Church of God News

COGwriter

Today is observed in the USA as Martin Luther King, Jr. day.  And although I do not take this day off (nor presidents days), I thought it might be appropriate to quote some writings from the late Martin Luther King Jr. as he is in the news again.

Here is some of what he wrote on Mithraism, dated November 23, 1949:

In Avesta, Mithra was the genius of celestial light…The doctrine of the immortality of the soul was another view which was very prominent in Mithraism…

Women were compelled to seek salvation in some other cult, for Mithraism excluded them entirely…

When Mithraism is compared to Christianity, there are surprisingly many points of similarity. Of all the mystery cults, Mithraism was the greatest competitor of Christianity…

That Christians did copy and borrow from Mithraism cannot be denied (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, pp. 213-214, 217, 222, 224).

Here are some dated February 15, 1950:

Mithraism…was suppressed by the Christians sometime in the latter part of the fourth century A.D.: but its collapse seems to have been due to the fact that by that time many of its doctrines had been adopted by the church, so that it was practically absorbed by its rival.

…the Church made a sacred day out of Sunday partially because…of the resurrection. But when we observe a little further we find that as a solar festival, Sunday was the sacred day of Mithra: it is also interesting to notice that since Mithra was addressed as Lord, Sunday must have been “the Lord’s Day” long before Christian use. 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.

To make the picture a little more clear, we may list a few of the similarities between these two religions: (1) Both regard Sunday as a Holy Day. (2) December 25 came to be considered as the anniversary of the birth of Mithra and Christ also. (3) Baptism and a ritual meal were important parts of both groups…

In summary we may say that the belief in immortality, a mediator between god and man, the observance of certain sacramental rites…were common to Mithraism and Christianity. (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, pp. 307, 309.)

Notice that Martin Luther King, Jr. clearly understood that the Sunday churches dropped the Sabbath, that “the Lord’s Day” essentially first meant the day of Mithra, and that the worlds’ churches did adopt many practices from Mithraism.

I wish he and others emphasized this aspect of his writings more. I would also add that Christians faithful to the original teachings of Christ, the apostles, and the New Testament did not adopt the practices of Mithraism.

While Dr. King was most known for his civil rights protests, he figured out that much of what passed for Christianity in his day was really a form that adopted Mithratic practices. Does that include your version? Are you sure?

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Do You Practice Mithraism? Many practices and doctrines that mainstream so-called Christian groups have are the same or similar to those of the sun-god Mithras. Do you follow Mithraism combined with the Bible or original Christianity?
Is Revelation 1:10 talking about Sunday or the Day of the Lord? Most Protestant scholars say Sunday is the Lord’s Day, but is that what the Bible teaches?
The Sabbath in the Early Church and Abroad Was the seventh-day (Saturday) Sabbath observed by the apostolic and post-apostolic Church?
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?
Sunday and Christianity Was Sunday observed by the apostolic and true post-apostolic Christians? Who clearly endorsed Sunday?
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?

Laodicea has many ineffective structures

COGwriter

Former UCG instructor Ralph Levy wrote the following:

From the time of my hiring by the United Church of God, IA in 1999 to my recent termination I have had the privilege of travelling extensively in Latin America to serve the people of God in that part of the world…

Of the 12 Feasts of Tabernacles between 1999 and 2010, I spent nine in Latin America: two and a half in Peru, two and a half in Argentina, two in Chile, one in Colombia and one in Costa Rica. Additionally I visited Guatemala in the summer of 2009 for an educational seminar, Ecuador in May 2010 for a personal visit to see Church friends, the Dominican Republic eight times (if my calculations are correct), and Puerto Rico once. During most of the years I worked for the United Church of God I calculate I spent about a month in Latin America. This experience has given me some insight into the Church in that part of the world.

I have found both the brethren and the ministry in Latin America to be generally humble, welcoming and caring…

Saul Langarica, the Church pastor in Chile, is a good friend of mine and has been since I met him in the early 1980’s when he came to Ambassador College from his native Mexico. He has served faithfully in Mexico, Guatemala and (since 2001) Chile…

This past year I spent the Feast in Huanchaco, Peru. Again I saw the pastor spend much time with the brethren, inviting them into his hotel room, joking, laughing and fellowshipping with no aloofness, elitism, or pride. If you have ever met Manuel Quijano you will know he is simply not that kind of man…

There is so much more I could recount about my experiences and impressions of the Church in Latin America. I relate all this because of false information going around, and accusations of ministerial abuse, elitism, neglect and mistreatment. I find these assessments deeply unfair, and they certainly don’t concur with my experience of the Church in Latin America.

Dr. Levy and I got our Ph.D.s from the same school at about the same time.  He first contacted me because he and I participated in the same online seminar in 1992.  While I do not know Saul Langarica personally, I did speak with him on the telephone once about a year ago, and he was cordial (and spoke to me in English, which was essential to me at least).

Basically, in his letter Dr. Levy explains that he considers that UCG’s former ministry in Latin America consisted of caring and faithful leaders and he has not agreed how some, apparently still in UCG, have portrayed them.

This particular letter does not state where Ralph Levy will himself end up, though he seems to advocate visiting the Feast of Tabernacles’ sites in Latin America, with the ministry of those who once were part of UCG.

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?
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?

COGwriter

Hebert W. Armstrong died on January 16, 1986, at age 93 1/2. Many never heard of him, but millions did.

To learn a little about how he approached religion as a young man, here are some excerpts from his Autobiography:

Before our marriage my wife had been quite interested in Bible study. She had been for years an active Methodist.

After marriage, although she had not lost her interest in the Christian life and the Bible, she had not had the same opportunity to express it, or participate in religious fellowship with others. While we lived in Maywood, suburb of Chicago, we had joined the River Forest Methodist Church. The fellowship there had been more social than spiritual or Biblical.

But all Mrs. Armstrong’s active interest in things Biblical was reawakened when she became acquainted with Mrs. Runcorn. One day Mrs. Runcorn gave her a Bible study. She asked my wife to turn to a certain passage and read it. Then a second, then a third, and so on for about an hour. Mrs. Runcorn made no comment — gave no explanation or argument — just asked my wife to read aloud a series of Biblical passages.

“Why!” exclaimed Mrs. Armstrong in amazement, “do all these Scriptures say that I’ve been keeping the wrong day as the Sabbath all my life?”

“Well, do they?” asked Mrs. Runcorn. “Don’t ask me whether you have been wrong — you shouldn’t believe what any person tells you, but only what GOD tells you through the Bible. What does He tell you, there? What do you see there with your own eyes?”

“Why, it’s as plain as anything could be!” exclaimed Mrs. Armstrong. “Why, this is a wonderful discovery. I must rush back to tell my husband the good news. I know he’ll be overjoyed!”

A minute or so later, Mrs. Armstrong came running into my parents’ home, with the “good news.”

My jaw dropped! This was the worst news I had ever heard! My wife gone into religious fanaticism!

“Have you gone CRAZY?” I asked, incredulously. “Of course not! I was never more sure of anything in my life,” responded my wife with enthusiasm.

Indeed, I wondered if she really had lost her mind! Deciding to “keep Saturday for Sunday!” Why, that seemed like rank FANATICISM! And my wife had always had such a sound mind! There was nothing shallow about her. She had always had a well-balanced mind, with depth.

But now, suddenly — THIS! It seemed incredible — preposterous! “Loma,” I said sternly, “this is simply too ridiculous to believe! I am certainly not going to tolerate any such religious fanaticism in our family! You’ll have to give that up right here and now!”

But she wouldn’t! “Doesn’t the Bible say that wives must be obedient to their husbands?” I asked.

“Yes, in the Lord, but not contrary to the Lord,” she came back.

It was amazing how many logical arguments came to my mind. But always she had the answer.

I felt I could not tolerate such humiliation. What would my friends say? What would former business acquaintances think? Nothing had ever hit me where it hurt so much — right smack in the heart of all my pride and vanity and conceit! And this mortifying blow had to fall immediately on top of confidence-crushing financial reverses!

In desperation, I said: “Loma, you can’t tell me that all these churches have been wrong all these hundreds of years! Why, aren’t these all CHRIST’S churches?”

“Then,” came back Mrs. Armstrong, “why do they all disagree on so many doctrines? Why does each one teach differently than the others?”

“But,” I still contended, “Isn’t the Bible the very source of the teaching of all these Christian churches? And they do all agree on observing Sunday! I’m sure the Bible says, ‘Thou shalt keep SUNDAY!’ “

“Well, does it?” smiled my wife, handing me a Bible. “Show it to me, if it does — and I’ll do what it says.”

“I don’t know where to find it. You know I’m no Bible student, I could never understand the Bible. But I know the Bible must command the observance of Sunday, because all the churches observe Sunday, except the Seventh-Day Adventists, and they’re regarded as fanatics. The Sabbath was the day for the Jews.”

I even threatened divorce, if my wife refused to give up this fanaticism, though in my heart I didn’t really mean it. In our family divorce was a thing unheard of — and beside, I was very much in love with my wife — though at the moment I was boiling over with anger.

“If you can prove by the Bible that Christians are commanded to observe Sunday, then of course I’ll do what I see in the Bible!”

This was her challenge. “O.K.,” I answered, “I’ll make you this proposition: I don’t know much about the Bible — I just never could seem to understand it. But I do have an analytical mind. I’ve become experienced in research into business problems, getting the facts and analyzing them. Now I’ll make a complete and thorough study of this question in the Bible. All these churches can’t be wrong. I’ll prove to you in the Bible that you are mistaken!”

This was in the autumn of 1926…

WE HAD MOVED TO the Pacific Northwest in the summer of 1924. My wife’s brother, Walter Dillon, and her sister Bertha, had driven Walter’s Model T Ford back to Iowa in August…In June, 1925, Walter and his young wife, together with Bertha and my wife’s father, had returned to Oregon…

Walter’s wife had been indoctrinated with the theory of evolution in college. One day she and I became engaged in a discussion. The evolutionary doctrine came into the conversation. I mentioned that I was not convinced of its validity.

“Herbert Armstrong, you are simply IGNORANT!” accused Hertha. Her words stabbed deeply into what was left of my ego. “One is uneducated, and ignorant, unless he believes in evolution. All educated people now believe it.”

That accusation came hot on the heels of this Sabbath challenge from my wife. Of course, Bertha was only about 19, and had had but her freshman year in college. She was yet immature enough to be a bit oversold on what had been presented to her as a mark of intellectual distinction. Nevertheless, her manner was cutting, and a bit sarcastic, and I accepted it as a challenge.

“Hertha,” I responded, “I am just starting a study of the Bible. I intend to include in this research a thorough study of the Biblical account of creation. Since it is admittedly one of the two — evolution or special creation — I will include an in-depth study of evolution. I feel sure that a thorough study into both sides will show that it is you who are ignorant, and that you merely studied one side of a two-sided question in freshman biology, and accepted what was funneled into your mind without question. And if and when I do, I’m going to make you EAT those words!“

And so it developed that I now had a double challenge to go to work on — a dual subject involving both the Biblical claims for special creation, and also a more in-depth study than before into texts on biology, geology, paleontology, and the various works on the theory of evolution.

As one exposed to a fair amount of the worlds’ education, I would simply state here that most who claim evolution as truth simply have not studied into it enough. Two articles of related interest may include Is God’s Existence Logical? and Is Evolution Probable or Impossible or Is God’s Existence Logical? Part II.

Part of Herbert W. Armstrong’s legacy is that he took the Bible to be the word of God and taught:

…the Bible tells us to PROVE all things (Armstrong HW. The RESURRECTION was NOT on Sunday. 1952).

Which of course, it does as the Apostle Paul wrote:

Prove all things; hold fast that which is good (1 Thessalonians 5:21, KJV).

Sadly many have falsely maligned Herbert W. Armstrong (please see the article 15 Accusations and Truthful Responses About Herbert W. Armstrong), while others have exalted him beyond appropriateness (please see the article The Elijah Heresies ). Since his death, only relatively few seemed to really understand his work and what he felt Christ expected of the church.

Those truly interested in learning more about Herbert W. Armstrong, should read the article Who Was Herbert W. Armstrong? How is He Viewed Today?.

And everyone should try to live by the following teaching of Herbert W. Armstrong:

“Don’t believe me – BELIEVE YOUR BIBLE – BELIEVE GOD! I always say…check up! Listen without prejudice, with open mind, then check up–go to your BIBLE, and BELIEVE what you read there.”

(Herbert W. Armstrong, Plain Truth magazine, Sept. 1963, Personal pg.1)

Several articles of possibly related interest include:

Who Was Herbert W. Armstrong? How is He Viewed Today? Includes quotes from the 1973 edition of The Autobiography of Herbert W. Armstrong and explains how he is and should be viewed today.
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?
Here are Some Quotes from Herbert W. Armstrong on Laodicea and Holding to Doctrine.
There are Many COGs: Why Support the Living Church of God? This is an article for those who wish to easily sort out the different COGs. It really should be a MUST READ for current and former WCG members or any interested in supporting the faithful church. It also explains a lot of what the COGs are all about.

Banner at 2007 Feast of Tabernacles in Tobago

COGwriter

The Living Church of God has announced an additional site for the Feast of Tabernacles (a major Fall pilgrimage) in 2011.  So here is the International and USA lists:

International Feast Sites…

Below is the updated list of 2011 International Feast sites finalized as of this writing.  Stay tuned for more Festival Office updates!

Australia—Victor Harbor

Barbados—Christ Church

Canada—Penticton

Canada—Orford

Canada—Eastern Canada

France—Hyères

Guatemala—Antigua

Guyana—Georgetown

Haiti—Port-au-Prince

Indonesia—Batu

Jamaica—Montego Bay

Kenya—Isibania

Malaysia—Langkawi

Martinique—Sainte-Luce

New Zealand—Nelson

Nigeria—Lagos

Papua New Guinea

Philippines—Baguio City

Philippines—Davao City

Philippines—Don Carlos

Philippines—Maranding

Sri Lanka—Bentota

South Africa—Stillbai

Trinidad and Tobago—Crown Point

United Kingdom—Buxton

Vanuatu—Orap…

2011 USA Feast Sites Set!

As we pass the shortest day of the year in this part of the world, we are well on our way to planning for the Feast of Tabernacles, 2011! United States Feast sites have been selected and contracts have been signed (international sites are still being finalized). The Feast sites in the United States in 2011 will be:

Branson, MO

Chattanooga, TN

Cobleskill, NY

Glenwood Springs, CO

New Braunfels, TX

Newport, OR

Panama City, FL

Sonora, CA

Wisconsin Dells, WI…– Festival Office

There will probably also be sites, as there were in previous years, in places such as India, Myanmar, Peru, Columbia Chile, Argentina, Brazil, and possibly Thailand and elsewhere. Somewhere between 40 to 50 (and perhaps more!) sites are expected. For detailed information about some of what was available in 2010, please see the article LCG 2010 Feast of Tabernacles’ Information.

The first service for the Feast of Tabernacles would be after sunset on the 12th of October and the last service normally would be on the afternoon of the 20th of October in 2011.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

The Feast of Tabernacles: A Time for Christians? Is this pilgrimage holy day still valid? Does it teach anything relevant for today’s Christians?
LCG 2010 Feast of Tabernacles’ Information Here is information on many Feast of Tabernacles locations for this year. Details are expected to be added as they become available.
Is There “An Annual Worship Calendar” In the Bible? This paper provides a biblical and historical critique of several articles, including one by WCG which states that this should be a local decision. What do the Holy Days mean? Also you can click here for the calendar of Holy Days.
Did Early Christians Observe the Fall Holy Days? Did they? Did Jesus? Should you?
There are Many COGs: Why Support the Living Church of God? This is an article for those who wish to easily sort out the different COGs. It really should be a MUST READ for current and former WCG members or any interested in supporting the faithful church. It also explains a lot of what the COGs are all about.

COGwriter

A new study suggests that the Roman Empire partially fell because weather:

A team of researchers based their findings on data from 9,000 wooden artifacts from the past 2,500 years.

They found that periods of warm, wet summers coincided with prosperity, while political turmoil occurred during times of climate instability.  The findings have been published online by the journal Science.

Once they had developed a chronology stretching back over the past 2,500 years, they identified a link with prosperity levels in past societies, such as the Roman Empire.

“Wet and warm summers occurred during periods of Roman and medieval prosperity. Increased climate variability from 250-600 AD coincided with the demise of the western Roman empire and the turmoil of the migration period,” the team reported. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-12186245

The reader who sent this to me, made the following comments:

Will weather, food/water supplies and high prices once again act as a catalyst for political turmoil in the near future?

Might he be correct?

Based upon my understanding of Bible prophecy, yes I believe he may be.

I have long believed that because of its adoption of significant amounts of genetically-modified grains (specifically corn and soy, and probably soon wheat and others), that the USA is making itself susceptible for a massive crop failure.  Whether this failure will be caused by weather, pestilence, terrorists incidents, other factors, or some combination of these factors, the USA is making itself highly susceptible to having a massive loss of its food supply.

Since the USA is already in more debt than any nation in the history of the world, it may be that weather problems (such as one or two incidents like Hurricane Katrina), earthquakes, and crop failures may combine in what could be called a “perfect storm” to push the USA over the edge for it to fall.  Riots and civil unrest in the USA would likely result from these events (especially if there are real food shortages) and this may wake the rest of the world up to the fact that the USA is truly incapable of repaying its debts.

Although I have referred to it many times, let me again quote from Habakkuk 2:

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

The above prophecy will be fulfilled at the time of the end (cf. “The message was true, but the appointed time was long…in the latter days, for the vision refers to many days yet to come”, Daniel 10:1,14).

While it is true that there are already reasons for the USA’s creditors to rise up, and even Moody’s rating service is considering dropping the USA’s Aaa credit rating (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703583404576079311379009904.html?mod=WSJ_WSJ_News_BlogsModule), it is likely that several concurrent events, including weather and crop failure may be what triggers the prophesied sudden rise of the creditors.

The fact that weather affected the Roman Empire should not be lost on Americans who tend to think that like the ancient Romans did, their “empire” will always continue.  According to Bible prophecy, it will not.

To learn more, please check out the following articles:

Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
Prophecies of Barack Obama? Are there biblical and non-biblical prophecies about Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist? This is a lengthy article with many prophecies that Barack Obama may end up fulfilling.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”. Might Bible prophecy be fulfilled by him?
The Plain Truth About Gold in Prophecy. How Should a Christian View Gold? What do economists and the Bible teach about gold? Gold and silver may drop in value. Inflation/deflation? What do Christians need to know about gold?

In its latest update. LCG had the following news item:

Court Rulings vs. Common Sense. “An Austrian court has recently fined a citizen for yodeling while mowing his lawn, according to a report in The Kronen Zeitung newspaper. The citizen, 63-year-old Helmut G., was told by the court that his yodeling offended his next-door Muslim neighbors, who accused him of trying to mock and imitate the call of the Muezzin [person who calls Muslims to prayer].” The judge ruled that the man may have been trying to offend his neighbors who were in the middle of prayer, and fined him 800 euros. The man stated that he was in a good mood, so he yodeled a few tunes—something his countrymen and women have done for hundreds of years (IsraelNationalNews.com, December 15, 2010). In Western “Christian” nations that purportedly believe in individual liberty, justice and common sense, these qualities appear to be increasingly uncommon! However, for students of the Bible, this is not surprising. The Apostle Paul wrote, “the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God…” (1 Corinthians 3:19), and that educated people, “Professing themselves to be wise… became fools” (Romans 1:22). The prophet Isaiah foretold that at the end of the age, when nations would turn away from God, “the wisdom of their wise men shall perish” (Isaiah 29:14). This is becoming more common today!

The logic courts sometimes use seems to defy common sense.

Pope Benedict XVI

COGwriter

Some Anglican priests are accepting the Vatican’s offer acceptance:

London – In a history-making ceremony, three former Anglican church bishops – all married and with children – were Saturday ordained as Catholic priests, a move they took to protest female ordination in the Anglican Church.

Westminster Bishop Vincent Nichols, leader of Catholics in England and Wales, ordained the three men – Andrew Burnham, Keith Newton and John Broadhurst – under a new scheme established by the Vatican.

All three men will be permitted to remain married.

The three became the first members of an ordinariate which Pope Benedict XVI had set up specially for Anglicans -either as individuals or in groups – wishing to join the Roman Catholic Church to protest increasing liberalization in the Anglican faith.

The ordination ceremony was attended by hundreds of priests from the Westminster Diocese. Also in attendance were three former Anglican nuns who were officially received into the Catholic Church two weeks earlier.

‘Many ordinations have taken place in this cathedral during the 100 years of its history. But none quite like this,’ Bishop Nichols said.  http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/uk/news/article_1611971.php/Three-former-Anglican-bishops-ordained-in-Catholic-Church

How many other Anglican priests and members will accept the Vatican’s offer is still unknown. Some will, and others will not.

Now this offer included a little compromising on Rome’s part. For example, the Vatican is allowing the Anglicans to keep much of their liturgy and their leadership. And while there always has been an order within eastern Catholicism that allowed married priests, this has not been the case in the Latin (church of Rome in the west) for many centuries. Of course, early Christian leaders (including bishops) were often married, as the Bible endorses that (1 Timothy 3:2). But Rome has tended to change from some of those practices.

This ordination is an indication to me, at least, that compromise on the behalf of the Vatican will likely be involved as other groups (the Orthodox and Lutherans come to immediate mind) get closer with the Church of Rome.  But as Protestantism tends to get more and more liberal, many within it seem to be at least considering the Church of Rome.

But, such ecumenical moves will prove disastrous according to the Bible.

Some articles of possibly related interest include the following:

Why Should American Catholics Should Fear Unity with the Orthodox? Are the current ecumenical meetings a good thing or will they result in disaster?
Women and the New Testament Church Were women important in the New Testament Church? Which women and how were they involved?  Are women supposed to be ordained as elders?
Was Celibacy Required for Early Bishops or Presbyters? Some religions suggest this, but what does the Bible teach? What was the practice of the early church?
Did the Early Christian Church Practice Monasticism? Does God expect or endorse living in a monastery or nunnery?
Were the Early Duties of Elders/Pastors Mainly Sacramental? What was there Dress? Were the duties of the clergy primarily pastoral or sacramental? Did the clergy dress with special liturgical vestments? Can “bishops” be disqualified as ministers of Christ based on their head coverings?
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?

Living Church of God Evangelist Richard Ames with a “Telly” Award for “Tomorrow’s World”

COGwriter

Evangelist Richard Ames of the Living Church of God reported the following:

You may recall that in his December 2010 letter to brethren and co-workers, Dr. Meredith announced that the Tomorrow’s World telecast would start airing on “God TV” in January 2011, potentially reaching 500 million viewers in 175 million TV households. On January 2, God TV aired Dr. Meredith’s powerful program, “How To Overcome Satan,” offering his booklet Satan’s Counterfeit Christianity. Viewers from around the globe contacted our call-center in Kansas City—from as far away as Bangalore, India; Bavaria, Germany; and Vraa, Denmark, for example.

Understandably, not all the response was positive. God TV executives, once they realized that our teachings are at odds with “mainstream Christianity,” pulled us off the air after just one week! So, that “open door” closed very quickly. But we should not be disappointed. We remember that, even though the telecast aired for just three weeks on the “Love World” station in South Africa, that brief airing brought more than 20 new attendees—and three people being baptized into God’s Church! Even though the telecast aired for just one week on God TV, we cannot yet know what impact that airing will have. Of course, Dr. Meredith will now be looking for other open doors to preach the true Gospel—to a world that will not always receive it favorably.

Despite the God TV cancellation, we have much to be thankful for. Responses to the Tomorrow’s World telecast increased 10.8 percent in 2010 over 2009! We thank God for the open doors (Revelation 3:7-8) to preach the Gospel of the Kingdom of God. As the Apostle Paul wrote, “So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase” (1 Corinthians 3:7)…

But Christ has encouraged us with open doors to preach the Gospel through various media in addition to global television. The Tomorrow’s World magazine print-run for January-February 2011 was 338,000, and issues were mailed to subscribers in 161 countries and dependencies. More than a million visitors from 226 countries and territories visited our Tomorrow’s World Web site in 2010—a 17 percent increase over last year. Currently our Web-based Tomorrow’s World Bible Study Course serves students from 133 countries, who are learning in their own homes or offices through the Internet…

In 2010, Living Church of God ministers conducted 102 Tomorrow’s World special presentations (TWSPs) in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and parts of Europe and Africa. Along with thousands of you brethren and co-workers, more than 3,400 new visitors came to these presentations, where they heard the Gospel preached with power. Later this month, on January 22 and 23, I am scheduled to give TWSPs in Tampa and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and I hope to give several more TWSPs throughout the upcoming year. I look forward to meeting many of you personally at these presentations. Be sure to check our www.TomorrowsWorld.org Web site for the locations and dates of future presentations in your area! Jesus said, “When they persecute you in this city, flee to another. For assuredly, I say to you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes” (Matthew 10:23). We are following our Lord’s guidance, striving to witness powerfully to as many cities as we can, despite the obstacles that we encounter.

I had learned earlier this week that “God TV” would no longer run the telecast as the doctrines of the Living Church of God differed to much from their positions.  This form of electronic persecution has been a problem for the church dating back to when the late Herbert W. Armstrong began to use radio and television.

Yet, we keep trying to go through those doors that are opened.  Even if they are only open a relatively short while.  Despite the problems, LCG continues to receive many more responses to its Tomorrow’s World telecast than all the other COGs combined.

We in the Living Church of God believe that we must strive to fulfill Jesus’ statements about gospel proclamation in scriptural passages such as Matthew 24:14; 28:19-20.  And have worked hard to always try to do that.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Should the Church Still Try to Place its Top Priority on Proclaiming the Gospel or Did Herbert W. Armstrong Change that Priority for the Work? Some say the Church should mainly feed the flock now as that is what Herbert W. Armstrong reportedly said. Is that what he said? Is that what the Bible says? What did Paul and Herbert W. Armstrong expect from evangelists?
There are Many COGs: Why Support the Living Church of God? This is an article for those who wish to more easily sort out the different COGs. It really should be a MUST READ for current and former WCG members or any interested in supporting the faithful church. It also explains a lot of what the COGs are all about.
COGwriter Position on Other Churches and Religions What is the fate of those who do not know Christ? What about those who profess Christ outside the Church of God?
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?
The Philadelphia Church Era was predominant circa 1933 A.D. to 1986 A.D. The old Radio Church of God and old Worldwide Church of God, now basically the Living Church of God.
Persecutions by Church and State This article documents some that have occurred against those associated with the COGs and some prophesied to occur. Will those with the cross be the persecutors or the persecuted–this article has the shocking answer.

Laodicea has many ineffective structures

COGwriter

UCG’s President Dennis Luker reported the following today:

As you know, the Council of Elders called for a special ministerial conference that will take place later this month. We are busy finalizing the agenda for those meetings, which will be packed! The work of the Church has been hindered in some ways over the past year or so, and we expect—following the direction of the living Head of the Church, Jesus Christ—that we will emerge from these meetings refreshed and energized, eager to tackle the work that our loving and faithful God has set before us.

As the work of God advances, I expect to communicate with you ever more frequently. As you likely now know, about 30 percent of the ministers formerly associated with the United Church of God have formed their own separate organization…

Many have asked how the income of the Church is faring, given the recent breakaway of ministers and members. Despite the recent recession, the income of the Church—reflecting your faithful tithes and offerings—has held within a few percentage points of projections up until last month. The breakaway of ministers and the subsequent confusion that resulted in some quarters has now led to a drop in current income of about 12 percent year-to-date. We know that both the breakaway organization as well as other organizations are trying to encourage brethren to divert at least some of their tithes and offerings away from the United Church of God…

I would also be remiss if I did not remind you that the Council of Elders has called for ministers and members to set aside a day of fasting and prayer before the special ministerial conference begins on Jan. 31.

FWIW, last week, LCG called for a fast on January 29, 2011.

At least 150 ministers/elders left UCG in the past year.

COGWA reported the following today:

The most important decision now ahead of us is to determine the church’s long-term governance system. We hope to accomplish that relatively soon, but in the meantime many organizational issues need immediate attention and require having an administration and governance in place. To that end, the pre-conference short-term governance committee proposed two options. By more than two-thirds margin (84 to 37) the elders selected the one that called for the existing temporary board of directors and leadership team to continue serving in their roles until a permanent form of governance is established.

What is now known as the Interim Governance Team consists of Jim Franks, Doug Horchak, Clyde Kilough, David Register and Richard Thompson; the Board of Directors consists of George Evans, Kenneth Giese (secretary), Michael Hanisko, Greg Sargent (treasurer) and Roger West. To legally fulfill the requirements of the elders’ decision, on Monday Mr. Hanisko stepped down as president of the corporation and was reappointed as board chairman. This option also required the Interim Governance Team to select a chief executive officer from among themselves, so later that evening they appointed Clyde Kilough as president. The bulk of the day-to-day work falls on the shoulders of the governance team, but both groups will be working closely together.

After the conference ended on Tuesday, the governance team organized its duties according to the mandate spelled out in the option the elders chose. Jim Franks will manage the areas that pertain to ministerial and congregational care; Richard Thompson will coordinate financial affairs with the treasurer and accounting firm in addition to coordinating our festival planning; Doug Horchak will be the liaison with the international areas; David Register will work with areas of communication and our education program including youth camps; and Clyde Kilough will focus on media efforts pertaining to preaching the gospel…

But as the long-term governance committee chairman, Bruce Gore, noted in his conference presentation, we also know that no structure of governance can guarantee a problem-free future. We all must be governed first and foremost by God’s Holy Spirit working effectively in each one of us…

Until next time, may God be with you all,
<signed by>
George Evans
Jim Franks
Kenneth Giese
Michael Hanisko
Doug Horchak
Clyde Kilough
David Register
Greg Sargent
Richard Thompson
Roger West

If you are or were part of UCG and are confused about what to do, please pray, fast, and study the Bible about this. Decide if you wish to follow the lukewarm or those that Jesus Christ has truly been using to do the work–those who have had the same basic governing principles for over 40 years.

I realize that neither I, Dr. Meredith, nor others in LCG are perfect. But hopefully we are trying to do the work that the Bible indicates that the church most faithful to the words of Jesus would do.

Those affected by this crisis who wish to support a more effective gospel-proclaiming organization should, despite our flaws, consider checking out LCG, as it has stood for proper church governance and the work since its foundation (which preceded its formation).

It’s decision time for those who have been affiliated with UCG. Most of those part of the COGWA and UCG leadership have already demonstrated, to me at least, that neither group intends to be Philadelphian. But that the choice of LCG still remains.

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

In today’s TW News & Prophecy, LCG reported:

Catastrophic flooding in Australia.

News sources report that Queensland, Australia, is experiencing the worst flooding in history and a disaster of “biblical proportions.” Flood waters have inundated an area the size of Germany and France.Queensland is Australia’s “bread basket” and a highly profitable mining district. Farms have been flooded, several towns have been evacuated and 75% of the mines are flooded or closed. Flooded fields and the inability to move collected wheat stocks by rail have caused wheat prices to soar. Areas that have been devastated by locusts and ten years of drought are now flooded (The Australian, January 5, 2011; Associated Press, December 31, 2005). Queensland supplies half of the world’s coking coal for steel mills. Costs of this disaster to the Australian economy will run into billions of dollars!

The Bible warns that because Israelite nations have “forgotten God” and rejected His ways, God will bring increasingly severe punishments on His chosen people (Hosea 8). End-time prophecies reveal God’s purpose, “I also withheld rain from you… I made it rain on one city, I withheld rain from another city… I blasted you with blight and mildew… The locust devoured them; yet you have not returned to me, says the LORD” (Amos 4:7-9).

Jesus Christ also warned that increasing famines, pestilences and other disasters will be a prelude to His second coming.

As we watch world events building to a crescendo, we need to remember these events are predicted in the Bible.

The situations in Australia and Brazil have to be very difficult for people affected by the rains and flooding:

Emergency crews in Brazil are struggling to reach areas affected by deadly mudslides and floods because of renewed rainfall.

Officials say more than 500 people are known to have died in the floods – the country’s worst in decades.

Local media reported rescuers had to reach worst-hit areas on foot because vehicles cannot cross blocked roads.  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-12195226

There are also floods in other areas.

Philippine floods kill 40 and affect one million people http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-12168921

One million people displaced by Sri Lanka floods http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-12189086

Many in these areas probably need our prayers.

Jesus warned about a time of troubles called the beginning of sorrows:

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

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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?
Islands and Bible Prophecy What’s ahead for islands? What does the Bible prophesy about them?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 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? What is “the beginning of sorrows”? Have we begun or are we about ready for “the beginning of sorrows” to begin.