Church of God News

Sunday Church, Naxos Greece

COGwriter

Today is observed as “Holy Trinity Sunday” by Lutherans and Catholics:

Angel of Joy Lutheran – ELCA. Holy Trinity Sunday. June 7. Holy Trinity Sunday http://www.lufkindailynews.com/featr/content/features/stories/2009/06/06/Church_News.html

7 June – Sunday Reflection with Fr Terry Tastard…In its earliest centuries, as the Church sought to understand God more fully, it came to understand that God is three persons in one. http://www.indcatholicnews.com/news.php?viewStory=14432

There are several points that I would like to make.

The first is that the Catholic Priest Terry Tastard is correct that the early Christian Church did not understand that “God is three persons in one”.  The early church was essentially binitarian as that is what ALL the early writings demonstrate prior to the late second century.

The second is that although Rome and Alexandria met on Sunday, this was not the situation with the original faithful Christians as they met on Saturday.

The reason that the Catholics, Orthodox, and Protestants nearly all keep Sunday and teach the Greco-Roman trinity hypothesis of the Godhead is because they were mandated by two Imperial Councils (Nicea and Constantinople) there were enforced by the Roman Emperors Constantine and Theodosius respectfully.

Those Emperors persecuted, even to the point of death, those who would not accept the decision of the Council of Nicea in 325 A.D.

Here are quotes related to both of these Emperors:

Victor Constantinus, Maximus Augustus, to the heretics. “Understand now, by this present statute, ye Novatians, Valentinians, Marcionites, Paulians, ye who are called Cataphrygians, and all ye who devise and support heresies by means of your private assemblies, with what a tissue of falsehood and vanity, with what destructive and venomous errors, your doctrines are inseparably interwoven; so that through you the healthy soul is stricken with disease, and the living becomes the prey of everlasting death… But why should I particularize, when to speak of your criminality as it deserves demands more time and leisure than I can give?…Why not at once strike, as it were, at the root of so great a mischief by a public manifestation of displeasure? (Chapter LXIV.—Constantine’s Edict against the Heretics. This document is from the Christian Classics Ethereal Library at Calvin College).

Edicts of Theodosius against the heretics, A.D. 380-394…Theodosius…decreed that…by the death of the offender; and the same capital punishment was inflicted on the Audians, or Quartodecimans, who should dare to perpetrate the atrocious crime of celebrating on an improper day the festival… (Gibbon E. Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, Volume III, Chapter XXVII. ca. 1776-1788).

Hence, there is nothing inherently “holy” about Sunday (the Quartodecimans rejected the Roman Sunday Passover) nor the Greco-Roman trinity as they really were highly enforced by Emperors who simply wanted conformity within the Roman Empire.

Also notice the following from one of Theodosius’ other edicts:

…let us believe in the one diety of the father, Son and Holy Spirit, in equal majesty and in a holy Trinity. We authorize the followers of this law to assume the title Catholic Christians; but as for the others, since in out judgment they are foolish madmen, we decree that the shall be branded with the ignominious name of heretics, and shall not presume to give their conventicles the name of churches. They will suffer in the first place the chastisement of divine condemnation an the second the punishment of out authority, in accordance with the will of heaven shall decide to inflict…(Theodosian Code XVI.1.2. Cited in Bettenson H, ed., Documents of the Christian Church, London: Oxford University Press, 1943, p. 31).

So the title “Catholic Christian” is supposed to be for those who believe in the trinity and other Greco-Roman doctrines. Because he is condemning the non-trinitarians (which were the majority of those who professed Christ even into the fourth century), Theodosius apparently should have studied into the question Did the True Church Ever Teach a Trinity?

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Persecutions by Church and State This article documents some that have occurred against those associated with the COGs and some prophesied to occur. Will those with the cross be the persecutors or the persecuted–this article has the shocking answer.
Binitarian View: One God, Two Beings Before the Beginning Is binitarianism the correct position? What about unitarianism or trinitarianism?
Did Early Christians Think the Holy Spirit Was A Separate Person in a Trinity? Or did they have a different view?
Did the True Church Ever Teach a Trinity? Most act like this is so, but is it?
Binitarianism: One God, Two Beings Before the Beginning This is a shorter article than the Binitarian View article, but has a little more information on binitarianism.
The Sabbath in the Early Church and Abroad Was the seventh-day (Saturday) Sabbath observed by the apostolic and post-apostolic Church?
Sunday and Christianity Was Sunday observed by the apostolic and true post-apostolic Christians? Who clearly endorsed Sunday?
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?
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?

Has the USA Chosen the Wrong Path?

COGwriter

In his latest weekly update, ICG’s Mark Armstrong reported:

What a shock to see Pravda, the Russian news agency, publish the blaring headline, American Capitalism Gone with a Whimper. The first line reads, “It must be said, that…the American decent into Marxism is happening with breath taking speed, against the back drop of a passive, hapless sheeple, excuse me dear reader, I meant people.” The article goes on to say that Russians have a bloody past with this ideology, and would never stand by and “give up our freedoms and our souls, no matter how much money Wall Street poured into the fists of the Marxists.” It goes on to chronicle, as numerous media outlets are doing, the evidence of the American government takeover of many facets of private commerce and industry.

The Russians, who were the earliest to embrace Marxism on a national level, clearly see some of what is going on in the USA.

The USA continues to go down the path that will lead it to destruction.

National repentance is the only way to prevent it, and that does not look likely.

Personal repentance, however, is.  If you are an American, your personal future can still be much brighter than that of your country.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Are You Saved? Do You Love Jesus? What is a True Christian? What is the Gospel? Evangelist Richard Ames answers those important questions.
Prophecies of Barack Obama? This article gives eight reasons why Barack Obama is apocalyptic and eight reasons why Barack Obama is not the Antichrist. This article includes many biblical and non-biblical prophecies, from around the world, that seem to discuss 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?  This is the longest and most complete article on this page on Barack Obama prophecies. Read it and decide for yourself if President Obama seems to be fulfilling various prophecies.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”. Might Bible prophecy be fulfilled if he is elected president?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Russia: Its Origins and Prophesied Future Where do the Russians come from? What is prophesied for Russia? What will it do to the Europeans that supported the Beast in the end?

COGwriter

In his latest commentary, LCG’s Wyatt Ciesielka writes:

Satan’s secret society and true Christianity

Secret societies such as the Trilateral Commission, the Bilderbergers, the Illuminati, the Burschenschaft, and Opus Dei, are favorite topics of talk radio, Internet sites, books and movies.  From blockbuster movies such as “Enemy of the State” and “Angels and Demons” to “Doomsday 2012: End of Days,” from talk radio hosts such as Michael Savage and Glenn Beck to Alex Jones, society is fascinated by conspiracy theories and the clandestine organizations supposedly manipulating the masses…

Conspiracy theories and secret societies are nothing new.  Freemasons can be traced back to the early 1700s in England. The Knights Templar precedes the Freemasons and has existed since the Crusades, around 1118-1129.

But thousands of years ago, around 2200 B.C. the mother of all secret societies took root.  This is the “conspiracy theory” that really matters, because this is a secret society controlled by none other than Satan, and this is the most powerful secret society on the planet!

While conspiracy theories make for interesting talk radio and sell books and movies, let us remember that the ultimate enemy is Satan the Devil!  And while many people debate “clandestine organizations,” the biggest clandestine organization continues to thrive in plain sight with billions of unwitting accomplices!  It is the secret society of false religion with roots that go back more than 4000 years, and its real leader is the Devil.

Satan’s secret society precedes Nimrod, but with Nimrod his system began to take the human shape that has persisted to this day.  Vestiges of this false religious system have spread to every continent and have influenced every culture.

Babylonian king Nimrod was a powerful leader.  But, he was opposed to God.  The name Nimrod comes from marad meaning “he who rebelled.”  Upon Nimrod’s death, he was deified by his widow, Semiramis, who claimed that Nimrod was reborn as her son Tammuz.  Semiramis and her priests then invented many rituals to worship her as the “mother of god,” and her son as a god.  Rituals ranging from mother-of-god worship, to sunrise services, to the winter solstice festival can be traced back to pre-Christian times and ultimately to ancient Babylon.  Even the ancient Israelites adopted some of these pagan customs.  Ezekiel 8:16 shows ancient Israel worshiping the sun in the east, and God calls this precursor to our modern “sunrise services” an abomination (v. 17).

This Babylonish system is the ultimate secret society of which Satan is the head.  It is the “mother of harlots” that has influenced all nations and all world religion (Revelation 17:5), which we are warned to “come out of” (Revelation 18:4).

A true Christian should keep conspiracy theories in their proper context…

Not all conspiracies are real.  But Satan is real.  He continues to use human instruments and organizations, including false religion,  to mislead the nations, to cause confusion and suffering, and to bring the world closer to confrontation with the returning King of kings (Revelation 19:19).  Instead of focusing on conspiracy theories, we need to turn to true, original Christianity!

Please read Satan’s Counterfeit Christianity and watch our recent telecast, Overcoming Satan,  to learn more about Satan’s false religious system and how you can fully come out of that “secret society.”

There are groups with origins in WCG (CBCG comes to mind) that seem to be excessively into conspiracy theories, but the truth is that Jesus Himself taught the following to false religious leaders:

44 You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. 45 But because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me (John 8:44-45).

The reality is those that accept false religion are succumbing to Satan’s society.

Those truly interested in the truth, but are not part of LCG, should prayerfully study the following articles:

The Da Vinci Code: Some Good, Most Bad Does The Da Vinci Code properly discuss Christianity? What does it have right and what does it have wrong about early Christianity and other gospel accounts?
Close Encounters of a ‘Spirit’ Kind discusses some experiences I believe were (demon) ’spirit’ related.
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. Who are the two groups?
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?
Catholic Prophecies: Do They Mirror, Highlight, or Contradict Biblical Prophecies? People of all faiths may be surprised to see what various Roman and Orthodox Catholic prophets have been predicting as many of their predictions will be looked to in the 21st century.
The History of Early Christianity Are you aware that what most people believe is not what truly happened to the true Christian church? Do you know where the early church was based? Do you know what were the doctrines of the early church? Is your faith really based upon the truth or compromise?

COGwriter

Continuing a series of moves that the COGwriter site has been regularly suggesting in advance, US President Obama has been in the Arab world hoping to strengthen US and Arab ties:

USA TODAY

By Mimi Hall,06/05/06

CAIRO — Muslims from Arab nations, other Islamic countries and the U.S. expressed gratitude that President Obama traveled to Egypt to address the Muslim world — even though some were disappointed that his speech was short on specific solutions, particularly to the Arab-Israeli conflict.

“Going to an Arab capital and speaking directly to Muslim people shows how serious he is about improving relations with the Islamic world,” said Abbas Ali, 26, a Baghdad restaurant worker…

Challenging stereotypes, Obama reminded his audience of dignitaries, students and journalists of his own roots as the son of a Kenyan Muslim. He said he was seeking “a new beginning … based upon mutual interest and mutual respect.” http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2009-06-04-obama-egypt-thursday_N.htm?csp=34

President Obama should be credited for attempting to work for peace.

However, the Bible is clear that a future Arab/Muslim block, led by one called the King of the South, is to form soon.  The USA President may wish to open his Bible and see what this will ultimately lead to.

Several articles of possibly related interest may include:

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?
The Arab World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam?
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? Eight reasons why Barack Obama is apocalyptic and eight reasons why Barack Obama is not the Antichrist. Here are there biblical and non-biblical prophecies, from around the world, that seem to discuss 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? This is the longest and most complete article on this page on Barack Obama prophecies.
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.

COGwriter in Philadelphia in Asia Minor

COGwriter

The Living Church of God recently published its audited financial statements for 2008.

The statements show an increase in total American revenues of 11,887,020 for 2007 to 13,516,604 for 2008.  An increase of over 11%.

As many have asked me about how LCG differs from UCG, a comparison of how they spend their income, in my view, helps answer a lot of questions.

Brief Financial Comparison of US Income (Both Based on Audited Statements)

For its fiscal year ending 6/30/08 UCG grossed $23,927,074. It spent 5,734,800 (24.0%) for ‘public proclamation’; it spent 4,228,695 for managing its meetings and ‘home office’ (17.7%); and 13,375,144 (55.9%) for the field ministry/local churches/FOT/International support, and increased reserves by 590,435.  For its fiscal year ending 12/31/08 LCG grossed 13,516,604 and spent 6,204,853 on public proclamation, 900,217 on HQ administration, 5,833,128 to ‘feed the flock’ (including Living University) and increased reserves by 525,645.

If you gave $100.00 to the United Church of God or the Living Church of God, here is where your money went:

.......................................United Church of God....Living Church of God

1st Commission to Proclaim the Gospel to the World....$23.97........$43.53
2nd Commission to Feed the Flock (and Field Ministry)..55.90.........45.92
Headquarters/Home Office...............................17.67..........6.66
Change in Reserves......................................2.46..........3.89
Total................................................$100.00.......$100.00

Jesus taught:

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Mattew 6:21).

I went with LCG because of Gospel proclamation emphasis and biblical church governance. It is interesting that UCG spent almost 3 times as high a percentage on governance than LCG does (and over 4 times as much in actual cash, UCG spent $4,226,695 vs. LCG’s 900,217).

Which form of governance is more cost-effective? Which form places the higher priority on proclaiming the Gospel?

With about half the income, LCG spends more in actual cash as UCG does to proclaim the Gospel.  LCG also reaches several times as many people over television than UCG does (actually, in the past 5 months alone LCG has reached about as many people on television as UCG has since it began in 1995).  LCG also produces twice the number of magazines (Tomorrow’s World vs. Good News) on a per member basis than UCG does.

“He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”

Some articles of related interest may include:

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.
Differences between the Living Church of God and United Church of God This article provides quotes information from the two largest groups which had their origins in WCG as well as commentary.
Polycarp, Herbert W. Armstrong, and Roderick C. Meredith on Church Government What form of governance did the early church have? Which form of governance would one expect to have in the Philadelphia remnant? The people decide and/or committee forms, odd dictatorships, or the same type that the Philadelphia era itself had?
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?
The Philadelphia Church Era was predominant circa 1933 A.D. to 1986 A.D. The old Radio Church of God and old Worldwide Church of God, now basically the Living Church of God.
The Laodicean Church Era was predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. Non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG.

(Note: I would have published this information earlier, but until yesterday, I was in Rome.  I plan to post some information on our latest trip to Italy and the Vatican in the upcoming weeks.)

Richard Ames

COGwriter

In the latest edition of the Living Church News, Evangelist Richard Ames wrote the following:

Today, God has called His people to be the “temple.” The
Apostle Paul gave the Corinthians a warning that we, too,
must apply to ourselves: “Do you not know that you are
the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?
If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him.
For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are” (1
Corinthians 3:16–17).

Brethren, God had continually blessed His people at
His house, the Temple (John 2:16–17). Now, we are His
temple, and we must honor Him by all that we do and
think and say. Christ is the living Head of His body, the
Church (Colossians 1:18).

Many erroneously feel that a physical temple  in Jerusalem must be built before the King of the North (AKA 666) can fulfill Daniel 11:31/Matthew 24:15.

This is not the case.  Christians are the temple of God now and Jews can (and have) conducted sacrifices without a temple.

For scriptural and other proof, please check out the following articles:

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?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2009, 2010, or 2011? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before in the “beginning of sorrows”? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?

Rebuilt Gymnasium in Sardis

COGwriter

It has long been my belief that CG7 seems to have little understanding of the end time prophecies.  Today, I mainly wish to focus on its positions related to the Book of Daniel. Notice the following:

Daniel in a sentence: While he and his brethren are captives in Babylon, Daniel remains faithful to God under test, gains official position there, interprets the kings’ dreams, and receives four visions of wide historical/political scope to encourage God’s people under oppression. (STUDYING THE BOOK of Daniel. Copyright © 2007, Church of God (Seventh Day))

Apocalyptic: Daniel’s prophetic style named for its colorful imagery, numerics, and dramatic historical intervention seen in visions and dreams.  The Book of Revelation is called the Apocalypse…

1290 and 1335 days: enigmatic numbers that extend the 1260 BASE…Fulfillment uncertain…

Most predictions in the last great prophecy (chs. 10-12) were fulfilled in ancient Persia and Greece. We wait for the grand finale (ch. 12) at Christ’s return.

(GETTING TO KNOW THE BOOK, INTRODUCTION AND SUMMARY OF Daniel. Bible Advocate, January-February 1998, pp. 2,3)

Yet, there certainly is a future fulfillment of about 1/2 (or even more) of Daniel 11. Not understanding this indicates that CG7 will not be among those that are wise (cf. Daniel 12:10). To learn more about Daniel 11 and the 1290 days of Daniel 12, please see the article Who is the King of the North?. Perhaps I should mention that the above cited CG7 article never uses the term King of the North. Hence, CG7 is not likely to understand what will happen–nor believe it when we in the Living Church of God get more to hear the truth about it.

Futhermore, here is another writing that suggests that CG7 is somewhat timid in the area of prophecy:

The expression “Day of Lord,” which occurs about twenty-eight times in Scripture, is a general term used to describe God’s intervention in the affairs of people — for punishment or for blessing. Often this is accomplished through human instruments. “Day of the Lord” can certainly refer to a yet future intervention by God at Christ’s return, but it is usually used in the context of past events…

Has a prophecy already been fulfilled?

When we consider an Old Testament prophecy, we need to consider whether it is completely fulfilled in the Old Testament context, whether it was completely fulfilled in the first coming of the Messiah, or whether it was only partially fulfilled. For example, the apostle Peter proclaimed about the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost: “This is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: ‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people’” (Acts 2:16-21, NIV, cited from Joel 2:28-32). Do we conclude that Joel’s prophecy was completely fulfilled in Peter’s day and that the “glorious day of the Lord” was the incarnation of Jesus? Do we conclude that the grandiose language of “wonders in the heaven above and signs on the earth below” was figurative so as to underscore the dramatic proportions of what was happening — that the very Son of God laid aside His glory to walk in human flesh and die so that all might be saved? Or do we conclude that while Peter thought he was seeing the fulfillment, he was in fact seeing only a partial fulfillment and that the grandiose language is literal and has yet to be fulfilled in a future outpouring of the Holy Spirit and “glorious day of the Lord”?

How we answer these questions will dramatically affect how we understand New Testament prophecies and the apocalyptic material of Revelation. (Wiedenheft, RA. Important Considerations in Understanding Prophecy. Bible Advocate Press. © 2006 The General Conference of the Church of God (Seventh Day).

I agree with that last statement. But sadly, that is how the article ends and CG7 does not really say what it believes. I believe that this is part of why Jesus warned Sardis, “you will not know what hour I will come upon you” (Revelation 3:3).

Furthermore, CG7 seems to state that the Book of Revelation cannot really be understood. Notice the following article:

The Apocalypse of Jesus Christ does not just signal the end of the Bible; it discloses the very end of time. If the apparent doom it forecasts does not discourage us from further examination, then the bizarre imagery clinches it. The book is formidable, to be sure.

It is peculiar that a volume this obscure should be called Revelation…

The prophecy

The Apocalypse speaks the lyrical language of dream; our old senses cannot comprehend it. As with the seers Ezekiel and Daniel before him, what John sees defies rational explanation.  (Overman, Jason. Songs of the Apocalypse. Bible Advocate Online, December 2007).

While CG7 does accept that certain prophetic events, like the return of Jesus, will take place, it seems to discount biblical prophecy. Especially Daniel.  The above simply is another indication of that.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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

Entrance to the ruins of Ancient Smyrna

COGwriter

It seems clear that many in the 21st century do not realize that according to many claimed as early supporters of the Roman/Alexandrian churches, there were two groups, two types, of allegedly faithful Christians (clear Gnostics and related groups notwithstanding).

Essentially, there were the Christians that had ties to the apostles John and Philip in Asia Minor, and others associated with the Greco-Roman confederation that was mainly made up of the allegoristic churches that emerged in the second century in Alexandria, Jerusalem, and Rome.

This was the position of several in the second and third centuries, including many considered to be saints by the Catholics of Rome as well as the Eastern Orthodox such as Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Polycarp, Clement, Origen, and Serapion.

Various later historians also seemed to understand some of the truth on this matter. Do you?

Here is a summary for those mainly interested in just a few basic facts:

Marcus (c. 135), the first non-Jewish Bishop of Jerusalem, told people that because of the edicts of the Roman Emperor Hadrian that they would not be allowed into Jerusalem unless they abandoned original Christian practices like the Sabbath. Those unwilling to change separated from those who did. Hence, there were two groups in Judea by the second century.

Justin (c. 135) taught that there were Christians in Asia Minor who had Jewish practices like the Holy Days and the Ten Commandments, but that he did not care to associate with them. Justin also seemed to accept the false “Gospel of Peter”, which the true Christians never did. Hence there were two groups in Asia Minor in the second century–one under the direction of faithful leaders such as Bishop Polycarp and others who more were independent like Justin. Apparently, the true Christians in Asia Minor (who were apparently the majority at that time) did not care to associate with those like Justin either, so Justin went to Rome.

Bishop Polycarp of Smyrna (c. 156) taught that Passover was to be observed on the 14th of Nisan, while Bishop Anicetus of Rome accepted Sunday (which came to be known in English as Easter). Hence, there were two different, but significant, groups in the second century: one mainly affiliated with Rome and one mainly affiliated with Asia Minor.

Bishop Polycrates (c. 192) told Roman Bishop Victor that he and those in Asia Minor (including Smyrna) were not concerned about frightful words from Rome that differed from the Bible related to Passover. Hence, those in Asia Minor made it clear in the latter portion of the second century that they were separate from Rome. Hence, there was the faithful mainly in Asia Minor and a confederation that was emerging between Rome, Alexandria, and the changed church in Jerusalem.

According to Tertullian (“the father of Latin theology”, c. 200), there were two groups of who claimed Christ that claimed ties to the original apostles: those associated with Rome and those associated with Asia Minor (see also Location of the Early Church: Another Look at Ephesus, Smyrna, and Rome).

According to Clement of Alexandria (late second century) and Origen of Alexandria (early third century), there were two groups who claimed Christianity: the mystic/allegorical group (that they were part of) and the non-mystic/non-allegorical group. Rome supported the Alexandrians (and still somewhat supports them), while those in Asia Minor and Antioch did not accept them.

According to Justin, one group adopted a mystical Eucharist, that according to Tertullian was similar to practices associated with Mithraism. Something like this was condemned by Irenaeus in the later portion of the second century and was not the practice of the Asia Minor group.

According to Catholic accepted sources, Asia Minor leaders such as Bishop Thraseas of Eumenia (probably around A.D. 157), Bishop Apollonius of Ephesus (third century), and Bishop Apollinaris of Hierapolis (third century) denounced the Montanists, yet leaders in Rome and Egypt accepted the Montanists until some time in the third century.

According to Bishop Serapion of Antioch, there true Christians did not accept the falsely named “Gospel of Peter”, but there were groups in Egypt who did–he did not consider those that did part of the real Christian church.

According to the African Bishop Nepos, there were people in Alexandria/Egypt who accepted allegory over scripture (see also What is the Appropriate Form of Biblical Interpretation?), regarding the coming millennium, but he opposed their position.

Emperor Constantine decreed that those in Jerusalem who still would not eat biblically unclean animals should be killed. Hence, he acknowledged that there were still two groups in Judea in the 4th century–the faithful and his group.

Emperor Theodosius decreed that those who held to the original position of the apostles on Passover (like the original Church of God in Smyrna did) would be killed. Hence, there still were two professing groups with differing approaches and practices near the end of the fourth century.

Although all scholars recognize that early Christians would not kill others or participate in carnal warfare, later Roman bishops endorsed killing and other forms of persecution against those not part of their group.

Those who claimed ties to the original Nazarene Christians of the Bible and Jerusalem were long persecuted by Greco-Romans (see Persecutions by Church and State), but their “heresies”, according to even some affiliated with Rome, were mainly to stick to original Christian practices while not accepting the decisions of Imperial and other Greco-Roman councils to change doctrine.

(Note: I used included the term “bishop” above to show that there were those in leadership positions in both groups–even though there were no bishops of Rome nor Alexandria until over 100 years after Jesus died: for proof see the articles What Do Roman Catholic Scholars Actually Teach About Early Church History? and Apostolic Succession.)

Is it not clear that there were two groups?

Tertullian in the late 2nd century defined them:

…the Smyrnaeans count from Polycarp and John, and the Romans from Clement and Peter…

(Chapman J. Transcribed by Lucy Tobin. Tertullian. The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume XIV. Copyright © 1912 by Robert Appleton Company. Online Edition Copyright © 2003 by K. Knight. Nihil Obstat, July 1, 1912. Remy Lafort, S.T.D., Censor. Imprimatur. +John Cardinal Farley, Archbishop of New York).

One group (the original Church of God in Smyrna) kept to the original apostolic practices such as observance of the ten commandments, the Passover on the 14th, not condoning military participation, and relying on the correct canon of the Bible.

And another group, which emerged and became dominant on the world scene, minimized the literal observance of the ten commandments, preferred allegory and mysticism, required a Sunday Passover, later killed those that would not accept its human council changes, but who it took centuries to accept the proper New Testament canon.

Notice what the Church of Rome teaches about the original Church of God in Smyrna:

Smyrna…Christianity was preached to the inhabitants at an early date. As early as the year 93, there existed a Christian community directed by a bishop for whom St. John in the Apocalypse (i, II; ii, 8-11) has only words of praise…There were other Christians in the vicinity of the city and dependent on it to whom St. Polycarp wrote letters (Eusebius, “Hist. Eccl.”, V, xxiv).

(Vailhe’ S. Transcribed by Lucia Tobin. Smyrna. The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume XIV. Copyright © 1912 by Robert Appleton Company. Online Edition Copyright © 2003 by Kevin Knight. Nihil Obstat, July 1, 1912. Remy Lafort, S.T.D., Censor. Imprimatur. +John Cardinal Farley, Archbishop of New York).

But Polycarp also was not only instructed by apostles, and conversed with many who had seen Christ, but was also, by apostles in Asia, appointed bishop of the Church in Smyrna…always taught the things which he had learned from the apostles, and which the Church has handed down, and which alone are true. To these things all the Asiatic Churches testify, as do also those men who have succeeded Polycarp down to the present time (Irenaeus. Adversus Haeres. Book III, Chapter 4, Verse 3 and Chapter 3, Verse 4).

Like many of the Greco-Roman churches, the Living Church of God claims the original church in Smyrna as faithful.  Unlike the Greco-Roman churches, the  Living Church of God still keeps to the same doctrines and practices of that original and faithful group.

What group does your church belong to?

Some articles of related interest may include:

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. Who are the two groups?
The Smyrna Church Era was predominant circa 135 A.D. to circa 450 A.D. The Church led by Polycarp, Melito, Polycrates, etc.
The History of Early Christianity Are you aware that what most people believe is not what truly happened to the true Christian church? Do you know where the early church was based? Do you know what were the doctrines of the early church? Is your faith really based upon the truth or compromise?
The 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!
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?

Persecuted Man Being Tortured for Not Accepting Religion of the State

COGwriter

Many act today as if the current financial crises are the biggest threats that we face.  And while the nations of the world will see massive devastation during the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord, real Christians are on the edge of a time of major persecution.

The relative calm that the true Christians have had in the past few centuries should not lull us into complacency.  Persecutions on a scale probably larger than the Inquisition of the Middle Ages is rapidly approaching.

This is not a popular subject.

One of the reasons I know this is that the article at the COGwriter website, Persecutions by Church and State, is one of the least viewed considering how many times it has been linked on this news page.

But whether people want to know about it or not, persecutions will come.  Notice what Jesus taught:

If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you (John 15:20).

… yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service. And these things they will do to you because they have not known the Father nor Me. But these things I have told you, that when the time comes, you may remember that I told you of them. And these things I did not say to you at the beginning, because I was with you (John 16:2-4).

We are probably only a few years away from the persecution that will afflict the Christians of the Philadelphia Church (Matthew 24:9-10; Daniel 11:28-35).

And while I believe that other Christians, will to a degree, distance themselves from the Philadelphians so that they do not bear the same brunt that the Philadlephians will, the fact is that after the Philadelphians flee to a place of protection in the wilderness (Revelation 12:14-16), the rest of the Christians will face even more intensive persecution than the Philadelphians had.

Actually, during the reign of the Beast, notice the following:

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).

11 And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.” 12 Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus (Revelation 14:11-12).

Did you also notice that apparently putting up with this is apparently the patience of the saints?

Persecution is coming.  Remember that Jesus said, “See, I have told you beforehand” (Matthew 24:25).  Also notice the words of the Apostle Paul:

3 For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. 4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. 5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober (1 Thessalonians 5:2-6).

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Persecutions by Church and State This article documents some that have occurred against those associated with the COGs and some prophesied to occur. Will those with the cross be the persecutors or the persecuted–this article has the shocking answer.
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?
Why Be Concerned About False and Heretical Leaders? There have been many false leaders–here is some of why you should be concerned about them.
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?
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?