Church of God News

Jerusalem

COGwriter

LCG reported the following news item:

Israel: Preparing for Attack. Last week, three Israeli intelligence officials made public comments about an impending attack on Iran. In a speech at Tel Aviv University, Maj. Gen. Ido Nehushtan commented that “the time for hard decisions is fast approaching,” adding, “The range of security threats to Israel is very complex and we must prepare for all exigencies.” Defense minister Ehud Barak warned Lebanon that another Hezbollah attack would put Lebanon at risk for an Israeli counterattack. Barak was apparently also warning Syria and the Palestinians through his comments. Also last week, the Israeli deputy defense minister promised to deliver a complete “defense program proposal” for the entire Israeli population to the government within two weeks. These comments came after a two week joint military exercise by Israel and the U.S. that was designed to identify Israel’s weak spots should they be attacked simultaneously on several fronts (DEBKA, November 29, 2009). Long ago, God warned that He would make Jerusalem and the surrounding territory a “cup of trembling” for the nations that get involved with it (Zechariah 12:2 KJV). As Israel feels mounting pressure from Iran, neighboring countries are anxious as to what the next terrifying actions will be. Bible prophesies are coming to pass, just as God predicted!

Last week, I reported here that because the UN condemned Iran related to its nuclear program that this may embolden Israel to launch a preemptive attack against Iran (see UN Condemns Iran for Nuclear Cover-Up).

It is possible that this could happen relatively soon.  And Iran has conducted some military exercises of its own in apparent anticipation of such an attack.  The balance of power in the Middle East as well as certain prophetic events (a revised peace deal comes to mind) may be set in motion should an attack be launched.

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?  What role might non-Arab Iran play?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2009, 2010, or 2011? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? Does a peace deal have to happen first? What happens before in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God was the Emphasis of Jesus and the Early Church Did you know that? Peace is coming!  Do you even know what the gospel of the kingdom is all about? True religion should be based upon the true gospel.

Dmitry Anatolyevich Medvedev

COGwriter

The following event that occurred today seems to tie into prophecy:

Russia and the Vatican establish full diplomatic ties

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8394079.stm

The Bible indicates that there will some ties with the Vatican, and they may last several years.  Orthodox and Catholic prophecies also indicate this.

However, ultimately Russia will turn against the Vatican and Europe according to biblical prophecy.

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?
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.
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 Should American Catholics Should Fear Unity with the Orthodox? Are the current ecumenical meetings a good thing or will they result in disaster?
Orthodox Must Reject Unity with the Roman Catholics The talks for unification involve compromise and the apparent rising up of a changed religion that no one should accept.

“Sunday Church”, Naxos Greece

COGwriter

Germany’s highest court ruled that Sunday shopping restrictions must be observed and overturned a Berlin law:

‘Even Atheists Need to Switch Off on Sundays’

Spiegel – Dec 2, 2009

Germany’s highest court has ruled that Sunday should be kept as a day of rest and has overturned a Berlin law easing restrictions on Sunday shopping. Most German newspapers on Wednesday greet the ruling, some for reasons of religion and tradition, others out of a concern for workers’ rights.

— Siobhán Dowling

http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,664754,00.html

It has long been believed by many Sabbath-keepers (those who rest on Saturday) that more restrictive Sunday laws are expected in the future and that the Beast power will support Sunday laws.

Some 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”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe?
Sunday and Christianity Was Sunday observed by the apostolic and true post-apostolic Christians? How clearly endorsed Sunday?
The Sabbath in the Early Church and Abroad Was the seventh-day (Saturday) Sabbath observed by the apostolic and post-apostolic Church?

COGwriter

An article in a Florida paper discusses an issue that many wonder about this time of year:

Origin of Christmas Holiday Does Not Lie in Christianity…

The vast majority of Christians think we should put “Christ” back in “Christmas,” but he was never in “Christmas.” Any serious Bible student understands Christ was born in September when “shepherds were out in their fields, by night.” Not the start of winter.

However… Jeremiah’s warning in Chapter 10 about cutting down and decorating trees, giving glory to “mother nature” and not to God. Tree-huggers have been around for along time…

I simply want you to know what “Christmas” truly is, and “Christ” is nowhere to be found in “Christmas”! It is a tradition of the Roman Catholic Church in a “plea deal” with nonbelievers. Perhaps I’m wrong, or perhaps you’re being deceived.

R.J. ANDERSON

http://www.theledger.com/article/20091130/EDIT02/911305007/1398

Now, it needs to be understood that Catholic scholars realize that Christmas was not an original holiday among early Christians.  The Catholic Encyclopedia teaches:

Christmas was not among the earliest festivals of the Church…

Christmas…Irenaeus and Tertullian omit it from their lists of feasts; Origen, glancing perhaps at the discreditable imperial Natalitia, asserts (in Lev. Hom. viii in Migne, P.G., XII, 495) that in the Scriptures sinners alone, not saints, celebrate their birthday; Arnobius (VII, 32 in P.L., V, 1264) can still ridicule the “birthdays” of the gods…

Rome. At Rome the earliest evidence is in the Philocalian Calendar (P. L., XIII, 675; it can be seen as a whole in J. Strzygowski, Kalenderbilder des Chron. von Jahre 354, Berlin, 1888), compiled in 354, which contains three important entries. In the civil calendar 25 December is marked “Natalis Invicti”…

(Martindale C. Transcribed by Susanti A. Suastika. Christmas. The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume III. Copyright © 1908 by Robert Appleton Company. Online Edition Copyright © 2003 by K. Knight. Nihil Obstat, November 1, 1908. Remy Lafort, S.T.D., Censor. Imprimatur. +John Cardinal Farley, Archbishop of New York).

The above is true.  The Catholic Encyclopedia also recognizes that the date of December 25th was the date of a pagan celebration for Mithras:

Mithraism A pagan religion consisting mainly of the cult of the ancient Indo-Iranian Sun-god Mithra. It entered Europe from Asia Minor after Alexander’s conquest, spread rapidly over the whole Roman Empire at the beginning of our era, reached its zenith during the third century, and vanished under the repressive regulations of Theodosius at the end of the fourth century…Helios Mithras is one god…Sunday was kept holy in honour of Mithra, and the sixteenth of each month was sacred to him as mediator. The 25 December was observed as his birthday, the natalis invicti, the rebirth of the winter-sun, unconquered by the rigours of the season (Arendzen. J.P. Transcribed by John Looby. Mithraism. The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume X. Published 1911. New York: Robert Appleton Company. Nihil Obstat, October 1, 1911. Remy Lafort, S.T.D., Censor. Imprimatur. +John Cardinal Farley, Archbishop of New York).

Christmas was a change that Rome finally endorsed.  This may have happened in the fourth century partially because the fourth century Emperor Constantine had been a follower of Mithras, combined with the fact that a winter celebration was popular with many who embraced a version of Catholicism during that same century.  However, there were still faithful Christians who did not adopt it then or now.

Several articles of possibly related interest may include:

What Does the Catholic Church Teach About Christmas and the Holy Days? Do you know what the Catholic Church says were the original Christian holy days? Was Christmas among them?
Did Early Christians Celebrate Birthdays? Did biblical era Jews celebrate birthdays? Who originally celebrated birthdays? When did many that profess Christ begin birthday celebrations?
Do You Practice Mithraism? Many practices and doctrines that mainstream so-called Christian groups have are the same or similar to those of the sun-god Mithras. Do you follow Mithraism combined with the Bible or original Christianity?
Tradition and Scripture: From the Bible and Church Writings Are traditions on equal par with scripture? Many believe that is what Peter, John, and Paul taught. But did they?
Is There “An Annual Worship Calendar” In the Bible? This paper provides a biblical and historical critique of several articles, including one by WCG which states that this should be a local decision. What do the Holy Days mean? Also you can click here for the calendar of Holy Days.
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?

Palace of Westminster in London

COGwriter

Morgan Stanley indicates that the United Kingdom may have a major debt crisis in 2010:

Morgan Stanley fears UK sovereign debt crisis in 2010

Britain risks becoming the first country in the G10 bloc of major economies to risk capital flight and a full-blown debt crisis over coming months, according to a client note by Morgan Stanley.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/economics/6693162/Morgan-Stanley-fears-UK-sovereign-debt-crisis-in-2010.html

The Bible warns about debt accumulation in the end times and the UK (and the USA) have seemingly ignored the warnings that God inspired Habakkuk to write:

3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry…
6 “Will not all these take up a proverb against him, And a taunting riddle against him, and say, ‘Woe to him who increases
What is not his–how long? And to him who loads himself with many pledges’? 7 Will not your creditors rise up suddenly? Will they not awaken who oppress you? And you will become their booty. 8 Because you have plundered many nations, All the remnant of the people shall plunder you (Habakkuk 2:3,6-8).

The UK (and USA, and their Anglo-allies) are inadvertently working to be the debtors to fulfill this end-time prophecy.  And if not by 2010, 2012 or so may be the time.

Both the UK and USA have fiscal policies that may provoke a debt crisis.  One will happen sometime next decade–and if Morgan Stanley is right it could be 2010 for the UK.  And if it is delayed, 2012 is a possibility.

Two articles of 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 happens to the highly indebted nations?
2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect This is a link related to a book by Bob Thiel (COGwriter). This also has YouTube videos related to 2012.  The book contains documented prophecies as well as an end time sequence of events that Christians should study and understand.  Including the role of the USA & UK and how they are (presuming no national repentance) destined for destruction according to end time biblical prophecy.

COGwriter

There is a news report from Israel of a 19th century prophecy that suggests that construction for a third temple will be begun in 2010:

Will the Third Temple be built next year?

Israel Today – Nov 30, 2009

According to a centuries-old rabbinical prophecy that appears to be coming true, on March 16, 2010, Israel will begin construction of the Third Temple in Jerusalem.

http://www.israeltoday.co.il/default.aspx?tabid=178&nid=20063

I will go on record and state that a third temple will not be completed in the Temple Mount area in Jerusalem in 2010.  The political situation simply does not seem to be able to allow it.

Now that does not mean that some Jews may not build implements for a third temple (this has already occurred) or that some may not try to start some construction somewhere in that area.

But a complete third temple will not be done in 2010.

However, as the Europeans are now working on a peace plan for the Middle East  it may be possible that it could allow for some type of temple activities.  But even that would seem to be questionable at this stage.

Either way, since a temple in Jerusalem is NOT required for Jews perform sacrifices according to the Bible (Ezra 3:6) and certain Jewish sources (like the current Temple Institute), Bible prophecies related to sacrifices can be fulfilled even if no third temple is built during this age.  But it may be that this 19th century prophecy will motivate some to try to do something in March 2010.

An article of related interest would be:

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?  Do Jewish sources or the Bible mandate a completed temple for sacrifices?  What did Ezra do when there was no temple?

Herman Van Rompuy

COGwriter

Herman Van Rompuy became the first permanent President of the European Union of the Lisbon Treaty today (though his duties do not officially begin until January 1, 2010). The European Union is no longer a collection of 27 nations that can each opt-out of almost everything, it has now become a continent-wide supranational state.

Here is one news report related to that:

EU Lisbon Treaty comes into force

By Paul Harrington (AFP) – December 1, 2009

BRUSSELS — The EU’s first president Herman Van Rompuy and new foreign affairs supremo Catherine Ashton took office Tuesday as the Lisbon Treaty came into force,

Van Rompuy, already on a tour of European capitals, said in Slovenia his “key words will be continuity and coherence.”

He stressed he would carry out his work “with determination, enthusiasm to ensure that the European Council delivers added value and leadership for Europe.”…

Notice that Herman Van Rompuy’s goals include “continuity and coherence…added value and leadership for Europe” –in other words he will do what he can for unity and glory of the EU.

We in the Living Church of God have taught for many decades that a European power would rise up, adopt its own currency (though a few within it still have not), and became a real force in the world.  Today, officially marks a major milestone needed to end time prophecies to come to pass.

But is it possible that the new EU President Herman Van Rompuy may have been prophesied in 11th cehapter of the Book of Daniel?

The late Herbert W. Armstrong claimed that although there was an initial fulfillment of Daniel 11:21, that there would be an end time fulfillment of that verse and others in that chapter:

In Daniel 11:21, referring in original, typical fulfillment to Antiochus Epiphanes, there shall stand up a vile person…So once again before the second coming of Christ, a vile leader will stop the daily sacrifices being offered…This same prophecy spoken by Jesus is also reported by Luke…21:20-24 (Armstrong HW. Personal, Plain Truth magazine, June 1967).

Notice how Daniel 11:20 slides right into verse 21:

20 Then shall stand up in his estate a raiser of taxes in the glory of the kingdom: but within few days he shall be destroyed, neither in anger, nor in battle.

21 And in his estate shall stand up a vile person, to whom they shall not give the honour of the kingdom: but he shall come in peaceably, and obtain the kingdom by flatteries. (Daniel 11:20-21, KJV)

As reported here earlier, Herman Van Rompuy has indicated that he will be a raiser of taxes for the benefit of the European power (for details, seeHerman Van Rompuy May Fulfill Daniel 11:20, But Did PCG’s Gerald Flurry Predict It?).

Should he be destroyed shortly after getting certain taxes imposed, and he not be killed in a battle or in anger, and the “kingdom” discussed is the new European Union, AND Herman Van Rompuy is followed by a leader who will be the final King of the North, AND if Daniel 11:20 has a future end-time fulfillment, then it may well be that Herman Van Rompuy’s role was prophesied by Daniel over 2,500 years ago.  And while that is a lot of ANDs, it seems like they may be possible.

COGwriter

The latest issue (print date November 30, 2009) of The Journal just came out.

This issue has articles about UCM’s Ray Wooten, CG7-Denver’s president on leave (covered earlier at COGwriter, see CG7 President on a Sabbatical Due to Health), Tom Roberts efforts, some insightful comments from Wesley White, and some personal stories.

Here is some information from the article on Ray Wooten:

Ray Wooten, a familiar name to many longtime Church of God members, made several startling statements in an interview… he declared that none of the COGs are God’s church.  Furthermore, he says, they’re no more God’s church than are Methodists, Baptists and Catholics. He said something else that could startle Church of God members: He doesn’t believe the Sabbath Commandment is the Test Commandment.  Not only that, Mr. Wooten thinks he’s located the Ark of the Covenant…

Mr. Wooten, at age 75, has, with his wife, operated United Christian Ministries since 1995, first in Alabama
and now in Roanoke, Ind. He’s no stranger to controversy, having helped found the United Church of God in 1995 and left that organization because he believed it quickly departed from the founding principles he thought it was advocating in favor of more of a centralized, controlled ministry than he was comfortable with.

Obviously, now that he has apparently declared against the COGs, he has crossed the line, which is sad.

The Journal mentioned that CG7-Meridian’s Tom Roberts is trying to explain to some non COG groups how come certain COG doctrines were held by people they consider Christians, and that they should re-look at them.  That is something that I too am trying to do.

Wesley White, who attends an “independent” COG fellowship, made a few comments about independents:

It’s hard to deny that too many independent COGs are not:

* Promoting the gospel of Jesus’ coming Kingdom.
* Feeding the flock. (Many think they are feeding the flock but are instead wasting precious sermon time on nonbiblical issues.)
*Doing enough good works in helping the poor.
In short, many of our people are too inwardly focused.

For nearly 14 years I have been trying to tell “independents” the same thing. All need to realize that Laodicea is made up of two words which basically mean “rule of the people”–Laodiceans do not have the type of work that Jesus is pleased with and have normally rejected proper church governance.  The Journal is essentially a publication that leans towards independents.

While The Journal is available only by paid subscription (though some subscriptions are free to those who cannot afford it), you can view the pdf. of its front and back page is available at: www.thejournal.org/issues/issue137/jf113009.pdf

Some articles on topics of related interest may include:

Independent Members of the COG: Herbert W. Armstrong Comments, Plus Questions and Answers What did Herbert W. Armstrong teach about being independent of the organized Church? Should independents who claim to accept Herbert W. Armstrong’s teachings be part of LCG?
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?
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?
The Laodicean Church Era has been predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. These are non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG.
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?