Church of God News

COGwriter

The Abigail Cartwright (AC) site listed one more loss to UCG’s eldership:

Mr. Walter Hawk (local elder of Canton, OH), January 23, 2011, resigned from UCG ministry

According to the list at the AC site, UCG has lost 158 elders/pastors/ministers since June 0f 2010.

Dr. Ralph Levy now has a blog post at the official COGWA site, so apparently he decided to support COGWA.  His post is titled Stability in Unstable Times?

Yesterday, I mentioned that UCG announced:

• Frank McCrady will be teaching Gospels 2.

I also mentioned that the AC site announced:

Mr. Frank McCrady Sr. (Retired Pastor, Gladewater, TX), January 21, 2011, resigned from UCG ministry

This morning I received two emails (from the same person) that stated:

The Frank McCrady that resigned was a retired pastor in the Texas area and is the father of the Frank McCrady that will be teaching at ABC. That Frank McCrady is the pastor of the congregation in Dayton Ohio. I know it can be rather confusing. Both are long time ministers going back to the WCG days.

……………………………………………………………………………

Dave Myers resigned but his brother Steve Myers did not…

So, a father has left UCG, while his son has taken up another position in UCG.   And one brother stays while another leaves.  This is not to say that the relatives are necessarily against each other, but that family separations like this are not comfortable for those involved.

The reports I have seen from UCG (like at UCG RealTime) suggest that it is trying to tell its remaining membership that it is moving forward with what it has done in the past, while those from COGWA suggest that COGWA is going to basically do what UCG did, with possibly better administration.

This crisis has been a real struggle for those in or once part of UCG as parties on both sides seem to be offended by the actions of those on the other side.

If you are or were part of UCG and are confused about what to do, please pray, fast, and study the Bible about this.

Ask yourself what are the true priorities that the Bible indicates that the church most faithful to the words of Jesus would do and act appropriately.

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.
Concerns about Church of God, a Worldwide Association This seems to be the largest group that came out of the United Church of God. Here is some history and concerns about it.
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.
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2011, 2012, or 2013? 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?

Domodedovo Airport

COGwriter

An act of terrorism affected Russia today:

By Amie Ferris-Rotman

MOSCOW | Mon Jan 24, 2011 10:23am EST

MOSCOW (Reuters) – At least 31 people were killed and more than 100 injured on Monday in a suicide bombing at Russia’s biggest airport, Russian news agencies reported.

Russia’s ruble-dominated stock market MICEX fell by nearly two percent following the blast, which ripped through the baggage claim area at Moscow’s Domodedovo airport at 1332 GMT…

The Kremlin is struggling to contain an Islamist insurgency in the mainly Muslim North Caucasus, and rebels have repeatedly vowed they will take their battle to the Russian heartland.  http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE70N2TQ20110124

Even though the Gentile nations are rising up, not even Russia is being spared from some of the troubles of this age (see also Russia’s Wheat Production Down 33%).

Jesus, of course, warned about a time with such issues that Russia is facing:

8 … And there will be…troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows. (Mark 13:8)

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

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2011, 2012, or 2013? 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?
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?
Physical Preparation Scriptures for Christians. We all know the Bible prophecies famines. Should we do something?

COGwriter

With the loss of Dr. Ralph Levy and others, UCG has made some changes in assignments related to its Ambassador Bible Center:

The new instructors include:

• Anthony Wasilkoff (on loan from Canada) to teach Pentateuch 2.
• Steve Myers will join the faculty to teach Epistles of Paul and help out with ABC administration.
• Randy Stiver will do the Writings class.
• Frank McCrady will be teaching Gospels 2.
• A new class, Personal and Family Finance, will be taught by Aaron Dean.

The students are in for an instructional treat with this new lineup of faculty members.

Speaking of UCG losses, the Abigail Cartwright site listed two more losses to UCG, including possibly one person who was supposed to teaching at ABC (or possibly related to one that is teaching as the name seems to be quite similar):

Mr. Frank McCrady Sr. (Retired Pastor, Gladewater, TX), January 21, 2011, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Roy Dove (Local Elder, Waco Texas), December 31, 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

The total number on the list in 157 elders/ministers lost in the past year.  United once had “400-plus elders” (McCullough, Leslie. What Exactly Does the Council Do? United News. July 1999; p.15), but I am not sure how many that it now has.  Even the person that reported that, former UCG President Les McCullough, also left UCG earlier this month.

The reports I have seen from UCG (like its magazine and telecast reports) suggest that it is trying to tell its remaining membership that it is moving forward with what it has done in the past, while those from COGWA suggest that COGWA is going to basically do what UCG did, only better.

This crisis has been a real struggle for those in or once part of UCG as parties on both sides seem to be offended by the actions of those on the other side.

If you are or were part of UCG and are confused about what to do, please pray, fast, and study the Bible about this.

Ask yourself what are the true priorities that the Bible indicates that the church most faithful to the words of Jesus would do and act appropriately.

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.
Concerns about Church of God, a Worldwide Association This seems to be the largest group that came out of the United Church of God. Here is some history and concerns about it.
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.
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2011, 2012, or 2013? 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?

Prohibition To Prohibit	= Tree	+ (Divine) Command

COGwriter

There is an increase of Catholic and Protestant influence in the Peoples Republic of China:

According to China Aid, a Texas-based human rights group, the number of Christians in China has increased 100-fold since 1949. Current estimates range from 80 million to 130 million active members. And one startling estimate from a Chinese Christian businessman has that number doubling or even tripling in the next generation.

Christianity could become one of the macro forces shaping Chinese culture, say experts like Dr. David Aikman, author of “Jesus in Beijing.”

“If the Chinese become Christianized … which doesn’t mean you have a majority of people who are Christians, but it means about 25 to 30 percent of people in positions of influence, in politics, in culture, in the media. If you have that component of a major power that accepts Christianity enthusiastically as a guide to life, that is going to change the world view of the leaders of China.”…

Chan-Kei Thong, a businessman who lived and worked in China for 30 years, said Chairman Mao Zedong, Communist China’s founder, may have unwittingly paved the way.

“What Chairman Mao did that the emperors did not do, he brought in a form of pseudo monotheism, a pseudo person to worship … himself … as a personal god. “The Christian God fits into that.”

The Chinese government is not exactly overjoyed at the prospect of Christianity’s growth. Officially, the government says there are 28.6 million Christians. That’s because it only counts churches that are registered with the government.

Despite China’s recent easing of hostilities toward Christians, Beijing has had a harsh and violent history with the growing religious community. Beijing’s often brutal crackdown — including roundups, blacklisting and jailing — drove thousands of followers underground, spurring on the house church network.  (Christianity in China. FOX News – Jan 20, 2011.  http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/01/20/christianity-china/)

While biblical Christianity does not have a leader like the late Chairman Mao Zedong, the religion espoused by the late Emperor Constantine did.  And an even more compromised Constantian faith is expected in the future.  The Chinese need to be careful and not do what God prohibits.

This religious growth in China is prophetically significant as the Bible tells of a time when the entire world will worship a coming European Beast power:

3 And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled and followed the beast. 4 So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast…8 All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. (Revelation 13:3-4, NKJV).

Other biblical prophesies suggest that this beast power will be in league with a compromised church based out of Rome (Revelation 17:1-11).  That this involves Rome is the belief of many Catholic scholars.

My book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect points out that many Catholic writings warn that someone will compromise their religion, that an antipope will arise, the antipope may be the final Antichrist who changes yet claims Catholicism, and China will accept the end time “Catholic” faith.

Furthermore, as my book also points out, even Chinese prophesy seems to be setting the Chinese up to accept this compromised faith:

The second beast in Revelation 13 is primarily a religious leader (even though he has political influence).  He promotes religious worship and is also referred to in other scriptures as “the false prophet” (Revelation 16:13; 19:20; 20:10).   He is likely to be considered a current or future saint by his followers…

Interestingly, there is a Chinese prophecy dating back to the Middle Ages that appears to somewhat warn against him, as it states:

All negative forces are subservient…China now has a saint.  Even if he is not that great a hero.

An ancient Chinese prophecy states:

Beautiful people come from the West.  Korea, China and Japan are gradually at peace.

This seems to indicate that many Asians will accept a type of peace that will be related to a Western (European) power.

(Thiel B. 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect. 2009)

A “saint” that is not “that great a hero” sounds a lot like the final Antichrist.  Europe will be the major power West of China.

The fact that there is a growing Protestant and Catholic influence in China in the 21st century strongly suggests that China may be influenced by the final compromised Western religion that the Bible warns about.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

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?
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.

Jerusalem

COGwriter

Notice a report today about an interim peace deal for the Middle East:

Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman has drawn up an interim peace deal for a Palestinian state on up to 50 percent of West Bank land, far below Palestinian demands, the Haaretz daily said on Sunday.

Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erekat told Reuters the idea of an interim deal is “entirely rejected”…

Haaretz quoted a senior source in the Foreign Ministry as describing Lieberman’s proposal as a “pre-emptive strike” before any wider international recognition of a Palestinian state throughout the West Bank, captured by Israel in a 1967 war.

With U.S.-brokered peace talks at a standstill, Israel has been alarmed in the past two months by a string of recognitions of a Palestinian state by Latin American states, including Brazil and Argentina…

Lieberman said in December there was no way Israel’s right-leaning coalition would be prepared to meet Palestinian demands and that he was finalising a “Plan B”, a long-term interim accord.

Netanyahu himself said an interim deal could result if no agreement could be reached on major issues at the core of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.  (Israel’s Lieberman charts interim peace deal- report.  Reuters, January 23, 2011.  http://ca.reuters.com/article/topNews/idCATRE70M0EM20110123)

The above proposal is consistent with biblical prophecy.  And even though the above “interim proposal” is not likely to be accepted, the reality is that since neither the Palestinians nor the Israelis can actually settle their differences with a permanent peace treaty (as there are people on both sides who hold positions that stop this from being a possibility now), some type of temporary/interim deal will ultimately be made.

Notice that Daniel records some type of temporary deal will be made (and that it will be broken):

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

31 And forces shall be mustered by him, and they shall defile the sanctuary fortress; then they shall take away the daily sacrifices, and place there the abomination of desolation (Daniel 11:31).

The deal in Daniel 9:27 is an interim deal as it is confirmed for only one prophetic week (seven years).  And even that deal will not bring seven years of peace as armies will surround Jerusalem (Luke 21:20) and the King of the North will break the deal (probably partially because others will partially violate it during its existence) after it is half over per Daniel 9:27 and Daniel 11:31.

For more about why this “one week” covenant in Daniel 9:27 is a “peace deal” and ramifications of it, please see the article Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2011, 2012, or 2013?

I would also like to add that it is interesting that Israel is partially reacting because the Latin American states are rising up against it.  The times of the Gentiles is at hand and Gentile nations, and no longer the Anglo-descended nations, are rising up and having more influence on world affairs.  Even this is consistent with biblical prophecy.  Jesus stated:

24 And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. (Luke 21:24)

And while the Latin American nations are not physically trampling Jerusalem, their actions are helping to cause events to lead to this occurrence.

World events continue to align with Bible prophecy.

To learn more about what will happen to the descendants of Israel, please check out the following articles:

Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
Mexico, Central America, South America, and Brazil in Prophecy [Español: México, America Central, Suramérica, y el Brasil en profecíal] [Português: México, América Central, Ámérica do Sul, e Brasil na profecia] What will happen to those of Latin America? Will they have prosperity? Will they cooperate with Europe? Will they suffer in the future? What rule might the various Caribbean nations/territories play?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2011, 2012, or 2013? 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?
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?

Dr. Douglas Winnail

COGwriter

In his latest update, LCG’s Dr. D. Winnail had the following:

Dangerous Modern Myths. Every age has had its mistaken ideas. Dr. David Aikman, journalist and historian, describes five myths (popular, but false ideas, fables, lies) that are damaging western societies! The idea that “all religions are basically the same” is simply not true. Christians believe Jesus was the Son of God and rose from the dead. Jews and Muslims don’t believe that, nor do Hindus or Buddhists. Today, some claim that more people died in religious wars than any other kind of wars—again the facts do not agree. Others are told that living together is good preparation for marriage—yet studies show that cohabiting before marriage leads to a higher rate of divorce! Another myth is that homosexuals are born that way, yet “no scientist has ever discovered a gay gene.” Some today claim that same-sex marriages are healthy alternatives to heterosexual marriages, yet studies show that “the life expectancy of partnered gay men” 20 years shorter than married heterosexuals (onenewsnow.com, January 18, 2011). Biblical prophets foresaw the time when the Israelite nations would turn away from God and make “lies our refuge” (Isaiah 28:15; 59:3-4), and the “shepherds of Israel” would “cause My people to err by their lies” (Jeremiah 23:32). The Apostle Paul warned that “in the last days” people would “turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables” (2 Timothy 3:1-5; 4:3-4). We are watching these prophecies coming true today!

He also personally wrote:

Sobering Signs of the Times: I am currently teaching a Living University class in Old Testament Survey, and I have been struck by the sobering parallels between significant events mentioned in Scripture and the times in which we are living. In Genesis 18 and 19, God sent two angels to warn Lot and his family that the cities where they lived—Sodom and Gomorrah—were to be destroyed because of their wicked and perverted ways. Homosexuality is given as the reason. The citizens of these cities—including Lot and his family—had forgotten why God had destroyed almost the entire human race only 400 years before (Genesis 6-7). Lot’s family enjoyed the abundance of the area (Genesis 13:10-13) and had grown so accustomed to and tolerant of what was going on around them that they were reluctant to leave. Lot’s wife was turned into a pillar of salt because she looked back longingly at what she was leaving behind. As we see our modern societies going the way of Sodom again—approving and promoting homosexual activities, same-sex marriages, etc.—we need to remember that these Old Testament examples were recorded for our admonition today (1 Corinthians 10:1-13). The Apostle Paul urged Christians to “come out” of this world and its perverted ways (2 Corinthians 6:17-18)—because God’s judgment on our modern societies is coming! We need to wake up and recognize the significance of what is happening around us and earnestly pray “Thy Kingdom come.”

Modern society seems to not grasp the significance of what is now happening.  And it will lead into the Great Tribulation.

Three articles of possibly related interest may include:

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.
Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2018 or 2019?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2011, 2012, or 2013? 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?

جامعة الدول العربية
Jāmaʻat ad-Duwwal al-ʻArabiyya Arab League Flag

COGwriter

Some in Tunisia still are protesting:

Hundreds of Tunisians gathered Saturday in the capital, Tunis, to protest the country’s new unity government, as the prime minister promised to hold the country’s first democratic elections since its independence from France in 1956.

The protesters were joined by dozens of members of the country’s feared police force, blamed for the bloody crackdown on protesters.  The demonstration comes on the second day of national mourning for the victims of the recent unrest, which topped the government of former President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.

Protesters have been calling for the ouster of all government officials with ties to the former president.

Tunisian Prime Minister Mohamed Ghannouchi, who served under the former strongman, said Friday that he will quit politics after the new government comes to power.  He did not specify when either event would take place.  http://www.voanews.com/english/news/Tunisians-Rally-Against-Interim-Government-114414194.html

There are also problems in Libya:

Libyans are just as hungry as Tunisians

Hisham Matar

We Arabs have been trapped between dictators and their friends in the west, but Tunisians have shown us a way out…

We Libyans are just as hungry for a just and accountable government as our Tunisian brothers and sisters. The lack of resilient institutions will make our task more difficult. However, a worried Gaddafi was the first Arab leader to give an address on television about the events in Tunisia. He obviously disapproves, but also hopes to quell the protests that have started in some Libyan towns and cities.

I am, by instinct, wary of revolutions. The gathering of the masses fills me with trepidation. But seeing the Tunisian crowds in Habib Bourguiba Avenue, the familiar street throbbing like a hot vein, was one of the most glorious things I have seen in all of my 40 years.  http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/jan/21/libyans-are-as-hungry-as-tunisians

In its latest TW News & Prophecy, LCG reported the following:

Arab world erupts!

The popular uprising in Tunisia–sparked by the flaming suicide of an educated but frustrated young man–that brought down a corrupt and oppressive autocratic regime “may have repercussions far beyond the tiny North African state” (stratfor.com, January 14, 2011). Within days, similar protests and riots broke out in Algeria, Egypt, Jordan and Mauritania (euobserver.com, January 17, 2011).The simmering resentment across the Arab world is the result of years of oppressive government aggravated by the global financial crisis, economic recession, lack of opportunities and now rising food prices. Egypt, with the largest population in the Arab world (80 million), an aging president and an uncertain political succession is, “the most vulnerable in all of North Africa and the Middle East.” Many Arab countries are now looking to Turkey with its Islamist–rooted government as the model of the future.

The prophet Daniel predicted that, “At the time of the end” (the end of the age) a “king of the South” (south of Jerusalem) would arise and attack a “king of the North” (Daniel 11:40-43). The countries mentioned in the prophecies that are linked with the king of the South–Egypt, Lybia, Ethiopia–are part of the Arab world. The uprising in Tunisia that is echoing through the region indicates that a “major shift” is underway that coincides with ancient Bible prophecies!

The King of the South will soon rise up.

While it may take a war in the Middle East for this leader to rise up, civil unrest, riots, demonstrations, and protests may also be involved.  Things are changing in the Arab world.

Three articles of possibly related interest may include:

The Arab World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam?
Is There A Future King of the South? Some no longer believe there needs to be. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? What does the Bible say?
Africa: Its Biblical Past and Prophesied Future What does the Bible teach about Africa and its future? Did the early Church reach Africa? Will God call all the Africans?

COGwriter

COGWA has now listed its USA congregations.  It listed 97 of them in the United States.  The congregation’s city, state, and minister/leading elder are in that list.

Presumably, it will list congregations in Latin America, French-speaking areas, and other regions at a later date.

Some have asked me about Larry Salyer’s association with COGWA.  At this instant, neither he nor Jack Hendren were listed as having COGWA congregations.  And while they may actually be associated, or come to be associated with COGWA, as of a moment ago, neither was listed.

COGWA is the largest group to form from the UCG.  Former UCG president Clyde Kilough is one of its leaders.  Some of the better known listed leaders/ministers today included Cecil Maranville, David Treybig, Jim Franks, Doug Horchak, and Ken Treybig. There are some other well known leaders that may not have been on that list that are part of COGWA (Richard Pinelli who is part of COGWA comes to mind).

This crisis has been a real struggle for those in or once part of UCG as parties on both sides seem to be offended by the actions of those on the other side.

If you are or were part of UCG and are confused about what to do, please pray, fast, and study the Bible about this.

Ask yourself what are the true priorities that the Bible indicates that the church most faithful to the words of Jesus would do and act appropriately.

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.
Concerns about Church of God, a Worldwide Association This seems to be the largest group that came out of the United Church of God. Here is some history and concerns about it.
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.
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2011, 2012, or 2013? 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?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? 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? Those Laodiceans in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand will likely be affected sooner by the coming Great Tribulation than the Laodiceans in other lands.

COGwriter

Halley’s Bible Handbook states that the:

“Pharisees were the most numerous and influential of the religious sects of Jesus’ day. They were strict legalists. They stood for the rigid observance of the letter and forms of the Law, and also for the Traditions”.

Is this view correct? Did the Pharisees stand for the observance of the law, did they keep the law, were they ‘legalists’, or instead did they prefer to keep traditions of men?

The first mention of the Pharisees in the Bible involved John the Baptist. “But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, ‘Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father”” (Mat 3:7-9).

The first statement Jesus made which mentions them was also negative,

“For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven” (Mat 5:20).

According to Smith’s Bible Dictionary,

“The fundamental principle of the Pharisees…is that…there was an oral law to complete and explain the written law, given to Moses”.

A biblical example of that would be Mat 15:1-2,

“Then the scribes and Pharisees who were from Jerusalem came to Jesus saying, ‘Why do Your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread'”.

Interestingly, the Pharisees were quite concerned about ‘the tradition of the elders’ even though there was no biblical requirement to wash hands before eating bread.

What did Jesus do?

Jesus had issues with the Pharisees:

“He answered and said to them, ‘Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition? For God commanded saying, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and he who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.’ But you say, ‘Whoever says to his father or mother, ‘Whatever profit you might have received from me is a gift to God’–then he need not honor his father or mother.’ Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition. Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophecy about you, saying: ‘There people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines of God the commandments of men” (Mat 15:3-9).

Jesus also said,

“making the word of God of no effect through your tradition, which you have handed down. And many such things you do” (Mt 7:13).

Jesus often called the Pharisees hypocrites (Mat 15:7;16:3;22:18;23:23,25,27,29; Mk 7:6). According to Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance, the Greek word Jesus used that was translated as hypocrite means, “an actor under an assumed role”.

The Pharisees didn’t really want to be good, they just wanted to look good (Mat 23:25-27).

Why?

Because “they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God” (Joh 12:43).

Jesus condemned the Pharisees by saying, “you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness” (Mat 23:28).

Jesus said the Pharisees were filled with lawlessness because they did not keep God’s law (Mat 15:3-9;22:15-18;23:23), and that they mainly tried to appear righteous before men (Mat 23:23-28).

Were the Pharisees Legalists?

The term ‘legalist’ is not actually in the Bible (AV/NKJ). Some claim that believing in following the laws of God makes one a legalist. However, if legalism is defined as adhering to the ten commandments, then the Pharisees could not have been ‘legalists’–the Pharisees repeatedly violated the ten commandments and justified these violations by traditions of men (Mk 7:13).

How Did the Pharisees Violate the Ten Commandments?

Jesus indicated that the Pharisees did not keep the law,

“Did not Moses give you the law, yet none of you keeps the law? Why do you seek to kill Me?…and the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take Him” (John 7:19,32).

Let us look at how the Pharisees seemed to violate each of the ten commandments:

1.) “But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the will of God for themselves” (Luk 7:30), which is a violation of the first commandment.

2.) They considered gold more important than the temple which seems to be a violation of the second commandment (Mat 23:16).

3.) “Then the Pharisees went and plotted how they might entangle Him in His talk. And they sent to Him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, ‘Teacher, we know that you are true, and teach the way of God in truth; nor do You care about anyone for You regard not the person of men” (Mat 22:15-16). This is a violation of the third commandment since they were taking God’s name in vain.

4.) The Pharisees also plotted to kill Jesus because He healed someone on the Sabbath (Mat 12:10-14; Mk 3:4-6), not because this act was prohibited in the Law of God (it was not), but because of their traditions. They would not admit that it was lawful to do good on the Sabbath (Mk 3:4; Mat 12:12-14; Luk 6:9-11), which is a violation of the fourth commandment.

5.) As cited earlier they violated the fifth commandment and justified it through their traditions (Mat 15:3-6).

6.) They also had Jesus killed (Joh 11:57;18:3;19:6) (even though they knew He worked many signs, John 11:47), thus they violated the sixth commandment.  Plus, they also apparently plotted to get Stephen improperly condemned (Acts 6:11-13)  and thus were part of his murder.

7.) Jesus suggested that some committed adultery through divorce (Mat 19:3-9;Mk 10:2-12), and adultery is a violation of the seventh commandment.

8.) Jesus also implied they stole from widows, which is a violation of the eighth commandment (Mat 23:14).

9.) They were insincere, bearing a false witness, “Then the Pharisees went and plotted how they might entangle Him in His talk…But Jesus perceived their wickedness” (Mat 22:15,18). This a violation of the ninth commandment–if the Pharisees really felt that Jesus was true and taught the true way of God, they would not have plotted to entangle Him. They also apparently set up false witnesses against Stephen (Acts 6:13). They also had part in spreading the lie that Jesus’ body was stolen-Mat 27:62;28:12-13; another violation of the ninth commandment.

10.) Jesus said to the Pharisees, “your inward part is full of greed and wickedness” (Luk 11:39), thus the Pharisees violated the tenth commandment (many Pharisees were also lovers of money (Luk 16:14).

Thus, the Bible either states or implies that the Pharisees one way or the other violated all ten of the commandments!  They truly did not understand the law of God.

Were you aware of that?

Many, especially those who consider themselves Protestant, do not seem to understand that the Pharisees were condemned for violating the law, not for actually keeping it.  Many do not understand the law of God today.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

What Did Jesus Teach About the Ten Commandments? This article quotes what Jesus actually said about them (His words are in red).
Were the Ten Commandments Nailed to the Cross? Some have said so. This article provides some biblical quotes to answer this important question.
What Did Paul Actually Teach About the Ten Commandments? Many say Paul taught against the ten commandments. Is this true? This article quotes Paul with his words in green.
Are the Ten Commandment Still in Effect? This article quotes the ten commandments and combines some of the previous articles into one article about the ten commandments. The commandments are shown at Mount Sinai, before Mount Sinai, in the teachings of Jesus, after the crucifixion, and in the teachings of Paul. It addresses the most common “traditions of men” regarding them as well.
Were the Pharisees Condemned for Keeping the Law or Reasoning Around it? Many believe that the Pharisees were condemned for keeping the law, but what does your Bible say? If they were not condemned for that, what were they condemned for?
The Ten Commandments Reflect Love, Breaking them is Evil Some feel that the ten commandments are a burden. Is that what Jesus, Paul, Peter, James, and John taught?
Was the Commandment to Love the Only Command? Some have stated that John’s writings teach this, but is that what the Bible really says?
The Ten Commandments and the Early Church Did Jesus and the Early Church keep the ten commandments? What order were they in? Here are quotes from the Bible and early writings.
Are the Laodiceans the Modern Sadducees and Pharisees? Discusses similarities of the Sadducees and Pharisees to various COGs in this end-time.
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.
The Similarities and Dissimilarities between Martin Luther and Herbert W. Armstrong This article clearly shows some of the doctrinal differences between in the two. At this time of doctrinal variety and a tendency by many to accept certain aspects of Protestantism, the article should help clarify why the Living Church of God is NOT Protestant. Do you really know what the Protestant Reformer Martin Luther taught and should you follow his doctrinal example?

Herman Van Rompuy

COGwriter

In today’s TW News & Prophecy, LCG reported that EU President Herman Van Rompuy declared essentially the peace of Europe:

EU–an instrument of peace?

Sensing a growing suspicion of Brussels, EU Council President Herman Van Rompuy has defended the European Union as the “fatherland of peace” (euobserver.com, January 17, 2011).

Mr. Van Rompuy told university students in Poland, “The union’s force of attraction accelerated the collapse of Communism and the end of the Cold War… [and that] Europe is the best guarantee for peace.” He urged his listeners to resist “euro-scepticism” and look to the “negotiating rooms” in Brussels as the source of peace.

Bible prophecies indicate that end-time leaders will talk of peace and search for peace (Jeremiah 6:14; 8:11, 15), but that human beings do not know the way to peace (Isaiah 59:8). The Scriptures clearly state that Jesus Christ will bring peace to the earth at His return (Isaiah 9:6-7), and He will teach the world that the true way to peace comes from following the laws of God (Psalm 119:165).

In the past, Herman Van Rompuy has declared that Euroscepticism would cause war (EU President Declares End of Nation State, Britain Skeptical).  The Bible also shows that the end time King of the North (who Herman Van Rompuy may very well be preceding) will seem peaceful, but have other intentions.  Now, I am not saying that Herman Van Rompuy is not sincere and does not believe that the EU will be an instrument of peace, only that the Bible teaches that a northern leader will arise who is only going to pretend to do that.

Here are some scriptures that discuss this end-time northern leader (Daniel 11 calls this leader the King of the North):

25 And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand. (Daniel 8:25, KJV).

23 And after the league is made with him he shall act deceitfully, for he shall come up and become strong with a small number of people. 24 He shall enter peaceably, even into the richest places of the province; and he shall do what his fathers have not done, nor his forefathers: he shall disperse among them the plunder, spoil, and riches; and he shall devise his plans against the strongholds, but only for a time. (Daniel 11:23-24, NKJV)

This northern leader gives people the impression that there will be “peace”. Term is translated as “peace” in Daniel 8:25 is from the Hebrew term shalvah and essentially means security. In other words, this leader will destroy “many” who are under the impression that they are secure because of some type of security arrangement.

The late LCG evangelist John Ogwyn wrote:

A great supra-national union in Europe, even now shaping up, will become the seventh and final revival of the old Roman Empire. This system, according to Revelation 13 and 17, will come to dominate the entire world for a brief period of time. It is this powerful European superpower which will ultimately attack and subjugate the American and British peoples. It will also occupy the Jewish state, called Israel, in the Middle East.(Ogwyn J. The United States and Great Britain in Prophecy. LCG booklet).

According to both biblical and Catholic prophecies, the United Kingdom (and USA) will be taken over by the final end time, King of the North, European Beast power. A power that is forming right before our very eyes who will seem to be promoting peace.  World events continue to align with Bible prophecy.

To learn more, please check out the following articles:

Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
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.
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe?
Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North? Is the German Defense Minister one to watch? What do Catholic, Byzantine, and biblical prophecies suggest?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?
Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach?