Church of God News

Martin Luther

COGwriter

Today, the Los Angeles Times reported:

On Oct. 31, 1517, Martin Luther posted the 95 Theses on the door of the Wittenberg Palace church, marking the start of the Protestant Reformation in Germany.  http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/wire/sns-ap-history-2010oct31,0,1190292.story

Today is a day that many honor Martin Luther.  And those that do are normally Protestant.

But many do not realize that Martin Luther had a variety of teachings that many Protestants no longer hold to.

Ten Commandments

Many modern Protestant leaders claim that the Ten Commandments are done away and were “nailed to the cross”

Yet, regarding the Ten Commandments, Martin Luther claimed that:

God threatens to punish all who break these commandments…Therefore, we should also love and trust in Him and gladly do what He commands” (Luther’s Small Catechism with Explanation. Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, 1986, p.12).

The fruits of this sin are afterwards the evil deeds which are forbidden in the Ten Commandments…we hold that the Law was given by God, first, to restrain sin by threats and the dread of punishment, and by the promise and offer of grace and benefit (Luther Martin. The Smallclad Papers. 1537. Translated by F. Bente and W. H. T. Dau Published in: _Triglot Concordia: The Symbolical Books of the Ev. Lutheran Church_. (St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921), pp. 453-529).

…teach them first of all these articles, namely the ten commandments…But as for those that will not learn, let them be told that they deny Christ and are no Christians…(Luther M.  The Short Catechism, 1529.  Cited in  Bettenson H, ed., Documents of the Christian Church. London: Oxford University Press, 1943, p. 225).

Furthermore the Christian Questions and Their Answers section of that book states (it is unclear he Martin Luther actually wrote that section, though it is ascribed to him),

“1. Do you believe that you are a sinner? Yes, I believe it, I am a sinner. 2. How do you know this? From the Ten Commandments, which I have not kept…The Ten Commandments are the law of God” (Luther’s Small Catechism with Explanation. Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, 1986. pp.39-40,53).

Martin Luther wrote:

…whoever wishes to know and to do good works needs nothing else than to know God’s commandments. Thus Christ says, Matthew xix, “If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.” And when the young man asks Him, Matthew xix, what he shall do that he may inherit eternal life, Christ sets before him naught else but the Ten Commandments (Luther M. Treatise on Good Works, March 29, 1520).

For even if a Moses had never appeared and Abraham had never been born, the Ten Commandments would have had to rule in all men from the very beginning, as they indeed did and still do (Luther, M. Against the Sabbatarians:Letter to a Good Friend, Part II, 1538).

An article of related interest may be The Ten Commandments and the Early Church.

State of the Dead

Most Protestants tend to feel that the dead have immortal souls and go directly to heaven or punishment upon death, yet Martin Luther taught something more consistent with COG teachings on this matter:

The immediate cause of Luther’s stand on the sleep of the soul was the issue of purgatory, with its postulate of the conscious torment of anguished souls. While Luther is not always consistent, the predominant note running all through his writings is that souls sleep in peace, without consciousness or pain. The Christian dead are not aware of anything—see not, feel not, understand not, and are not conscious of passing events. Luther held and periodically stated that in the sleep of death, as in normal physical sleep, there is complete unconsciousness and unawareness of the condition of death or the passage of time.† Death is a deep, sound, sweet sleep.‡ And the dead will remain asleep until the day of resurrection (Martin Luther and William Tyndale on the State of the Dead pp. 571-572).

Martin Luther specifically taught:

It is probable, in my opinion, that, with very few exceptions indeed, the dead sleep in utter insensibility till the day of judgment… On what authority can it be said that the souls of the dead may not sleep out the interval between earth and heaven… (Luther M. Translated by W. Hazlitt. The life of Luther written by himself. M. Michelet, ed. Bohn’s Standard Library. G. Bell, 1904, p. 133).

While some criticize this teaching and call it “soul sleep”, it was held by the earliest Christians. Please check out the article Did Early Christians Believe that Humans Possessed Immortality?

Becoming God

Martin Luther taught a form of deification, which many Protestant leaders would have trouble with today.

Notice the following from a Martin Luther sermon:

“For the Word became flesh in order that the flesh might become Word. That is, God becomes man in order that man might become God (On the Word Became Flesh Martin Luther, 1483-1546 From: Sermo Lutheri in natali Christi, [December 25, 1514]) _D. Martin Luthers Werke. Kritische Gesammtausgabe_ (Weimar: Hermann Boehlau, 1883) Vol. 1, p. 28).

The idea that man can become God was a view of the earliest Christians. For details, please check out the article Deification: Did the Early Church Teach That Christians Would Become God?

Catholic Church

Martin Luther taught against the concept that the Roman Catholic Church was the one true church.   And while most modern Protestant leaders would agree on that point, Martin Luther took this much further.

Specifically, Martin Luther taught that the Roman Catholic Church was the “great harlot of the Apocalypse” (O’Hare PF. The Facts About Luther, originally 1916, 1987 ed., p.9).   Martin Luther also claimed that the Pope was the “Antichrist” (Ibid).

With all the ecumenical discussions going on these days, not many Protestant leaders that call themselves Lutherans seem to be willing to be insistent on those points.

For the record, I agree with certain Catholic leaders who have claimed that the final Antichrist will be some type of antipope (see Catholic Prophecies: Do They Mirror, Highlight, or Contradict Biblical Prophecies?).  As I have written before, I do not believe that the current pope is any more of an antichrist than Martin Luther was.

And while I do not believe that Martin Luther was a truly faithful leader, I do believe that he had a few doctrines that were consistent with the teachings of the early church.

Those interested in learning more should consider studying the following articles:

The History of Early Christianity Are you aware that what most people believe is not what truly happened to the true Christian church? Do you know where the early church was based? Do you know what were the doctrines of the early church? Is your faith really based upon the truth or compromise?
The Similarities and Dissimilarities between Martin Luther and Herbert W. Armstrong This article clearly shows some of the doctrinal differences between in the two. At this time of doctrinal variety and a tendency by many to accept certain aspects of Protestantism, the article should help clarify why the Living Church of God is NOT Protestant. Do you really know what the Protestant Reformer Martin Luther taught and should you follow his doctrinal example?
Universal Offer of Salvation: There Are Hundreds of Verses in the Bible Supporting the Doctrine of True Apocatastasis Do you believe what the Bible actually teaches on this? Will all good things be restored? Does God’s plan of salvation take rebellion and spiritual blindness into account?
Sola Scriptura or Prima Luther? What Did Martin Luther Really Believe About the Bible? Though he is known for his public sola Scriptura teaching, did Martin Luther’s writings about the Bible suggest he felt that prima Luther was his ultimate authority? Statements from him changing and/or discounting 18 books of the Bible are included. Do you really want to know the truth?
Hope of Salvation: How the Living Church of God differ from most Protestants How the Living Church of God differs from mainstream/traditional Protestants, is perhaps the question I am asked most by those without a Church of God background.

Ancient Laodicea

COGwriter

John D. Carmack is a UCG supporter with a blog titled Church of God Perspective.  In his latest post, he includes the following:

After Dennis Luker became President, he stated that it was about governance.  At the time, it was presented that they were holding fast to the model developed 15 years ago in Indianapolis.  He stated more than once that it was not about changing doctrine.  He even stated that the Sabbath and holy days were not being changed.  Once, he even stated it was not about a particular family in Latin America.

This all came to a head originally when Clyde Kilough wanted to present a paper about doing a study on governance to the GCE.

• Then, we were told it was about governance – that of keeping the governing structure we had.
• Then, a paper about the Sabbath and a particular family was put out, in effect changing doctrine while stating the contrary.
• Then, more were fired.
• Then, the regional pastor position was removed, in effect changing government while stating the contrary.

Do the actions match the words?  First, it was not about the Sabbath, then the Sabbath paper.  It was not about a certain family in Latin America, but then the Sabbath controversy seemed to revolve around a certain family in Latin America.  First, it was about governance, ousting someone who wanted a study on governance, firing another who resisted governance, and it was about keeping the current form of government, yet then it was about changing the hierarchy of ministers.  Do the actions match the words?

John Carmack offered his suggestions to UCG’s leadership, then concluded by stating:

…if the membership and elders of UCG do not start getting concrete proof that the Sabbath and holy days are not changing and that the firing and relieving of ministerial positions have come to an end, then a church split is probably inevitable.

In his post last Monday, John Carmack also wrote:

Why the trail of bodies? At very least, the entire thing is starting to seem pretty heavy-handed and ruthless. It appears to be lacking in Christian love.
I’ve been trying to figure out if this is all just plain incompetence or something more sinister. It has the appearance of a consolidation of power, and the lack of any announcement to the membership at this critical time only reinforces that idea…

Incompetence? Grabbing for power? I simply don’t know any more. The firing removal of the office of the regional pastors without any field input and without any announcement certainly makes it look like a consolidation of power. The question is if it even matters any longer which it is.

It ain’t looking good.

If there any elders left in May, they should seriously consider forcing a vote to clean house. It only takes 25% to get an issue on the ballot. It is obvious that this administration has lost touch with its membership and will continue to erode confidence the longer it is in power.

UCG has had governance problems since the beginning, and various splits (though most of the splits have been fairly small).

Why cite John Carmack here?  Because, by and large, he has been a staunch supporter of UCG–and when staunch supporters raise these types of points, this could signal deep problems for an organization.

I do not pretend to try to know what the motives for all the moves UCG’s leaders have made in the current crisis.  However, I consider that rejection of proper church governance is both a lack of humility and a lack of faith issue.

I had problems with how UCG originally established its form of governance in 1995.  Why?  Because doing so meant that its leadership was abandoning a doctrine (governance) that all of the leadership had publicly backed prior to that time.  I also felt, and stated publicly, that the governance issue would affect UCG’s ability and willingness to proclaim the gospel to the world as a witness.

That is why I could not become a member of UCG and part of why I am a member of LCG.

Laodicea is made up of two Greek words that basically mean “people decide”–the implication is that they decide that their own criteria are more important than those in the Bible.  Because of this, I believe that Laodiceans reason around placing the proper emphasis on the public proclamation portion of the work of God.

As far as public proclamation, UCG announced the following “record” last week:

After airing programs for just 15 weeks on WGN, 10,285 telephone and Internet responses have been generated…

And while it is commendable that UCG is lately making more of a public proclamation effort, the Living Church of God received approximately 60,000 responses to its telecast for the same period.  We will see how long UCG will decide it can afford to be on WGN.

Jesus taught:

20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them. (Matthew 7:20)

33 “Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit.  (Matthew 12:33-34)

14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. (Matthew 24:14)

14 “And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write,  ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God:  15 “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot.  16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. (Revelation 3:14-16)

I do not believe that the fruits of UCG’s governance have been particularly good, nor have the fruits always been bad.  Others may disagree, but UCG simply has not had the fruits from its telecast that LCG has had.  In UCG’s entire 15 1/2 years it has gotten about the same number of respondents to its telecast as LCG gets every three or four months.

What about you?  Do you believe that you should support the fulfilling of Matthew 24:14 in proclaiming the gospel of the world as a witness or a form of governance that has been relatively ineffective in that mission?

Will you follow the criteria of the Bible or your own?

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?
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?
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.

COGwriter

A search for what the Tkach “WCG” (now renamed GCI) teaches currently on Halloween brought up the following article first:

The day does have religious significance for some people, particularly wiccans and druids. For some people and in some regions, Halloween or some of its elements may have a non-Christian religious meaning. Some Halloween activities could be considered anti-Christian, and would, therefore, be avoided. Christians would want to avoid demonic associations, for example. With these things in mind, it would be appropriate for Christians to consider carefully their activities on this holiday.

For most children, however, there is no religious significance involved in either the day itself or in such elements as pumpkins or costumes. It’s true that such things as jack-o’-lanterns, bonfires and black cats, which are part of the Halloween tradition, may have roots in pre-Christian activities…

Most Christians believe they can celebrate Halloween (in some respects) as a purely secular day of fun…

Should Christians and their children participate in Halloween activities if they are unsure whether it is the right thing to do or are convinced it is wrong? The Bible teaches us that we should be fully persuaded in our own minds about these things—either pro or con. But we should not judge or condemn others who are of a different persuasion. The apostle Paul’s advice in Romans 14 can be applied to the question of Halloween activities…

It is the responsibility of each Christian to decide, based on biblical and Christian principles, whether to participate in Halloween activities, and to avoid judging other Christians who have different circumstances and make different decisions.

So, GCI is ambiguous.  And it needn’t be.

For example, when it stated “that such things as jack-o’-lanterns, bonfires and black cats, which are part of the Halloween tradition, may have roots in pre-Christian activities”, it could have stated that they they DO (not may) have pre-Christian, pagan roots, as none have a biblical origin (though jack-o’-lanterns may have began after Christ came, jack-o’-lanterns are not a Christian symbol).

Furthermore, most real Christians do not believe that they can celebrate pagan holidays.  Additionally, even the Vatican has warned that Halloween as observed in places like the USA, should not be done.

But the main point to address here is that GCI pointed to the Apostle Paul who was speaking about personal days to fast in Romans 14.  Paul was not talking about endorsing nor participating in pagan holidays, he opposed them.

Let’s first notice the fact that Romans 14 is specifically talking about vegetarianism and fasting days:

1 Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things. 2 For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables. 3 Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him. 4 Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.

5 One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. 6 He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks. (Romans 14:1-6)

GCI is suggesting that the above means that people can observe any day, including pagan ones in a pagan manner, if they so choose.

But is that consistent with the rest of the Bible or Paul’s other writings?

No, it is not.

Notice something else that the Apostle Paul wrote:

19 What am I saying then? That an idol is anything, or what is offered to idols is anything? 20 Rather, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice they sacrifice to demons and not to God, and I do not want you to have fellowship with demons. 21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord’s table and of the table of demons. (1 Corinthians 10:19-22)

If people in GCI will not look up scriptures, no wonder they remain associated with an organization that is more into its own version of political correctness in many areas than the Bible.

And if some want to argue that 1 Corinthians 10:19-22 is not related to Halloween (even though it is a pagan holiday with many demonic connections), perhaps the following scriptures will be of benefit:

2 Thus saith the Lord, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them.  3 For the customs of the people are vain (Jeremiah 10:2-3, KJV).

19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: 20…idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, 21… drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:19-21).

Halloween is a holiday from heathens and in modern times has become a time of even more drunkenness, revelries, and the like. Tonight and tomorrow night, many adults will go out for drunken revelries.

The Bible is clear.  Observation of pagan holidays, like Halloween, are not appropriate for Christians.

Unlike GCI, the Living Church of God is not ambiguous on Halloween and posted two commentaries this week against it.  One I already referred to can be found in the article titled Catholic and COG Views on Halloween.

But here is something from one posted today as written by Davy Crockett:

At this time of year, as the daylight portion of the day becomes shorter and the leaves begin to fall, an ancient tradition with roots in paganism seems to gain in popularity with every passing year. Halloween, adapted from All Saints Eve, with all of the dark and foreboding trappings associated with this bizarre holiday, is celebrated by children and adults…

It’s pretty plain that such activities are not pleasing to God.

But, why darkness? Again, the bible makes it plain. The Apostle John recorded the words of Jesus when he wrote, “And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil” (John 3:19). The wise writer of Proverbs put it this way, “The way of the wicked is like darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble” (Proverbs 4:19).

It is obvious that the “wicked one” (1 John 5:19) has kept this world in darkness to try to accomplish his perverted plan to keep mankind out of the Kingdom of God…

The Apostle Paul wrote to those early converts to Christianity in the church at Ephesus about coming out of darkness: “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them” (Ephesians 5:8-11).

Jesus Christ came to bring the light and those that are called now can escape the dark side and live in His marvelous light, free from the pagan traditions and practices of this age.  http://www.lcg.org/cgi-bin/tw/commentary/tw-comm.cgi?category=Commentary1&item=1288357888#headline

The light of scripture eliminates any ambiguity about Halloween.

GCI is being ambiguous apparently because it does not want to stand up for the truth on this matter.  Real Christians do not observe Halloween.

Two articles of possibly related interest may include:

Is Halloween Holy Time for Christians? This article provides some historical and biblical insight on this question.
Is There “An Annual Worship Calendar” In the Bible? This paper provides a biblical and historical critique of several articles, including one by WCG which states that this should be a local decision. What do the Holy Days mean? Also you can click here for the calendar of Holy Days.

Indonesian Earthquake 9/02/09

COGwriter

In its latest weekly update, LCG reported the following about the disasters and situation in Indonesia:

Double Disasters in Indonesia. This week a deadly tsunami and volcanic eruptions struck different parts of Indonesia within a 24-hour period. So far, more than 300 people have been killed, hundreds are missing and more than 40,000 people have been displaced. The ten foot high tsunami, generated by an undersea 7.7 magnitude earthquake, smashed into coastal villages in the Mentawai Islands off western Sumatra. The volcanic eruptions occurred in central Java at Mount Merapi—Indonesia’s most active volcano. Rescue crews are still searching for survivors (Straights Times, October 28, 2010). These disasters occurred along a major fault line referred to as the Pacific “Ring of Fire.” In light of this deadly geologic activity, it should be noted that Jesus Christ predicted that “earthquakes in various places” would be one of the signs of the approaching end of the age (Matthew 24:7). Events like this should motivate all Christians to pray more fervently, “Thy kingdom come” (Matthew 6:10, KJV)!

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Arius Nusantara reports: Before writing about the two natural disasters that happened in Indonesia this week, I need to let you know that our brethren are safe and sound; none is hurt, as the troubled areas are far away from us. We live in the eastern part of Java Island.

One disaster happened on the island of Sumatra, in the western part of the island. It had been reported Monday night that an earthquake measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale shook up the surrounding islands of Mentawai—the quake was strongly felt up to Singapore. At the same time, the Meteorology, Climate, and Geophysics office in the area reported that a tsunami was well expected, yet they put down the warning two hours after the quake took place. This was indeed a great mistake, as not long after that, a ten-meter high wave wiped out the northern and the southern part of Pagai Island in the area of Mentawai. The death toll reached 122 people and 502 people are reported missing; many are still reluctant to leave high lands, where they have been staying for two days.

Another disaster is the Merapi volcano eruption, in the middle of Java, close to the city of Jogjakarta, where I used to visit a family for Bible Study. The death toll so far has reached 16 people. From Monday, October 25, it has been reported that the volcano was very active, erupting hot materials 454 times and creating 624 multi-phased local quakes. This trend peaked until yesterday evening, when it erupted horribly. A village was totally destroyed and we are expecting the death toll to be much higher.

It is nice to hear that LCG members there were safe, at least as of a day or so ago.

The situation in the Pacific has been unsettling recently.

Indonesia has suffered from many earthquakes in the past several years and has lost thousands of people to them.

And more are coming (Matthew 24:7; Luke 21:11).

Even earlier today, Indonesia faced another problem:

Jakarta, Indonesia (CNN) — Indonesia’s Mount Merapi erupted again Saturday, spewing hot ash clouds for more than 20 minutes followed by lava and sending nearly residents fleeing in panic for the second time in a week.

The volcano’s rumblings were felt within a radius of 12 kilometers (7 miles), said Surono, head of the Indonesia Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Agency, in a report posted on the agency’s website. Like many Indonesians, Surono only uses one name.

As the second eruption occurred shortly after midnight local time (1 p.m. Friday ET), thousands of evacuees already living in temporary shelters were moved farther away from the mountain.  http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/10/30/indonesia.volcano/?hpt=T2

More disasters are biblically expected.

The Bible warns of a time when there will be such a massive earthquake, that the islands will be quite seriously affected.

For more information, please see the following article:

Islands and Bible Prophecy What’s ahead for islands? What does the Bible prophesy about them?  Is there a major earthquake prophesied?

Angela Merkel

COGwriter

In today’s newsletter, ICG’s Mark Armstrong reported the following about Germany’s growing influence in Europe:

Based upon the historical record and what we’ve expected in prophetic terms, it seemed unlikely that Germany would be dragged down to the weakened condition that now afflicts much of the rest of Europe. And sure enough, as the excerpts below illustrate Germany has managed to avoid some of the worst economic mistakes committed by its EU partners. Further, as segments quoted from the Economist illustrate, Germany has been unwilling to underwrite bailouts on a scale that would undermine its own economic stability.

This leads to a very interesting dynamic now, where Europe needs Germany’s stability and leadership but also “fears its pre-eminence” as the Economist so aptly put it, for obvious historical reasons…

Few probably missed the shocking statement that Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel made recently, “Multiculturalism has been an absolute failure.” And that statement comes alongside recent survey results showing that one third of Germans believe their country is “overrun by foreigners” and a majority would like to see Muslim religious practice “sharply restricted.”

These sentiments are a far cry from the ideology that created the messy immigrant situation in Europe, and a further cry from anything that would be regarded as acceptable in our current climate here in the U.S. But here’s where it gets dicey. According to a recent survey some thirteen percent of Germans would “welcome a Fuehrer who would govern with ‘a strong hand’. “ While the other nations of Europe need Germany’s leadership and help, it’s no wonder they worry about attitudes that recent surveys reveal are rapidly gaining popularity there. Germany’s consolidated economic and political strength combined with growing public disgust over the behavior of the immigrant population is more than enough to fuel speculation, given Germany’s history.

The reality is that because of its high rate of productivity and willingness to often fund the EU, German influence is rising.  And that is consistent with biblical prophecy.

Events for many end time prophecies to be fulfilled are lining up.

The final European beast power is in the process of re-emerging and it will have many indications of its German connections.

The time for the final European leader, known as the King of the North, to emerge is getting closer.  Germany will support such a leader, and perhaps even provide the top leader for the job.  Its rise in Europe will increase its influence there.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? What is ahead for Europe?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?
Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North? Is the German Defense Minister one to watch? What do Catholic, Byzantine, and biblical prophecies suggest?
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?

COGwriter

Is it your Christian duty to vote?

Well, with the American election coming on November 2, 2010, according to various evangelical and Protestant preachers on American television, it is.

Is that what the Bible teaches?

What would Jesus do?

The world is a complicated place with many types of problems. In the world’s so-called democracies, politicians campaign to persuade us to vote for them so that they can help solve these problems. In the U.S.A., election issues and problems usually include the economy, environment, crime, international leadership, defense, and a host of social concerns. Community leaders with different ideas wish to persuade us that their group’s choice is the one that will be best for the country.

Many of these leaders bring religion into the campaign.

The Bible teaches that Christians should follow Jesus’ example (Philippians 2:5). So if Jesus was an American citizen, would He vote?

Some seem to think that Jesus would vote for members of the Democratic party, because Democrats are perceived by some to be more compassionate than Republicans. Others feel certain that Jesus would vote for Republicans because Republicans are perceived by some to be more “pro-life” (anti-abortion) than Democrats. Some others, noting hypocrisy in both major parties, feel that Jesus would vote for the candidates offered by the smaller political parties due to their personalities or views on different subjects.

Democracy is Not New

Democracy was known before the time of Christ. In ancient Greece, all the male citizens were expected to vote on the the issues facing their society. The Greeks introduced the concept of democracy to the Romans. The Romans (who were somewhat skeptical of the Greek model) set up a modified form of democracy called a republic. In a republic, elected representatives are supposed to vote for their interpretation of the will of the people. The U.S., other “democracies” of the world (with Switzerland as perhaps the most notable exception as it is more patterned after the Greek model), and even many churches are patterned after the Roman model.

Most people in western societies seem to feel that some form of democracy is the best form of government. Would God agree? The Bible warns us, “there is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death” (Proverbs 16:25). It also warns us, “It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps” (Jeremiah 10:23).

In Genesis 2:17 God warned Adam and Eve to not partake of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. But Adam and Eve did not listen to God. After listening to Satan, they decided that they did not need to listen to God but that they should decide for themselves (Genesis 3:1-6). This is the first recorded act of human democracy in action.

Nowhere in the entire Bible do we see God sanctioning democracy.

Jesus told the apostles that they would be rulers over the twelve tribes of Israel in his kingdom (Luke 22:30). Jesus chose the disciples, they did not get their positions from any form of democracy (John 15:16; 6:70). God, not man, chose David to be king over Israel originally (Acts 13:22) and has also chosen him to be king over all Israel in the world ahead (Jeremiah 30:9).

By the way, Jesus said that God the Father has reserved who will have certain positions of authority in the kingdom of God (Mat 20:23). The rewards in the kingdom will be Jesus’ to give (Rev 22:12); they will not be for the people to take for themselves.

Democracy will not be God’s form of government in His kingdom.

Why?

One of the many problems of voting is that no human thinks the way God does.

‘For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways’, says the LORD (Is 55:8).

When Jesus was on Earth he proclaimed the gospel of the kingdom of God and told people to repent (Mark 1:14-15). Jesus refused to participate in even the most elementary governmental decisions while he was on the earth (Luke 12:13-14).

Although Jesus taught that we were to pay taxes (Mat 22:17-21), He also taught that His kingdom was not of this world (John 18:36). Jesus taught His disciples to go into the world and preach the gospel to everyone (Matthew 28:19,20). Jesus said that His disciples were to be in the world, but not of it (John 17:16).

No, Jesus would not vote.  He did not encourage His followers to do anything like voting while He was on the earth, and hence for any to suggest it is the duty of Christians to vote is not basing that opinion on what the Bible teaches.

Neither the Republicans nor the Democrats will solve the problems that the USA is facing.  Only national repentance can, and that no longer appears likely.  But individual repentance remains possible even though the nation as a whole shows no interest in that direction.

Should a Christian vote?

Christians are not to be part of this world (Revelation 18:1-4), but are to be ambassadors for Christ (II Corinthians 5:20). True Christians “keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ” (Revelation 12:17).

Jesus did not vote while He was on this earth. A Christian ambassador should follow the leadership of Jesus Christ and the Bible and not vote. Neither will I.

Those truly concerned about the leadership of their countries should pray (and if safely possible fast) for “The will of the Lord be done” (Acts 21:14).

Three articles of possible interest may include:

Should a Christian Vote? This article gives more of the Biblical rationale on this subject. Would Jesus vote for president? Is voting in the Bible? This is a subject Christians need to understand.
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God was the Emphasis of Jesus and the Early Church Did you know that? Do you even know what the gospel of the kingdom is all about? True religion should be based upon the true gospel.
Are You Saved? Do You Love Jesus? What is a True Christian? What is the Gospel? Evangelist Richard Ames answers those important questions.

COGwriter

Halloween is often considered as a Catholic holiday, but within Catholicism there are different views of it.

Here is the view of one Catholic writer endorsing Halloween:

It should be noted that Halloween is a Catholic holiday. Pope Gregory IV in 835 made it the universal practice in the Roman Catholic Church to celebrate All Saints’ Day on Nov. 1. All Souls’ Day follows the next day as the commemoration of all of the faithful who have departed.

“All Hallows’ Even” as the evening before All Hallows’ Day — All Saints’ Day – eventually became shortened to Halloween. Hallow, as in “hallowed be thy name” in the Lord’s Prayer, is an older form of the word “holy.”

It was the Protestant Reformation that rejected the universal practice of devotion to the dead (Martin Luther dropped any references to praying for the dead from his Bible). This Catholic holiday was attacked, much like the church as a whole, for being pagan and evil. Hence I wouldn’t be surprised if this cloud of suspicion hovering over Halloween originated from the spirit of anti-Catholicism.

But Nov. 1st was the day of the Celtic Summer’s End feast of Samhain, the day when the dead returned to the earth. We have retained some of these pagan elements to Halloween, as is true of Christmas and Easter.

Why would a pope put the Catholic celebration of the dead on top of the pagans’ celebrations of the dead? Because the Catholic feasts are in continuity and fulfill the meaning of the pagan ones…

So what about the indulgence in the spooky and scary? Skeletons are spooky, but they are also very Catholic. In fact, one couldn’t find a better haunted house for a Halloween pilgrimage than the various “chapel of bones” that can be found across Europe (Killian Brian. Halloween, as autumn celebration, reminder God’s name is hallowed. Catholic Online International News. 10/31/06. http://www.catholic.org/international/international_story.php?id=21818).

While the above author claims that anti-Catholic sentiments are perhaps the reason for objections to Halloween, it should be noted that more recently other Catholic leaders have condemned it, while Protestant supporters, like some of those at Christianity Today endorse its observance and attempt to profit commercially from it (for specific see the recent article Origins of Halloween).

Interestingly, the powerful Roman Catholic archdiocese in Mexico City publicly condemned Halloween observance as pagan in 2007, though it is still being observed by many practicing Catholics there:

Mexico’s Roman Catholic church slammed Halloween as “damaging and against the faith” on Monday, as conservatives sought to stem celebration of the ghouls-and-goblins holiday and return to the country’s traditional Day of the Dead.

The U.S.-style holiday has made broad inroads in Mexico, with monster costumes almost as widely sold as the marigold flowers traditionally used to decorate relatives’ graves during Nov. 1-2 Day of the Dead ceremonies, when families build altars and leave food, drink and flowers for the dearly departed.

“Those who celebrate Halloween are worshipping a culture of death that is the product of a mix of pagan customs,” the Archdiocese of Mexico published in an article on its Web site Monday. “The worst thing is that this celebration has been identified with neo-pagans, Satanism and occult worship.”

The archdiocese urged parents not to let their children wear Halloween costumes or go trick-or-treating — instead suggesting Sunday school classes to “teach them the negative things about Halloween,” costume parties where children can dress up as Biblical characters, and candy bags complete with instructions to give friends a piece while telling them “God loves you.”…

Pre-Hispanic cultures celebrated a similar holiday in August, but after the Spanish conquest, historians say the date was changed to Nov. 1 to coincide with the Catholic holiday…

In another article, Onesimo Herrera-Flores complained that “Halloween, for a variety of reasons, has imposed itself on other nations, displacing native customs.”

Celebrating Halloween, he said, citing a church authority, is “like inviting Satan into your home.”  (Mexico’s Catholic church slams Halloween; conservatives call for return to Day of Dead. Associated Press – Oct 29, 2007 http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/10/29/america/LA-GEN-Mexico-Church-Halloween.php

In 2009, the Vatican itself took steps to condemn Halloween:

Vatican condemns Hallowe’en as anti-Christian

The Vatican has condemned Hallowe’en as anti-Christian, saying it is based on a sinister and dangerous “undercurrent of occultism”.

Telegraph – Oct 30, 2009

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/religion/6467253/Vatican-condemns-Halloween-as-anti-Christian.html

It is good when religious leaders discourage those who profess Christ from observing pagan holidays with pagan practices.  Yet, most Catholics I have spoken with in Southern California seem not to be aware of Vatican condemnations of it.

While I do not believe those in the following report have gone far enough to remove all vestiges of paganism, some in Italy are attempting to have less of the Celtic pagan elements in their observance this year:

Catholic group shuns Halloween for ‘Holyween’

– Wed Oct 27, 10:29 am ET

ROME (AFP) – As trick-or-treaters dig out their witch costumes, cut scowling faces into pumpkins and hone their apple-bobbing skills, young Catholic parishioners throughout Italy are preparing for “Holyween”.

Instead of dressing up as black cats or zombies, young faithful from some 30 Italian cities will spend October 31 hanging pictures of saints from their windows and balconies to celebrate the eve of All Saint’s Day…

From Turin to Palermo, residents and mayors are also preparing feast days with local cakes and biscuits like Ossa dei Morti (Bones of the Dead), with regional variations made with almonds, pine nuts, vanilla or chocolate.

“Halloween isn’t part of our identity,” the mayor of Calalzo di Cadore, near Venice, told ANSA news agency. Instead, the town will be hosting a ‘food marathon’ of local delicacies until late into the night.  http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20101027/od_afp/italyholidayhalloweenreligionoffbeat

Halloween is pagan and leaders in many professing Christian churches know this.  And some people are questioning some of it pagan practices.

From the Worldwide Church of God

The old Worldwide Church of God clearly taught against the observation of Halloween as can be shown below:

What about you and your children? What comes to your mind when thinking about Hallowe’en? The truth of the Bible? Not at all! Instead, weird and FRIGHTENING MASKS — persons PORTRAYED AS WITCHES AND DEMONS. Pumpkins and turnips hollowed out in the shape of EERIE-LOOKING faces! Lighted candles are placed inside to help bring out the more frightful side of these carvings. Dough is baked into small figurines RESEMBLING WITCHES AND SPIDER’S WEB CAKES are baked by the dozen for this occasion. Children, dressed up in the most revolting garments, are let loose on the neighbors, trying to scare the daylights out of them. Let’s be honest. I have before me the Good Housekeeping’s Book of Entertainment, which my wife picked up from the local library. On page 168 of this much-read book, there is a section on what to do on Hallowe’en. Notice the astonishing advice given! “Halloween decorations are quite as important as the food. When planning them, remember that if the room is to be dimly lit (preferably by candle and FIRELIGHT) the decorations must be bold to be effective. Orange, black and red, THE DEVIL’S COLOURS, are the colours associated with Halloween and THIS SCHEME SHOULD BE CARRIED OUT as far as possible . . . .  Have paper streamers and lanterns hanging from the ceiling, or, if you would like to have something less usual, you could make a giant SPIDER’S web with black and orange strings, or in narrow strips of crepe paper coming from the four corners of the room, complete with a LARGE SPIDER — one of the DEVIL’S FAVOURITE FOLLOWERS.” Notice where the stress lies! Read further of the black magic associated with this festival. “To decorate the walls, make large silhouettes of CATS, BATS, OWLS AND WITCHES ON BROOMSTICKS . . . . For the supper table small WITCHES WITH BROOMSTICKS can be made by using lollipops on 4-inch sticks.” Weird lanterns, witch-balls, and witches’ cauldrons are some other objects, the book suggests, which must fit into the evening somehow. How pagan can you get?

NOWHERE does the Bible command us to observe Hallowe’en. Hallowe’en and other common festivals which people observe in the Christian-professing world have NO BIBLICAL BASIS. They originated in paganism. The testimony of history stamps Hallowe’en as a HEATHEN festival. It’s built on a PAGAN FOUNDATION. Your Bible warns: “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (I Cor. 3:11). Which is the BASIS of YOUR practice and belief? Turn to Deuteronomy 12:29-31 and read God’s condemnation of Hallowe’en! (Marx, Gerhard O. The Origin of Halloween. Plain Truth Magazine, October 1967).

The above condemnation of such pagan practices are consistent with the teachings in the Bible irrespective of the opinions of men. The Bible teaches:

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines (Hebrews 13:8-9).

Certainly Halloween contains many pagan practices that Christians should realize are “strange doctrines” and it was not observed by the original Christians.  Therefore, irrespective of the opinions and later traditions of men, true Christians still do not celebrate pagan holidays like Halloween.  The Bible itself teaches that we should listen to the Bible above added traditions and opinions of men.

Origins from the Living Church of God and the Church of Rome

In its commentary today, the Living Church of God had the following:

Commentary: Halloween – a treat or a trick?

By Roger Meyer (guest columnist) | Thursday, October 28, 2010

Tens of millions of children the world over are getting ready to dress up in strange costumes and scary-faced masks to go door to door and beg for candy treats by saying, “Trick or treat!” At the same time, teens and adults are also getting ready to attend parties and gatherings to celebrate this strange holiday by donning costumes that are ghoulish, bizarre or risqué…

From Egypt to Central and South America, this night was celebrated as the festival of the dead. In Ireland, this pagan Celtic festival celebrated on October 31st at sundown was known as Samhain. It was believed that the border between this world and the world of the dead became so thin at this time that the spirits of the dead, as well as other supernatural entities, could pass to this world, making communication with departed loved ones easy at this time. It was a night of superstitions, divinations, incantations and odd traditions.

Divination was practiced as a means to determine such things as the identity of one’s future spouse and how many children they might have. Apples were often used in these rituals, owing to the ancient sagas telling of the Celtic Otherworld wherein was located the apple tree whose fruit had magical properties.

Samhain continues to be celebrated today by neo-pagan Wiccans who consider it one of the principal religious days to honor the dead. But it is also celebrated by millions of ordinary people as a holiday named Halloween or All Saints’ Day.

Christianity attempted to convert the pagans to Christianity by attaching new meanings to the old pagan festivals. So this night of the dead was to be changed to honor the departed saints and renamed All Saints’ Day. But the pagan traditions continued unabated, as people to this day still wear costumes and masks, still carve pumpkins with scary faces, still place fake gravestones in their yard, still play games of divination, and still decorate with witches, ghosts, fake gravestones and various representations of the dead and the macabre.

Perhaps those celebrating the day have been treated to a trick by being seduced into observing a day which is thoroughly pagan in origin and practice.  Read more

Speaking of “donning costumes that are ghoulish, bizarre or risqué”, I read a news item today that many wish to dress as “Lady Gaga” for Halloween this year.  No one can consider how she provocatively dresses to be Christian, and no true believer would ever try to follow her risqué example.

Catholic scholars themselves admit that the day they call “All Saints”, which begins the evening before (October 31, “All Saint’s Hallowed Eve”) was not observed by early Christians, but was a later addition:

ALL SAINTS. As early as the fourth century, the Greeks kept on the first Sunday after Pentecost the feast of all martyrs and saints, and we still possess a sermon of St. Chrysostom de-livered on that day. In the West, the feast was introduced by Pope Boniface the Fourth after he had dedicated, as the Church of the Blessed Virgin and the Martyrs, the Pantheon, which had been made over to him by the Emperor Phocas. The feast of the dedication was kept on the thirteenth of May. About 731 Gregory III. consecrated a chapel in St. Peter’s Church in honour of all the saints, from which time All Saints’ Day has been kept in Rome, as now, on the first of Novem-ber. From about the middle of the ninth century, the feast came into general ob- eeiyance throughout the West. (Addis W, Arnold T. Catholic Dictionary, 6th ed. The Catholic Publication Society Co, 1887. Nihil Obstat. EDUARDUS S. KEOGH, CONG. ORAT., Censor Deputatu Imprimatur. HENRICUS EDUARDUS, CARD. ARCHIEP. WESTMONAST. Die 18 Dec., 1883. Imprimatur. John Card. McCloskey, Archbishop of New York. Feb. 14, 1884. Copyright, Lawrence Kehoe, 1884/1887. p20).

All scholars realize that the apostolic church did not observe Halloween or anything resembling it.

Notice also the following scripture:

Thus says the LORD: “Do not learn the way of the Gentiles; Do not be dismayed at the signs of heaven,
For the Gentiles are dismayed at them. For the customs of the peoples are futile (Jeremiah 10:2-3).

At their absolute best, Halloween customs are futile, came from the way of the Gentiles, and detract from the emphasis to worship the true God.  Those in the Church of God have always realized this.   And many in the Church of Rome are getting some understanding of that.

Halloween is not a holiday that the earliest Christians observed.   It should not be observed by modern Christians either.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Is Halloween Holy Time for Christians? This article provides some historical and biblical insight on this question.
Which Is Faithful: The Roman Catholic Church or the Living Church of God? Do you know that both groups shared a lot of the earliest teachings? Do you know which church changed? Do you know which group is most faithful to the teachings of the apostolic church? Which group best represents true Christianity? This documented article answers those questions. Português: Qual é fiel: A igreja católica romana ou a igreja viva do deus? Tambien Español: Cuál es fiel: ¿La iglesia católica romana o La Iglesia del Dios Viviente? Auch: Deutsch: Welches zuverlässig ist: Die Römisch-katholische Kirche oder die lebende Kirche von Gott?
The History of Early Christianity Are you aware that what most people believe is not what truly happened to the true Christian church? Do you know where the early church was based? Do you know what were the doctrines of the early church? Is your faith really based upon the truth or compromise?

Ancient Laodicea

COGwriter

Dennis Luker, the President of the United Church of God, just had a new letter posted.  Here is some of what it included:

October 28, 2010

Dear Brethren,

What’s ahead for the Church of God?…Brethren, do we today choose life?…

What are we to do in this delivered state? When we are reconciled to God through the sacrifice of Christ, what is our role? The dual mission of the United Church of God—based directly on the Word of God—makes it clear: We are to be dedicated to preaching the precious gospel of the coming Kingdom of God, and we are to be daily—minute-by-minute, hour-by-hour—preparing ourselves to serve for all eternity under Jesus Christ Himself!…

Consider this critical spiritual fact: Even as we believe ourselves to be seeking and doing the will of God, we can inadvertently fall under the powerful but subtle influence of our adversary and begin to deceive ourselves. Unless we are truly humble, we can fall prey to wrong thinking and not even be aware of it…

Let us all—individually and collectively—choose life, that we may all live and that our Church may accomplish its purpose, according to the good and perfect will of God.

Thank you, brethren, for your continued prayers and for asking God to direct and guide all of us! All of the dedicated ministers and employees here at the home office in Cincinnati send their greetings and love to all of you.

By Church of God, President Luker apparently is referring to his own group, the United Church of God,  and perhaps by extension the other COG groups that are not part of the Philadelphian remnant.

In my view, President Luker really never answered the question he started off with, but he may think that he had.

So let me try.

What’s ahead for the the Church of God?

The Book of Revelation shows that there will be remnant parts of four Churches of God at the time of the end.  These are Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.  It would biblically seem that those that are actually part of the Church of God, but are not actually Philadelphian, are almost all in the Thyatira, Sardis, and/or Laodicea churches.  Those Laodiceans are essentially the offspring that came out of the Philadelphia Church.

The Philadelphian portion of the COG will be the main ones that fulfill Matthew 24:14 and the end till come.

It seems biblically clear that the Laodicean, Sardisian, and Thyatiran churches will continue to be less than highly effective in getting Christ’s gospel of the kingdom to the world as a witness.  They will have various organizational and doctrinal issues.

Prior to the time of the Great Tribulation, the Philadelphians will endure persecution, and some persecution will affect the non-Philadelphian groups (Matthew 24:9; Daniel 11:28-35).

The presiding evangelist of the Living Church of God (LCG), R.C. Meredith of the Living Church of God publicly has taught:

We will be persecuted before the Great Tribulation…We will be persecuted from time to time…But the Laodiceans will have it worse during the Great Tribulation (Meredith RC. Prophecy Overview. Sermon, July 19, 2008).

Just prior to the actual start of the Great Tribulation, when its time to flee, the Christians that are not Philadelphian will not go to a place of safety for various reasons.  Yet, the Philadelphians will, as they will be kept from the hour of trial (Revelation 3:10).

During the Great Tribulation, most of the non-Philadelphians will likely be killed (cf. Daniel 7:21,25; 12:7).  But they and the Philadelphians will have works.

The Philadelphians will somehow continue their work of warning the world about the Greco- Roman European power that they were doing prior to fleeing and being protected.

During the time that the Philadelphians are protected, they themselves will most likely also continue to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).

While some may not consider that to be an important work, the truth is that God has called some now in order to serve both now and in the future   Growing in grace and knowledge NOW is an essential part of the work.

The Bible gives a clue about some of the future service that the Philadelphians will be providing while in its place of protection:

19 I will set a sign among them; and those among them who escape I will send to the nations: to Tarshish and Pul and Lud, who draw the bow, and Tubal and Javan, to the coastlands afar off who have not heard My fame nor seen My glory. And they shall declare My glory among the Gentiles (Isaiah 66:19).

Doesn’t this sound like those that go who escaped to the place of protection in the wilderness will preach the Gospel once they leave it?  Is it then logical that those that were allowed to escape and go to this place were mainly those who placed their top emphasis on proclaiming the true Gospel, prior to escaping?

It seems that perhaps the reason that the Philadelphians are protected is because they are currently doing the work and will do a type of work in the place of safety.

What about the remnants of the churches in Revelation 2 & 3?

Perhaps I should add that I believe that all four groups will have people who will support the two witnesses (see Who Are The Two Witnesses?).

Yet, notice what happens to many those that follow the non-Philadelphians in the end:

18 Thyatira…23 I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts (Revelation 2:18,23).

1 Sardis…3 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 3:1,3).

14 Laodiceans… 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent (Revelation 3:14,19).

There is a difference for the Philadelphians who were not deceived into following false or heretical teachings:

7 Philadelphia…10 Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth (Revelation 3:7,10).

While it is possible that some in the Thyatira, Sardis, and/or Laodicea churches may more properly repent, only the Philadelphians are promised protection from the great tribulation, “the hour of trial”.

That is another reason that understanding church eras, including their remnants, is important.  And that is something that officially, at least, UCG has lost.

But What is the Work of Laodicea During the Tribulation?

Jesus condemns the Church of the Laodiceans because they have a work that is lukewarm and not one that is cold or hot (Revelation 3:14-16).  All the Churches of Revelation 2 & 3, except Smyrna (which has died out) and Philadelphia (a portion of which remains) are all criticized for their work and/or behavior. Many had a lukewarmness towards the work.

This lukewarmness towards the work of God, while existing to some degree, by some throughout history, became more prevalent after the death of Herbert W. Armstrong in 1986.

Over time, it has become clearer and clearer who were representing the gospel proclaiming, faithful Philadelphians, and who choose to have differing types of Laodicean works.

Although people associated with them seem to be pleased with these lukewarm works, Christ clearly is not (Revelation 3:14-16).

During the tribulation, the Laodiceans and others, remnants of Thyatira and Sardis will become more fully involved in the work of God whether or not they know that now.  Some will be hot, persecuted and probably martyred while others will be cold, denying the faith.

Notice that Satan the dragon will unleash persecution against that part of the true Church that is not protected:

17 And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ (Revelation 12:17).

So, during this time, the work of Laodicea, Sardis, and Thyatira will essentially show that they can still keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.  That will be part of the “patience of the saints” (Revelation 14:12).  But it will be very difficult to go through the Great Tribulation.

Many long time UCG supporters are concerned about what is happening with UCG.  Some are disillusioned, while others are having doubts.

Yet, all real Christians who are alive and not part of the Philadelphia remnant will go into the Great Tribulation.  A time much more troubling than what UCG has gone through this year.

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?
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?
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.
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?
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.
The Churches of Revelation 2 & 3 from 31 A.D. to present: information on all of the seven churches of Revelation 2 & 3.
1. The Ephesus Church Era was predominant from 31 A.D. to circa 135 A.D. The Church of James, Peter, Paul, and John, etc.
2. The Smyrna Church Era was predominant circa 135 A.D. to circa 450 A.D. The Church led by Polycarp, Melito, Polycrates, etc.
3. The Pergamos Church Era was predominant circa 450 A.D. to circa 1050 A.D. An especially persecuted Church.
4. The Thyatira Church Era was predominant circa 1050 A.D. to circa 1600 A.D. The Church during the Inquisition.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. The Laodicean Church Era has been predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. These are non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG.
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.
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.

Labarum Cross

COGwriter

On October 28, 312 there was a battle at the Milvian Bridge between Constantine (a follower of Mithras) and Maxentius that Constantine’s side one.

Today, is observed by some Catholics as Milvian Bridge Day, as well as St. Jude’s Day.  Having both of them observed the same day is somewhat an odd occurrence as there is a major contradiction between the two.

What is the contradiction?

The one known as saint Jude wrote the following:

3…contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 3).

Hence, the Apostle Jude was advocating not changing the Christian faith from that which the apostles were given.

Yet, Milvian Bridge Day signifies the beginning of a series of events that led to the adoption of many changes in the faith commonly referred to as Catholic, often from the faith of the followers of Mithras.

For example, did you know that the “cross” became a military symbol after the sun-worshiping Emperor, and member of the highly militarized cult of Mithraism, claimed to have a vision and a dream on/near what is now known as Milvian Bridge Day:

In 312, the Roman Emperor Constantine I the Great was in Trier, Germany where he had an unexpected vision of a cross that appeared in the sky..Constantine’s soldiers, the majority of whom were pagans, placed the sacred image of the cross on their shields (Mangan C.M. In This Sign You Conquer, 10/15/03 Copyright © 2004 Catholic Online).

He {Constantine} said that about noon, when the day was already beginning to decline, he saw with his own eyes the trophy of a cross of light in the heavens , above the sun, and bearing the inscription , Conquer by this…in his sleep the Christ of God appeared to him with the same sign which he had seen in the heavens , and commanded him to make a likeness of that sign which he had seen in the heavens , and to use it as a safeguard in all engagements with his enemies….At dawn of day he arose, and communicated the marvel to his friends: and then, calling together the workers in gold and precious stones, he sat in the midst of them, and described to them the figure of the sign he had seen, bidding them represent it in gold and precious stones…

Now it was made in the following manner. A long spear, overlaid with gold, formed the figure of the cross by means of a transverse bar laid over it. On the top of the whole was fixed a wreath of gold and precious stones; and within this, the symbol of the Saviour’s name, two letters indicating the name of Christ by means of its initial characters, the letter P being intersected by X in its centre…

The emperor constantly made use of this sign of salvation as a safeguard against every adverse and hostile power, and commanded that others similar to it should be carried at the head of all his armies. (Eusebius. The Life of Constantine, Book I, Chapters 28,30,31).

This type of cross is known as a labarum:

The Labarum (☧) was a vexillum (military standard) that displayed the first two Greek letters of the word “Christ” (Greek: ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ, or Χριστός) — Chi (χ) and Rho (ρ).It was first used by the Roman emperor Constantine I…

Though modern representations of the chi-rho sign represent the two lines crossing at ninety degree angles, the early examples of the Chi-Rho cross at an angle that is more vividly representative of the chi formed by the solar ecliptic path and the celestial equator. This image is most familiar in Plato’s Timaeus…Of Plato’s image in Timaeus, Justin Martyr, the Christian apologist writing in the second century, found a prefiguration of the Cross (Labarum. Wikipedia, viewed 03/04/09).

So, the Chi-Rho existed from at least the time of Plato (a pagan philosopher), but was adopted by Constantine centuries after Christ died. The heretic Justin was probably one who originally encouraged its adoption, and he apparently got it from Plato.  Use of crosses by Christians was not part of the original faith that the Apostle Jude said to contend for.

There is also a Catholic writer who indicates that the image or perhaps mark of the beast may be something that resembles that Constantinian cross:

Priest P. Huchedé (19th century): Antichrist will further make all men, great and small, rich and poor, freemen and bondmen, bear a sign on their right arm or their forehead. (Apoc. 13:16). What this sign shall be time alone will reveal. Yet there are some {Catholic} commentators of the Holt Writ, who, according to a special revelation pretend to say that it shall be formed out of the Greek letters X and P, interlaced…which resembles the number of Christ. (Cornelius a Lapide in Epis. 2 to Thes.). No one can either buy or sell without this mark, as specified in the Apocalypse (13:17). (Huchedé, P. Translated by JBD. History of Antichrist. Imprimatur: Edward Charles Fabre, Bishop of Montreal. English edition 1884, Reprint 1976. TAN Books, Rockford (IL), p. 24).

If the cross is a symbol of the future Antichrist/Beast power as Priest P. Huchedé indicates it will be (and it is in a book with an official imprimatur), perhaps those who come from faiths descended from Emperor Constantine should be concerned about their religion now–before it becomes even further removed from the original faith. The Bible indicates that the true Christians will NOT have the symbol/mark needed to buy or sell when the two beasts of Revelation 13 are in power, but only those that will follow those beasts will (Revelation 13:16-17)–and while crosses may not necessarily be required everywhere, other Catholic writings suggest that in certain places, they will be.

Although all real scholars admit that the original Christians would not kill or intentionally participate in military service, after Emperor Constantine claimed to see a spear in the sky with a traverse bar (see Constantine is Why “Christians” War), the group that accepted his authority then allowed him to convene what is known as the Council of Nicea in 325. A.D.

Thus, in large measure because of the influence of Constantine, many changes were made and/or adopted that contradicted the originally faith that the Apostle Jude said that Christians were to contend earnestly for (Jude 3).

Thus, those who observe either of these days should meditate on whether they should listen to more to Jude’s biblical admonition or observe the many changes that a follower of the Mithras religion got various bishops and others to follow.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Do You Practice Mithraism? Many practices and doctrines that mainstream so-called Christian groups have are the same or similar to those of the sun-god Mithras. Do you follow Mithraism combined with the Bible or original Christianity?
The History of Early Christianity Are you aware that what most people believe is not what truly happened to the true Christian church? Do you know where the early church was based? Do you know what were the doctrines of the early church? Is your faith really based upon the truth or compromise?
Which Is Faithful: The Roman Catholic Church or the Living Church of God? Do you know that both groups shared a lot of the earliest teachings? Do you know which church changed? Do you know which group is most faithful to the teachings of the apostolic church? Which group best represents true Christianity? This documented article answers those questions. Português: Qual é fiel: A igreja católica romana ou a igreja viva do deus? Tambien Español: Cuál es fiel: ¿La iglesia católica romana o La Iglesia del Dios Viviente? Auch: Deutsch: Welches zuverlässig ist: Die Römisch-katholische Kirche oder die lebende Kirche von Gott?
Some Similarities and Differences Between the Orthodox Church and the Living Church of God Both groups claim to be the original church, but both groups have differing ways to claim it. Both groups have some amazing similarities and some major differences. Do you know what they are?

Rebuilt Gymnasium in Sardis

COGwriter

CG7-Denver is now reporting the following on its official website:

The Church of God (Seventh Day) recognizes more than 200 congregations in the United States and Canada. It also has affiliated ministries in more than 25 countries outside North America, with a worldwide fellowship of over 300,000 members.

This is up from 200,000 earlier this year (CG7 Claims 200,000 and Teaches the Mark of the Beast is Past):

The General Conference is a family of more than 200 local congregations scattered across the United States and Canada. Through the relationship between the General Conference and the International Ministerial Congress, we are a global church, connecting well over 200,000 brethren in Christ around the world.

From the two reports, it seems that the “growth” apparently came from affiliating with other international groups as the reported number of US and Canadian congregations is unchanged.

It may be because of affiliations this year in Brazil (CG7 in South America, 1000 Congregations in Brazil) and more recentlyIndia (CG7 in India? Indians Need to be Warned).

While reaching the international community is a great and biblically appropriate goal, sadly CG7 has watered down so much in the past year or two that their members (both domestically and those affiliated internationally) should be outraged.

Here are seven items that I were reported here earlier that I believe help demonstrate that:

1. CG7 Says Judgment of Harlot of Revelation is NOT a Future Event

2. What CG7 Needs

3. CG7 Does Not Understand the Book of Revelation

4. CG7 Minimizes Prophecy, Again and Now Claims That Christian Persecution is Past

5. CG7: Israel in Bible Prophecy

6. CG7’s Change of Beast Position

7. CG7 Allows Working on the Sabbath!

Of course, other groups have had some similar problems, but CG7 seems to have really began to lose more and more in the past few years.

It probably should be mentioned that some who once were part of the old WCG that ended up in/associating with CG7 thinking it was a safer place than WCG was when it was apostasizing.  And while that may have been true from a relative perspective, CG7 is no “place of safety”.

Those in cg7 need to realize that Jesus warned that the Sardis Church “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).  The losing of prophetic knowledge and other doctrinal understandings by CG7 is a fulfillment of that prophecy.  Irrespective of how many they claim affiliate with it.

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.
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.