.

LIE #2 – Only hate crimes will be punished; free speech will not be taken away.

Truth – An Anti-Hate Law was passed in Canada in 1971. This soon progressed to protect homosexuals from “verbal violence” as well. Now it is illegal to even quote Scripture against that lifestyle without fear of punishment.

Lie #3 – The Federal Hate Crimes Bill contains no language that threatens free speech.

Truth – The current bills are patterned after the 1968 Federal Hate Law, which states “whoever commits an offense against the U.S., or aids, abets, COUNSELS, commands, induces or procures its commission, is punishable as a principle.” – U.S. Code, Title 18, Sec. 2

Lie #4 – This bill will protect homosexuals

Truth – This legislation will stifle Biblical preaching and thus prevent Pastors from sharing with their congregations and homosexuals that homosexuality is wrong and that those who practice such sin without repentance will not only suffer the consequences in this life, but in the life to come. (See I Corinthians 6:9ff)

The small print is clear – you could be indicted if someone simply overhears you speaking out against homosexuality, or any other group protected by the law, and commits an act of violence as a result.

There are two main groups that want this passed: the homosexual lobbyists and the Anti-Defamation League. This is a Jewish organization that wants to make it a hate crime to criticize Israel or the Jews in any way. They are responsible for the Hate Crimes laws in Canada, England, Western Europe and Australia. They have already succeeded in limiting free speech in those countries and are intent on doing the same here.

If we value our First Amendment right to free speech we will not let this pass without a fight. You can call your representative…

While I do not agree that the implication that the current legal system is actually working properly and that congress members are our real representatives, there were some interesting points above.

Perhaps I should mention that Rick Scarborough has been a Baptist pastor and his Vision America website states that Tim LaHaye (of the Left Behind series of fiction and other “misleading” books) is also on the board of his Vision America.

As one who is engaged with writing on biblical topics, I will add that the events in Canada (where two people were fined for an advertising that basically quoted scriptures condemning homosexual behaviors), as well as events in the USA under the current Bush administration, have indicated to me that there is much less freedom of religion and press in the USA than the framers of the US Constitution intended.

While I doubt that all Bible preaching will ever be criminalized, the idea that parts will be is already true in many parts of the world.   And the idea that more and more parts of the Bible will increasingly be frowned upon by governmental authorities is sadly expected (see Persecutions by Church and State ).  This does impact the ability of the true Church to get our message out as governments sometime remove our telecasts/radio broadcasts from the airways, interfere with our literature distribution, and take other such actions to interfere with fulfilling the great commission Jesus gave in Matthew 28:18-20.  However, the job will be accomplished as Jesus stated in Matthew 24:14.

However, recall that God inspired the prophet Amos to write:

13 Therefore the prudent keep silent at that time, For it is an evil time. (Amos 5:13)

Hopefully, President-elect Obama will not directly or inadvertently help fulfill that prophecy by making it prudent to be silent on more matters of biblical importance.

All Bible-believing Christians should pray for president-elect Obama and his staff.  Notice what the Apostle Paul wrote:

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. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior (1 Timothy 2:1-3).

And while Vision America seems to place much of its faith in democracy, the end is coming and true Christians need to pray to their real representative–God in heaven.

Some articles that may be of interest could include:

Persecutions by Church and State This article documents some that have occurred against those associated with the COGs and some prophesied to occur.
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?
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.
Is There A Secret Rapture for the Church? When and Where is the Church Protected? What does the Bible really teach? Does the Church flee or is it taken up just prior to the great tribulation? Who really is left behind?
Why is a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem Not Required? Although people like Timothy LaHaye teach a third Jewish temple is required, who is ‘the temple of God” in the New Testament?

An old Chinese Yuan Note That is No Longer Used

COGwriter

It should be understood that Asia is starting to have significant export problems right now.

Notice the following:

Investors await Obama’s signals on China’s yuan

Economists say China has its own reasons to keep currency trading stable

Singapore Dec non-oil exports plunge 21 percent…

SINGAPORE (AP) — Singapore’s non-oil exports, which account for two-third of the city-state’s gross domestic product, dropped by the most in almost seven years in December, further evidence of the country’s worst recession in decades.

Exports in December fell 21 percent from a year earlier to 10.5 billion Singapore dollars ($7.0 billion) as consumer demand from Europe, China and the U.S. plummeted, according to Trade and Industry Ministry figures released Friday. Exports fell 13 percent in December from the previous month.

December’s decline was the biggest since exports fell 23 percent in February 2002.

“This was yet another depressing Singapore release, with exports heading for a repeat of the huge 2001-02 contraction if not something worse,” Robert Prior-Wandesforde, senior Asian economist for HSBC in Singapore, said in a report.

“The bottom line is that Asia is in the midst of the biggest export collapse it has experienced in decades,” he said.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ixM7Q-rota6NUElM_rCNT0jwuJ7wD95O4PK00

Asia will struggle, but for many reasons (including its relative lack of debt and work ethic) I believe ultimately will recover to a degree–though NOT enough to become the premier economic superpower of the world as Bible prophecy indicates that Europe will fill that role.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 1: Genesis and Chinese Characters This article provides information showing that the Chinese peoples must have known about various accounts in the Book of Genesis up until their dispersion after the Tower of Babel.
China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 2: The Sabbath and Some of God’s Witness in China When did Christianity first come to China? And is there early evidence that they observed the seventh day sabbath?
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? Who has the 200,000,000 man army related to Armageddon?
Japan, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 1: Any Witness? This is a draft of an in-process article about Japan. Have they had any witness?
Japan, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 2: Prophecy Japan in prophecy. What is prophesied for Japan. Will God save the Japanese?
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.
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?

Senator (now also President Elect) Barack Obama

COGwriter

Here are some excerpts from the current cover story of LCG’s Tomorrow’s World magazine by Dexter Wakefield:

Racism in America: A Thing of the Past?

I would like to make two types of comments.

The first is that although I did not endorse any of the candidates for USA president (see US Election Tomorrow: Pray & Fast), I do believe that the election of Barack Obama indicates that many in the USA are less racist than they were decades ago.

And the second is that racial problems shamefully still exist–and definitely are not confined to the USA.  God, however, loves all and will call people “of every tribe and tongue and people and nation” (Revelation 5:9; see also Universal Offer of Salvation: There Are Hundreds of Verses in the Bible Supporting the Doctrine of True Apocatastasis).

But it should be noted that despite the election of Barack Obama, the end of the USA as we know it is coming soon.  Some articles related to that 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?
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?
Prophecies of Barack Obama? Are there biblical and non-biblical prophecies about Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist?  Might Barack Obama set the stage for the kings of the North and South as at least one Shiite prophecy suggests.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”, based up an early 20th century writing.
Barack Obama in Islamic Prophecy? There is actually a 17th century Shiite prophecy that some believe that Barack Obama will fulfill that will lead to a rising up of Islam.
Barack Obama Carries Hindu Monkey God Although there are some strange and false stories about Barack Obama, this one seems to be true.

Maya Dresden Codex, Page 9

COGwriter

The following news story was of interest:

The Mystery of 2012?

Not surprisingly, the Mayan-inspired mania surrounded 12/21/12 is more money-grubbing than actual science.

If the hundreds of millions of Google searches related to “2012” are any indication, the apocalyptic predictions and mystery surrounding the date December 21, 2012 have captured public interest and created a legitimate culture of fear. Now Roland Emmerich, the brains behind doomsday blockbusters like Independence Day and The Day After Tomorrow, is working on a new film titled 2012, a $200 million project based on—you guessed it—the end of the world. Set to open in July, this latest eco-disaster flick will underscore the increasing presence of 12/21/12, the supposed “end date” of the Mayan calendar, in contemporary media. In the midst of all the cataclysmic depictions in books and films, one is left feeling an anxious uncertainty. What is fact and what is fiction? Where did this latest end-of-the-world date come from?…

While many essays are predictably rife with spacey New Age lingo and present some very hard-to-grasp “meta” ideas evocative of the documentary What the Bleep Do We Know!? (2004), contributors like Gregg Braden and Robert K. Sitler are successful at explaining the fascinating complexities of the Mayan calendar—the origin of the 2012 prophecy.

The most important thing to know about the remarkable time-tracking system known as the Mesoamerican Long Count Calendar, is that nowhere amongst the glyphs does it say “the world will end via (insert preferred natural disaster here) on 12/21/12.” The Maya were amazingly skilled at tracking cycles in nature, and their calendar, which most experts believe started at a date that correlates with 3114 BC, reflects these cycles in an astonishingly harmonious way.

As you may have learned in astronomy class or in the beginning of the documentary Zeitgeist, the Movie (2007), there’s evidence showing that ancient peoples had knowledge of Earth’s “wobble” movement known as precession. Since one full 360-degree cycle of precession takes approximately 26,000 years to complete and just one degree of “wobble” takes approximately 72 years to notice with the naked eye, it is truly remarkable the ancients were capable of even realizing the occurrence of this movement given their short life spans and limited technology…

As theorists and extremist subgroups of the New Age movement continue to speculate about our future and 2012 disaster flicks continue to make Hollywood rich, all facts seem to show 12/21/12 will have the same fate as the dreaded Y2K. Unsurprisingly, 2012 fever is being fueled simply by want of money and/or fame and is leading to a viral spread of unauthentic information. While it’s easy to see why the highly sophisticated astronomical knowledge coupled with the mysteriously sudden appearance and disappearance of their civilization is so captivating, all we can truthfully conclude about the ancient Maya is that they were extremely skilled at tracking time. Moreover, all we truly know about what will go down on the winter solstice of 2012 is embodied by the symbol inscribed on the Mystery of 2012’s title page: a big grey question mark.  http://www.splicetoday.com/pop-culture/the-mystery-of-2012

Actually, we truly do know a few things for reasonable certainty pertaining to 2012.

We know that an astronomical event is going to take place on December 21, 2012.  Various “experts” on The History Channel are referring to this as “the galactic alignment” (astronomers tend to reject that concept that the sun will be in the exact center of the Milky Way).  Its actual significance, however, is a question mark.

We also know (because the deal of Daniel 9:27 has not yet taken place, and it will take 3 1/2 for the tribulation to start after that deal is made) that 2012 is the earliest possibly year for the Great Tribulation to begin (for details, see Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2009, 2010, or 2011?).

However, for a variety of reasons (including probable media hype probably leading to prophetic loathing), I am fairly certain that the Great Tribulation will not be likely to begin before 2013 (actually unless the Daniel 9:27 deal is made in the next 5 1/2 months, 2013 is the earliest date for the Great Tribulation to begin) and may be a few years later because of at least one calculation of the likely year that God’s 6000 year plan for humans to rule themselves will come to an end (for details, see Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End?).

But, because of the movie on 2012 due this July 10th (called 2012, but whose working title is Farewell Atlantis) combined with the perilous times we seem to be living in, I do not doubt that many will be concerned that the negative interpretations of the Mayan December 21, 2012 date may be correct.

But, as I have written before (End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something?), it seems to me that 2012 is intended by Satan to be more of a distraction as the Great Tribulation will begin relatively soon (3 months to 5 or so years) after the Mayan date, people may well be weary of listening to “doomsday prophecies” right when they really should be.  The Bible is clear that the future scorning of prophecy will occur.  Notice:

3…scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, 4 and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.” 5 For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, 6 by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. 7 But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. 8 But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. 11 Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? (2 Peter 3:3-12)

It certainly seems that 2012 hype help may set up the fulfillment of that and related prophecies.  The “mystery of 2012” likely is that people will weary of giving much credibility to prophecies that indicate that the Great Tribulation is fast approaching.  But according to Jesus the Great Tribulation will come, it will be very bad, but it will end:

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. 22 And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened (Matthew 24:21-22).

The related good news, of course, is that 3 1/2 years after the Great Tribulation begins, Jesus will return and establish His millennial kingdom (see also The Gospel of the Kingdom of God was the Emphasis of Jesus and the Early Church and Did The Early Church Teach Millenarianism?).

But a bumpy (and sometimes extremely rough) road is what is expected until then.  Notice what Jesus taught:

36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man (Luke 21:36).

Stay tuned.

Several articles of possible related interest may include:

End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something? There is a Mayan calendar prediction for change in 2012. 2012 changes were also centuries ago predicted by the Hopi Native Americans (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?
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?
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?
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?
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.
Are You Saved? Do You Love Jesus? What is a True Christian? What is the Gospel? Evangelist Richard Ames answers those important questions.
Getting the Gospel Out is More than a Local Job Discusses Biblical rationale for doing an international, and not just a local, work.
There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Petra This article discusses a biblical ‘place of safety’ and includes quotes from the Bible and Herbert W. Armstrong on this subject–thus, there is a biblically supported alternative to the rapture theory.
Is There A Secret Rapture for the Church? When and Where is the Church Protected? What does the Bible really teach? Does the Church flee or is it taken up just prior to the great tribulation? Who really is left behind?
Why is a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem Not Required? Although people like Timothy LaHaye teach a third Jewish temple is required, who is ‘the temple of God” in the New Testament?

COGwriter

In his update today, WCG’s J. Tkach wrote:

SpOL124  SATAN

Paul wrote in Colossians 1:13, We have been rescued “from the dominion of darkness and brought … into the kingdom of the Son he loves.”

Hebrews 2:14 tells us, “Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil…”

Because we are allied with Christ, we can be confident, as Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 4:18, that “the Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom.”

Satan is a defeated enemy, and yet he is still an enemy. Peter describes the devil as a lion on the prowl in 1 Peter 5:8: “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

So what should we do? Peter goes on to say in verses 9 and 10: “Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”

The strategy is simple: resist. How? By faith!

The Bible does not prescribe any secret words or rituals, special anointings or prayer formulas. We do not have to learn special names or go on special walks.

Neither Jesus nor the apostles went searching for demons to rout. They expelled demons when the problem was unavoidable, but they did not search for hidden demons or territorial spirits. Going after demons is not the key to spiritual growth or effective evangelism.

“Resist the devil, and he will flee from you,” James 4:7 tells us. And in 2 Thessalonians 3:3, Paul wrote: “…the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.”

While I normally disagree with J. Tkach here, he and I would likely be able to agree on nearly all of the above.  Something that I would want to add, however, would be:

7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded (James 4:7-8).

It is necessary to submit to God and repent of sin–this is what should be done to resist Satan.

A couple articles of possibly related interest may include:

Lies Where did they originate? What was really the first lie? What happens for lies?
A Short Article on Faith A subject that could fill many books.
Close Encounters of a ‘Spirit’ Kind discusses some experiences I believe were (demon) ‘spirit’ related.
Joyce’s Photos of Rome and the Vatican Rome has been a major world city for centuries. Since the late second century, it has made claims of prominence over Christianity. There is even a photo of what has been described as “Satan’s Throne“

COGwriter

Hebert W. Armstrong died on January 16, 1986, at age 93 1/2.

To learn a little about how he approached religion as a young man, here are some excerpts from his Autobiography:

Before our marriage my wife had been quite interested in Bible study. She had been for years an active Methodist.

After marriage, although she had not lost her interest in the Christian life and the Bible, she had not had the same opportunity to express it, or participate in religious fellowship with others. While we lived in Maywood, suburb of Chicago, we had joined the River Forest Methodist Church. The fellowship there had been more social than spiritual or Biblical.

But all Mrs. Armstrong’s active interest in things Biblical was reawakened when she became acquainted with Mrs. Runcorn. One day Mrs. Runcorn gave her a Bible study. She asked my wife to turn to a certain passage and read it. Then a second, then a third, and so on for about an hour. Mrs. Runcorn made no comment — gave no explanation or argument — just asked my wife to read aloud a series of Biblical passages.

“Why!” exclaimed Mrs. Armstrong in amazement, “do all these Scriptures say that I’ve been keeping the wrong day as the Sabbath all my life?”

“Well, do they?” asked Mrs. Runcorn. “Don’t ask me whether you have been wrong — you shouldn’t believe what any person tells you, but only what GOD tells you through the Bible. What does He tell you, there? What do you see there with your own eyes?”

“Why, it’s as plain as anything could be!” exclaimed Mrs. Armstrong. “Why, this is a wonderful discovery. I must rush back to tell my husband the good news. I know he’ll be overjoyed!”

A minute or so later, Mrs. Armstrong came running into my parents’ home, with the “good news.”

My jaw dropped! This was the worst news I had ever heard! My wife gone into religious fanaticism!

“Have you gone CRAZY?” I asked, incredulously. “Of course not! I was never more sure of anything in my life,” responded my wife with enthusiasm.

Indeed, I wondered if she really had lost her mind! Deciding to “keep Saturday for Sunday!” Why, that seemed like rank FANATICISM! And my wife had always had such a sound mind! There was nothing shallow about her. She had always had a well-balanced mind, with depth.

But now, suddenly — THIS! It seemed incredible — preposterous! “Loma,” I said sternly, “this is simply too ridiculous to believe! I am certainly not going to tolerate any such religious fanaticism in our family! You’ll have to give that up right here and now!”

But she wouldn’t! “Doesn’t the Bible say that wives must be obedient to their husbands?” I asked.

“Yes, in the Lord, but not contrary to the Lord,” she came back.

It was amazing how many logical arguments came to my mind. But always she had the answer.

I felt I could not tolerate such humiliation. What would my friends say? What would former business acquaintances think? Nothing had ever hit me where it hurt so much — right smack in the heart of all my pride and vanity and conceit! And this mortifying blow had to fall immediately on top of confidence-crushing financial reverses!

In desperation, I said: “Loma, you can’t tell me that all these churches have been wrong all these hundreds of years! Why, aren’t these all CHRIST’S churches?”

“Then,” came back Mrs. Armstrong, “why do they all disagree on so many doctrines? Why does each one teach differently than the others?”

“But,” I still contended, “Isn’t the Bible the very source of the teaching of all these Christian churches? And they do all agree on observing Sunday! I’m sure the Bible says, ‘Thou shalt keep SUNDAY!’ “

“Well, does it?” smiled my wife, handing me a Bible. “Show it to me, if it does — and I’ll do what it says.”

“I don’t know where to find it. You know I’m no Bible student, I could never understand the Bible. But I know the Bible must command the observance of Sunday, because all the churches observe Sunday, except the Seventh-Day Adventists, and they’re regarded as fanatics. The Sabbath was the day for the Jews.”

I even threatened divorce, if my wife refused to give up this fanaticism, though in my heart I didn’t really mean it. In our family divorce was a thing unheard of — and beside, I was very much in love with my wife — though at the moment I was boiling over with anger.

“If you can prove by the Bible that Christians are commanded to observe Sunday, then of course I’ll do what I see in the Bible!”

This was her challenge. “O.K.,” I answered, “I’ll make you this proposition: I don’t know much about the Bible — I just never could seem to understand it. But I do have an analytical mind. I’ve become experienced in research into business problems, getting the facts and analyzing them. Now I’ll make a complete and thorough study of this question in the Bible. All these churches can’t be wrong. I’ll prove to you in the Bible that you are mistaken!”

This was in the autumn of 1926…

WE HAD MOVED TO the Pacific Northwest in the summer of 1924. My wife’s brother, Walter Dillon, and her sister Bertha, had driven Walter’s Model T Ford back to Iowa in August…In June, 1925, Walter and his young wife, together with Bertha and my wife’s father, had returned to Oregon…

Walter’s wife had been indoctrinated with the theory of evolution in college. One day she and I became engaged in a discussion. The evolutionary doctrine came into the conversation. I mentioned that I was not convinced of its validity.

“Herbert Armstrong, you are simply IGNORANT!” accused Hertha. Her words stabbed deeply into what was left of my ego. “One is uneducated, and ignorant, unless he believes in evolution. All educated people now believe it.”

That accusation came hot on the heels of this Sabbath challenge from my wife. Of course, Bertha was only about 19, and had had but her freshman year in college. She was yet immature enough to be a bit oversold on what had been presented to her as a mark of intellectual distinction. Nevertheless, her manner was cutting, and a bit sarcastic, and I accepted it as a challenge.

“Hertha,” I responded, “I am just starting a study of the Bible. I intend to include in this research a thorough study of the Biblical account of creation. Since it is admittedly one of the two — evolution or special creation — I will include an in-depth study of evolution. I feel sure that a thorough study into both sides will show that it is you who are ignorant, and that you merely studied one side of a two-sided question in freshman biology, and accepted what was funneled into your mind without question. And if and when I do, I’m going to make you EAT those words!“

And so it developed that I now had a double challenge to go to work on — a dual subject involving both the Biblical claims for special creation, and also a more in-depth study than before into texts on biology, geology, paleontology, and the various works on the theory of evolution.

As one exposed to a fair amount of the worlds’ education, I would simply state here that most who claim evolution as truth simply have not studied into it enough. Two articles of related interest may include Is God’s Existence Logical? and Is Evolution Probable or Impossible or Is God’s Existence Logical? Part II.

Part of Herbert W. Armstrong’s legacy is that he took the Bible to be the word of God and taught:

…the Bible tells us to PROVE all things (Armstrong HW. The RESURRECTION was NOT on Sunday. 1952).

Which of course, it does as the Apostle Paul wrote:

Prove all things; hold fast that which is good (1 Thessalonians 5:21, KJV).

Sadly many have falsely maligned Herbert W. Armstrong (please see the article 15 Accusations and Truthful Responses About Herbert W. Armstrong), while others have exalted him beyond appropriateness (please see the article The Elijah Heresies ).

Those truly interested in learning more about Herbert W. Armstrong, should read the article Who Was Herbert W. Armstrong? How is He Viewed Today?.

And everyone should try to live by the following teaching of Herbert W. Armstrong:

“Don’t believe me – BELIEVE YOUR BIBLE – BELIEVE GOD! I always say…check up! Listen without prejudice, with open mind, then check up–go to your BIBLE, and BELIEVE what you read there.”

(Herbert W. Armstrong, Plain Truth magazine, Sept. 1963, Personal pg.1)

Several articles of possibly related interest include:

Who Was Herbert W. Armstrong? How is He Viewed Today? Includes quotes from the 1973 edition of The Autobiography of Herbert W. Armstrong and explains how he is and should be viewed today.
Should the Church Still Try to Place its Top Priority on Proclaiming the Gospel or Did Herbert W. Armstrong Change that Priority for the Work? Some say the Church should mainly feed the flock now as that is what Herbert W. Armstrong reportedly said. Is that what he said? Is that what the Bible says? What did Paul and Herbert W. Armstrong expect from evangelists?
Here are Some Quotes from Herbert W. Armstrong on Laodicea and Holding to Doctrine.
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.