Church of God News

Are Locusts Next?

COGwriter

Greece had a major problem with frogs yesterday:

What next, locusts?

The debt-laden Greeks must sometimes feel they have angered the gods.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/telegraph-view/7768953/What-next-locusts.html

Dow finishes below 10,000 as Greece is swarmed by plague of frogs

True Slant – May 26, 2010  excerpt…

But while everyone is freaking out about the Euro, they should be looking at closer signs of the impending apocalypse. It’s not just the daily protests in Greece over cutting the country’s overstuffed budget.

It’s the plague of frogs that descended on a part of the country today: If you start hearing about Europeans coming down with lice or a lot of cattle dying in Switzerland, I recommend going to your phone book and trying to find Mr. Jesus H. Christ, or the Rebbe if you roll that way.

http://trueslant.com/level/2010/05/26/dow-finishes-below-10000-as-greece-is-swarmed-by-plague-of-frogs/

More and more secular sources are including biblical language in reporting the news.  But contrary to the first article above, the 10 plagues most certainly caused a financial meltdown in Egypt, though they did not have the same type of financial meltdown that Greece is having–in Egypt it was worse as the plagues led to real food shortages as well as the death of the firstborn.

Millions of frogs in part of Greece surely are reminiscent of the fact  that God caused a plague of frogs in Egypt thousands of years ago.

Wars, famines, and pestilences are expected in the very near future as part of the beginning of sorrows (Matthew 24:7-8).  While frogs of themselves are probably not one of the pestilences, locusts might be (see USA, UK, Canada, Australia, & New Zealand Facing Many Potential Pestilences).

Some articles of related interest may include:

Physical Preparation Scriptures for Christians. We all know the Bible prophecies famines and other problems. Should we do something?
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?

Jerusalem

COGwriter

The Obama Administration appears to have a “peace plan” that will put international armies in the area sometimes known as Palestine:

Obama plan: Global troops to protect Israel

WND – May 25, 2010

NEW YORK – A U.S. plan envisions stationing international troops along Israel’s border with a future Palestinian state, WND has learned.

Palestinian Authority officials privy to the plan say the Obama administration proposed deploying NATO soldiers along the Palestinian side of a future border with Israel as well as along the borders of Jordan and any future Palestinian state.

Israeli government sources confirmed such a plan has been proposed.

The sources said the concept is not exclusive to the Obama administration. Both Presidents Clinton and Bush broached the idea of stationing international troops along the borders of a future Palestinian state.

International troops and monitors do not boast a positive track record in fulfilling their protective duties on behalf of Israel. http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=158321

Notice what Jesus taught:

20 But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near. (Luke 21:20)

15 “Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand), 16 “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. (Matthew 24:15-17)

And while the Obama plan per se is NOT the direct fulfillment of that prophecy as the armies are not technically to surround Jerusalem.

Yet, the reality is that it is likely that the coming European power will cite Obama’s plan as part of its own justification when it does, in fact, surround Jerusalem with armies.  Daniel wrote:

31 And forces shall be mustered by him, and they shall defile the sanctuary fortress; then they shall take away the daily sacrifices, and place there the abomination of desolation. (Daniel 11:31)

The “he” above is the final King of the North as is so identified as such in Daniel 11:40.  It is believed by most biblical scholars that when Jesus was referring to Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, He was referring to the same incident that Daniel wrote about above.

I have long felt that Barack Obama was apocalyptic, and he seems unintentionally to be working on policies that align with end time predictions.

For more information, please check out the following:

Prophecies of Barack Obama? Are there biblical and non-biblical prophecies about Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist?  This is a lengthy article with many prophecies that Barack Obama may end up fulfilling.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”. Might Bible prophecy be fulfilled by him?
Barack Obama in Islamic Prophecy? There is actually a 17th century Shiite prophecy that some believe that Barack Obama will fulfill that will lead to a rising up of Islam.
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
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?

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

COGwriter

Notice the following news reports:

Ahmadinejad slams Russia’s stance against Iran

2010-05-26

TEHRAN, May 26 (Xinhua) — Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Wednesday criticized Russia for backing the United States in pushing for a new round of sanctions against Tehran, the local satellite Press TV reported.Interpreting Russia’s behavior “has become more and more difficult for us,” Ahmadinejad was quoted as saying.

“Our people don’t know if they (Russians) are our friends, on our side or after something different,” the semi-official Fars news agency quoted him as saying…

Iran hopes the Russians could correct their positions since Tehran declaration is the only opportunity for resolving Iran’s nuclear issue, he added.  http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2010-05/26/c_13317578.htm

Iran Calls on Russia, US to Accept Nuclear Deal

26 May 2010

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has called on Russia and the United States to accept a nuclear fuel swap deal, warning that it will be the last chance to resolve the nuclear stand off…

New British Prime Minister David Cameron told parliament Tuesday that he believes it is time to increase the pressure on Iran.  He said his government has “a clear objective to ensure stronger U.N. and EU sanctions against Iran.”

The U.S., China and Britain are three of the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council.  All five approved a draft resolution for a fourth round of sanctions on Iran for its nuclear program.

http://www1.voanews.com/english/news/middle-east/-Iran-Calls-on-Russia-US-to-Accept-Nuclear-Deal-94910579.html

Russia normally does not take too kindly to slams.  If Iran keeps trying to be difficult on the international scene, it will likely be neutralized (and probably by Israel).

Contrary to the claims of some groups like Gerald Flurry’s PCG, Iran is NOT the King of the South (but it is likely to provide support to that upcoming power).  Iran may wish to recall that the tough talk by Iraq’s Saddam Hussein resulted in his regime being changed (and him hung).

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 (and Iran) 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?  How might Iran be involved?
Russia: Its Origins and Prophesied Future Where do the Russians come from? Is Ukraine in prophecy? 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?

Flag of Korea, 1889

COGwriter

North Korea severed all ties today with South Korea:

US deems as ‘odd’ North Korea move severing ties with South

(AFP) – 6 hours ago

WASHINGTON — North Korea’s decision to sever ties with South Korea over Seoul’s charges it torpedoed one of its warships is an “odd” move contrary to Pyongyang’s self-interest, a US official said Tuesday.

“I can’t imagine a step that is less in the long-term interest of the North Korean people than cutting off further ties with South Korea,” State Department spokesman Philip Crowley told reporters when asked to comment on the move by the North.

This is an unusual, and probably highly foolish, move.

Why might this be prophetic?

North Korea has denied that it sunk the South Korean ship.  But since the USA and South Korea are convinced that North Korea did sink the South Korean ship, it is highly likely that it did.

Even though South Korea was outraged by the incident and cut off trade, its president had stated that South Korea still would provide some humanitarian assistance to North Korea (South Korea Halts Trade with North Korea).  Thus, cutting off all ties with South Korea will mean that some will likely starve in North Korea.

Starving people are desperate people.

If there is more starvation and other problems in North Korea because of North Korea’s decision to cut off all ties AND if the North Koreans themselves eventually learn that North Korea did, in fact, sink the South Korean ship, this may be the impetus for the North Koreans to revolt and overthrow their current government.  This would likely lead to real cooperation, and perhaps eventual unity, with South Korea.

The North Korean politicians are playing a dangerous game, and one that they are very likely to lose.  Biblical prophecy seems to suggest cooperation in Korea in the final time just prior to the return of Jesus Christ.  North Korea’s latest decision may inadvertently help fulfill that prophetic understanding.

Two articles of possibly related interest would include the following:

Korea in Prophecy, Any Witness? Does God have a plan for the Koreans? Is Korea mentioned in any prophecies? Will Koreans be among the first in the Kingdom of God? 한국의 언어로 : 한국 예언, 모든 증인에?
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, Koreans, and others of Asia? China in prophecy, where? Who has the 200,000,000 man army related to Armageddon?

Mountains of Judea

COGwriter

This afternoon, a reader sent the following:

Israel government repeats Christ’s Defense strategy…

“One reason for evacuating citizens to Samaria in case of chemical attack is that the altitudes there are higher than in the coastal plain. The poison gas emitted by chemical warheads begins to sink when it enters the air, accumulating in the lower altitudes.”

“Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation’, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place, then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.” Matthew 24:15-16.

The specific news item that he referred to was:

Samaria to Shelter Jews in Case of Chemical War, Drill Shows

Israel National News – May 25, 2010

In case of a war involving the possible use of chemical warheads, communities in Samaria could serve as a refuge for citizens escaping Israel’s coastal plain and other regions, a new element in the ongoing national war drill shows. This year’s drill is the first to include practice of a plan for mass evacuation of citizens from areas under missile attack to the relative safety of the Biblical heartland.

Home Front Commander Major General Yair Golan has prepared a plan for evacuation of Israelis to Samaria in case of unconventional war, and has circulated it to senior officers in the General Staff and to high ranking defense officials. “The phenomenon of internal refugees will grow in the next war,” Golan predicted. The Home Front plan calls for coordination between the IDF and the Samaria communities. The plan will be rehearsed later this week.

One reason for evacuating citizens to Samaria in case of chemical attack is that the altitudes there are higher than in the coastal plain. The poison gas emitted by chemical warheads begins to sink when it enters the air, accumulating in the lower altitudes. http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/news.aspx/137696

Now I am not saying that I agree that Jesus necessarily was warning against chemical warfare.  And while I believe that Jesus’ warning in Matthew 24 was mainly directed at His end time followers (true Christians), it may be that He could have also provided information that would help the Jews at this time as well.

Many of the events in Matthew 24 happen during the “beginning of sorrows”, right before the Great Tribulation, and during the Great Tribulation itself.  The specific fleeing that Jesus was referring to happens just prior to the start of the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21).

One article of possibly related interest may be:

Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2010, 2011, or 2012? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation 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?

COGwriter

In a move consistent with his previous positions, USA President Barack Obama is trying to get homosexuality accepted by the military:

White House, Congress reach deal on repeal of ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’

From Dana Bash and Deirdre Walsh, CNN

May 25, 2010

Washington (CNN) — Congressional Democrats reached an agreement Monday with the White House and possibly the Pentagon on a key legislative step toward repealing the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy that bars openly gay soldiers from the military.

In a letter to President Obama obtained by CNN, three congressional sponsors of legislation to repeal the policy outlined the proposed agreement that would set contingencies based on completion of a military review of the matter already under way and subsequent final approval from the president and military leaders…

Supporters of repealing the policy have been pressuring congressional Democrats to act now, fearing the party will lose its House or Senate majority in November’s mid-term election and be unable to pass the measure then.   http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/05/25/congress.military.dadt/

The Democrats do not want to lose seats in Congress and hope that by trying to placate their homosexual supporters that they will not lose their votes in November 2010.  Democracy in action.

Also, partially to play to his political base, President Obama has also recently proposed a pro-abortion female judge for the Supreme Court (Obama Apparently Wants Abortionist for Supreme Court).

His advisers have also suggested that because of US debt (which Barack Obama has helped greatly increase, see Obama’s Stimulus Plan & Debt) that military spending should be frozen and certain new weapons’ systems cut or suspended.

Time reported:

The president’s “National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform,” chaired by Democrat Erskine Bowles and former Republican Senator Alan Simpson, held its first official meeting this morning at the White House. Speaking about the endeavor, Obama pointed to the challenges financial crisis and economic downturn thrust on the government…They could eliminate all non-military foreign aid, put a permanent cap on defense spending at current levels, outlaw future tax cuts or close every tax exemption on the books…We have to touch the military. And we have to take a strong look at revenue.” Simpson agreed, “Everything is on the table.”   http://swampland.blogs.time.com/2010/04/27/why-the-deficit-commission/?xid=rss-topstories

As a former member of the US military, I will simply state that based upon my observations unit cohesiveness will be affected by the open acceptance of homosexuals in the military.  And that, combined with cuts in weapons programs and likely caps/cuts on aspects of military spending, will weaken the defenses of the USA.  This is something that I suggested would happen in my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect.

The USA needs national repentance or it is doomed militarily.

14’But if you do not obey Me, and do not observe all these commandments, 15 and if you despise My statutes, or if your soul abhors My judgments, so that you do not perform all My commandments, but break My covenant, 16 I also will do this to you: I will even appoint terror over you, wasting disease and fever which shall consume the eyes and cause sorrow of heart. And you shall sow your seed in vain, for your enemies shall eat it. 17 I will set My face against you, and you shall be defeated by your enemies. Those who hate you shall reign over you, and you shall flee when no one pursues you (Leviticus 26:14-17).

The Obama Administration and many in US Congress do not seem to realize this.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

What Did Jesus Teach About the Ten Commandments? This article quotes what Jesus actually said about them (His words are in red).
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.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.
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?

Prime Minister David Cameron

COGwriter

Although I have been warning about UK debt for some time, others are realizing that Britain has real debt problems:

In Europe, Britain May Face Largest Debt Hurdle

By LANDON THOMAS Jr.

Published: May 24, 2010

LONDON — As governments from Greece to Portugal to Spain try to sell markets on their budget-cutting zeal, the country that may face the biggest hurdle is Britain.

Propelled by a robust economy that finally collapsed in 2008, Britain’s spending boom was the most expansive in Europe, producing a welter of shiny hospitals, school buildings and highways, along with a cadre of well-paid public sector officials…In a recent report, the International Monetary Fund warned that the countries that would have to make the biggest sacrifices in spending cuts and tax increases to return to precrisis levels of indebtedness — Britain, France, Ireland, Spain and the United States — also face the biggest increase in spending demands.  http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/25/business/global/25debt.html?pagewanted=1&src=busln

The Bible promised blessings AND cursings to the descendants of Ephraim (UK and its Anglo-allied nations) and Manasseh (the USA).

One of the many cursings that were prophesied in the Bible was that of accumulation of debt:

43 The alien who is among you shall rise higher and higher above you, and you shall come down lower and lower. 44 He shall lend to you, but you shall not lend to him; he shall be the head, and you shall be the tail. 45 Moreover all these curses shall come upon you and pursue and overtake you, until you are destroyed, because you did not obey the voice of the LORD your God, to keep His commandments and His statutes which He commanded you (Deuteronomy 28:42-45).

As the Anglo-American nations have not kept God’s commandments, they have become the greatest debtor nations of all time!

Also notice the following from Wyatt Ciesielka:

The modern Israelitish nations face a grim future.  Without heartfelt repentance, the plight of these once richly blessed nations including the U.S.A., the U.K., Australia, New Zealand, Canada and South Africa is foretold to be one of national correction, war, and eventually even forced labor in far-off foreign countries.  But, how could this happen? Many will reply, “This could never come about!” But sadly, to dismiss these warnings is to ignore clear and sobering Bible prophecies.  It is to ignore current news headlines and it is to put your future in jeopardy…

Notice in your Bible that Jesus Christ clearly states that He will personally return in power to establish His government on this earth(Revelation 17:14).  And notice that the true saints are not promised to “live in heaven” (John 3:13); but they are promised to rule on this earth with Christ (Revelation 5:10; 20:6)!  But, prior to this is the Great Tribulation – a coming World War III (Matthew 24:21-22), and even a time of terrible slavery for many of our people.  Will history repeat itself?  God disciplined the ancient nations of Israel and Judah and sent them into captivity.

Consider passages such as Deuteronomy 28:47 & 48, Ezekiel 5:12 and Jeremiah 31:1-4 which record that immediately before Christ’s return, because of our rebellion against God’s Laws, many of the modern descendants of ancient Jacob will be forced into slave labor around the world.  “You shall serve your enemies, whom the LORD will send against you, in hunger, in thirst, in nakedness, and in need of everything…” (Deuteronomy 28:47-48). (Ciesielka W. “You shall serve your enemies…” LCG Commentary, Thursday, March 05, 2009).

Britain has great debt problems (and so does the USA).

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? What MUST happen BEFORE the Great Tribulation?
Is Tony Blair Apocalyptic? The former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom converted to Catholicism shortly after leaving his office and has been active in European affairs. What role might he play?

Flag of Korea, 1889

COGwriter

South Korea’s President announced that his nation will stop trading with North Korea:

S. Korean President Halts Trade with North

23 May 2010 Kurt Achin

South Korea’s president has held a nationwide address to announce stern measures against North Korea. South Korea and the United States say Pyongyang is responsible for sinking a South Korean navy ship.

President Lee Myung-bak on Monday said North Korean must pay for sinking one of South Korea’s navy ships.

Mr. Lee says inter-Korean exchanges and trade are being halted…

Forty-six South Korean sailors died in March when an explosion ripped their patrol ship in half. A multinational team concluded a North Korean submarine fired a torpedo at it, a finding Pyongyang calls a “fabrication.”  http://www1.voanews.com/english/news/asia/South-Korean-President-North-Korea-Will-Pay-the-Price-for-Sinking-Southern-Ship-94710899.html

Based upon my understanding of end time prophecies, things should change in the Korean peninsula.

Despite threats from North Korea (see North Korea Indicates War is Possible), South Korea felt that it could not stand by and accept the sinking of one of its ships without doing something.  Based upon the location of the Korean peninsula, I have tended to feel that it was part of the territory for the end time “kings of the sunrise” of Bible prophecy.  And as such, likely to ultimately develop closer ties than now exist there.  While the short-term ramifications of South Korea’s decision will bring the sides further apart, in the longer-term, it may result in changes in the North.

Ultimately, despite North Korea’s limited nuclear capabilities, I suspect that the two Koreas will likely reunite.  Hopefully, it will not take another war for this to happen.

Two articles of possibly related interest would include the following:

Korea in Prophecy, Any Witness? Does God have a plan for the Koreans? Is Korea mentioned in any prophecies? Will Koreans be among the first in the Kingdom of God? 한국의 언어로 : 한국 예언, 모든 증인에?
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, Koreans, and others of Asia? China in prophecy, where? Who has the 200,000,000 man army related to Armageddon?

Pope Benedict XVI

COGwriter

Today, Pope Benedict XVI spoke on Pentecost, Mary, and China:

Vatican: Pope: There is no Pentecost without the Virgin Mary. Prayer for China

Vatican City – “There is no Pentecost without the Virgin Mary…” So said Benedict XVI in his reflection before reciting the Regina Caeli with pilgrims in St Peter’s Square.

After the Marian prayer, the pontiff also called on all Christians in China and the world to celebrate the World Day of Prayer for the Church in China, which he established on May 24 with the Letter to Chinese Catholics in 2007.

“The feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Help of Christians – said the pope – offers us – tomorrow May 24th – the chance to celebrate the Day of Prayer for the Church in China. While the faithful in China are praying that the unity among themselves and with the universal Church will grow ever deeper, Catholics in the world – especially those who are of Chinese origin – will join them in prayer and charity, that the Holy Spirit pours into our hearts, especially in today’s solemnity. ”

Earlier, Benedict XVI stressed the link between Mary and the Holy Spirit and recalled his recent visit to Fatima…http://www.speroforum.com/site/article.asp?id=33451&t=Vatican%3A+++Pope%3A+There+is+no+Pentecost+without+the+Virgin+Mary.+Prayer+for+China

The pontiff has increased his emphasis on Mary lately (see Pope Benedict in Fatima, Portugal and Pope Speaks on Fatima Feast Day)–but the Bible does not suggest that she was a prominent part of Pentecost in Acts 2 (though she was apparently there; cf. Acts 1:14).

We in the Living Church of God have long prayed for China to be reached, but not in conjunction in with Fatima or specifically May24th.

For more information on related topics, please check out the following:

Pentecost: Is it more than Acts 2? Many “Christians” somewhat observe Pentecost. Do they know what it means? It is also called the Feast of Harvest, the Feast of Weeks, and the day of firstfruits. What about “speaking in tongues”?
Mary, the Mother of Jesus and the Apparitions Do you know much about Mary? Are the apparitions real? What happened at Fatima? What might they mean for the rise of the ecumenical religion of Antichrist? Are Protestants moving towards Mary? How do the Orthodox view Mary? How might Mary view her adorers?
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?
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?

John Calvin, 16th Century Portrait

COGwriter

In the December 2007 edition of its Bible Advocate magazine, CG7-Denver’s former president, Calvin Burrell has the following:

The general resurrection of the dead after Christ’s one thousand-year reign, foretold in Revelation 20:7-15, leads to the final Judgment at the great white throne. At this time, all those who reject the gospel of life are cast into the lake of fire, along with death and the grave. This passage harmonizes with 1 Corinthians 15:24ff: “Then comes the end . . . For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be destroyed is death.”  (Burrell C.  Questions and Answers.  Bible Advocate. December 2007, p. 8 )

The above hints that perhaps CG7 believed what has been called “the age to come” doctrine as it does seem to condemn all at the above resurrection.  However, when I called CG7-Denver and spoke to another of its former presidents, Robert Coulter, on September 2, 2008 he said that although CG7 once held to “the age to come” doctrine, it no longer did.  (I hope to try to call Calvin Burrell on this.)

Now in the latest edition of its Bible Advocate magazine, CG7-Denver’s former president, Calvin Burrell has the following:

Q What does the Bible teach about God’s sovereignty (predestination) and human freewill? Can you shed any light on the TULIP theory?

A The Bible teaches both the sovereignty of God and the freewill of persons, even if harmonizing the two is beyond our grasp.  (Burrell C.  Questions and Answers.  Bible Advocate. May-June 2010, p. 7)

This is another area that CG7 is confused.  It gets worse as Calvin Burrell includes the following in his answer:

The fifteenth century Protestant theologian John Calvin stressed the divine side of this mysterious equation. The acrostic TULIP was later applied to his teachings:

T – Total depravity: All men fell in Adam, leaving them dead in sins and incapable of responding positively to God.

U – Unconditional election: From eternity past, God chose certain men to be saved by His grace, without regard to any merit foreseen in them.

L – Limited atonement: God sent His Son to make full and effective payment only for the sins of the elect, those He had predestined for salvation.

I – Irresistible grace: Those God elected to salvation and for whom Christ died He effectively calls by regeneration from spiritual death, thus rendering them capable of expressing saving faith.

P – Perseverance of saints: Those God elected in Christ, called in regeneration, and justified by faith He continually quickens so they will never fall from His grace but only enter eternal glory.

This emphasis on God’s sovereignty, predestination, and election of some to salvation (thus, others are predestined to damnation) is commonly called Calvinism. It is heard most often in churches of the Reformed persuasion, along with some Presbyterian and Baptist groups. Calvinists do not deny that man has a modicum of free will; they see it as some of the means by which God carries out His eternal decrees.

Those of us who resist one or more of the TULIP points above do not deny the control of God over human history. But we believe that, in matters of trusting Jesus and persevering in faith, God enables the free will of man and yields to it.

Like other disputes, several Bible texts may be listed in support of either side of this classic discussion. Each position champions truths that should help to shape and inform the other. As one wise man remarked when asked how he would resolve the debate between God’s sovereignty and human freedom, “I never try to reconcile friends.”  Elder Calvin Burrell

The reality is that although CG7 once taught what has been called “the age to come” doctrine (and we in the Living Church of God still do), it no longer does.  Because it no longer does, CG7 is confused about Calvinism, predestination, and many aspects of God’s plan of salvation. (Calvin Burrell also confused centuries as John Calvin is from the 16th, not 15th, century–but minor typos happen.)  Humans certainly can resist the will of God regarding their own salvation (see also John Calvin, Calvinism, TULIP, and What is Predestination?), and all need to realize this.

The day of Pentecost, for one example, does not only picture the granting of the Holy Spirit and the start of the New Testament church, it also shows that there are some predestined in this age to be firstfruits (cf. Romans 8:23).  And the idea of firstfruits, includes the idea of a later, and larger harvest.  A time when salvation will be offered to all who never really had that opportunity in the “age to come” (Matthew 12:32; Mark 10:30; Luke 10:11-12).

Jesus warned the Sardis Church to be careful not to lose doctrine (Revelation 3:1-2), but sadly this is another one that seems to have been lost by most among them.  And the idea of firstfruits in this age with others being called in “the age to come” is part of the message of Pentecost, that groups like the Living Church of God are observing today.

For more information about CG7 and other subjects in this post, please prayerfully study the following:

John Calvin, Calvinism, TULIP, and What is Predestination? Who was John Calvin? Did he believe in sola Scriptura or did he hold to unbiblical doctines? TULIP analyzed.
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.
Pentecost: Is it more than Acts 2? Many “Christians” somewhat observe Pentecost. Do they know what it means? It is also called the Feast of Harvest, the Feast of Weeks, and the day of firstfruits. What about “speaking in tongues”?
Church of God, Seventh Day: History and Teachings Nearly all COG’s I am aware of trace their history through this group. Whaid Rose is the president of the largest CG7 group (Denver). Do you know much about them?
The Churches of Revelation 2 & 3 from 31 A.D. to present: information on all of the seven churches of Revelation 2 & 3.  CG7 is one of them.
The Sardis Church Era was predominant circa 1600 A.D. to circa 1933 A.D. Discusses early history of the Seventh Day Baptists, Seventh-day Adventists, and COG-7th Day.
The Philadelphia Church Era was predominant circa 1933 A.D. to 1986 A.D. The old Radio Church of God and old Worldwide Church of God, now basically the Living Church of God.
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.