Church of God News

Laodicea has many ineffective structures

COGwriter

UCG finally has clarified its Sabbath position:

STATEMENT BY THE COUNCIL OF ELDERS

Seventh-day Sabbath and Holy Day Observance

January 4, 2011

After studying the material that has been provided from a couple in Chile, the Council of Elders, after full review and rendering due diligence, is prepared to issue the following statement in regards to observing the Seventh-day Sabbath and Holy Days in a proper manner to uphold the Fourth Commandment.

The United Church of God, an International Association, has a long-standing teaching on the subject of owner-operated businesses in relation to the observance of the Sabbath and biblical Holy Days. If a business is solely or majority owned by a Church member, then the business should close on the Sabbath and the Holy Days.

There are some exceptions, as Jesus Christ gave Sabbath-keeping principles in Scripture in this regard, which would apply to healthcare and retirement facilities and dealing with dairies and farm animals. But, day-care centers and schools do not fall under these categories. Therefore, the Council of Elders stands by the authority of Scripture in our lives and the consistent position of the Church which requires that such businesses, as long as they are solely or majority owned by a Church member, be closed on the Sabbath and the Holy Days.

While I am not going to comment about the details of the above at this time, UCG may have had less of a crisis if it would have done this three to seven months ago.

The AC site has the following from “Morgen”:

Hello Mr Rhodes,

The 4 elders in South Africa note that on the UCG Home website our names have been removed as contacts for the 4 congregations we serve, and your name appears instead. This has been done without any reference to us, or any accusation being brought against us. We note also that the usual monthly subsidy from the Home Office for South Africa has been withheld with no explanation in spite of emails having been sent to Gerald Seelig and Aaron Dean. The obvious studied silence and intended discourtesy towards us is noted.

UCG is having problems, and I do not claim to know all the details of them in South Africa, Latin America, the USA, or elsewhere.  But, COGaWA or something like (which the AC site apparently supports) it is not the solution.  UCG’s form of governance should never have been adopted.

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?
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?
The Dramatic Story of Chinese Sabbathkeepers This reformatted Good News article from 1955 discusses Sabbath-keeping in China in the 1800s.
Is God Unreasonable? Some have suggested that if God requires Sabbath-keeping He is unreasonable. Is that true?
Unity: Which COG for You? Why so many groups? Why is there lack of unity in the Churches of God? Has it always been this way? What can/should be done about it?
Differences between the Living Church of God and United Church of God This article provides quotes information from the two largest groups which had their origins in WCG as well as commentary.
There are Many COGs: Why Support the Living Church of God? This is an article for those who wish to more easily sort out the different COGs. It really should be a MUST READ for current and former WCG/GCI members or any interested in supporting the faithful church. It also explains a lot of what the COGs are all about.
Should the Church Still Try to Place its Top Priority on Proclaiming the Gospel or Did Herbert W. Armstrong Change that Priority for the Work? Some say the Church should mainly feed the flock now as that is what Herbert W. Armstrong reportedly said. Is that what he said? Is that what the Bible says? What did Paul and Herbert W. Armstrong expect from evangelists?
The Laodicean Church Era has been predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. These are non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG.

COGwriter

From time to time, I have highlighted some of the false prophecies of TPM’s William Dankenbring.  He recently wrote the following in an article titled A New Look at Bush, Obama, Daniel 11 and End-Time Prophecy!:

An astounding prophecy written over 2,500 years ago could well be a critical glimpse into the future of Barack Obama, and the world. Will Obama soon be catapulted up to a higher office – as Secretary- General of the United Nations and the “King of the North” of Daniel’s prophecies?…

It appears that Barack Hussein Obama is seeking worldwide approval of the people and nations around the world and the United Nations even though he apparently disregards the approval of the American people!…

Notice Daniel 11:24 – it describes BARACK exactly: “He shall enter peaceably even upon the fattest places of the province; and he shall do that which his fathers have not done, nor his fathers’ fathers; he shall scatter among them the prey, and spoil, and riches (spread the wealth around).”…

Isn’t this a direct prophecy of the rising up of Barack Hussein Obama to the highest office in the world?…

Daniel continues speaking about the king of the north…Sounds like the Obama mentality, all right!

Now William Dankenbring has made many predictions that have proven to be wrong.  And once again he is wrong.

US President Barack Obama is not going to be the final King of the North, nor is he going to be the final Antichrist as William Dankenbring has also claimed (see TPM: Is Obama Antichrist?, TPM Continues to Teach that Barack Obama May Be the Antichrist, and TPM: Obama – King of the World?).

The final King of the North will be a European leader, which Barack Obama is not.  The final Antichrist will be primarily a religious leader, which Barack Obama is not.  I firmly believe that TPM continues to delude itself and mislead others with its speculations on this.

The Bible give many ideas about who the final King of the North and Antichrist will be, and while neither of those roles will be fulfilled by Barack Obama, he may help enable the rise of one or more of those leaders.  And in my view, for at least one of them, he has already done so.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Teachings of Triumph Prophetic Ministries William Dankenbring’s ministry–incorrectly speculates on various dates and holds to some odd doctrines.
Prophecies of Barack Obama? This article has eight reasons why Barack Obama is apocalyptic and eight reasons why Barack Obama is not the Antichrist. It includes many biblical and non-biblical prophecies, from around the world, that seem to discuss Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist? Might Barack Obama set the stage for the kings of the North and South as at least one Shiite prophecy suggests? This is the longest and most complete article at the COGwriter website on Barack Obama prophecies. Read it and decide for yourself if President Obama seems to be fulfilling various prophecies.
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 since he is to be the USA president?
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?
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?
Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach?
The Antichrist Quiz Do you really know much about the Antichrist?
Waldensian Treatise on Antichrist These are translated extracts from a likely 13th/14th century paper titled A Treatise concerning Antichrist, Purgatory, the Invocation of Saints, and the Sacraments.
Some Doctrines of Antichrist Are there any doctrines taught outside the Churches of God which can be considered as doctrines of antichrist? This article suggests at least three. It also provides information on 666 and the identity of “the false prophet”. Plus it shows that several Catholic writers seem to warn about an ecumenical antipope that will support heresy.
Is There an Islamic Antichrist?Is Joel Richardson correct that the final Antichrist will be Islamic and not European? Find out.
Do Certain Catholic Prophecies About Antichrist Warn Against Jesus? Will the final “Anti-Christ” be Jewish, insist on Saturday, be opposed to the trinity, and bring in the millennium? Certain Catholic writings indicate this, while others take a different view, but what does the Bible show?
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? What will happen to the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?

Laodicea has many ineffective structures

COGwriter

The AC site has an updated report from COGaWA where it basically states that it did not decide to form until after UCG essentially rejected a 12/4/10 letter and that various discussions did not happen until the week of December 13, 2010. It also says that it was not until 12/20/10 that it was proposed that COGaWA be formed, and that this was somewhat based on a 12/17/10 letter from Dennis Luker, where he indicated to certain ministers that they resign and have a “peaceful separation”.

Apparently, some at COGaWA are concerned how UCG is portraying this.  UCG, on the other hand, keeps indicating that it has information that suggests that those who left it were part of some long running conspiracy.

What is the truth?

Probably a little of both.  There probably are some in COGaWA who had long hoped to break-away from UCG, while many there probably only recently made a decision to do so.  And UCG probably has some information on the former.

The AC site, for those who want to know, stands for Abigail Cartwright.  Apparently an assumed name for certain ones who wanted to leave (or who first did leave) UCG.  The lack of being forthright and using an assumed name was a bit bizarre.  The reason that I have often cited it, however, is that its information about who left UCG has been fairly accurate.

But in my view, much of the issue about the formation of COGaWA is irrelevant (yes, if ministers on either side are bearing false witness, that is relevant) as there is little indication that the officially divided UCG house will be able to accomplish much in this situation.  Neither UCG nor those now in COGaWA have shown that they are serious about focusing on doing the work of Matthew 24:14.  And so it appears that a relatively ineffective structure will be divided from a relatively ineffective structure.

Some who were part of UCG have criticized me for pointing this lack of gospel proclamation, etc. out.  Yet, that should be an important issue for Christians who are committed to what Christ would have His church do.  I do not mourn in the fact that UCG has governance issues as I have pointed that out for over 15 years.  I do not rejoice in the fact that those in or once part of UCG are having a trial, but pray that this trial will open up the eyes of those who have not seen the truth about UCG, its form of governance, and its relatively little fruits.

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.

It is my view that those affected by this crisis who wish to support a more effective gospel-proclaiming organization will 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.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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

I received an email this evening from someone that I have known a long while reporting that former WCG minister, Lester McColm died yesterday (January 2, 2011) at age 85 of heart-related complications.

Les McColm had been my minister three times.  First in Arroyo Grande, then later in Long Beach, and then finally in Fresno.  He coincidentally was reassigned to the areas that I moved to after I had moved to each of them.

I always liked Mr. Mac (the name many knew him by), but was surprised, and of course quite disappointed, that he went along with the Tkach changes.  Mr. McColm had always publicly indicated that he would not leave the truth that the old WCG had (prior to the Tkach changes), so that was a shock.

He is survived by his wife Penny.  His first wife had died (from cancer if I recall correctly) and I initially met Penny when he was courting her.  He and Penny were married for around 32-34 years if my memory serves me correctly.

Laodicea has many ineffective structures

COGwriter

The AC site reported the following:

Mr. John A Trotter (Local Elder, E. TX (Big Sandy) ,December 30 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Eric Evans (Kingsport, TN, Knoxville, TN, and London, KY), January 3, 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Donald Finger (Local Elder, St. Paul MN), January 2, 2011, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Maurice J Ledet (Local Elder, New Orleans) December 31, 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Les McCullough, January 2, 2011, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Dave West (Elder, Fort Worth, TX), January 2, 2011, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Larry Neff, January 2, 2011, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Cory Erickson (Local Elder, Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN.), January 1, 2011, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Blaney Sproul (Local Elder, Morgantown, WV) December 30, 2010, removed from UCG ministry

Mr. Richard Avent (Local Elder, New Orleans), January 2, 2011, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Jeff Baker (Local Elser, Asheville, NC), January 2, 2011, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Chris Moen (Ohio), January 2, 2011, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Merle Cunningham (Local Elder, Pensacola, FL), December 31, 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Dennis Kuhns (Local Elder, Youngstown, OH), January 2, 2011, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Herchial “Paul” Fisher (Jamaica), December 29, 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. George Meeker, January 1, 2011, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Garry Poffenroth (Local Elder, Calgary, AB, Canada), January 2, 2011, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Lorne Davies (Local Elder, Vancouver, B.C., Canada), January 2, 2011, resigned from UCG ministry.

Mr. Tim Waddle, January 2, 2011, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Osmonde Douglas, January 3, 2011, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Kevin Epps, January 1, 2011, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Bill Johnson (Asst. pastor in E. Texas (Big Sandy)), January 1, 2011, resigned from UCG ministry

UCG still seems to be losing ministers (whether from resignations or terminations). These seem to be in addition to those I reported about a couple of days ago.  John Carmack (UCG member until quite recently) posted that UCG may have already lost nearly 60% of its elders/ministers in this crisis.

The above list has another former UCG President, Les McCullough (Clyde Killough, another former UCG President, was reported on an earlier post).  The situation is UCG is very serious, despite its comments last month suggesting that the crisis was mainly past.  As I wrote some time ago, it is possible that UCG will no longer be the largest COG.  Even though I see no reason to believe that COGaWA will be any better.

UCG’s Darris McNeely stated the following, in an official UCG document, a few days ago:

This crisis did not have to happen. It happened because a number of former ministers made a choice not to accept the governing principles that the vast majority agreed to some 15 years ago.

Well, all those same ministers had agreed to a different form of “governing principles”, shortly before then as well, then changed them.  Apparently, UCG does not see the irony in this.

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.

It is my view that those affected by this crisis who wish to support a more effective gospel-proclaiming organization will 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.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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

COGwriter

While this page has reported about past, present, and soon-to-be false prophets, it is not that I do not believe that biblical prophecies will not come to pass.  At the COGwriter news page, world events are often reported that align themselves with end-time Bible prophecy.

When I wrote the book , 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect, my primary focus was on what would likely happen during the years 2012 through 2020.  But of course, for many of the events to occur, other world events need to align themselves for them to come to pass.

Back in November 2009, it started to become apparent that several world events that aligned themselves with the predictions discussed in 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect were starting to come to pass.

The book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect was released in early September 2009, and today, perhaps a brief review of five noticed world events that align with the book should be mentioned.

1. 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect teaches that the U.S. dollar will ultimately be worthless with another currency (with European involvement and/or control) taking its place in the world (see Chapters 7-8 and Appendix B).

The Wall Street Journal reported that on September 7, 2009 a committee of the United Nations advised dropping the U.S. dollar as the world’s reserve currency (Goldstein S. U.N. Panel Calls For Dollar Reserve Role To Be Eliminated.  Wall Street Journal Online, September 8, 2009.  http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20090908-704507.html).  While there had been scattered discussions of this before, this was the first time such an important multi-national panel specifically called for the elimination of the role of the U.S. dollar as the world’s reserve currency.

“Gulf Arabs are planning—along with China, Russia, Japan and France—to end dollar dealings for oil, moving instead to a basket of currencies including the Japanese yen and Chinese yuan, the euro, gold and a new, unified currency… The current deadline for the currency transition is 2018” (Fisk R.  The demise of the dollar. The Independent, 6 October 2009  http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/the-demise-of-the-dollar-1798175.html; see also (Evans-Pritchard A. Gulf petro-powers to launch currency in latest threat to dollar hegemony.  Telegraph, December 16, 2009.  http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/economics/6819136/Gulf-petro-powers-to-launch-currency-in-latest-threat-to-dollar-hegemony.html).

Many nations in the world are in the process of trying to develop a plan to eliminate the U.S. dollar’s reserve currency status (Nielsen B. Dollar Slump Persisting as Top Analysts See No Bottom.  Bloomberg,  November 23, 2009.  http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aUFExWDBKmew&pos=2).

“Speaking of Europe, the major powers there are moving toward a post-dollar world” (Browne J. Suiting Up for a Post-Dollar World.  Euro Pacific Capital, June 26, 2010.  http://www.lewrockwell.com/orig11/browne-j1.1.1.htmlorig11/browne-j1.1.1.htm).

The United Nations made a stronger recommendation to drop the dollar as the primary basis of the world trade in June 2010 (Charbonneau L. Scrap dollar as sole reserve currency: U.N. report.  Reuters, June 29, 2010.  http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE65S40620100629?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews).

On July 9, 2010, CNN reported, “A new report from Morgan Stanley analyst Emma Lawson confirms what many had suspected: the dollar is firmly on its way to losing its status as the reserve currency of the world.” (Moore HN.  Central banks start to abandon the U.S. dollar.  CNN, July 9, 2010.  http://wallstreet.
blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2010/07/09/central-banks-start-to-abandon-the-u-s-dollar/).

In October 2010, Simon Derrick at Bank of New York Mellon said, “The euro is the only real alternative to the dollar as a reserve currency” (Graham P, Oliver C. Currency race that everyone is trying to lose.  Financial Times, October 12, 2010.  http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/9cd196e8-d62d-11df-81f0-00144feabdc0.html).

The November 3, 2010 announcement for more “quantitative easing” by the US Federal Reserve will hurt the dollar as “Quantitative Easing Threatens The Status Of The Dollar As The World Reserve Currency” (Snyder M. 9 Reasons Why Quantitative Easing Is Bad for the U.S. Economy.  Seeking Alpha, November 4, 2010.  http://seekingalpha.com/article/234666-9-reasons-why-quantitative-easing-is-bad-for-the-u-s-economy).

Events are lining up for the U.S. dollar to dropped.

2. 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect explains that the Vatican will continue to expand its ecumenical policies and compromise in order to ultimately lure most of the Protestants and Orthodox into unity with the Church of Rome (see Chapter 3 & 10).

On October 20, 2009, CNN reported that the Vatican announced that it would allow Anglicans (and American Episcopalians) to become part of the Church of Rome without having to change much of their practices and rituals (Messia H. and Hanna J. Vatican welcomes Anglicans into Catholic Church.  CNN, October 20, 2009.  http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/10/2/vatican.anglican.church/).

Yet, Pope Leo XIII declared in 1896, “ordinations carried out according to the Anglican rite have been, and are, absolutely null and utterly void” (Pope Leo XIII: On the Nullity of Anglican Orders, Apostolicae Curae, 1896. Modern History Sourcebook. http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/mod/1896leo13-apost.html)–which means for the Vatican to now accept those baptized, etc. by Anglican priests as Roman Catholic shows that compromise has occurred.   The Vatican of the 21^st century actually amended its constitution to accept the Anglicans.

On November 9, 2009, an Episcopal cleric explained how this would work and clearly stated that this allows for “the faculty to celebrate the Holy Eucharist and the other Sacraments … according to the liturgical books proper to the Anglican tradition” (Franklin. B. Vatican’s Apostolic Constitution explained.  Episcopal Life Online, November 9, 2009. http://www.episcopal-life.org/80050_116538_ENG_HTM.htm).

On April 27, 2010 it was reported that a top Vatican official admitted that changing the celibacy requirements for the priesthood was something it could look at (Donovan J. Vatican’s No. 2 Says Celibacy Not ‘Untouchable,’ TV3 Reports. Bloomberg – April 27, 2010.  http://www.businessweek.com/news/
2010-04-27/vatican-s-no-2-says-celibacy-not-untouchable-tv3-reports.html).

On July 1, 2010, Kurt Koch was announced as president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity.  His announcement was praised by the Russian Orthodox (Russian Orthodox Church welcomes appointment of Cardinal Kasper’s successor.  Catholic Culture, July 6, 2010.  http://www.catholic
culture.org/news/headlines/index.cfm?storyid=6861), Lutherans (ELCA Presiding Bishop Greets New Roman Catholic Christian Unity Leader.  World Faith News, July 6, 2010.  http://www.wfn.
org/2010/07/msg00107.html), and the World Council of Churches (Ecumenical welcome for Vatican’s new unity chief.  Ekklesia, July 1, 2010. http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/12523).   Kurt Koch was elevated to the rank of cardinal on October 20, 2010 (Simpson VL.  Pope names 24 new cardinals. Associated Press, October 20, 2010.  http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39755433/ns/world_news-europe/).

Much more ecumenical effort and compromise is expected (and with signs and lying wonders).

3. 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect clearly warns that a major united European power will rise up (see Chapter 5).

Although the Irish people had voted against the Lisbon Treaty in June 2008, in October 2009 20% more changed their mind and voted in favor of it (McDonald H.  Ireland votes yes to Lisbon treaty. The Guardian, October 3, 2009. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/oct/03/ireland-votes-yes-lisbon-treaty ).  This caused the Polish president, another who had opposed it, to sign as well—he had been holding off signing it for 557 days after it had passed in Poland’s parliament (Rettman A. Poland ratifies Lisbon Treaty as Czech cloud hangs overhead.  EU Observer, October 10, 2010.  http://euobserver.com/9/28809).

The Washington Post reported that on November 3, 2009, Czech President Vaclav Klaus was the last leader from 27 European nations to sign the Lisbon Treaty.  President Klaus, who was opposed to signing it, after doing so stated that this would eliminate the sovereignty of the Czech Republic as the Treaty forms a European supranational state (Janicek H.  Czech leader gives in, signs new E.U. charter.  Washington Post, Associated Press.  November 4, 2009. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/03/AR2009110303497.html).

The European nations became part of the new empire called for the European Union on December 1, 2009 with Herman Von Rompuy as its “first permanent president” (EU Constitution Comes into Force.  Voice of America,  December 1, 2009. http://www1.voanews.com/english/news/europe/EU-Constitution-78224062-01DEC09-.html).

But many in America did not notice it as the Wall Street Journal stated, “Like a tree falling in a forest withnobody around, the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty made barely a sound on Tuesday.  And that was in Brussels.” [December 1, 2009] (Fidler S. EU Treaty Could Ease U.S. Effort on Mission.  Wall Street Journal, December 4, 2009. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125988042088875605.html?mod=WSJ_hpp_MIDDLENexttoWhatsNewsSecond).  Yet the same article indicated that this empire will develop much more power over time.  And it will.

Greece learned in early 2010 that it lost much of its economic sovereignty because of Article 126.9 of the Lisbon Treaty (Evans-Pritchard, A.  Greece loses EU voting power in blow to sovereignty.  Telegraph, February 16, 2010. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financetopics/financialcrisis/7252288/Greece-loses-EU-voting-power-in-blow-to-sovereignty.html).

A European Union wide VAT (type of sales tax) was proposed on October 19, 2010 (Thomet L. EU proposes Europe-wide sales tax.  AFP, October 19, 2010.  http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hZiXEzBQbtGvgaX63JndLHL2r9Q?docId=CNG.d1ed550b2fc462fc20edac5d256b5591.1b1).

Over time, all the nations who remain in the EU will learn that they have retained even less sovereignty than they thought—and later they will give up even more.

4. 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect warns that U.S. President Obama will encourage the rise of a European power to the ultimate peril of the U.S.A. (see Chapter 8).

On October 15, 2009 it was reported that Czech President Vaclav Klaus was the lone EU leader still opposed to the Lisbon Treaty (Waterfield B. Czech President Vaclav Klaus ‘to continue’ lone resistance to Lisbon Treaty.  Telegraph, October 15, 2009.  http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/czechrepublic/6329690/Czech-President-Vaclav-Klaus-to-continue-lone-resistance-to-Lisbon-Treaty.html).

The Obama administration worked to get the Lisbon Treaty approved as President Obama “wants a strong and united Europe” (Source: Baldwin T, Reid T., Coates S. Obama Administration worried about Cameron effect in Europe.  The Times, October 21, 2009. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article6883075.ece#cid=OTC-RSS&attr=797093).

On October 23, 2009, US Vice President Joseph Biden visited the Czech Republic and gave it security reassurances (U.S. foreign policy aware of threats – Havel after meeting Biden.  CTK, October 23, 2009. http://www.ceskenoviny.cz/news/zpravy/u-s-foreign-policy-aware-of-threats-havel-after-meeting-biden/404375).  This could have possibly had some limited influence on some of the Czech leadership, as the Lisbon Treaty was signed two weeks after that visit.

On November 3, 2009, Agence France Presse (AFP) reported that USA President Barack Obama publicly expressed his support for the Czech President’s signing of the Lisbon Treaty and for now having a  ‘strengthened’ EU (Obama welcomes ‘strengthened’ EU. AFP, November 3, 2009.  http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hJ8OzJSh0xfKow8z47RGCYQu1nsg)

The New York Times reported that on May 10, 2010, President Obama called German Chancellor Merkel and told her that Europe needed an overwhelming financial rescue for the sake of its unity, and she apparently heeded that suggestion. (Erlanger S, Benhold K, Sanger D. Debt Aid Package for Europe Took Nudge From Washington. The New York Times, May 10, 2010.   (http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/11/business/global/11reconstruct.html).

The Obama Administration is supporting the rise of the European power.  And these steps help prove it.

5. 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect teaches that a peace deal involving the Middle East with confirmation from a European leader must come to pass (see Chapters 5 & 8).

On November 13, 2009, Voice of America reported that French President Sarkozy held meetings with Middle Eastern leaders for some type of peace deal (Byrant L. Sarkozy Leads Charge in Reinvigorating Stalled Mideast Peace Talks.  Voice of America,  November 13, 2009.  http://www.voanews.com/english/
2009-11-13-voa26.cfm).

The EU foreign ministers insisted on parts of a future European Middle East peace plan on December 8, 2009 (Schaeder B., Corder M. EU: Jerusalem Should Be Joint Capital. New York Times,  December 8, 2009. http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/12/08/world/AP-EU-EU-Mideast.html).

Israel News reported on October 11, 2010 that Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Moratinos asserted that European participation in the Middle East peace process was vital (Cadares R.  Spanish FM: Europe has vital role in Middle East.  Israel News, October 11, 2010.  http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3967643,00.html).  Jordan called for European participation the same day, thus the Europeans are now expected to be part of a Middle East peace deal (Habib R.  Jordan backs Europe role in Mideast after Israel snub.  AFP.  October 11, 2010.  http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jIdlxuA_nEOehq0EdrFfn3FMvZlQ?docId=CNG.ca5885cbc217ad8dfe9576713d2a47c7.491).

The Europeans will be involved with some type of Middle East deal that will fulfill Daniel 9.

If you have not already done so, you should consider acquiring the book, 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect.  It is available in several languages, as well as through Kindle and Barnes&Noble.com.

2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect This is a link related to a book by Bob Thiel (COGwriter). This also has YouTube videos. This book documents and explains hundreds of prophecies. And since it was published, many have already started to come to pass.
2012 y el surgimiento de la secta secreta 2012 libro del Dr. Thiel en Español.
2012 und das Auftreten der geheimen Sekte (German Edition) 2012 Buch von Dr. Thiel in deutscher Sprache.

Laodicea has many ineffective structures

COGwriter

The last I checked, the COGA website was no longer available.  This may mean that COGA will no longer exist.  But we will see.

Church of God, a Worldwide Association (COGaWA) got its own website and it says the following:

Ministerial Conference – January 9-11, 2011

The registration process for attending the Church of God, a Worldwide Association ministerial conference is now operational and you can begin to register for the conference in Louisville, Kentucky. The Galt House Suites has two-room suites—a bedroom (with two double beds or one king-bed) and a living room with a hide-a-bed. Each room (bedroom and living room) has its own door (for privacy) separating it from the hall to the bathroom. This makes the suite suitable two individuals to share a room if desired. If you wish to share a room with another minister please check that block on the registration form and you will be contacted about potential roommates for the conference.

COGaWA seems to be trying to start in a manner similar to how UCG originally was formed.  I also suspect that it will have a similar fate to UCG.  I do not believe that COGaWA can possibly best represent the Philadelphia portion of the COG as its leaders have already rejected proper church governance and simply have never truly put their top priority on proclaiming the gospel to the world as a witness (Matthew 24:14).

My guess is that unlike COGA (see COGA Rationalizes Away Most Public Gospel Proclamation), it will not actually tell people that its lowest priority will be public proclamation of the gospel.  To the contrary, COGaWA will likely continue to suggest that public proclamation will be a top priority, while its funding and efforts will likely mainly go to the ministry and other internal matters.

If so, or even if not, since I do not believe that this has ever been a top priority for the organization (though it may have been for some of its leaders), I still believe that those affected by this crisis who wish to support a more effective gospel-proclaiming organization should consider checking out LCG.

If there is insufficient agreement in Louisville, then those who broke off from UCG are likely to form separate groups that may be in some type of loose confederation with each other.  Or something similar.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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

Harold.Camping

COGwriter

While the COGwriter page tends to focus on the teachings of those with a COG background, it is not just those who have become heretics that have made false predictions.  Others who CLAIM to believe the Bible without a COG background have frequently done so.

There are several who have made false predictions for 2011.

Probably the one with the largest following is Harold Egbert Camping of Family Radio.  Here are some of his predictions which will be proven false in late May and October of 2011:

As we have noted, God further solidifies or locks in this date, May 21, 2011, by placing the day of shutting the door, when the rapture will occur, on the 17th day of the second month of the Biblical calendar. Significantly, the number 17 links perfectly to the fact of the rapture because spiritually, the number 17 signifies heaven. Moreover, the number 2 (second month) spiritually identifies with those who have been commissioned to bring the Gospel. Is it not amazing that they will be raptured on the 17th day of the second month? Is that coincidental? We also have learned that the last day of the earth’s existence, October 21, 2011, is the 23rd day of the seventh month of the Biblical calendar. The number 23 normally signifies God’s wrath being poured out. The number 7 (seventh month) signifies the perfect fulfillment of God’s purposes. Could this also be coincidental, that the final completion of God’s punishment on the unsaved occurs in the seventh month on a day that features the number 23, which is a number that completely identifies with God’s wrath, thus signifying God’s perfect wrath on the unsaved?  (Camping H.  We are Almost There! 2008 edition, p. 61-62)

Jesus will not return on May 21, 2011 nor will the world end on October 21, 2011.  Harold Camping is into his own calculations so much that he overlooks scriptures and other facts which prove him to be in error.  But because he has a large following, I suspect that after he is proven to be wrong again (he had predictions related to 1994 that also did not come to pass), he will turn people off on Bible prophecy (cf. 2 Peter 3:3-4).

Note: There are several websites that are pointing to the May 21, 2011 “rapture” date that seem to be supportive of Harold Camping, and not all mention his name.  Of course, no matter how many websites insist on May 21, 2011, Jesus cannot return then.  It is too early (it is not even the date of Pentecost, which is relevant because Harold Camping insists in some of his other writings that Jesus will return on Pentecost–which for the record, Pentecost will be on June 12th in 2011).

Now there is another blogger, not directly tied to Harold Camping who claims, REVEALED! Oct. 21st, 2011- The Beginning of the 1260 Great Tribulation Period The blogger also states:

My opinion and speculating about this date October 21, 2011 is that the world will not come to a complete end but a large solar flare will hit Earth on that day…

But October 21, 2011 will not be the date that the Great Tribulation begins.  And while it is remotely possible that a large solar flare could hit the earth that day, let me simply state that the rationale given for the Great Tribulation to begin then is not consistent with other portions of the Bible.

A “Pastor Harry Walther” of “Church of Philadelphia Internet” claims through his understanding of the so-called “Bible code” that the “rapture” may be June 8 or 9 in 2011 (http://www.satansrapture.com/harry2010.htm viewed 11/03/10).  I denounced him about a year ago (he claimed that “Wormwood” of Revelation 8:10-11 would hit the earth in 2010 amongst other false predictions), and he will be wrong about the “rapture” in 2011.

Another website (seems related to a David Wilkerson, but the relationship might be distant), asks 3.5 year Great Tribulation: Apr, 2011 – Sep, 2014 ? (http://www.888c.com/GTbeg2011.htm). 

No, the answer is that it cannot.

While the end of the world as we know it will occur, it cannot happen in 2011.  As I have documented in my article Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2011 or 2012? while the events necessary for the “beginning of sorrows” are there, those necessary for the Great Tribulation to begin simply have not progressed far enough for it to begin this year.

Those who seriously would like to compare various predictions and how they align (or in certain cases do not align) with Bible prophecy should check out my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect as it seems to be the most documented book on the market to do so.

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

COGWriter

The Living Church of God reported:

Masses Pray to the “Virgin Mother”: On December 9 and the weekend that followed, six million people descended on Mexico City during the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, in order to visit the Basilica of Guadalupe. This shrine contains a cape reported to be miraculously imprinted with an image of Mary—following a vision by a farmer in 1531. Approximately 95,000 people per hour filed past the cape for a fleeting glance at the holy relic. Simultaneously in Turin, Italy, a replica of the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe was displayed, while in Rome, the Pope recognized this “holy” day and the loving holiness of the “Blessed Mother” in his Sunday mass (Zenit.org, December 13, 2010). Although God chose Mary as the physical mother of Jesus, there is no evidence that Mary remained a virgin following Christ’s birth. In fact, the Scriptures clearly indicate that Mary had additional children (Mark 3:31-35; 6:3; Galatians 1:19). The First Commandment states that God is to be the object of our worship (Exodus 20:1-3). Jesus Christ alone is our Mediator (1 Timothy 2:5). Nowhere does Scripture indicate that any human, including Mary, should be worshiped. Yet, over a billion people around the world pray regularly to Mary. This is one reason why God prophesied that one day soon, the celebration of man-made feasts will end (Amos 5:21; 8:10) and will be replaced by the Feasts of the Lord (Zechariah 14:16-18).

As time goes on, I strongly suspect that we will see more Marian veneration, including in places such as Europe and Turkey.  It is likely that apparitions that will be claimed to be Mary, the mother of Jesus, will be a factor in unifying much of the world behind a compromised ecumenical religion that will call itself Catholic.  And this will not be good for the Catholics or the others that will join in with this coming ecumenical group.

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

Mary, the Mother of Jesus and the Apparitions Do you know much about Mary? Are the apparitions real? What happened at Fatima? What might they mean for the rise of the ecumenical religion of Antichrist? Are Protestants moving towards Mary? How do the Orthodox view Mary? How might Mary view her adorers?
Catholic Prophecies: Do They Mirror, Highlight, or Contradict Biblical Prophecies? People of all faiths may be surprised to see what various Roman and Orthodox Catholic prophets have been predicting as many of their predictions will be looked to in the 21st century.
Why Should American Catholics Should Fear Unity with the Orthodox? Are the current ecumenical meetings a good thing or will they result in disaster?

Laodicea has many ineffective structures

COGwriter

The AC site reported the following:

Mr. Richard Pinelli, January 1, 2011, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Dave Myers, January 1, 2011, resigned from UCG ministry

Dr. Ralph Levy, January 14, 2011, relieved of ministerial duties

Mr. Andre van Belkum (New Zealand, S Pacific), December 30, 2010, removed from UCG ministry

Mr. Art Verschoor (Elder, New Zealand, S Pacific), December 30, 2010, removed from UCG ministry

Mr. Jeff Caudle (New Zealand, S Pacific, SE Asia), December 30, 2010, removed from UCG ministry

Mr. Ed Oliver (Local Elder, Salem, OR) December 30 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Ed Jacobs (Local Elder, Stockton, CA), removed from UCG ministry

Mr. John Lusk (Local Elder, Dallas, TX), December 23 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Harold Rhodes (Genoa, Pensacola FL, Mobile AL), December 30 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Don Thomas (Local Elder, Mobile, AL), December 30 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Melton McNeely (Local Elder, East TX), December 30 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Dempsey B. Bruton III (Local Elder, Williamsburg, VA), December 30 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Martin Cole (Local Elder in MA, NH), December 27 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Leroy Neff, December 30 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Ken Treybig (Big Sandy, TX), December 30 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Mark Hampton (Local Elder, New Hampshire, Mass) December 29 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Alan Pachinger (Local Elder, Cleveland, OH), December 29 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Dave Baker, December 29 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Bill Jahns (Ohio, WVA), December 29 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Dan Anderson (Local Elder, Phoenix, AZ), December 29 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Gary McConnaughey, December 29 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Jack Willoughby (Local Elder, Bentonville, AR),  December 23 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Fred Davidson (Local Elder, Ocala, Fl), December 29 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Todd Carey, December 29 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Mark Winner, December 29 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Glenn O. Harmon (Local Elder, Portland, OR), December 28 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Dick King (Local Elder, N. CA), December 28 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Alton Head (Local Elder, Ft. Worth, TX), December 28 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Jim McTiernan (Local Elder, Saint Petersburg, FL), December 28 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Flavious Adkins (Local Elder, St. Louis, MO), December 28 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Tom Diaz (Local Elder, Laurel, MS), December 28 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Doug Johnson, December 28 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Thomas Seltzer (Local Elder, York, PA), December 26 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Don Henson, December 28 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. David Treybig, December 28 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Steve Ferenchiak (Local Elder, North Carolina), December 28 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. King Finley (Local Elder, Allentown, Penn), December 27 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Michael Machin (Local Elder, Orlando FL), December 27 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Alonzo Gjesvold, December 27 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Paul Suckling, December 27 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. William Kubon (Local Elder, Ocala FL), December 27 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. James W. (Jim) Hudson (Local Elder, Oklahoma City, OK), December 27 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Donald Erickson (Local Elder, Mpls.,Mn.), December 27 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Joel Meeker, December 24 2010, Fired from UCG ministry

Mr. Lyle Welty, December 27 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Dr. Tom Kirkpatrick, December 27 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. John Pentlin (Local Elder, Kansas City, KS), December 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Greg Swartz (Local Elder, Columbia, MO), December 25 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Don Waterhouse, December 26 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Lawrence Greider, December 26 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Mike Blackwell, December 26 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Britton Taylor (Ft. Worth, TX), December 26 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. John Foster, December 26 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Don Shaw (Local Elder, Roanoke, Va), December 26 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. David Smith, (St. John’s, NL, Canada), December 26 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. David Jackson, December 25 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Kingsley Mather, December 25 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Bob Peoples, (Austin, TX) December 24 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Charles Haughee, (Local Elder, Tampa Bay, FL) December 24 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Jim Haeffele, December 24 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Arnold Hampton, December 24 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Bernard Hongerloot, December 24 2010, resigned from UCG ministry

Mr. Jim Servidio, December 22 2010 resigned from the UCG ministry

UCG still seems to be losing ministers (whether from resignations or terminations) it is having more now. This may affect UCG’s public proclamation efforts.

If so, or even if not, since I do not believe that this has ever been a top priority for the organization (though it may have been for some of its leaders), I still believe that those affected by this crisis who wish to support a more effective gospel-proclaiming organization should consider checking out LCG.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

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