Church of God News

Kurt Koch (photo from http://www.catholic.org/international/international_story.php?id=37189)

COGwriter

The Russian Orthodox Church commented on Kurt Koch’s elevation last week:

Russian Orthodox Church welcomes appointment of Cardinal Kasper’s successor

July 06, 2010

Metropolitan Hilarion, head of the department for external Church relations of the Moscow Patriarchate, has welcomed the appointment of Bishop Kurt Koch of Basel as the new president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity. With the appointment, Bishop Koch has been raised to the dignity of an archbishop.

Calling Archbishop Koch “a zealous pastor and serious theologian committed to the tradition of the early Church and the idea of Christian unity,” Metropolitan Hilarion said in a message that “I hope that new prospects for cooperation have been opened for us for the benefit of the both Churches.”   http://www.catholicculture.org/news/headlines/index.cfm?storyid=6861

The Orthodox need to be concerned about unity with the Vatican.  The Vatican needs to be concerned about unity with the Eastern Orthodox.

As I posted late last week (Swiss Bishop Appointed as Ecumenical Head: Antichrist Role?), according to biblical, Roman Catholic, and Orthodox prophecies, an ecumenical leader is to rise up and compromise the faith of various religions.  Biblical prophecy warns that there will be a unifying religion that it calls “Babylon the Great” (Revelation 17:5).  And this power is based on a city of seven hills (Revelation 17:9).

According to Catholic prophecy, an antipope is expected.  According to Catholic prophecy only one pope remains.  According to Catholic and Orthodox prophecy, an ecumenical pope who will change their churches is expected.  Whether or not Archbishop Koch will become that ecumenical antipope remains a question, but if he lives long enough, he is expected to be part of a major compromising ecumenical movement that will sweep much of the world.

It has also been prophesied, by a Catholic, that a change to the Vatican’s “Constitution” will come about after a council:

Venerable Anna Maria Taigi (died 1837): The Pope shall convoke a council. A new constitution of the Church shall be proclaimed in it. (Rossi, G. THE CHRISTIAN TRUMPET, OR, Previsions and Predictions about Impending General Calamities, The Universal Triumph of the Church, The Coming of Antichrist, The Last Judgment, and The End of the World. Compiled by PELLEGRINO [Gaudentius Rossi], A Missionary Priest with Superior’s permission. Boston, THOS. B. NOONAND & CO., 1873, p. 65)

It should also be pointed out that various writings warn that this ecumenical council will form and satisfy heretics.  Here is one from an Orthodox source:

Saint Nelios the Myrrh-Gusher (died 1592): During that time the Eighth and last Ecumenical Synod will take place, which will satisfy the contentions of the heretics (Tzima Otto, H.  The Great Monarch and WWIII in Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Scriptural Prophecies. Verenika Press, Rock City (SC), 2000, p. 111 )

Does anyone feel that an ecumenical council that satisfies the contentions of the heretics will not result in doctrinal compromise?

The Catholics and Orthodox (and all others) need to heed the Bible and:

“Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues.  For her sins have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities” (Revelation 18:4-5).

The Catholics and Orthodox, individually, need to reject unity with each other.  They need to study the scriptures and truly embrace the original Christian faith.  Having meetings to see how they can compromise for the sake of unity is not anything that the Bible encourages.

These unification discussions are one of the subjects that prophecy followers should “watch” (cf. Matthew 24:15; Luke 21:20). Orthodox-Catholic unity will not be a good thing according to many biblical, Catholic, and Orthodox prophecies.

Those who wish to learn why this is dangerous may wish to read the following articles:

Why Should American Catholics Should Fear Unity with the Orthodox? Are the current ecumenical meetings a good thing or will they result in disaster?
Orthodox Must Reject Unity with the Roman Catholics The talks for unification involve compromise and the apparent rising up of a changed religion that no one should accept.
Catholic Prophecies: Do They Mirror, Highlight, or Contradict Biblical Prophecies? People of all faiths may be surprised to see what various Roman and Orthodox Catholic prophets have been predicting as many of their predictions will be looked to in the 21st century.

Rebuilt Gymnasium in Sardis

COGwriter

CG7-Denver has changed its prophetic understanding in many areas.  Notice what one-time CG7 president, A.N. Dugger wrote about the Beast and Revelation 13:18:

The Beast that he demands all people to worship has a number, which is the same number as “A MAN,” and that number is 666 (verse 18)…Beware, dear reader of BEAST WORSHIP. This is a message for these last days (Dugger AN. Daniel and Revelation. Mount Zion Reporter Press, ca. 1960s. Reprint by Giving & Sharing, 2000, p. 44)

But CG7 members no longer “Beware” as they have been relatively recently been taught that the mark of the Beast and the Beast himself is past:

John calls for wisdom and insight in calculating the number of the beast (13:18a)…Many attempts are made to identify this mysterious figure, but speculation about his identity is unimportant because enforcement of his mark is now history. Although the manifold blasphemies, heresies, and antichristian ideologies of the beast still exist in this apostate church, it no longer exercises the authority to enforce its edicts either through papal decree or through the agency of the state…

Many teach that the mark of the beast is yet to be enforced by a latter-day antichrist. That is impossible if John’s time allocations are taken literally. The time God allowed the saints to be persecuted and overcome was 1,260 days, or three-and-one-half years (12:6, 14; 13:5), equaling 1,260 years. This period indicated by John is identical with the time given to Daniel’s little horn to oppress the saints (Daniel 7:25)…That time is now past. For all practical purposes, the beasts of Revelation 13 have been rendered impotent, even if the dregs of their heresies and idolatries linger on in the world. (Coulter R. The Persecution of Christianity. Bible Advocate, December 2009)

But while A.N. Dugger had many prophetic misunderstandings, he was correct that “the Beast” is still future, that people need to beware of worship associated with him, and that they need to be concerned about his number.

Those in now CG7 need to read their Bibles and not rely on inaccurate positions that teach that certain future events have already occurred.

Jesus warned one COG (Sardis):

3 Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you (Revelation 3:3).

In the 21st century, CG7 seems more and more determined to minimize end time prophecy.  They are losing more and more of what they had received.  Officially CG7 seems to be teaching against following Jesus’ admonitions to “watch” (Matthew 24:42, 25:13; Mark 13:9, 33-37; Luke 21:36; Revelation 3:3).

Those in CG7-Denver seem to be being told not to watch as CG7 is currently claiming that certain future events have been fulfilled.  As even one of their former leaders taught, many have not been.  They need to heed Jesus’ words and not lose more of the truth that they had received.

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

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 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.
The Laodicean Church Era has been predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. These are non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG.
Europa, the Beast, and the Book of Revelation discusses the largest church since the second/third century, which in a real sense is the eighth church mentioned in the Book of Revelation (it also endorses “eighth day” worship). What church would support the Beast?
SDA/LCG Differences: Two Horned Beast of Revelation and 666 The Living Church of God is NOT part of the Seventh-day Adventists. This article explains two prophetic differences, the trinity, differences in approaching doctrine, including Ellen White.
There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Petra This article discusses a biblical ‘place of safety’ and includes quotes from the Bible and Herbert W. Armstrong on this subject–thus, there is a biblically supported alternative to the rapture theory.
Persecutions by Church and State This article documents some that have occurred against those associated with the COGs and some prophesied to occur. Will those with the cross be the persecutors or the persecuted–this article has the shocking answer.
Why Be Concerned About False and Heretical Leaders? There have been many false leaders–here is some of why you should be concerned about them.

COGwriter

USA President Obama is to meet with Israeli President Netanyahu today:

6 July 2010

US-Israel ties: Why Obama wants more from Netanyahu

What Obama wants

The Israeli leader is expected to be pressed by the Obama administration to extend a temporary moratorium on building new housing in the Jewish settlements, say analysts.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who visited the White House last month, will be prodded to drop his reluctance to engage in the face-to-face negotiations that Netanyahu keeps asking for…

What Abbas wants

Palestinian President Abbas…told the Israeli daily newspapers that he’s open to stationing international peacekeepers in the West Bank to help satisfy Israel’s security concerns, but rejects an Israeli military presence.   http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Middle-East/2010/0706/US-Israel-ties-Why-Obama-wants-more-from-Netanyahu

6 July 2010

Obama to hold key talks with Netanyahu in Washington…

Last week Mr Netanyahu said he believed that a main part of his talks in Washington would be “focused on how to start direct peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians right away”…

Meanwhile, a group of European foreign ministers said they would visit Gaza at Israel’s invitation to monitor the implementation of Israel’s plan to ease the blockade.

Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero said the ministers from Britain, France, Italy and Spain would go this month.  http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/world/middle_east/10518109.stm

As the above shows, the Palestinians seem willing to accept international troops in the Middle East.  And the Europeans seem willing to consider providing them.  The final King of the North will lead a European power.

Regular readers of this page are aware that a “peace deal” is prophesied in Daniel 9:27 that will precede the Great Tribulation as this is written about often (see, for example, Great Tribulation Cannot Start Before 2014).

As prophecy watchers are aware, Jesus warned:

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)

All indications are that whatever “peace deal” is accomplished, troops will come to the Middle East.  And while the initial troops will not fulfill Jesus’ words in Luke 21:20, when certain events that Daniel wrote about happen (for details see Who is the King of the North?), the Great Tribulation will begin shortly thereafter.  World events continue to align to fulfill Bible prophecy.

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?
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?

Five East African Nations in New Block

COGwriter

Five East African nations became part of a “common market” last Thursday.  Kenya is likely to have the most single influence:

Kenya: Moment is Nigh to Live the East African Dream

Gichinga Ndirangu

3 July 2010

opinion

Nairobi — The excitement that has greeted the launch of the East African Common Market Protocol is understandable. The break-up of the original East African Community in 1977 was a lost opportunity and denied the region a chance to consolidate trade…

In the intervening period and before EAC leaders began retracing their footsteps to recapture that original vision, other regions, most notably the European Community, bolted out and created a strong market that has since matured into the European Union with its own currency, aligned trade policies and an expanded membership of 25. It is nostalgic to think where East Africa would be had it remained as resolute as the European Community.

The icing on the cake, though, is that from the original three states, Burundi and Rwanda have since crashed into the party aggregating the EAC market to 126 million people. It is widely expected that should the forthcoming referendum in Sudan vote in favour of two states, Southern Sudan will join the EAC in earnest. It is the only logical choice…

http://allafrica.com/stories/201007050057.html

Furthermore, this group hopes to have monetary union by 2012 and a common currency by 2015:

East African Countries Form a Common Market

By JOSH KRON

Published: July 1, 2010

BUJUMBURA, Burundi — The world’s newest common market was created Thursday when a regional bloc of five east African countries freed up the movement of people, products and capital across borders, furthering East Africa’s dream of broad political unification.

The transformation and growth of the bloc, known as the East African Community, has been unfolding quickly after being reinvigorated just over 10 years ago. The bloc aims to become a monetary union by 2012 and have a common currency by 2015, with political federation to come soon after. Ultimately, leaders from the countries talk about becoming a single east African nation...

The community has expressed interest in a common currency, as well as a single tourist visa. The member states are also collaborating on building a regional railway line that would run from the Indian Ocean to Burundi, bordering Lake Tanganyika.

“The idea of a United States of East Africa is less far-fetched than it was before,” said Pratibha Thaker, regional director for the Economist Intelligence Unit.  http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/02/business/global/02africa.html?_r=1&ref=world

Whether or not it will stick together and have its own currency then is not clear.  What is clear is that more and more nations are realizing that they need to align with others for their economic (and sometimes military) futures.

The Bible indicates that all none Anglo-nations will likely prosper in the several years.  Africa would expect to be doing better economically as well.

For further information, please check out the following articles:

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?
The Arab World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam? What about the Imam Mahdi?
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? Might this King be called the Mahdi? What does the Bible say?

“Orthodox” 16th Century Representation of the “Apocalypse”

COGwriter

Although inaccurate “prophets” such as Ronald Weinland and Harold Camping have declared that the biblical period known as the “great tribulation” began some time ago, the reality is that this biblically prophesied event cannot begin prior to 2014.

Why?

Mainly because Jesus taught that the “great tribulation” (Matthew 24:21) would begin shortly after “you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (Matthew 24:15).

Notice that the Daniel the prophet wrote:

27 Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week;
But in the middle of the week
He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering.
And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate,
Even until the consummation, which is determined,
Is poured out on the desolate.  (Daniel 9:27)

Without going into all the details, the above is understood by many (including the Living Church of God and the Arroyo Grande, California book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect) to mean that a seven year (one prophetic week) Middle East peace deal is confirmed.   Of course, the sacrifices must start before they stop, and they have not started yet (and may not start until after the peace deal is in place).

The idea of this being a seven-year end-time deal was also understood by the Catholic theologian Hippolytus (died 235) in the third century:

…the iron and the clay shall be mingled together. Now Daniel will set forth this subject to us. For he says, “And one week will make a covenant with many, and it shall be that in the midst (half) of the week my sacrifice and oblation shall cease.” By one week, therefore, he meant the last week which is to be at the end of the whole world of which week the two prophets… will take up the half. For they will preach 1,260 days clothed in sackcloth, proclaiming repentance to the people and to all the nations…(Hippolytus. On Christ and Antichrist, Chapter 43. Online edition Copyright © 2008 by Kevin Knight).

Although he has several events out of sequence in his book, even the famed late Protestant theologian John Walvoord understood the importance of the deal in Daniel 9:27:

The seven-year peace treaty with Israel; consumated seven years before the second coming of Christ (Dan. 9:27; Revelation 19:11-16). (Walvoord J. The Prophecy Knowledge Handbook. Victor Books, 1990, p. 551)

One other reason that now is not quite the time, is that I have traveled to Europe many times in the past few years (my last trip was to Italy, Vatican City, and Germany a few months ago), and can state that the Europeans are simply not unified enough to be ready to fulfill their role as the supporters of the King of the North – the Final Beast power, yet. But they are looking at proposing peace deals in the Middle East (http://www.voanews.com/english/2009-11-13-voa26.cfm).

While the leader in Daniel 9:27 is only referred to as a prince when he confirms the one week covenant, he probably will not be known as the “King” until shortly before he breaks the covenant at the mid-week point (most likely he will be considered simply one of several leaders negotiating a treaty when this deal in Daniel 9:27 is initially made).

This peace deal is to be violated in the middle of it and the abomination will be in the old temple area (“the holy place” of Matthew 24:15).  This is also consistent with another of Daniel’s writings:

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 “him” mentioned about is the final biblical King of the North.

So, what does any of this have to do with 2014?

According to reports coming out of the Middle East in the past couple of days, there is still no Middle East peace deal in place that could possibly fulfill Daniel 9:27.  Notice one such report:

Egypt’s Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit told the London-based daily Asharq al-Awsat on Saturday that no progress has been made in the proximity talks so far. http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=133186&sectionid=351020202

And even if there was one announced later today, if one adds 3 1/2 years to today, that brings one to 2014.

Great Tribulation Cannot Begin in 2010, 2011, 2012, or 2013

Now I have been criticized in the past for pointing out that the “great tribulation” could not begin in 2008, 2009, 2010, etc.

But I was correct then, and am now.

Why?

Well in addition to the fact that there is no Middle East peace deal that fulfills Daniel 9:27, there still is not yet in place the final leader known as the King of the North.  Nor is there a leader yet in place who is the final King of the South (and both of those leaders need to make their own deceitful deal per Daniel 11:27).  And while these leaders could be in those positions relatively soon, several of the events that Jesus also said would occur first (Matthew 24:4-14) have not yet been completely fulfilled.

Additionally, the Europeans are not yet ready militarily nor economically to fulfill their role as the final Beast power.  It is likely that Europe will need to see “signs and lying wonders” (2 Thessalonians 2:9) to get fully ready and unified amongst themselves–but that is expected.

That is not to say that world events leading up to the “great tribulation” are not occurring (they are as I report about them frequently, notice Might Kurt Koch become or support the coming “antipope” antichrist? to cite just one example), but without the peace deal being made yet, the final 3 1/2 year countdown has not yet began, hence the great tribulation will not possibly start prior to 2014.

The end is coming.  It is coming soon.  But the end, meaning the “great tribulation” in this case, cannot possibly begin prior to the year 2014.

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.
Harold Camping’s Teachings About the End of the World Do Not Agree with the Bible Harold Camping teaches that the rapture will be on May 21, 2011 and the world will end on October 21, 2011. What does the Bible show?
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? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2018 or 2019?
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?
End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something? Are there Mayan calendar predictions for change in 2012? Changes were centuries ago predicted by the Hopi Native Americans. Do Mayan/Hindu/Hopi/Buddhist/New Age/Nostradamus prophecies have any value here? Why might Satan have inspired this date? Does the Dresden codex show destruction of the earth by flood? Can the great tribulation start before 2012? How might Barack Obama be involved in 2012?
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.

Noynoy Aquino

COGwriter

Noynoy Aquino, the Philippines new president, started off a bit differently than others have:

New Philippines Pres. Aquino Vows to Clean Up Government

Jul 03, 2010 Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III has started his first week as the newly inaugurated 15th president of the Philippines. He pledged to fight endemic graft and corruption, particularly exemplified by cases that plagued the Arroyo administration; eliminate bad practices in government, and prioritize the Filipino people’s needs above all else…

Mr. Aquino did acknowledge the need to make the Philippines “attractive to investors,” pledged to cut red tape, combat corruption and make government an “enabler” and not a “hindrance” to business in his Wednesday speech. That message will be especially well-received by foreigners who have largely shunned the country in favor of places like China, Indonesia and India for those very reasons.

Yet in the same breath the new president also repeated populist promises he made on the campaign trail, including a nod to universal health care and education and government-run employment programs for the poor. “I know and feel the problems of ordinary citizens,” he said.

Populism may be popular but it’s expensive, and it’s unclear how Mr. Aquino intends to pay for it.    http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703571704575340120012082924.html

The idea of eliminating governmental corruption is an excellent one.  The Bible itself teaches that leaders should not be given to covetousness (Exodus 18:21–22).  But the reality of eliminating governmental graft and corruption is much more difficult than most leaders imagine, and rarely is more than slightly outwardly successful.  Also making campaign promises that one cannot keep is a sign of corruption, but perhaps hopefully only optimism for this new president.

For the sake of the Philippines, we should pray that its new leader does succeed.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Islands and Bible Prophecy What’s ahead for islands? What does the Bible prophesy about them?
Asia in Prophecy What is Ahead for Asia? Who are the “Kings of the East”? What will happen to nearly all the Asian?  Who has the 200,000,000 man army related to Armageddon?
Polycarp, Herbert W. Armstrong, and Roderick C. Meredith on Church Government What form of governance did the early church have? Was it hierarchical? Which form of governance would one expect to have in the Philadelphia remnant? The people decide and/or committee forms, odd dictatorships, or the same type that the Philadelphia era itself had?

James and Ellen White

COGwriter

In his sermon yesterday, the latest president of the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church, Ted N.C. Wilson, stated the following.

We are to be a peculiar people, God’s remnant people, to lift up Christ, His righteousness, His three angels’ messages of Revelation 14 and His soon coming…As God’s remnant people identified in Revelation 12:17as those “who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ,” we have a unique message of hope and a mandate to proclaim God’s grace to the world…Now, getting back to Revelation 12:17 and another great distinguishing mark of God’s remnant people. We read that they will “have the testimony of Jesus Christ.”…

As God’s faithful remnant, may we never make of none effect the precious light given us in the writings of Ellen G. White…

When we use that term, remnant church or remnant people, we must never use it in a self-centered, exclusive manner…

He wants to use His remnant church in a most powerful way…

And then, God proclaimed to the Children of Israel through Moses the same command He gives His last- day remnant church today. Verse 15 declares,(NEXT SLIDE) “And the Lord said to Moses, ‘Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to GO FORWARD.” When God says, Go Forward, we must Go Forward.

(Wilson TNC.  “GO FORWARD” General Conference Sabbath Sermon – July 3, 2010)

This idea of being the remnant church has often been mentioned throughout SDA circles.  However, Adventists would be wise to look at the entirety of the scripture that actually mentions that “remnant” term:

14 And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.  15 And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.  16 And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth. 17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. (Revelation 12:14-17, KJV)

The term “remnant” is translated as “rest of” in the NKJV, so I quoted the KJV above as that is where the SDA’s have gotten this concept.

But a careful read of the above passages show that there are two churches being mentioned.  One that goes to a place of protection in the wilderness and the other “the remnant” that gets persecuted because they do not get protected.  The SDAs apparently believe that they are that remnant.  And while according to Living Church of God (LCG) beliefs the SDAs somewhat came out of the Church of God (COG) movement (they got some ideas from it, tried to take over, and drove those true to the COG away), we do not consider that they are part of the COG (though some of their members might possibly be).

If the SDAs really did understand prophecy better, they would realize that the Bible praises the group (which are identified as the the Philadelphians in Revelation 3) that gets protected, but that Jesus condemns the two other Christian groups of Revelation 3 (Sardis and Laodicea) who do not get protected.

Furthermore, the KJV translation of scripture mentions a “remnant” one other time.  Notice:

13 And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven. (Revelation 11:13)

That remnant also does not seem to be one that they would wish to be.  Yet, sadly it may be possible that SDAs that survive and remain followers of Ellen White over scripture could be related to that group.  This is because unless they start accepting scripture over Ellen White’s interpretations, they will not understand the truth about God’s true prophets and end time two witnesses.

In June 2010 Dr. Jan Paulsen was replaced by Ted N.C. Wilson by a vote of the SDA General Conference Nominating Committee (the General Conference head office is in Silver Spring, Maryland).  Instead of going forward, he seems to be stuck in the mode of hoping to be the “remnant church”.

But I agree that all who profess Christ need to “go forward”.  Christians should go forward to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).  And this include not being stuck in the wrong paradigm about the remnants mentioned in Revelation.

And although I do not agree with all of Ellen White’s writings, Adventists would do well to heed the following one if they really wish to understand prophecy at this time:

There is a need of a much closer study of the Word of God; especially should Daniel and the Revelation have attention as never before…TM 112, 113 (1896) (White E.  Last Day Events: Facing Earth’s Final Crisis.  As printed by Pacific Press Publishing, 2002, p. 36).

A much closer look at the Word of God, especially Revelation and Daniel would reveal that there is something better than striving to be the “remnant”.  A verse by verse analysis of much of Daniel 11 is shown in the article (Who is the King of the North?).  And to see what happens to the remnant according to Daniel and Revelation, please the article  Laodicean Warning for God’s People.  Do it this week 🙂

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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.
SDA/COG Differences The real Church of God is NOT part of the Seventh-day Adventists. This article explains some prophetic differences, the trinity, differences in approaching doctrine, including Ellen White.
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 a small remnant of that era exists.
The Laodicean Church Era has been predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. These are non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG.
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?
There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Petra This article discusses a biblical ‘place of safety’ and includes quotes from the Bible and Herbert W. Armstrong on this subject–thus, there is a biblically supported alternative to the rapture theory.

Antigua, Guatemala

COGwriter

The current president of UCG announced the following (he also included a Spanish version, so I have as well):

You’ve probably already read or heard that the Council of Elders recently directly intervened in Latin America and ordered the removal of Leon Walker as the regional coordinator for that area. Mr. Walker has served for many years as a teacher and an administrator, and both out of respect for that prior service and for the hope that he might see the scope of the terrible spiritual errors that were being committed, we deliberately refrained from providing details earlier. Given recent actions, we must now disclose the full scope of this emerging tragedy.

As president, it is my sad duty to inform you that Mr. Walker and most ministers in Latin America are now openly attempting to divide our members in the region, and have to a certain degree attempted to enlist the support of members and ministers in the United States. Together with the Council of Elders, we in this administration are moving swiftly to protect our members and our Church, and we will do so with the full authority and power available to us. To those few who falsely think that the United Church of God is not being directly led in full authority by Jesus Christ, I must warn those who embrace a spirit of rebellion that appropriate action will be taken.

This is a serious situation that deserves and requires your earnest prayers. As I wrote recently to ministers, we are making a considerable amount of documentation about the Latin America situation available to you and our ministers, which discloses the truth of the matter and refutes in detail the false charges and allegations made by others…

Let me speak plainly. I personally have known and worked with Leon Walker for many years, and it grieves me deeply to read his own words that attempt to divide and pull away our ministers and brethren in Latin America. It also personally makes my heart ache to know now that these divisive activities have been going on for months, including efforts to wrongly influence ballots for the Council of Elders.

Brethren, let me be clear: This type of deceived governance led by a well-respected man represents the very reason that hundreds of ministers collectively chose some 15 years ago to embrace and refine the administrative structure that we now have. We have seen the destructive outcomes that “one man rule” in a Church of God organization can wreak, and this current experience in Latin America underscores the reason we changed our model of governance 15 years ago to include safeguards from this happening again. I believe both that Christ led us collectively to embrace the form of Church government that we now have, and that He has blessed and sustained us even amidst the challenges we have experienced over the past decade and a half.

——————————————————————————————————

Probablemente ya han leído o escuchado que el Consejo de Ancianos recientemente intervino directamente en Latinoamérica y pidió el retiro de León Walker como coordinador regional de esa área. El Sr. Walker sirvió por muchos años como pastor regional y administrador, y por respeto a su servicio y con la esperanza de que él viera los terribles errores espirituales que estaban ocurriendo, nosotros deliberadamente nos abstuvimos de entregar detalles con anterioridad. Pero, dada las acciones recientes, ahora debemos revelar el espectro completo de esta tragedia.

Como presidente, es mi triste deber el tener que informarles que el Sr. Walker y la mayoría de los ministros en Latinoamérica están abiertamente tratando de dividir a los miembros de la región, y han tratado, hasta cierto punto, de conseguir el apoyo de los miembros y ministros en los Estados Unidos. Junto con el Consejo de Ancianos, los que estamos en la administración estamos tomando acciones para proteger a los miembros y a nuestra Iglesia, y lo vamos a hacer con el poder y la autoridad que se nos ha dado. A los que piensan erróneamente que la Iglesia de Dios Unida no está siendo dirigida completamente bajo la autoridad de Jesucristo, les advierto a quienes estén en espíritu de rebelión que tomaremos acción al respecto..

Esta es una situación muy seria que merece y requiere sus más sinceras oraciones. Como les escribí recientemente a los ministros, estamos haciendo disponible para ustedes y los ministros,  una cantidad considerable de documentación acerca de la situación en América Latina, la cual revela la verdad de los hechos y refuta en detalle las falsas acusaciones y alegaciones hecha por otros…

Quiero hablarles claramente. Yo he conocido y trabajado personalmente con León Walker por muchos años, y me apena profundamente leer de sus propias palabras su intención de dividir y separar a nuestros ministros y hermanos en Latinoamérica. Personalmente, siento que mi corazón sufre al saber que estas acciones de división llevan meses ocurriendo, incluyendo los esfuerzos de influenciar de mala manera los votos del Consejo de Ancianos.

Hermanos, permítanme ser muy claro: este tipo de gobierno engañoso liderado por un hombre muy respetado, es la misma razón por la cual cientos de ministros colectivamente escogieron 15 años atrás, escoger y perfeccionar la estructura administrativa que tenemos ahora. Nosotros hemos visto los resultados destructivos que tiene “el dominio de un solo hombre” en la organización de la Iglesia de Dios, y la situación actual en Latinoamérica enfatiza la razón por la cual 15 años atrás cambiamos el modelo de nuestro gobierno para incluir barreras que impidieran que esto volviera a pasar. Yo creo que Cristo nos guió para que colectivamente adoptáramos esta forma de gobierno que tenemos actualmente, y que él nos ha bendecido e incluso nos ha sostenido durante los desafíos que hemos enfrentado en la última década y media.

Dennis Luker also sent out a DVD sermon that many in UCG saw yesterday where he discussed matters such as goals, gospel, and also disunity within UCG.  FWIW, when Leon Walker headed up some UCG doctrinal committee years ago, it was clear to me that he saw many problems in getting UCG to resolve anything, which I believe is why he resigned that position a few years ago.  FWIW, I take no sides between Leon Walker and Dennis Luker.  I am in the Living Church of God for many reasons.

Dennis Lukers comment about “one-man rule” above is one of the most adamant cold and lukewarm written statements from any UCG president that I have seen (there have been several on gospel proclamation, or lack thereof, in a similar category).  People not part of the COGs should realize that ministers such as Dennis Luker repeatedly backed “one-man rule” until the mid-1990s.  Not he acts like it is the worst option.  He and those who believe that are in scriptural error.

UCG continues to NOT bear the fruits of the Philadelphia era of the COG.  This is partially because UCG  has a different form of governance, different emphasis, and in certain areas, different doctrines, than its leadership once embraced.  Its disunity “fruits” have been apparent to me since it began.

And while I do not cover all the splits in UCG (or any other COG for that matter), this one is one of the more significant ones.  But again, it only shows that what I have been writing about UCG all these years is proven correct on a regular basis.  But like frogs who put up with lukewarm water that is slowly being boiled, many in UCG simply do not realize the danger they are in.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Polycarp, Herbert W. Armstrong, and Roderick C. Meredith on Church Government What form of governance did the early church have? Was it hierarchical? Which form of governance would one expect to have in the Philadelphia remnant? The people decide and/or committee forms, odd dictatorships, or the same type that the Philadelphia era itself had?
Differences between the Living Church of God and United Church of God This article provides quotes information from the two largest groups which had their origins in WCG as well as commentary.
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.
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?
The Laodicean Church Era has been predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. These are non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG.
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?

COGwriter

While India has long had a reputation for being something other than an economic power it has other expectations:

India set to become one of the world’s largest economies by 2020: Ruby Dhalla

4 Jul 2010

Dr Manmohan Singh’s ideas made an impact on leaders of the world’s top 20 economies at the recently concluded G20 summit in Toronto…

Ruby Dhalla…The 35-year-old Canadian Liberal Party MP has represented the riding of Brampton-Springdale, near Toronto, since 2004 and her meeting with the Indian Prime Minister during the G20 summit grabbed a great deal of attention…

“With a population of over 1 billion, a middle class that is already larger than the entire US population and 65% of the population less than 35 years old, India is poised to become one of the world’s largest economies by 2020. By virtue of statistics combined with progress, innovation, creativity and productivity, India has already become centre stage on the global front. India’s arrival at the G20 allowed an opportunity for India to continue as a shining light on the radar of almost every trading nation on the planet especially of the G20 countries which account for almost 80% of the world’s economy,” Dhalla told SundayET from Toronto. 

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Features/Sunday-ET/People/India-set-to-become-one-of-the-worlds-largest-economies-by-2020-Ruby-Dhalla/articleshow/6125962.cms?curpg=1

However, if God’s six thousand years for humankind to rule itself is up before 2020 (and it may be), human plans for 2020 will be pretty much irrelevant.

But India will likely have more international economic impact.

Also notice the following:

India hails $3 billion showpiece airport terminal

By Sara Sidner, CNN

July 3, 2010

New Delhi, India (CNN) — A massive new terminal at New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport is being touted as a testament to India’s economic prowess.

The sprawling five million square foot building was officially opened Saturday by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress Party President Sonia Gandhi.

Complete with imported granite floors, huge white columns fitted with expensive speakers, 63 elevators, 95 immigration counters and a state of the art security and baggage system, Terminal 3 is also home to India’s first transit hotel.

Officials say the new nine-level hub will be able to handle 34 million passengers per year, making it one of the biggest in the world.

“This is a confirmation that India has truly arrived on the world stage,” India’s Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel told the crowd of invited guests.

Terminal 3 is a far cry from the cramped, low tech international terminal that existed before.  http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/07/03/india.delhi.airport/?hpt=T2&fbid=aw-FzJcuNFH

India is trying to be a first rate economic power.  And while it will not surpass Europe in this age (as well as have various trade and other disappointments), it will surpass the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand before Jesus returns.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

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).
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? 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”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe?
Did The Early Church Teach Millenarianism? Was the millennium (sometimes called chiliasm) taught by early Christians? Who condemned it. Will Jesus literally reign for 1000 years on the earth? Is this time near?
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 may the six thousand years of human rule end?  When will Jesus return?

World Currencies

COGwriter

ICG sent out the following from its Mark Armstrong today:

The Gulf oil spill has been taken as an excuse to wage war on the one substance that, perhaps more than any other, makes our modern way of life possible. Cap and trade, as the wealth redistribution mechanism is called, “will necessarily cause energy prices to skyrocket,” with the proceeds to be supposedly transferred to nations that don’t use so much. It seems the oil spill is just what was needed to make the case…

From an economic standpoint, everyone seems to hang on the latest release of official numbers from unemployment to consumer confidence to housing starts. Even though none of those numbers are inspiring any confidence in the long term outlook, the solution we’re told is for the government to keep hiring and spending.

Not a few economic analysts are predicting that 2011 will be a terrible year for the American economy. Tax rates are due to increase dramatically next January, prompting the private sector to transfer of as much income and profits as possible to be taken before this year is out. That is expected to make the 2010 economy appear to be stronger than it actually is, but may result in a ruined economic environment next year.

But D.C. is undeterred, at least for now. To those in power the obvious solution is for the government to spend, spend and spend some more. Is it not remarkable to see as we did at the economic conference in Toronto, leaders of European nations look upon the American president with absolute dismay as he promoted additional “stimulus spending.” The Europeans have watched their treasuries disappear behind a torrent of socialist spending and “green” programs and initiatives until they’ve hit an economic wall. They’ve already learned the hard way that government spending does not produce national prosperity. It’s a lesson present leadership is determined to teach America the hard way…

As we’ve seen, the very practice of democracy in Europe over the long term is in serious doubt.

While I have edited out some of the more political statements in the above newsletter, the basic point that there are economic issues in the USA, that Europe is taking a different approach, but that Europe will also have issues is correct.

As far as how financial types felt this week, I saw the following two news item today:

U.S. Stocks Drop as Dow Posts Longest Losing Streak Since 2008

July 03, 2010, 12:40 AM EDTBy Whitney Kisling and Nikolaj Gammeltoft

July 3 (Bloomberg) — U.S. stocks plunged this week, giving the Dow Jones Industrial Average its first seven-day loss since 2008, after reports showing slower-than-estimated growth in jobs and factory orders and amid concern China’s economy has slowed…

“People are avoiding risk and there is an overarching concern that the economy is heading into a slowdown,” said Art Hogan, chief market analyst at New York-based Jefferies Group Inc. “If you’re concerned about the pace of the economy, then it’s difficult to hang onto stocks.”  http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-07-03/u-s-stocks-drop-as-dow-posts-longest-losing-streak-since-2008.html

Why The Greater Depression Still Lies Ahead

Forbes – June 30, 2010

If policymakers do not understand the real cause of a problem, they will in all likelihood be unable to provide a genuine solution.

Messrs. Barack Obama, Benjamin Bernanke and Timothy Geithner do not understand the real cause of this debt crisis. They are politicians first and economists or students of the market second–if at all. Therefore, it is not wise to count on them to tell us when the Great Recession is over, or to provide a plan to prevent another one in the future.

The cause of the Great Depression in the 1930s, and the Great Recession beginning in 2007, was one and the same: an overleveraged economy. Excessive debt levels are the direct result of the central bank providing artificially low interest rates and of superfluous lending on the part of commercial banks.

The easy money provided by banks eventually brings debt in the economy to an unsustainable level. At that point, the only real and viable solution is for the public and private sectors to undergo a protracted period of deleveraging. The ensuing depression is, in actuality, the healing process at work, which is marked by the selling of assets and the paying down of debt.

Unfortunately, our politicians today are focused on fighting this natural healing process by promoting the accumulation of more debt…

Since we have yet to address the real cause of this recession, we are moving inexorably closer to causing The Greater Depression. If policymakers do not understand that the progenitor of a depression is debt, they will also be unable to provide a genuine solution.

http://www.forbes.com/2010/06/30/greater-depression-still-ahead-personal-finance-economy.html?boxes=Homepagetoprated

Things are changing in the world and all North Americans and Europeans need to pay attention (as do the Asians, Latins, Islanders, Australians, and Asians).  A greater depression will hit the USA and its Anglo-allies.

The USA economy will ultimately be replaced as the main economic engine of the world, and this process has began.  And eventually the USA will be no more.

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?
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?