Church of God News

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

COGwriter

It appears that Israel may be getting closer to possibly launching an attack against Iran’s nuclear capabilities:

Saudis give nod to Israeli raid on Iran

The Sunday Times – July 5, 2009

by Uzi Mahnaimi in Tel Aviv and Sarah Baxter

The head of Mossad, Israel’s overseas intelligence service, has assured Benjamin Netanyahu, its prime minister, that Saudi Arabia would turn a blind eye to Israeli jets flying over the kingdom during any future raid on Iran’s nuclear sites.

Earlier this year Meir Dagan, Mossad’s director since 2002, held secret talks with Saudi officials to discuss the possibility.

The Israeli press has already carried unconfirmed reports that high-ranking officials, including Ehud Olmert, the former prime minister, held meetings with Saudi colleagues. The reports were denied by Saudi officials.

“The Saudis have tacitly agreed to the Israeli air force flying through their airspace on a mission which is supposed to be in the common interests of both Israel and Saudi Arabia,” a diplomatic source said last week.

Although the countries have no formal diplomatic relations, an Israeli defence source confirmed that Mossad maintained “working relations” with the Saudis.

John Bolton, the former US ambassador to the United Nations who recently visited the Gulf, said it was “entirely logical” for the Israelis to use Saudi airspace.

Bolton, who has talked to several Arab leaders, added: “None of them would say anything about it publicly but they would certainly acquiesce in an overflight if the Israelis didn’t trumpet it as a big success.”

Arab states would condemn a raid when they spoke at the UN but would be privately relieved to see the threat of an Iranian bomb removed, he said.

Referring to the Israeli attack on an alleged Syrian nuclear facility in 2007, Bolton added: “To this day, the Israelis haven’t admitted the specifics but there’s one less nuclear facility in Syria . . .”

Recent developments have underscored concerns among moderate Sunni Arab states about the stability of the repressive Shi’ite regime in Tehran and have increased fears that it may emerge as a belligerent nuclear power.

“The Saudis are very concerned about an Iranian nuclear bomb, even more than the Israelis,” said a former head of research in Israeli intelligence.

The Israeli air force has been training for a possible attack on Iran’s nuclear site at Natanz in the centre of the country and other locations for four years.    http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/middle_east/article6638568.ece

If the Saudis have indirectly approved this, then an Israeli raid is getting more likely.

The prophetic fact is that somehow the predominantly Shi’ite Iran will not be highly prominent in the future as the Bible discusses a coming King of the South that would seem to be led mainly by Arabic (cf. Psalm 83) Muslims (most of which are Sunni), and not Iran.

However, as the U.S.A. has indicated that it opposes such an Israeli move, Israel will be taking a major diplomatic chance to perform such a strike without some concurrence with Washington.   An attack against Iran may distance Israel from the U.S.A., but also may make it feel that it will need to get closer with the Europeans in the future–something that the Bible seems to suggest (cf. Daniel 9:27; 11:31)–which would seem to be a deal that would start a time sequence for the beginning of the Great Tribulation.

Some 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?  What will happen to the nation of Israel?
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

As part of a lawsuit settlement with WCG years ago, Gerald Flurry’s so-called Philadelphia Church of God (PCG) acquired rights to reproduce certain documents written by the late Herbert W. Armstrong (HWA).  The lawsuit was originally triggered by PCG’s distribution of a book by HWA titled The Mystery of the Ages (MOA).

Yesterday, I received an email from someone who received a copy of it from PCG and the sender noticed that it did not line up with a citation made in one of my articles.   The sender then asked me:

I ordered  the book by HWA “Mystery of the Ages” from PCOG and well I’ve come to find last night reading your article “You May Have Been Deceived on HWA’s 18 Truths”. Well reading your article you quoted from his book along with page # and the copy I have doesn’t at all match up. Why? Is the book that I have not the original copy? I don’t understand, this isn’t the first time this concern with this book has come up, I have also read other articles from other commentators and found the same problem. I hope that you’ll be able to shed light on this for me. If the copy I have has been changed, why? Where can I find the real copy?

Well, although nearly all of it is unchanged, yes PCG changed some parts of it (sort of like what the Tkach WCG did when it sent members a modified version of the Autobiography of Herbert W. Armstrong, for details, see the article The 18 Restored Truths: Do You Know What the First Changes the Tkach Administration Made?).  Originals of The Mystery of the Ages are sometimes sold on sites such as Amazon.com (my copy, which is not for sale is what is shown at the beginning of today’s post).  The original came out in 1985 and was published by Dood, Mead & Company and had a list price of $12.95. (Personal to Robby : The reason I did a public post is that your email address bounced out twice as undeliverable when I tried to send you my reply.)

The reasons WHY PCG made changes appears to be that certain statements that HWA made disagree with PCG’s form of governance and some other doctrinal points in order to help try to justify the role of “prophet” that Gerald Flurry has taken for himself.

PCG makes some true and some unusual claims about Herbert Armstrong’s book the Mystery of the Ages:

The number one reason listed in the Pastor General’s Report for discontinuing Mystery of the Ages was COST! That’s right–COST! Now that is spiritual FRAUD! How could the WCG afford to donate $200,000 and more to various relief funds, and yet be unable to afford to print God’s inspired words?! (Flurry, Gerald. Malachi’s Message to God’s Church Today. Booklet. 1995. p.129.).

Although I agree that WCG did not discontinue because of cost, it seems quite presumptuous to state that the Mystery of the Ages are “God’s inspired words”.

However, if PCG considers the Mystery of the Ages “God’s inspired words”, why did it edit portions out? In its 2003 version that it now controls, it edited out the statement on page 245 “No prophets are mentioned as having either administrative, executive or preaching functions in the New Testament Church”. I presume that Gerald Flurry edited this out as it contradicts his own positions.

Robert Kuhne reports that Gerald Flurry’s PCG has edited out at least four statements (numbers added by me) from HWA’s Mystery of the Ages:

1) “No prophets are mentioned as having either administrative, executive or preaching functions in the New Testament Church”. [MA, pg. 245 top, PCG first edition]
2) “Meanwhile, an individual few in Old Testament Israel did obey God and by becoming God’s prophets, they became part of the very foundation of the New Testament CHURCH OF GOD. The Church is built on the solid FOUNDATION of the prophets (Old Testament) and apostles (New Testament), Jesus Christ himself being “the chief corner stone” (Eph. 2:20).” [MA, pg. 174 (both 1985 hardback & 2003 PCG copyright softback)]
3)”The prophets set in the foundation of the Church are those of the Old Testament, whose writings were used to form a considerable part of New Testament and gospel teaching and functioning. No prophets are mentioned as having either administrative, executive or preaching functions in the New Testament Church.” [MA, pg. 244 (1985 hardback), pg. 245 (1997 pirated softback)]
4) “All teaching came from Christ through the apostles — and a few times Christ communicated to apostles via the prophets (of which there are none in God’s Church today since the Bible for our time is complete).” [MA, pg. 350 (both 1985 hardback & 2003 PCG copyright softback)]

Presuming Robert Kuhne is accurate (as he has been, and I did check out the first change and verified it some years ago) this suggests that some in PCG are attempting to “rewrite history” (the Tkach administration did that with HWA’s autobiography by editing out all references to the Philadelphia and Sardis Church eras, see The 18 Restored Truths: Do You Know What the First Changes the Tkach Administration Made?).

Regarding Mystery of the Ages, PCG has argued in court,

…that to prohibit PCG’s use of the book would be to suppress both the unique expression of ideas in the book…and the ability of PCG’s members to live according to their religious faith (Leap, Dennis. Continuing to Fight. Philadelphia Trumpet. Feb 2002, p.27).

So in other words, PCG seems to be saying that PCG could not exist if it had not illegally copied and distributed Mystery of the Ages.

Notice another claim:

Revelation 10…So here we are in this transition. There’s a little a little book talked about and MOA in Verse 7 that’s talked about, that leads right into the second coming of Jesus Christ (Flurry G. Prophesying Again Part 4, November 1, 2003. Sermon transcript at http://www.pcog.info/, January 13, 2004).

It should be noted that HWA had a different explantion of the little book of Revelation 10 and never taught that MOA (Mystery of the Ages) was in Revelation 10:7.  Those interested in that should and more about PCG and its changes should read the article Teachings Unique to the Philadelphia Church of God.

Palace of Westminster in London

COGwriter

In its latest update, LCG reported the following regarding immigration in Britain:

Immigration: A Clear Fulfillment to Bible Prophecy? The number of migrants to Britain has increased by more than 50% in just 2008. Experts predict that between now and the year 2031, 70% of the population increase in Britain will be due to immigration. Sir Andrew Green, chairman of the think tank Migrationwatch, recently said, “For years the Government have been in denial about the ­massive impact of immigration on housing. They cannot any longer deny we will have to build a new home every five minutes for the next 15 years just for new immigrants.” These home-building figures are on top of other infrastructure needed to support an increasing population, including roads, schools, and hospitals (Daily Express, June 25, 2009). The current unregulated immigration policies in Britain hearken back to God’s prophecies against the Israelite-descended nations for their rejection of His way of life. God noted, “…if you do not obey the voice of the LORD your God, to observe carefully all His commandments and His statutes… The alien who is among you shall rise higher and higher above you, and you shall come down lower and lower” (Deuteronomy 28:15, 43). God also prophesied that Israel would say, “Our inheritance has been turned over to aliens, and our houses to foreigners… The crown has fallen from our head…” (Lamentations 5:2, 16). As the Israelite-descended nations move further away from God, His prophecies are coming to pass. However, there is hope. Numerous prophecies indicate that Jesus Christ is going to return as King of kings and restore the blessings of His people after they learn important lessons and repent (Hosea 14:1-9)!

The UK, along with the USA, have major immigration problems.  And while leaders from both nations indicate that they will be able to solve this around, the reality is that biblical prophecy suggests that this will not happen.

Of course, the European Union itself also has a problem with immigration, but because of likely civil unrest expected to occur there, a leader known as the King of the North will likely solve the EU’s immigration imbalances.

But this will not happen until at least 2012.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? What is ahead for Europe?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?
Prophecies of Barack Obama? 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”, based up an early 20th century writing.
End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something? Are there Mayan calendar predictions for change in 2012? Changes were centuries ago predicted by the Hopi Native Americans. Do Mayan/Hindu/Hopi/Buddhist/New Age/Nostradamus prophecies have any value here? 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?

Has the USA Chosen the Wrong Path?

COGwriter

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

Most people started their 4th of July holiday weekend today…

If you put yourself through the depressing task of staying current with national and international events, you are well aware that the United States is hurrying to adopt practices and ideologies foreign to the constitutional constraints traditionally understood.  To confuse the matter further, we find the Dept. of State and indeed the administration apparently siding with dictatorial regimes that have been long recognized to be enemies of the United States and the American way of life…

The way things are headed, given the make up of current legislative bodies, hardly any enterprise or activity imaginable will fall beyond the purview of federal regulation.  There is nomenclature that attaches to governmental behavior of the type we see attempted and or tolerated by leaders of both American political parties, and those designations have bad reputations. Only those prepared to live lives behind walls of physical and financial security dare breathe them.

We have a peculiar perspective on what is transpiring on the national scene.  The identity shift being perpetrated upon our unsuspecting and distracted populace was visited upon Christianity long ago, and remains to this day.  The laws of God which were the bedrock of life ancient Israel, and in the early (pre-Constantine) Christian church have long since been discarded in favor of a religious identity that empowers clergymen with authority that supercedes even the Ten Commandments.

The Bible, God’s own word, has been subjugated to the whims of deeply flawed Church leaders decked out in religious garb.  When it comes to mainstream Christianity, many of its utterly unbiblical doctrines, its steeples and crosses, it’s hard not to realize that all roads lead to Rome.

What we’ve seen happen to the application of clear biblical language in mainstream Christianity is now happening to the clear language of another document believed to be the result of divine inspiration.  At least our founders thought so, and said so.  But we live in the age of social and financial planners who have better ideas.  Just as those in control of Rome so long ago believed their need for unquestioned authority trumped scripture, our political leaders seem to believe their presumably noble intentions trump the constraints of the U.S. constitution and the wisdom of the Delr of Independence…

While contemplating the peace and freedoms we yet enjoy, along with the day off and the family gatherings, we must also soberly contemplate what’s happening in our domestic society and around this troubled world and realize that God’s favor will surely be our best hope amid the troubles to come.  And they surely are coming.

ICG also had a copy of the USA Declaration of Independence as an appendix within its update.

Perhaps I should add that it is not simply the current USA administration that has chosen NOT to follow many of the concepts in the Declaration of Independence.  Last 4th of July (or perhaps it was the one prior to that), I read my family much of the Declaration and commented upon how the current USA, State, and local governments had committed most of the same actions that the USA’s revolutionary leaders objected to against our family within that year or so.

And while simply restoring practices consistent with the Declaration will NOT stop the USA from going down the path that will lead it to destruction, ignoring other documents like the Bible and the ten commandments will insure its destruction.

National repentance is the only way to prevent it, and that does not look likely.  The advocacy of homosexuality, abortion, and increased indebtedness that we have seen in 2009 suggests that national repentance is about the furthest thing on the minds of the national political leaders and most of the mainstream media in the USA.

Personal repentance, however, is still possible.  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?
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.
Were the Ten Commandments in Effect Before Mount Sinai? Some have said not. This article provides biblical quotes to answer this important question.
Job and the Ten Commandments Was Job written prior to Mount Sinai? Did Job know about the ten commandments? This article provides biblical answers to those questions.
What Did Jesus Teach About the Ten Commandments? This article quotes what Jesus actually said about them (His words are in red).
Were the Ten Commandments Nailed to the Cross? Some have said so. This article provides some biblical quotes to answer this important question.
What Did Paul Actually Teach About the Ten Commandments? Many say Paul taught against the ten commandments. Is this true? This article quotes Paul with his words in green.
Are the Ten Commandment Still in Effect? This article quotes the ten commandments and combines some of the previous articles into one article about the ten commandments. The commandments are shown at Mount Sinai, before Mount Sinai, in the teachings of Jesus, after the crucifixion, and in the teachings of Paul. It addresses the most common “traditions of men” regarding them as well.
Were the Pharisees Condemned for Keeping the Law or Reasoning Around it? Many believe that the Pharisees were condemned for keeping the law, but what does your Bible say? If they were not condemned for that, what were they condemned for?
The Ten Commandments Reflect Love, Breaking them is Evil Some feel that the ten commandments are a burden. Is that what Jesus, Paul, Peter, James, and John taught?
Was the Commandment to Love the Only Command? Some have stated that John’s writings teach this, but is that what the Bible really says?
The Ten Commandments and the Early Church Did Jesus and the Early Church keep the ten commandments? What order were they in? Here are quotes from the Bible and early writings.

Sarah Palin

COGwriter

Today, Sarah Palin announced that she would resign as governor of Alaska:

Sarah Palin to Resign as Alaska Governor

AP

WASILLA, Alaska (July 3) — Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin said Friday she is resigning from office at the end of the month, raising speculation that she would focus on a run for the White House in the 2012 race.

The former Republican vice presidential candidate made the surprise announcement from her home in suburban Wasilla on Friday morning. She said she would step down July 26 but didn’t announce her plans. http://news.aol.com/article/sarah-palin-to-resign/555657?icid=main|htmlws-main|dl1|link3|http%3A%2F%2Fnews.aol.com%2Farticle%2Fsarah-palin-to-resign%2F555657

In the event Sarah Palin does run for president in 2012 (which is not certain) and she wins (with is even less certain), she would partially fulfill a prophecy in Isaiah 3:12:

As for My people, children are their oppressors, And women rule over them. O My people! Those who lead you cause you to err, And destroy the way of your paths…

But of course, women are influential in the English-speaking nations already and it is not required that the USA itself have a woman president, but I do feel that if we do get one, that this will be a partial, but significant, fulfillment of that prophecy.

We do live in interesting times.

Jesus said,

And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch! (Mark 13:37).

Several articles of possibly related interest may include:

Might Sarah Palin Fulfill Prophecy? This was written when she accepted the VP nomination.
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?  What will happen to the nation of Israel?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? What is prophesied to occur to the USA and its English-speaking allies? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11?

Parliament Hill, Ottawa, Canada

COGwriter

The following news item was of interest:

Canada’s Dollar Heads for Weekly Decline as Recovery Falters

By Chris Fournier

July 3 (Bloomberg) — Canada’s dollar rose, paring a weekly decline that’s been driven by signs the economic recovery is faltering and a drop in crude oil below $67.

The Canadian currency was on course for a fifth consecutive decline, the longest streak of losses since dropping for six straight weeks through Dec. 14, 2007, after the U.S. reported a larger-than-forecast number of job losses yesterday. Oil was little changed today at $66.50 after three days of declines.

“People are less optimistic about the global economy,” said Firas Askari, head currency trader in Toronto at BMO Capital Markets, a unit of Canada’s fourth-largest lender. “That has negatively affected the Canadian dollar,” he said, adding that he is still “bullish” on the currency.

The Canadian currency traded at C$1.1578 per U.S. dollar at 8:34 a.m. in Toronto from C$1.1524 at the end of last week. It rose 0.6 percent from yesterday’s close at C$1.1630. One Canadian dollar buys 86.46 U.S. cents.

Canada is among the most export-dependent countries in the Group of Seven, generating about a third of its output in the first quarter from shipments of goods and services abroad.  The U.S. purchases about three quarters of the nation’s exports.

U.S. employers cut 467,000 jobs in June, compared with the 365,000 median forecast in a survey of economists by Bloomberg. Brent crude oil for August settlement fell as much as $2.42 cents, or 3.5 percent, on London’s ICE Futures Europe exchange this week. http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601082&sid=a9PHrcCyQNqE

In many ways, Canada is doing much better than the USA and the UK (the same can also be said of Australia).

However, the reality, as most Canadians do realize, is that to a great degree, Canada’s economic health is tied to that of the USA.  And while Canada was able to get out of some of its debts in the past few years, it is not wise to think that the USA will do as well in that department.

Biblical prophecy indicates that the fate of Canada, as well as that of the other major British-descended nations, will be similar to that of the USA.  A fate of essentially being destroyed as a nation, with many of their inhabitants being killed through war, famine, and/or pestilence, and those remaining being subject to persecution and slavery.

And while world events are lining up for this to occur, it will not happen for at least a few years from now–but it will be less than multiple decades (probably less than one decade to be precise).

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?  What will happen to the nation of Israel?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? What is ahead for Europe?
End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something?There is a Mayan calendar prediction for change in 2012. 2012 changes were also centuries ago predicted by the Hopi Native Americans. Do Mayan/Hindu/Hopi/Buddhist/New Age/Nostradaumus prophecies have any value here? 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?
Prophecies of Barack Obama? Are there biblical and non-biblical prophecies about Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist? This is the longest and most detailed of the articles here related to prophecy and Barack Obama.
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?

“Orthodox” 16th Century Representation of the “Apocalypse”

COGwriter

In the latest edition of its Good News magazine, UCG’s Rex Sexton wrote:

The Warnings Are Loud and Clear—But Are You Listening?

Do our everyday headlines contain strong warnings about a dire future? Consider these recent items you may have glossed over:

• U.S. national debt reaches $63.8 trillion. “The latest increase raises federal obligations to a record $546,668 per household … That’s quadruple what the average U.S. household owes for all mortgages, car loans, credit cards and other debt combined” (USA Today, May 29, 2009).

• North Korea tested a nuclear weapon, launched several test missiles and abrogated the 1953 truce agreement—effectively declaring war on South Korea, Japan, the United States, Britain and other nations that were a part of the 1951-1953 “police action” should they try to interfere with North Korea’s ambitions—and threatened a “thousand-fold” military retaliation if provoked.

• “The End of Christian America” headlined Newsweek magazine’s report on a dramatic drop in the number of Americans identifying themselves as Christian. “Many conservative Christians believe they have lost the battles over issues such as abortion, school prayer and even same-sex marriage, and that the country has now entered a post-Christian phase,” stated the article (April 13, 2009).

• In Pakistan, “the government is progressively losing control of its own population and territory. And you’ve got Al Qaeda sitting right in the middle” of a country that has more than 100 nuclear weapons, according to a top terrorism expert (Australian Broadcasting Corporation News, June 3, 2009).

This sampling of alarming headlines points to some very difficult times ahead. The world as we have known it is rapidly coming to an end. But is anyone taking notice, or are we just going about our daily lives as if there’s nothing to be concerned about? Are we repeating the experience of the Poles who heard Martin Gray but closed their minds to what he was saying?

Jesus Christ gave several crucial warnings in His most detailed prophetic message. He foretold a coming time of suffering just before His return that will be the worst the world has ever experienced. He said, “For then will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world”(Matthew 24:21).

He even prophesied that the majority of the world will not listen to any warnings, but will close their ears like the Poles who heard Martin Gray. Jesus said that this time of unprecedented trouble “will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth” (Luke 21:35).

He also warned about what we should be doing as we see this time approaching and stated that there could be a way of escape: “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” (verse 36). To be able to escape, you will have to listen to and heed what you hear.

And that is what people should do.

All should heed Jesus’ warnings before it is too late.

And those in the COG’s should not overlook the ones that are written to it in Revelation 3.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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.
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?
The 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.
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 has been predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. These are non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG.

Love of Money can be a Problem (1 Timothy 6:10)

COGwriter

While the USA President is taking steps to encourage immorality, the situation is different in Russia:

Game over for Russia’s punters as gambling ban closes casinos

Luke Harding in Moscow…

Nearly two decades after the first casino opened its doors, Russia is to ban gambling from Wednesday across most of its territory in a move that casino owners say will drive the industry underground.

All casinos and slot-machine halls will be outlawed. With the exception of four far-flung special zones, no gambling will be allowed across the Russian Federation.

Russia’s prime minister Vladimir Putin proposed the legislation in 2006, when president, in an apparent attempt to wipe out an immoral industry. Despite expectations of a compromise with the casinos, Putin has stood firm.

From tomorrow Moscow’s gambling halls, popular with oligarchs and often decorated with bad-taste rococo statuary, will grow silent – at least, that is the theory. Casino owners are dismayed.

They say the move will throw 350,000 people out of work, at a time when Russia is gripped by high unemployment. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jun/29/russia-bans-gambling-casino-putin

Russia’s casinos close as new law takes effect

Alexander Osipovich

July 1, 2009…

The law marks the end of era that began in the 1990s, when businessmen and gangsters who acquired fantastic wealth in Russia’s post-communist turmoil gambled it away in lavish casinos in central Moscow.

Gambling establishments, from seedy slot-machine parlours to extravagant casinos for the new rich, seemingly popped up overnight after the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991.

But Putin, who once called gambling addiction “even stronger than addiction to alcohol”   http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-world/russias-casinos-close-as-new-law-takes-effect-20090701-d4wb.html

This is a bold move.  It is not that all gaming is necessarily wrong, but Russia recognized it was getting out of hand.

Notice that the reason for the close is to reduce immorality.  Covetousness is apparently considered an actual problem in Russia–the USA seems to take a different view of that commandment in Exodus 20:17.

The Bible also teaches:

10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows (1 Timothy 6:10).

And even though this Russian action will not stop all gambling addicts, the Russian state has recognized that too many people are being hurt by gambling and that the state wants to decrease immorality.

This is simply a different (and better) motivation that the national policies that have come out of countries like the USA.

Americans should note the stark difference between the motivations of its leaders and that of the Russians.  The US is not the moral leader of the world.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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?
The Ten Commandments Reflect Love, Breaking them is Evil Some feel that the ten commandments are a burden. Is that what Jesus, Paul, Peter, James, and John taught?
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?
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?
Abortion, the Bible, and a Woman’s Right to Choose Do you know what the Bible teaches on this? Has the Roman Catholic Church allowed abortions? What about the Living Church of God?

COGwriter

Continuing to promote policies towards those who most strongly supported him, President Obama announced that he wanted to be “a champion” for homosexuals:

Obama Pleads With Gays, Vows to Be ‘Champion’

President tells gay leaders at White House: “I will not only be your friend, I will continue to be an ally and a champion and a president who fights with you and for you.”

WASHINGTON — Countering criticism that he’s done little on gay rights, President Obama commemorated the 40th anniversary of the birth of the modern movement by welcoming its leaders to the White House and reaffirming his commitment to their top priorities.

“I want you to know: You have our support,” Obama told members of the core Democratic constituency as he and first lady Michelle Obama hosted a cocktail-and-appetizer reception in the East Room for gay pride month. It’s been some four decades since the police raid on New York City’s gay Stonewall Inn that spurred gay rights activism across the country.

As activists work to change minds and change laws, Obama added: “I will not only be your friend, I will continue to be an ally and a champion and a president who fights with you and for you.”

Since Obama took office in January, some activists have complained that Obama has not followed through on his campaign promises on issues they hold dear and has not championed their causes from the White House, including ending the ban on gays in the military.

Obama pleaded for patience.

“I know many in this room don’t believe that progress has come fast enough. And I understand that,” Obama said. But he added: “I expect and hope to be judged not by words, not by promises I’ve made, but by promises that my administration keeps.”

By the time he leaves office, the president said, “I think you guys will have pretty good feelings about the Obama administration.”

The crowd erupted in cheers.

He noted that he has issued a presidential memorandum expanding some federal benefits to same-sex partners. Critics have noted that it doesn’t include health benefits or pension guarantees.

Obama also reminded the audience that he has called on Congress to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act, which limits how state, local and federal bodies can recognize partnerships and determine benefits. Still, he added: “We have a duty to uphold existing law, but I believe we must do so in a way that does not exacerbate existing divides.”

He said that does not mean he doesn’t back a repeal of the law.

Obama also said the administration is working to pass an employee nondiscrimination bill and a hate crimes bill that includes protections for gays and lesbian, and he said it’s committed to rescinding a ban on entry to the United States based on HIV status.

Obama reiterated his support for repealing the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy that allows gays and lesbians to serve in the military as long as they don’t disclose their sexual orientation or act on it.

He said…his administration is working with Congress to develop a plan that will end the practice legislatively in a way that ensures the new policy works in the long term. http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/06/30/obama-promises-champion-gay-rights/

Recently, LCG reported:

The Holy Scriptures plainly denounce homosexuality as a sin (Romans 1:24-32) and clearly articulate that marriage is God-ordained to be between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:22-25, 1 Timothy 3:2). Christians are not to condemn anyone (Matthew 7:1), nor are they to be violent against those who sin (Matthew 5:21-22). But God did warn of a time, at the end of the age, when society would call things that are evil and wrong “good,” and condemn as “evil” things that are right (Isaiah 5:20). This is exactly what we are witnessing today.

Of course, the Bible condemns all sexual partnerships outside of the marriage of a male to a female.  But today’s announcement from the White House is also more evidence that the USA government keeps proposing initiatives that move the nation away from even the pretense of biblical values.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
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?
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.
Abortion, the Bible, and a Woman’s Right to Choose Do you know what the Bible teaches on this? Has the Roman Catholic Church allowed abortions? What about the Living Church of God?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2009, 2010, or 2011? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What is the “beginning of sorrows”?  When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?
End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something?There is a Mayan calendar prediction for change in 2012. 2012 changes were also centuries ago predicted by the Hopi Native Americans. Do Mayan/Hindu/Hopi/Buddhist/New Age/Nostradamus prophecies have any value here? 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?

Depiction of Levites Carrying the Ark of the Covenant

COGwriter

In an expected move, representatives of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church have now stated that they will not show what they have long claimed to be the Ark of the Covenant:

Ethiopian church speaks out on Ark of the Covenant
Statement says Ten Commandments box won’t be displayed…

There was considerable confusion last week when the leader of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church apparently told an Italian news agency of an upcoming announcement about the possible public display of the Ark of the Covenant – the box holding the Ten Commandments – and then the prescribed time passed with no word.

However, there was no equivocation today in an e-mail received by WND from the webmaster of a church website in response to an inquiry about the truth of the matter.

“It is not going to happen so the world has to live with curiosity,” said the statement, signed only “Webmaster” in response to the WND inquiry.

The webmaster statement described the tempest as being caused either because of a translation mistake or “a slip [of the] tongue from the patriarch.”…

Ark hunters and Bible enthusiasts had been buzzing for days on the report from the Italian news agency Adnkronos that Patriarch Abuna Pauolos, visiting in Italy last week for a meeting with Pope Benedict XVI, was quoted, “Soon the world will be able to admire the Ark of the Covenant described in the Bible as the container of the tablets of the law that God delivered to Moses and the center of searches and studies for centuries.”…

He apparently had suggested the possibility the artifact might be viewable in a planned museum.

“I repeat (the Ark of the Covenant) is in Ethiopia and nobody … knows for how much time. Only God knows,” he said in the Adnkronos report available online…

“The Ark of the Covenant is in Ethiopia for many centuries,” said Pauolos in the report. “As a patriarch I have seen it with my own eyes and only few highly qualified persons could do the same, until now.”…

“The Ethiopian royal chronicles suggest that for 3,000 years, they had been guarding the ark, knowing that it had to go back to Israel eventually,” Jeffrey said.

The usual story about when the Ark supposedly came to Ethiopia is biblically false as it was still in Judah long after all of Solomon’s sons would have died (cf. 2 Chronicles 35:1-3). However, other reports suggest that Ethiopia has only had it for 2000 years (which at least is not in conflict with the account in 2 Chronicles 35:1-3)–but simply making a claim, or even having something, does not make the claim true (I saw what was supposed to be Moses’ staff in an Istanbul museum last year and douby its authenticity even though the Turks have had it for many centuries).

And while the Bible shows that the Ark will be seen in heaven (Revelation 11:19), this does not mean that it is impossible to be on the earth or impossible to be in Ethiopia.

Whether or not the Ark is on the earth, there are Islamic as well as Catholic prophecies that seem to require that it “be found” before the end.  And this could be fulfilled by someone simply claiming to have it, as opposed to actually having it.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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?  What does the Bible teach about the temple in the end-times?
Solomon’s TempleThis is a a 5 minute animated film that shows one artist’s understanding of the details about Solomon’s temple.
Africa: Its Biblical Past and Prophesied Future What does the Bible teach about Africa and its future? Did the early Church reach Africa? Were there Sabbath-keepers in Ethiopia? Will God call all the Africans?
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.
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?