Church of God News

This morning “Christianity Today” (CT) reported the following on Christianity in China:

Did You Know?

In 635, a Christian leader from Persia named Alopen arrived in Chang’an, the capital of the Tang dynasty. Christianity was at first welcomed by the Chinese. But two centuries later, imperial persecution forced Christians to flee mainland China. A nine-foot-tall limestone monument in Chang’an, erected in 781, commemorates the “Luminous Religion” brought by Alopen and his fellow missionaries. (http://www.christianitytoday.com/ch/index.html#didyouknow viewed 08/03/09)

Now, what they failed to mention is that these Christians were Sabbath-keepers, nor did they share many of the Greco-Roman church doctrines that CT still promotes.

Apparently no later than the seventh century, history records that there were Sabbath-keepers in China who claimed Christianity.

The following excerpt provides some proof of this:

The Chang-An Monument

“It was in the year 1625; the Jesuits had infiltrated the fabric of the Chinese cultured classes, when a sensational discovery was made. A large monument stone inscribed with nineteen hundred Chinese characters, and fifty Syrian words, was unearthed just outside the walls of Chang-An, the ancient capital of the Tang Dynasty. The news of this discovery caused a bustle of excitement in the ancient metropolitan city, and thousands were anxious to know what information about their cultural heritage was hidden in the writing.

The Jesuits, who were regarded as the teachers and scholars, were immediately summoned to decipher the inscriptions. To the astonishment of these haughty priests, there before their eyes, was a description of the prestigious position, and vast extent of the seventh-day Sabbath-keeping Christian Church of the East of a millennia before!

The ancient Chinese characters were inscribed in 781 AD, at the command of Emperor Tae-Tsung, to honor the arrival of an Assyrian missionary and his companions to the capitol in the year 635 AD from Ta Tsin, or Judea. The stone revealed beliefs and practices of the primitive Christian church, which were unrelated and out of harmony with the Roman Catholic beliefs.

One of the passages reads:

“On the Seventh Day we offer sacrifices after having purified our hearts, and received absolution from our sins. This religion, so perfect and so excellent, is difficult to name, but it enlightens darkness by its brilliant precepts.”

In a state of shock, the Jesuits, and the Mandarins, a class of scholarly religious Chinese rulers, worked to alter the Chinese characters to reflect the Catholic doctrines, for if the expectant population were to learn what the stone really said, it would greatly damage their beliefs in the Catholic doctrines, and diminish the influence of the Mandarins.

But something very different than the expected resulted. Today, after carefully comparing the known facts of history with an examination of the historical and doctrinal facts written on the stone, a fraud is obvious.

The Chang-An Monument, or the “speaking stone,” as it is called, is considered to be as important a find as the Rosetta Stone, for it had the inscriptions in more than one language. The truth was preserved because the Jesuits were not able to read the inscription that was in Syrian.

From the reading of the stone today an irrefutable fact of history quickly becomes obvious.  That ancient Sabbath-keeping Christianity had been very prominent and extensive throughout the Orient as late as the eighth and ninth centuries. ” (Excerpt  from “Our Sabbath Heritage” by James Arrabito. Sabbath Sentinel. September-October 2000).

How long some in China kept the Sabbath is unclear. But what is clear is that they did. And since that monument dates from the eighth century to commemorate the arrival from Judea of missionaries in 635, it is certainly possible that Sabbath-keeping occurred well after the monument was made. It is also possible that Sabbath-keeping occurred in China previous to that particular missionary trip and that no records were made (or at least found) as well.

Here is more information about this period:

The earliest record of any Christian mission to China is found inscribed on the Nestorian monument in Sianfu, erected in A.D. 781. Sianfu was the capital of the T’ang empire (A.D. 618-906) and the center of the then-greatest civilization in the world. This monument recorded the visit to the T’ang court of a band of Christians led by Alopen from Ta-chin (Syria). Alopen brought with him the “true scriptures.” They were given to T’ang T’ai-tsung who commanded that they be translated in the royal library. These Christians flourished under royal sponsorship until A.D. 845, when they suffered persecution, and soon afterward, near extinction…

In 1908 other Christian documents were found…Sir Aurel Stein, a British archaeologist, purchased these ancient manuscripts, one of which was dated 641 A.D., and is thus the oldest Chinese translation of any gospel portion. It is thought that these documents were written by the same Christian group as those in Sianfu (Kang C.H., Nelson E.R. The Discovery of Genesis: How the Truths of Genesis Were Found Hidden in the Chinese Language. Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, 1979, p. 28).

FWIW, even Wikipedia admits that the “Nestorian” group of Christians was in China prior to the Catholics of Rome, but it also reports that the Romans were able to basically take over after some time.  Sadly, apostasy has happened in all lands.

It is also possible that the Apostle Thomas made it personally to China (or at least as far east as Malaysia), with an earlier falling away as well.

But be that as it may, Sabbath-keeping Christians were apparently the first Christians in China.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 1: Genesis and Chinese Characters This article provides information showing that the Chinese peoples must have known about various accounts in the Book of Genesis up until their dispersion after the Tower of Babel.
China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 2: The Sabbath and Some of God’s Witness in China When did Christianity first come to China? And is there early evidence that they observed the seventh day sabbath?
The Dramatic Story of Chinese Sabbathkeepers This reformatted Good News article from 1955 discusses Sabbath-keeping in China in the 1800s.
Asia in Prophecy What is Ahead for Asia? Who are the “Kings of the East”? What will happen to nearly all the Chinese, Russians, Indians, and others of Asia? China in prophecy, where? Who has the 200,000,000 man army related to Armageddon?
The Pergamos Church Era was predominant circa 450 A.D. to circa 1050 A.D. An especially persecuted Church.
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?

EU Flag

COGwriter

In its latest weekly update, LCG reported:

Federalizing Europe. Four years ago, Europeans voted down the European Constitution, along with its flag and national anthem, leaving the EU without an official flag or anthem. Yet, at the opening of the European Parliament two weeks ago, Eurocorps military soldiers raised a large European flag. The troops then stood at attention while the “previously official” European National Anthem, Ode to Joy, was played. One UK Independence Party leader observed, “There is no pretence anymore. The EU is to be a fully militarized state.” A European MEP also observed, “These displays are Europe attempting to take upon itself a character that the vast majority of its citizens do not want.” An Irish representative noted, “Drafting in combat soldiers to raise the European flag is politically explosive as Ireland prepares to hold a second Lisbon Treaty vote and after the Irish government denied any link between the EU and militarism” (Telegraph, July 13, 2009). A federal, militarized, fully operational European super-state is what many of the political elite in Europe want—but even more Europeans fear! Bible prophecies reveal that, at the time of the end, ten kingdoms will arise in a region north of Jerusalem as a revival of the Holy Roman Empire (see Daniel 2 and Revelation 17). These nations or groups of nations will eventually “give their power” [surrender their sovereignty] to a centralized military and governmental structure (Revelation 17:13). The attempts to forge Europe into a federal power continue to move in a direction that will fulfill Bible prophecies!

EU Military Potential Grows. Few Europeans are aware of the European Defense Agency that was established five years ago by the EU to foster military cooperation and integration among member countries. As one Dutch researcher comments, “Like most developments in the area of European military co-operation, the work of the EDA is happening completely outside the view of the wider general public” (euobserver.com, July 14, 2009). While progress has been slow, the EDA reflects the mindset of EU leaders. The EU Constitution mandated members “to improve their military capabilities” and French President Sarkozy has stated, “Europe cannot be a dwarf in terms of defense and a giant in economic matters.” Javier Solana, who functions as the EU Foreign Minister, sees “the need to bolster Europe’s military capabilities to match our aspirations.” These military aspirations fit the descriptions of the beast that will arise from the ashes of the Roman Empire and become a powerful military force in the world at the end of the age (see Daniel 7:7, 19-23; 11:29-45; Revelation 13:1-4).

Despite claims from pundits and critics, the reality is that the Europeans are the ones prophesied to fulfill much of Revelation 13, 17, 18, and Daniel 11:27-45.

Europe will thus have to have a strong military to do so.

Few in the world seem to realize that THE PRIMARY reason that the EU is developing its Galileo “GPS” system is for MILITARY applications (I reported on this over a year ago, see EU Approves Galileo For Military Use).

The Europeans are also taking many less publicized actions to have a strong military.  But most seem unaware of this.

Articles of possibly related interest may include:

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

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

COGwriter

Apparently, many of those who protested the “election” of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad are now on trial:

Trials Begin for Iranians Accused of Fomenting Post-Election Unrest By VOA News
02 August 2009

A trial opened in Iran Saturday for about 100 activists and political moderates accused of trying to topple the country’s government.

Prominent reformists arrested during the country’s post-election unrest appeared in a packed courtroom in Tehran.

The defendants include former vice president Mohammad Ali Abtahi, former parliament vice-speaker Behzad Nabavi and onetime government spokesman Abdollah Ramezanzadeh.

Some defendants, including Abtahi, retracted their claims that Iran’s June presidential election was rigged.

U.S.-based group Human Rights Watch says authorities have used harsh interrogations and beatings in an effort to extract false confessions from the detainees.  And it says some prominent lawyers were recently arrested to prevent them from representing the defendants in court…

The trial opened four days before Mr. Ahmadinejad is due to be sworn into office for a second term.  Those on trial are facing charges related to mass protests following the June 12 presidential election. http://www.voanews.com/english/2009-08-02-voa1.cfm

The situation with Iran is volatile.  I suspect that Israel is watching all of this to determine if it should strike Iran’s nuclear facilities or wait if it believes that all of this may lead to a different government.

Iran is having problems and simply will not be the prophesied King of the South (though it may support such an expected Islamic leader).

Two 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?

Ancient Laodicea

COGwriter

UCG’s Roy Holladay announced:

Letter from the Chairman, Council of Elders – July 31, 2009

Dear Fellow Elders,

Serving on the Council of Elders represents a high-profile responsibility that is demanding and rewarding at the same time. This responsibility is demanding in the sense that most of our Council members are also church pastors or work full-time in other positions, which makes additional demands on a Council member’s limited time. It is rewarding in the fact that we on the Council have a humbling opportunity to render service in a unique way.

As a result of the last General Conference of Elders annual meeting, the Council has undergone some changes with new members being added. After serving on the Council for the previous two years, I was named as the Council’s new chairman. It is in that role as chairman that I am writing to you to openly inform you of two additional changes.

Effective Monday, July 27, Richard Thompson resigned from the Council for personal reasons. On Tuesday, July 28, Clyde Kilough, who of course serves as the president of the United Church of God, resigned from the Council for personal reasons. Clyde will continue in his role as president, and Richard will continue serving as a pastor for the United Church of God and as a member of the Church’s Ministerial Services Team….

A natural question now arises: Who will replace them in the now-open positions on the Council? Thankfully, the United Church of God has an orderly process in place for such an occasion. The Church’s Bylaws stipulate that the next in line (as selected in the last General Conference of Elders’ ballot) be notified of their opportunity to serve. Given the weighty responsibilities that a Council member bears, it is logical that time be allowed for the potential new members to consider this new role before they agree to accept. This process is now being followed.

This is not the first time a Council member has resigned while still serving a term, and the orderly process of bringing in a new member has worked well. We believe that this time will be no different.

I should also point out that it was the Council’s original intent to announce both the resignations of the two men and the two new Council members at the same time. To rightly accommodate the required and wise process of notification and reflection by the potential new members, the Council thought it best to openly communicate these changes in a timely manner. It is said that nature abhors a vacuum, and I have found that the same can be true of speculative comments filling an information void. Hence this communication to you now.

What will happen at UCG is still to be determined.

However, it is not likely that UCG will change its emphasis to more public proclamation of the Gospel because of this.

Three articles of possibly related interest may include:

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? Was it hierarchical? 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?

Pope Benedict XVI

COGwriter

Although I covered some of this several weeks ago (see Pope Wants World Economic Reform), in his update last night, ICG’s Mark Armstrong wrote:

There are many voices, mostly outside the realm of mainstream media, that are expressing alarm about unbridled government spending; federal seizure of huge private industrial and financial corporations; the fantastically complex proposal to limit and regulate energy production and usage; the notion of enforcement by whole new agencies and bureaucracies, to name of few.

Does it strike anyone as odd, that when the pope issued his “encyclical” (glorified and long letter, to whom it may concern) arguing for many of those same policies on a global scale, it makes no news at all. No one is expressing concern anywhere, mainstream or otherwise, about the pope claiming there is an “urgent need of a true world political authority.” It is on the record, as they say, and published by the Vatican, including language about global enforcement powers.

Even though many here in the U.S. are very concerned about what kind of enforcement powers our current leadership may conceal in one of these fourteen pound “laws” they propose, the pope is effectively flying below the radar when he openly calls for the same kind of agenda on a world-wide scale.

Nearly all observers, even in the mainstream, are bearish on the long term prospects for the American dollar in the light of the current propensity to borrow, spend and print money in violation of every sound principle. The Chinese, America’s primary lender, the Russians and even Europeans have expressed reservations about the dollar’s future. There have been numerous suggestions for a new worldwide reserve currency to replace the dollar.

It could certainly lead one to wonder why the U.S. dollar is being dramatically debased at a time when national debt already has creditors nervous. Does any of this begin to sound vaguely familiar? Are not the dramatic proposals of global currency, global enforcement powers (particularly called for by Rome) not vaguely reminiscent of end time events described in the book of Revelation?

The reality is that the Vatican has long been working for a new economic and political system.

In addition to what is mentioned in the Bible in places such as Revelation and Daniel, there are numerous Catholic private prophecies that look to the time when the Vatican will change a bit and support a certain powerful end-time militaristic leader.  This leader tends to  be referred to as “the Great Monarch”, but the Bible seems to warn of the same individual as the Beast of Revelation and the King of the North in Daniel 11.

To learn more about where the Vatican is heading, please see the following articles:

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.
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? How might Barack Obama be involved in 2012?
Two Horned Beast of Revelation and 666 Who is 666? This article explains how the LCG views this, and compares this to Ellen White.
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?
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.