Church of God News

Ancient Laodicea

COGwriter

Last night, UCG posted the following from its president:

October 8, 2010

To maintain accurate communication and address administrative issues in a timely way, the Church publishes online information in the “Letters from the Chairman and President” section on the members Web site, continuing a long-time communication practice from senior leadership.

It was brought to our attention that the document from me and Melvin Rhodes titled, “How do Members of the United Church of God Observe the Sabbath Day?”, involves matters that are still being reviewed by the Church relative  to a particular Sabbath observance question.

Consequently, that document has been removed from this section of our member’s Web site. The parties involved have sought counsel from the Church on this matter, and we want to allow time for the Church to fully evaluate the facts and circumstances and make an official position and recommendation to them for their situation.

Dennis Luker, president

This is an interesting development.

Apparently, the Sabbath controversy it has stirred is giving some top leaders in UCG pause for concern.  I reported some of what former UCG Council of Elders’ member, head of Latin America for UCG, and one-time head of UCG’s doctrinal committee, Leon Walker, had to say about it a couple of days ago (see Leon Walker on UCG’s Sabbath Controversy).

In UCG’s 15 years of existence, it has had a variety of governance and doctrinal problems.  And it has had more in the past 6 months than usual (including the, at least temporary, loss of most of its Latin American members).

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

The Sabbath in the Early Church and Abroad Was the seventh-day (Saturday) Sabbath observed by the apostolic and post-apostolic Church?
The Dramatic Story of Chinese Sabbathkeepers This reformatted Good News article from 1955 discusses Sabbath-keeping in China in the 1800s.
Is God Unreasonable? Some have suggested that if God requires Sabbath-keeping He is unreasonable. Is that true?
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.

Wheat

COGwriter

There are concerns about higher grain prices leading to shortages:

Soaring prices threaten new food crisis

Financial Times – Oct 8, 2010

Fears of a global food crisis swept the world’s commodity markets as prices for staples such as corn, rice and wheat spiralled after the US government warned of “dramatically” lower supplies.

An especially hot summer in the US, droughts in countries including Russia and Brazil and heavy rain in Canada and Europe have hit many grain and oilseed crops this year. This has raising concern of a severe squeeze in food supplies…

The fall in supplies has prompted countries such as Russia and Ukraine to impose export restrictions on grains.

Big importers in the Middle East and North Africa have started to hoard supplies, which has further tightened the market. http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/12b06cee-d300-11df-9ae9-00144feabdc0.html

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

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

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

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

As Jesus said:

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

Food prices are something to watch.

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

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2010, 2011, or 2012? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What is the “beginning of sorrows”?  When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
Physical Preparation Scriptures for Christians. We all know the Bible prophecies famines. Should we do something?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Africa: Its Biblical Past and Prophesied Future What does the Bible teach about Africa and its future? Did the early Church reach Africa? Will God call all the Africans?

American and British Aircraft Carriers Are Used As Parts of Threats and Wars

COGwriter

We in the Living Church of God have long warned of the future decline of the military might of the Anglo-American nations.  This has been happening in both the USA and UK this year.

Notice the following recent item related to Britain:

Navy to reduce to smallest size ever to save carriers

The Navy is set to be reduced to the smallest size in its history after admirals yesterday offered drastic reductions in the fleet in order to save two new aircraft carriers from defence cuts. (Telegraph – Oct 7, 2010. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/defence/8049674/Navy-to-reduce-to-smallest-size-ever-to-save-carriers.html)

Essentially, some of the military leaders in the UK have proposed to reduce the size of the total fleet nearly in half.

Also notice the following:

UK and France in talks over warheads

Financial Times, London – Oct 7, 2010

An agreement being negotiated by the UK and France would see British nuclear warheads serviced by French scientists and break with half a century in which neither country has collaborated on its independent deterrent…budgetary considerations…Britain has consulted the US over the proposed move. A US-UK treaty forbids Britain from sharing its nuclear secrets with another country because the UK deterrent, built on the Trident D5 missile, is in large part based on US technology…“If we don’t share some of these capabilities, we will lose them,” said a British defence insider. (http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/86783318-d252-11df-8fbe-00144feabdc0.html)

So, for budget reasons, the UK will allow French technicians service its nuclear arsenal.  Not a wise move if France supports the EU over UK some day–and this agreement also seems to give France additional insight into US nuclear defenses.

As I reported here yesterday (see Galileo is Moving Forward), the USA is losing its lead on satellite technology as it has technical problems–problems that have led it to make a deal for Europe to provide some of its military satellite defense capability–yet Europe is moving ahead with such technologies.  And all of this is dangerous to the USA beyond what most would believe as according to Bible (as well as Catholic) prophecy, it is a European power that will take over the Anglo-nations.

The weaker that the USA and UK are militarily, the easier it will be for another power (or group of powers) to take them over.  And world events continue to suggest that both are becoming weaker militarily.

Several 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?
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.
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? What is ahead for Europe?
End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something? There is a Mayan calendar prediction for change in 2012. 2012 changes were also centuries ago predicted by the Hopi Native Americans (the Hindus may have some predictions for the next decade as well). Do these Mayan/Hindu/Hopi prophecies have any value? Why might Satan have inspired this date? Does the Dresden codex show destruction of the earth by flood? Can the great tribulation start before 2012?

Herman Van Rompuy

COGwriter

Might EU President Herman Van Rompuy fulfill the following scripture?

20 “There shall arise in his place one who imposes taxes on the glorious kingdom; but within a few days he shall be destroyed, but not in anger or in battle.  (Daniel 11:20)

EU President Herman Van Rompuy has gone on record supporting some type of tax for the EU.  Today it was announced that one now has the support of the European Commission:

Brussels backs financial activities tax

By Nikki Tait in Brussels

Published: October 7 2010 15:12 | Last updated: October 7 2010 15:12

The European Commission has thrown its weight behind the introduction of a financial activities tax in Europe, which would tax profits and remuneration at banks and other financial services companies, as it considers ways to raise money from the financial sector. (http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/8a963e32-d210-11df-965c-00144feabdc0.html)

I have felt since prior to his taking up of his office on December 1, 2010, that Herman Van Rompuy could be the one to be the potentially prophesied “raiser of taxes” for the Europeans, prior to the rise of the final King of the North (see Herman Van Rompuy May Fulfill Daniel 11:20, But Did PCG’s Gerald Flurry Predict It?).

Now, this one particular tax is probably not enough to fulfill the prophecy.  But if Herman Van Rompuy is involved in raising others and dies shortly thereafter, he is a candidate for this role.

Time may be getting short.  And if various taxes are raised for the European Union, this may signal how close we may be to the rising up of the final King of the North, and also the Antichrist.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe?
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?
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?
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 contains documented prophecies as well as an end time sequence of events that Christians should study and understand.  Including the role of Europe and how it is pivotal to end time biblical prophecy.

COGwriter

Galileo is Europe’s answer to the USA’s Global Positioning System (GPS).  It is progressing along:

New Galileo Ground Station Completed

Softpedia – Oct 6, 2010

Officials at the European Space Agency (ESA) announce that they have just inaugurated a new ground station, that will be in charge of serving the future Galileo satellite navigation system.

This is a critical milestone in the efforts Europe is putting into developing an alternative to the American-built Global Positioning System (GPS), which is currently providing all positioning services to countries on the Old Continent. (http://news.softpedia.com/news/New-Galileo-Ground-Station-Completed-159610.shtml)

The USA, however, is still having problems with its GPS:

GAO on GPS (Again): Challenges in Sustaining and Upgrading Capabilities Persist

Inside GNSS – Oct 4, 2010

A new report on the GPS program from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) finds the situation considerably improved from last year, when its prediction of a significant risk of the satellite constellation falling below 24 satellites set off alarms in Congress and among the user community.

However, the agency once again finds reason for concern about the prospects for the system. (http://www.insidegnss.com/node/2328)

Because of various problems, the USA announced a couple of months back that it would link to Galileo for some of its military needs.

This, as I reported at the time (see USA GPS and EU Galileo linking was expected), is dangerous.  But I expected it.

Notice that page 85 of my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect states the following:

In 2013, the Europeans are planning on having their own global positioning system (GPS), called Galileo, available for military applications.  This will allow the Europeans to track the world and attack others without relying on the U.S.A.’s GPS.  This will be the first time in the 21^st century that Europeans will be able to have that type of independent military capability.

Furthermore, according to a 2009 report from the U.S. government, the U.S. Air Force may have to start relying on the European Galileo system (at least to a degree) beginning in 2013, as the U.S. GPS capabilities are expected to deteriorate by then (other problems are also appearing in the newer U.S. satellites). Because the Europeans will be able to control Galileo, they will also likely be capable of derailing certain sophisticated U.S. military applications.  This will give the Europeans a unique defensive (as well as offensive) capability that no others on the planet will have.

When I wrote that, the U.S. Air Force denied that there was such a problem.

Further notice that page 147 of my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect warned of the following:

Because of domestic economic concerns and international pressures, Barack Obama is shifting priorities away from defense spending, while encouraging the Europeans to increase their military might.  This will help lead to the destruction of the United States, when the Europeans are ready and the U.S.A. is not.

Sadly, this is happening right now.

Linking up with Galileo puts the USA at major risk of not being able to launch an effective counter-strike if the EU attacks the USA.  Do Americans not remember that the wars in Kuwait and Iraq were waged first by the USA having vastly superior air/space systems?  And now the USA’s financial mess is leading the USA to rely on other nations for part of this capability.  The world is changing and the USA is losing its military supremacy.  And top powers that lose their military supremacy have historically been taken over by others.  Yes, this satellite matter is that serious.

If you have not already done so, please get my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect.  Compare what it teaches with the Bible.  Compare what it teaches with what is happening in the world.  World events have already aligned with at least 12 predictions that the book documents.

You do not have to be one who will be confused in these trying times.

For those with mailing issues or in a hurry, the book is also available electronically.  Here are the electronic links:

2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect (English)
2012 y el surgimiento de la secta secreta (Spanish)
2012 und das Auftreten der geheimen Sekte (German)

The book has long also been available from Amazon.com in English, Spanish, and German, and its Kindle version in English. It is also now available from Barnes and Noble .com at the following title links 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect, 2012 Y El Surgimiento De La Secta Secreta, and 2012 Und Das Auftreten Der Geheimen Sekte.

The 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect book has more details, more prophecies, and is quite a bit a lot longer (about 384 pages in English) than my online article on 2012.  To order a hard copy, simply go to the link 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect.

Ancient Laodicea

COGwriter

Abigail Cartwright posted an open letter from Leon Walker about the United Church of God (UCG)’s Sabbath ruling.  Here is some of what it states:

In mid September, 2010 Mr. Dennis Luker and Mr. Melvin Rhodes approved and posted a document entitled, “How do Members of the United Church of God Observe the Sabbath Day?” Though I do not go to FaceBook or any other similar Internet sites, it is my understanding that this document has generated a considerable amount of negative as well as supportive commentaries.

It is not surprising that this document would receive such a negative reaction. Many members are sincerely troubled and appalled that such a document would be issued, as it cannot have any other interpretation than a liberal and permissive approach toward the Sabbath. However, labeling those who are sincerely upset as “Pharisaical” and judgmental is in itself judgmental and intolerant.

I have to ask myself, Why was this document issued at this time and in this way? The document itself, quoting from the Roig family, states: “We have submitted our case to the Doctrine Committee, but the chairman of the Doctrine Committee indicated the right procedure is to first present our case to our pastor and then to the regional director… We have started the process to review our case in the appropriate manner and with the right authorities, and ask people to refrain from passing judgment on our situation.” That being the case, why was this document released before the correct procedure had been followed to its conclusion? It makes no sense that Mr. Luker and Mr. Rhodes would render a judgment on this issue before a final decision was issued which possibly could reverse the judgment reflected in this document.

Furthermore, the conclusion by Mr. Luker and Mr. Rhodes that this family is properly keeping the Sabbath directly contradicts a Council of Elders decision to the contrary on December 13, 2002. A letter approved by the Council at that time states clearly, “Running a business on the Sabbath, even if you as the owner do not work on that day, creates several problems for a Christian.“In light of God’s law, as a business owner we should not employ people to work on the Sabbath and/or the Holy Days…

“Due to your ownership and your position as an employer, you would be the responsible party in a business that operates seven days a week and therefore on the Sabbath and Holy Days. Since it is the view of the Church that this would be a violation of God’s law, a Christian should not be involved in such business ventures unless he is willing to close on the Sabbath and Holy Days.”

This teaching was also explained in a United News article in February, 2003 (page 9).

Therefore, the official teaching of the United Church of God is that “a business owner…should not employ people to work on the Sabbath and/or the Holy Days.” Why then would Mr. Luker and Mr. Rhodes issue a document that takes a position contrary to the official teaching of the UCG, as approved by the Council of Elders? Do Mr. Luker and Mr. Rhodes believe that the Council decision of 2002 was “Pharisaical” or “legalistic”? A concern that many have is that UCG indeed is changing doctrines when it issues a document contrary to the official teaching of the Church. It should also be understood that the Council did not review or approve the paper by Mr. Luker and Mr. Rhodes. Is this the correct procedure for papers dealing with doctrinal issues?

UCG has made various changes to doctrine.  But last month denied that it had any “secret plan” to change the Sabbath or Holy Days (see UCG Denies Secret Plan to Change Doctrine).

As a small business owner, I agree that we are not to have our businesses open on the Sabbath.  Actually, this year, I had to have my office closed on Trumpets, the First Day of the Feast of Tabernacles, and the Last Great Day (which all fell on Thursdays this year–we are never open on Saturdays).

Because of how this current world operates, there are simply certain types of businesses that are not appropriate for members of the COGs to run.  And while day care does not have to be one of those, members who own those type of facilities need to figure if they are appropriate and what should be done.

Anyway, because of Leon Walker’s comments on the Sabbath matter, it does not seem that he intends to be part of UCG.

Here are some comments from another on the UCG Latin America problems:

The Truth Shall Prevail…

I want to make it absolutely clear from the beginning that I have no interest in the politics of the United Church of God.  I am a medical scientist living and working in Cuenca Ecuador and a member of the United Church of God.  I believe in unity and accept God and His son Jesus Christ as the ultimate authority for His believers.

It is upsetting to me to have the understanding I have about the truth and watch the ungodly behaviors of people who are suppose to be our church leaders.  I am in the middle of it all and wondering why it is that 2000  Latin American members of UCG know the truth but the Board of Elders in the USA seem to be oblivious to it all, or are they?  I pray the Board had nothing to do with what transpired.

First of all, the problem does not appear to be Leon Walker. Of course he is not perfect and he may have made a few mistakes in all of this.   I do not know Mr. Walker and I have never met Mr. Walker.  What I do know about Mr. Walker is that members here tell me he has never, in the many years of service to Latin America, been disrespectful to authority nor to anyone in Latin America.  It appears to me that Mr. Walker only got caught up in a terrible political issue while doing his assigned duties.

UCG members need to know that a very serious conflict of interest has occurred in South America that has set this problem into motion.  It does not appear to me that there are any ministers in South America trying to divide the church.  It does not appear to me that Leon Walker is trying to divide the church.  Sr. Saul Lanarica, minister of the Chilean congregation does not appear to be trying to divide the church.  It is just not true nor does it make sense.  To divide the church means to cut off needed help for ministerial salaries and expenses. There are many extremely poor people here in our congregations and the last thing any minister would do is to try to break away from the united effort here…

No one has ever mentioned Mr. Seiglie’s family connection which appears to be the principle cause of conflict in South America.  Ethically and morally, Mr. Seiglie should have never accepted the position to replace Mr. Walker.  Did he set the Board up to place him in the position of authority to protect his Chilean family?  Did he play politics to try to destroy Mr. Walker who has had a near perfect record in helping the Latin America effort? The question comes to mind, therefore, what was the real reason for the replacement of Mr. Walker and why was he replaced by Mr. Seiglie who obviously presents a conflict of interest in his relationship with this family who blatantly defy God’s law. The next question is why did the President and the Board attack the many ministers that only wanted a peaceful solution by denying a simple request for a non-biased individual to come to South America to discuss this problem.  Of course the ministers were adamant about refusing to talk to the Board’s newly appointed South American representative (Mr. Seiglie)—they wanted nothing to do with an individual who used his new power to violate God’s law concerning the Sabbath.

Should we not investigate Mr. Seiglie’s relationship with the Board of Elders and his direct connection to his disciplined family in Chile?  To refuse to do so creates further questions that need to be answered, one being, was the Board of Elders involved in all of this?  Be assured, the truth shall be known in time.  God will not permit these issues in His church to go unresolved.  If the United Church of God can permit those who violate the Sabbath in Chile (because they are wealthy and influential) to remain members of its congregation, who can say that this cancer will not spread to other UCG churches throughout the world?   God forbid and He will.

Dr. Robert Dowling
Cuenca, Ecuador

So, once again UCG has issues.  But it has had many since it began in 1995.

On other UCG matters, late yesterday, UCG itself announced:

As a consequence of the solid results on WGN America, we are now in a position to ask our dedicated member-sponsors if they would like to end their participation in airing Beyond Today programs on cable-access television in their areas. We realize this may come as a surprise, but by bringing cable-access to a close the Church can save considerable production, labor and postage costs—and our video editors at the home office can shift into advancing more the visual and graphic elements of our programs…

So for these reasons we are moving in this direction. However, if our sponsors would like to continue airing Beyond Today on cable-access stations in their areas they are certainly welcome to continue to do so. We mentioned this to them in a personal message yesterday. Our plan is to discontinue cable-access television for all others during the week of December 26, 2010 through January 1, 2011.

The above is supposed to be a cost saving move.

The main reason that I chose not to be part of UCG is that when I learned how it intended to govern itself (which I disagreed with), I told someone at that time (1995) who went with UCG that its governance form meant that UCG would not be effective in proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom to the world as a witness.  And in its 15 years of existence, it has not proven to be highly effective in that area, though by going on WGN it has made a recent effort along those lines.  We will see how long it lasts and what its fruits are.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

The Sabbath in the Early Church and Abroad Was the seventh-day (Saturday) Sabbath observed by the apostolic and post-apostolic Church?
The Dramatic Story of Chinese Sabbathkeepers This reformatted Good News article from 1955 discusses Sabbath-keeping in China in the 1800s.
Is God Unreasonable? Some have suggested that if God requires Sabbath-keeping He is unreasonable. Is that true?
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 a

COGwriter

The Australian economy is doing better than most in the world.  And that is primarily because China has been buying a lot of Australia’s natural resources.  China is Australia’s leading trade partner.

Yet, some organizations are starting to be concerned with how vulnerable Australia’s economy is to what China does.  Notice the following:

ANALYSIS: Australia’s “Made in China” economy vulnerable, experts say

By Sid Astbury Oct 5, 2010…

‘If the global recovery stalls and Chinese demand for commodities declines, Australia’s terms of trade could fall sharply,’ the IMF said.

International ratings agency Standard & Poor’s has also sounded the alarm, flagging a softening of demand from China that ‘could cause a sharp decline in the Australian economy.’  (http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/business/news/article_1589095.php/ANALYSIS-Australia-s-Made-in-China-economy-vulnerable-experts-say)

And while some Australians are fine with this situation, some of them also realize that the Chinese have their own objectives:

Chinese way is here to stay, so get used to it

• Greg Rudd
• From: The Australian
• October 07, 2010…

Understand one thing about China. With more than 1.3 billion people, China cares only about China…The elite in Asia sees its rise as a long-awaited return to influence rather than something new. And doing business in Asia is different to doing business in Australia. A rich Asian friend once roguishly told me: “Show me a rich Asian and I’ll show you a thief.”  How can Chinese millionaires and billionaires exist in a communist country?  (http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/opinion/chinese-way-is-here-to-stay-so-get-used-to-it/story-e6frg6zo-1225935112902)

Yet, it is not just the economy of Australia that is at risk.  And some in Australia are starting to understand this:

China’s irresistible power surge

• Rowan Callick, Asia-Pacific Editor
• From: The Australian
• October 04, 2010

AFTER countless “dragon rising” conferences and speeches, Australians have grown accustomed to China’s emergence as an economic giant to rival the US…

The US is in no position to launch, let alone win, a trade war with China. US rhetoric about currency valuations instead underlines its economic impotence…

A leading Australian expert on Asia, economist Peter Drysdale, stresses that “economic size matters to political heft”…

Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd has warned that “we are now seeing the rise of a new great power. A growing China will pursue its interests globally: that is natural. [But] history is not overburdened with examples of how such transitions in geopolitical and geo-economic realities have been accommodated peacefully. We need a new way forward.”…

Hugh White, professor of strategic studies at the Australian National University…says: “If we plan to get rich on China’s growth, we had better get used to the idea of it as a very powerful state.”…

Paul Monk, co-founder of Austhink Consulting and former head of China analysis for the Defence Intelligence Organisation…concludes: “The challenges we faced from Japan in the early 1940s and the Soviet Union during the Cold War were simple by comparison.” (http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/features/chinas-irresistible-power-surge/story-e6frg6z6-1225933535446)

Perhaps I should add that other parts of the above article basically indicate that China is bullying the USA and that the USA is putting up with it.  The USA (the only real military hope for Australia) is allowing China to have its way more and more.  Both the USA and Australia are simply getting so much “benefit” from China economically (Australia selling China natural resources, and China financing US deficits) that neither nation believes that it can truly afford to stand up against certain practices from the Chinese that their citizens feel are wrong (both the USA and Australia will make relatively minor protests from time to time, but taking truly strong stands will rarely happen).

Many decades ago, communist Vladimir Ilyich Lenin (the first leader of the old Soviet Union) stated:

The Capitalists will sell us the rope with which we will hang them.

The fact is that while trade is generally a good thing, Australia will likely continue to provide China a lot of the resources it needs in order to ultimately be part of the 200,000,000 man army that the Bible warns about (Revelation 9:13-20).

The Bible also indicates that powers, likely including Australia, will have their lands taken over (cf. Daniel 11:39).  As China already is paying for many resources in Australia, it may decide that it should be able to own them without paying for them.

Australia is vulnerable to China and others as it simply does not have the military strength to oppose such a takeover, should the Chinese and/or others decide to do so.

Without national repentance, the Australia is doomed.  Period.  So is the USA, including Southern California.  And the Canadians, who also are supplying China natural resources, are also vulnerable.

Many do not wish to accept that, either here or in Australia, but it is the truth.  These nations (including Canada) will be taken over, and it may be that China will control part of the land of Australia.

Some articles of related interest may include:

Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 1: Genesis and Chinese Characters Where did the Chinese people come from? This article provides information showing that the Chinese peoples must have known about various accounts in the Book of Genesis up until their dispersion after the Tower of Babel.
China, Its Biblical Past and Future, Part 2: The Sabbath and Some of God’s Witness in China When did Christianity first come to China? And is there early evidence that they observed the seventh day sabbath?
Asia in Prophecy What is Ahead for Asia? Who are the “Kings of the East”? What will happen to nearly all the Chinese, Russians, Indians, and others of Asia? China in prophecy, where? Who has the 200,000,000 man army related to Armageddon?

The 220 kg Gold brick displayed in Taiwan

COGwriter

The price of gold rose to over USD$1340 per ounce today.

Gold futures topped $1,340 an ounce Tuesday, posting their highest-ever price as investors fled paper currencies in favor of the metal as a perceived store of value.

The moves come amid growing expectations the Federal Reserve will embark on another round of monetary easing as other central banks soften their policies in what some see as leading to currency devaluation and longer term increases in consumer prices, which gold is considered a hedge against.  (Gold, Seen As Currency, Extends Record Above $1,340. Wall Street Journal – Oct 5, 2010 http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20101005-708369.html)

Investors around the world are essentially afraid that the US dollar ultimately will have much less value than it currently has, thus many are investing in this commodity.

The powers that be in Europe are holding on to gold:

Europe’s central banks have all but halted sales of their gold reserves, ending a run of large disposals each year for more than a decade. (Financial Times – Sept 27, 2010. http://www.cnbc.com/id/39376353)

Silver is also up.  It was USD$22.89 per troy ounce when I looked at it a few moments ago (for the more current price of gold and silver, please simply click on the following Financial Information).

Economists which are not part of the Obama Administration have made some comments lately that perhaps should be mentioned here:

Economists peddling dire warnings that the world’s number one economy is on the brink of collapse, amid high rates of unemployment and a spiraling public deficit, are flourishing here.

The guru of this doomsday line of thinking may be economist Nouriel Roubini, thrust into the forefront after predicting the chaos wrought by the subprime mortgage crisis and the collapse of the housing bubble.

“The US has run out of bullets,” Roubini told an economic forum in Italy earlier this month. “Any shock at this point can tip you back into recession.”…

Boston University professor Laurence Kotlikoff, who warned as far back as the 1980s of the dangers of a public deficit, lent credence to such dark predictions in an International Monetary Fund publication last week.

He unveiled a doomsday scenario — which many dismiss as pure fantasy — of an economic clash between superpowers the United States and China, which holds more than 843 billion dollars of US Treasury bonds.

“A minor trade dispute between the United States and China could make some people think that other people are going to sell US treasury bonds,” he wrote in the IMF’s Finance & Development review.

“That belief, coupled with major concern about inflation, could lead to a sell-off of government bonds that causes the public to withdraw their bank deposits and buy durable goods.”

Kotlikoff warned such a move would spark a run on banks and money market funds as well as insurance companies as policy holders cash in their surrender values.

“In a short period of time, the Federal Reserve would have to print trillions of dollars to cover its explicit and implicit guarantees. All that new money could produce strong inflation, perhaps hyperinflation,” he said.

“There are other less apocalyptic, perhaps more plausible, but still quite unpleasant, scenarios that could result from multiple equilibria.” (Doomsday warnings of US apocalypse gain ground. AFP – Sept 11, 2010. http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5guQwaDcJjALF1jtUfqcyIgRU7U1Q)

IMF admits that the West is stuck in near depression

If you strip away the political correctness, Chapter Three of the IMF’s World Economic Outlook more or less condemns Southern Europe to death by slow suffocation and leaves little doubt that fiscal tightening will trap North Europe, Britain and America in slump for a long time.

(Telegraph – Oct 3, 2010. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/comment/ambroseevans_pritchard/8039789/IMF-admits-that-the-West-is-stuck-in-near-depression.html)

Notice, also, the following:

And the view that America is on a decline seems rather well ingrained in many people’s minds supported by 65 percent of people questioned in a Wall Street Journal/NBC poll published last week.

“It is true: Today’s economic problems are structural, not cyclical,” argued New York Times editorial writer David Brooks.

He said the United Sates is losing its world dominance much in the same way the British Empire began to crumble more than a century ago.  ( http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5guQwaDcJjALF1jtUfqcyIgRU7U1Q)

The above contained several interesting observations.

The USA is losing its dominance over international finances.  It is declining like the British Empire did.  And the USA will also lose its military dominance when it does not expect it.  Political economists sometimes seem to have overlooked the economic realities of producing more US dollar debt and printing up more un-backed US dollars.

As far as metals go, while what goes up can come down, the reality is that even if gold and silver tank (and they may or at least drop at times), the Bible shows that they will have value into the great tribulation (cf. Daniel 11:40-43; Revelation 18) while the US dollar will not (cf. Habakkuk 2).  The financial world is starting to understand some of this–but few really know how bad it will get.

For additional information, check out the following articles:

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?
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?
Prophecies of Barack Obama? This article has eight reasons why Barack Obama is apocalyptic and eight reasons why Barack Obama is not the Antichrist. It 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 at the COGwriter website on Barack Obama prophecies. Read it and decide for yourself if President Obama seems to be fulfilling various prophecies.
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?

Ben Bernanke

COGwriter

The U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman admitted that US deficits would remain high, at least for a while:

Bernanke warns of high budget deficits…

Bernanke…did, however, say that “economic conditions provide little scope for reducing deficits significantly further over the next year or two” and that “premature fiscal tightening could put the recovery at risk” which implies that the tax cuts should not be allowed to expire in 2010. (Irwin N.  Washington Post,  Tuesday, October 5, 2010. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/10/04/AR2010100407065.html)

Although he hopes this will change, the reality is that unless some highly efficient technology (or something along those lines) emerges soon in the USA, its deficits will mainly increase.

This increase will likely worsen dramatically once interest rates rise from their current low levels.

In Habakkuk 2:3,6,7, God mentions that that destruction will happen to those that increased their debt at the end time:

3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry…5 Indeed, because he transgresses by wine, He is a proud man… 6 “Will not all these take up a proverb against him, And a taunting riddle against him, and say, ‘Woe to him who increases What is not his–how long? And to him who loads himself with many pledges’? 7 Will not your creditors rise up suddenly? Will they not awaken who oppress you? And you will become their booty. 8 Because you have plundered many nations, All the remnant of the people shall plunder you (Habakkuk 2:3,5,6-8).

The above prophecy will be fulfilled at the time of the end and seems to be directed to one  or more nations like the USA. It makes little sense that it would be directed towards the modern nation of Israel as it does not have enemy creditors. It must be a nation or group of nations with some prominence.

Since the USA has the most debt of any nation of all time, it seems to be a leading (though not necessarily only) candidate to be included in it.  Increasing deficits puts the USA in a dangerous position that Bible prophecy indicates that it will not be able to recover from.

Without massive national repentance, the Bible is clear that complete destruction of the economy, and even government, of the USA 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?

Geert Wilders

COGwriter

Geert Wilders’ anti-Islamic Netherlands political party is expected to make more gains on Tuesday:

Today Dutch lawmakers are expected to approve a coalition that will give Geert Wilders’s Freedom Party a share in government for the first time since he founded it in 2005 to push measures such as restricting Muslim immigration and taxing headscarves. (Dutch Liberalism and the Freedom Party.  A turn at governing for Geert Wilders, Holland’s political stunt man.  WSJ, October 5, 2010.  http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704631504575531814191773720.html).

The reality is that throughout Europe anti-Islamic sentiment is rising up and the Netherlands seems to also plan on banning veils or burqas (Headscarf debate returns to spotlight in Europe. http://africa.ibtimes.com/articles/67932/20101002/headscarf-veil-islamic-muslim-veil-france-netherlands-turkey-ban.htm).

And while I do not believe at this time that Geert Wilders will be the “king of the north”, the fact that he is rising up in the Netherlands suggests that the Europeans are inclined, even in the 21st century, to accept a more radical top leader than many would have thought possible.

The Bible shows that a European military leader will line up with a religious leader from the city of seven hills (Rome) and ultimately defeat the forces of Islam.  Small steps, like the PVV’s successes, align with that.

For more on what is expected to happen, please see the following:

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?