Church of God News

Hiroshima After the Atomic Bomb Was Detonated

COGwriter

While a lot of economic news dominates Western media, other disturbing developments are continuing.  A reader sent me the following three items this morning:

The official noted that [in North Korea] “nuclear mines are technologically at a stage of completion, and the plan [is] to finish [developing] nuclear torpedoes by 2012.” (Washington Times – http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2010/dec/8/inside-the-ring-141164757/)

India will have nuclear triad in 2012

“Nirmal Verma, the chief Admiral of Navy said that India would have nuclear triad in the year 2012. Only three countries in the world have operational nuclear weapon triads. The countries are United States, Russia and China has the authority to fire nuclear missiles from land, sea, and air. After completing the triad underwater leg, India will join this group in the year 2012. INS Arihant is the first nuclear submarine in India.”

All India Today – Dec 4, 2010 http://www.allindiatoday.com/8514/india-will-have-nuclear-triad-in-2012

Strategic Offensive Reductions Treaty (SORT)

“Each Party shall reduce and limit strategic nuclear warheads, as stated by the President of the United States of America on November 13, 2001 and as stated by the President of the Russian Federation on November 13, 2001 and December 13, 2001 respectively, so that by December 31, 2012 the aggregate number of such warheads does not exceed 1700-2200 for each Party.  This Treaty shall remain in force until December 31, 2012.” http://www.armscontrol.org/documents/sort

Thus, there likely will be more nuclear weapons in 2012.  The acquisition of nuclear weapons by nations outside of the European Union will likely give various leaders in the EU reasons to keep many of the ones that they already have, and perhaps add to the EU’s own arsenal.

And while I do not believe that it is at all possible for the world to end in 2012, in my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect, I made a few comments related to nuclear devices:

Although Barack Obama is not, and will not, be the final Antichrist, there are reasons to believe that the rising of the prophesied final ten-horned beast power (Revelation 13:1) and the destruction of the United States will take place under the Obama administration if it lasts two full terms (eight years).   And this destruction is likely to include terrorism and partial nuclear devastation…

The last President of the United States, who possibly may be Barack Obama, will help to set the stage for the beginning of the Great Tribulation.

When it starts, it will not be a good time for the U.S.A., or for its Anglo-allies (nor the nation of Israel).   Biblical (“sudden destruction” 1 Thessalonians 5:3), Hopi[i], and Kenyan[ii] prophecies suggest possible nuclear devastation of at least some their lands.

Notice some of what Jesus taught:

²¹ For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be ²² And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened (Matthew 24:21-22).

The Great Tribulation is further described in Revelation 6:9–11 (the fifth seal that seems to occur because the faithful church has suffered martyrdom), Lamentations, Daniel, and other parts of the Bible…

The Great Monarch and his cross-bearing warriors will destroy the English-descended peoples.  This destruction will apparently involve a nuclear attack and conventional warfare, combined with terrorism…

The King of the North will probably proclaim “peace and safety” while plotting for the sudden destruction of those opposing him (1 Thessalonians 5:2–3).  This would be a second false proclamation of peace.  The sudden destruction is likely to include a nuclear attack, and could possibly happen in conjunction with a NATO exercise that would catch the U.S.A. and its Anglo-allies off guard (other nations are likely to also be involved).

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[i] Hopi Civilization. http://2012wiki.com/index.php?title=Hopi_Civilization viewed 01/14/08

[ii] Visions of the Great Nyasaye, A Study of the Luo Religion in Kenya

It is quite likely that as there is more nuclear proliferation that terrorists who attack will use some type of nuclear device.  It should be noted that the “Great Monarch” of Greek and Latin Catholicism seems to be the same individual that the Bible refers to as the final King of the North.

Events are lining up for end time warfare.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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.
End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something? Are there Mayan calendar predictions for change in 2012? Changes were centuries ago predicted by the Hopi Native Americans. Do Mayan/Hindu/Hopi/Buddhist/New Age/Nostradamus prophecies have any value here? Why might Satan have inspired this date? Does the Dresden codex show destruction of the earth by flood? Can the great tribulation start before 2012? How might Barack Obama be involved in 2012?
2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect This is a link related to a book by Bob Thiel (COGwriter). This link also has YouTube videos. This book documents and explains hundreds of prophecies. And since it was published, world events have aligned with at least 14 predictions in the book and many more will to come to pass.
2012 y el surgimiento de la secta secreta 2012 libro del Dr. Thiel en Español.
2012 und das Auftreten der geheimen Sekte (German Edition) 2012 Buch von Dr. Thiel in deutscher Sprache.
2012 e o Surgimento da Seita Secreta (Portuguese Edition) 2012 livro do Dr. Thiel em Português. Este livro documenta e explica centenas de profecias. E desde que foi publicado pela primeira vez, pelo menos 14 já começaram a acontecer.

Ancient Laodicea has many ineffective structures

COGwriter

The situation related to the UCG crisis seems to be affecting more and more who were once parts of that organization. Today, UCG’s John Carmack (and he may not be part of UCG too much longer if I am understanding the ramifications of his recent posts), posted the following:

On the Facebook UCG United We Stand discussion board is a page for “I Support the Letter”.  This signature page is to show support for the letter that the elders who signed the Open Letter to Dennis Luker.  Granted, it is informal, but it is very symbolic.  It only had about 225 last night, and as of this morning is about 420!

If you are on Facebook, a member (or recent ex-member) of UCG and if you support the Open Letter, this might be your last chance to have your voice heard, seeing as the current administration is more concerned about squashing dissent rather than investigating core issues.

This indicates, to me at least, that the crisis that UCG is facing is escalating.  And John Carmack keeps having issues with UCG.

Notice that in a post yesterday, John Carmack wrote:

Frankly, there are many things that turn me off about the current UCG leadership.  However, the overarching concern I have is they and their supporters have not shown a great deal of integrity.  Unfortunately, that includes doctrinal integrity as well.

And a day earlier (Tuesday) John Carmack posted:

Basically, the current UCG leadership has opted to slander, ridicule and denigrate its opposition while claiming that is what is being done to them.  It finally comes out that it has been a bunch of lies the current leadership has been spewing from the beginning of gaining a foothold within the COE.  While none of the old guard are perfect examples of righteousness, like the rest of us, it does show they have made a good faith effort to work within UCG to turn events around, while the COE has given them the cold shoulder.

When Dennis Luker says it is about “power and control”, he is right, you know.  It is all about the current leadership exerting its power and control and killing off any dissent.  It is obvious that they are not interested in reconciliation.

He is entitled to his opinions.  And he and I do not always agree or disagree.  Our relationship tends to be cordial.  At the “Abigail Cartwright” site, there are various other reports from those who are questioning UCG and its Council of Elders (COE).

Now, as I indicated before, I am not taking sides on this crisis as I do not believe that UCG, IAO, or some of the other alternatives I have read that some part of UCG are considering (like being independent) is the best choice for any who hope to be Philadelphian.  But I will add that I did speak with a member of UCG’s Council of Elders a few days ago and he is convinced that certain of the leaders of those who have broken away from UCG have their own problems with integrity, so he is surprised that any would be supporting them over UCG’s current organization.  He believes that the COE has made attempts at reconciliation and he has resented the statements from others who said that COE did not make any attempts to reconcile with Latin America.

As far as I am concerned, the bottom line continues to be that the Living Church of God (LCG) has a governance structure and set of priorities more closely related to those that Jesus would support. Those who ridicule hierarchical governance through improper examples seem to forget that God expects people to follow leaders as they follow Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1; Acts 5:29). And that is what we in LCG try to do, as should all Christians.  Recall that in Revelation 3 the Laodiceans are condemned by Jesus for having an approach to the work that differs from that of the Philadelphians–people need to look at all relevant scriptures on that as well as proper biblical governance.

Any interested in supporting the remnant of the Philadelphia era of the COG should prayerfully check out LCG.  Now, I have received some emails critical of the fact that I believe that those in UCG or having problems with UCG should consider looking at LCG.  This strikes me as odd as I think most people who visit the COGwriter website know that I am a supporter of LCG and have always felt that UCG’s form of governance and priorities were not Philadelphian and that those associated with UCG should consider LCG.  I strongly believe that the current crisis in UCG is a wakeup call for those that delayed doing this in the past.

Those not interested in LCG will either remain part of UCG (or where ever they are), go with one of the former UCG break-away ministers/groups, go somewhere else, or drop out. God will hold all accountable for what they do and do not do.

And yes, that includes me.

But to basically the best of my ability, I believe that I have provided accurate coverage of various aspects of UCG’s crises this year and have repeatedly pointed out that UCG’s chosen form of governance held some responsibility for the crisis that UCG now finds itself.

Others will have their own opinions, but in the meantime, me and those of us in LCG will continue to try to support the COG that always has been the most effective in proclaiming Christ’s gospel of the kingdom to the world as a witness in the 21st century (Matthew 24:14).  And to me, LCG is that place.  And I believe that the facts documented in many of my articles will demonstrate that to any who are Philadelphia remnant Christians.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Polycarp, Herbert W. Armstrong, and Roderick C. Meredith on Church Government What form of governance did the early church have? Was it hierarchical? Which form of governance would one expect to have in the Philadelphia remnant? The people decide and/or committee forms, odd dictatorships, or the same type that the Philadelphia era itself had?
Should a Christian Vote? This article gives some of the Biblical rationale on this subject. Would Jesus vote for president? Is voting in the Bible? This is a subject Christians need to understand.
Unity: Which COG for You? Why so many groups? Why is there lack of unity in the Churches of God? Has it always been this way? What can/should be done about it?
Differences between the Living Church of God and United Church of God This article provides quotes information from the two largest groups which had their origins in WCG as well as commentary.
There are Many COGs: Why Support the Living Church of God? This is an article for those who wish to more easily sort out the different COGs. It really should be a MUST READ for current and former WCG/GCI members or any interested in supporting the faithful church. It also explains a lot of what the COGs are all about.
Should the Church Still Try to Place its Top Priority on Proclaiming the Gospel or Did Herbert W. Armstrong Change that Priority for the Work? Some say the Church should mainly feed the flock now as that is what Herbert W. Armstrong reportedly said. Is that what he said? Is that what the Bible says? What did Paul and Herbert W. Armstrong expect from evangelists?
The Laodicean Church Era has been predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. These are non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG.

COGwriter

In its 12/10/10 email, the Glendale, California based GCI (the group that ended up in charge of the apostate version of WCG) sent out a link to a short video titled Is Keeping Christmas a Sin? by its president, Joe Tkach.  In it, he stated:

Is Keeping Christmas a Sin?

In my younger days, I believed that celebrating Christmas was a sin. I wanted to let the Bible guide me in everything I did, and since I couldn’t find any command in the Bible to keep Christmas, I concluded that keeping it must be a sin.

Of course, it wasn’t very good logic, and it kept me from enjoying one of the most meaningful and joyous celebrations of the year.

After all, if we never did anything that isn’t specifically commanded in the Bible, we wouldn’t have Sunday school, children’s church, English language Bibles, printing presses, public address systems, fire alarms or charcoal grills. None of these are specifically commanded in the Bible.

But, of course, since he seems to be relying on human reason and not the Bible, he comes to odd conclusions.

His logic simply does not have proper biblical support.  For example, while “Sunday school” is not in the Bible, teaching children daily is (Deuteronomy 11:18-19).  The other items he brings up are irrelevant (red herring) arguments that miss the real issues.

In his presentation, Dr. Tkach also stated:

The fact that the Bible doesn’t command us to celebrate Christmas is not a valid argument against Christmas celebration.

But there are many biblical valid arguments against observing Christmas that he apparently overlooked (or at least neglected to place in his presentation in favor of Christmas).

Since Dr. Tkach asked in his title if keeping Christmas was a sin, it would seem logical to go to the Bible for its definition of sin.  Notice what the Apostle John wrote:

4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. (1 John 3:4, KJV)

So sin is the transgression of the law.

Christmas Encourages Covetousness and False Witnessing

Which laws?

The laws in the Bible as the Apostle Paul wrote:

7 What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! On the contrary, I would not have known sin except through the law. For I would not have known covetousness unless the law had said, “You shall not covet.” (Romans 7:7, NKJV)

Now, the above verse is an interesting one.  It says that coveting is a sin.  Does Christmas encourage children to covet?  Does it encourage them to expect to get various material objects whether they should or not?

Some may say yes, and others may feel otherwise.

Also, at least in many Western cultures, Santa Claus is supposed to bring presents to children all over the world by coming down chimneys at night.

Many parents actually tell children this lie every year.Yet the Jesus taught:

19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts…false witness…20 These are the things which defile a man (Matthew 15:19-20).

18 You shall not bear false witness (Matthew 19:18).

19 “Do not bear false witness (Mark 10:19).

20 You know the commandments:…Do not bear false witness (Luke 18:20).

Those fully observing Christmas also seem to forget that Jesus taught that Satan was a liar and the father of lies, and that once their children get older, they will realize that their parents lied to them. The Rheims‘ version of the New Testament specifically shows that Jesus taught the following:

43 Why do you not know my speech? Because you cannot hear my word. 44 You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and he stood not in the truth; because truth is not in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father thereof. 45 But if I say the truth, you believe me not. (John 8:43-45).

Lying to children does NOT improve the bond between parents and children as some apparently hope the Santa Claus lie will somehow help their family. Please tell your children the truth. Is that not what Jesus would do?

Would Jesus lie about Santa Claus?

Of course not.  Jesus was without sin (Hebrews 4:15) and Christians are to imitate Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1).

Sin involves fitting into the world because of lust:

16 For all that is in the world — the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life — is not of the Father but is of the world.  (1 John 2:16, NKJV)

Is not the observation of a holiday that many people lust after material possessions (lust of the eyes), observe to fit in society (lust of the flesh) and lie to children (pride of life) sin?  Is not the observation of Christmas a worldly thing to do?

Breaking the Ninth and Tenth Commandments is Evil

It is evil to break the ninth and tenth commandments according to Jesus:

Commandment 9 19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts…false witness…(Matthew 15:19-20).

20 For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. 21 But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God (John 3:20-21).

…deceit…All these evil things come from within and defile a man” (Mark 7:22-23).

Commandment 10 19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts (Matthew 15:19). …covetousness…All these evil things come from within and defile a man” (Mark 7:22-23).

The Apostle Paul wrote,

9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil (Romans 12:9).

22 Abstain from every form of evil” (I Thessalonians 5:22).

10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows (1 Timothy 6:10).

One of the reasons that Christmas is promoted across society is that the love of money by many promoters exceeds their love of God.  Christians are to abhor what is evil.  Christians are not to see how close to evil they can get without being burnt (cf. Proverbs 6:27).

Christmas observance is a sin because it encourages commandment breaking and violates other scriptures.

The God of the Bible Condemns Using Pagan Practices to Worship Him

There are also more scriptures that also should be considered.

Notice what God  had His prophet Jeremiah write:

2 Thus saith the Lord, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them.

3 For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe.

4 They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not.

5 They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good.
(Jeremiah 10:2-5, KJV)

In the above, God clearly says not to adopt non-Christian forms of worship and this seems to include objects like Christmas trees.  Now some may argue that since the tree cannot do evil, that it is okay to do have them anyway.  Those who feel that way may wish to ask themselves why God then wanted the following to be said to those with such trees:

11 Thus shall ye say unto them, The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, even they shall perish from the earth, and from under these heavens. (Jeremiah 10:11, KJV)

The God of the Bible clearly does not want people to use Christmas trees to pretend to honor Him as He clearly is not honored by such things.

Of course, some may wish to reason about that by claiming that they are trying to honor the God of the Bible and not the pagan gods with things as Christmas trees, or even reason around it by thinking that simply not having Christmas trees, but observing Christmas honors Jesus and thus this is not sin.

Well, perhaps the following may help them realize the sins involved in this:

29 “When the Lord your God cuts off from before you the nations which you go to dispossess, and you displace them and dwell in their land, 30 take heed to yourself that you are not ensnared to follow them, after they are destroyed from before you, and that you do not inquire after their gods, saying, ‘How did these nations serve their gods? I also will do likewise.’ 31 You shall not worship the Lord your God in that way; for every abomination to the Lord which He hates they have done to their gods; for they burn even their sons and daughters in the fire to their gods.   32 “Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it.   (Deuteronomy 12:29-32, NKJV)

Is not Christmas celebration adding something that God does not want?

Most people these days realize that most of the trappings of Christmas come from the worship of pagan gods.  Some even realize that the early Christians did not celebrate Christmas nor observe any date for the celebration of the birth of Jesus. Even Catholic scholars realize this:

Christmas was not among the earliest festivals of the Church (Martindale C. Transcribed by Susanti A. Suastika. Christmas. The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume III. Copyright © 1908 by Robert Appleton Company. Online Edition Copyright © 2003 by K. Knight. Nihil Obstat, November 1, 1908. Remy Lafort, S.T.D., Censor. Imprimatur. +John Cardinal Farley, Archbishop of New York).

Early Christians also did not celebrate any birthdays (Did Early Christians Celebrate Birthdays?).

December 25th was Chosen as it was the Birthday of a Pagan Sun God

What some may find particularly reprehensible about Christmas is that not only are the trappings of it pagan, but the actual date selected was the birthday of the sun god Mithras.  This is known by pretty much all scholars.  Here is one from a Catholic scholar:

Mithraism A pagan religion consisting mainly of the cult of the ancient Indo-Iranian Sun-god Mithra. It entered Europe from Asia Minor after Alexander’s conquest, spread rapidly over the whole Roman Empire at the beginning of our era, reached its zenith during the third century, and vanished under the repressive regulations of Theodosius at the end of the fourth century…Helios Mithras is one god…Sunday was kept holy in honour of Mithra, and the sixteenth of each month was sacred to him as mediator. The 25 December was observed as his birthday, the natalis invicti, the rebirth of the winter-sun, unconquered by the rigours of the season (Arendzen. J.P. Transcribed by John Looby. Mithraism. The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume X. Published 1911. New York: Robert Appleton Company. Nihil Obstat, October 1, 1911. Remy Lafort, S.T.D., Censor. Imprimatur. +John Cardinal Farley, Archbishop of New York).

The World Book Encyclopedia notes,

In 354 A.D., Bishop Liberius of Rome ordered the people to celebrate on December 25. He probably chose this date because the people of Rome already observed it as the Feast of Saturn, celebrating the birthday of the sun (Sechrist E.H. Christmas. World Book Encyclopedia, Volume 3. Field Enterprises Educational Corporation, Chicago, 1966, pp. 408-417).

It needs to be understood that some scholarly sources believe that the celebration in Rome of Christmas may have began 2-3 decades earlier (by Constantine), but none I am aware of suggest it was prior Constantine in the fourth century. Notice what the late Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote:

It is also to be noticed that our Christmas, December 25th, was the birthday of Mithra, and was only taken over in the Fourth Century as the date, actually unknown, of the birth of Jesus.  (King ML. The papers of Martin Luther King, Jr, Volume 4. Clayborne Carson, Ralph Luker, Penny A. Russell editors/compliers. University of California Press, 1992)

There have been scholars who believe that Constantine was involved as tradition claims a certain church in Rome as the first site of a December 25th “Christmas” celebration as the following 2007 news account indicates:

The church where the tradition of celebrating Christmas on Dec. 25 may have begun was built near a pagan shrine as part of an effort to spread Christianity, a leading Italian scholar says.

Italian archaeologists last month revealed an underground grotto that they believe ancient Romans revered as the place where a wolf nursed Rome’s legendary founder, Romulus, and his twin brother, Remus. A few feet from the grotto, or “Lupercale,” the Emperor Constantine built the Basilica of St. Anastasia, where some believe Christmas was first celebrated on Dec. 25…

It opted to mark Christmas, then celebrated at varying dates, on Dec. 25 to coincide with the Roman festival celebrating the birth of the sun god, Andrea Carandini, a professor of archaeology at Rome’s La Sapienza University, told reporters Friday. The Basilica of St. Anastasia was built as soon as a year after the Nicaean Council. It probably was where Christmas was first marked on Dec. 25, part of broader efforts to link pagan practices to Christian celebrations in the early days of the new religion, Mr. Carandini said. (Scholars link 1st yule church to pagan shrine. Washington Times – Dec 23, 2007 ROME (AP). http://washingtontimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071223/FOREIGN/924350661/1001 viewed 12/24/07).

December 25th was a date to celebrate paganism.

So since the Bible says not to observe pagan religious celebrations and not to adopt any of their methods to serve the God of the Bible, and since December 25th is clearly recognized as the day to celebrate the birth of the pagan sun god Mithras, the celebration of Christmas by those who claim to live by the Bible is sin.

The video by GCI did not explain how come pagan religious celebrations are not sin, or even what sin is.  Since GCI does not teach that “sin is the transgression of the law” (1 John 3:4) as it teaches, for example, that the Ten Commandments are done away, of course it would conclude that there is no sin involved in observing Christmas as GCI does not understand what sin is.

Christmas Takes Away from the True Gospel

Some argue that none of this matters.  They believe that their own understanding is superior to the scriptures cited here.  The Bible, of course, teaches otherwise:

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.

7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the Lord and depart from evil.  (Proverbs 3:5-7, NKJV)

8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. (Isaiah 55:8, NKJV)

Breaking the commandments of God is evil.

Christmas is a way of humans, not a way of God.

If God really wanted people to celebrate it, He would have given that as a command.  Instead, the Bible never even reveals what date Jesus was born.  That should be a clue for even the often biblically clueless.  The Bible teaches:

33 For God is not the author of confusion… (1 Corinthians 14:33, NKJV)

How could God really want people to observe Jesus’ birthday since He did not have the calendar date of it even recorded?  He wouldn’t as, amongst other things, that would cause confusion.

Because Jesus was not born on December 25th, God does not want pagan methods to be adopted to worship Him, and is opposed to decorations that resemble modern Christmas trees, the modern observation of Christmas gives a false portrayal of God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ.  It leads to a false gospel (cf. Galatians 1:6-8), and an improper understanding of the plan of God.

Keeping Christmas is a Sin

The fact that the Bible commands against having religious holidays that resemble Christmas should be a reason that real Christians consider seriously if they would be at all inclined to consider being involved with Christmas.

Is keeping Christmas a sin?

For real Christians, it would certainly seem to be.  Those who overlook scriptures but rely on their own imaginations and human reason are in a different category as they are not being biblically-faithful Christians.

Your personal conduct does matter.  Your example does count.  And there are consequences to sin:

…the wages of sin is death… (Romans 6:23, NKJV)

Many this year will reason around the above and other scriptures, but those scriptures are still true and still part of the word of God.

Will you rely on the traditions of humans, societal pressures, or the word of God this year?

Some articles of related interest may include:

What Does the Catholic Church Teach About Christmas and the Holy Days? Do you know what the Catholic Church says were the original Christian holy days? Was Christmas among them?
Did Early Christians Celebrate Birthdays? Did biblical era Jews celebrate birthdays? Who originally celebrated birthdays? When did many that profess Christ begin birthday celebrations?
Do You Practice Mithraism? Many practices and doctrines that mainstream so-called Christian groups have are the same or similar to those of the sun-god Mithras. Do you follow Mithraism combined with the Bible or original Christianity?
Was Jesus Born in the Grotto of the Nativity? Was Jesus born in a below ground cave? Was Jesus born below the “Church of the Nativity”? Were the wise men there?
Is There “An Annual Worship Calendar” In the Bible? This paper provides a biblical and historical critique of several articles, including one by the Tkach WCG/GCI which states that this should be a local decision. What do the Holy Days mean? Also you can click here for the calendar of Holy Days.
Tradition and Scripture: From the Bible and Church Writings Are traditions on equal par with scripture? Many believe that is what Peter, John, and Paul taught. But did they?
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.
The History of Early Christianity Are you aware that what most people believe is not what truly happened to the true Christian church? Do you know where the early church was based? Do you know what were the doctrines of the early church? Is your faith really based upon the truth or compromise?

COGwriter

Today, a weekly news radio show called Head’s Up began.

The first guest being interviewed is the Presiding Evangelist of the Living Church of God, Dr. Roderick C. Meredith.

One of the topics mentioned was civil unrest in Europe.  Other subjects included the decline of the West and the rise of non-Western governments.

As far as the USA goes, he mentioned that he expects municipal and/or state governments to go bankrupt, civil and race riots likely to happen in the USA.  Dr. Meredith explained that the Bible teaches that God will establish a government on the earth and will send Jesus to stop humanity from destroying themselves (Matthew 24:21-22).   He also explained certain passages related to the Olivet prophecy in Matthew 24.

Those interested in seeing this themselves can go to http://www.headsupshow.org

Dr. Meredith has taken a variety of approaches to help fulfill the commission in Matthew:

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

19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.  (Matthew 28:19-20)

Thus, this internet radio approach seems to be another way to reach people around the world.

Greek Riots, 2008

COGwriter

There have been protests in Greece related to the proposed austerity programs there:

ATHENS (Dow Jones)–Greek police fought running street battles with hundreds of anarchist youth Wednesday as tens of thousands of workers marched through central Athens to protest against government austerity measures and draconian labor market reforms.

Hooded youths attacked police with petrol bombs and flares, who responded with volleys of tear gas and percussion grenades.

The clashes caused minor property damage around Athens central Syntagma square, close to the parliament, with protesters using paving stones and other objects to hurl at police.

Protesters then rampaged through the city center setting fires and damaging shop fronts around the central business district of the city.  http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20101215-707270.html

I warned about this over three months ago (see 5 September 2010 post titled Civil War in Greece?) as I wrote, “Austerity measures in Europe will likely cause civil unrest”.

Another news item today recognizes what I have been saying is likely to be further confirmed:

(Reuters) – As austerity bites, Western Europe faces a near inevitable rise in protest and unrest in 2011 which is likely to hit markets and dampen weak governments’ appetite for reform but not affect policies dramatically.

So far, social unrest over the financial crisis has varied from country to country. In some of the worst affected nations such as Ireland and Latvia, acceptance and even apathy has prevailed, while Greece has seen fatalities and street clashes…

Greek protesters clashed with police in central Athens on Wednesday as tens of thousands marched against austerity measures aimed at pulling the country out of a debt crisis. On Tuesday, Italian rioters and police fought battles in Rome after Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi won a no-confidence vote.

Britain saw its worst clashes in two decades last week as students demonstrated over tuition fee rises, with Prince Charles and wife Camilla caught up in the melee. More unrest is expected next year as unions protest against much broader cuts.

“It’s almost inevitable that there will be more protest in 2011 than 2010, particularly in countries such as Greece and the UK where there are real public divisions over how much austerity is necessary,” said Carina O’Reilly, European security analyst at IHS Jane’s. “It’s going to get nastier. We could well see deaths or serious injuries. We could well have seen deaths in the London riots last week. We were just lucky.”  http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE6BE3FE20101215

Civil unrest in Europe is expected.  Places such as France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Eastern Europe have potential for this occurrence.  In addition to austerity measures, Islamic protests and immigration related issues will also likely be factors in flaming protests and devastating riots.  Expanded civil unrest will have major impacts on the euro and on Europe itself.  It is highly likely to propel a European leader to rise up.  The final leader will be the one known as the Beast (Revelation 13:3-4) and final King of the North (Daniel 11:22-44) of Bible prophecy.

Additionally, in my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect, I discussed the possibility of civil unrest and/or civil war breaking out in Europe. Here are a couple of captions from the 2009 book about that:

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

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

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

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

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

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

World events are aligning with prophecy. There will be ups and downs in Europe until the final European beast power rises up. The protests may turn quite violent and this may be a major trigger for the rise of the prophesied final King of the North.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe?
Catholic Prophecies: Do They Mirror, Highlight, or Contradict Biblical Prophecies? People of all faiths may be surprised to see what various Roman and Orthodox Catholic prophets have been predicting as many of their predictions will be looked to in the 21st century.
2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect This is a link related to a book by Bob Thiel (COGwriter). This also has YouTube videos. This book documents and explains hundreds of prophecies. And since it was published, many have already started to come to pass.
2012 y el surgimiento de la secta secreta 2012 libro del Dr. Thiel en Español.
2012 und das Auftreten der geheimen Sekte (German Edition) 2012 Buch von Dr. Thiel in deutscher Sprache.
2012 e o Surgimento da Seita Secreta (Portuguese Edition) 2012 livro do Dr. Thiel em Português. Este livro documenta e explica centenas de profecias. E desde que foi publicado pela primeira vez, pelo menos 14 já começaram a acontecer.

Mount Apo in Mindanao, Philippines

COGwriter

Here is a news report related to WikiLeaks related to the Philippines and Australia:

WikiLeaks: Philippine south emerging as terrorist haven

12/15/2010

A leaked cable message from United States diplomats in Australia in 2008 said southern Philippines is becoming the “favoured tilling ground” of the terrorist group al-Qaeda.

The secret US embassy cable, leaked to online whistle-blower WikiLeaks and provided exclusively to The Age news site, said southern Philippines was emerging as a new terrorist haven…

Meanwhile, another report of The Age on Wednesday said a leaked US cable showed Australia’s top diplomats considered the Philippines a “basket case,” a colloquialism meaning “completely hopeless.”

The Age report said Australia’s diplomats consider their neighborhood “deeply troubled.”

“They describe China’s leadership as nervous, paranoid and uncertain but running rings around Japan. Thailand is unstable, the Philippines a basket case and East Timor a burden,” The Age report said.

The candid statements of Australia’s diplomats were reportedly contained in the cable message on the secret Australia-US political-military talks between the senior officials of both countries in October 2008. http://www.gmanews.tv/story/208415/wikileaks-philippine-south-emerging-as-terrorist-haven

The Philippines contains a lot of hard working people that are spread over a lot of islands which is somewhat difficult to manage.  Having to deal with more terrorists will be difficult.  But in the mid-term, Bible prophecy suggests that the Philippines will do better than Australia.

Australian diplomats are right to “consider their neighborhood deeply troubled”.  And that was in 2008.  The increase in USA debt since 2008 has been historic and will later prove to be catastrophic (cf. Habakkuk 2).  The situation in that part of the world has gotten more troubling for Australia since.  Australia sees China advancing on many fronts, while its main ally, the USA is declining more and more economically.  Those who are carefully looking around in Australia must realize that if the USA is out of the way, Australia cannot really defend itself if China wants to take it over.  And New Zealand, which also is in the same region, has even less ability to prevent itself from being taken over.

Without national repentance the Anglo-descended nations will be taken over relatively soon.  This should make their diplomats, as well as citizens, “deeply troubled”.  Hopefully, enough to repent.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Islands and Bible Prophecy What’s ahead for islands? What’s ahead for the Philippines?  What does the Bible prophesy about islands?
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?
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?
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God was the Emphasis of Jesus and the Early Church Did you know that? Do you even know what the gospel of the kingdom is all about? True religion should be based upon the true gospel.
Are You Saved? Do You Love Jesus? What is a True Christian? What is the Gospel? Evangelist Richard Ames answers those important questions.

The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, painting by John Martin, 1832.

COGwriter

The following was of interest:

Russia Decides to Search for Sodom and Gomorrah-in Jordan

Israel National News – Dec 14, 2010

Russia and Jordan have signed an agreement to search the bottom of the Dead Sea for the remains of the Biblical cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, Arabic news media reported over the weekend.

According to the report, a Russian company has agreed to conduct the search in cooperation with Jordanian authorities, picking up all costs – in exchange for exclusive rights to film a documentary of the search. The report quoted one of the Jordanian heads of the project, Zia Madani, as saying that the search would begin in late December.  http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/141132

Unlike the USA (see Pentagon’s homosexual risk assessment overlooked something), Russia does not have a politically strong homosexual lobby that may complain about the project.

One thing that many Protestants and Catholics often miss in scripture is that the New Testament shows that those killed in Sodom and Gomorrah will still have an opportunity for salvation (please see Hope of Salvation: How the Living Church of God differ from most Protestants ):

15 Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!  (Matthew 10:15)

People everywhere need to repent.  But God is a merciful God of love and wants none to perish, but all to repent:

The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).

The New Testament also shows that Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed as an example:

6 And the angels who did not keep their proper domain, but left their own abode, He has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness for the judgment of the great day; 7 as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them in a similar manner to these, having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire (Jude 6-7).

Hopefully, if Sodom and Gomorrah are found, some in the 21st century will pay attention to what God was trying to warn against.

Some articles of related interest may include:

Universal Offer of Salvation: There Are Hundreds of Verses in the Bible Supporting the Doctrine of True Apocatastasis Do you believe what the Bible actually teaches on this? Will all good things be restored? Does God’s plan of salvation take rebellion and spiritual blindness into account? Did you know that three books of the New Testament, plus one in the Old Testament indicate that salvation will be offered to those of Sodom?
Hope of Salvation: How the Living Church of God differ from most Protestants How the Living Church of God differs from mainstream/traditional Protestants, is perhaps the question I am asked most by those without a Church of God background.
What is the Meaning of Life? Who does God say is happy? What is your ultimate destiny? Do you really know?
Russia: Its Origins and Prophesied Future Russia in prophecy. Where do the Russians come from? What about those in the Ukraine? What is prophesied for Russia and its allies? What will they do to the Europeans that supported the Beast in the end?
Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach?

Ancient Laodicea has many ineffective structures

COGwriter

The situation related to the UCG crisis seems to be affecting more and more who were once parts of that organization.  Late today, in response to a letter from 110 or so elders (see UCG Crisis May Have Widened), UCG put out the following from a letter by its president, Dennis Luker:

Open Letter to the Elders of the United Church of God

December 13, 2010

Dear Fellow Elders of Jesus Christ,

An “open letter” addressed to me was submitted on Saturday night, Dec. 4, carrying the names of a number of ministers. It restated various allegations, many with roots in past issues considered resolved by the Council of Elders, but which appear unresolved by some signers. Since the letter was addressed to me personally, I wish to make a few comments.

Let me give the only answer available to any elder—from Scripture inspired by Jesus Christ and written by the apostle Peter:

The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away. Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:1-5).

Let’s face facts: the ongoing struggle within the United Church of God over the past months and years has been about power and control. It’s been about not having the humility and faith to accept our duly elected and appointed governing authorities. We will never have perfect governing documents that will erase all disputes and turmoil from this or any organization. But we can achieve peace and unity, if we are willing follow the teaching and example of Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ’s example?

Let’s see, in UCG the elders vote for those to be on the Council of Elders, which seems to be the top tier in UCG.

Jesus, however, did not vote for the twelve apostles (nor ask others to vote for their preferences), He prayed all night over the decision, then He appointed them:

12 Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. 13 And when it was day, He called His disciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles (Luke 6:12-13, NKJV).

14 Then He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach, 15 and to have power to heal sicknesses and to cast out demons (Mark 3:14-15).

The Apostles then appointed others.

Jesus also always deferred to the Father (Luke 22:42).  Jesus believed in and practiced servant leadership in a hierarchical top down form of governance.  He inspired the Apostles, like Paul, to write about that:

27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. 28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues (1 Corinthians 12:27-28).

Again, I am not saying that how UCG is organized is necessarily biblically any worse than how those that left it are set up (and in some ways it is likely better than some).   I have not taken sides on the UCG crisis in the sense that I do not believe that either UCG nor the bulk of those that split off from it this year (like those affiliated with IAO) have actually indicated that they would repent and embrace Philadelphia-era church governance or the Philadelphia priority of public proclamation of the gospel.

UCG’s Dennis Luker ended his 12/13/10 letter with:

With all my heart I sincerely hope and pray that you will rethink and re-pray your position and truly unite with us. But if not, then we are at an impasse.

Fellow elders of the “open letter,” you know where I stand from my president’s message given to the Council of Elders last week. Where do you stand?

Your fellow elder,

Dennis Luker

This indicates, to me at least, that the crisis that UCG is facing is fairly severe.  But there is a better alternative, in my view, for UCG elders.

The bottom line continues to be that the Living Church of God has a governance structure more closely related to one that Jesus would support than that involving voting like UCG has.  Those who ridicule hierarchical governance through improper examples seem to forget that God expects people to follow leaders as they follow Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1; Acts 5:29).  And that is what we in LCG try to do, as should all Christians.  Voting is a Laodicean concept (Laodicea is made up of two Greek words that basically mean “people decide”).  Recall that in Revelation 3 the Laodiceans are condemned by Jesus for having a work that differs from that of the Philadelphians–people need to look at all relevant scriptures on that as well as proper biblical governance.

Any interested in supporting the remnant of the Philadelphia era of the COG should prayerfully check out LCG.

Those not interested will either remain part of UCG (or where ever they are), go with one of the former UCG break-away ministers/groups, go somewhere else, or drop out. God will hold all accountable for what they do and do not do.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Polycarp, Herbert W. Armstrong, and Roderick C. Meredith on Church Government What form of governance did the early church have? Was it hierarchical? Which form of governance would one expect to have in the Philadelphia remnant? The people decide and/or committee forms, odd dictatorships, or the same type that the Philadelphia era itself had?
Should a Christian Vote? This article gives some of the Biblical rationale on this subject. Would Jesus vote for president? Is voting in the Bible? This is a subject Christians need to understand.
Unity: Which COG for You? Why so many groups? Why is there lack of unity in the Churches of God? Has it always been this way? What can/should be done about it?
Differences between the Living Church of God and United Church of God This article provides quotes information from the two largest groups which had their origins in WCG as well as commentary.
There are Many COGs: Why Support the Living Church of God? This is an article for those who wish to more easily sort out the different COGs. It really should be a MUST READ for current and former WCG/GCI members or any interested in supporting the faithful church. It also explains a lot of what the COGs are all about.
Should the Church Still Try to Place its Top Priority on Proclaiming the Gospel or Did Herbert W. Armstrong Change that Priority for the Work? Some say the Church should mainly feed the flock now as that is what Herbert W. Armstrong reportedly said. Is that what he said? Is that what the Bible says? What did Paul and Herbert W. Armstrong expect from evangelists?
The Laodicean Church Era has been predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. These are non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG.

COGwriter

Unusual weather has caused disasters in many places this year.  The front page of our local newspaper yesterday spoke of dry conditions in parts of the Southern USA affecting food production.  Cold also seems to be a factor:

Chill blasts crops, record book

Miami Herald – Dec 13, 2010

The coldest weather of the season is hitting South Florida even before winter officially gets here…

The cold weather brings farmers more than worries; it also costs them money. http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/12/13/1971175/miami-braces-for-cold-front-freeze.html

USA Today reports that there has been a significant drought across the South, causing farmers to have to deal with abnormally dry weather.

Farmers Experiencing Significant Drought in the South

The drought began this spring, giving a disadvantage to the crops which later had to also endure scorching heat that affected peanut fields and cotton plants, as well as stressing citrus fruit.  http://www.tothecenter.com/index.php?readmore=14345

Scientists expect drought conditions to worsen in the USA–and much beyond “normal” or “typical” seasonal variations:

US Southwest Could See Decades-long Drought: Study

Posted on: Tuesday, 14 December 2010, 06:25 CST

An unprecedented, decades-long combination of heat and drought could be headed to the Southwest United States sometime this century, according to a new study by researchers at the University of Arizona.

The scientists reviewed previous studies of temperature changes and droughts in the region over the past 1,200 years, and concluded that a 60-year drought similar to the one that occurred during the 12th Century could be in our future.

“Major 20th century droughts pale in comparison to droughts documented in paleoclimatic records over the past two millennia,” the researchers wrote, referring to the elevated temperatures combined with lengthy and widespread droughts that occurred during the Medieval period.  http://www.redorbit.com/news/science/1965854/us_southwest_could_see_decadeslong_drought_study/

Additionally, there seem to be droughts in the Middle East and Madagascar:

Drought Hits Middle East Farmers, Again
By Rebecca Murray
AL-RAQQA, Syria, Dec 14, 2010 (IPS)…

If the dry spell stretches through December, the staple wheat and lentil crops and their livelihood are a write-off for another consecutive year.

Swathes of Syria, Turkey, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Israel and the Palestinian territories have all been hit by a devastating drought this fall.

Although a ferocious storm hit the region this past weekend, with snow and rain lashing Syria, farmers remember last year’s winter season, which started well. Then the rains stopped abruptly and extreme weather and diseases like yellow rust set in and decimated the wheat. http://ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=53853

DAMASCUS – Syria’s capital was on Sunday lashed by a  snowstorm which disrupted traffic but brought some relief from a drought which has gripped the country for the past four years.  http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/world/view/20101212-308563/Storms-hit-drought-gripped-Syria

The United States is giving $3 million in emergency food aid to the World Food Program to try to prevent widespread famine in southern Madagascar. The United Nations agency predicts 720,000 people in three regions could be severely affected in the next few months by a drought and lack of basic resources.  http://www.voanews.com/english/news/africa/east/-US-Gives-3-Million-for-Emergency-Food-Aid-Program-in-Madagascar-111803984.html

Famines, of course, are biblically expected (Matthew 24:7).

The weather situations around the world affect many things, including the economy, people’s lives, and the food supply.  The fact that so much is happening now, 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, including famines, as part of “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”.  These will go beyond what normally have occurred in the past century.  World events are aligning towards the fulfillment of biblical prophecies.

Now there is good news as ultimately, God’s kingdom will come and those issues will be gone (Revelation 7:16).  But a terrible hour of trial is coming first (Revelation 3:10).

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.
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?
Physical Preparation Scriptures for Christians. We all know the Bible prophecies famines. Should we do something?

Ancient Laodicea

COGwriter

The situation related to the UCG crisis seems to be affecting more and more who were once parts of that organization.  Some of which are now part of something called the International Ambassador Outreach (IAO).

The website of International Ambassador Outreach states the following:

Mission Statement

The mission of International Ambassador Outreach is to help meet the financial needs of congregations and care for members of the Church of God around the world.

Who are we?

The Directors of International Ambassador Outreach are all long-time members of the Church of God. They recognize that recent tumult in the Church of God has created financial needs for many congregations, members, and elders around the world, both within the United States and internationally. The IAO is not a church nor will it become one. However, it recognizes these financial needs that exist and desires to help meet those needs.

Our goals specifically are to provide:

1. Financial assistance to congregations globally in order to conduct normal church activities,
2. Financial assistance to elders to assist in the execution of their normal job duties of caring for local congregations,
3. Financial assistance for  preaching the gospel of the Kingdom of God in all forms, including print, Internet and other electronic media and all other suitable means,
4. Scholarships for qualified students at colleges, universities, trade schools and other acceptable learning institutions,
5. Assistance to enable members of the Church of God to attend the annual biblical festivals,
6. Any other financial needs recognized by the Board as fulfilling the purposes of IAO.

Perhaps it will update the above list and mission, but to me, it clearly shows the wrong priorities (such as Matthew 24:14; 28:19) and ignores biblical governance.  Its initial focus, like UCG’s when it was formed, seems to be to insure that disenfranchised ministers are paid and to try to support the members who follow those ministers.  While Matthew 28:20 does need to be done, that should be the secondary focus (Matthew 28:19-20).  Also notice that Jesus said:

35 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. (Mark 8:35)

International Ambassador Outreach lists the following as Directors with the titles as shown (note, I listed them in the order they and their bios appeared at IAO’s website):

• Matthew R. Gus, Chairman
• Cliff Demarest, Director
• Arnold Cisco Mendez, Sr., Director
• Robert L. Paine, II, Director
• Larry Salyer, Director: Advisory Board
• Leon Walker, Latin America Advisor

As regular readers of the COGwriter page should have noticed, I have not taken sides on the UCG crisis in the sense that I do not believe that either UCG nor the bulk of those that split off from it this year have actually indicated that they would repent and embrace Philadelphia-era church governance or the Philadelphia priority of public proclamation of the gospel.  I have tried, as imperfect as I am, to give some information on both sides (those supportive of UCG and the main ones who have in 2010 turned publicly against it).

But the bottom line is that just like I wrote over 12 years ago about those who rebelled against proper church governance in the old GCG, those groups and individuals all failed in my opinion to properly place their priority on public proclamation of the gospel, and thus with UCG and its splits this year, I see nothing to suggest that any will succeed in accomplishing that mission.  UCG itself may make the biggest attempt, but even in the past year or so, its financial priorities suggest to me at least that it will not truly accomplish this.

The problem is that few of those still in UCG believe enough in that priority to support the main group that has done that these past 12 years–which is clearly the Living Church of God.  And no, LCG is not perfect, and yes it has had various rebels (and likely will have more).  But, as the major COG that has retained the proper balance in Church governance (hierarchical with servant leadership), I believe that God will continue to use it (even if some day its name has to change again) to finish the Philadelphia-phase of His work.

Any interested in supporting the remnant of the Philadelphia era of the COG should prayerfully check out LCG.

Those not interested will either remain part of UCG (or where ever they are), go with one of the former UCG break-away ministers/groups like those paid by IAO, go somewhere else, or drop out. God will hold all accountable for what they do and do not do.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Polycarp, Herbert W. Armstrong, and Roderick C. Meredith on Church Government What form of governance did the early church have? Was it hierarchical? Which form of governance would one expect to have in the Philadelphia remnant? The people decide and/or committee forms, odd dictatorships, or the same type that the Philadelphia era itself had?
Unity: Which COG for You? Why so many groups? Why is there lack of unity in the Churches of God? Has it always been this way? What can/should be done about it?
Differences between the Living Church of God and United Church of God This article provides quotes information from the two largest groups which had their origins in WCG as well as commentary.
There are Many COGs: Why Support the Living Church of God? This is an article for those who wish to more easily sort out the different COGs. It really should be a MUST READ for current and former WCG/GCI members or any interested in supporting the faithful church. It also explains a lot of what the COGs are all about.
Should the Church Still Try to Place its Top Priority on Proclaiming the Gospel or Did Herbert W. Armstrong Change that Priority for the Work? Some say the Church should mainly feed the flock now as that is what Herbert W. Armstrong reportedly said. Is that what he said? Is that what the Bible says? What did Paul and Herbert W. Armstrong expect from evangelists?
The Laodicean Church Era has been predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. These are non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG.