Church of God News

World Currencies

COGwriter

Concerns about the economies of the Western world continue to be part of the regular headlines these days:

Fears rise as EU nations aim to raise borrowing

Financial Times – Sept 5, 2010…

Some strategists are warning that some of the weaker economies could fail to raise the amount of money they need as eurozone governments attempt to issue double the amount of debt this month compared with August…

A double-dip recession would hit the economies of Spain, Portugal and Ireland particularly hard, although even core countries, such as France and Germany, could struggle to attract investors, say strategists. http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/abe5bf60-b8dc-11df-99be-00144feabdc0.html

No defence left against double-dip recession, says Nouriel Roubini

The United States, Japan and large parts of Europe have exhausted their policy arsenal, leaving them defenceless against a double-dip recession as recovery slows to ‘stall speed’.

Telegraph – Sept 5, 2010 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/economics/7981334/No-defence-left-against-double-dip-recession-says-Nouriel-Roubini.html

The deficit worth worrying about

Mon, Sep. 6, 2010 By Judith Stein

It won’t be a good Labor Day for America’s jobless…For the past 40 years, American leaders assumed high-tech services, finance, and housing could sustain prosperity. They stood by as East Asian and European governments promoted manufacturing and manufacturing exports. Too much U.S. investment went into non-tradables: finance, housing, retail, personal services…If the nation is to end the trade deficit, it has to manufacture more. http://www.philly.com/inquirer/opinion/20100906_The_deficit_worth_worrying_about.html#ixzz0ylICwnzQ

Investec Sells Bonds as Market Gets `Hysterical’ About Double-Dip Economy

By Anchalee Worrachate – Sep 6, 2010

Investec Asset Management said it’s selling government bonds and betting U.S. interest rates will rise as concern economic growth is faltering is “overdone.”

The company, which has $65 billion under management, is selling European and U.S. government debt and will accelerate offloading the securities should further data point to stabilisation in the economy, said John Stopford, the company’s head of fixed income in London. http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-09-06/investec-sells-government-bonds-as-market-gets-hysterical-about-economy.html

IMF ponders the improbable: Will U.S. default?

Washington Post – Sept 1, 2010…

As IMF researcher and report author Jonathan D. Ostry said, it is best to be cautious.

“Markets may give little or no warning,” Ostry said, pointing to the recent troubles in Greece. “The debt limit is the point at which you bounce off to infinity. It is a point that you want to strenuously avoid.”  http://voices.washingtonpost.com/political-economy/2010/09/imf_ponders_the_improbable_wil.html?wpisrc=nl_wonk

Interest rates ultimately will rise and affect the highly indebted.

While many will likely put Europe into the same category as the USA, this would be a mistake.

Europe has debt, but less of it.  Europe is close to having a more advanced satellite tracking system (called Galileo) than the USA’s GPS system.  Europe has the largest physics project in the world (CERN’s Large Hadron Collider) which will likely bring it high tech economic benefits.  Its emphasis on manufacturing the past several decades is likely to assist its future growth.  And despite the religious, ethnic, and other tensions in Europe, while the Bible shows it will not adhere very well with itself (Daniel 2:42-43), it is prophesied to lead the world for a short time.

As a side note, I saw recent news reports that Brazil’s economy grew 8.8% over the past year (Brazil’s economy booms in Q2, defying predictions) and Chile’s economy is up by 7.1% (Chile’s Economy Grew 7.1% in July, Beating Estimates).  Bible prophecy seems to suggest that those lands will ultimately support the rising European power.

Japan will likely have some ups and downs, but ultimately the Bible indicates that is will align militarily with China against Europe.

The USA, however, along with its Anglo-descended allies (Canada, UK, Australia, and New Zealand), is prophesied to be taken over, by a European led power.  And debt will apparently be one of the major triggers for this take over (Habakkuk 2:3-8).

For more information, please check out the following:

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?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
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?
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 Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach?
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?
Japan, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 1: Any Witness? Where did the Japanese people come from? Have they had any witness?
Japan, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 2: Prophecy Japan in prophecy. What is prophesied for Japan? Will God save the Japanese?

Parliament Hill, Ottawa, Canada

COGwriter

A new poll suggests that about 80% of Canadians believe in God:

The 80-question, mail-in survey of 420 Canadians…by the Carleton University Survey Centre and the Montreal-based Association for Canadian Studies, reveals a nation struggling to reconcile doubts and contradictions regarding religious faith…

“We’re not, by and large, a God-denying country,” says ACS executive director Jack Jedwab, noting that just seven per cent of respondents expressed unequivocal disbelief in the idea of an all-powerful deity overseeing the affairs of the world…

In response to the Canadian survey’s principal question about the existence of God — a subject that has confounded humankind for centuries — about 30 per cent of those tapped for their opinion agreed with the statement: “I know God really exists and I have no doubts.”

Another 20 per cent acknowledged they “have doubts” but “feel that I do believe in God.”

Ten per cent said they believe in God “sometimes” and a further 20 per cent said they don’t believe in a “personal God” but “do believe in a higher power.”

Along with the seven per cent of respondents who denied the existence of God, nearly 12 per cent adopted the classic agnostic position and said they “don’t know whether there is a God and don’t believe there is a way to find out.”…

Atlantic Canada had the largest percentage of respondents who conveyed a strong belief in the existence of God (36.4 per cent), while such faith was less firm in Western Canada (34 per cent), Ontario (27.3 per cent) and Quebec (23.9 per cent). (PostMedia News, Sept 3, 2010. http://www.canada.com/life/More+Canadians+believe+heaven+than+hell+survey/3475806/story.html)

So, only about 7% of Canadians clearly disbelieve that there could be a God and 12% are agnostic.  And among believers, there are doubts.

I would ask that 7% who deny that there is a God if they have been everywhere in the universe from time eternity to present in order to draw such a conclusion.

Otherwise, they cannot prove that there is no God.  Just make assertions (speaking of false assertions of this type, please see the article Steven Hawking vs. God: God Wins).

Yet, while most Canadians profess a belief in God, few actually seem to believe that they need to obey God.  And fewer truly do.

Interestingly, the idea of religion being important is accepted by about 80% of the population of many countries according to another report:

More than eight in ten adults in the world say religion is an important part of their daily lives, according to Gallup surveys conducted last year in 114 countries…

In the world’s poorest countries – those with average per-capita incomes of $2,000 or less – the median proportion who say religion is important in their daily lives is 95 percent, reported Gallup on Tuesday.

In contrast, the median for the richest countries – those with average per-capita incomes over $25,000 – is 47 percent. (Christian Post, Sept 1, 2010. http://www.christianpost.com/article/20100901/over-8-in-10-worldwide-see-religion-as-important/index.html)

There is a God, and all will realize this some day.

God warned that once people became wealthy, they may forget Him:

10 When you have eaten and are full, then you shall bless the Lord your God for the good land which He has given you.

11 “Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God by not keeping His commandments, His judgments, and His statutes which I command you today, 12 lest — when you have eaten and are full, and have built beautiful houses and dwell in them;  13 and when your herds and your flocks multiply, and your silver and your gold are multiplied, and all that you have is multiplied; 14 when your heart is lifted up, and you forget the Lord your God…(Deuteronomy 8:10-14)

And certain studies seem to support the idea that the wealthier tend to be less religious.

And while Canadians tend to believe in God, they have a tendency (as do US citizens and others) to forget to keep God’s commandments.

Some articles of potentially-related interest may include:

Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?  What will happen to the nation of Israel?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
Is God’s Existence Logical? Some say it is not logical to believe in God. Is that true?
Is Evolution Probable or Impossible or Is God’s Existence Logical? Part II This short article clearly answers what ‘pseudo-scientists’ refuse to acknowledge.
Where Did God Come From? Any ideas? And how has God been able to exist? Who is God?
How is God Omnipotent, Omnipresent, and Omniscient? Here is a biblical article by Wallace Smith which answers what many really wonder about it.
What is the Meaning of Life? Who does God say is happy? What is your ultimate destiny? Do you really know? Does God actually have a plan for YOU personally?
The Bible: Fact or Fiction? This is a booklet written by Douglas Winnail that answers if the Bible is just a collection of myths and legends or the inspired word of God.
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.

Greek Riots, 2008

COGwriter

At least one economist suspects that civil unrest, and possibly civil war, may erupt in Greece:

EU austerity policies risk civil war in Greece,

warns top German economist Dr Sinn

Greece’s austerity measures cannot prevent default and will lead to a breakdown of the political order if continued for long, a leading German economist has warned. (Telegraph.  3 Sept 2010. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/economics/7980291/EU-austerity-policies-risk-civil-war-in-Greece-warns-top-German-economist-Dr-Sinn.html)

On Friday, University of Munich economics professor Hans-Werner Sinn said Greece’s problems were long-term, outlining three options: the world can either subsidize Athens indefinitely; force an even greater degree of austerity that actually risks “civil war”; or encourage Greece to restore its drachma currency despite the domestic banking collapse that could well result.  (Bloomberg Business Week, 4 Sept 2010.  http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9I173V01.htm)

“Greece will not make it,” said Sinn. He said the world can either subsidize Athens indefinitely, force a degree of austerity that actually risks “civil war,” or — in what he suggested was the least bad option — encourage Greece to restore its drachma currency despite the domestic banking collapse that could well result. (Associated Press, 4 Sept 2010.  http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jEB_001ID1IooKGJBpeBVv_-C7bwD9I0J4P00)

Many in Greece are not happy about how their national debt situation has been handled.

In my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect, I discuss the possibility of civil unrest and/or civil war breaking out in Europe.  Here are a couple of captions from the book about that:

Some believe that God will punish the nominal Catholics with civil unrest and war in Europe.  As there already has been civil unrest in Europe (and according to secular sources, more is expected), it is possible that the following (to some degree) also may come to pass:..

Monk Hilarion (15^th century): “The people of the peninsula of Europe will suffer by needless wars…”

Brother Louis Rocco (19th century): “All over Europe there will rage terrible civil wars…A Great Monarch will arise after a period of terrible wars and persecutions in Europe.”

Some believe this civil unrest will result in the rise of a militaristic leader who will quell that particular violence, establish a new religious order, and reign with a pope who will perform miracles…

One interesting 15^th century Catholic prophecy foretells a time when a “great prince” will rise up. “All Germany” will apparently convert to the ecumenical religion, and then massive conversions in “all countries” “will happen quickly…

The descriptions of the Great Monarch/Prince in many ways parallel the description of one the Bible refers to as the “prince” in Daniel 9:26–27, final “King of the North” in Daniel 11:27–45…

Austerity measures in Europe will likely cause civil unrest.   And places other than Greece are likely to be affected.

Furthermore, it may partially because of civil war/unrest/riots that a de-Islamization of Europe will take place.  The situation in Europe will change and the leader known biblically as the ten-horned Beast or the final King of the North will rise up.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?
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?
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.
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. This book documents and explains hundreds of prophecies. And since it was published, many have already started to come to pass.
2012 y el surgimiento de la secta secreta Nuevo libro del Dr. Thiel en Español.
2012 und das Auftreten der geheimen Sekte (German Edition) 2012 Buch von Dr. Thiel in deutscher Sprache.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

COGwriter

Iran is opposed to the peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians, partially because the USA is involved:

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has criticized the relaunched direct peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians, saying the talks are doomed to fail.

Mr. Ahmadinejad said Friday that only Palestinians can decide their fate – not Western powers.  (VOA News, 3 Sept 2010. http://www.voanews.com/english/news/Iran-Blasts-Israeli-Palestinian-Talks–102148154.html)

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad condemned Israel and the US in a rally marking the annual Quds, or Jerusalem Day. Security was tight and coincided with reports that the house of opposition leader Mahdi Karroubi was under siege by pro-government militia members.

Iranian government TV showed crowds of demonstrators chanting “Death to America” and “Death to Israel”…(VOA News, 3 Sept 2010.  http://www.voanews.com/english/news/middle-east/Iranian-Pro-Government-Demonstrators-Turn-Out-for-Jerusalem-Day-102159594.html)

One Israeli official commented about Iran today:

Minister of Minority Affairs Professor Avishay Braverman said Saturday that the recently relaunched peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians posed “a strategic threat to Iran.”

Speaking at the Shabbat Tarbut event in Haifa, the minister said that “the cancellation of a visit by the Iranian foreign minister to Egypt and the historical events that have occurred in Tehran since the start of peace talks are proof that progress in the talks will lead to an alliance between Israel and the moderate Arab states versus the axis of evil of Iran-Hamas-Hezbollah.”  (Haaretz, 4 Sept 2010.  http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/mideast-peace-process-poses-a-strategic-threat-to-iran-1.312138)

Iran does not want the peace deal for many reasons.  One is that Sunni Muslim nations (like Egypt and Jordan) seem to be supportive of the process.  As the major Shi’ite Muslim power, Iran does not want the Sunnis to thrive.

But it is more than that.

According to speech given several years ago by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the purpose of the Iranian revolution was to prepare the way for the rising up of someone known as the Imam Mahdi.  This seems to be the same individual that the Bible indicates is the final King of the South.  Iran seems to believe that provoking war is the way to get this leader to rise up.

Hamas, a group that receives funding from Iran, killed four Israelis to protest the peace talks and apparently intends to kill more:

Spokesman calls settlers a “legitimate target” and an army with thousands of weapons at their disposal; says the direct talks are a “media circus.”

A Hamas spokesman told Arab language newspaper Al-Hayat that the group intends to continue its attacks on settlers because they are “legitimate targets” on Saturday.  (Jerusalem Post, 4 Sept 2010. http://www.jpost.com/MiddleEast/Article.aspx?id=187041)

And it is possible that actual war could be provoked in as little as two weeks from now (there or elsewhere in the world).  We will see.

Ultimately the Bible tells of a time when both a King of the North (a European power) and a King of the South will rise up, make insincere deals (Daniel 9:27; Psalm 83), and turn on each other (Daniel 11:40-43).  And while that is likely a ways off, in the scheme of history, it is relatively soon.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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 does Islam teach 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? Is he the Imam Mahdi?  What does the Bible say?
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? What will happen to the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
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?

Rebuilt Gymnasium in Sardis

COGwriter

CG7-Denver has just published something in its Sep-Oct 2010 Bible Advocate magazine allowing people to work on the Sabbath:

Q Please reiterate our position on the Sabbath.  If, due to the economy, a member who is a deacon takes a job requiring him to work late on Friday, but he still attends Sabbath day services, does God’s mercy allow him to continue as deacon? How would you handle this?…

A We’re no longer under old covenant law but under the new covenant of God’s grace (Rom. 6:15; Heb. 8:13)…Every believer must strive, out of love, to dedicate the glorious Sabbath to the Lord. When forced to work, he does not violate the law of love. He continues to love his Lord and His day, regretting that he cannot keep it as he wished. That’s completely different from one who mocks the commandment by working on Sabbath, even though he could keep it, and smugly says we are under grace. One who cannot attend Sabbath services obviously cannot hold an important church office, since he’s not aware of what goes on there. The deacon who is required to work in the dark hours of Sabbath to provide for his household is not wrong. He may continue to serve because he attends worship during the day when church activities take place and he knows what’s happening.

This is an outrage.  No one is being forced to violate the Sabbath, simply pressured.  We are all pressured to sin in many ways, but that does not make sin right.  It is still sin.

To try to reduce dissent from this outrageous response, CG7 had the following weasel words attached to the article:

Editor’s note: Not official policy, here is a respected pastor’s answer to a not uncommon problem in CoG7.

This is still an outrage.

People either have the faith that God will provide or they do not.

Those who knowingly violate the Sabbath simply do not have the faith.

Perhaps I should convey a related personal story.  When I was doing poorly financially struggling to get our business profitable, an opportunity came up for me to have a booth at a seminar on the Sabbath which would have likely resulted in noticeable financial benefits to our struggling business.  At the same time (around November 1994), the late J. Tkach had some article come out that essentially said that if you need to support your family it was okay to work on the Sabbath.

Yet the Bible says:

8 “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. 11 For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.  (Exodus 20:8-11)

21 “Six days you shall work, but on the seventh day you shall rest; in plowing time and in harvest you shall rest.  (Exodus 34:21)

There was more economic pressure for farmers during plowing and harvest time in the ancient days than there is for modern Westerners.  So, instead of listening to Tkach-accepted logic, I decided that it was an act of faith to not work on the Sabbath, but of course to work the other days.    I agreed with the Apostle Peter and others in Acts who faced persecuting pressure:

29 But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men…” (Acts 5:29)

Peter and the others were beaten then (Acts 5:40), but that and various threats did not stop them from obeying God (Acts 5:41).  They ignored being “forced” to disobey God.  And actual force was used against them.

Furthermore, the Book of Psalms clearly says:

25 I have been young, and now am old; Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his descendants begging bread. (Psalms 37:25)

My wife and I have faced various trials associated with keeping the Sabbath and Holy Days over the years (my wife was even fired for attending the Feast of Tabernacles from one company).  We have made it through, though it was not always easy.  We never had to beg for bread.  Jesus taught to pray to God for our daily bread (Matthew 6:11).  He did not teach to rely on carnal reasoning.

We knew that Jesus warned:

33…In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)

So, the fact that it is not always easy to obey God does not justify disobedience.   Jesus taught that the way to life was difficult and few would find it (Matthew 7:14).

How does the Bible say that Christians are supposed to conduct their lives?  To compromise with the world?  Or to do something else?  Notice:

7 For we walk by faith, not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:7)

6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. 8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. (Romans 8:6-8)

3 Now we who have believed enter that rest, just as God has said, “So I declared on oath in my anger, ‘They shall never enter my rest.'” And yet his work has been finished since the creation of the world. For somewhere he has spoken about the seventh day in these words: “And on the seventh day God rested from all his work.” And again in the passage above he says, “They shall never enter my rest.” It still remains that some will enter that rest, and those who formerly had the gospel preached to them did not go in, because of their disobedience…9 There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; 10 for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. 11 Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience (Hebrews 4:3-6,9-11, NIV).

Giving in to societal pressures in order to fulfill the carnal requirements of the flesh is not biblically sanctioned (cf. Romans 13:14).  Some believe God is faithful, while others look to their own understandings.   The Bible says to trust in God and not your own understandings (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Real Christians accept that God is faithful and do not compromise:

12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.  (1 Corinthians 10:12-13)

There have been harder trials in the world than facing job loss in a Western society.  Almost no one actually starves in 21st century America/Europe, and if the “deacon” truly believed God, God would provide for him (and if not, likely the government) even if it does not seem so carnally (cf. Genesis 22:8).  Do he and others not realize that God is faithful?

Sadly, CG7 is encouraging people to look to their own carnal understandings and do what is right in their own eyes (cf. Proverbs 12:15; 21:2).

The Bible warns that the Sardis Church will lose what it has:

1″And to the angel of the church in Sardis write,

‘These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.  2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God.  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.  4 You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. (Revelation 3:1-4)

CG7-Denver keeps losing more and more of the truths it once had.

This latest published response (despite the weasel words that it was “not official policy”, when CG7’s policy was asked for) is an outrage that again confirms that CG7-Denver is at best part of Sardis.  And at worse, has almost no true Christians left in it.  God will decide which best describe that group now.  We in the Living Church of God have not followed the path CG7-Denver is going down.

Those in CG7-Denver really need to examine what church they really should be part of.

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 Sabbath in the Early Church and Abroad Was the seventh-day (Saturday) Sabbath observed by the apostolic and post-apostolic Church?
The Dramatic Story of Chinese Sabbathkeepers This reformatted Good News article from 1955 discusses Sabbath-keeping in China in the 1800s.
Is God Unreasonable? Some have suggested that if God requires Sabbath-keeping He is unreasonable. Is that true?
Is There “An Annual Worship Calendar” In the Bible? This paper provides a biblical and historical critique of several articles, including one by the Tkach WCG which states that this should be a local decision. What do the Holy Days mean? Also you can click here for the calendar of Holy Days.
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.
Attending the Church of Choice This article discusses whose choice is important to worship God; should you attend the church of your choice or the church of God’s choice?
Unity: Which COG for You? Why so many groups? Why is there lack of unity in the Churches of God? Has it always been this way? What can/should be done about it?
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.

Wheat

COGwriter

Because of the recent rise in wheat and other grain prices, the United Nations declared that this needs to be looked at:

The United Nations’ food agency has called a special meeting of policy makers to discuss the recent rise in global food prices…

The meeting will take place on 24 September, probably in Rome, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization said.

“In the past few weeks, global cereal markets experienced a sudden surge in international wheat prices on concerns over wheat shortages,” the agency said.

“The purpose of holding the meeting is for exporting and importing countries to engage in constructive discussions on appropriate reactions to the current market situation.”  (BBC, 3 September 2010. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11177346)

There have recently been food shortages, high prices, and even limited food riots:

Wheat prices rose further on Friday in the wake of Russia’s decision to extend its grain export ban by 12 months, raising fears about a return to the food shortages and riots of 2007-08.

In Mozambique, where a 30 per cent rise in bread prices triggered riots on Wednesday and Thursday, the government said seven people had been killed and 288 wounded…

Russia is traditionally the world’s fourth-largest wheat exporter, and the export ban has already forced importers in the Middle East and North Africa, the biggest buyers, to seek supplies in Europe and the US. (Financial Times – Sept 3, 2010. http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/5f6f94ac-b6bc-11df-b3dd-00144feabdc0.html)

Of course, food shortages are prophesied.  Jesus warned that “famines” would be part of the “beginning of sorrows” (Matthew 24:7-8).  In the Book of Revelation, food price inflation is predicted with the ride of the third horseman (Revelation 6:6).

Related to the third horseman of Revelation, Evangelist Richard Ames wrote:

The third seal presents a rider on a black horse, representing the scarcity of food and the resulting famine…Cynics say there have always been wars, famines and pestilences. But, as time goes on, we will see the four horsemen of the apocalypse intensify their ride, with increasing global consequences. (Ames R. The Middle East in Prophecy. Living Church of God, 2006, p. 24)

While we are not yet to the final intensified ride of that horseman,  part of the “beginning of sorrows” that Jesus referred to could have started.  Food shortages will affect more than Africa and the Middle East.

As Jesus said:

37 And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch! (Mark 13:36-37)

Food prices are something to watch.

This bad food price news could be good news for at least part of the agricultural segment of the USA’s economy.  The USA is a major exporter of cereal grains such as wheat and corn, and should benefit (for now) from increases in food prices.

But ultimately, food shortages will affect Americans and their Anglo-allies like the British, Australians, and New Zealanders.  Hyperinflation will happen to the USA and likely some or all of its Anglo-allies.

In addition to the need for individual repentance prior to disasters, the presiding evangelist of the Living Church of God (LCG), R.C. Meredith of the Living Church of God publicly has taught:

Put aside some food and store some water…Bad times are coming, have some supplies (Meredith RC. Prophecy Overview. Sermon, July 19, 2008).

Get extra food, dried food, and water…When these things happen, maybe God’s people can survive longer…It’s good to be prudent (Meredith RC. Do you actually live by faith? Sermon, April 25, 2009).

Tougher times are coming.  And for some parts of the world these tougher time may be here now.  People who can prepare, should.  Both spiritually and physically.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2010, 2011, or 2012? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What is the “beginning of sorrows”?  When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
Physical Preparation Scriptures for Christians. We all know the Bible prophecies famines. Should we do something?
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?
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?

COGwriter

A powerful earthquake hit the South Island of New Zealand today (actually September 4th in New Zealand):

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake has rocked much of New Zealand’s South Island. No immediate tsunami alert has been issued and no injuries have been reported.

The quake, which hit 19 miles (30 kilometers) west of the southern city of Christchurch, shook a wide area with initial radio reports saying items were tossed from store shelves and roof tiles cracked by the strong temblor.

Christchurch police reported some road damage in parts of the city of 400,000 people, with a series of sharp aftershocks rocking the area.  http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gLE5Mss9oMr_dpRNOuQ19HacFrRQD9I0J4800

The impact of this earthquake is unclear.  Other reports have claimed it was a 7.0, 7.1, or 7.2 quake.

The South Island of New Zealand is less densely populated than its North Island, and so this may only be a relatively mild trouble for New Zealand.  Here is another report:

The New Zealand earthquake caused road damage and wall collapses in parts of the city of 400,000, and authorities said looters had broken into some damaged shops, according to the Associated Press…

“There is quite significant damage, really, with reports that some people were trapped in damaged houses.”  http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2010/09/photogalleries/100903-new-zealand-earthquake-christchurch-pictures/

Jesus, of course, warned about a time with such issues:

8 … And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be…troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows. (Mark 13:8)

We may be at this prophetic point as all the earthquakes and other problems that have happened in the past year could be considered as “troubles”.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? When does the six thousand years of human rule end?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2010, 2011, or 2012? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? What is “the beginning of sorrows”?  Have we begun or are we about ready for “the beginning of sorrows” to begin.
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
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?

Rendering of Armstrong Auditorium (Rees Associates)

COGwriter

Today, PCG’s Stephen Flurry (son of self-appointed prophet and the so-called Philadelphia Church of God leader Gerald Flurry) in an article titled A House for God! posted the following:

Armstrong Auditorium may not rise to the level of excellence of Solomon’s house, but judging by the initial wave of reviews, it will take your breath away.

I do not doubt that PCG spent enough money to have an attractive building.  It reportedly cost PCG $20,000,000 (see PCG: Armstrong Auditorium Mission) which is a lot for a church that probably brings in perhaps around one-half that amount in a year.  As PCG seems to have around 6,000 people or so in total that attend with it, this is a heavy financial burden per attendee.

Now by titling the article A House for God! it might seem that PCG is indicating that it has God’s criteria to actually be part of its church.

But that would be an improper conclusion.

While PCG will likely let nearly anyone who buys a concert ticket to go into its Armstrong Auditorium for performances, it has non-biblical restrictions to prevent people from attending its church services (some of which presumably will be at its Armstrong Auditorium) as well as for being baptized:

New prospective members of Flurry’s church are asked the question: ‘Do you believe Mr. Armstrong fulfilled the role of the end-time Elijah? If they don’t believe this then we don’t invite them [to services]’ (The Philadelphia Trumpet. January, 1993, page 15) (Quoted in Nickels, Richard. Appendix C. In Early Writings of Herbert W. Armstrong. 1996. p.232).

“MOA {Mystery of the Ages} is required reading for those who seek baptism in the church, and church policy mandates reading the book before services because ‘it provides the key to understanding the Bible’ ” (Leap D. Continuing to Fight.  Philadelphia Trumpet, February 2002, p. 26).

I have also heard, but not seen documented, that prospective members of PCG must also declare that they believe that Gerald Flurry is a prophet of God before being allowed to be baptized.

Of course, the Bible teaches that there is only one name under heaven by which humans can be saved and that name is Jesus, not Gerald Flurry nor Herbert W. Armstrong:

10 Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. 11 This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’  12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. (Acts 4:10-12)

PCG simply does not understand that Jesus is the only “name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved”.  PCG, in my view, has always had the wrong focus.

And, it seems, in the past several years, PCG has really been into physical relics and seems highly focused financially on looking the most physically like the old Worldwide Church of God.

I believe that PCG should spend more time investigating its non-biblical requirements and doctrines and return to “the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3), not its interpretation of human leaders and non-biblical pronouncements.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include the following:

Teachings Unique to the Philadelphia Church of God Simply calling oneself ‘Philadelphia’ does not make one so (see Revelation 3:7-9), nor does Gerald Flurry calling himself “that prophet” make it so. This article provides many quotes from this group which claims to be faithful.
What Did the Early Church Teach About Idols and Icons? Did Catholic and Orthodox “saints” endorse or condemn idols and icons for Christians?
The Temple and the Work This article discusses the two temples of the Old Testament and gives insight as to their possible relevance to the situation which has impacted the Church during this past decade or so.
The Elijah Heresies Does the Bible teach that there will be a future Elijah? Must it be Herbert W. Armstrong?
What is a True Philadelphian? Many claim to be part of the Philadelphia era of the Church, but is claiming enough? This article has biblical and historical evidence about who really are the Philadelphians.
Are the Laodiceans the Modern Sadducees and Pharisees? Discusses similarities of the Sadducees and Pharisees to various COGs in this end-time.
Who Was Herbert W. Armstrong? How is He Viewed Today? Includes quotes from the 1973 edition of The Autobiography of Herbert W. Armstrong and explains who he was and how he should be viewed today.

COGwriter

Professing to be wise, they became fools (Romans 1:22).  Notice a news report that came out today:

God did not create the universe and the “Big Bang” was an inevitable consequence of the laws of physics, the eminent British theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking argues in a new book…

“Because there is a law such as gravity, the universe can and will create itself from nothing. Spontaneous creation is the reason there is something rather than nothing, why the universe exists, why we exist,” Hawking writes.

(http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6816EI20100902)

Oh.  So,the law of gravity is the answer to everything in the universe?

Not really.

So, Stephen Hawking has been everywhere in the universe for eternity so he has a real scientific basis for that absurd statement that God did not create the universe?

No, not possibly.

So, there is no meaning of life?

Well, there is, yet people like Stephen Hawking have no clue about what it is.

So, Stephen Hawking has proof that life can generate spontaneously and continue to thrive?

No, definitely not.  That is not scientifically possible.

Instead, since the nonsense oscillating universe theory is basically discredited (see Scientists Agree With Bible that Universe Will Expand Forever), Stephen Hawking and others like him wish to make statements that they cannot prove scientifically to try to sound scientific.

There is no real scientific basis for his claims.  Just a desperate set of assertions.

The Bible teaches:

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

The Bible then details how life formed.

And while the biblical explanation fits with the realities of true science, this “spontaneous creation” nonsense has no basis in fact.

The Apostle Paul made the following observations in his day which are still true now:

20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man — and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.

24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.  (Romans 1:20-27)

Stephen Hawkings is in error.  God did make everything as the Bible says.  There is no proof for the “spontaneous creation” assertion.  God wins.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Is God’s Existence Logical? Some say it is not logical to believe in God. Is that true?
Is Evolution Probable or Impossible or Is God’s Existence Logical? Part II This short article clearly answers what ‘pseudo-scientists’ refuse to acknowledge.
Where Did God Come From? Any ideas? And how has God been able to exist? Who is God?
How is God Omnipotent, Omnipresent, and Omniscient? Here is a biblical article by Wallace Smith which answers what many really wonder about it.
What is the Meaning of Life? Who does God say is happy? What is your ultimate destiny? Do you really know? Does God actually have a plan for YOU personally?
The Bible: Fact or Fiction? This is a booklet written by Douglas Winnail that answers if the Bible is just a collection of myths and legends or the inspired word of God.
Read the Bible Christians should read and study the Bible. This article gives some rationale for regular bible reading.

COGwriter

There was a seminar this past weekend involving certain former students of Bishop Ratizinger (now Pope Benedict XVI).  The keynote speaker was Archbishop Kurt Koch. As of July 1, 2010, he became the President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity.  He was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI.

Archbishop Koch’s intervention examined “The Second Vatican Council between tradition and innovation” and “Sacrosanctum concilium and the post-Conciliar reform of the liturgy.”  (Pope and Past Pupils Interpret Vatican II.  Vatican Radio.  31 August 2010.  http://www.oecumene.radiovaticana.org/en1/Articolo.asp?c=419039)

Information about the details of what was actually said at this August 27-30, 2010 seminar have been hard to come by, but yesterday, Archbishop Koch spoke a little about it:

Archbishop Koch told L’Osservatore Romano (LOR) on Wednesday that the meeting of the Pope’s former theology students was “a concrete, lively and positive experience.” He said that the participants’ conclusion after examining the reform of the Second Vatican Council over the weekend was that “(l)oyalty to tradition, openness to the future: is the most correct interpretation of Vatican II, which remains the magna carta of the Church also in the third millennium.”…

Although he shared few details of his audience with Benedict XVI on Monday morning, the archbishop did tell LOR that he and the Pope spoke about his “new ecumenical challenge because the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity is not independent (from the Pontiff) but it has a mandate from the Pope to see how dialogue may develop in the future.”  (Archbishop Koch pledges unity with Pope as he assumes new Vatican post. Vatican City, Sep 1, 2010. http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/archbishop-koch-pledges-unity-with-pope-as-he-assumes-new-vatican-post/

Pope Benedict essentially set up the seminar:

The Second Vatican Council and its implementation is the theme of this year’s meeting of the “Ratzinger Schulerkreis,” a group of the Pope’s former students. Benedict XVI will participate in some of their discussions…

In his first address as Pope to the Roman Curia, he pointed to two opposing interpretations of the council, which Archbishop Koch will address in his first lecture…

The Holy Father said…”…there is the ‘hermeneutic of reform,’ of renewal in the continuity of the one subject-Church which the Lord has given to us. She is a subject which increases in time and develops, yet always remaining the same, the one subject of the journeying People of God.”  (Ratzinger Students to Consider Vatican II.  Zenit, 26 August 2010.  http://www.zenit.org/article-30162?l=english).

Based upon what Zenit reported from the Pontiff, it appears that the Vatican is coming up with ways to rationalize how to change yet claim to be “always remaining the same”.  This somewhat contradictory view is likely to be held by whoever becomes the final Antichrist as he will not be truly committed to the faith he will originally profess.   Kurt Koch is someone that I am watching to fulfill or assist in fulfilling that role (for some reasons, please see Swiss Bishop Appointed as Ecumenical Head: Antichrist Role?).

The use of “Vatican II” (a major meeting of the Church of Rome which opened under Pope John XXIII on 11 October 1962 and closed under Pope Paul VI on 8 December 1965) to justify many things has raised questions for decades amongst those who consider themselves affiliated with the Church of Rome.  Many Catholics have questioned how the Vatican can claim to be the same while making changes.

Now, it appears that Vatican II will be part of the cover being used to promote unity with other faiths.  The Vatican made major efforts towards the Anglicans in October 2009 (see Vatican Announced Plan for Anglicans to Become Part of the Church of Rome) and have have many meetings with the Eastern Orthodox and certain Protestant groups in the past year to attempt reconciliation and unity.

However, theological compromise is expected for such unity to occur.  So much compromise that it appears that it may be possible that the next pope may, according to various Catholic and biblical prophecies, essentially be an antipope who does not really believe the Roman Catholic religion, though he will publicly profess that religion for quite a while.

These ecumenically-related 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.
Some Doctrines of Antichrist Are there any doctrines taught outside the Churches of God which can be considered as doctrines of antichrist? This article suggests at least three. It also provides information on 666 and the identity of “the false prophet”. Plus it shows that several Catholic writers seem to warn about an ecumenical antipope that will support heresy.
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. This book documents and explains hundreds of prophecies. And since it was published, many have already started to come to pass.  It also shows in detail from biblical, Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and other prophecies explaining why the next pope may be an antipope and the final Antichrist.