Archive for March, 2010

“Ida” Again Challenged as the “Missing Link”

Saturday, March 6th, 2010


“Ida”

COGwriter

Another “proof” of evolution has been challenged:

Ancient Primate Fossil Roils Scientific Community

(March 5) –Touted as “the missing link” between humans and early primates, a 47-million-year-old fossil is more akin to a lemur or a loris, a newly released study says.  http://www.aolnews.com/science/article/ancient-primate-fossil-roils-scientific-community/19383401?icid=main|htmlws-main-n|dl1|link3|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aolnews.com%2Fscience%2Farticle%2Fancient-primate-fossil-roils-scientific-community%2F19383401

When growing up, I recall that evolutionists used to use pictures of two different color moths as proof for part of their theory.  One photo showed moths on a tree, with the darker ones blending in mainly with the tree background.  These photos were in various textbooks as ancillary proof of evolution for decades.  Then someone realized that these type of moths never settled on trees and that the ones shown that way had been placed and/or pinned on in an artificial manner.

So much for that proof.

“Ida”, the lemur relative, is no proof either.

The truth is that evolution cannot be scientifically believed as the origin of life without ignoring various aspects of biological science.

Another truth is:

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1)

Evolutionists have no legitimate alternative to the above scripture as well, though many like to acts as if they do.

Those interested in learning more, may wish to study the following two articles:

Is God’s Existence Logical? Some say it is not logical to believe in God. Is that true?
Is Evolution Probable or Impossible or Is God’s Existence Logical? Part II This short article clearly answers what ‘pseudo-scientists’ refuse to acknowledge.

Obama, Abortion, and the Health Bill

Friday, March 5th, 2010

COGwriter

A writer of a Wall Street Journal piece claims that US President Barack Obama will compromise on everything, except perhaps federal-funding for abortion, to get his medical-care bill passed:

  • MARCH 5, 2010

Abortion And the Health Bill

By CHARMAINE YOEST

It’s now becoming clear that Barack Obama is willing to put everything on the table in order to be the president who passes health-care reform. Everything, that is, except a ban on federal funding for abortion.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB20001424052748703862704575100091815276712.html

Of course, if Barack Obama changes his position to allow increased abortion funding this is a compromise.  But not one that those who truly believe the Bible would support.  And this would not be the first time that he supported government funding for abortions.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

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?
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.

EU Made a New Aid Deal With Mauritius

Thursday, March 4th, 2010

European Union Tower of Babel Poster

COGwriter

The European Union just made a new aid deal with Mauritius:

EU, Mauritius sign largest aid deal yet

http://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE62309U20100304

And while I normally do not report about such aid deals, it is important for people in general (and Americans in particular) to realize that European influence is increasing around the world.

This is consistent with biblical prophecy.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Islands and Bible Prophecy What’s ahead for islands? What does the Bible prophesy about them?
Africa: Its Biblical Past and Prophesied Future What does the Bible teach about Africa and its future? Did the early Church reach Africa? Will God call all the Africans?
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?

UCG: Scriptures on Being a Better Husband & Being a Better Wife

Thursday, March 4th, 2010

Laodicea

COGwriter

Late today, UCG sent out the following:

Being a Better Husband

1. Love your wife with the kind of unselfish, self-sacrificing love Christ shows us.

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her” (Ephesians 5:25; verse 28 shows it has benefits—it pays off like loving yourself!)

2. Seek to understand her and give her honor.

“Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered” (1 Peter 3:7).

3. Praise her often.

“Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her” (Proverbs 31:28)…

Being a Better Wife

1. Seek to respect your husband and therefore honor God.

“Let the wife see that she respects her husband” (Ephesians 5:33b).

2. Be submissive. (Of course, everyone has to learn this, not just wives, as Paul shows in Ephesians 5:21. And it doesn’t mean we should submit to anything against God’s law, as Acts 5:29 shows.)

“Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear” (1 Peter 3:1-2).

3. Be a virtuous wife your husband can have full confidence in.

“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life” (Proverbs 31:10-12, New International Version).

Two items of possibly related interest may include:

Successful Parenting: God’s Way This is a booklet by Dr. J. Fall.
God’s Plan for Happy Marriage This is a booklet by Dr. R. Meredith.

Anti-Islamic PVV Gaining in the Netherlands

Thursday, March 4th, 2010


Geert Wilders

COGwriter

Geert Wilders’ anti-Islamic PVV (a Dutch political party) had some political gains yesterday:

Profile of Geert Wilders

Geert Wilders, Dutch anti-Islam leader, celebrates a symbolic breakthrough as his party wins control of its first municipality in a show of strength before June’s general election.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/expat/expatnews/7367576/Profile-of-Geert-Wilders.html

I have reported about Geert Wilders before (see Muslims: European Wake-Up Call), and his positions seem the same.

If more leaders like Geert Wilders rise up, Europe may see a net outward migration of Muslims.  However, those that stay might cause problems that will cause the Europeans to take even more dramatic actions.

The reality is that the Muslims will fbe a major factor to get Europe to wake-up and re-establish itself.  Historically, when Europe has been strongly opposed to Islam it has had greater ties to the Vatican.

This is what will occur.  The Bible shows that a European military leader will line up with a religious leader from the city of seven hills (Rome) and ultimately defeat the forces of Islam.  Small steps, like the PVV’s successes, align with that.

For more on what is expected to happen, please see the following:

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?
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?
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? 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?

British Pound Under Pressure

Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010


Palace of Westminster in London

COGwriter

The British pound seems to be under pressure according to news reports today:

First a Plunging Euro, Now a Plunging Pound?

http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/03/03/first-a-plunging-euro-now-a-plunging-pound/

How Safe Is Britain’s Proud Pound?
Spiegel – March 3, 2010

First the euro, now the pound. Britain’s currency is coming under massive pressure as speculators bet that the UK’s national debt will soon get out of hand. Like Athens, London has its share of problems — and the Brits don’t have any euro zone partners to back them up…

http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,681597,00.html

It is likely that the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the USA will make some type of trading deal in the future.

However, the debt of the Anglo-descended nations is such that short of national repentance fairly quickly, this debt will contribute to their ultimate demise (cf. Habakkuk 2).

A report out late last year (see UK May Have Debt Crisis in 2012) suggested that Britain may have a major debt crisis in 2012.

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.

Crucifixion Nail Found?

Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010

COGwriter

A nail that some claim may have been used in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ has just been made public:

Nail from Christ’s crucifixion found?
A nail dating from the time of Christ’s crucifixion has been found at a remote fort believed to have once been a stronghold of the Knights Templar.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/7350166/Nail-from-Christs-crucifixion-found.html

Historically, the authenticity of such nail relics has been questioned.  The Catholic Encyclopedia, for example, reported the following nearly a century ago:

Very little reliance can be placed upon the authenticity of the thirty or more holy nails which are still venerated, or which have been venerated until recent times, in such treasuries as that of Santa Croce in Rome, or those of Venice, Aachen, the Escurial, Nuremberg, Prague, etc. Probably the majority began by professing to be facsimiles which had touched or contained filings from some other nail whose claim was more ancient. Withoutconscious fraud on the part of anyone, it is very easy for imitations in this way to come in a very brief space of time to be reputed originals. The bridle of Constantine is believed to be identical with a relic of this form which for several centuries has been preserved at Carpentras, but there is another claimant of the same kind at Milan. (Thurston, Herbert. “Holy Nails.” The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 10. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1911. 3 Mar. 2010 <http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/10672a.htm>)

Thus, there has long been a history of nail relics that were questionable.

But false relics have never tended to stop relic followers.  Hollywood, for example, produces items for “historical movies” which are clearly imitations, yet people seem to be willing to pay big money for them–even knowing that their only claim to fame is that they look sort of like something real and were in a movie.

Since early Christians did not collect relics, nor have icons, the probability of having the nails used at Christ’s crucifixion are remote.

Of course, even if the particular nail from the Knights Templar is authentic, it should not be venerated.  Who, for example, would venerate the bullet that killed Martin Luther King Jr.?

But Jesus was of course crucified and nails were used.  And the life, the message, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus is more important than any nail or other relic.

Some articles of possibly 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.
What Happened in the Crucifixion Week? How long are three days and three nights? Did Jesus die on “Good Friday”? Was the resurrection on Sunday? Do you really know? Who determined the date of Easter?
What Did the Early Church Teach About Idols and Icons? What about the use of the cross, by the early Church?

China May Want to Be on Top, But…

Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010


Chinese Soldiers

COGwriter

A new book by a Chinese leader urges China to strive to be on top and overtake the USA:

China PLA officer urges challenging U.S. dominance

The call for China to abandon modesty about its global goals and “sprint to become world number one” comes from a People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Senior Colonel, Liu Mingfu, who warns that his nation’s ascent will alarm Washington, risking war despite Beijing’s hopes for a “peaceful rise.” http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6200P620100301

However, despite major economic growth in the past decade, China has problems.  Notice what LCG’s Dr. Meredith wrote years ago:

Many publications have suggested that the 21st century will be “China’s century.” Even though the Chinese are fiercely moving forward, and their progress in developing their industries is obvious, these publications are dead wrong for two reasons. First, the inspired word of God describes specifically how a coming European Union will be the dominant force in this world—obviously within the next several years. Therefore, brethren, I would like to focus your mind on this matter so you can more intelligently “watch” world events along this line as they unfold before your very eyes. In the coming years, you will perhaps even see a revolt of the peasants in the outlying Chinese cities, who have lagged far behind the standard of living afforded those who have moved to Beijing and Shanghai. Plus, the tremendous pollution of the water, air and foodstuffs may bring about massive disease epidemics and other problems for the Chinese.

In addition, distracting wars and other events may— as God chooses to guide it—greatly undermine the material progress now being made by the Chinese. Meanwhile, you will soon see the European Union evolve into an absolutely powerful and dynamic force in the world— ultimately to become the “Beast” as revealed in Revelation 17 in your own Bible!

So the 21st century will not be the “Chinese century!” Rather it will appear to become the European century for a few years, until the magnificent return of Jesus Christ as King of kings and Lord of lords. From then on, the 21st century will be, indeed, “Christ’s century!” And all of us who are able to understand the “Big Picture” of world events from God’s point of view should be preparing to help straighten out the appalling degree of suffering, starvation and misconduct we find on this earth today in virtually every nation (Meredith R.C. An Inspiring and Successful Trip. Living Church News. May-June 2007, p. 21).

And even secular sources are starting to teach some of what Dr. Meredith did. Notice the following:

China will do anything to grow its economy, as the alternatives will lead to political unrest. A lot of peasants moved to the cities in search of higher-paying jobs during the go-go times. Because China lacks the social safety net of the developed world, unemployed people aren’t just inconvenienced by the loss of their jobs, they starve (this explains the high savings rate in China) and hungry people don’t complain, they riot. Once you look at what’s taking place in the Chinese economy through that lens, the decisions of its leaders start making sense, or at least become understandable. (Vitaliy N. Katsenelson. China: No Shortcut to Greatness. The Daily Reckoning, March 1, 2010)

China may wish to become number one, but its internal situation is one reason that it will not attain that role in the 21st century.

On the other hand, the Bible tells of a time that there will be a 200 million man army.  LCG reported the following in its latest update:

China is rapidly expanding its economy, its military, and its trade relationships with nations around the globe. China wants to be seen as the “leader of the developing world.” The Chinese central government is also working hard on its domestic image as the Communist Party prepares for a very important leadership transition in 2012 (Stratfor.com, February 18, 2010). Bible prophecy indicates that China will likely be part of a major army “from the East” that will descend upon the Holy Land and attack the Beast army near the end of the Great Tribulation (Daniel 11:44-45; Revelation 9:13-17). The Bible also indicates that in the last days there will be “wars and rumors of wars… for nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom” (Matthew 24:6-7). The growing rift between China and the U.S. could move the world towards the fulfillment of these ancient prophecies…Russia is providing most of the hardware for India’s military build-up, and the two nations hold joint military exercises. With a population of well over 1 billion, a robust economy and growing military capabilities, India could provide considerable “bench strength” (in partnership with Russia and China) as part of the end-time “kings from the east” who will bring a 200- million-man army to attack the Beast (Daniel 11:44-45; Revelation 9:13-17).

So, while the 21st century will not belong to China, it likely will align with powers such as Russia and India in order to display major military power.   And that power will ultimately used against the coming European Beast power.  That is not to say that the USA may not feel threatened by China (it already has), but that China is not expected, from a biblical perspective, to be the single major power of the 21st century.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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?
Russia: Its Origins and Prophesied Future Where do the Russians come from? What about those in the Ukraine? What is prophesied for Russia and its allies? What will they do to the Europeans that supported the Beast in the end?
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?
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?

Death Toll Rises in Chile, But LCG Members Safe

Monday, March 1st, 2010


Damage from Chilean Earthquake

COGwriter

The death count has risen in Chile:

In quake aftermath, Chile’s army arrests curfew violators, more bodies recovered

As the death toll climbs to 711, authorities work to contain looting and troops are deployed to help search for survivors.

Today, the Living Church of God reports that its members are safe:

After some difficulty, Mr. Hernandez was able to contact some of the brethren in Chile and learned that all our members there are safe. Although, some have might have sustained material damage. We are very grateful to God for His protection. Thank you for your prayers. More details will follow later on.

Dibar Apartian

No LCG members died in either the Haitian nor Chilean earthquakes.  I have not seen reports from any other COGs yet on Chile.

On other matters, I was surprised to see how much damage the tsunami’s aftermath affected Pismo Beach, California when I visited it yesterday.  Especially considering that the waves from the earthquake were not that high.

But earthquakes of this type of magnitude often have a lot of ramifications.  And a worse one is still foretold in biblical prophecy.

In terms of magnitude, in the Book of Revelation (also called the Apocalypse) the Bible warns of a time when there will be such a massive earthquake, that every island will be moved (Revelation 6:14).

For more information, please see the following articles:

Islands and Bible Prophecy What’s ahead for islands? What does the Bible prophesy about them?  Is there a major earthquake prophesied?
Mexico, Central America, South America, and Brazil in Prophecy [Español: México, America Central, Suramérica, y el Brasil en profecíal] [Português: México, América Central, Ámérica do Sul, e Brasil na profecia] What will happen to those of Latin America? Will they have prosperity? Will they cooperate with Europe? Will they suffer in the future? What rule might the various Caribbean nations/territories play?

Internet Most Popular Source of News After Television

Monday, March 1st, 2010

The Above Map Show the Number of Internet Users By Country

COGwriter

The world is a big place, yet with the internet, much of it can be reached.  And apparently, more and more are relying on it for news:

Americans Prefer Online News After TV, Report Finds

…Here’s the strange part about online news: the Internet is the second most popular news platform (third if you count local and national/cable television as two different media streams), but only 2 percent of American adults are getting their news solely online.  http://www.pcworld.com/article/190395/americans_prefer_online_news_after_tv_report_finds.html

Multiple tens of thousands get news from the COGwriter page every month.  And the trend has been for more and more to visit this site.

According to various COG groups like LCG, the internet provides a way to reach nations that are difficult to reach with the gospel message because of language, legal, and cultural challenges.