Church of God News

COGwriter

One of the last, if not the last, book written by the late Herbert W. Armstrong was titled The Mystery of the Ages.  As part of a settlement of a copyright infringement lawsuit with the old WCG, Gerald Flurry’s PCG paid for the right to distribute it and other literature.

PCG ended up editing a few portions of the book.   And at least one part was apparently perceived by some in PCG to be at odds with certain statements by PCG’s self-appointed prophet, Gerald Flurry (see PCG’s Changes to the Mystery of the Ages).

Well, now CGPFK’s self-appointed prophet and claimer as one of the two witness, Ronald Weinland, just published a book the he has titled “The Rest of . . . The Mystery of the Ages”. It has a September 2010 publishing date, though I am not sure if it became available before this week.

And while Ronald Weinland has titled the book “The Rest of . . . The Mystery of the Ages”, what it really contains are some of Ronald Weinland’s doctrines and doctrinal claims.  Essentially, last month Ronald Weinland claimed to teach four additional “truths” to his followers.

Here are some statements from his latest book:

This publication is a companion to Feast of Tabernacles’ sermons given in 2010, which explain four new truths that God has given His Church. These truths are a magnification and a final refinement to a book written by Herbert W. Armstrong entitled, Mystery of the Ages…

These final four truths, revealed through God’s final end-time apostle, bring the total of additional truths added since the apostasy to 36. This is double what God gave during the Philadelphia era. (Weinland R. The Rest of … The Mystery of the Ages.  Copyright © 2010 by the Church of God – PKG. Published September 2010, pp. 1, 2)

Part of the problem, however, is that Ronald Weinland does not actually believe certain of the truths that the old WCG had.

Anyway, Ron Weinland’s book has his latest four “truths” as follows:

TRUTH #1: There is an end to Satan’s existence. There is an end to Satan’s existence. His punishment is that of eternal death, never to have life again. (p. 16).

TRUTH #2: Angels were created and composed of spirit essence and given life by God (spirit life), yet they do not have self-sustaining life inherent in themselves. (p. 12)

TRUTH #3: God created both good and evil, but to understand “how” is to understand why God gave beings, both human and angelic, independent free choice, apart from Himself, as free moral agents. (p. 22)

TRUTH #4: Through the power of the holy spirit, Almighty God will “dwell” IN His Family into everlasting life, and they will always dwell IN Him. (p. 31)

The first two of those points have long had followers in COGs not affiliated with Ronald Weinland’s current group, and the last one is not inconsistent with what most COG’s hold to, though Ronald Weinland has his own spin (the third one is complicated–and I will simply state for now that I would have worded that differently than Ron Weinland has as I believe he is giving an inaccurate impression).

Ronald Weinland (a former WCG and then UCG minister) became a unitarian and renounced the long-held COG position that Jesus was God from the beginning.

Here is some of what his latest book teaches about that:

God reveals that in the beginning there was nothing else that existed except Himself as the Almighty Self-Existing One, with eternal life inherent in Himself.  Other than the
fact that God states that He dwells in eternity, the farthest that we can go back to a beginning revelation about the existence of God is found in the Book of John.

It simply states, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (Jn. 1:1). This verse begins to reveal great and awesome things about God, yet most who read this do not begin to comprehend the magnitude of what God is revealing. Most of the Church of God that was scattered after the apostasy read things into this verse that are neither stated, nor implied.

Most individuals make an assumption concerning verse 14; this is a grave error and actually blasphemous in nature. It states, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” (Jn. 1:14).

This is a simple statement in reference to verse 1 of a revelation to mankind concerning the Word of God…

So when people read in John 1:1 that the “Word was with God,” they mistakenly assume that this is speaking of the Word in verse 14 that was made flesh—which is clearly speaking of Jesus Christ being the one made of flesh. Because of this assumption, people miss the far greater revelation that God is giving about Himself and His plan for mankind.

When it states that the “Word was with God” it is not stating that the Word was Jesus Christ who was “with” (along side) God. This word “with” in Greek does not mean “along side or together with, as to be with someone.” A simple short study of the word would reveal how it is used in other scripture. There is another word in the Greek language that does mean “to be with someone or along side someone,” but this is not such a word.(Weinland R. The Rest of … The Mystery of the Ages, p. 3)

Notice what the Bible teaches:

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made…14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:1-4, 14)

So, this portion of “The Rest of … The Mystery of the Ages” differs from the Bible (as well as long held COG teachings).  It is not simply an assumption, but a logically correct conclusion that by tying John 1:1 with vs. 14 that Jesus clearly is the one being taught about in John 1:1.  Sadly, the followers of Ronald Weinland have long tended to follow his explanations, even when they contradict scripture.

Anyway, it has been close to two and one-half years since Ronald Weinland proclaimed that the USA would be nuked or he would stop preaching.  And despite the fact that the current situation in the USA does not meet Jesus’ criteria that “there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be” (Matthew 24:21), Ronald Weinland still contends that the Great Tribulation began on December 14, 2008.

Perhaps he wrote “The Rest of … The Mystery of the Ages” to somewhat distract his followers from the fact that Ronald Weinland is not one of God’s two witnesses and is not God’s prophet?

I have long felt that the following scripture applied partially to him:

1 But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. 2 And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. 3 By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber (2 Peter 2:1-3).

Sadly, false prophets, false apostles, and other false teachers continue to arise and make it so people simply will blaspheme the way of truth that we in the Living Church of God teach. Unlike those of us in the Living Church of God who believe Jesus is God, Ronald Weinland being “unitarian” means that he truly does deny the truth about the Lord.

And while he still is getting by, perhaps I should add that Ron Weinland has had various health problems (most recently an appendectomy) and his church no longer has the internet reach that it had a couple of years or so ago.  So, in my view, he is sadly partially fulfilling the the prophecy about false prophets.  And he likely will drop further when his prophesied return date for Jesus (May 27, 2012, which is his so-called “50th truth”) does not happen (even presuming he changes his date again–see also When Will Ronald Weinland Change His Dates Again?).

Ronald Weinland should not be followed.

Some articles of related interest may include the following:

Concerns About Ronald Weinland’s Church of God-Preparing for the Kingdom of God Ronald Weinland falsely claims to be one of the two witnesses God is raising up and that the end will come in 2008 (first April 17th, then June 2008, now December 14, 2008). Why does the Bible show that Ron Weinland is a false prophet? He also has at least one other view that suggests that he is not part of the Church of God.
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2010, 2011, or 2012? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?
Who Are The Two Witnesses? What is their job? What does the Bible reveal? What has the Church of God taught on this subject? Might even Roman Catholic prophecies give some clues here?
Was Unitarianism the Teaching of the Bible or Early Church? Many, including Jehovah’s Witnesses and Ronald Weinland, claim it was, but was it?
2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect This is a link related to a book by Bob Thiel (COGwriter). This also has YouTube videos related to 2012. The book is for those truly interested in understanding how prophecies inter-relate and who want to see a real sequence of end time events. Unlike the false statements in Ronald Weinland’s books, events aligning with this one are actually coming to pass.

A photostatic copy of a page from Ilustração Portugueza, October 29, 1917

COGWriter

Today many in the Roman Catholic faith reflect upon a miracle that many believe happened in the sky in Fatima, Portugal on October 13, 1917.  Many believe that an apparition claiming to be Mary, mother of Jesus, (directly or indirectly) caused the sun to “dance in the sky” on this day as proof that the apparitions and the related messages were from God.  The apparition that appeared in known as “Our Lady of Fatima”.

The apparition, who did not initially give her name, began a series of monthly visits seen by three Portuguese children: Lucia, Jacinta, and Francisco beginning on May 13, 1917. This culminated in a large group claiming seeing some type of change in the sky on October 13, 1917.  At least Lucia and Jacinta claimed to have received certain messages from the apparition.

While in the past, Pope Benedict XVI acted like much of the messages were essentially historical and of no significant future use, earlier this year he made some statements that Fatima watchers found of interest.  Here are some of what Pope Benedict stated:

…Our Lady of Fatima. Dearly beloved brothers and sisters, I too have come as a pilgrim to Fatima, to this “home” from which Mary chose to speak to us in modern times…

We would be mistaken to think that Fatima’s prophetic mission is complete…(Vatican Radio, May 13, 2010. http://www.oecumene.radiovaticana.org/en1/Articolo.asp?c=392469)

…this great vision…pointed out realities of the future of the Church…not only attacks coming from the outside to the Pope and the Church, but the sufferings of the Church come from right inside the Church, by the sins committed inside the Church itself (Pope Benedict XVI vindicates Fatima Center. Fatima Crusader magazine.  Summer 2010 issue, p. 4)

The Pope’s statements suggest, like many of us who have reviewed differing accounts of the “third secret” tend to believe, that part of the message from Fatima was that part of the Catholic Church would ultimately become unfaithful to it. And this is not just limited to the sex scandals that have rocked the Vatican around the world (including in Southern California).

The Pontiff’s current position does not seem to be exactly the same as he wrote about it in the year 2000, which was prior to becoming pope:

A careful reading of the text of the so-called third “secret” of Fatima, published here in its entirety long after the fact and by decision of the Holy Father, will probably prove disappointing or surprising after all the speculation it has stirred. No great mystery is revealed; nor is the future unveiled. (Ratzinger Joseph, Prefect of the Congregation
for the Doctrine of the Faith. Fatima: Theological Commentary. 2000. http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_20000626_message-fatima_en.html)

Has he changed his views?  The Fatima Crusader magazine hints that he did and clearly believes that he vindicated many of their long held views on the “third” (or fourth) secret.

But irrespective of what may or may not be part of the “third secret” from Fatima and the pontiff’s positions, the reality is that there are many private Catholic prophecies/writings that suggest that an antipope will arise and betray the Catholic Church. This is also consistent with biblical prophecy about the betrayal of a city that resembles Rome by the final Beast power (Revelation 17:15-16).

Some Fatima watchers have claimed that something negative was to happen in the Church of Rome in 1972 and would fulfill part of one of the secrets of Fatima (see also Pope Benedict in Fatima, Portugal).

That view is also consistent with views espoused by at least two relatively recent Catholic leaders:

Pope Paul VI spoke on June 29, 1972 at St. Peter’s Basilica and said: “By means of some fissure, the smoke of Satan has entered the temple of God…(Ligourian, Volume 60, 1972, p. 70)

Vatican Chief Exorcist Priest Gabriele Amorth (March 2010) said: “he has dealt with 70,000 cases of demonic possession, said that the consequences of satanic infiltration included power struggles at the Vatican as well as “cardinals who do not believe in Jesus, and bishops who are linked to the Demon“. He added: “When one speaks of ‘the smoke of Satan’ [a phrase coined by Pope Paul VI in 1972] in the holy rooms, it is all true – including these latest stories of violence and paedophilia.”” http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/faith/article7056689.ece

Both biblical and Catholic prophecy tell of a coming ecumenical religious leader (who sounds like an antipope) that will not really believe in his faith. Such leaders are already in the Vatican if people such as Priest Amorth can be believed (see also Vatican’s Chief Exorcist Claims the Devil is in the Vatican).

It perhaps should be mentioned that it appears that from both biblical (cf. 1 Timothy 4:1-4) and Catholic prophecy, problems like this sex scandal were expected to affect the Church of Rome in the end times (see Vatican sex scandals may fulfill Catholic prophecy for details). And this is to apparently coincide with an ecumenical leader who rise up, and be trusted by many (biblically known as The King of the North) along with an ecumenical pope who is expected to make changes to the Church. These leaders are alive today (see also Guttenberg holds military meeting in Berlin. Might he become the King of the North?). One is likely to be an antipope who will become the final Antichrist.

And it may be that Pope Benedict XVI somewhat confirmed that there was more to the Fatima secrets this year.

Perhaps it should be noted that “No movement or other phenomenon of the sun was registered by scientists at the time” (Wikipedia), so many discount that anything happened on October 13, 1917.

Yet, whether it did or not, there is no doubt that many feel that the Fatima message is important.

Others, though have advised extreme caution.  Notice some of what my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect reports:

Even some Eastern Orthodox writers have been concerned that apparitions of “Mary” will be used as an ecumenical symbol for a false unity for Catholics, Muslims, and others that will lead people to follow the final Antichrist:

Peter Jackson (20^th century): To which Mary are Muslims and Protestants being drawn?… Rome began to see her more and more as a “goddess,” a fourth Hypostasis of the Trinity…Today, as heterodox Christians become more and more ecumenist and work toward creating a “One World Church,” the search has begun for a Mary of universal recognition, one who will appeal not only to those who bear the name Christian, but apparently to Muslims and others as well, just as attempts are likewise being made to identify the “new Christ” with the Muslim concept of their coming Mahdi and with the Messiah still awaited by the Jews. This, of course, will be no Christ at all but the antichrist.

Many people of all persuasions, including apparently atheists are going to fall away from their current beliefs in vast numbers (even according to many Catholic leaders) to embrace one who will promote a powerful ecumenical religion that is to be accompanied by what will appear to be real miracles.

But, a small group will not be deceived, even by such wonders:

24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect (Matthew 24:24, KJV).

While I do believe that Catholics need to be concerned from problems arising within the Vatican, I also believe that they should not put their faith in apparitions claiming to be Mary, the mother of Jesus.

Ecumenical compromise within the walls of the Vatican is expected to accelerate and Catholics need to be on guard that they are not individually swept away by it.  And this needs to be the case whether or not there are future apparitions claiming to be the Mother of Jesus who do so–even if these apparitions are seen by multiple millions.  We seem to be moving into very dangerous times.

For more information on Fatima and other mystic Catholic claims, please check out the following:

Mary, the Mother of Jesus and the Apparitions Do you know much about Mary? Are the apparitions real? What happened at Fatima? What might they mean for the rise of the ecumenical religion of Antichrist? Are Protestants moving towards Mary? How do the Orthodox view Mary? How might Mary view her adorers?
Do Certain Catholic Prophecies About Antichrist Warn Against Jesus? Will the final “Anti-Christ” be Jewish, insist on Saturday, be opposed to the trinity, and bring in the millennium? Certain Catholic writings indicate this, while others take a different view, but what does the Bible show?
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.
Why Should American Catholics Should Fear Unity with the Orthodox? Are the current ecumenical meetings a good thing or will they result in disaster?

Sarah Palin

COGwriter

Sarah Palin made some comments about Iran, nuclear weapons, and Armageddon:

Palin Warns of Armageddon

NewsMax – Oct 11, 2010   excerpt…

She also warns that allowing Iran to acquire nuclear weapons may “lead to Armageddon” — a scenario that could lead to the deaths of millions in a Third World War.

“We have to realize that, at the end of the day,” Palin warns in the interview, “a nuclear weapon in that country’s hands is not just Israel’s problem or America’s problem — it is the world’s problem. It could lead to an Armageddon. It could lead to that World War III that could decimate so much of this planet.”

Palin’s reference to Armageddon, described in the Bible’s book of Revelation, refers to a final battle…http://www.newsmax.com/Headline/sarah-palin-newsmax-make/2010/10/11/id/373322

Dibar Apartian shown sitting between COGwriter and my wife Joyce

COGwriter

Since many seem concerned about Dibar Apartian, I thought I would share the contents of an email that I received from LCG pastor Roger Bardo:

Mr. Apartian is out of the hospital as of yesterday, the pacemaker procedure was a success. He is now in physical therapy for 2 weeks at an assisted living place. He would have been able to go home as both parts of his heart are now working together, doubling his pulse rate; but the Apartians have all bedrooms upstairs and so this was the temporary solution until they decided what to do. The good news is Mr. Apartian is doing much better. He did not have any blockages or staints as was reported by someone (don’t know where that came from), the pneumonia is almost done, with a little remaining congestion. He is up walking around with assistance, in very good spirits.

Dibar Apartian was hospitalized first in San Juan, Puerto Rico and then Charlotte, North Carolina after attending the Feast of Tabernacles in Martinque this year.  I speak with him on a fairly regular basis, and did speak with his wife since his recent illness.

Dibar Apartian was an evangelist in the old WCG and currently remains one in the Living Church of God.  He is known around the French-speaking world for his radio telecasts on prophetic and other COG topics.  He is in his mid-upper 90s (his original birth certificate was lost/destroyed).

He is the oldest person who was ordained an evangelist by the late Herbert Armstrong to be alive.

(FWIW, the person who has been an evangelist the longest, that was so ordained by Herbert Armstrong, is LCG’s R.C. Meredith.)

Jerusalem

COGwriter

Jordan is calling for the involvement of Europeans in the Middle East peace process:

Jordan backs Europe role in Mideast after Israel snub

By Randa Habib (AFP) 11 October 2010

AMMAN — Jordan’s King Abdullah II told the foreign ministers of France and Spain on Monday that Europe has a key role to play in the Middle East, after the pair were snubbed by their Israeli counterpart.

“Europe plays a key role in supporting peace efforts to overcome problems facing the Palestinian-Israeli talks,” the king told France’s Bernard Kouchner and Miguel Angel Moratinos of Spain at a meeting…

Speaking to reporters, Moratinos said Israel recognised Europe was playing a growing role in efforts to resolve the Middle East conflict. (http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jIdlxuA_nEOehq0EdrFfn3FMvZlQ?docId=CNG.ca5885cbc217ad8dfe9576713d2a47c7.491)

Key European leaders have repeatedly stated that Europe must be part of any comprehensive Middle East peace deal.

Now, followers of Bible prophecy are aware that a European leader (a “prince” who will become the final King of the North) will “confirm” some type of covenant (apparently a seven-year peace deal) that he will break.

This idea is also present in Islamic and other non-biblical prophecies.

Somehow, whether they initiate or simply sign off on it, the Europeans MUST be involved with the apparent peace deal that seems to be discussed in Daniel 9:27:

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

And while it may take a war or additional conflict for everyone to agree to a temporary peace deal in the Middle East, despite how rocky the current peace talks between the Palestinians and Israelis currently seems, a deal to involve someone from Europe to fulfill Daniel 9:27 will come to pass.

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?
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?
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?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2010, 2011, or 2012? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?

Waters from Tobago

COGwriter

Today is the 518th anniversary of Columbus coming to America (the official holiday was observed by some yesterday).  Wallace Smith of the Living Church of God wrote the following:

I recall Mr. John Ogwyn saying something about Columbus Day many years ago and decided to check it out for myself.  Sure enough, as best as I can tell with some quick back-of-the-envelope (OK, back-of-the-spreadsheet) calculation it appears he was right: October 12, 1492, the day Columbus arrived in the New World, was the Last Great Day — the eighth day Holy Day after the seven days of the Feast of Tabernacles that year (cf. Lev. 23:36, 39; John 7:37). [EDIT, 10/11/2010 PM: See comments, below. I may be off and the Last Great Day may have begun at sundown on 10/12/1492, meaning that Columbus arrived on the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles. You’ve got to be careful with those envelope backs!](Technical note: You can’t trust some of the automatic Internet Hebrew Calendar calculators for that calculation, because they do not always account for the change from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar in the 16th century.  Thankfully, some of them mention this, though some do not.  Instead, I used my very own handmade (OK, spreadsheet-made) “Gregorian & Proleptic Julian” Calendar that gives dates and days of the week back to January 1, 1AD.  Doesn’t everyone have one of those?)

The analogy to be drawn is just too tempting, isn’t it?  The Last Great Day pictures a time when all of humanity who never knew and understood God’s truth, great and small, will rise from the grave and have their minds opened to things that had previously been “behind a veil” and beyond comprehension.  To them, it will be as though a whole new world is stretching out before them.  And on the Last Great Day in 1492, Christopher Columbus stepped foot onto a quite literal New World.  Neat, huh? [EDIT: Actually, as my sharp-eyed calculating commenters mention, below, the Last Great Day was the next day, October 13. The 12th was the final day of the Feast of Tabernacles, and the Last Great Day started that evening at sundown.]

What was interesting to me, at least, was that LCG’s Rod Reynolds wrote the following for his commentary today (and I do not believe that the two coordinated their efforts on this:

Commentary: Thirst for the living waters

By Rod Reynolds | Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Without water you can’t live. In fact, your physical body consists largely of water. And the supply of water in your body must be constantly replenished for you to thrive. Usually, we rely on our sense of thirst to tell us when and how much water to drink…

On the last day of the Feast, Jesus said: “If anyone thirsts.” Israel thirsted in the wilderness for water. And God supplied their need, intervening miraculously to turn bitter waters into sweet, and causing water to gush forth from barren rock. Though God mercifully supplied them with physical water to keep them alive, they couldn’t see beyond that to their need for the living water of God’s Spirit. They thirsted for water to fulfill their fleshly needs, but they did not thirst for God…

We’re all in a spiritual wilderness. Whether we know it or not, we need God’s guidance, His protection, His assurance, His comfort, His faith, His love, His hope and confidence, His strength, His righteousness. We need His Spirit dwelling in us and the fellowship with Him that results. We need the life that only He can give us – eternal life, God life. God tells us that if we thirst, and if we come to Jesus Christ to be satisfied, He will give us freely of the water of life, abundantly; all that we need (Revelation 22:17).

We need to make sure that our sense of thirst, spiritually speaking, is well developed. Like David, we need to seek God. We need to put God first, making sure we study God’s word daily. Make sure you pray every morning. Pray at night and at other times during the day as well. Take your concerns, your cares, and your needs to God. Give God thanks; pray for the needs of others. Develop your relationship with God, and you’ll find that you begin to have the thirst for Him that David had.

When the vast multitudes of Israel and all of mankind are resurrected at the time of the Great White Throne Judgment, God is going to offer them the water of life freely. Read more

And while the “Last Great Day” for 2010 was observed on September 30th, the reality is that its fulfillment is in the future.

1492 changed the world–and not all for the good.  Yet, the Last Great Day will represent a change to a new age that will be what most of humanity has often longed for.

A major reason that I became part of the old Worldwide Church of God and now the Living Church of God is that in addition to proving all things from the Bible, I truly believe that since “God is love” (1 John 4:16) that He has a plan of salvation that will ultimately result in everyone being called and nearly every one who ever lived being saved.

Two must read articles to demonstrate the truth of those doctrines are Hope of Salvation: How the COGs differ from most Protestants and Universal Salvation? There Are Hundreds of Verses in the Bible Supporting the Doctrine of True Apocatastasis.

“I will break the pride of your power” (Leviticus 26:19)

COGwriter

As has been reported here before, the US Federal Reserve is printing up money (which are actually unbacked pledges) supposedly in order to stimulate the economy.  Some have figured out where this logically will likely lead to:

Soon We Will All Be Billionaires

New York Observer – Oct 6, 2010

By 2020, everyone will be a billionaire, according to the National Inflation Association. You’d think they’d be happier about their prediction:

When our government creates inflation with the goal of generating higher incomes, the real incomes of Americans always decline dramatically. Inflation never creates wealth, but instead misallocates resources that would have went towards productive purposes if the free market was allowed to operate. During periods of high inflation, no matter how fast incomes rise nominally, they never keep pace with rising gold prices.

The National Inflation Association’s motto is “Preparing Americans for Hyperinflation.” They recommend investing in gold and silver mining companies and agricultural companies, because those firms tend to do well in inflationary times. As for people that don’t heed their advice? “[T]he wealth of most Americans could get wiped out during the next decade,” reads their less-than-cheerful “About” page.

The NIA is also careful to note that “we are not investment or financial advisors.” So take their words with that in mind.

http://www.observer.com/2010/wall-street/soon-we-will-all-be-billionaires

If most Americans become billionaires, being a billionaire means nothing.  Most in Germany prior to WWII became billionaires and when it happens from printing currency, the economy goes into a massive crisis mode that the USA has never yet seen.  The incentive to produce becomes over-weighed by the incentive to spend the money before it drops further in value.  Almost everyone will become poorer in real terms.

The problems in the USA are severe and the politicians and citizens there basically do not get it.  And although some are starting to open their eyes, many keep pursuing economic policies that will lead to the end of the USA:

Fed Undaunted by Uncertain Prospects for Money Printing

Reuters – Oct 10, 2010

The U.S. Federal Reserve runs the risk of diminishing returns from its next round of money printing to amplify the subdued economic recovery, but that won’t stop it from trying…

Printing money is not without consequences, at home and abroad. Eswar Prasad, an economist at Cornell University, said he is concerned that investors will abruptly shift from worrying about deflation to predicting inflation as the Fed’s actions debase the value of the dollar.

In that scenario, “we get spiraling inflation that the Fed will have to move aggressively to counter, leading to another bust just as the economy recovers,” he said. http://www.cnbc.com/id/39604937

The situation that the USA is in will lead to the fulfillment of various biblical prophecies.  And biblical prophecies related to having too much debt/pledges show destruction of the debtor (c.f. Habakkuk 2:3,5-8).

Most commentators have not realized that yet.  But that is the path that the USA is on.

To learn more, please check out the following articles:

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?
The Plain Truth About Gold in Prophecy. How Should a Christian View Gold? What do economists and the Bible teach about gold? Gold and silver may drop in value. Inflation/deflation? What do Christians need to know about gold?

World Currencies

COGwriter

Concerns about nations devaluing their currencies and related matters were not truly resolved in IMF (International Monetary Fund) meetings yesterday and today according to the following report from the Wall Street Journal:

The International Monetary Fund’s annual meeting this weekend failed to ease currency battles roiling markets, pushing the dispute off to a summit next month of leaders of Group of 20 countries, with no clear resolution in sight…

The U.S., European nations and a number of emerging-market countries complain that China is deliberately undervaluing its dollar to aid its exporters. To compete, South Korea Brazil and other Asian and Latin American nations have taken measures to beat down the value of their currencies as well, leading to fears that these efforts may presage a trade war.  (Davis B. IMF Meeting Fails to Resolve Conflict Over Currencies. Wall Street Journal, 10/10/10.  http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704127904575543801865057796.html?mod=googlenews_wsj)

Trade wars were a factor in triggering both the Great Depression and World War II.  Such events could be a factor in triggering what the Anglo-nations might consider to be World War III–the time of Jacob’s trouble (Jeremiah 30:7), and the start of the Great Tribulation.

The Church of God for many decades has warned that major trade wars were likely.  For example, the front cover of the June-July 1970 Plain Truth magazine stated “World Trade Crisis?”, had a lead article titled Is America losing…the battle for economic survival?, and showed copies of previous articles (dating back many years) about trade wars in that issue. Notice some comments:

Trade War…

How long will the strained foreign confidence in the undisciplined American economy continue?

For a little while longer, at least…

But should there be another international currency crisis…the time table could be stepped up. (Hogberg G, Armstrong Garner Ted.  Is America losing…the battle for economic survival? Plain Truth, June-July 1970, pp. 2,7).

World events seem to suggest that a currency crisis is developing.  Back in 1970, the old WCG in that Plain Truth article essentially warned that should circumstances ultimately cause the world to use something other than the US dollar as the “international reserve currency” (p. 7), the USA would face “economic collapse” (p.7).  The article also discussed the idea that the Europeans were developing their own plans and were expecting other nations to join the then “Common Market” (p. 5), which they did–the old Common Market, became the modern European Union (and also created the Euro).

World events are leading in that direction.  And with its massive deficits (c.f. Habakkuk 2:3,5,6-8), the USA is somewhat pushing the world to do so.  Prophecy is being fulfilled.

Without massive national repentance, the Bible is clear that complete destruction of the economy, and even government, of the USA and its Anglo-allies is certain.

Some prophetic articles of possibly related interest may include:

Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
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? Eight reasons why Barack Obama is apocalyptic and eight reasons why Barack Obama is not the Antichrist. This article includes many biblical and non-biblical prophecies, from around the world, that seem to discuss Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist?  Might Barack Obama set the stage for the kings of the North and South as at least one Shiite prophecy suggests?  This is the longest and most complete article on this page on Barack Obama prophecies. Read it and decide for yourself if President Obama seems to be fulfilling various prophecies.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”, based up an early 20th century writing.
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?  Where is the nation of Israel in all of this?
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?

Bridge washed out by flooding in Pakistan

COGwriter

In its latest update, LCG reported the following at services yesterday:

Toxic Red Sludge Could Enter Danube. The Danube, Europe’s second-longest waterway, could be threatened by a toxic red sludge that has entered one of its tributaries.  This week, a reservoir for toxic sludge at an aluminum plant in Hungary burst, releasing 1 million cubic meters (more than 35 million cubic feet) of sludge into two neighboring towns.  So far, four people have been killed, three are missing, and 120 have been treated for chemical burns.  The sludge is a by-product of the aluminum refining process.  Officials fear that if the sludge enters the Danube (45 miles away), an environmental disaster could ensue, impacting half a dozen other European nations.  Workers in hazmat suits have been laboring all week to clear the hardest hit towns.  Hungary’s federal investigation agency is now involved in determining the cause (Associated Press, October 6, 2010).  This disaster is likely not the “beginning of the end.”  However, the Bible predicts end-time events will result in contamination of one-third of all waters in rivers and springs (Revelation 8:10-11).  Exactly “how” this end time catastrophe will occur remains to be seen.  However, as we witness increasing disasters around the earth, we can glimpse the potential devastation that modern industries could inflict on creation.  Aluminum plants exist around the globe and “holding reservoirs” for toxic sludge can be breached by intense rains, earthquakes, as well as terrorist activities.  This event in Hungary could be a sobering foretaste of events to come…

Floods in Diverse Places. In the past several weeks, extensive flooding has inundated the U.S.A.’s East Coast and upper Mid-West, Jamaica, Barbados and Cuba, parts of Europe, the Southeast Asian nations of Indonesia and Viet Nam, and the Chinese island of Hainan.  As of Wednesday morning, the death toll across Asia had reached 110, with tens of thousands displaced, and bridges and homes destroyed due to the flooding (Associated Press, October 6, 2010). In Jamaica, 11 people died and thousands went without power and water for several days (Canadian Press, October 3, 2010).  In the American upper Mid-West, some towns were inundated with up to 12 feet (nearly 4 meters) of floodwater and entire towns were destroyed (CBS.com, September 25, 2010).  In Luke 21:8-11, Jesus said that “signs of the end of the age” would include pestilences, earthquakes in various places, and fearful sights. The prophet Amos foretold that rain would fall on some cities while drought would affect other areas (Amos 4:7).  As we come closer to the end of the age, we will see increasing natural and man-made disasters… signs that Christ’s return is approaching.

AFP reported today the death toll in Viet Nam itself rose to 64 and 100,000 people there need fresh water, and that 148 died in Indonesia from flooding.  Today, Hungary is trying to divert the toxic sludge to prevent what could be a real disaster in Europe.  “The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned of the threat of a disease epidemic in Pakistan’s flood-stricken areas” (http://www.presstv.ir/detail/146071.html).  It was also announced today, “The Meteorological Service of Jamaica is once again placing the entire island on a flash-flood watch for heavy showers” and that the tropical storm Nicole last week caused the island nation $10.6 billion in damages (http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20101010/news/news2.html).

The weather situations around the world affect many things, including the economy, people’s lives, politics, and the food supply.  The fact that so much is happening now in so many areas, may be consistent with certain end time prophecies.  But the end is not yet.

LCG has long had a booklet of possibly related interest titled “Who Controls the Weather? ” that is available for those interested in more on the weather and Bible prophecy.

Jesus foretold on a time of natural disasters as “the beginning of sorrows” (Matthew 24:7-8), but the Book of Revelation (16:8-11) tells of a time of even greater disturbances during “the Day of the Lord”.

Now there is good news as ultimately, God’s kingdom will come and those issues will be gone (Revelation 7:16).

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

The Gospel of the Kingdom of God was the Emphasis of Jesus and the Early Church Did you know that? Do you even know what the gospel of the kingdom is all about? True religion should be based upon the true gospel.
Asia in Prophecy What is Ahead for Asia? Who are the “Kings of the East”? What will happen to nearly all the Chinese, Russians, Indians, and others of Asia? China in prophecy, where? Who has the 200,000,000 man army related to Armageddon?
India, Its Biblical Past and Future: Any Witness? The Bible discusses the origins of those of Indian heritage and discusses some of the witness to them (including those in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka).
Islands and Bible Prophecy What’s ahead for islands? What does the Bible prophesy about them?
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?

VS.

COGwriter

Regular readers of this page realize that I have been denouncing the false prophecies of CG-PFK’s Ronald Weinland for many years.  Interestingly, he and his church decided to title his Last Great Day sermon of 9/30/10, We Are Almost There!

The reason that this is interesting, is that We Are Almost There! is the title of perhaps the most popular booklet of another false prophet, Harold Camping.

Harold Egbert Camping

Now I have written about some of the similarities between these false prophets before (e.g. Harold Camping’s Two Witnesses Provided No Real Witness).  Both of them have proven to be false prophets as both have changed their previous “end of the world” dates.  And both currently believe that the “Great Tribulation” started some time ago with Ronald Weinland claiming it began on December 14, 2008 and Harold Camping on May 22, 1988.

Of course, the Great Tribulation has not yet begun (and cannot prior to 2014, for details as on that, please check out the article Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2010, 2011, or 2012?).  For only one biblical reason (and there are many), the following would have been fulfilled throughout the Great Tribulation:

25 He shall speak pompous words against the Most High, Shall persecute the saints of the Most High, And shall intend to change times and law. Then the saints shall be given into his hand For a time and times and half a time (Daniel 7:25).

The “He” referred to in Daniel 7:25  is the King of the North. This leader will terribly persecute, and normally attempt to kill, the Laodicean and other Christians that are not then in a place of protection (see also the article There is a Place of Protection for the Philadelphians).  The “time, times, and half a time” represents three and one-half years.  Daniel 7:25 has not been fulfilled (see also Persecutions by Church and State), and it obviously should have been if the Great Tribulation began when either Harold Camping or Ronald Weinland claimed it did.

Both Ron Weinland and Harold Camping also claim that Jesus will return on Pentecost.  Ronald Weinland claims that Jesus will return on May 27, 2012.  In his, We Are Almost There! booklet Harold Camping claims that Jesus will return on Pentecost, May 21, 2011.  And although Jesus WILL NOT return on either of those dates, because Harold Camping ignores the biblical calendar (and instead relies on a Roman calendar), the date he has selected for Jesus’ return is not even the biblical date for Pentecost (Ron Weinland at least knows what day is Pentecost, though he has many other errors of his own).

Unlike Ron Weinland who had a COG background, yet repudiated part of it (he became unitarian), Harold Camping does not have a COG background.  Both men, however, highly allegorize scripture to the point that they make many of its prophetic teachings essentially meaningless in their interpretations.  They really need to learn how to understand the Bible (and should study the article What is the Appropriate Form of Biblical Interpretation?).

Anyway, it is a little amazing to me how the false prophet Ronald Weinland chose to title a sermon with the same title that the false prophet Harold Camping used for his booklet.

And while the end of the 6,000 years that God gave humanity to rule itself under the influence of Satan and cut off from most access to Him is almost over, Jesus simply cannot return prior to 2017 (and most likely not for one or more years later) as certain biblically required events have not yet taken place.

Yet, certain preliminary biblically required prophetic events are happening that are preparing the world for the end.  And while we are not there yet, events are moving us closer to the end.

Because of false prophecies such as from people like Ron Weinland and Harold Camping, many in the media and elsewhere will make light of the fact that Jesus truly will return.  Many will become scoffers.  As foretold in scripture,  false prophets like Ron Weinland and Harold Camping sometimes cause the way of truth blasphemed (2 Peter 2:1-3).  And although many scoffers will arise, prophecy will be fulfilled and Jesus will return (2 Peter 3:3-10; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

Ronald Weinland and Harold Camping need to publicly repent, and do so now, as they are not God’s prophets, but have spoken presumptuously (Deuteronomy 18:22).  No one should heed their non-biblical prophetic utterances.

Some articles of related interest may include the following:

Concerns About Ronald Weinland’s Church of God-Preparing for the Kingdom of God Ronald Weinland falsely claims to be one of the two witnesses God is raising up and that the end will come in 2008 (first April 17th, then June 2008, now December 14, 2008). Why does the Bible show that Ron Weinland is a false prophet? He also has at least one other view that suggests that he is not part of the Church of God.
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2010, 2011, or 2012? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?
Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2018 or 2019?
Who Are The Two Witnesses? What is their job? What does the Bible reveal? What has the Church of God taught on this subject? Might even Roman Catholic prophecies give some clues here?
Harold Camping’s Teachings About the End of the World Do Not Agree with the Bible Harold Camping teaches that the rapture will be on May 21, 2011 and the world will end on October 21, 2011. Like Ronald Weinland, he allegorizes too many scriptures. What does the Bible show?
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.