Church of God News

VS.

COGwriter

This morning, I listened to much of CGPFK’s Ronald Weinland’s sermon that he gave yesterday in Dallas.

Referring to his earlier writings he stated:

Everything stated in the books are going to come to pass…they are absolute (Weinland R.  Ordinations and Baptisms, pt. 4.  Sermon, Dallas, Texas, January 23, 2010).

But the reality is that much of what he has taught has not come to pass–and certainly not when he claimed it would.  His books simply are not absolute in terms of truth and prophecies (for some details, please check out the article Concerns About Ronald Weinland’s Church of God-Preparing for the Kingdom of God).

Also in his sermon yesterday, he made such claims as:

We need to prepare for massive baptisms…In the church we are going to have an excitement…it’s part of the process…into the millions…baptized–it’s going to take place, it’s all going to happen…And we can be part of it (Weinland R.  Ordinations and Baptisms, pt. 4.  Sermon, Dallas, Texas, January 23, 2010).

The only way that those in CGPFK could be part of millions coming into the true church prior to the return of Jesus Christ is that they leave CGPFK first.  The foundation of CGPFK is false and based upon the rantings of a false prophet.

Apparently Ronald Weinland has an issue with his memory as he neglected to remind his listeners what he taught two years ago about millions of mass conversions.  So, let me remind those who may not recall or know about it as this is the same Ronald Weinland whose church posted the following in mid-March 2008:

Questions and Answers

As God continues to open the minds of increasing numbers of people, we have come to a time when we are no longer able to handle the growing volume of e-mail and letters. We do not have the resources or manpower to continue answering all questions, therefore, we are compelled to respond by sending “Form Letters.” Those who are genuine about their calling will follow the instruction that is given and will receive the kind of help necessary to properly respond to God.

Over the weeks and few months that follow, God will begin drawing millions to His truth and to repentance. As God does this, it is not His will that people question what He is giving, but that people search out what He has so mercifully made available to them.

And of course, that did not happen.  CGPFK has not had a work that had millions repent (it would shock me if over 1000 really did–though many thousands have had prophetic curiosity about Ron Weinland and CGPFK).

The one absolute about Ronald Weinland is that he is a false prophet.  But despite this, he still has a following.  Enough so, that I feel compelled to report on what he actually teaches so that those truly interested in the truth of the Bible will not be misled by him.

Some articles of related interest may include the following:

Concerns About Ronald Weinland’s Church of God-Preparing for the Kingdom of God Ronald Weinland falsely claims to be one of the two witnesses God is raising up and that the end will come in 2008 (first April 17th, then June 2008, now December 14, 2008). Why does the Bible show that Ron Weinland is a false prophet? He also has at least one other view that suggests that he is not part of the Church of God.
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2010, 2011, or 2012? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? 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?
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?
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 is for those truly interested in understanding how prophecies inter-relate and who want to see a real sequence of end time events.  Unlike the false statements in Ronald Weinland’s books, events aligning with this one are actually coming to pass.

EU Flag

COGwriter

Now that the Lisbon Treaty has been signed, the EU is wasting little time to move forward.  Opening embassies has apparently been a priority:

More than 50 EU embassies open across the world

More than 50 European Union embassies have opened across the world since the Lisbon Treaty came into force three weeks ago.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/eu/7045354/More-than-50-EU-embassies-open-across-the-world.html

Ultimately, it would seem that EU embassies will replace most, if not all, national embassies for the 27 nations in the EU.

When I was in Europe last (late December 2009-January 17, 2010), I saw EU flags in many places.  While the average person in the EU does not seem to pay a huge amount of attention to the EU per se, they do realize that the EU is affecting them and they are basically slowly getting used to the EU’s influence.

In addition to embassies, the EU is placing itself into “national” politics.  Notice what LCG reported in its latest update:

Will Brussels Make Its Way into National Parliament Sessions? A recent EU proposal suggested allowing EU Members of Parliament to “sit in on” at least one parliamentary session annually in their own nations—basically as advisors. The thought is that they can help national leaders better understand what is transpiring with the EU. Although this might sound helpful on the surface, many are concerned that allowing “unelected officials” to participate in national law-making sessions is dangerous and just another step by the EU to control internal affairs of EU member nations. One British politician, reacting to the potential of the British government backing such an option, put it this way: “Those whose job it is to guard our rights in Westminster seem to be sleepwalking into oblivion” (Mail Online, December 26, 2009). God revealed long ago that, at the time of the end, the “kingdoms” that will comprise the Beast power would willingly “give their power” over to the Beast (Revelation 17:12-13)—perhaps in some type of tradeoff for a high level of authority within the Beast’s governmental structure. Prophecy appears to be speeding up and events are occurring that are bringing about the formation of a powerful entity within Europe. It is remarkable how easily and quickly a centralized European government has acquired the trust and authority over so many nations—without applying much pressure at all!

Slowly, EU politicians and institutions will render more and more “national” decisions of no real relevance.  This is an incredible process that is occurring and it will all come together for biblical prophecy to be fulfilled.  The “beast-power” is being formed in the 21st century–the final King of the North will soon rise up and be revealed.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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?
Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach?
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?

Banner at 2007 Feast of Tabernacles in Tobago

COGwriter

The Living Church of God has announced many of its sites for the Feast of Tabernacles (a major Fall pilgrimage) in 2010:

Feast of Tabernacles 2010

Feast preparation is once again hitting high gear! USA sites have been finalized and contracts signed, and the Festival Office will be having an organizational Web meeting with coordinators next week on January 27. We are planning to have early International registration in February for brethren in International areas and for those who might want to transfer to an International site this year. We will announce the early International registration date soon.

In the meantime, we wanted to announce the Feast sites that have been finalized for 2010:

USA Sites

Anchorage, AK

Branson, MO

Cobleskill, NY

Helen, GA

New Braunfels, Texas,

Newport, OR

Panama City, FL

Prescott, AZ

Wisconsin Dells, WI

Canadian Sites

Rocky Harbor, Newfoundland

Mount Orford, Quebec

Penticton, British Columbia

International Sites (this list is not exhaustive—other sites not on this list are still being finalized)

Argentina, Islas del Delta

Australia, Victor Harbor (South Australia)

Chile, El Quisco

France, Hyères (Provence d’Azur)

Guatemala, Quetzaltenango

Indonesia, Batu

Jamaica, Montego Bay

Malaysia, Penang

Martinique (French West Indies)

Mexico, Tolantongo (Hidalgo)

New Zealand, Nelson (South Island)

Papua New Guinea, Wewak

Philippines, Baguio City

Philippines, Davao City

South Africa, Still Bay (Western Cape)

Sri Lanka

Tobago, Crown Point

United Kingdom, Llangollen (Wales)

Vanuatu, Orap

Experienced Interpreters Needed

Experienced Spanish-English simultaneous interpreters are needed to serve at the Argentina and Guatemala Feast of Tabernacles sites this year. If you are able and willing to volunteer to serve in this capacity at either of these two sites, please contact Madeleine Lincoln-Strange at mlincoln@lcg.org or call 704-844-1960, ext. 217.—Mario Hernandez

I should, perhaps, point out that there will probably also be sites, as there were in previous years, in places such as India, Myanmar, Nigeria, Barbados, Kenya, Peru, and possibly Thailand and elsewhere.

The www.cogl.org website will eventually have some additional Feast Site information that is not in this article. It is another source that you should visit.

The first service for the Feast of Tabernacles would be after sunset on the 22nd of September and the last service normally would be on the afternoon of the 30th of September in 2010.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

The Feast of Tabernacles: A Time for Christians? Is this pilgrimage holy day still valid? Does it teach anything relevant for today’s Christians?
LCG 2010 Feast of Tabernacles’ Information Here is information on many Feast of Tabernacles locations for this year.  Details are expected to be added as they become available.
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.
Did Early Christians Observe the Fall Holy Days? Did they? Did Jesus? Should you?
There are Many COGs: Why Support the Living Church of God? This is an article for those who wish to easily sort out the different COGs. It really should be a MUST READ for current and former WCG members or any interested in supporting the faithful church. It also explains a lot of what the COGs are all about.

Hiroshima After the Atomic Bomb Was Detonated

COGwriter

It has been reported that Pakistan may have made some type of clandestine deal with Saudi Arabia concerning nuclear weapons:

Exposed: Saudi Arabia’s secret nuke stash

Riyadh ‘confident’ it has an atomic option

WND – Jan 22, 2010

JERUSALEM – Pakistan’s nuclear weapons project was partially financed by Saudi Arabia, with the two countries sharing nuclear technology, a senior Egyptian security official told WND. “The Saudis are confident they have a nuclear option via Pakistan,” said the security official. “The Pakistani nukes are also Saudi nukes.” http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=122715

Saudi Arabia Special Weapons

Global Security Org, Alexandria, VA

Saudi Arabia does not have weapons of mass destruction. It did, however, buy long-range CSS-2 ballistic missiles from China in 1988. More recently, Saudi officials have discussed the procurement of new Pakistani intermediate-range missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads.http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/world/saudi/index.html

Pakistan is the only Islamic nation that clearly has nuclear weapons.  With all the issues regarding Iran and others attempting to get them, it would not surprise me if the Saudis have taken steps to have possible access to them themselves (though to claim so publicly would likely upset the USA and certain other nations).

Since it appears that the final King of the South will be an Islamic power, it would seem reasonable that Pakistan may somehow cooperate with and/or support it for a while at least.  More will likely be uncovered about possible nuclear ties in the future.

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?
India, Its Biblical Past and Future: Any Witness? The Bible discusses the origins of those of Indian heritage and discusses some of the witness to them (including those in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka).

TRANSFORMED FROM TRUTH

COGwriter

In his commentary today, GCI/WCG’s J. Tkach claimed:

Another Look at Repentance

Repentance is a cornerstone of Christian life, yet when it is misunderstood – as it often is – it can cause Christians to live with needless fear and doubt about their relationship with God.

The most common way to misunderstand repentance is to think that to repent is to stop sinning…

Repentance is not a behavior issue. It’s a faith, or trust, issue. Jesus has already done everything that needed to be done to restore humanity to a right relationship with God. There’s nothing we can add to that or take away from it. Repentance isn’t about promising to never sin again. It isn’t about striving to be a better person. Repentance is about believing God’s word of truth about who he is and who we are.

The world repentance, while it includes belief, does not mean “believe”.  The word believe means believe.

The Greek word normally translated as repentance (“met-an’-oy-ah”)  is defined to mean:

1) change one’s mind… 2) feel remorse, repent, be converted (Danker FW.  A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and other Christian Literature, 3rd ed. University of Chicago, 1979)

Repentance means to change.  And in a biblical perspective this means to change from a way of sinning to a way of striving to live God’s way of life. Notice that repentance DOES involve action:

8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance (Matthew 3:8).

47…repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations (Luke 24:47).

20…they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance (Acts 26:20).

God does not (and cannot) sin (1 John 3:9).  Christians should strive to be perfect as Jesus taught His followers to be (Matthew 5:48).

To teach repentance means that Christians do not need to do anything clearly contradicts scripture.  Those who believe the Bible will not be transformed from the truth and listen to what J.Tkach is teaching as it clearly is in conflict with scripture.

Although J. Tkach no longer teaches that Christians are to repent and keep the ten commandments, Jesus, Paul, and others had a different view.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Hope of Salvation: How the Living Church of God differ from most Protestants How the Living Church of God differs from mainstream/traditional Protestants, is perhaps the question I am asked most by those without a Church of God background.
The Similarities and Dissimilarities between Martin Luther and Herbert W. Armstrong This article clearly shows some of the doctrinal differences between in the two. At this time of doctrinal variety and a tendency by many to accept certain aspects of Protestantism, the article should help clarify why the Living Church of God is NOT Protestant. Do you really know what the Protestant Reformer Martin Luther taught and should you follow his doctrinal example?
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.

COGwriter

More and more economists and economic writers are recognizing that the massive USA deficits will severely harm the economy of the USA:

Eventually, the huge federal deficit likely to hurt stocks

Dallas Morning News – Jan 18, 2010

…Interest rates will almost certainly rise as the government tries to float trillions of dollars in bonds in the coming years to service its debt.

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/bus/columnists/wdeener/stories/DN-deenercol_18bus.ART.State.Edition1.3cf1a10.html

Why the deficit will raise taxes

The nation’s debt must be brought to heel, and doing so will require tough choices beyond spending cuts, experts say.

CNN Money – Dec 10, 2009    by Jeanne Sahadi, senior writer

“Taxes would rise to levels that would make a Scandinavian revolt. And the government would not be able to provide anything but the most basic public services. We would no longer be a great power (or even a mediocre one), and the social safety net would evaporate,” tax policy expert and Syracuse University professor Len Burman wrote in a recent op-ed cheerfully titled “Catastrophic Budget Failure.”.http://money.cnn.com/2009/08/27/news/economy/deficit_taxes/index.htm

If interest rates rise to their 1982 levels in a few years, the interest on the USA debt will likely exceed the total of all income tax revenues.  This will likely raise interest rates to even higher levels.  Levels that creditors will finally realize cannot be paid back.  Taxes simply cannot be raised enough without destroying economic growth to solve this.  The USA will have to discover some great new technology to extend its dominance (remotely possible), nationally repent (highly unlikely), or come to an end (most likely).

What most pundits have not dared to say is that if the USA is not the leading economic power, it will also have to cease to be the leading military power. If this USA is not even to be a “mediocre” power (as the second article above suggests), it will be considered vulnerable and quite weak.

Here are two scriptures for readers to consider as they will come to pass:

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).

39 Thus he shall act against the strongest fortresses with a foreign god, which he shall acknowledge, and advance its glory; and he shall cause them to rule over many, and divide the land for gain (Daniel 11:39).

(The “he” in Daniel 11:39 is the European King of the North.)   Since the USA has the most debt of any nation on the earth and it still has the “strongest fortresses” in the world, the prophecies cited above seem to be pointed towards it.  And these prophecies in the Bible will come to pass.

As more and more economic pundits start to figure out that the USA economy is doomed, what will you do about it?

Perhaps studying the scriptures related to all of this may be a good step.

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?
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?
Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach?
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.
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?

COGwriter

As long-time readers of the COGwriter page are aware, I have long been concerned that the EU’s Galileo would be used against the US sometime after it comes online.  Notice that apparently certain American officials have had similar concerns:

EU awards Galileo satellite-navigation contracts

BBC Jan 7, 2010… Galileo should have been operational by now but the project has run into myriad technical, commercial and political obstacles, including early objections from the Americans who thought a rival system to GPS might be used to attack its armed forces. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8442090.stm

EU’s delayed navigation system set for 2014

EU claims Galileo system could more than double the GPS coverage

AP – Jan 7, 2010

BRUSSELS – The European Union executive on Thursday gave Germany’s OHB System AG a (EURO)566 million ($810 million) contract to build the first 14 satellites for the EU’s new space-based navigation system Galileo.

The executive said that means the much-delayed rival to GPS should begin operating in 2014.

The EU has claimed Galileo will be technologically superior to the U.S. Global Positioning System http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34747439/ns/technology_and_science-space/

So, it is now being recognized that sometime next decade, the EU will have a technologically superior “GPS” system that could be a threat to the USA militarily.  I believe that if the right circumstances are in place, that the EU will take advantage of that superiority.

Furthermore, the USA is being distracted somewhat by China as its military program is perceived as a threat to the USA’s superiority:

Chinese Buildup Of Cyber, Space Tools Worries U.S.

Defense News – Jan 13, 2010

…Senior U.S. officials told a House panel on Jan. 13 that China continues modernizing its missile, naval and fighter aircraft arsenals at a rapid rate, but they raised new concerns about the Asian giant’s efforts to develop new offensive cyber and space assets.http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=4452407&c=SEA&s=TOP

Since the USA is basically broke, it cannot focus on being ahead of both China and the EU.  This will give the EU an edge as relatively few believe it will be a threat.  Yet, the Bible (Isaiah 10) suggests that while it does not normally want to destroy, that it will.

The world is changing and the USA is losing dominance.

Some articles of related interest may include:

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? What MUST happen BEFORE the Great Tribulation?
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? 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.
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?
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?
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”?

Berlin Reichstag

COGwriter

Israel is working on a military deal with Germany:

Israel Seeks German Arms-Aid Deal

1B Euro Package To Include Surface Ships, Submarines

Defense News – Jan 18, 2010

This represents a significant switch with Israel depending on Germany, instead of the USA, for certain high-tech arms.

But also, if Germany is to be heavily involved with supplying arms to Israel, this will likely upset various Muslim countries.  And this is likely to be one factor that will encourage a European leader (the prince who will become the final King of the North) to “confirm the covenant” that the Bible discusses in Daniel 9:26-27.

Prophetic events are moving forward.

Some articles of related interest may include:

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? What MUST happen BEFORE the Great Tribulation?
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?
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?
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”?

TRANSFORMED FROM TRUTH

COGwriter

As I expected, the anti-COG Ambassador Watch website finally announced that it will be shutting down:

AW comes to an end

This is the last posting to appear on AW. After more than eleven years – beginning with a very small website on Geocities, then moving into a fairly massive site under its own domain before finally being downsized into this blog – AW is bowing out.

The webmaster, Gavin Rumney, was once part of WCG and like many that fell away during the apostasy of the late 20th century, he became transformed away from the biblical truths of the COG.

Years ago, he once posted that he actually started the Ambassador Watch site essentially because he wanted to oppose me and the COGwriter site.

He spent a lot of time on matters he often brought up related to me in 2009, more so than in the few years prior.

One of the more unusual posts at the Ambassador Watch site about me happened on January 1, 2010 when Gavin Rumney posted the following:

Finally, AW’s Person of the Year.

[Drum roll]

An individual who in 2009 has dueled with talk-show hosts and created video clips to promote his new book, suffered silently the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune when his eminent qualifications were churlishly questioned, tirelessly defended the reputation of ad-man turned Apostle Herb Armstrong, and loyally promoted LCG through thick and thin despite ingratitude… [insert fanfare!] the most remarkable “Th.D” the Churches of God have ever produced, ladies and gentlemen… Dr. Bob Thiel.

I did not bother to report it here as Gavin was being quite sarcastic in the preceding statements and basically has allowed his commentators to post so many untrue statements about me, my writings, and my education, that dealing with them would likely only have driven his non-COG followers to make even more untrue statements about me.

I was disheartened throughout the years when he allowed people to post things about me that he knew were not true.  On the other hand, there were occasional times that Gavin and I did work on some matters behind the scenes and I did appreciate his willingness to sometimes remove certain offensive materials (probably 4-5 times in his eleven years of having the site) when I made some requests.

Now although Ambassador Watch is shutting down, since there are many anti-COG sites out there, it is likely that one will attempt to take Gavin Rumney’s place.  But irrespective of what the “accuser of the brethren” gets published on websites and other media, the true work of God, getting the gospel message out to fulfill Matthew 24:14 and other prophecies, will come to pass.

Good bye Gavin.  Stopping your site may end up helping you spiritually.  And I sincerely pray that it will.

Some articles of potentially related interest may include:

The Gospel of the Kingdom of God was the Emphasis of Jesus and the Early Church Did you know that? Do you even know what the gospel of the kingdom is all about? True religion should be based upon the true gospel.
Are You Saved? Do You Love Jesus? What is a True Christian? What is the Gospel? Evangelist Richard Ames answers those important questions.
Getting the Gospel Out is More than a Local Job Discusses Biblical rationale for doing an international, and not just a local, work.
How Much Did You Cost? Some have complained that the total costs spent to proclaim the gospel as a witness is too high since it does not (in their opinion) result in enough conversions. Is that how God sees it?
The Temple and the Work This article discusses the two temples of the Old Testament and gives insight as to their possible relevance to the situation which has impacted the Church during this past decade or so.
Parable of the Mustard Seed Jesus told many parables. Why? What might this one mean?
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?
Universal Offer of Salvation: There Are Hundreds of Verses in the Bible Supporting the Doctrine of True Apocatastasis Do you believe what the Bible actually teaches on this? Will all good things be restored? Will God call everyone? Will everyone have an opportunity for salvation? Does God’s plan of salvation take rebellion and spiritual blindness into account?
There are Many COGs: Why Support the Living Church of God? This is an article for those who wish to more easily sort out the different COGs. It really should be a MUST READ for current and former WCG/GCI members or any interested in supporting the faithful church. It also explains a lot of what the COGs are all about.

Earthquake Damage in Port-au-Prince

COGwriter

Haiti was struck by what seems to have been a 6.1 earthquake this morning:

Aftershock Strikes Unstable Haiti, Shaking Buildings

(Jan. 20) — A 6.1-magnitude aftershock rattled Haiti early Wednesday morning, shaking already-unstable buildings and sparking panic among the many homeless survivors of last week’s devastating quake.  http://www.sphere.com/2010/01/20/aftershock-rattles-unstable-haiti/19323804/?icid=main|htmlws-main-n|dl1|link3|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sphere.com%2F2010%2F01%2F20%2Faftershock-rattles-unstable-haiti%2F19323804%2F

Haiti has had many problems, and it appears that they may have once again increased.

Followers of biblical prophecy realize that earthquakes are one of the signs that are associated with what Jesus referred to as “the beginning of sorrows”.  My prayers remain with those in Haiti.

Two articles of possibly related interest may include:

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 2010, 2011, or 2012? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? What is “the beginning of sorrows”?  Have we begun or are we about ready for “the beginning of sorrows” to begin.