Church of God News

Northern Shore of Reykjavík, Iceland

COGwriter

The EU might be expanding during this time of economic crisis:

Nordic Council report backs EU and euro entry

EUobserver – Feb 27, 2009

As the prime ministers of all the Nordic countries met in Iceland to discuss the financial crisis, a report published by the Nordic Council on Thursday (26 February) said the crisis should lead to a review of whether all Nordic states should join the eurozone and the EU.

“The experience of the Nordic countries in the current crisis ….leads to a need to review whether the other Nordic countries would be better off to follow the Finnish example and join the euro-zone,” reads the Nordic Globalisation Barometer 2009 report, Global Pressure – Nordic Solutions?

The Nordic Council of Ministers, bringing together the premiers of all the Nordic countries as well as delegations from associate members Greenland, the Faroe Islands and the Aland Islands, is currently meeting just outside Reykjavik for its second annual globalisation forum.

Finland is the sole Nordic nation to belong to both the EU and the eurozone. Sweden and Denmark are also members of the bloc, but have maintained their domestic currencies. Norway and Iceland remain outside both.

Although this year’s themes were intended to be innovation and climate change, the focus has been hi-jacked by the mounting economic crisis, with the Icelandic venue for the meeting only highlighting the situation, as delegates passed “Liquidation” and “Closing Down Sale” signs plastered on shops surrounding their hotels.

Also focussing minds at the event, the Swedish krona fell to a fresh all-time low against the euro on Wednesday.

The report, authored by Christian Ketels of the Harvard Business School and the Stockholm School of Economics, reflects the views of the authors and not the official line of the Nordic Council.

“The Nordic countries will have to discuss whether the changes in the global economy suggest more fundamental changes in their economic policy architecture,” it said. “The balance of costs and benefits from operating an independent currency and staying outside the European Union might have shifted.”

The prime ministers themselves, all personally backers of both euro and EU membership, spent time discussing their options on Wednesday, but, apart from Finland, face considerable political obstacles on the EU path.

“We find ourselves in the situation where Sweden in 2003 held a referendum [on the euro] and the answer was ‘No.’ The party chair [of the governing coalition senior partner, the centre-right Moderate Party] has said that he understands that to be a ’10-year No,’ and the opposition leader said she also doesn’t expect a return to the question until 2014,” Sweden’s prime minister, Fredrik Reinfeldt, said.

“However, the crisis has effected considerable change,” he added. “So we are following the ongoing discussions in Denmark very closely.”

A referendum on the introduction of the euro in Denmark is expected some time ahead of the next general election, due in 2011.

“We have announced we want a referendum at some point in this term of office,” Danish prime minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen told reporters. “But the question is when, and we need clarification of the situation first, which means how the Irish referendum falls out.”…

Norway’s premier, Jens Stoltenberg, issued a curt “We lost a referendum on the EU and so it is not on the agenda now.”

Oslo has held two referendums on the matter, one in 1974 after negotiating an accession agreement and another in 1994. Both times membership was narrowly rejected.

Icelandic Prime Minister Johanna Sigurdardottir said that as part of the coalition agreement her centre-left Social Democratic Alliance had signed with the far-left Left Green Movement, the current caretaker government would not apply for membership of the EU.

“But let’s see what happens after the elections,” she said. “At the same time, we need 30,000 Icelanders to demand a referendum.”

Nordic Council secretary-general Asgrimsson, asked about previous remarks that Iceland would join the EU by 2015, said: “I believed it then and I believe it even more now.” http://euobserver.com/9/27684

I reported many months ago that I felt that the crisis in Iceland may drive it to seek EU membership (see Iceland Crumbling: EU its Hope?).

The crisis must be perceived as quite serious in the Nordic countries for leaders from all of them to somewhat publicly consider this step (they recently indicated that they may need a joint military to quell possible unrest, see New Nordic Military for Civil Unrest?).  Whether all of those nations will join or not is another question.

But what this news item helps demonstrate is that a new economic leader for the world is forming and many are trying to determine if they should become part of it.  No longer are nations looking towards the Anglo – American nations as much for leadership, especially when nations are willing to consider giving up much of their sovereignty to be part of the European Union.

The Bible clearly prophesied that a massive economic colossus would form in the end-time in the area of the old Roman Empire–essentially where the European Union now is.  These prophesies are coming to pass, which also provides even more reason to understand that the prophesies involving the rise of the Beast and the Antichrist are also getting closer to coming to pass.

You need to watch and pray.  Notice what Jesus said:

34 “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. 35 For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 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 21:34-36)

Events leading to the rise of the Beast, the False Prophet (Antichrist), and the Babylon warned about in the Book of Revelation are lining up.  I intend to continue to strive to watch and pray myself and to bring to this website key news events that may help those who will heed all of the Bible’s admonitions “to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man”.

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?
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?
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?
Two Horned Beast of Revelation and 666 This article explains how the LCG views this, and compares this to Ellen White.
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.
Islands and Bible Prophecy What’s ahead for islands? What does the Bible prophesy about them?
Modern Nations and God’s Ancient Plan Many peoples are mentioned in the Bible. And other than the fact that the modern nation of Israel represents the ancient kingdom of Judah, do you know who any of these people are now?
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

Notice the following disturbing news item:

Chicago Man Arrested for Allegedly Targeting Obama With HIV-Infected Blood

It’s only the second time ever that HIV-infected blood has been sent with malicious intent through the U.S. mail system, a spokesman for the U.S. Postal Inspection Service said.

By Mike Levine

February 27, 2009

A man from President Obama’s hometown of Chicago has been arrested for allegedly sending Obama and his staff envelopes containing HIV-infected blood, in the hopes of killing or harming them.

It’s only the second time ever that HIV-infected blood has been sent with malicious intent through the U.S. mail system, a spokesman for the U.S. Postal Inspection Service said.

In the weeks leading up to Obama’s inauguration, Saad Hussein, an Ethiopian refugee in his late 20s, sent an envelope addressed to “Barack Obama” to offices of the Illinois government in Springfield, Ill., according to court documents.

The envelope contained a series of curious items, including a letter with reddish stains and an admission ticket for Obama’s election-night celebration in Chicago’s Grant Park. Court documents said Hussein, who takes drugs to treat a mental illness, later told FBI agents he is “very sick with HIV” and cut his fingers with a razor so he could bleed on the letter…

This is not the first time law enforcement officials have had to take Hussein into custody. He was arrested by police in 2006 after starting a fire in the middle of a crowded Chicago intersection. When officers arrived on the scene, he was waving the Koran in the air and yelling”Allah Akbar,” or “God is Great” in Arabic. Court documents say he was transported to a hospital, where he called President Bush a terrorist and criticized American foreign policy. He was not formally charged, but he did spend time in the mental health unit of the hospital. http://www.foxnews.com/politics/first100days/2009/02/27/chicago-man-arrested-allegedly-targeting-obama-hiv-infected-blood/

This is the second time I have reported a plot against Barack Obama (for the first time, please see Plot to Kill Obama!)–but the first that also somewhat targeted his staff.

We do live in perilous times.  And President Obama (as well as his staff) does need our prayers (see also LCG: Pray for President Obama).

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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 his timing and at least one Shiite prophecy suggests?  This is the longest and most detailed of the articles here at COGwriter related to prophecy and Barack Obama.
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 since he is to be the USA president?
Kenya Rejoices as Obama Wins This is a follow-up to the Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States news item and contains additional information about him, prophecies, and his background.  And when the United States and its Anglo-allies may be destroyed.
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Barack Obama is Not the Antichrist Some have suggested that he may be, but he cannot be.  Find out why.
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?

COGwriter

Tonight ICG’s Mark Armstrong reported:

You’re all aware of the trillions of dollars already signed into law in recent weeks, but new projections of government spending over the next few years were released during the evening hours last night, and the red ink is poised to flow like a mighty river in flood conditions.

During CNN’s Anderson Cooper program last night, both the host and his analyst guests could hardly choke out the numbers that were coming across the wire services, outlining the unprecedented spending frenzy the new administration plans in the next few years.  The host was at a virtual loss to pronounce the phonetics of these numbers without shaking his head in disbelief.

We may well be seeing the beginnings of a backlash against the unprecedented gamble our leaders are taking with the immediate future of the United States.  It is not our place to encourage any such thing.  But it certainly is within our scope to recognize where this thing may be headed.

Serious trouble lies ahead for the United States.  Despite politicians who would beg to differ, economists warn that a huge gamble is being waged at very long odds.  The alarmist language, the dire predictions trotted out in conjunction with each new outrageous requisition of future earnings by future generations may well prove accurate in spite of, and because of the spending bonanza.

I could lead you by the hand through the logic involved, but won’t insult your intelligence.  Unless you’re completely tuned out, or limited strictly to the most mainstream of media, you know what is at stake, and how the prospects look.  We’re told there is no interest in nationalizing banks while the government is taking over thirty percent ownership in Citibank in exchange for bailout money.  And that’s only one of numerous examples in play right now.

Earlier this week, billionaire media mogul Rupert Murdoch said, “We are in the midst of a phase of history in which nations will be redefined and their futures fundamentally altered.”…

The United States is rapidly becoming a place that, if you’d been in a coma for the last six months, you’d hardly recognize.  And all the “targeted spending” our elected leaders are so giddy about will not solve the crisis, according to the best minds, but exacerbate it!…

Unemployment, homelessness and desperation stalk the cities and towns of the United States.  There may be something of a window of opportunity to prepare for the difficult times that lie ahead.  It should not be ignored.

I saw part of the Anderson Cooper piece last night and observed that even he seemed to somewhat shocked by the amount of debt increase.  And Rupert Murdoch is correct that what is happening now has major implications.

What will be more shocking to those in the USA (and its Anglo-allies) is what will happen when our creditors (probably sometime next decade) will rise up and take what they want (Habakkuk 2:6-8).

And the fundamentals to allow that to occur are happening now.

To learn more of what is ahead for the USA and British-descended peoples please prayerfully read and study the following articles:

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?
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 his timing and at least one Shiite prophecy suggests?  This is the longest and most detailed of the articles here at COGwriter related to prophecy and Barack Obama.
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 since he is to be the USA president?
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?

Pope Benedictus XVI

COGwriter

The Pope made some rather odd, and biblically-improper,  connections between the Apostle Paul and Lent this week:

Pontiff Highlight’s St. Paul’s Lenten Example

Says Grace Was Leaven of Spiritual and Geographical Journey

Since the pontiff mentioned the Word of God, let’s notice what the Apostle Paul actually wrote in it:

7…For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us. 8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth (1 Corinthians 5:7-8).

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

Contrary to the Pope’s claims, Paul did NOT tell people how to observe Lent, he told people how to keep Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread (in the above and other writings).  Neither Jesus nor Paul kept Lent.  They both kept Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread.

Lent was NOT observed for centuries.  It was not a Christian activity.

The Catholic Saint Abbot John Cassian (also known as Cassianus, monk of Marseilles) in the fifth century admitted:

Howbeit you should know that as long as the primitive church retained its perfection unbroken, this observance of Lent did not exist (Cassian John. Conference 21, THE FIRST CONFERENCE OF ABBOT THEONAS. ON THE RELAXATION DURING THE FIFTY DAYS. Chapter 30).

Since the “primitive church” did not observe Lent, neither did the Apostle Paul.  Lent, as now known, did not get finalized until the 8th/9th century, though some version occurred earlier than that:

Still, this principle was differently understood in different localities, and great divergences of practice were the result. In Rome, in the fifth century, Lent lasted six weeks, but according to the historian Socrates there were only three weeks of actual fasting, exclusive even then of the Saturday and Sunday and if Duchesne’s view may be trusted, these weeks were not continuous, but were the first, the fourth, and sixth of the series, being connected with the ordinations…But the number forty, having once established itself, produced other modifications. It seemed to many necessary that there should not only be fasting during the forty days but forty actual fasting days. Thus we find Ætheria in her “Peregrinatio” speaking of a Lent of eight weeks in all observed at Jerusalem, which, remembering that both the Saturday and Sunday of ordinary weeks were exempt, gives five times eight, i.e., forty days for fasting. On the other hand, in many localities people were content to observe no more than a six weeks’ period, sometimes, as at Milan, fasting only five days in the week after the oriental fashion (Ambrose, “De Elia et Jejunio”, 10). In the time of Gregory the Great (590-604) there were apparently at Rome six weeks of six days each, making thirty-six fast days in all, which St. Gregory, who is followed therein by many medieval writers, describes as the spiritual tithing of the year, thirty-six days being approximately the tenth part of three hundred and sixty-five. At a later date the wish to realize the exact number of forty days led to the practice of beginning Lent upon our present Ash Wednesday, but the Church of Milan, even to this day adheres to the more primitive arrangement (Christian Worship, 243) (Lent. The Catholic Encyclopedia).

The length of time for observing Lent varied through the ages. For many years, it was considered a 36-day period of fast. By the reign of Charlemagne, about A.D. 800, four days were added making it 40 (Ramm B. Lent. World Book Encyclopedia, 50th ed., Volume 12. Chicago, p. 175).

Thus, the practice of a 40 day lenten (which simply signifies “Springtime”) fast did not become standard practice before 800 A.D. since, even according to Catholic sources, the Apostle Paul is believed to have died in the 60s A.D., he was not keeping Lent.

Now the Pope also mentioned Easter in closing.  Did you know that Easter is supposed to be Passover?  Well the Pope knows that as he approved the following:

1170 At the Council of Nicea in 325,…Churches agreed that Easter, the Christian Passover, should be celebrated on the Sunday following the first full moon (14 Nisan) after the vernal equinox (Catechism of the Catholic Church. Imprimatur Potest +Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger. Doubleday, NY 1995, p. 332).

But why Easter?   According to historians and a least one “venerated” Catholic source (Bede), Easter is the name of a pagan fertility goddess.  According to The Catholic Encyclopedia many of the practices associated with it have pagan origins a (see Did Early Christians Celebrate Easter?).  And neither Jesus nor the Apostle Paul actually observed them.  Instead Jesus and Apostle Paul actually observed Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread.

Remember that Jesus Himself also stated:

“It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ” (Matthew 4:4)

Do you intend to live by every word of God?

Will you then imitate Jesus and the Apostle Paul by observing the same days (Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread) that they did?

Will you listen to what the Apostles Peter and John taught:

Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. 20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:19-20).

29 But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men…” (Acts 5:29).

Or do you prefer false traditions of men such as Lent?

Contrary to the implications and claims by the pontiff, the Apostle Paul did not observe Lent.  No one professing Christ observed Lent (as currently defined) for centuries.  The Apostle Paul not only observed Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread, he was inspired by God to record in the Bible that Christians were to do that and follow his example, as well as the example of Jesus Christ.

Will you truly follow the practices of the Apostle Paul yourself this year?

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Which Is Faithful: The Roman Catholic Church or the Living Church of God? Do you know that both groups shared a lot of the earliest teachings? Do you know which church changed? Do you know which group is most faithful to the teachings of the apostolic church? Which group best represents true Christianity? This documented article answers those questions. 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?
Is Lent a Christian Holiday? When did it originate? What about Ash Wednesday? If you observe them, do you know why?
Is There “An Annual Worship Calendar” In the Bible? This paper provides a biblical and historical critique of several articles, including one by WCG which states that this should be a local decision. What do the Holy Days mean? Also you can click here for the calendar of Holy Days.
Passover and the Early Church Did the early Christians observe Passover? What did Jesus and Paul teach? Why did Jesus die for our sins?
Melito’s Homily on the Passover This is one of the earliest Christian writings about the Passover. This also includes what Apollinaris wrote on the Passover as well.
Should Christians Keep the Days of Unleavened Bread? Do they have any use or meaning now? What is leaven? This article supplies some biblical answers.
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?
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!
Early Church History: Who Were the Two Major Groups Professed Christ in the Second and Third Centuries? Did you know that many in the second and third centuries felt that there were two major, and separate, professing Christian groups in the second century, but that those in the majority churches tend to now blend the groups together and claim “saints” from both? “Saints” that condemn some of their current beliefs.

Ruins of Ancient Laodicea

COGwriter

UCG announced that it’s United News issue for March/April 2009 is now online.

The front page shows that the amount of Good News magazines that it printed for its  March/April 2009 issue is down significantly from the same period last year.  A graph was shown, so my estimate, looking at its graph, suggests a drop from about 550,000 to about 485,000 copies.  Feast sites were also announced.

UCG also had a financial report for its American operations for 2008:

Treasurer’s Update

We have been encouraged by the income trend since the middle of December. Each year we receive a “bump” in income at the end of December. This year was no different; in fact, the “bump” in income was significantly better than last year. Before the year-end bump, category one (regular mail) income was running at an increase of 0.94 percent over the previous year. As of Jan. 16, 2009, category one income is running at an increase of 2.2 percent over the previous year.

But the news is not all bleak for UCG.  Here is a report about Australia:

Australia Reports Growth in Attendance, Income

During the UCG-Australia Annual General Meeting on Nov. 26, 2008, in the overview of the 2007-2008 year’s activities, it was reported that average weekly attendance at church services increased from 572 to 642 (12.2 percent) during the year. All elders reported many requests for personal visits and significantly higher levels of contact via telephone and the UCG-Australia Web site. Financially, UCG-Australia shows an encouraging increase over the last two years. With income rising by more than 16 percent, the Church was able to add an additional minister and trainee to the field ministry. Overall, the directors report a successful and progressive year that portends well for the future. Bill Eddington

Other news included the fact that UCG would not be able to hold a youth camp in its usual location (Camp Davidson) for 2009, but that another location will be announced later.  That is similar to the situation in LCG which will not have its usual Northern Michigan camp location this year (instead it will hold something similar, click here for details).

UCG is also attempting to get its members to promote its websites as it has an article about how it would like them to do that.

COGwriter

In the movie “Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed”, Ben Stein interviewed various scientists who explained that many academic institutions are so unscientific that they will hurt the careers of serious scientists who write papers demonstrating that that the “theory of evolution” (it is actually a model/proposed explanation, not a true theory), as commonly understood, cannot be correct.

Some in Europe and Russia are questioning evolution, while others insist upon it.

Notice the following news item:

European Creationists Take On Darwin

The US isn’t the only place with heated debates about Darwin’s theory of evolution: Europe has its own hardcore creationists and intelligent design backers, too. Increasingly, they are making their voices heard.

Spiegel – Feb 25, 2009…

Fundamentalist Christians who believe in creationism — which holds that God created the world and humanity in the manner described in the Bible — reject the principle of evolution and are striking back. They are pushing for the use of school texts that vilify the theory of evolution as a mere ideology. They have sued to have the theory of intelligent design — a water-down version of creationism — taught in biology courses at the same time as evolution, as both an equally valid scientific theory and alternative to evolution…

James Williams, a lecturer in science education at the University of Sussex…has studied the influence that creationists have had in the United Kingdom. And it is big: According to a survey conducted in 2006, the majority of British have their doubts about evolution, and 40 percent want creationism taught in biology classes.

Scientists agree that the overwhelming mass of evidence supports the theory of evolution. “No serious scientist questions the theory of evolution,” says Ralf Sommer, an evolutionary biologist at the University of Tübingen. “The only thing being discussed is the mechanisms of evolution, and that is a rather animated field of study.”

The guerrilla tactics used against evolution continue to be the same: Evolution’s opponents try to discredit Darwin’s broader theory by looking for gaps and narrower scientific issues that remain answered.

As Williams sees it, the fact that evolution is such a basic principle and lively field of scientific inquiry makes it a natural place to find so many open questions. But that’s no reason to cast doubt on the theory of evolution as a whole. “Even though no physicist has been able to explain why objects have mass,” Williams adds, “no one questions the theory of gravity.”

Intelligent design and creationism, on the other hand, are not scientific theories because they aren’t falsifiable: They postulate the existence of a deity, a divine creation and guided evolution — all things that can never be empirically proved or disproved.

Not Just Americans

This type of reasoning hasn’t stopped people from doubting the theory of evolution. In Germany, 20 percent of the population doesn’t believe in the theory; in the US, it’s closer to one-third.

For many years, people have viewed creationism as a purely American phenomenon. The fact is, however, that there are also creationist currents in Europe, too, and an anti-evolution movement that is even less homogenous than the one in the US. On one side, you can find the creationists, who are splintered into groups of hard-line “Young Earth” creationists and supporters of intelligent design. On the other side, you find the churches, who have not taken a definitive stance on the issue.

In June 2007, the Council of Europe’s Committee on Culture, Science and Education released a report entitled “The Dangers of Creationism in Education.” According to Anne Brasseur, a member of the council who collaborated on the report, its goal was to firmly anchor the theory of evolution in school curricula.

The report was prompted by resistance to teaching Darwin’s theory in some European countries. “For example,” Brasseur explains, “the former deputy education minister of Poland called the theory of evolution a lie.”

She went on to list a number of other negative examples:

• In Russia, many parents are strongly opposed to the teaching of evolution in grade schools.
• In Italy in 2004, there was a proposed decree against the theory of evolution.
• In Switzerland, the ProGenesis group has a tentative project called “Genesis-Land” that envisions a leisure park on the model of the Creation Museum in the US state of Kentucky.
• In the United Kingdom, creationists hold lectures at schools and organize international symposia.
• In Turkey, the Islamic creationist Harun Yahya has published his “Atlas of Creation” and sent hundreds of free copies to schools all over the world.
• In Germany, the Ministry of Education for the state of Hesse saw no infringement of the curriculum when teachers at a number of schools were found to be teaching the Biblical theory of creation in biology class.
• The publishing house “Studiengemeinschaft Wort und Wissen” is now publishing the sixth edition of a grade school textbook that includes the theory of intelligent design. http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/0,1518,609712,00.html

It is good that people question evolution as it has no serious scientific backing as being the initial cause of life.

When evolutionists make assertions such as “No serious scientist questions the theory of evolution“, they only demonstrate that their belief is a close-minded (as well as false) religion as serious scientists are supposed to be able to question any theory/model if they have reason to do so.

To assert that no serious scientist questions evolution is false.  It is simply that scientists that promote evolution are afraid to have it seriously questioned as anyone who truly understands biology realizes that there is no way that random amino acids can line up and have an outer membrane, somehow become alive, somehow know that they need to eat, somehow be able to digest what they have eaten, and have the ability to reproduce.  Each of these five steps is logically impossible to randomly occur, and it only takes one of them to not happen to destroy the evolutionary explanation of the origin of life.

Thus to indicate, as the article did, that intelligent design is not a theory and that evolution is because intelligent design in not “falsifiable” is somewhat insane as evolution as the origin of life is clearly false.

Actually, when pressed, evolutionist Richard Dawkins in the Ben Stein movie actually claimed something to the effect that life on earth probably came from another planet as conditions on the earth to spontaneously generate life were questionable (see also Ben Stein’s Expelled).  And of course, even if life on earth came from another planet (and somehow arrived alive on earth–an almost impossible, if not impossible, occurrence, that means at that planet the five impossible steps would have had to occur.

And if it is impossible in one place, it would be impossible to randomly occur somewhere else.  The truth is that the Bible is correct:

1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth…

11 Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb that yields seed, and the fruit tree that yields fruit according to its kind, whose seed is in itself, on the earth”; and it was so. 12 And the earth brought forth grass, the herb that yields seed according to its kind, and the tree that yields fruit, whose seed is in itself according to its kind. And God saw that it was good…

20 Then God said, “Let the waters abound with an abundance of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the face of the firmament of the heavens.” 21 So God created great sea creatures and every living thing that moves, with which the waters abounded, according to their kind, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good…

24 Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth the living creature according to its kind: cattle and creeping thing and beast of the earth, each according to its kind”; and it was so…(Genesis 1:1,11,20-12,24).

For more detailed information on why the biblical explanation makes scientific sense, please read the following articles:

Is God’s Existence Logical? Some say it is not logical to believe in God. Is that true?
Is Evolution Probable or Impossible or Is God’s Existence Logical? Part II This short article clearly answers what ‘pseudo-scientists’ refuse to acknowledge.
Where Did God Come From? Any ideas? And how has God been able to exist? Who is God?
How is God Omnipotent, Omnipresent, and Omniscient? Here is a biblical article by Wallace Smith which answers what many really wonder about it.
What is the Meaning of Life? Who does God say is happy? What is your ultimate destiny? Do you really know? Does God actually have a plan for YOU personally?
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.

Rebuilt Gymnasium in Sardis, Turkey.

COGwriter

The March 2009 edition of CG7’s Bible Advocate had the following in an article by Wayne Hrenyk:

Adam tilled the garden and named the animals. When he sinned and the curse came upon the earth, matters changed — and more then just weeds resulted.

To clothe us from our shame, animals were killed. Though not guilty of the sin, animals have endured a portion of the curse upon humanity ever since. “For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now” (Romans 8:22).

People have abused and misused each other, and the same charge can be made in our dealings with the animal kingdom. Thousands of animals were slaughtered by Roman gladiators, altogether for sport. Dogs were raised for the main purpose killing other dogs to entertain men. Roosters too have been used to fight with razors attached to their legs as weapons.

With the Industrial Revolution and mass commercialism, dogs, cats, monkeys, rats, mice, and other animals were used for experimentation on items from cosmetics to household cleaners to cancer cures. These animals suffered while scientists sprayed bleach into their eyes to see what damage might happen. Is this what God envisioned when He created the world and the animals?

In the Bible, God reveals His care for the animal kingdom. Beasts of burden were to be given a day off just like their owners (Exodus 23:12). Animals were given the Sabbath off (20:8-11). Resting our animals today reveals love, care, and responsibility that we should have, as God does! As Christians we have a responsibility to treat God’s creation with a healthy, spiritual respect.

“You shall not plow with an ox and a donkey together” (Deuteronomy 22:10). And why not? Does this now show God’s concern for animals, because the donkey would be at a definite disadvantage? God did not intend for animals to suffer at the hands of men! God did not intend for man to use animals till they drop of exhaustion or to train animals to attack and kill other animals for sport…

Proverbs 12:10 states, “A righteous man regards the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.” The truth is that the attitudes and behavior of God’s people toward animals should be far above that of evil and unbelieving people. There should be a Christian response as to how we care for and treat all of God’s creation.

God’s plan for the new kingdom age is that man and animals will be restored to their previous nature:

“The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze; their young ones shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play by the cobra’s hole, and the weaned child shall put his hand in the viper’s den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain, for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea” (Isaiah 11:6-9).

This suggests that God’s perfect will is that all the elements of God’s creation find a way to co-exist in peace and prosperity. What we need to see is that God requires that we act honorably with His animal creation.

As God has authority over the world and the animals’ kingdom, He has placed that in the hands of people to act upon as God would. If we honor God, we should honor His creation. If we honor God, we are not going to abuse the animal kingdom, because God wouldn’t. We would not place animals above the station God has given them. Otherwise, we begin to worship the creature more then the Creator. At the same time, we should not abuse animals but love them in a way that represents a loving Creator.

As one who has raised many farm animals, as well as visited commercial farming operations, I agree that humans should act properly towards animals as I strongly disagree with certain commercial farming practices.  I also opposed “sports” like cock-fighting (a local group was raided for that not too many miles from where I am writing this earlier this month).

This does not mean that I support many of the actions of animal-rights groups such as PETA, but I do agree that animals often should be treated better than they now are (specifically, I tend to advocate reduced stocking rates, the elimination of hormones and antibiotics to promote growth, more natural diets, increased ability for movement, and  reasonable sun exposure, to cite five examples, for those that raise animals commercially).

Perhaps I should add that animals are, in a sense, apparently awaiting the return of Jesus and the establishment of His kingdom.  Notice what the Bible states:

19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; 21 because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God (Romans 8:19-21).

The creation, includes animals.  And the time of the “glorious liberty of the children of God” that the Apostle Paul is speaking of, happens at the return of Jesus Christ and the establishment of His kingdom.

AsCG7’s Wayne Hrenyk indicated, it is during this millennial reign that abuse of animals – and of humans – will apparently cease.

May God speed the day–thy kingdom come.

An article of related interest may include:

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?

VS.

COGwriter

A few days ago, I listened to Ronald Weinland’s last Sabbath service.  And while he always has had difficulty understanding the Bible, I thought that perhaps by explaining some of his misunderstanding, readers of this page would receive some additional insight about what is now happening in the world.  And why no one should rely on Ronald Weinland.

Some background may be helpful.  Ronald Weinland wrote a book he titled 2008: God’s Final Witness (pictured above).  He then went on radio and gave sermons stating that he was one of the two witnesses, that the great tribulation began on April 17, 2008, and that the United States would be nuked by Mid-June 2008 or he would declare himself a false prophet and stop preaching (this is all documented in the article Concerns About Ronald Weinland’s Church of God-Preparing for the Kingdom of God).  When none of that happened, he changed the date.

In a posted titled “1260 DAYS”, Ronald Weinland wrote:

December 13, 2008

…As I am writing today on the Sabbath (day 1261), this evening at sunset will begin the long awaited time of the final 1260 days that Daniel wrote about and wanted to see its fulfillment. Prophets and other teachers of God have longed for this day that we are blessed to see come to pass. We know that in a very short time this world will be God’s world and ruled by His Government.

1260 days is based on a time 360 days, plus times 720 days, plus a half a time 180 days–Daniel 12 mentions two other days, but numbers them as the 1290 days and the 1335 days (which Ronald Weinland declared began in November 14 and on September 30, 2008 respectively).

Of course, the 1260 days did not begin on December 14th.  If they did, notice some of what would have been fulfilled from the only two verses in Daniel that the “1260 days” come from (the only two that specifically mention “time, times, and half a time”):

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

7 Then I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand to heaven, and swore by Him who lives forever, that it shall be for a time, times, and half a time; and when the power of the holy people has been completely shattered, all these things shall be finished (Daniel 12:7).

As nothing in those verses was fulfilled, so once again proves that Ronald Weinland is a false prophet.

Yet, if Ronald Weinland was correct (which he is not) either true Christians would have gone into the hand of the Beast power on the 14th of December last year (which they did not) or at least Ronald Weinland should have been forced off the internet (if we indulge him and indicate that he has something to do with “the holy people” as the internet is the only type of “power” his group seems to have).

But neither of those happened then.

Ronald Weinland, instead, is advising his followers to listen to him instead of paying attention to what the Bible says needs to happen:

The second trumpet, it is physical and it is spiritual…Much of what happens in the next 3 1/2 years is not about what happens on the earth…it is about Satan and his demons…It has been until today that some of these things have been revealed…And God will give more in time, but not today…

Revelation 8:1 “When He opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour”…that started November 14th…So we recognize that prophetic time silence…Now everything is going to change in warfare…much of it is spiritual brethren…We are now past all the {seven} eras of the church…The last 30 days brought us to the 1260 days…The first four seals were all about the church…It is about a process and not an event…so much of this is not about something that is physical…All that will happen with this first trumpet has not been yet revealed…even the fifth and the sixth seal had to do with the church…physical things happened then too…

Rev 11 And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days. Its all about humility. Some have asked about sackcloth..but its all about humility…

So the final end time is beginning. (Weinland R. 1260 Days, Sermon in Jerusalem, December 13, 2008)

People around Ronald Weinland really need to read their Bibles and believe it above Ronald Weinland:

20 To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them (Isaiah 8:20).

Ronald Weinland is teaching contrary to the word of God–the testimony mentioned in the above verse–hence there is no light in him.

The only thing that happened near the 14th was that Ronald Weinland ordained his wife Laura as a prophet (see news post Ronald Weinland Ordains His Wife). That did not fulfill anything related to the biblical start of the 1260 days as she is not one of the two witnesses.

Now the 1260 should have been the start of the Great Tribulation. Notice what Jesus taught about that:

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 24:20-22).

Now while many are rightly concerned about the financial turmoil in the world today, the beginning of the greatest tribulation of all time simply has not began. In addition to the obvious where the saints were to be delivered into Beast power for persecution (Daniel 7:25), the world has had worse wars, worse famines, worse pestilences, and worse financial problems than this.

Notice that his church website teaches:

1260 Days: The blowing of the first Trumpet will occur/occurred on the 14th of December, 2008. This is the beginning of the Great Tribulation and 3 1/2 years until the return of Jesus Christ on the day of Pentecost. The beginning of the fall of the USA and other Israelite countries begins from the start of the 1260 days (FAQ–Timeline Questions Answered.  viewed 2/25/09).

Yet now, in his last sermon,  Ronald Weinland wants to use a different term:

We’re not calling it the great tribulation, it is the great tribulation, but it is not great, yet…We do set dates (Weinland R. Our Commission, Pt. 3. Sermon, February 21, 2009).

While we could be at the time that Jesus referred to as “the beginning of sorrows” (Matthew 24:8, for more details see also Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2009, 2010, or 2011?), the persecution that is to occur between that (vs. 9) and the Great Tribulation (vs. 21) in Matthew 24 did not happen. Thus it is NOT possible that the 1260 days which starts with the Great Tribulation began when Ronald Weinland claimed that it did–despite the fact that he wants to indicate that it is not “great” yet.

Ronald Weinland clearly is in contradiction with the Bible when he claims that the Great Tribulation began then claims that it is not “Great”.  Can he not see that?

What Ronald Weinland (and certain others) have forgotten is that Jesus did speak of tribulation as well as the “great tribulation”–but they were not the same event.  Notice the following:

3 Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” 4 And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. 9 Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. 10 And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. 11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. 12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.

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. 22 And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened (Matthew 24:3-22).

Thus, since Ronald Weinland teaches that the great tribulation begins at the start of the 1260 days, but that it is not “great” tribulation yet, he (and others) should realize that while there is some problems now, the great tribulation has not began.  Nor did he and his church fulfill Matthew 24:14 (while some on the internet have heard of him, he never actually got the gospel of the kingdom to the world as a witness).

In his Febraury 21, 2009 sermon, Ronald Weinland also stated the date (May 27, 2012) that he believed that Jesus will return.  Now this is the second date as he had another date (an earlier one) last year.  But neither date is correct.  The 1260 days have not started and Jesus will not return on May 27, 2012–nor will Jesus return in 2012 (more on 2012 can be found in the article End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something?).

Ronald Weinland and his followers really need to heed what the Bible says and not rely on the inaccurate interpretations that Ronald Weinland keeps publicly making.  He is NOT one of the two witnesses, nor is his wife Laura the other witness as he has also claimed.

Several articles of possibly related interest include:

Concerns About Ronald Weinland’s Church of God-Preparing for the Kingdom of God Ronald Weinland falsely claims to be one of the two witnesses God is raising up and that the end will come in 2008. Is he a false prophet? He has at least one other view that suggests that he is not part of the COG.
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?
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?
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?
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.

COGwriter

Tonight the President of the United States, Barack Obama made promises that suggest that he forgot the Bible.

Here are excerpts of a news article about the speech:

President Delivers Prime-Time Speech Before Congress

By JENNIFER LOVEN, AP

WASHINGTON (Feb. 24) – President Barack Obama promised a nation shuddering in economic crisis Tuesday night that he would lead it from a dire “day of reckoning” to a brighter future, summoning politicians and public alike to shoulder responsibility for hard choices and shared sacrifice. “The time to take charge of our future is here,” Obama declared, delivering his first address to a joint session of Congress.

“The only way this century will be another American century is if we confront at last the price of our dependence on oil and the high cost of health care, the schools that aren’t preparing our children and the mountain of debt they stand to inherit,” Obama said.

But the above shows that he, like most Americans, does not understand what the problem is, as his solutions have nothing to do with repentance, but mainly will result in the increase of debt.

And while that recent increase of debt (with more forthcoming) may keep the economy moving better than if this debt was not being incurred, the fact is that increasing debt will result in such catastrophic problems for the USA that the President and his staff have not even considered.

So, while the financial markets might settle down some, be not deceived, the USA is busily setting itself up for destruction (Habakkuk 2:3,6-8).

And while the President seemed to forgot the biblical solutions to the troubles in the USA, you (whether you are American or not) do not have to.

While we all should pray for the President (see LCG: Pray for President Obama), we all need to realize that his statements about the “only way” America will lead the 21st century are completely wrong (I am not intending on taking positions here today about his oil, health care, nor education plans).

The debt that “our children…stand to inherit” is essentially slavery and destruction (cf. Proverbs 22:7; Lamentations 1:1).

Notice some passages from the Bible:

41 You shall beget sons and daughters, but they shall not be yours; for they shall go into captivity. 42 Locusts shall consume all your trees and the produce of your land.

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. 46 And they shall be upon you for a sign and a wonder, and on your descendants forever.

47 “Because you did not serve the LORD your God with joy and gladness of heart, for the abundance of everything, 48 therefore you shall serve your enemies, whom the LORD will send against you, in hunger, in thirst, in nakedness, and in need of everything; and He will put a yoke of iron on your neck until He has destroyed you. 49 The LORD will bring a nation against you from afar, from the end of the earth, as swift as the eagle flies, a nation whose language you will not understand, 50 a nation of fierce countenance, which does not respect the elderly nor show favor to the young. 51 And they shall eat the increase of your livestock and the produce of your land, until you are destroyed; they shall not leave you grain or new wine or oil, or the increase of your cattle or the offspring of your flocks, until they have destroyed you  (Deuteronomy 28:41-51).

3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry…

6 “Will not all these take up a proverb against him, And a taunting riddle against him, and say, ‘Woe to him who increases What is not his–how long? And to him who loads himself with many pledges’? 7 Will not your creditors rise up suddenly? Will they not awaken who oppress you? And you will become their booty. 8 Because you have plundered many nations, All the remnant of the people shall plunder you (Habakkuk 2:3,6-8).

America cannot lead the 21st century for long with its debt as Habakkuk 2:3,6-8 makes plain.  And without repentance from its sins, there is no likely way that the debt will be properly reduced (printing up money presses to solve the problem, which might be what will happen, will lead to retaliation by creditors).

Talk from Washington needs to be of national repentance.  Not more ways to try to borrow and hope that somehow this will lead to less debt in the future.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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 his timing and at least one Shiite prophecy suggests?  This is the longest and most detailed of the articles here at COGwriter related to prophecy and Barack Obama.
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 since he is to be the USA president?
Kenya Rejoices as Obama Wins This is a follow-up to the Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States news item and contains additional information about him, prophecies, and his background.  And when the United States and its Anglo-allies may be destroyed.
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Barack Obama is Not the Antichrist Some have suggested that he may be, but he cannot be.  Find out why.
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?
What Did Jesus Teach About the Ten Commandments? This article quotes what Jesus actually said about them (His words are in red).
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?
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 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.

COGwriter

Wednesday, February 25, 2009 will be observed by those associated with Rome, and certain other churches, as Ash Wednesday.

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the 40 day season of Lent.

Although the Catholic Church indicates that it does not change, it admits that Ash Wednesday was a late edition to its ceremonies as The Catholic Encyclopedia reports:

Ash Wednesday
The Wednesday after Quinquagesima Sunday, which is the first day of the Lenten fast.

The name dies cinerum (day of ashes) which it bears in the Roman Missal is found in the earliest existing copies of the Gregorian Sacramentary and probably dates from at least the eighth century. On this day all the faithful according to ancient custom are exhorted to approach the altar before the beginning of Mass, and there the priest, dipping his thumb into ashes previously blessed, marks the forehead (Ash Wednesday. The Catholic Encyclopedia).

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia states:

Ash Wednesday, in the Western Church, the first day of Lent, being the seventh Wednesday before Easter. On this day ashes are placed on the foreheads of the faithful to remind them of death, of the sorrow they should feel for their sins, and of the necessity of changing their lives. The practice, which dates from the early Middle Ages, is common among Roman Catholics, Anglicans and Episcopalians, and many Lutherans; it was also adopted by some Methodists and Presbyterians in the 1990s (The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press).

Notice that Ash Wednesday was not an original observance of even the Church of Rome, it is another one of the many changes that church adopted that the Living Church of God did not (for more details, please see Which Is Faithful: The Roman Catholic Church or the Living Church of God?).

Perhaps I should also mention that the Eastern Orthodox Church does not celebrate Ash Wednesday.

Perhaps it should also be noted that Lent is also not an original practice of the Church of Rome, either.

The Catholic Saint Abbot John Cassian (also known as Cassianus, monk of Marseilles) in the fifth century admitted:

Howbeit you should know that as long as the primitive church retained its perfection unbroken, this observance of Lent did not exist (Cassian John. Conference 21, THE FIRST CONFERENCE OF ABBOT THEONAS. ON THE RELAXATION DURING THE FIFTY DAYS. Chapter 30).

Notice that he admits that “the primitive church” did not keep Lent.

The fact is that the Church of Rome has repeatedly changed doctrines and added practices that the original church did not have.  This is also not limited to holidays.

Those truly interested in learning what the original church taught should study the following articles:

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?
Is Lent a Christian Holiday? When did it originate? What about Ash Wednesday? If you observe them, do you know why?
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?
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!
Early Church History: Who Were the Two Major Groups Professed Christ in the Second and Third Centuries? Did you know that many in the second and third centuries felt that there were two major, and separate, professing Christian groups in the second century, but that those in the majority churches tend to now blend the groups together and claim “saints” from both? “Saints” that condemn some of their current beliefs.